Written By Kieran
Jan. 15, 2017, 8:19 p.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
So elves have arrived in the city. Everyone's abuzz about the news. A third of the city is curious and wants to learn more about them, another third thinks they're awful and wants to be rid of them, and a final third don't give a shit. I think I may fall into the later camp, but I haven't decided yet. I stopped by the city gates when the news went through the city. They look a bit odd, but that's to be expected, considering they're mythical people that aren't human. Apparently they're also a bt crazy, which, who knows, maybe I will get along great with, considering I am a bit nutty myself.
Anyways, they're staying in the Valardin district. Of all the fealties to welcome in mythological, faith-shaking, blood-sacrificing crazy people, Valardin would have definitely been my bet. I think there's a joke being played there, and I rather like it. At some point this coming week I intend to head over and maybe chat a bit with them to see if they're my kind of crazy or just plain crazy. Either way, it should be entertaining.
Anyways, they're staying in the Valardin district. Of all the fealties to welcome in mythological, faith-shaking, blood-sacrificing crazy people, Valardin would have definitely been my bet. I think there's a joke being played there, and I rather like it. At some point this coming week I intend to head over and maybe chat a bit with them to see if they're my kind of crazy or just plain crazy. Either way, it should be entertaining.
Written By Sylvie
Jan. 15, 2017, 8:01 p.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dagon
I am glad to provide what support that I can to Prince Dagon Thrax. He has a long road ahead of him, and if I can provide any guidance or counsel, he is free to seek me out.
Written By Khanne
Jan. 15, 2017, 7:59 p.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Rowan
Where do you begin when someone swoops into your life, offering a hug and gifts you with smiles and laughter when you feel at your absolute lowest? When talking with that person seems as comfortable and familiar as if you have known them a lifetime? When you wonder, if perhaps, your souls were off mingling perhaps before you were born (causing mischief and trouble, no doubt)?
Where do you begin... but at the beginning and looking towards a hopefully long path ahead full of many things explored and experienced, survived and celebrated, and above all else watching the threads weave as they may.
But perhaps, the best place to begin is to simply say, thank you. Thank you, Rowan, when I was at my absolute lowest, you helped me rise up. When I needed someone the most, I found a stray. Thank you, Lord Stray, coholder of the title of finest strays in Arx, long may we reign.
Where do you begin... but at the beginning and looking towards a hopefully long path ahead full of many things explored and experienced, survived and celebrated, and above all else watching the threads weave as they may.
But perhaps, the best place to begin is to simply say, thank you. Thank you, Rowan, when I was at my absolute lowest, you helped me rise up. When I needed someone the most, I found a stray. Thank you, Lord Stray, coholder of the title of finest strays in Arx, long may we reign.
Written By Sylvie
Jan. 15, 2017, 7:56 p.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
I made an offer for a man's hand in marriage, and that offer was rejected. And around me, the number of engagements only grow.
Perhaps I should just have a tourney for my hand. I am sure at least someone would show up to try to vie for it.
Perhaps I should just have a tourney for my hand. I am sure at least someone would show up to try to vie for it.
Written By Pietro
Jan. 15, 2017, 7:53 p.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Luca
If Prince Luca ever wishes to fight naked again and secure himself that naked prince title, I will be honored to join him.
Perhaps he'll start a new fashion! Very modish, the Velenosas.
Perhaps he'll start a new fashion! Very modish, the Velenosas.
Written By Luca
Jan. 15, 2017, 7:47 p.m.(9/3/1005 AR)
The Naked Prince, I think it has a good ring to it. I doubt Essie would let me keep it as a title any more than she let me have Luca the Lazy, but what the hell.
Regardless, that was the best rush of challenge I've faced in too long. Sure it was stupid not to actually _read_ the rules of entry and not be able to use my new armor or my own blade, but fighting in a free-for-all in nothing but my breechcloth and nearly getting a leg cut off by a greatsword bigging than the girl wielding it?
Oooph, bliss!
Sure it was fucking irresponsible, especially as a bodyguard now, but I'm alive, healing fast, and get to treasure the memory forever.
Worth it!
Regardless, that was the best rush of challenge I've faced in too long. Sure it was stupid not to actually _read_ the rules of entry and not be able to use my new armor or my own blade, but fighting in a free-for-all in nothing but my breechcloth and nearly getting a leg cut off by a greatsword bigging than the girl wielding it?
Oooph, bliss!
Sure it was fucking irresponsible, especially as a bodyguard now, but I'm alive, healing fast, and get to treasure the memory forever.
Worth it!
Written By Silas
Jan. 15, 2017, 7:43 p.m.(9/3/1005 AR)
I think I'm becoming a competent florist.
I did not foresee this.
I did not foresee this.
