Written By Rowenova
April 12, 2020, 9:43 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Thank you so much to all those who helped out with -- and showed up to -- the First Annual Great Northern Iceskating Championships at the Golden Hart!
Written By Sabella
April 12, 2020, 9:41 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Niklas
I could just write you a messenger, but I wanted it recorded in as many places as possible just how absolutely amazing you are!
Written By Sabella
April 12, 2020, 9:41 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
I was so sad to miss the concert at the Bard's College, but I was not feeling very well that evening, but Niklas told me it was extraordinary and now I am incredibly sad that I missed it! It seems like a once in a lifetime experience, although I expect nothing less from Princess Sorrel's concerts! They're always quite amazing!
Hopefully if there is ever a second part I will be able to go to that!
Hopefully if there is ever a second part I will be able to go to that!
Written By Aedric
April 12, 2020, 9:13 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Oswald, did you dream as I do?
Did it rise from beneath and beckon you to sink?
Soon I will know.
Did it rise from beneath and beckon you to sink?
Soon I will know.
Written By Shae
April 12, 2020, 9:01 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
We had a very busy but productive meeting the other evening, with family and friends. I have volunteered to lead a group to search for ruins. As well as looking forward to helping Mabelle with her Hospital project.
Written By Liam
April 12, 2020, 8:58 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
So many layers this city has. I don't know how long it will take me to peel at least at the ones that are relevant to me. Still there seems to be people who have looked into all sorts of things. It seems these dreams I get are driving me in a direction of people who need help. But it's a dangerous paath. I don't know that I'm ready but I know I must try.
Written By Esme
April 12, 2020, 8:56 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Sailing information I have learned this week:
Never trust a boat that doesn't have rats.
....
The captain may very well be one of the worst sorts.
Never trust a boat that doesn't have rats.
....
The captain may very well be one of the worst sorts.
Written By Shae
April 12, 2020, 8:53 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
It seems I have lucked out and been able to find two breeding pairs for the Mistward Labradors. So I should have a two liters of them in about two months time. I'm looking forward to them, there will be so many puppies soon. And I have a planned litter of Keaton Shepherds as well, they will be sired by my and Kedehern's own dogs, Daegmund and Alix. Both have excellent dispositions, I expect their puppies will be the same, and make excellent companions and trained rescue and hunting dogs.
Written By Cadern
April 12, 2020, 8:46 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Ah what a wonderful week, Sorrel's performance was quite the remarkable event. I think Sorrel's Song of Freedom will be anote. Even if it's a past story it was still an event. I suspected the results, despite the audience, would be more far reaching than could be gauged then. But.... I didn't inspect Arianna's death. The Freed shavs from the Writs.... this should be interesting. I worry though how many people were freed that we have no way to gauge. But... to the event itself. Green fire, a creeping chill, and a mystical chorus. It seems terrible that she used dead bodies for the chorus... but I suppose it's rather better than it could have been. Everyone seemed very upset at my commentary almost like they weren't expecting the audience. But I was glad to speak to Sorrel after that SHE at least knew what she was doing and expected them.
Written By Jaenelle
April 12, 2020, 8:45 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
The dark, the light, the shreds of hope which are ripped apart at the seams.
The desperate way the strands call out, the weaves lost in a dream.
The delicate strands will once more be whole and return upon the wheel.
One by one each gathered close; to mend, repair, and heal.
A silent moment shared in faith; to mourn to cheer, to know.
The humbling knowledge with which neither willingly bestowed.
The tiny ember will turn to spark, that spark will turn to flame,
And slowly in time, that which you lost, will once more be reclaimed.
The desperate way the strands call out, the weaves lost in a dream.
The delicate strands will once more be whole and return upon the wheel.
One by one each gathered close; to mend, repair, and heal.
A silent moment shared in faith; to mourn to cheer, to know.
The humbling knowledge with which neither willingly bestowed.
