Written By Kima
Feb. 17, 2017, 5:45 p.m.(12/10/1005 AR)
Politics are about power; we cannot evade that truth or its consequences. We dream of a better world but it is in utopia – that is, nowhere.
Written By Percephon
Feb. 17, 2017, 3:50 p.m.(12/10/1005 AR)
I have seen a few other comments on this, and thought I would lend my own journal in support.
For those who feel the appeal to emotions, is it not right for us to assist these refuges of Abandoned -- regardless if they bend knee or not -- for actions that we, in part, seem to have caused through the issues of the Tiend? Does it not invite hubris, such as the stories of the Reckoning so many centuries ago, to think them unworthy of our help? It seems only right to assist these people in their time of need, those refugees who have clearly come in good stead, wishing nothing to do with our enemies.
For those who feel the appeal to the practical, is it not right to turn these people away, into the arms of our enemies? They will strengthen their numbers. For those who cannot, or will not fight, their sacrifices of blood will be used to fuel their evil magics. By not helping these people, we are only making our enemies stronger. They have practical skills, in foraging and foods, in leather and cloth. Skills that the compact can put to use, to strengthen us.
Regardless of the side of the coin one ends on, our path should be resolute: let us not turn these people away. Let us help them, in whatever ways we might. While I do not speak for House Telmar, I will gladly offer my personal assistance to those such as Marquessa Deepwood and Marquessa Greenmarch in their efforts to help these refugees.
For those who feel the appeal to emotions, is it not right for us to assist these refuges of Abandoned -- regardless if they bend knee or not -- for actions that we, in part, seem to have caused through the issues of the Tiend? Does it not invite hubris, such as the stories of the Reckoning so many centuries ago, to think them unworthy of our help? It seems only right to assist these people in their time of need, those refugees who have clearly come in good stead, wishing nothing to do with our enemies.
For those who feel the appeal to the practical, is it not right to turn these people away, into the arms of our enemies? They will strengthen their numbers. For those who cannot, or will not fight, their sacrifices of blood will be used to fuel their evil magics. By not helping these people, we are only making our enemies stronger. They have practical skills, in foraging and foods, in leather and cloth. Skills that the compact can put to use, to strengthen us.
Regardless of the side of the coin one ends on, our path should be resolute: let us not turn these people away. Let us help them, in whatever ways we might. While I do not speak for House Telmar, I will gladly offer my personal assistance to those such as Marquessa Deepwood and Marquessa Greenmarch in their efforts to help these refugees.
Written By Simone
Feb. 17, 2017, 2:03 p.m.(12/10/1005 AR)
Gentle readers:
Forgive me my opinions. I usually prefer to keep these to myself. But, this is a topic near and dear to my heart.
The Abandoned refugees are a recognizable result of the breakdown of the Bringers in the area of the Gray Forest. If those tribes were recognizable members of the Compact or members of our Council - they would have already been seen to safely - wouldn't they? Do we see them as a threatening mass rather than individuals? Do we judge them unjustly based on the brutal actions of others?
These refugees flee violence, hardship, and conflict. It highlights economic and political disparities between the Shav'arvani and the Compact, thus proving that many changes need to occur. In seeking to aid them, we are affirming that we are above these atrocities and great suffering. We should be willing to provide basic safety for themselves - and us.
Although, we do not need to create political pawns of these refugees, either. They need to be given opportunities to live and work in Arx, to become citizens and have a secure place among us. To have them willing to go out into the field with ours and fight our common enemies.
Otherwise, we will forever be at odds. Fighting internally, when the focus needs to be turned outward.
M. Simone Greenmarch
12/10/1005 AR.
Forgive me my opinions. I usually prefer to keep these to myself. But, this is a topic near and dear to my heart.
The Abandoned refugees are a recognizable result of the breakdown of the Bringers in the area of the Gray Forest. If those tribes were recognizable members of the Compact or members of our Council - they would have already been seen to safely - wouldn't they? Do we see them as a threatening mass rather than individuals? Do we judge them unjustly based on the brutal actions of others?
