Skip to main content.

Written By Sparte

July 30, 2018, 10:50 a.m.(4/16/1009 AR)

I'm not unique in wishing to know where I came from. It is a part of a person's story, those of the people who led up to where they are now. That doesn't mean the old stories defines me, that doesn't mean they limit who and what I can become.

I have recently had the blessing to know who my ancestors are, some of them. To learn people I had worked with and known, and others who are new to me, are actually distant family. It is heartening. There is a certain loneliness I've always had that has begun to fade.

That was the energy, the hope, I brought with me as I attempted to learn more about my origins. What did I find?

A cow.

Wilhelm has been snickering at me for hours, and keeps asking if I want a cup of milk.

Written By Sabella

July 30, 2018, 10:29 a.m.(4/16/1009 AR)

Apologies to those that I have said I would meet with or attend their parties. I shall not be venturing out for a while.

Written By Hadrian

July 30, 2018, 9:51 a.m.(4/16/1009 AR)

It is will great dismay (not really) that I admit my defeat within the duel with Princess Alis Valardin. Her Champion, Prince Luca Grayson, outperformed my own Champion, Bliss Whisper. It was an evening of entertainment, mingled with the urgency of a duel over a particularly ridiculous subject. No matter the severity of the offense the duel was conducted and concluded. Following the unveiling of a new fountain on the Judgment Green and my loss, it is my duty to acknowledge my defeat and my error.

Wine that originates from the Oathlands is not water, which I'm thrilled to discover. I'll be partaking in it more often now that misunderstanding has been cleared up and clarity bestowed upon me.

An important lesson was evident within this duel. I can not speak for Princess Alis of House Valardin, but I do hope she can agree: I appreciate the toll and sacrifice that our Champions, even my opponent's, put on their bodies in order to provide a touch of entertainment and more importantly a (relatively) safe means of conflict (no matter how ridiculous or sincere) resolution. It isn't always bumps, bruises, slashes, and piercings.

Thank you to my Champion, Bliss of the Whisper House.
Thank you my opponent's Champion, Prince Luca Grayson.

Thank you, Princess Alis Valardin. You were an exceptional opponent who kept the mood light and conversations both friendly and productive. I do hope that you and yours will indulge in First Wall - I merely suggest that you take it easy. It's potent.

Written By Austen

July 30, 2018, 4:34 a.m.(4/16/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Ida

Burn the door.

Written By Felicia

July 30, 2018, 4:29 a.m.(4/16/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Monique

What, you mean there is more to it than stick the pointy end in the other guy?

Learn something new every day.

Written By Alexis

July 30, 2018, 3:01 a.m.(4/16/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Adalyn

#5

Mistress Adalyn Clement, a sellsword of the Valorous Few and presumably the heir to the Barony of Duskshire, came to see me. We talked of various things. I asked her the question: "What does being a soldier mean to you?"

She explained that it was the art of the duel that had initially drawn her to a martial lifestyle, and that the skills were transferrable to a living as a mercenary.

In the end, her answer was simple enough: Money, glory, and the thrill of danger.

It is an interesting perspective. Soldiering feeds many mouths, even in peace-time. But the mercenaries are usually hired for shorter terms, and specific campaigns. Though I suppose they see more of them.

Thank you, mistress Adalyn.

Written By Caith

July 30, 2018, 2:39 a.m.(4/16/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Luca

That'll do, Luca. That'll do.

Written By Luca

July 30, 2018, 1:47 a.m.(4/16/1009 AR)

That's it.

My last duel. At least for now.

I couldn't have asked for a better opponent or a more entertaining sort of challenge to go out on. She won the words. I won the drinking. I think everyone won except that fucking table. Maybe it won, too. You never can tell what tables are into, these days.

I've been a Champion since I came to Arx. It's been the best of times and the worst of times, really, but it was always a /fun/ time.

I'll still be around to train Champions where needed, to keep them nice and fit and deadly for their adoring crowds.

But that's it for me.

At least for now.

