Written By Cara
Jan. 6, 2017, 5:15 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Why, brother, you have stolen the hearts of so many, of course.
It is said that in the course of troubled events, much is revealed about the character of others. I have heard some urge caution, which is a reasonable position in many instances; others urge action.
But I say that when the house is on fire, the man too cautious to leave for fear of error is the one who burns; when the enemy is at the gate, it is not the time to argue. A decision must be made.
If there are alternative courses of action with /concrete/ solutions that can be implemented immediately, then for the love of the gods, bring them forth. Please.
They are in our forest. They are in our homeland.
Our house is afire, and something must be done. It /will/ be done. The only question is whether or not 'twill be done with the aid of others or without.
It is said that in the course of troubled events, much is revealed about the character of others. I have heard some urge caution, which is a reasonable position in many instances; others urge action.
But I say that when the house is on fire, the man too cautious to leave for fear of error is the one who burns; when the enemy is at the gate, it is not the time to argue. A decision must be made.
If there are alternative courses of action with /concrete/ solutions that can be implemented immediately, then for the love of the gods, bring them forth. Please.
They are in our forest. They are in our homeland.
Our house is afire, and something must be done. It /will/ be done. The only question is whether or not 'twill be done with the aid of others or without.
Written By Lianne
Jan. 6, 2017, 4:42 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Words I No Longer Care to Use:
Light, to refer to knowledge, truth and good.
Darkness, to refer to ignorance, secrets and evil.
Demons, to refer to any horror beyond our ken without proper study and classification.
Too easily, we let the connotations of these terms dictate our responses, unconsidered, unnoticed. I shall endeavor to speak more precisely, to say what I mean, unmuddled by these convoluted metaphors. We do not need light to banish the darkness; we need to question, to seek answers, to fend off ignorance and outwit those who would deceive us. We are beset by strange enemies which bear many faces and many names; we should call them what they are, distinct and different, and deny them the potency of myth.
Poetry has its place, after all this is done, when we can color our recollection any way we'd like. Now, as we face the unknown, we require clarity and concision to make it plain.
Light, to refer to knowledge, truth and good.
Darkness, to refer to ignorance, secrets and evil.
Demons, to refer to any horror beyond our ken without proper study and classification.
Too easily, we let the connotations of these terms dictate our responses, unconsidered, unnoticed. I shall endeavor to speak more precisely, to say what I mean, unmuddled by these convoluted metaphors. We do not need light to banish the darkness; we need to question, to seek answers, to fend off ignorance and outwit those who would deceive us. We are beset by strange enemies which bear many faces and many names; we should call them what they are, distinct and different, and deny them the potency of myth.
Poetry has its place, after all this is done, when we can color our recollection any way we'd like. Now, as we face the unknown, we require clarity and concision to make it plain.
Written By Juliet
Jan. 6, 2017, 4:38 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
To pen these thoughts is a religious excercise, not one of vanity - but I am vain enough to put it in my public journals.
I do not envy her Excellency for the choices she has had to make. In whatever dealings I have had with her, she has been straightforward and to the point. Like her brother, she had an intent of ruling for the common people. I firmly believe she always had the best of the Compact in mind when making her decisions.
And she has decided to give up her life for it.
I can hope and wish it isn't necessary. For some last-minute miracle - perhaps from this elven goddess, who is supposedly one of our Lost of the Pantheon. I can hope, and I can wish, and I can pray.
I don't know if you ever believed my words when we first met, your Excellency. But they were spoken earnestly and without any hidden intent.
I cannot imagine the burden of carrying the Compact's woes. I don't think I'd be strong enough for it.
I hope the rest of your days are filled with joy and pleasure. That you take good memories with you to the next life.
Be that years from now, or in a matter of weeks.
I do not envy her Excellency for the choices she has had to make. In whatever dealings I have had with her, she has been straightforward and to the point. Like her brother, she had an intent of ruling for the common people. I firmly believe she always had the best of the Compact in mind when making her decisions.
And she has decided to give up her life for it.
I can hope and wish it isn't necessary. For some last-minute miracle - perhaps from this elven goddess, who is supposedly one of our Lost of the Pantheon. I can hope, and I can wish, and I can pray.
I don't know if you ever believed my words when we first met, your Excellency. But they were spoken earnestly and without any hidden intent.
I cannot imagine the burden of carrying the Compact's woes. I don't think I'd be strong enough for it.
