Written By Aureth
Feb. 22, 2018, 2:27 p.m.(3/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Cara
I have heard it said that, in life, the reward for a job well done is another, harder job.
Written By Cadenza
Feb. 22, 2018, 1:57 p.m.(3/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Isabetta
I hope you weren't too inspired the other night in the Hundred. Though if you were....I look forward to reading it.
Written By Cara
Feb. 22, 2018, 1:49 p.m.(3/27/1008 AR)
There are days when I wish that my next life, whatever it may be, will entail nothing more serious than carousing and general hijinks. Perhaps the Queen will see fit to give my soul to a life that's as light as a feather, frivolous and friendly and lacking great strife.
It sounds very restful.
I'm really not sure how many lifetimes one must spend trying to steer events towards a satisfactory resolution through sheer force of will before one is granted a vacation.
It sounds very restful.
I'm really not sure how many lifetimes one must spend trying to steer events towards a satisfactory resolution through sheer force of will before one is granted a vacation.
Written By Cadenza
Feb. 22, 2018, 1:44 p.m.(3/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Armani
You are indeed a joy to be around. Never a dull moment...and you shared your whiskey with me.
I think I owe you something....a bottle of red wine. Let me see if I can procure another with the same labeling.
I think I owe you something....a bottle of red wine. Let me see if I can procure another with the same labeling.
Written By Alis
Feb. 22, 2018, 1:06 p.m.(3/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
I must thank you, Father Orazio, for your missive on the matter that caught my attention in the onslaught of white journals. I am quite relieved to hear that I had obviously misunderstood your statement; what was a comment on doctrine and standards of behavior, but which appeared to be related to what I have obviously misinterpreted as an over-arching discussion on unity between the faithful and prodigal houses which practices shamanism.
You have my most sincere and public apologies of course.
You have my most sincere and public apologies of course.
Written By Ida
Feb. 22, 2018, 12:06 p.m.(3/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Margerie
The Lady Margerie Keaton is beyond grace and kindness, both in person as well as with word. Truly, her exceptional descriptions while we sipped hot chocolate in my shop were the driving force behind the weapons that were later forged. With so many truly talented smiths in the city, I am always grateful for patronage of my shop. Moreso, the Keatons as a whole have been such frequent and generous visitors that I was thrilled to be able to do more business with them. My thanks to Lady Margerie as well! Plus, she came with gifts. What's not to love about this noblewoman?
Written By Mirari
Feb. 22, 2018, 11:59 a.m.(3/27/1008 AR)
I won a book.
I suppose now I'll have to try my hand at making some of this tea it mentions.
Oh, yes, thank you Baron Whitehawk.
I suppose now I'll have to try my hand at making some of this tea it mentions.
Oh, yes, thank you Baron Whitehawk.
Written By Eirene
Feb. 22, 2018, 11:55 a.m.(3/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Reigna
As Dictated: Well damn, guess I better make it officially official and all. It's hers and thank Lagoma for it. I never wanted the damn thing, thanks Ben Carver... Seriously, though. She's a goddess-send for accepting. Just... make it sound good and official-like.
As Announced: It is with much gratitude that I announce Countess Reigna Keaton has assumed the mantle of Guildmaser of the Physicians Guild. This will allow me to focus on more military matters and my role in service to the Crown. I have full faith in her leadership and ability to liason with the Mercies as we have so often done in the past. May Lagoma smile on her and bless her endeavors.
As Announced: It is with much gratitude that I announce Countess Reigna Keaton has assumed the mantle of Guildmaser of the Physicians Guild. This will allow me to focus on more military matters and my role in service to the Crown. I have full faith in her leadership and ability to liason with the Mercies as we have so often done in the past. May Lagoma smile on her and bless her endeavors.
