Written By Calypso
April 20, 2017, 11:41 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aureth
Never in a thousand years would I imagine my duty as Minister of Defense - Coordinator of the Compact's Militaries - to include coordinating an Army of the Dead.
I wish there were more time to instruct you on the importance of responsible leadership. On the theories of battle tactics and the great responsibility that you hold in your hand. But, there is not. The break of this siege is eminent. Much of the Hope of our future, our very existence now rests in your hands.
Don't falter. Stay vigilant.
I wish there were more time to instruct you on the importance of responsible leadership. On the theories of battle tactics and the great responsibility that you hold in your hand. But, there is not. The break of this siege is eminent. Much of the Hope of our future, our very existence now rests in your hands.
Don't falter. Stay vigilant.
Written By Niamh
April 20, 2017, 11:02 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)
I find myself in a rather unique position, having been born Abandoned and now walking among the ranks of Arvani. I grew up in the Oathlands, tucked away in the Greenwood, and knowing the Knights of Valardin - the Dragons - as a terror to our people whispered in stories. They were an enemy to be respected, for their prowess was acknowledged even among the shav'arvani. We all knew that should we cross the line, the Dragons would come for us. A few years later and I am AM a Dragon. I knelt when Greenmarch did and I trembled in fear of a trap as Prince Radley annointed me a Knight of Valardin. Over the news few years I would come to learn, and appreciate, just what it means to wear the white dragon emblem.
As an Oathlander I now understand and appreciate this above all: high or low born, if you are in distress, you pray for a dragon. You take knee before the gods and you request that Gloria send you aid in the form of a chivalric champion in that blue and white surcoat. It gives hope to all the people of the Oathlands, strengthens them with courage, and lets them know that if injustice should arise, someone will be there the Champion their cause. When I came to Arx, I joined the Champions because I felt the embodied that spirit the closest of any in the city.
Now, as I have lived in Arx for a few years, I have come to another understanding. Many people throughout Arvum do not have a dragon to pray for. They do not have a comforting sense of roving chivalry there for justice and light. This is not to say that the Princes and Lieges of the other Principalities do not provide their people! No! It is just that there is not a common symbol that all reach out to in the same way. After sitting through the Siege of Arx, I can say, resolutely, it is time for that to change. It is time for everyone under the Compact to have a beacon of hope, a symbol of the fires of retribution, and a light to stand against the darkness encroaching.
I have begun speaking with the High Lords, the Knights of Solace, and the Inquisition to overcome this problem. The ORDER OF THE GOLDEN DRAGON, named in honor of Aurumadin and Lord Goldenpyre's sacrifice, shall be the dragons that all of Arvum can pray for. I seek to forge a new Chivalric Order, drawing from the heroes of all our peoples. Together we will range forth and slay the evil that persecutes our people. Together, we will stand up to those who call on the Abyss. Together we will bring hope to the hopeless.
I seek to form this group with as much freedom to act as is possible. It is one I wish to be largely self-funded and self-sufficient, though which will continue to act in cooperation with those organizations it would border (The Inquisition and the Knights of the Faith). It would be an order of those who can dedicate their lives and time to its completion entirely.
This is my dream for you, Arvum. I hope you share it with me.
Niamh Greemarch
Knight of Valardin
Grandmistress Champion
As an Oathlander I now understand and appreciate this above all: high or low born, if you are in distress, you pray for a dragon. You take knee before the gods and you request that Gloria send you aid in the form of a chivalric champion in that blue and white surcoat. It gives hope to all the people of the Oathlands, strengthens them with courage, and lets them know that if injustice should arise, someone will be there the Champion their cause. When I came to Arx, I joined the Champions because I felt the embodied that spirit the closest of any in the city.
Now, as I have lived in Arx for a few years, I have come to another understanding. Many people throughout Arvum do not have a dragon to pray for. They do not have a comforting sense of roving chivalry there for justice and light. This is not to say that the Princes and Lieges of the other Principalities do not provide their people! No! It is just that there is not a common symbol that all reach out to in the same way. After sitting through the Siege of Arx, I can say, resolutely, it is time for that to change. It is time for everyone under the Compact to have a beacon of hope, a symbol of the fires of retribution, and a light to stand against the darkness encroaching.
