Written By Darren
April 13, 2017, 10:20 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Now is not the time for words which divide. It is not the time to point fingers in blame. It is not the time - nor should it ever really be the time - to cast House Thrax as the villian of the world because of the actions of their ancestors, or because of the actions of a single man, while being purposefully ignorant of the actions they make as a whole to better their futures.
We are at war. Outside of our gate, men and monsters gather, ready for violence and brutality. In our oceans, we face yet another threat. We cannot be split apart now, when we need to come together. To fight, to defend. To lead one another into victory.
I have proudly fought beside House Thrax during the Battle of the Seawatch Gate, and the Battle of Pridehall. I saw the strength in their leadership, their passion and desire to protect the Compact. To do what is right, to do what needs to be done. I have seen this strength and passion in my conversations with Prince Victus and Princess Donella. I firmly believe that people can change, and Great Houses can change, too.
I agree Prince Abbas stepped out of line. I can condemn his actions, without condemning House Thrax as a whole. I will continue to work with the leadership of House Thrax. I will continue to stand beside them as we fight for our city and for our world.
I will not be divided, and we will overcome. Together.
We are at war. Outside of our gate, men and monsters gather, ready for violence and brutality. In our oceans, we face yet another threat. We cannot be split apart now, when we need to come together. To fight, to defend. To lead one another into victory.
I have proudly fought beside House Thrax during the Battle of the Seawatch Gate, and the Battle of Pridehall. I saw the strength in their leadership, their passion and desire to protect the Compact. To do what is right, to do what needs to be done. I have seen this strength and passion in my conversations with Prince Victus and Princess Donella. I firmly believe that people can change, and Great Houses can change, too.
I agree Prince Abbas stepped out of line. I can condemn his actions, without condemning House Thrax as a whole. I will continue to work with the leadership of House Thrax. I will continue to stand beside them as we fight for our city and for our world.
I will not be divided, and we will overcome. Together.
Written By Alis
April 13, 2017, 9:42 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Donella
The intelligence and wit of Princess Donella never fails to impress me. One need not agree with everything she has said, or will say, to admire and respect her. I have no doubt as to the depth of her Faith, and the sincerity in her words. And I am always pleased to be able to speak with her when the High Council meets.
Written By Rymarr
April 13, 2017, 9:06 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Calarian
Prince Calarian Grayson. We sat for dinner with one another recently and from what I can tell of the man he is an idealist. Which is not an insult by any stretch of the imagination. He strikes me as being similar to another idealist that I know and who has had great successes.
While an idealist he may be, the prince by all rights seems to possess a trait which I find much more useful and sane. He seems to be possess an abundance of pragmatisism. Not to be confused with priapism.
In these dire times that is an invaluable trait and I look forward to seeing the prince's star rise. He also has a wife whom I have gathered is Prodigal. Together, as is undoubtedly to be expected, they seem to have a great deal of concern for the wellbeing of the Prodigal refugees.
While an idealist he may be, the prince by all rights seems to possess a trait which I find much more useful and sane. He seems to be possess an abundance of pragmatisism. Not to be confused with priapism.
In these dire times that is an invaluable trait and I look forward to seeing the prince's star rise. He also has a wife whom I have gathered is Prodigal. Together, as is undoubtedly to be expected, they seem to have a great deal of concern for the wellbeing of the Prodigal refugees.
Written By Rymarr
April 13, 2017, 9:06 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Peregrine
Princess Peregrine Grayson. What can I write of the princess? I do not know her well. In truth I've met her once. What I did glean from that first meeting however? She is a Prodigal; some sort of chieftain's daughter of a formerly Abandoned tribe whom was married to a Grayson prince. Likely in order to secure their loyalty and seal the agreement of peace. Beneath her rustic demeanor, there is a certain nobility. Not in the sense of an Arx noble dressed in their usual plethora of silks, but much more akin to those of House Redrain that I've come to know and respect. A nobility of heart for the basic dignity of existence.
Pair this with the fact that the princess, by all appearances, is quite the formidable warrior? She came to dinner armed, though toting a peace-bonded weapon. A weapon which I eventually requested that the Marquessa of the House ask to be unbound. She's a princess that I find myself capable of quickly having respect. While her spoken word may be a little rustic and difficult to follow at times, the intent behind those words speak a great deal to me: always be prepared. She understands it - constant vigilance. I understand her and I believe she understands me, at least on that most basic of principles.
