Written By Sabella
Aug. 7, 2018, 8:21 a.m.(5/6/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
I believe you are misunderstanding my husband's clarification. He made it just in case anyone thought he was claiming to have participated (as in fought) in a duel, which he would not do what with not being a Champion. He has certainly participated in challenges and then attended the duels that came from them.
And I believe there have been several instances of non-combatant duels, such as the recent one that required the participants drink alcohol, one where the participants had to recite poetry, and the informal one between Princess Tikva and Prince Niklas which was a banjo-off!
And I believe there have been several instances of non-combatant duels, such as the recent one that required the participants drink alcohol, one where the participants had to recite poetry, and the informal one between Princess Tikva and Prince Niklas which was a banjo-off!
Written By Belladonna
Aug. 7, 2018, 7:41 a.m.(5/6/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
I actually cannot believe that I'm getting into this debate but... if you seek to find the lethality of a spoon, you need look no further than the grapefruit spoon. Etiquette does have its strange uses now and then.
Written By Belladonna
Aug. 7, 2018, 7:39 a.m.(5/6/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
I feel you are trying to separate 'challenges' from 'duels', as if the two were separate things. They are not, however, in the context you are trying to separate them. A challenge, once named, with terms and Champions, is a -duel of honor-. You cannot force a thing to be something it is not just because it suits your whims, Your Highness. These are the rules by which duels have occurred since time immemorial. You claim that duels have been fought in the past by non-combat means, I then challenge you to bring forth proof of this. See how I use 'challenge' in its proper place to denote it not being a duel? I challenge -you- to bring forth proof of your claim. I do not need a Champion and there are no terms.
Written By Niklas
Aug. 7, 2018, 6:50 a.m.(5/6/1009 AR)
I just noticed that at points in my previous entry I write 'duel' where I mean 'challenge'. This is my error and I do apologize to anyone who honestly thought that I've participated in two duels.
I have only participated in one duel, it was not challenge-oriented, and I'd call the results a draw between myself and Princess Tikva, but a huge win for everyone listening.
I have only participated in one duel, it was not challenge-oriented, and I'd call the results a draw between myself and Princess Tikva, but a huge win for everyone listening.
Written By Audric
Aug. 7, 2018, 3:39 a.m.(5/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Shard's right! Anyone that says a thing is nonlethal is really just not trying hard enough. I've seen Shard kill people with a loooot of weird things. One of my lads once killed a man with a pie!
Don't disparage the lethality of an object, instead say that people just need to really believe in what they're doing to kill someone with, say, a freshly removed liver. Though, maybe it was the removal of the liver and not the repeated whapping of the man with it that killed him. Oh well! Lost to history.
Don't disparage the lethality of an object, instead say that people just need to really believe in what they're doing to kill someone with, say, a freshly removed liver. Though, maybe it was the removal of the liver and not the repeated whapping of the man with it that killed him. Oh well! Lost to history.
Written By Shard
Aug. 7, 2018, 3:15 a.m.(5/5/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Given enough time and determination, you can kill someone with just about anything.
Written By Vittoria
Aug. 7, 2018, 2:32 a.m.(5/5/1009 AR)
I had a very beautiful dream tonight.
It was a warm summer evening. I was back at home and almost a decade younger. My husband was my best friend by that time. We have been sitting under a large oak, leaning against it's stem. He was simply telling me about his workday. His father was pretty strict at teaching Alessio. He was quite tired and I just simply enjoyed the wind, the soothing voice. I leaned my head on his shoulder and a butterfly landed on his knee.
It was a very beautiful butterfly.
I woke up. I was inspired. I rushed into the back of my shop and started sewing. It's going to be a magnificent gown.
It was a warm summer evening. I was back at home and almost a decade younger. My husband was my best friend by that time. We have been sitting under a large oak, leaning against it's stem. He was simply telling me about his workday. His father was pretty strict at teaching Alessio. He was quite tired and I just simply enjoyed the wind, the soothing voice. I leaned my head on his shoulder and a butterfly landed on his knee.
It was a very beautiful butterfly.
I woke up. I was inspired. I rushed into the back of my shop and started sewing. It's going to be a magnificent gown.
Written By Niklas
Aug. 7, 2018, 2:26 a.m.(5/5/1009 AR)
It appears that it comes down to me to defend the duel in which I set the terms.
First I will note that this is my third duel. My first two were issued by myself and were fought for what, at the time and now, seemed like important matters. So if one is of the opinion that duels should not be fought over trivial matters, then please know that whether or not you are wrong, I have earned one. So get over yourself.