These refugees flee violence, hardship, and conflict. It highlights economic and political disparities between the Shav'arvani and the Compact, thus proving that many changes need to occur. In seeking to aid them, we are affirming that we are above these atrocities and great suffering. We should be willing to provide basic safety for themselves - and us.
Although, we do not need to create political pawns of these refugees, either. They need to be given opportunities to live and work in Arx, to become citizens and have a secure place among us. To have them willing to go out into the field with ours and fight our common enemies.
Otherwise, we will forever be at odds. Fighting internally, when the focus needs to be turned outward.
M. Simone Greenmarch
12/10/1005 AR.
Written By Joscelin
Feb. 17, 2017, 1:16 p.m.(12/10/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dominic
Mongoose has been under the weather, and after running into a large man who seemed to know about dogs, I sent Prince Dominic an inquiry after -realizing- he was -that- prince.
He was kind enough to see my beastie and offered a gut-clearing tea for her. So far, it's working well, though I have to keep the garden door open throughout the day for poor Mongoose.
He was kind enough to see my beastie and offered a gut-clearing tea for her. So far, it's working well, though I have to keep the garden door open throughout the day for poor Mongoose.
Written By Samantha
Feb. 17, 2017, 11:13 a.m.(12/10/1005 AR)
Many have questioned my wisdom by choosing to allow shav'arvani refugees into the March in addition to the Compact's citizens. This is an understandable fear, because they have been our enemies for a very long time. But now we are faced with the Bringers, and they are beings that all of humanity, not just exclusively those of the Compact, must rise up to defeat.
I said it in Assembly, I will say it again here: We do not make peace with our friends. We make peace with our enemies.
This is my intention; by affirming that I will not require any Abandoned who seeks refuge to bend knee and declare themselves Prodigal, and so long as they adhere to the law of my land while within my my borders, they may seek it in safety. Has anyone else noticed that the Bringers have none amongst them who are children, who are elderly, who are any way infirm? It's because they slaughter them.
It is my hope that we can convince the shav'arvani to join us in the fight against the Bringers. When it is over, they have agreed to leave my borders should they continue to be Abandoned, but I am prepared to force an exit if necessary.
If I lead by example, and show the worth of the Compact as embodied in my own acts and deeds and those of my people, I believe may convince many to join the Compact willingly, and not as a condition for their aid.
I know that many believe that my choice to be kind and merciful and to look at those around me and see people is a weakness that I will pay a heavy price for. But I believe that the choice to be kind and honorable is something only the strong can truly undertake, and the treasure one can reap as reward is well worth the weight upon my back.
Do not mistake kindness for weakness, my friends.
I said it in Assembly, I will say it again here: We do not make peace with our friends. We make peace with our enemies.
This is my intention; by affirming that I will not require any Abandoned who seeks refuge to bend knee and declare themselves Prodigal, and so long as they adhere to the law of my land while within my my borders, they may seek it in safety. Has anyone else noticed that the Bringers have none amongst them who are children, who are elderly, who are any way infirm? It's because they slaughter them.
It is my hope that we can convince the shav'arvani to join us in the fight against the Bringers. When it is over, they have agreed to leave my borders should they continue to be Abandoned, but I am prepared to force an exit if necessary.
If I lead by example, and show the worth of the Compact as embodied in my own acts and deeds and those of my people, I believe may convince many to join the Compact willingly, and not as a condition for their aid.
I know that many believe that my choice to be kind and merciful and to look at those around me and see people is a weakness that I will pay a heavy price for. But I believe that the choice to be kind and honorable is something only the strong can truly undertake, and the treasure one can reap as reward is well worth the weight upon my back.
Do not mistake kindness for weakness, my friends.
Written By Julea
Feb. 17, 2017, 9:34 a.m.(12/9/1005 AR)
[The following entry has been copied directly from Julea's crumpled speech notes ]
Assembly of Peers Speech:-
Must Remember:
1. No saying fuck, bloody abyss, shit, bloody or bollocks.
2. Breathe
3. Imagine people (probably Luca) naked then repeat step 2. Don't do step 1.
4. Don't offend princesses
5. Thank all the important people
6. Don't get stage fright.
There is not a single reason why crime has been on the up-rise in the boroughs and around the city. To consider the cause to be just one thing, would be to underestimate the scope of the problem. And I cannot speak for everyone in the boroughs, who are not just one voice, but many voices. But I will try touch on a few of the reasons.
