Written By Lisebet
May 5, 2021, 8:53 a.m.(6/2/1015 AR)
The battle is over, and in many ways our prayers were answered. The cost was high, in terms of lives lost, allies, friends, family. I think probably nobody is untouched, though some have paid higher prices than others.
Each time this is the case. War is not fair, never fair.
But for now, we have a brief peace to regroup, give thank and recover. Thanks to those sacrifices and the blessings of the gods.
I find myself introspective and needing to hug my children more.
Each time this is the case. War is not fair, never fair.
But for now, we have a brief peace to regroup, give thank and recover. Thanks to those sacrifices and the blessings of the gods.
I find myself introspective and needing to hug my children more.
Written By Ember
May 5, 2021, 7:57 a.m.(6/2/1015 AR)
We have fought, and won, and performed our duty to protect Arvum and honor Gloria. If there is any regret instilled within me by such a swift and decisive victory, it is only that Gloria did not ask us to honor her more. I do so enjoy when a tribute to the gods lasts long enough to savor.
Written By Evaristo
May 5, 2021, 7:21 a.m.(6/2/1015 AR)
Patience is not my virtue, but I have had the fortune of being treated by the best healers of Arx - you know all who you are - and I have doggedly kept doing the exersises they told me to do.
This morning I realised to my surprise, I could move my shoulder and arm normally again. I'm still a bit weak, but the mobility is back.
Thank you, Mercies and Physicians, for all your work, not only from a personal point of view, but for everything you do to aid those that are ill, wounded, broken.
I also send a thank you to Marquessa Sunniva Harthall who taught me the basics of the healing arts, so that I can now help others. I did not realise at the time how much this would mean to me, nor did I ever in my wildest dreams think that I would ever sew together a cut in someone's flesh, if someone had asked me as early as a year ago.
Change and new beginnings, all in one.
This morning I realised to my surprise, I could move my shoulder and arm normally again. I'm still a bit weak, but the mobility is back.
Thank you, Mercies and Physicians, for all your work, not only from a personal point of view, but for everything you do to aid those that are ill, wounded, broken.
I also send a thank you to Marquessa Sunniva Harthall who taught me the basics of the healing arts, so that I can now help others. I did not realise at the time how much this would mean to me, nor did I ever in my wildest dreams think that I would ever sew together a cut in someone's flesh, if someone had asked me as early as a year ago.
Change and new beginnings, all in one.
Written By Erasmus
May 5, 2021, 2:16 a.m.(6/2/1015 AR)
So many memories flood into my mind the moment I stop moving, how fresh they all feel, like I can still taste the salt of the sea that night. Faces however, those aren't the same, twisting half shadows that obscure and mock me when I try to push them aside, /it/ mocks me, as do the memories of that storm.
All I can do is keep moving, battle the shadows I cast with the presence of light, something readily available in the Tower of Tyde. Duchess Margot, a survivor and a warrior still, she tells me her exploits had her leading the Thrax fleet much to the dismay of many a traditionalist. It puts me at ease for a time, knowing that our creed has manifested itself within Margot. We rise. Which is exactly what's she's done for her and our people.
My worry isn't for Tyde, but my presence here attracting the wrong attention. I've a Confessor claims distant kinship, a keen eye for history and doubts who I am. For a moment...I almost believed it, but I knew such doubts would only serve to be a shackle.
I am Erasmus Tyde and I shall prove it.
All I can do is keep moving, battle the shadows I cast with the presence of light, something readily available in the Tower of Tyde. Duchess Margot, a survivor and a warrior still, she tells me her exploits had her leading the Thrax fleet much to the dismay of many a traditionalist. It puts me at ease for a time, knowing that our creed has manifested itself within Margot. We rise. Which is exactly what's she's done for her and our people.
My worry isn't for Tyde, but my presence here attracting the wrong attention. I've a Confessor claims distant kinship, a keen eye for history and doubts who I am. For a moment...I almost believed it, but I knew such doubts would only serve to be a shackle.
I am Erasmus Tyde and I shall prove it.
Written By Medeia
May 5, 2021, 1:44 a.m.(6/2/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
The news of Duke Aiden's passing was slow to reach me, and I have felt a broad range of emotions since hearing it. Anger is the most prominent. Not at him, not at the gods, just anger. This morning, I spent some time in the courtyard under the shade of the apple and pear trees in bloom. I sat on the grass, and I held my children in my arms, and I told them about him. He never met them. They're far too young to remember this moment. But I told them anyway, and now I write it here so others might know.
