Written By Ida
Sept. 10, 2022, 7:33 a.m.(5/10/1018 AR)
To be trusted as a Voice for the Templars is an honor I never expected. It's very humbling, and I hope I might serve the position justly. Growing up in our little hamlet in the Oathlands, I don't think either Austen or I imagined how much our lives would change when we came to the city of Arx. And while our paths and lives have certainly changed in unexpected ways, I feel like there will always be that nugget of our much-younger selves, deep in our souls.
Written By Thea
Sept. 9, 2022, 6:28 p.m.(5/9/1018 AR)
War isn't pretty. It's dark, it's scary. I do by my part when I can. Whether it's by fighting or making sure a person lives to fight or just live another day. I know what I was placed here to do.
Written By Victus
Sept. 9, 2022, 4:42 p.m.(5/9/1018 AR)
I saw Astrid chasing Danse around the courtyard today. She was yelling repeatedly, "we have to be even!"
Apparently they had a dispute over who got to read the picture book about the cat and the otter. Someone (Astrid) got impatient and the boy bonked her on the head with the hardcover.
Anyway, I stopped them before they could get into another fight. Though, I'm certain I've only delayed the inevitable by a few more hours. My children don't get out to the Archives often, so I'll be able to write this down for their future adult selves to see.
Your pettiness is the funniest shit I've ever seen. Know that your father is laughing hysterically when he goes behind closed doors. Because it's very dumb. In ten years you'll probably not agree with me. But I'm your father. So I say it again, you are /dumb/.
Apparently they had a dispute over who got to read the picture book about the cat and the otter. Someone (Astrid) got impatient and the boy bonked her on the head with the hardcover.
Anyway, I stopped them before they could get into another fight. Though, I'm certain I've only delayed the inevitable by a few more hours. My children don't get out to the Archives often, so I'll be able to write this down for their future adult selves to see.
Your pettiness is the funniest shit I've ever seen. Know that your father is laughing hysterically when he goes behind closed doors. Because it's very dumb. In ten years you'll probably not agree with me. But I'm your father. So I say it again, you are /dumb/.
Written By Briseis
Sept. 8, 2022, 7:10 p.m.(5/7/1018 AR)
Justice never comes cheap. It is something which is hard fought, sometimes at a steep cost, and that is what we witness now, all around us. In the Isles, people fight for Justice. They fight for Loyalty. They fight for everything right and true and no matter how tragic the cost, no matter how much crimson stains the waters, the fight is worth having.
I watched people who fought for life, as well. I watched Countess Thea refuse to give up on a man, whose arm was so broken, I was sure it would need to be cut off. But she fought to save him. To save it.
I watched Lady Azova pull a man from the very brink of death, when it was truly a daunting task, when he arrived near half dead already. She fought for Justice, in the face of horrors. For what is preserving an honorable life, if not that?
My own hands were stained with blood, some who could be saved, and some who could not. War is the great divider, but also, one of the things which brings us altogether. Even an Inquisitor like myself finds reasons to lend help when everyone is stretched thin.
Because this fight is worth fighting, and these lives are worth living.
I watched people who fought for life, as well. I watched Countess Thea refuse to give up on a man, whose arm was so broken, I was sure it would need to be cut off. But she fought to save him. To save it.
I watched Lady Azova pull a man from the very brink of death, when it was truly a daunting task, when he arrived near half dead already. She fought for Justice, in the face of horrors. For what is preserving an honorable life, if not that?
My own hands were stained with blood, some who could be saved, and some who could not. War is the great divider, but also, one of the things which brings us altogether. Even an Inquisitor like myself finds reasons to lend help when everyone is stretched thin.
Because this fight is worth fighting, and these lives are worth living.
Written By Ann
Sept. 8, 2022, 2:34 p.m.(5/7/1018 AR)
Dear Silain-
How I wish your father was still alive to watch you grow. You at your young age remind me of him so much. Not just by looks but personality. I know you think you are a grown man and the man of the house but you are not. So please pay attention to your tutors and do what they require of you. I know you'd rather be outside looking for things. Maybe we can make that a science project. I have to admit I wanted to laugh so much when I heard what trouble you got into instead of handing out more chores for you to do. I think your father's spirit is within you and maybe he's watching over all of us. Especially you my dear boy. I'll be rooting for you even if I have to be the mean mother. I hope you do know how much I do love you and your sisters.
