Written By Emberly
May 7, 2021, 11:29 p.m.(6/8/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Esme
In my confusion I was able to hold confernce with Lady Esme, it was a nice time and one of reflection.
Written By Aethan
May 7, 2021, 9:59 p.m.(6/7/1015 AR)
Looking back, there aren't journals in the white that I can reflect upon, or any, that family could. I don't know that it will change to be otherwise. Yet, how does a man lead, if not by example. How does a man inspire, without being inspired himself.
I will attempt to change the course that I have been on, at least, when it comes to my duty to Vellichor.
After the Battle of the Bay of Pieros, I spent the time board the ship sailing back, walking between the crew left alive, looking over the lists of the dead. In the journey home, I felt the winds of change on my back. Am I the same man who left Arx to raise sail against the Skal'daja? I would hearken to guess no, not entirely.
I am the same, but different.
My brothers, Ian and Porter, I have been reunited with since. I look forward to finding Wash again, but I know he will need time. I have sat with my one voice and look forward to sitting with the other. I have nodded heads with many fine people, who were grateful to see me out. I have met a Prince to whom I hope to inspire to greater things, if already I can encourage him to speak a poem out loud. I have taken to sitting in a park on a late night stroll, listening about bees. I have sat in the salon to converse with one of the most eloquent peers of the realm. I have invited people for dinner and received dinner invites.
I watched proudly as my brother, Porter, finished his dedication of the Cathedral, a project he undertook a year ago and finished just this past week. He was elevated to Blessed, a Voice of Gild. Why would I not write to jot this down, to remember it.
Ian...
Ian, let me out of the office.
I will attempt to change the course that I have been on, at least, when it comes to my duty to Vellichor.
After the Battle of the Bay of Pieros, I spent the time board the ship sailing back, walking between the crew left alive, looking over the lists of the dead. In the journey home, I felt the winds of change on my back. Am I the same man who left Arx to raise sail against the Skal'daja? I would hearken to guess no, not entirely.
I am the same, but different.
My brothers, Ian and Porter, I have been reunited with since. I look forward to finding Wash again, but I know he will need time. I have sat with my one voice and look forward to sitting with the other. I have nodded heads with many fine people, who were grateful to see me out. I have met a Prince to whom I hope to inspire to greater things, if already I can encourage him to speak a poem out loud. I have taken to sitting in a park on a late night stroll, listening about bees. I have sat in the salon to converse with one of the most eloquent peers of the realm. I have invited people for dinner and received dinner invites.
I watched proudly as my brother, Porter, finished his dedication of the Cathedral, a project he undertook a year ago and finished just this past week. He was elevated to Blessed, a Voice of Gild. Why would I not write to jot this down, to remember it.
Ian...
Ian, let me out of the office.
Written By Haakon
May 7, 2021, 9:39 p.m.(6/7/1015 AR)
Few folk understand fireships and their best use. Not just pots of fire shot from catapults or belched out of a ship's dragon, but common ships set aflame and shoved toward a foe.
They're a risky and expensive gambit even under the best of circumstances.
Firstly, they require great preparation to have ships packed with enough shit to burn long and hot enough to spread to whatever it's lucky enough to plow into, without burning out so fierce that it sinks afore reaching the foe. Then, the sails must be set, the tiller tied in place, the fire lit and the crew bails over the rails while underway. Get the timing just a bit off and you've wasted ships for nothing.
Which is the next challenge: you need know in advance which way the foe is coming from, you must have a fortunate wind (as you can hardly row a burning fireship with a hundred oarsmen aboard) and you need have a large enough number of fireships that the few that get lucky and collide will do damage enough to have an effect on an enemy fleet. Get the gauge just a bit wrong and you'll have burning ships plowing into the rest of your own fleet.
I've seen fireships used to threaten a harbor blockade, but never before in battle.
That the Crimson Crosses at Pieros Bay managed to attempt a viable delaying action with fireships was at once a piece of fucking luck and bloody brilliance. They were badly outnumbered and were prepared to take a bloody gamble that they'd break our formation or ruin enough of our forward lines that the mouth of the bay would be blocked long enough for the main Skal fleet to recover soldiers, raise anchor, and meet us in an ordered battle line. They were prepared, they read the wind right, and they were ready to sacrifice.
