Skip to main content.

Written By Shard

Oct. 30, 2017, 11:09 p.m.(7/1/1007 AR)

I don't expect random dukes to read the bullshit I write even if they hadn't already insisted they weren't going to read responses to things they'd flung out there, but I'm going to say what I think anyway.

Bad timing? Sure, I can see that argument. Shit's coming, maybe it's not the greatest time to start turning things upside-down when giant threats are bearing down on everyone. But you know what? One of those fucking threats is the centuries old Herald of the fucking Archfiend of Slavery, and maybe, MAYBE it bears a few moments of thought that facing him with your armies and navies standing on the backs of your own slaves--whatever cute little name and rules you've put on them to convince yourselves that's not actually what they are, no really, honestly, truly, that's why we're constantly arguing with a fucking god over the matter--maybe that isn't the greatest idea ever hatched on Arvum.

Arrogant mainlanders daring to come in and think they know best how you should live your life? I know, it's just inexcusable. I mean, it's certainly nothing the Thrax would ever do to others. Presuming how unknown peoples and lands should be governed? Perish the fucking thought.

The Liberators came in and fucking bought your thralls. Bought them. Gave thousands and thousands of silver for them. All legal, all according to the fucking rules laid out. Then they paid thousands more to get those thralls to new homes where they could actually build a damned life, with the help of Deepwood and others. Now some Thrax houses want to get rid of the bullshit--by their own fucking choice--and all you can do is shit on them and call them reckless and arrogant. They're playing by your rules, and a bunch of you are still not happy about it. Why is that?

You know what? Here's this stupid ignorant arrogant mainlander's opinion: thralls are a fucking crutch for Thrax. You pride yourselves on how strong you are, but you prop yourselves up with them, to the point it will hurt you significantly if you abolish the practice. It's been going so long you even think it's part of your strength. But every other Great House gets on without them, and they're not trailing you, are they? So what does that say about Thrax, really? What does it say when the first thing you do when a few of yours decide to stand on their own is turn on them?

Written By Harald

Oct. 30, 2017, 9:49 p.m.(7/1/1007 AR)

Two of my house's vassals have chosen to alter their laws and cripple the way economics have functioned in the Mourning Isles for hundreds of years, at a time in which we face powerful enemies and must replace grievous losses among ships and warriors. For this, arrogant mainlanders will make a great show of applauding them. They may even throw a few silvers at the fools to go with their applause and glowing words. Yet none have yet named it for what it is: irresponsible. When lost ships of Kennex have yet to be replaced, it is nothing better than vanity to throw away any fraction of your treasury, and I name it so.

Let this be said: I care nothing for praise, nor kind sentiment. Blood and strife will flow in days to come, while those who were born and raised outside the Mourning Isles have made these arrogant steps. Dwelling in Arx it is easy to forget that not all will welcome this ill-timed choice as gladly as the mainlanders who need not deal in the consequences.

Let my journals mark these three points, in closing:
First, the reckless rush toward change in the middle of the greatest war for a thousand years will be met with resistance, even among the less traditional folk of Kennex and Darkwater. Gods grant that this hubris does not spark civil strife.
Second, it is plain arrogance to presume that one knows best how unknown lands and people should be governed, and humility is an oft forgotten virtue.
Third, I do not read the white journals of others, so any who feel moved to answer me may do so in the blithe security of knowing that I will never see it.

Written By Talen

Oct. 30, 2017, 9:47 p.m.(7/1/1007 AR)

Sometimes, people's lack of political awareness is astounding... and yes, this is a complaint from me.

Written By Talen

Oct. 30, 2017, 9:46 p.m.(7/1/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Darren

So, as soon as I get on the big boy's chair, you disappear so we can't go hunting? I see how it is.

You owe me like 9 drinks now.

Written By Belladonna

Oct. 30, 2017, 9:09 p.m.(7/1/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Alarie

Mistress Alarie Harall has created for me the most perfect dress I have ever owned. Jayus be praised, it is everything I hoped that it would be. I cannot recommend the woman and her shop enough. She is incredible.

Written By Tristan

Oct. 30, 2017, 6:17 p.m.(6/28/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Talia

I wish to note if anyone--that is _anyone_--choose to pick on my little sister, I will take action, up to and including punches to the nose or elsewhere.

Written By Teela

Oct. 30, 2017, 5:22 p.m.(6/28/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Mae

In death the disciples of QBAE get a name. Her name is Mae Grayhope-nee-Culler.

