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Written By Draven

Jan. 8, 2019, 6:04 p.m.(4/27/1010 AR)

Massacred! So many! All dead! They didn't have to be! You could have left them alone! You could have done so much better Stuff! It's not fair! They deserved better then that! So many Fluffy people! And every one of them claims to care about people! Then some of them do this Stuff!

Written By Samantha

Jan. 8, 2019, 5:53 p.m.(4/27/1010 AR)

Threats.

They are a tool for many - the statesman, the diplomat, the warrior to name a few, and like any tool one must have the knowledge of when it is appropriate to utilize them.

First, one must understand what a threat is: a promise to deliver harm, either directly to the person or the faction which they represent, be it family, business, or what have you, combined with an ultimatum in keeping with the issuer's desires.

For some people, a threat is a hammer, to be wielded with brute force, and for some, it is effective in its application this way. For others it is more rarely applied, with its power being in the understanding that it is not a commonplace tool utlized by the one who delivers it.

There are two issues to consider when making a threat. For some people it's instinctive and natural. For others, they must put some thought in what they say before they speak. But these two issues effectively boil down to who you are threatening, and what the outcome of your threat will be.

Are you threatening a friend? An ally? Have they ever given you cause to believe their efforts are not compatible to your agenda? Have they ever lied to you? Does it make more sense for them to remain in alliance with you, or does it make sense that they might consider double crossing you?

If you care about the outcome (and granted, some may not, simply by virtue of their belief in their own ability), and whether the party you threaten remains your ally, pause before consider issuing an unnecessary threat. It can potentially become a self-fulfilling prophecy, save in a circumstance where they are willing look past it, and that is always based on the flip of a coin.

Written By Harlex

Jan. 8, 2019, 4:02 p.m.(4/27/1010 AR)

A good time to be a mercenary is a bad time for everyone else.

I will say that, among the things being a wandering swordsman afforded me and burdened me with:

I do not miss land squabbles.

Written By Bliss

Jan. 8, 2019, 3:44 p.m.(4/27/1010 AR)

You absolute idiots.

Written By Ida

Jan. 8, 2019, 2:06 p.m.(4/27/1010 AR)

The shop is empty once again, both of brooches and weapons. Almost all commissions are complete, as well, and a couple of last minute things were sent out on the fly. I hope to do some more of the copper pieces in a bit, but for now I think I'll enjoy the seeming quiet and potential of the empty cases. It feels like there is yet so much for me to accomplish.

Written By Delilah

Jan. 8, 2019, 12:28 p.m.(4/26/1010 AR)

Never undervalue sleep. It's a precious resource that cannot be hoarded.

Written By Harlex

Jan. 8, 2019, 12:04 p.m.(4/26/1010 AR)

Jumping from a ship like that, in a single bound, landing with that much grace.

Deep as the Abyss, that is quite a feat.

Bet that emissary gives a damn fine fight.

Written By Berenice

Jan. 8, 2019, 11:32 a.m.(4/26/1010 AR)

The first annual Raconteur Cup Horse Race draws near! I am terribly excited about the whole thing.

We are still in need of a few more race promoters to help spread the word of our wonderful racers! Do reach out to Messere Venturo and myself if you're interested.

Written By Amari

Jan. 8, 2019, 10:49 a.m.(4/26/1010 AR)

The spring festivities in Artshall were fantastic. Duke Cristoph and Duchess Nicia were excellent and gracious hosts. Everyone seemed to have a grand time, even Barf.

I hope it was a rousing success! I think it was, but I'm biased. My one disappointment was that I hadn't any armor so I couldn't try to joust. Which is just as well, I suppose, given how scary the competition was.

Written By Sophie

Jan. 8, 2019, 10:11 a.m.(4/26/1010 AR)

It's amazing how wrong we can be when we make judgements of people based on others assessments of them. I have found myself challenging those preconceived notions of people very much in the past few days.

What a pleasant surprise it is when you meet someone, or get to know someone who you had previously only encountered on a surface level who you expect to dislike, and they turn out to be someone you find to be entirely charming and pleasant.

I might have met Lady Margret under unpleasant circumstances, but her kindness and strength have made an impression on me. I hope, one day, to call her friend.

Bliss Whisper... I don't even know what to say. She's more than charming, she's intoxicating (and I am not referring to the whiskey she brought me!). It's like an apothecary bottled up youth, and vibrance, and adventure and that bottle was made human. I have not always sided with her on the matter of Vowkeeper, and the reason why anyone would want to shake the very foundation of a house such as the Telmars by demanding their house sword eluded me. I have never been unwilling to admit when I am wrong, and this is one time when I was wrong. The reverence to which she shows Vowkeeper, and the sincere desire to wield it in a way to reflect positively on the Telmar family have changed my feelings. I knew Arn would make the right decision, no matter what decision he made, and I think he has. I wanted to dislike her. I couldn't. I think she is destined for great things.

