Written By Quenia
Aug. 23, 2021, 10:43 p.m.(1/27/1016 AR)
A rather important question to answer is, who are you?
The answer has so many meanings, so many connotations, but it is not simply responding with your name, your position, or your title. It is figuring out who you are to the very core of yourself.
It is a question I have yet to find the answer to, but I feel as if I know pieces and parts to it, and have almost enough to puzzle it all together and find my core. It's one I hope to challenge others to answer as well, through artwork, through performance, through writing, through whatever outlet they mean to take.
I am ever curious. Do you know who you are? Right now I am Marquessa Quenia Igniseri, Countess of the March of the city-state of Granato, Proud Sister of Pietro and Vincere, Protector of Granato. But that is not the whole of it. I will find the rest in time, or even yet, pieces might change as I change.
Who are you?
The answer has so many meanings, so many connotations, but it is not simply responding with your name, your position, or your title. It is figuring out who you are to the very core of yourself.
It is a question I have yet to find the answer to, but I feel as if I know pieces and parts to it, and have almost enough to puzzle it all together and find my core. It's one I hope to challenge others to answer as well, through artwork, through performance, through writing, through whatever outlet they mean to take.
I am ever curious. Do you know who you are? Right now I am Marquessa Quenia Igniseri, Countess of the March of the city-state of Granato, Proud Sister of Pietro and Vincere, Protector of Granato. But that is not the whole of it. I will find the rest in time, or even yet, pieces might change as I change.
Who are you?
Written By Drake
Aug. 23, 2021, 9:42 p.m.(1/27/1016 AR)
The fight at the cathedral at Bastion was especially harrowing. I'm grateful to have made it out alive. Thoughts of my family spurned me onward. Without the bravery of Dame Reese, Lady Orelia, Princess Sorrel, Baroness Lucita, and the others in the chaos... as well as Lady Mabelle patching my wounds up as soon as we got away...
Ah, suffice to say that our escape from that danger was a group effort, and I am ever grateful.
Ah, suffice to say that our escape from that danger was a group effort, and I am ever grateful.
Written By Jasher
Aug. 23, 2021, 9:19 p.m.(1/27/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Natasha
I returned from my post-war patrol of the Mourning Sea to a city relatively unchanged, with the most notable exception being the addition of several caravels berthed in the harbor. One of them has usurped the Sea Drake's usual mooring; an impressive vessel constructed by New Hope's shipwrights, some of the finest in Arvum, that bears the name The Vigil. A wedding gift from Romulius Thrax to my cousin, Natasha. Needless to say, the discovery of its owner served to undermine my annoyance at having to seek out an open space, though has not dampened my determination to reclaim what was once mine. She'll have to sail it away someday, and I'm a patient man.
My cousin invited me to visit her their private manor in the Upper Boroughs. Like the caravel, it is elegant, but practical in its design and arrangement. Every room seems to serve a purpose though none lack for a measure of versatility. Take, for instance, the gazebo in the garden which by nature of its existence out of doors, should have been relegated to an ornamental ice sculpture at this time of year. Instead, glass panes were affixed to all sides to trap the warmth of a tended fire, a successful effort by its headstrong residents to enjoy their slice of paradise all year-round.
It seems a simple thing on its surface to fixate on, but in reacquainting myself with Natasha's rich character during this visit, I discerned one of many traits I suspect are at the cornerstone of her success in all things to which she applies herself: a mind for innovating solutions that place her in the most advantageous situation possible, obstacles be damned. I won't pretend to rival her in that regard, but I do possess something akin to raw persistence to get what I desire in like kind.
And so, should my first plan fail, I shall just have to devise a much longer mooring line so that we can share that dock instead. I only hope that, when side-by-side, her elegant new caravel won't eclipse my old Sea Drake exceedingly.
My cousin invited me to visit her their private manor in the Upper Boroughs. Like the caravel, it is elegant, but practical in its design and arrangement. Every room seems to serve a purpose though none lack for a measure of versatility. Take, for instance, the gazebo in the garden which by nature of its existence out of doors, should have been relegated to an ornamental ice sculpture at this time of year. Instead, glass panes were affixed to all sides to trap the warmth of a tended fire, a successful effort by its headstrong residents to enjoy their slice of paradise all year-round.
It seems a simple thing on its surface to fixate on, but in reacquainting myself with Natasha's rich character during this visit, I discerned one of many traits I suspect are at the cornerstone of her success in all things to which she applies herself: a mind for innovating solutions that place her in the most advantageous situation possible, obstacles be damned. I won't pretend to rival her in that regard, but I do possess something akin to raw persistence to get what I desire in like kind.
