Written By Shadow
April 13, 2017, 1:46 p.m.(4/8/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Esoka
~Written in Northlands Shav~
I spoke with the Dame from the forest, The one they call Dame GreenBlood. She seems to be a good sort, and thinks my plan shows merit and has some promise to it. She has offered her help which means I am perhaps one step closer to being able to help and do something about this siege to try and bring it closer to an end or at the very least help with the mood within the city and help to break the spirits of those outside its walls. I only hope I have the time and can find the rest of the help needed. Otherwise this is likely to be suicide.
I spoke with the Dame from the forest, The one they call Dame GreenBlood. She seems to be a good sort, and thinks my plan shows merit and has some promise to it. She has offered her help which means I am perhaps one step closer to being able to help and do something about this siege to try and bring it closer to an end or at the very least help with the mood within the city and help to break the spirits of those outside its walls. I only hope I have the time and can find the rest of the help needed. Otherwise this is likely to be suicide.
Written By Cara
April 13, 2017, 1:24 p.m.(4/8/1006 AR)
A liege has responsibility for that which is done by his or her vassals.
And there is no moral justification for peeling the skin from a living man -- none whatsoever.
Until his liege has answered to what he has done, condemnation must be shared equally. If I ordered my general to such abhorrent desolation, I would be responsible for it as much as if I had wielded the blade myself; if he acted without my consent, I would be just as responsible should I fail to stand in judgment over it.
I value highly the contributions the Thrax have made to our unified war against the destruction of all reality, and look forward to the response of Thrax's leadership to the atrocities committed in their name.
And there is no moral justification for peeling the skin from a living man -- none whatsoever.
Until his liege has answered to what he has done, condemnation must be shared equally. If I ordered my general to such abhorrent desolation, I would be responsible for it as much as if I had wielded the blade myself; if he acted without my consent, I would be just as responsible should I fail to stand in judgment over it.
I value highly the contributions the Thrax have made to our unified war against the destruction of all reality, and look forward to the response of Thrax's leadership to the atrocities committed in their name.
Written By Tristan
April 13, 2017, 12:53 p.m.(4/8/1006 AR)
I could say a lot of nice things about Princess Donella too. She's someone I'm proud to call a friend, and I don't say that of many people.
But to say so would be to miss the point.
The point is this: the admiral of the Thrax fleet, under the Thrax banner, with Thrax forces, and thus apparently to all appearances acting in the Thrax did horrific things. People--real people, not some faraway characters in a book--died in agony, for the sake of a whisper of disloyalty. And that's what people are angry about. It's not because he's Thrax. It's for what he did, and what he apparently did in house's name.
If a Grayson prince did the same thing, I'd expect the reaction to be the same. Because it's the _right_ reaction.
There's a very simple question the people of Compact need answered: Did Prince Abbas act for Thrax in this? Because when a royal's using their house's forces, that's certainly what it looks like. Did he have Thrax's orders or approval? Or did he go rogue and use Thrax forces to satisfy his bloodlust?
We need these answers. If Thrax wants to distance themselves from Abbas' actions, they need to say so.
The silence on this is deafening. We need an answer. Until then, we cannot condemn Abbas without condemning Thrax, because he was acting in their name. I don't know why it takes a simple horseman to tell a high lord how great houses get things done, even one who's hoping hard we've forgotten how much effort he put into dividing the Compact himself. (I haven't. Memory like a horse, me.)
So, Thrax. _Speak_. Tell us what happened with Prince Abbas, because until you do, all most of us will hear is the screams of the dying and the suffering; the whimpers of those dying of disease, the crackle of flames consuming people's homes and shelters, the cries of a child for his dead mother. Those are not nightmares that are easy to banish.
There are monsters at our gates. That's no reason to ally with monsters--or become them ourselves.
If I ever believe that, I'd say we deserve to be wiped out of existence.
I'm halfway there as is.
But to say so would be to miss the point.
The point is this: the admiral of the Thrax fleet, under the Thrax banner, with Thrax forces, and thus apparently to all appearances acting in the Thrax did horrific things. People--real people, not some faraway characters in a book--died in agony, for the sake of a whisper of disloyalty. And that's what people are angry about. It's not because he's Thrax. It's for what he did, and what he apparently did in house's name.