The tiny ember will turn to spark, that spark will turn to flame,
And slowly in time, that which you lost, will once more be reclaimed.
Written By Valencia
April 12, 2020, 8:39 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Ansel
Ah, what can one say about my dearest Duke Ansel.
We have been friends for some time and to this day he remains one of the kindest and warmest men I know. Charming, insightful and that glint of mischief in his eye that makes a girl wonder what trouble she is about to get into. To be true, from the sound of his adventures, he remains endlessly spirited. So easy to talk to and so much fun. He cares truly about his people and the realm. Brave and willing to rise to defend. He puts his own dreams aside to see that his duty done right. So much to admire.
I treasure his company and I'm so glad he is back. We met so long ago and even now, though our paths often part now and again and our lives are so different now, it is like old times when he returns.
I must thank him again for the lovely gift to lift my spirits. I feel absolutely delighted and very spoiled by this sweet surprise. But I shall not complain too much.
~~~~~~~~<~<@
We have been friends for some time and to this day he remains one of the kindest and warmest men I know. Charming, insightful and that glint of mischief in his eye that makes a girl wonder what trouble she is about to get into. To be true, from the sound of his adventures, he remains endlessly spirited. So easy to talk to and so much fun. He cares truly about his people and the realm. Brave and willing to rise to defend. He puts his own dreams aside to see that his duty done right. So much to admire.
I treasure his company and I'm so glad he is back. We met so long ago and even now, though our paths often part now and again and our lives are so different now, it is like old times when he returns.
I must thank him again for the lovely gift to lift my spirits. I feel absolutely delighted and very spoiled by this sweet surprise. But I shall not complain too much.
~~~~~~~~<~<@
Written By Esme
April 12, 2020, 8:06 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Arianna
You know.
I know.
I think that's all that needs to know.
I know.
I think that's all that needs to know.
Written By Sebastian
April 12, 2020, 7:57 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Arianna
Princess Arianna Pravus was a childhood friend of mine. After she was summoned permanently back to help her Stonewood relatives, we grew distant. When she returned to our embrace, there were times we quarreled; we didn't see eye to eye on what was best for Pravus, until we both realized the thing we had in common was that.
Our love for our family.
Many regarded Princess Arianna with disdain, for they did not comprehend the way she approached life, the things she did for our family, for the Compact as a whole, as well as those beyond the shelter of its protection. As the First Knight of Setarco, she broke many chains, and saved many lives without seeking the praise and glory that many would have. She understood the danger of what she did and never for a second shied away from anything necessary.
Whomever is responsible for her death should comprehend how grave a mistake they have made. House Pravus protects their own. It is a lesson those freed of the Saffron Chain, and the Skal'daja alike have learned. It is a thing that makes our enemies fear us.
As well they should.
Our love for our family.
Many regarded Princess Arianna with disdain, for they did not comprehend the way she approached life, the things she did for our family, for the Compact as a whole, as well as those beyond the shelter of its protection. As the First Knight of Setarco, she broke many chains, and saved many lives without seeking the praise and glory that many would have. She understood the danger of what she did and never for a second shied away from anything necessary.
Whomever is responsible for her death should comprehend how grave a mistake they have made. House Pravus protects their own. It is a lesson those freed of the Saffron Chain, and the Skal'daja alike have learned. It is a thing that makes our enemies fear us.
As well they should.
Written By Clara
April 12, 2020, 7:54 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
_Becoming a Shaman_
Understand that this is based on my experiences and like many things in Shamanism you may get an entirely different approach from a different Shaman.
I've been asked a few times why I 'chose' to become a Shaman and I wish it were so simple as saying I just woke up one day and said "I am a Shaman". It was a bit more complicated than that, a bit more of a journey. I did ultimately chose to become a Shaman but it wasn't by rolling out of bed one day and deciding this is what I wanted to do for a living. ''The Spirits chose me'' and the decision I made was to 'listen' to their call.
