Written By Maeve
Sept. 6, 2017, 10:31 a.m.(2/27/1007 AR)
I was allowed to go on an expedition with some people. We headed north aboard the Unsullied. We braved treacherous waters and the bitter winter cold of the far north! I could swear my toes were about to fall off! There was so much that happened and so much that was learned that I can't even remember it all. There were abyssal wolves, bad abandoned, good abandoned, spirit animals, giant centipedes, rituals, and a REALLY cool wolf-bird named Simurgh!
Written By Lydia
Sept. 6, 2017, 12:40 a.m.(2/26/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Sameera
Seeking to improve myself, I found an able instructor in Sameera. Hopefully my investigations will go more smoothly, applying what she has taught me.
Written By Felicia
Sept. 5, 2017, 11:25 p.m.(2/26/1007 AR)
“In ol' Arx town, there lived a man,
Sing all the live-long day now.
And he was happy in his home,
For all the live-long day…
In Arx there lived a lady fair,
Sing all the live long day, now.
The lady she had not a care,
For all the live-long day…
In wond'rous Arx, they both found bliss
Sing all the live long day, now.
And sealed their love up with a kiss
For all the live-long day…”
I find myself singing this when I walk the streets now. I'm such a fool. I'll be on my way soon enough. Business for the King's Own. I might as well enjoy my bliss before I risk my life.
Sing all the live-long day now.
And he was happy in his home,
For all the live-long day…
In Arx there lived a lady fair,
Sing all the live long day, now.
The lady she had not a care,
For all the live-long day…
In wond'rous Arx, they both found bliss
Sing all the live long day, now.
And sealed their love up with a kiss
For all the live-long day…”
I find myself singing this when I walk the streets now. I'm such a fool. I'll be on my way soon enough. Business for the King's Own. I might as well enjoy my bliss before I risk my life.
Written By Khanne
Sept. 5, 2017, 10:41 p.m.(2/26/1007 AR)
You learn something new every day.
It's a well known saying, and for the most part, is pretty much true, I think. Somehow, in some way, even if it is small... we learn something new every day.... even when sometimes we feel we are not learning enough.
Then there are those days when our minds are blown and we need to jot down notes to keep track of all the things learned in a small time frame.
And the day after when we sit in quiet and try to let that all sink in. Go ahead... let it settle in...
One thing I have learned in the last year or so is this - my shoulders can take a tremendous amount of weight. I shall continue to try to not crumble beneath it all.
It's a well known saying, and for the most part, is pretty much true, I think. Somehow, in some way, even if it is small... we learn something new every day.... even when sometimes we feel we are not learning enough.
Then there are those days when our minds are blown and we need to jot down notes to keep track of all the things learned in a small time frame.
And the day after when we sit in quiet and try to let that all sink in. Go ahead... let it settle in...
One thing I have learned in the last year or so is this - my shoulders can take a tremendous amount of weight. I shall continue to try to not crumble beneath it all.
Written By Anze
Sept. 5, 2017, 10:11 p.m.(2/26/1007 AR)
I wonder if the rest of the Malvici will laugh if I throw up on this boat ride... might have to make a list of who to throw in a river once we get home...
Written By Abbas
Sept. 5, 2017, 8:35 p.m.(2/25/1007 AR)
I have been tasked with preparing the defense of the Mourning Isles.
Now, more than ever, for all of the Compact we must set aside our differences and come together to shield Arvum from the dark God that seeks to consume us all.
We shall accept and all assistance in defense of the Maelstrom. Any who wish to join in the defense of such your presence is welcome. We are preparing the fleet for war and our homes for siege.
We pray that the Faith shall rise up and come to us and Mangata with their blessings.
We pray our fellow Houses stand with us and commit to turn the dark tides that approach.
Some already have and more are in the process of doing so.
We shall stand against the darkness and doom with light and fire in our hearts.
Will you stand with us?
Now, more than ever, for all of the Compact we must set aside our differences and come together to shield Arvum from the dark God that seeks to consume us all.
We shall accept and all assistance in defense of the Maelstrom. Any who wish to join in the defense of such your presence is welcome. We are preparing the fleet for war and our homes for siege.
We pray that the Faith shall rise up and come to us and Mangata with their blessings.
