Written By Dominic
Feb. 15, 2017, 2:06 a.m.(12/5/1005 AR)
I had five thralls when I was doing my house business. Now I have five less. If you are going to use my own people to spy on me expect them to pay the price.
Written By Harald
Feb. 15, 2017, 1:57 a.m.(12/5/1005 AR)
It is the nature of folk to mourn the deaths of those known to them. As this unfolding conflict takes shape as the greatest conflict for centuries, much perspective has been lost.
The outcome of the recent Battle of Pridehall, like the prior ambush and destruction of the traitors under Everard Telmar, was never in doubt. Our numbers were double that of the Enemy, our warriors better armed and disciplined; no brilliance was needed to simply secure victory. The great triumph of Pridehall was not that the army of the Compact prevailed, but that it did so at such light cost. Time and again, I have heard others speak of the terrible cost of this victory, when to my eye the price was light. Two thousand lost out of 40,000. One warrior lost out of twenty may seem significant, until one considers the losses of the Enemy, which amounted to a total destruction of near twenty thousand.
At Pridehall, it was not a question of victory or defeat, it was a question of how clean a victory could be won. Soon it will be we who face greater numbers; soon victory will not be assured, and will not be won lightly. Soon we will face foemen of such power and number that our victory will be worthy of song and saga.
To those gentle souls who have dwelt in peace until now, mourn the loss of those you knew and take solace from their sacrifice, but do not weary your hearts with great laments, lest your hearts grow weak in the face of the trials ahead. The losses seen thus far are but the first drops in the growing storm still to come, and great strength will be needed to see that storm broken.
I salute the fallen and I salute the living. I recall the past and ready for the future. I drink to the battles before, and those yet to come.
The words of House Thrax are true in this hour: Tears in our wake, never at our wake.
The outcome of the recent Battle of Pridehall, like the prior ambush and destruction of the traitors under Everard Telmar, was never in doubt. Our numbers were double that of the Enemy, our warriors better armed and disciplined; no brilliance was needed to simply secure victory. The great triumph of Pridehall was not that the army of the Compact prevailed, but that it did so at such light cost. Time and again, I have heard others speak of the terrible cost of this victory, when to my eye the price was light. Two thousand lost out of 40,000. One warrior lost out of twenty may seem significant, until one considers the losses of the Enemy, which amounted to a total destruction of near twenty thousand.
At Pridehall, it was not a question of victory or defeat, it was a question of how clean a victory could be won. Soon it will be we who face greater numbers; soon victory will not be assured, and will not be won lightly. Soon we will face foemen of such power and number that our victory will be worthy of song and saga.
To those gentle souls who have dwelt in peace until now, mourn the loss of those you knew and take solace from their sacrifice, but do not weary your hearts with great laments, lest your hearts grow weak in the face of the trials ahead. The losses seen thus far are but the first drops in the growing storm still to come, and great strength will be needed to see that storm broken.
I salute the fallen and I salute the living. I recall the past and ready for the future. I drink to the battles before, and those yet to come.
The words of House Thrax are true in this hour: Tears in our wake, never at our wake.
Written By Calypso
Feb. 15, 2017, 1:48 a.m.(12/5/1005 AR)
Malvici Family Dinner.
I always wonder if everyone else's family dinner's are as entertaining as ours. I don't know how I got so lucky to be born in to this lot of hard working, fiercely protective, endlessly entertaining individuals.
I'll have to slip the house servants a couple extra silver this week. Worth it.
I always wonder if everyone else's family dinner's are as entertaining as ours. I don't know how I got so lucky to be born in to this lot of hard working, fiercely protective, endlessly entertaining individuals.
I'll have to slip the house servants a couple extra silver this week. Worth it.
Written By Orathy
Feb. 15, 2017, 12:36 a.m.(12/5/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Lyiana
Until the it gets Night in the Day...
