Written By Luca
April 7, 2018, 7:21 p.m.(7/6/1008 AR)
The Festival of Colors was a success, I'd say. I haven't had that much fun while sober in a long while. My opponents were fierce, and many, and I am stricken with a plague of riotous hues now. A rampant mess of celebration. You'll have no problem tracking me this evening, that's for sure, Huntsman. I'm ready if you are. Just knock first, won't you?
Written By Itzal
April 7, 2018, 7:21 p.m.(7/6/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Lumen
Prince Talen Velenosa pulled it off, and he's clearly not as pretty as you are. Go for your dreams, I say!
Written By Shard
April 7, 2018, 7:10 p.m.(7/6/1008 AR)
I thought about the question, but even though I've been a commoner for a number of years now, I don't think I'm really the person to talk about what it's like to be common, or what that means to me. I didn't grow up that way. It's not a part of me the way it's a part of the people who have answered.
I could talk about what it means to be Abandoned, but /that/ is something I don't think people would find enjoyable to read, and I doubt it would be taken terribly well.
I could talk about what it means to be Abandoned, but /that/ is something I don't think people would find enjoyable to read, and I doubt it would be taken terribly well.
Written By Lumen
April 7, 2018, 6:56 p.m.(7/6/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Itzal
Don't be a spoilsport. I like to think my odds of marrying a beautiful princess are as high as the next person's.
Written By Bastien
April 7, 2018, 6:56 p.m.(7/6/1008 AR)
It _is_ always entertaining to see the nobility begin to speak of how tactful their incredibly, obliviously impolitic Whites are.
Written By Petra
April 7, 2018, 6:51 p.m.(7/6/1008 AR)
I have been common. I am now noble. So I have both perspectives -- although with the former, it was outside the confines of the Compact. Confines? Safety. What have you.
When the Rivenshari lived on the currents and listened to the wind, there was a certain amount of freedom in that. We went where we pleased, we did as we wished. We were responsible to no one but ourselves and no law bound us. But there were struggles too. We were exposed, vulnerable. At any moment, our fortunes could turn. Eventually, they did -- and we lost much. Too much, really.
And now we are noble and members of this Compact. The freedom we knew on the river is gone and in its place: rules, responsibilities, obligations. It is a just cause, this mantle we now wear, even if it is taking some getting used to. What remains of our people -- they are safe. They enjoy the freedom of not having to worry about fortune turning on a shifting breeze.
So we remember where we came from and honor where we are now. And with our heads held high, we follow this new current and listen to this new wind.
When the Rivenshari lived on the currents and listened to the wind, there was a certain amount of freedom in that. We went where we pleased, we did as we wished. We were responsible to no one but ourselves and no law bound us. But there were struggles too. We were exposed, vulnerable. At any moment, our fortunes could turn. Eventually, they did -- and we lost much. Too much, really.
And now we are noble and members of this Compact. The freedom we knew on the river is gone and in its place: rules, responsibilities, obligations. It is a just cause, this mantle we now wear, even if it is taking some getting used to. What remains of our people -- they are safe. They enjoy the freedom of not having to worry about fortune turning on a shifting breeze.
So we remember where we came from and honor where we are now. And with our heads held high, we follow this new current and listen to this new wind.
Written By Leta
April 7, 2018, 6:30 p.m.(7/6/1008 AR)
Maybe some day, in another turn of the wheel, you'll read this. I reckon you won't remember me, I don't think. I don't much understand how that works or what the point is in living again if we can't remember. Anyhow, I'm no hero or great scholar that anyone will care to read my journals, but maybe you'll be a Scholar and writing a history of what happened in these wars or something like it and you'll come across my journals.
I wish I wrote more about you. I wish I said more about you before all this, when the skies were blue and we were going to be old biddies together. You deserved so many more words, and better ones at that. I haven't taken up my lute in month and a half or so. I haven't taken up my sword either. I don't know what I'll do. Maybe I'll take up some craft. You liked it when I made things for you, even if they weren't very good.
