Written By Saedrus
Jan. 21, 2017, 5:12 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
I am reminded of a simple, yet didactic fable where once a wolf, caught choking on a bone stuck in his throat, hired a Swan, for a handsome sum, to put her head into his throat and draw out the offending bone.
When the Swan had extracted it she demanded the payment he had promised her. The Wolf, grinning and grinding his teeth, exclaimed:
“Why, you have surely already a sufficient recompense, for being permitted to draw out your head in safety from the fanged maw of a wolf.”
In this, one must remember that in serving the wicked to expect no reward, and be thankful if you escape injury for your pains.
When the Swan had extracted it she demanded the payment he had promised her. The Wolf, grinning and grinding his teeth, exclaimed:
“Why, you have surely already a sufficient recompense, for being permitted to draw out your head in safety from the fanged maw of a wolf.”
In this, one must remember that in serving the wicked to expect no reward, and be thankful if you escape injury for your pains.
Written By Harald
Jan. 21, 2017, 4:20 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Agnarr
Read the last paragraph, again. Still, there is much more to be said.
Axes and polearms borne in both hands are the natural next step for a man in full plate steel harness, so long as he doesn't need to hold a place in a shield wall.
Besides, two handed swords and axes are shit for fighting in formation. Fine weapons for a duel, but for war? A few men with large axes in the back ranks and at the corners will have good work on a battlefield, but not for the rank and file.
Polearms with a lead thrusting point are fine for formation, and add the merit of cutting with great force if the lines get scattered, or for finishing off a downed horse and rider.
Then there are pikes.
There's nothing quite like a block of pikes for making an otherwise bold warrior say, "Fuck it, let the artillery soften them up for a while." Mortal power behind the thrust, takes so little space to brace and wield that dozens of the things can get points on a man who charges from the front. Dead men if they lose discipline, though.
Axes and polearms borne in both hands are the natural next step for a man in full plate steel harness, so long as he doesn't need to hold a place in a shield wall.
Besides, two handed swords and axes are shit for fighting in formation. Fine weapons for a duel, but for war? A few men with large axes in the back ranks and at the corners will have good work on a battlefield, but not for the rank and file.
Polearms with a lead thrusting point are fine for formation, and add the merit of cutting with great force if the lines get scattered, or for finishing off a downed horse and rider.
Then there are pikes.
There's nothing quite like a block of pikes for making an otherwise bold warrior say, "Fuck it, let the artillery soften them up for a while." Mortal power behind the thrust, takes so little space to brace and wield that dozens of the things can get points on a man who charges from the front. Dead men if they lose discipline, though.
Written By Felix
Jan. 21, 2017, 3:45 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
Apparently monkeys give terrible advice.
Written By Agnarr
Jan. 21, 2017, 2:59 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Harald
Forgot the polearm.
Written By Agnarr
Jan. 21, 2017, 2:57 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
Those spiky things in the water .. blech.
Written By Felix
Jan. 21, 2017, 2:57 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Harald
Lord Harald is correct in much of his assessment about weaponry. A veteran of the waves, there are few better that could provide a more comprehensive and realistic take on combat.
Where we might disagree is the romance aspect of weapons. There is an art to efficacy just as surely as their is to aesthetic choices. The song of a perfectly-sharpened blade cutting through air, a well-timed and placed strike...there is an artistry to all of it. I pray to Jayus to guide my hand and guard my dreams and truly feel there is artistry in ingenuity.
When it comes to tactics though, I would never doubt this man's words.
Where we might disagree is the romance aspect of weapons. There is an art to efficacy just as surely as their is to aesthetic choices. The song of a perfectly-sharpened blade cutting through air, a well-timed and placed strike...there is an artistry to all of it. I pray to Jayus to guide my hand and guard my dreams and truly feel there is artistry in ingenuity.
When it comes to tactics though, I would never doubt this man's words.
Written By Freja
Jan. 21, 2017, 2:51 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
If the blade is honed yet never sees service, it ceases to be a tool and becomes mere ornamentation.
I am not in the business of decoration and keeping up trite appearances. I am honed for purpose and not to languish until the will whithers and the mind grows antiquated.