And they nearly managed it.
Bloody brilliant.
They're a risky and expensive gambit even under the best of circumstances.
Firstly, they require great preparation to have ships packed with enough shit to burn long and hot enough to spread to whatever it's lucky enough to plow into, without burning out so fierce that it sinks afore reaching the foe. Then, the sails must be set, the tiller tied in place, the fire lit and the crew bails over the rails while underway. Get the timing just a bit off and you've wasted ships for nothing.
Which is the next challenge: you need know in advance which way the foe is coming from, you must have a fortunate wind (as you can hardly row a burning fireship with a hundred oarsmen aboard) and you need have a large enough number of fireships that the few that get lucky and collide will do damage enough to have an effect on an enemy fleet. Get the gauge just a bit wrong and you'll have burning ships plowing into the rest of your own fleet.
I've seen fireships used to threaten a harbor blockade, but never before in battle.
That the Crimson Crosses at Pieros Bay managed to attempt a viable delaying action with fireships was at once a piece of fucking luck and bloody brilliance. They were badly outnumbered and were prepared to take a bloody gamble that they'd break our formation or ruin enough of our forward lines that the mouth of the bay would be blocked long enough for the main Skal fleet to recover soldiers, raise anchor, and meet us in an ordered battle line. They were prepared, they read the wind right, and they were ready to sacrifice.
And they nearly managed it.
Bloody brilliant.
Written By Achard
May 7, 2021, 6:28 p.m.(6/7/1015 AR)
Still need to get the sword, but I now have a full suit of plate. I rode Stalwart with it for the first time this week and he did not even blink. Instead, he actually seemed eager to gallop and we made thunder across a meadow. He has taken well to the lance and responds to my legs reliably, so the boy is passing every test. I can hope to make him into a mount to be envied.
The other animals are doing well and my practice with the bow continues. In the end, I expect to use this less, but it is a useful skill on the road or when besieged. I will also be well prepared for sea travel this way, I hope, able to contribute even when we have not closed.
Georgine is doing well and we are not hurting for money, so I am finding nothing to complain about lately. We shall pray it lasts.
The other animals are doing well and my practice with the bow continues. In the end, I expect to use this less, but it is a useful skill on the road or when besieged. I will also be well prepared for sea travel this way, I hope, able to contribute even when we have not closed.
Georgine is doing well and we are not hurting for money, so I am finding nothing to complain about lately. We shall pray it lasts.
Written By Raymesin
May 7, 2021, 5:18 p.m.(6/7/1015 AR)
First Apollo, now two more.
I need to be careful, Scholar. At this rate, I'm going to find a title in my porridge.
I need to be careful, Scholar. At this rate, I'm going to find a title in my porridge.
Written By Medeia
May 7, 2021, 11:54 a.m.(6/7/1015 AR)
I've always wondered what brings a person to making the decisions they do, especially the ones that seem as though there was no real thought behind it. For instance, when walking back to Eswyndol from Saik Tower one evening - this would have been very shortly after my marriage, I suddenly stopped and ducked into the Black Fox to have a glass of wine. I had no need of a glass of wine at that moment, I had no plans to meet anyone there, but something compelled me to make the change in my path. This choice resulted in a conversation with Lord Yuri about weaponry, setting an appointment to meet at the training center for some sparring, a discussion on the foods we miss from the lands of our birth and the virtues of a good sauce, and promises of shared herbs and spices. It was a lovely chance encounter. And, I dare say, it may have led to the birth of La Rosa d'Ebano, since the lord shared the idea not long after. Was there something else acting upon me, or him, or both of us in that moment? Was it entirely by chance that I chose to stop, what spurred the topic of conversation, how did inspiration take root?
More recently, I had two visitors in two days with conversations on very different subjects that shouldn't have much, if anything, to do with one another. Yet, the first of the two had me thinking about a trip I should take and the second gave me the reason. Or, a better reason than "I want to." I can be assured the visitors did not collaborate in their approach. Chance? The maneuvers of someone or something? Every choice I have ever made has built the path I have walked on. But were the choices ahead always there to be decided upon? Or did they come about as a result of other factors?
No matter. I will just have to use care when deciding which bar to drink at.
