Written By Ilsa
Feb. 24, 2020, 6:24 p.m.(10/24/1012 AR)
I have finally arrived. I find this new city almost overwhelming. The sheer din and crush of people, animals, and business beggars the mind. I almost long for the peace and quiet of Hillward. And yet, I did not work all of my life to leave that place to run back to it. I have written to the only person whom I know here, and if the spirits are kind, I will find a friend here. But should I not, I will find my way alone.
Written By Preston
Feb. 24, 2020, 5:31 p.m.(10/24/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
Alarissa Thrax is the most unorthodox orthodox person - her values are strong, her methods innovative. Her loyalty and devotion to the Gods however? Beyond question or doubt. She has repeatedly risked everything for the Faith and wears the wounds of those battles. She has taken upon herself the responsibility of raising our fortress in Maelstrom, and raising the funds for it. She has done in that as much as anyone to help restore the Templars to a glory once held. In her own way, she is a true defender of the Faith.
Written By Oddmun
Feb. 24, 2020, 1:40 p.m.(10/24/1012 AR)
Never was one for writing lots, but if I'm going to stay in Arx for some time I probably ought to. Seems the done thing, and some folk get antsy if the done thing isn't done, so to speak.
It's been a long ride with nought for Umber for company. She doesn't talk and I do prefer it that way, but a part of me does crave some company that can carry a conversation, and doesn't eat and shit at the same time.
Think I'll find a place for a drink and a hot meal, then see about settling in over the next few days. Never was one for reading lots either, but it seems I've got some reading to do whether I like it or not.
It's been a long ride with nought for Umber for company. She doesn't talk and I do prefer it that way, but a part of me does crave some company that can carry a conversation, and doesn't eat and shit at the same time.
Think I'll find a place for a drink and a hot meal, then see about settling in over the next few days. Never was one for reading lots either, but it seems I've got some reading to do whether I like it or not.
Written By Dycard
Feb. 24, 2020, 12:12 p.m.(10/23/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Revell
You are a curious woman, Revell.
At first glance, I took you to be no more than a 'flower girl' - a stereotype that typically summarises not only a profession, but a personality, an ethos. Shame on me for making such a judgement.
Instead, you are clearly more than that. You're outspoken, but that doesn't do the idea justice - you speak your mind without reservation (albeit with a great deal of post-speech nerves), you actively despise duplicity and self-suppression. You drag lies, doubt and hesitation kicking and screaming into the light, and that is a rare quality.
It does make you a potentially problematic friend to have around as you drag -my- hesitation and subtlety into the light (with the gentle touch of a rum-soaked Thraxian in a chinashop), but perhaps that is good for me, in the long run.
What made you this way, one has to wonder? Perhaps in time, -that- will be dragged out and revealed.
At first glance, I took you to be no more than a 'flower girl' - a stereotype that typically summarises not only a profession, but a personality, an ethos. Shame on me for making such a judgement.
Instead, you are clearly more than that. You're outspoken, but that doesn't do the idea justice - you speak your mind without reservation (albeit with a great deal of post-speech nerves), you actively despise duplicity and self-suppression. You drag lies, doubt and hesitation kicking and screaming into the light, and that is a rare quality.
It does make you a potentially problematic friend to have around as you drag -my- hesitation and subtlety into the light (with the gentle touch of a rum-soaked Thraxian in a chinashop), but perhaps that is good for me, in the long run.
What made you this way, one has to wonder? Perhaps in time, -that- will be dragged out and revealed.
Written By Dycard
Feb. 24, 2020, 12:11 p.m.(10/23/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Dianna
I do so enjoy our dances, Sister Dianna - even if happenstance stole the chance of an actual dance away from me.
I confess that in large part, this game is just that - a chase, a pleasant distraction from the dour seriousness of obligation.
But, having attended your ceremony, having heard what you said to your reflection - and your reaction to Revell's breach of decorum - I have to admit, I find myself increasingly interested in getting to know you better.