He and my brother were close, so close in fact that he was there in my brother's place when my niece and nephew were born after my brother was killed in Setarco. He was their Best Liar. My heart breaks for Estie and Kyllan, and for everyone else who loved him. When I finally met him, when he learned who I was, he promised he would look out for me, too - something I can at least say I never had need to call upon him for. But that first meeting? He gave me the most precious gift of knowledge (that I will keep to myself). Shortly after, the attack on the city left my uncle dead and he was very kind. Unfortunately, after the death of Marquis Valerius, our relationship was only through the occasional exchange of letters - with one exception, a moment of pure oddity as he and his cousin (then Lord) Duke Michael attempted to procure some armor. Even so, one such exchange of letters provided me another precious gift of knowledge (which I still find difficult to accept). And the last, a week before the war, a tangible gift, one that once belonged to someone else who also gave me more than I gave them, which I will cherish for as long as I draw breath. It almost feels ominous, now. But all should know that Duke Aiden Rubino, born Prince Aiden Grayson, was a good man. A generous and passionate and kind man. When Grayson says "None Greater," I hope they point to him as an example. I did not know him nearly long enough, but I am grateful for what time I did have.
He and my brother were close, so close in fact that he was there in my brother's place when my niece and nephew were born after my brother was killed in Setarco. He was their Best Liar. My heart breaks for Estie and Kyllan, and for everyone else who loved him. When I finally met him, when he learned who I was, he promised he would look out for me, too - something I can at least say I never had need to call upon him for. But that first meeting? He gave me the most precious gift of knowledge (that I will keep to myself). Shortly after, the attack on the city left my uncle dead and he was very kind. Unfortunately, after the death of Marquis Valerius, our relationship was only through the occasional exchange of letters - with one exception, a moment of pure oddity as he and his cousin (then Lord) Duke Michael attempted to procure some armor. Even so, one such exchange of letters provided me another precious gift of knowledge (which I still find difficult to accept). And the last, a week before the war, a tangible gift, one that once belonged to someone else who also gave me more than I gave them, which I will cherish for as long as I draw breath. It almost feels ominous, now. But all should know that Duke Aiden Rubino, born Prince Aiden Grayson, was a good man. A generous and passionate and kind man. When Grayson says "None Greater," I hope they point to him as an example. I did not know him nearly long enough, but I am grateful for what time I did have.
Written By Lianne
May 4, 2021, 11:33 p.m.(6/2/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Medeia
Some months ago, Lady Medeia Eswynd asked me one question which, when explored and acted upon, proved demonstrably invaluable to the well-being of the Compact. I am proud beyond measure to have been able to coordinate those efforts, to keep the company of such brave and brilliant individuals, to know the work spread beyond the edges of my familiarity.
Thank you, my friends, for that conversation in the solarium with which we built something new and necessary.
Thank you, each of you who made your sacrifices and spoke your words. All those broken windows and bitter memories did what they needed to do.
And thank you, Lady Medeia, for asking your question and trusting me to find an answer.
While I know the losses were grievous, I know too that we would have lost significantly more still if she'd kept that question to herself.
Thank you, my friends, for that conversation in the solarium with which we built something new and necessary.
Thank you, each of you who made your sacrifices and spoke your words. All those broken windows and bitter memories did what they needed to do.
And thank you, Lady Medeia, for asking your question and trusting me to find an answer.
While I know the losses were grievous, I know too that we would have lost significantly more still if she'd kept that question to herself.
Written By Cambria
May 4, 2021, 10:49 p.m.(6/1/1015 AR)
A famous Scholar once observed that there is a difference between statements about what is and statements about what ought to be. Put another way, there are things that are true based on observation like the movement of the stars, and then there are things that are true based upon a set of rules, like ethics or religion.
Despite the fact–value distinction, people tend to conflate factual truth with moral truth, especially in politics.
No matter how rational and logical the argument, it cannot overcome morality, but moral claims can easily overcome factual objections.
Thus, the cold reality of being correct can never overcome the warm satisfaction of being right.
Despite the fact–value distinction, people tend to conflate factual truth with moral truth, especially in politics.
No matter how rational and logical the argument, it cannot overcome morality, but moral claims can easily overcome factual objections.
Thus, the cold reality of being correct can never overcome the warm satisfaction of being right.
