Written By Hadrian
Jan. 29, 2017, 4:46 p.m.(10/17/1005 AR)
Well, I lost the duel. Kima's a great fighter though, and were many to bet on that, I think many would've lost their coin -I certainly didn't think she would lose, and I'm not any less proud of how she fared. So my apology was issued, and thus the matter has been put to rest. I am glad my attention can now be more largely focused on the threats to Arx and Southport; Bringers, Gyre, demons...
You'd think there'd be a break in there somewhere, right? No, life attacks. It attacks and attacks in a relentless onslaught meant to bring you down. Meant to hurt you, meant to break your resolve and your fortitude. I am by no means a master of fortitude, and I oft find myself wondering if I am worthy of the title I bear. Perhaps my sister would be a better Duchess. Perhaps my aunt. My mother was. But, more than I am afraid that I am failing, is my determination to continue. I used to be skilled at politics. I can be again. Loved and hated, simultaneously, feared and revered, harsh and gentle.
Plus I could always just pretend I am all of these, if I am not. Hah.
You'd think there'd be a break in there somewhere, right? No, life attacks. It attacks and attacks in a relentless onslaught meant to bring you down. Meant to hurt you, meant to break your resolve and your fortitude. I am by no means a master of fortitude, and I oft find myself wondering if I am worthy of the title I bear. Perhaps my sister would be a better Duchess. Perhaps my aunt. My mother was. But, more than I am afraid that I am failing, is my determination to continue. I used to be skilled at politics. I can be again. Loved and hated, simultaneously, feared and revered, harsh and gentle.
Plus I could always just pretend I am all of these, if I am not. Hah.
Written By Victus
Jan. 29, 2017, 4:23 p.m.(10/17/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dagon
My cousin was the Designated Heir to Donrai Thrax. For most of his life he believed that he would take over our House and guide it onto a different path. Who knows, perhaps he still will.
But not yet. I won't go into my reasons. Ultimately they matter little beyond the fact I did what I did, and it is now done.
I challenged his right to rule and he accepted. This is the Thrax way. He fought me in the Courtyard outside the Thrax Estate here in Arx, and I defeated him. Though he lost, I admire that he had the courage to face me himself rather than seek a fucking Champion to stand in his stead, and I admire that he never once yielded. In the end I have more respect for him now than I did when I uttered the challenge.
He still lost, though. And while he ultimately swore his arm to me, and I accepted his oath, I expect that was not easy.
It never is, having your path redirected towards an unfamiliar future.
But not yet. I won't go into my reasons. Ultimately they matter little beyond the fact I did what I did, and it is now done.
I challenged his right to rule and he accepted. This is the Thrax way. He fought me in the Courtyard outside the Thrax Estate here in Arx, and I defeated him. Though he lost, I admire that he had the courage to face me himself rather than seek a fucking Champion to stand in his stead, and I admire that he never once yielded. In the end I have more respect for him now than I did when I uttered the challenge.
He still lost, though. And while he ultimately swore his arm to me, and I accepted his oath, I expect that was not easy.
It never is, having your path redirected towards an unfamiliar future.
Written By Rowan
Jan. 29, 2017, 4:22 p.m.(10/17/1005 AR)
I do not know the words that would describe these past weeks properly. I do not know the words for the drowning, crushing lows, or for the soaring, hopeful highs. I am exhausted through both my beings. Through it all, hope rises highest. Hope because where there is a seed, there is life, and we still have more than seeds. We still have trees standing tall to shelter us. Hope because through every trial, we learn, and we adapt. Hope because we are not alone and hope because You...
You have made a great mistake.
You have made a great mistake.
Written By Branan
Jan. 29, 2017, 4:22 p.m.(10/17/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Saedrus
Such a beautiful popinjay.
Written By Branan
Jan. 29, 2017, 4:19 p.m.(10/17/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Esera
You gave me my shot.
I shall not throw it away.
I shall not throw it away.
Written By Branan
Jan. 29, 2017, 4:18 p.m.(10/17/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeremiah
Complex.
And only going to get more so.
And only going to get more so.
Written By Freja
Jan. 29, 2017, 4:13 p.m.(10/17/1005 AR)
I feel myself turning to stone, the cold of the North creeping into more than just my gaze and tones.
But, is it truly a loss? It is to stone we turn when we need our walls, our foundations and fortifications. It is the stone that whets and hones the blade, that grinds the wheat in the mill. The accumulations of which inspire so much awe when one casts their eyes upon the towering snowy crags of the North.
Even they can make music when the wind whips through forgotten canyons, when a single stone is tossed upon still waters for a solitary staccato note of melody.
Even the stilled and silent can sing, however minute when assisted.
I only hope I find the applications.
But, is it truly a loss? It is to stone we turn when we need our walls, our foundations and fortifications. It is the stone that whets and hones the blade, that grinds the wheat in the mill. The accumulations of which inspire so much awe when one casts their eyes upon the towering snowy crags of the North.
Even they can make music when the wind whips through forgotten canyons, when a single stone is tossed upon still waters for a solitary staccato note of melody.
Even the stilled and silent can sing, however minute when assisted.
I only hope I find the applications.
Written By Luca
Jan. 29, 2017, 3:59 p.m.(10/17/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Deva
I love this woman. That's right. I write it openly. She's one of very few bright points in otherwise dark days for me. She's my Daystar.
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.
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