Second, the nature of this duel. It seems that some believe a sing-off is a problematic method of determining the result of a challenge. This quote from a famous book in everyone's library was brought up earlier.
"The population of Arx would be extremely unforgiving of someone trying to appear to honor it on the surface while trying set terms or conditions that would make it impossible. In other words, trying to arrange on a date that would be impossible would make someone look extremely bad, and so would trying to insist on conditions that would be humiliating for the participants involved. 'We shall fight without armor to first blood' is appropriate, saying, 'We will fight naked in an insult contest declaring how much we suck with each swing' would not be, and even proposing the latter would cause opprobrium. In short, honor duels are always dignified, since they are about defending the honor of those involved -- never farcical."
I suppose I fail to see how this applies. The paints a situation where the duelists cannot actually participate without insulting themselves. Perhaps it is the last sentence that should be the focus, then.
"In short, honor duels are always dignified, since they are about defending the honor of those involved -- never farcical."
Lady Zoey and myself have both chosen Champions noted for their ability to sing. Perhaps if Lady Zoey had kept on Champion Aleksei and asked him to sing then the result could have been farcical (I do not know, I have never heard the Champion sing) but Champion Aleksei wisely suggested Lady Zoey seek out another champion, even, I believe, putting forth Princess Sorrel himself. To suggest that Bliss Whisper or Princess Sorrel will take to this challenge with any less seriousness than any other challenge deserves, that they will be something less than as dignified as they conduct themselves during any duel, seems like the sort of slight that they may wish to take up with any who would suggest so.
As for the nature of the duel, duels in the past have been fought using poetry and song and games of wit. Perhaps when those duels happened the whites exploded with dismay then as well, but as it turns out Gloria was not impugned and the Compact did not fall apart. Mind that Gloria is glorified not just by fighting, but by honor and chivalry. If anyone reading this believes that Bliss Whisper and Princess Sorrel will not embody these concepts in their singing, then I strongly, and I do mean strongly, encourage those with doubts to let the Whisper and the her highness know your concerns. But please, let me know beforehand so I can be there to bear witness to their response.
Finally, is every challenge meant to honor Gloria at all? One hopes that every challenge is settled with honor and dignity in a that would show respect to all of the gods, as we should seek to glorify the gods in most things we do, but if you want to actively honor Gloria, perform a Rite of Gloria, which has been called a prayer in combat form. The pantheon will favor the righteous, but the primary purpose of the challenge over a slight is to resolve that slight.
So to wrap up:
1) I've only ever been serious in my challenges, so I get a silly one now and again. (But also there's no problem with silly challenges.)
2) Lady Zoey and I are approaching this with dignity, even if you dislike the nature of the duel.
3) While the nature of the duel is not the standard, it is not unheard of and does not impugn the tradition of challenges.
4) Gloria will not be dishonored by the contestants, who will also take it seriously.
I love all of you and hope we can enjoy ourselves hearing two of the greatest singers the Champions have to offer going head to head in a battle to the finish.
First I will note that this is my third duel. My first two were issued by myself and were fought for what, at the time and now, seemed like important matters. So if one is of the opinion that duels should not be fought over trivial matters, then please know that whether or not you are wrong, I have earned one. So get over yourself.
Second, the nature of this duel. It seems that some believe a sing-off is a problematic method of determining the result of a challenge. This quote from a famous book in everyone's library was brought up earlier.
"The population of Arx would be extremely unforgiving of someone trying to appear to honor it on the surface while trying set terms or conditions that would make it impossible. In other words, trying to arrange on a date that would be impossible would make someone look extremely bad, and so would trying to insist on conditions that would be humiliating for the participants involved. 'We shall fight without armor to first blood' is appropriate, saying, 'We will fight naked in an insult contest declaring how much we suck with each swing' would not be, and even proposing the latter would cause opprobrium. In short, honor duels are always dignified, since they are about defending the honor of those involved -- never farcical."
I suppose I fail to see how this applies. The paints a situation where the duelists cannot actually participate without insulting themselves. Perhaps it is the last sentence that should be the focus, then.
"In short, honor duels are always dignified, since they are about defending the honor of those involved -- never farcical."
Lady Zoey and myself have both chosen Champions noted for their ability to sing. Perhaps if Lady Zoey had kept on Champion Aleksei and asked him to sing then the result could have been farcical (I do not know, I have never heard the Champion sing) but Champion Aleksei wisely suggested Lady Zoey seek out another champion, even, I believe, putting forth Princess Sorrel himself. To suggest that Bliss Whisper or Princess Sorrel will take to this challenge with any less seriousness than any other challenge deserves, that they will be something less than as dignified as they conduct themselves during any duel, seems like the sort of slight that they may wish to take up with any who would suggest so.