I don't know what to do with your things. The house is so big and so empty. I spend a lot of time in the garden. Most of the flowers and such aren't doing too well, I'm afraid. The thistles are in bloom. I sit and stare at them and sometimes I try writing or thinking up words but they don't come so well.
If you're reading this, I'm sorry. What do you care about my garden and about my clutter? So, here it is. I'm sorry I didn't keep you alive. And if anyone says otherwise or doesn't remember, it was a monster what killed you. It was big as houses. So much bigger than you. You were so strong, but it was just too big, with so many arms. Serafine Velenosa wouldn't have died to anything but a nightmare bigger than a house, no matter what folk might say in days to come. I was so proud of how strong you were, I was so sure no beast could kill you. I wasn't even looking when it grabbed you. It was the only thing I should have been doing, and I didn't.
I think you'll forgive me. I can't, but I think you will. If you're reading this in years to come, I suppose I should write I think you will have forgiven me, or somesuch. Time is a tricky thing that way. I expect I'll be dead by then. Maybe we've already met by the time you read this, with different faces and different everythings but the same souls, if that's how it works. I like to think I'll do better the next time around.
I love you. However many years it is until you read this, if you read this, I love you. Maybe you'll remember me a little when you read this, if you read this, maybe not. I reckon I should ask a Godsworn, but maybe I'd rather not know.
I wish I wrote more about you. I wish I said more about you before all this, when the skies were blue and we were going to be old biddies together. You deserved so many more words, and better ones at that. I haven't taken up my lute in month and a half or so. I haven't taken up my sword either. I don't know what I'll do. Maybe I'll take up some craft. You liked it when I made things for you, even if they weren't very good.
I don't know what to do with your things. The house is so big and so empty. I spend a lot of time in the garden. Most of the flowers and such aren't doing too well, I'm afraid. The thistles are in bloom. I sit and stare at them and sometimes I try writing or thinking up words but they don't come so well.
If you're reading this, I'm sorry. What do you care about my garden and about my clutter? So, here it is. I'm sorry I didn't keep you alive. And if anyone says otherwise or doesn't remember, it was a monster what killed you. It was big as houses. So much bigger than you. You were so strong, but it was just too big, with so many arms. Serafine Velenosa wouldn't have died to anything but a nightmare bigger than a house, no matter what folk might say in days to come. I was so proud of how strong you were, I was so sure no beast could kill you. I wasn't even looking when it grabbed you. It was the only thing I should have been doing, and I didn't.
I think you'll forgive me. I can't, but I think you will. If you're reading this in years to come, I suppose I should write I think you will have forgiven me, or somesuch. Time is a tricky thing that way. I expect I'll be dead by then. Maybe we've already met by the time you read this, with different faces and different everythings but the same souls, if that's how it works. I like to think I'll do better the next time around.
I love you. However many years it is until you read this, if you read this, I love you. Maybe you'll remember me a little when you read this, if you read this, maybe not. I reckon I should ask a Godsworn, but maybe I'd rather not know.
Written By Bastien
April 7, 2018, 6:18 p.m.(7/6/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
Obviously you die. Perhaps you even work for things in your lives. But first, you are given. You are given wealth and luxury. You are given fine food and fine clothes. You are given the privilege of not worrying about these things.
I was not being figurative or metaphorical when I said that commoners earn something or die. I mean it quite literally. If they do not work for their food, they will starve. This is a fairly straightforward concept.
And the word you were looking for is "pithy."
I was not being figurative or metaphorical when I said that commoners earn something or die. I mean it quite literally. If they do not work for their food, they will starve. This is a fairly straightforward concept.
And the word you were looking for is "pithy."
Written By Alarissa
April 7, 2018, 6:15 p.m.(7/6/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Esoka
A situation comparable to being a knight and having to word your whites carefully would be akin to that of a house voice. One must be careful with what is said in the whites, for they are reflective of your house and your liege. Regardless that one may do so to lady down ones thoughts on this and that, for posterity and history and because some things should be written down.
