Written By Bianca
April 24, 2021, 12:41 p.m.(5/9/1015 AR)
What is devotion to the Gods?
It is love, loyalty and enthusiasm in edifying Their great ideals. To show true devotion to the Gods is not simply a matter of abiding by traditions of the Faith as an institution. It is more than that. Devotion is encompassing. It is an expression of our love, faith & hope in our daily lives. To carry the tenets of the Gods within our hearts and act upon those tenets in each Choice we make.
Our devotion is exposed in all actions we carry out and every word we speak, or conversely our vices are revealed in those same acts and words.
As of late I have seen a growing incursion of darkness wash over those I once believed held true and devout hearts. I have watched those who's voices once lifted in praise to the glory of the Gods grow silent, or worse become the mouthpiece of the tenets of the Dark Reflections.
Doubt has blossomed.
This is not the first time I have observed this rising tide. Even in the times of Beloved Dominus Aldwin's guidance of the Faith we faced similar issues. The same with the stern but fair leadership of Dominus Orazio. And now we see the same with His Most Holy, Dominus Aureth.
The tenets of Petrichor and Lagoma attest that like all things of life it is a cycle. There are ups and downs, ebbs and flows... but nonetheless my heart aches to watch the beloved children of the Gods struggle in their devotion. For the most part it seems it is always a mix of attributes that spurn this phase of life to begin. Pride, anger, entitlement, fear, hate.
These are not of the hearts of the Gods.
But... we are not the Gods. We are mortal and in our beauteous mortality with all its wonder within the expanse of The Dream we are susceptible to our emotions getting the best of us and those emotions distracting us from the values of the Gods we seek to edify.
This is the struggle of the Faithful. Acknowledging our failings, our darkness... and growing from it rather than falling victim to it. Maintaining the tenets of the Gods in our hearts and minds, showing their glory via our acts empowers not only our own faith, but the faith of all who we come to know and interact with. We as the Faithful are called to be examples of honor, justice, integrity, knowledge, inspiration, charity, growth, change, choice and so much more.
It is not an easy path to walk, but the Gods do not call us as a people to be interested in the "easy way."
I ask those now and of future generations to trust in the ideas of the Gods with all of your heart. May we wear faith as our breastplate, hope as our helm and love as our gauntlets. Acknowledge Them in all of your ways and through Their glory our paths will be made straight.
It is love, loyalty and enthusiasm in edifying Their great ideals. To show true devotion to the Gods is not simply a matter of abiding by traditions of the Faith as an institution. It is more than that. Devotion is encompassing. It is an expression of our love, faith & hope in our daily lives. To carry the tenets of the Gods within our hearts and act upon those tenets in each Choice we make.
Our devotion is exposed in all actions we carry out and every word we speak, or conversely our vices are revealed in those same acts and words.
As of late I have seen a growing incursion of darkness wash over those I once believed held true and devout hearts. I have watched those who's voices once lifted in praise to the glory of the Gods grow silent, or worse become the mouthpiece of the tenets of the Dark Reflections.
Doubt has blossomed.
This is not the first time I have observed this rising tide. Even in the times of Beloved Dominus Aldwin's guidance of the Faith we faced similar issues. The same with the stern but fair leadership of Dominus Orazio. And now we see the same with His Most Holy, Dominus Aureth.
The tenets of Petrichor and Lagoma attest that like all things of life it is a cycle. There are ups and downs, ebbs and flows... but nonetheless my heart aches to watch the beloved children of the Gods struggle in their devotion. For the most part it seems it is always a mix of attributes that spurn this phase of life to begin. Pride, anger, entitlement, fear, hate.
These are not of the hearts of the Gods.
But... we are not the Gods. We are mortal and in our beauteous mortality with all its wonder within the expanse of The Dream we are susceptible to our emotions getting the best of us and those emotions distracting us from the values of the Gods we seek to edify.
This is the struggle of the Faithful. Acknowledging our failings, our darkness... and growing from it rather than falling victim to it. Maintaining the tenets of the Gods in our hearts and minds, showing their glory via our acts empowers not only our own faith, but the faith of all who we come to know and interact with. We as the Faithful are called to be examples of honor, justice, integrity, knowledge, inspiration, charity, growth, change, choice and so much more.
It is not an easy path to walk, but the Gods do not call us as a people to be interested in the "easy way."
I ask those now and of future generations to trust in the ideas of the Gods with all of your heart. May we wear faith as our breastplate, hope as our helm and love as our gauntlets. Acknowledge Them in all of your ways and through Their glory our paths will be made straight.