And so, should my first plan fail, I shall just have to devise a much longer mooring line so that we can share that dock instead. I only hope that, when side-by-side, her elegant new caravel won't eclipse my old Sea Drake exceedingly.
Written By Piccola
Aug. 23, 2021, 7:20 p.m.(1/27/1016 AR)
This is the way of prayer.
The objective of prayer is purification of the heart. Through it, one believer can grow closer to the Gods and strengthen one's faith. Our bodies require food and supplement to stay healthy; our souls require prayer and closeness to the Gods to stay healthy. For us, we must commend ourselves in prayer willfully and purposefully, even as the beasts of the wild do involuntarily through their very nature.
For the warrior, meditation on death should be performed daily. Every day when one's body and mind are at peace, one should meditate upon being ripped apart by arrows, spears and swords or sacrificing oneself for one's honor and integrity. Every day without fail one should consider himself as dead, for this is necessary to strip away what is not important from what is: our lives must be stripped from our purpose.
This is the third part.
The objective of prayer is purification of the heart. Through it, one believer can grow closer to the Gods and strengthen one's faith. Our bodies require food and supplement to stay healthy; our souls require prayer and closeness to the Gods to stay healthy. For us, we must commend ourselves in prayer willfully and purposefully, even as the beasts of the wild do involuntarily through their very nature.
For the warrior, meditation on death should be performed daily. Every day when one's body and mind are at peace, one should meditate upon being ripped apart by arrows, spears and swords or sacrificing oneself for one's honor and integrity. Every day without fail one should consider himself as dead, for this is necessary to strip away what is not important from what is: our lives must be stripped from our purpose.
This is the third part.
Written By Mirk
Aug. 23, 2021, 3:54 p.m.(1/27/1016 AR)
I have waited a few days before writing this journal, to give thoughts and memories time to settle. They seem resistant to doing so, arising again whenever I take a moment to rest or relax.
Never have I seen such destruction before.
I have seen terrible things that I would rather forget. At Riverbend, at Highhill, more. Things that I could not begin to detail in a white journal, no matter the circumstances. Never have I seen such wanton destruction without regard for life, nor have I seen such a human toll to their actions. Even if Bastion is repaired, there will be a scar from such deeds, a memory that cannot be erased from the hearts and minds of its residents. We were fortunate that it was not the total slaughter that our enemy seemed to intend, but that's a small comfort when so many died. I will be pledging some of my personal fortune to the rebuilding of Bastion, though it will require more than money to undo some of the harms dealt there.
I was at the harbor, helping to evacuate people from the city by ship. I witnessed the heroism and insight and decisive action against forces that I would not have dared to oppose had I known what I was walking into, and I will hold those who stood beside me in high esteem for the rest of my days. You know who you are. It was a moment that spawned a thousand decisions, from consideration of the path before me to oaths given in the wake of the battle. I don't regret any of those decisions, though I wonder if I have the strength to follow through on some of them.
But more than that, I wonder at the boldness of the action. It was so drastic that it will surely rouse the Compact to the threat, when before many had dismissed him as a mere Shav chieftain. Many will remember things that they should not, though some will forget and others will be dismissed. Did he wish to provoke us for some dark purpose, or does he simply not care? Is it a part of a greater plan, or does he think us too weak for the response to be worth worrying himself about? I'm not sure which scares me more.
People always come to me for advice or insight, but I don't have the answers. I was caught as unprepared as everyone else when the chaos began, all but helpless before the forces arrayed against us. My best efforts only mitigated the damage, and then only a little.
But I know one thing: He isn't finished.
I will not remain idle until he acts again.
Never have I seen such destruction before.
I have seen terrible things that I would rather forget. At Riverbend, at Highhill, more. Things that I could not begin to detail in a white journal, no matter the circumstances. Never have I seen such wanton destruction without regard for life, nor have I seen such a human toll to their actions. Even if Bastion is repaired, there will be a scar from such deeds, a memory that cannot be erased from the hearts and minds of its residents. We were fortunate that it was not the total slaughter that our enemy seemed to intend, but that's a small comfort when so many died. I will be pledging some of my personal fortune to the rebuilding of Bastion, though it will require more than money to undo some of the harms dealt there.
I was at the harbor, helping to evacuate people from the city by ship. I witnessed the heroism and insight and decisive action against forces that I would not have dared to oppose had I known what I was walking into, and I will hold those who stood beside me in high esteem for the rest of my days. You know who you are. It was a moment that spawned a thousand decisions, from consideration of the path before me to oaths given in the wake of the battle. I don't regret any of those decisions, though I wonder if I have the strength to follow through on some of them.
