Written By Eirene
Dec. 23, 2016, 11:17 a.m.(6/18/1005 AR)
I must be getting more morbid than I thought I was. I've always been fascinated by wounds and blood and the workings of the body. Mostly to find ways to fix what was broken, to repair the harm.
But now? I find myself wanting to delve into the mysteries that keep fucking piling on top of us and to do that I need to understand my enemies. To do that, I need to take them apart piece by piece and know how they work.
What blood runs in their veins? What poisons kill them more efficiently? What pains do they feel? Does fire work more effectively? Does blessed water do anything? Does different kinds of metal work differently- thus the reference to elfwork swords and the power of our heirloom weapons from those earlier days...
I'll take them; dead or alive. Let me study. Let me work. Let me find new ways to best our foes.
And to those of you that think me sick for such experimentation? Back off man, I'm a scientist.
But now? I find myself wanting to delve into the mysteries that keep fucking piling on top of us and to do that I need to understand my enemies. To do that, I need to take them apart piece by piece and know how they work.
What blood runs in their veins? What poisons kill them more efficiently? What pains do they feel? Does fire work more effectively? Does blessed water do anything? Does different kinds of metal work differently- thus the reference to elfwork swords and the power of our heirloom weapons from those earlier days...
I'll take them; dead or alive. Let me study. Let me work. Let me find new ways to best our foes.
And to those of you that think me sick for such experimentation? Back off man, I'm a scientist.
Written By Cassius
Dec. 23, 2016, 11:02 a.m.(6/18/1005 AR)
Is the Lyceum really in such a way that a man who says what he thinks and thinks what he says truly a rarity?
Perhaps we could ship some of these southern lords and ladies and princesses and princes up north for a spell. Summer is coming. They'd not freeze to death.
Perhaps we could ship some of these southern lords and ladies and princesses and princes up north for a spell. Summer is coming. They'd not freeze to death.
Written By Rymarr
Dec. 23, 2016, 8:30 a.m.(6/17/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Marcas
An able bodied warrior. He and I met one another in mock battle. He is a shining example of the strength, ferocity, and talent of the men and women which hail from the north. We have agreed that we will meet to test one another again, twice more.
With the dangers looming on the horizon, Marcas is one who I am confident I will see after the blood has been shed and the fog of war has lifted.
I may need to recommend him to the Lord Commander.
With the dangers looming on the horizon, Marcas is one who I am confident I will see after the blood has been shed and the fog of war has lifted.
I may need to recommend him to the Lord Commander.
Written By Rymarr
Dec. 23, 2016, 7:47 a.m.(6/17/1005 AR)
I would think I were crazy, had the discovery of other untold legends or disbelieved myths proven themselves to be quite real recently. They came again last night and we spoke. I am no closer to what they want, but I suspect that is the point. You can not force bravery in confrontation to an insurmountable task. It happens when you least expect it.
Their suggestions are becoming an annoyance, despite what I assume to be pure intentions. One of them advised me to hurl myself from from Weeping Wall Watch because there was the slight possibility that I may "heroically land on something worthy of a valiant death". I do not think that they have my, or anyone's, best interests in mind.
Troubling at best, I find some of their suggestions of heroism to be oddly specific. Particular in reference to the catacombs and other nudges offered to me that would lead to a certain death.
For now I will continue to do my duty and remain ever vigilant.
Their suggestions are becoming an annoyance, despite what I assume to be pure intentions. One of them advised me to hurl myself from from Weeping Wall Watch because there was the slight possibility that I may "heroically land on something worthy of a valiant death". I do not think that they have my, or anyone's, best interests in mind.
Troubling at best, I find some of their suggestions of heroism to be oddly specific. Particular in reference to the catacombs and other nudges offered to me that would lead to a certain death.
For now I will continue to do my duty and remain ever vigilant.
Written By Rowan
Dec. 23, 2016, 2:43 a.m.(6/17/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Neve
When I was very little, before my parents returned to the soil, my mother used to tell me stories about a magical boy who refused to grow up and a tiny winged fae that kept him company through his adventures, who helped him out of trouble as often as she helped him into it.