If a Grayson prince did the same thing, I'd expect the reaction to be the same. Because it's the _right_ reaction.
There's a very simple question the people of Compact need answered: Did Prince Abbas act for Thrax in this? Because when a royal's using their house's forces, that's certainly what it looks like. Did he have Thrax's orders or approval? Or did he go rogue and use Thrax forces to satisfy his bloodlust?
We need these answers. If Thrax wants to distance themselves from Abbas' actions, they need to say so.
The silence on this is deafening. We need an answer. Until then, we cannot condemn Abbas without condemning Thrax, because he was acting in their name. I don't know why it takes a simple horseman to tell a high lord how great houses get things done, even one who's hoping hard we've forgotten how much effort he put into dividing the Compact himself. (I haven't. Memory like a horse, me.)
So, Thrax. _Speak_. Tell us what happened with Prince Abbas, because until you do, all most of us will hear is the screams of the dying and the suffering; the whimpers of those dying of disease, the crackle of flames consuming people's homes and shelters, the cries of a child for his dead mother. Those are not nightmares that are easy to banish.
There are monsters at our gates. That's no reason to ally with monsters--or become them ourselves.
If I ever believe that, I'd say we deserve to be wiped out of existence.
I'm halfway there as is.
Written By Charlaine
April 13, 2017, 11:50 a.m.(4/8/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
Thank you for training my icebear, You are very good with animal training.
Written By Ailys
April 13, 2017, 11:12 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aiden
The case of the missing teabox will go down in history. I am sorry Max lost your box brother, I will get you a new one.
Written By Aldwin
April 13, 2017, 11:09 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
A copy of An Open Letter to the Faith
In Arvum, in the Compact, we recognize two sets of laws that we abide by as a nation: The laws of man, and the laws of the gods. The laws of man are those set by one's liege or by the Crown; they are judged by one's liege or those delegated that authority. The laws of the gods are those dictated by our divine beings which prohibit or constrict our actions based on their natures. These latter are the laws that, when broken, the gods judge and which the Faith must take action.
To state clearly, so there is no misunderstanding here: the Faith of the Pantheon claims no jurisdiction over the judgement of the laws of men, save where the Faith acts as liege over the accused and the accused has broken the rules of the Faith. We are not here to judge an individual for being a murderer, for being a thief, or breaking any of the other laws of the Compact that are not spiritual in nature. Such individuals would be turned over to the judgement of the legal authority in question - as was done with Brother Fawkuhl when he was given to the care of the Iron Guard. The Lords of the Land, or their chosen - such as Chief Magistrate Octavia Kennex - hold these rights.
Now on the matter of what the Faith does have as jurisdiction are those matters which impugne the nature of the Pantheon. The Faith has an obligation and duty to the Pantheon to seek out and speak against those acts which go against the nature of our gods. We must stand firm in our conviction to our gods as a sign to others of where the righteous path is. We must lift our voice above the din and call out that which is against our gods. That is the divine mandate of the Faith.
As I stated in a previous proclomation, our gods are the gods of our aspirational ideals. Their natures are the pure and uncompromised essence of those ideals. While Baroness Kima speaks of men who can only see all Good and all Bad, this is a very true statement for the gods themselves. They each see our world through the lens of their ideal, and so view us all in the blacks and whites of their vision accordingly. The Sentinel judges because that is its nature. With this in mind it is important to understand that as the Voice of the Pantheon it is my responsibility to make their voice heard without filter.
There are differences in the actual judgements of men and those of the Faith, however. The judgement of men is often punitive - a punishment inflicted as a result. The judgement of the faith starts as prescriptive - a warning to guide someone back to the path they should be on. The Faith SHOULD condemn an ACT that is committed, and not the person that commits it. In this manner someone might see that area in which they erred but still know that while they erred, they still enjoy the embrace of the Faith and the gods and have a chance to repent and atone.
I wish to make clear my view on this as well. Diplomacy is the art of men to make compromise. The gods cannot, should not, and will not be compromised. If you see something that goes against them then you have a responsibility to stand against it. How you are to do this, though, requires a deft touch. It must not be so brash or so direct that it causes the hearts of men to harden against the lesson to be learned. We must always leave an opening for someone to earn forgivness, and not make them feel condemned only.
