Written By Lark
Oct. 7, 2022, 9:32 a.m.(7/8/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Ailys
When one discusses how publicly airing one's dirty laundry is in poor taste, rarely is it meant so literally.
Written By Ann
Oct. 7, 2022, 4:02 a.m.(7/8/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Artur
It is very nice to have Artur around once again and to be able to converse with him face to face. I wonder if he knows what he's gotten into when he agreed to train my three? There shall be fun to be had I think or great amusement on my part to see how he does in his attempt to round them up so they may actually learn something not from me. I also wonder what Asger would think. I bet he's laughing his head off.
Written By Ann
Oct. 7, 2022, 3:59 a.m.(7/8/1018 AR)
It seems the general mood of the city is frustration. It is hard to figure out how to help with that. All I can be is a listening ear and hope for the best.
Written By Valerian
Oct. 6, 2022, 6:01 p.m.(7/7/1018 AR)
Scholar, I have set foot again in the capital city of Arx. I can only wonder at what grand adventures and experiences await.
Written By Neilda
Oct. 6, 2022, 5:06 p.m.(7/7/1018 AR)
There's a poet that I've read, that wrote about the great cats of the menagerie, saying:
Only at times, the curtain of the pupils
lifts, quietly--. An image enters in,
rushes down through the tensed, arrested muscles,
plunges into the heart and is gone.
I have seen this, embodied.
Only at times, the curtain of the pupils
lifts, quietly--. An image enters in,
rushes down through the tensed, arrested muscles,
plunges into the heart and is gone.
I have seen this, embodied.
Written By Tanith
Oct. 6, 2022, 10:56 a.m.(7/6/1018 AR)
I was a little girl when I learned that shadows can cradle you and your secrets better than sunlight, and darkness can hide equally in both.
Written By Ailys
Oct. 5, 2022, 10:45 p.m.(7/5/1018 AR)
If anyone has any recommendations for getting dog urine out of silk, or knows someone with such skill, I would be much obliged.
Written By Isolde
Oct. 5, 2022, 10:40 p.m.(7/5/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
I am truly grateful to His Grace for taking me as his protege. His wisdom is a boon to me and there are few men whose advice I treasure as much. I look forward to all that we'll accomplish together.
Written By Isolde
Oct. 5, 2022, 10:04 p.m.(7/5/1018 AR)
Times of war are never the height of civil liberties. Perhaps we can reflect negatively on all we've had to do if we ever see a sliver of peace again. But for now, words will not reverse what is done.
That being said, as Blessed Giada has proclaimed recently, if you feel that your rights have been infringed upon, please do reach out to the discipleship of the Thirteenth for representation.
That being said, as Blessed Giada has proclaimed recently, if you feel that your rights have been infringed upon, please do reach out to the discipleship of the Thirteenth for representation.
Written By Briseis
Oct. 5, 2022, 8:41 p.m.(7/5/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Raymesin
I won't deny there has been years - decades - centuries of corruption. I won't deny that, because I do not believe in lying, and hold strongly to my sense of honor. These words you say have merit - but it is no longer us verses the people. As written by Senior Inquisitor Tikva, we have worked tirelessly to root out corruption - within and without. I was there, I remember the doubts which plagued my heart when the veil was lifted from my own eyes, when I realized the organization that I had always aspired to be part of had fallen low.
But I was also there when we stood against that, when we worked, brick by brick, to rebuild the glory of the Inquisition of Old, when we were the Sentinels against the madness of a world gone Dark.
Speak your words, I should never wish to deny them that. But I will point out that THIS protocol, THIS act, THIS indignation which you might look to and see a new form of subjugation is anything but that. It is the Iron Guard standing up for the people. It is them knowing that the only way to help, the only way to truly prevent disaster is to root it out at the source, to have our shields raised before they can burn us down, rather than struggle to quell a fire once started.
We will stand against the darkness that clings to the world. We will guard those who don't even understand why they need guarding. And we will do it, thanked or thankless.