Neve is my tiny winged fae.
Neve is my tiny winged fae.
Written By Rowan
Dec. 23, 2016, 2:39 a.m.(6/17/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Muiryn
The very fact that he has not throttled me and skinned me alive and strung my flayed body up by my toes by now assures me that somewhere...under all that surly stoicism...he cares.
He'll grump, he'll growl, he'll curse the day I was born, but I am well certain he'll also be among the first to stand with me if I needed it.
He's a teddy bear.
He'll grump, he'll growl, he'll curse the day I was born, but I am well certain he'll also be among the first to stand with me if I needed it.
He's a teddy bear.
Written By Valencia
Dec. 23, 2016, 1:30 a.m.(6/16/1005 AR)
There are days when all I want to do is just run away and go to sea. Why should my beloved brother and pirates have all the fun? I could flee land and fall in love with the ocean and the mysteries she harbors. A pretty but impractical thought.
~~~<~<@
~~~<~<@
Written By Leta
Dec. 23, 2016, 12:28 a.m.(6/16/1005 AR)
I haven't dared write here after that last one, even if I've been assured by Archscholar Aldwin himself, in person that it didn't cause an offense to Vellichor, and he ought to know. I never know what to write, so it can't be helped.
All in all it's good to be back in Arx. I haven't visited my folk. Last time da was still mad at me, and we don't have much to talk about, so be it. They'd rather I didn't earn my coin the way I do, so my coin is my own.
I've made some easy silver, but I'm spending more than I'm earning by my account. I fear there will be plenty of work and I'm not too worried. I'm sure I'll like the pay, but not what that means for the people caught in it all. There's trouble brewing, even if I haven't been paying attention to the criers and the gossip mongers to know what's coming.
I've taken a pair of solid beatings in training. The truth is that scaring off bandits is one thing, having a proper fight with some northern giant is another.
I ought to write more about people, the way people do, but here in Arx there's some scholars for hire that go and read everything folk wrote. I haven't read anyone's journal but I know enough just from hearing folk talk. I don't think anyone would read mine besides the Archscholar, but writing anything of worth seems like yelling out my heart's fancy off the city walls, and writing anything else seems like a waste of my time and Vellichor's patience.
Writing this has always helped me make sense of things sometimes, and that's no small thing, so I'll try harder. I still think the quill's more likely to land me into trouble than the sword, as I've told someone, but more's the reason to learn how to wield it.
All in all it's good to be back in Arx. I haven't visited my folk. Last time da was still mad at me, and we don't have much to talk about, so be it. They'd rather I didn't earn my coin the way I do, so my coin is my own.
I've made some easy silver, but I'm spending more than I'm earning by my account. I fear there will be plenty of work and I'm not too worried. I'm sure I'll like the pay, but not what that means for the people caught in it all. There's trouble brewing, even if I haven't been paying attention to the criers and the gossip mongers to know what's coming.
I've taken a pair of solid beatings in training. The truth is that scaring off bandits is one thing, having a proper fight with some northern giant is another.
I ought to write more about people, the way people do, but here in Arx there's some scholars for hire that go and read everything folk wrote. I haven't read anyone's journal but I know enough just from hearing folk talk. I don't think anyone would read mine besides the Archscholar, but writing anything of worth seems like yelling out my heart's fancy off the city walls, and writing anything else seems like a waste of my time and Vellichor's patience.
Writing this has always helped me make sense of things sometimes, and that's no small thing, so I'll try harder. I still think the quill's more likely to land me into trouble than the sword, as I've told someone, but more's the reason to learn how to wield it.
Written By Abbas
Dec. 23, 2016, 12:23 a.m.(6/16/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dagon
Thraxian. A swordsman to make our people proud. And the heir. Hisself makes no mistakes. He has a fire within him. When it comes time to do the killing for him I shall bring the fury and cold murder to compliment his will.
