Written By Eirene
Jan. 18, 2024, 8:22 p.m.(8/1/1021 AR)
I miss Calypso...
Written By Evelynn
Jan. 18, 2024, 7:09 p.m.(8/1/1021 AR)
This is a fun game!
Day 1:
There is a tunnel beneath the city that will lead you to a pile of treasure.
I mourn those of House Helianthus that perished to that demonic horde.
I believe all of those leading the fight against Obsidian head on are incredibly brave.
Day 1:
There is a tunnel beneath the city that will lead you to a pile of treasure.
I mourn those of House Helianthus that perished to that demonic horde.
I believe all of those leading the fight against Obsidian head on are incredibly brave.
Written By Vashtalyn
Jan. 18, 2024, 6:21 p.m.(8/1/1021 AR)
I know there is a lot of fear out there. And there is a lot of bravery. I admire the courage of the people of the Compact, and all of those who would face the darkness to come. I admit, I do not know all of what is happening, beyond what I hear from rumors and word on the street. What I do know, however, is that there is yet hope. I have seen it.
Those of you seeking to defend your capitals, know that you are watched over. Your lives, and the lives of your people, matter. Your actions are not fruitless. There is meaning in them. Believe.
Those of you taking on other dangerous tasks, do not stray from your course. Hope will keep you steady.
Those staying to defend Arx... defend it with all your heart. Put your love, and your courage, and your life into it. But most of all, believe.
That is all I wanted to say. I do not write journals very often. But I wanted to share this one message.
Believe. Hope, and you may prevail. Nothing is certain, of course. I wish that I could say with certainty that everything will turn out. I cannot. People will die. Things will be lost, and have already been lost. Yet there is a light of hope in the darkness. Cling to it, a shining thread to see you through. Believe.
In the meantime, if anyone wishes to have symbols of hope sewn into their clothing, please reach out to me. I shall do my best, in the little time that is left.
Those of you seeking to defend your capitals, know that you are watched over. Your lives, and the lives of your people, matter. Your actions are not fruitless. There is meaning in them. Believe.
Those of you taking on other dangerous tasks, do not stray from your course. Hope will keep you steady.
Those staying to defend Arx... defend it with all your heart. Put your love, and your courage, and your life into it. But most of all, believe.
That is all I wanted to say. I do not write journals very often. But I wanted to share this one message.
Believe. Hope, and you may prevail. Nothing is certain, of course. I wish that I could say with certainty that everything will turn out. I cannot. People will die. Things will be lost, and have already been lost. Yet there is a light of hope in the darkness. Cling to it, a shining thread to see you through. Believe.
In the meantime, if anyone wishes to have symbols of hope sewn into their clothing, please reach out to me. I shall do my best, in the little time that is left.
Written By Medeia
Jan. 18, 2024, 5:19 p.m.(8/1/1021 AR)
I think I may have seen Saikland Greens for the last time. If not for the last time, I will never again see it as it was. I'm glad that I can keep in my memory that perfect summer morning - the warm sun burning off the mist over the southern mountains, dew sparkling across the vineyards like millions of diamonds, the scent of roses and honeysuckle and the distant forges of the glassmakers starting for the day, the early birds chirping while the crickets begin to settle into slumber. Fingers laced together on the veranda before breakfast. Home in both.
I'm deeply grateful to all who visited in the last few months - I hope they remember it fondly. Our last mirroball. Discovering the truth of what happened to the Gyre forces that had hidden away on the edges of our land. Trying to help me find Emilio. Recovering the sword of Alessandra Saik.
The first Alessandra Saik was a trusted member of the Platinum Guard at the time of the Reckoning. She, along with many others, fought alongside Platinum against the Abyss, protecting the Lyceum and lands beyond. The Guard made its home in the lands that would become Saikland Greens - lands granted to Alessandra after the Reckoning by Platinum. She became baroness and was joined by her husband - a fellow member of the Guard who abdicated his place as duke of House Fidante to be with her. Saik was born from heroes of the Reckoning.