I have begun speaking with the High Lords, the Knights of Solace, and the Inquisition to overcome this problem. The ORDER OF THE GOLDEN DRAGON, named in honor of Aurumadin and Lord Goldenpyre's sacrifice, shall be the dragons that all of Arvum can pray for. I seek to forge a new Chivalric Order, drawing from the heroes of all our peoples. Together we will range forth and slay the evil that persecutes our people. Together, we will stand up to those who call on the Abyss. Together we will bring hope to the hopeless.
I seek to form this group with as much freedom to act as is possible. It is one I wish to be largely self-funded and self-sufficient, though which will continue to act in cooperation with those organizations it would border (The Inquisition and the Knights of the Faith). It would be an order of those who can dedicate their lives and time to its completion entirely.
This is my dream for you, Arvum. I hope you share it with me.
Niamh Greemarch
Knight of Valardin
Grandmistress Champion
Written By Luna
April 20, 2017, 10:43 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)
Death's at our door and we will not falter
We hold together and pray at alters
The spirits are restless
I had a vision of a bright echoing light at the gate. Blinding.. and the demons turned to dust and ash. I think it's just a hopeful dream. I do not know how commoners will survive this.
We hold together and pray at alters
The spirits are restless
I had a vision of a bright echoing light at the gate. Blinding.. and the demons turned to dust and ash. I think it's just a hopeful dream. I do not know how commoners will survive this.
Written By Thena
April 20, 2017, 9:42 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)
There is so much darkness in this city and yet I have not encountered any of it first-hand. I must be going to the wrong parties.
I know that sounds flippant, but if I were to let myself be otherwise I would probably cease to function.
I know that sounds flippant, but if I were to let myself be otherwise I would probably cease to function.
Written By Edward
April 20, 2017, 7:48 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)
The rituals of the North are fascinating, and have sense of age to them that does not come from more 'modern' forms of worship to the Gods.
Written By Ann
April 20, 2017, 2:37 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)
Document the eleventh:
1 treatise coming along damnably well
The practical applications have yet to be determined, but I am enjoying the research.
1 treatise coming along damnably well
The practical applications have yet to be determined, but I am enjoying the research.
Written By Rymarr
April 20, 2017, 2:06 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)
Has the Compact forgotten the purpose of The Champions in settling their disputes and affronts to personal honor? Increasingly as of late I do believe that it has.
Written By Silas
April 20, 2017, 1:11 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)
Though I have served House Grayson loyally for many years, and will continue to do so as my oaths as a knight require, I do consider the contents of Princess Cara's letter insulting and fully support my brother in his decision -- and the rest of my family. We were collectively maligned, accused of being war profiteers when there was little evidence to claim such, and then treated little better than unwanted pests which were getting in the way of more important things. The alcohol ban was dead in the water, it didn't need to be meddled with or commented upon, it was a choice she felt she needed to make for some reason.
My family is common and unlike myself, they did not officially go before the King and swear fealty: I don't think the realm has time to do that for every citizen born within their borders. They served Grayson because that is what their fathers and grandfathers did before them, and they saw no reason to change that... until now. If they are not respected, if they are clearly not wanted, they are free to leave and find a place where they are appreciated. I will not stop them. And I will defend them.
But I hope they realize why I cannot follow, one day. I never intended to have the bonds of loyalty and duty and family directly conflict with one another... but it appears it may have been inevitable.
My family is common and unlike myself, they did not officially go before the King and swear fealty: I don't think the realm has time to do that for every citizen born within their borders. They served Grayson because that is what their fathers and grandfathers did before them, and they saw no reason to change that... until now. If they are not respected, if they are clearly not wanted, they are free to leave and find a place where they are appreciated. I will not stop them. And I will defend them.
But I hope they realize why I cannot follow, one day. I never intended to have the bonds of loyalty and duty and family directly conflict with one another... but it appears it may have been inevitable.
Written By Sameera
April 20, 2017, 12:09 a.m.(4/21/1006 AR)
Touching. People do this. I am not a fan of it. More so when it involves more than a fleeting one. People are difficult.
Written By Esoka
April 19, 2017, 11:35 p.m.(4/20/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Calaudrin
Good man to drink and smoke with. Decent shot. Unafraid to take charge when need be. Would follow into battle again. He should remember that he's flammable, though.
Written By Tikva
April 19, 2017, 10:57 p.m.(4/20/1006 AR)
Love is the measure of two hearts together
Duty is the binding together of their tether
Once it was a wall and now it bends
Between a loving pair of truest friends
This song could have been spun a tragedy
Instead it’s the true beginning of a family.
