Written By Sparte
Oct. 1, 2017, 11:14 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
Sparte's Big Dumb Fish Recipe
Thrax fishes up a lot of fish that are pretty common at market, and then there is the occasional beastly sized one. This recipe calls for a grilling surface at least as long as the fish.
Ingredients
Your big dumb fish. Cleaned, de-boned, and skinned if it doesn't have scales. (Wisdom from a Thrax Sailor - You'll get so sick you'll wish you died)
A mixture of lard, salt flakes, and spices to taste. You need enough to cover the entire fish, inside and out.
Juice from a bitter citrus. Bigger fish, get more citrus.
Prep Step - The Beast
Now I don't know what you caught or how you caught it, but you have a big fish that is at least as long as your arm. You could cut it into little pieces and cook it like a regular fish, but there is no fun or spectacle in that. After you've cleaned and deboned the fish (and skinned it if needed) you will want to turn it into two giant fillets of meat. Pay attention to the thickness. For every finger's length of thickness, add an additional coating of your lard blend. You'll need to whip up a surface to cook this on that'll get solidly hot, but you don't want to burn it. Make sure you can support your monstrosity on the cooking surface you've setup while still being able to tend to the flame and keep the temperature controlled. If it is too big of a challenge, cut the fish lengthwise to thin it as many times as needed. Never cook something thicker than a working hand this way.
Cooking
You should have your cooking surface setup, your fish cut and cleaned, and properly coated by now. Get your fire going and lay the fish out. You want the fire hot, but not hot enough to blacken the fish prematurely. You may need an experienced cook to help you manage the fire. If the fish starts to smoke at any point that is your signal to flip the fillet. After you flip it, hit the topside with some of the juiced citrus. Be liberal, spread it around. After you've flipped it twice and coated it, cut into the middle of the fish to check if it has cooked through. If at least two thirds of the meat looks cooked, you're good to take it off the heat. If less than a third of the fish looks cooked then your heat is too high, toss some water on the flames so it'll smoke but not go out. Double the cook time and pray you didn't just ruin your monster fish.
Suggested serving method: On large wooden tray, or planks if size requires. Enjoy.
Written By Brianna
Oct. 1, 2017, 11:08 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
I have started the process of re-decorating my suite in Halfshav Hall. It is a little thing to focus on, but one that I can accomplish quickly and to my satisfaction. Those things sometimes provide so much calm in a world that doesn't often provide it otherwise.
Though, sometimes I stop and think-- Will I still be here in a month? Two? Three? Who can ever see where the future will take us.
Though, sometimes I stop and think-- Will I still be here in a month? Two? Three? Who can ever see where the future will take us.
Written By Mira
Oct. 1, 2017, 11:04 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
I am so glad the awful winter is over. Back to wearing normal clothes again, and not a moment too soon. I also need to remember to stockpile more strawberry preserves this time around...
Written By Mia
Oct. 1, 2017, 10:50 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
It is not often that 10,000 swear their fealty at once -- to me or to anyone. That our efforts, which came at great cost to me, to my House, to my liege-lords, were such an undeniable success is something that I take great joy in. The unwavering faith that I see so many place in the gods to whom they've sworn themselves, I place in the Compact itself -- in its righteousness and in its strength, in the security that it offers, in the unity that it is capable of inspiring. To bring so many into its arm will, I suspect, be both the greatest privilege and the crowning acheivement of my life.
But it is a weight, too, when considered with the gravitas that such a responsibility deserves. It is no easy thing to give up your life as you have always known it, to walk forward with each foot planted in a different world. I owe them, these so-called Prodigals, so much more than every lord or lady owes their people because it is not simply a matter of noblesse oblige. No, I find myself very suddenly in the position of having the trust of so many laid at my feet, their futures placed in my hands.
To those that have sworn their fealty to me, know this --
I recognize the sacrifices you have made. I see the hope that you hold in your hearts. And I offer these words, as the lords of the Twainfort has long sworn to their people, with all of Arvum and the annals of history as witness:
I pledge to honor your service as it deserves, and to reward loyalty in kind.
I swear to offer you my protection, my justice, and my love,
for you will carry on my memory and my legacy when I am no more.
From this day forward, you are of my house, even as the very stones.
If I renounce you, I renounce myself and all that I am.
(OOC: Portions of this pledge were lifted from Changeling: the Dreaming, which was written by lovely people. Some parts were altered, some not. It's recently been re-released in their 20th anniversary edition. Do recommend.)