There was a second Alessandra Saik, a few hundred years later, and a family feud that saw Rage of the Lioness - the first Alessandra's sword - taken and lost over the years as the Saiks of Saikland Greens forgot that feud happened, and didn't come to blows with the Alsaiks not terribly far from our lands. It was this second Alessandra that married a woman named Vanessa Malvici - hers is a story I may tell eventually.
I couldn't have face them alone. And I regret that I may never see a day when Saik and Alsaik can make amends. But I hope that Baron Marthan Alsaik truly realizes what I gave up in exchange for the Rage of the Lioness. I hope, too, that he was not too proud to heed my evacuation orders.
The last months have been filled with harder and harder decisions, each new challenge presenting some previously impossible to imagine circumstances. Lucita and I have done our best. I sincerely believe that there is no choice we could have made differently to lead to some better outcome for our people. Not one choice has come without shedding tears in anger and anguish - the cost of freedom and choice is consequence. I accept this. It does not make it any easier on my heart.
To the people of Saikland Greens, I am sorry that the circumstances did not allow us to make better choices for you. If there was a way to do it differently, we would have. You're shining examples of what it means to be Lycene, of what it means to be Compact. Stand at Lenosia and make them pay for everything they have taken from us. Live and remember who you are, where you come from.
We will remember.
I'm deeply grateful to all who visited in the last few months - I hope they remember it fondly. Our last mirroball. Discovering the truth of what happened to the Gyre forces that had hidden away on the edges of our land. Trying to help me find Emilio. Recovering the sword of Alessandra Saik.
The first Alessandra Saik was a trusted member of the Platinum Guard at the time of the Reckoning. She, along with many others, fought alongside Platinum against the Abyss, protecting the Lyceum and lands beyond. The Guard made its home in the lands that would become Saikland Greens - lands granted to Alessandra after the Reckoning by Platinum. She became baroness and was joined by her husband - a fellow member of the Guard who abdicated his place as duke of House Fidante to be with her. Saik was born from heroes of the Reckoning.
There was a second Alessandra Saik, a few hundred years later, and a family feud that saw Rage of the Lioness - the first Alessandra's sword - taken and lost over the years as the Saiks of Saikland Greens forgot that feud happened, and didn't come to blows with the Alsaiks not terribly far from our lands. It was this second Alessandra that married a woman named Vanessa Malvici - hers is a story I may tell eventually.
I couldn't have face them alone. And I regret that I may never see a day when Saik and Alsaik can make amends. But I hope that Baron Marthan Alsaik truly realizes what I gave up in exchange for the Rage of the Lioness. I hope, too, that he was not too proud to heed my evacuation orders.
The last months have been filled with harder and harder decisions, each new challenge presenting some previously impossible to imagine circumstances. Lucita and I have done our best. I sincerely believe that there is no choice we could have made differently to lead to some better outcome for our people. Not one choice has come without shedding tears in anger and anguish - the cost of freedom and choice is consequence. I accept this. It does not make it any easier on my heart.
To the people of Saikland Greens, I am sorry that the circumstances did not allow us to make better choices for you. If there was a way to do it differently, we would have. You're shining examples of what it means to be Lycene, of what it means to be Compact. Stand at Lenosia and make them pay for everything they have taken from us. Live and remember who you are, where you come from.
We will remember.
Written By Ian
Jan. 18, 2024, 5:17 p.m.(8/1/1021 AR)
In Vellichor's name, this is my deepest, longest kept secret. I've kept it from my family, my friends. I've kept it from my brothers. For almost twenty years. I air it now, here, and pledge to speak it plainly from this day forward. I won't have this moment from my life strengthen our enemy.
After I fell, when I was seventeen, while I lay strapped to a wooden board, fighting to breathe, after the doctors had told me that my legs would never work again, my mother came in during a lull between doctors and nurses and servants. While we were alone, she told me that I ought to have had the good sense to die on that ship.