More recently, I had two visitors in two days with conversations on very different subjects that shouldn't have much, if anything, to do with one another. Yet, the first of the two had me thinking about a trip I should take and the second gave me the reason. Or, a better reason than "I want to." I can be assured the visitors did not collaborate in their approach. Chance? The maneuvers of someone or something? Every choice I have ever made has built the path I have walked on. But were the choices ahead always there to be decided upon? Or did they come about as a result of other factors?
No matter. I will just have to use care when deciding which bar to drink at.
Written By Raimon
May 7, 2021, 10:53 a.m.(6/6/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Erasmus
Met the Lord Tyde at the docks near his ship. Having now seen this most admirable man in person, I must say: To the degree that I can tell, what I -suspect- is true for him -is- true. We shall see more, perhaps, as events unfold? And if it is also true that he once said: "Nobles have their ranks and privileges due to our duty to serve," . . . well, those are words that could very well have been torn from my own soul. Would that I could learn more from such a man as this. Having tested him to the best of my ability under the circumstances, he does seem genuine to the degree I can tell. Time will tell of course. It always does.
Written By Raimon
May 7, 2021, 10:49 a.m.(6/6/1015 AR)
Finally told someone. The Lady Zoey Kennex elicited the secret in the library over tea. May Mangata grant that my trust is warranted. I pray that it is. Gods grant we prevail.
Written By Cambria
May 7, 2021, 12:26 a.m.(6/6/1015 AR)
We are all we are, and all in a sense we to dream ourselves to be.
Written By Zakhar
May 7, 2021, 12:07 a.m.(6/6/1015 AR)
Lose a friend. drink one for them, move on. Lose a loved one. Grab your weapons and burn those that removed them from you to the ground. Lose your family, city, everything that you know... Watch out world. We're going to rip you apart and destroy everything that you ever thought to be safe.
Touch one of mine. I'll rip you open.
Touch one of mine. I'll rip you open.
Written By Piccola
May 6, 2021, 10:24 p.m.(6/5/1015 AR)
Love is the best remedy for war.
Society is the most powerful remedy for restoring the mind's tranquility. Conversation is the best preservative of temperance, which is so necessary to self-satisfaction. Those who brood at home over either grief or resentment seldom possess that equality of temper which is so common among the worldly.
And the natural result of such experience is affection for life, the antithesis of destruction.
Society is the most powerful remedy for restoring the mind's tranquility. Conversation is the best preservative of temperance, which is so necessary to self-satisfaction. Those who brood at home over either grief or resentment seldom possess that equality of temper which is so common among the worldly.
And the natural result of such experience is affection for life, the antithesis of destruction.
Written By Erasmus
May 6, 2021, 3:37 p.m.(6/5/1015 AR)
There are moments of absolute quiet when memories flood in. I'm stood upon the prow of my ship, a short bellowing call through my horn to signal to the other vessel of our approach. I watch the commoners push against one another, desperate and ready to throw themselves onto the deck of our ship when in reach. Around us the Darkwater is vile, a violent churning abyss which threatens to consume both of our ships.
The sides of our ship meet, scraping together as if threatening to sunder the hull and send us into the drink. I remember calling out again, my voice barely heard amongst the dark squall. I roared for them to get down, but for all they could hear, I could as well not made a sound. Desperately I clung to the rail as a monstrous wave slams itself over the sides and onto the decks. In an instant, my freemen, my brothers at arms whom I swore I would see safely home vanished. White foam, broiling and curling itself against the deck of my ship is all that remained.
I pushed myself off of the rail, the wind biting at my face and hands as I brought them up to shield me. I was desperate to help those that I could, but it was in vain. Another wave, larger than the last. It was as if time itself slowed, the churning abyss made manifest in the shape of this surge. Then darkness takes my vision.
Many of the men who perished into the Darkwater have no remaining family for me to seek out. Would that I could thank them for a final time. A Captain couldn't ask for a better crew.
The sides of our ship meet, scraping together as if threatening to sunder the hull and send us into the drink. I remember calling out again, my voice barely heard amongst the dark squall. I roared for them to get down, but for all they could hear, I could as well not made a sound. Desperately I clung to the rail as a monstrous wave slams itself over the sides and onto the decks. In an instant, my freemen, my brothers at arms whom I swore I would see safely home vanished. White foam, broiling and curling itself against the deck of my ship is all that remained.
