Written By Cassimir
July 9, 2019, 12:24 p.m.(6/7/1011 AR)
Never before have I felt as socially inept as here in this lively city; I pin all my hopes of continued survival upon the decorum and patience of my betters.
Written By Alecstazi
July 9, 2019, 11:24 a.m.(6/7/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
There is no need to defend your courage to me, I have never belittled your contributions to the defense of the Compact. My words spoke to your statements of loathing butchery when you work as a sellsword for one of the most brutal mercenary groups in Arvum. And you clearly are attempting to make us a better people, hence the lecturing and hectoring and excoriating that you do within the pages of these journals. And that is fair and fine, we are all entitled to our opinions and we are charged by Vellichor to share such things.
Why would I ignore what I asked for? You are not a martyr, do stop painting yourself as one.
When raiders attack us, yes, they should be killed. And I believe you must stop killing when they are all dead, yes? I do not know what stories you have heard, but I can tell you from my personal experience, that if we are responding to a raid, we are not simply going to lay waste to the first people we find. If the raiders take the time to frame another group for their wrong doing... why place the blame on us? Do they not deserve the scorn for setting up these so-called innocents? Why is the burden on the victim? You say yourself that those who were framed are not inclined to explain the situation, because they hate us. So I ask... what justice is in this? Are you saying that those who attack us should simply go unpunished because they might have been framed or are unwilling to defend themselves?
They *are* on our land. If you have an issue with this, you can take it up with the King. That is well above my level of decision making, thank you very much. And yes, if a tribe does the right thing and rejoin the Compact they *do* get to stay where they were. And their work is exchanged for protection, assurances that they will not starve, that they will have access to education and medical care and all of the other things that come with being a citizen of the Compact.
The Nox'alfar, Jadairal, Cardia and Eurus are all governed by bodies that can and do engage in diplomacy and trade. Abandoned tribes are, by definition, criminals and trade with them is strictly forbidden by our laws. There is also no government to speak of, if they wish to join the Compact I know countless Houses looking for more serfs, soldiers or vassals. We do negotiate with tribes that make efforts to join the Compact and bend the knee. Your comparison of how we treat with Cardia and Abandoned is nonsense at best, and at worst, being deliberately obtuse. See above, regarding Cardia being a united kingdom with a governmental body that can be dealt with, with diplomacy. There is no such Abandoned body.
Again, you speak as though your opinion were fact. You say that it is not that we follow laws, but rather that the Abandoned have no power -- again, a patently false statement. The Abandoned outnumber the Compact by a factor of ten or more. They are entirely dangerous to us by sheer numbers alone. Fragmented as they are, and thank the gods for it, no. They could not destroy the Compact. But because they are fractious, rebellious and generally unwilling to submit to law and order, we do, by our willingness to work together, manage to stay strong.
Yes. If you were born Abandoned, you were born a criminal. Welcome to the laws of the land. If you have issue with it, there are several magistrates and of course the King available to speak to about them.
I did ask for ideas and suggestions, because if you cannot offer them, then what is the point? You say we're doing it all wrong but until there are viable options, how can there be a change? I wouldn't call the Undying Empire or Cardia enemies? I do not know of any Abandoned that have joined either as allies, so I'm not entirely sure what you mean here. As to ensuring their hatred of us... perhaps they ought to stop raiding us and rethink their positions as criminals. Stop breaking the law, rejoin civilization, honor the gods and there will be no need for conflict. You paint them all as victims, when they are the ones who break laws and attack *us*.
Please tell me you yell at them too?
Why would I ignore what I asked for? You are not a martyr, do stop painting yourself as one.
When raiders attack us, yes, they should be killed. And I believe you must stop killing when they are all dead, yes? I do not know what stories you have heard, but I can tell you from my personal experience, that if we are responding to a raid, we are not simply going to lay waste to the first people we find. If the raiders take the time to frame another group for their wrong doing... why place the blame on us? Do they not deserve the scorn for setting up these so-called innocents? Why is the burden on the victim? You say yourself that those who were framed are not inclined to explain the situation, because they hate us. So I ask... what justice is in this? Are you saying that those who attack us should simply go unpunished because they might have been framed or are unwilling to defend themselves?