How I wish your father was still alive to watch you grow. You at your young age remind me of him so much. Not just by looks but personality. I know you think you are a grown man and the man of the house but you are not. So please pay attention to your tutors and do what they require of you. I know you'd rather be outside looking for things. Maybe we can make that a science project. I have to admit I wanted to laugh so much when I heard what trouble you got into instead of handing out more chores for you to do. I think your father's spirit is within you and maybe he's watching over all of us. Especially you my dear boy. I'll be rooting for you even if I have to be the mean mother. I hope you do know how much I do love you and your sisters.
Written By Ailys
Sept. 7, 2022, 2:07 p.m.(5/5/1018 AR)
The Thraxian Civil War is a terrible thing. I have tried my best to mend the broken bodies that have passed under my hands, but this war rends not only bodies, but hearts, and souls, and families.
The Compact has many enemies. All of them are real.
The Compact has many enemies. All of them are real.
Written By Ryhalt
Sept. 6, 2022, 10:03 p.m.(5/3/1018 AR)
My love, perhaps I was harsh when I told you we ought to return to Westrock as you have forgotten that Coffee trees have flowers. I will pray that the rest at home with Fen will be full of peace and restoration. Ivy Mae, Ryland, and I miss you already.
Written By Alarissa
Sept. 6, 2022, 5:46 p.m.(5/3/1018 AR)
I've given birth to no less than five children.
There is pain in the process. A pain that grips you, wrings you out, twists and bends you till you think perhaps you might not endure. It starts a twinge and by the time that you have found yourself in the thick of things, it consumes the whole of your being. Leaves you panting and screaming, begging and pleading.
It is bloody, terrifying and life altering.
But when you are done, when you have expended all that you have, all that you are, all that you think you could possibly give, you find yourself blessed with new life, new purpose and new hope.
We are birthing the Isles. Bringing forth that which we created years ago. We knew when the time came, there would be pain. There would be blood and times in which we would find ourselves without breath. Flesh would be rent and the price of bringing forth an Isles that is free of chains could cost us our life.
But we are in the midst, and we endure. We grasp at the hands of others who reach out, we lean against the hands of those at our back and together we will scream, and bleed and when this is over, we will marvel at that which we have created together and know that it was worth the turmoil and pain, the blood and loss and will have emerged stronger and ready to care for that which we have brought forth.
It will take just a little longer, but I promise, you can do this.
There is pain in the process. A pain that grips you, wrings you out, twists and bends you till you think perhaps you might not endure. It starts a twinge and by the time that you have found yourself in the thick of things, it consumes the whole of your being. Leaves you panting and screaming, begging and pleading.
It is bloody, terrifying and life altering.
But when you are done, when you have expended all that you have, all that you are, all that you think you could possibly give, you find yourself blessed with new life, new purpose and new hope.
We are birthing the Isles. Bringing forth that which we created years ago. We knew when the time came, there would be pain. There would be blood and times in which we would find ourselves without breath. Flesh would be rent and the price of bringing forth an Isles that is free of chains could cost us our life.
But we are in the midst, and we endure. We grasp at the hands of others who reach out, we lean against the hands of those at our back and together we will scream, and bleed and when this is over, we will marvel at that which we have created together and know that it was worth the turmoil and pain, the blood and loss and will have emerged stronger and ready to care for that which we have brought forth.
It will take just a little longer, but I promise, you can do this.
Written By Victus
Sept. 5, 2022, 3:50 p.m.(5/1/1018 AR)
My body aches. In so long as I've been a soldier, captain, or general, I cannot think of another time when there was so little time between battles. Across the entire Mourning Sea, skirmishes between the Dagonites and Victorians. That's kinda weird to say, actually. Victorians? Dagonites? Somebody always warned me about cults of personality, I probably should've listened. Anyway, I digress.
It takes it's toll. A pound of flesh and more weight on the back for every clash of steel. Eswynd, Redreef, Darkwater, Maelstrom, soon to be Stormward. To think, this is only the beginning.
It takes it's toll. A pound of flesh and more weight on the back for every clash of steel. Eswynd, Redreef, Darkwater, Maelstrom, soon to be Stormward. To think, this is only the beginning.
