Written By Aindre
Aug. 22, 2021, 11:04 a.m.(1/24/1016 AR)
The unthinkable has happened.
When the walls of Bastion fell I knew the day would be won or lost on the shoulders of our dutiful guardsmen for which we have so many, but I also understood that to have the defenses of one of the greatest fortresses in all of Arvum compromised in such a major fashion and without even a whisper of warning from the sentries meant our enemies were more than just gathering shavs and not there on a mere chance of overtaking the city in search of what they sought.
I took those with me and moved to secure the harbor, fearing that if I did not there would be no survivors of the conflict left to tell the tale of it. Winter in the Gray Forest is a dangerous season and making the trek through it between Bastion and Arx without supplies and with the wounded to see to is very close to a sentence of death. I felt that ensuring the river was kept open and the ships left intact to bring the hurt and the displaced to Arx would drastically increase the chances of survival for those who lived through the night.
It has been suggested to me already that perhaps I should have rallied the guardsmen and the frightened citizenry from the harbor into a purposeful fighting force to attempt driving our enemies back through their breach in the walls and into the Gray. But Bastion is more than the land it was built upon or the grand architecture which occupies it. It is her people who are the heart and the soul of the city itself, the many thousands of hands from noble to peasant who saw her raised up in the midst of such a hostile expanse of territory and armored her not just in stone but in the faith that the walls surrounding her would hold strong and keep out the wilds from encroaching upon the sanctuary of their hard-won civilization.
Perhaps on this day the faith in those walls has been breached in much the same way the walls themselves were. That armor can be repaired and rebuilt - stronger, taller, more glorious than before - but each and every person who called Bastion home is irreplaceable to me. We were raised there. It is our home.
We will take it back.
When the walls of Bastion fell I knew the day would be won or lost on the shoulders of our dutiful guardsmen for which we have so many, but I also understood that to have the defenses of one of the greatest fortresses in all of Arvum compromised in such a major fashion and without even a whisper of warning from the sentries meant our enemies were more than just gathering shavs and not there on a mere chance of overtaking the city in search of what they sought.
I took those with me and moved to secure the harbor, fearing that if I did not there would be no survivors of the conflict left to tell the tale of it. Winter in the Gray Forest is a dangerous season and making the trek through it between Bastion and Arx without supplies and with the wounded to see to is very close to a sentence of death. I felt that ensuring the river was kept open and the ships left intact to bring the hurt and the displaced to Arx would drastically increase the chances of survival for those who lived through the night.
It has been suggested to me already that perhaps I should have rallied the guardsmen and the frightened citizenry from the harbor into a purposeful fighting force to attempt driving our enemies back through their breach in the walls and into the Gray. But Bastion is more than the land it was built upon or the grand architecture which occupies it. It is her people who are the heart and the soul of the city itself, the many thousands of hands from noble to peasant who saw her raised up in the midst of such a hostile expanse of territory and armored her not just in stone but in the faith that the walls surrounding her would hold strong and keep out the wilds from encroaching upon the sanctuary of their hard-won civilization.
Perhaps on this day the faith in those walls has been breached in much the same way the walls themselves were. That armor can be repaired and rebuilt - stronger, taller, more glorious than before - but each and every person who called Bastion home is irreplaceable to me. We were raised there. It is our home.
We will take it back.
Written By Viviana
Aug. 22, 2021, 10:15 a.m.(1/24/1016 AR)
When there's either the fall - or the hopeless feeling just before -- I don't know.
Written By Audgrim
Aug. 22, 2021, 7:47 a.m.(1/24/1016 AR)
Witness account of the battle of Bastion.
I went with Highlord Liara and Duke Michael Bisland to the palace. It was overran by millions of locusts and later centipedes - choking soldiers and people, dead and wounded everywhere, panic being the real killer. Capable leaders managed to rally soldiers to defend as best as they could. How does one fight such a swarm of insects? Not easily. Then the big ones came, and we had something to actually fight. With them came the true nightmare, the real enemy - walls of the Grayson city fell like it was made of paper. Giant bugs attacked us to feed. Highlord Liara was wounded but refused to leave, despite it all - she defiantly stayed to defend the palace. Brave. We rallied around her and fought off the giant bugs.
This was not a battle to win. It was a battle to keep as many as possible alive. Some battles are like that.
But there will be a tomorrow. There will be other battles.