Wound up with history, time twining through
It could have been sadness, division for two;
Yet finally it came, the truest reward,
That wife and husband share a grip on this sword
Limerance calls you, together hereby—
Old vows now behind you, a new one will bind.
Standing by stalwart in armor, he’s never forsook
While her gaze never changed, ahead she’ll always look
Back to back, side by side, partnership and support
These lovers have a rare gift as he joins with her court
Never forget, though, these lovers entwined
This is a triumph we can all get behind:
Some creatures may exist for no purpose at all
The lion, his strength roars out in his bright call
While the sloth, she is home to so many of the small
It fits more than one way, you know, small and tall,
Ride along by your heart, to show love conquers all;
Patience and faith reward loyalty, above all.
This could have been tragic, but instead it’s come sweet
By these hands come in joining, two hearts shall beat;
Rare upon rare when the heart makes accord
with duty divine, liege-sworn, all above-board;
Together you’ll walk each new stride of this ward
and as for me I give welcome to my lady’s new lord.
Duty is the binding together of their tether
Once it was a wall and now it bends
Between a loving pair of truest friends
This song could have been spun a tragedy
Instead it’s the true beginning of a family.
Wound up with history, time twining through
It could have been sadness, division for two;
Yet finally it came, the truest reward,
That wife and husband share a grip on this sword
Limerance calls you, together hereby—
Old vows now behind you, a new one will bind.
Standing by stalwart in armor, he’s never forsook
While her gaze never changed, ahead she’ll always look
Back to back, side by side, partnership and support
These lovers have a rare gift as he joins with her court
Never forget, though, these lovers entwined
This is a triumph we can all get behind:
Some creatures may exist for no purpose at all
The lion, his strength roars out in his bright call
While the sloth, she is home to so many of the small
It fits more than one way, you know, small and tall,
Ride along by your heart, to show love conquers all;
Patience and faith reward loyalty, above all.
This could have been tragic, but instead it’s come sweet
By these hands come in joining, two hearts shall beat;
Rare upon rare when the heart makes accord
with duty divine, liege-sworn, all above-board;
Together you’ll walk each new stride of this ward
and as for me I give welcome to my lady’s new lord.
Written By Luna
April 19, 2017, 9:50 p.m.(4/20/1006 AR)
And a piece of me breaks watching you hold another.
I think I made a mistake calling you a lover.
I am the deepest secret,
perhaps even your regret.
How could we raise children,
when we cannot acknowledge we've never met
Oh my love, how my heart yearns for you
My body burns for you..
Until I am nothing but Ash
I think I made a mistake calling you a lover.
I am the deepest secret,
perhaps even your regret.
How could we raise children,
when we cannot acknowledge we've never met
Oh my love, how my heart yearns for you
My body burns for you..
Until I am nothing but Ash
Written By Mira
April 19, 2017, 8:41 p.m.(4/20/1006 AR)
When the Rivers run Red, Demons shall never be Fed. ...Look for the Blade in the Rock. I wonder what that means.
Written By Lazarus
April 19, 2017, 8:14 p.m.(4/20/1006 AR)
Let me read you a message I received from the voice of Grayson, Princess Cara Grayson;
"Master Mercier," The princess begins, as you expect from a polite company - but it quickly takes a turn for the worse. "We would kindly request that you desist from your war profiteering, lest you find your family bearing unusual amounts of censure on the matter --" War profiteering, censorship. We? "Particularly as rationing is a very real concern and may well affect your business soon enough." The voice continues, affect my business soon enough? House Mercier has no business. We have been committed to the cause since long before the threat was at our gates. Even the Grayson can tell you this. So I do not understand the basis for this 'threat'. Let us continue, "And to forestall the inevitable protestation, please be advised that in the middle of a siege, with dead and the forces of darkness all around us, the very last thing in the world I wish to have to deal with is the Mercier family yet again setting tongues wagging while they line their pockets." I do not anything needs to be said, "Cara - Voice of Grayson."
Written By Serafine
April 19, 2017, 4:19 p.m.(4/20/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
I really do enjoy this side of my sister you've brought out. Now the whole world can see it and marvel at the adorable, acerbic, witty little twat I've had the pleasure of knowing my whole life.
