Written By Olivia
Sept. 4, 2016, 6:09 p.m.(6/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Harlan
Bumped into my brother today. So wonderful to see a familiar beloved face. And he's exactly the same, it brought a twinge of homesickness that I'd managed to bury to the forefront of my mind! Still, it is good to have family about, and good to have someone so firmly on your side. He said wonderful things to Lady Dawn about me, and championed my cause to see the King.
Written By Rook
Sept. 4, 2016, 3:36 p.m.(6/25/1004 AR)
Do you know how many times I hear jokes about my name? At least thrice daily, I insist you know. /Three/ times. Do you know what I do when it first happens? I smile, I laugh. The second time it happens, I smile and nod. The third? I just smile.
Honestly, it's rather tiresome. My name is playful homage to the fact I'm a chess piece, you see. That wasn't awfully hard to figure out, was it? Yet, everyone seems to be so surprised. "Oh, your name is Rook?" they say. "Like a the board game?" they query.
It's not that my name bothers me, not in the slightest. It's that people are so terribly /predictable/. It's why I refuse clients, from time to time. It's why I charge exorbitant rates to those who would hire me. I am a Whisper, not a common fop you'll find in the boroughs.
If my dear men and women of this city cannot appreciate quality when they see it, then why bother hiring an elite courtier with years of training to attend the courts?
Honestly, it's rather tiresome. My name is playful homage to the fact I'm a chess piece, you see. That wasn't awfully hard to figure out, was it? Yet, everyone seems to be so surprised. "Oh, your name is Rook?" they say. "Like a the board game?" they query.
It's not that my name bothers me, not in the slightest. It's that people are so terribly /predictable/. It's why I refuse clients, from time to time. It's why I charge exorbitant rates to those who would hire me. I am a Whisper, not a common fop you'll find in the boroughs.
If my dear men and women of this city cannot appreciate quality when they see it, then why bother hiring an elite courtier with years of training to attend the courts?
Written By Rook
Sept. 4, 2016, 3:31 p.m.(6/25/1004 AR)
The Arxian courts are rife with intrigue of late, what with the turn of events that have become known as the King's Rest. It's really quite a very lucrative time for one such as I and though I feel a tad guilty capitalising on his majesty's sickness I must simply look after myself, mustn't I?
As a vassal to House Grayson my family has been sending me piles and piles of missives seeking ways to pledge further aid to our liege and his proxies in this time of great horror. Our merchant vessels have even begun reducing their fees for transport goods in hope that the further income will satisfy the coffers of the royal family during their investigation into the truth of this tragedy.
Yet, I know my father's games and my mother's manipulative motions. They're priming themselves for a possible transfer of the throne and seeking the graces of those who, unlike King Alaric, are still awake. I can't really blame them either, though I wonder if they couldn't a little less obvious about it.
What next, will they send my siblings here with bows tied around their necks?
As a vassal to House Grayson my family has been sending me piles and piles of missives seeking ways to pledge further aid to our liege and his proxies in this time of great horror. Our merchant vessels have even begun reducing their fees for transport goods in hope that the further income will satisfy the coffers of the royal family during their investigation into the truth of this tragedy.
Yet, I know my father's games and my mother's manipulative motions. They're priming themselves for a possible transfer of the throne and seeking the graces of those who, unlike King Alaric, are still awake. I can't really blame them either, though I wonder if they couldn't a little less obvious about it.
What next, will they send my siblings here with bows tied around their necks?
Written By Rook
Sept. 4, 2016, 3:22 p.m.(6/25/1004 AR)
Let me start by saying that I'm terribly sorry for this here lackey hanging around in the hallway-- he's not even here by /my/ doing, dear scribe. Hell, if I could, I'd outrun him but he's so terribly, terribly fast.
You see, there's a lady-- her identity confidential, you understand-- who just wishes to ensure I'm "safe". Apparently that means sending this stalking, dour faced sentinel my way in hopes I'll never mis-step. It's simply not acceptable, really. I'm due to see the Radiant this very afternoon, in fact, to stop this nonesense. No Whisper ought be treated this way.