I will move forward alone if I must.
I am not in the business of decoration and keeping up trite appearances. I am honed for purpose and not to languish until the will whithers and the mind grows antiquated.
I will move forward alone if I must.
Written By Hadrian
Jan. 21, 2017, 2:50 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
This is certainly interesting. A professed descendant, supposedly, of House Marin has been winning favor among the Prodigals throughout the Compact, a Princess she calls herself. House Marin is also the flag of our current foe, the pirate king the Gyre, who has been terrorizing the seas and thickly entrenched in war with Thrax. House Pravus, following the girl's proclamation of her heritage, withdrew their protection of her immediately -a hasty move, in my opinion. Who knows if she's telling the truth or lying -does that even matter? She is gaining enough support of Prodigals to be worth an investigation, at the very least.
I hesitate to pass judgement or opinion upon her so early, so I have remained silent. Ultimately, with the ancestry and history of House Marin, it falls upon Thrax to decide. With their finality could I have a true opinion -any decisions earlier are, in my opinion, too hasty.
I hesitate to pass judgement or opinion upon her so early, so I have remained silent. Ultimately, with the ancestry and history of House Marin, it falls upon Thrax to decide. With their finality could I have a true opinion -any decisions earlier are, in my opinion, too hasty.
Written By Harald
Jan. 21, 2017, 2:47 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
Master Meadson has requested the thought of fighting men on weapon design, which cannot be addressed without also speaking of armor. While any weapon is only as dangerous as the hand that holds it, I will assume equal skill between professional opponents.
Too much romance is attached to the edge of a sword. Even common maile will hold up well against a steel sword’s cut, and even masterpieces of steel craft will struggle to overcome stout maile, even less effective against plate. It is true that warriors clad only lightly in leathers must still fear the common blade or axe, it in only when a warrior is prone or helpless that such cuts are to be feared.
Far more dangerous against steel armors is the common spear. Thrusts carry the strength of a warrior’s arm more powerfully than cuts delivered with one hand, aided by the nature of maile: rings will often catch and hold the point of a thrust, leading to burst rings and torn maile. As well, thrusts need only create a gap of a few rings to do mortal injury, while cuts- though still damaging- must make greater rents in steel armor. Against plate steel, thrusts are again the most deadly, when able to find gaps in plate, such as the armpit. Thrusts are also able to breach such gaps more easily than cuts, which by their nature will fall across a wider area. Cuts and bludgeons will daze and damage a foeman, leaving him vulnerable to the thrust that kills him. In the close formation of a shield wall, thrusts also give less disruption to the defensive front. Chieftains and heroes will prize their cleaving blades, shield-crushing axes, and great two handed swords, but it is the common spear, bow, and shield line which decide contests of armies.
For the reasons stated above, I say that any warrior armed with steel must have the ability to thrust, whether it be in the spear, keenly pointed sword, piercing spike on hewing axes, or bow and arrow. The legendary cutting power of the higher metals allows a fortunate warrior to forget a measure of these rules, though they remain true in principle.
Further, with plate steel armors growing so common that lowborn soldiers in ever growing numbers can afford such protection, it is no mere chance that weapons borne in two hands have grown more popular. There is a degree of force against which no armor can prevail, though it bears repeating that pure force of impact is of secondary effect to a decisive thrust against good armor.
Too much romance is attached to the edge of a sword. Even common maile will hold up well against a steel sword’s cut, and even masterpieces of steel craft will struggle to overcome stout maile, even less effective against plate. It is true that warriors clad only lightly in leathers must still fear the common blade or axe, it in only when a warrior is prone or helpless that such cuts are to be feared.
Far more dangerous against steel armors is the common spear. Thrusts carry the strength of a warrior’s arm more powerfully than cuts delivered with one hand, aided by the nature of maile: rings will often catch and hold the point of a thrust, leading to burst rings and torn maile. As well, thrusts need only create a gap of a few rings to do mortal injury, while cuts- though still damaging- must make greater rents in steel armor. Against plate steel, thrusts are again the most deadly, when able to find gaps in plate, such as the armpit. Thrusts are also able to breach such gaps more easily than cuts, which by their nature will fall across a wider area. Cuts and bludgeons will daze and damage a foeman, leaving him vulnerable to the thrust that kills him. In the close formation of a shield wall, thrusts also give less disruption to the defensive front. Chieftains and heroes will prize their cleaving blades, shield-crushing axes, and great two handed swords, but it is the common spear, bow, and shield line which decide contests of armies.
