Written By Joscelin
March 9, 2018, 5:06 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
The ingot of gold melts in the crucible, cherry red and radiating heat so fierce, the air that hugs it trembles.
The trick is keeping the metal open to the flame, to keep it close, to hug the heat in with rocks that are perfect for reflecting it back into that puddle of molten metal. The flame must embrace the metal, the metal must stay open, so you bathe the stream as you pour it into the mold, the fire blazes and the metal pours through it. The gold stays liquid, flows free and into every finely carved detail, every edge and corner that was painstakingly worked on.
If you pull the heat back too soon, if you run out of fuel when you need it most, if you use too much gold and the flame isn't big enough, if you close the metal off from the affections of the torch, it will not flow. It will leave you with a half-filled mold, the plaster ruined, the original model destroyed and lost to the forge, all that work, all that time, all of it for nothing.
An apprentice must make these mistakes, they must learn and practice until such things never happen again. Maybe this requires more control, more attention, a singular devotion to this one detail for as long as it takes. Bathe the metal in flame. Pour it through, cradle the heat close, keep the molten gold open to it. Be bold. Don't give up.
But enough failure convinces you that the tools and the method are not the problem.
Perhaps it's just you.
The trick is keeping the metal open to the flame, to keep it close, to hug the heat in with rocks that are perfect for reflecting it back into that puddle of molten metal. The flame must embrace the metal, the metal must stay open, so you bathe the stream as you pour it into the mold, the fire blazes and the metal pours through it. The gold stays liquid, flows free and into every finely carved detail, every edge and corner that was painstakingly worked on.
If you pull the heat back too soon, if you run out of fuel when you need it most, if you use too much gold and the flame isn't big enough, if you close the metal off from the affections of the torch, it will not flow. It will leave you with a half-filled mold, the plaster ruined, the original model destroyed and lost to the forge, all that work, all that time, all of it for nothing.
An apprentice must make these mistakes, they must learn and practice until such things never happen again. Maybe this requires more control, more attention, a singular devotion to this one detail for as long as it takes. Bathe the metal in flame. Pour it through, cradle the heat close, keep the molten gold open to it. Be bold. Don't give up.
But enough failure convinces you that the tools and the method are not the problem.
Perhaps it's just you.
Written By Marian
March 9, 2018, 5:05 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
Strong marriages do not happen by luck or accident. They are the result of time, thoughtfulness, forgiveness, affection, mutual respect and partnership.
I look forward to watching you build a family with Lord Percephon. Watch as my own children play along side your own. I have no doubts to the strength of this union. Both of you are people that I admire as individuals. As a unit you will be an unstoppable force.
I look forward to watching you build a family with Lord Percephon. Watch as my own children play along side your own. I have no doubts to the strength of this union. Both of you are people that I admire as individuals. As a unit you will be an unstoppable force.
Written By Perrach
March 9, 2018, 4:43 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
I've served House Thrax for many years and will continue do so. I've been granted the opportunity to act as commander of a troop of infantry. Bet those sorry asses won't be ready for what I got planned.
Written By Elgana
March 9, 2018, 4:41 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Isabetta
You. You are my best friend. It has been deemed so.
I delight in the things we shall do!
Others may yet not.
I delight in the things we shall do!
Others may yet not.
Written By Mirari
March 9, 2018, 4:34 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
I don't even like Duchess Pravus very much, but I think she made a good decision taking in those children. Do I think they should have been enobled? Probably not. Not because I think it's a huge deal, that's for you nobles to figure out. From the outside , looking in, those poor children's lives are going to change completely. New rules, certain atitudes, restrictions. I don't remember much of my childhood , but I wish someone had taken me in, my life would have been completely different.
Written By Joscelin
March 9, 2018, 4:28 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
An artisan wakes from a dream.
The dream brings with it inspiration for a thousand different creations. It's rushed, it pours through her like rain, through her mind, soul, heart, through to hands that rush to put them all down on paper by drawing or writing or both. It's a mad scramble to get it all out before it might be forgotten, the fickle morning state of the mind predictable only in it's inability to be predictable.
A tiny portion of those ideas make it to fruition. A half dozen to a hundred beautiful, usable concepts.
In the aftermath of their creation, the works are made, sitting on the table or a bench of a desk or a floor, and for a small moment, a heartbeat in the life of a butterfly, the artisan feels awe, pride, joy that they have created something that isn't just worthy in their eyes, but -makes them feel worthy- of the inspiration that gave it life.
A moment later, the joy is gone, the artisan's self-worth drawn closed, the piece a disappointment.
It would never match the untouched, pristine idea born of Jayus, it will never meet those impossible standards that -we- impose on ourselves and our work; Jayus asks us to Make, the purest form of our abilities, to follow the inspiration and let it birth through us.
