Written By Darrow
May 7, 2017, 5:58 p.m.(6/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Max
Together, Darkwater held the tide at the gates. The marines and regulars acquitted themselves well.
Written By Orelia
May 7, 2017, 5:52 p.m.(6/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Arianna
My dearest cousin bought me a new sword to celebrate an early birthday and the fact I survived.
I'm not sure exactly how to thank her besides perhaps writing up a song. It's a magnificent blade.
I'm not sure exactly how to thank her besides perhaps writing up a song. It's a magnificent blade.
Written By Anze
May 7, 2017, 5:46 p.m.(6/4/1006 AR)
And now the deluge of weddings and parties. I'm glad there will be a lot to celebrate for those left alive, remembering that there are things to live for is as important as remembering the dead.
Written By Serafine
May 7, 2017, 5:17 p.m.(6/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Agnarr
Head's always good.
Written By Darren
May 7, 2017, 5:04 p.m.(6/4/1006 AR)
There were a countless number of stalwart defenders in the Redrain Ward, but I think a few deserve honorable mention:
To my cousin, Anze - you may not be the most tactful when it comes to words, but put a sword in your hand and I would never want to cross you. You are one of the most loyal that I know, and I know our victory is due in part to the strength you showed up on the ramparts. Thank you.
To Morrighan - You stuck to me through it all, as though you were my shadow. I felt safer with you by my side. You've always been a brave defender of our family, and for this I have nothing but the utmost of thanks for you.
To Khanne, who has decided that she is my 'favorite' - Your skill with a bow is top-notch, and I was proud to have you help command the Redrain and Halfshav archers. You make a fine Voice of your people and you've done Redrain proud. I owe you a great deal of whiskey, and a great deal of thanks.
To Asger, and his cousin Kahlana - You both fought well and honorably. The Crovane are lucky to have you as their Duke, Asger. I look forward to continued kinship with your family and am so thankful for your service to Redrain.
To Petal and Tallius - I know neither of you very well, but on the Ramparts I saw two willing to give up their lives to keep our ward safe. To keep the Compact whole. I hope that Petal's injuries heal fast, and Tallius? You are damn good with that bow, man. I will call upon you should I ever need your arrows once more.
To Ysbail and Ann - The two of you arrived just in time to help heal the wounded. Many more would have died if not for your skills. We are in your debt.
To Shadow - I don't know what you're saying half the damn time, but I'm glad you came when you did to help defend the Ramparts.
To the Graysons and Foxes who came to our aide - Reese, Luca, Zhalya, Joslyn, and Rickard - Redrain is grateful for the assistance you provided, to ensure we were victorious and that our ramparts did not fall. Thank you.
There are more, of course. Countless names, countless faces. But I will remember. To the last.
To my cousin, Anze - you may not be the most tactful when it comes to words, but put a sword in your hand and I would never want to cross you. You are one of the most loyal that I know, and I know our victory is due in part to the strength you showed up on the ramparts. Thank you.
To Morrighan - You stuck to me through it all, as though you were my shadow. I felt safer with you by my side. You've always been a brave defender of our family, and for this I have nothing but the utmost of thanks for you.
To Khanne, who has decided that she is my 'favorite' - Your skill with a bow is top-notch, and I was proud to have you help command the Redrain and Halfshav archers. You make a fine Voice of your people and you've done Redrain proud. I owe you a great deal of whiskey, and a great deal of thanks.
To Asger, and his cousin Kahlana - You both fought well and honorably. The Crovane are lucky to have you as their Duke, Asger. I look forward to continued kinship with your family and am so thankful for your service to Redrain.
To Petal and Tallius - I know neither of you very well, but on the Ramparts I saw two willing to give up their lives to keep our ward safe. To keep the Compact whole. I hope that Petal's injuries heal fast, and Tallius? You are damn good with that bow, man. I will call upon you should I ever need your arrows once more.
To Ysbail and Ann - The two of you arrived just in time to help heal the wounded. Many more would have died if not for your skills. We are in your debt.
