Written By Sparte
June 21, 2019, 12:18 p.m.(4/28/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Elisha
A five fingered raven upon a slant roof, hears a baying calf with a bad hoof
The fiver fingered raven hopped down to the edge and cawed twice as loud 'til the calf was dead
--
Names spin us tales, tales on names are spun
We name clouds on lazy days while basking in sun
Asking what makes us dreamers, asking why ends the fun
When a thing has been named, is that tale done?
A cloven hoofed mule is no mule at all, yet stubborn as any mule by far
A feline with a knife on each side and a hunger for mud
A dragon that flits through our gardens for fun
The names that we say mean not what we hear
Names that were picked in an earlier year
We each have a name and that name may change
We each have a name and that never will
One tells us who and one tells us what
When who becomes what and what becomes who
We name stone and metal and more besides too
To be named a thing, to be a thing named
The names that we hear mean not what we say
--
A jack of all trades become the best that there was
No jack of his measure, no jack of his worth
So the jack became master, what a jack should not be
A jack of all trades ceased to be
The fiver fingered raven hopped down to the edge and cawed twice as loud 'til the calf was dead
--
Names spin us tales, tales on names are spun
We name clouds on lazy days while basking in sun
Asking what makes us dreamers, asking why ends the fun
When a thing has been named, is that tale done?
A cloven hoofed mule is no mule at all, yet stubborn as any mule by far
A feline with a knife on each side and a hunger for mud
A dragon that flits through our gardens for fun
The names that we say mean not what we hear
Names that were picked in an earlier year
We each have a name and that name may change
We each have a name and that never will
One tells us who and one tells us what
When who becomes what and what becomes who
We name stone and metal and more besides too
To be named a thing, to be a thing named
The names that we hear mean not what we say
--
A jack of all trades become the best that there was
No jack of his measure, no jack of his worth
So the jack became master, what a jack should not be
A jack of all trades ceased to be
Written By Josephine
June 21, 2019, 11:26 a.m.(4/27/1011 AR)
A song I heard recently, inspired the latest piece and many have seemed to want the piece. So much so that I had to set the family to making a few more. A blessed chance to stop hearing about thawing things. Though perhaps an ear worm. I find myself humming it and though the lyrics are dark the melody itself seems peaceful.
It's a world of danger, a world of fear,
It's a world of darkness, a world of tears,
There's so much that we dare, but it's time to beware,
It's a dark world after all.
It's a dark world after all,
It's a dark world after all,
It's a dark world after all,
It's a dark, dark world.
There is just one moon, and one golden sun,
And the archfiends try to kill everyone,
While the dragons abide and our doom now betide,
It's a dark world after all.
It's a world of danger, a world of fear,
It's a world of darkness, a world of tears,
There's so much that we dare, but it's time to beware,
It's a dark world after all.
It's a dark world after all,
It's a dark world after all,
It's a dark world after all,
It's a dark, dark world.
There is just one moon, and one golden sun,
And the archfiends try to kill everyone,
While the dragons abide and our doom now betide,
It's a dark world after all.
Written By Leona
June 21, 2019, 10:56 a.m.(4/27/1011 AR)
I am always a little saddened by people who act like thralldom is the only tradition of the Mourning Isles. There is a tradition of training strong warriors. A tradition of naval might that is the pride of the Compact. A tradition of alliances honored. Of loyalty and fidelity. A tradition of strong, intelligent women who lead with grace and dignity and justice.
There are plenty of traditions in every Fealty that are distasteful. No House, Great or otherwise, is without its flaws or its skeletons of shameful deeds and custom. Thralldom in particular needs to be lumped in with them and set to the past.
But in doing so, the Mourning Isles do not lose the One Thing that makes them great. Nor do they lose the Only Thing that holds their tradition, their culture together. To suggest otherwise is preposterous propaganda designed to foment discord, and does not serve humanity well on any side. Let freedom come to all, and do not fear that the Mourning Isles will lose all sense of culture and tradition and history. There are plenty more traditions - good and bad in their turns - that still exist.
There are plenty of traditions in every Fealty that are distasteful. No House, Great or otherwise, is without its flaws or its skeletons of shameful deeds and custom. Thralldom in particular needs to be lumped in with them and set to the past.
But in doing so, the Mourning Isles do not lose the One Thing that makes them great. Nor do they lose the Only Thing that holds their tradition, their culture together. To suggest otherwise is preposterous propaganda designed to foment discord, and does not serve humanity well on any side. Let freedom come to all, and do not fear that the Mourning Isles will lose all sense of culture and tradition and history. There are plenty more traditions - good and bad in their turns - that still exist.
