Written By Gabriel
Jan. 7, 2017, 4:11 p.m.(8/7/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Ainsley
The Prince presses on despite of strife, he's learned much since the days spent under me. A credit to the Iron Guard, especially in times as these.
Hotheaded as ever, he yet needs to temper his emotions. He does not wield them as keenly as he does his sword.
Hotheaded as ever, he yet needs to temper his emotions. He does not wield them as keenly as he does his sword.
Written By Roland
Jan. 7, 2017, 3:50 p.m.(8/7/1005 AR)
Since I have come to Arx, I have learned some things.
First, everyone makes sheep jokes at me. This is not new. It happened in Blancbier too.
Second, everything is very busy here. People are friendly but they have so much to do that they talk very quickly and walk the same way. That's new to me. But I'm adjusting. Yesterday, I only bowed to a man I bumped into three times, instead of the customary five, and he actually stayed for two of them.
Third, there is something wrong about the Grayson room in the Hall of Heroes. My leaflet on 'Sights of Arx for the Interested Visitor' suggested to go there, so I did, but I just know there's a mistake there somehow. I have checked every plaque for spelling, and I measured the room in paces twice. But I just can't figure it out. I'll keep going back until I know, though.
Still looking for useful work. Stood guard for a while outside a very nice house just for old time's sake, but it's just not the same without the count to occasionally yell at me for blocking his windows.
Sent fifty silver to Mum & Da through the holy temple, along with a letter detailing the sights. They would be very impressed at how tall everything is.
First, everyone makes sheep jokes at me. This is not new. It happened in Blancbier too.
Second, everything is very busy here. People are friendly but they have so much to do that they talk very quickly and walk the same way. That's new to me. But I'm adjusting. Yesterday, I only bowed to a man I bumped into three times, instead of the customary five, and he actually stayed for two of them.
Third, there is something wrong about the Grayson room in the Hall of Heroes. My leaflet on 'Sights of Arx for the Interested Visitor' suggested to go there, so I did, but I just know there's a mistake there somehow. I have checked every plaque for spelling, and I measured the room in paces twice. But I just can't figure it out. I'll keep going back until I know, though.
Still looking for useful work. Stood guard for a while outside a very nice house just for old time's sake, but it's just not the same without the count to occasionally yell at me for blocking his windows.
Sent fifty silver to Mum & Da through the holy temple, along with a letter detailing the sights. They would be very impressed at how tall everything is.
Written By Harald
Jan. 7, 2017, 1:50 p.m.(8/7/1005 AR)
On wearing steel at sea:
Before our duel, the young Count Darkwater mocked me, claiming it was suicide to wear steel at sea. I know Maximilian was seeking to bait me into a blunder of pride, but many mainlanders might hear such claims and believe them.
To those, I say plainly that no warrior worth his spear should fear to wear steel to a battle at sea. Those who have fallen into the sea during war are most often already bleeding from a mortal hurt they only wish could have landed on solid steel.
It is true that should a sailor's ship sink, the man in iron will drown, but so too will the man in leather, and the vast majority of men wearing nothing. Better to be a warrior in the battle with death in his eyes and steel on his shoulders who wins the fight, rather than being the timid soul with fear in his heart, preparing for defeat before blows are ever struck.
Many dread fighting men of Thrax favor lighter armors, not for fear of drowning but for love of speed. Those with the youth and vigor to fight well in such harness are worthy warriors. Those of us who have warred long enough to grow grey with our swords in hand will wear iron in our hair and on our backs.
Such is the way of war on the water.
Though if there is no fighting to be had and a storm looms, take off your damned armor, whatever it's made of.
Before our duel, the young Count Darkwater mocked me, claiming it was suicide to wear steel at sea. I know Maximilian was seeking to bait me into a blunder of pride, but many mainlanders might hear such claims and believe them.
To those, I say plainly that no warrior worth his spear should fear to wear steel to a battle at sea. Those who have fallen into the sea during war are most often already bleeding from a mortal hurt they only wish could have landed on solid steel.
It is true that should a sailor's ship sink, the man in iron will drown, but so too will the man in leather, and the vast majority of men wearing nothing. Better to be a warrior in the battle with death in his eyes and steel on his shoulders who wins the fight, rather than being the timid soul with fear in his heart, preparing for defeat before blows are ever struck.