But I will always stand and speak up for what I believe just and right, just as you might. We don't have to be on opposing sides, if in the end, what we wish for is safety, security, and a better world where our children and their children need not grow with the same fear we suffer.
The work being done by the Iron Guard and the Inquisition is important, and I have no doubt that in time, their tireless efforts shall prove a boon to this great city of Arx, even if there must be some pains to grow through the struggle of newfound inconvenience in the interim.
Who knows - we might even get faster at frisking.
But I was also there when we stood against that, when we worked, brick by brick, to rebuild the glory of the Inquisition of Old, when we were the Sentinels against the madness of a world gone Dark.
Speak your words, I should never wish to deny them that. But I will point out that THIS protocol, THIS act, THIS indignation which you might look to and see a new form of subjugation is anything but that. It is the Iron Guard standing up for the people. It is them knowing that the only way to help, the only way to truly prevent disaster is to root it out at the source, to have our shields raised before they can burn us down, rather than struggle to quell a fire once started.
We will stand against the darkness that clings to the world. We will guard those who don't even understand why they need guarding. And we will do it, thanked or thankless.
But I will always stand and speak up for what I believe just and right, just as you might. We don't have to be on opposing sides, if in the end, what we wish for is safety, security, and a better world where our children and their children need not grow with the same fear we suffer.
The work being done by the Iron Guard and the Inquisition is important, and I have no doubt that in time, their tireless efforts shall prove a boon to this great city of Arx, even if there must be some pains to grow through the struggle of newfound inconvenience in the interim.
Who knows - we might even get faster at frisking.
Written By Ailys
Oct. 4, 2022, 2:53 p.m.(7/3/1018 AR)
There are many options for redress for those inconvenienced by the Iron Guard checkpoints. I strongly encourage anyone who feels mistreated to consider at least one of those options before airing their grievances.
Written By Tikva
Oct. 4, 2022, 2:51 p.m.(7/3/1018 AR)
It delights me to see the public running outrageous dudgeon about how nasty and tyrannical the Inquisition is ... because back when we were, people feared to say so.
We have centuries of ugly history to live down. It's no surprise that people mistrust. But they feel free to criticize, secure in the knowledge that whatever they say, no one is going to disappear them for imaginary crimes for it. Before Laric took on the mantle, this was not so.
Young inquisitors, junior confessors -- when you hear people jeering you in the street, when you field disrespect for your uniform, remember that sometimes the wages of justice are ugly, but I still prefer the complaining to its absence. People are secure enough to hate you because we have made them safer. People are free to make choices. It's a good thing even if they choose opinions and ideas that hurt our feelings.
Don't worry. Limerance knows when you are true to your oaths and The Sentinel sees all and knows justice. People otherwise will accept you or not; just be at peace with yourself and your own honor. I've always found it enough.
Glory is for soldiers. We must be more pragmatic.
We have centuries of ugly history to live down. It's no surprise that people mistrust. But they feel free to criticize, secure in the knowledge that whatever they say, no one is going to disappear them for imaginary crimes for it. Before Laric took on the mantle, this was not so.
Young inquisitors, junior confessors -- when you hear people jeering you in the street, when you field disrespect for your uniform, remember that sometimes the wages of justice are ugly, but I still prefer the complaining to its absence. People are secure enough to hate you because we have made them safer. People are free to make choices. It's a good thing even if they choose opinions and ideas that hurt our feelings.
Don't worry. Limerance knows when you are true to your oaths and The Sentinel sees all and knows justice. People otherwise will accept you or not; just be at peace with yourself and your own honor. I've always found it enough.
Glory is for soldiers. We must be more pragmatic.
Written By Raymesin
Oct. 4, 2022, 2:14 p.m.(7/3/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Briseis
I've seen the works of the Inquisition and the Iron Guard many times, over the decades. I've seen the innocent accused of heinous deeds and hauled away for no real crime other than daring to have what an Inquisitor wanted. I've seen small children and their parents maimed and killed by the Iron Guard, for no crime at all.
