Written By Talen
June 22, 2016, 1:17 p.m.(11/1/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Jaenelle
Princess Jaenelle Velenosa-nee-Thrax, the granddaughter of Prince Donrai Thrax - a storied and powerful heritage, to say the least. It is no surprise then that she was wed to a Prince of the Great House Velenosa in a bid to secure ties between the age-old allies. Talen found himself interacting with her highness more so within Arx than he ever did back at the palace in Lenosia. After the loss of her late husband, Jaenelle's place within the family could have appeared tenuous. As a result, Talen made it his duty to involve her where possible. After all, he grew up knowing what it was like to be without family in a strange manor - it wouldn't do to leave her without support.
Written By Talen
June 22, 2016, 1 p.m.(11/1/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Acacia
Acacia Culler, denizen of the Boroughs of Arx - a reminder that despite the challenges of his common blood, Talen could certainly have been dealt lower cards in life. Duke Niccolo Velenosa introduced the Sword to this streetwise connection in the early days of their arrival to the capital of the Compact. Why his grace took audience with the sailor in the first place was not clear to Talen, but as time wore on the incredulity of it made way for acceptance and then, finally, understanding. There was a mutual guardedness to each their natures but nothing that would prevent sound business from strengthening their acquaintance.
Written By Talen
June 22, 2016, 12:44 p.m.(11/1/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Isolde
As the Grand Duchess of Lyceum's own beloved sister, Princess Isolde Velenosa was owed the same degree of enthusiasm to serve that any Lycene royal should have. The Mirrormask was a prominent proponent of the teachings about the Dark Reflection and while this did not phase most southerners and much less Talen, he was aware that the bulk of the Compact feared the Thirteenth. With an interest in ensuring no harm came to Tehom's priestess or the influence and reputation of the family, Talen often went out of his way to watch over Isolde.
Written By Talen
June 22, 2016, 7:17 a.m.(10/28/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Niccolo
When Giovanni Artiglio died heroically thwarting an assassin, he left behind only one son to carry on his legacy - Talen. With no father but a wardship by the Great House of Velenosa, Duke Niccolo became the closest paternal figure to the boy. Patience, decorum, wit and strength were instilled within Talen as he was moulded into a worthwhile servant for the Lycene royalty. Talen's respect for Niccolo remained throughout his years and instilled within him the desire to make his grace proud. As Sword to the Grand Duchess of Lyceum, the Duke's daughter Esera, Talen aimed to excel.
Written By Talen
June 22, 2016, 6:58 a.m.(10/28/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Esera
Talen's childhood was primarily spent as a ward of the Great House of Velenosa, where his loyalty to Esera flourished. After the gruesome death of Carlotta Velenosa in the events known historically as the King's Rest, Esera inherited her mother's responsibilities, most prominently among them the Grand Duchy of Lyceum. In recognition of his time spent as both servant and guard, Talen was in turn granted office as the Sword of Lenosia by his liege lady despite his common heritage. Swearing the oath to Esera meant more to Talen than just duty, it consumed his entire purpose in life and filled it with a drive to succeed in her name. Failure was not an option.
Written By Talen
June 22, 2016, 6:56 a.m.(10/28/1003 AR)
Only days after the sombre ascension of Esera Velenosa as the Grand Duchess of Lyceum and his appointment as the Sword of Lenosia, Talen travelled at the side of his liege lady to Arx. In the wake of the King's Rest there was much to be done. Carlotta Velenosa's brutal death was an act of war against Lycene royalty and it was here at the heart of the Compact where the pot stirred thickest with lies. In service of Esera, Talen would stand as a Sword to be brandished while her grace began uncovering the truth of the dark tragedy. With his common blood pumping in the young man's veins, however, the ancestral 'Mirror Blade' that Talen carried would only protect him so much from potential foes.
Written By Calista
June 22, 2016, 3:55 a.m.(10/27/1003 AR)
Today was mostly uneventful. When I say mostly I mean the part of the day I didn't spend at the Thrax Estate with Lord Victus. Not the most cordial or congenial host but he is the first Thraxian to invite for a visit. He gets credit for something! The purpose of my visit believe it or not was to give the man a trim. Naturally we discussed other things like the weather, his spar with Prince Edain, and the type of woman he prefers. Anyone reading this entry can rest assure I am not the type of woman Lord Victus fancies. Other than for my appearance, I believe he needs a stout and hardy lass. He really needs someone to give him a bit of his own brash medicine and possibly a lady from the North might suit him best. I am going to have to investigate further on this. I've somehow come to enjoy the idea of being a matchmaker. Perhaps it is a new hobby! The lines of succession must go on despite the tragedy that has befallen the city of Arx. Victus needs a lady who can tame him...and someone who can groom him, too!