People are scared about the rumors surrounding the Bringers and all the things that were once just nightmares and now have become a fixture in our reality. With little in the way of official information being released, rumors and gossip reign and people panic. And there are those out there that take advantage of that. People are worried.
People were unhappy about the division between the Crown and the Faith and the actions of the Crown in paying the Teind.
But probably the most prominent reason for the increased crime is the rise in the patrols of both the Knights and the Iron Guard in the boroughs. And the current solution to fix this, by further increasing their presence there, will likely make things worse, and further weaken the already tense situation and undo the hard work we've been doing to improve relations over the last few weeks.
While I'm sure that the Lord Commander does a great job, most of the Iron Guard have no clue when it comes to respectfully handling matters in the boroughs, and each day they are there, it's a bloody miracle that people are not getting hurt as they manage to offend and basically shit over all of the prominent families there and ignore traditional methods, and time honoured traditions of handling such things.
Think there's no single solution that's going to fix things in a hurry, but a great good way to start would be to set up a special precinct of the Guard made up of people from the boroughs and Captained by one of their own. Someone who they respect and knows how things work down in the boroughs. Who would be considerably less likely to offend people they ought not to.
Assembly of Peers Speech:-
Must Remember:
1. No saying fuck, bloody abyss, shit, bloody or bollocks.
2. Breathe
3. Imagine people (probably Luca) naked then repeat step 2. Don't do step 1.
4. Don't offend princesses
5. Thank all the important people
6. Don't get stage fright.
There is not a single reason why crime has been on the up-rise in the boroughs and around the city. To consider the cause to be just one thing, would be to underestimate the scope of the problem. And I cannot speak for everyone in the boroughs, who are not just one voice, but many voices. But I will try touch on a few of the reasons.
People are scared about the rumors surrounding the Bringers and all the things that were once just nightmares and now have become a fixture in our reality. With little in the way of official information being released, rumors and gossip reign and people panic. And there are those out there that take advantage of that. People are worried.
People were unhappy about the division between the Crown and the Faith and the actions of the Crown in paying the Teind.
But probably the most prominent reason for the increased crime is the rise in the patrols of both the Knights and the Iron Guard in the boroughs. And the current solution to fix this, by further increasing their presence there, will likely make things worse, and further weaken the already tense situation and undo the hard work we've been doing to improve relations over the last few weeks.
While I'm sure that the Lord Commander does a great job, most of the Iron Guard have no clue when it comes to respectfully handling matters in the boroughs, and each day they are there, it's a bloody miracle that people are not getting hurt as they manage to offend and basically shit over all of the prominent families there and ignore traditional methods, and time honoured traditions of handling such things.
Think there's no single solution that's going to fix things in a hurry, but a great good way to start would be to set up a special precinct of the Guard made up of people from the boroughs and Captained by one of their own. Someone who they respect and knows how things work down in the boroughs. Who would be considerably less likely to offend people they ought not to.
Written By Calliope
Feb. 17, 2017, 5:53 a.m.(12/9/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Donella
Princess Donella Thrax is difficult to read. I'm not certain if she approves or disapproves of me. I'd like to think approves. But I sense I need to earn her respect, and her trust. I'm not certain how to go about it, the standards she sets are high! Still, it seems as if it might be worth it.
Written By Calliope
Feb. 17, 2017, 5:52 a.m.(12/9/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Rainier
Sir Ashford is an enterprising man. He created a test course, filled with obstacles, and then set citizens - peasant and noble alike! to capture a handkerchief. The chaos that ensued was ridiculous, and all over something that cost 10 silver. What an inspiring man.
He can also hold his own with my Uncle Harald. That's saying something.
He can also hold his own with my Uncle Harald. That's saying something.
Written By Valery
Feb. 17, 2017, 4:38 a.m.(12/9/1005 AR)
Nightmares seemed easier when I had someone at my side. Maybe they were just less terrible.
But I worry anyways...
But I worry anyways...
