Written By Edward
July 11, 2017, 5:24 p.m.(10/25/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcelia
You named your organization ARRG? I mean...
ARRG where are all the people!? ARRG where did all the money go!?
If you want so much to help but do not know what to do just shout ARRG!
I am sure a jester or theater actor who does better comedy can find more humor in this. But it makes me chuckle.
ARRG where are all the people!? ARRG where did all the money go!?
If you want so much to help but do not know what to do just shout ARRG!
I am sure a jester or theater actor who does better comedy can find more humor in this. But it makes me chuckle.
Written By Shard
July 11, 2017, 4:12 p.m.(10/25/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
I kill people for money. To be fair to myself, sometimes I also defend people by killing people for money, but killing people generally factors in somewhere.
You seem to be under the impression that I am questioning your contributions to Arx, or questioning you at all. Not in the slightest. I don't even know you, why would I do that? I'm sure you're as great and wonderful and dedicated as you say you are, and that plenty of others will agree. I certainly don't compare.
For the official record, your project's fine for what it is. I just don't like the concept. Nothing you can do to help that.
You seem to be under the impression that I am questioning your contributions to Arx, or questioning you at all. Not in the slightest. I don't even know you, why would I do that? I'm sure you're as great and wonderful and dedicated as you say you are, and that plenty of others will agree. I certainly don't compare.
For the official record, your project's fine for what it is. I just don't like the concept. Nothing you can do to help that.
Written By Zhayla
July 11, 2017, 4:09 p.m.(10/25/1006 AR)
Remember that whole: we stand united, we stand together thing that carried us through the siege? Yeah, I do too. We fought as one. We defeated our enemy as one. I guess, we forgot that as we're now all nit-picking our various Journal entries as one. We have the freedom to choose what we say in these, you know. We also have the freedom to choose how we react and speak and treat one another. There's challenges in trying to understand someone whose opinions vary wildly from yours.
But, try. Or don't try.
That's also a choice.
But, try. Or don't try.
That's also a choice.
Written By Aiden
July 11, 2017, 3:54 p.m.(10/25/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
The Menagerie project provided jobs for people. It will continue to employee those who have shown themselves capable of care for the animals as well as further construction needs. Is that not in itself, a way to help the crisis? Never mind that animals provide therapeutic outlets for people and the Menagerie offers a sanctuary both to animals and people. On top of that all, the project has been a morale boost for many people in this city.
You also may not know, but I got my hands dirty with the Agricultural revival of the Gray Forest, which also employed and continues to employ people. The poop was provided in part by the animals at the Menagerie.
Thirdly, I offered Master Torian Culler a shop space in the Gifting Tree, at the menagerie. I believe he is actually trying to get an orphanage set up in the Lower Boroughs. He gets all the profit that he makes from the Gift Shop and he can put toward that project.
Also, if anyone asks me for support when it comes to refugees, I will gladly do what I can for them - ask Lady Arcelia who is part of the Arvum Refugee Relief Group. I am also a part of the Golden Hart which provides funding and resources for charity causes and I'm pretty certain I've been to more than one fundraising event myself, that I didn't host, and gave what I could at the time. Maybe everyone forgot, but I do remember standing up on stage during the Whisper Event as one of their charitable volunteers and being auctioned off. I may not have brought in as many funds as other people at the time, but it was worth it to support the restoration cause to the city.
I've also taken on a protege, which I fully support out of my own stipend.
What more can I do?
And what do you do to help?
I feel like you should be questioning those who sit on their laurels rather than one who is actively involved in the community.
You also may not know, but I got my hands dirty with the Agricultural revival of the Gray Forest, which also employed and continues to employ people. The poop was provided in part by the animals at the Menagerie.
Thirdly, I offered Master Torian Culler a shop space in the Gifting Tree, at the menagerie. I believe he is actually trying to get an orphanage set up in the Lower Boroughs. He gets all the profit that he makes from the Gift Shop and he can put toward that project.