They *are* on our land. If you have an issue with this, you can take it up with the King. That is well above my level of decision making, thank you very much. And yes, if a tribe does the right thing and rejoin the Compact they *do* get to stay where they were. And their work is exchanged for protection, assurances that they will not starve, that they will have access to education and medical care and all of the other things that come with being a citizen of the Compact.
The Nox'alfar, Jadairal, Cardia and Eurus are all governed by bodies that can and do engage in diplomacy and trade. Abandoned tribes are, by definition, criminals and trade with them is strictly forbidden by our laws. There is also no government to speak of, if they wish to join the Compact I know countless Houses looking for more serfs, soldiers or vassals. We do negotiate with tribes that make efforts to join the Compact and bend the knee. Your comparison of how we treat with Cardia and Abandoned is nonsense at best, and at worst, being deliberately obtuse. See above, regarding Cardia being a united kingdom with a governmental body that can be dealt with, with diplomacy. There is no such Abandoned body.
Again, you speak as though your opinion were fact. You say that it is not that we follow laws, but rather that the Abandoned have no power -- again, a patently false statement. The Abandoned outnumber the Compact by a factor of ten or more. They are entirely dangerous to us by sheer numbers alone. Fragmented as they are, and thank the gods for it, no. They could not destroy the Compact. But because they are fractious, rebellious and generally unwilling to submit to law and order, we do, by our willingness to work together, manage to stay strong.
Yes. If you were born Abandoned, you were born a criminal. Welcome to the laws of the land. If you have issue with it, there are several magistrates and of course the King available to speak to about them.
I did ask for ideas and suggestions, because if you cannot offer them, then what is the point? You say we're doing it all wrong but until there are viable options, how can there be a change? I wouldn't call the Undying Empire or Cardia enemies? I do not know of any Abandoned that have joined either as allies, so I'm not entirely sure what you mean here. As to ensuring their hatred of us... perhaps they ought to stop raiding us and rethink their positions as criminals. Stop breaking the law, rejoin civilization, honor the gods and there will be no need for conflict. You paint them all as victims, when they are the ones who break laws and attack *us*.
Please tell me you yell at them too?
Written By Arik
July 9, 2019, 11:02 a.m.(6/7/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Alecstazi
Zealotry is something which is endless and heedless. It cannot be reasoned with, it cannot be argued with. Not all zealotry is to the Pantheon, divinely inspired with passion. Some zealotry is born of hatred and pettiness. Uppity rabble that twists itself to the same shape at the end of every outward push. No matter what truth is provided, their truth is that you are the greater evil and they the lesser. Their thumb of the scale ensures their world view and their zealotry is never swayed. It's a tidy arrangement.
Written By Evangeline
July 9, 2019, 10:47 a.m.(6/7/1011 AR)
My time in Arx has been enjoyable and profitable. I find myself looking forward to negotiating with various merchants in the market. There is something thrilling about being in the midst of chaos, hearing the shouts of the merchants selling their wares, attempting to outbid their competitors.
The rush of adrenaline hits me; the amount of power and control I wield is addicting and of course knowing I am getting the most for my clients coin is what drives me to work even harder.
Perhaps I will celebrate yesterday's good fortune with a trip to the beach.
The rush of adrenaline hits me; the amount of power and control I wield is addicting and of course knowing I am getting the most for my clients coin is what drives me to work even harder.
Perhaps I will celebrate yesterday's good fortune with a trip to the beach.
Written By Tyrus
July 9, 2019, 10:46 a.m.(6/7/1011 AR)
I've been here for more than a week and I still haven't met most of my family within the city.
Something slowly but surely being rectified.
Something slowly but surely being rectified.
Written By Gaspar
July 9, 2019, 10:26 a.m.(6/7/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arman
Without roots unseen, nurturing the plant, the petals cannot blossom.
It takes men like you, uncle, working in the depths and establishing a foundation for the family, that allows those of us that are reliant on sunshine to thrive. Thank you for what you do.