But the vision we saw never matches the thing we've made; what we've made never meets what we wanted, what we think Jayus wants of us, what -we- wanted to make it to be. Many of us think us then unworthy; perhaps that's why it failed. Perhaps that's why it will always, always be a disappointment to us.
The item is placed for sale, often because the more practical people in our lives, our friends and assistants and companions, tell us we're being ridiculous and save it from the trash heap. A ridiculous price is put on said item; we scoff. "No one is going to fall for that."
The item is bought. Taken. Praised; the new owner is in love, the artisan now has a customer for life.
A few days past. Indulgences are given, the artisan sleeps for a few days, drinks every night, maybe disappears from their studio. Not always the case, but it is for many, myself included. I will work for days on end, forget to eat, forget to sleep, and when I make The Thing I wanted to, after those first blissful heartbeats, I deem it a failure, catch up on sleep and sustenance, and a week later, I'm ready to go back to work.
Often, these are commissions. Some artists work on pure inspiration, and to them, I consider them to be the purest form of Crafter; no commissions, the only instructions they receive in guidance are from the Gods. As the Crafters Guild stems from a branch of the Faith, or so it is rumored, then Crafters were originally Disciples of Jayus, to create such honors Him. We create, we Honor Him, work from Him.
Customers purchase what we create, they honor Him.
Time passes. The cycle begins anew. A thousand ideas from one dream, six make it to the pages of our sketchbooks and design tables and journals, half of those are birthed into reality. We see the joy in its beauty, the joy it can bring to others. Seconds later, we hate it, hate ourselves, our mortal hands that are so limited, so restricted by human flesh and aging bones. Those that love us rescue what we've created, show it to the world. Money comes in. We repair our bodies. We rest. We start again.
Not every artisan is like this, not every Crafter, not everyone who creates, but it is the case for many. It is the case for me. Everything I make is a labor of love, to someone, to an idea, to a dream, to Jayus, and when it's done, when it's put out in my shop to be purchased as the individual creation that it is, I didn't put it there. It was rescued before it hit the rubbish pile. I am humbled, always, as they never seem to linger in my store for more than a day. I suspect I'm simply tricking the lot of you. Half the time, expressions of joy in my work are met with my disbelief. I simply hide it well.
That being said? Every one of my Crafters, every Artisan I have ever met, puts everything they are into everything they make. While I struggle with my own self-worth in the things I make, in how what envisioned is not what is made, my Crafters do me proud, the non-Guild artisans also make me proud. It's a bond between us, the struggle of creation, to bring forth with our mortal hands what our eternal selves can so easily receive. It isn't fair. It's a struggle, it's never fair, but it's always worth it.
Often, when I am out and about, be it market perusing, meeting with suppliers, attending a fete, and I see someone wearing one of those special items I made, the ones I aimed for the trash bin only to have snatched from me before it made it that far, I am in awe. I am in awe that I was chosen to make such a beautiful thing, that it gives joy not only to the person that wears it but them that witness it upon them. It makes all the rage and work and tears and blood worth it, and in its fleeting bliss it makes it that much more precious, a feeling we strive for, a satisfaction nothing can come close to.
The dream brings with it inspiration for a thousand different creations. It's rushed, it pours through her like rain, through her mind, soul, heart, through to hands that rush to put them all down on paper by drawing or writing or both. It's a mad scramble to get it all out before it might be forgotten, the fickle morning state of the mind predictable only in it's inability to be predictable.
A tiny portion of those ideas make it to fruition. A half dozen to a hundred beautiful, usable concepts.
In the aftermath of their creation, the works are made, sitting on the table or a bench of a desk or a floor, and for a small moment, a heartbeat in the life of a butterfly, the artisan feels awe, pride, joy that they have created something that isn't just worthy in their eyes, but -makes them feel worthy- of the inspiration that gave it life.
A moment later, the joy is gone, the artisan's self-worth drawn closed, the piece a disappointment.
It would never match the untouched, pristine idea born of Jayus, it will never meet those impossible standards that -we- impose on ourselves and our work; Jayus asks us to Make, the purest form of our abilities, to follow the inspiration and let it birth through us.
But the vision we saw never matches the thing we've made; what we've made never meets what we wanted, what we think Jayus wants of us, what -we- wanted to make it to be. Many of us think us then unworthy; perhaps that's why it failed. Perhaps that's why it will always, always be a disappointment to us.
The item is placed for sale, often because the more practical people in our lives, our friends and assistants and companions, tell us we're being ridiculous and save it from the trash heap. A ridiculous price is put on said item; we scoff. "No one is going to fall for that."