But more than that, I wonder at the boldness of the action. It was so drastic that it will surely rouse the Compact to the threat, when before many had dismissed him as a mere Shav chieftain. Many will remember things that they should not, though some will forget and others will be dismissed. Did he wish to provoke us for some dark purpose, or does he simply not care? Is it a part of a greater plan, or does he think us too weak for the response to be worth worrying himself about? I'm not sure which scares me more.
People always come to me for advice or insight, but I don't have the answers. I was caught as unprepared as everyone else when the chaos began, all but helpless before the forces arrayed against us. My best efforts only mitigated the damage, and then only a little.
But I know one thing: He isn't finished.
I will not remain idle until he acts again.
Written By Drusila
Aug. 23, 2021, 11:43 a.m.(1/26/1016 AR)
With Belladonna slinking off and burying herself in the business of running a Great House, I've found myself confronted with an abundance of time on my hands.
The markets only can entertain me for so long during the week and I just don't find idleness to be my forte. I'm itching, and have a long list of things I want to do.
So it's time to find another patron.
A long term affair filled with projects. Someone that I can attend as a personal assistant. Maybe someone that needs someone to attend events with them (and as an added bonus, not embarrass them). Maybe even host with them. Maybe another Minister of Income? It would insure that we would have common goals. Maybe a Head of House.
The markets only can entertain me for so long during the week and I just don't find idleness to be my forte. I'm itching, and have a long list of things I want to do.
So it's time to find another patron.
A long term affair filled with projects. Someone that I can attend as a personal assistant. Maybe someone that needs someone to attend events with them (and as an added bonus, not embarrass them). Maybe even host with them. Maybe another Minister of Income? It would insure that we would have common goals. Maybe a Head of House.
Written By Calista
Aug. 23, 2021, 11:37 a.m.(1/26/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Aconite
She is the most gentle and thoughtful person I know and always makes certain to keep Fidante in the forefront of her mind. We are so blessed to have her and so lucky to consider her family.
Written By Savio
Aug. 23, 2021, 10:03 a.m.(1/26/1016 AR)
To fight a monster is unimaginably horrible.
To be recognized by one is worse.
To be recognized by one is worse.
Written By Alarissa
Aug. 23, 2021, 8:43 a.m.(1/26/1016 AR)
I wish that I had been there. It is where I grew up, within those tall walls and the tree's that surround them. The safety of such. I was delayed and then did not go as matters needed tending to in here but I have often made the trip back when I needed a reminder of where I was from and how I was raised. It seems that dark things have been happening in swift succession, and it makes it hard to breathe. It not him and yet it is similar enough that Victus has agreed that even in the dead of winter to divide up our children and send some back to Maelstrom for safety. To bring ease to my mind and cease my suffering. It's hard to put Danse on a boat and the twins, but it will bear them swiftly to Maelstrom and safely and out of reach of that which assaulted my childhood home. I need to know that half are safe. I keep Astrid close and Eleyna because... well for reasons.
It was one thing to rebuild Stormwall.
It's another thing to rebuild Bastion. But I will help Liara see it done.
It was one thing to rebuild Stormwall.
It's another thing to rebuild Bastion. But I will help Liara see it done.
Written By Gwenna
Aug. 23, 2021, 7:42 a.m.(1/26/1016 AR)
It is difficult for me to put my thoughts to words in regard to my experiences in Bastion. If we have learned anything, it is that history needs recording so that those who come after us might have an understanding, and perhaps more knowledge, so they may start farther along the path than we have. I knew, I think, when I heard the howls and the chittering. That familiarity brings no advantage, no settling of nerves, though I truly wish it would. Perhaps I could have done more, helped more - but as mother often says, no use crying over a glass of spilled cider.
I remained in the Cathedral, where so many fought while others of us tried to get the people out safely. The now former Seraph showed us a passage, which I think saved many lives, and the Templars fought with honor despite the overwhelming nature of our enemies. I am honored to have been part of such a courageous group of people, especially Lady Mabelle, Count Drake, Dame Reese, Princess Gabriella, Princess Sorrel, Archduchess Jaenelle, Baroness Lucita, Lady Orelia, Prince Silvio, and Duchess Vanora. Each as valiant as the next, as brave and honorable as the knights described in the greatest of stories. It was not a battle we could have won, and too many were lost. Even one death is too many. Still, I believe more would have died if not for the efforts, and that is what I hold in my heart when my thoughts grow dark. I knew, too, as we ourselves took to the tunnels, that he had gotten what he came for. The look on that hated woman's face...it was, and still is, hard not to feel a bit defeated. It is only failure if one does not get back up to fight again, though, and I have no intention on staying down.