We pray our fellow Houses stand with us and commit to turn the dark tides that approach.
Some already have and more are in the process of doing so.
We shall stand against the darkness and doom with light and fire in our hearts.
Will you stand with us?
Written By Harlan
Sept. 5, 2017, 8:06 p.m.(2/25/1007 AR)
The journey ahead a long one for myself and the three rangers accompanying me. A group if hunters we are passing ourselves off as so as to not draw a second look all the way back to Ashford Hall. A longer journey than back to Arx, and two days lost disguising our trails as such. It could not be helped and it was asked of me to do by one who has my implicit trust back at House Ashford. My presences was needed and the reason being the financial ruin of the house. It was something I could not ignore. Oh it hurt leaving Aislin and Killian, but I did my best to see them tended too. Also it was not as if the bow of more noble man was going to be much a different. Hardly any praise at all for my effort which on the surface a good thing, but there will always be the questions "but what if..."
All I can do is move forward in a way which I believe best use of the skills I offer. Ashford Hall as need of them and the sooner we get there the clearer picture of the situation will be at hand. Till then were hunters traveling where we may, near freezing ourselves at night. Gods I miss my battle leathers....
All I can do is move forward in a way which I believe best use of the skills I offer. Ashford Hall as need of them and the sooner we get there the clearer picture of the situation will be at hand. Till then were hunters traveling where we may, near freezing ourselves at night. Gods I miss my battle leathers....
Written By Eleyna
Sept. 5, 2017, 6:12 p.m.(2/25/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
Okay, but what if we named it after you. Still a no?
Written By Shard
Sept. 5, 2017, 12:52 p.m.(2/25/1007 AR)
As a follow-up to my entry a month or so ago regarding how you can never control an arrow once it leaves your bow, I'd like to note that you can never control the arrows of other archers at all. Blatantly obvious, but some fights you'll run or ride past every shot, and no matter how near a miss you won't be bleeding out on the battlefield.
And some it seems like every last fucking one of them has drawn your gods-damned number, and you spend hours after the battle is done getting an arrowhead cut out of your back and the wound burned shut.
Considering what happened, I'm fucking lucky. I'll be fine, with just another scar to show for it. It would be another story without even the leather armor and the cloak I had been wearing. Never ever get cocky in a fight, but particularly when there's still an archer on the field.
And some it seems like every last fucking one of them has drawn your gods-damned number, and you spend hours after the battle is done getting an arrowhead cut out of your back and the wound burned shut.
Considering what happened, I'm fucking lucky. I'll be fine, with just another scar to show for it. It would be another story without even the leather armor and the cloak I had been wearing. Never ever get cocky in a fight, but particularly when there's still an archer on the field.
Written By Valery
Sept. 5, 2017, 11:32 a.m.(2/25/1007 AR)
Sometimes it feels like the messengers aren't delivering my messages...
Written By Eirene
Sept. 5, 2017, 10:23 a.m.(2/25/1007 AR)
Every time I take myself into the Archives to record my own thoughts and musings I pause to look at the books in the 'freshly scribed' section.
Some of you all never shut the fuck up, do you? I hope Vellichor is entertained, but I pity your scribes.
Random thoughts: All the talk about babies reminds me - I AM NOT A FUCKING MIDWIFE. You find someone who gives a shit about babies to handle that. Soldiers who get close to delivery do not go on a battlefield, they stay the fuck behind to ensure they can bring the next generation in safely, the ones the rest of us are truly fighting for. You want a person who knows babies, girl bits, and how to turn a breech just in case things go sideways. Or upside down.
Shit. I just admitted I know more than I let on, didn't I?
Still Not Birthing Any Babies.
Some of you all never shut the fuck up, do you? I hope Vellichor is entertained, but I pity your scribes.
Random thoughts: All the talk about babies reminds me - I AM NOT A FUCKING MIDWIFE. You find someone who gives a shit about babies to handle that. Soldiers who get close to delivery do not go on a battlefield, they stay the fuck behind to ensure they can bring the next generation in safely, the ones the rest of us are truly fighting for. You want a person who knows babies, girl bits, and how to turn a breech just in case things go sideways. Or upside down.
Shit. I just admitted I know more than I let on, didn't I?
Still Not Birthing Any Babies.