She was right. I didn't have the good sense to die. Not then, not after being attacked by the Mor'ral in the north, or stepped on by the gargantuan, or sliced open by the demon outside of Bastion, or while crossing the threshold. Not in battles. Not in storms. Not in shardhavens.
Mothers know their children. I've never had the good sense to die when I ought.
After I fell, when I was seventeen, while I lay strapped to a wooden board, fighting to breathe, after the doctors had told me that my legs would never work again, my mother came in during a lull between doctors and nurses and servants. While we were alone, she told me that I ought to have had the good sense to die on that ship.
She was right. I didn't have the good sense to die. Not then, not after being attacked by the Mor'ral in the north, or stepped on by the gargantuan, or sliced open by the demon outside of Bastion, or while crossing the threshold. Not in battles. Not in storms. Not in shardhavens.
Mothers know their children. I've never had the good sense to die when I ought.
Written By Denica
Jan. 18, 2024, 12:37 p.m.(7/28/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Donella
When I look at you, I see our mother.
You are one of the strongest people I know. You always have been, ever since I can remember.
Some of my happiest memories growing up, are because of you. I know you sacrificed a lot for us. You stepped in, and much of who I am, is because you did.
You are one of the strongest people I know. You always have been, ever since I can remember.
Some of my happiest memories growing up, are because of you. I know you sacrificed a lot for us. You stepped in, and much of who I am, is because you did.
Written By Martino
Jan. 18, 2024, 11:48 a.m.(7/28/1021 AR)
One thing I am struck by as the noise of the bells go by the docks. As citizens grab their spears, as the trained militia stands themselves ready to march. As the captains yell to get final supplies on board leaving Southport.
That those we lost along the way will be watching on from either the Wheel, or wherever they've ended up, with pride at what we have done and will do in the days, weeks and months to come.
Calypso. Our dear Duchess. I followed your instructions. The citizens of Southport are ready.
Domonico. My dear brother. You were a pain in the ass. The Malvici fleet is ready.
Cicero. My dear Uncle-in-Law. I am not sure if that is a title, but you kept us sane. We are ready.
Aahana. My dear Sister-in-Law. You inspired many and that, today, will pick up the sword to fight in our name. They are ready.
Since the first Reckoning we have trained for this. Prepared ourselves for this. Understood that this is our role.
The House of War and the City of Swords is ready.
That those we lost along the way will be watching on from either the Wheel, or wherever they've ended up, with pride at what we have done and will do in the days, weeks and months to come.
Calypso. Our dear Duchess. I followed your instructions. The citizens of Southport are ready.
Domonico. My dear brother. You were a pain in the ass. The Malvici fleet is ready.
Cicero. My dear Uncle-in-Law. I am not sure if that is a title, but you kept us sane. We are ready.
Aahana. My dear Sister-in-Law. You inspired many and that, today, will pick up the sword to fight in our name. They are ready.
Since the first Reckoning we have trained for this. Prepared ourselves for this. Understood that this is our role.
The House of War and the City of Swords is ready.
Written By Mikani
Jan. 18, 2024, 10:47 a.m.(7/28/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Artorius
We must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. We will face our fears. We will permit it to pass over us and through us. And when it has gone past we will turn our eyes to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only we will remain - stronger.
((OOC I know it's a Dune quote but it fits the occasion))
((OOC I know it's a Dune quote but it fits the occasion))
Written By Lianne
Jan. 18, 2024, 9:59 a.m.(7/28/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Ainsley
Azazel doesn't have a head. Even when embodied, you may not be able to find a head to sever.
Which is not to discourage your very worthy aspiration, but to adjust expectations. Please do cut of each and every part of him you can, however head-like or not.
Which is not to discourage your very worthy aspiration, but to adjust expectations. Please do cut of each and every part of him you can, however head-like or not.
