Written By Eirene
March 20, 2018, 11:02 a.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
Forwarded from Southport to the Archives
Word is that this bitch won't be trying to sack Southport now. So we came all the way down here for... what. Nothing? To watch my husband of a week get ripped to shreds by 'pretend' ghosts?
Fuck visions. Fuck everything. I feel nothing but hate right now.
I wish I was at Setarco where I could kill something unnatural. I haven't found a way to kill these things, yet, but I will. I swear it.
Word is that this bitch won't be trying to sack Southport now. So we came all the way down here for... what. Nothing? To watch my husband of a week get ripped to shreds by 'pretend' ghosts?
Fuck visions. Fuck everything. I feel nothing but hate right now.
I wish I was at Setarco where I could kill something unnatural. I haven't found a way to kill these things, yet, but I will. I swear it.
Written By Kaede
March 20, 2018, 10:43 a.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
Forwarded from Setarco.
This whole journal thing is still new, but I can't say I hate it. Recording my thoughts, and some folk will actually read them? That's fun.
So here it goes: Setarco has treated me well. Or, more so, the Lycene nobility has treated me well. From princesses to low born lords, almost everyone has been in a perpetual good mood. I've also been informed marrying Prodigals is in fashion. How bigly do I need to win this battle to become Princess Kaede?
Hah. As if I could live in this fucking heat.
I'm also hearing about writing wills. Figure I could do that, sure.
The things I own are: My armor, my dagger, my sword. They are all currently on me. If I die at sea, they're probably going to go with me. If they're not, then return it all to my tribe, House Ravenseye.
I also have my constant companion, Whiskey Jack. He's a gray jay, trained to deliver messages. If I die, I'm hoping he has the good sense to fly away and come back eventually. If he decides to stay among humans, then I want to make sure he's guided to Eilonwy. He can help her, and I know she'll take good care of him.
These will things are easy to write up when you don't own shit.
~Captain Kaede Starfinder, Acting Admiral of the Fleet of Redrain
This whole journal thing is still new, but I can't say I hate it. Recording my thoughts, and some folk will actually read them? That's fun.
So here it goes: Setarco has treated me well. Or, more so, the Lycene nobility has treated me well. From princesses to low born lords, almost everyone has been in a perpetual good mood. I've also been informed marrying Prodigals is in fashion. How bigly do I need to win this battle to become Princess Kaede?
Hah. As if I could live in this fucking heat.
I'm also hearing about writing wills. Figure I could do that, sure.
The things I own are: My armor, my dagger, my sword. They are all currently on me. If I die at sea, they're probably going to go with me. If they're not, then return it all to my tribe, House Ravenseye.
I also have my constant companion, Whiskey Jack. He's a gray jay, trained to deliver messages. If I die, I'm hoping he has the good sense to fly away and come back eventually. If he decides to stay among humans, then I want to make sure he's guided to Eilonwy. He can help her, and I know she'll take good care of him.
These will things are easy to write up when you don't own shit.
~Captain Kaede Starfinder, Acting Admiral of the Fleet of Redrain
Written By Norwood
March 20, 2018, 9:23 a.m.(5/23/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Adalyn
Since arriving with Duke Cristoph at Setarco I've heard word that my daughter Adalyn lives.
I'll take this thought to bolster me up as we prepare for the battles soon.
I'll take this thought to bolster me up as we prepare for the battles soon.
Written By Fairen
March 20, 2018, 6:17 a.m.(5/22/1008 AR)
Are we really going to provide our valiant defenders with offensive and aggressive questioning before they have even had a chance to return home from war? The Compact is in danger and yet here we have a handful of 'brilliant minds' questioning every move they have made, and are currently making. If your love of the enemy is so great, raise your banner for them instead so we may know your name and cut you down just the same. Proper record of historical events is highly significant to me, but it is a courtesy to provide our heroes, the Defenders of the Compact, at least enough time to conclude the battle, so their wounds may be mended. So their hearts, for watching those who bleed and die around them, has time to recover.
Written By Preston
March 20, 2018, 6:12 a.m.(5/22/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
In times past, when the future Grandmaster of the Knights of Solace and the Knight Marshall of the Templars stood and said 'This man fought with honour' it would have been the end of such a matter. I wonder at the change in society that now means this is not the case, but more that people argue with the future Grandmaster on the point like she is some opining milk sop who has not ever lifted a sword or commanded people in battle. Brother Driskell would, I am sure, say this is a great celebration of Tehom as the questioner. I cannot say I care for it.
