Written By Ida
Nov. 12, 2023, 2:30 p.m.(3/6/1021 AR)
It's been a busy few weeks at the shop, which I guess is to be expected with all that is happening. Two commissions came in for two people I both admire and respect.
A bow for Duchess Khanne, which lead to a bit of reminiscing back to the days when I crafted her rubicund one. I say this a lot, but that really feels like a lifetime ago. Our lives were so much different then.
The other piece is a staff for Lady Volcica, who I've come to know these last handful of years. There are some finishing touches yet to make on that one, but it should be in her hands by the end of the week.
I've turned down several commissions in the last few months, simply because I hadn't felt like I could do them the justice they deserved. I could not say no to either of these women and am glad I managed to pull it together for them.
A bow for Duchess Khanne, which lead to a bit of reminiscing back to the days when I crafted her rubicund one. I say this a lot, but that really feels like a lifetime ago. Our lives were so much different then.
The other piece is a staff for Lady Volcica, who I've come to know these last handful of years. There are some finishing touches yet to make on that one, but it should be in her hands by the end of the week.
I've turned down several commissions in the last few months, simply because I hadn't felt like I could do them the justice they deserved. I could not say no to either of these women and am glad I managed to pull it together for them.
Written By Mabelle
Nov. 12, 2023, 2:28 p.m.(3/6/1021 AR)
First rule of alchemy - one cannot gain anything without first giving something in return.
Written By Mabelle
Nov. 12, 2023, 2:27 p.m.(3/6/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Gwenna
Whenever we get on a diplomatic missions, my highest hopes are that my cousins Duchess Calista and Princess Gwenna join me. It turns every venture into an adventure, every mission into the easiest of steps. My cousin Gwenna posses powers that can make one follow their true desires, their true nature, which makes things much more easier in the negotiation table.
But it is the nights I find most enjoyable, the conversation into the wee hours, sharing experiences and talking of fashion, shedding our duties and drowning in cake. I hope we get to do that soon.
But it is the nights I find most enjoyable, the conversation into the wee hours, sharing experiences and talking of fashion, shedding our duties and drowning in cake. I hope we get to do that soon.
Written By Caspian
Nov. 12, 2023, 12:50 p.m.(3/6/1021 AR)
I would like to inform every that is fighting the cold and snow.. that nothing takes the chill off like warm cider and hot chocolate.
Written By Lucita
Nov. 12, 2023, 9:14 a.m.(3/6/1021 AR)
Four of my six children a Valardin father who married into Saik. These four are to foster with the Great House Valardin when the correct age comes and when they reach adulthood, may choose to become Valardin or remain Saik. They are being taught respect, history, and culture of both fealties. We are giving all we can to build lasting bridges between houses. Perhaps some visits to their relatives might remind of this and help sooth.
Written By Macario
Nov. 12, 2023, 8:56 a.m.(3/6/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Pasquale
I was not fortunate to remember much of my family, and certainly only the vaguest memory of siblings. Pasquale, well, he's everything I might imagine in a proper brother. We are different, opposites, and yet similar. I feel like we could have grumbled far more about one another than we do, and generally he gets me good and that's what brothers do. They make a point without triggering anger, but instead, triggering thoughts. The best of brothers.
Written By Renata
Nov. 11, 2023, 7:51 p.m.(3/5/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Llewella
This resilient woman, having faced the daunting challenge of memory loss, has emerged as a beacon of creativity and joy. Undeterred by the shadows of the past, she has embraced art as a medium to bring happiness to her life and the lives of others.
Every stroke of her brush, every splash of color, and every sculpted form is a testament to her unwavering spirit. In the absence of complete recollection, she creates a kaleidoscope of emotions through her art, infusing each piece with the pure, unfiltered joy that she seeks to share.
Her random pieces of art become spontaneous bursts of happiness, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of creativity. In her journey, she has discovered that art is not just a means of expression but a source of profound connection, allowing her to share love, laughter, and joy with the world, one masterpiece at a time.
It would do the populace good to get to know this woman that goes by Raya. To help her find who she was, as well as who she is becoming. I am proud to have her as protege.
Every stroke of her brush, every splash of color, and every sculpted form is a testament to her unwavering spirit. In the absence of complete recollection, she creates a kaleidoscope of emotions through her art, infusing each piece with the pure, unfiltered joy that she seeks to share.
Her random pieces of art become spontaneous bursts of happiness, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of creativity. In her journey, she has discovered that art is not just a means of expression but a source of profound connection, allowing her to share love, laughter, and joy with the world, one masterpiece at a time.
