Written By Preston
May 18, 2019, 5:47 a.m.(2/15/1011 AR)
I see much discussion on what it is to be a warrior. It would be easy to say it is the same as fighter, to pick up a sword, an axe, a club, and to fight. But perhaps a warrior fights /for/ something.
But, the label doesn't matter as much as the person. Fighter, Warrior, Ranger, Scout, Pikeman, Archer, Knight....in all cases what matters, at least to me, is /how/ you display that, how you do it, how you fight. Is your action for your own benefit, for your people, for all of us, for the gods, for the benefit of the dark forces, or just to watch things burn? Do you swing with rage? With thinking? Without? Have you considered the impact of lifting your sword? Have you thought about who will suffer? The innocent and the guilty? Have you considered your oaths, weighed this action against those?
In the end, I do not need warriors, rangers, scouts, or any of those labels. What I need, what we all need, are men and women who are that mix of righteous, just, honourable and the humility to know they may be wrong. More than this, it is what the Gods demand of us. To take up arms, to be knighted, promotions. These are just identities we take up on the way to that higher path, to serve the Gods. To those who reject the Gods and their path, who take up arms against them and against the compact that serves them, we need no other description for them than enemy.
But, the label doesn't matter as much as the person. Fighter, Warrior, Ranger, Scout, Pikeman, Archer, Knight....in all cases what matters, at least to me, is /how/ you display that, how you do it, how you fight. Is your action for your own benefit, for your people, for all of us, for the gods, for the benefit of the dark forces, or just to watch things burn? Do you swing with rage? With thinking? Without? Have you considered the impact of lifting your sword? Have you thought about who will suffer? The innocent and the guilty? Have you considered your oaths, weighed this action against those?
In the end, I do not need warriors, rangers, scouts, or any of those labels. What I need, what we all need, are men and women who are that mix of righteous, just, honourable and the humility to know they may be wrong. More than this, it is what the Gods demand of us. To take up arms, to be knighted, promotions. These are just identities we take up on the way to that higher path, to serve the Gods. To those who reject the Gods and their path, who take up arms against them and against the compact that serves them, we need no other description for them than enemy.
Written By Violet
May 18, 2019, 3:45 a.m.(2/15/1011 AR)
Two new chapter houses have gone up. Our ranks swell with dedicated and skilled individuals. And the lands they are on are seeing more peace than many others right now. I'm looking forward to meeting as many of the new recruits as I can. I may not be able to remember everyone's name, but this is one thing I learned from Tobias. To be a leader they have to know you and respect you. They can't do that if they've never even met you. Even though I'm not drinking I am contemplating places to host a welcoming party. It isn't just me they should meet, Harlex, Soren, Carmen, and all the rest. Our lives depend on each other. All right, enough midnight ramblings. More new faces to greet tomorrow and the sun may rise later in winter, but she still rises.
Written By Willow
May 18, 2019, 2:33 a.m.(2/15/1011 AR)
Some rare introspection set me to realize that, though there have been rare exceptions, the more I care about someone, the less likely I am to want to take them to bed. I think this spawns from my typically wanting to be pretty selfish about getting what I like and want, and feeling less into it when I am distracted by trying to please the other party. Things just happened and were wonderful, with the first man I was betrothed to.
I was to marry a prodigal war chief who was going to bring his people in as a march, until his brother's objection and their competing for leading resulted in the man being shot dead at my feet. He was old enough to be my father, with eyes like a winter storm, and stood six and a half feet tall. I don't know that I will ever be able to find such simple and complete love again as I grew to feel for that man on getting to know him.
Flirting is fun, even some fooling around, but so rarely do they overlap with genuinely caring. And when they have been, the situation has always been impossible. Part of me is glad for the fact that I have managed to make myself useful enough to my family that the likelihood of my being /allowed/ to marry out is less.
Though I do suppose marrying in general is problematic for me. So many of those available are teenaged and/or still think of marriage in terms of love rather than fidelity and the partnership that is created. I am not missing love or romance, of those I have excess, even if they do not often overlap. But I do envy those who have a life partner to work with toward mutual ends. It would be so lovely to have that.
I was to marry a prodigal war chief who was going to bring his people in as a march, until his brother's objection and their competing for leading resulted in the man being shot dead at my feet. He was old enough to be my father, with eyes like a winter storm, and stood six and a half feet tall. I don't know that I will ever be able to find such simple and complete love again as I grew to feel for that man on getting to know him.