Which is why a great many of my entries find themselves settled between the covers of my blacks. Lest someone take my poor ramblings about how ill fitting a dress is, to mean that my husband does not dote on me or that Thrax is money poor and the lists could go on. When I might simply be musing that I have perhaps lost a few pounds or someone has been wearing my dress and stretched it out. Simply such. But alas.
So there are many who quite well understand such things.
Which is why a great many of my entries find themselves settled between the covers of my blacks. Lest someone take my poor ramblings about how ill fitting a dress is, to mean that my husband does not dote on me or that Thrax is money poor and the lists could go on. When I might simply be musing that I have perhaps lost a few pounds or someone has been wearing my dress and stretched it out. Simply such. But alas.
So there are many who quite well understand such things.
Written By Felicia
April 7, 2018, 6:10 p.m.(7/6/1008 AR)
On being common;
Choice and worry for the future.
Much has been made of charity in the Lowers over the last handful of years, but I remember my sisters inheriting my clothing because we could not afford to buy new clothing of their own. Of scraps of wool that became blankets so that we wouldn't freeze in winter. Nights of 'soup' that only held the memory of what had been added to it three days beforehand.
It was my mother at the cocks crow, pregnant and sick, strapping on her armor anyways because we could not afford for her not to work when she should have been resting. My father's gnarled feet where he lost toes to frostbite because we could not afford to replace his boots. It was them aging before they should have of and dying before they should have of. It was helping my grandfather care for my siblings, of the weight of knowing that time is finite and before too long it would fall to me.
It was picking up a stick, as soon as I was strong enough to carry one. A stick that became a knife. And a knife that became a sword, so that in turn I could help provide for my brothers and sisters. It was choosing hardship over the easy 'lure' of crime. And the terror of wondering whether or not the Guard would accept me when I was old enough to join.
I can't tell you what it means to be noble, but to be common is to know that things are bigger than yourself, and that however insignificant your part might feel to another that it can be your whole world, and requires your unflinching dedication, because more than your own comfort rides on your success or failure.
Choice and worry for the future.
Much has been made of charity in the Lowers over the last handful of years, but I remember my sisters inheriting my clothing because we could not afford to buy new clothing of their own. Of scraps of wool that became blankets so that we wouldn't freeze in winter. Nights of 'soup' that only held the memory of what had been added to it three days beforehand.
It was my mother at the cocks crow, pregnant and sick, strapping on her armor anyways because we could not afford for her not to work when she should have been resting. My father's gnarled feet where he lost toes to frostbite because we could not afford to replace his boots. It was them aging before they should have of and dying before they should have of. It was helping my grandfather care for my siblings, of the weight of knowing that time is finite and before too long it would fall to me.
It was picking up a stick, as soon as I was strong enough to carry one. A stick that became a knife. And a knife that became a sword, so that in turn I could help provide for my brothers and sisters. It was choosing hardship over the easy 'lure' of crime. And the terror of wondering whether or not the Guard would accept me when I was old enough to join.
I can't tell you what it means to be noble, but to be common is to know that things are bigger than yourself, and that however insignificant your part might feel to another that it can be your whole world, and requires your unflinching dedication, because more than your own comfort rides on your success or failure.
Written By Reigna
April 7, 2018, 5:27 p.m.(7/6/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Bastien
Do you not think that is an all too simplistic answer? That nobles do not earn anything or die?
I am not trying to be nettling, I am trying to understand your perspective.
I am not trying to be nettling, I am trying to understand your perspective.
Written By Reigna
April 7, 2018, 5:26 p.m.(7/6/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Esoka
I think I understand the words you write. You feel as though you must always be on guard, lest what you have earned is taken from you by those you might anger with your opinion? You feel muzzled and not free to speak your truth for fear that the consequences will take what you have earned?
You are correct, I do not know, which is why I asked. I suppose it was ignorant of me not to consider that answering that question might cause problems. You have my apologies for that, Dame Esoka. And my gratitude for the answer you gave.
You are correct, I do not know, which is why I asked. I suppose it was ignorant of me not to consider that answering that question might cause problems. You have my apologies for that, Dame Esoka. And my gratitude for the answer you gave.
