Written By Serafine
Jan. 23, 2017, 7:15 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Torian
Never underestimate the skilled hands of a master craftsman.
I may never take off these boots ever again.
I may never take off these boots ever again.
Written By Rymarr
Jan. 23, 2017, 6:33 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
It feels as though it has been an age since I first arrived in Arx. That first day I took my oath to His Majesty and began my duty alongside my fellow knights of the Sovereign's Own Royal Guard. It was, and is, an honor to serve alongside many of the greatest knights in all of Arvum. The King's Own operate within special circumstances, their sworn oath of loyalty held to the one who wears the Crown of the Compact. As a result they maintain a position of neutrality, their only concern being the protection of His Majesty and His interests. In effect this allows for a humble servant of His Majesty to look upon matters from afar and recognize when problems present themselves; without bias. Of course, I digress, as this is not the purpose behind this entry in my public memoirs.
No, this is to speak of the atmosphere of the city upon my first arrival. Jovial people walked the streets, talking of unity and cohesion, that no matter the danger looming on the horizon that we must always maintain our bonds of friendship to one another, within our Compact. Paramount to all we must remember that our survival is not segregated from one another, but instead dependent upon one another. How have those sentiments been so quickly forgotten? We now face infighting on a daily basis. It has not erupted into wholesale violence yet, but unless our people turn their eyes and the focus of their ire to the enemies quickly approaching our gates, it will. Do not forget those months ago, that now feel as though it were an age past, when unity was the word of the day. Mistakes have been made on the behalf of some, but it has been nothing which we can not rebound and progress from.
It is not something which I speak of regularly, but I will mention it now in the hope that it will provide some perspective. I have fought a Bringer. Alone? No. I, accompanying many others, fought off an attack cast toward our number in the Gray Forest. Threatened by Abandoned which had been corrupted and their apparent Bringer master, we defended ourselves against that attack. While many of the corrupted Abandoned sought to waylay those who traveled with the then Lady Regent Dawn and her retinue, the Bringer approached the Lady Regent herself. Faced by over a half dozen of the King's Own, a war hound, the Lady Regent, and myself - as well as a number of our companions which broke off from the fighting with the Abandoned once they were able - we engaged that thing. Cut upon cut, slash upon slash, stab upon stab, it endured. It took nearly half a score of armed, skilled, and determined men and women to see the thing felled. One. It took roughly ten warriors to fell one. It was not a feat which could have been easily, or readily, accomplished by a lone warrior. The resilience of that opponent was too great for a single sword to overcome. It took a coordinated effort to harry the thing until it could fight no longer.
Keep this in mind the next time you, or a loved one, may wish to cast stones within their own Compact. They should be readying their stones to be cast toward the forest and the tide that approaches. Unity must still be maintained and the schisms forming within ourselves must be mended. Threats remain within and such must be acknowledged. Our vigilance must be constant, though our petty squabbles must not. Return to the discussions of combined efforts and unity, the survival of the whole demands it.
In Service,
Sir Rymarr Lyonesse
First Captain of the Sovereign's Own Royal Guard
9/27/1005 AR
No, this is to speak of the atmosphere of the city upon my first arrival. Jovial people walked the streets, talking of unity and cohesion, that no matter the danger looming on the horizon that we must always maintain our bonds of friendship to one another, within our Compact. Paramount to all we must remember that our survival is not segregated from one another, but instead dependent upon one another. How have those sentiments been so quickly forgotten? We now face infighting on a daily basis. It has not erupted into wholesale violence yet, but unless our people turn their eyes and the focus of their ire to the enemies quickly approaching our gates, it will. Do not forget those months ago, that now feel as though it were an age past, when unity was the word of the day. Mistakes have been made on the behalf of some, but it has been nothing which we can not rebound and progress from.
It is not something which I speak of regularly, but I will mention it now in the hope that it will provide some perspective. I have fought a Bringer. Alone? No. I, accompanying many others, fought off an attack cast toward our number in the Gray Forest. Threatened by Abandoned which had been corrupted and their apparent Bringer master, we defended ourselves against that attack. While many of the corrupted Abandoned sought to waylay those who traveled with the then Lady Regent Dawn and her retinue, the Bringer approached the Lady Regent herself. Faced by over a half dozen of the King's Own, a war hound, the Lady Regent, and myself - as well as a number of our companions which broke off from the fighting with the Abandoned once they were able - we engaged that thing. Cut upon cut, slash upon slash, stab upon stab, it endured. It took nearly half a score of armed, skilled, and determined men and women to see the thing felled. One. It took roughly ten warriors to fell one. It was not a feat which could have been easily, or readily, accomplished by a lone warrior. The resilience of that opponent was too great for a single sword to overcome. It took a coordinated effort to harry the thing until it could fight no longer.
