Written By Luca
Jan. 29, 2017, 3:55 p.m.(10/17/1005 AR)
There is so much dark shit out there that I've kept my blinders on about because it was easier or because the learning was boring. Now, with Essie gone, possibly to something darker than simple foul play, I have to ask myself two things. One, could I have done more if I wasn't such a lazy, bored shit? Two, is this really how I should be spending my life? Just because it's boring and hard and takes effort to find out more, that isn't reason not to try. Not if it means family suffers. I need to get off my ass and start contributing. Maybe if I tell myself it's a challenge, it'll be less boring. But fuck me, I wish there wasn't so much reading involved!
Written By Preston
Jan. 29, 2017, 3:50 p.m.(10/17/1005 AR)
It is often that I train, often that I am surrounded in armor and have my hand on a sword.
But it is not often that I get to share the other things I am trained in, and share what I have learned of the Faith with those in need.
But it is not often that I get to share the other things I am trained in, and share what I have learned of the Faith with those in need.
Written By Victus
Jan. 29, 2017, 3:34 p.m.(10/17/1005 AR)
I have lived a life where I made it my core ethos that any act done in the name of, and by order of, Donrai Thrax, was an act for the greater good of Thrax. That no matter how gruesome the count in bodies and misery, and perhaps the damage done to my own soul, doing so ultimately prevented greater evil. That, by my deeds, more people lived safely, that my family was stronger, that my House was more secure.
I still believe that some ends justify the means. I believe that shying away from a hard choice to protect some intangible ideal is a weakness. A selfish act that makes men and women feel good about themselves, even as they allow terrible things to happen, all the while excusing their culpability as 'I could have done no more'.
But I'm no longer able to trust in the judgement of my Captain, my Commander, my Admiral or ultimately Donrai Thrax to determine which evil is simply evil, and which serves some greater good of my people. Perhaps I never should have. Of late I have come to think that no man should delegate all of his thinking to another. That we all have to own our choices, and not all loyalty is a virtue.
It is very unsoldier like.
But then I always knew Arx would corrupt me.
I still believe that some ends justify the means. I believe that shying away from a hard choice to protect some intangible ideal is a weakness. A selfish act that makes men and women feel good about themselves, even as they allow terrible things to happen, all the while excusing their culpability as 'I could have done no more'.
But I'm no longer able to trust in the judgement of my Captain, my Commander, my Admiral or ultimately Donrai Thrax to determine which evil is simply evil, and which serves some greater good of my people. Perhaps I never should have. Of late I have come to think that no man should delegate all of his thinking to another. That we all have to own our choices, and not all loyalty is a virtue.
It is very unsoldier like.
But then I always knew Arx would corrupt me.
Written By Cristoph
Jan. 29, 2017, 3:18 p.m.(10/17/1005 AR)
Command, I knew it was coming, I just wish we knew more about our foes. A quarter of the gathered force of the Oathlands to be riding under my banners to harry the foe but we still do not know their numbers, their goals, even how they are remaining supplied.
Regardless of the demons bolstering their ranks however most of them are men and women, humans, I know all too well how to bring war to fellow humans.
Regardless of the demons bolstering their ranks however most of them are men and women, humans, I know all too well how to bring war to fellow humans.
Written By Cristoph
Jan. 29, 2017, 3:16 p.m.(10/17/1005 AR)
Apparently I have excellent timing.
I hire Crimson Blades then virtually the next day one head of a great house goes missing then another is murdered? Not to mention the collapse of order in the city. I suspect their price would have been much higher had I waited a week.
Just what is happening within House Thrax though? I am surprised that Prince Victus ascended without the deaths of any of his half brothers.
I hire Crimson Blades then virtually the next day one head of a great house goes missing then another is murdered? Not to mention the collapse of order in the city. I suspect their price would have been much higher had I waited a week.
Just what is happening within House Thrax though? I am surprised that Prince Victus ascended without the deaths of any of his half brothers.
Written By Cristoph
Jan. 29, 2017, 3:11 p.m.(10/17/1005 AR)
Demons, magic, myths, rumours, what is undoubtedly heresy or sounds like absolute fantastical nonsense mixed with first hand accounts from people I know and trust. Conspiracies with mind altering powers? The information accumulated and recently shared with me is shocking in the extreme, how much of it is true?
