Skip to main content.

Written By Mason

Sept. 20, 2017, 8:19 a.m.(4/2/1007 AR)

I am stunned and eternally gratified at the number of people that came to the art show reception last night. The generosity of the people of Arx never ceases to amaze me, even after the four years I have lived here.

I hope to spend as much time as I can over at the shrine in the next few weeks so that I can speak with people about the artwork and answer questions. I cannot say at this time just how many thralls we will be able to pay debts for as the numbers are all quite varied, but I am very moved by the amount of silver that has been donated and look forward to seeing the money put to good use in freeing people from servitude.

My endless thanks to both Fortunato Grayhope for putting my vision to canvas, and to Blessed Aleksei for his ceaseless support and enthusiasm for this project.

Written By Audric

Sept. 20, 2017, 2:37 a.m.(4/1/1007 AR)

I have been a bad man for my entire life. I still am, I don't deny that. I don't take prisoners - they get the choice between joining the Few, or losing their weapons and their boots. Yes, the latter is likely death. I support Aleksei's push for freedom for thralls, too. I don't support those against it, so I'll say it here: If you want to defend Thralldom, and want someone to fight, I throw down my sword. I am Baron Audric De Lire, Captain-General of the Valorous Few and Castellan of Afflua, and I accept any challenge. I'm no disciple of Skald, but I am a man that defends freedom of choice. If you're feeling froggy, well, as the saying goes. Leap.

Written By Silas

Sept. 20, 2017, 2:20 a.m.(4/1/1007 AR)

I'm glad winter is finally over and it doesn't have to be freezing any more.

I HATE snow.

Written By Valery

Sept. 20, 2017, 2:09 a.m.(4/1/1007 AR)

Spring is here!! And the plants are starting to grow!!!

Written By Valery

Sept. 20, 2017, 2:08 a.m.(4/1/1007 AR)

I got the plushie of Boots. It's almost as great as him.
It took me a while to convince the children that -this- plushie was mine, so I went to buy one for them... And they were all gone!

Written By Arcelia

Sept. 20, 2017, 2 a.m.(4/1/1007 AR)

One thing to note on the difficulties of navigating thralldom is that there is a cultural barrier between a good portion of The Compact and Thrax Houses here. One does not go to another land and start dictating to its people how they should or shouldn't live, that is how many war begins. Removing Thralldom is not something that can be done over night and is something that should be gone about with a delicate hand if it is to be gone about. Challenging people to duels over debt as a matter of dishonor is a breech of cultural habits, pressing your own beliefs on others and invading their lives because you simply disagree with the style of life, and is likely to cause problems. However, going about trying to change the minds of the people and get it to resolve in a more natural format, through political maneuvering, is more likely to see the desired results and less likely to see loss of lives. Consider your approach to this carefully. We do not need to fight a war among ourselves when we have enemies coming at us from all sides.

Written By Edward

Sept. 20, 2017, 1:43 a.m.(4/1/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Lydia

Well luckily the practice of serfdom provides you with an easy answer...you take all they own and leave them destitute and with no more than the dirt to scrabble in. And when that is not enough to settle the debt owed to you then you are forced to absorb the rest as a loss to you or your House.

Written By Felicia

Sept. 20, 2017, 1:05 a.m.(4/1/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Hana

Hana is surprisingly sweet and handy when it comes to forging blades. I hope to see more of her soon. Perhaps I'll purchase a new sword. It needs the King's Own mark but it could be made of something fancier than steel if I can wrangle the price... Hmm.

Written By Serafine

Sept. 20, 2017, 12:47 a.m.(4/1/1007 AR)

I get to go on a boat! A real boat! A ship!

I'm so excited!

An adventure!