Written By Fatima
Jan. 18, 2024, 9:51 a.m.(7/28/1021 AR)
Day 10:
Skal'daja was the City of Chains. The home of a hundred thousand slaves. I wonder what it is like there now that all chains have been broken? Will they give it a new name? Did they tear down the Palace of Toil? Are they waiting for someone to come and lead them against the Dune Emperor? Have they already found a leader amongst themselves? A hundred thousand free men and women, and likely very angry.
Ahj'on is also known as the High Court, the City of Mirrors. It is believed to be the home of the Magisters of the Mirror, who are the cult of the Sleeper. This is where the Prophet of the Sands can most often be found, I understand, when he is not in Pyre.
Truths are easier to write than lies.
Skal'daja was the City of Chains. The home of a hundred thousand slaves. I wonder what it is like there now that all chains have been broken? Will they give it a new name? Did they tear down the Palace of Toil? Are they waiting for someone to come and lead them against the Dune Emperor? Have they already found a leader amongst themselves? A hundred thousand free men and women, and likely very angry.
Ahj'on is also known as the High Court, the City of Mirrors. It is believed to be the home of the Magisters of the Mirror, who are the cult of the Sleeper. This is where the Prophet of the Sands can most often be found, I understand, when he is not in Pyre.
Truths are easier to write than lies.
Written By Jaenelle
Jan. 18, 2024, 9:26 a.m.(7/28/1021 AR)
It is no secret that I was not born in the Lyceum, and despite this the Lyceum is where I found my identity, my voice, and my place. It is hard to remember a time in the Mourning Isles where women were given the choice to be more than seen and not heard but I remember when we were not allowed on ships because of tradition. Where weapons were not allowed to sit in our hands because something would be tainted. Where women were meant to smile, to take care of the hearth, and do so quietly and happily. I suffocated beneath my Grandfather's "traditions", beneath his laws and demands.
It took some time, working within the shadows as is necessary, to fit all the places in a row. To convince my grandfather to do anything was a feat but I learned very early in life that when you wanted Donrai Thrax to do anything, you made him think it was his idea, and so I did. "An alliance with House Velenosa, grandfather. They would do well to be connected to the might of House Thrax. Would Archduchess Carlotta do well to hear your wisdom, grandfather? A marriage would certainly solidify such a friendship." I was only a woman, a pawn to be used in Donrai Thrax's game to expand his reach, and I took advantage of this and played as the pawn /so well/. I lost myself in the Mourning Isle, or perhaps I never truly found who I was because I played what was needed when it was needed, and my never ending supply of masks to hide behind were all I had.
I was married to Duchess Carlotta's son, a man who had his own issues and lost his battle with those not long after we were wed. I never knew my husband well, and perhaps I was never meant to and he was simply placed in my life for one purpose and that was my freedom. I know it is a concept that others might look at me with skepticism, what would a Princess of a wealthy House know about a lack of freedom? It is a valid thought, especially in a world of thralls, but it was my own shackle and one I desperately wanted to be free from. Upon Gersard's death Archduchess Carlotta could have sent me back. Upon her death, Archduchess Esera could have decided there was no longer need for her brother's widow and sent me back to my grandfather, but neither did and for that small piece of mercy I owe my existence.
I was a young woman then, who's entire life till that point was lived within shadows and carefully arranged moments, and suddenly I was asked my opinion of matters. Mine. I no longer had to pretend they were those of another in hopes they would be taken seriously. Recognition for my ideas was something that I had never experienced before, and now I was able to write my own name on missives and plans, and I cried over such a small thing I never knew how badly I needed before that. If anyone tells you that a name is but a name, they are lying because a name is everything. As time went on each mask that I clung to for survival was allowed to slip and shatter, and slowly I picked up those pieces and found my own reflection in the mirror. It was a terrifying thing, to have hidden yourself so completely that you must learn who you even are just as you are attempting to navigate an entirely new world. It took time but I learned who I was, I learned the sound of my own voice and the power within it, and vowed then that I would die before I ever allowed anyone to force me to hide again and I would take everyone with me in the process.
