Written By Sophie
June 6, 2019, 2:29 p.m.(3/26/1011 AR)
The ignorance of some people astounds me.
I'm sorry... I'm supposed to be neutral, aren't I?
I'm sorry... I'm supposed to be neutral, aren't I?
Written By Ouida
June 6, 2019, 2:19 p.m.(3/26/1011 AR)
My tutors would always make rather pained faces whenever the subject of spontaneous verse came up. I always thought that I did not much care for verse at all truth be told, except perhaps when particularly inspired by wooing.
I must say however that perhaps I have changed my mind! It was pleasant to hear the cheers at the poetry joust, though I thought I saw a rather dismayed look in Lord Andreas' eyes, he seems to have recovered quite admirably!
I must say however that perhaps I have changed my mind! It was pleasant to hear the cheers at the poetry joust, though I thought I saw a rather dismayed look in Lord Andreas' eyes, he seems to have recovered quite admirably!
Written By Rymarr
June 6, 2019, 1:47 p.m.(3/26/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Josephine
I met Josephine Arcuri through Lord Grady. At the time he was her patron and they had a most noteworthy business relationship. All good things tend to dwindle to a close though and as time went on, their business relationship was set aside. Whether temporarily or otherwise, who is to know.
Yet despite the change in their relationship, Mistress Arcuri has remained a steadfast friend of House Deepwood. Whether in matters of business, trade, or other needs that the Woods have had? She has been there to helpfully provide her aid. She has shown that she understands that business and friendship can have a place at the same table, but they can also be separate from one another. When I came calling at her door and sought her assistance with a matter, she rose to the occasion. She didn't simply fulfill the request that I had, she went above and beyond. Any expectations that I may have had weren't simply met or exceeded, they were altogether shattered with the power of her effort.
That is why I and we of House Deepwood hope that when the time arrives that the Crafter's Guild selects their new leader, that Josephine Arcuri will be given the opportunity to show her strength and values to the Compact as a whole and to those who will come to rely upon her as the new Guildmistress of the Crafter's Guild. She will undoubtedly have deep shoes to fill following after Guildmistress Joscelin Arterius, but I believe that she has set a fine example for many after her to emulate in one way or another that will usher them toward a path of prominent success.
Yet despite the change in their relationship, Mistress Arcuri has remained a steadfast friend of House Deepwood. Whether in matters of business, trade, or other needs that the Woods have had? She has been there to helpfully provide her aid. She has shown that she understands that business and friendship can have a place at the same table, but they can also be separate from one another. When I came calling at her door and sought her assistance with a matter, she rose to the occasion. She didn't simply fulfill the request that I had, she went above and beyond. Any expectations that I may have had weren't simply met or exceeded, they were altogether shattered with the power of her effort.
That is why I and we of House Deepwood hope that when the time arrives that the Crafter's Guild selects their new leader, that Josephine Arcuri will be given the opportunity to show her strength and values to the Compact as a whole and to those who will come to rely upon her as the new Guildmistress of the Crafter's Guild. She will undoubtedly have deep shoes to fill following after Guildmistress Joscelin Arterius, but I believe that she has set a fine example for many after her to emulate in one way or another that will usher them toward a path of prominent success.
Written By Rook
June 6, 2019, 11:05 a.m.(3/25/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Giuliano
Would you like to borrow 200 silver to pay the full price for a semiprecious stone?
I could not believe the report from the marketplace when I arrive this morning.
I could not believe the report from the marketplace when I arrive this morning.
Written By Edward
June 6, 2019, 10:21 a.m.(3/25/1011 AR)
More money, more problems. More problems, more rum. More rum, less money. Less money, fewer problems! Now off to the tavern!
Written By Amantha
June 6, 2019, 10:10 a.m.(3/25/1011 AR)
Considering every life to be equal leaves me with many conundrums, for example is it ever acceptable for someone to have their life lost if it could be prevented? What then of a murderer who will murder if let free, should we rob him of his freedom or life or accept what his actions will be? Should we disregard who a person is when we can safe either one of good heart, good mind and good intentions or two off ill hearth, twisted mind and full of bad intentions?
Similarly if our lives are to be of equal value then should we even strive to have a good heart, mind and intent or should we ignore and do as we will.
Most of you, whose time I may have wasted by writing this, may have better answers than me.
Similarly if our lives are to be of equal value then should we even strive to have a good heart, mind and intent or should we ignore and do as we will.
Most of you, whose time I may have wasted by writing this, may have better answers than me.
Written By Sparte
June 6, 2019, 10:07 a.m.(3/25/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Kaldur
Lord Kaldur took what had been a child-like idea, more dream than reality, and turned it into something beautiful and real. Something meaningful for how it brought people together, no matter what Spring brings. I am humbled to be mentioned amongst those who helped, but as he gives me credit i do not deserve he also downplays his own efforts.