Written By Elloise
Sept. 5, 2022, 3:49 p.m.(5/1/1018 AR)
Scholar!
I would like to make it clear that whatever happened in the laboratory was done in the name of innovation and discovery. The fact that I don't remember all the details should not take away from the potential success of that experiment. I have no idea exactly what happened after I was flung against the wall from the explosion, but I DO know that I learned at least one valuable lesson.
> Do not mix Reactives while standing on the wheely-plank! (Even though it SEEMED efficient at the time. And ... I needed the extra boost in height.)
So! There has been some time recovering from THAT. I can do all the necessary things now that allow one to not just lie in recovery; like ... walking about without falling down. I finally managed to wander all the way here, didn't I? And don't worry - I am confident that some bits and pieces of memory that got rattled around will settle in my head soon! That's what these pages are for after all. Right? Right.
Now. Where to start?
I would like to make it clear that whatever happened in the laboratory was done in the name of innovation and discovery. The fact that I don't remember all the details should not take away from the potential success of that experiment. I have no idea exactly what happened after I was flung against the wall from the explosion, but I DO know that I learned at least one valuable lesson.
> Do not mix Reactives while standing on the wheely-plank! (Even though it SEEMED efficient at the time. And ... I needed the extra boost in height.)
So! There has been some time recovering from THAT. I can do all the necessary things now that allow one to not just lie in recovery; like ... walking about without falling down. I finally managed to wander all the way here, didn't I? And don't worry - I am confident that some bits and pieces of memory that got rattled around will settle in my head soon! That's what these pages are for after all. Right? Right.
Now. Where to start?
Written By Cassima
Sept. 5, 2022, 3:39 p.m.(5/1/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
The moment I 'slip'. You're going down with me dearest Belle.
Hornets?
Really?
You are going to wish that word never left your mouth when one builds a nest under your bed, cheek.
Loveyoumeanit!
Hornets?
Really?
You are going to wish that word never left your mouth when one builds a nest under your bed, cheek.
Loveyoumeanit!
Written By Haakon
Sept. 5, 2022, 12:55 p.m.(5/1/1018 AR)
Few folk outside the Mourning Sea seem to grasp the scope of the struggle we face. Forming a precise list grows difficult as some families are divided, but this much can be said truly: between fifty and sixty noble houses of the Mourning Isles have openly rebelled.
Those who cleave to Dagon the Oathbreaker have stated their open intention to exterminate or enthrall houses such as mine. While there are some few folk of honor among the foe, I doubt how capable they would be of restraining their allies in the event of victory. The Loyalists of the Isles face a war for our very existence. Some houses the Dagonites would welcome, no doubt. For Prodigals, we have no such illusion: we must prevail or die.
The banners of over thirty houses were counted among the armada which invaded my family's waters.
Thirty houses.
Our crime in their eyes was existence, and so they invaded our domain, just as in the Crimson Square riot they broke down our door and sought to slaughter my kin in our own halls.
Any body who claims they are not the real enemy can fuck off.
Those who cleave to Dagon the Oathbreaker have stated their open intention to exterminate or enthrall houses such as mine. While there are some few folk of honor among the foe, I doubt how capable they would be of restraining their allies in the event of victory. The Loyalists of the Isles face a war for our very existence. Some houses the Dagonites would welcome, no doubt. For Prodigals, we have no such illusion: we must prevail or die.
The banners of over thirty houses were counted among the armada which invaded my family's waters.
Thirty houses.
Our crime in their eyes was existence, and so they invaded our domain, just as in the Crimson Square riot they broke down our door and sought to slaughter my kin in our own halls.
Any body who claims they are not the real enemy can fuck off.
Written By Triton
Sept. 5, 2022, 12:22 p.m.(5/1/1018 AR)
Again, little has happened, although we are still planning to travel north again to do some poking about at ELora's family estate. I also want to spend some time at sea--or at least on deck--so maybe we will take a ship this time. The animals need to be worked out, too, and I am going to run into a soggy little noble city boy soon. I am hoping we go sooner rather than later.