To Shadow - I don't know what you're saying half the damn time, but I'm glad you came when you did to help defend the Ramparts.
To the Graysons and Foxes who came to our aide - Reese, Luca, Zhalya, Joslyn, and Rickard - Redrain is grateful for the assistance you provided, to ensure we were victorious and that our ramparts did not fall. Thank you.
There are more, of course. Countless names, countless faces. But I will remember. To the last.
Written By Sophie
May 7, 2017, 4:57 p.m.(6/4/1006 AR)
Mother Margrith is gone. Murdered. Poisoned. Whoever is responsible must surely know that all will be done to bring them to justice. I put it here, in the pages of my white journal, as a solemn vow. May the Gods bless and keep her soul.
Every ounce of Margrith's life was spent in dedication to the Mercy's credo or in supporting those who uphold it. A formidable woman, her loss is keenly felt as both mentor and friend. She possessed a tremendous gift for inspiring (well, guilting) others into gifting generously to the Mercies of Lagoma. Yet all of Arx is hurting now, and I cannot in good conscience seek to refill our coffers when so much needs to be rebuilt. She would tell me this is the prime time, for when will our services be more needed than after a bloody assault on the city itself?
My counter is that this is why I spent so many months and so much silver expanding and upgrading the garden solariums and apothecary ateliers of the House of Solace, and why I imported and stockpiled countless supplies. We will have what we need to do what must be done. If my sole legacy as Mother is simply that I have made us truly self-sufficient in what we can produce and prepare, able to withstand countless sieges and assaults, then I will have left things better than I found them. We are far from there but far closer than we have been in recollected history. Nonetheless, there is so much left to be done.
For now, though, we use what we have to help and heal, as always has been the Mercy way. May blessed Lagoma and honored Gild be satisfied by the efforts of those who perform good works in Their hallowed names. May I prove myself worthy of the mantle bestowed upon me. May my brothers and sisters of Mercy ever continue to be a comfort and provide solace for those who are hurting, whether the wound or ailment be of body, heart, mind, or spirit.
Every ounce of Margrith's life was spent in dedication to the Mercy's credo or in supporting those who uphold it. A formidable woman, her loss is keenly felt as both mentor and friend. She possessed a tremendous gift for inspiring (well, guilting) others into gifting generously to the Mercies of Lagoma. Yet all of Arx is hurting now, and I cannot in good conscience seek to refill our coffers when so much needs to be rebuilt. She would tell me this is the prime time, for when will our services be more needed than after a bloody assault on the city itself?
My counter is that this is why I spent so many months and so much silver expanding and upgrading the garden solariums and apothecary ateliers of the House of Solace, and why I imported and stockpiled countless supplies. We will have what we need to do what must be done. If my sole legacy as Mother is simply that I have made us truly self-sufficient in what we can produce and prepare, able to withstand countless sieges and assaults, then I will have left things better than I found them. We are far from there but far closer than we have been in recollected history. Nonetheless, there is so much left to be done.
For now, though, we use what we have to help and heal, as always has been the Mercy way. May blessed Lagoma and honored Gild be satisfied by the efforts of those who perform good works in Their hallowed names. May I prove myself worthy of the mantle bestowed upon me. May my brothers and sisters of Mercy ever continue to be a comfort and provide solace for those who are hurting, whether the wound or ailment be of body, heart, mind, or spirit.
Written By Leola
May 7, 2017, 4:57 p.m.(6/4/1006 AR)
After the past months, it felt strange to ride through the city, Brier without her armor and me without mine. The Crimson Seed slumbering, unstrung and not constantly at hand, my spear hung on the walls again. The sun felt good on my cheeks, and the new dress fit fine and well. I delivered messages, I observed the destruction of the walls and the countless lives we lost.
We will count them. I know it, as I've come to know Arx. We count the price of everything, even our victories.