Flirting is fun, even some fooling around, but so rarely do they overlap with genuinely caring. And when they have been, the situation has always been impossible. Part of me is glad for the fact that I have managed to make myself useful enough to my family that the likelihood of my being /allowed/ to marry out is less.
Though I do suppose marrying in general is problematic for me. So many of those available are teenaged and/or still think of marriage in terms of love rather than fidelity and the partnership that is created. I am not missing love or romance, of those I have excess, even if they do not often overlap. But I do envy those who have a life partner to work with toward mutual ends. It would be so lovely to have that.
Written By Raimon
May 18, 2019, 1:33 a.m.(2/15/1011 AR)
My words were not written out of an intent to directly insult anyone. I have no gift for subterfuge and so I do not attempt to do anything but to speak plainly.
This has all gotten rather philosophical and I will confess that is not my strength. I am just a soldier who happens to have been born to a Noble family. My original comment was put forth because in my own training I have come across many people who treat martial pursuits as a side project. As a hobby. A way to enjoy themselves. Since I find training in combat enjoyable I can not disagree with that. This is not where my issue lies.
I do not have an issue with those who go to fight to feed themselves or their family. I do not have issues with those who chose to go to battle because they enjoy it, or to serve their fealty. I grow uneasy about those who confess they are just scholars, just artists. Those who train to fight but are not prepared to take a life. These make me uneasy because if they decide that they are soldiers that belong on the field of battle that could put lives in danger if they are not prepared for the vigor of combat. They put their lives in danger, and they put the lives of others in danger.
Not to say that someone can not be a scholar or artist and a warrior. I have seen it several times. The stories are full of them. If someone wants to train their martial abilities for an enjoyable past time, they are more then welcome to. I would even be happy to assist. But I confess that if it was just a past time to them, I would not like to stand next to them on the battle line.
This has all gotten rather philosophical and I will confess that is not my strength. I am just a soldier who happens to have been born to a Noble family. My original comment was put forth because in my own training I have come across many people who treat martial pursuits as a side project. As a hobby. A way to enjoy themselves. Since I find training in combat enjoyable I can not disagree with that. This is not where my issue lies.
I do not have an issue with those who go to fight to feed themselves or their family. I do not have issues with those who chose to go to battle because they enjoy it, or to serve their fealty. I grow uneasy about those who confess they are just scholars, just artists. Those who train to fight but are not prepared to take a life. These make me uneasy because if they decide that they are soldiers that belong on the field of battle that could put lives in danger if they are not prepared for the vigor of combat. They put their lives in danger, and they put the lives of others in danger.
Not to say that someone can not be a scholar or artist and a warrior. I have seen it several times. The stories are full of them. If someone wants to train their martial abilities for an enjoyable past time, they are more then welcome to. I would even be happy to assist. But I confess that if it was just a past time to them, I would not like to stand next to them on the battle line.
Written By Shard
May 18, 2019, 12:33 a.m.(2/15/1011 AR)
A warrior is someone who picks up a weapon and ends up never fully putting it down. The reason isn't important. There's nothing special about it. There aren't any oaths or dedications that are required. It's not noble or heroic. A warrior is a person who spends most of their life fighting wars. That's it.
And if someone wants to fight, can hold a weapon, and can manage not to die immediately (something a lot of warriors fail at), then who cares if they're 'suited' to something else? Life doesn't care what you're suited for, and it doesn't wait for you to figure it out. Sometimes a warrior is a farmer who sharpened their pitchfork to defend their home. Sometimes a warrior is a healer who picked up a club to defend their patients. Sometimes someone makes a choice to be something else, because they want to or because they have to, and sometimes they succeed at it.
A warrior is someone who chose to be a warrior, and chooses to keep being a warrior. I don't see why anyone should make it any more complicated than that.
And if someone wants to fight, can hold a weapon, and can manage not to die immediately (something a lot of warriors fail at), then who cares if they're 'suited' to something else? Life doesn't care what you're suited for, and it doesn't wait for you to figure it out. Sometimes a warrior is a farmer who sharpened their pitchfork to defend their home. Sometimes a warrior is a healer who picked up a club to defend their patients. Sometimes someone makes a choice to be something else, because they want to or because they have to, and sometimes they succeed at it.