Written By Tikva
May 4, 2021, 10:31 p.m.(6/1/1015 AR)
The Lord Commander walked with me in aid of my convalescence and we visited the Menagerie and wandered about for awhile until I was too tired. It was lovely having a chance to catch up, and we did look at the turtles, but also other creatures. I'm always very pleased when I can bully busy and important people into stealing away a little fragment of time for themselves. She may be Voice of the Crown and that is a mighty burden, but she is also Eleanor, and my friend, so that was a good evening.
It will be so good that Duke Aiden's children will have a place their father loved so much to see as they grow. A place infused with memory, like the words of a paean, but to all Petrichor's creatures.
It will be so good that Duke Aiden's children will have a place their father loved so much to see as they grow. A place infused with memory, like the words of a paean, but to all Petrichor's creatures.
Written By Savio
May 4, 2021, 10:12 p.m.(6/1/1015 AR)
They used the anger of our enemies against us, those you would call Abandoned or Shavs. Against tens of thousands, we held the walls.
They swarmed the city against the siege engines and the burning oil, and against those who threatened to breach, we held the walls.
Their Eurusi masters called a storm against us, and through the driving rain and wind, we held the walls.
Their sorcerers screamed and cried out as one and a terrible lightning strike was called down onto us -- with this, they broke us.
In district after district we fought in our streets until they ran red with blood, and in city block after city block we were pushed back, no matter how many of them we cut down, no matter how ferocious and unfailing my cousin Andromeda, my brother Giorgio, my love Orland.
At first, I counted how many of my people, how many Arakkoans, I saw die. I lost count. They are beyond counting.
The jewel of the Sky Palace was shattered, and burned. My family's home, burning, my mother and father and cousins, all of it is gone.
All of them are gone. My family is gone.
Almost everyone I have ever loved is dead or missing. I brought my people to a final place of rest for hours uncounted, and I do not know how to express the grief of being the Voice of the People for a population that has been so brutally silenced.
My songs are lost to me. I do not begrudge the people of the Compact their celebrations, their perception of a victory, but I hope that they will remember how much of it was purchased with the blood of those they call prodigals -- the warriors of Eswynd, so far from home, and the Arakkoans of Tremorus, without whom I no longer know who I am.
There are so few of us left, now. All the light has gone out of my world.
They swarmed the city against the siege engines and the burning oil, and against those who threatened to breach, we held the walls.
Their Eurusi masters called a storm against us, and through the driving rain and wind, we held the walls.
Their sorcerers screamed and cried out as one and a terrible lightning strike was called down onto us -- with this, they broke us.
In district after district we fought in our streets until they ran red with blood, and in city block after city block we were pushed back, no matter how many of them we cut down, no matter how ferocious and unfailing my cousin Andromeda, my brother Giorgio, my love Orland.
At first, I counted how many of my people, how many Arakkoans, I saw die. I lost count. They are beyond counting.
The jewel of the Sky Palace was shattered, and burned. My family's home, burning, my mother and father and cousins, all of it is gone.
All of them are gone. My family is gone.
Almost everyone I have ever loved is dead or missing. I brought my people to a final place of rest for hours uncounted, and I do not know how to express the grief of being the Voice of the People for a population that has been so brutally silenced.
My songs are lost to me. I do not begrudge the people of the Compact their celebrations, their perception of a victory, but I hope that they will remember how much of it was purchased with the blood of those they call prodigals -- the warriors of Eswynd, so far from home, and the Arakkoans of Tremorus, without whom I no longer know who I am.
There are so few of us left, now. All the light has gone out of my world.
Written By Mikani
May 4, 2021, 10:05 p.m.(6/1/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Aella
Countess Aella is back in town! I am honored to have the woman who taught me to speak Northlands Shav like a true Northerner back. Though it could have been the whiskey we were drinking. I mean at least she didn't drop me into a tribe and get me to figure out how to get home safe. Seems like something she would do .....
Written By Titus
May 4, 2021, 7:37 p.m.(6/1/1015 AR)
Within the Valley of Flies gleefully crows sing as they feast upon the vanquished invaders. The Watchers have sated their bloodlust for a moment while new pyramids of skulls smile eternally on the folly of attacking Sangris. The Red City stands strong.
My thanks belongs to Princess Sabella, the Proscipi and the Pravus. Without their aide, the situation would have been grim. Truly, the entire Compact as a whole has a place of honour in my mind.