The existence of an an unnatural army marching through the crownlands is impossible to ignore however.
The existence of an an unnatural army marching through the crownlands is impossible to ignore however.
Written By Leta
Jan. 29, 2017, 3:04 p.m.(10/17/1005 AR)
I'm no good with coin. The minute my purse starts feeling heavy, I get this itch and then I get to buying what I want and what is pretty. And there's this fur I got my eye on for a winter cloak and a pearl for an earring, fat as a sparrow's egg.
But I ought to be wise and save my coin to buy better steel. What I need is steel that will take a man's head in a single cut, on the first try, every time, like their necks were made of butter, or fresh bread or a nice sausage. If you pardon, I am writing this at my breakfast table, and that's the examples I came up with, cause my knife here cuts through them easy as can be.
I thought of armor, seeing as I like living, but some things I worry armor isnt worth much against, and in such cases offense is the best defense. Now, the old sergeant who told me that had a habit of wearing plate from head to toe except for when going to the bucket or the bushes, and that makes me wonder. But it's like folk say, do what I say and not what I do, and there's a time and a place for everything.
But I ought to be wise and save my coin to buy better steel. What I need is steel that will take a man's head in a single cut, on the first try, every time, like their necks were made of butter, or fresh bread or a nice sausage. If you pardon, I am writing this at my breakfast table, and that's the examples I came up with, cause my knife here cuts through them easy as can be.
I thought of armor, seeing as I like living, but some things I worry armor isnt worth much against, and in such cases offense is the best defense. Now, the old sergeant who told me that had a habit of wearing plate from head to toe except for when going to the bucket or the bushes, and that makes me wonder. But it's like folk say, do what I say and not what I do, and there's a time and a place for everything.
Written By Ferrando
Jan. 29, 2017, 2:47 p.m.(10/17/1005 AR)
Is it really so strange that I can't swim? I used to be a city guard, not a sailor!
Although it seems I should try to get more exercise while not wearing a full set of steel armor for a change anyway. I happened to try a sparring match without armor against the Marquessa of House Wyrmguard the other day and it was almost an entirely new experience. I felt so quick and light, it was a much different way to approach a combat tactically and mentally than I would normally do. Quicker thinking, acting more reactively instead of trying to set up moves several swings and steps in advance. Perhaps I should finally just learn to swim properly after all and continue to broaden my horizons in that kind of regard, then.
Although it seems I should try to get more exercise while not wearing a full set of steel armor for a change anyway. I happened to try a sparring match without armor against the Marquessa of House Wyrmguard the other day and it was almost an entirely new experience. I felt so quick and light, it was a much different way to approach a combat tactically and mentally than I would normally do. Quicker thinking, acting more reactively instead of trying to set up moves several swings and steps in advance. Perhaps I should finally just learn to swim properly after all and continue to broaden my horizons in that kind of regard, then.
Written By Felix
Jan. 29, 2017, 2:42 p.m.(10/17/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
Though I've never met Dame Ferron in person, her reputation speaks for itself. Besides that, she's close with Joscelin so she's alright in my book.
Written By Lyiana
Jan. 29, 2017, 2:33 p.m.(10/17/1005 AR)
I have been working on a gown which is sure to be a beautiful success. Now if I could only get it to the proper customer, it should be a sparkling find. The smell of cut cloth and the shimmer of glass beads makes me happy. It has always done so, and for some reason I cannot fathom why. Perhaps it is because of the different textures? The texture of seasilk brings to mind a soft woman's hair, while the texture of cotton is a thicker contrast, unyielding and tougher. Silk is often quite expensive though, so I can imagine why the Nobility like it used to make their gowns and clothing. Ah, speaking of nobles, I had one in my shop today. He is a very nice eligant lord of some repute, and his servant boy is a gentle soul. I hope to work with him more in the future. He has asked me to do some sketches and send them off to him. In other news, for I know others will read this and thus am not going to say much more, I have finished the dark blue silk gown and hope to give it to its proper owner when the time comes.
Written By Calypso
Jan. 29, 2017, 2:11 p.m.(10/16/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Silas
As I dive deeper in to my responsibilities as Minister of Defense it is easy to get lost in priority and duty and become overwhelmed by the darkness that surrounds the task in my hands. Luckily, on this journey, I have encountered a few bright and shining lights to brighten the path and make it easier to traverse.