Written By Bethany
Jan. 15, 2017, 7:38 p.m.(9/3/1005 AR)
Courage: An Element of Perseverance
Courage is oft a measure of our self-esteem and wilt. 't shows in what we believe and the power of belief ov'r our wilt. 't is at each moment the sore path. 't can be an unconscious act of boldness, but 'ere all 't is the conscious decision of a person to act despite the danger. Thither is nay courage without risk. Thither is nay heroism without stakes.
We cannot speak about courage without bethinking about losses and victories. Courage differs from imprudence or madness by its results. The courageous act saves life, gives desire, 't is a rare act of self-sacrifice for the valorous of others. The criminal who is't steals, or lies for personal gain, or kills, who is't causes unhappiness to others with his reckless actions, is not a courageous person.
Two thoughts: the courage as offense and the courage as defense. The courage of offense did remain the preserve of gentles and, by widespread ideology ‘cross culture, those gentles in the arena of war. The courage of defense, though by gross in sense necessity and was nay less at home on the battlefield than the courage of offense. Though than aught 't involved the ability to endure long, drawn-out suffering, teen, and hunger, and the constant importuning visions of battlefield horrors.
Perhap from the courage of defense, come the idolization of martyrdom. The courage of defense is eke venerated; to square injustice 'r ov'rcome difficulties high-lone - physically and morally - oft without the support of political courage of tales, sermons and public opinion need courage yond a few can has't.
Written by B. Mercier as Barnabas Michert
Courage is oft a measure of our self-esteem and wilt. 't shows in what we believe and the power of belief ov'r our wilt. 't is at each moment the sore path. 't can be an unconscious act of boldness, but 'ere all 't is the conscious decision of a person to act despite the danger. Thither is nay courage without risk. Thither is nay heroism without stakes.
We cannot speak about courage without bethinking about losses and victories. Courage differs from imprudence or madness by its results. The courageous act saves life, gives desire, 't is a rare act of self-sacrifice for the valorous of others. The criminal who is't steals, or lies for personal gain, or kills, who is't causes unhappiness to others with his reckless actions, is not a courageous person.
Two thoughts: the courage as offense and the courage as defense. The courage of offense did remain the preserve of gentles and, by widespread ideology ‘cross culture, those gentles in the arena of war. The courage of defense, though by gross in sense necessity and was nay less at home on the battlefield than the courage of offense. Though than aught 't involved the ability to endure long, drawn-out suffering, teen, and hunger, and the constant importuning visions of battlefield horrors.
Perhap from the courage of defense, come the idolization of martyrdom. The courage of defense is eke venerated; to square injustice 'r ov'rcome difficulties high-lone - physically and morally - oft without the support of political courage of tales, sermons and public opinion need courage yond a few can has't.
Written by B. Mercier as Barnabas Michert
Written By Khanne
Jan. 15, 2017, 7:38 p.m.(9/3/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Damon
I should have taken the time to talk to you, to respond to your last missive. It was a busy week, a rough week... and now, you are gone.
Your last words to me were ones I can hold and smile... before the guilt sets in that in return, I gave you silence.
I am sorry.
Your last words to me were ones I can hold and smile... before the guilt sets in that in return, I gave you silence.
I am sorry.
Written By Denica
Jan. 15, 2017, 7:23 p.m.(9/3/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dagon
Dagon. My big brother. Tis so warming to my heart to be in his presence once more; to take in his sweet nature, that which is a warm echo of that of our parents. He disassembles my darkest thoughts with his easy words, so thoroughly that I may simply forget all the woes of Arvum outside of our walls. I wish to make him proud--not perhaps with the same desperation as I do Donella, but as I would want mother and father to. And I wish to be of comfort, too. I must wear my smile freely, even when my fears work to mute it.
Written By Khanne
Jan. 15, 2017, 7:20 p.m.(9/3/1005 AR)
Insanity.
That is what recent times have seemed to be. I sit here, trying to put my thoughts, my experiences to parchment, and my mind spins. All around me there is brightness, and there is darkness.
Darkness.
Disappointment in people. A lack of being able to trust another's word.
Heartbreak as I watched something I held so close to my heart, my souls, die.
Guilt that it was my fault.
Loss. This word deserves a long pause after it, as I have lost so much already in my short time here, so I will repeat it, emphasizing its impact.
Loss.
More guilt. Did I do enough? Should I have gone in? Should I have tried? What is worth sacrificing your own life? Is it worth it for the barest, slimmest chance of saving a stranger? Even if you are 99.99999999% sure they are beyond saving? Is it worth sacrificing your life if all you accomplish is killing one... two... three... beings of evil? What if you could live, and stop many more? How do you know what is right?
And yet... there is brightness.
Friends who sit and talk with all day, helping me keep my mind from worry.