I tease and taunt my dear Little Sister as much as any, because she is a great warrior and a fine commander, and it would be easy without obstinant asses like myself for her to lose her humility and be thus distanced from the Gods for thinking herself closer to them. What I do not do is question her judgement, as a Sworn Knight and as a leader of the Faith, quite so directly. Her judgement has been better than most, and her companionship within the Faith drives each of us to be better. Which is not to say after contemplation I always agree with her, or reach the same conclusions, but she forces us to think and in so doing be more sure of our actions or to reconsider those we cannot justify, and so do better.
I tease and taunt my dear Little Sister as much as any, because she is a great warrior and a fine commander, and it would be easy without obstinant asses like myself for her to lose her humility and be thus distanced from the Gods for thinking herself closer to them. What I do not do is question her judgement, as a Sworn Knight and as a leader of the Faith, quite so directly. Her judgement has been better than most, and her companionship within the Faith drives each of us to be better. Which is not to say after contemplation I always agree with her, or reach the same conclusions, but she forces us to think and in so doing be more sure of our actions or to reconsider those we cannot justify, and so do better.
Written By Preston
March 20, 2018, 6:06 a.m.(5/22/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Harlan
While I understand what caused the sentiment, can I ask you my lord, did you make your sword? Your shield? Did you forge your own armour? Raise your own horse? Train him? Did you bard him yourself? Shoe him? Did you tend to him on the cold nights? Did you grow the food to feed him and you? Did you prepare that food? Did you birth yourself? Did you tend to yourself when you were injured or sick? Did you train yourself?
To not be at the battle is no shame, and of itself says nothing about the honour of the individual. Many men who have strode into battle have then sullied Gloria by their dishonour as well. Each of us have roles to play in life, for some it calls us to battle, for others it takes us in different directions. My own Grandmaster was not at the battle, he stayed with our troops left to guard Arx from possible attack by second attacks or diverted defeated forces. Would you say he has no honour, my lord? Because I suspect you would need to fight a good many thousand honour duels from my Brothers and Sisters to satisfy such a claim, and that seems like a fine waste of time for all.
In anger to protect those we feel comradship with, we can often make errors. But we should be careful when we are great lords, for our words have an impact far beyond the simple words of men like myself.
To not be at the battle is no shame, and of itself says nothing about the honour of the individual. Many men who have strode into battle have then sullied Gloria by their dishonour as well. Each of us have roles to play in life, for some it calls us to battle, for others it takes us in different directions. My own Grandmaster was not at the battle, he stayed with our troops left to guard Arx from possible attack by second attacks or diverted defeated forces. Would you say he has no honour, my lord? Because I suspect you would need to fight a good many thousand honour duels from my Brothers and Sisters to satisfy such a claim, and that seems like a fine waste of time for all.
In anger to protect those we feel comradship with, we can often make errors. But we should be careful when we are great lords, for our words have an impact far beyond the simple words of men like myself.
Written By Jacque
March 20, 2018, 3:03 a.m.(5/22/1008 AR)
And just like that, I've learned quite a few important lessons about strategy. Back to studying, and then drinking.
Written By Harlan
March 20, 2018, 1:55 a.m.(5/22/1008 AR)
I read the Whites -- who doesn't? I need to recover from the battle, as do many others. It gives me something to do.
For those people who are complaining about the leadership at Stormwall, or actions taken there, I have this to say:
If you were there, or you were at Setarco, and you fought, and have questions -- ask your commander, and do it privately.
If you weren't there? If you were anywhere else, in Arx or elsewhere, and were not shedding blood upon the battlefield? Feel free to find a rusty spear and stick it straight up your ass. You have -no- honor.
For those people who are complaining about the leadership at Stormwall, or actions taken there, I have this to say:
If you were there, or you were at Setarco, and you fought, and have questions -- ask your commander, and do it privately.
If you weren't there? If you were anywhere else, in Arx or elsewhere, and were not shedding blood upon the battlefield? Feel free to find a rusty spear and stick it straight up your ass. You have -no- honor.
Written By Serafine
March 20, 2018, 1:23 a.m.(5/22/1008 AR)
(Also written on a heavily stained note delivered from Setarco, in fact on the other side of Leta Broadbent's and copied for posterity. With notes.)
Nothing says true love like holding your beloved's hands as they pee over the battlements while dressed in plate, in the middle of a war.
Nothing says true love like holding your beloved's hands as they pee over the battlements while dressed in plate, in the middle of a war.
Written By Leta
March 20, 2018, 1:09 a.m.(5/22/1008 AR)
(Written on a heavily stained note delivered from Setarco.)