Pair this with the fact that the princess, by all appearances, is quite the formidable warrior? She came to dinner armed, though toting a peace-bonded weapon. A weapon which I eventually requested that the Marquessa of the House ask to be unbound. She's a princess that I find myself capable of quickly having respect. While her spoken word may be a little rustic and difficult to follow at times, the intent behind those words speak a great deal to me: always be prepared. She understands it - constant vigilance. I understand her and I believe she understands me, at least on that most basic of principles.
Written By Merek
April 13, 2017, 8:42 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Some personal musings of mine. The siege continues, it seems that people are having a rough time of things. I wonder what would cheer them up, besides the events that are hosted in Arx for them. I know for me, nothing can best the company of friends, or just being able to meditate on the Faith. I've been wondering what I should sell in the shop. I'm thinking about writing books for the people. Things that'll cheer them up. I wish there was some way to know what subjects people want to read about the most.
Written By Thena
April 13, 2017, 8:11 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Apparently I'm expected to turn myself into a crack shot at some point in the near future. Ah well, I don't have anything better to do at the moment.
Sir Edward, I very much enjoyed your poem. Please continue to hone your talents.
Sir Edward, I very much enjoyed your poem. Please continue to hone your talents.
Written By Silas
April 13, 2017, 8:01 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Looks like someone wants to eat me.
I will do my best to make sure he gets indigestion if he is successful.
I will do my best to make sure he gets indigestion if he is successful.
Written By Edain
April 13, 2017, 7:01 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Margot
I could talk at length about the brutality of the Thrax, and I feel safe in saying my feelings about them are well documented. To some extent I feel great shame that when I heard of Prince Abbas' slaughter my first reaction was a sigh of resignation and regret rather than outrage, because this is what I expect of the Thrax. But then I heard the story of Duchess Margot Tyde's victory.
She won a bloodless victory and in doing so stole forces and weapons from the Gyre and added them to her own. She showed that wit, diplomacy and guile can be more powerful than the sharpest sword. She did not just make the re-surging House Tyde stronger, but she made the Compact stronger. We are in the fight of our lives, and we are going to all be changed by what we go through in the coming days. And while we fight for our lives, we are going to do things we are not always going to be proud of.
Duchess Margot Tyde did something we can all feel a swell of pride from, and she showed us that no matter the darkness, there can be a better way. Changing is coming to Mourning Isles, and her rulers can either adapt or be swept away by the tide.
She won a bloodless victory and in doing so stole forces and weapons from the Gyre and added them to her own. She showed that wit, diplomacy and guile can be more powerful than the sharpest sword. She did not just make the re-surging House Tyde stronger, but she made the Compact stronger. We are in the fight of our lives, and we are going to all be changed by what we go through in the coming days. And while we fight for our lives, we are going to do things we are not always going to be proud of.
Duchess Margot Tyde did something we can all feel a swell of pride from, and she showed us that no matter the darkness, there can be a better way. Changing is coming to Mourning Isles, and her rulers can either adapt or be swept away by the tide.
Written By Driskell
April 13, 2017, 4:45 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
In a routine check of supplies at Darkwater Reach, I found more rum barrels to be suspiciously empty. I suspect faulty barrels, however I can't detect the smell of spilt rum. Perhaps I'm cooking my custards and cakes with too much? I'll have to think on this.
Written By Max
April 13, 2017, 3:42 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Quickest way to lose my buzz - have a Crier read me the goddamn proclamations of the day.
Going to need more rum.
Going to need more rum.
Written By Artorius
April 13, 2017, 1:56 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Dulcinea
She is a good woman from what I have seen.
At times maybe a tad selfish, but her heart is in all the right places. She is a good Lady, and an even better ally.
I look forward to our next conversation.
At times maybe a tad selfish, but her heart is in all the right places. She is a good Lady, and an even better ally.
I look forward to our next conversation.
Written By Merek
April 13, 2017, 1:45 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Mikani
Not sure. She seems nice, and likes to learn, but I think she can get carried away when it comes to 'fascinating' subjects. Or, perhaps I'm just wishing that topics would be much simpler in recent times.
Written By Joscelin
April 13, 2017, 1:15 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
It wasn't written without careful thought and consideration, it wasn't a childish snapping of teeth at some wise old man.
Do not reduce Lady Donella's words to immature gibberish. It's clear she meant what she meant and wrote what she meant. Nothing needs to be re-stated or explained to her. Navigating inside the rules she was born into takes skill and intelligence, far more observant person than anyone realizes.