Written By Archeron
June 21, 2019, 10:51 a.m.(4/27/1011 AR)
I do not think the end of Thralldom will cause suffering and chaos - and many of the prince of Thrax makes now, I made at the time. We must accept that death comes with the abolition. Those who found life in Thralldom rather than loss of their life will have to be dealt with.
It is pragmatic however, we deal with it. Certainly going forward there will be more executions in the Isles for crimes. Though, of course glibly I might point out by the end of Thrall's winding down there will be no executions of Thralls who try to escape punishment. I am less sold on the idea that the only choices for the Abandoned is death or Thralldom. We have accepted others who bend the knee, who accept our ways.
Tyde is a house of tradition. The past has important lessons. But we will adapt and we will thrive, and we will give people a chance if it will better our people. Our duty is always to our vassals and those of our lands, and that duty is now discharged by following Prince Victus and embracing this change. The alternative is to hold to old ways and complain loudly, even as the world changes around us. Tell me, who is the better leader? The man who screams at the waves that undercut the cliff on which his favourite fruit tree grows or the man who - no matter how much he loves staring at the waves from that cliff - accepts the change and moves his tree to a place where it may thrive and continue to feed his family?
It is pragmatic however, we deal with it. Certainly going forward there will be more executions in the Isles for crimes. Though, of course glibly I might point out by the end of Thrall's winding down there will be no executions of Thralls who try to escape punishment. I am less sold on the idea that the only choices for the Abandoned is death or Thralldom. We have accepted others who bend the knee, who accept our ways.
Tyde is a house of tradition. The past has important lessons. But we will adapt and we will thrive, and we will give people a chance if it will better our people. Our duty is always to our vassals and those of our lands, and that duty is now discharged by following Prince Victus and embracing this change. The alternative is to hold to old ways and complain loudly, even as the world changes around us. Tell me, who is the better leader? The man who screams at the waves that undercut the cliff on which his favourite fruit tree grows or the man who - no matter how much he loves staring at the waves from that cliff - accepts the change and moves his tree to a place where it may thrive and continue to feed his family?
Written By Lora
June 21, 2019, 10:44 a.m.(4/27/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Josephine
I now have an heirloom to accompany an heirloom, but I treasure neither of them quite so much as you, dear lady.
Written By Alecstazi
June 21, 2019, 9:54 a.m.(4/27/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
I can appreciate your passion in this topic, though I believe that in that passion you have missed several salient points.
First, when you say that we should till our own land, and hunt our own forests, to that I ask, what land? Perhaps you have not had the pleasure of visiting our beautiful Isles, but I can tell you that what land we have is not prone to being effective farm land. Our forests are fewer. Unless you can convince the Compact to cede some prime arable land along the coast, the fact of the matter is that there is not enough land to feed our people.
We do not have kidnappers. We have warriors that do precisely what Mainlanders do. They roam outward to seek new resources. Where on the mainland the choice is much more often simply death, we do not waste life so recklessly.
You say that you would choose death. That it's your choice. Thralls made a different one.
First, when you say that we should till our own land, and hunt our own forests, to that I ask, what land? Perhaps you have not had the pleasure of visiting our beautiful Isles, but I can tell you that what land we have is not prone to being effective farm land. Our forests are fewer. Unless you can convince the Compact to cede some prime arable land along the coast, the fact of the matter is that there is not enough land to feed our people.
We do not have kidnappers. We have warriors that do precisely what Mainlanders do. They roam outward to seek new resources. Where on the mainland the choice is much more often simply death, we do not waste life so recklessly.
You say that you would choose death. That it's your choice. Thralls made a different one.
Written By Valdemar
June 21, 2019, 9:11 a.m.(4/27/1011 AR)
Just because I have accepted the reality of a situation does not make the associated self-righteousness any less sickening to witness.
Written By Peri
June 21, 2019, 8:52 a.m.(4/27/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Alecstazi
Look to your vassals who have freed their slaves and not starved. They prove you wrong.
Read the whites of slavers who wringed their hands last year when presented with Brass's challenge. There you will find discussions of justice.
If your stewards do not know how to manage your lands, beg for aid from people who are stewards of free people.
Read the whites of slavers who wringed their hands last year when presented with Brass's challenge. There you will find discussions of justice.