The item is bought. Taken. Praised; the new owner is in love, the artisan now has a customer for life.
A few days past. Indulgences are given, the artisan sleeps for a few days, drinks every night, maybe disappears from their studio. Not always the case, but it is for many, myself included. I will work for days on end, forget to eat, forget to sleep, and when I make The Thing I wanted to, after those first blissful heartbeats, I deem it a failure, catch up on sleep and sustenance, and a week later, I'm ready to go back to work.
Often, these are commissions. Some artists work on pure inspiration, and to them, I consider them to be the purest form of Crafter; no commissions, the only instructions they receive in guidance are from the Gods. As the Crafters Guild stems from a branch of the Faith, or so it is rumored, then Crafters were originally Disciples of Jayus, to create such honors Him. We create, we Honor Him, work from Him.
Customers purchase what we create, they honor Him.
Time passes. The cycle begins anew. A thousand ideas from one dream, six make it to the pages of our sketchbooks and design tables and journals, half of those are birthed into reality. We see the joy in its beauty, the joy it can bring to others. Seconds later, we hate it, hate ourselves, our mortal hands that are so limited, so restricted by human flesh and aging bones. Those that love us rescue what we've created, show it to the world. Money comes in. We repair our bodies. We rest. We start again.
Not every artisan is like this, not every Crafter, not everyone who creates, but it is the case for many. It is the case for me. Everything I make is a labor of love, to someone, to an idea, to a dream, to Jayus, and when it's done, when it's put out in my shop to be purchased as the individual creation that it is, I didn't put it there. It was rescued before it hit the rubbish pile. I am humbled, always, as they never seem to linger in my store for more than a day. I suspect I'm simply tricking the lot of you. Half the time, expressions of joy in my work are met with my disbelief. I simply hide it well.
That being said? Every one of my Crafters, every Artisan I have ever met, puts everything they are into everything they make. While I struggle with my own self-worth in the things I make, in how what envisioned is not what is made, my Crafters do me proud, the non-Guild artisans also make me proud. It's a bond between us, the struggle of creation, to bring forth with our mortal hands what our eternal selves can so easily receive. It isn't fair. It's a struggle, it's never fair, but it's always worth it.
Often, when I am out and about, be it market perusing, meeting with suppliers, attending a fete, and I see someone wearing one of those special items I made, the ones I aimed for the trash bin only to have snatched from me before it made it that far, I am in awe. I am in awe that I was chosen to make such a beautiful thing, that it gives joy not only to the person that wears it but them that witness it upon them. It makes all the rage and work and tears and blood worth it, and in its fleeting bliss it makes it that much more precious, a feeling we strive for, a satisfaction nothing can come close to.
Written By Thena
March 9, 2018, 4:26 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Citizens of Arx,
On behalf of the Knights of Solace and the Tragedy, thank you for the outpouring of support in response to Sir Jeffeth’s journal. It is heartwarming and, for me at least, humbling. However, I would ask you to hang on to your messengers and offers for just a short time while we come up with a way to formally organize your efforts in order to most benefit the orphanage.
Dame Thena, Adjutant to Grandmaster Armel, Knights of Solace
On behalf of the Knights of Solace and the Tragedy, thank you for the outpouring of support in response to Sir Jeffeth’s journal. It is heartwarming and, for me at least, humbling. However, I would ask you to hang on to your messengers and offers for just a short time while we come up with a way to formally organize your efforts in order to most benefit the orphanage.
Dame Thena, Adjutant to Grandmaster Armel, Knights of Solace
Written By Ida
March 9, 2018, 4:20 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
I would teach even though who wish to join The Faith as well, of course. Smithing as well as pugilism, should you have any interested. How fortunate they are, as are we all, for all the good provided by The Faith. If I might be able to help somehow, in any small way, how could I possibly turn down such an opportunity?
Written By Reigna
March 9, 2018, 4:19 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
I find myself full of awe and pride in Dame Ida Ferron. Your skills are extraordinary, as is your heart. I am proud to be a fellow Oathlander with you, Dame Ferron.
Written By Ida
March 9, 2018, 4:15 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Daemon
There is no one I would rather ride into an ambush with, on the back of a war elk, than you, Sir Daemon!
You are the best of people.
You are the best of people.
Written By Aureth
March 9, 2018, 4:15 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Abbas
Entering journals at the Archive is a religious duty. Excommunicated mass murderers have no business partaking.
Written By Skye
March 9, 2018, 4:13 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeffeth
Sir Jeffeth, House Blackshore has many opportunities for orphans who are willing to roll up their sleeves and help rebuild Blackshore Isle. We have need of skilled tradesmen, sailors, fishermen, and farmers to work the land. Any orphans that are coming to age and wish to learn a trade, my house would be more than happy to sponsor their apprenticeship for their service in return. Please seek me out further if you have any questions.