Written By Romulius
April 24, 2021, 9:15 a.m.(5/8/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Natasha
Climbing cherry trees is dangerous work. Even if one were to set aside whatever chivalrous sentiments I possessed in insisting to take up the task for myself, I would have done the same strictly out of self-preservation. Were my family to return you home to Maelstrom battered and bruised, with your dress in tatters, it surely would have been the last such summer you were allowed to visit the Keep and our holdings.
As for the cherries, while I am remiss to waste the opportunity to profess their virtues to the whole of the Compact - I will leave the mystery of 'sweet or tart' to surprise in the coming summer.
As for the cherries, while I am remiss to waste the opportunity to profess their virtues to the whole of the Compact - I will leave the mystery of 'sweet or tart' to surprise in the coming summer.
Written By Achard
April 24, 2021, 7:29 a.m.(5/8/1015 AR)
I have been in Arx for months now. Georgine is working on my armor with Master Felix as I have no talent for fashioning things. I work on my sword and my other training, an ongoing and endless round of swing and block and ride. Many speak of the war to come and I am well prepared to serve my duty to the Duke. I want more, though. I want to be a champion and so I train and I earn and invest in the best of blade and shield that I can possible reach for. Stalwart gets stronger as he matures, too, and if we go to battle, he will be a juggernaut of flesh and steel that will smash enemy lines like haystacks. I hope there will soon be a test of my skills, yet I feel I am not yet even close to the limits I can reach for.
Written By Sydney
April 24, 2021, 5:35 a.m.(5/8/1015 AR)
Spending too much time in the Archives has given me some additional insight on reading as I leaf through the same tome for days at a time, stale and dry books of record.
I watch all manner of people come in, pluck up a volume and find a comfortable place to read, and often enough I get to see them finish their story. Some look contented when the tale ends, others disappointed, and here I am, having hardly made a dent in my book. Part of me wishes to put down my book, pluck up a book from the same section as those who clearly saw the value in brevity, and take a twist of fate on whether the story I select will be one that disappoints me or leaves me briefly contented.
Then I look to my side, at one who's been coming for even longer than I have, and as he nears the end of a tome even larger than the one I'm reading now, he looks so blissfully pleased with himself that I just can't help but wonder what he must be feeling. The emotional highs and lows of that book. I imagine they're worth it, too.
I put my nose down, and flipped to the next stale page.
I watch all manner of people come in, pluck up a volume and find a comfortable place to read, and often enough I get to see them finish their story. Some look contented when the tale ends, others disappointed, and here I am, having hardly made a dent in my book. Part of me wishes to put down my book, pluck up a book from the same section as those who clearly saw the value in brevity, and take a twist of fate on whether the story I select will be one that disappoints me or leaves me briefly contented.
Then I look to my side, at one who's been coming for even longer than I have, and as he nears the end of a tome even larger than the one I'm reading now, he looks so blissfully pleased with himself that I just can't help but wonder what he must be feeling. The emotional highs and lows of that book. I imagine they're worth it, too.
I put my nose down, and flipped to the next stale page.
Written By Aine
April 24, 2021, 2:10 a.m.(5/8/1015 AR)
For each piece of turmoil and every bit of bad news, there is balance to be found in a kind word or a fresh bloom.
Coming here, I've seen the world for what it is. Not what others tell me it is or what I hope it to be. Just as it is, and it's perfect all the same.
I've learnt of things unspeakable. I've heard of horrors and I know many come still. Yet, amidst it all, I see the sun rise. Each day. It is beautiful and unique, it will never look the same way twice.
Seasons will turn, like pages in a book, each one distinct and blending into a story.
Every chapter brings some new twist or turn. It keeps me up at night, cloaked in candlelight, thinking just one more paragraph.
Coming here, I've seen the world for what it is. Not what others tell me it is or what I hope it to be. Just as it is, and it's perfect all the same.
I've learnt of things unspeakable. I've heard of horrors and I know many come still. Yet, amidst it all, I see the sun rise. Each day. It is beautiful and unique, it will never look the same way twice.
Seasons will turn, like pages in a book, each one distinct and blending into a story.
Every chapter brings some new twist or turn. It keeps me up at night, cloaked in candlelight, thinking just one more paragraph.
Written By Lyra
April 24, 2021, 1:49 a.m.(5/8/1015 AR)
Lord Michael Bisland is holding a party tonight in expectation of the hatching of Lord Struttington's and Bibi's clutch of eggs. I find myself looking foward to it with a smile, as I've not seen a peachick hatching before. I hope the signs have been read right as I'd hate to miss it!