I agree with you though, about the nature of idleness. It can feel synonymous with helplessness, it couldn't be further from the truth. The nature of 'doing' is different for us, uncle. What do we preach throughout lives, uncle? Patience. Sometimes, we simply need to let nature takes its course and let the plants grow after being watered. There is nothing we can do to hurry that along.
Patience, uncle. It is not the same as idleness.
But you are quite right on passion. There is nothing in the world as infectious as passion. A passionate man in the wrong will surround himself with more people and have his message heard more readily than a dull man in the right.
Combine passion and veracity, and you have a person ready to move the world.
It takes men like you, uncle, working in the depths and establishing a foundation for the family, that allows those of us that are reliant on sunshine to thrive. Thank you for what you do.
I agree with you though, about the nature of idleness. It can feel synonymous with helplessness, it couldn't be further from the truth. The nature of 'doing' is different for us, uncle. What do we preach throughout lives, uncle? Patience. Sometimes, we simply need to let nature takes its course and let the plants grow after being watered. There is nothing we can do to hurry that along.
Patience, uncle. It is not the same as idleness.
But you are quite right on passion. There is nothing in the world as infectious as passion. A passionate man in the wrong will surround himself with more people and have his message heard more readily than a dull man in the right.
Combine passion and veracity, and you have a person ready to move the world.
Written By Sparte
July 9, 2019, 9:33 a.m.(6/7/1011 AR)
When you give things too freely, and then you're asked to give again, it begins to be hard to find things that remain worth giving.
Written By Preston
July 9, 2019, 6:39 a.m.(6/7/1011 AR)
Such interest in our foreign guests and the prospect of embassies and the notion we have much to learn from them. I admit, I struggle at the suggestion people like the Cardians would teach us much, or indeed that they truly have much they can convey when their base truth denies the uniquely divine nature of the Gods, placing their own leadership as somehow equal. The Empire? Yes, they may teach us, but I would question to what end. For whose benefit.
I make no secret of the fact I struggle to trust these foreigners. Their interests are not ours except for fleeting moments where ours and theirs might rub against each other, fingertips brushing, before diverging to our respective paths. We should approach with caution their offers. And if they wish to establish embassies, that is a matter for the secular powers - but I would always urge caution.
That said, we must remember that they are guests. Accorded the rights and protections that brings with it. We will never find ourselves if we forsake out values and beliefs, either in servility to a foreign power, or in opposing them through unjust and dishonourable means.
I make no secret of the fact I struggle to trust these foreigners. Their interests are not ours except for fleeting moments where ours and theirs might rub against each other, fingertips brushing, before diverging to our respective paths. We should approach with caution their offers. And if they wish to establish embassies, that is a matter for the secular powers - but I would always urge caution.
That said, we must remember that they are guests. Accorded the rights and protections that brings with it. We will never find ourselves if we forsake out values and beliefs, either in servility to a foreign power, or in opposing them through unjust and dishonourable means.
Written By Arcadia
July 9, 2019, 3:53 a.m.(6/7/1011 AR)
With my recent marriage into Stahlben and the return of Magnus's sister, Lady Volcica to town we've been convinced to hold a wedding or party of some sort.
Do you think demolishing a wall in the house to create a window, and pulling up the carpet are acceptable decorating plan for a party?
Do you think demolishing a wall in the house to create a window, and pulling up the carpet are acceptable decorating plan for a party?
Written By Shard
July 9, 2019, 3:35 a.m.(6/7/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Vincenzo
They're not exactly wandering. They're mostly just sitting in their boats glaring at each other, when they're not being invited to give lectures.
Written By Shard
July 9, 2019, 3:34 a.m.(6/7/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Alecstazi
Which actions are you referring to? When I fought in the front lines to defend Setarco? When I fought to defend the Lodge of Petrichor? When I spent weeks in the Gray Forest helping to root out cultists and demon worshipers? Actions taken under the command of Audric de Lire, I might add. Who was awarded a barony because of /his/ actions in the Silent War. My actions speak for themselves, the good and the bad. Am I conflicted? Of course I'm conflicted. Most people are conflicted over something.