Written By Tikva
April 7, 2018, 5:01 p.m.(7/6/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Calarian
Calarian Grayson has given this house decades of service, intelligence, honor and reserved personal strength. I have seen him put his personal feelings behind the good of the realm in even the most taxing and strenuous of circumstances.
House Wyrmguard seeks our best. I wish the couple the best of luck, that they may suit.
House Wyrmguard seeks our best. I wish the couple the best of luck, that they may suit.
Written By Fianna
April 7, 2018, 4:47 p.m.(7/6/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ann
Coincidentally... the spirit also says that your lucky numbers are 24, 7, and 53!
Written By Ann
April 7, 2018, 3:53 p.m.(7/5/1008 AR)
I should publicly announce in some capacity the results of the damage assessment as it would probably interest many:
At first glance, most would think Stormwall was effectively entirely destroyed, with almost all of the surrounding infrastructure of the duchy essentially rendered useless and needing to be completely rebuilt. The ships the Gyre used are disturbing, since -none- of them should have been seaworthy or capable of staying afloat, making them effectively impossible to repair and put into service (it would be far cheaper to do fresh builds), with minimal use in salvage.
On the subject of Abyssal taint, there's no sign of it in Stormwall itself, but there's a different story near the pass where Lady Eirlys fell from the attacker that everyone present could easily call a demon, and most of the rest of the Compact dismisses the notion out of hand. It's a strange counterpoint of grounds. Where Lady Eirlys herself died is bright and verdant, with remarkable growth, a bright field of flowers that shouldn't even be found this far north. But some of the area where the creature strode over has turned into a noxious tar pit that only recently appeared, boiling and choking out all growth nearby. Animals avoid it, though there's rumors among the refugees that some people have gone missing at night when they were near the pass.
Evil tar pits aside, the party surveying efforts are incredibly successful when it comes to time to trying to piece together every not-entirely-totally-destroyed fragment of infrastructure they can build on, and are able to cut potential rebuilding costs to a tremendous degree.
((Cost of rebuilding a duchy would be 50,000 economic resources. Success of 426 along with resources and AP dedicated factors into a 27349.2 cost reduction, for a current bill of 22650 projected economic cost of rebuilding. Which can be done incrementally.))
----
It seems the Gods and Spirits have not forgotten Eirlys and in their own way have shown their thanks for her sacrifice.
This place is to remain sacred and Holy, and spared, preserved for future generations. We will mark this place with something to honor her with - if there is an artisan out there who feels especially inclined to donate a sculpture of her at this time, we will gladly have it placed here, along with her story so she shall be remembered for future generations to come.
----
Asger has made a Proclamation decreeing that the tar pits are condemned. Do not go near them - especially at night.
----
Crovane is also currently also seeking donations of economic writs or support trade - every little bit counts. We stand, right now, on 7,000 economic writs which leaves us in a deficit of 15,650. We urge our family and vassals to work toward reaching out to make trade pacts with us or for us during this time so that we do not burden our lieges.
----
Furthermore, many charity events will be held in the coming weeks to help generate the writs needed to see Stormwall whole again. It's our dream to have it done before winter sets in and we may be forced to halt productivity.
As the spirit said to me - to Asger - to Khanne, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step". We start our first step now.
Thank you, everyone, that has contributed thus far. We look forward to cultivating new and lasting relationships in the face of adversity.
At first glance, most would think Stormwall was effectively entirely destroyed, with almost all of the surrounding infrastructure of the duchy essentially rendered useless and needing to be completely rebuilt. The ships the Gyre used are disturbing, since -none- of them should have been seaworthy or capable of staying afloat, making them effectively impossible to repair and put into service (it would be far cheaper to do fresh builds), with minimal use in salvage.
On the subject of Abyssal taint, there's no sign of it in Stormwall itself, but there's a different story near the pass where Lady Eirlys fell from the attacker that everyone present could easily call a demon, and most of the rest of the Compact dismisses the notion out of hand. It's a strange counterpoint of grounds. Where Lady Eirlys herself died is bright and verdant, with remarkable growth, a bright field of flowers that shouldn't even be found this far north. But some of the area where the creature strode over has turned into a noxious tar pit that only recently appeared, boiling and choking out all growth nearby. Animals avoid it, though there's rumors among the refugees that some people have gone missing at night when they were near the pass.