If only this were the first strange thing to happen to me. Occupational hazard, I'm afraid. Sometimes you only need to spend an evening with someone and they're falling head over heels for you. Everyone just wants a little bit of attention and that's more than alright-- but others? Well, they want /all/ the attention, /all/ the time. Sometimes not even your weight in silver is enough.
Anyway, I digress... let's move on, shall we?
You see, there's a lady-- her identity confidential, you understand-- who just wishes to ensure I'm "safe". Apparently that means sending this stalking, dour faced sentinel my way in hopes I'll never mis-step. It's simply not acceptable, really. I'm due to see the Radiant this very afternoon, in fact, to stop this nonesense. No Whisper ought be treated this way.
If only this were the first strange thing to happen to me. Occupational hazard, I'm afraid. Sometimes you only need to spend an evening with someone and they're falling head over heels for you. Everyone just wants a little bit of attention and that's more than alright-- but others? Well, they want /all/ the attention, /all/ the time. Sometimes not even your weight in silver is enough.
Anyway, I digress... let's move on, shall we?
Written By Harlan
Sept. 4, 2016, 3:13 p.m.(6/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Olivia
My sister is in the city! I spotted her today on the Grayson grounds. Already she is pulling up weeds and cataloguing them.
I am hopeful that she may assist Lady Grayson with the mysterious ailment of the King. More importantly, it is good to see her again.
We miss the friendly faces of home.
Written By Talen
Sept. 4, 2016, 3:03 p.m.(6/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Marcas
During an underground brawl hosted in the lower boroughs I had the satisfying pleasure of fighting this man in the rough. I would upgrade my opinion of the Redrain captain from a dog without bite and only bark to a beast with a talent for unadulterated brutality. This, I can respect. I shall have to reach out to him, to speak with him another day and learn more of him. Somewhere commonplace, however, so he doesn't dirty the finery. The Unkindness, perhaps. They'll likely serve the slop and ale he prefers to the wines I would. Tehom give me strength.
Written By Talen
Sept. 4, 2016, 2:56 p.m.(6/25/1004 AR)
Lady Dawn Grayson held a tournament recently-- 'They Shall Rise'-- an event of legendary largesse. It was my duty alongside Prince Luca and Duke Niccolo to represent our family, the Great House Velenosa.
We won the event with some small amount of tactic; a rather common choice of stratagem, admittedly. I stood in front of Luca to keep him unwounded and without armour he was hardly fatigued for much of the fight while I kept everyone at bay. Duke Niccolo called our targets and served as a floating danger. It worked well, as expected, leaving our prince to mop up at the end.
I am ever surprised at the talented warriors in Arx, though I confess they are rather disillusioned. Should I ever face many of these men or women in a true fight, rather than his ridiculous pretense of a show, they won't last very long.
Lord Victus Thrax was outnumbered as one can expect any famed fighter to be and was felled despite his good showing. High Prince Edain and his partner the Lord Fidante both took fancy with me and it proved to be my undoing.
I won a sword, emerald, gold and steel; another trophy that I care very little about. I sent it to Princess Jaenelle as I have done with the others, hopefully to be hoarded by her like a great white dragon would until she chooses to smelt them for something pretty.
We won the event with some small amount of tactic; a rather common choice of stratagem, admittedly. I stood in front of Luca to keep him unwounded and without armour he was hardly fatigued for much of the fight while I kept everyone at bay. Duke Niccolo called our targets and served as a floating danger. It worked well, as expected, leaving our prince to mop up at the end.
I am ever surprised at the talented warriors in Arx, though I confess they are rather disillusioned. Should I ever face many of these men or women in a true fight, rather than his ridiculous pretense of a show, they won't last very long.
Lord Victus Thrax was outnumbered as one can expect any famed fighter to be and was felled despite his good showing. High Prince Edain and his partner the Lord Fidante both took fancy with me and it proved to be my undoing.
I won a sword, emerald, gold and steel; another trophy that I care very little about. I sent it to Princess Jaenelle as I have done with the others, hopefully to be hoarded by her like a great white dragon would until she chooses to smelt them for something pretty.