Written By Abbas
Dec. 23, 2016, 12:21 a.m.(6/16/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Donella
Blood first. Blood forever. It has taken time for me to thaw to a woman as the Voice. But I must admit Hisself makes no errors of judgement.
As time passes I find myself seeing her more as my cousin and ally than as someone standing in the face of custom.
As time passes I find myself seeing her more as my cousin and ally than as someone standing in the face of custom.
Written By Abbas
Dec. 23, 2016, 12:19 a.m.(6/16/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Darrow
When you venture into the Salt where the dread terror of the deep unknown tugs at your essence. It is good to know that the killers at your side have true Thraxian hard-light that shines in their eyes. I watched Darrow butcher personally a dozen men without a second thought. The fleet is better for him. His veins pump the Salt of our people; I will pile corpses with him any day and spread the terror of the serpent banners.
Written By Calypso
Dec. 22, 2016, 11:34 p.m.(6/16/1005 AR)
Black paint swept across eyes narrowed and focused. The raptor seeking its prey.
Red razor sharp cheek bones. Fiercely angled and blood thirsty. Merciless in pursuit.
I have been out of the field for far too long. My warrior's edge is dulling. Like any steel I must be kept sharp. Used as the instrument of death that I am. Endless words have dulled me. Twisting plots thick with lies and misplaced ambition. Promises broken through inaction and inconsequential gestures of false friendship. Intrigue distorting the reflections we see when we look in to the mirror.
In my reflection - I see nothing but strength. This raptor will waste away no more.
Red razor sharp cheek bones. Fiercely angled and blood thirsty. Merciless in pursuit.
I have been out of the field for far too long. My warrior's edge is dulling. Like any steel I must be kept sharp. Used as the instrument of death that I am. Endless words have dulled me. Twisting plots thick with lies and misplaced ambition. Promises broken through inaction and inconsequential gestures of false friendship. Intrigue distorting the reflections we see when we look in to the mirror.
In my reflection - I see nothing but strength. This raptor will waste away no more.
Written By Dagon
Dec. 22, 2016, 11:24 p.m.(6/16/1005 AR)
I am about to go to the Shrine of Mangata.
I know not how many days I will remain here in quiet contemplation, but I know that water will be my sustenance. There is much for me to think about and recent news gives me pause. It is my every hope that the Goddess who gives us Islanders life with the bounties of her waters and the winds that she provides for our vessels to sail freely will give me some sort of sign as to what I may do.
I know not how many days I will remain here in quiet contemplation, but I know that water will be my sustenance. There is much for me to think about and recent news gives me pause. It is my every hope that the Goddess who gives us Islanders life with the bounties of her waters and the winds that she provides for our vessels to sail freely will give me some sort of sign as to what I may do.
Written By Darrow
Dec. 22, 2016, 10:30 p.m.(6/16/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Abbas
Sailed upon the salt with Prince Abbas. One is hard pressed to find a swifter commander of warships.
Even the Reaper would have its speed challenged by his ships, and mine only a single craft, his a coordinated squadron.
In battle he is bloodthirsty, and the decks were awash with the blood of the taken.
Even the Reaper would have its speed challenged by his ships, and mine only a single craft, his a coordinated squadron.
In battle he is bloodthirsty, and the decks were awash with the blood of the taken.
Written By Sophie
Dec. 22, 2016, 10:23 p.m.(6/16/1005 AR)
Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses
your understanding.
Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its
heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain.
And could you keep your heart in wonder at the
daily miracles of your life, your pain would not seem
less wondrous than your joy;
And you would accept the seasons of your heart,
even as you have always accepted the seasons that
pass over your fields.
And you would watch with serenity through the
winters of your grief.
your understanding.
Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its
heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain.
And could you keep your heart in wonder at the
daily miracles of your life, your pain would not seem
less wondrous than your joy;
And you would accept the seasons of your heart,
even as you have always accepted the seasons that
pass over your fields.
And you would watch with serenity through the
winters of your grief.
Written By Joscelin
Dec. 22, 2016, 8:38 p.m.(6/16/1005 AR)
I'm trying my hand at some of the knotwork Morrighan is fond of, but in metal form.