House Redrain will assist House Grayson in whatever way we can. Few in the Compact are strangers to rebuilding, to the heartache of seeing our holdings torn, and of our people lost or left without homes. It is those people, however, that we continue to fight for, rebuild and provide for, and this time will be no different.
I remained in the Cathedral, where so many fought while others of us tried to get the people out safely. The now former Seraph showed us a passage, which I think saved many lives, and the Templars fought with honor despite the overwhelming nature of our enemies. I am honored to have been part of such a courageous group of people, especially Lady Mabelle, Count Drake, Dame Reese, Princess Gabriella, Princess Sorrel, Archduchess Jaenelle, Baroness Lucita, Lady Orelia, Prince Silvio, and Duchess Vanora. Each as valiant as the next, as brave and honorable as the knights described in the greatest of stories. It was not a battle we could have won, and too many were lost. Even one death is too many. Still, I believe more would have died if not for the efforts, and that is what I hold in my heart when my thoughts grow dark. I knew, too, as we ourselves took to the tunnels, that he had gotten what he came for. The look on that hated woman's face...it was, and still is, hard not to feel a bit defeated. It is only failure if one does not get back up to fight again, though, and I have no intention on staying down.
House Redrain will assist House Grayson in whatever way we can. Few in the Compact are strangers to rebuilding, to the heartache of seeing our holdings torn, and of our people lost or left without homes. It is those people, however, that we continue to fight for, rebuild and provide for, and this time will be no different.
Written By Titus
Aug. 23, 2021, 5:45 a.m.(1/26/1016 AR)
Neo-nobility and the threat of change and control among the established hierarchy has been bothering people in the Compact. This is built from whispers from the numerous enemies of the Compact that desire to sow discontent and disarray into the primary focus what the Compact stands for. I looked at the Compact as an enemy once, and worked to understand the weaknesses and strengths of each house, domain and realm. But now I stand with the Compact as a protector of it.
New houses need to work hard to establish a strong foundation of repeated actions of beneficial change in this village called the Compact and be good neighbours, seeking advice from those already in the village and be mindful and respectful neighbours. Established houses need to look at these new houses as neighbours instead of competition and know that there's one more who is willing to help patrol and defend the village as it grows. Established houses should work hard on inviting and working alongside their new neighbours to build rapport and help the newcomers feel safe.
The selfishness inherent in mankind needs to be used to further Gild's benign civilisation in the bonds of honour and fidelity we forge willingly together, otherwise the opposite is to further the desires of Avarice.
But as with all things, change that I wish to see starts first with me.
New houses need to work hard to establish a strong foundation of repeated actions of beneficial change in this village called the Compact and be good neighbours, seeking advice from those already in the village and be mindful and respectful neighbours. Established houses need to look at these new houses as neighbours instead of competition and know that there's one more who is willing to help patrol and defend the village as it grows. Established houses should work hard on inviting and working alongside their new neighbours to build rapport and help the newcomers feel safe.
The selfishness inherent in mankind needs to be used to further Gild's benign civilisation in the bonds of honour and fidelity we forge willingly together, otherwise the opposite is to further the desires of Avarice.
But as with all things, change that I wish to see starts first with me.
Written By Aconite
Aug. 23, 2021, 2:18 a.m.(1/26/1016 AR)
I couldn't do much. Now that I am home I will do everything I can.
The dreams are back. The despair of falling cities haunts me.
I have means to send coin though. I've clothes covered in fortunes just waiting to be salvaged and sold..
That's where I will start..
The dreams are back. The despair of falling cities haunts me.
I have means to send coin though. I've clothes covered in fortunes just waiting to be salvaged and sold..
That's where I will start..
Written By Raja
Aug. 23, 2021, 12:57 a.m.(1/25/1016 AR)
You know, who wants to be a neo-noble anyways? Not me. I enjoy my freedom as a commoner.
Written By Roran
Aug. 23, 2021, 12:01 a.m.(1/25/1016 AR)
What happened at Bastion is a terrible thing. A wicked act carried out against our friends and families. You might feel hopeless and lost, or questioning whether or not you can make a difference. You might be unable to sleep, concerned and second guessing that what you did wasn’t enough.