It would do the populace good to get to know this woman that goes by Raya. To help her find who she was, as well as who she is becoming. I am proud to have her as protege.
Written By Gwenna
Nov. 11, 2023, 5:24 p.m.(3/5/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
My cousin is genuinely amazing, and I wholly regret that we don't get to spend more time together. The things that she has accomplished are the stuff of legends. Whether the task is a new fabric or rebuilding a city, she seems to manage it almost effortlessly. I know, of course, that it takes a great deal of effort, which is a testament to her tenacity.
We managed to meet for a bit today, though not to gossip or talk about the fashions we both so love. Sometimes, especially these last few years, there just isn't time when there are so many other challenges before us. Still, the warmth of the Laurent library and shared goals are things I am grateful for this day.
We managed to meet for a bit today, though not to gossip or talk about the fashions we both so love. Sometimes, especially these last few years, there just isn't time when there are so many other challenges before us. Still, the warmth of the Laurent library and shared goals are things I am grateful for this day.
Written By Raven
Nov. 11, 2023, 5:14 p.m.(3/5/1021 AR)
Reflections from a Fifth Reflection of Tehom
With most of the Pantheon we so often imagine the gods as ideals. The best of what we aspire to be or what we admire. It’s understandable that so many balk or feel threatened when it comes to the Thirteenth. The god that holds a mirror to our true selves. All the parts of ourselves, the parts of humanity as a whole that make us uncomfortable. There is no hiding the things that bring us shame, make us angry, or frightened, insecure. Those forbidden vices and wants. Because so many revile these parts of themselves they scorn the god that warns us of the dangers of keeping these things hidden from ourselves. No man or woman is so virtuous that they are not strengthened by introspection and reflection of their darkest corners. Or weakened when they neglect or deny their true, imperfect selves. Refuse to cast light on our darkest recesses and they become places for our enemies to hide.
Likewise, the other side of scorning accountability. Those wayward strays who would confuse vices with virtues or dress up our worst nature as some kind of strength. Those who delude themselves to make those worst tendencies permissible court being robbed of their choice.
Our strengths as well as our imperfections make us who we are. These things aren’t meant to be hidden or embraced. They are meant to be faced and conquered.
I invite all throughout the compact to reflect on who you are. Who you wish to be. Who you fear you might become. Let us weigh our entire selves and take stock of our imperfections-and let us stare them in the eye and own them. Let us make ourselves whole in mastering who we are and giving the dark things we fear no quarter to fester.
Reckon with your imperfect self and claim the unshakable power that is being imperfect but unafraid.
With most of the Pantheon we so often imagine the gods as ideals. The best of what we aspire to be or what we admire. It’s understandable that so many balk or feel threatened when it comes to the Thirteenth. The god that holds a mirror to our true selves. All the parts of ourselves, the parts of humanity as a whole that make us uncomfortable. There is no hiding the things that bring us shame, make us angry, or frightened, insecure. Those forbidden vices and wants. Because so many revile these parts of themselves they scorn the god that warns us of the dangers of keeping these things hidden from ourselves. No man or woman is so virtuous that they are not strengthened by introspection and reflection of their darkest corners. Or weakened when they neglect or deny their true, imperfect selves. Refuse to cast light on our darkest recesses and they become places for our enemies to hide.
Likewise, the other side of scorning accountability. Those wayward strays who would confuse vices with virtues or dress up our worst nature as some kind of strength. Those who delude themselves to make those worst tendencies permissible court being robbed of their choice.
Our strengths as well as our imperfections make us who we are. These things aren’t meant to be hidden or embraced. They are meant to be faced and conquered.
I invite all throughout the compact to reflect on who you are. Who you wish to be. Who you fear you might become. Let us weigh our entire selves and take stock of our imperfections-and let us stare them in the eye and own them. Let us make ourselves whole in mastering who we are and giving the dark things we fear no quarter to fester.
Reckon with your imperfect self and claim the unshakable power that is being imperfect but unafraid.
Written By Pasquale
Nov. 11, 2023, 4:36 p.m.(3/5/1021 AR)
I've heard people say that our enemy was defeated when his forces attacked Arx and broke against the wall of flame. Don't believe them.
It was a battle, not the war.
We haven't won yet.
It was a battle, not the war.
We haven't won yet.
Written By Triscali
Nov. 11, 2023, 4:26 p.m.(3/5/1021 AR)
All the doors are forever opening. A million, a hundred million doors, opening and opening and opening. Enough!
