Written By Harald
April 20, 2017, 1:05 p.m.(4/22/1006 AR)
In the Mourning Isles, fealty between Houses is a contract of honor. The vassal swears service and tribute to the overlord, in return the overlord swears protection of the vassal. A simple and imperfect summary, but generally accurate.
Should both houses assent to a division, honor is maintained. Should the vassal break faith without the leave of their lord, my people would name it revolt.
While walls are besieged, it hardly seems honest to let something so petty as hurt feelings over an unkind word stir a house to revolt, even if common born. To the dispassionate eye of an Islesman, it reeks of opportunism. Such rebellion during war would be answered harshly in my homeland, the Merciers are fortunate that the Graysons are more patient than a Grimhall would be.
Should both houses assent to a division, honor is maintained. Should the vassal break faith without the leave of their lord, my people would name it revolt.
While walls are besieged, it hardly seems honest to let something so petty as hurt feelings over an unkind word stir a house to revolt, even if common born. To the dispassionate eye of an Islesman, it reeks of opportunism. Such rebellion during war would be answered harshly in my homeland, the Merciers are fortunate that the Graysons are more patient than a Grimhall would be.
Written By Samantha
April 20, 2017, 12:54 p.m.(4/22/1006 AR)
I confess to being confused by this entire business.
Has House Mercier been feeling marginalized by House Grayson for some time? Because I've not heard hide nor hair of it. House Deepwood's business ties with them have been significant, and my personal friendship with at least two of them are dear to my heart. I would have been happy to help mediate if there were issues.
So this is either the straw breaking the camel's back (have you never heard of camels? Well, they're known of in other kingdoms, I believe there are a few in the menagerie), or a sudden and now irrevocable decision made off the cuff.
I am as disturbed by the choice as I am the fact that Velenosa were apparently so quick to accept the transition.
I choose at this time not to choose a side, so to speak. No irrevocable business decisions will be made at this time. Not without more information as to what exactly has happened, with accounts from all involved.
Has House Mercier been feeling marginalized by House Grayson for some time? Because I've not heard hide nor hair of it. House Deepwood's business ties with them have been significant, and my personal friendship with at least two of them are dear to my heart. I would have been happy to help mediate if there were issues.
So this is either the straw breaking the camel's back (have you never heard of camels? Well, they're known of in other kingdoms, I believe there are a few in the menagerie), or a sudden and now irrevocable decision made off the cuff.
I am as disturbed by the choice as I am the fact that Velenosa were apparently so quick to accept the transition.
I choose at this time not to choose a side, so to speak. No irrevocable business decisions will be made at this time. Not without more information as to what exactly has happened, with accounts from all involved.
Written By Lazarus
April 20, 2017, 12:35 p.m.(4/22/1006 AR)
Silas made his choice. Don't come to him for any Mercier business, he ain't no longer one.
Written By Ainsley
April 20, 2017, 12:31 p.m.(4/22/1006 AR)
I have written some rather dramatic things in my journals. I feel one day I'm going to look back on my white journals and think: "Ainsley Grayson, who let you have a quill and ink?"
I feel, perhaps, I should do penance to Limerance for being so foolish as to declare I would never love again. It is a good thing that the Gods know my heart better than my own.
I feel, perhaps, I should do penance to Limerance for being so foolish as to declare I would never love again. It is a good thing that the Gods know my heart better than my own.
Written By Edward
April 20, 2017, 12:28 p.m.(4/22/1006 AR)
Ah, lands and a title. The best form of bribery...
Written By Aureth
April 20, 2017, 12:27 p.m.(4/22/1006 AR)
For those of you who are or have been concerned:
Reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.
I did get speared through the gut by an asshole demon. It was not an experience I care to repeat. Of course, that isn't going to stop me from calling him an asshole demon.
The House of Solace has done what they could about me, however. The rest is merely inherent to my personality.
Reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.
I did get speared through the gut by an asshole demon. It was not an experience I care to repeat. Of course, that isn't going to stop me from calling him an asshole demon.
The House of Solace has done what they could about me, however. The rest is merely inherent to my personality.