So you see, when people say I was not born Lycene that is not right. My mother was of House Thrax and my father was of House Redrain, but Jaenelle Velenosa nee Thrax was most definitely born in the Lyceum and no one will ever convince me otherwise. This is my home, this is my family and those are my people and I will die before I allow any harm to come to them.
It took some time, working within the shadows as is necessary, to fit all the places in a row. To convince my grandfather to do anything was a feat but I learned very early in life that when you wanted Donrai Thrax to do anything, you made him think it was his idea, and so I did. "An alliance with House Velenosa, grandfather. They would do well to be connected to the might of House Thrax. Would Archduchess Carlotta do well to hear your wisdom, grandfather? A marriage would certainly solidify such a friendship." I was only a woman, a pawn to be used in Donrai Thrax's game to expand his reach, and I took advantage of this and played as the pawn /so well/. I lost myself in the Mourning Isle, or perhaps I never truly found who I was because I played what was needed when it was needed, and my never ending supply of masks to hide behind were all I had.
I was married to Duchess Carlotta's son, a man who had his own issues and lost his battle with those not long after we were wed. I never knew my husband well, and perhaps I was never meant to and he was simply placed in my life for one purpose and that was my freedom. I know it is a concept that others might look at me with skepticism, what would a Princess of a wealthy House know about a lack of freedom? It is a valid thought, especially in a world of thralls, but it was my own shackle and one I desperately wanted to be free from. Upon Gersard's death Archduchess Carlotta could have sent me back. Upon her death, Archduchess Esera could have decided there was no longer need for her brother's widow and sent me back to my grandfather, but neither did and for that small piece of mercy I owe my existence.
I was a young woman then, who's entire life till that point was lived within shadows and carefully arranged moments, and suddenly I was asked my opinion of matters. Mine. I no longer had to pretend they were those of another in hopes they would be taken seriously. Recognition for my ideas was something that I had never experienced before, and now I was able to write my own name on missives and plans, and I cried over such a small thing I never knew how badly I needed before that. If anyone tells you that a name is but a name, they are lying because a name is everything. As time went on each mask that I clung to for survival was allowed to slip and shatter, and slowly I picked up those pieces and found my own reflection in the mirror. It was a terrifying thing, to have hidden yourself so completely that you must learn who you even are just as you are attempting to navigate an entirely new world. It took time but I learned who I was, I learned the sound of my own voice and the power within it, and vowed then that I would die before I ever allowed anyone to force me to hide again and I would take everyone with me in the process.
So you see, when people say I was not born Lycene that is not right. My mother was of House Thrax and my father was of House Redrain, but Jaenelle Velenosa nee Thrax was most definitely born in the Lyceum and no one will ever convince me otherwise. This is my home, this is my family and those are my people and I will die before I allow any harm to come to them.
Written By Ann
Jan. 18, 2024, 3:06 a.m.(7/27/1021 AR)
28 minutes.
Tick
Tock
28 minutes.
Not like there isn't anything else to worry about as of late.
Tick
Tock
28 minutes.
Not like there isn't anything else to worry about as of late.
Written By Cambria
Jan. 18, 2024, 1:46 a.m.(7/27/1021 AR)
In every generation there are those who can lead men to hell. There are never many, for the secrets of that kind of leadership have not been written in books. No one quite knows where the great captains come from. They appear when needed - or they do not, and homelands die
Written By Amari
Jan. 18, 2024, 1:25 a.m.(7/27/1021 AR)
I may have overexerted myself. When I woke this morning, my bed was no bed at all, and it was half submerged in the lake and snacking on a tree as if it were a stick of celery. It took me longer than I care to admit to remember what had happened. When I did recall, I couldn't do anything but laugh.
Reveillon looked so beautiful standing there in the dawn. Like a dream. It's a shame to leave her, and honor a promise few remember and no one asked we keep. How tempting it felt in that moment to simply stay forgotten in the heart of the Shadowood. How comfortable it would have been to have drawn that thick verdant cloak tighter around us so we might disappear and sleep again.