Written By Maeve
June 21, 2016, 5:30 p.m.(10/26/1003 AR)
I finished tallying our stocks of ingredients, and all the salves and ointments and potions and such prepared mixtures as there are, and also liquors and ales and wines, and some molds I found in the pantry.
I have also been doing my errands and looking around the city to see what I can see. I met folk, as well as princes and lordships and ladyships and I can't complain much about anyone.
I visited the Menagerie as I've been meaning to do. This is a bird I met there.
<what follows is a crude drawing of an exotic bird with abundant and showy plumage, with closer detail for the wings and beak>
I don't know what it's called. Maybe the next time I write in here I'll draw another of the beasts they have. Most of them I've never seen before. I saw a squirrel but I don't think it belonged.
I ask myself if they miss home. I can't complain, but I am here because I want to, and their Highnesses are good folk. Not that they're what some call folk, but they're good people, and they're closer to folk than others in this city. But I don't know if they'd like to read this, so I hope they don't, and I shall stop writing now.
Written By Shrike
June 21, 2016, 4:48 p.m.(10/26/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Gareth
Inquisitor Gareth is a very intense man, I worry that he cares more for his family then the realm and the silent watcher. As long as they remain aligned I'm sure working with him will be a pleasure.
Written By Max
June 21, 2016, 12:56 p.m.(10/26/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Donrai
Ever the typical man of the Mourning Isles, Maximilian not only admires Donrai but aspires to be like him, feared and respected in equal measure. He does know that Donrai's hiding his flesh underneath that mask and the rest of his clothing, but Maximilian doesn't care. Donrai has presence. He's very loyal to the Prince of Maelstrom, ready to drop everything at a moment's notice to obey the man.
Written By Max
June 21, 2016, 12:46 p.m.(10/26/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
While Maximilian thinks that Victus is plagued with the temperament all the young Thraxians of this generation are, he also feels Victus is the most practical of House Thrax next to Donrai himself. For these reasons and because of Victus taking Maximilian under his wing when the Darkwater Count first became a man grown, Maximilian is quite fond of Victus and is more then happy to join him in any kind of situation, social or otherwise.
Written By Shrike
June 21, 2016, 11:01 a.m.(10/25/1003 AR)
I ventured to the training area today, time will tell if this was a good or bad idea. As I write this I hurt all over from the bruises given to me by the young fighter calling herself Eira. She's looking for employement which I'm sure she'll find easily with her skill. I also chanced upon Lord Victus Thrax and Duke Niccolo Velenosa, the Thraxian like most of his kind gave the impression of brashen honesty, time will tell the truth of that.
Written By Shrike
June 21, 2016, 10:53 a.m.(10/25/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
The kind of good natured that would worry me back in Lyceum
Written By Victus
June 21, 2016, 10:52 a.m.(10/25/1003 AR)
Since it seems to be a matter of public interest, here's my list of Victus Thrax' five favorite fucking things:
1. Riding a Storm.
To sail a ship through a storm is the ultimate test. The smallest mistake, the tiniest bit of bad luck, and you and all your crew are dead. You will never be as intimate with Mangata as when you taste her sea spray on your lips, when she tears at your clothes, when she tosses you about like her favorite little plaything. If you live you know you are a above all other men, favored like no other. You feel alive, not like the sheep walking around grazing on their mundane fucking existence feel alive, but truly alive. It gets me hard just thinking about it.
2. Fighting.
Throwing yourself into the bloody chaos of battle is a gamble. All gambling is exiting, but here's your life in the stakes. Pummeling down a worthy enemy lets me know I am better, stronger, luckier. Conversely, killing the weak does nothing for me. Its just work, a chore, like chopping down firewood. It gives me an ache in my arm and a vague sense of disgust at the circumstance that has forced me to do it.
3. Fucking a beautiful woman.
IThe good ones are a little like a storm, a little like a battle, but in the end the only aching you're doing is the good kind. Heh. Mind, once I get drunk enough my standards for beauty drops. This is not always a bad thing; its saved me a hell of a lot of coin.
4. Drinking.
What's there to say? Never trust anyone who can't drink, they're hiding something.
Lastly, but not least, with no rank because to rank it would be to demean it, just as leaving it unsaid would be to lie. And none of us ever lie to Vellichor, eh? Heh. My Uncle's favor and approval and praise. Its first, middle and last, permeating (I can see the shock on your face, priest. You didn't think I knew that word, did you? Probably had better and more expensive tutors than you, you scrawny fuck. What, did I tell you to stop writing? Keep writing until I tell you to fucking stop!) Where was I? Yes. Permeating everything.
1. Riding a Storm.
To sail a ship through a storm is the ultimate test. The smallest mistake, the tiniest bit of bad luck, and you and all your crew are dead. You will never be as intimate with Mangata as when you taste her sea spray on your lips, when she tears at your clothes, when she tosses you about like her favorite little plaything. If you live you know you are a above all other men, favored like no other. You feel alive, not like the sheep walking around grazing on their mundane fucking existence feel alive, but truly alive. It gets me hard just thinking about it.