Keep this in mind the next time you, or a loved one, may wish to cast stones within their own Compact. They should be readying their stones to be cast toward the forest and the tide that approaches. Unity must still be maintained and the schisms forming within ourselves must be mended. Threats remain within and such must be acknowledged. Our vigilance must be constant, though our petty squabbles must not. Return to the discussions of combined efforts and unity, the survival of the whole demands it.
In Service,
Sir Rymarr Lyonesse
First Captain of the Sovereign's Own Royal Guard
9/27/1005 AR
Written By Samantha
Jan. 23, 2017, 4:18 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
What we have here is an excellent example of an old saying in Deepwood: "Don't lose the forest for the trees." Translated; don't pay so much attention to the individual details that you lose sight of the bigger picture. (The reverse is also true, pay too much attention to the broad scope of what you see and you lose important detail.)
It is entirely reasonable, given the weight of condemning evidence, to look at an exorbitant expense on behalf of a singular Templar and merit it worthy of investigation. It is equally reasonable to simply produce the information regarding the details of the transaction and reasonable assurance from trusted sources that it was a legitimate purchase that the Faith as a whole validates.
However, this does not mean that all other evidence that condemns the Dominus is to be automatically dismissed. His writings and his actions prove him to be heretical and unworthy of the lofty, sacred position he holds. The Faith has taken a blow - and the person I frankly feel most sorry for is Sir Preston; who I believe is sincere in his actions and his piety. That he has unknowingly come under the patronage and influence of this corrupt man should be regarded with sympathy and empathy.
If there are those who would dispute the evidence of Fawkul's own hand, I'm sure we would all be interested in seeing their proof.
It is entirely reasonable, given the weight of condemning evidence, to look at an exorbitant expense on behalf of a singular Templar and merit it worthy of investigation. It is equally reasonable to simply produce the information regarding the details of the transaction and reasonable assurance from trusted sources that it was a legitimate purchase that the Faith as a whole validates.
However, this does not mean that all other evidence that condemns the Dominus is to be automatically dismissed. His writings and his actions prove him to be heretical and unworthy of the lofty, sacred position he holds. The Faith has taken a blow - and the person I frankly feel most sorry for is Sir Preston; who I believe is sincere in his actions and his piety. That he has unknowingly come under the patronage and influence of this corrupt man should be regarded with sympathy and empathy.
If there are those who would dispute the evidence of Fawkul's own hand, I'm sure we would all be interested in seeing their proof.
Written By Merek
Jan. 23, 2017, 4:11 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
I've been learning more about how to use a weapon in these trying times, and even done a little sparring. Not much support has been given to me as of the moment, but I'm still hopeful about it all. That said, had a chance to sit with a friend and talk, and enjoy my new patronage. It has been quite the experience to be here in Arx, if a little bit hard to make friends!
Written By Larissa
Jan. 23, 2017, 3:26 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Saedrus
Yours is the love my heart can never abandon. Even when I grow fickle and jealous of your grace and slender movements. You are the other half of my heart, the light of my day and the dark of my night. You are the only person to which the word "friend" sounds foul and obscene to my ears; nor "brother" - though we should all be so lucky. You are my moon and you outshine all the stars in the sky.
Written By Larissa
Jan. 23, 2017, 3:17 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Aldwin
When there is a storm coming, yours is the shelter we seek. When I am pulled to pieces and fractured, yours are the hands that warm my frazzled soul. When I would turn from myself in the midst of chaos, you remind me of my worth. Where you lead, so shall I follow.
Written By Larissa
Jan. 23, 2017, 3:14 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Calandra
For a moment I was nervous, when I first reached out to you. I feared that perhaps this world of ours would overwhelm you. I feared that I would expect too much. But.. Oh... How you shine. I am so proud of you and all of your accomplishments in the short time you have been with us. Your grace, your kindness and your open heart shine through everything you do.
Written By Larissa
Jan. 23, 2017, 3:10 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirari
Hello friend. Hello to the new blooms pink and soft among us. I have seen you from so afar and from the corner of my eye and I thought, perhaps you were beautiful. But now that we at last stand in the comfortable light of dawning familirity, I see that rather that you are exquisite. Within our house you will blossom and within my heart I will call you my friend.