Written By Margerie
Feb. 22, 2018, 10:29 a.m.(3/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
I just wanted to take a moment to thank Dame Ida Ferron. Her work on a project I requested was exemplary, but beyond the craftsmanship, she was a pleasure to work and negotiate with. Her patience with a less martially inclined Lady in addressing my needs was much appreciated. I recommend her work most heartily. Look for the rocking chairs, my friends, you will not be disappointed!
Written By Alis
Feb. 22, 2018, 10:21 a.m.(3/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
Forgive me, Father Orazio, but I feel I must ask based on your comments about human sacrifice...
Which Prodigal Houses do you have proof of supporting such abomination? The Oathlands still strictly forbids both blood magic and human sacrifice so I would see that matter dealt with immediately.
Which Prodigal Houses do you have proof of supporting such abomination? The Oathlands still strictly forbids both blood magic and human sacrifice so I would see that matter dealt with immediately.
Written By Rue
Feb. 22, 2018, 10:08 a.m.(3/27/1008 AR)
Every morning I have to remind myself that I'm one step closer to having my own shop. That someday I'll be done making napkins and linens for them Upper Boroughs folks.
All good things are worth waitin' for.
All good things are worth waitin' for.
Written By Orazio
Feb. 22, 2018, 9:19 a.m.(3/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Tibaltus
Reading Brother Tibaltus' journal is rather humbling, as he states the point I was trying to get across, and does it in far fewer words with far greater clarity, without diversions into random theological asides. It is a pleasure to have him weigh in on the matter.
Written By Tibaltus
Feb. 22, 2018, 7:58 a.m.(3/27/1008 AR)
Unity is a tool used by men to forward their shared endeavors.
Where unity is used to aspire toward higher ideals, or to settle matters of justice, and mutual trust is forged before Limerance, it can appear to be virtuous. The Faith is bound by unity.
Where unity is formed by happy circumstance of shared cruel interest, it is not so virtuous. Swarms of locusts that descend upon the harvest are bound by unity.
Each Godly virtue, inherently righteous, has a sinful reflection. Unity can have no such reflection as it is not inherently righteous.
Disunity among those in virtuous aim is sinful. Unity among those in sinful endeavor is sinful. Unity is not a virtue.
Where unity is used to aspire toward higher ideals, or to settle matters of justice, and mutual trust is forged before Limerance, it can appear to be virtuous. The Faith is bound by unity.
Where unity is formed by happy circumstance of shared cruel interest, it is not so virtuous. Swarms of locusts that descend upon the harvest are bound by unity.
Each Godly virtue, inherently righteous, has a sinful reflection. Unity can have no such reflection as it is not inherently righteous.
Disunity among those in virtuous aim is sinful. Unity among those in sinful endeavor is sinful. Unity is not a virtue.
Written By Orazio
Feb. 22, 2018, 7:36 a.m.(3/27/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ann
We do not have conflicting doctrines, Princess Ann, because the Faith takes care to ensure that doctrine involves equal consideration of all the gods' virtues, rather than championing one over the others. However, that is not the same as suppressing the expression of a god's virtue, nor does it mean that the demands of those virtues may not conflict when considering the righteous choice in a given situation, nor that each of those competing demands should not be heard and considered. Even the gods may have their debates, although we are rarely privileged to hear such, although their fundamental virtue and righteousness would prevent them from coming to direct conflict for anything other than truly irreconcilable differences. Humans, being less virtuous and righteous by definition, may come to direct conflict much earlier in the process.
To your other point, I would say first that the gods did not give us Skald, but rather Skald chose of his own will to create humanity and aid those who were in chains. I suspect he would rather not be thought of as a present to be handed out for good, or bad, behavior. That said, it may be worthwhile to study your history. The Faith has brought the worship of the gods to the continent through force in many cases, and where spiritual guidance and reason fail, may maintain it via the swords of the Templars. We are not a pacifist Church, and yet the gods stand with us. None of the Houses are pacifist, and yet the gods stand with them - or abandon them, should they fall too far from the righteous path. When two Houses go to war, both might display the virtues of the gods in their actions and deeds, although they stand apart on the source of their conflict. Likewise, two Houses may be unified in heresy and blasphemy, and the gods shall stand apart from them without hesitation, and the Church shall send Templars to settle the matter lest the corruption spread across the Compact. The gods will not continue to stand with one who violates their principles, nor will the Church, although all might hope that the wayward will abandon their misbehavior and return home. But it is not the nature of any of the gods to say, "Ah, this person commits human sacrifice to dark powers, but I'm sure they're really nice on the inside, so we should forgive them and remain unified."
