Written By Itzal
Feb. 13, 2018, 1:17 p.m.(3/3/1008 AR)
Please do go on, people. I've not been this entertained in... Well, it's been a while. Keep up the good work!
Written By Bianca
Feb. 13, 2018, 1:16 p.m.(3/3/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Esra
*In very rare occasion, this entry was not written in Bianca's own script.*
No, Scholar Duran. It is alright. I am just tired. I do want to do this. Please just note that I speak from a personal standpoint. Not of the Faith.
My cousin was an ill man. Engulfed by the knowledge he was not yet ready to possess, it drove him to find conspiracy and betrayel in all those he deemed contrary to his views. He found half-truths and rather than explore that information and verify its validity he became obsessed with it and would not be swayed otherwise. It deafened him to reason. It deafened and blinded him to fact.
I did not know my cousin well. Aside from a brief encounter in our youth, I had spoken to him once since his arrival to Arx amidst a gathering of Scholars at the Academy. I have spent many sleepless nights since the first venemous letter I received pondering that if I had been more attentive in that passing meeting, if I had made time to speak with him prior or even after his vicious private allegations that this all could have been resolved much differently. Perhaps if I had not let the wounds to my ego and my own indignance in the face of such cruel words and threats halt my quill from further dialogue he would still live... but I did not and now I must bear the burden of those 'what if's.
My heart breaks that in all of this, my cousin faced such deep losses by his own hand. All for an obsession. He rejected the welcoming arms of the Faith and embrace of the gods as well as the love of his family. Many attempted reason and again he was deaf to their implores, but even though his actions drove those whom loved him the most to withdraw, I still mourn that at his end how truly alone he must have felt. Alone with his misguided convictions.
I have no sense of resolution to this topic. I undoubtedly will spend many more sleepless nights regarding it along with a many other things. All I may do moving forward is the same as any of us must do. Learn from the mistakes we've made and move forward.
I think that is all for now, Scholar. Thank you.
No, Scholar Duran. It is alright. I am just tired. I do want to do this. Please just note that I speak from a personal standpoint. Not of the Faith.
My cousin was an ill man. Engulfed by the knowledge he was not yet ready to possess, it drove him to find conspiracy and betrayel in all those he deemed contrary to his views. He found half-truths and rather than explore that information and verify its validity he became obsessed with it and would not be swayed otherwise. It deafened him to reason. It deafened and blinded him to fact.
I did not know my cousin well. Aside from a brief encounter in our youth, I had spoken to him once since his arrival to Arx amidst a gathering of Scholars at the Academy. I have spent many sleepless nights since the first venemous letter I received pondering that if I had been more attentive in that passing meeting, if I had made time to speak with him prior or even after his vicious private allegations that this all could have been resolved much differently. Perhaps if I had not let the wounds to my ego and my own indignance in the face of such cruel words and threats halt my quill from further dialogue he would still live... but I did not and now I must bear the burden of those 'what if's.
My heart breaks that in all of this, my cousin faced such deep losses by his own hand. All for an obsession. He rejected the welcoming arms of the Faith and embrace of the gods as well as the love of his family. Many attempted reason and again he was deaf to their implores, but even though his actions drove those whom loved him the most to withdraw, I still mourn that at his end how truly alone he must have felt. Alone with his misguided convictions.
I have no sense of resolution to this topic. I undoubtedly will spend many more sleepless nights regarding it along with a many other things. All I may do moving forward is the same as any of us must do. Learn from the mistakes we've made and move forward.
I think that is all for now, Scholar. Thank you.
Written By Juliana
Feb. 13, 2018, 1:15 p.m.(3/3/1008 AR)
Choices.
We all make them. We make small ones and large ones. Some are made after careful consideration, some in the heat of the moment.
Be it to stand on a rooftop and scream out for injustices, perceived or real. Or peek through keyholes. To stand in the shadows away from other's eyes or to stand in the middle of the room and say, look at me. They are choices and as all choices there are consequences. Some are consequences that all can see, others are in such a manner that only the person facing them understands. But all choices lead to others. And in the way of these things, sometimes those consequences add up until they are too heavy to bare.
One man decided that he didn't want to face the consequences for the choices he made, so in making another he pulled a weapon in hopes to keep them at bay. Another man, made the choice to answer weapon with weapon. Were they good choices? Who knows. But as in anything else they ripple through the world with consequences of each with more choices needing to be made.
But here is the thing..
If for a moment, you think that both men are not paying for those choices. You are not paying very much attention.
But then... that's your choice.
We all make them. We make small ones and large ones. Some are made after careful consideration, some in the heat of the moment.
Be it to stand on a rooftop and scream out for injustices, perceived or real. Or peek through keyholes. To stand in the shadows away from other's eyes or to stand in the middle of the room and say, look at me. They are choices and as all choices there are consequences. Some are consequences that all can see, others are in such a manner that only the person facing them understands. But all choices lead to others. And in the way of these things, sometimes those consequences add up until they are too heavy to bare.