As for the nature of the duel, duels in the past have been fought using poetry and song and games of wit. Perhaps when those duels happened the whites exploded with dismay then as well, but as it turns out Gloria was not impugned and the Compact did not fall apart. Mind that Gloria is glorified not just by fighting, but by honor and chivalry. If anyone reading this believes that Bliss Whisper and Princess Sorrel will not embody these concepts in their singing, then I strongly, and I do mean strongly, encourage those with doubts to let the Whisper and the her highness know your concerns. But please, let me know beforehand so I can be there to bear witness to their response.
Finally, is every challenge meant to honor Gloria at all? One hopes that every challenge is settled with honor and dignity in a that would show respect to all of the gods, as we should seek to glorify the gods in most things we do, but if you want to actively honor Gloria, perform a Rite of Gloria, which has been called a prayer in combat form. The pantheon will favor the righteous, but the primary purpose of the challenge over a slight is to resolve that slight.
So to wrap up:
1) I've only ever been serious in my challenges, so I get a silly one now and again. (But also there's no problem with silly challenges.)
2) Lady Zoey and I are approaching this with dignity, even if you dislike the nature of the duel.
3) While the nature of the duel is not the standard, it is not unheard of and does not impugn the tradition of challenges.
4) Gloria will not be dishonored by the contestants, who will also take it seriously.
I love all of you and hope we can enjoy ourselves hearing two of the greatest singers the Champions have to offer going head to head in a battle to the finish.
Written By Delilah
Aug. 7, 2018, 12:08 a.m.(5/5/1009 AR)
I've come to discover a certain rhythm to my days that settles me into a satisfying groove. The same companions in the mornings at varied coffee shops bring endlessly enjoyable conversation on matters high and low. Over cups of tea or those lavender lattes I am woefully in favour of, I have discussed the best flowers for spring or the similarities of hosting a large-scale ball to a military campaign -- entertaining for the poor soldier asked to match my thoughts on that, no less.
The insights that come over the tables or in the gardens as the day progressed have opened my eyes to plights of people in the Lowers, lands ravaged by war or the high costs of administrating a significant part of the Compact. No one is without their valuable lessons to impart in the drift of good company.
I'm continually amazed at the diversity of thoughts and interests in this city.
Laurent, incidentally, is in very good hands.
The insights that come over the tables or in the gardens as the day progressed have opened my eyes to plights of people in the Lowers, lands ravaged by war or the high costs of administrating a significant part of the Compact. No one is without their valuable lessons to impart in the drift of good company.
I'm continually amazed at the diversity of thoughts and interests in this city.
Laurent, incidentally, is in very good hands.
Written By Delilah
Aug. 6, 2018, 11:59 p.m.(5/3/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Harper
I finally met my sister's keeper... or rather, her partner in keeping the city safe. Every day out there, they patrol through streets not always disposed warmly towards the Iron Guard. I've watched the consequences for their return on certain weary afternoons, and say what they will, the service takes a toll. Quiet erosion of ignorance in their eyes, the slip of the shoulders from one burden too many.
What troubles affect the Lowers these days, we need all the coordinated assistance and efforts we can get.
Harper is the person who acts as moon to my sister's sun, and helps counterbalance her in action. It's hard to fathom how much they do together, theirs being a world for which I barely know. But she is a good person. I like her. And I credit them both for taking on an enormous task with grace and style.
What troubles affect the Lowers these days, we need all the coordinated assistance and efforts we can get.
Harper is the person who acts as moon to my sister's sun, and helps counterbalance her in action. It's hard to fathom how much they do together, theirs being a world for which I barely know. But she is a good person. I like her. And I credit them both for taking on an enormous task with grace and style.
Written By Saoirse
Aug. 6, 2018, 10:13 p.m.(5/3/1009 AR)
I have received a few new titles and I'm very excited.
More Puns
V
Horror
Murder Ghosts
^
Nox
Puns
Punning
OS
A tome by NK, thank you Niklas.
Kings
ANOTHER book by NK, I get it, you write.
Fox Jokes
and SPIDERS.
At last.
More Puns
V
Horror
Murder Ghosts
^
Nox
Puns
Punning
OS
A tome by NK, thank you Niklas.
Kings
ANOTHER book by NK, I get it, you write.
Fox Jokes
and SPIDERS.
At last.
Written By Alexandre
Aug. 6, 2018, 7:48 p.m.(5/3/1009 AR)
It is with great joy that I begin the formal courtship between myself and Rosalie. These three months will pass swiftly, I know, for every moment spent with her, no matter how long, feels but an instant gone too soon. It is with joy, determination and honour that I look to our future together within RedTyde.