Written By Eleyna
April 19, 2017, 2:54 p.m.(4/20/1006 AR)
If anyone in the Velenosa Estate notices that there is a strong smell of burnt wood or other strong scents from the Paragon Wing, don't be alarmed. There was a tiny, minor, very small accident involving an experiment. I swear, I didn't think the mixture would CATCH ON FIRE. But all is well. Nothing harmed except a table and a wardrobe. We needed a new one anyway.
I thought it best to move to a room at the Hundred Cities since it's probably going to take that long to air out the smell.
I thought it best to move to a room at the Hundred Cities since it's probably going to take that long to air out the smell.
Written By Gisele
April 19, 2017, 2:17 p.m.(4/20/1006 AR)
Fifteen years ago, I was prepared to take my vows as Godsworn after training to become a priest. I meant to follow in my grandfather's footsteps and those of my brothers and sisters, both by blood and by faith. Instead, I let myself be talked out of it /by/ myself. I took no vows, and ran away to become an illuminator and book binder.
It was not a decision I regretted until some months ago, when I came to reflect on my place in this world. But I didn't act on it. Not until recently.
Aurum Texts has been my life. More than that. It was the only child I ever had. It was mine. Every pane in the windows, every board in the floor. I knew it down to the grain. And, knowing it, I filled it with the fruits of my craft. Books, materials, the few simple but well-loved personal items I've collected through the years. My clothing. My life, and that of my apprentice.
It burned. It's gone. It was the place I sheltered from the world and the demon Knight burned it all, with Tivathy inside. My past and his future, charred. Ashes.
The letters pile up but I can't answer them. People have reached out but I can't speak to them. My life. His. Gods.
It was not a decision I regretted until some months ago, when I came to reflect on my place in this world. But I didn't act on it. Not until recently.
Aurum Texts has been my life. More than that. It was the only child I ever had. It was mine. Every pane in the windows, every board in the floor. I knew it down to the grain. And, knowing it, I filled it with the fruits of my craft. Books, materials, the few simple but well-loved personal items I've collected through the years. My clothing. My life, and that of my apprentice.
It burned. It's gone. It was the place I sheltered from the world and the demon Knight burned it all, with Tivathy inside. My past and his future, charred. Ashes.
The letters pile up but I can't answer them. People have reached out but I can't speak to them. My life. His. Gods.
Written By Samantha
April 19, 2017, 1:44 p.m.(4/20/1006 AR)
Today I woke up with my husband to be at my side, and was promptly whisked away by the lady servants who seem to be taking this as their opportunity to make me their personal dress up dolly, bless them. Bathed and brushed and plucked and painted and all manner of things. I can see the decorations going up from outside the window - banners of Deepwood and Lyonesse hanging down, ribbons streaming from the spot where we will take our vows. The raptors will be on display, and I only hope Judge doesn't eat his flower garland before the actual ceremony.
My dress is beautiful. Aurora Thornburn is a magical woman, making such creations seasilk and able to accomodate my desire to honor both Deepwood and Lyonesse in the embroidery. It's the last thing I'll put on today, before I step out onto the veranda and take my first steps toward the rest of my life.
Today we do not exchange rings, but the stones that will be fitted into them. This is so we can both have one designed to our taste. It's not quite the Oathlands tradition, but close enough to it that Rymarr feels it reflects his homeland. I hold the emerald in my hand, fingers rubbing it slightly now and again, like a sort of worry stone. I have nothing to fear, though. No reason to worry.
Today I build my family.
My dress is beautiful. Aurora Thornburn is a magical woman, making such creations seasilk and able to accomodate my desire to honor both Deepwood and Lyonesse in the embroidery. It's the last thing I'll put on today, before I step out onto the veranda and take my first steps toward the rest of my life.
Today we do not exchange rings, but the stones that will be fitted into them. This is so we can both have one designed to our taste. It's not quite the Oathlands tradition, but close enough to it that Rymarr feels it reflects his homeland. I hold the emerald in my hand, fingers rubbing it slightly now and again, like a sort of worry stone. I have nothing to fear, though. No reason to worry.
Today I build my family.
Written By Eirene
April 19, 2017, 12:08 p.m.(4/20/1006 AR)
I hate having to stitch myself up. Ouch.
In other news, if anyone ever wondered why my coats are embroidered, it's to hide the patching and repair jobs done to my armor.
In other news, if anyone ever wondered why my coats are embroidered, it's to hide the patching and repair jobs done to my armor.
Written By Agnarr
April 19, 2017, noon(4/20/1006 AR)
It still watches. Damn this wound.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.