This was no worthless victory. We saved ourselves, dragged ourselves from the darkness and used everything we knew to stand against the Silence. We won our own lives. I feel proud to have represented those not noble in the fight against Brand; this victory belonged to all, not only to the entitled and knights under arms. Everyone in Arx fought, in some way. I pray I will never know every tale of hardship and the thousand struggles that brought us here, for my heart would break. Indeed, I still feel as though it would, after the strain of the battle.
It will not. We will heal. We will recover. There is more to do, and I know I will do what I can in this. For now, though, I'm content to feel the spring sun on my face, to be Leola once more. One day, I can spare. Tomorrow, we begin again.
We will count them. I know it, as I've come to know Arx. We count the price of everything, even our victories.
This was no worthless victory. We saved ourselves, dragged ourselves from the darkness and used everything we knew to stand against the Silence. We won our own lives. I feel proud to have represented those not noble in the fight against Brand; this victory belonged to all, not only to the entitled and knights under arms. Everyone in Arx fought, in some way. I pray I will never know every tale of hardship and the thousand struggles that brought us here, for my heart would break. Indeed, I still feel as though it would, after the strain of the battle.
It will not. We will heal. We will recover. There is more to do, and I know I will do what I can in this. For now, though, I'm content to feel the spring sun on my face, to be Leola once more. One day, I can spare. Tomorrow, we begin again.
Written By Fortunato
May 7, 2017, 4:56 p.m.(6/4/1006 AR)
Sketches.
An army of the dead. The high-domed, polished skulls of the skeletons interspersed with the lank-haired, deep-eyed rot of the zombies. The skeletons standing in ready, straight-backed columns, the zombies in restless, semi-controlled lurch, one in particular drifting from the main horde.
The army in clash, skeletons hewing at corrupted shavs, zombies crawled on top of Bringers. There are living names hastily written in margins, quick, indistinct posture sketches by each. Tristan, Orathy, Torian, Magpie, Asher, Aureth, Orazio, Orathy, Ferrando, Leta, Serafine.
Sketch of a zombie, who might be the stray from the first sketch, devouring a Bringer. It's scuffed out and unpleasant and the perspective is up quite close indeed.
The last sketch is more of the same, clashing and clawing, dead versus dead or dead enough, but has been hastily pasted together from ripped halves, and is blood- and mud-stained.
An army of the dead. The high-domed, polished skulls of the skeletons interspersed with the lank-haired, deep-eyed rot of the zombies. The skeletons standing in ready, straight-backed columns, the zombies in restless, semi-controlled lurch, one in particular drifting from the main horde.
The army in clash, skeletons hewing at corrupted shavs, zombies crawled on top of Bringers. There are living names hastily written in margins, quick, indistinct posture sketches by each. Tristan, Orathy, Torian, Magpie, Asher, Aureth, Orazio, Orathy, Ferrando, Leta, Serafine.
Sketch of a zombie, who might be the stray from the first sketch, devouring a Bringer. It's scuffed out and unpleasant and the perspective is up quite close indeed.
The last sketch is more of the same, clashing and clawing, dead versus dead or dead enough, but has been hastily pasted together from ripped halves, and is blood- and mud-stained.
Written By Ann
May 7, 2017, 4:44 p.m.(6/4/1006 AR)
Document the seventeenth:
I have heard that Lord Tolamar Brand was once a great Champion against the Dark, vanished while fighting Gray Forest raiders. What happened, I wonder? And perhaps I wonder too much, but is that not the nature of those who seek to know as much as they can? What twisted him? As a Scholar, I want to Know. Perhaps, I might convince Dare to let me lead an expedition to find out--
No, no. Scrap that last bit. It would be better if he didn't know yet.
Did you scrap it?
I swear, sometimes I think Scholars are the worst sort of people...
...you're still scribing, aren't you?
Damn.