Unity is not a virtue. But the righteous, by the actions they take which are righteous, are more likely (but not guaranteed) to stand together than apart.
To your other point, I would say first that the gods did not give us Skald, but rather Skald chose of his own will to create humanity and aid those who were in chains. I suspect he would rather not be thought of as a present to be handed out for good, or bad, behavior. That said, it may be worthwhile to study your history. The Faith has brought the worship of the gods to the continent through force in many cases, and where spiritual guidance and reason fail, may maintain it via the swords of the Templars. We are not a pacifist Church, and yet the gods stand with us. None of the Houses are pacifist, and yet the gods stand with them - or abandon them, should they fall too far from the righteous path. When two Houses go to war, both might display the virtues of the gods in their actions and deeds, although they stand apart on the source of their conflict. Likewise, two Houses may be unified in heresy and blasphemy, and the gods shall stand apart from them without hesitation, and the Church shall send Templars to settle the matter lest the corruption spread across the Compact. The gods will not continue to stand with one who violates their principles, nor will the Church, although all might hope that the wayward will abandon their misbehavior and return home. But it is not the nature of any of the gods to say, "Ah, this person commits human sacrifice to dark powers, but I'm sure they're really nice on the inside, so we should forgive them and remain unified."
Unity is not a virtue. But the righteous, by the actions they take which are righteous, are more likely (but not guaranteed) to stand together than apart.
Written By Violet
Feb. 22, 2018, 5:29 a.m.(3/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Tobias
The Lord General took me in after the massavre of mine and my brother's village as a recruit. Helped me make sure my brother got an apprenticeship to his talents. I look up to him.
Written By Driskell
Feb. 22, 2018, 3:53 a.m.(3/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Ann
I owe you a response, your highness, and I've thought about how to reply.
Father Orazio is the shield of the Faith and defends it with vigor from attacks within it and outside it, he represents the gods and what he says is from them and guides the faithful with truth, love and zeal. At first it might seem that he misses something so profound due to its simplicity, but then I recall he’s one who enjoys the truth being found and shared through debate, discussion and deliberation.
The Faith of the Pantheon has existed long before the Reckoning and he is correct that the Pantheon does not have an individual god representing the concept of unity. However, I find the ancient sigil of the Faith to be a powerful message hidden in plain view: the three tetrads as three intersecting golden circles without break or flaw shows unity between the tetrads and unity within the tetrads. The Pantheon, by its very definition of that ancient sigil, represents unity upon unity.
Unity therefore cannot be an individual. Unity by definition is where individuals come together. So as above, so as below, so as in-between and all other places.
Father Orazio is the shield of the Faith and defends it with vigor from attacks within it and outside it, he represents the gods and what he says is from them and guides the faithful with truth, love and zeal. At first it might seem that he misses something so profound due to its simplicity, but then I recall he’s one who enjoys the truth being found and shared through debate, discussion and deliberation.
The Faith of the Pantheon has existed long before the Reckoning and he is correct that the Pantheon does not have an individual god representing the concept of unity. However, I find the ancient sigil of the Faith to be a powerful message hidden in plain view: the three tetrads as three intersecting golden circles without break or flaw shows unity between the tetrads and unity within the tetrads. The Pantheon, by its very definition of that ancient sigil, represents unity upon unity.
Unity therefore cannot be an individual. Unity by definition is where individuals come together. So as above, so as below, so as in-between and all other places.
