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Written By Duarte

Dec. 26, 2023, 4:16 a.m.(6/10/1021 AR)

Journal

The aftermath of the dream left me in a state not unlike madness. My room became like a prison through weeks of terror-laden wakefulness and tormented sleep. It was my first foray into self-imposed exile as I stood a vigil against what seemed like watchful shadows.

Visitors came and went. Mirari Corsetina and Orathy Culler the most frequent among them. But it was Mirari whose words and insights carried pieces of a vastly larger puzzle. Pieces that, when I started putting them together, began to offer me a glimpse into what it was that pursued me.

In the maelstrom of sleepless nights and fevered days, I began to work out a plan. I would open a casino. It would be a haven in the boroughs of distraction and escape. A place where stories would be spun and fortunes made and lost in the turn of a card or the roll of the dice. And if you, dear reader, find no connection between my troubles and this venture, then I'll allow you to wonder. For me, it was a needed lifeline.

As I wrestled with sanity in those troubling days, a threat was looming off the shores of Setarco. The Gyre was coming. And I desperately needed to get out of Arx - for a time, at least.

I packed a few belongings and set my sights Southward. I was looking to make myself useful. Useful in a way I knew how to be. I needed something all-consuming to stave off this insidious gnawing: counter-espionage.

Arriving home, Setarco and Nilanza's shipping lanes were a mess. People were frantic, and leaving, as fear settled upon the cities for word of the Gyre's forces drawing ever near. Yet, there was an influx of prodigals who had been displaced by the Gyre's wrath. But they weren't fleeing, they were staying; keeping mostly to themselves as they snatched up jobs left behind by the skittish natives. This rallied suspicion. Not only did their silence speak volumes, but if they intended to get away from the Gyre, why run directly into his path?

I made my observations and took my notes.

As the Gyre drew near, I was joined by Prince Alistair Velenosa and Princess Saoirse Velenosa, to root out agents of the Gyre and infiltration. By all accounts, we did the job well.

And I was there when the Gyre landed off the shore and battle ensued. While I'm not much for swinging a sword myself, I was there - pacing the corridors of Pravus Manor and drinking until I was numb with the rest of the unbattle-tested. And the reports coming in were far too detailed to have been embellished.

Written By Medeia

Dec. 25, 2023, 3:25 p.m.(6/9/1021 AR)

I returned on the last ship bearing Physicians back to Arx from Harrow Hall, having spent the time needed after the battle to ensure that the wounded were all seen to and sent home, that the field was cleared, and the camp packed away. There has been so much talk of what price was paid for our freedom that I'm not entirely sure what is or isn't true. What I am certain of is that there is going to be some next thing, some next challenge for all of us. I am further certain that we will face it. After what we accomplished? I don't think we'll be running from anything.

Until then, I will continue to lovingly fulfill my duties to the people of Saikland Greens and the Compact. There is much to be done back home in preparation for the upcoming mirrorball, and it is time to ensure some old plans come to the forefront. My hope is that some lost stories will be uncovered and welcomed back into memory. I suspect others will agree that history relating a certain Metallic-turned-Emperor could be valuable as the consequences of what happened at Harrow Hall come to light. If some of those rumors are to be believed, anyway.

Written By Raven

Dec. 24, 2023, 10:48 p.m.(6/7/1021 AR)

Thank the gods that the Traitor is gone. It looks as if there may be a lot of work to do still from the chat I had with the Archscholar. I am glad he's whole. How he stays in such fair spirits I'll never know.

Written By Jan

Dec. 24, 2023, 10:45 p.m.(6/7/1021 AR)

sounds as if there will be more work to come.

Written By Tesha

Dec. 24, 2023, 10:28 p.m.(6/7/1021 AR)

The Red Thorn is cleansed. It was used at the Battle of Harrow Hall. I did not die and now I return home to give the blade back to Duke Ansel. I am not the Sword of my house, but I will defend it with every breath that I have. So much happened and I have a lot of feelings over the battle. We've won for now. There will be more to come though. In the mean time I need to write to my new friend.