Written By Deva
Jan. 23, 2017, 2:48 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
Love is a funny thing. Sometimes it bites you in the ass when you're not looking. And sometimes it bit you ages ago and you were too stubborn to notice. Whatever the case may be, you still got bit. Who knew!
Written By Denica
Jan. 23, 2017, 2:45 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
In what hue of heart does one long to turn their backs upon the world of men? My faith is committed to the gods, and increasingly less in mankind in whole. Which masks harbor demons, either by make of the Abyss or our own earthly forge? Is this how one's heart becomes brittle, spending too much of it on withering hope and politics?
I long to shake up this feeling in me, tear it right out. I shall peel off my silks and revel tonight, let feeling burn bright in my breast and liquor burn sharp upon my tongue. I shall have my fun, gods willing.
Written By Felix
Jan. 23, 2017, 2:07 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
To my knowledge, not every Templar will be receiving a diamondplate weapon. Nor will every soldier under the banner of House Pravus, I imagine. The same more than likely goes for House Thrax. I certainly can't speak for them, but no one has made any indication that they will be outfitting the entirety of their military force with diamondplate.
On occasion someone will either have the money to spend on themselves or for their greatest and most loyal champions. I see no issue in rewarding someone with tools in which to do better perform their duties.
That said, this rumor going about that every Templar is getting a diamondplate weapon is hyperbolic nonsense and deserves no credence.
On occasion someone will either have the money to spend on themselves or for their greatest and most loyal champions. I see no issue in rewarding someone with tools in which to do better perform their duties.
That said, this rumor going about that every Templar is getting a diamondplate weapon is hyperbolic nonsense and deserves no credence.
Written By Preston
Jan. 23, 2017, 2 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Pietro
To answer your curiosity, my lord: approximately three months ago.
Written By Cara
Jan. 23, 2017, 1:41 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
It is always unfortunate and difficult when a cynical man takes advantage of the faith of others to lift himself up without regard for true piety or holiness. That good men and women of the Faith, who invest their believe and trust in the clergy, may find themselves believing in a man who chose to use his office for personal largesse and gain, seeking earthly power over righteousness.
I personally hope for guidance from the Lectors and Archlectors who have the most insight as to the rightness and justification of the Dominus' actions, as only the Faith may truly guide the faithful -- including the Dominus himself.
I personally hope for guidance from the Lectors and Archlectors who have the most insight as to the rightness and justification of the Dominus' actions, as only the Faith may truly guide the faithful -- including the Dominus himself.
Written By Lucio
Jan. 23, 2017, 1:37 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
“Mine,” said the bloom that grew from the hill,
“Mine the mauve blossom, and mine the leaves’ will,
Mine the lea’s guard, and mine the deep shade,
I claim them all within the deep glade.”
“Mine,” said the pine, knotty and tall,
“Mine the wood cone, and mine the green pall,
Mine the rough bark, and mine needle’s blade,
Will them I so, here in the deep glade.”
“Mine,” said the bloom entwining his limbs,
“Mine your deep strength, and mine your cold hymns,
Mine your deep roots, and mine the rage weighed,
Always within you, here in the deep glade.”
“Mine,” said the pine, protecting the bloom
“Mine your dark fruit, and mine your rich womb,
Mine your fierce soul, and mine your price paid.
Be mine forever, here in the deep glade.”
“Mine,” said the flower, and “Mine,” said the pine.
“Mine, I am yours, and you, you are mine.
Mine and unbroken, these oaths that we trade,
Yours always and ever, here in the deep glade.”
“Mine the mauve blossom, and mine the leaves’ will,
Mine the lea’s guard, and mine the deep shade,
I claim them all within the deep glade.”
“Mine,” said the pine, knotty and tall,
“Mine the wood cone, and mine the green pall,
Mine the rough bark, and mine needle’s blade,
Will them I so, here in the deep glade.”
“Mine,” said the bloom entwining his limbs,
“Mine your deep strength, and mine your cold hymns,
Mine your deep roots, and mine the rage weighed,
Always within you, here in the deep glade.”
“Mine,” said the pine, protecting the bloom
“Mine your dark fruit, and mine your rich womb,
Mine your fierce soul, and mine your price paid.
Be mine forever, here in the deep glade.”
“Mine,” said the flower, and “Mine,” said the pine.
“Mine, I am yours, and you, you are mine.
Mine and unbroken, these oaths that we trade,
Yours always and ever, here in the deep glade.”
Written By Felix
Jan. 23, 2017, 12:54 p.m.(9/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Pietro
I truly appreciate your candor, Lord Pietro, as well as your insightful question regarding the time frame in which Sir Preston received this money. It /is/ a good question and one I could not tell you the answer to, but is irrelevant in the scheme of things.