Evil tar pits aside, the party surveying efforts are incredibly successful when it comes to time to trying to piece together every not-entirely-totally-destroyed fragment of infrastructure they can build on, and are able to cut potential rebuilding costs to a tremendous degree.
((Cost of rebuilding a duchy would be 50,000 economic resources. Success of 426 along with resources and AP dedicated factors into a 27349.2 cost reduction, for a current bill of 22650 projected economic cost of rebuilding. Which can be done incrementally.))
----
It seems the Gods and Spirits have not forgotten Eirlys and in their own way have shown their thanks for her sacrifice.
This place is to remain sacred and Holy, and spared, preserved for future generations. We will mark this place with something to honor her with - if there is an artisan out there who feels especially inclined to donate a sculpture of her at this time, we will gladly have it placed here, along with her story so she shall be remembered for future generations to come.
----
Asger has made a Proclamation decreeing that the tar pits are condemned. Do not go near them - especially at night.
----
Crovane is also currently also seeking donations of economic writs or support trade - every little bit counts. We stand, right now, on 7,000 economic writs which leaves us in a deficit of 15,650. We urge our family and vassals to work toward reaching out to make trade pacts with us or for us during this time so that we do not burden our lieges.
----
Furthermore, many charity events will be held in the coming weeks to help generate the writs needed to see Stormwall whole again. It's our dream to have it done before winter sets in and we may be forced to halt productivity.
As the spirit said to me - to Asger - to Khanne, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step". We start our first step now.
Thank you, everyone, that has contributed thus far. We look forward to cultivating new and lasting relationships in the face of adversity.
Written By Itzal
April 7, 2018, 3:47 p.m.(7/5/1008 AR)
What it means to be a noble: Your odds of marrying a beautiful princess are significantly higher than if you were a commoner.
What it means to be a commoner: Your odds of marrying a beautiful princess are significantly lower than if you were a noble.
What it means to be in Arx: Your odds of meeting a beautiful princess is significantly higher than if you were anywhere else.
I've answered the question! No need to dwell any further on it Arx, nothing more needs to be said. Thank you and good day.
What it means to be a commoner: Your odds of marrying a beautiful princess are significantly lower than if you were a noble.
What it means to be in Arx: Your odds of meeting a beautiful princess is significantly higher than if you were anywhere else.
I've answered the question! No need to dwell any further on it Arx, nothing more needs to be said. Thank you and good day.
Written By Cassius
April 7, 2018, 3:35 p.m.(7/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Esoka
A fair point. A commoner made a knight straddles a little bit of both worlds, and thus, if anything, your opinion is one I would love to hear more of on the subject.
Written By Esoka
April 7, 2018, 3:19 p.m.(7/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
Being a common knight means I must word my white reflection on this matter very carefully, lest it reflect poorly on my reputation, cause a risk to my position, and bring dishonor upon my lieges.
Being noble means you probably did not consider this when you asked this question. By which I mean no insult, I just think it true. I do think it's a valuable one, for all that, which is why I've spent ink on it.
Being noble means you probably did not consider this when you asked this question. By which I mean no insult, I just think it true. I do think it's a valuable one, for all that, which is why I've spent ink on it.
Written By Theron
April 7, 2018, 2:47 p.m.(7/5/1008 AR)
I do not presume to speak for all nobles, just as it would be an even greater presumption to state, on behalf of commoners, what being common is like.
As I've told my cousin: all of us must carry our own weight in the world, lest we are someone else's burden.
As I've told my cousin: all of us must carry our own weight in the world, lest we are someone else's burden.
Written By Barric
April 7, 2018, 2:41 p.m.(7/5/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Calarian
Congratulations cousin!
I wish you all the best when you eventually become a Wyrmguard, but we'll have to keep in touch!
I wish you all the best when you eventually become a Wyrmguard, but we'll have to keep in touch!
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.