Friends who also bring booze so good you could swear it was blessed.
Friends who hold you when you need an anchor.
Surprises in the form of birthday wishes and gifts from people... well, I would say, people I did not expect them from, but really, I expected them from no one. So many thoughtful gifts I will treasure.
Surprises... in the form of people who showed me sides of them I never imagined.
Surprises in the form of finding a fellow Stray that feels like I've known them my entire life.
Balance is integral to who I am, and in this, there is light and dark, good and bad, anger and elation and in the center of it all, is where I reside, riding the tides of chaos with arms outstretched so I do not fall over.
That is what recent times have seemed to be. I sit here, trying to put my thoughts, my experiences to parchment, and my mind spins. All around me there is brightness, and there is darkness.
Darkness.
Disappointment in people. A lack of being able to trust another's word.
Heartbreak as I watched something I held so close to my heart, my souls, die.
Guilt that it was my fault.
Loss. This word deserves a long pause after it, as I have lost so much already in my short time here, so I will repeat it, emphasizing its impact.
Loss.
More guilt. Did I do enough? Should I have gone in? Should I have tried? What is worth sacrificing your own life? Is it worth it for the barest, slimmest chance of saving a stranger? Even if you are 99.99999999% sure they are beyond saving? Is it worth sacrificing your life if all you accomplish is killing one... two... three... beings of evil? What if you could live, and stop many more? How do you know what is right?
And yet... there is brightness.
Friends who sit and talk with all day, helping me keep my mind from worry.
Friends who also bring booze so good you could swear it was blessed.
Friends who hold you when you need an anchor.
Surprises in the form of birthday wishes and gifts from people... well, I would say, people I did not expect them from, but really, I expected them from no one. So many thoughtful gifts I will treasure.
Surprises... in the form of people who showed me sides of them I never imagined.
Surprises in the form of finding a fellow Stray that feels like I've known them my entire life.
Balance is integral to who I am, and in this, there is light and dark, good and bad, anger and elation and in the center of it all, is where I reside, riding the tides of chaos with arms outstretched so I do not fall over.
Written By Belladonna
Jan. 15, 2017, 7:08 p.m.(9/3/1005 AR)
There are some things a person should never be called upon to do. Sometimes, we are called upon to do them anyway.
I have no tolerance for treason, and less still than that for treason during wartime. House Pravus stands in support of House Velenosa. Always.
None will survive the coming storm if we do not stand together.
I have no tolerance for treason, and less still than that for treason during wartime. House Pravus stands in support of House Velenosa. Always.
None will survive the coming storm if we do not stand together.
Written By Costas
Jan. 15, 2017, 7:06 p.m.(9/3/1005 AR)
To sea again.
My enthusiasm for the task assigned me remains high despite the endless delays. I had no idea there would be quite so much paperwork involved in the legitimate operation of a ship. I now possess no less than six documents that I have been warned I absolutely cannot misplace. Very fancy and official looking; two even have little painted rods run through the ends of the scrolls and bear some extremely impressive seals. Despite, this is apparently considered relatively lax protocol; if I were in service to a House other than the Malvici I'd probably still be waiting on ceremony and out the cost of some finery I'd never wear again.
The lead ship I have chosen is called the Dauntless, and I think it amusingly appropriate as I sit here in its cabin, ruminating on the mission ahead. I cannot find it in me to be worried about the outcome or put off by the danger. This recklessness I attribute to my long time on land; near two seasons without a pitching deck beneath my feet. While I should be armored with concern and nursing a healthy trepidation, instead my blood only sings for a return to the waves and the sea spray. To be welcomed again into Mangata's embrace. This is the way all fools return to a distant lover, but She made me to be heedless of such lessons.
My enthusiasm for the task assigned me remains high despite the endless delays. I had no idea there would be quite so much paperwork involved in the legitimate operation of a ship. I now possess no less than six documents that I have been warned I absolutely cannot misplace. Very fancy and official looking; two even have little painted rods run through the ends of the scrolls and bear some extremely impressive seals. Despite, this is apparently considered relatively lax protocol; if I were in service to a House other than the Malvici I'd probably still be waiting on ceremony and out the cost of some finery I'd never wear again.
The lead ship I have chosen is called the Dauntless, and I think it amusingly appropriate as I sit here in its cabin, ruminating on the mission ahead. I cannot find it in me to be worried about the outcome or put off by the danger. This recklessness I attribute to my long time on land; near two seasons without a pitching deck beneath my feet. While I should be armored with concern and nursing a healthy trepidation, instead my blood only sings for a return to the waves and the sea spray. To be welcomed again into Mangata's embrace. This is the way all fools return to a distant lover, but She made me to be heedless of such lessons.