This is fucking hard.
This is fucking hard.
Written By Serafine
Dec. 22, 2016, 7:07 p.m.(6/16/1005 AR)
[It is noted by the scholar that Serafine Velenosa came in and as has been done previous, sang a song, smiled, and left, but the diligent scholar got down every word]
It was on one bright March morning I bid Setarco 'good bye'
and I took the road to another town my fortune to retry.
I cursed all my foreign money, no credit could I gain,
which filled my heart with longing
for the shores of the Saffron Chain.
I stepped on board a coastal skiff
beneath the morning sun.
I rode the winds 'til evening and I laid me down again.
All strangers there, no friends to me until a dark girl towards me came,
and I fell in love with an island girl by the shores of the Saffron Chain.
I said, "My pretty island girl, my money here's no good,
and if it weren't for the alligators
I'd sleep out in the wood."
"You're welcome here, kind stranger. Our house is very plain,
but we never turned a stranger out on the banks of the Saffron Chain."
She took me into her mother's house and she treated me right well.
The hair upon her shoulders in jet black ringlets fell.
To try to paint her beauty I'm sure 't would be in vain,
So handsome was my island girl by the shores of the Saffron Chain.
I asked her if she'd marry me, she said that this could never be,
for she had got a lover and he was far at sea.
She said that she would wait for him and true she would remain
until he'd return to his island girl
by the shores of the Saffron Chain.
So fare thee well, my bonny own girl, I never may see you more,
but I'll ne'er forget your kindness in the cottage by the shore,
and at each social gathering a flowing glass I'll drain,
and I'll drink a health to my island girl
by the shores of the Saffron Chain.*
[*adopted from an old Irish song called 'The Lakes of Pontchartrain', adjusted for Arx. I highly recommend the version sung by Aiofe O'Donovan]
It was on one bright March morning I bid Setarco 'good bye'
and I took the road to another town my fortune to retry.
I cursed all my foreign money, no credit could I gain,
which filled my heart with longing
for the shores of the Saffron Chain.
I stepped on board a coastal skiff
beneath the morning sun.
I rode the winds 'til evening and I laid me down again.
All strangers there, no friends to me until a dark girl towards me came,
and I fell in love with an island girl by the shores of the Saffron Chain.
I said, "My pretty island girl, my money here's no good,
and if it weren't for the alligators
I'd sleep out in the wood."
"You're welcome here, kind stranger. Our house is very plain,
but we never turned a stranger out on the banks of the Saffron Chain."
She took me into her mother's house and she treated me right well.
The hair upon her shoulders in jet black ringlets fell.
To try to paint her beauty I'm sure 't would be in vain,
So handsome was my island girl by the shores of the Saffron Chain.
I asked her if she'd marry me, she said that this could never be,
for she had got a lover and he was far at sea.
She said that she would wait for him and true she would remain
until he'd return to his island girl
by the shores of the Saffron Chain.
So fare thee well, my bonny own girl, I never may see you more,
but I'll ne'er forget your kindness in the cottage by the shore,
and at each social gathering a flowing glass I'll drain,
and I'll drink a health to my island girl
by the shores of the Saffron Chain.*
[*adopted from an old Irish song called 'The Lakes of Pontchartrain', adjusted for Arx. I highly recommend the version sung by Aiofe O'Donovan]
Written By Juliet
Dec. 22, 2016, 6:56 p.m.(6/16/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
The Lady Eirene has been a font of good advice and even better stories.
I appreciate her visits. And I've been quite fond of her since the very first time we met.
I appreciate her visits. And I've been quite fond of her since the very first time we met.
Written By Cicero
Dec. 22, 2016, 4:55 p.m.(6/15/1005 AR)
Friend facing danger
Will not underestimate
Old foe time made new
Will not underestimate
Old foe time made new
Written By Cicero
Dec. 22, 2016, 4:12 p.m.(6/15/1005 AR)
Pleasant Company
The Superfluous Beauty
Brain that needs no air?
The Superfluous Beauty
Brain that needs no air?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.