Within you is the greatest of our hopes and dreams, a person created to carry out good. Our callings are all very different, some of us becoming godsworn, some taking up arms as templars, others swearing allegiance and service as knights and still others inspiring with poem or song, or crafting the millions of items needed for life. Each one of you are important.
Lagoma is ready to see how you’ll react to this challenging problem. Will you help wickedness or will you be an agent of bettering change?
I believe in you, reader. I believe in every single one of you are capable of greatness and I pray that should you need someone to talk to or just have a cup of tea, that we'll share that moment together.
Within you is the greatest of our hopes and dreams, a person created to carry out good. Our callings are all very different, some of us becoming godsworn, some taking up arms as templars, others swearing allegiance and service as knights and still others inspiring with poem or song, or crafting the millions of items needed for life. Each one of you are important.
Lagoma is ready to see how you’ll react to this challenging problem. Will you help wickedness or will you be an agent of bettering change?
I believe in you, reader. I believe in every single one of you are capable of greatness and I pray that should you need someone to talk to or just have a cup of tea, that we'll share that moment together.
Written By Raja
Aug. 22, 2021, 10:45 p.m.(1/25/1016 AR)
What is even going on in the world? I have seen some horrific things and hear of even worse things happening. I am angered over what happened in Bastion. I'm not sure why. I have never even been there. But, I can see that it just isn't right. My prayers go to the Graysons as I know Bastion hangs heavy over them.
Written By Reese
Aug. 22, 2021, 10:08 p.m.(1/25/1016 AR)
Gloria was with us in the Cathedral during the attack on Bastian. We were able to save the clergy there. I am grateful to have had Lady Orelia, Lord Drake, Prince Silvio, Princess Sorrel, Lady Mabelle, Princess Gwenna, Archduchess Jaenelle, Duches Vanora, Princess Graziella and Baroness Lucita there with the Templars defending. They all helped to rescue many brothers and sisters of the faith.
Dame Reese
Dame Reese
Written By Cassiopeia
Aug. 22, 2021, 10:08 p.m.(1/25/1016 AR)
Never underestimate the power of a warm smile on a cold day.
I've long heard people equate softness to weakness.
It is not. When everything comes crashing down, and you can't see through the smoke,
sometimes being kind is the bravest thing you can do.
I've long heard people equate softness to weakness.
It is not. When everything comes crashing down, and you can't see through the smoke,
sometimes being kind is the bravest thing you can do.
Written By Tesha
Aug. 22, 2021, 10:08 p.m.(1/25/1016 AR)
I wish I knew where to start. I don't think I'll be able to sleep ever again without seeing him.
Written By Reese
Aug. 22, 2021, 10:02 p.m.(1/25/1016 AR)
I was very impressed with Lady Orelia in yesterday's battle. She is a woman of great bravery and skill. It was an honor to fight back to back with her.
Written By Khanne
Aug. 22, 2021, 10:01 p.m.(1/25/1016 AR)
I wasn't prepared.
it seems forever ago now, but... spent so much of my time researching those monstrosities, traveling to get help, hints, tips on how they could be bested. It worked, once. It was difficult and I nearly lost two who are dear to me in the process, but we did it... back then. We were prepared. We did the research, had the tools....I always planned, always prepared. I made sure there were options... We succeeded.
Recently, in Bastion, when I saw one again... I wasn't expecting it. I didn't have an inkling that I might see one again, let alone that night. All that research I put in, and when the time came, I knew we couldn't do it like that again. We weren't prepared. We didn't have the tools.
I felt so helpless.
I felt like I was floundering. I was caught up in the chaos and I didn't know what to do. I helped, some, I think... but so many were lost... so many. I am reeling from this, and I know I am being hard on myself.... But I feel like I...
I failed.
I wasn't prepared.
it seems forever ago now, but... spent so much of my time researching those monstrosities, traveling to get help, hints, tips on how they could be bested. It worked, once. It was difficult and I nearly lost two who are dear to me in the process, but we did it... back then. We were prepared. We did the research, had the tools....I always planned, always prepared. I made sure there were options... We succeeded.
Recently, in Bastion, when I saw one again... I wasn't expecting it. I didn't have an inkling that I might see one again, let alone that night. All that research I put in, and when the time came, I knew we couldn't do it like that again. We weren't prepared. We didn't have the tools.
I felt so helpless.
I felt like I was floundering. I was caught up in the chaos and I didn't know what to do. I helped, some, I think... but so many were lost... so many. I am reeling from this, and I know I am being hard on myself.... But I feel like I...
I failed.
I wasn't prepared.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.