Lord Kaldur is a man who sought to help the Compact with a grand vision, one akin in challenge to climbing a mountain with bare hands. When the consequences became known of reaching so high, as with a rock pulled loose that falls to cause harm in a climber's wake, he did not despair. He dedicated himself to smoothing the path so it would be safer, he went back down in humility and gave his time to meeting with and helping others, to making it so we could better climb together the path he had forged. He is one of the best of us, may his dedication to the Compact's future always be remembered.
Lord Kaldur is a man who sought to help the Compact with a grand vision, one akin in challenge to climbing a mountain with bare hands. When the consequences became known of reaching so high, as with a rock pulled loose that falls to cause harm in a climber's wake, he did not despair. He dedicated himself to smoothing the path so it would be safer, he went back down in humility and gave his time to meeting with and helping others, to making it so we could better climb together the path he had forged. He is one of the best of us, may his dedication to the Compact's future always be remembered.
Written By Amari
June 6, 2019, 10:06 a.m.(3/25/1011 AR)
I won the Laurent poetry joust, and I'm probably just as surprised as you are by that. It wasn't on the strength of my poetry or riding either. Clopsy just barely kept to the line.
There were much more experienced and skilled competitors in attendance, and far more amusing poems recited than my staid one about keeping oaths to honor Limerance and maintaining proper decorum. Lady Jael's was about underwear armor, and Duke Cristoph's was an ode to a certain Queensblade armed Baron who thinks of kittens as he rises gently from bed each morning. Lady Ouida's was surely inspired too with its very surprise ending. Everyone took to the challenge with aplomb, even Kedehern, who I hadn't expected so many verses from.
I know in the end it was mostly Norwood's excellent instruction and a full measure of luck that guided my lance. Still, when these wild improbabilities occur, I can't help but imagine a bored Gloria reaching down to sprinkle some glamour over me before nudging the god next to her and saying with a smirk, "Watch this."
The gods must need a good laugh sometimes.
There were much more experienced and skilled competitors in attendance, and far more amusing poems recited than my staid one about keeping oaths to honor Limerance and maintaining proper decorum. Lady Jael's was about underwear armor, and Duke Cristoph's was an ode to a certain Queensblade armed Baron who thinks of kittens as he rises gently from bed each morning. Lady Ouida's was surely inspired too with its very surprise ending. Everyone took to the challenge with aplomb, even Kedehern, who I hadn't expected so many verses from.
I know in the end it was mostly Norwood's excellent instruction and a full measure of luck that guided my lance. Still, when these wild improbabilities occur, I can't help but imagine a bored Gloria reaching down to sprinkle some glamour over me before nudging the god next to her and saying with a smirk, "Watch this."
The gods must need a good laugh sometimes.
Written By Preston
June 6, 2019, 8:06 a.m.(3/25/1011 AR)
Choice is not something to be taken lightly or discarded simply. Choice is a command of the Gods, it is demanded by Skald. More than that, it is present in the other commands of the Gods and impacts upon the nature of innocence, of justice, of oaths and swearing.
Oaths are something again we form under the gods, we swear under Limerance, we hold to in order to obey Gloria.
Debate of these matters serves no purpose - it is to question the very nature of our society, the very ideals of our establishment. It is doubt of faith. Save your questions to improve yourselves, do not waste them fomenting discord.
Oaths are something again we form under the gods, we swear under Limerance, we hold to in order to obey Gloria.
Debate of these matters serves no purpose - it is to question the very nature of our society, the very ideals of our establishment. It is doubt of faith. Save your questions to improve yourselves, do not waste them fomenting discord.
Written By Imi
June 6, 2019, 7:22 a.m.(3/25/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
It has been nearly a week since I my legs were broken, and I'm starting to long for even something as monotonous as the Lord Commander's famed Tower Stair Drills. I am honored to have the a patron such as I do, though. Her Highness has ensured I have no end of reading material available to me. The rather extraordinary tales help pass the time. To think that a soldier and sailor could have such lives!
Written By Silas
June 6, 2019, 1:56 a.m.(3/25/1011 AR)
Sometimes I'm very glad I don't have a short temper.
Written By Elisha
June 6, 2019, 1:31 a.m.(3/25/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Alaric
You traveled past heroic statues and through a metallic doorway to reach the City of Chains.
Skal'daja is a city of thirteen concentric canals, each canal divided by thirteen locks and united by water that simmers with one hundred and seventy unpronounceable names, the first of which prohibits explanation. So I will instead list the wares that are profitably sold in Skal'daja: agate, stygian, chrysoprase; I will praise the flesh of the pheasants cooked over ratleaf fires; I will sing of the slender youths who invite you to chase them in the tide.