I watched you, hard at work, pursued and hounded by those more wealthy than you, but who came to you, asking for your services. You're good at what you do, and it wasn't long after you made me a shirt and pant, which I didn't expect to get, that I knew you were too good for me. My service to fix a shelf was nothing compared to the shirt and pant you fashioned for me.
But I said I wasn't a good man but I would try to do good by you. So I will. I do wonder what you truly think...
I think, there's something about you that makes me want to be a good... man.
You make me think of ... some words....
What used to be a house of cards, has turned into a reservoir, save the tears that were water falling, let's go swim tonight, darling. And once outside the undertow, just you and me, and nothing more. If not for love, I would be drowning, I've seen it work both ways, but I am up riding high amongst the waves, where I can feel like I have a soul that has been saved. Where I can feel like I've put away my early grave, I gotta say it now, better loud than too late... (Credit: Pearl Jam)
You make me thinks... of you...
I watched you, hard at work, pursued and hounded by those more wealthy than you, but who came to you, asking for your services. You're good at what you do, and it wasn't long after you made me a shirt and pant, which I didn't expect to get, that I knew you were too good for me. My service to fix a shelf was nothing compared to the shirt and pant you fashioned for me.
But I said I wasn't a good man but I would try to do good by you. So I will. I do wonder what you truly think...
I think, there's something about you that makes me want to be a good... man.
You make me think of ... some words....
What used to be a house of cards, has turned into a reservoir, save the tears that were water falling, let's go swim tonight, darling. And once outside the undertow, just you and me, and nothing more. If not for love, I would be drowning, I've seen it work both ways, but I am up riding high amongst the waves, where I can feel like I have a soul that has been saved. Where I can feel like I've put away my early grave, I gotta say it now, better loud than too late... (Credit: Pearl Jam)
You make me thinks... of you...
Written By Khloe
Feb. 15, 2017, 12:29 a.m.(12/5/1005 AR)
There are some days that I think my heart might truly break when I walk through the streets and see the state of despair that's fallen upon many of the people who raised me to be the young woman I am today. And for the first time in a long time, I am without the right word to say unto them to be the palm to their pain.
What do you say to a mother or a father who mourns the loss of sons and
daughters?
How do you soothe your fellow man stricken with fear for what the shadows hold?
There are no platitudes and uncertain promises you should say to them, for wouldn't it just be a lie? Instead, it is with action and conviction that with the morning there is hope yet to be discovered. Of faith to be reborn in ourselves and our fellow neighbors and brothers; not the meaningless charity from a hand in which is blind to their pains, but by the labor and merit from the brother who understands.
What do you say to a mother or a father who mourns the loss of sons and
daughters?
How do you soothe your fellow man stricken with fear for what the shadows hold?
There are no platitudes and uncertain promises you should say to them, for wouldn't it just be a lie? Instead, it is with action and conviction that with the morning there is hope yet to be discovered. Of faith to be reborn in ourselves and our fellow neighbors and brothers; not the meaningless charity from a hand in which is blind to their pains, but by the labor and merit from the brother who understands.
Written By Tikva
Feb. 15, 2017, 12:27 a.m.(12/5/1005 AR)
Walking the city is interesting. The chill air prickles on my skin. It's still fall but I can smell winter coming. The hint of salt in the air in parts of town reminds me of home. Not ... my new home, my home now with Lord Tiber and all the rich forests and the twin rivers, but ... my first home, my real home. Will I ever stop thinking of Brighthold that way?
I always forget how big the city is. It's been years since I came to Arx. But the levies are called, the troops march, and a dire threat masses on the horizon, so here we are.
Today, I explored the city, investigated several shops, studied a prayer book at the shrine of Limerance, met the High Lord of Grayson, accidentally compared her to my great grandmother -- look, these things happen, all right? -- and possibly threw imaginary water at a nice swordswoman (hammerwoman?) of my fealty who has pretty great hair. I also attended a bread making competition where the Thrax showed people how to make hardtack, at which I performed just as badly as you might expect.