We are the spiritual parents of the Pantheon and must guide our children. A child will lie; a parent still loves them and teaches them why it is wrong to lie. A child will fight; a parent still loves them and teaches them why unnecessary violence is wrong. Like a parent, we must teach our children an ACT is wrong and not make them feel as if they, themselves, are bad for having done so in their ignorance of right or wrong.
In Arvum, in the Compact, we recognize two sets of laws that we abide by as a nation: The laws of man, and the laws of the gods. The laws of man are those set by one's liege or by the Crown; they are judged by one's liege or those delegated that authority. The laws of the gods are those dictated by our divine beings which prohibit or constrict our actions based on their natures. These latter are the laws that, when broken, the gods judge and which the Faith must take action.
To state clearly, so there is no misunderstanding here: the Faith of the Pantheon claims no jurisdiction over the judgement of the laws of men, save where the Faith acts as liege over the accused and the accused has broken the rules of the Faith. We are not here to judge an individual for being a murderer, for being a thief, or breaking any of the other laws of the Compact that are not spiritual in nature. Such individuals would be turned over to the judgement of the legal authority in question - as was done with Brother Fawkuhl when he was given to the care of the Iron Guard. The Lords of the Land, or their chosen - such as Chief Magistrate Octavia Kennex - hold these rights.
Now on the matter of what the Faith does have as jurisdiction are those matters which impugne the nature of the Pantheon. The Faith has an obligation and duty to the Pantheon to seek out and speak against those acts which go against the nature of our gods. We must stand firm in our conviction to our gods as a sign to others of where the righteous path is. We must lift our voice above the din and call out that which is against our gods. That is the divine mandate of the Faith.
As I stated in a previous proclomation, our gods are the gods of our aspirational ideals. Their natures are the pure and uncompromised essence of those ideals. While Baroness Kima speaks of men who can only see all Good and all Bad, this is a very true statement for the gods themselves. They each see our world through the lens of their ideal, and so view us all in the blacks and whites of their vision accordingly. The Sentinel judges because that is its nature. With this in mind it is important to understand that as the Voice of the Pantheon it is my responsibility to make their voice heard without filter.
There are differences in the actual judgements of men and those of the Faith, however. The judgement of men is often punitive - a punishment inflicted as a result. The judgement of the faith starts as prescriptive - a warning to guide someone back to the path they should be on. The Faith SHOULD condemn an ACT that is committed, and not the person that commits it. In this manner someone might see that area in which they erred but still know that while they erred, they still enjoy the embrace of the Faith and the gods and have a chance to repent and atone.
I wish to make clear my view on this as well. Diplomacy is the art of men to make compromise. The gods cannot, should not, and will not be compromised. If you see something that goes against them then you have a responsibility to stand against it. How you are to do this, though, requires a deft touch. It must not be so brash or so direct that it causes the hearts of men to harden against the lesson to be learned. We must always leave an opening for someone to earn forgivness, and not make them feel condemned only.
We are the spiritual parents of the Pantheon and must guide our children. A child will lie; a parent still loves them and teaches them why it is wrong to lie. A child will fight; a parent still loves them and teaches them why unnecessary violence is wrong. Like a parent, we must teach our children an ACT is wrong and not make them feel as if they, themselves, are bad for having done so in their ignorance of right or wrong.
Written By Eirene
April 13, 2017, 11:03 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Found a bunch of fuckheads in league with the Bringers. Welcoming them in to our city. Sacrificing bodies and souls to them.
Should have cut off more than a hand but there were people needing saving.
Did they deserve my care? Probably not but that's for the Inquisition to judge, not me.
In other news, anyone who thinks I am just a surgeon has another thing coming. I am a Malvici. We are born and bred for war. I know how to cut with more than just a scalpel.
Also: Costas is a worthy member of our house and I am honored to have him fight at our side.
Should have cut off more than a hand but there were people needing saving.
Did they deserve my care? Probably not but that's for the Inquisition to judge, not me.
In other news, anyone who thinks I am just a surgeon has another thing coming. I am a Malvici. We are born and bred for war. I know how to cut with more than just a scalpel.
Also: Costas is a worthy member of our house and I am honored to have him fight at our side.
Written By Ailys
April 13, 2017, 10:57 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Edward
A fine gentleman, treating me like a lady. Thank you for the tea.