Either way, you -are- a most pleasant distraction. We must have that dance sometime.
I confess that in large part, this game is just that - a chase, a pleasant distraction from the dour seriousness of obligation.
But, having attended your ceremony, having heard what you said to your reflection - and your reaction to Revell's breach of decorum - I have to admit, I find myself increasingly interested in getting to know you better.
Either way, you -are- a most pleasant distraction. We must have that dance sometime.
Written By Dycard
Feb. 24, 2020, 12:10 p.m.(10/23/1012 AR)
An eventful few days. I returned to Arx rudderless, adrift and without any real purpose - but a conversation with an old friend has given me one.
The Gambit's hold has been emptied, her cargo sold for a song - she'll need the space. I'd not thought to return to the waves so soon after arriving, but in truth, I can't wait - Arx is a beautiful city full of beautiful company, but I find myself restless within her walls - I need to be out -doing- something. If it's something useful, all the better.
What exactly I -will- be doing is not for a white - not yet, anyhow. For the moment, I'll take delight in saying that my father would be ashamed of me.
The Gambit's hold has been emptied, her cargo sold for a song - she'll need the space. I'd not thought to return to the waves so soon after arriving, but in truth, I can't wait - Arx is a beautiful city full of beautiful company, but I find myself restless within her walls - I need to be out -doing- something. If it's something useful, all the better.
What exactly I -will- be doing is not for a white - not yet, anyhow. For the moment, I'll take delight in saying that my father would be ashamed of me.
Written By Lucita
Feb. 24, 2020, 10:01 a.m.(10/23/1012 AR)
So much food, so many wines, such good company. It has been a busy few days. The vintners in Saikland will be delighted that that orange wine accidentally produced by an apprentice vintner's failure to remove the white grape skins during the fermenting did not spoil the wine at all. It placed second in one of the contests. The process left a beautiful unique color that did not affect the flavor of delicious white wine. I'm just glad they sampled the wine and did not throw it out when they noticed the unexpected results and bottled it.
Written By Aedric
Feb. 24, 2020, 8:54 a.m.(10/23/1012 AR)
Ventured to Oathlands and outskirts of Acorn Hill. River can likely be dredged for commercial purposes, although this will require extensive labor. Encountered alien flora that had an appetite for meat. Whole place is infested with foul magic. Suffered minor wound when spines from one of the beasts penetrated breastplate. Will bring these, as well as patch of stem, to niece. Fine souvenirs. Katherine poisoned and Brigid lost several riders. Fearsome objects, for certain -- advise Moore to use as inspiration for house armor.
Written By Perronne
Feb. 24, 2020, 8:51 a.m.(10/23/1012 AR)
Holy gods!
I apparently now own a trebuchet and a dromond.
I guess I'm ready to fight someone? Anyone want to fight? Can I put the trebuchet ON the dromond? Does that work? I guess I could try! I don't think it could go the other way around, unless it was a very LARGE trebuchet.
But, seriously. What do I do with these things?? I don't know how to sail a boat! But I could live on it, I guess. Ooh, and I could decorate it! I need paint! And silk! And maybe some gilding? I don't know, that might be tacky.
I apparently now own a trebuchet and a dromond.
I guess I'm ready to fight someone? Anyone want to fight? Can I put the trebuchet ON the dromond? Does that work? I guess I could try! I don't think it could go the other way around, unless it was a very LARGE trebuchet.
But, seriously. What do I do with these things?? I don't know how to sail a boat! But I could live on it, I guess. Ooh, and I could decorate it! I need paint! And silk! And maybe some gilding? I don't know, that might be tacky.
Written By Miranda
Feb. 24, 2020, 8:47 a.m.(10/23/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Arcadia
Ooh, note to self... Upon learning I've missed the birthday of my children, be sure to wake them up to celebrate...
However old they are...
And pretend that it was the plan the whole time.
Surprise!
Lovely, Cady, I'll learn from the mistakes you make. Neener.