I went with Highlord Liara and Duke Michael Bisland to the palace. It was overran by millions of locusts and later centipedes - choking soldiers and people, dead and wounded everywhere, panic being the real killer. Capable leaders managed to rally soldiers to defend as best as they could. How does one fight such a swarm of insects? Not easily. Then the big ones came, and we had something to actually fight. With them came the true nightmare, the real enemy - walls of the Grayson city fell like it was made of paper. Giant bugs attacked us to feed. Highlord Liara was wounded but refused to leave, despite it all - she defiantly stayed to defend the palace. Brave. We rallied around her and fought off the giant bugs.
This was not a battle to win. It was a battle to keep as many as possible alive. Some battles are like that.
But there will be a tomorrow. There will be other battles.
Written By Lyra
Aug. 22, 2021, 7:20 a.m.(1/24/1016 AR)
When news reached me of what had happened at Bastion, the word 'impossible' was my very first thought. But really, there is no point in using the word 'impossible' to describe something that has very clearly happened.
I mourn the lives that were lost, and am thankful to those heroes that prevented the number being so much higher.
I mourn the lives that were lost, and am thankful to those heroes that prevented the number being so much higher.
Written By Evelynn
Aug. 22, 2021, 2:23 a.m.(1/24/1016 AR)
All things must come to an end. The /issue/ is that the majority don't quite know when that end is. Sometimes one just needs to accept the final certitude.
Written By Ian
Aug. 21, 2021, 11:52 p.m.(1/23/1016 AR)
I'm not dead. I'm told that the way I looked coming back into town, this is something that needed to be said.
Written By Cesare
Aug. 21, 2021, 11:03 p.m.(1/23/1016 AR)
Another span of days passes; they all seem stranger than the last, I admit. Sometimes I wake and wonder what earth-shattering truth I may learn today, or which among those of you I hold dear I will come to find to have once again thrown themselves into some radically unwinnable combat. This is not to say I am not grateful for the eventfulness of my life. I would rather, much rather, be continually thrown off-guard than be bored.
It has been a time for learning difficult lessons. One rarely wishes to loosen one's fingers from something which feels good, or which brings with it a particular thrill that cannot be replicated, but all too often it is those precise vices which have equal propensity for feeling bad. And I have learnt this lesson before: the extent of what I can give is finite, and if it isn't enough, that is not a burden to be laid at my feet. There are simply some voids too big to be filled, I suppose, and all the good intent in the world cannot change that, nor should one wring oneself dry trying.
Yes, I know. I'm just achingly earnest. But some of us must be, don't you think? And anyway, I've got enough on my plate. Imagine if I tried to add a layer of guile on top of everything else, it'd all just stop making sense, or I'd have to start taking notes, and neither of those is appealing. You should see this painting Mistress Samira did for me, though, truly; to call it haunting would be to do it a disservice. I had to move it out of my bedroom because I kept dreaming about it, and I really look forward to explaining it to whoever comes by Seawatch Sanctuary next. I must see if I can commission Princess Denica to paint me an equally alluring companion portrait, perhaps. I'm entirely too spoiled, surrounded by talented people. And I saw my beloved Lady Medeia wearing green for the first time at the Blackram and Telmars' introduction to their gorgeous fabrics - my heart nearly stopped. Perhaps that's why she doesn't wear it more often; she doesn't want to be liable for anyone's death.
Note: I am still accepting submissions for the silent auction to benefit the Disciples of Jayus. Not a single person has sent me a weapon, a piece of jewelry, an item of clothing, or a written work so far! You could be the first. What will that earn you? Well, self-satisfaction, of course. Anything further will have to be individually negotiated.
It has been a time for learning difficult lessons. One rarely wishes to loosen one's fingers from something which feels good, or which brings with it a particular thrill that cannot be replicated, but all too often it is those precise vices which have equal propensity for feeling bad. And I have learnt this lesson before: the extent of what I can give is finite, and if it isn't enough, that is not a burden to be laid at my feet. There are simply some voids too big to be filled, I suppose, and all the good intent in the world cannot change that, nor should one wring oneself dry trying.
Yes, I know. I'm just achingly earnest. But some of us must be, don't you think? And anyway, I've got enough on my plate. Imagine if I tried to add a layer of guile on top of everything else, it'd all just stop making sense, or I'd have to start taking notes, and neither of those is appealing. You should see this painting Mistress Samira did for me, though, truly; to call it haunting would be to do it a disservice. I had to move it out of my bedroom because I kept dreaming about it, and I really look forward to explaining it to whoever comes by Seawatch Sanctuary next. I must see if I can commission Princess Denica to paint me an equally alluring companion portrait, perhaps. I'm entirely too spoiled, surrounded by talented people. And I saw my beloved Lady Medeia wearing green for the first time at the Blackram and Telmars' introduction to their gorgeous fabrics - my heart nearly stopped. Perhaps that's why she doesn't wear it more often; she doesn't want to be liable for anyone's death.