Written By Titus
April 23, 2021, 8:41 p.m.(5/7/1015 AR)
I’ve heard people ask why bad things happen, why don’t the gods answer our prayers when they’re asked to look after our loved ones and friends. I'm not a godsworn but maybe legate Bianca's words at the shrines are sticking.
I’ve come to a realization that it isn’t that the gods aren’t listening to prayers when we ask for our families and friends to be protected from harm, but that the gods won’t take away the sacredness of choice and free will from them.
I could be completely wrong though.
I’ve come to a realization that it isn’t that the gods aren’t listening to prayers when we ask for our families and friends to be protected from harm, but that the gods won’t take away the sacredness of choice and free will from them.
I could be completely wrong though.
Written By Mirella
April 23, 2021, 7:31 p.m.(5/7/1015 AR)
Interesting times we live in: I'm getting undercut by nobility and royalty on metal and fabric sales in the markets. I guess it's time to slash my prices.
Written By Zyxthylum
April 23, 2021, 10:04 a.m.(5/6/1015 AR)
I was startled in my hammock outside the shop by a loud noise- and something fell from the sky! It put a big hole in the ground- but once I saw the scrap of leather in the inside- I had Dergus fill the dirt back in. I came back to the showroom to confirm my suspicion and sure enough, they heard it much louder than I did. What is Zakhar up to over there? I'll have to pay him a visit at his emporium to find out..
Written By Natasha
April 22, 2021, 4:35 p.m.(5/5/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Romulius
When we were children, the summers were for cherry picking in New Hope, in the rare opportunities in which Uncle had allowed me to visit your family's estates instead of the other way around. You never allowed me to climb up the boughs of your family's trees; you always insisted on taking on the labor yourself, citing some new excuse every time I tried to insist - my dress would be ruined, or I would get bruised or scratched if I had never done it before, or if I was not careful.
Now that these are planted and situated where they need to be, I realized that I cannot recall whether the varieties grown in Blackshore are tart or sweet.
I am looking forward to the Summer so I could refresh my memory.
Now that these are planted and situated where they need to be, I realized that I cannot recall whether the varieties grown in Blackshore are tart or sweet.
I am looking forward to the Summer so I could refresh my memory.
Written By Klaus
April 22, 2021, 10:08 a.m.(5/4/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Coraline
Posters! She has posters up in every inn and tavern I have been too. 1000 silver to not serving Klaus Thrax brown nut ale. The picture looks nothing like me. I might send her gift back now, or keep it to myself and block her boat in harbor. Maybe.
Then again she has that large axe...
I might need to rethink this
Then again she has that large axe...
I might need to rethink this
Written By Claude
April 22, 2021, 9:17 a.m.(5/4/1015 AR)
It has been quite the eventful week. A new client and new supplier (who happen to be one and the same) may turn out to be quite the boon for my shop. I believe I may be able to upgrade my tools and hire a new apprentice.
Written By Tanith
April 21, 2021, 10:36 p.m.(5/3/1015 AR)
So! Cat's out of the bag, as they say; the epilogue of my book series is in the literary contest. Or if that kitten already fled, my apologies; it's hard to keep track of what month it is, let alone the day.
I doubt I'll win but it was nice to finish the series.
I doubt I'll win but it was nice to finish the series.
Written By Victus
April 21, 2021, 7:20 p.m.(5/3/1015 AR)
Astrid was in a mood today. Barely hefting her little toy axe with any enthusiasm. I stopped and asked her what's got her so damn glum, she's a Princess, she's got a whole lot to smile about. As it would happen, she started giving me grief about some new book her brother had been gifted. Talking about its fancy cover, its big words, the paintings inside. The girl was jealous.
Didn't care for that, not at all. So I knelt down in front of her and told her straight.
"You only look in your neighbor's bowl to make sure they have enough. No other reason."
She scrunched her nose at me, pouted, and brooded off into the corner. I'm not sure whether to count that as a success just yet, since she still seems glum. Who knows, maybe it just needs time to take root. Or maybe she's planning to 'get back' at me, or her sibling.
Who knows. Been doing this for years now and I still can't figure out children.
Didn't care for that, not at all. So I knelt down in front of her and told her straight.
"You only look in your neighbor's bowl to make sure they have enough. No other reason."
She scrunched her nose at me, pouted, and brooded off into the corner. I'm not sure whether to count that as a success just yet, since she still seems glum. Who knows, maybe it just needs time to take root. Or maybe she's planning to 'get back' at me, or her sibling.