But it is a weight, too, when considered with the gravitas that such a responsibility deserves. It is no easy thing to give up your life as you have always known it, to walk forward with each foot planted in a different world. I owe them, these so-called Prodigals, so much more than every lord or lady owes their people because it is not simply a matter of noblesse oblige. No, I find myself very suddenly in the position of having the trust of so many laid at my feet, their futures placed in my hands.
To those that have sworn their fealty to me, know this --
I recognize the sacrifices you have made. I see the hope that you hold in your hearts. And I offer these words, as the lords of the Twainfort has long sworn to their people, with all of Arvum and the annals of history as witness:
I pledge to honor your service as it deserves, and to reward loyalty in kind.
I swear to offer you my protection, my justice, and my love,
for you will carry on my memory and my legacy when I am no more.
From this day forward, you are of my house, even as the very stones.
If I renounce you, I renounce myself and all that I am.
(OOC: Portions of this pledge were lifted from Changeling: the Dreaming, which was written by lovely people. Some parts were altered, some not. It's recently been re-released in their 20th anniversary edition. Do recommend.)
Written By Sparte
Oct. 1, 2017, 10:49 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
Sparte's Shrimp Recipe
I don't want to say anyone I sailed with or stayed with on my trip to Maelstrom can't cook, but they certainly cook things differently. This is my take on how to make some of their dishes more like the ones I enjoy.
Ingredients
5 tablespoons of Butter
1 pound fresh Maelstrom shrimp
2 cups of sea water, strained well
3 tablespoons of Honeyed Whiskey (Make friends with someone in Laurent)
A sharp spice to taste - I used Saffron
Prep Step - Salt Flakes
This takes a while, but you can do it in advance. Pour the sea water into a cooking pan and heat it very gently. Avoid a boil. After about an hour, the water will have all left and you'll be left with the salt from it. Once the water is no longer visible, scrape the bottom of the pan. You'll have made your own salt flakes, which can be used for other recipes as well.
Cooking
Put half the Butter into your pan and heat it so it melts and spreads. Add the shrimp to the pan, still in their shells, in a single layer. Lightly season them with some of the salt flakes. Don't shift them once you put them in the pan, they're start to brown after a few minutes. Add the rest of the butter, shift the pan so it gets less heat but can still bring a light boil. Turn the shrimp and continue to cook, shaking the pan, for about half a minute. Take off heat and add the Honeyed Whiskey, stirring it around in the pan so they're coated. Season with remain salt flakes and your spice of choice.
Enjoy.
Written By Mira
Oct. 1, 2017, 10:42 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
How exactly *does* one pray to something that is asleep? Aion's nature makes it remarkably difficult to approach, from both an observational level and a theological one. Aion dreams the world into being, which includes humans and other assorted sentient creatures. Those creatures then have their own dreams. Do those dreams then have their own substance? Can materials and objects and even *concepts* generated within a dreamworld be brought forth from our dream into Aion's?
If so, does that mean Aion waits for us, just beyond the veil of sleep?
If so, does that mean Aion waits for us, just beyond the veil of sleep?
Written By Alaric
Oct. 1, 2017, 10:38 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Lucita
Oh, and it would be a terrible oversight indeed not to mention Lady Lucita's rebec playing as part of the artistic week gone by. It was very melodic, and quite interesting to hear!
It also seems quite difficult to play. Fortunately for the Compact, nobody has suggested I try taking up the rebec anytime soon.
It also seems quite difficult to play. Fortunately for the Compact, nobody has suggested I try taking up the rebec anytime soon.
Written By Alaric
Oct. 1, 2017, 10:33 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
Something of an artistic themed week gone by; an interesting art auction, another offer of instruction, even some very nice compliments about some of my offhanded doodles.
I probably shouldn't admit to doodling lest they decide it's a sure sign of idleness and pile more meetings on my schedule.
I probably shouldn't admit to doodling lest they decide it's a sure sign of idleness and pile more meetings on my schedule.
Written By Selene
Oct. 1, 2017, 10:24 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
A pleasant and somewhat lower key week than some of those prior, with the highlight being escorting Prince Tyrval to a dinner at the Whitehawk residence. That made for a pleasant evening of conversation. There's also been more council business, and it seems I might have some opportunity to attempt to meet with the newly-discovered sea elves in the near future. It seems I'm becoming a go-to elf-wrangler for the crown! Not a bad thing to be, since they are a fascinating lot.
Written By Tarik
Oct. 1, 2017, 10:15 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
I think of my mother during times likes these. I think of her working in her shop, sweating and toiling all day, but she always took the time to clean herself up when she had to make deliveries. She would spend time in baths, put some scented oil in her hair, and put on her best outfit. I always wondered why she bothered dressing up to deliver her wares. The people who bought from her to knew what she did, and sometimes she only dropped the items off to a servant. I never asked why she bothered. Mainly because I was afraid she would smack me in the back of the head, but I still wonder.