Many dread fighting men of Thrax favor lighter armors, not for fear of drowning but for love of speed. Those with the youth and vigor to fight well in such harness are worthy warriors. Those of us who have warred long enough to grow grey with our swords in hand will wear iron in our hair and on our backs.
Such is the way of war on the water.
Though if there is no fighting to be had and a storm looms, take off your damned armor, whatever it's made of.
Written By Ianthe
Jan. 7, 2017, 1:03 p.m.(8/7/1005 AR)
And so I emerge from one of the most difficult nights of my life to even worse news. Myrinda is gone.
I was not her child. I wasn't close to her in the way Josie was. All in all, I was rather more like a stray cat that Myrinda fed and kept out of the worst of trouble. There were more than a few times when she had to talk down a Guard to keep my stupid little ass from consequences for whatever idiotic scheme I had come up with. She laughed at me. She laughed with me. If you want to know where I get my sense of humor from, you only had to look at her to see it.
I wish I could come to you for advice one more time, Myri. I'll miss you.
I was not her child. I wasn't close to her in the way Josie was. All in all, I was rather more like a stray cat that Myrinda fed and kept out of the worst of trouble. There were more than a few times when she had to talk down a Guard to keep my stupid little ass from consequences for whatever idiotic scheme I had come up with. She laughed at me. She laughed with me. If you want to know where I get my sense of humor from, you only had to look at her to see it.
I wish I could come to you for advice one more time, Myri. I'll miss you.
Written By Dante
Jan. 7, 2017, 12:48 p.m.(8/7/1005 AR)
A few days ago I had the absolute pleasure of really sitting down and getting to know the beautiful Princess Valencia. I fear my words can hardly do her justice, but she is an incredible woman. Beautiful doesn’t even begin to do her justice. Intelligent, witty, adventurous… to name only a very few of her many impressive characteristics. I made it very plain to her that I desired to get to know her better, and that I was quite taken with her. At this point I believe the feeling is mutual, but only time can tell the truth of it.
Written By Rowan
Jan. 7, 2017, 12:44 p.m.(8/7/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
I did not expect to be impressed with the Compact when I showed up in Arx, and as a whole, on the whole, that has proven true. The individuals have been impressive, but the whole is a tangled knot.
I did not expect to be impressed with the Valardin High Lord, and that has proven to be quite wrong. We couldn't be much more different in manner. We walk two different paths in belief. But those are trappings. When it comes to his actions, to the core and the values, to who he is, I see a man worthy of respect.
I did not expect to be impressed with the Valardin High Lord, and that has proven to be quite wrong. We couldn't be much more different in manner. We walk two different paths in belief. But those are trappings. When it comes to his actions, to the core and the values, to who he is, I see a man worthy of respect.
Written By Rowan
Jan. 7, 2017, 12:20 p.m.(8/7/1005 AR)
The decision has been slated to appease the Nox'alfar. It's not so rushed a decision as it might seem - those who made it before the Assembly and organized amongst themselves have known for some time - but that doesn't make it a right one. Too many questions have only been answered with only passing lip service and circular rhetoric, and seem to hinge on the word of beings with no respect for us, and no humanity or morality as we'd recognise it. We are a tool and a convenience to the Nox'alfar, a weapon at best, something that can easily be abandoned to the fight when it no longer suits the wielder.
The greatest folly in all this is not seeking our own way to protect ourselves from the Silence. Putting ourselves entirely at the mercy of another people for our protection, accepting that as the only way without even searching for another option, is in a word, elkshit. We are not a weak people. We are not an unskilled people. We are not fucking children.
While some have resigned us to the Teind and the Nox'alfar, others of us will continue to search for a way that allows us to stand on our own; look to our own gods - be they Pantheon or Old. There is a reason our enemies would weaken them, would water down our faith in them, and would try to cull them from the world. Because they can stand against this thing.
This decision has been made but it is not the end of it. The Nox'alfar's bandage soaked with Arvani blood can not be the end of it. A cure must, and will, be sought.
The greatest folly in all this is not seeking our own way to protect ourselves from the Silence. Putting ourselves entirely at the mercy of another people for our protection, accepting that as the only way without even searching for another option, is in a word, elkshit. We are not a weak people. We are not an unskilled people. We are not fucking children.