In Skal'daja, we work as cutters of chrysoprase, we sear our flesh over ratleaf fires; we believe we are enjoying the freedoms of the city when we are only its slave. I walked among the hyacinth hedges, sure I would discover slender youths bathing, but at the bottom of the tide, crabs were biting the eyes of slaves, stones tied around their necks, their hair green with seaweed.
In Skal'daja you exchanged a seven-weight of agate for certainty; you return to Arx knowing what is crafted by the heroic statues in this metallic forge.
If shackles do not bite at your throat, you are one of the slave-masters.
(In a shakier hand: "Choice is a lie the powerful tell to justify power. Oaths and honor bind more unforgivingly than writs, because a false choice is another chain. I offer myself to you for a writ. To you, and you, and you. I would burn every white journal, beginning with my own, and leave only the black. Black words, black ash, black sands, black plague. Black eyes has my Mistress, and she gazes at me lovingly.")
Skal'daja is a city of thirteen concentric canals, each canal divided by thirteen locks and united by water that simmers with one hundred and seventy unpronounceable names, the first of which prohibits explanation. So I will instead list the wares that are profitably sold in Skal'daja: agate, stygian, chrysoprase; I will praise the flesh of the pheasants cooked over ratleaf fires; I will sing of the slender youths who invite you to chase them in the tide.
In Skal'daja, we work as cutters of chrysoprase, we sear our flesh over ratleaf fires; we believe we are enjoying the freedoms of the city when we are only its slave. I walked among the hyacinth hedges, sure I would discover slender youths bathing, but at the bottom of the tide, crabs were biting the eyes of slaves, stones tied around their necks, their hair green with seaweed.
In Skal'daja you exchanged a seven-weight of agate for certainty; you return to Arx knowing what is crafted by the heroic statues in this metallic forge.
If shackles do not bite at your throat, you are one of the slave-masters.
(In a shakier hand: "Choice is a lie the powerful tell to justify power. Oaths and honor bind more unforgivingly than writs, because a false choice is another chain. I offer myself to you for a writ. To you, and you, and you. I would burn every white journal, beginning with my own, and leave only the black. Black words, black ash, black sands, black plague. Black eyes has my Mistress, and she gazes at me lovingly.")
Written By Kaldur
June 6, 2019, 12:57 a.m.(3/25/1011 AR)
We have returned safely from a pilgrimage walking the Great Road. We have returned hale and whole and, speaking for myself, changed from walking its expanses, meeting the people along it and sowing seeds that will bloom - we hope - come Spring. We persevered through winter snow and ice, bleak and brutal weather to be traveling, finding havens at every turn. Hearths both great and humble welcomed us. Meals, songs, and prayers shared.
Seeds planted.
Before we left, folk in Arx, when they learned of the journey said, 'this is dangerous,' 'take soldiers,' 'you won't return.' It was, we didn't, and we did. Many considered it a folly of the highest order, but then many said the same of the Great Road. I've seen differently now. This land of ours is a wondrous thing, having traveled the breadth of it.
We sheltered in the lee of the Bonespire, looking out from the last mountain in the North over the Everwinter. Been cheered by the beacon of Highhill shining in the night, and wept to learn it shines no more. Broken fast with miners in Gemecitta amidst the dust of their work - they carved the bones of the Road itself, these miners. Been received at Pridehall and Cascade Springs. Stood in the shadow of the Titan of Setarco, her head wreathed by the glare of an overcast sun looking out over the city, land and sea, where we faced the Gyre and won.
From north to south, east to west, we were welcomed in every corner of the land. Take heart, people of Arvum, there is more that binds us than divides us. I have seen it with my own eyes.
I look forward to Spring.
My companions were from every strata of our Compact:
* Smith Aonghus. His hammer and his efforts are truly blessed. Dumpling never stepped lighter than with the diamondplate horseshoes he fit her with. His cheer was a boon on the journey as well.
* High Shaman Drea. The High Shaman, unsurprisingly, did what the rest could not - speak of and with the spirits as we traveled.
* Lady Ouida Harthall. We would not have traveled as smoothly through the West without her.
* Petal Ambrose. A expert on green and growing things, she was particularly keen to make sure the poppies were properly sown. I hope they bloom, but if they don't, it will not be because of any lack of attention or care on Petal Ambrose's part.
* Sparte Grayfellow. Our mission was to sow seeds along the Road, this idea was his and I am grateful for it.
* Lady Rey Laveer. A mercy in name and deed. She brought succor to our troop and also to those we met on the Road. Especially me when spirits flagged.
* Lady Lethe Tyde. A friendly physician, likewise seeing to our wellbeing while traveling.
* Cillian Weatherwood. Though our mission was a peaceful one, it was reassuring to have him at our backs.
* Baroness Ysabel Gilden. A skillful diplomat and raconteur, she made the journey lighter.
Seeds planted.