Written By Driskell

Oct. 30, 2017, 5:18 p.m.(6/28/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Ford

I delivered a rather old artifact to the Kennex Kay, some say it might be even cursed, after hearing the constant challenges that house have been facing. My hope is that it reminds them of who they are and what they repeatedly do, and hopefully it's not too cursed. I'm not a curse breaker, I suppose that makes me a curse deliverer....which doesn't sound well when I'm reading it. All I'm saying is that it was an appropriate gift for an appropriate time.

When one has their heart open to change, they soon find opportunities arrive in which they can test themselves to either adapt to the storm or be lost to it. All change comes with risks, but then again, all choices carry a cost.

The sigil of house Kennex is a ship upon an ocean carried by a strong gale, their motto is that the winds of change are ever at their back. I find it suitable, considering the changes that the Kennex have begun in regards to Thralldom. May we remember that the Thirteenth desires us to uplift and support one who fails or those that are struggling, for exploiting their weakness for our own gain leads us down the path of corruption and that is certainly a slippery slide to take.

May those who seek knowledge find it, and that this situation shows that the Thirteenth gives strength in dark times. House Kennex is helping to lead the way with the winds of change pushing their advancement and evolution, and I wish them an exciting voyage. Just don't forget the map which leads you back to home and where traditions are. The moment I hear of Thraxans taking up plows, herding cows instead of taking their harvest from the oceans is a day that I'll add salt to the ocean with a tear or two.

Imagine the moment when we all view each other as He views us behind the Mirror and what we could accomplish, together.

I wish you the strongest of storms, Marquis Ford, for that is the only way one can gain an experienced crew.

Written By Talen

Oct. 30, 2017, 5:16 p.m.(6/28/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Mae

Sorry, Marge.

Written By Samantha

Oct. 30, 2017, 5:12 p.m.(6/28/1007 AR)

It must be a remarkable thing, to grow up knowing who you are. To have connections, a family, born of your blood, and a history that you know you are part of. I have never had that. I have long associated the idea that knowing who you are involves knowing who and where you come from.

I was born Ivy, to a woman I will never know, though I named my daughter after her in the small hope that perhaps one day I will see some spark of her in my child's eyes, and to do her the honor she never received while she lived. To thank her for loving me enough to risk her own life.

The one who sired me is an unknown factor.

I love the Bislands very much, and they have supported me despite my questionable origins. In my heart they are my family, but we are not connected by ties of blood, and some days I feel that distance more than others.

I was raised believing myself to be one person, only to realize one day that I was not. But by then I had been this person for so long that I didn't know who else to be. "Ivy" was - is - a stranger. "Samantha" has been who I am for as long as I can remember, even if I am not the true Samantha that was born to the Deepwoods. I don't know how to be Ivy. I don't know if I want to be Ivy. Is Ivy my name? Is Ivy who I am, though I call myself Samantha? I don't know. I do know some use the name as a means to insult me, to infer that calling myself Samantha makes me deceitful, a liar. I try to look past such insults. They're petty.

I have a husband, a child. I have created a family, one of my own making, my own choosing. But at times, I feel unanchored, adrift, because I feel like I don't really know myself.

Ugh, this is entirely too maudlin. Clearly I need to go do something useful rather than prattling on...

Written By Mydas

Oct. 30, 2017, 4:42 p.m.(6/28/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Mae

Yet.

Written By Mae

Oct. 30, 2017, 4:20 p.m.(6/28/1007 AR)

Dear scholars,

This note is for you, to make sure this knowledge is not lost.

My name is Mae Grayhope, though I also go by Mae Culler.

There is no Marjory or Margret or Margery Grayhope, nor Culler.

Thank you,
<3 Mae Grayhope-nee-Culler

Written By Talen

Oct. 30, 2017, 4:11 p.m.(6/28/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Victus

I think mine has been picked free of its stones and upcycled into a new set of earrings by Jaenelle.

Also, when are you going to claim your Boon, Victus? I'm so very , very curious.

Written By Victus

Oct. 30, 2017, 3:49 p.m.(6/28/1007 AR)

Thrax respects the right of its vassals to govern their lands how they wish. It is the liege(s) responsibility and they can manage the aftermath of their actions.

On an unrelated note, I'll be bringing my championship belt to the Duel of Socks. You may look, but please do not touch.

Written By Samantha

Oct. 30, 2017, 3:21 p.m.(6/28/1007 AR)

Let's look at this matter objectively.