I pushed myself off of the rail, the wind biting at my face and hands as I brought them up to shield me. I was desperate to help those that I could, but it was in vain. Another wave, larger than the last. It was as if time itself slowed, the churning abyss made manifest in the shape of this surge. Then darkness takes my vision.
Many of the men who perished into the Darkwater have no remaining family for me to seek out. Would that I could thank them for a final time. A Captain couldn't ask for a better crew.
Written By Gael
May 6, 2021, 11:42 a.m.(6/5/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Raja
It is strange, seeing Arx from the little home you've built me into its mountain, Raja Culler,
The light of the clear spring, with the morning now glowing in the valley across from my window, down from the steep end of the forge's hill. I can hear the noise of bubbling waters rising up from the foaming river-bed below. Birds sing, sometimes more than I'd like them to, and it feels as though a wholesome peace lays on the land. A lie hard to believe, but when oft I wake in the morning, one I find myself oddly visited by.
Our dangerous foray against the Skal'dajans, and the rumors of the growing, crawling darkness assailing the world from every end already seem only but memories of a troubled dream; yet the faces of those passerbies in the docks, fresh from their voyages coming in from the straits, dispel any doubt or hopeful pretension.
Still, thank you,
Really.
The light of the clear spring, with the morning now glowing in the valley across from my window, down from the steep end of the forge's hill. I can hear the noise of bubbling waters rising up from the foaming river-bed below. Birds sing, sometimes more than I'd like them to, and it feels as though a wholesome peace lays on the land. A lie hard to believe, but when oft I wake in the morning, one I find myself oddly visited by.
Our dangerous foray against the Skal'dajans, and the rumors of the growing, crawling darkness assailing the world from every end already seem only but memories of a troubled dream; yet the faces of those passerbies in the docks, fresh from their voyages coming in from the straits, dispel any doubt or hopeful pretension.
Still, thank you,
Really.
Written By Aelgar
May 6, 2021, 7:57 a.m.(6/4/1015 AR)
The new role of Prelate is sitting more comfortably this week. Just Brother Aelgar with a few more chores, a few more duties, nothing special to see here, folks.
I am involved in many new discussions due to the role, though, and some have been deeply thought-provoking. In particular, these have helped me clarify my thoughts on my mission withing The Scholars and within the Faith as a whole. An excellent example of this occurred yesterday with Father Vayne when I was asked about this mission and my interests:
According to historic accounts, during the Reckoning Lord Vellichor returned to humanity knowledge thought forever lost. The knowledge was needed to prevent human enslavement in darkness and the god said he hoped humanity would never know what this move had cost him.
I ask, if the god had considered this gift worthy of a high price, if He had considered humanity worthy of carrying this duty, then how can we shirk the task? It would be the depths of ungrateful cowardliness to reject the burden placed with us. According to the histories, He asked that the most studious of us guard the knowledge and that all among us contribute our knowledge to the whole.
I feel that we are each capable of not only contributing, but if carrying and guarding, each to their own capability. I feel that spreading the knowledge amongst all of humanity not only makes it safer through dissemination, but also meets a key corollary: Knowledge on a shelf is a potential benefit for humanity, but knowledge placed into a human mind is a living active benefit.
Brother Aelgar
I am involved in many new discussions due to the role, though, and some have been deeply thought-provoking. In particular, these have helped me clarify my thoughts on my mission withing The Scholars and within the Faith as a whole. An excellent example of this occurred yesterday with Father Vayne when I was asked about this mission and my interests:
According to historic accounts, during the Reckoning Lord Vellichor returned to humanity knowledge thought forever lost. The knowledge was needed to prevent human enslavement in darkness and the god said he hoped humanity would never know what this move had cost him.
I ask, if the god had considered this gift worthy of a high price, if He had considered humanity worthy of carrying this duty, then how can we shirk the task? It would be the depths of ungrateful cowardliness to reject the burden placed with us. According to the histories, He asked that the most studious of us guard the knowledge and that all among us contribute our knowledge to the whole.