While some have resigned us to the Teind and the Nox'alfar, others of us will continue to search for a way that allows us to stand on our own; look to our own gods - be they Pantheon or Old. There is a reason our enemies would weaken them, would water down our faith in them, and would try to cull them from the world. Because they can stand against this thing.
This decision has been made but it is not the end of it. The Nox'alfar's bandage soaked with Arvani blood can not be the end of it. A cure must, and will, be sought.
Written By Lark
Jan. 7, 2017, 12:07 p.m.(8/7/1005 AR)
I own a single gown by Myrinda Grayhope, made for me around-about the time of my initial appointment as Minister. I am no paragon of fashion. I put little stock in it. I do however recognize a scrupulous mind and strength of character wherever it can be found. I recall her asking me what I wanted the gown to ‘say,’ which is a ridiculous concept but if you've ever met the woman then you know not to question her. I told her it ought to say, “I am one of the good guys but do not get in my way.”
I know not what I expected but it came as no small shock when what I received was nothing short of, well, a work of art. She had seen through to me, plucked out my core, and committed it to silk and thread.
It does my heart well to hear that a powerful woman has passed on peacefully, for I did not know it was an option.
I know not what I expected but it came as no small shock when what I received was nothing short of, well, a work of art. She had seen through to me, plucked out my core, and committed it to silk and thread.
It does my heart well to hear that a powerful woman has passed on peacefully, for I did not know it was an option.
Written By Bethany
Jan. 7, 2017, 11:10 a.m.(8/6/1005 AR)
I can assure that if Lazarus was toasting - I would have kicked him in the shin for it.
(He wasn't.)
She was very opinionated, very talented - and obviously - very loved by her family. I would never have been able to afford one of her dresses, ever. She gifted me one for my frank commentary.
One can only wish to keep their fire at such an age.
(He wasn't.)
She was very opinionated, very talented - and obviously - very loved by her family. I would never have been able to afford one of her dresses, ever. She gifted me one for my frank commentary.
One can only wish to keep their fire at such an age.
Written By Ida
Jan. 7, 2017, 9:17 a.m.(8/6/1005 AR)
Ha! I only drink after I make. Usually. Sometimes the drink leads to inspiration which leads to making.
Oaths and steel, Joscelin. FINE.
Oaths and steel, Joscelin. FINE.
Written By Silas
Jan. 7, 2017, 6:51 a.m.(8/6/1005 AR)
One third gone.
Half of that one third killed the other half.
And I can't distinguish the bodies of the heroes from the traitors.
Chaos is inherent in all compounded things, but I fear this may be the prologue in what appears to be our concord into the Abyss.
Half of that one third killed the other half.
And I can't distinguish the bodies of the heroes from the traitors.
Chaos is inherent in all compounded things, but I fear this may be the prologue in what appears to be our concord into the Abyss.
Written By Fiachra
Jan. 7, 2017, 4:37 a.m.(8/6/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
I am glad to have her here. Of all of those who bear the Greenmarch name, perhaps she is the one most like myself. We understand each other, even those things that would be difficult to articulate to others. We'll need her, just as we'll need us all, in the days to come.
Written By Fiachra
Jan. 7, 2017, 4:31 a.m.(8/6/1005 AR)
That was the first taste of an Assembly for me, and I can't say it left me impressed. Or with much confidence in the Compact, beyond perhaps Houses Valardin and Redrain. This doorway has been creeping open for a while, and letting the darkness seep into our world. This... solution... will be but a drop in the bucket at best, and lives simply wasted at worst. It was not for this that I was driven forth to seek answers to those things that I have seen.
Written By Felix
Jan. 7, 2017, 4:21 a.m.(8/6/1005 AR)
That was an interesting night. Ended with a couple tumblers of Setarco Fire, a warm bed, and the prettiest lass in Arx.
I really like my new sword.
I really like my new sword.
Written By Sigurd
Jan. 7, 2017, 3:44 a.m.(8/6/1005 AR)
I know some might say this is a small matter, not worthy of committing ink to paper in the middle of such awful tragedies as have happened in recent days, but I feel the responsibility to do so.
When the uprising was happening, I, along with Blitz, went out to ensure that Nadia and the other Nightgolds outside of the Ward were safe and protected. I did this out of duty, not a desire to cause bloodshed.
