Written By Vanora
July 19, 2018, 2:43 a.m.(3/20/1009 AR)
Little One,
My husband has shown you some of the letters that he's written to you, saved in sections of his whites to be passed on to you one day that you may know your parents...what we were like when we were young and you the future still months away from your first cries. My mother is...secretive, and I wish I had letters or journals she'd written at my age. There are so many things I wish to understand of the start of my life that I may never. It will be different for you.
Your father did not grow up with the same weight on his shoulders that you carry. Your grandfather was not the Duke of Grimhall from the get go, but survived two brothers before the House was his to lead. As such, your father did not expect to one day become a Duke until he was already a man grown. From childhood he was a soldier, a sailor, a general, an admiral....and he is those things now, and will be after he holds Grihem's Point. This too will be your legacy. This now is your birthright, and you will be educated not only as sailor, soldier, general....but as a ruler. There are all sorts of kinds of power in this world, some as blatant as the slice of an axe held in strong hands...some as subtle and soft as silk. You will know both, and a world that we can only guess at and yet have all dreamed...something filled with beauty, wonder, and legend.
My friend the Baron Stormbreak once described Grimhall to me...the legacy that I was joining...that you'd be inheriting. He spoke of family, friendship, and fealty...and it is these which I wish you to understand as who you are and what you will become. You will learn that so much else of the world is false...that titles may sound impressive...but it takes more than a title to rule. To be a leader you must be someone worth following. You can intimidate through force of will and force of arms and gain obedience. Never mistake obedience for loyalty. Obedience is what is offered when there is no other choice. Loyalty...that is freely given when those worth being loyal to come into our lives. Loyalty is a kind of power and yet also something deeper than power. It cannot be demanded, it cannot be claimed. I know many people to whom I offer obedience, based on station, position, practicality. Those to whom I offer my loyalty are fewer, farther between, and yet I do not obey them, I'd fight and die for them because they are worth fighting and dying for. I hope that is who you will be. A man that others choose to fight and die for...and would whether you are Duke of Grihem's Point or general of a small band of infantry.
I could write on how to gain that kind of loyalty, but it will be the great lesson of your life. There are those in my life now teaching me the nuances, showing me what it means to be that kind of loyal...and to feel that kind of loyalty offered to me in turn. Therein lies the key. Loyalty begets loyalty. Protect those whom you are charged to protect, and gain their loyalty. Grims are known for being ruthless towards threats, yet to every family motto there is an unspoken counterpoint. The Velenosa words are 'No one may harm us unpunished' and they prove that true. Yet 'those who help us when we are in need will reap the rewards of our loyalty' suits just as well. Be loyal, and you will find those loyal to you in turn.
I wanted to be Godsworn once, my little lord. I trained in the temples for it and was regarded highly by the First Reflection, and it was all that I'd ever hoped for. When circumstances pulled me from that, when court claimed me again, I raged at the idea of it...I felt deprived of my calling. I realize now that it was never so. Family is my calling. You are my calling.
-Your Mother
My husband has shown you some of the letters that he's written to you, saved in sections of his whites to be passed on to you one day that you may know your parents...what we were like when we were young and you the future still months away from your first cries. My mother is...secretive, and I wish I had letters or journals she'd written at my age. There are so many things I wish to understand of the start of my life that I may never. It will be different for you.
Your father did not grow up with the same weight on his shoulders that you carry. Your grandfather was not the Duke of Grimhall from the get go, but survived two brothers before the House was his to lead. As such, your father did not expect to one day become a Duke until he was already a man grown. From childhood he was a soldier, a sailor, a general, an admiral....and he is those things now, and will be after he holds Grihem's Point. This too will be your legacy. This now is your birthright, and you will be educated not only as sailor, soldier, general....but as a ruler. There are all sorts of kinds of power in this world, some as blatant as the slice of an axe held in strong hands...some as subtle and soft as silk. You will know both, and a world that we can only guess at and yet have all dreamed...something filled with beauty, wonder, and legend.