Written By Aureth
April 20, 2017, 12:24 p.m.(4/22/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Calypso
Last night, I made battle plans with the Minister of Defense, General Calypso Malvici.
I never imagined that I would be called to do any such thing.
But since I am called, I serve. I never imagined that I would be doing that, either.
Death calls. The Crown calls. The Compact calls.
Well, shit. Here I am.
I never imagined that I would be called to do any such thing.
But since I am called, I serve. I never imagined that I would be doing that, either.
Death calls. The Crown calls. The Compact calls.
Well, shit. Here I am.
Written By Aureth
April 20, 2017, 12:21 p.m.(4/22/1006 AR)
I find it funny--
Last year, maybe two years ago I forget, Lazarus Mercier publicly called my mother a criminal. She called him out for this, and demanded that he meet her with swords in a duel. He retracted the insult rather than stand behind his words, but publicly complained and acted without grace about the whole thing. At that time, I called him coward.
A few months ago, I attended a wedding at the Mercier home, on behalf of my friend, Jeremiah, and his wedding to the charming Bethany Mercier, about whom none should have anything bad to say. Lazarus Mercier summarily ejected me from the house. At that time, I called him both a coward and ungracious in this very journal. Of course, because he is a coward and a man without grace, he did not respond. I assume this is because he knew that if he had called for champions, Gloria would simply have borne me out.
Now by his actions he has made clear that he is both an ungracious coward and a man without honor, who would put his personal pride above oaths and fealty and expect his family to blindly follow him into it.
Lazarus Mercier: coward, ungracious, honorless, and very shortly? Very broke.
Pretty funny.
I think now is a time that loyal Crownlanders should benefit from a 20% discount at Grayhope-run properties. I hope my family members will, with consideration, follow me in this. But of course, I make no demand that they do so. That would be arrogant.
Last year, maybe two years ago I forget, Lazarus Mercier publicly called my mother a criminal. She called him out for this, and demanded that he meet her with swords in a duel. He retracted the insult rather than stand behind his words, but publicly complained and acted without grace about the whole thing. At that time, I called him coward.
A few months ago, I attended a wedding at the Mercier home, on behalf of my friend, Jeremiah, and his wedding to the charming Bethany Mercier, about whom none should have anything bad to say. Lazarus Mercier summarily ejected me from the house. At that time, I called him both a coward and ungracious in this very journal. Of course, because he is a coward and a man without grace, he did not respond. I assume this is because he knew that if he had called for champions, Gloria would simply have borne me out.
Now by his actions he has made clear that he is both an ungracious coward and a man without honor, who would put his personal pride above oaths and fealty and expect his family to blindly follow him into it.
Lazarus Mercier: coward, ungracious, honorless, and very shortly? Very broke.
Pretty funny.
I think now is a time that loyal Crownlanders should benefit from a 20% discount at Grayhope-run properties. I hope my family members will, with consideration, follow me in this. But of course, I make no demand that they do so. That would be arrogant.
Written By Serafine
April 20, 2017, 12:10 p.m.(4/22/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Silas
Boss, need an escort when you go about your business? You're prime meat on the marriage market without your title, but -now-?
[It's noted the subject doesn't say anything discernible, mostly just cackles, snickers, chortles, and the like, with some syllables that sound like very vulgar, descriptive words.]
[It's noted the subject doesn't say anything discernible, mostly just cackles, snickers, chortles, and the like, with some syllables that sound like very vulgar, descriptive words.]
Written By Harper
April 20, 2017, 12:01 p.m.(4/22/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Silas
Boss is a silk now. Balls. The world really IS goin' to the Abyss in a handbasket now. Guess congratulatory measures an' further pranks are in order.
Written By Harper
April 20, 2017, 11:58 a.m.(4/22/1006 AR)
Oy. Dunno what some folks pray fer - most I know in the Lowers, are prayin' to the gods to be able to find their next meal. Honor's fuckin' great, but it doesn't fill a belly.
Written By Eirene
April 20, 2017, 11:54 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)
If I can't stop people from doing damn fool stupid things, I may as well be told about them in advance so I can mitigate the damage.