Thank you..
Thank you..
Written By Darren
April 13, 2017, 10:20 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Now is not the time for words which divide. It is not the time to point fingers in blame. It is not the time - nor should it ever really be the time - to cast House Thrax as the villian of the world because of the actions of their ancestors, or because of the actions of a single man, while being purposefully ignorant of the actions they make as a whole to better their futures.
We are at war. Outside of our gate, men and monsters gather, ready for violence and brutality. In our oceans, we face yet another threat. We cannot be split apart now, when we need to come together. To fight, to defend. To lead one another into victory.
I have proudly fought beside House Thrax during the Battle of the Seawatch Gate, and the Battle of Pridehall. I saw the strength in their leadership, their passion and desire to protect the Compact. To do what is right, to do what needs to be done. I have seen this strength and passion in my conversations with Prince Victus and Princess Donella. I firmly believe that people can change, and Great Houses can change, too.
I agree Prince Abbas stepped out of line. I can condemn his actions, without condemning House Thrax as a whole. I will continue to work with the leadership of House Thrax. I will continue to stand beside them as we fight for our city and for our world.
I will not be divided, and we will overcome. Together.
We are at war. Outside of our gate, men and monsters gather, ready for violence and brutality. In our oceans, we face yet another threat. We cannot be split apart now, when we need to come together. To fight, to defend. To lead one another into victory.
I have proudly fought beside House Thrax during the Battle of the Seawatch Gate, and the Battle of Pridehall. I saw the strength in their leadership, their passion and desire to protect the Compact. To do what is right, to do what needs to be done. I have seen this strength and passion in my conversations with Prince Victus and Princess Donella. I firmly believe that people can change, and Great Houses can change, too.
I agree Prince Abbas stepped out of line. I can condemn his actions, without condemning House Thrax as a whole. I will continue to work with the leadership of House Thrax. I will continue to stand beside them as we fight for our city and for our world.
I will not be divided, and we will overcome. Together.
Written By Alis
April 13, 2017, 9:42 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Donella
The intelligence and wit of Princess Donella never fails to impress me. One need not agree with everything she has said, or will say, to admire and respect her. I have no doubt as to the depth of her Faith, and the sincerity in her words. And I am always pleased to be able to speak with her when the High Council meets.
Written By Rymarr
April 13, 2017, 9:06 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Calarian
Prince Calarian Grayson. We sat for dinner with one another recently and from what I can tell of the man he is an idealist. Which is not an insult by any stretch of the imagination. He strikes me as being similar to another idealist that I know and who has had great successes.
While an idealist he may be, the prince by all rights seems to possess a trait which I find much more useful and sane. He seems to be possess an abundance of pragmatisism. Not to be confused with priapism.
In these dire times that is an invaluable trait and I look forward to seeing the prince's star rise. He also has a wife whom I have gathered is Prodigal. Together, as is undoubtedly to be expected, they seem to have a great deal of concern for the wellbeing of the Prodigal refugees.
While an idealist he may be, the prince by all rights seems to possess a trait which I find much more useful and sane. He seems to be possess an abundance of pragmatisism. Not to be confused with priapism.
In these dire times that is an invaluable trait and I look forward to seeing the prince's star rise. He also has a wife whom I have gathered is Prodigal. Together, as is undoubtedly to be expected, they seem to have a great deal of concern for the wellbeing of the Prodigal refugees.
Written By Rymarr
April 13, 2017, 9:06 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Peregrine
Princess Peregrine Grayson. What can I write of the princess? I do not know her well. In truth I've met her once. What I did glean from that first meeting however? She is a Prodigal; some sort of chieftain's daughter of a formerly Abandoned tribe whom was married to a Grayson prince. Likely in order to secure their loyalty and seal the agreement of peace. Beneath her rustic demeanor, there is a certain nobility. Not in the sense of an Arx noble dressed in their usual plethora of silks, but much more akin to those of House Redrain that I've come to know and respect. A nobility of heart for the basic dignity of existence.
Pair this with the fact that the princess, by all appearances, is quite the formidable warrior? She came to dinner armed, though toting a peace-bonded weapon. A weapon which I eventually requested that the Marquessa of the House ask to be unbound. She's a princess that I find myself capable of quickly having respect. While her spoken word may be a little rustic and difficult to follow at times, the intent behind those words speak a great deal to me: always be prepared. She understands it - constant vigilance. I understand her and I believe she understands me, at least on that most basic of principles.