For the reasons stated above, I say that any warrior armed with steel must have the ability to thrust, whether it be in the spear, keenly pointed sword, piercing spike on hewing axes, or bow and arrow. The legendary cutting power of the higher metals allows a fortunate warrior to forget a measure of these rules, though they remain true in principle.
Further, with plate steel armors growing so common that lowborn soldiers in ever growing numbers can afford such protection, it is no mere chance that weapons borne in two hands have grown more popular. There is a degree of force against which no armor can prevail, though it bears repeating that pure force of impact is of secondary effect to a decisive thrust against good armor.
Written By Ansel
Jan. 21, 2017, 2:26 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
Here is an interesting study.
One of a very few ruling Dukes or Duchesses of a similar age, less than a year my elder. Duchess to a powerful family. Leader to a devoted people.
What began as a relationship of political circumstance has quickly turned into a singularly meaningful friendship. At first, I admired the Duchess for the ease with which she commanded her position. The confidence and quickness with which she dealt with the matters of her duchy. There's a fierce possessiveness to her manner, as though Stonedeep were the most precious thing in the world to her. In all likelihood, it probably is.
She is a leader to be patterned after. The Telmarch is not quite as welcoming a holding as the high mountains of Stonedeep. But I feel the same pull for my people as I see she does for hers. The same pull that brought her out of comfort and safety to lead brave men and sharp steel to protect her family. I know few noblewoman, and fewer ruling Duchesses or Dukes, who would bruise and bloody their own hands to protect their own. And she does so without hesitation.
Time will only tell which I come to appreciate more; the alliance of the Duchess Nightgold of the Duchy of Stonedeep, or the friendship of Nadia.
One of a very few ruling Dukes or Duchesses of a similar age, less than a year my elder. Duchess to a powerful family. Leader to a devoted people.
What began as a relationship of political circumstance has quickly turned into a singularly meaningful friendship. At first, I admired the Duchess for the ease with which she commanded her position. The confidence and quickness with which she dealt with the matters of her duchy. There's a fierce possessiveness to her manner, as though Stonedeep were the most precious thing in the world to her. In all likelihood, it probably is.
She is a leader to be patterned after. The Telmarch is not quite as welcoming a holding as the high mountains of Stonedeep. But I feel the same pull for my people as I see she does for hers. The same pull that brought her out of comfort and safety to lead brave men and sharp steel to protect her family. I know few noblewoman, and fewer ruling Duchesses or Dukes, who would bruise and bloody their own hands to protect their own. And she does so without hesitation.
Time will only tell which I come to appreciate more; the alliance of the Duchess Nightgold of the Duchy of Stonedeep, or the friendship of Nadia.
Written By Ansel
Jan. 21, 2017, 2:12 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Arn
He's back.
And already, something's not to the Duke's liking. Or, rather, several things are not to the Duke's liking.
Nothing's ever to his liking.
And already, something's not to the Duke's liking. Or, rather, several things are not to the Duke's liking.
Nothing's ever to his liking.
Written By Ansel
Jan. 21, 2017, 2:05 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Juliet
Another meeting with the Fidante.
Another discussion of the same. Hopeful futures and wishful outcomes. She has a certain....way of making the intangible might-be's sound very real, and present.
I'm not as hopeful as she is. But she did have one good point. It's far easier to deal with a person than it is a goddess.
Another discussion of the same. Hopeful futures and wishful outcomes. She has a certain....way of making the intangible might-be's sound very real, and present.
I'm not as hopeful as she is. But she did have one good point. It's far easier to deal with a person than it is a goddess.
Written By Juliet
Jan. 21, 2017, 1:56 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Ansel
The Sword of Telmar exists in potentiae.