I hope the rest of your days are filled with joy and pleasure. That you take good memories with you to the next life.
Be that years from now, or in a matter of weeks.
Written By Valkieri
Jan. 6, 2017, 4:01 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
I would very much like to know what I have supposedly stolen.
Written By Anze
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:43 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Entertaining to watch an honorless theif call someone else honorless. What's that called? The pot calling the kettle black?
Written By Bethany
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:36 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
To the Lower, to the Upper, to the servant and the merchant. To the general populace of Arx that lack a title before their name:
Allow them to bicker. We must organize ourselves.
"... I don't believe current events is the business of those in power alone as it affects us all." Well-spoken words by a knight-scholar of Vellichor.
It will affect *all* of us. In every tier. A certain level of transparency is needed - among the social classes, among the ranks. We need to unify, stand as one city and one Compact if we are ever to understand the situation we are facing. We need to be aware of all factors, all consequences in order to cast decisions like stones upon the backs of anyone.
Highborn or lowborn alike.
Ask questions. Seek answers. Find the Corruption where it hides in the Dark and cast Light upon it. Share what you learn about it with others. No questions are useless when all that we considered myth or fiction is now made real. The only fear is in the unknown, the ignorance, the unwillingness to ask and search and learn.
We need to insist on the truth if we are to make any decisions on our future.
Allow them to bicker. We must organize ourselves.
"... I don't believe current events is the business of those in power alone as it affects us all." Well-spoken words by a knight-scholar of Vellichor.
It will affect *all* of us. In every tier. A certain level of transparency is needed - among the social classes, among the ranks. We need to unify, stand as one city and one Compact if we are ever to understand the situation we are facing. We need to be aware of all factors, all consequences in order to cast decisions like stones upon the backs of anyone.
Highborn or lowborn alike.
Ask questions. Seek answers. Find the Corruption where it hides in the Dark and cast Light upon it. Share what you learn about it with others. No questions are useless when all that we considered myth or fiction is now made real. The only fear is in the unknown, the ignorance, the unwillingness to ask and search and learn.
We need to insist on the truth if we are to make any decisions on our future.
Written By Denica
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:25 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
This entry is written in a familiar looping script, the page opposite detailing a drawing of a triangular pattern; one bird below two, four before the last two, eight, and so on. It lessens in perspective, as if the flock is flying from the first, growing infinitely small.
It seems that I am some ill omen, having come to Arx to see all of Arvum fall apart at its seams!
Last eve was the Assembly of Peers. The regent stepped down, but not before pushing a vote to commit a blood rite with the Nox'Alfar. It seemed as if she had already agreed to, saying that the elves recognized her as the Compact. They say that for the Tiend thirteen men must sacrifice their lives: thirteen. This number cannot be shrugged off, nor can the will of Arx's foremost leaders to commit to blood rites at the insistence of those whose last ritual stole the soul of their king.
They too said that there are traitors amongst us, agents of those that would have Arvum fall: how are we to trust? One must trust by action over words. And long ago, the act of committing blood magic was banned by our forefathers. It is abhorrent to those of faith! Have all lost their minds? Not all; Prince Darren of Redrain exercised a critical mind (which I admit my grandfather described as 'dithering'), and Prince Tristram of Valardin spoke against the rite (after his poor hand nearly fell off, and notably after the Regent had declared her decision).
Last eve I had a dream; the birds were two, then four, eight, sixteen--they continued in this fashion, filling the sky. No one is bound to fate, not I, not anyone. No one is stripped of decision. Our fates are infinite, our paths spread like branches on a great tree.
There is never any 'must'. There is only possibility and responsibility. Courage and cowardice.
May Jayus touch my heart to seal it against fear.
Princess Denica of Thrax
Written By Silas
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:24 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Hahahahahahaha
Yes I am writing my laughter.
Don't judge me.
Yes I am writing my laughter.
Don't judge me.
Written By Valkieri
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:18 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Aurelian
Remarkable how people can call someone a power-hungry tyrant after they have abdicated their power and family. I am sure she is reveling in her power now as she rides to her death to protect you, you honorless flec.
Written By Tristan
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:14 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
I am only a horseman with no education in politics...
But abdicating and agreeing willingly to die is certainly a novel way to prove one's self a tyrant.
But abdicating and agreeing willingly to die is certainly a novel way to prove one's self a tyrant.