ENOUGH.
ENOUGH.
Written By Theo
Nov. 11, 2023, 3:30 p.m.(3/5/1021 AR)
While in the Black Fox the other night a question was asked of me. How was I handling the madness that seems to surround the city of late? I believe I actually changed the subject. The reality? By listening to what the others are saying. It is what I do best after all. To listen and then to put out what others have said to work.
Written By Neviah
Nov. 11, 2023, 3:14 p.m.(3/4/1021 AR)
Existing in this city:
You can pay for cakes, wine, warmth, and a pillow with poetry.
You can pay for cakes, wine, warmth, and a pillow with poetry.
Written By Preston
Nov. 10, 2023, 5:42 p.m.(3/3/1021 AR)
Gods, but do I miss Thena and Esoka. My dear little sister and my right hand. Wherever you are lurking, I hope you hear the call.
And if so, please bring more than your knife this time, Thena.
And if so, please bring more than your knife this time, Thena.
Written By Eirene
Nov. 10, 2023, 5:41 p.m.(3/3/1021 AR)
Relationship Note on Triscali
Why did someone claiming to be Queen Triscali leave a journal entry recently? Scholar, do I read that correctly?
Written By Preston
Nov. 10, 2023, 5:36 p.m.(3/3/1021 AR)
Since I was old enough to lift a sword, I have raised one in defense of the Faith. And I have never - I hope - made any secret that I am of the Orthodoxy. I was raised by a Legate, and later Dominus, of Valardin blood. I was trained in an order dominated by the Orthodox, and I hold now an office held by the creator of the Orthodox. I believe the Orthodoxy, its caution and tradition, are our guide in good times and the bad. In the light and through the shadow. I do not openly worship the Thirteenth with public questioning and doubt, for I know that honest questions of oneself should be asked in private and that our institutions are beyond doubt themselves.
In the Isles, against Waldo, my brothers broke my heart when they turned from us. Just as the Knights of the Scrolls broke Alor Valardin's heart when they chose their oaths to one God over their oath to them all, and to their brothers. And those tears were in my eyes as we killed them, and they in turn near killed me. That was duty though, and I regret none of it.
How sorrow filled I am that now I hear the calls from my brothers and sisters, from our dear beloved children too, for division again on these old lines. To shed Orthodox blood, to shed Liberal blood...and to what benefit? Our enemies are evil, it is true. But they are not us. I do not agree with Liberal teachings, with Pragmatic teachings, where they vary from my own - but I recognise they walk alongside us, on a path near our own. On a path towards the Gods, and when the time comes to the shining lands at their side.
If you want an enemy, we have one. You don't need to look for one within ourselves. He marches under the centipede banner. You wish for crusade, you wish for war? That is where we will march, to fight him. To save Arvum for the Gods, and our people. And if I must march alone, to die alone, and forgotten, I will do so. For that is Gloria's charge to me. That is my obligation, my debt, my sacrifice - what I must do because not only is it my faith, my life, but my duty as the bearer of Gloria's blade, Crusader.
For those among you, Templar or child, those who were at the battle of Pieros and who fought on the land, remember the glow on the hill. That is our hope, our future. That was Gloria's light protecting us, working through the Faith.
In the Isles, against Waldo, my brothers broke my heart when they turned from us. Just as the Knights of the Scrolls broke Alor Valardin's heart when they chose their oaths to one God over their oath to them all, and to their brothers. And those tears were in my eyes as we killed them, and they in turn near killed me. That was duty though, and I regret none of it.
How sorrow filled I am that now I hear the calls from my brothers and sisters, from our dear beloved children too, for division again on these old lines. To shed Orthodox blood, to shed Liberal blood...and to what benefit? Our enemies are evil, it is true. But they are not us. I do not agree with Liberal teachings, with Pragmatic teachings, where they vary from my own - but I recognise they walk alongside us, on a path near our own. On a path towards the Gods, and when the time comes to the shining lands at their side.
If you want an enemy, we have one. You don't need to look for one within ourselves. He marches under the centipede banner. You wish for crusade, you wish for war? That is where we will march, to fight him. To save Arvum for the Gods, and our people. And if I must march alone, to die alone, and forgotten, I will do so. For that is Gloria's charge to me. That is my obligation, my debt, my sacrifice - what I must do because not only is it my faith, my life, but my duty as the bearer of Gloria's blade, Crusader.
For those among you, Templar or child, those who were at the battle of Pieros and who fought on the land, remember the glow on the hill. That is our hope, our future. That was Gloria's light protecting us, working through the Faith.