Thralls are human beings who are regarded as "commodities" by the majority of society in the Isles. A value is set upon these people based on their skills, their crimes, and various other factors as determined by those who own their contracts.

The Liberators have approached these various citizens who own these contracts for these "commodities", payed the requested price (or bargained to satisfaction for it), and as such received those contracts while proceeding to release them.

This is all in accordance with the law of the Isles and how trade is approached.

With this in mind, the concern that too prompt a liberation of all thralls would be disastrous for Thrax economically - on all levels, from noble to commoner - is a legitimate one, and not just the concern of those with a title in front of their name.

I believe the best way to support Thrax and its vassals who seek to end thralldom is to engage in trade with them, and to do so at discount. Not at a loss - profit needs to be made, and one must support ones own domain, but you can choose to take a little less in order that they are enabled to provide a bit more. This is why Deepwood trades with House Thrax and all of those vassal Houses who choose to pursue the liberation of thralls as part of an ongoing process.

Written By Rey

Oct. 30, 2017, 2:26 p.m.(6/28/1007 AR)

I stood alone against a darkness rising. My light was so very small, but I was determined that it would burn as the tide of darkness rushed towards me and swallowed me whole. Silence, and then sound. I couldn't see, but I could hear. I heard the screaming, the wails, the madness of man's inhumanity to man. All of the despair of the world, all of the agony and hopelessness, stabbed and slashed at me with blades of ice, and I bled. I sobbed. I cried tears of blood. But I held onto my light, even as it started to fade away. Even as I started to fade away.

Another light came towards me, a light that burned bright, the only thing visible in the rushing darkness. It illuminated a man's face, lined, and strong, and smiling. I felt warmth when he wrapped his arm around me and drew me close. I thought I would never feel warm again. You've done enough, he told me as he drew me away. It's time to come home. He parted the world like it was a silk curtain and took me away from the pain and the dark, away with him to his kingdom beneath the waves.

Under the water, I couldn't breathe. As the way behind me closed, I realized suddenly that I was drowning. I looked for the king, but he was gone; I was alone, deep beneath the ocean, and I saw the wreck of a ship nearby.

Home. This is home. This is where I belong. This is where I should have ended up, all those years ago, and now I'm here. Here with my father, who has waited for me all this time in the wreck of a ship, deep beneath the waves. My lungs burn. I need to breathe...

I woke up gasping for air, half strangled by my pillow.

Why am I having so many nightmares?

Written By Monique

Oct. 30, 2017, 11:05 a.m.(6/28/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Mia

The Countess' dinner was spectacular! And the company just as pleasant. All in all, the night couldn't have been better.

I'm not sure how I ended up with more than one bottle of the sherry! I think Lord Corban must have given me his by mistake.

Written By Morrighan

Oct. 30, 2017, 10:32 a.m.(6/28/1007 AR)

The masque was certainly interesting for the brief amount of time I was there, though I think I was a bit out of my element. Still, first time for everything, and at least I have something to wear if another one pops up, though I still say dresses are damn inconvenient. Maybe I should have worn stockings instead. Hmm.

Written By Eirene

Oct. 30, 2017, 10:16 a.m.(6/28/1007 AR)

Nice way Tehom's actor took advantage of the dim lights and our attention focused on the 'winner' to scoot out the back door.

And here I was expecting a demonic attack and all I got was a bit of slight of hand.

I was almost disappointed.

The ball was fucking beautiful even if I hate parties and only stayed for, maybe a half hour?

Written By Isabetta

Oct. 30, 2017, 9:54 a.m.(6/28/1007 AR)

It has taken me several days to build up the courage to do this. As if reliving the night would make me feel fresh the shame that I had then.

The ball was a great success and I applaud my friends Talen and Eleyna for their success. I loved the costumes and the masks and the atmosphere.

I confess to making a fool of myself. I took my mask off early on, it was stuffy and hot. Of course the only person with a mask off in a masked ball is going to stand out. I wanted to hide in my room the rest of the ball. I made a small scene, running out like a child! It was appalling. Princess Alarissa did try to temper my embarrassment and I thank her for that. Some others did too, but they were less obvious with whom they are. Being so far along with child makes it difficult to be inconspicuous. The Mistress Margery Greyhope as I am told she is called by Talen, whom is surely an authority. Also came to my rescue later on.

For future reference I will know to never remove my mask during a masked ball and to always arrive with a date.

It would be nice if these events had more intermingling of the guests though.

I hope my shame can be a lesson to the future generations.

Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.

Leave blank if this journal is not a relationship

Mark if this is a private, black journal entry