I have heard that Lord Tolamar Brand was once a great Champion against the Dark, vanished while fighting Gray Forest raiders. What happened, I wonder? And perhaps I wonder too much, but is that not the nature of those who seek to know as much as they can? What twisted him? As a Scholar, I want to Know. Perhaps, I might convince Dare to let me lead an expedition to find out--
No, no. Scrap that last bit. It would be better if he didn't know yet.
Did you scrap it?
I swear, sometimes I think Scholars are the worst sort of people...
...you're still scribing, aren't you?
Damn.
Written By Darren
May 7, 2017, 4:43 p.m.(6/4/1006 AR)
The fires will burn brightly in the Redrain Villa for weeks to come. Some will be celebratory bonfires, where we'll sit and trade stories of our glory, get piss drunk on whiskey, and be glad that we are alive. Others will be funeral pyres, where we will say goodbye to the soldiers who are with us no longer, sing songs of their glory, get piss drunk on whiskey, and be glad that we are alive. We'll remember these moments for the rest of our years, while selfishly hoping that we have many years to hold onto.
The butcher's bill was steep. Many lives were lost. I spent that sleepless evening after the siege helping to pull the dead from the rubble, walking among the wounded, taking down names of those who didn't make it and those that may succumb to their wounds days after. In the days to come, I'll write letters to their families in Farhaven and the rest of the North. I'll write the names of our fallen heroes upon the wall. I'll help rebuild, I'll help remember.
It could have been far worse - we could all be gone - but it is a difficult thing to count the losses and know that I led those men and women to their deaths. But they did not die in vain. Tolamar Brand is dead and the Silent Army is no more. The Redrain Ward was not overtaken. Our families and friends both near and far are safe for another day.
I hope we get some very long days to rest.
The butcher's bill was steep. Many lives were lost. I spent that sleepless evening after the siege helping to pull the dead from the rubble, walking among the wounded, taking down names of those who didn't make it and those that may succumb to their wounds days after. In the days to come, I'll write letters to their families in Farhaven and the rest of the North. I'll write the names of our fallen heroes upon the wall. I'll help rebuild, I'll help remember.
It could have been far worse - we could all be gone - but it is a difficult thing to count the losses and know that I led those men and women to their deaths. But they did not die in vain. Tolamar Brand is dead and the Silent Army is no more. The Redrain Ward was not overtaken. Our families and friends both near and far are safe for another day.
I hope we get some very long days to rest.
Written By Orelia
May 7, 2017, 4:32 p.m.(6/3/1006 AR)
I had written 18 pages for my essay! Yet I look at them now in the wake of the siege and find them lacking.
My prospective has changed so much. Before I had never fought a battle with the intent to kill or the fear of dying.
Now I've witnessed so many fall. How can I turn this in? I'm going to have to scrap it all.
I think I am the worst recruit in Knight of Solace's history.
My prospective has changed so much. Before I had never fought a battle with the intent to kill or the fear of dying.
Now I've witnessed so many fall. How can I turn this in? I'm going to have to scrap it all.
I think I am the worst recruit in Knight of Solace's history.
Written By Leola
May 7, 2017, 4:24 p.m.(6/3/1006 AR)
Brand is dead. The Herald of Silence has fallen.
We all lived. All five of us.
I'm exhausted. I'll write more in the morning.
We all lived. All five of us.
I'm exhausted. I'll write more in the morning.
Written By Anze
May 7, 2017, 3:55 p.m.(6/3/1006 AR)
I feel that the messengers of the city have probably never been as busy as they have been the past two days. Checking on loved ones, exchanging information, making plans and congratulations. A flurry of activity I have to imagine is draining, especially with the amount of messages that are most likely about relaxing.
Written By Seva
May 7, 2017, 3:40 p.m.(6/3/1006 AR)
I am honored to have stood on the ramparts with my fellow Thrax. And of course, those from Redrain and Grayson who came to support.
Despite the damages and the lives lost, in time the city will mend and move on.
We are stronger than silence. Strong than Brand.
Despite the damages and the lives lost, in time the city will mend and move on.
We are stronger than silence. Strong than Brand.