One man decided that he didn't want to face the consequences for the choices he made, so in making another he pulled a weapon in hopes to keep them at bay. Another man, made the choice to answer weapon with weapon. Were they good choices? Who knows. But as in anything else they ripple through the world with consequences of each with more choices needing to be made.
But here is the thing..
If for a moment, you think that both men are not paying for those choices. You are not paying very much attention.
But then... that's your choice.
Written By Orathy
Feb. 13, 2018, 1:12 p.m.(3/3/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
Well shit on a fucking rug, I got a gold fucking star!
Reckon it can be pinned to me collar and looking swell.
Much appreciated! Badge of fucking honor this be.
Reckon it can be pinned to me collar and looking swell.
Much appreciated! Badge of fucking honor this be.
Written By Orathy
Feb. 13, 2018, 1:06 p.m.(3/3/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
Fucking great! How bloody exciting! Reckon it best be not something trendy like sending a Sword to kill me ya know? I hear that be all the rage.
Written By Fairen
Feb. 13, 2018, 1:03 p.m.(3/3/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Magpie
Perhaps after some additional lessons in literacy, you might observe things more accurately. However, no. You are incorrect in your summary of the events regarding Master Esra. You missed quite a few significant details.
Written By Aureth
Feb. 13, 2018, 1:02 p.m.(3/3/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Orathy
Yes. I'll have your prize delivered shortly.
Written By Esoka
Feb. 13, 2018, 12:59 p.m.(3/3/1008 AR)
There aren't many things I consider myself very knowledgeable on, and I've no particular interest in putting down my opinion on either former scholar Esra or Master Costas in the whites. The Sentinel and the Queen of Endings will have the final say on the pair of them, one immediately, one inevitably as comes for us all. The justice and judgment of the rest of us, I've always found to be very imperfect, even among those who try their best. I do know a little bit about being a House Sword, though, so I'll write on what that means to me. It's important to me, even if it's important to no one else, and I want to get my thoughts on it down for the record.
I was granted Riven's heirloom weapon, the Twain, near two years ago, following the end of the Siege of Arx. I don't think I did any great acts of heroism in that battle to earn it, but I did my bit and am proud to be one of many who held the gates when the Silent Army came. Before that, I'd been a knight of the House for near 10 years, and a warrior undubbed years before that. So, I could manage a blade well enough, and had made a decent account of myself through my years of service. That's no stirring tale, but it's mine, and I hope I've continued to serve in good order since taking up the Twain.
I did not see the Twain as a personal honor or sign of my martial prowess. I'm sure there are warriors in the Twainfort who could best me in combat as often as not. I saw it then, and see it now, as an obligation to protect those sworn to my Countess and uphold the House's honor. I would never use the Twain to settle a personal matter, or fight over a petty slight, or to bully a weaker opponent, or do any act which is deemed wicked by the Faith or Crown. And, I pray to Gloria and Limerance, I shall never use it in a way that brings dishonor upon me, for that would be a shadow on Riven as well. I would fully expect to be dismissed, from the title and perhaps more, should I bring disgrace upon the heirloom blade.
That's what being a Sword means to me, at least. Maybe it means different things to others. Different men and women guard their honor and that of those they serve as they will. But the events of the past days made me wish to reaffirm my own commitments and so, by Limerance and Gloria, and set down in Vellichor's archives, I do so. If I fail in this, I expect to know it quickly and penance be demanded of me, for I'd be unworthy if I was held to a lower standard.
I was granted Riven's heirloom weapon, the Twain, near two years ago, following the end of the Siege of Arx. I don't think I did any great acts of heroism in that battle to earn it, but I did my bit and am proud to be one of many who held the gates when the Silent Army came. Before that, I'd been a knight of the House for near 10 years, and a warrior undubbed years before that. So, I could manage a blade well enough, and had made a decent account of myself through my years of service. That's no stirring tale, but it's mine, and I hope I've continued to serve in good order since taking up the Twain.
I did not see the Twain as a personal honor or sign of my martial prowess. I'm sure there are warriors in the Twainfort who could best me in combat as often as not. I saw it then, and see it now, as an obligation to protect those sworn to my Countess and uphold the House's honor. I would never use the Twain to settle a personal matter, or fight over a petty slight, or to bully a weaker opponent, or do any act which is deemed wicked by the Faith or Crown. And, I pray to Gloria and Limerance, I shall never use it in a way that brings dishonor upon me, for that would be a shadow on Riven as well. I would fully expect to be dismissed, from the title and perhaps more, should I bring disgrace upon the heirloom blade.