Also, if anyone asks me for support when it comes to refugees, I will gladly do what I can for them - ask Lady Arcelia who is part of the Arvum Refugee Relief Group. I am also a part of the Golden Hart which provides funding and resources for charity causes and I'm pretty certain I've been to more than one fundraising event myself, that I didn't host, and gave what I could at the time. Maybe everyone forgot, but I do remember standing up on stage during the Whisper Event as one of their charitable volunteers and being auctioned off. I may not have brought in as many funds as other people at the time, but it was worth it to support the restoration cause to the city.
I've also taken on a protege, which I fully support out of my own stipend.
What more can I do?
And what do you do to help?
I feel like you should be questioning those who sit on their laurels rather than one who is actively involved in the community.
Written By Shard
July 11, 2017, 3:12 p.m.(10/25/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
As someone who is neither part of nor likely to be in a mated pairing any time soon, I'm afraid I'd be unsuitable (besides, who would want to sit around watching me do Captain-General Audric's paperwork all day?). You could always start with the lower Burroughs though. There's the refugee crisis, after all. Solve two problems with one solution?
Written By Aiden
July 11, 2017, 3:02 p.m.(10/25/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Shard, would you like to volunteer? I think you might be on to something!
Written By Shard
July 11, 2017, 2:19 p.m.(10/25/1006 AR)
I think the next project for the Menagerie is clear: a human exhibit. Now is a great time to start on it as well, you'd have no trouble finding a mated pair, and entire essays are being written on the subject of human pairing habits and rituals. What's the phrase? Strike while the iron is hot? Think of the picnics. The parties. The praise from all for being such kind generous souls to the poor helpless humans who will come to live in the new home you have charitably provided for them.
Written By Aiden
July 11, 2017, 1:11 p.m.(10/25/1006 AR)
A Word From the Officiator of the Menagerie:
The Revitalization of the Menagerie Project started approximately five months ago and in that time, the community of Arx has made enormous strides in helping achieve the vision I had for the Menagerie. Many of you came out in support of the fundraising, the masquerade, and the soft opening. Many of you supported in other ways, donating your time and money to this cause. Others provided emotional support for this grand undertaking. Still others leant your social influence to help arrange for supplies and tools, and for the labor required.
While there are still things to build and oversee, the Menagerie is in a state of completion that can support visitors and events hosted therein. I wanted to extend my gratitude to all those who helped and who still may help. This has been a prime example of what people of Arx can do when they come together for a cause they believe in. We can do so much when we labor together for something we love.
So with that, as the Officiator, it is my honor to welcome all who reside within Arx to make use of the Menagerie, for social and educational purposes. Do you need a background to get married in? Do you need to have somewhere to host a birthday party? Do you wish to teach people about animal handling and need a place for it? Well, the Menagerie is yours to use! As long as we maintain a level of respect for the animals, let it be known, the Menagerie is open for day use!
I wish to offer congratulations to Princess Marian Redrain for her winning fountain entry!
Lastly, I'm pleased to announce the opening of The Gifting Tree, in which one can find the works of three crafters within. Nisaa Whisper, Master Torian Culler, and Mistress Petal Penrose. Both the Culler's Branch and Petal's Branch are currently stocked with unique gifts. Make sure to drop by on your next visit to the Menagerie.
It's been my pleasure to work with many of you on this project. It's been a blessing. Thank you once again.
Prince Aiden Grayson
Officiator of the Menagerie
The Revitalization of the Menagerie Project started approximately five months ago and in that time, the community of Arx has made enormous strides in helping achieve the vision I had for the Menagerie. Many of you came out in support of the fundraising, the masquerade, and the soft opening. Many of you supported in other ways, donating your time and money to this cause. Others provided emotional support for this grand undertaking. Still others leant your social influence to help arrange for supplies and tools, and for the labor required.
While there are still things to build and oversee, the Menagerie is in a state of completion that can support visitors and events hosted therein. I wanted to extend my gratitude to all those who helped and who still may help. This has been a prime example of what people of Arx can do when they come together for a cause they believe in. We can do so much when we labor together for something we love.