I don't seek to make you a better people; no one can make you better other than yourselves. I'm not /that/ arrogant. But if you want suggestions? Fine. Feel free to ignore these:
When raiders attack you, why don't you go kill the raiders and then /stop killing when you're done/. Don't know who the raiders are? You might have an idea if you took the time to learn which tribes are which, what their stories are, what their traditions are, how they live and where they live. Because Thesarin is right; it's easy for the people that wronged you to get away with everything they've done, because the standard response is to not even bother checking targets before soldiers start attacking.
You know who would have a good idea about who the raiders are? The other tribes. Chances are when the raiders aren't attacking you, they're attacking them. Sometimes they don't, of course. Sometimes they're just attacking the Compact because they're very, very angry at the Compact. And I wonder why that might be. But either way, why should they tell you? Because today you might not murder them in their beds or drive them from their homes? Even I know that kind of thing rarely makes friends.
Ah, but they're on your land? Then I ask you; what makes it yours? Because you say so? They say it's their land. They've often been living there for hundreds of years, if not longer. And the Compact claims every inch of land on Arvum. You claim the islands. You claim the seas. You claim the snowy wastes far, far from any holding. You claim more land than you can ever possibly fill, and yet it's all yours, forever, no matter what. They have no where to go that is not 'your land'. And, funny enough, when a tribe as a whole bends the knee, they often get to stay right where they were, on that land you needed so badly.
What should you do? What do you do with the Nox'alfar? Cardia? Jadairal? Eurus? What would you do if a khati ship sailed into the harbor next? Do you declare them all squatting law-breakers who should be put down? Do you make it clear that anyone can do anything to them they want, because they're not under the King's Law? Of course you don't, because if you did, you'd be in a war you'd very possibly not win. No, all of those were negotiated with. They were allowed to voice their offers and concerns in the Assembly of Peers. One of them even openly claimed to be holding the King's son hostage. He admitted to executing Compact citizens on Arvani soil. And you know what else he said? He said he did those things because he wanted to and because he could. Because his kingdom holds the power and ours does not.
And that, in the end, is why you won't treat the Abandoned the way you treat any of them. Not because of the law, not even because of what's been done to you. But because they don't have enough power. They don't have the ability to possibly destroy the Compact. They can be dangerous, of course, but not to all of us. Not to everyone at once. Not when all the banners are called and the Compact marches together. No, the Compact has the power to end any one tribe, or even a small alliance of tribes, and the Compact wants the land they're living on, so the Compact treats them all as enemies and criminals and at best turns a blind eye to nearly anything that's done to them. Bend the knee or die. And, sometimes, when a few nobles start feeling like society is being polluted, bend the knee and die anyway.
You use my title, but according to your laws I was born a criminal. According to your laws I had a potential death sentence hanging over my head the moment I drew breath, the moment my parents drew breath, and their parents, and /their/ parents. My family has been in Arvum a very long time. It's older than the Compact itself. But none of that mattered to the noble who ordered my death because my tribe was--temporarily at that--vaguely near his holdings. Why should it? He wanted us gone and I didn't have the power to stop him. We were enemies. Everyone out there is an enemy.
So you asked for suggestions. Ideas. I'm not a diplomat. I'm not much of a strategist. I'm very, very new to the idea of leadership at all. But it seems to me, that if nothing else I've said has made any kind of impression, you might consider that the Compact has far too many enemies. Powerful enemies. Enemies that are very good at convincing all your other enemies that life would be better without you. That any kind of sacrifice is worth making if they can be rid of you. In the past few years, these kinds of enemies, these warlords, have attacked the Compact directly three times. We've fought two wars against them. Their armies didn't come from nowhere. Too often they've come from desperate, angry Abandoned that have been driven straight into their arms because it becomes a choice between those warlords and you, and you've ensured that they /fucking hate you/. Maybe it would be in the Compact's better interests to stop doing that.
And before you start writing; no. I have hated, and still hate one of those warlords far, far more than I could ever, and have ever hated the Compact or anyone in it. On that, I have never been conflicted for even the briefest moment in my entire life.