That's what being a Sword means to me, at least. Maybe it means different things to others. Different men and women guard their honor and that of those they serve as they will. But the events of the past days made me wish to reaffirm my own commitments and so, by Limerance and Gloria, and set down in Vellichor's archives, I do so. If I fail in this, I expect to know it quickly and penance be demanded of me, for I'd be unworthy if I was held to a lower standard.
Written By Orathy
Feb. 13, 2018, 12:59 p.m.(3/3/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
Oy! Did I win something? Stupidest man award? Fucking unbelievable! I ain't ever win nothin! Being a super genius is awesome.
Written By Aureth
Feb. 13, 2018, 12:53 p.m.(3/3/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Magpie
Look, you could probably beat me up with your pinky, but Aleksei is also a man of the Faith and have you seen his abs? I know that you have, so you know that not all men of the Faith look like me.
That said: of course it was obviously murder, but the idea that it's a Faith cover-up and not a Malvici cover-up when it was the fucking Malvici House Sword that did it and the Malvici House Blade that slit him from gizzard to groin is basically ludicrous. I'd go on, but there's no point because literally everyone in the city already knows that Orathy Culler is the stupidest man who lives here*. Even the dogs know. I asked Peanut this morning and even he knew.
The real question, of course, is not why a Lycene Sword would do something despicable and underhanded; the real question is why a Lycene Sword would be so classless as to be so obvious about it. Isn't subtlety supposed to be their thing over there? Tsk.
* That is, now that the ex-Scholar has been removed from the populace and brought up the average intelligence of Arvum by a modest but measurable amount.
That said: of course it was obviously murder, but the idea that it's a Faith cover-up and not a Malvici cover-up when it was the fucking Malvici House Sword that did it and the Malvici House Blade that slit him from gizzard to groin is basically ludicrous. I'd go on, but there's no point because literally everyone in the city already knows that Orathy Culler is the stupidest man who lives here*. Even the dogs know. I asked Peanut this morning and even he knew.
The real question, of course, is not why a Lycene Sword would do something despicable and underhanded; the real question is why a Lycene Sword would be so classless as to be so obvious about it. Isn't subtlety supposed to be their thing over there? Tsk.
* That is, now that the ex-Scholar has been removed from the populace and brought up the average intelligence of Arvum by a modest but measurable amount.
Written By Luca
Feb. 13, 2018, 12:17 p.m.(3/3/1008 AR)
Wait, what in the Thirteenth's -- [overheard: "I know that's flip and disrespectful, Gus-Gus, it's a curse. It's supposed to be."]
That's even more shit that I've missed out on. Although, that one said. Man. I'd make a sharded fine Sword. Am I right or am I right?
That's even more shit that I've missed out on. Although, that one said. Man. I'd make a sharded fine Sword. Am I right or am I right?
Written By Karadoc
Feb. 13, 2018, 11:56 a.m.(3/3/1008 AR)
Tell me there isn't something a bit delicious about a former noble killing another former noble. Poor loveless Esra, a wild cry to be erased and to live on as a confused cause. He will represent every dissatisfaction, and I am thrilled to see who erupts next!
Written By Aiden
Feb. 13, 2018, 11:38 a.m.(3/3/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
What a pleasant surprise I received this morning from the Princess and her Husband.
I received a birdhouse for my birthday from them and blessings for my coming year.
I start to reflect on my last year and I cannot believe how quickly it's gone by.
It wasn't the easiest of years for me, but despite all the losses and pains, I am reminded by blessings such as these.
Thank you Alarissa, thank you Victus. You've brightened my day.
I received a birdhouse for my birthday from them and blessings for my coming year.
I start to reflect on my last year and I cannot believe how quickly it's gone by.
It wasn't the easiest of years for me, but despite all the losses and pains, I am reminded by blessings such as these.
Thank you Alarissa, thank you Victus. You've brightened my day.
Written By Orathy
Feb. 13, 2018, 11:11 a.m.(3/3/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Magpie
GASP. Reckon you ain't just implying the Faith would be conspiring to murder someone and be covering it up?
How fucking awful!
The faith would never!
They believe in justice.
Harhar.
Reckon I need more whiskey.
How fucking awful!
The faith would never!
They believe in justice.
Harhar.
Reckon I need more whiskey.
Written By Thesarin
Feb. 13, 2018, 11:10 a.m.(3/3/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Magpie
I weren't there, so I can't speak to what happened. Or to using a House blade in a street fight. Know my own Sword has a selection.
Won't talk of whether it could've gone different, neither.
Sticking to what I know of, you can laugh at a Sword of House being afeard of a scholar with a blade. My mind, no matter who's holding it, a few inches sharp metal in the wrong spot can ruin your whole fucking day.
It's a damn fool thinks there's such thing as a fight too small to be the end of them.
Won't talk of whether it could've gone different, neither.
Sticking to what I know of, you can laugh at a Sword of House being afeard of a scholar with a blade. My mind, no matter who's holding it, a few inches sharp metal in the wrong spot can ruin your whole fucking day.