Written By Alexis
Oct. 1, 2017, 9:55 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Joslyn
With some people, you can pick up months later and it'll feel like no time has passed at all.
Joslyn came to dinner the other night. And though she's been terribly busy with her new lieges and duties, seeing her again made it seem like we'd only just parted yesterday.
I'm glad to have her back in my life.
Joslyn came to dinner the other night. And though she's been terribly busy with her new lieges and duties, seeing her again made it seem like we'd only just parted yesterday.
I'm glad to have her back in my life.
Written By Alexis
Oct. 1, 2017, 9:54 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
Was asked personally by Princess Reese Grayson to attend a military briefing. I'll admit I was rather proud to hear that. Now it's preparations for more travel. It's almost like being a squire again.
I do look forward to going out in the field.
I do look forward to going out in the field.
Written By Alexis
Oct. 1, 2017, 9:52 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
I've had the pleasure of working some with the Knights of Solace, and Dame Thena seemed quite pleased with my contribution to the Art Exhibit. I expect that we'll be able to cooperate well together, and I am happy to be of service to Gild and her flock.
Written By Darren
Oct. 1, 2017, 9:45 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
I ride for the North again, though there'll not be too much time spent in Farhaven itself. While I consider the entire North my home, there's some regret that I'll not be able to walk amongst my holdings, and connect with family and friends that are still there.
But we go with purpose, and we go with hope. Our task will not be easy, but I ride with people from all different walks of life, people who I respect for all manners of different reasons.
I can only hope that we find successes in our journey.
But we go with purpose, and we go with hope. Our task will not be easy, but I ride with people from all different walks of life, people who I respect for all manners of different reasons.
I can only hope that we find successes in our journey.
Written By Valencia
Oct. 1, 2017, 9:26 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Sebastian
There are so many great artists in Arx. I knew there were many, but I did not realize just how many. To be true, I am glad of it. To capture something with words is a wonderful thing, but to catch it and illustrate or paint it with an artist's eye, that is something that is truly remarkable. I wish I had skill for it.
I was speaking to Lord Sebastian of his art and we spoke of hosting an event to show the talents of our many artists in the Hart. He is truly an amazing artist. I am so glad to be allowed to see his works in progress. The more i see the more I think this would be a wonderful thing to share his and others artists work with the world and give it proper due.
Perhaps if all goes well it will be a summer soiree after our grand masquerade perhaps. We shall see. For now I will just watch in wonder and be amazed.
~~~~<~<@
I was speaking to Lord Sebastian of his art and we spoke of hosting an event to show the talents of our many artists in the Hart. He is truly an amazing artist. I am so glad to be allowed to see his works in progress. The more i see the more I think this would be a wonderful thing to share his and others artists work with the world and give it proper due.
Perhaps if all goes well it will be a summer soiree after our grand masquerade perhaps. We shall see. For now I will just watch in wonder and be amazed.
~~~~<~<@
Written By Kael
Oct. 1, 2017, 9:20 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Tarrant
Is it peculiar to say that I am proud of you? That I was proud of you when you when you took the field of the Tournament and proud of you now? It may be peculiar but it is nonetheless truth. May you always wear a token of Keaton colors, but may your own shine so very brightly.
Written By Barric
Oct. 1, 2017, 9:08 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Tristan
I have entrusted Fidelis' keeping with Tristan until I have need for the blade, for there is few if any other who are more loyal to Grayson, and worthy of loyalty in return.
Written By Valerio
Oct. 1, 2017, 8:58 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Khanne
I find myself always in a better mood when in the company of Lady Khanne Halfshav. Such an interesting woman with a very sharp mind. Though, she may have good sketching skills. The subject of the sketch is somewhat suspect. This bears thought for a more suitable response.
Written By Freja
Oct. 1, 2017, 8:48 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
*A drawing of a charcoal skull, its jaw cracked in a ghastly grin. A single rune, meaningless perhaps save only for its maker, is on the forehead and is divided in two by a single crack that travels up the crown of the cranium. From that fissure rises wisps of black, smokey charcoal swirls. In each eye, and the only color on this page, a golden coin. Below the quick sketch is the single word: "Liberation." *
Written By Harmon
Oct. 1, 2017, 8:44 p.m.(4/26/1007 AR)
Research continues. Continues. Continues. No longer able to sleep on normal schedule. Feel more... vigorous at night. Unsure of reasons. Perhaps sunlight too cloying. Getting everywhere. Not a good sign. Can't stop, though.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.