It has been years now and at first I stumbled over whether or not I was even good material to be a Shaman. What if I mess up? What if the Spirits decided they didn't want me to be their Shaman? What if I was one of the Shamans that were full of lies, Shamans who are power mongerers? I was so worried that I was not the right material, so worried that I would end up being a fraud... But I think in the end that is what defined my journey.
I meditated with Lady Khanne, I had hour of conversation with her, and I sought out her guidance. Ultimately, the Spirits spoke to me and it was up to me whether or not I had the courage to listen to them and even more than that the courage to become a Shaman.
I had an additional trial, one that I was terrified of to start. I was even a little angry that I had to prove myself to my own family but I pulled myself together and I went through the Stormwall Shaman Trial. This is an unusual practice perhaps but in Stormwall we weed out the Shamans that are not truly able to see and speak with Spirits. It is something that while unconventional to most actually brought me peace of mind after I passed.
For us here in Stormwall, we are sent into the vast labyrinth beneath our capital city to walk through the crypts of our ancestors. Our goal is a seemingly simple one but it would not likely be complete without the help of the Spirits or Ancestors. Neither of which would probably aid anyone in reaching their goal if they were not truly meant to be a Shaman. The simple task is this... Collect a rare mushroom that only is known to grow deep within the labyrinth and make your way back out of the crypt with it. You are sent in with warm clothes, a simple weapon, and a lantern and nothing more.
For me my trials were a lesson in 'surrendering'. I don't really think you can be a Shaman without learning to 'listen' to the Spirits, without learning to let go of yourself and your pride in order to open your mind to them. It may seem like a difficult task but if you are meant to communicate with the Spirits you will learn to do so in time and the more you learn to do so the easier it may become to communicate with them.
My trials took me a little while and the Spirits were strange to me then, appearing as a ball of light that only appeared after my lantern had fully burned down. I was tired, I was cold, and I was worried about failure. Mostly, I just wanted to go home by the time they finally showed up. They accused me of not trusting them and that was the first thing I had to come to terms with. They told me to look within as much as I was looking outside of myself and it was only when I offered them myself did I truly understand what they meant. I didn't trust myself, I didn't trust them... so why should they trust me? Ultimately, they lead me to the mushrooms and back out of the labyrinth but it wasn't without lesson. I was successful, I'd proven myself a Shaman to my family and land, but I was only at the beginning of a very long journey. And looking back on it I still have things I can learn from that trial.
The long and short of it is... Being a Shaman, for me, was 'in part' about maintaining a relationship between myself and the Spirits. It is not a one way street as you both elect for you to become a Shaman.
Something I would advise to people who are thinking about becoming a Shaman is to sit down with other Shamans AND Godsworn to get some notes on their experiences as well. More experienced Shaman and our Godsworn allies will have an array of experiences and advice to share. I feel their experiences can be utilized to help you make your decision.
Personally, I speak often with Archlector Vayne and Elder Shaman Mirk. I recommend both of them if you need an ear.
Understand that this is based on my experiences and like many things in Shamanism you may get an entirely different approach from a different Shaman.
I've been asked a few times why I 'chose' to become a Shaman and I wish it were so simple as saying I just woke up one day and said "I am a Shaman". It was a bit more complicated than that, a bit more of a journey. I did ultimately chose to become a Shaman but it wasn't by rolling out of bed one day and deciding this is what I wanted to do for a living. ''The Spirits chose me'' and the decision I made was to 'listen' to their call.
It has been years now and at first I stumbled over whether or not I was even good material to be a Shaman. What if I mess up? What if the Spirits decided they didn't want me to be their Shaman? What if I was one of the Shamans that were full of lies, Shamans who are power mongerers? I was so worried that I was not the right material, so worried that I would end up being a fraud... But I think in the end that is what defined my journey.
I meditated with Lady Khanne, I had hour of conversation with her, and I sought out her guidance. Ultimately, the Spirits spoke to me and it was up to me whether or not I had the courage to listen to them and even more than that the courage to become a Shaman.