It's interesting to think of, really: that we turn the a life or death skill for our people into a game that we play for fun, as a fundraiser? Yet I can't say that it wasn't a fun game! But it does make you stop and think, doesn't it? Of what you owe your liege? Of what you owe the commoners under your protection? Doesn't it make you wonder what Limerance would think? Perhaps I will ask a priest!
I can imagine Tibault's expression telling him about it and it makes me laugh just sitting here writing!
I always forget how big the city is. It's been years since I came to Arx. But the levies are called, the troops march, and a dire threat masses on the horizon, so here we are.
Today, I explored the city, investigated several shops, studied a prayer book at the shrine of Limerance, met the High Lord of Grayson, accidentally compared her to my great grandmother -- look, these things happen, all right? -- and possibly threw imaginary water at a nice swordswoman (hammerwoman?) of my fealty who has pretty great hair. I also attended a bread making competition where the Thrax showed people how to make hardtack, at which I performed just as badly as you might expect.
It's interesting to think of, really: that we turn the a life or death skill for our people into a game that we play for fun, as a fundraiser? Yet I can't say that it wasn't a fun game! But it does make you stop and think, doesn't it? Of what you owe your liege? Of what you owe the commoners under your protection? Doesn't it make you wonder what Limerance would think? Perhaps I will ask a priest!
I can imagine Tibault's expression telling him about it and it makes me laugh just sitting here writing!
Written By Marius
Feb. 14, 2017, 11:06 p.m.(12/5/1005 AR)
If the reports are to be believed - and who in their right mind would lie about a thing like that? - it seems we were right all along; shavs by the thousands are massing against us. Hardly a surprise to us Greenmarchers, but I would wish with all my strength that we had been wrong. But, we are not a wishful group of people - the Greenwood's stark realities cleanses us of that particular quality early on... that's not to say we're lost in doom and gloom, lacking art and imagination - by no means! - just that fanciful wishing does not usually put the rabbit in the stew.
So: we have met the enemy and they are as we thought - feral, vicious, and driven by the Bringers. Well, if they want a fight, they have come to the right place. We held the Greenwood against them a thousand years ago, and we Greenmarchers intend to bring that same tenacity to the Compact. We are Untamed and Unconquered for a reason; it seems to be time to remind the demons just what that reason is.
Marian, Eirlys, and Fiachra made it plainly known, in this first encounter. I could not be more proud of them if I tried. Marian is a whirlwind of death when she's in the mood, and I would trust Fiachra to part a man's hair with an arrow at a hundred paces, on horseback. Eirlys surprised me, ushering many mindless shavs into whatever dark eternity they're destined for as she protected Prince Edain's blind side. I'm not surprised at her tenacity or duty - she is a Greenmarcher! - I just don't often think of her wielding a weapon. I laughed a little, wondering if the feral shavs she slew discounted her... to their ultimate demise, of course.
I am proud of my family as rule. We are all proud of our family - just ask anyone who has made the idiotic mistake of speaking ill of a Greenmarcher around Muiryn! - but today, it might just threaten to spill out from the Lodge like a wave...
The loss of life always causes me grief. I do not revel in the death of allies, even respected enemies. Deaths can have meaning, though, and I choose to believe that we will not waste our pain; we will use it to hone us into more lethal foes, more terrifying enemies, until even the demon horde itself is forced to admit they were wrong to press us.
So: we have met the enemy and they are as we thought - feral, vicious, and driven by the Bringers. Well, if they want a fight, they have come to the right place. We held the Greenwood against them a thousand years ago, and we Greenmarchers intend to bring that same tenacity to the Compact. We are Untamed and Unconquered for a reason; it seems to be time to remind the demons just what that reason is.
Marian, Eirlys, and Fiachra made it plainly known, in this first encounter. I could not be more proud of them if I tried. Marian is a whirlwind of death when she's in the mood, and I would trust Fiachra to part a man's hair with an arrow at a hundred paces, on horseback. Eirlys surprised me, ushering many mindless shavs into whatever dark eternity they're destined for as she protected Prince Edain's blind side. I'm not surprised at her tenacity or duty - she is a Greenmarcher! - I just don't often think of her wielding a weapon. I laughed a little, wondering if the feral shavs she slew discounted her... to their ultimate demise, of course.