What sort of friends would that make us if we had? Not true friends. Duke Ahmad gave our House its words as the War of Stolen Names waged yet unseen. Issued an ultimatum by the elves of Legion to surrender his human vassals to them, he refused with those same three words and died for them:
"No Truer Friend."
We haven't forgotten.
Reveillon looked so beautiful standing there in the dawn. Like a dream. It's a shame to leave her, and honor a promise few remember and no one asked we keep. How tempting it felt in that moment to simply stay forgotten in the heart of the Shadowood. How comfortable it would have been to have drawn that thick verdant cloak tighter around us so we might disappear and sleep again.
What sort of friends would that make us if we had? Not true friends. Duke Ahmad gave our House its words as the War of Stolen Names waged yet unseen. Issued an ultimatum by the elves of Legion to surrender his human vassals to them, he refused with those same three words and died for them:
"No Truer Friend."
We haven't forgotten.
Written By Fortunato
Jan. 17, 2024, 10:55 p.m.(7/27/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
I love you, brother. I want to say you became real, but you were always real. If you'd stayed reading cards for nobles, you would have still been real, gods, I miss those days, is it so strange? But look how you've flown. Remember all you've seen. What wonders we've experienced together. Stay alive, if you can. Help ensure Arx rebuilds, Arvum rebuilds, and that there's a place for rapscallions to read cards. That there's a place for rapscallions to grow into their wild dreams and past them. And if I make it back, if we both make it, let's just -- look into still pools of water in bowls again. For the old times.
Written By Ainsley
Jan. 17, 2024, 8:48 p.m.(7/27/1021 AR)
I have been told my entire life by a Goddess, directly, that when her dark reflection comes back into the world I need to stop him. I will not let anyone get between me and my Goddess-Given Duty. Azazel wants to devour the world? I can't stop Tyranny if he does.
So Azazel can fuck right off.
I'll be waiting.
Sword in Hand.
I've died for Gloria before.
I'll do it again if I must, but like Tolamar Brand. I'm going to cut Azazel's fucking head off first.
So Azazel can fuck right off.
I'll be waiting.
Sword in Hand.
I've died for Gloria before.
I'll do it again if I must, but like Tolamar Brand. I'm going to cut Azazel's fucking head off first.
Written By Fatima
Jan. 17, 2024, 3:16 p.m.(7/26/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Donrai
I recently learned something about my grandfather that I could not have fathomed. It is a thing that I shall take with me to my grave. But I will say this. I value the things I learned from him. I do not care what anyone else thinks. He was my mentor, and the lessons I learned from him made me what I am today, and I am grateful.
Written By Fatima
Jan. 17, 2024, 3:06 p.m.(7/26/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Denica
You were always there for me. If we do not meet again after I sail, know that I loved you as if you were a sister. You are very dear to me.
Written By Fatima
Jan. 17, 2024, 2:58 p.m.(7/26/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Abbas
I pray one day the Queen of Endings will still be around to spin your thread once more, and that you'll find redemption on another turning of the Wheel.
Written By Renata
Jan. 17, 2024, 12:56 p.m.(7/26/1021 AR)
I saw her upon the waves near beaches of the city. I wept for not knowing her sooner. I wept for her need to cast me upon shores. Her words forever to be burned within my thoughts as now I seek to find my own voice and grasp, learn, and sing.
I don't know if this will change me. If it does, I hope for the best.
I also seek to swim under the waves now. To bring a gentle kindness to all, and remind any that kindness should not be overlooked and abused. For any attempt to take my adoptive home from me will learn what it feels to drown.
I don't know if this will change me. If it does, I hope for the best.
I also seek to swim under the waves now. To bring a gentle kindness to all, and remind any that kindness should not be overlooked and abused. For any attempt to take my adoptive home from me will learn what it feels to drown.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.