I feel that we are each capable of not only contributing, but if carrying and guarding, each to their own capability. I feel that spreading the knowledge amongst all of humanity not only makes it safer through dissemination, but also meets a key corollary: Knowledge on a shelf is a potential benefit for humanity, but knowledge placed into a human mind is a living active benefit.
Brother Aelgar
Written By Santi
May 6, 2021, 2:20 a.m.(6/4/1015 AR)
It struck me tonight as I finished the last letters to the loved ones of the Malvici troops who died on the fields outside of Pieros and sipped from my mug thinking of how some mourn and others celebrate..
Only the dead have seen the end of war, For the rest of us..
we await the next.
Only the dead have seen the end of war, For the rest of us..
we await the next.
Written By Viviana
May 5, 2021, 9:42 p.m.(6/3/1015 AR)
Note: need a new correspondence.
Or, per the Chorus, I am to ship off - pursue greater glories - until I am properly entertained. Idle energy better spent in service, in duty.
Otherwise, the opportunity for mischief grows.
Or, per the Chorus, I am to ship off - pursue greater glories - until I am properly entertained. Idle energy better spent in service, in duty.
Otherwise, the opportunity for mischief grows.
Written By Piccola
May 5, 2021, 8:56 p.m.(6/3/1015 AR)
Every faculty in one soldier is the measure by which she judges of the like faculty in another.
"I judge of your sight by my sight; of your ear by my ear; of your reason by my reason; of your resentment by my resentment; of your love by my love."
There is no other means to judge than by experience; and therefore no judgment is purely objective.
"I judge of your sight by my sight; of your ear by my ear; of your reason by my reason; of your resentment by my resentment; of your love by my love."
There is no other means to judge than by experience; and therefore no judgment is purely objective.
Written By Rosalind
May 5, 2021, 8:01 p.m.(6/3/1015 AR)
Relationship Note on Aella
My sister is HOME! She is home and already making her presence known. I've never been so excited! She's already starting to get moving on the things I couldn't. Oh..and she's made her way into the Explorers. Im not sure they're ready for the BOTH of us!
Written By Varosh
May 5, 2021, 5:01 p.m.(6/3/1015 AR)
They said a red dragon was going to help us but I didn't see any... Are dragons even real?
Written By Graziella
May 5, 2021, 2:56 p.m.(6/3/1015 AR)
Cesare Whisper is in Arx now and I am so very excited about it that I've decided to take him on as my Protege... I can't wait to see how he settles into the hustle and bustle of Arx. If you haven't had the chance to hear him sing in Setarco, seek him out, his songs are such a treat for the mind and body.
My other proteges are flourishing and Zyxie even helped out the healers during the war effort - oh, I am just endlessly proud of him! Speaking of the war, my cousin Sebastian was wounded and they say he didn't wake up for daays.. I can't imagine, days and days of nightmares and dreams. I should see him soon and give my regards, I have missed everyone so very much while they were away at war.
I've been filling my hours with projects for the Faith, sketching and designing professional attire for the Courtroom has proven to be just the thing to relax my nerves and fill the hours. I was even given the honor of making Archlector Giada's clothing, it is a nice outlet.. I don't sell my creations and I find that giving them away allows others to enjoy them just as much as me.
Do you like flowers? I like flowers but even better is when you come out on a dewy morning and the spiders have spun webs between the stalks and petals and /those/ webs are all covered in dew drops. Glistening. I think I like spiders more than flowers.
My other proteges are flourishing and Zyxie even helped out the healers during the war effort - oh, I am just endlessly proud of him! Speaking of the war, my cousin Sebastian was wounded and they say he didn't wake up for daays.. I can't imagine, days and days of nightmares and dreams. I should see him soon and give my regards, I have missed everyone so very much while they were away at war.
I've been filling my hours with projects for the Faith, sketching and designing professional attire for the Courtroom has proven to be just the thing to relax my nerves and fill the hours. I was even given the honor of making Archlector Giada's clothing, it is a nice outlet.. I don't sell my creations and I find that giving them away allows others to enjoy them just as much as me.
Do you like flowers? I like flowers but even better is when you come out on a dewy morning and the spiders have spun webs between the stalks and petals and /those/ webs are all covered in dew drops. Glistening. I think I like spiders more than flowers.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.