Written By Brady
Sept. 5, 2022, 10:32 a.m.(4/28/1018 AR)
I babysat a cat. Cat sat? Cat-sat? Whatever. I took care of someone else's cat. The proceeding list is a considered pros and cons list of cats:
Pro-They catch all sorts of things and eat them. For places in the Lowers, this is great.
Pro-They sleep a lot
Con-They uh, don't seem to understand that when you're sleeping you want to continue sleeping. It's like they keep checking on you to see if you're alive by pawing at your chest.
Pro-When they lay on your back, that little bit of weight is lovely for wary muscles.
Con-Did I mention that now matter how much they sleep throughout the day, when they're awake, they expect you to be awake?
Pro-They are kind of cute. When they're not waking you up.
Con-They lick their butts.
Pro-Their version of playful is hunting vermin.
Conclusion. Cute, sleepy, but I really wish they'd not wake me up for the three hours a day they're awake while I'm sleeping.
Pro-They catch all sorts of things and eat them. For places in the Lowers, this is great.
Pro-They sleep a lot
Con-They uh, don't seem to understand that when you're sleeping you want to continue sleeping. It's like they keep checking on you to see if you're alive by pawing at your chest.
Pro-When they lay on your back, that little bit of weight is lovely for wary muscles.
Con-Did I mention that now matter how much they sleep throughout the day, when they're awake, they expect you to be awake?
Pro-They are kind of cute. When they're not waking you up.
Con-They lick their butts.
Pro-Their version of playful is hunting vermin.
Conclusion. Cute, sleepy, but I really wish they'd not wake me up for the three hours a day they're awake while I'm sleeping.
Written By Mabelle
Sept. 5, 2022, 5:14 a.m.(4/28/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Cassima
Wolves? You must mean hornets.
Besides, I do not throw. People slip.
Besides, I do not throw. People slip.
Written By Cassima
Sept. 5, 2022, 2:12 a.m.(4/28/1018 AR)
It has been so long since I wrote honestly. Truthful to the heart, but how does one even start?
I talked to uncle Tyrus, more like startled him. And had a needed talk. It was nice to have someone that understands the varying emotions that ebb and flow even now.
I met with Prince Patrizio, it was lovely, two chance meetings in just as many days, I admit it's good to smile now and again, though I can't help but feel I look like an insane person when I do.
Valencia was lovely company as well. Her Hart is beautiful. I will have to go there more often.
I am truly getting to the point I think I am okay again. I'll be all right. I am warmer than I claim, I hear this often, I hope I live up to that well....
I talked to uncle Tyrus, more like startled him. And had a needed talk. It was nice to have someone that understands the varying emotions that ebb and flow even now.
I met with Prince Patrizio, it was lovely, two chance meetings in just as many days, I admit it's good to smile now and again, though I can't help but feel I look like an insane person when I do.
Valencia was lovely company as well. Her Hart is beautiful. I will have to go there more often.
I am truly getting to the point I think I am okay again. I'll be all right. I am warmer than I claim, I hear this often, I hope I live up to that well....
Written By Cassima
Sept. 4, 2022, 9:11 p.m.(4/27/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Vittorio
I had the distinct pleasure...displeasure? By the stars, this man was absolutely confounding. How can one man be so positively bubbly? BUBBLY! I was two seconds from taking my slipper off to throw at him. Do slippers hurt? Probably not, and odds are I would have missed him. Luckily Mabelle arrived and saved the day talking about my literal hay ride. But as it were, I suppose he's not entirely awful, but I can't say the thought of him trying to make me into a social butterfly makes me cringe.
Written By Cassima
Sept. 4, 2022, 9:06 p.m.(4/27/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
My first day back and Belle found me, she really does know how to bring out the mischief. It's so nice to just be around people that I had honestly neglected by holing myself away. Maybe it's time to slowly branch out now and again. Get out and see more than just four walls. Though she'd probably throw me to the wolves.
Written By Cassima
Sept. 4, 2022, 9:04 p.m.(4/27/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Patrizio
It was so nice to reconnect with Patrizio. To hear laughter, and might I admit I laughed. For the first time in who knows how long, I suppose we really do need to have a drinking game. i am curious who can hold the rum better. I will probably claim I win even if I lose.
Written By Macario
Sept. 4, 2022, 8:59 p.m.(4/27/1018 AR)
Relationship Note on Lianne
Effortless leadership, style, and grace.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.