A warrior is someone who chose to be a warrior, and chooses to keep being a warrior. I don't see why anyone should make it any more complicated than that.
Written By Acantha
May 17, 2019, 11:27 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
I saw a horse sized spider that was wearing a party hat at The Spirits.
No, Scholar, please don't look at me like that.
I was not drunk. I saw it with one of the Nox'alfar with hair the color of moonlight. The spider's name was Charlotte and as odd and as terrified as I felt inside I gave the benefit of the doubt to the man and his...mount. I even bid Charlotte a good night as people walked by shrieking as the caught the shining eyes of a huge spider staring down at them.
No, Scholar, please don't look at me like that.
I was not drunk. I saw it with one of the Nox'alfar with hair the color of moonlight. The spider's name was Charlotte and as odd and as terrified as I felt inside I gave the benefit of the doubt to the man and his...mount. I even bid Charlotte a good night as people walked by shrieking as the caught the shining eyes of a huge spider staring down at them.
Written By Lucita
May 17, 2019, 10:39 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
Good friends are priceless.
Written By Sparte
May 17, 2019, 7:42 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
I just tried adding coffee to hot chocolate for the first time and it was AMAZING! Why did nobody say anything about this being so amazing? I feel like I could write for hours!
Written By Lottie
May 17, 2019, 6:25 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Raimon
I'm not sure the context of the comment that spurned the conversation on the topic of warriors and what makes one. If it was a slight on Harlex Valtyr, I can bet you don't know him very well. I admit I'm pretty biased as he's my friend and I do know him. I'd rather make the assumption it's not, though. Maybe it was just a conversation you two were having.
It did start me thinking however and the Scholars have been real nice in helping me find other journals that reference your words that have been submitted more recently. Lady Peri's reply on the topic of "only the gods truly can know a man" or something along those lines, for instance. I agree with that, but I think that there's a perspective missing from the open dialogue that's being overlooked.
My Taylor was an Iron Guardsman. He didn't enlist for any great purpose aside from being hungry and wanting to be able to someday support a family. He learned to wield a blade and hold a shield. He got quite good too. I understand that may be a hard concept for some to wrap their head around, learning to fight so that they can afford to eat. That's not a knock at the Peerage, but it just is what it is. Some of us in this world aren't granted the freedom of a reliably full belly and warm place to sleep. I'm getting off topic, though. Anyway, my Taylor learned to fight and he became something more than he was before.
Sometimes our journeys start in different places, but to diminish someone trying to enhance themselves simply because they don't fit a definition you've decided (or were taught)... well, it's wrong. Sometimes we /have/ to become something we are not prone to. My Taylor was not a warrior, but he died as one. Perhaps he only fought because it was his job and wouldn't have if the choices he made and circumstances he overcame were different, but he still fought and the Compact needed him. It needed his and every other sacrifice that has been made in its name so the rest of us could/can continue forward and hold such conversations.
Instead of discouraging those who are trying to improve themselves martially because you may not think it's where their strength may lie, perhaps guide them? Teach them to be better because it is a very brave thing to pick up a sword simply because you think you should. The world we live in is full of both wonder and darkness and I think the Compact can use every sword arm it can get.
It did start me thinking however and the Scholars have been real nice in helping me find other journals that reference your words that have been submitted more recently. Lady Peri's reply on the topic of "only the gods truly can know a man" or something along those lines, for instance. I agree with that, but I think that there's a perspective missing from the open dialogue that's being overlooked.
My Taylor was an Iron Guardsman. He didn't enlist for any great purpose aside from being hungry and wanting to be able to someday support a family. He learned to wield a blade and hold a shield. He got quite good too. I understand that may be a hard concept for some to wrap their head around, learning to fight so that they can afford to eat. That's not a knock at the Peerage, but it just is what it is. Some of us in this world aren't granted the freedom of a reliably full belly and warm place to sleep. I'm getting off topic, though. Anyway, my Taylor learned to fight and he became something more than he was before.
Sometimes our journeys start in different places, but to diminish someone trying to enhance themselves simply because they don't fit a definition you've decided (or were taught)... well, it's wrong. Sometimes we /have/ to become something we are not prone to. My Taylor was not a warrior, but he died as one. Perhaps he only fought because it was his job and wouldn't have if the choices he made and circumstances he overcame were different, but he still fought and the Compact needed him. It needed his and every other sacrifice that has been made in its name so the rest of us could/can continue forward and hold such conversations.