Written By Deva
Sept. 4, 2016, 11:32 a.m.(6/25/1004 AR)
There wasn't much time to decide in the melee held by House Grayson. With a whole team piling onto Darren, that's where my focus went first. Much of the rest of the fight was spent on defense. I had hoped we would win, of course, but I've learned not to expect anything. I'll happily take fourth, and continue to insist my preference is ranged fighting anyway. Overall, I had so much fun, even with all the blood and bruises in the aftermath. The whole field was filled with such fierceness and skill from every competitor! I'm glad to have fought alongside my brother and Brianna. I think, with some further practice, we'll make an even more formidable team. And since it couldn't be us in the end? I'm glad it was Luca left standing. He's an absolute whirlwind with that blade. It's very attractive.
Written By Victus
Sept. 4, 2016, 10:36 a.m.(6/25/1004 AR)
Don't much care for losing, and never have. Nobody with any self respect and desire to improve should be comfortable with a loss. That said, you can't fear it either. While its always preferable to win, a loss provides you with an opportunity to look at what you did, and what you could've done better, and then improve.
And when the stakes are nothing but pride and silver, which means the stakes are nothing at all, you'll never get a cheaper opportunity.
And I got an excuse to tell everything business related to fuck off while I recuperate with hot baths and a lot of booze. Its medicinal, you see, when my whole fucking body aches.
And when the stakes are nothing but pride and silver, which means the stakes are nothing at all, you'll never get a cheaper opportunity.
And I got an excuse to tell everything business related to fuck off while I recuperate with hot baths and a lot of booze. Its medicinal, you see, when my whole fucking body aches.
Written By Calain
Sept. 4, 2016, 9:46 a.m.(6/24/1004 AR)
Overall I'm quite happy with how this event played out. Lady Dawn was good enough to handle all the announcements and rewarding of the winners so I could simply sit back and watch.
It is interesting to see what these sorts of situations bring out in people, what it reveals about their characters. Not only the participants but also the spectators. Who they cheer for, what they remark upon. How they fit events to suit their pre-existing notions. Among the participants it is interesting to see who they team up with, who they target, who they protect and how they fight. Who loses their temper, or is upset if chance turns against them versus who takes it in stride.
Interestingly I think tactics played a fairly small role in the conflict, most people seemed to choose who to hit based on interpersonal relationships or simple availability. I wonder if that says something about human nature, even when ostensibly fighting for a prize we claim to want, our inner natures quickly overwhelm our rational ones to dictate our actions. Abstract goals like winning a tournament can never overpower our emotional, animal instincts when in the thick of it.
It is interesting to see what these sorts of situations bring out in people, what it reveals about their characters. Not only the participants but also the spectators. Who they cheer for, what they remark upon. How they fit events to suit their pre-existing notions. Among the participants it is interesting to see who they team up with, who they target, who they protect and how they fight. Who loses their temper, or is upset if chance turns against them versus who takes it in stride.
Interestingly I think tactics played a fairly small role in the conflict, most people seemed to choose who to hit based on interpersonal relationships or simple availability. I wonder if that says something about human nature, even when ostensibly fighting for a prize we claim to want, our inner natures quickly overwhelm our rational ones to dictate our actions. Abstract goals like winning a tournament can never overpower our emotional, animal instincts when in the thick of it.
Written By Acacia
Sept. 4, 2016, 5:54 a.m.(6/24/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Selene
I've only truly had two opportunities to meet Radiant Selene Whisper; once in the wake of eyes which followed her when she left the Ambassador Salon, and once at the Tournament Grounds for the Grand Melee. But she's the type of woman who burns a memory that you don't want to forget. It doesn't take much to realize just how perfect she is for her title. In the sparse words we shared within the stands, just by her posture, the delivery: she's the epitome of grace. I tend to censor some of my writings, for one reason or another, but well. Fuck. She's good at what she does.
Written By Calista
Sept. 4, 2016, 5:37 a.m.(6/24/1004 AR)
The worst kind of party to have is a pity party. It's never well attended and there's an over indulgence of booze that leaves one dealing with a mild case of amnesia the following day.
Thank the gods for Prince Fergus and the strong brew of whiskey he gifted me with. I'm back to my old self even if it took a full day of recovery. Just how exactly is this whiskey prepared. I do not remember falling asleep. I just remember it being such a beautiful slumber.