Written By Ann
Feb. 22, 2018, 12:52 a.m.(3/26/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Orazio
You are correct, it's not one god's purview to see to it that everything is all peace and harmony all the time. Actually, I think it is Lagoma that causes change, and change is sometimes met with resistance. When resistance turns to war, we have Gloria that guides us. Yes, we have gods of conflict. Yes, we have gods of war. Ideal concepts...
But, I think it speaks to itself that we do not have gods or spirits promoting conflicting doctrines or wars against other gods. I wonder why that is? I wonder if it is because they realize that working together they can accomplish more? Maybe because they realize they are on the same team - that is, our team?
If the spirits, or worship of spirits affronted the gods why did they give us Skald and the choice? If they were so possessive over who gets our worship why not fight wars against each other to further their own doctrine instead of the whole of the Thirteen? I'm just curious as to, if they do not represent unity, why do they display it so much?
But, I think it speaks to itself that we do not have gods or spirits promoting conflicting doctrines or wars against other gods. I wonder why that is? I wonder if it is because they realize that working together they can accomplish more? Maybe because they realize they are on the same team - that is, our team?
If the spirits, or worship of spirits affronted the gods why did they give us Skald and the choice? If they were so possessive over who gets our worship why not fight wars against each other to further their own doctrine instead of the whole of the Thirteen? I'm just curious as to, if they do not represent unity, why do they display it so much?
Written By Mae
Feb. 22, 2018, 12:40 a.m.(3/26/1008 AR)
I've completed my latest painting. Suppose I ought to hurry up and pick to patron, so I can work on getting a space to display this stuff.
Next up, a much less disturbing painting. Should be quick to get done and sell off.
Next up, a much less disturbing painting. Should be quick to get done and sell off.
Written By Violet
Feb. 21, 2018, 11:25 p.m.(3/26/1008 AR)
That which I had hoped to keep quite to spare the families has gotten out. I am not surprised but I am sad I could not prevent it. With emotions so high in the city it is no wonder. I was extremely upset to discover the betting by my fellows against the health of my squad. Sometimes soon I will need to do something about it, but the question is what. These things become dangerous if left alone.
The funeral was hard, but beautiful, and it made me glad to know if, let's be honest when, something happens to me I will get as good a send off. The Blades have become my family so I will not lie that I have shed tears. Those who question why I am the lone survivor can ask me themselves instead of spreading rumors. It is not what you would think.
At least there is some good in my life as well. But that is another journal entry entirely. It gives me strength, though, for what is to come. I will be strong and I will do Lord Tobias and my fellow Blades proud.
The funeral was hard, but beautiful, and it made me glad to know if, let's be honest when, something happens to me I will get as good a send off. The Blades have become my family so I will not lie that I have shed tears. Those who question why I am the lone survivor can ask me themselves instead of spreading rumors. It is not what you would think.
At least there is some good in my life as well. But that is another journal entry entirely. It gives me strength, though, for what is to come. I will be strong and I will do Lord Tobias and my fellow Blades proud.
Written By Orazio
Feb. 21, 2018, 11 p.m.(3/26/1008 AR)
First, allow me to humbly thank all of those who shared their thoughts and spiritual understandings of the gods and the spirits, both in entries posted in the white journals, and in letters sent directly to me. Although my position in some regards remains unchanged, I believe that I have a better understanding of some people’s attitudes and perceptions of the spirits, and their place in their lives. Please consider my door open for further discussion on these subjects, although it is unlikely to change the Faith’s official position on spirit worship.