Written By Daemon
Sept. 5, 2017, 9:53 a.m.(2/25/1007 AR)
A brief excerpt on sailing.
While I was away for those years I passed between many vessels in my time aboard. Most of the men I met didn't take especially kind to my presence and I don't blame them. I was throwing up over the banisters my first few weeks nonstop. Just couldn't get over how the waves move, rocking me side to side. I'd sit down to read and suddenly I'd be nauseous, wanting to get back on land. I could've kissed the first sandy beach we washed up on. I think I did, I do have a vague recollection of trying to eat something grimy and raw. It was awful.
The valuable lesson I learned there is that I was never meant to be a sailor. But I did also learn that sailors make some of the finest company a man could hope for. Perhaps a little vulgar for my tastes, but nonetheless their ideals of companionship are second to none. The way they sing and dance under the moon during long voyages was all new to me, especially their taste in songs. Shanties I believe it was. Colorful tunes that rhyme with elegant flow, usually having some sort of grating punchline to them as well. The few I heard I loved, though I may have chosen some more appropriate language for younger audiences.
Perhaps one day I'll go back to the sea to truly learn rather than just sit along for the ride. Ironic how I struggle to stay occupied now that I have so much time to myself for once. It felt as though everyday out there was a new experience. But maybe that was just because seeing the same thing for weeks on end makes a man hallucinate a brighter tomorrow to stay sane. Who can really know?
A joyful experience overall, once my stomach settled I'd say.
(PS. What is this I hear about my name being too 'glaring'? My mother and fathered worked very hard to create me I'll have you know, they earned the right to call me as they wish! Hmph!)
While I was away for those years I passed between many vessels in my time aboard. Most of the men I met didn't take especially kind to my presence and I don't blame them. I was throwing up over the banisters my first few weeks nonstop. Just couldn't get over how the waves move, rocking me side to side. I'd sit down to read and suddenly I'd be nauseous, wanting to get back on land. I could've kissed the first sandy beach we washed up on. I think I did, I do have a vague recollection of trying to eat something grimy and raw. It was awful.
The valuable lesson I learned there is that I was never meant to be a sailor. But I did also learn that sailors make some of the finest company a man could hope for. Perhaps a little vulgar for my tastes, but nonetheless their ideals of companionship are second to none. The way they sing and dance under the moon during long voyages was all new to me, especially their taste in songs. Shanties I believe it was. Colorful tunes that rhyme with elegant flow, usually having some sort of grating punchline to them as well. The few I heard I loved, though I may have chosen some more appropriate language for younger audiences.
Perhaps one day I'll go back to the sea to truly learn rather than just sit along for the ride. Ironic how I struggle to stay occupied now that I have so much time to myself for once. It felt as though everyday out there was a new experience. But maybe that was just because seeing the same thing for weeks on end makes a man hallucinate a brighter tomorrow to stay sane. Who can really know?
A joyful experience overall, once my stomach settled I'd say.
(PS. What is this I hear about my name being too 'glaring'? My mother and fathered worked very hard to create me I'll have you know, they earned the right to call me as they wish! Hmph!)
Written By Dagon
Sept. 5, 2017, 3:30 a.m.(2/24/1007 AR)
It feels good to be proactive, especially now when my mind so often wanders to shadowed places. The letters are sent. I hope soon the officers will have made their list and sent off their troops. Training these men and women will provide Tyde with a new group of well trained warriors, pad the upper ranks with knowledgeable men and women, and give me something to occupy my mind with. I run through the exercises I will drill them on in my head. Some time ago Abbas challenged somebody to a duel using Thraxian skiffs -- a good idea for an exercise, no doubt.
The overhead on getting them here... well, that's why Margot manages the books (Gods, hope she's okay). Good soldiers are priceless, and these ones will go back to teach their respective units. Education: the gift that keeps on giving. May behoove me to seek out others interested in helping these troops, whether through financial support or actually teaching them.
Possibles:
1. Velenosa/Edain
2. Abbas (? assess troops first)
3. Gideon
4. Archeron
3. Tyde-Friendly Thraxian merchants (safer oceans are a + )
The overhead on getting them here... well, that's why Margot manages the books (Gods, hope she's okay). Good soldiers are priceless, and these ones will go back to teach their respective units. Education: the gift that keeps on giving. May behoove me to seek out others interested in helping these troops, whether through financial support or actually teaching them.