I grew up in Arx, in the Lowers, and I learned to fear both the Inquisition and the Iron Guard before I learned to walk. Most of us in the Lowers did. And I do not doubt that I'll be spending five hours in queues tomorrow, being searched and inspected most closely if not arrested for having committed no crime. It won't be because I'm daring to go outside the Lowers or speaking out due to the disproportionate effect of what you think the Inquisition are trying to do, of course. Never that.
If I hate the Iron Guard and the Inquisition, it's not without several decades of good cause. And I am, when it comes down to it, utterly powerless to stop them doing anything they please. All I have in this is my voice, and wouldn't it be convenient if you could take that as well.
I grew up in Arx, in the Lowers, and I learned to fear both the Inquisition and the Iron Guard before I learned to walk. Most of us in the Lowers did. And I do not doubt that I'll be spending five hours in queues tomorrow, being searched and inspected most closely if not arrested for having committed no crime. It won't be because I'm daring to go outside the Lowers or speaking out due to the disproportionate effect of what you think the Inquisition are trying to do, of course. Never that.
If I hate the Iron Guard and the Inquisition, it's not without several decades of good cause. And I am, when it comes down to it, utterly powerless to stop them doing anything they please. All I have in this is my voice, and wouldn't it be convenient if you could take that as well.
Written By Savio
Oct. 4, 2022, 1:15 p.m.(7/3/1018 AR)
I am writing a new book of music: 'Songs You Can Play One-Handed on the Clavichord Because Your Other Arm is Occupied in Holding A Baby.'
Best-seller with all the parents, I'm certain of it.
Best-seller with all the parents, I'm certain of it.
Written By Sydney
Oct. 4, 2022, 12:18 p.m.(7/2/1018 AR)
The friction of distance when traveling throughout the city has grown considerably.
I am, as ever, heartened that it appears to be unanimously agreed that traffic in and out of the wards of most of the great houses are of no risk whatsoever to the city. One can only imagine how condescending it might be if there were checkpoints along Honor Walk North, Thrax Row North, the Low Bridge, The Sovereign Bridge, Lyceum Way South, and Grayson Path West.
I'm glad we've avoided such condescension and kept security where it is most clearly needed, and so equitably applied.
I am, as ever, heartened that it appears to be unanimously agreed that traffic in and out of the wards of most of the great houses are of no risk whatsoever to the city. One can only imagine how condescending it might be if there were checkpoints along Honor Walk North, Thrax Row North, the Low Bridge, The Sovereign Bridge, Lyceum Way South, and Grayson Path West.
I'm glad we've avoided such condescension and kept security where it is most clearly needed, and so equitably applied.
Written By Lucita
Oct. 4, 2022, 11:29 a.m.(7/2/1018 AR)
Watching the expression on the guard's face as they tried to make heads or tails of my musical notations and the hatchwork of attempts at lyrics and my 'to-do' list was amusing. I kept wondering if phrases like the 'the beating rhythm of a bluebird's wings' or '...impatient shouts at the garden gate' were thought to be some sort of code, along with 'send funds to castle builders, check on wine shipment delays, order more salve for Ringo's scratches on Golden's nose' were thought to be some sort of secret code or if they even could read them.
Written By Iseulet
Oct. 4, 2022, 11:27 a.m.(7/2/1018 AR)
Yes, yes many rumors coming from every direction on the mess with the Iron Guards but not a /single/ person to tell me where the queue is to get my frisking.
Written By Briseis
Oct. 3, 2022, 9:16 p.m.(7/1/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Raymesin
Some might wonder - do you know how the real villains operate? Are you so wise into the inner workings of the Iron Guard and the Inquisition that you are confident in the words you say? Or, have you simply decided that your position is right because of some inflated sense of self-righteous indignation? If you can't open your eyes to SEE, then I certainly can't make you, but let's get some things straight.