Written By Lumen
Aug. 6, 2018, 7:01 p.m.(5/3/1009 AR)
Too soon, our locum will return to his place and one of the three names on this list will shine bright. To imagine and see my own among them can only be described as… my wilderness. I do not think myself at risk and self-assure that its presence, my name's, exists there for the sake of appearances. My inner thoughts on the subject and all efforts to self-soothe have had little success so, by all logic I must admit defeat. I remain our Softest's greatest supporter, but nevertheless, take this compliment for myself. It belongs to me.
Written By Juniper
Aug. 6, 2018, 6:12 p.m.(5/3/1009 AR)
I’ve not yet had the good fortune to witness one of the famous Arxian duels but would very much like to do so. Perhaps someone involved in the recent kerfuffle— finally, a chance to use that word!— will issue a challenge to duel to settle the matter of duels. Then I can attend and everyone wins, including me!
Except for the loser, I suppose. But I shall pay for a drink for them from my own purse, should this all come to pass, Limerance’s honour. That way we’re all back to everyone winning again.
Except for the loser, I suppose. But I shall pay for a drink for them from my own purse, should this all come to pass, Limerance’s honour. That way we’re all back to everyone winning again.
Written By Luca
Aug. 6, 2018, 6 p.m.(5/3/1009 AR)
Gods, I sat down with the idea to pick a fight in the Whites, but the scholar told me we were all out of fights. They'd all been picked today.
So be it. I guess I'll just be reading fights today!
I'm also accepting messengers again, now that I'm mostly sober, in case anyone wants to send me the non-White details of their fights.
So be it. I guess I'll just be reading fights today!
I'm also accepting messengers again, now that I'm mostly sober, in case anyone wants to send me the non-White details of their fights.
Written By Lumen
Aug. 6, 2018, 5:56 p.m.(5/3/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Arik
If a person is not set right, their mind's contents will be allowed to unravel and they will become deranged. When I disagree with a course of action being taken by one of my superiors, whom I have the greatest respect for or I would not name them such, I engage with them privately on the matter. To do so publicly or not at all would be to potentially rob them of their ability to adjust themselves with dignity and would not only lower them, but me by virtue of being their follower.
Written By Tikva
Aug. 6, 2018, 5:50 p.m.(5/3/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Corban
Sir Corban, I hope I am the first to congratulate you on the good fortune of your friends. I'm sure they're going to be very happy together, but truly, it is you who are the real winner here.
Written By Corban
Aug. 6, 2018, 5:40 p.m.(5/3/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Gerard
It is in the finest traditions to make others' happy news all about yourself, and so it is with the announcement of Sir Gerard and Dame Ida's betrothal.
Sir Gerard, I will record, taught me the basics of swordsmanship, the very fundamentals that I carry with me to this day. Dame Ida, meanwhile, crafted both my rubicund blade that I train with each and every day, as well as the lance I carry into tournament and battle on behalf of the King and Compact.
I am tremendously fond of them both. They both have played a formative role in my life. And I wish them all the happiness together now and in the future.
Sir Gerard, I will record, taught me the basics of swordsmanship, the very fundamentals that I carry with me to this day. Dame Ida, meanwhile, crafted both my rubicund blade that I train with each and every day, as well as the lance I carry into tournament and battle on behalf of the King and Compact.
I am tremendously fond of them both. They both have played a formative role in my life. And I wish them all the happiness together now and in the future.
Written By Rinel
Aug. 6, 2018, 5:27 p.m.(5/3/1009 AR)
I miss the propriety of Sanctum. I am glad its High Lord keeps firm hold of it in Arx--even when I am unsure of His Grace's theology, his manner leaves no doubt to the nobility of his birth or the nobility of his homelands.
Written By Aureth
Aug. 6, 2018, 5:14 p.m.(5/3/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Hadrian
I have been to many an absurd party and cheered on my friends doing all manner of ridiculous things, and yet the underlying point remains.
In the meantime, since you are so fascinated as to record everything that I say in all circumstances for posterity, I might trouble you for your notes on what I said on Thursday last around sunset, because it seems to have escaped my recollection entirely.
It _may_ have been 'Marquis Hadrian is an incredible asshat who farts more eloquently than he speaks,' but I really couldn't say to be sure.
In the meantime, since you are so fascinated as to record everything that I say in all circumstances for posterity, I might trouble you for your notes on what I said on Thursday last around sunset, because it seems to have escaped my recollection entirely.
It _may_ have been 'Marquis Hadrian is an incredible asshat who farts more eloquently than he speaks,' but I really couldn't say to be sure.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.