Written By Jeffeth

Dec. 24, 2023, 6:21 p.m.(6/7/1021 AR)

So proud of the Knights of Solace, Templars, and all who fought bravely and with determination in the light if the gods!

If you see me around Arx, the next round is on me!

Written By Jeffeth

Dec. 24, 2023, 6:19 p.m.(6/7/1021 AR)

There is nothing quite like the feeling of victory. Fighting for the common good. Using my strength and size to protect good people. It's what I live for.

Written By Avary

Dec. 24, 2023, 6:10 p.m.(6/7/1021 AR)

The death of Orichalcum, the Metallic Traitor, and self-proclaimed "God" is a testament to the inescapable grasp of Justice before Sentinel's unwavering gaze.

In the weeks preceding this, I spoke to many. And some told me under no uncertain terms that it was not justice they sought against the betrayer, this kinslayer, but pure unbridled vengeance. And lest they thought this distanced them from the Gods, I would reply, "Yes. Justice."

Vengeance is just when it serves as the instrument of a higher order of Justice. When it is the final echo of actions that have shattered sacred laws. Laws such as those of kinship and humanity. In this context, vengeance transcends personal retribution and becomes the execution of divine decree. Sometimes, what may appear as vengeance is a necessary part of the balance of Justice.

Orichalcum's end was a culmination of this. It was a restoration of the balance he so callously disrupted for centuries. Were it not for the vengeful, he would likely not have met that end.

And what of mercy? Mercy is misguided when it becomes an enabler of malevolence. Mercy is an act of compassion and understanding. It is reserved for those who err but seek redemption. Orichalcum forsook any path to redemption. He chose, instead, a road paved with betrayal, the blood of innocents, and the sacrifice of his own sired kin. Mercy finds its limits in the face of irredeemable evil.

In a twist of irony, Orichalcum bound himself to a path that would lead inevitably to this moment. His own choices chained him to his own fate, for the laws of the dream dictate that such transgressions as his cannot persist without repercussions.

In defeating him, a great cost was paid, but it was paid in the name of balance. While we do not know what threats or uncertainties may have unleashed, I know we must confront them.

Yet, I find solace in this: Justice. In its purest form, Justice demands sacrifice and resilience. The balance of the world is a delicate weave of light and dark, order and chaos. Often, restoring balance requires consequential choices.

New burdens we can accept as the price for ridding the world of a blight that threatened our very existence.

In the wake of Orichalcum's fall, we must prepare ourselves with clear eyes and steady hearts and brace for the ripples and waves the aftermath may bring. Vigilance must be our constant companion.

As Archlector of the Sentinel, I stand in agreement with the outcome of Orichalcum's sentence. And I accept the ramifications. Those who sow discord shall reap the storm. However difficult, this Truth is the cornerstone of Justice: actions bear consequences.

Written By Mia

Dec. 24, 2023, 11:47 a.m.(6/6/1021 AR)

Let it be recorded here, so that it is never forgotten:

On the fourth day of June, one thousand and twenty one years after the Reckoning, the man and the mage known as Prince Elephon Sylvas, Orichalcum of the Metallic Order, the would-be Horned God, is dead.

The crimes he committed against so many are innumerable, the horrors which he inflicted unspeakable, and though he was once driven to these actions out of a desire to protect his people and avenge what he felt to be a betrayal by those he held most dear, the path which he chose led him to violate the laws of the very Dream itself.

He was delivered to justice by the words and the actions and the voices of thousands -- friends, family, lovers, allies, enemies, strangers -- and the price of righteous vengeance was steep.

But he is dead, he died screaming, and he will not rise again.

We don't know yet what consequences the day's choices will bring, but I hope that for all of those who suffered by his hands, there will be some measure of peace. You deserve that, and so much more.

Written By Mabelle

Dec. 24, 2023, 11:43 a.m.(6/6/1021 AR)

Curious how seeing an entire castle fall on his head did not seem like sufficient punishment.
Even merely for burning Artshall.
Not to mention all the torment he offered me and mine and many others.
I hope his death was excruciating. And long.
And excruciatingly long.
I hope he crawled for hours trying to find his way out, like those who could not find the way out of his controlling darkness.
I hope he died alone, without anyone he cares for around him, no one to hear his pain or try saving him.
Just like those he captured inside their own mind, isolated from all they cared about.
I hope they are free now, his captives, to live the life they truly deserve.
Whatever the cost was.
I hope no one ever dares attempting to follow his path.
No in this life time or the next ten.
Whatever may come for us,
As always,
We Shall Endure.