As an Inquisition, I can attest that it is most assuredly ABOUT Justice, about security and stability, about helping - not about APPEARING to help. We don't risk our lives because we think it makes us LOOK GOOD. As a commoner, it isn't about making anyone feel small, or pushed around, or lesser. If anyone is posturing here, it is you, as a martyr without a cause, against organizations that are working tirelessly to improve, eradicate villainy inside and out, and bring some sense of comfort to the citizens of Arx.
Spreading ignorance and malice towards the Iron Guard helps no one.
And, for anyone who truly feels they have been -wronged-, truly and maliciously subjected to horrors because of these checkpoints, reach out to me, and I promise to investigate the matter fully.
As an Inquisition, I can attest that it is most assuredly ABOUT Justice, about security and stability, about helping - not about APPEARING to help. We don't risk our lives because we think it makes us LOOK GOOD. As a commoner, it isn't about making anyone feel small, or pushed around, or lesser. If anyone is posturing here, it is you, as a martyr without a cause, against organizations that are working tirelessly to improve, eradicate villainy inside and out, and bring some sense of comfort to the citizens of Arx.
Spreading ignorance and malice towards the Iron Guard helps no one.
And, for anyone who truly feels they have been -wronged-, truly and maliciously subjected to horrors because of these checkpoints, reach out to me, and I promise to investigate the matter fully.
Written By Sen'azala
Oct. 3, 2022, 7 a.m.(6/28/1018 AR)
I've made no secret of my opinions on thralldom, and I don't intend to pretend otherwise. I'll argue about it until I'm ash on the wind. In fact, I'll find a way to argue about it afterward too, just you watch. We're all well past arguments now, though. There's little for me to say that I haven't filled up my Whites with repeatedly. I also recognize that it's not exactly good politics - or so I presume - for a Prima of Nefer'khat to remind anyone who happens to read this of just how much I despise the practice while a bloody civil war is raging over it.
Oh well.
I've been there. I've seen it. I know how the bullshitting goes, every time, all the excuses made, every time, the way the debts are tallied and tracked, the looks on the faces of second generation thralls, third generation thralls, *fourth* generation thralls that have never, not for a single moment, been out from under their owners' boots. Slavery is slavery regardless of what the people holding the chains choose to call it, and there's no need for me to say so, because the rebels themselves said as much when they allied with the slavetakers of Skal'daja. The slavetakers of Skal'daja said as much when they allied with the rebels. There is not a single soul on Arvum that will truthfully argue that the Skal'dajans are not slavers, and yet the rebels chose them over their own people. One might wonder why that was so comfortable. One might wonder why rebelling thralls were the ones fighting Skal'dajan slavers while Helianthus' men cut them down. One might wonder, but the answer's obvious. Like recognizes like. Their actions are their testimony, then as now. They'll drown the Mourning Isles in blood before they let it go.
Who am I to write any of this? I don't know. Me. It's my journal to rant in.
Oh well.
I've been there. I've seen it. I know how the bullshitting goes, every time, all the excuses made, every time, the way the debts are tallied and tracked, the looks on the faces of second generation thralls, third generation thralls, *fourth* generation thralls that have never, not for a single moment, been out from under their owners' boots. Slavery is slavery regardless of what the people holding the chains choose to call it, and there's no need for me to say so, because the rebels themselves said as much when they allied with the slavetakers of Skal'daja. The slavetakers of Skal'daja said as much when they allied with the rebels. There is not a single soul on Arvum that will truthfully argue that the Skal'dajans are not slavers, and yet the rebels chose them over their own people. One might wonder why that was so comfortable. One might wonder why rebelling thralls were the ones fighting Skal'dajan slavers while Helianthus' men cut them down. One might wonder, but the answer's obvious. Like recognizes like. Their actions are their testimony, then as now. They'll drown the Mourning Isles in blood before they let it go.
Who am I to write any of this? I don't know. Me. It's my journal to rant in.
Written By Mabelle
Oct. 3, 2022, 6:05 a.m.(6/28/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Savio
I'm certain they will be the finest dressed children in the entire city.
Until mine are born... at least.
Until mine are born... at least.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.