Possibles:
1. Velenosa/Edain
2. Abbas (? assess troops first)
3. Gideon
4. Archeron
3. Tyde-Friendly Thraxian merchants (safer oceans are a + )
Written By Eilonwy
Sept. 5, 2017, 1:28 a.m.(2/24/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Aodhan
Fierce warrior, I will always trust you.
Written By Mia
Sept. 5, 2017, 12:47 a.m.(2/24/1007 AR)
Journey from the Gray Forest, Day 4
It seems that for all of my preparations, the layers of wool and leather did very little to keep out the biting cold. No wonder, I should think. Not only is full plate quite heavy, but suspect that while it does a very good job of keeping out the wind, it only seems to make the cold even worse. Perhaps I should have let them pad out my borrowed cuirass with pillows after all -- not for a better fit, but simply in the hopes that the down would keep out some of the biting chill.
Still, I won't freeze to death -- not tonight, at least. The Tribe that we tracked through the woods was being chased, being hunted even, by a pack of bears that had been tainted. I have never, in all my life, seen such fearsome and terrifying things. Covered in green ichor, they had decimated the Tribe and attacked our party without hesitation, despite the number of weapons drawn and the fires burning. Even grossly outnumbered, they simply charged. Given the damage they had already caused, I suspect they would have succeeded, too, were it not for the warriors among our small party. Inquisitor Crown and Dame Wyrmfang fought bravely despite their wounds; Lady Clara Crovane felled one of the great beasts in a single blow. But Lord Corban Telmar proved to perhaps be the savior of us all. Two blows; two bears. He single-handedly dispatched half of the animals himself and I can see clearly as to why he was placed in command of the mission.
The Tribe was so grateful that we camp with them tonight, sharing their fires and what few blankets they have to spare. Very little, I think, given how quickly they had to move, how many people they lost, the homes they were forced to leave. I doubt they would have lasted even a few more days if left to themselves in the forest. A young mother, her babe still an infant in her arms, was weeping when we first arrived. She was so convinced of their doom that she was ready to smother her child to spare her, as I heard her say, from being taken by the taint. One of her elders stopped her, thank all of the gods, but with so little hope left to them, I only imagine it would've been a matter of time before even I would've thought such a desperate act to be one of mercy rather than one of fear.
We will return to the Grayson camp with them in the morning and speak to them and their leader, Brunnhilda, of their future when they have full bellies and clearer heads. Whether they will join the Compact or not, I cannot say, but they will certainly mount no attacks against us. It is a beginning, at least.
It seems that for all of my preparations, the layers of wool and leather did very little to keep out the biting cold. No wonder, I should think. Not only is full plate quite heavy, but suspect that while it does a very good job of keeping out the wind, it only seems to make the cold even worse. Perhaps I should have let them pad out my borrowed cuirass with pillows after all -- not for a better fit, but simply in the hopes that the down would keep out some of the biting chill.
Still, I won't freeze to death -- not tonight, at least. The Tribe that we tracked through the woods was being chased, being hunted even, by a pack of bears that had been tainted. I have never, in all my life, seen such fearsome and terrifying things. Covered in green ichor, they had decimated the Tribe and attacked our party without hesitation, despite the number of weapons drawn and the fires burning. Even grossly outnumbered, they simply charged. Given the damage they had already caused, I suspect they would have succeeded, too, were it not for the warriors among our small party. Inquisitor Crown and Dame Wyrmfang fought bravely despite their wounds; Lady Clara Crovane felled one of the great beasts in a single blow. But Lord Corban Telmar proved to perhaps be the savior of us all. Two blows; two bears. He single-handedly dispatched half of the animals himself and I can see clearly as to why he was placed in command of the mission.
The Tribe was so grateful that we camp with them tonight, sharing their fires and what few blankets they have to spare. Very little, I think, given how quickly they had to move, how many people they lost, the homes they were forced to leave. I doubt they would have lasted even a few more days if left to themselves in the forest. A young mother, her babe still an infant in her arms, was weeping when we first arrived. She was so convinced of their doom that she was ready to smother her child to spare her, as I heard her say, from being taken by the taint. One of her elders stopped her, thank all of the gods, but with so little hope left to them, I only imagine it would've been a matter of time before even I would've thought such a desperate act to be one of mercy rather than one of fear.