Note to self: leave a sprig of mint by the beside table after imbibing whiskey the night before. I'm so grateful to have woken up alone. The horrors of hangover morning breath will certainly scare any lover from returning to one's bed.
Not mine, of course. I would never do such things.
Thank the gods for Prince Fergus and the strong brew of whiskey he gifted me with. I'm back to my old self even if it took a full day of recovery. Just how exactly is this whiskey prepared. I do not remember falling asleep. I just remember it being such a beautiful slumber.
Note to self: leave a sprig of mint by the beside table after imbibing whiskey the night before. I'm so grateful to have woken up alone. The horrors of hangover morning breath will certainly scare any lover from returning to one's bed.
Not mine, of course. I would never do such things.
Written By Acacia
Sept. 4, 2016, 1:52 a.m.(6/23/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Anastasio
I'm fairly certain that if I got my hands on that hand-written journal which Master Anastasio carries around, I'd learn more than the common mundane observations that you'd expect most people to write down. I ran into him while searching for inspiration and found him intelligent and surprisingly easy to speak to. He's extremely knowledgeable about his crafts and answered several questions I had for him regarding recent interests of mine. He struck me as having a slightly devilish streak though and I imagine with the right nudges or lures, he could be convinced to do some really fascinating things. I walked away from it with a half dozen hangover cures for-- well, hangovers.
Written By Ida
Sept. 3, 2016, 10:03 p.m.(6/23/1004 AR)
How do you describe the indescribable? Every time I think I have seen something beyond splendid here in Arx, I see something to top the last. Granted, I do not attend many events, as that just isn't my thing, but the fights? Who would miss such a thing? Especially when I was so graciously, never mind generously, honored with the task of forging the blades that would go to the winners?
Mistress Joscelin and I went together and were quickly surrounded by more cheering observers than I may ever have seen. Mistress Acacia was near, who I am forever glad to see at these things. I swear she's as fluid as water and just as refreshing to everyone around her. Master Audric caused me some laughter and it was lovely sharing the benches with Princess Reese Grayson. I did not speak much directly with her highness, though she felt like part of our little merry group while I was there, truly.
The fighting impressed me beyond measure. His Grace, Prince Edain, fought so well and honorably, as always. It makes me so proud. Everyone, truly, had something to be proud of out on that field and I enjoyed it all very much. Sadly, I lost the bet I had placed and owe Mistress Acacia a high quality weapon of her choice, for which I can't even be upset over! The evening, while I slipped out a bit earlier than I had wanted to, was another one of those memories I will hold for a long time.
Mistress Joscelin and I went together and were quickly surrounded by more cheering observers than I may ever have seen. Mistress Acacia was near, who I am forever glad to see at these things. I swear she's as fluid as water and just as refreshing to everyone around her. Master Audric caused me some laughter and it was lovely sharing the benches with Princess Reese Grayson. I did not speak much directly with her highness, though she felt like part of our little merry group while I was there, truly.
The fighting impressed me beyond measure. His Grace, Prince Edain, fought so well and honorably, as always. It makes me so proud. Everyone, truly, had something to be proud of out on that field and I enjoyed it all very much. Sadly, I lost the bet I had placed and owe Mistress Acacia a high quality weapon of her choice, for which I can't even be upset over! The evening, while I slipped out a bit earlier than I had wanted to, was another one of those memories I will hold for a long time.
Written By Alrec
Sept. 3, 2016, 9:44 p.m.(6/23/1004 AR)
The things you do for love. When they inspire you, they elevate the man to the skies among the birds but when love turns on you, it makes you weak. Remember this my friend. I could not help but feel dispair for the mountain the moment his fat head came down with a wet smack against the stage floor. Not because I was concerned for his health, he is built like an ox. It was shame, and I was projecting. Mostly because I am a sucker for love stories and the struggles of the little man against the giant, this time, I was the villian and couldn't help but enjoy playing that part. Everyone was praising his endurance but when you've had the chance to see how our stock of men do in a fight you know what to expect. Marcas though, what an interesting man. Like a mix between a bear and a wolf.