Written By Brogan
Feb. 17, 2017, 3:02 a.m.(12/9/1005 AR)
She is dead. I see her body in the main hall, and the walls of our estate are draped in black, and she is dead.
My niece is dead. My wife is dead. My child is dead.
Still, I will drink. Still, I will fight. Still, I will screw.
Tomorrow I may be dead as well.
The spirits are fickle.
My niece is dead. My wife is dead. My child is dead.
Still, I will drink. Still, I will fight. Still, I will screw.
Tomorrow I may be dead as well.
The spirits are fickle.
Written By Acacia
Feb. 17, 2017, 2:14 a.m.(12/9/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Mae
Today, Mae is my favorite.
Tomorrow, she might just be my favorite too.
It's just that deep down inside my heart, I know that beneath all the things that get so easily on my good side -- she's probably really getting in mayhem. Maybe. It's dismaying, really.
Tomorrow, she might just be my favorite too.
It's just that deep down inside my heart, I know that beneath all the things that get so easily on my good side -- she's probably really getting in mayhem. Maybe. It's dismaying, really.
Written By Mae
Feb. 17, 2017, 1:14 a.m.(12/9/1005 AR)
*Posted up is a picture, a rather basic one, done with charcoal stick on cheap paper. It features two stick figures, one whose torso is a circle, and one that's long and slender. Both stick figures have long hair, though the artist has taken the time to find some reddish color to smudge onto the flowing locks of the slender figure. Between the two figures is the rough shape of a bird, though it has human arms. The arms have a fair bit more detail to them, with actual substance and clear muscle. One of those arms has a hand curled into a fist, and that fist is flying right at the face of the fat stick figure. The fat stick figure is smiling. Overhead, there's clouds. Beneath it all is written...*
To: Acacia
With love,
Mae
To: Acacia
With love,
Mae
Written By Ford
Feb. 17, 2017, 12:36 a.m.(12/9/1005 AR)
Octavia, Niklas, and even Cecilia are here in Arx now.
I very literally don't know what to do with myself. Where Octavia is the very same Octavia I remember from when I was...one of my first memories is of me and her trying to work our way onto the kitchen counters to grab the sweets. We worked well together, even as young children. Now that we're adults, we will be unstoppable.
Niklas and Ceci, however.. are strangers to me. Niklas was a babbling infant when I left for Sanctum, Cecilia not even born yet.
I see them walking around the house I built for us all here. And for all my diplomacy, for all my charm and cunning, I haven't a clue of how to approach them. I'm lost around them, and it pains me. They're my own flesh and blood.
I hope, truly hope, that one day I can know them as my brother and sister.
I very literally don't know what to do with myself. Where Octavia is the very same Octavia I remember from when I was...one of my first memories is of me and her trying to work our way onto the kitchen counters to grab the sweets. We worked well together, even as young children. Now that we're adults, we will be unstoppable.
Niklas and Ceci, however.. are strangers to me. Niklas was a babbling infant when I left for Sanctum, Cecilia not even born yet.
I see them walking around the house I built for us all here. And for all my diplomacy, for all my charm and cunning, I haven't a clue of how to approach them. I'm lost around them, and it pains me. They're my own flesh and blood.
I hope, truly hope, that one day I can know them as my brother and sister.
Written By Merek
Feb. 16, 2017, 11:58 p.m.(12/9/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Demura
I have not talked to my patron in a while, I believe she has been busy. I need to remind myself to speak with her more often about what she will be expecting of me.
Written By Harald
Feb. 16, 2017, 11:58 p.m.(12/9/1005 AR)
There are many reasons for mainlanders to find my race disagreeable. Our habits of speech are different, our laws are different, our values are different.
For all of that, how great must a man's arrogance be to think he knows better than we how the Highlord of the Isles should be chosen? Nobles walked out of the Assembly when Highlord Victus entered and took his seat.
The traditions of the Isles are ours. Victus is our Highlord. Outsiders may weep and rail against this truth if they wish, but so too must they accept it.
For all of that, how great must a man's arrogance be to think he knows better than we how the Highlord of the Isles should be chosen? Nobles walked out of the Assembly when Highlord Victus entered and took his seat.