But bloodshed we found. Two 'Guardsmen' looting near the Redrain gates. Some poor townsman's house, who had little to begin with. I tried to reason with them, but they were in no mood to reason, even seeing myself and Blitz armed and armored so.
If anyone knows their names, so that I might contact their families and try to assist them in these dark times, please let me know. If they had wives and especially children, they are blameless in this. Those men deserved what they received from me, but there are always those left behind. I am certain we are all becoming much too aware of this.
I still cannot say what is certain. What needed to be done versus what is being done. But in the end, it matters little. We just have to deal with the consequences and try to keep this city alive. Keep our Houses alive. Keep our /Race/ alive. What we fight for is no less than that.
When the uprising was happening, I, along with Blitz, went out to ensure that Nadia and the other Nightgolds outside of the Ward were safe and protected. I did this out of duty, not a desire to cause bloodshed.
But bloodshed we found. Two 'Guardsmen' looting near the Redrain gates. Some poor townsman's house, who had little to begin with. I tried to reason with them, but they were in no mood to reason, even seeing myself and Blitz armed and armored so.
If anyone knows their names, so that I might contact their families and try to assist them in these dark times, please let me know. If they had wives and especially children, they are blameless in this. Those men deserved what they received from me, but there are always those left behind. I am certain we are all becoming much too aware of this.
I still cannot say what is certain. What needed to be done versus what is being done. But in the end, it matters little. We just have to deal with the consequences and try to keep this city alive. Keep our Houses alive. Keep our /Race/ alive. What we fight for is no less than that.
Written By Joscelin
Jan. 7, 2017, 3:08 a.m.(8/5/1005 AR)
I don't have words. Nothing solid. Nothing real. Just confusion, and grief, and this fear that-
[words are scratched out]
I am more than just myself, I am the Guildmaster and I speak and represent more than just these hands and this voice.
But today I'm a little girl, crying and afraid. And angry. So angry.
You hateful bitch. I loved you. I think you loved me too. You taught me a lot about thick-skin and pushing to do better. I called you my near-mother with so much pride.
Why couldn't I have taken the time to pick a fight with you? Maybe then I'd know if you were proud of me or thought me as stupid as all the others.
And I won't know now. Rational thinking or not, all I remember is the disappointment the last time I looked into your eyes.
[words are scratched out]
I am more than just myself, I am the Guildmaster and I speak and represent more than just these hands and this voice.
But today I'm a little girl, crying and afraid. And angry. So angry.
You hateful bitch. I loved you. I think you loved me too. You taught me a lot about thick-skin and pushing to do better. I called you my near-mother with so much pride.
Why couldn't I have taken the time to pick a fight with you? Maybe then I'd know if you were proud of me or thought me as stupid as all the others.
And I won't know now. Rational thinking or not, all I remember is the disappointment the last time I looked into your eyes.
Written By Lianne
Jan. 7, 2017, 2:43 a.m.(8/5/1005 AR)
I thank Gild for the clear path and steady help.
I thank Petrichor for the cleansing wind and grounding.
I thank Mangata for this blessed, necessary emptiness.
I thank Lagoma for the flame, for the oil and ash.
I thank Tehom for putting that shadow back where it belongs.
I thank Vellichor for this awful knowledge.
I thank three more, unnamed.
I thank one more, left behind.
I thank Petrichor for the cleansing wind and grounding.
I thank Mangata for this blessed, necessary emptiness.
I thank Lagoma for the flame, for the oil and ash.
I thank Tehom for putting that shadow back where it belongs.
I thank Vellichor for this awful knowledge.
I thank three more, unnamed.
I thank one more, left behind.
Written By Mason
Jan. 7, 2017, 2:40 a.m.(8/5/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Lou
It has been some time since Lou left for Bastion to take a hunting trip to 'clear her head' from the combination of being Voice and from carrying our daughter. I know things had been strained during her time helping Grayson as much as she could, but I also know that life was one she was suited to. She was more akin to travelling, exploring, delving into dark depths and finding secrets await to be uncovered.
She took the post because she is nothing if not loyal to her family. A quality I find admirable. In the same token, it put a certain strain on our marriage that I wasn't quite expecting. She talked little, slept a great deal and after Safiyyah was born, seemed to want little to do with being mother. She decided at that point, that getting out of Arx was the best thing for her, and returning to Bastion for spell was the solution.
