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Written By Orathy

March 7, 2019, 5:11 p.m.(9/12/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Tessa

Reckon I be always remembering how ya stood yer ground when we first be comin along that gargantuan. Ya fired shots into it relentlessly 'n with no care fer yerself only fer the victims it were eatin at the time. Ya wanted to shoot it dead. Ya were gunna get dead 'n iffin I weren't there to have pulled ya back, it would 'ave got ya then. I weren't there to pull ya back 'n I shoulda been. Shit, Tessa, reckon I would 'ave been a better man fer ya, had ya let me be, had ya told me yes instead of laughin as ya did at me. Ya gave me a chance, aye, when none else would. Ya gave me clothes, ya gave me... a purpose, aye. You did. I be wantin to see ya rise up 'n be a Princess one day, aye, but ya always were 'n all in this bloody city knows it. There ain't none like you, ya were a firecracker. Aye. Realizin yer presence ain't gunna be here makes me feel weary of all this shit... Youse be too fuckin good fer the end you got. It should 'ave been me. Why the fuck do I get to be goin on and yer ripped to shreds? It ain't right. It should 'ave been me.

Written By Orathy

March 7, 2019, 5 p.m.(9/12/1010 AR)

Dem nobles...

They call it poachin all of a sudden to be killin animals... 'n yet they be doin it for years now! Reckon soon as a common man speak up bout it, it be illegal!

... YER peer got killed in the forest 'n all ya do is protect the vermin that did it? It ain't even bout the vermin it be bout the fact that yer protectin evil things that be chewin on people 'n ya don't even be realizing that not all of the city lives within the city.. ya FLUFFY HEADED idiots. The LOWERS lives beyond yer stupid ass walls of protection... If wolves be what we gotta hunt ta make sure we be safe, then that be what we gotta do.

Written By Ilmia

March 7, 2019, 4:35 p.m.(9/12/1010 AR)

I wandered a bit today, like I'm want to do. I can say that I did not expect the Summer to be so hot here, but even with the weather there was a goodly amount of people at the training center. I met so many new faces. So many smiles even with the recent news and what might be facing us. It was refreshing for someone who spends so much time alone on the roads.

Lady Radhilde and Sir Corban were both so warm and welcoming. I look forward to spending some more time with both of them once I'm settled in a bit more.

Written By Valenzo

March 7, 2019, 3:02 p.m.(9/12/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Zeriax

Every time I feel the urge to burden a poor Scholar with what appears to be half a novel, directed at one person in a very public manner after the death of their loved one, in which my opening gambit is to shamelessly admit I'm lacking in social skills and ramble on for a weighty paragraph about how I could never relate to the death of a loved one because I've never had one...

...Actually I can't say I've ever felt that urge, because it's insane.

Master Zeriax, if your intention was truly to help, some things are better said in private. Some of your reasoning following that bizarre introduction was sound, and I'd wager would be well received had it come in the form of a visit to check in on a grieving friend. Not a public confrontation.

However, if your real intention was, as seems more likely, to take advantage of a family's sorrow and make a spectacle to draw attention to yourself, well...congratulations?

Written By Reigna

March 7, 2019, 1:28 p.m.(9/12/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Orathy

Orathy Culler. Stop this nonsense.

Tessa is gone. The fault lies at no one's feet. Tessa died as she lived, on her own terms, by her own rules and brave to the last. If you knew her as you say you did then you know that no one in this world could change her mind once she had set herself on a task. She would not listen to reason, no matter if you talked yourself blue in the face. She made her choice and she paid for it. Let it be done. There is nothing more you can do for her. She is home, at the side of the Queen of Endings. Whatever scene you make, whoever you threaten or harm, know that you are doing it for yourself. Nothing you do now is of any use to her.

Let her go.

Written By Gianna

March 7, 2019, 1:21 p.m.(9/12/1010 AR)

Lady Delilah's party at the new observatory was interesting. I enjoy any kind of game where gemstones are involved, particularly if you get to keep them at the end. I won a rather handsome set of haircombs and am trying to decide on a suitable outfit to wear them with. Sometimes the acquisition of a new piece of jewelry gives me an idea for new clothing.