Written By Valery
March 9, 2018, 4:07 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Such uneventful days...
I'm just working and in the school. Not much more...
I'm just working and in the school. Not much more...
Written By Calaudrin
March 9, 2018, 4:01 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeffeth
Sir Jeffeth,
I understand the Knights of Solace may have first call to those that are coming of age that might have some martial prowess. But if you can think of any that would like to serve in the Iron Guard, I would be happy to bring them in early to help with their training before they officially sign on the line. Sometimes it's nice knowing you'll have steady work on a place to sleep.
I understand the Knights of Solace may have first call to those that are coming of age that might have some martial prowess. But if you can think of any that would like to serve in the Iron Guard, I would be happy to bring them in early to help with their training before they officially sign on the line. Sometimes it's nice knowing you'll have steady work on a place to sleep.
Written By Orazio
March 9, 2018, 3:58 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
I consider your offer to be a wonderful idea.
And, of course, that goes for any other crafter or tradesperson who would be willing to take on one of the orphaned or abandoned children in the city as an apprentice. All of the children, of course, receive education from the Faith, but particularly for those who approach adulthood, it's valuable for them to make connections and learn a profession that can sustain them. Some choose to join the Faith as godsworn, and we are grateful for their service, but not all are interested in that path.
The Faith is, of course, willing to provide reasonable subsidies to thank those who agree to serve as mentors and instructors to the children for their time, effort, and expertise.
And, of course, that goes for any other crafter or tradesperson who would be willing to take on one of the orphaned or abandoned children in the city as an apprentice. All of the children, of course, receive education from the Faith, but particularly for those who approach adulthood, it's valuable for them to make connections and learn a profession that can sustain them. Some choose to join the Faith as godsworn, and we are grateful for their service, but not all are interested in that path.
The Faith is, of course, willing to provide reasonable subsidies to thank those who agree to serve as mentors and instructors to the children for their time, effort, and expertise.
Written By Daemon
March 9, 2018, 3:57 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
It will take more than a flesh wound to fell a Knight of the Oathland's heart!
... But not much more. No scribe, I don't need a hanky. Thank you for asking.
... But not much more. No scribe, I don't need a hanky. Thank you for asking.
Written By Ida
March 9, 2018, 3:49 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Jeffeth
Sir Jeffeth, if any of those good kids with good hearts in the orphanages are old enough and want to learn smithing, you send them to me at Ferron Arms & Armor. It would not be the first time I've taken apprentices from the Lowers - Mistress Lola Tragedy to name but one - and I hope it will not be the last. Lessons are free, of course, as are two meals a day. Bit of sweat instead of silk, but I'd be honored to teach them.
Written By Caspian
March 9, 2018, 3:34 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
I look away from The Whites for a day and when I come back everyone is bickering again. Tessa (no clue who that is) even wrote #iwontstartwars. What does that even mean? Can anyone explain this to me?
Though if people are adopting children to prevent them from being punished by their parent's crimes, my parents where pirate shavs who were enthralled and I had their debt passed onto me. So if any house wants to adopt me and ennoble me I would be most grateful!
Interested parties can send a messenger to me.
Though if people are adopting children to prevent them from being punished by their parent's crimes, my parents where pirate shavs who were enthralled and I had their debt passed onto me. So if any house wants to adopt me and ennoble me I would be most grateful!
Interested parties can send a messenger to me.
Written By Victus
March 9, 2018, 3:33 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Oh, right, let me correct the record again:
Abbas' children were acknowledged as existing as his own offspring and being from an affair of knocking up a commoner. But they were never granted royalty within Thrax, or a title of the peerage by my hand or Donrai's. Nor were they ever going to be.
As they were then and now, whoever they've been adopted by and why isn't business of mine or Thrax's. Still from a personal standpoint, I'm hoping that fatherhood keeps its track record of being a positive influence rather than a shitty one. Hopefully those kids being in Pravus doesn't detract from what that kinda responsibility can do for a man's soul.
Abbas' children were acknowledged as existing as his own offspring and being from an affair of knocking up a commoner. But they were never granted royalty within Thrax, or a title of the peerage by my hand or Donrai's. Nor were they ever going to be.
As they were then and now, whoever they've been adopted by and why isn't business of mine or Thrax's. Still from a personal standpoint, I'm hoping that fatherhood keeps its track record of being a positive influence rather than a shitty one. Hopefully those kids being in Pravus doesn't detract from what that kinda responsibility can do for a man's soul.
Written By Calaudrin
March 9, 2018, 3:33 p.m.(5/1/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Tikva
Thank you very much. Please, no apology needed.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.