I stayed behind, to continue my own work and research and take care of Safi. For some time I found myself stretched tighter and tighter, like a sheet of cloth pulled at every end and ready to rip. And I felt, there was a moment with resignation of Dawn from the Regency that fabric was going to rip entirely. Were it not for the actions of a dear friend, I would've found myself very much alone.
And then, the next day, like a blessing, a reward from mighty Ahj'on himself, what appeared on my doorstep, holding Safiyyah as if she never left, was Lou. Refreshed, reinvigorated and ready to face things anew. I had not expected such a change in my wife, but she was different. She seemed to care more, express herself more and generally seemed to be happy. She even said these things herself. Much to my amazement, these were rarely things Lou spoke of aloud, even to me.
It is good to have her back, I will not lie, I found things to be a bit more empty while she was gone. Things were less rewarding, less fulfilling without her quiet support. And now things seem different, but perhaps better than they were previously
She wishes to speak to Aislin, to step in and help in the role she was given within the Society. For that I'm grateful. And for the first time ever, ever since coming to Arx, I have sensation that we will approach and work on our projects together, as a team. As we once did in wilds.
It's a good feeling. And it was only when I saw her face was that I realized how much I had noted just how pale life had seemed.
That all said, I will not sit here and gush and flout frilly, pretty things about my wife. I feel to do otherwise would be an insult to others reading this and I don't have any desire to make anyone roll their eyes. Or perhaps excuse themselves to throw up into the nearest potted plant.
Simply put, I have missed her and I am glad to have her returned.
She took the post because she is nothing if not loyal to her family. A quality I find admirable. In the same token, it put a certain strain on our marriage that I wasn't quite expecting. She talked little, slept a great deal and after Safiyyah was born, seemed to want little to do with being mother. She decided at that point, that getting out of Arx was the best thing for her, and returning to Bastion for spell was the solution.
I stayed behind, to continue my own work and research and take care of Safi. For some time I found myself stretched tighter and tighter, like a sheet of cloth pulled at every end and ready to rip. And I felt, there was a moment with resignation of Dawn from the Regency that fabric was going to rip entirely. Were it not for the actions of a dear friend, I would've found myself very much alone.
And then, the next day, like a blessing, a reward from mighty Ahj'on himself, what appeared on my doorstep, holding Safiyyah as if she never left, was Lou. Refreshed, reinvigorated and ready to face things anew. I had not expected such a change in my wife, but she was different. She seemed to care more, express herself more and generally seemed to be happy. She even said these things herself. Much to my amazement, these were rarely things Lou spoke of aloud, even to me.
It is good to have her back, I will not lie, I found things to be a bit more empty while she was gone. Things were less rewarding, less fulfilling without her quiet support. And now things seem different, but perhaps better than they were previously
She wishes to speak to Aislin, to step in and help in the role she was given within the Society. For that I'm grateful. And for the first time ever, ever since coming to Arx, I have sensation that we will approach and work on our projects together, as a team. As we once did in wilds.
It's a good feeling. And it was only when I saw her face was that I realized how much I had noted just how pale life had seemed.
That all said, I will not sit here and gush and flout frilly, pretty things about my wife. I feel to do otherwise would be an insult to others reading this and I don't have any desire to make anyone roll their eyes. Or perhaps excuse themselves to throw up into the nearest potted plant.
Simply put, I have missed her and I am glad to have her returned.
Written By Ansel
Jan. 7, 2017, 2:26 a.m.(8/5/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
She is immensely gifted, and I believe the Princess truly loved the Guildmaster's work. It's amazing, what she did with those old pearls, turning them into something beautiful. I know the Princess may not wear them often, but I was proud to gift it to her.
I still don't know why Joscelin's guards found the matter of the necklace so funny. Am I missing something?
I still don't know why Joscelin's guards found the matter of the necklace so funny. Am I missing something?
Written By Ansel
Jan. 7, 2017, 2:24 a.m.(8/5/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
Few have been as supportive and good to my family as she, especially in recent days. It's hard to imagine once chasing after the Minx in years past at the conclusion of one of her schemes or plots. Now she's becoming a friend, and a good one at that.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.