She sits and braids her long dark hair,
Among the flowers in the garden,
And I know the world's worth saving,
So she can lay her head right there,
Among the flowers in the garden,
And dream of skies so blue and bright,
And lands near perfect, but not quite,
For the want of her dark hair,
Among the flowers in the garden.
She sits and braids her long dark hair,
Among the flowers in the garden,
And I know the world's worth saving,
So she can lay her head right there,
Among the flowers in the garden,
And dream of skies so blue and bright,
And lands near perfect, but not quite,
For the want of her dark hair,
Among the flowers in the garden.
Written By Cadenza
March 20, 2018, 12:14 a.m.(5/22/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Saoirse
You're welcome. May that armor keep you safe.
A 'cape dress' won't stop a spear or sword, cousin...
A 'cape dress' won't stop a spear or sword, cousin...
Written By Ainsley
March 19, 2018, 8:43 p.m.(5/22/1008 AR)
No man nor woman is irreplaceable save to their loved ones. My heart is heavy for Lady Eirlys' family and betrothed. My heart is like a stone for Grandmaster Armel and all those who cared for him. My heart is broken for all of the lives lost at Stormwall and all the families that are now missing a piece, that to them, is irreplaceable.
Written By Talen
March 19, 2018, 6:17 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Niccolo
Today we see what I've learnt from your lessons, father.
Today we see what I've ignored in effort to do better, too.
Today we see what I've ignored in effort to do better, too.
Written By Serafine
March 19, 2018, 6:08 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
In five days it will have been three years.
I thought my story was finished. I'm surprised it is not. What a wonder! Think I can find a bit of blank skin to mark down the occasion?
Calipers. This will require calipers.
Scholar? Where can I find-
I thought my story was finished. I'm surprised it is not. What a wonder! Think I can find a bit of blank skin to mark down the occasion?
Calipers. This will require calipers.
Scholar? Where can I find-
Written By Kaldur
March 19, 2018, 5:55 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
The battle at Setarco has passed. The Compact's Navy met turned the Gyre's forces.
My dear sister and Commander is alive, though wounded. I doubt I would have survived the day had she fallen. And so many did not live to see the next gray and smoke-smudged dawn. They call it a victory. This victory tastes of ash and blood.
The Seliki fleet, vanguard of our forces, is destroyed all save the Golden Pearl.
Rumors of visions are on the lips of people, ensconced in the sacred archives. A larger force. Coming. Soon. The Gyre's response to a taunt cast in his teeth. As if the Gyre were waiting for a taunt to bring his forces to bear. As if the Gyre has friends.
It is easy for me to say - young, unproven, unwed, from a humble House - that we have much more to gain remembering that we do have friends. That we have bonds stronger than fear.
-----
I stood at the sea wall this morning and watched the waves crash. Gulls squawked and squabbled over a body washed up upon the rocks. A man. I couldn't make his House or allegiance so I climbed down to see, hoping to recognize something so that his family could know what befell him at Setarco.
Crab-chewed and gull-pecked, he was the enemy. Gaunt and starved. Stubbled. This man chose to sail under Gyre's banner. Skald's greatest gift to us is free will... What did this man look upon in his life that this was what he chose? We are taught that there is always a choice. Brothers and sisters, I pray we never face a choice is no choice at all. A choice like this man faced.
I stood, watching scavengers scuttle over the man's body and wondered. Were there any waiting for his return? Any sons or daughters hoping for their father's silhouette in the doorframe? A mother looking up from her labors, heart in her throat, at the sound of footfalls upon the path.
Us? We will carry word of the fallen to their loved ones. Bitter words, full of sadness. They will be mourned. And we will rebuild. Together. Who will mourn this man? There are none to carry the words home. I do not know his name. I cannot -- should not -- describe his face.
I stooped to say words over him. I cannot let him be buried next to my people, who he stood against, but I won't let his spirit linger without a prayer to guide him on. Crossing hands over his chest, I noted a strange scar on the back of his hand. Callused. Likely a sailor. The scar is strange and livid against his skin. Shaped like a hook. Should any read this who knew this man... he will not come home to you. The Gyre sent him to his death. And now I send him to his reward, with a prayer that he may find the peace he did not have in life.
This does not feel like victory.
My dear sister and Commander is alive, though wounded. I doubt I would have survived the day had she fallen. And so many did not live to see the next gray and smoke-smudged dawn. They call it a victory. This victory tastes of ash and blood.
The Seliki fleet, vanguard of our forces, is destroyed all save the Golden Pearl.