I'm afraid I get rather seasick, and so I shan't be attending the upcoming event on the caravel. However, the book launch celebration sounds fun, and Lady Monique always has interesting prizes. I've another gown I've been dying to wear and jewelry to match.

Written By Bliss

March 7, 2019, 12:33 p.m.(9/12/1010 AR)

I'm on my way back to Arx now. I might write about what happened, but probably not. For now, it's time to get home, and leave all of this behind me. The past can stay where it needs to be.

Written By Jeffeth

March 7, 2019, 12:24 p.m.(9/12/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Zeriax

You say that you've never lost someone, then you explain that even though you haven't you can understand it because of what you've seen it do to others. You don't, though. You don't understand until it happens to you. And when it happens you do things people would call foolish. You yell at people you care about. You punch people you shouldn't. You bristle and you cry. When you lose someone very close to you one day, I hope and pray that the people around you will allow you to grieve however you do. That they won't write long letters to you explaining how you're grieving badly. Or they won't explain to you how it was his choice, and you should accept it. I pray they let you grieve in whatever mad way you do.

I have traveled much of the compact. Wolves are everywhere. Bounties for wolves are also in places where they get too populous and make the roads unsafe. As protectors of travelers the Knights of Solace are no stranger to fending off wolves, and these bounties are commonplace. A single noble woman beset by loss is not going to wipe out a species. Not even close. There was a danger with rabbits sometime ago, but that was something sponsored by the entire Compact. One noble lady isn't going to take out wolves, and if they are attacking this close to the city perhaps it's time to push them back a bit. The bounty will eventually run out of steam, especially as healing takes place over time.

My only concern would be is I haven't heard of any other attacks or wolves encroaching this close to the city. Seems strange. I would want to verify that they indeed are becoming an increased danger before I started beating them back. But I didn't lose a family member.

If you want to help. Actually help. Maybe you could do that, look into wolf activity surrounding the city. Take your findings to the grieving lady. In that way maybe you could actually help her rather than saying you're helping. Telling someone sick with grief that they're doing something wrong is only going to get you punched in the mouth. And you would very much deserve it. We're not drunk with grief it is on us to be the more sensible ones, to take care of those who hurt. Explaining to someone how they are not being sensible is not caring for someone and it isn't going to work.

Written By Rysen

March 7, 2019, 11:39 a.m.(9/12/1010 AR)

A woman named Rukhnis, who had been traveling with some performers, has recently joined my service. The circumstances under which we met testify to her will and resolve - the same will and resolve which she displays in denying my attempts to persuade her into some more profitable labor than serving a lord whose greatest ambition lies in dying on a battlefield. Her origins remain a mystery.

She accompanied me to The Spirits to meet with Marquessa Eilonwy Blackwood. There I hoped to gain her consent to represent her actions in a verse narrative - one which I'm hoping to perform for the upcoming Taste of Arx event hosted by Princess Elgana. The entire narrative is composed in the grand style - something closer to the epic than the lyric. Needless to say, the stanzas I recited sounded insane out of context, but Lady Eilonwy allowed herself to be convinced that it would sound less so in its entirety. For that, I am truly grateful - and even more so for the deeds she performed in the defense of Stormwall.

While I can make some apologies for the length of the poem and its numerous other defects, I will not apologize for its elevated style. Marquessa Eilonwy, as true heroes often do, pointed to the actions of others instead of her own - but the truth is that, without her, I and countless others would have been blotted out forever from the books of life. A defeat to the forces of The Gyre would have meant annihilation - of all culture, memory and free will - and the reduction of all my people to a single instinct to feed. Her courage is the foundation of my House, along with that of countless others who joined in the defense of Stormwall: Princess Marian, Sir Preston, Petal Penrose, Lady Eirlys... Eirlys. Gods and Spirits, I hope in the end, it's something of which she would approve.

Written By Martino

March 7, 2019, 9:51 a.m.(9/12/1010 AR)

While at a party hosted by Lady Willow Nightgold with Count Donato and Lady Arcadia present. The discussion around ensuring there is balance at all parts of our home and House was brought up.

While this did lead to me being referred to as 'old' for what seemed like wisdom to the younger guests. For a crude analysis, it still feels quite true.