It's a damn fool thinks there's such thing as a fight too small to be the end of them.
Written By Eirene
Feb. 13, 2018, 10:55 a.m.(3/3/1008 AR)
The level of snark is high with me today so wisely I'm going to keep my damn mouth shut. I'm a Voice so whatever I say reflects on my house and I got plenty to say that's my own damn opinion so I ain't going to voice it in the journals where everyone can nit-fucking-pick and interpret their own way.
Just needed to get that out.
Just needed to get that out.
Written By Preston
Feb. 13, 2018, 10:35 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Is there any ne'er do well in this city you don't know from your former life, Dame Thena? And they are all so....noisy.
Written By Lucita
Feb. 13, 2018, 10:35 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
It has been an odd few days. Perhaps the winter cold is wearing on me as I miss the warm Southern climes. It seems to make watching turmoil, rumors, and serious differences of opinion start to weigh heavy on the mind.
My husband is in the process of joining the Scholars. I think he will make a good one.
One of my best friends has discovered a romantic interest and not even bothered to tell me, just seemed to start drifting away? Aren't friends supposed to share news of meaningful things in life? I feel happy for them but at the same time, need to think about this a while, when I'm in a better mood. It makes me remember not to let so much time between visits to other friends pass that a friendship starts to fade instead of just being delays with life being terribly busy.
Arranging for upgrading armor is not easy. Probably just as well this will take a long time to do since have not started thinking about colors or patterns or style as yet. I'm thankful for all who have been so willing to help and make suggestions on what materials to use and such.
My husband is in the process of joining the Scholars. I think he will make a good one.
One of my best friends has discovered a romantic interest and not even bothered to tell me, just seemed to start drifting away? Aren't friends supposed to share news of meaningful things in life? I feel happy for them but at the same time, need to think about this a while, when I'm in a better mood. It makes me remember not to let so much time between visits to other friends pass that a friendship starts to fade instead of just being delays with life being terribly busy.
Arranging for upgrading armor is not easy. Probably just as well this will take a long time to do since have not started thinking about colors or patterns or style as yet. I'm thankful for all who have been so willing to help and make suggestions on what materials to use and such.
Written By Preston
Feb. 13, 2018, 10:34 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
As father Orazio indicates, it is perfectly easy to both disagree with the actions that led to Esra's death, and also see no virtue in Esra either. Ultimately the crimes he committed were against the Faith - whatever it is he said, or we heard, we can agree that it was an attack on the Faith. It is true, an attack on the Faith is in many ways an assault on our traditions, an assault on all good people of Arvum. But, if any had the right to pursue this to such an end as Esra met, it was the Faith and few else. I can understand the events, indeed had my Templars found Esra first and he chose to resist I cannot say a similar fate would not have found him, but it would not have been I as Guard of the Dominus who was there, because the Dominus must have that distance, and it would not have been Banisher that I drew, the blade given to me by the last Dominus to defend his sacred position and Arvum.
Written By Magpie
Feb. 13, 2018, 10:33 a.m.(3/2/1008 AR)
I'm a little hungover, but let me see if I have this right.
Noble gets kicked out of noble family for being a loon. Easiest way for nobles to deal with it.
Loon gets thrown out of the Faith.
Loon is then cut down dead by 'honorable noble' in 'self-defense'.
The man was a *scholar*! I mean, I don't know about the rest of you but have you seen my cousin Aureth? He's a man of the Faith and not a scholar and you could beat him up with a pinky.
But I'm sure Costas was just shaking in his boots over the loon possibly hurting him.
Yeah, seems pretty clear-cut case of murder to me. Remember that time a bunch of shav were wholesale murderered before being captured for proper ques-.. oh wait, I'm not allowed to talk about that. I'm not a noble. No one is going to smooth over my transgressions for me.
Can I be a House Sword? I'd love to have the freedom to cut down my enemies and call it self-defense too. Anyone? Magpie for House Sword?
Noble gets kicked out of noble family for being a loon. Easiest way for nobles to deal with it.
Loon gets thrown out of the Faith.
Loon is then cut down dead by 'honorable noble' in 'self-defense'.
The man was a *scholar*! I mean, I don't know about the rest of you but have you seen my cousin Aureth? He's a man of the Faith and not a scholar and you could beat him up with a pinky.
But I'm sure Costas was just shaking in his boots over the loon possibly hurting him.
Yeah, seems pretty clear-cut case of murder to me. Remember that time a bunch of shav were wholesale murderered before being captured for proper ques-.. oh wait, I'm not allowed to talk about that. I'm not a noble. No one is going to smooth over my transgressions for me.
Can I be a House Sword? I'd love to have the freedom to cut down my enemies and call it self-defense too. Anyone? Magpie for House Sword?
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.