Written By Tobias
May 7, 2017, 3:03 p.m.(6/3/1006 AR)
I'm not a stranger to war, with my profession. I've led assaults, holding actions, skirmishes. The Crimson Blades are well trained and handle themselves well.
This was my first major siege though. Literally watching the endless hordes of Brands slaves continue to meet us on the Ramparts, I was expecting us to fall back to the inner Gate eventually. The Crimson Blades are some of the best soldiers in the Compact... but a horde of that size is just a grinder. I'm very proud of the job the Crimson Blades did against that horde. We trained as well as we could for battle on the Ramparts, and I think it paid off, since we only lost a third of each Company in the fighting.
I consider that a minor miracle, and a testament to what a disciplined unit can endure.
Now though, is a time for mourning, rebuilding, and recovery.
I salute each and every man and woman in the Crimson Blades, and those who fought alongside us.
This was my first major siege though. Literally watching the endless hordes of Brands slaves continue to meet us on the Ramparts, I was expecting us to fall back to the inner Gate eventually. The Crimson Blades are some of the best soldiers in the Compact... but a horde of that size is just a grinder. I'm very proud of the job the Crimson Blades did against that horde. We trained as well as we could for battle on the Ramparts, and I think it paid off, since we only lost a third of each Company in the fighting.
I consider that a minor miracle, and a testament to what a disciplined unit can endure.
Now though, is a time for mourning, rebuilding, and recovery.
I salute each and every man and woman in the Crimson Blades, and those who fought alongside us.
Written By Valery
May 7, 2017, 2:08 p.m.(6/2/1006 AR)
So many hurt people, so many deaths...
So much blood, so much pain...
So much blood, so much pain...
Written By Kima
May 7, 2017, 1:44 p.m.(6/2/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Estaban
The last few conversations I've had with my cousin Estaban have been extolling him to stand up to the ideals of Gloria and the Sentinel; to be a man worthy of his noble House. Since then, he has joined with the Iron Guard...and during the battle at the Seawatch Gate, he fought with exemplary courage. For that, he was badly wounded, though I am certain he shall recover.
I could not be more proud.
I could not be more proud.
Written By Fiachra
May 7, 2017, 1:42 p.m.(6/2/1006 AR)
I wonder if Brand felt fear, before it was over. Can such a creature even process that kind of emotion, or was he only a slave to his Master's bidding? Regardless, our response echoed across the battlefield. The enemy broke our walls, but in the end, we broke them.
So many lives were lost. I'm sure that we all knew this would be the case. I know that in those losses, so many more lives were saved, but that is little comfort. War is brutal. The only thing that makes this one even infinitesimally better is that we fought for our very existence, and not for petty reasons of greed for things that were not ours.
I wish peace in the continued journey of all of those who left this world behind. May the gods and the spirits comfort their families and friends.
So many lives were lost. I'm sure that we all knew this would be the case. I know that in those losses, so many more lives were saved, but that is little comfort. War is brutal. The only thing that makes this one even infinitesimally better is that we fought for our very existence, and not for petty reasons of greed for things that were not ours.
I wish peace in the continued journey of all of those who left this world behind. May the gods and the spirits comfort their families and friends.
Written By Edward
May 7, 2017, 1:30 p.m.(6/2/1006 AR)
Duke Grimhall entrusted me with a command during the assault. I feel in the aftermath that I lead competently enough to help secure the breach with the other soldiers and commanders of Thrax, after Brand blew apart the rampart and the inner gate.
I am honored and humbled for the faith that was placed in me.
I am honored and humbled for the faith that was placed in me.
Written By James
May 7, 2017, 1:29 p.m.(6/2/1006 AR)
To my parole officer; you said I would be back in a cell by the end of the week. I suppose the siege kind of rain on your parade. I have also been keeping my nose clean, got a job doing chores for the owner of the Murder. A tavern in the lower borough. I am even doing my community service by patrolling the harbors to keep the ruffians in check. Never say I never paid my price to society.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.