Sir Silas may be the brightest of them all. He shoulders the burden of responsibility with strength and dignity. I have the utmost faith in his ability to act swiftly and make changes where necessary. He inspires confidence in his subordinates and admiration in his peers. I am greatful the city has him as our Lord Commander of the Iron Guard.
Sir Silas may be the brightest of them all. He shoulders the burden of responsibility with strength and dignity. I have the utmost faith in his ability to act swiftly and make changes where necessary. He inspires confidence in his subordinates and admiration in his peers. I am greatful the city has him as our Lord Commander of the Iron Guard.
Written By Jasher
Jan. 29, 2017, 1:48 p.m.(10/16/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
Not what I expected in a Templar.
Fit? Yes. Strong? Yes. Handsome? A nice bonus but not a requirement for the job. Dogmatic? As expected. But intelligent. More intelligent than most people give him credit for, I'd guess. I enjoy our talks. As I said, not what I expected from a chance meeting.
Fit? Yes. Strong? Yes. Handsome? A nice bonus but not a requirement for the job. Dogmatic? As expected. But intelligent. More intelligent than most people give him credit for, I'd guess. I enjoy our talks. As I said, not what I expected from a chance meeting.
Written By Hana
Jan. 29, 2017, 1:41 p.m.(10/16/1005 AR)
There's a special kind of terror that comes from seeing someone you care about a /lot/ fall to the ground after something. And a special kind of relief when you realize they're going to be okay.
It's good when you can be someone's warmth.
It's good when you can be someone's warmth.
Written By Zhayla
Jan. 29, 2017, 1:41 p.m.(10/16/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Holt
I finally got that drink with Holt, and disappointed him by revealing I don't drink the same things he does, but IT ISN'T JUST WINE FLAVORED WATER, HOLT. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH WATERING IT DOWN A LITTLE.
Especially since he's like 10 times bigger than I am. I will never in my life understand how it is that he moves so fast. I'm never going to be able to beat him if I can't hit him! He's a terror. I shouldn't admit this, maybe. I told him I look forward to the day when he wins a contest because everyone is underestimating him, and here I am, telling his secrets. Secret: he's really, really good.
He asked me if I'd ever thought about joining the Champions, and I asked the Marquessa if it would be okay, and Lady Niamh said I could, too, so I'm going to. I'm kind of excited by it. Fighting for HONOR. Holt kept pointing out that it's for coin, too. But that doesn't sound as awesome.
Especially since he's like 10 times bigger than I am. I will never in my life understand how it is that he moves so fast. I'm never going to be able to beat him if I can't hit him! He's a terror. I shouldn't admit this, maybe. I told him I look forward to the day when he wins a contest because everyone is underestimating him, and here I am, telling his secrets. Secret: he's really, really good.
He asked me if I'd ever thought about joining the Champions, and I asked the Marquessa if it would be okay, and Lady Niamh said I could, too, so I'm going to. I'm kind of excited by it. Fighting for HONOR. Holt kept pointing out that it's for coin, too. But that doesn't sound as awesome.
Written By Aislin
Jan. 29, 2017, 1:26 p.m.(10/16/1005 AR)
I've seen many things in the world. Some of them beautiful, some of them terrible, some of them that I'll treasure and some that I'd prefer to forget.
But nothing quite compares to seeing one of the "Old Gods", the great spirits who guard the wilderness.
I'm a southerner, a follower of Vellichor -- even if I fear I'm not always a good one. But my mother is a northerner, and I remember her tales of the spirits of the northlands. How I used to be captivated by them, and imagined them as half-seen things, only glimpsed from the corner of the eye.
The truth was, however, so much stranger and more glorious.
It stood six or seven times the height of a man, more tree than animal, with a voice like the wind through leaves and the creaking of ancient branches. I stood there while the shamans spoke to it, and... somewhere inside, there was that little girl, six or seven, sitting on her mother's lap and listening wide-eyed to the stories.
And in spite of everything I've learned, in spirt of all the troubles facing not just the Compact but humanity as a whole, some part of my heart is a little lighter today. Some of the weight is lifted. Because for the first time in a while I truly remember that for all the dark and terrible things out there... there are beautiful, wonderful things as well.
Things worth fighting for.
It's good to remember that.