You know you love me.
However old they are...
And pretend that it was the plan the whole time.
Surprise!
Lovely, Cady, I'll learn from the mistakes you make. Neener.
You know you love me.
Written By Revell
Feb. 24, 2020, 6:19 a.m.(10/23/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Dianna
SUBJECT: SISTER DIANNA GODSWORN
I like to pretend that I know people, but in reality, I am sure many of my readings of others are awfully wrong. That's what addendums are for, though!
I met Sister Dianna at about the same time that I met Lord Dycard Blackshore, and despite spending almost an entire day with the pair, I still don't really know what to make of the better half. I'm talking about Dianna, of course.
Every time she speaks, I find myself uncertain if there is any merit to her words or if she is lying through her teeth to appear like a pleasant, warm soul that others can flock to. I am sure you know the type. They say whatever is needed to diffuse any tension while simutaniously making you like them more - usually within the same breath!
I know this all sounds very damning, but it isn't meant to be. I like being in Dianna's presence - it's always an interesting time when she's involved. And so what if some of her persona may be faked? I am sure she still brings brightness into the lives she touches and that there is no malice behind her actions, so who would I be to scoff at that?
What it does is make me feel sorry for her. As a Mirrormask, I am sure she spends a lot of time staring at her own reflection, and with the carefully cultivated image she presents others with-- well, I imagine it being hard on her. Facing your sins, your most foul thoughts, and being unable to share them with anyone. Perhaps, she even surpresses them, maybe even to the point where she doesn't realise it! Ironic, for a Mirrormask, but not impossible.
Anyone who wants that badly to be good has to suffer.
I'll talk about this a little more in another entry, but during an event all about "Meditating on your reflections' I accidentally made a fool of myself and in the process managed to say something that struck something within Dianna. I would have liked to figure out what that means, but alas, I never did.
All in all, I would say that Dianna is somebody whom I admire.
----
Ah. Note to self: She's also very charitable. I plan on paying her back the 3000 silver that she loaned me (Don't fight me on this, Dianna) once I've started making a profit off of my business.
I like to pretend that I know people, but in reality, I am sure many of my readings of others are awfully wrong. That's what addendums are for, though!
I met Sister Dianna at about the same time that I met Lord Dycard Blackshore, and despite spending almost an entire day with the pair, I still don't really know what to make of the better half. I'm talking about Dianna, of course.
Every time she speaks, I find myself uncertain if there is any merit to her words or if she is lying through her teeth to appear like a pleasant, warm soul that others can flock to. I am sure you know the type. They say whatever is needed to diffuse any tension while simutaniously making you like them more - usually within the same breath!
I know this all sounds very damning, but it isn't meant to be. I like being in Dianna's presence - it's always an interesting time when she's involved. And so what if some of her persona may be faked? I am sure she still brings brightness into the lives she touches and that there is no malice behind her actions, so who would I be to scoff at that?
What it does is make me feel sorry for her. As a Mirrormask, I am sure she spends a lot of time staring at her own reflection, and with the carefully cultivated image she presents others with-- well, I imagine it being hard on her. Facing your sins, your most foul thoughts, and being unable to share them with anyone. Perhaps, she even surpresses them, maybe even to the point where she doesn't realise it! Ironic, for a Mirrormask, but not impossible.
Anyone who wants that badly to be good has to suffer.
I'll talk about this a little more in another entry, but during an event all about "Meditating on your reflections' I accidentally made a fool of myself and in the process managed to say something that struck something within Dianna. I would have liked to figure out what that means, but alas, I never did.
All in all, I would say that Dianna is somebody whom I admire.
----
Ah. Note to self: She's also very charitable. I plan on paying her back the 3000 silver that she loaned me (Don't fight me on this, Dianna) once I've started making a profit off of my business.