He is a good man. A compassionate man. An honourable man.
And yet so much of him is caught up in might-be's and may become.
If I can help your potential reach fruition, my friend, I will be so very very pleased.
He is a good man. A compassionate man. An honourable man.
And yet so much of him is caught up in might-be's and may become.
If I can help your potential reach fruition, my friend, I will be so very very pleased.
Written By Juliet
Jan. 21, 2017, 1:53 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Angelo
Beloved cousin Angelo has been with us for a bit now. Drawn from Tor to help Duke Leo out in his work for the Voice of the Compact - the Diplomat's corps.
We get along very well. I can see the passion in him that dwells in me, though he directs it differently.
Our conversations run deep. Inviting him to the Salon so he could share that passion with others seemed only natural.
If he has a flaw, it is that he sometimes gets caught up in the moment - forgetting that tomorrow is another day, and that not everything can - or will - resolve itself to our satisfaction.
I don't get to spend enough time with him. But that's because we're both terribly busy people.
I'm proud of Angelo.
We get along very well. I can see the passion in him that dwells in me, though he directs it differently.
Our conversations run deep. Inviting him to the Salon so he could share that passion with others seemed only natural.
If he has a flaw, it is that he sometimes gets caught up in the moment - forgetting that tomorrow is another day, and that not everything can - or will - resolve itself to our satisfaction.
I don't get to spend enough time with him. But that's because we're both terribly busy people.
I'm proud of Angelo.
Written By Livye
Jan. 21, 2017, 1:49 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Theodoric
Low Boroughs acquaintances from a young age, and now long-time associates, there is no other person who receives straight-talk from Livye like Theodoric does; there is no pretense or half-truths between them, just getting things done. Since she was taken into the family, all those years ago, they have stood together through thick and thin.
Written By Magden
Jan. 21, 2017, 1:49 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
I was very specific:
"If any of you have anything I haven't seen before, I'll cut it off."
I've seen penises before.
Rest easy.
"If any of you have anything I haven't seen before, I'll cut it off."
I've seen penises before.
Rest easy.
Written By Magden
Jan. 21, 2017, 1:47 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Max
The more reasons a man has for not doing the right thing, the more it pricks their conscience.
Examine your conscience.
Examine your conscience.
Written By Hana
Jan. 21, 2017, 1:46 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
The guildmaster seems to think I should find a patron. With everything that's happening lately, and the cost of making alaricite weapons, I'm starting to think that maybe she's right.
The guildmaster also said I should talk to Prince Donrai Thrax about it, because he liked my grandmother Myrinda and has money enough to fund work on alaricite weapons. I'm less certain about that. Thraxes are... well, they have a /reputation/, right? (But maybe it's not deserved? I mean, I guess grandmother trusted them...)
I have to think about this...
The guildmaster also said I should talk to Prince Donrai Thrax about it, because he liked my grandmother Myrinda and has money enough to fund work on alaricite weapons. I'm less certain about that. Thraxes are... well, they have a /reputation/, right? (But maybe it's not deserved? I mean, I guess grandmother trusted them...)
I have to think about this...
Written By Theodoric
Jan. 21, 2017, 1:37 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Livye
The Two-Headed Asp is a favorite haunt of Theodoric, and it wasn't at all difficult for a relationship between Theodoric and Livye to strike up especially when he would bring more and more Ulbran hoodlums into the inn. During one particularly lively disagreement, Theodoric was impressed by Livye's ability to turn a bad situation into something good and after some talks Theodoric brought Livye in the family. The two have grown older since those youthful days, but Theodoric relies on Livye to handle and fix matters that need a sharp eye and a sharper mind; it'd be exceedingly rare that Theodoric wouldn't immediately back whatever is on Livye's mind and she's one of the few folks who can speak her mind openly to the crime lord without fear of a violent response.
Written By Anze
Jan. 21, 2017, 1:25 p.m.(9/21/1005 AR)
Southerner.
Spent twenty seven years using it as a slur. Its hard to change, but there seems plenty reason to.
Spent twenty seven years using it as a slur. Its hard to change, but there seems plenty reason to.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.