However, there are other sentiments I see pointed out to me in various white journals that I feel it would be remiss of me not to address. The first of these is an appeal to ‘unity’. It should be noted that there is no god of the Pantheon who champions unity as their virtue, and for good reason. Unity is not a virtue, and even the gods do not speak, think, or believe in lockstep with one another. If Justice must be served, then the Sentinel will speak, whether its words cause consternation or not. If there is a Change which must be acknowledged and considered in that judgment, then Lagoma has no fear of raising her voice to champion that change. And even among the Pantheon, there stands Tehom, who reminds us that we cannot ignore what is uncomfortable, and that even distasteful or threatening arguments should be heard and considered, lest ill-considered unity leads us into confusion and darkness. This does not stand in opposition to love, but rather is the fulfilment of it. Remember that Limerance is the god of a purer love than the warm, fuzzy romantic feelings that bring us joy and make us smile - he is the god of Fidelity, of holding fast to one’s oaths, commitments, and to the obligations that each of us have to one another, be it liege to vassal, parent to child, or brother and sister united in Faith. To look away from the misbehavior of another is not to say, “I love you too much to hurt you,” it is instead to say, “I don’t love you, or the principles you have broken, enough to stand fast and correct you, even though it might make you angry, or sad.”
Further, there are those who will say, “Now is not the time for dissent, for we are war.” If not now, I say, then when? The Compact was forged in war, and it has been in some part at war for nearly its entire history since then - and even our children’s children are not likely to see an end to the conflict we have joined. War is our constant companion, and we train our children and our people to survive it with every generation. Gloria stands as the goddess of war and honor together, not “Honor unless it would make winning a war difficult.” If it were easy, then it would hardly be a virtue for humanity to struggle for and aspire to - it is choosing honor and righteousness when there is a /cost/ to that choice that gives it power and meaning in the world, and proves the value such sentiments hold for ourselves. A war fought without honor and without demanding honor from our allies is a war that is not in Gloria’s sight, and one that we do not deserve to win.
Remember, children of the Faith: It is not love to follow others into darkness; rather, it is love to hold the torch as high and steady as you can, so that those who are lost might always find their way back to the light, should they choose.
However, there are other sentiments I see pointed out to me in various white journals that I feel it would be remiss of me not to address. The first of these is an appeal to ‘unity’. It should be noted that there is no god of the Pantheon who champions unity as their virtue, and for good reason. Unity is not a virtue, and even the gods do not speak, think, or believe in lockstep with one another. If Justice must be served, then the Sentinel will speak, whether its words cause consternation or not. If there is a Change which must be acknowledged and considered in that judgment, then Lagoma has no fear of raising her voice to champion that change. And even among the Pantheon, there stands Tehom, who reminds us that we cannot ignore what is uncomfortable, and that even distasteful or threatening arguments should be heard and considered, lest ill-considered unity leads us into confusion and darkness. This does not stand in opposition to love, but rather is the fulfilment of it. Remember that Limerance is the god of a purer love than the warm, fuzzy romantic feelings that bring us joy and make us smile - he is the god of Fidelity, of holding fast to one’s oaths, commitments, and to the obligations that each of us have to one another, be it liege to vassal, parent to child, or brother and sister united in Faith. To look away from the misbehavior of another is not to say, “I love you too much to hurt you,” it is instead to say, “I don’t love you, or the principles you have broken, enough to stand fast and correct you, even though it might make you angry, or sad.”
Further, there are those who will say, “Now is not the time for dissent, for we are war.” If not now, I say, then when? The Compact was forged in war, and it has been in some part at war for nearly its entire history since then - and even our children’s children are not likely to see an end to the conflict we have joined. War is our constant companion, and we train our children and our people to survive it with every generation. Gloria stands as the goddess of war and honor together, not “Honor unless it would make winning a war difficult.” If it were easy, then it would hardly be a virtue for humanity to struggle for and aspire to - it is choosing honor and righteousness when there is a /cost/ to that choice that gives it power and meaning in the world, and proves the value such sentiments hold for ourselves. A war fought without honor and without demanding honor from our allies is a war that is not in Gloria’s sight, and one that we do not deserve to win.
Remember, children of the Faith: It is not love to follow others into darkness; rather, it is love to hold the torch as high and steady as you can, so that those who are lost might always find their way back to the light, should they choose.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.