Who knows. Been doing this for years now and I still can't figure out children.
Written By Katarina
April 21, 2021, 10:13 a.m.(5/2/1015 AR)
The Salon discussion of haze and its place within the Compact's culture and law was leisurely and relaxed. Alas, we raised more new questions amongst ourselves than we found answers to existing ones, but that is the Salon for you (and I would not have it any other way).
Duke Hadrian has scheduled the next discussion on the topic of prodigals, and there is a part of me that worries for my own safety in that potential chaos more than I worry about what might happen in a literal war.
One question raised, to which no answer was found, but which I found particularly intriguing, I offer to any who care to read this: why is it that the import of haze -- technically smuggling, as no import of it is legal -- is outlawed, and yet the growing and use of it is not? It is a rather odd distinction, and a puzzle to which I can think of no satisfying solution.
Duke Hadrian has scheduled the next discussion on the topic of prodigals, and there is a part of me that worries for my own safety in that potential chaos more than I worry about what might happen in a literal war.
One question raised, to which no answer was found, but which I found particularly intriguing, I offer to any who care to read this: why is it that the import of haze -- technically smuggling, as no import of it is legal -- is outlawed, and yet the growing and use of it is not? It is a rather odd distinction, and a puzzle to which I can think of no satisfying solution.
Written By Piccola
April 21, 2021, 8:07 a.m.(5/2/1015 AR)
The knowledge of anything is not complete unless it is known by its causes.
In medicine, physicians seek causes of sickness and health. In business, merchants seek causes of wealth. In theology, truth. In philosophy, understanding.
In war, victory; in politics, death.
In medicine, physicians seek causes of sickness and health. In business, merchants seek causes of wealth. In theology, truth. In philosophy, understanding.
In war, victory; in politics, death.
Written By Sydney
April 21, 2021, 7:46 a.m.(5/2/1015 AR)
I wonder often, about past choices.
They are my choices because I made them, and I made those choices because they were the best ones I had at the time, with the information I had at the time. Even if I could unfold time like a puzzle and put it all back together again, the outcomes would be unchanged, for I'd not be any different in those moments than I was the first time around.
Regret is a pointless exercise, but it's within our nature to grapple with the pointless on a daily basis - is it any wonder that regret should find its way clawing to the surface, grappling with logic for its proper seat at the table?
The days of defending my choices have come and gone. I am nothing less than Sydney Waterfall, and if you take issue with me, then walk by me or try to walk through me. I welcome the latter.
They are my choices because I made them, and I made those choices because they were the best ones I had at the time, with the information I had at the time. Even if I could unfold time like a puzzle and put it all back together again, the outcomes would be unchanged, for I'd not be any different in those moments than I was the first time around.
Regret is a pointless exercise, but it's within our nature to grapple with the pointless on a daily basis - is it any wonder that regret should find its way clawing to the surface, grappling with logic for its proper seat at the table?
The days of defending my choices have come and gone. I am nothing less than Sydney Waterfall, and if you take issue with me, then walk by me or try to walk through me. I welcome the latter.
Written By Zyxthylum
April 21, 2021, 2:30 a.m.(5/2/1015 AR)
I'm glad we didn't go down that hole after all. There are more dangers than the walls falling in on us if that leads where I now think it does. It only brings up more questions about however- like how was something like not discovered before? Could it be something sinister? I for one am weary to go back in the same casual manner as before. I'm going to get some tools ready for our next excursion, some books at the Great Archive should tend me what climbers might need.
I need to tell Raja that Sina Plaza just got a lot more complicated.
I need to tell Raja that Sina Plaza just got a lot more complicated.
Written By Zakhar
April 20, 2021, 11:09 p.m.(5/2/1015 AR)
Clive. Clint. whoever the ....else is listening.
The fire I set was only to burn THAT PARCHMENT.
I'm still angry. This whole thing is a load of... (The scrappy old man goes on about things in the compact that they don't understand and why they need to change, then tries to take the quill and scratch things out and rewrite them. This goes on for a while, then the parchment is set on fire...again.)
The fire I set was only to burn THAT PARCHMENT.
I'm still angry. This whole thing is a load of... (The scrappy old man goes on about things in the compact that they don't understand and why they need to change, then tries to take the quill and scratch things out and rewrite them. This goes on for a while, then the parchment is set on fire...again.)
Written By Ripley
April 20, 2021, 10:54 p.m.(5/2/1015 AR)
Though it's interesting to note. The ants - stupid ants - all seem to head straight for the Laurent honey...
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.