So with that, as the Officiator, it is my honor to welcome all who reside within Arx to make use of the Menagerie, for social and educational purposes. Do you need a background to get married in? Do you need to have somewhere to host a birthday party? Do you wish to teach people about animal handling and need a place for it? Well, the Menagerie is yours to use! As long as we maintain a level of respect for the animals, let it be known, the Menagerie is open for day use!
I wish to offer congratulations to Princess Marian Redrain for her winning fountain entry!
Lastly, I'm pleased to announce the opening of The Gifting Tree, in which one can find the works of three crafters within. Nisaa Whisper, Master Torian Culler, and Mistress Petal Penrose. Both the Culler's Branch and Petal's Branch are currently stocked with unique gifts. Make sure to drop by on your next visit to the Menagerie.
It's been my pleasure to work with many of you on this project. It's been a blessing. Thank you once again.
Prince Aiden Grayson
Officiator of the Menagerie
Written By Gaston
July 11, 2017, 12:37 p.m.(10/25/1006 AR)
No, I won't be sharing my thoughts on marriage.
Written By Samantha
July 11, 2017, 11:49 a.m.(10/24/1006 AR)
As it is the fashion at the moment, I shall share my thoughts on marriage.
I was not born of the original Deepwood bloodline, but I have been named a Deepwood, and am indeed the only Deepwood, and so it is my duty to carry the name and establish the bloodline anew. But Deepwood has become a phoenix rising from its own ashes; a place where those who have lost much can begin again, and emerge stronger for it. And so I have always known that I was obligated to marry at some point, and to the benefit of my march.
The question of course, then becomes - what do I need to look for in a spouse? Well, I knew I could not marry a fellow landholding noble, because it would complicate the dominion of our respective territories. I could not marry higher unless my potential spouse was willing to step down in terms of title, as any spouse of mine would need to take my name. It would be unprecedented, but not unreasonable, to marry from a commoner family if they were of sufficient economic status and societal placement, but most certainly not ideal.
In terms of title, I would need to find someone of equal or lesser rank. But what qualities must I pursue in said spouse? Statecraft was the study in which I was trained, and I was dependant on the strength of my advisors where martial matters were concerned. The consideration seemed obvious; I would need to marry a man of martial skill and noble birth, able to lead Deepwood's military forces as I would guide it in rulership.
I think it is the general consensus that I married for love, and in part, I did. But Rymarr was also exactly what I needed in terms of a spouse - a man of suitable rank, well-schooled in martial matters, and would father strong children to continue the Deepwood name. I can tell you that when we met, neither of us thought our lives would lead us to where we are now, but we both thank the gods every day that it did.
His suitability is beyond reproach, but that is not why I love him. We are building something together. We fit to each other like pieces of a puzzle, in all the ways that are important.
I can only pray that others, noble or commoner, can find such happiness in their partners.
I was not born of the original Deepwood bloodline, but I have been named a Deepwood, and am indeed the only Deepwood, and so it is my duty to carry the name and establish the bloodline anew. But Deepwood has become a phoenix rising from its own ashes; a place where those who have lost much can begin again, and emerge stronger for it. And so I have always known that I was obligated to marry at some point, and to the benefit of my march.
The question of course, then becomes - what do I need to look for in a spouse? Well, I knew I could not marry a fellow landholding noble, because it would complicate the dominion of our respective territories. I could not marry higher unless my potential spouse was willing to step down in terms of title, as any spouse of mine would need to take my name. It would be unprecedented, but not unreasonable, to marry from a commoner family if they were of sufficient economic status and societal placement, but most certainly not ideal.
In terms of title, I would need to find someone of equal or lesser rank. But what qualities must I pursue in said spouse? Statecraft was the study in which I was trained, and I was dependant on the strength of my advisors where martial matters were concerned. The consideration seemed obvious; I would need to marry a man of martial skill and noble birth, able to lead Deepwood's military forces as I would guide it in rulership.
I think it is the general consensus that I married for love, and in part, I did. But Rymarr was also exactly what I needed in terms of a spouse - a man of suitable rank, well-schooled in martial matters, and would father strong children to continue the Deepwood name. I can tell you that when we met, neither of us thought our lives would lead us to where we are now, but we both thank the gods every day that it did.