We will return to the Grayson camp with them in the morning and speak to them and their leader, Brunnhilda, of their future when they have full bellies and clearer heads. Whether they will join the Compact or not, I cannot say, but they will certainly mount no attacks against us. It is a beginning, at least.
Written By Marius
Sept. 5, 2017, 12:44 a.m.(2/24/1007 AR)
Greenmarch children learn a great many stories growing up. The ones who do a good job of remembering them make great shamans. I, however, rarely remember any of them until a shaman starts it up. This, however, is my favourite.
"Centuries ago, when the dew of creation was still fresh upon the ground, the sons and daughters of men and women were faced with a terrible threat. Abysmal and horrific, the demons were seen crouching in the dark places, huddling outside the cities and towns of men and women, sharpening their claws as they salivated at the prospect of devouring those inside. And it came to pass that the sons and daughters of men and women could stand the demons' threat no longer, but found they had no means to fight, nor warriors sufficient to the task.
"The sons and daughters of men and women called out to the oldest gods for deliverance, and the oldest gods replied in a whisper, 'Sleep now. Your deliverance is at hand.' And the sons and daughters of men and women slept and the oldest gods took from each of them one hair and one bead of sweat. And when morning broke the sons and daughters of men and women found that the oldest gods had formed stalwart warriors, each with a terrible weapon. 'These are your defenders,' the oldest gods told the sons and daughters of men and women, 'they will deliver you.'
"But the sons and daughters of men and women chafed at the indignity of being denied the glory of a victory over the abysmal horde. They cast out the warriors into the forest. And there they fought, defiant and merciless. The oldest gods caused great trees to grow to aid the warriors, and the abysmal horde crashed against the steel of the warriors' weapons and the forest trees like waves. And they broke, like waves against a bulwark.
"Unconquered, the warriors made their home in the forest, choosing communion with the oldest gods. Untamed, they found their already wild hearts growing ever more wild with each passing year, until the sons and daughters of men and women looked on them with disdain. Faithful to the oldest gods, the warriors remained steadfast in their defense of the sons and daughters of men and women. And they remain so even to this day.
Stories should stir the blood to action, and generate a sense of the noblest purpose. Even the ones that may not be entirely factual. Perhaps especially those ones.
I'm no shaman. That's the only story I can tell that didn't happen to me.
"Centuries ago, when the dew of creation was still fresh upon the ground, the sons and daughters of men and women were faced with a terrible threat. Abysmal and horrific, the demons were seen crouching in the dark places, huddling outside the cities and towns of men and women, sharpening their claws as they salivated at the prospect of devouring those inside. And it came to pass that the sons and daughters of men and women could stand the demons' threat no longer, but found they had no means to fight, nor warriors sufficient to the task.
"The sons and daughters of men and women called out to the oldest gods for deliverance, and the oldest gods replied in a whisper, 'Sleep now. Your deliverance is at hand.' And the sons and daughters of men and women slept and the oldest gods took from each of them one hair and one bead of sweat. And when morning broke the sons and daughters of men and women found that the oldest gods had formed stalwart warriors, each with a terrible weapon. 'These are your defenders,' the oldest gods told the sons and daughters of men and women, 'they will deliver you.'
"But the sons and daughters of men and women chafed at the indignity of being denied the glory of a victory over the abysmal horde. They cast out the warriors into the forest. And there they fought, defiant and merciless. The oldest gods caused great trees to grow to aid the warriors, and the abysmal horde crashed against the steel of the warriors' weapons and the forest trees like waves. And they broke, like waves against a bulwark.
"Unconquered, the warriors made their home in the forest, choosing communion with the oldest gods. Untamed, they found their already wild hearts growing ever more wild with each passing year, until the sons and daughters of men and women looked on them with disdain. Faithful to the oldest gods, the warriors remained steadfast in their defense of the sons and daughters of men and women. And they remain so even to this day.
Stories should stir the blood to action, and generate a sense of the noblest purpose. Even the ones that may not be entirely factual. Perhaps especially those ones.
I'm no shaman. That's the only story I can tell that didn't happen to me.