If your stewards do not know how to manage your lands, beg for aid from people who are stewards of free people.
Written By Lisebet
June 21, 2019, 8:37 a.m.(4/27/1011 AR)
Raspberries are absolutely delicious. The berry tarts served at dinner at Grayson Mansion were just as good.
At least I am able to eat something. This is definitely a step in the right direction.
I read over a couple journals that have been fairly recently posted, and find myself wondering if Lady Olivia's gourds have not made it to everyone yet, what more need to be done to assist. House Ashford will continue to work to feed the Compact, especially thanks to Lady Olivia's brilliance.
At least I am able to eat something. This is definitely a step in the right direction.
I read over a couple journals that have been fairly recently posted, and find myself wondering if Lady Olivia's gourds have not made it to everyone yet, what more need to be done to assist. House Ashford will continue to work to feed the Compact, especially thanks to Lady Olivia's brilliance.
Written By Raimon
June 21, 2019, 7:37 a.m.(4/27/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
Wise words spoken. I am honored to serve such a Prince.
Written By Mabelle
June 21, 2019, 7:03 a.m.(4/27/1011 AR)
Back in the basement producing some cherry scented perfume. I grew to really like the fresh sweetness given by this tiny fruit. Whenever I use that scent, it makes me feel... edible. There must be a better way to express that thought.
I have worked late into the night with the vials and when I've come to place a label upon it all I could think was.. in the word “scent”, is it the “s” or the “c” that is silent?
I need some sleep.
I have worked late into the night with the vials and when I've come to place a label upon it all I could think was.. in the word “scent”, is it the “s” or the “c” that is silent?
I need some sleep.
Written By Victus
June 21, 2019, 12:07 a.m.(4/27/1011 AR)
There is reason to be concerned when a way of life that has been rooted for a thousand years becomes threatened. There is also no shame in admitting when one has found themselves incorrect. There is courage in taking the steps to to learn.
In a more ignorant time, slavery was common across the whole of the Compact. Someone with wisdom to realize what was wrong and the courage to do something about it changed that. The world was chaos. But the world survived and we have lasted long enough to inherit it from them. The Faith of today has embraced the God of Choice once again. The work of today is not only just, but pious in that nature.
One tradition being discarded because of its detriment over its value does not bring all others down with it. We still have the foresight to ensure the unworthy and lacking bloodline do not become neo-nobles. We still protect our lands from the savage Shav'arvani. Our military institutions remain unshaken. Our faith in the Gods burning bright. Our core is unbroken. So it has been, so it shall remain.
We are the noble breed. We hold our standards high and we do better because it is our responsibility. Accept nothing less.
In a more ignorant time, slavery was common across the whole of the Compact. Someone with wisdom to realize what was wrong and the courage to do something about it changed that. The world was chaos. But the world survived and we have lasted long enough to inherit it from them. The Faith of today has embraced the God of Choice once again. The work of today is not only just, but pious in that nature.
One tradition being discarded because of its detriment over its value does not bring all others down with it. We still have the foresight to ensure the unworthy and lacking bloodline do not become neo-nobles. We still protect our lands from the savage Shav'arvani. Our military institutions remain unshaken. Our faith in the Gods burning bright. Our core is unbroken. So it has been, so it shall remain.
We are the noble breed. We hold our standards high and we do better because it is our responsibility. Accept nothing less.
Written By Shard
June 20, 2019, 11:56 p.m.(4/27/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Alecstazi
No, what I am saying is learn to grow and hunt your own damned food. Work your own damned fields. Make your own damned coin and do your own damned labor. Maybe your kidnappers can learn a new profession that doesn't involve selling people. I get that it isn't as easy or as clean as just snapping your fingers and making things just so, that it's far from it, but I'd also like to point out that the reason you're in this situation is because you decided to build your fealty on the backs of millions of slaves for hundreds and hundreds of years, even after the rest of the Compact outlawed it. If you want to lay blame, lay it at the feet of all the people who year, after year, decade after decade, century after century kept this system going, because it was never going to last forever. The reason people face starvation and hardship /now/ is because they decided to tie your entire economy to slavery /then/. They built this weakness into your society, and every generation afterward decided to continue it. When every other member of the Compact gave it up, surely with the same kind of hardships and difficulties, Thrax chose to continue.