Written By Aelgar

Dec. 24, 2023, 11:36 a.m.(6/6/1021 AR)

Things have been hectic. Armies marching, requests for benedictions or advice, copying newly discovered books and researching references. I have gotten outside the city only briefly over t he past many days and I am feeling the lack of exercise. The schedule is not going to remain so busy, I think, but for now it is trying!

Written By Ida

Dec. 24, 2023, 10:47 a.m.(6/6/1021 AR)

I was given the opportunity to craft an alaricite blade before the events at Harrow Hall, and though it was on a shorter timeline than I like, I am happy that such a blade was done in time. There have been other things on my mind; a path that I didn't expect, but might be one to follow. I've always considered myself a fairly simple woman and I'm not sure I may be capable of filling such large shoes.

Written By Gwenna

Dec. 24, 2023, 10:39 a.m.(6/6/1021 AR)

It is hard to properly put to words all that has happened recently. For now, there appears to be a bit of time to celebrate and mourn, and I am grateful for as much.

Written By Lucita

Dec. 24, 2023, 10:26 a.m.(6/6/1021 AR)

So many near miracles, stars, light, lightning, giant creatures on 'our' side, not against us to both stun with wonder and lift spirits. Allies of former hostile people united with one single purpose, save our world. I stood amid them, singing my heart out as I tried to protect, giving all I was to the effort which was sometimes successful and sometimes lost amid the screams and clashing weapons of battle. Afterward I looked for family and friends, seeing if they survived and found my face wet with tears for those many soldiers and Templars who had returned to the wheel. The cost of freedom was high. My prayers now are that we will not lose our allies, will accept and work with, not against them and remember this, for more challenges will face us.

Written By Oswyn

Dec. 24, 2023, 10:17 a.m.(6/6/1021 AR)

I have no idea what's in my basement now but it could be very, very bad.

Written By Mattheu

Dec. 24, 2023, 10:02 a.m.(6/6/1021 AR)

The wind continued, and will continue under the work of many today. Forces outside of Harrow Hall faced many a difficulties.

I'm proud of the Rivenshari. We are best upon the slip of water, we showed we could take what the land and its beasts within battle threw at us.

Written By Skaldia

Dec. 24, 2023, 1:02 a.m.(6/5/1021 AR)

We have done what must be done. While we celebrate, let us remember the sacrifices made this day. The price was higher than many will know. And there is more work to be done.

Written By Ann

Dec. 24, 2023, 12:11 a.m.(6/5/1021 AR)

Brothers
I thought of you three during the battle.
We won.
But all I can think of is what’s next?

Written By Sen'azala

Dec. 23, 2023, 11:30 p.m.(6/5/1021 AR)

On this page I write the names of my dead and murdered kin. There were at least a hundred, likely more, but their names are lost to everyone but Death, whose Wheel ever turns, and my Grandmother, whose eyes are full of stories. These are what remain.

Raksha'hasa Wolf Daughter
Jara'minhal
Yan
Zali'jaea
Kausi'jaea
Pilu

The Luphasa, Royal Guard of House Venandi:

Sendet, who commanded
Salvu, who protected
Chodala, Shaali, Tash, who were sisters and hunters
Ulath, with the strongest voice
Zaba the spear
Tirin, eldest and sharpest
Basi and Seryn, whose love lingers
Kausha, eyes in the dark
Rapli, fearless always
Miva, fastest of all


Nirai and Zanabi, mother and father, who died to save me, whose faces I've lost, and whose names were the last thing Orichalcum the Horned God ever heard.

Written By Aleksei

Dec. 23, 2023, 10:24 p.m.(6/5/1021 AR)

Freedom isn’t easy.

But it’s worth it.

It’s worth everything.

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