Written By Lydia

Sept. 19, 2017, 11:25 p.m.(4/1/1007 AR)

Fortunato Grayhope's art exhibition, "Freedom", has given me pause to think on the nature of debt and repayment. The Thrax use thrallship as a means to secure a debt... renege financially and you'll work off your debt in servitude. If we postulate, as Fortunato appears to have done, that this is not a desirable consequence what alternatives do we have? Surely to renege on a debt is an affront to honor, should we settle such matters by duel? Or like a breach of contract, if it were judicially adjudicated, what binding decision would have any impact on one so impoverished to be in such a situation? As they say, one cannot get blood from a stone. If it were to be a crime, would some sort of debtors prison be any different than thrallship? And how do any of these benefit the injured party? No such case has come before me yet as Duchess. How am I to decide?

Written By Saedrus

Sept. 19, 2017, 10:34 p.m.(4/1/1007 AR)

An absolutely phenomenal event. Master Fortunato outdid himself; I think every person that came into the exhibit was struck by the art. I am grateful for the efforts of Fortunato, Prince Mason and Aleksei to bring such a compelling evening together. Striking and unique, it was an evening with a message that I do not think could be easily brought forward by word of mouth alone, the harrowing and dreadful aspect of thraldom, of chains and slavery of which we do not always see but hear of, and the sort that has, for the most part, only existed in tales. Then of course, those chain we which we know too well.

Thanks too should be giving to all that attended, for those that were willing to listen, partake and that had something --even something small-- to offer in aid of the cause. There are so many names of so many people that have done so, and to each I am thankful.

An exceptional, though dauntingly eye-opening night.

Written By Morrighan

Sept. 19, 2017, 10:08 p.m.(4/1/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Fortunato

He is indeed a master of his craft, his work is beautiful.

Written By Lucita

Sept. 19, 2017, 10:04 p.m.(4/1/1007 AR)

Lovely setting, sad and hopeful and brave all at the same time. I played a song, offered prayers at the shrines arranged along the shore, and spoke with a few of the others attending.

Written By Lucita

Sept. 19, 2017, 10:02 p.m.(4/1/1007 AR)

The art work was well executed, of topics related to slavery, and evocative, thought provoking. They were not something I would want to hang in my bedroom or dining room but powerful. The crowd was large and I only knew a few people who were there.

Written By Mirari

Sept. 19, 2017, 7:46 p.m.(4/1/1007 AR)

A tip, dearest reader, if you're going to attempt to take advantage of my generosity-- be smart about it.

Written By Mason

Sept. 19, 2017, 7:29 p.m.(3/28/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Fortunato

The art show begins soon. I am quite nervous about how it will be received, but no matter the reactions, Master Fortunato has done incredible work. I never could have explained with words what he has captured on canvas. We could not have found anyone better for this project.

Written By Dagon

Sept. 19, 2017, 3:06 p.m.(3/28/1007 AR)

We must play the long game. The sooner we can cut at the heart, the sooner we can get to where we need to be. Not here. Not Darkwater. Further, and further... eye on the horizon.

I pray now for:

Skapti,
Serafine,
Katarina,
Maeve,
and Sivard.

I pray for Katarina's crew. I will have plenty of time to learn their names on this trip. I will make sure to. Mangata, keep us safe. Keep everyone in Maelstrom safe. Shield us from the storm, Goddess. All of us.

Written By Jhond

Sept. 19, 2017, 1:41 p.m.(3/28/1007 AR)

Apparently I should be reading all these journals people write. I'm missing all the gossip.

Written By Edain

Sept. 19, 2017, 11:33 a.m.(3/28/1007 AR)

Relationship Note on Vesper

I have heard that 2nd one used before as well as the occasional variation, which may or may not have involved eating Erusian Curry for the first time.

Written By Vesper

Sept. 19, 2017, 11:17 a.m.(3/28/1007 AR)

[ From the travel journal of Vesper Nighthawk, Sister-at-Arms for the Knights of Solace: ]

Please, forgive the lack of proper documentation during my time at Maelstrom, Scholar. I will offer a detailed entry once I return to the capital. For now, please see my current list of Oaths:

Thirteenth's shadowy scrotum.
Gloria's noble nipples.
By Limerance's loins.
Holy milk of Mangata.
Petrichor's mossy marbles.

( Also, adding one overheard. Jayus' gibbering gerbils. )

Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.

Leave blank if this journal is not a relationship

Mark if this is a private, black journal entry