Written By Corban
Sept. 5, 2017, 12:36 a.m.(2/24/1007 AR)
Prince Calarian and Princess Reese:
On Princess Reese's command, I led a team of diplomats and soldiers to investigate reports of Abandoned and dire animals west of camp. Approximately one-half-day's march from camp, we discovered two sets of tracks in opposite directions: One belonging to what was believed to be four dire bears and one belonging to what appeared to be a Tribe of Abandoned. Upon further investigation, we determined that the Tribe was primarily civilian in nature and was significantly injured. I deduced that the Tribe may have been attacked by the dire bears and was attempting to flee them, and I ordered the team to follow the Tribe's tracks.
My deduction appeared to be correct. The Tribe had posted warriors and archers in a last stand against the pursuing dire bears, but it was clear they would be wiped out without help. We organized the defenses as best we could in the short time available, posting archers in the trees and melee warriors in front of the sick and wounded.
Battle against the dire bears was pitched, and Dame Alexa and High Inquisitor Alistair were slashed by their claws. But Lady Clara -- nominally the healer of our group -- felled one with a strong blow of her axe. A team effort then brought another bear to heel, and I removed another two from the fight.
After the battle, we debriefed the Tribe's leader -- Brunhilda -- and her warriors, learning that they have been under repeated attack by Abyss-tainted animals, including wolves, bears, and badgers. We camped overnight and provided what aid we could. Then, upon sunrise, we led the Tribe back to camp to heal further and re-provision. I leave them to others' inquires regarding the larger threats we face.
The entire team performed well. I recognize especially Lady Mia for her translation and diplomacy with the Tribe, Lady Clara for her incredible skill with an axe, and Lord Killian and Lady Monique who made key discoveries while tracking the Tribe.
I remain available at your convenience for further questions.
Respectfully submitted,
Lord Corban Telmar
On Princess Reese's command, I led a team of diplomats and soldiers to investigate reports of Abandoned and dire animals west of camp. Approximately one-half-day's march from camp, we discovered two sets of tracks in opposite directions: One belonging to what was believed to be four dire bears and one belonging to what appeared to be a Tribe of Abandoned. Upon further investigation, we determined that the Tribe was primarily civilian in nature and was significantly injured. I deduced that the Tribe may have been attacked by the dire bears and was attempting to flee them, and I ordered the team to follow the Tribe's tracks.
My deduction appeared to be correct. The Tribe had posted warriors and archers in a last stand against the pursuing dire bears, but it was clear they would be wiped out without help. We organized the defenses as best we could in the short time available, posting archers in the trees and melee warriors in front of the sick and wounded.
Battle against the dire bears was pitched, and Dame Alexa and High Inquisitor Alistair were slashed by their claws. But Lady Clara -- nominally the healer of our group -- felled one with a strong blow of her axe. A team effort then brought another bear to heel, and I removed another two from the fight.
After the battle, we debriefed the Tribe's leader -- Brunhilda -- and her warriors, learning that they have been under repeated attack by Abyss-tainted animals, including wolves, bears, and badgers. We camped overnight and provided what aid we could. Then, upon sunrise, we led the Tribe back to camp to heal further and re-provision. I leave them to others' inquires regarding the larger threats we face.
The entire team performed well. I recognize especially Lady Mia for her translation and diplomacy with the Tribe, Lady Clara for her incredible skill with an axe, and Lord Killian and Lady Monique who made key discoveries while tracking the Tribe.
I remain available at your convenience for further questions.
Respectfully submitted,
Lord Corban Telmar
Written By Edward
Sept. 5, 2017, 12:35 a.m.(2/24/1007 AR)
(Six stick figures stand on a wall with Ds in their hands and near them imitating bows in flight are poorly drawn arrows. At the foot of the wall are more stick figures clustered together with one larger than the rest in the back, a large conical cap on his head and his arms up like he is excited.)
Written By Calaudrin
Sept. 5, 2017, 12:28 a.m.(2/24/1007 AR)
Well, fuck.
Written By Leona
Sept. 4, 2017, 10:16 p.m.(2/24/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Titania
I did not expect to witness an apology. (For those of you nosily snooping, I was not owed one and did not collect - I simply witnessed) It seemed heartfelt even seen through my surprise. I hope your chosen path is one that brings you blessings and joy.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.