But nothing quite compares to seeing one of the "Old Gods", the great spirits who guard the wilderness.
I'm a southerner, a follower of Vellichor -- even if I fear I'm not always a good one. But my mother is a northerner, and I remember her tales of the spirits of the northlands. How I used to be captivated by them, and imagined them as half-seen things, only glimpsed from the corner of the eye.
The truth was, however, so much stranger and more glorious.
It stood six or seven times the height of a man, more tree than animal, with a voice like the wind through leaves and the creaking of ancient branches. I stood there while the shamans spoke to it, and... somewhere inside, there was that little girl, six or seven, sitting on her mother's lap and listening wide-eyed to the stories.
And in spite of everything I've learned, in spirt of all the troubles facing not just the Compact but humanity as a whole, some part of my heart is a little lighter today. Some of the weight is lifted. Because for the first time in a while I truly remember that for all the dark and terrible things out there... there are beautiful, wonderful things as well.
Things worth fighting for.
It's good to remember that.
Written By Agnarr
Jan. 29, 2017, 1:11 p.m.(10/16/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Luca
Dancing lessons for my big arse.
Written By Zhayla
Jan. 29, 2017, 12:55 p.m.(10/16/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
So far, I've managed to avoid accidentally killing Dumpling.
The Marquessa and Sir -- wait, no, LORD COMMANDER -- Rymarr made a gift of a horse to me, and while they promise me that she's a sweet-tempered, good-natured mare (she's actually really pretty, too; she's called Dumpling, and she's the color of a dumpling in chicken soup, all gold and white), she's still about 10000 feet tall and 20000 pounds heavy. Samantha said it was a gift in recognition of well I did in the melee, and Rymarr thinks I should learn to ride, so that I can keep guarding the Marquessa even when she leaves the city. So I will -- eventually.
Right now, I'm still getting used to her. She hasn't stepped on me yet, and I'm doing what Rymarr said and staying in front, where Dumpling can see me. Now that Samantha told me the trick to getting the animals to listen to you -- it's bribing, by the way, she had me introduce myself with sugar -- I'm cautiously hopeful that I won't get trampled.
She also said that I could go with the Deepwood troops to fight the Bringers, and if learning to ride a horse will let me ride that much faster to the front lines, I think it's worth putting up with something that big.
The Marquessa and Sir -- wait, no, LORD COMMANDER -- Rymarr made a gift of a horse to me, and while they promise me that she's a sweet-tempered, good-natured mare (she's actually really pretty, too; she's called Dumpling, and she's the color of a dumpling in chicken soup, all gold and white), she's still about 10000 feet tall and 20000 pounds heavy. Samantha said it was a gift in recognition of well I did in the melee, and Rymarr thinks I should learn to ride, so that I can keep guarding the Marquessa even when she leaves the city. So I will -- eventually.
Right now, I'm still getting used to her. She hasn't stepped on me yet, and I'm doing what Rymarr said and staying in front, where Dumpling can see me. Now that Samantha told me the trick to getting the animals to listen to you -- it's bribing, by the way, she had me introduce myself with sugar -- I'm cautiously hopeful that I won't get trampled.
She also said that I could go with the Deepwood troops to fight the Bringers, and if learning to ride a horse will let me ride that much faster to the front lines, I think it's worth putting up with something that big.
Written By Zhayla
Jan. 29, 2017, 12:49 p.m.(10/16/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Rymarr
Rymarr was made the Lord Commander of the King's Own, and if I didn't know him when he was just the First Captain of the King's Own instead (haha, that's a joke, that's pretty terrifying too) I think I'd be intimidated by that. He looked very serious when he was up there making his vows, and I know he takes them seriously, too, but I am going to share one of his secrets here in this journal where probably no one else will see:
He knows how to smile.
He seems to carry the weight of his responsibilities very solemnly, but I know there's a good man under that stern face, and I couldn't be gladder for him.
He knows how to smile.
He seems to carry the weight of his responsibilities very solemnly, but I know there's a good man under that stern face, and I couldn't be gladder for him.
Written By Anze
Jan. 29, 2017, 12:43 p.m.(10/16/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Rowan
Blasphemer.
Written By Natalia
Jan. 29, 2017, 12:38 p.m.(10/16/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Juliet
The sister I never had. The sister I always wanted. What would I do without her in my times of darkness?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.