Written By Kima
Sept. 3, 2016, 7:59 p.m.(6/23/1004 AR)
Is that sympathy I see lurking behind your eyes, scholar, or just indigestion? Spicy food will do that to you. Ah, but I note the crease that begins to form that predicts a frown. No, friend, I do not mock you today, but I would ask that you not pity me. My face, after all, remains remarkably unscathed!
I did so look forward to the melee, and was more than happy to participate even if - and I confess this with the utmost chagrin - my showing was rather poor. Nobody likes to lose, and never let anyone tell you otherwise. They're either a liar or a deviant (or both). More than that, though, I had truly astounding team mates and do not regret for a second having either of them at my side. I think we put on a good showing for what the might of combined Houses can do, and I hope that others saw it as well.
All of the competitors were worthy, though, and should be the pride of Arx. I'd fight beside any of them against a horde of screaming Shavs, and be happy to do it.
Prince Darren Redrain
Princess Deva Redrain
Lady Brianna Halfshav
Duke Niccolo
Prince Luca
The Sword of Lenosia, Talen Artiglio
Prince Edain
Duke Leo
Sir Silas Mercier
Crown Investigator Laric Grayson
And finally,
Lord Victus Thrax
Captain Marcas Aodh
I salute you, in pride and humility.
I did so look forward to the melee, and was more than happy to participate even if - and I confess this with the utmost chagrin - my showing was rather poor. Nobody likes to lose, and never let anyone tell you otherwise. They're either a liar or a deviant (or both). More than that, though, I had truly astounding team mates and do not regret for a second having either of them at my side. I think we put on a good showing for what the might of combined Houses can do, and I hope that others saw it as well.
All of the competitors were worthy, though, and should be the pride of Arx. I'd fight beside any of them against a horde of screaming Shavs, and be happy to do it.
Prince Darren Redrain
Princess Deva Redrain
Lady Brianna Halfshav
Duke Niccolo
Prince Luca
The Sword of Lenosia, Talen Artiglio
Prince Edain
Duke Leo
Sir Silas Mercier
Crown Investigator Laric Grayson
And finally,
Lord Victus Thrax
Captain Marcas Aodh
I salute you, in pride and humility.
Written By Harlan
Sept. 3, 2016, 7:21 p.m.(6/23/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Sudara
Met a scholar of history today. A Pravus, no less. Only in the capital.
Not the scheming dowager I had expected. She actually seemed quite conscientious.
Written By Darren
Sept. 3, 2016, 1:26 p.m.(6/22/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Marcas
Master Marcas Aodh. I had heard a lot of news about his prowess and his win against the Sword of Lenosia, and was excited to meet him upon the battlefield at the Grand Melee. A worthy opponent, and I would expect no less from one of mine, although I would have much rather liked him on my team than against me.
I can't blame him for convincing his team to go after me first. They showed remarkable strength together. And while there was a certain bit of tension while blood was still running high, I was able to have quite a solid discussion with him after the event that I think did some good for the both of us.
I'll look forward to teaming up with him at another event to show the might of the North.
I can't blame him for convincing his team to go after me first. They showed remarkable strength together. And while there was a certain bit of tension while blood was still running high, I was able to have quite a solid discussion with him after the event that I think did some good for the both of us.
I'll look forward to teaming up with him at another event to show the might of the North.
Written By Jaenelle
Sept. 3, 2016, 1:12 p.m.(6/22/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Mirari
Mirari was one of the first people I met upon returning to Arx, and she is a delight. On top of being wonderful company, she is quite the capable hair stylist and it is only a shame that I can't steal her away from house Pravus and keep her all to myself.
Written By Jaenelle
Sept. 3, 2016, 12:57 p.m.(6/22/1004 AR)
I wasn't sure what Lord Prospero wished to do when I accepted his offer to join him, but quickly found out it was for business and not pleasure. Accompanied by Lord Eos, the three of us went to the cemetery in the lower boroughs to investigate the alibi of one of Lord Prospero's clients. Unfortunately, we never got that information as we were attacked by a crazed man! Lord Prospero was struck in the head, and if it was not for Lord Eos' valiant efforts to keep us safe, I fear I would not be here to retell this dramatic adventure that befell us.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.