Written By Leo
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:13 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Aurelian
You are a meek fool, brave only as the last to throw a stone. You are a blight on the honor of Valardin. Rescind your words, draw steel or select your champion.
Written By Cara
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:12 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Aurelian
It is excellent to know clearly and cleanly when someone is an unmitigated ass.
Written By Aurelian
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:04 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
I do not often put ink to parchment for my own journals, though with the backlash from the latest Assembly of Peers I find it curious there seems to be so much shock in so many of the people. Lady Dawn was clearly a politician, but more than that after speaking with her directly only once and overhearing her words at parties and the like she struck me right away as the time that smiled too easily, flattered to often, and generally carried on like a fool. Yet she clearly had a mind, and that combination is too often a warning sign of someone who will do anything for power, and to give her such only proved that true.
Truly baffling it took so long for so many to see the tyrant hidden beneath the smile. This only further proves to me that she was controlling information to make herself seem more divine while also preventing others from solving the matter. The Nox'alfar included, as if a noble marriage was enough to mend the ancient Treaty then for someone to so often early on go on about how she srves the realm above all else, she should have stepped forward and been the first to attempt to offer herself in marriage to the elves. If accepted this would have fixed the Treaty, and as we were initially told the elves were the ones behind the king's condition, then mending the Treaty would have been reason to restore him to his former state. No surprise a tyrant would never act on this, to do so means she would give up all power and the rightful ruler would have been returned to power.
Fortunately she's been proven for what she is now, and may it be a cautionary tale to others. When a Regent is appointed you want one who has proven themselves loyal to the realm first, one proven to value people over personal goals, and one who lacks all ambition. Granted this is a combination rarely seen but they tend to prove to be the best leaders, along with wisdom and intelligence.
Still this entry is more for my own catharsis as one lacking any ability to take action or speak up on such matters personally. Still I suppose that is the price one pays for seeking to avoid politics where possible, you end up with no voice and no influence for the times it truly matters. May we learn from this and the Pantheon bless us with the wisdom, intellect, judgement, and resolve to find better candidates in the future, and choose the best one.
Prince Aurelian Valardin, a prince of Valardin
Truly baffling it took so long for so many to see the tyrant hidden beneath the smile. This only further proves to me that she was controlling information to make herself seem more divine while also preventing others from solving the matter. The Nox'alfar included, as if a noble marriage was enough to mend the ancient Treaty then for someone to so often early on go on about how she srves the realm above all else, she should have stepped forward and been the first to attempt to offer herself in marriage to the elves. If accepted this would have fixed the Treaty, and as we were initially told the elves were the ones behind the king's condition, then mending the Treaty would have been reason to restore him to his former state. No surprise a tyrant would never act on this, to do so means she would give up all power and the rightful ruler would have been returned to power.
Fortunately she's been proven for what she is now, and may it be a cautionary tale to others. When a Regent is appointed you want one who has proven themselves loyal to the realm first, one proven to value people over personal goals, and one who lacks all ambition. Granted this is a combination rarely seen but they tend to prove to be the best leaders, along with wisdom and intelligence.
Still this entry is more for my own catharsis as one lacking any ability to take action or speak up on such matters personally. Still I suppose that is the price one pays for seeking to avoid politics where possible, you end up with no voice and no influence for the times it truly matters. May we learn from this and the Pantheon bless us with the wisdom, intellect, judgement, and resolve to find better candidates in the future, and choose the best one.
Prince Aurelian Valardin, a prince of Valardin
Written By Abbas
Jan. 6, 2017, 3:02 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
Mainlanders. They deserve special hats.
Written By Belladonna
Jan. 6, 2017, 2:56 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
Written By Hadrian
Jan. 6, 2017, 2:50 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
What a theatrical showing that Assembly was! I almost regret having missed the ending; the headache I was sustaining could've only gotten worse through the bickering of the nobles and constant noise, and this lack of sleep is already maddening. Still, I do hope none were offended by my early departure. Calypso is more than capable of speaking for me amongst my peers and superiors.
Some key things: the Teind. Despite Esera's words at the Ducal Dinner, she called in support of the sacrifices, which was, as I love, surprising! I do not mind having to play the part of the cold duke, but we will see what the others are capable of. Duke Niccolo volunteered immediately thereafter, which nearly stole the show. I respect his call -I agree we must be willing to do what we ask of our people to do. It would've been just gaudy to volunteer after him though. It did not sway his daughter.