Most everyone knows that despite my mother's origin, I've had no great love of Thrax. But it's been Lady Donella, the Voice of Thrax, who has shown me time and again that not all of its people are remotely similar to each other. I've -known- this since I was small and yet fear and hurt and anger discolored all of that for a long time. Bit by bit, wounds have been cleaned and healed and I remember the rich culture of the Saffron Chains.
This isn't about picking sides, as I fear this may rend the city asunder, and if I'm over-reacting then I blame it on the siege that threatens our homes just beyond the walls. I am a Disciple and still I feel the hurt of collective blame, and conflicted because, as a commoner, though I am also a Guildmaster, speaking out against the flaws and poor choices of a noble would put me in danger.
This record of my emotion shouldn't be held against me. It's clear this is a Mess of the first order, the timing is awful and my fears have doubled.
Do not reduce Lady Donella's words to immature gibberish. It's clear she meant what she meant and wrote what she meant. Nothing needs to be re-stated or explained to her. Navigating inside the rules she was born into takes skill and intelligence, far more observant person than anyone realizes.
Most everyone knows that despite my mother's origin, I've had no great love of Thrax. But it's been Lady Donella, the Voice of Thrax, who has shown me time and again that not all of its people are remotely similar to each other. I've -known- this since I was small and yet fear and hurt and anger discolored all of that for a long time. Bit by bit, wounds have been cleaned and healed and I remember the rich culture of the Saffron Chains.
This isn't about picking sides, as I fear this may rend the city asunder, and if I'm over-reacting then I blame it on the siege that threatens our homes just beyond the walls. I am a Disciple and still I feel the hurt of collective blame, and conflicted because, as a commoner, though I am also a Guildmaster, speaking out against the flaws and poor choices of a noble would put me in danger.
This record of my emotion shouldn't be held against me. It's clear this is a Mess of the first order, the timing is awful and my fears have doubled.
Written By Armel
April 13, 2017, 1:03 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
What I say now, I say not as a knight-commander, or event a Knight of Solace. I speak as a citizen of arx.
So many fling insults back and forth, and while I know in my deepest of hearts that the words of Father Orazio ring true, I wonder if not a more reasoned approach is good for discussing this.
I think anyone of sane mind can agree that using plague as a weapon is a horrible crime. Amd that this was done, it seems, by the fleet commander and ruling family member of Thrax, Abbas.
So far, many have said, "It was not me, do not paint us in the same brush". Perhaps that is fair. But frustration exists while there is no Thraxian condemnation of his actions. Is that an action they have planned? Are not all Thraxian fealty ships under abbas' command, and thus took part in this, indirectly or no?
What is the Thraxian stance on this? What are their words, other than to hiss back at us, a response I can understand? Are you content with your prince's actions? Are you planning your own justice, as may be your right? I am no master of law, I leave that to more expansive heads than my own. But I would hear them plainly say what their plan is, since this was an event that concerns the death of thousands of unarmed or innocent souls, and is thus a matter for all to hear? Before judgment be thrown down, let us hear more of what they have to say.
So many fling insults back and forth, and while I know in my deepest of hearts that the words of Father Orazio ring true, I wonder if not a more reasoned approach is good for discussing this.
I think anyone of sane mind can agree that using plague as a weapon is a horrible crime. Amd that this was done, it seems, by the fleet commander and ruling family member of Thrax, Abbas.
So far, many have said, "It was not me, do not paint us in the same brush". Perhaps that is fair. But frustration exists while there is no Thraxian condemnation of his actions. Is that an action they have planned? Are not all Thraxian fealty ships under abbas' command, and thus took part in this, indirectly or no?
What is the Thraxian stance on this? What are their words, other than to hiss back at us, a response I can understand? Are you content with your prince's actions? Are you planning your own justice, as may be your right? I am no master of law, I leave that to more expansive heads than my own. But I would hear them plainly say what their plan is, since this was an event that concerns the death of thousands of unarmed or innocent souls, and is thus a matter for all to hear? Before judgment be thrown down, let us hear more of what they have to say.
Written By Joscelin
April 13, 2017, 1:02 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Kima
Reading Lady Kima Saik write the word 'moderation' near made me choke on my quill.
Written By Kima
April 13, 2017, 12:59 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
There are those who view everything in the world as either all Good or all Bad. As such, everyone else must either fully embrace something or completely reject something. Indifference, ambivalence and moderation are not permissible in their world view. The only things that matter, the only things that can matter, are those that require a moral position. All else falls outside the set of things that exist, at least to such individuals.