My friend the Baron Stormbreak once described Grimhall to me...the legacy that I was joining...that you'd be inheriting. He spoke of family, friendship, and fealty...and it is these which I wish you to understand as who you are and what you will become. You will learn that so much else of the world is false...that titles may sound impressive...but it takes more than a title to rule. To be a leader you must be someone worth following. You can intimidate through force of will and force of arms and gain obedience. Never mistake obedience for loyalty. Obedience is what is offered when there is no other choice. Loyalty...that is freely given when those worth being loyal to come into our lives. Loyalty is a kind of power and yet also something deeper than power. It cannot be demanded, it cannot be claimed. I know many people to whom I offer obedience, based on station, position, practicality. Those to whom I offer my loyalty are fewer, farther between, and yet I do not obey them, I'd fight and die for them because they are worth fighting and dying for. I hope that is who you will be. A man that others choose to fight and die for...and would whether you are Duke of Grihem's Point or general of a small band of infantry.
I could write on how to gain that kind of loyalty, but it will be the great lesson of your life. There are those in my life now teaching me the nuances, showing me what it means to be that kind of loyal...and to feel that kind of loyalty offered to me in turn. Therein lies the key. Loyalty begets loyalty. Protect those whom you are charged to protect, and gain their loyalty. Grims are known for being ruthless towards threats, yet to every family motto there is an unspoken counterpoint. The Velenosa words are 'No one may harm us unpunished' and they prove that true. Yet 'those who help us when we are in need will reap the rewards of our loyalty' suits just as well. Be loyal, and you will find those loyal to you in turn.
I wanted to be Godsworn once, my little lord. I trained in the temples for it and was regarded highly by the First Reflection, and it was all that I'd ever hoped for. When circumstances pulled me from that, when court claimed me again, I raged at the idea of it...I felt deprived of my calling. I realize now that it was never so. Family is my calling. You are my calling.
-Your Mother
Written By Kaldur
July 19, 2018, 1:48 a.m.(3/20/1009 AR)
I am excited! Though I find a belief in fate to be something of a blasphemy, I can understand how the convergence of circumstance might feel divinely pre-ordained.
The ink is not even dry on an infrastructure project that I have the highest hopes for and who did I chance to meet at an inn whose door I have never darkened before today? I met three people discussing qualities of stone and construction with the same. Duchess Rubino, Sir Jordan, and a-dark-headed-gruff-fellow-whose-name-I-didn't-catch-before-the-chance-meeting-dissolved-but-who-is-likely-from-the-North... I thank you for indulging me.
Now, it's possible that the Queensrest Inn has a reputation I was unaware of for attracting suppliers and admirers of stone and stone construction. I have certainly seen stranger occurrences in Arx. Almost daily, in fact.
Tangentially: the mulled wine at the Queensrest Inn is excellent. Highly recommended.
The ink is not even dry on an infrastructure project that I have the highest hopes for and who did I chance to meet at an inn whose door I have never darkened before today? I met three people discussing qualities of stone and construction with the same. Duchess Rubino, Sir Jordan, and a-dark-headed-gruff-fellow-whose-name-I-didn't-catch-before-the-chance-meeting-dissolved-but-who-is-likely-from-the-North... I thank you for indulging me.
Now, it's possible that the Queensrest Inn has a reputation I was unaware of for attracting suppliers and admirers of stone and stone construction. I have certainly seen stranger occurrences in Arx. Almost daily, in fact.
Tangentially: the mulled wine at the Queensrest Inn is excellent. Highly recommended.
Written By Augustus
July 19, 2018, 1:42 a.m.(3/20/1009 AR)
I was, perhaps, expecting more geological conversation when I decided to venture out to the Shrine of Jayus for their 'Let's Talk Rocks' seminar.
While the conversation was more about using rocks than studying them, I came away with new knowledge and that is never a bad thing.
I believe I already have a design in mind for my own painted rock.
While the conversation was more about using rocks than studying them, I came away with new knowledge and that is never a bad thing.
I believe I already have a design in mind for my own painted rock.
Written By Audric
July 19, 2018, 12:18 a.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
Oh I am absolutely going to underwrite future bets your kid makes against you now that you've put the idea in my head.
Written By Aleksei
July 19, 2018, 12:16 a.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sorrel
Today my kid almost bet against me for a duel! Except he didn't have any silver.
Kids are rude.
Kids are rude.
Written By Karadoc
July 19, 2018, 12:06 a.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
Excuse me, Baron, I suppose it's time for me to drop in my two coppers for this little topic. Or anyone else if they're reading this. Questionable morals and prickly ethics aside -- there's something to be said about having pride -- or a sense of satisfaction in one's work, right? Although my hands are only occasionally stained with ink, I can admire that trait.
Written By Sorrel
July 19, 2018, 12:04 a.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Aleksei
I think I was just having a moment. Not a good one. I've apologized.