I don't seek to make you a better people; no one can make you better other than yourselves. I'm not /that/ arrogant. But if you want suggestions? Fine. Feel free to ignore these:
When raiders attack you, why don't you go kill the raiders and then /stop killing when you're done/. Don't know who the raiders are? You might have an idea if you took the time to learn which tribes are which, what their stories are, what their traditions are, how they live and where they live. Because Thesarin is right; it's easy for the people that wronged you to get away with everything they've done, because the standard response is to not even bother checking targets before soldiers start attacking.
You know who would have a good idea about who the raiders are? The other tribes. Chances are when the raiders aren't attacking you, they're attacking them. Sometimes they don't, of course. Sometimes they're just attacking the Compact because they're very, very angry at the Compact. And I wonder why that might be. But either way, why should they tell you? Because today you might not murder them in their beds or drive them from their homes? Even I know that kind of thing rarely makes friends.
Ah, but they're on your land? Then I ask you; what makes it yours? Because you say so? They say it's their land. They've often been living there for hundreds of years, if not longer. And the Compact claims every inch of land on Arvum. You claim the islands. You claim the seas. You claim the snowy wastes far, far from any holding. You claim more land than you can ever possibly fill, and yet it's all yours, forever, no matter what. They have no where to go that is not 'your land'. And, funny enough, when a tribe as a whole bends the knee, they often get to stay right where they were, on that land you needed so badly.
What should you do? What do you do with the Nox'alfar? Cardia? Jadairal? Eurus? What would you do if a khati ship sailed into the harbor next? Do you declare them all squatting law-breakers who should be put down? Do you make it clear that anyone can do anything to them they want, because they're not under the King's Law? Of course you don't, because if you did, you'd be in a war you'd very possibly not win. No, all of those were negotiated with. They were allowed to voice their offers and concerns in the Assembly of Peers. One of them even openly claimed to be holding the King's son hostage. He admitted to executing Compact citizens on Arvani soil. And you know what else he said? He said he did those things because he wanted to and because he could. Because his kingdom holds the power and ours does not.
And that, in the end, is why you won't treat the Abandoned the way you treat any of them. Not because of the law, not even because of what's been done to you. But because they don't have enough power. They don't have the ability to possibly destroy the Compact. They can be dangerous, of course, but not to all of us. Not to everyone at once. Not when all the banners are called and the Compact marches together. No, the Compact has the power to end any one tribe, or even a small alliance of tribes, and the Compact wants the land they're living on, so the Compact treats them all as enemies and criminals and at best turns a blind eye to nearly anything that's done to them. Bend the knee or die. And, sometimes, when a few nobles start feeling like society is being polluted, bend the knee and die anyway.
You use my title, but according to your laws I was born a criminal. According to your laws I had a potential death sentence hanging over my head the moment I drew breath, the moment my parents drew breath, and their parents, and /their/ parents. My family has been in Arvum a very long time. It's older than the Compact itself. But none of that mattered to the noble who ordered my death because my tribe was--temporarily at that--vaguely near his holdings. Why should it? He wanted us gone and I didn't have the power to stop him. We were enemies. Everyone out there is an enemy.
So you asked for suggestions. Ideas. I'm not a diplomat. I'm not much of a strategist. I'm very, very new to the idea of leadership at all. But it seems to me, that if nothing else I've said has made any kind of impression, you might consider that the Compact has far too many enemies. Powerful enemies. Enemies that are very good at convincing all your other enemies that life would be better without you. That any kind of sacrifice is worth making if they can be rid of you. In the past few years, these kinds of enemies, these warlords, have attacked the Compact directly three times. We've fought two wars against them. Their armies didn't come from nowhere. Too often they've come from desperate, angry Abandoned that have been driven straight into their arms because it becomes a choice between those warlords and you, and you've ensured that they /fucking hate you/. Maybe it would be in the Compact's better interests to stop doing that.
And before you start writing; no. I have hated, and still hate one of those warlords far, far more than I could ever, and have ever hated the Compact or anyone in it. On that, I have never been conflicted for even the briefest moment in my entire life.