A House with too many knives, will never know when to smile
A House surrounded by coin, will never spend it all
The House that throws parties all day? Prone to having it taken

Written By Rymarr

March 7, 2019, 9:49 a.m.(9/11/1010 AR)

It's a sad state of the world when a tragedy unfolds and it's immediately thought to be a conspiracy of some variety. Sometimes bad things just happen, no matter the preparations made. Or not made. I'm sorry to hear the news about a noble and a tragic mishap with wolves, it's a most unfortunate bit of news and I hope that a measured and reasoned response may be made to the issue.

We need to recognize we do not live in an imaginary place (debates about Aion and creation aside) where the world beyond the walls of our fortresses are safe. Rarely should we consider ourselves free to gallivant about without consideration for the perils of the world. Doing so is playing with fire and while one may get lucky regularly, eventually the fire will win.

If leaving the city is a necessity? Very rarely do so alone, always do so armed and able to defend oneself, and a good horse goes a long way. Literally and metaphorically.

Written By Ajax

March 7, 2019, 9:48 a.m.(9/11/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Zeriax

Lady Moore is dead, true. But wolves are predators, and I am more then happy to line my pockets. If they had time to kill one from our city then I am more then happy to make time removing them. Regardless of the motivation Lady Gretchen's bounty on wolves will help make the area safer long term.

Written By Miranda

March 7, 2019, 9:43 a.m.(9/11/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Kincade

My first trip to the Observatory was not its grand opening but a few days before.

I happened upon it and met a man who has a passion for the stars.

Kincade, I look up now and can spot the horse in the sky. Thank you!

Written By Eilonwy

March 7, 2019, 3:59 a.m.(9/11/1010 AR)

While I am in the spirit of this odd method of retaining a sense of people living in our time...Parties are terrifying. I attend them but there is something to be said for meeting in smaller gatherings and having the luxury of engaging in longer, deeper conversations. I hope to meet more people over quiet drinks.

Written By Eilonwy

March 7, 2019, 3:55 a.m.(9/11/1010 AR)

There are more things than wolves in the wood that bite. Will there be a call to slaughter all the hounds next? Is that the legacy of a gentle lady's death?

Written By Zeriax

March 6, 2019, 9:33 p.m.(9/10/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Gilroy

No.

Written By Zeriax

March 6, 2019, 9:29 p.m.(9/10/1010 AR)

This journal entry is made less for myself than it is for public consumption. As that is the case, I will provide a forewarning; if you are faint of heart, do not care for the opinions of commoners, or are happy going about your day without feeling the sting of reality, then please, do not read this. In other words, I'm going to hurt your feelings.

I debated not writing this for some time, especially considering the sensitive nature of the subject. While it may seem like I do not care, or that I'm actively attempting to disparage one person or another, I would ask that any who have chosen to read this far not be so quick to grab their torches and pitchforks. To start, this is about a topic that has come up very recently, which has effected some people very dearly. To some others, this couldn't matter any less. While I really should be in the latter category, there are some very legitimate concerns I have, some of which cannot be voiced through a White Journal for very specific reasons. If you're curious about those, come ask me. I don't mind.

In an effort to be as transparent as I'm able, I will admit that I lack a number of social skills and graces that most people take for granted. I don't have any brothers, sisters, or cousins. I don't have any familial relations that I'm aware of, outside of my mother and father with whom I cut contact with more than a decade ago of my own volition. I've never really had friends either, the vast landscape on the horizon and in my imagination more than enough to keep me company when I was without companionship. I don't know what it's like to forge strong relationships with anyone, because I never have. Nor do I know what it's like to lose someone close to me, a la the aforementioned point. Strong emotional ties to any one person, thing, or place aren't in my repertoire. That being said, it's not like I don't understand the concept whatsoever. I still ''have'' emotions. I feel like every other person does. I've seen what loss does to people, and it's not easy to get past. It never is, and sometimes? People can't move on at all.

I didn't know Lady Tessa Moore. I haven't been personally affected by her passing. By the way people speak of her, she sounds like the sort of woman I would have loved to get to know. For those people who are affected by her loss, I will be praying for you to find the strength to make it through the pain. I truly wish you well, despite what you may think Lady Gretchen Moore.