And if you think this journal is about you, it probably is then.
And if you think this journal is about you, it probably is then.
Written By Calypso
April 20, 2017, 11:41 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
Never in a thousand years would I imagine my duty as Minister of Defense - Coordinator of the Compact's Militaries - to include coordinating an Army of the Dead.
I wish there were more time to instruct you on the importance of responsible leadership. On the theories of battle tactics and the great responsibility that you hold in your hand. But, there is not. The break of this siege is eminent. Much of the Hope of our future, our very existence now rests in your hands.
Don't falter. Stay vigilant.
I wish there were more time to instruct you on the importance of responsible leadership. On the theories of battle tactics and the great responsibility that you hold in your hand. But, there is not. The break of this siege is eminent. Much of the Hope of our future, our very existence now rests in your hands.
Don't falter. Stay vigilant.
Written By Niamh
April 20, 2017, 11:02 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)
I find myself in a rather unique position, having been born Abandoned and now walking among the ranks of Arvani. I grew up in the Oathlands, tucked away in the Greenwood, and knowing the Knights of Valardin - the Dragons - as a terror to our people whispered in stories. They were an enemy to be respected, for their prowess was acknowledged even among the shav'arvani. We all knew that should we cross the line, the Dragons would come for us. A few years later and I am AM a Dragon. I knelt when Greenmarch did and I trembled in fear of a trap as Prince Radley annointed me a Knight of Valardin. Over the news few years I would come to learn, and appreciate, just what it means to wear the white dragon emblem.
As an Oathlander I now understand and appreciate this above all: high or low born, if you are in distress, you pray for a dragon. You take knee before the gods and you request that Gloria send you aid in the form of a chivalric champion in that blue and white surcoat. It gives hope to all the people of the Oathlands, strengthens them with courage, and lets them know that if injustice should arise, someone will be there the Champion their cause. When I came to Arx, I joined the Champions because I felt the embodied that spirit the closest of any in the city.
Now, as I have lived in Arx for a few years, I have come to another understanding. Many people throughout Arvum do not have a dragon to pray for. They do not have a comforting sense of roving chivalry there for justice and light. This is not to say that the Princes and Lieges of the other Principalities do not provide their people! No! It is just that there is not a common symbol that all reach out to in the same way. After sitting through the Siege of Arx, I can say, resolutely, it is time for that to change. It is time for everyone under the Compact to have a beacon of hope, a symbol of the fires of retribution, and a light to stand against the darkness encroaching.
I have begun speaking with the High Lords, the Knights of Solace, and the Inquisition to overcome this problem. The ORDER OF THE GOLDEN DRAGON, named in honor of Aurumadin and Lord Goldenpyre's sacrifice, shall be the dragons that all of Arvum can pray for. I seek to forge a new Chivalric Order, drawing from the heroes of all our peoples. Together we will range forth and slay the evil that persecutes our people. Together, we will stand up to those who call on the Abyss. Together we will bring hope to the hopeless.
I seek to form this group with as much freedom to act as is possible. It is one I wish to be largely self-funded and self-sufficient, though which will continue to act in cooperation with those organizations it would border (The Inquisition and the Knights of the Faith). It would be an order of those who can dedicate their lives and time to its completion entirely.
This is my dream for you, Arvum. I hope you share it with me.
Niamh Greemarch
Knight of Valardin
Grandmistress Champion
As an Oathlander I now understand and appreciate this above all: high or low born, if you are in distress, you pray for a dragon. You take knee before the gods and you request that Gloria send you aid in the form of a chivalric champion in that blue and white surcoat. It gives hope to all the people of the Oathlands, strengthens them with courage, and lets them know that if injustice should arise, someone will be there the Champion their cause. When I came to Arx, I joined the Champions because I felt the embodied that spirit the closest of any in the city.
Now, as I have lived in Arx for a few years, I have come to another understanding. Many people throughout Arvum do not have a dragon to pray for. They do not have a comforting sense of roving chivalry there for justice and light. This is not to say that the Princes and Lieges of the other Principalities do not provide their people! No! It is just that there is not a common symbol that all reach out to in the same way. After sitting through the Siege of Arx, I can say, resolutely, it is time for that to change. It is time for everyone under the Compact to have a beacon of hope, a symbol of the fires of retribution, and a light to stand against the darkness encroaching.