Written By Shard
Feb. 24, 2020, 4:49 a.m.(10/23/1012 AR)
There is a saying in my tribe, that was directed at me more than I'd care to admit, that goes as follows: lone wolves rarely prosper. It's true, though that 'rarely' is also important; there are always exceptions. Most lone wolves don't stay that way, provided they survive long enough. Most lone wolves are only looking to form their own packs, or, occasionally, to try to find acceptance in another. But while they're lone, they're vulnerable. They have no territory, they have no protection, they have no help in the hunt. Starvation will stalk them, and any large predator might kill them, particularly other wolves. Anything larger than a lost fawn is likely out of their ability to kill on their own, so they live off of rats and mice and the occasional rabbit. They scavenge. The survivors become careful. Cautious. Even paranoid. Some might expect the most powerful wolves to be the ones to survive this kind of situation, but they'd be wrong. It's the ones that learn cunning that last the longest, provided they don't think themselves to be smarter than they actually are.
There was also the saying that 'a greedy raven eats well, but a fat raven can't fly', but I'm not sure how well that kind of wisdom would go over in this city.
There was also the saying that 'a greedy raven eats well, but a fat raven can't fly', but I'm not sure how well that kind of wisdom would go over in this city.
Written By Monique
Feb. 24, 2020, 1:49 a.m.(10/23/1012 AR)
The pre-games for the Second Annual Tournament of Thorns start today! I can't possibly contain my excitement, and I hope that the socialites and courtiers turn out in force to this social skills tournament, to win the bonus thorns in preparation for the Tournament itself. And, of course, to win a chance at the most decadent cane, designed with sweet Josephine in mind.
Anisha's game is perfect for her, with her air of mystery. Contestants for her neodymium thorn will have to invent for her an origin story, of who she was before she became Anisha Whisper. Creativity and ingenuity, as well as a good story, will be rewarded over believeability. But it doesn't HURT if the story sounds plausible, I'm told.
Princess Alarissa has set her challenge up in the Queensrest Inn, and it's a fearsome one. Contestants will need to convince those austere and picky patrons that they should get her praseodymium thorn.
Lord Dante and his retainer will be quite literally laying around, and drinking wine. Good luck convincing them to get up and hear you out! But if you can, you'll win a brass thorn.
If the spirit of Gild moves you, you'll very much enjoy Archlector Etienne's challenge. Because who doesn't love having to deliver a sermon spur of the moment, under the judging eyes of the Gods (and the Archlector), to claim a golden thorn.
Princess Sabella has an extremely exacting challenge for contestants. For her, you'll need to tell a story. But not just any story! The ending must have a proper twist, enough to impress a Princess of Grayson's high standards and win you her silver thorn.
Once more, Lord Sebastian's game will be a test of the sharpness of one's mind. He has painted a great work (all of his works are great!), which together with a rhyme will give the answer he's looking for: but it won't be an easy task, for art is subjective and riddles can have many answers. But if you find the right one, you'll win his steel thorn.
Perhaps the most dangerous of our social pre-games is Swift Grayhope's challenge. Swift will be setting up at different points in the city and inviting contestants to test their alchemical know-how! Can you claim the copper thorn without staining your hands? We're sure it's not permanent... (we're not sure, actually)
And finally, my game is a choice between three, a choose your own adventure, if you will. Will you persuade my assistant Primus to reach the highest bookshelf for you, to retrieve your lost thorn? Or will you translate an ancient text to find it on your own, lost in the stacks? Or perhaps the Gilded Page's steward-in-training has lost your thorn! If you don't teach her proper stewardship, she may never remember where it went!
I wish the best of fortune to anyone Hunting Thorns. You make this fulfilling for me and I thank you.
<OOC - for pre-game rules, 'bbread events/76'>
Anisha's game is perfect for her, with her air of mystery. Contestants for her neodymium thorn will have to invent for her an origin story, of who she was before she became Anisha Whisper. Creativity and ingenuity, as well as a good story, will be rewarded over believeability. But it doesn't HURT if the story sounds plausible, I'm told.