Instead of discouraging those who are trying to improve themselves martially because you may not think it's where their strength may lie, perhaps guide them? Teach them to be better because it is a very brave thing to pick up a sword simply because you think you should. The world we live in is full of both wonder and darkness and I think the Compact can use every sword arm it can get.
Written By Braden
May 17, 2019, 6:25 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
To the vision of kindness in the pale moonlight.
May we meet again soon.
May we meet again soon.
Written By Mabelle
May 17, 2019, 5:28 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Cristoph
House Laurent is grateful to have such a leader as my dear cousin, Duke Cristoph. A firm hand where needed and a softer one on occasion, he is the model of leadership as should be.
Oh! And I hope many visit the mansion! And view the cute little snow bee on the path leading there!
Oh! And I hope many visit the mansion! And view the cute little snow bee on the path leading there!
Written By Mabelle
May 17, 2019, 5:21 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
The expedition to the Southern Border was quite a success. In truth, I am just happy to have been able to assist in preventing disasterous faith to those who's hand is not in it at all, innocent victims of unfortunate circumastances.
One discovers many things about themselves when reaching this wonderful city. I must thank Lord Martino for helping me discover abilities in myself I was not aware I had.
One discovers many things about themselves when reaching this wonderful city. I must thank Lord Martino for helping me discover abilities in myself I was not aware I had.
Written By Mabelle
May 17, 2019, 5:15 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Joslyn
To a dear friend who joins in marriage this week-end. I pray you shall be happy in your union and may it bear fruit of children as sweet as you.
Written By Rook
May 17, 2019, 3:46 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
A delight to catch up with you my dear friend over tea and the sweetest fruits we could find. In my absence your desire to do good in our realm has not stopped, I am just distraught that I could not assist you while I had the chance.
Written By Wren
May 17, 2019, 2:29 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
The gods' damned snowfall is something I shall never forget about Arx no matter how many years I spend outside the city, especially in far warmer climes. Yet, the familiarity of the snow and even the spots of black ice are a welcomed thing. Not as welcomed as the look of shock and surprise on my parent's faces when I woke them. Even after all of these years, they are still surprised when I roll in like a stray cat or bird as my father teases. His little bird come home to roost.
For a little while at any rate. I have some business to attend to but I suppose Arx will do for now. Gods know it won't take long for me to fall into something. Probably face first if I keep on finding every spot of black ice on my way across the wards. Do they even bother to lay down a little salt or sand anymore? Which only makes me wonder if Timothy is still in business. Suppose he'll be my first stop after I attend to a few small concerns.
And visit my brother.
For a little while at any rate. I have some business to attend to but I suppose Arx will do for now. Gods know it won't take long for me to fall into something. Probably face first if I keep on finding every spot of black ice on my way across the wards. Do they even bother to lay down a little salt or sand anymore? Which only makes me wonder if Timothy is still in business. Suppose he'll be my first stop after I attend to a few small concerns.
And visit my brother.
Written By Stygia
May 17, 2019, 1:40 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Evaristo
The gray hairs may not be because of you, but I am willing to bet one is at the very least named after you.
Written By Delilah
May 17, 2019, 12:55 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
Every now and then, the veil slips back. An image takes shape from the blank background. Thoughts coalesce into clear ideas. A friend is found among the many faces of the city.
Like unexpectedly delightful tea blends, say, lime and rosemary, these joys are welcome when they strike.
Like unexpectedly delightful tea blends, say, lime and rosemary, these joys are welcome when they strike.
Written By Syd
May 17, 2019, 12:44 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
What makes someone a pastry chef? What makes someone a stone mason? Two things, largely, and they ain't hard to guess.
By a gelding's missing plums, my rosy children of snow and statues! No offense to Vellumichor but my personal recommendation is more lovemaking and less inkspilling. You're young, lusty, and boastful. Find yourself the ugliest lover who'll take you abed and make smiles together in warm flannel sheets every afternoon for a month.
The White Singer and the Widening Gyre, the Lord of Antlers and Echo of Whispers? Let them bide for a time, in this chilly city, and wrap yourselves in the little pleasures.