The traditions of the Isles are ours. Victus is our Highlord. Outsiders may weep and rail against this truth if they wish, but so too must they accept it.
Written By Merek
Feb. 16, 2017, 11:57 p.m.(12/9/1005 AR)
The weeks seem to continue on as war approaches. I can only hope my efforts to help restore the Iron Guard make it much easier when it comes to fighting. If we keep on fighting amongst ourselves, there will never be much chance against our enemies. That said, good things have come from recent times as well. My sister is back in town, and we've decided to have our shops built next to each other. Someday when we both settle down into our own families, we hope that we can continue our crafts.
As an Alchemist, she compliments my own abilities well. I hope that she finds love in the city, as well as a place amongst the healers. These seem to be what she wants most. It's simple, it is nice. I'm just glad she doesn't want to put herself in the front lines. I worry about her. A healer still has meaning, and she will be perhaps safer. We're twins so both our birthdays are coming up. I intend to introduce her to people I know and assist her in making friends.
As an Alchemist, she compliments my own abilities well. I hope that she finds love in the city, as well as a place amongst the healers. These seem to be what she wants most. It's simple, it is nice. I'm just glad she doesn't want to put herself in the front lines. I worry about her. A healer still has meaning, and she will be perhaps safer. We're twins so both our birthdays are coming up. I intend to introduce her to people I know and assist her in making friends.
Written By Duarte
Feb. 16, 2017, 7:45 p.m.(12/8/1005 AR)
I am convinced, that they existed.
There's too many for it to be written off. Madness may take it's toll, but why do they remember when others do not? What line do they hold?
There's too many for it to be written off. Madness may take it's toll, but why do they remember when others do not? What line do they hold?
Written By Anze
Feb. 16, 2017, 6:01 p.m.(12/8/1005 AR)
Haven't been that hungover in ages. Ugh. And let me say, being hammered drunk and stumbling your way through a house you just moved into is a bad way of going about things. All I could think about when I woke up was getting something to fucking eat, and keeping myself out of the sunlight for a moment.
Didn't even bother with silverware, just grabbed food and started tearing into it, shit I can't even remember if I used a plate… Of course that all just made it worse when it dawned on me there were half a dozen Malvici guards just staring at me tear into breakfast like an animal. I don't think they were expecting that, shit, I don't think most of them knew I had moved in. Guess they're going to have to get used to me eventually.
Really wish I had remembered to put on a shirt though.
Didn't even bother with silverware, just grabbed food and started tearing into it, shit I can't even remember if I used a plate… Of course that all just made it worse when it dawned on me there were half a dozen Malvici guards just staring at me tear into breakfast like an animal. I don't think they were expecting that, shit, I don't think most of them knew I had moved in. Guess they're going to have to get used to me eventually.
Really wish I had remembered to put on a shirt though.
Written By Caelis
Feb. 16, 2017, 3:54 p.m.(12/8/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Hadrian
The brightest of us. He's got such a light spirit and welcoming presence. He might not be the chattiest, but he makes his words count for something. I admire his strength and love for his family. I may permit more hugs, but only because he's the Duke.
Written By Driskell
Feb. 16, 2017, 3:08 p.m.(12/8/1005 AR)
I met the favored of the Thirteenth today, the princess known as Isolde Velenosa. A moment which will always be remembered by me as she was dressed in resplendent white aeterna while the mirrors reflected the golden glow of the torches in the corridors behind. The Shrine in Arx is not what I thought.
When one is in the darkness long enough, your eyes can become adjusted to see things normally hidden. Likewise, when one stares too long at the sun, they become blind. Extremism in all forms weakens us, and doomed we all are to repeat the mistakes of history as we fail as a people to recognize that we walk the same steps made by others before us. Time grinds all like the waves crushing the majestic cliffs to sand.
When one is in the darkness long enough, your eyes can become adjusted to see things normally hidden. Likewise, when one stares too long at the sun, they become blind. Extremism in all forms weakens us, and doomed we all are to repeat the mistakes of history as we fail as a people to recognize that we walk the same steps made by others before us. Time grinds all like the waves crushing the majestic cliffs to sand.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.