He was topped by a woman pretending to be Marquessa, who then was elevated to her station. Truly a thrill! And so bold of her to attempt such, I applaud it. But the real scene stealer was the Regent herself, Dawn. She abdicated her position, and declared she would be the first to the Teind with twelve others. Oh, that was magnificent. I cannot help but wonder if this means Niccolo is one of the other twelve, or if he is to remain among us?
On that note, the damned treaty. Thirteen sacrifices, but why thirteen? I was told because it is the number of gods, but why does it have to be the same? The thirteenth is said to he the father of demons, or I think Juliet told me that. The old Legate- Orazio's predecessor- and twelve others were used as thirteen blood sacrifices to a demon. This number does not seem to bode happy tidings. Perhaps I shall pray to the Thirteenth, because if all these demons and monsters are real, so too must be gods. But I do not suspect He'd answer.
War is coming. I know it. And Malvici, as always, will be ready to answer its call.
Some key things: the Teind. Despite Esera's words at the Ducal Dinner, she called in support of the sacrifices, which was, as I love, surprising! I do not mind having to play the part of the cold duke, but we will see what the others are capable of. Duke Niccolo volunteered immediately thereafter, which nearly stole the show. I respect his call -I agree we must be willing to do what we ask of our people to do. It would've been just gaudy to volunteer after him though. It did not sway his daughter.
He was topped by a woman pretending to be Marquessa, who then was elevated to her station. Truly a thrill! And so bold of her to attempt such, I applaud it. But the real scene stealer was the Regent herself, Dawn. She abdicated her position, and declared she would be the first to the Teind with twelve others. Oh, that was magnificent. I cannot help but wonder if this means Niccolo is one of the other twelve, or if he is to remain among us?
On that note, the damned treaty. Thirteen sacrifices, but why thirteen? I was told because it is the number of gods, but why does it have to be the same? The thirteenth is said to he the father of demons, or I think Juliet told me that. The old Legate- Orazio's predecessor- and twelve others were used as thirteen blood sacrifices to a demon. This number does not seem to bode happy tidings. Perhaps I shall pray to the Thirteenth, because if all these demons and monsters are real, so too must be gods. But I do not suspect He'd answer.
War is coming. I know it. And Malvici, as always, will be ready to answer its call.
Written By Alis
Jan. 6, 2017, 2:09 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
I know myself well enough to realize I can sometimes make brash, or hot headed decisions. And there are definitely limits to the extent of my knowledge.
What I do know, is that leadership is a double-edged sword. And there are times when there is no good, or right choice. Either way, people will suffer or die and that is ultimately on your hands and your conscience (Unless you are Prince Donrai). You have power, but you also have responsibility.
So, in those times when a split second decision is not required - most of us ask questions. I know of none that are mind readers yet, so it puzzles me how the Highlords are supposed to assume that the answers to all of their questions have already been answered and, without those answers being shared with them, should simply make a decision on the spot when there is, at least, a marginal amount of time in which to deliberate.
Perhaps our takeaway should not be: Oh no, people disagree with me and the world will end because of it and they suck...! Perhaps it should be a resolve for more open communication in the future between those who are apparently gathering all of these answers, and those who need the information to make informed decisions. With no finger pointing in either direction as to the fault of the past lack thereof.
What I do know, is that leadership is a double-edged sword. And there are times when there is no good, or right choice. Either way, people will suffer or die and that is ultimately on your hands and your conscience (Unless you are Prince Donrai). You have power, but you also have responsibility.
So, in those times when a split second decision is not required - most of us ask questions. I know of none that are mind readers yet, so it puzzles me how the Highlords are supposed to assume that the answers to all of their questions have already been answered and, without those answers being shared with them, should simply make a decision on the spot when there is, at least, a marginal amount of time in which to deliberate.
Perhaps our takeaway should not be: Oh no, people disagree with me and the world will end because of it and they suck...! Perhaps it should be a resolve for more open communication in the future between those who are apparently gathering all of these answers, and those who need the information to make informed decisions. With no finger pointing in either direction as to the fault of the past lack thereof.
Written By Ferrando
Jan. 6, 2017, 1:51 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
I have been rather pleased to see Her Highness Sylvie taking up the distinguished mantle of Duchess-Whisper as some of the greatest Lyceans of old have done before. I am confident that she has every capability necessary to make her mark among the most accomplished of the people of the Hundred Cities.