Rumors of visions are on the lips of people, ensconced in the sacred archives. A larger force. Coming. Soon. The Gyre's response to a taunt cast in his teeth. As if the Gyre were waiting for a taunt to bring his forces to bear. As if the Gyre has friends.
It is easy for me to say - young, unproven, unwed, from a humble House - that we have much more to gain remembering that we do have friends. That we have bonds stronger than fear.
-----
I stood at the sea wall this morning and watched the waves crash. Gulls squawked and squabbled over a body washed up upon the rocks. A man. I couldn't make his House or allegiance so I climbed down to see, hoping to recognize something so that his family could know what befell him at Setarco.
Crab-chewed and gull-pecked, he was the enemy. Gaunt and starved. Stubbled. This man chose to sail under Gyre's banner. Skald's greatest gift to us is free will... What did this man look upon in his life that this was what he chose? We are taught that there is always a choice. Brothers and sisters, I pray we never face a choice is no choice at all. A choice like this man faced.
I stood, watching scavengers scuttle over the man's body and wondered. Were there any waiting for his return? Any sons or daughters hoping for their father's silhouette in the doorframe? A mother looking up from her labors, heart in her throat, at the sound of footfalls upon the path.
Us? We will carry word of the fallen to their loved ones. Bitter words, full of sadness. They will be mourned. And we will rebuild. Together. Who will mourn this man? There are none to carry the words home. I do not know his name. I cannot -- should not -- describe his face.
I stooped to say words over him. I cannot let him be buried next to my people, who he stood against, but I won't let his spirit linger without a prayer to guide him on. Crossing hands over his chest, I noted a strange scar on the back of his hand. Callused. Likely a sailor. The scar is strange and livid against his skin. Shaped like a hook. Should any read this who knew this man... he will not come home to you. The Gyre sent him to his death. And now I send him to his reward, with a prayer that he may find the peace he did not have in life.
This does not feel like victory.
Written By Orathy
March 19, 2018, 5:41 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Duarte
Mustache, did I be saying I be cooking?? I be making. Chop chop. Eat that squid raw!
Written By Reigna
March 19, 2018, 5:25 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeffeth
I too was struck still at the sight of that creature, Sir Jeffeth. All thought fled from me when I saw it, tall and winged and horrifying, holding the leashes of those... things. Hunger made flesh. I stopped and I screamed. I could not do anything else. And for that, I am ashamed. I stood there like a child faced with a nightmare army and like I child I cried out in terror.
But you fought, Sir Jeffeth. You gathered yourself and you fought. As I did. When I found a previous patient disoriented and crawling towards the enemy, I pulled him away from the fight. When he was too heavy, I called for help and together we dragged Marquis Stonewood back to the other patients.
I failed again when I tried to help Countess Mia Riven get free of the creatures that were trying to pull her into the nest of them. Her guards were hacking away and I reached in and tried to grasp her hand, but the creatures snapped at my arms. And in the most horrifying way I failed her. When I felt the teeth scraping my armor I screamed for help and I ran. I was a coward and it haunts me. I know she made it out. I sent her a letter in apology... but I failed. And that haunts me.
We all make mistakes. We all falter. I pray my thanks for those of us that are braver and more capable than I. I have thought and thought and thought about my failures. What I did wrong. The courage that I lack. How to change. How to be better.
That's all any of us can do. Try to be better.
But you fought, Sir Jeffeth. You gathered yourself and you fought. As I did. When I found a previous patient disoriented and crawling towards the enemy, I pulled him away from the fight. When he was too heavy, I called for help and together we dragged Marquis Stonewood back to the other patients.
I failed again when I tried to help Countess Mia Riven get free of the creatures that were trying to pull her into the nest of them. Her guards were hacking away and I reached in and tried to grasp her hand, but the creatures snapped at my arms. And in the most horrifying way I failed her. When I felt the teeth scraping my armor I screamed for help and I ran. I was a coward and it haunts me. I know she made it out. I sent her a letter in apology... but I failed. And that haunts me.
We all make mistakes. We all falter. I pray my thanks for those of us that are braver and more capable than I. I have thought and thought and thought about my failures. What I did wrong. The courage that I lack. How to change. How to be better.
That's all any of us can do. Try to be better.
Written By Terese
March 19, 2018, 5:24 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
Today was my first day meeting legate Orazio, the Heart of Solace and Shield of the Faith. From Sanctum, I’ve met the seraph of the White City and learned about the faith of course in proper orthodox teachings, but I’m Valardin and perhaps my family lineage gave me an opportunity to learn from the seraph that others don’t have access to. Needless to say, actually being able to meet one of the highest persons in the church?