I am proud of my family as rule. We are all proud of our family - just ask anyone who has made the idiotic mistake of speaking ill of a Greenmarcher around Muiryn! - but today, it might just threaten to spill out from the Lodge like a wave...
The loss of life always causes me grief. I do not revel in the death of allies, even respected enemies. Deaths can have meaning, though, and I choose to believe that we will not waste our pain; we will use it to hone us into more lethal foes, more terrifying enemies, until even the demon horde itself is forced to admit they were wrong to press us.
Written By Silas
Feb. 14, 2017, 10 p.m.(12/4/1005 AR)
A shame. I was looking forward to the wedding reception.
Oh well. I'm sure there will be others.
Oh well. I'm sure there will be others.
Written By Luis
Feb. 14, 2017, 8:46 p.m.(12/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Pietro
My dear cousin
I cannot believe you and your brother are gone.
On your grave I will kill every shav I see from now until the end of my days.
May your soul get the rest those bastards don't deserve.
I cannot believe you and your brother are gone.
On your grave I will kill every shav I see from now until the end of my days.
May your soul get the rest those bastards don't deserve.
Written By Alistair
Feb. 14, 2017, 8:11 p.m.(12/4/1005 AR)
Despite what some may think... not all Abandoned know all Abandoned... not all Prodigals know all Prodigals... not all Prodigals know all Abandoned. We are a thousand different tribes of a hundred different lands. Sometimes I have forgotten that myself, and trying to treat with those of a shared life comes no easier to me then it does to those of Civilization. They can be frustratingly ignorant and locked in their ways. At times I would rather deal with elves. At least they would go about entertaining themselves.
Written By Alistair
Feb. 14, 2017, 7:51 p.m.(12/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Rymarr
It seem some Inquisitorial notes found their way into one of Alistair's white journals. Or perhaps he always writes in such a tone.
"A dutiful man. The Crown and the Kings Own is lucky to have him. I hope he does not come with regrets."
"A dutiful man. The Crown and the Kings Own is lucky to have him. I hope he does not come with regrets."
Written By Alistair
Feb. 14, 2017, 7:47 p.m.(12/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Marius
We come from different forest, that is certainly true. You speak of a quiet as if that is something to be desired, but I have dreaded when the leaves stop rustling and the animals stop calling. We have lived in different forests, but at least we know the reality of the world.
Written By Margot
Feb. 14, 2017, 7:17 p.m.(12/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dagon
This will not be the first time we are parted so you might go off to battle, but I pray to the gods all of them end as this time has - with you returning home, whole, your sword wet with the blood of our enemies.
Written By Mason
Feb. 14, 2017, 6:21 p.m.(12/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
I can't say I knew her well, and I was told she was my cousin-in-law some time ago. So many people I seem to related to, and yet, I have had so few words with them.
I have but one memory of Nadia that really sticks out in my mind. I had brought a large serving bowl of curry to an event this past summer. I had wanted Arvians to have a taste of Eurusi food. What I discovered is that it wasn't to some of their palettes. Which resulted in a curry fight between Prince Darren and Duchess Nadia. To the point where curry had gotten flung into her eye.
It was a good memory.
May merciful and wise Ahj'on guide you to your rest.
I have but one memory of Nadia that really sticks out in my mind. I had brought a large serving bowl of curry to an event this past summer. I had wanted Arvians to have a taste of Eurusi food. What I discovered is that it wasn't to some of their palettes. Which resulted in a curry fight between Prince Darren and Duchess Nadia. To the point where curry had gotten flung into her eye.
It was a good memory.
May merciful and wise Ahj'on guide you to your rest.