His suitability is beyond reproach, but that is not why I love him. We are building something together. We fit to each other like pieces of a puzzle, in all the ways that are important.
I can only pray that others, noble or commoner, can find such happiness in their partners.
Written By Aiden
July 11, 2017, 11:03 a.m.(10/24/1006 AR)
I decided to write about my musing of marriage and love, after reading journals about it and seeing all the proclamations of arrangements. Here it goes.
I received formal training when I was younger on the matter of state and the use of marriage. I was taught marriage for love is //often// a selfish pursuit. There are exceptions, as my tutors told me, as there are exceptions with everything in life.
However, it was explained to me that marriage for love was selfish because as a noble you have more to think about than yourself and when you are in love, you are only thinking about your own happiness. In reality, you have the happiness of those people who gave fealty to your house and home to think of, you have the happiness of your family to think about, you have your Great House to think about, you have your King and Arvum to think about. Marriage is best used to unite bonds between two families that ideally wouldn't come together, by creating that bond in blood by having offspring to carry the ties for generations to come. It's about trade pacts and sealing loyalties, also about the shifting of wealth and influence. It's about creating strength in unity and increasing the standard of living for all those who depend on you, so you should anticipate some social, military, or economic pact to assist with that. One can grow to learn to love their spouse but it shouldn't be the foundation for marriage.
That is what I was taught. That is what my friends have heard me saying when they've approached me in confusion or suggestion, that I get married to the Baron. When I reply, I cannot marry, they are most befuddled. We all know there is nothing against the idea of two people, regardless of gender, being wed before the Faith, of which I've ensured by reading of it. It would therefore depend on the High Lord of House.
I explain, while in an ideal world, I would marry Silas, in this world, it would be selfish and not the right thing to do. The Baron is landed and already given in fealty to Grayson. He is also the first of his name and as such, he will need to have heirs. Adoption could be possible, but it would not be a tie of blood that leads to creating long lines of nobility which is a part of our culture. This is the world of nobility. We could both step away from our noble titles and it would be of no consequence, but that, you see, would be utterly selfish.
So no, we cannot marry. It's hard to accept, but I have, I always have. He will need a wife - clearly one day in the far future because honestly I wish for more lasting time with him. However, it is not for me to be in the way of the duty he accepted when he took on the mantle of Baron.
As for myself, my last talk to Lark proved that it is likely that my marriage, if one ever happens, will be bound to the needs of Grayson - as I've been raised to understand. To that end, I am in no rush to be married either, truthfully, I like my life as it is. Yet I know, should there be an opportunity in the future for House Grayson to secure an alliance by the promise of my marriage, then so be it.
Until then, I live fortunately. I've found love. And it is no simple thing. It is profound. And I would wish for everyone to live in such a gift from Limerance. Everyone should know it. So if you can find a marriage match that will benefit more than just you, well, you should be giving your prayers to Limerance, for your life is a blessed one.
I received formal training when I was younger on the matter of state and the use of marriage. I was taught marriage for love is //often// a selfish pursuit. There are exceptions, as my tutors told me, as there are exceptions with everything in life.
However, it was explained to me that marriage for love was selfish because as a noble you have more to think about than yourself and when you are in love, you are only thinking about your own happiness. In reality, you have the happiness of those people who gave fealty to your house and home to think of, you have the happiness of your family to think about, you have your Great House to think about, you have your King and Arvum to think about. Marriage is best used to unite bonds between two families that ideally wouldn't come together, by creating that bond in blood by having offspring to carry the ties for generations to come. It's about trade pacts and sealing loyalties, also about the shifting of wealth and influence. It's about creating strength in unity and increasing the standard of living for all those who depend on you, so you should anticipate some social, military, or economic pact to assist with that. One can grow to learn to love their spouse but it shouldn't be the foundation for marriage.