Let us pretend for a moment that a Duke has just been challenged to a duel to the death. Would it be circumspect or wasteful for that Duke to outfit his Champion to the best of their ability whether they were correct or incorrect in their statements and actions?
Perhaps if this question were asked before proclamations were made, it may have very well carried more weight. My axe to grind (pun intended) is with the accusation of embezzlement and waste. It is not only an ill-informed accusation, but blatantly false.
Let us pretend for a moment that a Duke has just been challenged to a duel to the death. Would it be circumspect or wasteful for that Duke to outfit his Champion to the best of their ability whether they were correct or incorrect in their statements and actions?
Perhaps if this question were asked before proclamations were made, it may have very well carried more weight. My axe to grind (pun intended) is with the accusation of embezzlement and waste. It is not only an ill-informed accusation, but blatantly false.
Written By Dagon
Jan. 23, 2017, 12:04 p.m.(9/26/1005 AR)
I find myself rather curious about this "Southport Style" of dueling and look forward to witnessing this duel, if at all possible. Sadly it seems that time is something in rare supply these days.
Written By Hana
Jan. 23, 2017, 10:51 a.m.(9/26/1005 AR)
The Faith is buying diamondplate for all the Templars, and then as much as the sword itself costs for extra refinement and tempering?
Even most of my noble clients haven't been willing to pay that for their own blade! And this is for /all/ the Templars?
That's... that's so much.
Maybe I should be asking the Faith to fund experiments into alaricite alloys, instead of nobles...
Even most of my noble clients haven't been willing to pay that for their own blade! And this is for /all/ the Templars?
That's... that's so much.
Maybe I should be asking the Faith to fund experiments into alaricite alloys, instead of nobles...
Written By Valkieri
Jan. 23, 2017, 10:21 a.m.(9/26/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I do not blame Sir Preston for his defense of his master. It is, after all, his duty as both a Templar and a follower of the Faith.
But I do pity him what is to come.
But I do pity him what is to come.
Written By Pietro
Jan. 23, 2017, 9:33 a.m.(9/26/1005 AR)
I'm very curious how recently the stalwart Defender of the Faith was so armed. How soon after the personal challenge of Duke Fidante was witnessed publicly by the Archlector of the Sentinel?
Alternately, I look forward when the Faith plans on contracting diamondplate for all of the Templars who must defend us from the darkness. I'm sure that Seaborn Weaponry will do work equally as fine for each of them. Felix does beautiful work.
Alternately, I look forward when the Faith plans on contracting diamondplate for all of the Templars who must defend us from the darkness. I'm sure that Seaborn Weaponry will do work equally as fine for each of them. Felix does beautiful work.
Written By Felix
Jan. 23, 2017, 8:45 a.m.(9/26/1005 AR)
In the eyes of the Regency Council, evidently, the expenditure of a small fortune in silver for an effective and well-made diamondplate weapon is extravagant and wasteful. I would be interested in hearing from my customers, both past and potential, whether or not they agree with this idea. If this is the case, I will immediately stop making diamondplate available to all but wealthy commoners who came by their money through hard work and have their own business ventures.
This will, of course, mean that I may only be selling anything above high quality steel to Captain Audric. Hello, Audric.
We are meant to believe that a man's private written thoughts are indicative of action. If the Dominus thought that everything supernatural was just 'hogwash', then why would he take such a large sum of money to arm one of the Faith's Templars with a weapon that has more effect on the darkness we fight? Which is it? Is the Dominus a faithless non-believer or wasteful and extravagant for providing a Templar with silver necessary to get himself a weapon more effective against what we've deemed as supernatural threat? I am no barrister, but...it seems like a barrister is unnecessary to pick apart these accusations being leveled against the Faith. It smacks of petty desperation.
This will, of course, mean that I may only be selling anything above high quality steel to Captain Audric. Hello, Audric.
We are meant to believe that a man's private written thoughts are indicative of action. If the Dominus thought that everything supernatural was just 'hogwash', then why would he take such a large sum of money to arm one of the Faith's Templars with a weapon that has more effect on the darkness we fight? Which is it? Is the Dominus a faithless non-believer or wasteful and extravagant for providing a Templar with silver necessary to get himself a weapon more effective against what we've deemed as supernatural threat? I am no barrister, but...it seems like a barrister is unnecessary to pick apart these accusations being leveled against the Faith. It smacks of petty desperation.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.