Written By Yessica

July 30, 2018, 12:52 a.m.(4/15/1009 AR)

Going to the Mazetti v. Valardin "Wine it Up!" duel today was one of the best decision I have made after coming to Arx. Both Lady Bliss and Prince Luca were amazing and I met and talked to several very kind and interesting people.

Written By Karadoc

July 30, 2018, 12:28 a.m.(4/15/1009 AR)

While fussing with ideas for this masque, I've learned about animals today that I really didn't know were even REAL. Seriously, what the fuck? Were the gods dusted out of their minds?

Written By Valerio

July 30, 2018, 12:04 a.m.(4/15/1009 AR)

Well done, Prince Luca. A great display of fortitude. What an excellent duel of words, clearly Bliss Whisper won that part of the challenge. But alas, the Gods are cruel to me... the Oathlander Grape Juice won tonight. We'll just have to have a spirits competition in the future.

Written By Shard

July 29, 2018, 11:56 p.m.(4/15/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Aleksei

I didn't actually learn his kid's name, just that he apparently really likes spiders.

Written By Olivia

July 29, 2018, 11:32 p.m.(4/15/1009 AR)

A fairly normal week, although the party that my brother threw at the Orangery was quite a treat. It was a little awkward to be the center of attention, but everyone was quite kind and it seems I've met a few more would-be green thumbs among the guests.

Written By Mina

July 29, 2018, 11:09 p.m.(4/15/1009 AR)

Dear Journal,

It was a great day to come to Arx, not only did I already meet a member of my family, I was able to meet two nobles of Whitehawk and one of the princesses as well. They were all incredibly kind, and welcoming, I even get to stay in a manor tonight! Supposedly, Sparte (that is the family member I met), will be able to get me a place to stay and between Sparte and Lady Kenna (one of the noble ladies), I might even be able to do some work for the Iron Guard! I need to figure out something to do for them to make up for it, but there's really not much I can offer them since they have so much. I'll figure something out, though, I always do.

Written By Mia

July 29, 2018, 10:52 p.m.(4/15/1009 AR)

Recently, I sent word through the city that Riven was planning to expand its library and would be interested in making purchase of a fairly large number of books. In reply, I received no offer of sales, but instead received several generous gifts from a number of residents of the city. I should like to name them here, both in order to express my thanks and to record their generosity for posterity's sake.

Prince Niklas Grayson
Lady Delilah Whitehawk
Master Oswyn Spencer
Mistress Gianna Whisper

The tomes they've given me have been placed in our library for members of the House to enjoy, both now and in the future. Through their gifts, they have contributed to the education of subsequent generations of Rivens, and I pray that Gild and Vellichor both smile on them for it.

Written By Arik

July 29, 2018, 10:34 p.m.(4/15/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Bliss

In public a scandal. In private an intrigue.

Also she has not written enough whites of late.

Written By Malesh

July 29, 2018, 10:32 p.m.(4/15/1009 AR)

The homeland is a bustle with activity now. With winter's end we're making good on the influx of goods and silver from the Empyrean to develop agriculture and industry in our lands. It is a good time to be sworn to Stonewood if I do say so myself.

Written By Arik

July 29, 2018, 10:31 p.m.(4/15/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Gwenna

She has been the Voice of Redrain since I arrived in the city. Although I technically serve alongside her now I find it hard to imagine that this Princess and Redrain born Voice would ever truly need insight from myself.

When the High Lord thinks to elevate non-family to ministry positions Princess Gwenna Redrain is the first example I point too as to why he should always consider family first.

Written By Arik

July 29, 2018, 10:28 p.m.(4/15/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Rowenova

My retainer, messenger, scribe, and loyal servant. Sometimes she can be underfoot but in the end I would not have invited her to Arx from Whitehold if I did not trust in her ability to grow.

Someday she might understand patience.

Written By Tikva

July 29, 2018, 10:23 p.m.(4/15/1009 AR)

Relationship Note on Sorrel

I can think of few hands to whom I would be happier to trust my honor than my sister singer's.

Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.

Leave blank if this journal is not a relationship

Mark if this is a private, black journal entry