That is what I was taught. That is what my friends have heard me saying when they've approached me in confusion or suggestion, that I get married to the Baron. When I reply, I cannot marry, they are most befuddled. We all know there is nothing against the idea of two people, regardless of gender, being wed before the Faith, of which I've ensured by reading of it. It would therefore depend on the High Lord of House.
I explain, while in an ideal world, I would marry Silas, in this world, it would be selfish and not the right thing to do. The Baron is landed and already given in fealty to Grayson. He is also the first of his name and as such, he will need to have heirs. Adoption could be possible, but it would not be a tie of blood that leads to creating long lines of nobility which is a part of our culture. This is the world of nobility. We could both step away from our noble titles and it would be of no consequence, but that, you see, would be utterly selfish.
So no, we cannot marry. It's hard to accept, but I have, I always have. He will need a wife - clearly one day in the far future because honestly I wish for more lasting time with him. However, it is not for me to be in the way of the duty he accepted when he took on the mantle of Baron.
As for myself, my last talk to Lark proved that it is likely that my marriage, if one ever happens, will be bound to the needs of Grayson - as I've been raised to understand. To that end, I am in no rush to be married either, truthfully, I like my life as it is. Yet I know, should there be an opportunity in the future for House Grayson to secure an alliance by the promise of my marriage, then so be it.
Until then, I live fortunately. I've found love. And it is no simple thing. It is profound. And I would wish for everyone to live in such a gift from Limerance. Everyone should know it. So if you can find a marriage match that will benefit more than just you, well, you should be giving your prayers to Limerance, for your life is a blessed one.
Written By Juliana
July 11, 2017, 9:35 a.m.(10/24/1006 AR)
I met Prince Tyrval last night and I must say what a fascinating night it was! House Pravus and some choice guests were offered the challenge of a game and it was... fascinating. Or perhaps it was that I was dazzled by the splendor of his raiment and all I can recall of the night is the sheen of that exquisite silk. He said it was made by a human crafter some five hundred years ago. I wonder if it is possible to recapture that level of skill?
Written By Monique
July 11, 2017, 1:50 a.m.(10/24/1006 AR)
Marriage is like a cage; one sees the birds outside desperate to get in, and those inside equally desperate to get out.
Written By Sameera
July 11, 2017, 12:49 a.m.(10/24/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
No wiser roads have been spoken. I feel, it's rare, rather inclined to get to know you better.
Written By Shard
July 11, 2017, 12:03 a.m.(10/23/1006 AR)
Blah blah blah blah marriage.
I think the current flurry of relationships can be pretty easily explained, it's just no one wants to think in those particular terms, particularly the nobility. The city just survived a devastating war. Thousands of people died. Suddenly a lot of the survivors want to pair up. It's just base instinct, not some mysterious seasonal quality.
I know, I'm a true romantic.
I think the current flurry of relationships can be pretty easily explained, it's just no one wants to think in those particular terms, particularly the nobility. The city just survived a devastating war. Thousands of people died. Suddenly a lot of the survivors want to pair up. It's just base instinct, not some mysterious seasonal quality.
I know, I'm a true romantic.
Written By Thena
July 10, 2017, 9:33 p.m.(10/23/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Calaudrin
No.
Written By Calaudrin
July 10, 2017, 9:30 p.m.(10/23/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
My only question on marriage is this: If you're "Sister Thena Grayhope" now, can I request you to marry me? And by request I mean, pen a heartfelt letter to Legate Orazion about why I need this and hope he agrees with me.
Written By Carita
July 10, 2017, 7:48 p.m.(10/23/1006 AR)
To note: if one should happen to stroll by the Black Point Wharf, one might be inclined to notice a new piece of statuary standing at the pier.
I am dying to know what the general public thinks of it.
I am dying to know what the general public thinks of it.
Written By Thena
July 10, 2017, 5:41 p.m.(10/23/1006 AR)
For those concerned with marriage stress, might I suggest the Faith? Marriage is not even allowed! Personally I find it frees up a lot of time to worry about other things.
Written By Skapti
July 10, 2017, 5:13 p.m.(10/23/1006 AR)
Marriage I would think is something I'll likely never have to worry about, thankfully.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.