It has been a trying time for me here in Arx lately. I think perhaps I shall make a pilgrimage somewhere soon. Just to get away from it all - and away from these infernal ships sitting in the harbor like a shadow of death across our city. They frighten me.

Written By Jael

Jan. 8, 2019, 9:25 a.m.(4/26/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Sorrel

A birth at Artshall! Mama is absolutely beside herself.

Of course now she's giving me significant looks...

Written By Miranda

Jan. 7, 2019, 11:20 p.m.(4/25/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Isidora

For the care I received while at Saving Grace Hospital, I would like to thank my sister-by-marriage, Princess and Doctor Isidora Valardin.

She was calm and protective of me during a time when I could hardly manage myself.

She made me feel safe.

She made me feel as if I was in good hands.

Thank you

Written By Miranda

Jan. 7, 2019, 10:38 p.m.(4/25/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Sorrel

Nothing like a party ending with a baby coming!!

Good luck to their royal highnesses, Sorrel and Galen!!

This certainly tops any other events I've been to for climactic endings!

Written By Miranda

Jan. 7, 2019, 10:37 p.m.(4/25/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Cristoph

I attended both Artshall events and found them to be very delightful!

Excellent Tournament!

Fantastic Spring Fete!

The songs were beautiful, telling a fabulous story.

Fantastic work!

Written By Delilah

Jan. 7, 2019, 5:52 p.m.(4/25/1010 AR)

An act of kindness repays itself. But they're given freely and I'm quietly astonished by the unexpected boons shown to me. And so I thank you. You know whom you are, I dearly hope.

Written By Amari

Jan. 7, 2019, 5:36 p.m.(4/25/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Klaus

I have no recollection of the conversation we had, but I hope it was a good one, if it in fact occurred. If you happened to share a terrible secret as well, rest assured I shall never reveal it.

Written By Sparte

Jan. 7, 2019, 2:27 p.m.(4/25/1010 AR)

Arx is filled with so many creative and caring people. I am frequently touched by the kindness and generosity that people are willing to show towards their fellows, and the ways they find to show their hearts and emotions. Every time I hear about a person showing kindness, especially to those who need it the most, it brightens my heart. I could direct this at so many people. I'd rather thank everyone for the good in your hearts and your will to help others. May I do honor to your examples.

Written By Sophie

Jan. 7, 2019, 11:17 a.m.(4/24/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Ysbail

Sometimes we all make choices and there is no way to know the far reaching consequences. You serve your house well, and those wronged likely see that, even through their pain.

I will pray for your Marquessa. She's going to need it.

Written By Samantha

Jan. 7, 2019, 10:28 a.m.(4/24/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Rymarr

e traveled to Artshall for the spring jousting tournament. It says something of the growth of my husband's spirit that where once he would have refused to compete, he now does so willingly, and takes joy from it. I am pleased to report that he was the victor of the tournament. There were others less pleased, but I think that less to do with the fact that he won, and more to do with the fact that Captain Harlex lost to him. But the good Captain did very well in the tournament, and I know Rymarr found his skill resptable and worthy of challenge.

Rymarr and I have been married now for five years or more, and I must confess, when I see him at ease with himself and happy, doing what he loves, my reaction is akin to a teenage girl who has become besotted for the first time. Is it silly? Perhaps. But I don't care. I am blessed with a husband whom I love and whose skill and training provides the March with invaluable service.

I only wish I had brought Nara along with us, so she might have witnessed her father's victory.

Written By Sparte

Jan. 7, 2019, 8:19 a.m.(4/24/1010 AR)

I've been speaking with my friend so recently returned from where I grew up, and the talk has turned towards stories from when I was a child. It is a funny thing, many of the characters in those stories seem so very different when I go back to look at them again with more years behind me. I can understand their motives and their passions in ways I didn't before, and the morals of the stories are changed by that.

When I think of the people I've met here in Arx and the interactions I've had with them over the years, I sometimes find a similar story. Something where a person's actions can be seen in so many different lights depending on what you know of the other's motives. Or what you think you know. It is an unfortunate truth that unless someone says something we're always just guessing at what is behind their choices and actions, and even then they may not be fully honest with us or themselves.

That uncertainty challenges us. It even leads some of us to lash out at others, over an inability to understand. Or worse, a choice never to understand.

A moment of self-reflection, then, can change more than how you see your own story.

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