I have begun speaking with the High Lords, the Knights of Solace, and the Inquisition to overcome this problem. The ORDER OF THE GOLDEN DRAGON, named in honor of Aurumadin and Lord Goldenpyre's sacrifice, shall be the dragons that all of Arvum can pray for. I seek to forge a new Chivalric Order, drawing from the heroes of all our peoples. Together we will range forth and slay the evil that persecutes our people. Together, we will stand up to those who call on the Abyss. Together we will bring hope to the hopeless.
I seek to form this group with as much freedom to act as is possible. It is one I wish to be largely self-funded and self-sufficient, though which will continue to act in cooperation with those organizations it would border (The Inquisition and the Knights of the Faith). It would be an order of those who can dedicate their lives and time to its completion entirely.
This is my dream for you, Arvum. I hope you share it with me.
Niamh Greemarch
Knight of Valardin
Grandmistress Champion
Written By Luna
April 20, 2017, 10:43 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)
Death's at our door and we will not falter
We hold together and pray at alters
The spirits are restless
I had a vision of a bright echoing light at the gate. Blinding.. and the demons turned to dust and ash. I think it's just a hopeful dream. I do not know how commoners will survive this.
We hold together and pray at alters
The spirits are restless
I had a vision of a bright echoing light at the gate. Blinding.. and the demons turned to dust and ash. I think it's just a hopeful dream. I do not know how commoners will survive this.
Written By Thena
April 20, 2017, 9:42 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)
There is so much darkness in this city and yet I have not encountered any of it first-hand. I must be going to the wrong parties.
I know that sounds flippant, but if I were to let myself be otherwise I would probably cease to function.
I know that sounds flippant, but if I were to let myself be otherwise I would probably cease to function.
Written By Edward
April 20, 2017, 7:48 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)
The rituals of the North are fascinating, and have sense of age to them that does not come from more 'modern' forms of worship to the Gods.
Written By Ann
April 20, 2017, 2:37 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)
Document the eleventh:
1 treatise coming along damnably well
The practical applications have yet to be determined, but I am enjoying the research.
1 treatise coming along damnably well
The practical applications have yet to be determined, but I am enjoying the research.
Written By Rymarr
April 20, 2017, 2:06 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)
Has the Compact forgotten the purpose of The Champions in settling their disputes and affronts to personal honor? Increasingly as of late I do believe that it has.
Written By Silas
April 20, 2017, 1:11 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)
Though I have served House Grayson loyally for many years, and will continue to do so as my oaths as a knight require, I do consider the contents of Princess Cara's letter insulting and fully support my brother in his decision -- and the rest of my family. We were collectively maligned, accused of being war profiteers when there was little evidence to claim such, and then treated little better than unwanted pests which were getting in the way of more important things. The alcohol ban was dead in the water, it didn't need to be meddled with or commented upon, it was a choice she felt she needed to make for some reason.
My family is common and unlike myself, they did not officially go before the King and swear fealty: I don't think the realm has time to do that for every citizen born within their borders. They served Grayson because that is what their fathers and grandfathers did before them, and they saw no reason to change that... until now. If they are not respected, if they are clearly not wanted, they are free to leave and find a place where they are appreciated. I will not stop them. And I will defend them.
But I hope they realize why I cannot follow, one day. I never intended to have the bonds of loyalty and duty and family directly conflict with one another... but it appears it may have been inevitable.
My family is common and unlike myself, they did not officially go before the King and swear fealty: I don't think the realm has time to do that for every citizen born within their borders. They served Grayson because that is what their fathers and grandfathers did before them, and they saw no reason to change that... until now. If they are not respected, if they are clearly not wanted, they are free to leave and find a place where they are appreciated. I will not stop them. And I will defend them.
But I hope they realize why I cannot follow, one day. I never intended to have the bonds of loyalty and duty and family directly conflict with one another... but it appears it may have been inevitable.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.