I dedicate the battle to Gloria and my Magistrix, and will bring to Arx numerous trophies and trinkets to sacrifice at Gloria’s shrine in the upcoming days.
And to my friends that have lost their homes, their families and have been wounded deeply with unseen scars, use this time to heal and come together stronger.
My thanks belongs to Princess Sabella, the Proscipi and the Pravus. Without their aide, the situation would have been grim. Truly, the entire Compact as a whole has a place of honour in my mind.
I dedicate the battle to Gloria and my Magistrix, and will bring to Arx numerous trophies and trinkets to sacrifice at Gloria’s shrine in the upcoming days.
And to my friends that have lost their homes, their families and have been wounded deeply with unseen scars, use this time to heal and come together stronger.
Written By Martinique
May 4, 2021, 7:18 p.m.(6/1/1015 AR)
And so the Eurusi are repelled. I fought on land this time, with my baroness. We were winning, the enemy mages were struggling with something and dying often. Then the jungle itself began to attack everyone, everyone--the trees themselves began to move. This at least had the effect of ending the battle decisively in our favor, but I have never seen such a thing.
Written By Cirroch
May 4, 2021, 6:47 p.m.(6/1/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
A cousin to the Marquessa, whom I met sparingly though they helped her with finding her cure. Thus, in that alone they were a great man and deserving of more than the near silence that they are receiving as the passage back to the wheel is made.
I would hope that there would be more voices declaring the amusement the Duke gave the compact and city of Arx. From the gardens that they curated and built for the city, to giving out plushies for many of their events. Plushies that my children enjoy to battle with and drag, and leave about in the wake of their paths within our home in the march as well as here in the city.
It is unfortunate that I didn't get a better chance to know them, especially in how close they were with Marquessa Sasha Sanna.
Duke Aiden, you will not be forgotten. Your actions in war will mark your character well.
I would hope that there would be more voices declaring the amusement the Duke gave the compact and city of Arx. From the gardens that they curated and built for the city, to giving out plushies for many of their events. Plushies that my children enjoy to battle with and drag, and leave about in the wake of their paths within our home in the march as well as here in the city.
It is unfortunate that I didn't get a better chance to know them, especially in how close they were with Marquessa Sasha Sanna.
Duke Aiden, you will not be forgotten. Your actions in war will mark your character well.
Written By Piccola
May 4, 2021, 3:01 p.m.(6/1/1015 AR)
Wise general, heed this caution.
Those who look upon themselves born to reign and others to obey soon grow insolent. As rare as they may be, their minds are early poisoned by importance. The world they act in differs so materially from the world at large, that they have but little opportunity of knowing its true interest. When they do eventually rise to reign they are frequently the most ignorant and unfit of any throughout the dominions.
Your service to them is purer and more glorious than the ignominy they may bring upon themselves.
Those who look upon themselves born to reign and others to obey soon grow insolent. As rare as they may be, their minds are early poisoned by importance. The world they act in differs so materially from the world at large, that they have but little opportunity of knowing its true interest. When they do eventually rise to reign they are frequently the most ignorant and unfit of any throughout the dominions.
Your service to them is purer and more glorious than the ignominy they may bring upon themselves.
Written By Margot
May 4, 2021, 10:01 a.m.(5/28/1015 AR)
Waiting.
Waiting for the perfect time. Waiting for the right opening. Waiting for someone to come home. Waiting for someone to leave. Waiting for the it to be over. Waiting for a for a chance. Waiting for a win. Waiting for permission. Waiting for revenge. Waiting for love. Waiting for change.
So much of our time is wasted waiting when it's a trick that life plays on us, a little bit of slight of hand, distracting us with something shiny in the distance so we don't see the way it's robbing us today.
No more waiting. If what you want is within your power. Take it.
Waiting for the perfect time. Waiting for the right opening. Waiting for someone to come home. Waiting for someone to leave. Waiting for the it to be over. Waiting for a for a chance. Waiting for a win. Waiting for permission. Waiting for revenge. Waiting for love. Waiting for change.
So much of our time is wasted waiting when it's a trick that life plays on us, a little bit of slight of hand, distracting us with something shiny in the distance so we don't see the way it's robbing us today.
No more waiting. If what you want is within your power. Take it.