Before we left, folk in Arx, when they learned of the journey said, 'this is dangerous,' 'take soldiers,' 'you won't return.' It was, we didn't, and we did. Many considered it a folly of the highest order, but then many said the same of the Great Road. I've seen differently now. This land of ours is a wondrous thing, having traveled the breadth of it.
We sheltered in the lee of the Bonespire, looking out from the last mountain in the North over the Everwinter. Been cheered by the beacon of Highhill shining in the night, and wept to learn it shines no more. Broken fast with miners in Gemecitta amidst the dust of their work - they carved the bones of the Road itself, these miners. Been received at Pridehall and Cascade Springs. Stood in the shadow of the Titan of Setarco, her head wreathed by the glare of an overcast sun looking out over the city, land and sea, where we faced the Gyre and won.
From north to south, east to west, we were welcomed in every corner of the land. Take heart, people of Arvum, there is more that binds us than divides us. I have seen it with my own eyes.
I look forward to Spring.
My companions were from every strata of our Compact:
* Smith Aonghus. His hammer and his efforts are truly blessed. Dumpling never stepped lighter than with the diamondplate horseshoes he fit her with. His cheer was a boon on the journey as well.
* High Shaman Drea. The High Shaman, unsurprisingly, did what the rest could not - speak of and with the spirits as we traveled.
* Lady Ouida Harthall. We would not have traveled as smoothly through the West without her.
* Petal Ambrose. A expert on green and growing things, she was particularly keen to make sure the poppies were properly sown. I hope they bloom, but if they don't, it will not be because of any lack of attention or care on Petal Ambrose's part.
* Sparte Grayfellow. Our mission was to sow seeds along the Road, this idea was his and I am grateful for it.
* Lady Rey Laveer. A mercy in name and deed. She brought succor to our troop and also to those we met on the Road. Especially me when spirits flagged.
* Lady Lethe Tyde. A friendly physician, likewise seeing to our wellbeing while traveling.
* Cillian Weatherwood. Though our mission was a peaceful one, it was reassuring to have him at our backs.
* Baroness Ysabel Gilden. A skillful diplomat and raconteur, she made the journey lighter.
Written By Mirella
June 6, 2019, 12:25 a.m.(3/25/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Brianna
In fairness, this might apply to some of the noblemen as well. By that token, that is.
Written By Thea
June 5, 2019, 7:35 p.m.(3/24/1011 AR)
I am so glad that it's almost over.. As I've said on more than one occasion. Stop crying. You'll live. I think that's being proven.
Written By Mailys
June 5, 2019, 6 p.m.(3/24/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirari
You won't get rid of me so easily, cousister.
Written By Brianna
June 5, 2019, 5:32 p.m.(3/24/1011 AR)
Certain noble ladies keep finding themselves at the center of drama and strife. Perhaps it would do them well to reflect on their own behavior, instead of constantly blaming others.
Written By Arik
June 5, 2019, 5:28 p.m.(3/24/1011 AR)
I remember a time not too long ago when the point of calling champions to be done with it meant that the tug of war in the court of public opinion ended... and Champions resolved it. That is the point, to end the bickering.
Written By Mirk
June 5, 2019, 5:06 p.m.(3/24/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Cadern
The essential difference between our oaths to the Compact and a writ is that I choose again and again to fulfill my oaths. A vassal, for example, will spend his whole life in the service of his liege. Each time he is called upon to act, he makes the choice anew to honor his oaths instead of raising his banners in rebellion. There would be consequences to rebellion, but that doesn't change that fact that a vassal could choose that course of action.
What the Undying Empire offers is a form of slavery. Once entered into, you cannot violate those terms. You can no longer choose to do otherwise. Instead, all you can do is hope that your master is a kind one. But even if he is, it does not change the nature of the thing.
One is a choice, the other is not. It's the difference between night and day.
What the Undying Empire offers is a form of slavery. Once entered into, you cannot violate those terms. You can no longer choose to do otherwise. Instead, all you can do is hope that your master is a kind one. But even if he is, it does not change the nature of the thing.
One is a choice, the other is not. It's the difference between night and day.
Written By Arman
June 5, 2019, 4:16 p.m.(3/24/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Josephine
This woman's talent is unparalleled and her ability to manage her establishment while maintaining an air of grace and beauty across multiple locations is a merit in it of itself and a shining example of her management abilities. She has always been a pleasure to work with and has a definitive ability in matching the perfect combination of materials in order to create a product that truly speaks to its owner.
If I had the power I would keep her on retainer and hoard her skill, but alas her work is destined to be shared and even in the selfish depths of my heart I must admit it would be a travesty otherwise.
If I had the power I would keep her on retainer and hoard her skill, but alas her work is destined to be shared and even in the selfish depths of my heart I must admit it would be a travesty otherwise.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.