Written By Mira
April 13, 2017, 12:40 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
Was stabbed tonight in the side by a cultist. Twisted the knife and everything. Ingrateful bastard. And the lovely black robes I just bought for the occasion? Ruined. Completely soaked with blood. At least I didn't lose anything else of value...
Written By Tikva
April 13, 2017, 12:07 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
House Riven stands for the proposition of what can happen when Shav'Arvani are treated as humans instead of as cattle for the slaughter. Prodigals work our fields, tend our orchards, sail our rivers, manage our trade, fight our battles and defend our borders. Because they took oath. Because they are people.
I married Lord Kelleth of the Greenwood, and loved him, and bore him a son. He was born outside the Compact. Yet he was treated with, as a man, with reason, and understanding, and a soul, and he bent the knee, and in the end, he fell, defending the Compact from its enemies.
House Deepwood has reached out to the Gray Forest tribes and brokered peace. Thirty thousand men and women bent the knee to Marquesa Samantha.
House Deepwood crucified no one.
House Grayson has reached out to the Gray Forest tribes and brokered peace. Princess Peregrine joined that house with a marriage alliance, and thousands of men and women, swords and arrows, to join the fight against the forces of the Abyss.
House Grayson did not use the sick and dying as weapons against their loved ones.
I will not hear a word in defense of the senseless murder of tens of thousands of _civilians_. I accept the wisdom of the Faith that horrific brutality is against the tenets of Gloria.
I will not hear a word of complaint from those who refuse to condemn those actions. I am appalled that there are _any_ that refuse to condemn those actions.
House Riven hereby invokes the right of rescission in our trade compacts with all Houses who refuse to condemn Abbas Thrax. This white journal shall fulfill the public notice provision in each contract so written.
If you cannot understand that those who have not yet bent the knee are human beings, if enemies then _honorable enemies_, then you will not have the benefits of the labor of those who have bent the knee.
I married Lord Kelleth of the Greenwood, and loved him, and bore him a son. He was born outside the Compact. Yet he was treated with, as a man, with reason, and understanding, and a soul, and he bent the knee, and in the end, he fell, defending the Compact from its enemies.
House Deepwood has reached out to the Gray Forest tribes and brokered peace. Thirty thousand men and women bent the knee to Marquesa Samantha.
House Deepwood crucified no one.
House Grayson has reached out to the Gray Forest tribes and brokered peace. Princess Peregrine joined that house with a marriage alliance, and thousands of men and women, swords and arrows, to join the fight against the forces of the Abyss.
House Grayson did not use the sick and dying as weapons against their loved ones.
I will not hear a word in defense of the senseless murder of tens of thousands of _civilians_. I accept the wisdom of the Faith that horrific brutality is against the tenets of Gloria.
I will not hear a word of complaint from those who refuse to condemn those actions. I am appalled that there are _any_ that refuse to condemn those actions.
House Riven hereby invokes the right of rescission in our trade compacts with all Houses who refuse to condemn Abbas Thrax. This white journal shall fulfill the public notice provision in each contract so written.
If you cannot understand that those who have not yet bent the knee are human beings, if enemies then _honorable enemies_, then you will not have the benefits of the labor of those who have bent the knee.
Written By Octavia
April 13, 2017, 12:02 a.m.(4/7/1006 AR)
I find that Donella has once again said the words I was thinking. Once again, the drylanders have fundamentally misunderstood the people of the salt. We are not lawless, mindless, savage reavers. We are not the Bringers, we are not the gibbering shav'arvani of the Gyre, and we are not faithless oath-breaking animals.
The people of the salt are a people of pride, of determination, of justice - though swift and decisive. We are Arvum at its most sincere - with no patience for the underhanded politics of the Lyceum or the self-righteous chest beating of the middle of the continent. To say any more would be to repeat what Princess Donella has said.
The people of the salt are a people of pride, of determination, of justice - though swift and decisive. We are Arvum at its most sincere - with no patience for the underhanded politics of the Lyceum or the self-righteous chest beating of the middle of the continent. To say any more would be to repeat what Princess Donella has said.
Written By Dulcinea
April 12, 2017, 11:29 p.m.(4/6/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Donella
Dear Me,
Princess Donella is simply marvelous.
That is all.
Let There be Shimmying,
Me
Princess Donella is simply marvelous.
That is all.
Let There be Shimmying,
Me
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.