Written By Elloise
July 9, 2019, 2:05 a.m.(6/7/1011 AR)
Log:
I've started several projects for House Leary of late -- I'm very excited. I can hardly believe the exciting advances in SCIENCE I'm tinkering with to better the family!
I've started several projects for House Leary of late -- I'm very excited. I can hardly believe the exciting advances in SCIENCE I'm tinkering with to better the family!
Written By Saoirse
July 9, 2019, 2:03 a.m.(6/7/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arman
Perhaps next time you should do as great grandfather Baldasarrio did when he found himself bored at parties and simply yawn --enthusiastically-- in peoples' faces.
Written By Riagnon
July 9, 2019, 12:16 a.m.(6/6/1011 AR)
How fortunate I am to have people ready to fill my life with sweets even while Kenna replaces all of my snacks with asparaguses! ..asparagi. Blegh!
Written By Vincenzo
July 8, 2019, 8:27 p.m.(6/6/1011 AR)
Being mentioned or written about in someone's Whites (or I suppose Blacks) is an honor, for they're taking the time out of their limited hours to think about you and in their writing, keeps you from being lost in time. That we can have differing opinions until a court, higher lord or king rules, is a wonderful freedom stemmed from creativity.
Even if I initially disagree, I can't help but find myself taking in some of their ideas.
I'm looking forward to chatting with quite a few people about foreign persons wandering wherever they'd like and further influencing citizens with their foreign thoughts, and why embassies are needed.
Even if I initially disagree, I can't help but find myself taking in some of their ideas.
I'm looking forward to chatting with quite a few people about foreign persons wandering wherever they'd like and further influencing citizens with their foreign thoughts, and why embassies are needed.
Written By Jasher
July 8, 2019, 8:09 p.m.(6/6/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Peri
In their eyes, the Compact is of no consequence.
We are the toy to be squabbled over, used to further their own ends and wield as a tool against their enemy than a proper nation to acknowledge. For one to leave while the other remains will be seen as retreat and weakness, and so unless they both leave together, they will remain together.
And so they will remain until something bids them to act.
We are the toy to be squabbled over, used to further their own ends and wield as a tool against their enemy than a proper nation to acknowledge. For one to leave while the other remains will be seen as retreat and weakness, and so unless they both leave together, they will remain together.
And so they will remain until something bids them to act.
Written By Tescelina
July 8, 2019, 6:28 p.m.(6/6/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Rysen
The Lai of the Bear Slayer. Most curious. I shall have to locate a copy of the verse.
I simply wished to protect those who needed it, as is a knight's duty.
When things are more settled, I will have to return to the lands outside Stormwall. They were beautiful, at least.
Even with such sorrow hanging in the air.
I simply wished to protect those who needed it, as is a knight's duty.
When things are more settled, I will have to return to the lands outside Stormwall. They were beautiful, at least.
Even with such sorrow hanging in the air.
Written By Gwenna
July 8, 2019, 6:15 p.m.(6/6/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Helena
My impressive cousin, Princess Helena, sister to the princesses Agatha and Elgana, is such an inspiration to me. Between her poetry events and assisting with the upcoming Festival of Death, I envy how easy she makes it all look. I think all of those sisters all have that talent, really, and it makes me so proud that I get to call them family. Not only is Helena an exceptionally talented artist, but she has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know. She has helped me with some projects despite her busy schedule, and I could not be happier to have her as both cousin and dear friend.
Written By Gwenna
July 8, 2019, 6:12 p.m.(6/6/1011 AR)
I had such a lovely time at the Laurent pool event! Lady Mabelle is to be commended for such delightful games. Next time maybe I will be more bold and race in a duck with my cousin, Duke Cristoph! It looked like great fun, but I had /just/ gotten some of the famed Laurent cider and don't get to sit and enjoy the wonderful brew often enough. Really, I do not spend nearly as much time with my mother's side of family as I might like, which is something I've every plan to correct.
Written By Iseulet
July 8, 2019, 6:08 p.m.(6/6/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Neviah
Girl, just tell me who it was and I will challenge them myself...
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.