2. Fighting.
Throwing yourself into the bloody chaos of battle is a gamble. All gambling is exiting, but here's your life in the stakes. Pummeling down a worthy enemy lets me know I am better, stronger, luckier. Conversely, killing the weak does nothing for me. Its just work, a chore, like chopping down firewood. It gives me an ache in my arm and a vague sense of disgust at the circumstance that has forced me to do it.
3. Fucking a beautiful woman.
IThe good ones are a little like a storm, a little like a battle, but in the end the only aching you're doing is the good kind. Heh. Mind, once I get drunk enough my standards for beauty drops. This is not always a bad thing; its saved me a hell of a lot of coin.
4. Drinking.
What's there to say? Never trust anyone who can't drink, they're hiding something.
Lastly, but not least, with no rank because to rank it would be to demean it, just as leaving it unsaid would be to lie. And none of us ever lie to Vellichor, eh? Heh. My Uncle's favor and approval and praise. Its first, middle and last, permeating (I can see the shock on your face, priest. You didn't think I knew that word, did you? Probably had better and more expensive tutors than you, you scrawny fuck. What, did I tell you to stop writing? Keep writing until I tell you to fucking stop!) Where was I? Yes. Permeating everything.
Written By Shrike
June 21, 2016, 10:52 a.m.(10/25/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Acacia
Puts on a good show
Written By Shrike
June 21, 2016, 10:50 a.m.(10/25/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Eira
Good with a sword
Written By Viviana
June 21, 2016, 8:55 a.m.(10/25/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
I met Talen looking dreadfully poetic on a balcony one morning. Then saw him again in a the Hundred Cities. I find the idea of trusting a commoner with the ancestral blade of the Velenosa rather odd to be honest, I'm not sure I care for it in fact. Oh he seems perfectly nice and loyal and competent and all but still, the precedent...
Written By Valencia
June 20, 2016, 10:34 p.m.(10/24/1003 AR)
(In Northern Farhaven, just after the start of the King's Rest)
"And now, I'm a widow. What does that even mean? I was barely married a year, now I'm a widow for the rest of my life? How is that fair? Everyone is so wrapped up in their own grief, but what about me? Am I supposed to waste away in Farhaven now? I think not. I'll come up with something, I have to. I'm far too well-connected to let my talents go to waste. I won't stay in Farhaven, but I can do Redrain one better. I'll give them the gift of my stellar diplomatic accumen - from somewhere warmer than here, naturally. It's the least I can do, since I definitely didn't get around to giving them a pint-sized Redrain.
Princess Valencia Redrain
"And now, I'm a widow. What does that even mean? I was barely married a year, now I'm a widow for the rest of my life? How is that fair? Everyone is so wrapped up in their own grief, but what about me? Am I supposed to waste away in Farhaven now? I think not. I'll come up with something, I have to. I'm far too well-connected to let my talents go to waste. I won't stay in Farhaven, but I can do Redrain one better. I'll give them the gift of my stellar diplomatic accumen - from somewhere warmer than here, naturally. It's the least I can do, since I definitely didn't get around to giving them a pint-sized Redrain.
Princess Valencia Redrain
Written By Issac
June 20, 2016, 9:08 p.m.(10/24/1003 AR)
Things I learned today:
Some people are just too fucking stupid to live.
Let's just say that if complete and utter chaos was lightning, these are the sort of people that would be the first to stand on a hilltop in a thunderstorm wearing wet copper armour while shouting 'All gods are bastards!'.
Some people are just too fucking stupid to live.
Let's just say that if complete and utter chaos was lightning, these are the sort of people that would be the first to stand on a hilltop in a thunderstorm wearing wet copper armour while shouting 'All gods are bastards!'.
Written By Issac
June 20, 2016, 8:22 p.m.(10/23/1003 AR)
You know what you get for being a hero? Nothing. You get stabbed at. You get a little pat on the back, blah, blah, blah, 'attaboy! You get targeted. You get hurt and left for dead. Your "friends" don't want to talk to you. You get to eat a lot of meals by yourself. Trust me, nobody wants to be that guy.
You play politics, you fuck up. You try to do good, but often settle for trying not to make things any worse. You do your best, and hope that's enough. And then one day you're walking around, fighting some horrible bastard though you've forgotten the reasons why, on a side that you can't say for sure is better than any other.
Believe me, If there were somebody else to do it, I'd let them do it, but there's not. So I'm doing it. Fuck.
You play politics, you fuck up. You try to do good, but often settle for trying not to make things any worse. You do your best, and hope that's enough. And then one day you're walking around, fighting some horrible bastard though you've forgotten the reasons why, on a side that you can't say for sure is better than any other.
Believe me, If there were somebody else to do it, I'd let them do it, but there's not. So I'm doing it. Fuck.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.