I had an additional trial, one that I was terrified of to start. I was even a little angry that I had to prove myself to my own family but I pulled myself together and I went through the Stormwall Shaman Trial. This is an unusual practice perhaps but in Stormwall we weed out the Shamans that are not truly able to see and speak with Spirits. It is something that while unconventional to most actually brought me peace of mind after I passed.
For us here in Stormwall, we are sent into the vast labyrinth beneath our capital city to walk through the crypts of our ancestors. Our goal is a seemingly simple one but it would not likely be complete without the help of the Spirits or Ancestors. Neither of which would probably aid anyone in reaching their goal if they were not truly meant to be a Shaman. The simple task is this... Collect a rare mushroom that only is known to grow deep within the labyrinth and make your way back out of the crypt with it. You are sent in with warm clothes, a simple weapon, and a lantern and nothing more.
For me my trials were a lesson in 'surrendering'. I don't really think you can be a Shaman without learning to 'listen' to the Spirits, without learning to let go of yourself and your pride in order to open your mind to them. It may seem like a difficult task but if you are meant to communicate with the Spirits you will learn to do so in time and the more you learn to do so the easier it may become to communicate with them.
My trials took me a little while and the Spirits were strange to me then, appearing as a ball of light that only appeared after my lantern had fully burned down. I was tired, I was cold, and I was worried about failure. Mostly, I just wanted to go home by the time they finally showed up. They accused me of not trusting them and that was the first thing I had to come to terms with. They told me to look within as much as I was looking outside of myself and it was only when I offered them myself did I truly understand what they meant. I didn't trust myself, I didn't trust them... so why should they trust me? Ultimately, they lead me to the mushrooms and back out of the labyrinth but it wasn't without lesson. I was successful, I'd proven myself a Shaman to my family and land, but I was only at the beginning of a very long journey. And looking back on it I still have things I can learn from that trial.
The long and short of it is... Being a Shaman, for me, was 'in part' about maintaining a relationship between myself and the Spirits. It is not a one way street as you both elect for you to become a Shaman.
Something I would advise to people who are thinking about becoming a Shaman is to sit down with other Shamans AND Godsworn to get some notes on their experiences as well. More experienced Shaman and our Godsworn allies will have an array of experiences and advice to share. I feel their experiences can be utilized to help you make your decision.
Personally, I speak often with Archlector Vayne and Elder Shaman Mirk. I recommend both of them if you need an ear.
Written By Porter
April 12, 2020, 7:25 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Okay, so it wasn't a giant man-eating crab. But I'm happy that all my clothes came home without stains all over them, so that's something. And by my clothes, I mean some of these are Rorik's clothes. It was good to get some adventure and fighting in! Ulfric Ravenhelm is an absolute beast with the blade too. Lady Esme and Lady Zoey are equally impressive in combat and Mistress Revell is quite good at hiding. And also not getting washed overboard. I thought we made a fairly good team.
Written By Signe
April 12, 2020, 7:15 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
The attacks happening up north, have me concerned. I hope we are able to figure out what happened to the Shav village southwest of Stonedeep.
Written By Kedehern
April 12, 2020, 7:14 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
It seems that business about the books is starting to die down. That's something, at least.
Written By Signe
April 12, 2020, 7:09 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Stopped by the Ice Skating Competition the other day, unfortunately I was not able to stay very long. But for the short time I was there, it seemed like a good time was being had by those in attendance.
Written By Kedehern
April 12, 2020, 6:54 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
The family meeting went well, I think. It seems we'll have more work to do in the near future, and I suppose that's a good thing. It will be busy times ahead, certainly.
Written By Jaenelle
April 12, 2020, 6:48 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Thankfully my father shared some of his Northern experiences with me before he died or I might never have been able to win first place in an ice skating competition. The trophy will sit on the shelf where all of Talen's awards sit in my room.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.