Sometimes babies are a little like horrible sea monsters in that all this stuff comes violently out of them, sometimes very suddenly, and you get overwhelmed and people come rushing to your rescue, but at the end of it all, everyone needs a bath, especially the baby, three nurses, and me.
And now the baby's asleep and perfect and easy to love.
Sometimes babies are a little like horrible sea monsters in that all this stuff comes violently out of them, sometimes very suddenly, and you get overwhelmed and people come rushing to your rescue, but at the end of it all, everyone needs a bath, especially the baby, three nurses, and me.
And now the baby's asleep and perfect and easy to love.
Written By Audric
July 18, 2018, 11:58 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Coraline
As a sellsword, I have a lot of knowledge of the value of life. I have all kinds of ledgers and tallybooks and contracts that spell it out pretty clearly! You can come see them sometime, if you want.
Written By Aleksei
July 18, 2018, 11:49 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Caspian
Trust me, none of us make what Audric makes.
Written By Coraline
July 18, 2018, 11:48 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
I don't know that anything said here will be sufficient to make you aware of the hollow ring in your words. As a knight and as a warrior I am aware of loss, and of the fierce joy of battle, as a knight and as a physician I am aware of the value of life. It is good you have at least some reason to bring your people home alive, if not in one piece. One hopes that one day their value as more than a commodity occurs to you as well.
Written By Caspian
July 18, 2018, 11:45 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
There is a way to fight without killing people, it's called being a Champion. It's good money, much smaller risk of death then battle, and you make a lot of friends. Occupational hazards are mostly scars, wounded ego, and blood stains.
Written By Audric
July 18, 2018, 11:45 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
...pretty much. I wonder if you soaked a cow in boiling water for long enough, if it'd turn into milk? I know one way to find out!
Written By Victus
July 18, 2018, 11:40 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Has anyone ever considered that milk is just flavored cow water?
I mean that's what you're drinking. Juice outta a cow.
I mean that's what you're drinking. Juice outta a cow.
Written By Aleksei
July 18, 2018, 11:30 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Sorrel
What a weird response to someone's excited journal!
Written By Audric
July 18, 2018, 11:11 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
Everyone dies eventually! And the folks that serve under me are quite well cared for. A cavalier attitude doesn't mean I'm recklessly throwing lives away, but it does mean I'm more than happy to put myself at extreme risk to get something done. Plenty of people do that, no? The difference is that I enjoy doing it, am extremely good at it, and generally don't get my people killed in the process more than they have to. Training up new sellswords is expensive! Better to teach them to be real good at the bloody business themselves than have to replace them all the time. I really don't understand what's so hard to process about this.
Written By Fairen
July 18, 2018, 11:09 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
The conflict between our two Houses has been concluded, and set aside honorably.
Marquessa Reigna Keaton (congratulations on your elevation from Countess) has proven to stick to her word, and not spoken out against myself, or House Leary in any way with ill intention. She is a true and honorable woman, and I respect her for such. Even still, there is some common ground between the two of us that we can both clearly see in relation to our interests in scholarly pursuits. As such, with the desire to move forward and attempt to create a positive relationship between House Leary and House Keaton, I hereby release the Marquessa from her vows to cease communication.
-Marquis Fairen Leary
Marquessa Reigna Keaton (congratulations on your elevation from Countess) has proven to stick to her word, and not spoken out against myself, or House Leary in any way with ill intention. She is a true and honorable woman, and I respect her for such. Even still, there is some common ground between the two of us that we can both clearly see in relation to our interests in scholarly pursuits. As such, with the desire to move forward and attempt to create a positive relationship between House Leary and House Keaton, I hereby release the Marquessa from her vows to cease communication.
-Marquis Fairen Leary
Written By Reigna
July 18, 2018, 10:27 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Audric
I have to believe that this is a game that you are playing. An attempt to shock or outrage those of us who have expressed a perfectly rational aversion to the idea of taking pleasure in the loss of life. I understand that you said before it was not the ending of someone's life that you found appealing, but the fight, the risk.
This again, (and since you have spoken of it in the Whites, I have taken that as a tacit agreement to using this format.) is profoundly worrisome as the unspoken part of that enjoyment is in the understanding that you, yourself are in equal danger of gross injury or death. That means that your value on life is low -- even your own. A troubling proposition for those vassals that are sworn to you, the villages you protect and any you might owe your fealty to as well. Being a noble brings with it a host of responsibilities, including the preservation and betterment of those lives you are entrusted to protect and shepherd.