As a templar? It was riveting and an honor to actually be in the presence of such a force in the church and to speak with him regarding possible future opportunities. As a templar, I am the sword and shield of the church and this man commands us. He knew what I did in Stormwall, I think my heart jumped up for joy. As a member of the church? I confess I was simply awe-struck that the opportunity to actually speak with such a high placed leader was given to me, and I think I’ll treasure that moment for a very long time. He has a calmness that I wish I had, but I know that I don’t right now. Maybe I can learn it after one day beating sir Jeffeth. Legate Orazio actually listened to a member of the church, weighed his great opinion on it and I know things will be better in the future through perseverance.
I feel happy knowing that there are leaders in the church that desire to see it protected and nurtured. I don’t have many answers, I’m simply a knight, but I’ll keep his words in the back of my mind when I fight.
As a templar? It was riveting and an honor to actually be in the presence of such a force in the church and to speak with him regarding possible future opportunities. As a templar, I am the sword and shield of the church and this man commands us. He knew what I did in Stormwall, I think my heart jumped up for joy. As a member of the church? I confess I was simply awe-struck that the opportunity to actually speak with such a high placed leader was given to me, and I think I’ll treasure that moment for a very long time. He has a calmness that I wish I had, but I know that I don’t right now. Maybe I can learn it after one day beating sir Jeffeth. Legate Orazio actually listened to a member of the church, weighed his great opinion on it and I know things will be better in the future through perseverance.
I feel happy knowing that there are leaders in the church that desire to see it protected and nurtured. I don’t have many answers, I’m simply a knight, but I’ll keep his words in the back of my mind when I fight.
Written By Duarte
March 19, 2018, 5:20 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Orathy
Lies.
He doesn't know how to cook squid.
Or anything.
He doesn't know how to cook squid.
Or anything.
Written By Jeffeth
March 19, 2018, 5:14 p.m.(5/21/1008 AR)
I've been reading the whites today slowly to make sure I understand them. I believe I understand the issue to be that Prince Ainsley may have made a mistake when he joined us protecting the healers rather than at command. Now I'm not qualified at all to make that sort of judgement, whether or not it was a mistake and I hope no one reading this thinks I'm trying to call it one way, or another.
If it was a mistake then I hope he answers to that and we treat him with the kindness and graciousness Gild would.
If it wasn't a mistake I hope we see that, that he made the right decision.
Now I'm not nearly as high profile as Prince Ainsley of course, but I would like to apologize for my own mistakes made during battle. When the creatures appeared before us, I definitely froze. I was scared, and I stopped moving. I pray that no one got hurt because of my hesitation. I joined the fight and fought as hard as I could, to the last, but I did screw up, I hesitated when I shouldn't have. Some people will say that this is understandable and some will be upset with me, I accept both.
I apologize to those who I serve under for my faltering under duty, and I will do my best not to let it happen again. I ask the people of the Compact for their forgiveness. Though I understand if I do not get it from all.
It can be easy to get an opinion on someone who's public and high profile and whether or not they did something wrong. And I'm not trying to say we shouldn't have that discussion. We should.
But I hope first we can look at ourselves and be honest about it. Other mistakes were made at the Battle of Stormwall, I say that without judgement, in a battle we try our hardest to make the least mistakes and let those ones not be lethal to our own. So to any of my comrades at Stormwall, know that I forgive you as I hope you forgive me.
If it was a mistake then I hope he answers to that and we treat him with the kindness and graciousness Gild would.
If it wasn't a mistake I hope we see that, that he made the right decision.
Now I'm not nearly as high profile as Prince Ainsley of course, but I would like to apologize for my own mistakes made during battle. When the creatures appeared before us, I definitely froze. I was scared, and I stopped moving. I pray that no one got hurt because of my hesitation. I joined the fight and fought as hard as I could, to the last, but I did screw up, I hesitated when I shouldn't have. Some people will say that this is understandable and some will be upset with me, I accept both.
I apologize to those who I serve under for my faltering under duty, and I will do my best not to let it happen again. I ask the people of the Compact for their forgiveness. Though I understand if I do not get it from all.
It can be easy to get an opinion on someone who's public and high profile and whether or not they did something wrong. And I'm not trying to say we shouldn't have that discussion. We should.
But I hope first we can look at ourselves and be honest about it. Other mistakes were made at the Battle of Stormwall, I say that without judgement, in a battle we try our hardest to make the least mistakes and let those ones not be lethal to our own. So to any of my comrades at Stormwall, know that I forgive you as I hope you forgive me.
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