Written By Samantha
Feb. 14, 2017, 5:13 p.m.(12/4/1005 AR)
I know my eloquence is spoken of, but hope that I will be forgiven if I find myself unable to bring it to bear.
I can only weep for those who we have lost, who I have called my friend, and hope that even though I do not stand on the battlefield, what I am capable of doing continues to honor them.
I can only weep for those who we have lost, who I have called my friend, and hope that even though I do not stand on the battlefield, what I am capable of doing continues to honor them.
Written By Eleyna
Feb. 14, 2017, 4:42 p.m.(12/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Pietro
Lord Pietro was once willing to fight a duel for me when he thought I had been insulted. I told him then that he was a fool and it was a waste of time. I couldn't tell him that it touched me. It's not my way. Not many seem to care much for my honor. Certainly, they do not care if I am insulted. Yet, he did. Perhaps it was just that he cared for my sister, but it was still appreciated.
And now he's gone and so is his brother. The Lyceum bleeds again when our previous wounds have barely healed.
And now he's gone and so is his brother. The Lyceum bleeds again when our previous wounds have barely healed.
Written By Felix
Feb. 14, 2017, 4:20 p.m.(12/4/1005 AR)
Growing apart.
I guess that's what people do sometimes. It's a heavy feeling once you get to the realization that someone so suited for you...wasn't. Not that there's anything wrong with Joscelin. Just didn't work, I guess. I wish her all the best in her endeavors.
So that's that. Felix Meadson remains Felix Meadson. Nothing left to do but look towards the future, I suppose.
I guess that's what people do sometimes. It's a heavy feeling once you get to the realization that someone so suited for you...wasn't. Not that there's anything wrong with Joscelin. Just didn't work, I guess. I wish her all the best in her endeavors.
So that's that. Felix Meadson remains Felix Meadson. Nothing left to do but look towards the future, I suppose.
Written By Victus
Feb. 14, 2017, 4:09 p.m.(12/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
I was taught, and I've believed, that women had no place on a battlefield.
I suppose I still believe that. But whether they're supposed to be there or not, I won't deny that some of them are capable, more capable than a lot of men I know. Nadia Nightgold was one of them. We'd play our war games into the night, and she'd beat me more often than not. She taught me a thing or two, which is fucking rare.
I could say she shouldn't have been there, and that being there got her killed, and I'd be fucking right.
But she also fought with heart, and determination, and courage. And it would be a petty man who couldn't respect and honor that on its own merits. She died a worthy warrior's death, and she'll stand a worthy warrior in my memory.
I'll be drinking to Nadia Nightgold tonight. I lost a friend, and I'm not a man who makes them easy.
I suppose I still believe that. But whether they're supposed to be there or not, I won't deny that some of them are capable, more capable than a lot of men I know. Nadia Nightgold was one of them. We'd play our war games into the night, and she'd beat me more often than not. She taught me a thing or two, which is fucking rare.
I could say she shouldn't have been there, and that being there got her killed, and I'd be fucking right.
But she also fought with heart, and determination, and courage. And it would be a petty man who couldn't respect and honor that on its own merits. She died a worthy warrior's death, and she'll stand a worthy warrior in my memory.
I'll be drinking to Nadia Nightgold tonight. I lost a friend, and I'm not a man who makes them easy.
Written By Michael
Feb. 14, 2017, 4:01 p.m.(12/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Luis
Luis, my friend, you have a way about you that not many could rival!
While we may vary across our decorum, milord, I must say that I greatly appreciated the invitation to your home, and look forward to many more such parties in the future.
That said, I hope next time there will be no need for you to stand on the table, or for me to leave so abruptly.
While we may vary across our decorum, milord, I must say that I greatly appreciated the invitation to your home, and look forward to many more such parties in the future.
That said, I hope next time there will be no need for you to stand on the table, or for me to leave so abruptly.
Written By Belladonna
Feb. 14, 2017, 3:57 p.m.(12/4/1005 AR)
The people of Arvum have stood against these threats before.
We will continue to stand.
We will continue to stand.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.