Again, I have to hope this is an attempt to rile or rouse outrage and not your genuine feelings as if they are? Your utter lack of empathy, as stated by Princess Coraline calls into question your fitness to be in any position of authority. Woe to your men if you care so little for the value of a life.
This again, (and since you have spoken of it in the Whites, I have taken that as a tacit agreement to using this format.) is profoundly worrisome as the unspoken part of that enjoyment is in the understanding that you, yourself are in equal danger of gross injury or death. That means that your value on life is low -- even your own. A troubling proposition for those vassals that are sworn to you, the villages you protect and any you might owe your fealty to as well. Being a noble brings with it a host of responsibilities, including the preservation and betterment of those lives you are entrusted to protect and shepherd.
Again, I have to hope this is an attempt to rile or rouse outrage and not your genuine feelings as if they are? Your utter lack of empathy, as stated by Princess Coraline calls into question your fitness to be in any position of authority. Woe to your men if you care so little for the value of a life.
Written By Martin in Black Journal
July 18, 2018, 10:24 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
To be released upon my death,
This is the last will and testament of myself, Brother Martin Risbee, Godsworn priest of the Faith of the Pantheon. Considering my advanced age, this is not the first will I have ever written. However, unless Death's sense of humor is more perverse than I have been lead to understand, it is likely to be the last. (For those of you who have never written one before, you may find them daunting, even depressing, but once you write four or five, you begin to see the funny side of it all).
As a devotee of Gild, the Kind Goddess, I swore a personal vow of poverty many, many years ago. The Church has always taken care of my needs, and more than bread and board I have no want for. Since returning to Arx, though, I have managed to set aside a sizable sum of goods and silver. While I intend to use them for certain charitable pursuits, in the event that I cannot do so before I return to the Wheel, then I wish for the Church to donate what funds I possess to the Knights of Solace. I spent a goodly portion of my youth with them, and I would like be able to give back, and hopefully provide other young men and women with the same wonderful experience and opportunity that was afforded to me.
As for those other goods I have been squirreling away, I would like them to be given to Sir Jeffeth Bayweather, along with my gold pendent depicting Gild. I should also like him to know that he and Andry were the best grandsons the Gods could have given me, no matter that we are not related by blood.
((Scholars note: Released posthumously))
This is the last will and testament of myself, Brother Martin Risbee, Godsworn priest of the Faith of the Pantheon. Considering my advanced age, this is not the first will I have ever written. However, unless Death's sense of humor is more perverse than I have been lead to understand, it is likely to be the last. (For those of you who have never written one before, you may find them daunting, even depressing, but once you write four or five, you begin to see the funny side of it all).
As a devotee of Gild, the Kind Goddess, I swore a personal vow of poverty many, many years ago. The Church has always taken care of my needs, and more than bread and board I have no want for. Since returning to Arx, though, I have managed to set aside a sizable sum of goods and silver. While I intend to use them for certain charitable pursuits, in the event that I cannot do so before I return to the Wheel, then I wish for the Church to donate what funds I possess to the Knights of Solace. I spent a goodly portion of my youth with them, and I would like be able to give back, and hopefully provide other young men and women with the same wonderful experience and opportunity that was afforded to me.
As for those other goods I have been squirreling away, I would like them to be given to Sir Jeffeth Bayweather, along with my gold pendent depicting Gild. I should also like him to know that he and Andry were the best grandsons the Gods could have given me, no matter that we are not related by blood.
((Scholars note: Released posthumously))
Written By Audric
July 18, 2018, 10:03 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Hey, if I could fight -without- killing, probably would! The killing's not the -best- part, but without that threat of it, it just isn't the same. And if you're going to do a thing, and do it well, better to take joy in it! Geez, people. You all need to drink more.
Written By Monique
July 18, 2018, 10:01 p.m.(3/19/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Jacali
This woman is a talent beyond comprehension. I cannot /wait/ until you all see what Goodwoman Jacali has prepared for The Gala. It's incredible. It's divine. It's better than my wildest dreams. I may be a touch drunk. THAT CHANGES NOTHING! IT'S ALL TRUE!
That ship... that rose... Gods. I'm taking these bottles to my grave. Yes, the cases too. They're superb!
That ship... that rose... Gods. I'm taking these bottles to my grave. Yes, the cases too. They're superb!
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.