Pair this with the fact that the princess, by all appearances, is quite the formidable warrior? She came to dinner armed, though toting a peace-bonded weapon. A weapon which I eventually requested that the Marquessa of the House ask to be unbound. She's a princess that I find myself capable of quickly having respect. While her spoken word may be a little rustic and difficult to follow at times, the intent behind those words speak a great deal to me: always be prepared. She understands it - constant vigilance. I understand her and I believe she understands me, at least on that most basic of principles.
Written By Merek
April 13, 2017, 8:42 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Some personal musings of mine. The siege continues, it seems that people are having a rough time of things. I wonder what would cheer them up, besides the events that are hosted in Arx for them. I know for me, nothing can best the company of friends, or just being able to meditate on the Faith. I've been wondering what I should sell in the shop. I'm thinking about writing books for the people. Things that'll cheer them up. I wish there was some way to know what subjects people want to read about the most.
Written By Thena
April 13, 2017, 8:11 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Apparently I'm expected to turn myself into a crack shot at some point in the near future. Ah well, I don't have anything better to do at the moment.
Sir Edward, I very much enjoyed your poem. Please continue to hone your talents.
Sir Edward, I very much enjoyed your poem. Please continue to hone your talents.
Written By Silas
April 13, 2017, 8:01 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Looks like someone wants to eat me.
I will do my best to make sure he gets indigestion if he is successful.
I will do my best to make sure he gets indigestion if he is successful.
Written By Edain
April 13, 2017, 7:01 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Margot
I could talk at length about the brutality of the Thrax, and I feel safe in saying my feelings about them are well documented. To some extent I feel great shame that when I heard of Prince Abbas' slaughter my first reaction was a sigh of resignation and regret rather than outrage, because this is what I expect of the Thrax. But then I heard the story of Duchess Margot Tyde's victory.
She won a bloodless victory and in doing so stole forces and weapons from the Gyre and added them to her own. She showed that wit, diplomacy and guile can be more powerful than the sharpest sword. She did not just make the re-surging House Tyde stronger, but she made the Compact stronger. We are in the fight of our lives, and we are going to all be changed by what we go through in the coming days. And while we fight for our lives, we are going to do things we are not always going to be proud of.
Duchess Margot Tyde did something we can all feel a swell of pride from, and she showed us that no matter the darkness, there can be a better way. Changing is coming to Mourning Isles, and her rulers can either adapt or be swept away by the tide.
She won a bloodless victory and in doing so stole forces and weapons from the Gyre and added them to her own. She showed that wit, diplomacy and guile can be more powerful than the sharpest sword. She did not just make the re-surging House Tyde stronger, but she made the Compact stronger. We are in the fight of our lives, and we are going to all be changed by what we go through in the coming days. And while we fight for our lives, we are going to do things we are not always going to be proud of.
Duchess Margot Tyde did something we can all feel a swell of pride from, and she showed us that no matter the darkness, there can be a better way. Changing is coming to Mourning Isles, and her rulers can either adapt or be swept away by the tide.
Written By Driskell
April 13, 2017, 4:45 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
In a routine check of supplies at Darkwater Reach, I found more rum barrels to be suspiciously empty. I suspect faulty barrels, however I can't detect the smell of spilt rum. Perhaps I'm cooking my custards and cakes with too much? I'll have to think on this.
Written By Max
April 13, 2017, 3:42 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Quickest way to lose my buzz - have a Crier read me the goddamn proclamations of the day.
Going to need more rum.
Going to need more rum.
Written By Artorius
April 13, 2017, 1:56 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Dulcinea
She is a good woman from what I have seen.
At times maybe a tad selfish, but her heart is in all the right places. She is a good Lady, and an even better ally.
I look forward to our next conversation.
At times maybe a tad selfish, but her heart is in all the right places. She is a good Lady, and an even better ally.
I look forward to our next conversation.
Written By Merek
April 13, 2017, 1:45 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Mikani
Not sure. She seems nice, and likes to learn, but I think she can get carried away when it comes to 'fascinating' subjects. Or, perhaps I'm just wishing that topics would be much simpler in recent times.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.