/I/ find it curious that your only solution to the Abandoned is either kill them or enslave them. Those aren't the only two options, they're merely the only two options most of the Compact ever entertains. You're right that as a child I wouldn't have wanted to be murdered in my sleep, or tortured and strung up to die, but I also wouldn't have wanted to be enslaved for the rest of my life so I could 'repay' the 'debt' of having been born to the wrong parents. But if I had to choose between the two, I'll take death over chains. Even when you decide to get especially fucking cruel about it, it doesn't last as long as a lifetime of forced service to the people that would have destroyed everything I cared about.
You have a long time to work this out. No one's taking away your precious free labor immediately. You've got years of 'tradition' ahead of you before the time is up. The rest of the Compact somehow managed, I'm sure you can do it with all the rest of the Houses providing aid.
/I/ find it curious that your only solution to the Abandoned is either kill them or enslave them. Those aren't the only two options, they're merely the only two options most of the Compact ever entertains. You're right that as a child I wouldn't have wanted to be murdered in my sleep, or tortured and strung up to die, but I also wouldn't have wanted to be enslaved for the rest of my life so I could 'repay' the 'debt' of having been born to the wrong parents. But if I had to choose between the two, I'll take death over chains. Even when you decide to get especially fucking cruel about it, it doesn't last as long as a lifetime of forced service to the people that would have destroyed everything I cared about.
You have a long time to work this out. No one's taking away your precious free labor immediately. You've got years of 'tradition' ahead of you before the time is up. The rest of the Compact somehow managed, I'm sure you can do it with all the rest of the Houses providing aid.
Written By Calandra
June 20, 2019, 10:44 p.m.(4/26/1011 AR)
Today I chanced a trip to the Grotto for a bit of relaxation. It was quite a treat to see Warrick there when I arrived. We seem to be bumping into one another often, which I don't mind at all. But as much as I would have enjoyed a quiet soak with him, the baths began to fill up quick with others looking for a steamy getaway. It was quite boisterous and delightful, with each visitor grander than the next.
This is also where I was able to speak with Sir Jeffeth who, interestingly enough, I haven't spoken to since we were children. He hasn't changed at all from his kind self, something uncommon in this world. But it was wonderful to see him again and I hope to catch up more with him.
Also, apparently I am 'fully developed', so I'm told.
This is also where I was able to speak with Sir Jeffeth who, interestingly enough, I haven't spoken to since we were children. He hasn't changed at all from his kind self, something uncommon in this world. But it was wonderful to see him again and I hope to catch up more with him.
Also, apparently I am 'fully developed', so I'm told.
Written By Vincenzo
June 20, 2019, 10:41 p.m.(4/26/1011 AR)
No matter how strong the masonry, time helps the tiniest of plants tear down and crumble all walls.
Written By Bliss
June 20, 2019, 10:05 p.m.(4/26/1011 AR)
A polite reminder to all who read this that the Grotto is not, in fact, a space to be used for whatever you wish, but is the private property of Saedrus Whisper. I encourage those who wish to use it for any purpose other than that which it is intended - to be a place of serene relaxation - to reconsider strongly, and am more than a little sad that this needs to be stated so explicitly.
Written By Saoirse
June 20, 2019, 9:11 p.m.(4/26/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Sophie
What an awful dream.
Written By Alarissa
June 20, 2019, 8:55 p.m.(4/26/1011 AR)
House Sword and head of a Mercenary Company. Interesting.
Written By Alecstazi
June 20, 2019, 6:38 p.m.(4/26/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Sophie
How odd indeed, to be on the waking mind of the Mother Mercy. It did not seem to be a particularly pleasant dream, however, so I begin to wonder if there is need for apology.
But which would apologize to whom?
But which would apologize to whom?
Written By Alecstazi
June 20, 2019, 3:49 p.m.(4/26/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
So I suppose what you are saying is that it is preferable in your mind to have hundreds or thousands of people starve because we cannot afford to import crops and supplies we need. And that need is based off not having enough arable land to farm, or forests to hunt in. You'd rather that criminals be maimed or mutilated or outright murdered instead of paying the community back through labor and service. All of those Abandoned tribes you mention -- you would rather them all be put to the sword, their lives wasted, ended, their blood left to soak into the land.
It is a curious thing, this mainlander belief that their way is somehow more humane. You are advocating for the death by starvation of swaths of innocents. For the rampant murder of criminals.
Now who is the monster?
It is a curious thing, this mainlander belief that their way is somehow more humane. You are advocating for the death by starvation of swaths of innocents. For the rampant murder of criminals.
Now who is the monster?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.