Note: I am still accepting submissions for the silent auction to benefit the Disciples of Jayus. Not a single person has sent me a weapon, a piece of jewelry, an item of clothing, or a written work so far! You could be the first. What will that earn you? Well, self-satisfaction, of course. Anything further will have to be individually negotiated.
Written By Aelgar
Aug. 21, 2021, 10:33 p.m.(1/23/1016 AR)
Been too busy lately to really accomplish a lot of goal advancenent, but Lord Vitalis has kindly offered to put me through my paces for the Explorers exam, so things are moving, if more slowly than they were for awhile. I have been having my leathers reinforced and I continue preparingn Griz, plus i have had more medical work recently to keep me sharp. It is not easy preparing for conflict on this level, but I feel it is where the gods want me.
Written By Thea
Aug. 21, 2021, 9:34 p.m.(1/23/1016 AR)
Grateful for all those that were returned the other night. Because so many others didn't get the chance.
Written By Rosalind
Aug. 21, 2021, 8:55 p.m.(1/23/1016 AR)
Sometimes all you need is a long talk with your brother to get things in a better perspective. Then you're good. Doesn't mean I'm not going to build things in his home though.
Written By Lou
Aug. 21, 2021, 5:59 p.m.(1/23/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Mason
How I wish you were in the city right now, and not away on business. After the events of Bastion, I need someone who understands me only the way you do to talk to. I hope you are safe, and well, wherever you are. I am missing you sorely, and the kids miss you too.
Written By Lucita
Aug. 21, 2021, 5:45 p.m.(1/23/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Silvio
There is a brave heart beneath that uniquely styled exterior. It was a good to see my former small weapons student had not forgotten our lessons and that he applied them so adeptly when there was a need for them.
Written By Viviana
Aug. 21, 2021, 2:51 p.m.(1/23/1016 AR)
Always listen to that little voice.
Written By Mabelle
Aug. 21, 2021, 1:22 p.m.(1/22/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Reese
Thank you.
Written By Rosalind
Aug. 21, 2021, 11:23 a.m.(1/22/1016 AR)
I must have went drinking. I woke up with some small injuries and a bad taste in my mouth. What happened?
Written By Kastelon
Aug. 21, 2021, 8:29 a.m.(1/22/1016 AR)
I seem to have survived the events of Bastion. I really need to learn from my past and not attend any festivities - too often, bad things happen at such things.
Written By Ryhalt
Aug. 21, 2021, 4:08 a.m.(1/22/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Sydney
Let no one say differently, she is a hero.
Written By Tarik
Aug. 21, 2021, 12:16 a.m.(1/21/1016 AR)
Winter really is the best time. Snowball, ice skating, icicles, igloos, snowforts, snowball fighting..
Written By Piccola
Aug. 20, 2021, 11:40 p.m.(1/21/1016 AR)
This is the way of devotion.
We but stand in the shadows of leaves at every moment, looking to find the sun or the stars. When a warrior accepts their death, then it is easier to be determined and advance. What is important is to gain one's aim; whether one lives or dies upon completion is immaterial. And while we all wish to live, such a life is meaningless without attaining one's goals.
Whosoever dies in the service of their liege has died a martyr. Whosoever dies in the service of their people has died in forgiveness. And whosever dies in the love of the Gods has died a believer in the perfection of their faith. These are the beloved heroes of the Queen, and they will be called to her in glory and brought back through the Wheel.
This is the first part.
We but stand in the shadows of leaves at every moment, looking to find the sun or the stars. When a warrior accepts their death, then it is easier to be determined and advance. What is important is to gain one's aim; whether one lives or dies upon completion is immaterial. And while we all wish to live, such a life is meaningless without attaining one's goals.
Whosoever dies in the service of their liege has died a martyr. Whosoever dies in the service of their people has died in forgiveness. And whosever dies in the love of the Gods has died a believer in the perfection of their faith. These are the beloved heroes of the Queen, and they will be called to her in glory and brought back through the Wheel.
This is the first part.
Written By Thea
Aug. 20, 2021, 7:23 p.m.(1/21/1016 AR)
I'm not meant to be built in nurse. I've never been so grateful to the Archduchess for missing her aim. Or lack there of, as I was last night. Even if that target was Noah Grayson.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.