Princess Alarissa has set her challenge up in the Queensrest Inn, and it's a fearsome one. Contestants will need to convince those austere and picky patrons that they should get her praseodymium thorn.
Lord Dante and his retainer will be quite literally laying around, and drinking wine. Good luck convincing them to get up and hear you out! But if you can, you'll win a brass thorn.
If the spirit of Gild moves you, you'll very much enjoy Archlector Etienne's challenge. Because who doesn't love having to deliver a sermon spur of the moment, under the judging eyes of the Gods (and the Archlector), to claim a golden thorn.
Princess Sabella has an extremely exacting challenge for contestants. For her, you'll need to tell a story. But not just any story! The ending must have a proper twist, enough to impress a Princess of Grayson's high standards and win you her silver thorn.
Once more, Lord Sebastian's game will be a test of the sharpness of one's mind. He has painted a great work (all of his works are great!), which together with a rhyme will give the answer he's looking for: but it won't be an easy task, for art is subjective and riddles can have many answers. But if you find the right one, you'll win his steel thorn.
Perhaps the most dangerous of our social pre-games is Swift Grayhope's challenge. Swift will be setting up at different points in the city and inviting contestants to test their alchemical know-how! Can you claim the copper thorn without staining your hands? We're sure it's not permanent... (we're not sure, actually)
And finally, my game is a choice between three, a choose your own adventure, if you will. Will you persuade my assistant Primus to reach the highest bookshelf for you, to retrieve your lost thorn? Or will you translate an ancient text to find it on your own, lost in the stacks? Or perhaps the Gilded Page's steward-in-training has lost your thorn! If you don't teach her proper stewardship, she may never remember where it went!
I wish the best of fortune to anyone Hunting Thorns. You make this fulfilling for me and I thank you.
<OOC - for pre-game rules, 'bbread events/76'>
Written By Strozza
Feb. 24, 2020, 12:44 a.m.(10/22/1012 AR)
Cats are by far the best animals.
Written By Elloise
Feb. 24, 2020, 12:11 a.m.(10/22/1012 AR)
It is ludicrous to send a foreign duchy to our door to complain about decisions we made on our lands. I'm so deeply offended.
Written By Arcadia
Feb. 24, 2020, 12:03 a.m.(10/22/1012 AR)
Today was Genevieve's first birthday. I didn't realize until it was bedtime and was reminded of the date.
I am glad she's only one and won't remember this failing on my behalf.
I am glad she's only one and won't remember this failing on my behalf.
Written By Tarik
Feb. 23, 2020, 10:50 p.m.(10/22/1012 AR)
I am still surprise how easy it to get help from people since coming back to the city. I still missed my friend that helped me when I was still new to the city. I hope that she is still safe. I hope that her duties bring her back to the city one day. Legate Ailith stated that she is saving many lives. When she returns, I will be one of the first in a long line to welcome her back.
Written By Rowenova
Feb. 23, 2020, 10:44 p.m.(10/22/1012 AR)
Thank you for the impressive horn from the Templar Auction!
Written By Tarik
Feb. 23, 2020, 10:42 p.m.(10/22/1012 AR)
I spent most of the past two weeks going over notes and doing some work around the Compact. There has been a lot of information I had to digest in the last couple of weeks, and the work provides the coin to continue further research. At least it is not hot anymore.
Written By Briseis
Feb. 23, 2020, 10:35 p.m.(10/22/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Bianca
Mother Bianca, your festival was a smashing success! I simply had to partake of all the entries!
Though, I may have to restrict myself -- just a touch -- next time. I am still uncertain how I managed to scale that tree, much less sleep in it for an unqualified amount of time. I cannot recall I ever climbed a tree in my life.
I hope Lord Jourdain was not burdened overmuch.
Though, I may have to restrict myself -- just a touch -- next time. I am still uncertain how I managed to scale that tree, much less sleep in it for an unqualified amount of time. I cannot recall I ever climbed a tree in my life.
I hope Lord Jourdain was not burdened overmuch.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.