Written By Serafine
Jan. 15, 2017, 6:50 p.m.(9/3/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Roland
I've decided this man is a good person to have on missions in the field. He looks all flashy, smooth talking Bringers like he's something you do, and I come up behind and stab the bastards in the back.
Yes. yes, I like this plan.
Yes. yes, I like this plan.
Written By Joscelin
Jan. 15, 2017, 5:52 p.m.(9/3/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Eleyna
Probably the most elegant writer, she requests things of me that are ... impossible to refuse, with the way she presents them.
Mesmerizing. That's what she is. Gracious. Polite to the point of ...
She makes 'please' and 'thank you' look like swear words, with the grace she lends to her own requests and gratitudes.
Really. How do you describe cold moonbeams lit by firelight? You can't.
Mesmerizing. That's what she is. Gracious. Polite to the point of ...
She makes 'please' and 'thank you' look like swear words, with the grace she lends to her own requests and gratitudes.
Really. How do you describe cold moonbeams lit by firelight? You can't.
Written By Valery
Jan. 15, 2017, 5:39 p.m.(9/3/1005 AR)
Waiting has always been the worst part...
Written By Abbas
Jan. 15, 2017, 5:15 p.m.(9/3/1005 AR)
Recent news back from the Salt has me troubled. Good men and wasted lives. I pray the Gods deliver us to the day we may blood those who seek to devour our existence.
Written By Abbas
Jan. 15, 2017, 5:12 p.m.(9/3/1005 AR)
You will not find me groveling before a Throne of Bones begging for help or information.
Not because I don't believe it should not be done. More because I'm inept at such things.
The fact that they did not show up in a ship rather than by land does bode well though. I've heard if you throw them in water they float.
Not because I don't believe it should not be done. More because I'm inept at such things.
The fact that they did not show up in a ship rather than by land does bode well though. I've heard if you throw them in water they float.
Written By Roland
Jan. 15, 2017, 5:12 p.m.(9/3/1005 AR)
A Report of Activities on Horseback In The Northern Woods
by Sir Roland Bergere
assisted by Scribe Hubert (who is very patient)
In the performance of my duties as a protector of the interests of House Valardin, I have ventured forth with some hearty and brave individuals in search of information regarding the movements of the enemy. The expedition was led by the Royal Stablemaster, Master Tristan, and also included Lord Pietro, Princess Serafine, Prince Tristram, and myself. I must say it was somewhat confusing to have both Prince Tristram and Master Tristan in the same group, but I decided that calling the prince 'my lord' was sufficient to address the matter.
We rode for some hours, finally coming across the trail of a large number of enemy forces, moving in small groups from the north-east toward the south-west, seemingly in the direction of the holdings of the western Crownlands. Upon continuing to follow the trail, we were intercepted by a Member of the Enemy.
This individual was astonishing and awful to behold; he wore rags, stood some seven feet tall, and was all over of a ghastly pale complexion. He spoke in a flat, affectless expression (sic 'creepy booming impression transcribed' -Hubert) and upon inquiring if I wished to join their hellish campaign, was informed in the negative, at which point he declared me an obstacle and attacked.
My bold allies, however, had secreted themselves in the woods nearby, and upon the creature's attack laid forth with sword and bow, utterly destroying him. The Enemy was accompanied by some ten of the Abandoned, somehow strangely altered, and of similar low affect; when the Enemy fell, they seemed to go into something of a frenzy, and lay into us, fortunately to be felled themselves with only minor injury to myself and some wounds to Princess Serafine, which I tended to the best of my limited ability.
In conclusion, the Enemy draws away from Arx, but approaches the strongholds of the West, and therefor should be considered Very Fucking Dangerous.
Sir Roland Bergere
Knight of the Oathlands
Written By Cara
Jan. 15, 2017, 5:03 p.m.(9/3/1005 AR)
It has been something of a busy time of late, despite my resignation from Voice of Grayson having freed up a great deal of my time. In between the particular madness of marriage negotiations, I have been continuing my inquiries into members of the group which I am currently researching. It’s entailed a fair amount of tromping around the city, and I’m very grateful for the company of my Champion, Buchanan. I think he expected a much more sedate post when he accepted my offer of employment, as I’m not sure many nobles walk around quite as much as I, but surely it must be improving to his constitution.
I am terribly grateful that those I care about are returned to the city, whole and healthy, despite the dangers that wait beyond the city walls. I pray that they will remain safe - but I also pray for the defeat of our enemies, and I know that such wishes are often opposed to one another. Victory and safety so rarely go hand-in-hand.
I am terribly grateful that those I care about are returned to the city, whole and healthy, despite the dangers that wait beyond the city walls. I pray that they will remain safe - but I also pray for the defeat of our enemies, and I know that such wishes are often opposed to one another. Victory and safety so rarely go hand-in-hand.
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