Admittedly, this is somewhat tempered by the apparently falling chances the upcoming social calendar will not be preempted by the onset of general destruction and upheaval, but I prefer to take an optimistic view of things where I can.
Admittedly, this is somewhat tempered by the apparently falling chances the upcoming social calendar will not be preempted by the onset of general destruction and upheaval, but I prefer to take an optimistic view of things where I can.
Written By Lark
Jan. 6, 2017, 12:58 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
I have seen my predecessor show the caution and wisdom to carry on in relative secrecy and I have seen that used to turn hearts and minds against her. So, I will choose to be remembered as reckless if that is the cost I must pay to set before you the truth of your own reality. I would not have this great house carry on in ignorance. I defy ignorance now and forevermore.
The time has come for you to understand that this city has been rooted in a powerful influence. Not that of the Nox'Alfar. A different sort that most our people remain incapable of acknowledging even to this day. It has so seeped into every crack and every crevice so much so that no curse meant to make us forget it can ever hope to truly dissolve it.
The Bringers of Silence were created to corrupt this influence and others. They carry with them a death sentence infection that will not only wipe out the Nox'Alfar but also our soil, our air, our roads and the very bricks we've used to build up our walls.
There are THOUSANDS of Bringers amassing in the Crownlands. /Our lands./ Even if we succeed in pushing them off, which I am determined to do -- our inheritance is withering into a wasteland, into ash and death while others watch and deliberate our descent.
In exchange for thirteen volunteer sacrifices and a pact to fulfill human-elven marriages in adherence with treaties dating back to my ancestor Queen Alarice the Great, the Nox'Alfar have agreed to help us push off our common enemy. Their ways are abhorrent, yes. ...and to her discredit, without consulting anyone Mistress Dawn who-would-be-Regent has attempted to pay that terrible cost with her own life rather than see her people do it. My beloved cousin King Alaric sleeps. Our "advocates" pretend to concern themselves over this slumber's Nox'Alfar-cause while I am made to keep vigil for their assassination attempts. His Queen lies slain -- by some dark servant worshipped NOT by Elves but by men and women within these city walls.
We stand on the thin jagged lip of a cliff-face but griffins do not fall.
We rise in flight, talons and teeth bared.
"None greater than Grayson"
Princess Lark Grayson
Princess of Bastion
Highlord of the Crownland
Regent Council to the Throne
The time has come for you to understand that this city has been rooted in a powerful influence. Not that of the Nox'Alfar. A different sort that most our people remain incapable of acknowledging even to this day. It has so seeped into every crack and every crevice so much so that no curse meant to make us forget it can ever hope to truly dissolve it.
The Bringers of Silence were created to corrupt this influence and others. They carry with them a death sentence infection that will not only wipe out the Nox'Alfar but also our soil, our air, our roads and the very bricks we've used to build up our walls.
There are THOUSANDS of Bringers amassing in the Crownlands. /Our lands./ Even if we succeed in pushing them off, which I am determined to do -- our inheritance is withering into a wasteland, into ash and death while others watch and deliberate our descent.
In exchange for thirteen volunteer sacrifices and a pact to fulfill human-elven marriages in adherence with treaties dating back to my ancestor Queen Alarice the Great, the Nox'Alfar have agreed to help us push off our common enemy. Their ways are abhorrent, yes. ...and to her discredit, without consulting anyone Mistress Dawn who-would-be-Regent has attempted to pay that terrible cost with her own life rather than see her people do it. My beloved cousin King Alaric sleeps. Our "advocates" pretend to concern themselves over this slumber's Nox'Alfar-cause while I am made to keep vigil for their assassination attempts. His Queen lies slain -- by some dark servant worshipped NOT by Elves but by men and women within these city walls.
We stand on the thin jagged lip of a cliff-face but griffins do not fall.
We rise in flight, talons and teeth bared.
"None greater than Grayson"
Princess Lark Grayson
Princess of Bastion
Highlord of the Crownland
Regent Council to the Throne
Written By Felix
Jan. 6, 2017, 12:54 p.m.(8/4/1005 AR)
History can remember me poorly or not at all for my change of heart. Perhaps there will be those that ask me what I've gained by swearing to a new lord.
I've gained tools, knowledge, and the opportunity to see my enemy. Affording these things wins loyalty.
I've gained tools, knowledge, and the opportunity to see my enemy. Affording these things wins loyalty.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.