Written By Erasmus
May 4, 2021, 2:11 a.m.(5/28/1015 AR)
Like that of a drunkard I stumbled out of bed, my eyes failing to perceive the room I had found comfort in, darkness stealing my vision and my senses. I felt my legs move, the sway and rock of a ship beneath my feet like that night at sea. My hand caught fabric, pulling it back to reveal the window of my chamber. Brilliant light, the rising rays of the sun granted me my vision once more and pushed back the darkness much to its chagrin I imagine.
"We fall. We rise." Those words played in my head as I stood at the shoreline outside of the city, bathed in light as if to try and snuff any shadows I may cast. The wind greeted me as though to welcome me home; a distant home. It brought with it a guest as well, a bookbinder with the experience of a warrior. She spoke with an air of wisdom and familiarity, like an old friend, it put me at ease for a time.
"We fall. We rise." Those words pushed their way back into my mind when meeting a reaver, albeit he wore crests I hadn't recognized; not until speaking with him that is. Pirates and raiders, those birthed of the sea who'd sooner cut your throat than speak to you if you weren't one of them. His wife informs me where their loyalty stands, to the Duchess Margot, a vassal of Tyde and has been for nearly a decade. Leave it to time to humble me further.
"We fall. We rise." I've passed on word to the Duchess through the reaver in the prospects of meeting the stalwart head of House Tyde. If she's survived this long, then perhaps not all is lost. Not yet.
"We fall. We rise." Those words played in my head as I stood at the shoreline outside of the city, bathed in light as if to try and snuff any shadows I may cast. The wind greeted me as though to welcome me home; a distant home. It brought with it a guest as well, a bookbinder with the experience of a warrior. She spoke with an air of wisdom and familiarity, like an old friend, it put me at ease for a time.
"We fall. We rise." Those words pushed their way back into my mind when meeting a reaver, albeit he wore crests I hadn't recognized; not until speaking with him that is. Pirates and raiders, those birthed of the sea who'd sooner cut your throat than speak to you if you weren't one of them. His wife informs me where their loyalty stands, to the Duchess Margot, a vassal of Tyde and has been for nearly a decade. Leave it to time to humble me further.
"We fall. We rise." I've passed on word to the Duchess through the reaver in the prospects of meeting the stalwart head of House Tyde. If she's survived this long, then perhaps not all is lost. Not yet.
Written By Haakon
May 4, 2021, 2:09 a.m.(5/28/1015 AR)
If I go another day without word from my kith and kin who defended the walls in the far south, I'm getting back on my bloody ship and heading right back into the fucking Saffron Isles to find some news.
Written By Varosh
May 4, 2021, 1:50 a.m.(5/28/1015 AR)
The Stormborn is a great ship but it will never replace my one true love, the Deviant.
Written By Angelo
May 4, 2021, 12:25 a.m.(5/28/1015 AR)
Finally, I get to glimpse the construction of the Estate that my valet Jason had been tasked to plan back in Tor. I wanted to spend more time in Arx and having some real estate of my own was part of my plans to bring this to fruition.
This is far better than I had expected, positioned in such a beautiful area of the city that I must say I have no regrets.
This is far better than I had expected, positioned in such a beautiful area of the city that I must say I have no regrets.
Written By Sydney
May 3, 2021, 4:28 p.m.(5/27/1015 AR)
The absence of defeat does not make a victory.
As I stand scrubbing the blood out of my clothing and remembering each face of those who braved the voyage home gravely wounded while their condition worsened only to die in the din of a severely overburdened Saving Grace, holding the hand of a pugilist they've never met, I do not reflect on victory.
I reflect on agony. Important figures, sending their peoples to fight and die for their ideals, each bloodying one another terribly. Oh, to be sure, the Dune Emperor is left with embarrassment, but can we truly say we won anything more than the ability not to be invaded by a force that would not have set their sights on us, had we not antagonized them?
People say I know nothing of war.
People say I would make a terrible soldier.
I accept your compliments.
As I stand scrubbing the blood out of my clothing and remembering each face of those who braved the voyage home gravely wounded while their condition worsened only to die in the din of a severely overburdened Saving Grace, holding the hand of a pugilist they've never met, I do not reflect on victory.
I reflect on agony. Important figures, sending their peoples to fight and die for their ideals, each bloodying one another terribly. Oh, to be sure, the Dune Emperor is left with embarrassment, but can we truly say we won anything more than the ability not to be invaded by a force that would not have set their sights on us, had we not antagonized them?
People say I know nothing of war.
People say I would make a terrible soldier.
I accept your compliments.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.