Wishing revenge is a natural reaction. Hunting down those that harmed your loved ones is understandable, and is often romanticized in works of fiction. Your feelings are wholly and utterly valid. There is no dispute there. What I do have open dispute with, is your desire to cull all the wolves from the woods. If you are angry, by all means, lash out. Strike out at your foes. Kill a wolf. Kill a pack of wolves, even. Nobody will fault you for seeking out justice in the wake of a lost loved one.

As unpopular as this opinion is likely going to be, and for as much ire that I'm going to draw from people sympathetic to your loss, I simply cannot let it pass. Seeking to obliterate an entire species because they exist is ridiculous and unhealthy in ways you might not immediately recognize, and that's not in reference to your personal well-being. With such a large bounty that's been placed on the wolves, it's not hard to imagine anyone who has even the slightest experience hunting is going to take up arms for that silver. I don't think that the offer alone will amount to completely killing every wolf in the forest, but it's the implication and the potential for what might follow should this pick up even the slightest momentum that bothers me.

What if I discover that it was actually a bear that killed your cousin? Will you switch bounties? Will it suddenly be a crusade to kill off all the bears in the forest? What if I discovered it wasn't an animal, but a human? Would you desire the death of every person in Arx? Some people might say 'Who cares, they're just animals'. Yes, and so are you, human. A wolf has a family, just like a human. They experience emotions, just like humans. Fear, hate, curiosity, love, and sorrow are all part of their emotional spectrum. Including loss. They form bonds between each other, just like humans. They have to eat, drink, and breathe, just like humans. If a group of humans were hungry, and needed to eat, and single wolf happened to wander right up to them, what do you think would happen? The humans would kill and eat the wolf, and feel no remorse. Not because they are monsters, but because they ''need to''. This is what happens in nature. Would the wolf's family be sad? Of course.

If the intention was purely to make the area safer for citizens of Arx, and for legitimate reasons, I likely wouldn't have spoken up in opposition to your ads. As a hunter, I've killed more than my fair share of...well, everything, and normally I wouldn't turn down such an amazing offer of silver to ply my trade. Killing off dangerous predators around the area isn't a bad thing. Potentially killing off corrupted beasts is an even greater accomplishment, a means to purify the land. Will people be safer if there are no more wolves? Sure. No wolf will ever attack a human again. That doesn't mean you should strive towards this goal. That doesn't make your goal noble. It doesn't even make it ''good''. Lady Tessa Moore could easily have fallen prey to something besides those you seek to annihilate. At the core of things, you don't want to protect people, though that may be a nice side-effect you can exploit. You blindly lust for blood. Not against those who directly wronged your cousin, or those who might even have been on the periphery of involvement. You just want blood. Any blood will do. All the better if you have all of it. Kill them all. Fuck the consequences. Fuck having to listen to any other opinions, or better options that might actually help preserve more lives in the long run. Fuck everyone else, in fact.

Lady Gretchen Moore, Tessa is dead. Wholesale slaughter of a species isn't going to bring her back. I am sorry for your loss. I am. But you cannot continue to perceive her death as a personal slight against you. This is very unhealthy, and I'm genuinely concerned for you. I'm concerned for where this path will lead you, and for what the results of your actions might mean for everyone else as well. If you wish to vent your rage, please do. Everyone does. Please, just consider what it might mean to have this bounty up beyond what it will do to satisfy your feelings.

Written By Willow

March 6, 2019, 6:26 p.m.(9/10/1010 AR)

I received the loveliest urn today as a gift from an admirer on having viewed one of my works. A priceless treasure as the first of its kind, I have put it on display in the newly redone outer hall of the estate.

Written By Orathy

March 6, 2019, 6:13 p.m.(9/10/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Tessa

FUCK....

.... Ya were supposed to take me along! If me axe weren't stolen from me ... I would 'ave been able to protect ya.. SHIT...

FUCK...

... WOLVES MY ASS! Ya hear this all ya fuckin gods 'n shit 'n dickbags who be readin this! WHO BE BEHIND TESSA's death I WILL RIP YER BLOODY HEART OUT WITH MY BARE HANDS!!!

... YER ALL DEAD. YA HEAR?! DEAD.

Written By Gretchen

March 6, 2019, 5:12 p.m.(9/10/1010 AR)

Relationship Note on Amari

Don't worry, she left the cottage to me so it's not dark and empty. It was warm and full of tears last night, but will remain full of life going forward.

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