There is a brawny blacksmith of my acquaintance, can't remember his name, who smells of honest sweat and iron sparks, and any night he sleeps with his burly arms empty is another tiny tragedy. I'm too old to lay him gently in my own bed, so I must delegate. There is a charming young slab of a naval lady, built along the lines of a galleon--though twice as swift and thrice as strong--who in my younger days I would've pursued with such a persistence passionate pestilence that she would've been obliged to crush me like a boom swinging with the force of Jayus's spare hammer. There is a tailor with a throb in her voice and a candymaker sweeter then her goods. A knight whose sword is neither swift nor sharp, but it's long, my children, with a steady, purposeful, pounding. There is a heart in a heart, aglow with enough warmth to bring summer single-handed, and there is a mind of such startling diamond brilliance that all you can do--all you can wish to do--is prop your head on the pillow and watch the morning light play among its facets.
War is easy. Love is hard.
And ponder on this for a time, a saying from the Mother of Mercies: "We start whole. That's what 'whole' means. How we start."
By a gelding's missing plums, my rosy children of snow and statues! No offense to Vellumichor but my personal recommendation is more lovemaking and less inkspilling. You're young, lusty, and boastful. Find yourself the ugliest lover who'll take you abed and make smiles together in warm flannel sheets every afternoon for a month.
The White Singer and the Widening Gyre, the Lord of Antlers and Echo of Whispers? Let them bide for a time, in this chilly city, and wrap yourselves in the little pleasures.
There is a brawny blacksmith of my acquaintance, can't remember his name, who smells of honest sweat and iron sparks, and any night he sleeps with his burly arms empty is another tiny tragedy. I'm too old to lay him gently in my own bed, so I must delegate. There is a charming young slab of a naval lady, built along the lines of a galleon--though twice as swift and thrice as strong--who in my younger days I would've pursued with such a persistence passionate pestilence that she would've been obliged to crush me like a boom swinging with the force of Jayus's spare hammer. There is a tailor with a throb in her voice and a candymaker sweeter then her goods. A knight whose sword is neither swift nor sharp, but it's long, my children, with a steady, purposeful, pounding. There is a heart in a heart, aglow with enough warmth to bring summer single-handed, and there is a mind of such startling diamond brilliance that all you can do--all you can wish to do--is prop your head on the pillow and watch the morning light play among its facets.
War is easy. Love is hard.
And ponder on this for a time, a saying from the Mother of Mercies: "We start whole. That's what 'whole' means. How we start."
Written By Rysen
May 17, 2019, 12:33 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
We have concluded our investigation into Asger's death, and found much of value, though it seems to have lead to a dead end; however, I no longer have any doubt that Asger's murder was part of a large and ingenious design. Grimkin, the Cracknecks, Longwoods, Warwynds - perhaps even Marquis Ford - they are all connected in an attempt to divide us, to distract - yet my eyes are open, and my search continues with a restless will.
I remain eager to speak to High Lord Victus, and I offer my sincere thanks to those who helped us to investigate in the Northlands, especially my cousin, Duchess Fianna, Lady Amari Keaton, Lord Cadern Ravenseye, Rukhnis and even Gilroy Greyhope, whose insolence, under very specific circumstances, is quite useful.
To any who may be involved: look around. Your co-conspirators have been sent in agony to the Shinning Lands to await punishment for their sins and betrayals. There is still time for you to decide whether you will be a tool to be disposed of, or whether you will to do right in the eyes of the Sentinel. Send word before it's too late, for if I track you down, even Mercy will whet the blade of Justice.
I remain eager to speak to High Lord Victus, and I offer my sincere thanks to those who helped us to investigate in the Northlands, especially my cousin, Duchess Fianna, Lady Amari Keaton, Lord Cadern Ravenseye, Rukhnis and even Gilroy Greyhope, whose insolence, under very specific circumstances, is quite useful.
To any who may be involved: look around. Your co-conspirators have been sent in agony to the Shinning Lands to await punishment for their sins and betrayals. There is still time for you to decide whether you will be a tool to be disposed of, or whether you will to do right in the eyes of the Sentinel. Send word before it's too late, for if I track you down, even Mercy will whet the blade of Justice.
Written By Athaur
May 17, 2019, 11:41 a.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Joslyn
We are getting married tomorrow. Don't mind me. Just losing my mind. Is it nerves or excitement? Your guess is as good as mine.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.