Written By Ann
Nov. 10, 2023, 2:11 p.m.(3/2/1021 AR)
It was nice to have a small break from doing Inquisitor duties. But with recent events it seems myself, Rawkin and Louve will be called to House of Questions to take in some reports. I don't think that is the best spot to bring a baby in. It is a good thing that Mattheu does such a good job taking care of him. I will have to admit I will be counting the time till I can come home and be with the family. But as always, duty first. When the Crown calls? I answer.
Written By Titus
Nov. 10, 2023, 1:22 p.m.(3/2/1021 AR)
Another week in Arx has passed and so another journal is committed.
There have been numerous proclamations and announcements, some of which puzzle me. There is a focus on distributing sweets and treats to the poor, which I find conflicting. Charity should be a humble act, but perhaps this is a way to shed light on the plight of the less fortunate and inspire others to help. It seems that social battles in Arx are fought differently, where Gild seeks to transform stored riches into blessings for others. In Sangris, we provide all with what they need to fulfill their purpose, without a desire for material opulence. Some may view this as all being equally poor, but we value contentment over excess. Knowing when is enough is important, as the more you take means the less someone else will have.
Lord Jasper of House Steelhart in the Oathlands is uniting with House Velenosa through his betrothal to Princess Ophelia. This union is not only beneficial for the involved houses and realms but also for the entire Compact. It forges familial bonds that encourage us to work through our differences rather than focusing on our disagreements. It allows the Compact to remain united against external threats without being torn apart by internal conflicts. To them, I'll borrow the motto from the Malespero: From tragedy, strength.
A figure named Watcher made a proclamation that resonated with me. Their words didn't bring peace but rather a sense that I feel when there's a fellow Vaevici beside me in battle, which is good. They spoke of hope, a flame that we must keep burning.
The High Inquisitor also delivered a lengthy announcement about reporting oddities. I can't help but feel that his role is never-ending. The inquisitors I've encountered are good people with challenging responsibilities.
In the midst of all this, I've been immersed in developing and reviewing strategies for the upcoming battles against the Traitor. It's struck me how similar many here are to him, willing to give their all when their own self, their family's, or their house's existence is threatened. It's a recurring lesson that we often prioritize the ends over the means, and sometimes we must accept that in this life, we won't always win or attain our desires, even when they are selfless. To look elsewhere than the ideals of the gods may offer a victory, but the cost will be paid.
It's a tough lesson, one I'm not sure I've fully grasped, or that I want to.
There have been numerous proclamations and announcements, some of which puzzle me. There is a focus on distributing sweets and treats to the poor, which I find conflicting. Charity should be a humble act, but perhaps this is a way to shed light on the plight of the less fortunate and inspire others to help. It seems that social battles in Arx are fought differently, where Gild seeks to transform stored riches into blessings for others. In Sangris, we provide all with what they need to fulfill their purpose, without a desire for material opulence. Some may view this as all being equally poor, but we value contentment over excess. Knowing when is enough is important, as the more you take means the less someone else will have.
Lord Jasper of House Steelhart in the Oathlands is uniting with House Velenosa through his betrothal to Princess Ophelia. This union is not only beneficial for the involved houses and realms but also for the entire Compact. It forges familial bonds that encourage us to work through our differences rather than focusing on our disagreements. It allows the Compact to remain united against external threats without being torn apart by internal conflicts. To them, I'll borrow the motto from the Malespero: From tragedy, strength.
A figure named Watcher made a proclamation that resonated with me. Their words didn't bring peace but rather a sense that I feel when there's a fellow Vaevici beside me in battle, which is good. They spoke of hope, a flame that we must keep burning.
The High Inquisitor also delivered a lengthy announcement about reporting oddities. I can't help but feel that his role is never-ending. The inquisitors I've encountered are good people with challenging responsibilities.
In the midst of all this, I've been immersed in developing and reviewing strategies for the upcoming battles against the Traitor. It's struck me how similar many here are to him, willing to give their all when their own self, their family's, or their house's existence is threatened. It's a recurring lesson that we often prioritize the ends over the means, and sometimes we must accept that in this life, we won't always win or attain our desires, even when they are selfless. To look elsewhere than the ideals of the gods may offer a victory, but the cost will be paid.
It's a tough lesson, one I'm not sure I've fully grasped, or that I want to.
Written By Eirene
Nov. 10, 2023, 12:52 p.m.(3/2/1021 AR)
Scholars - TOLD YOU SO. Put that in caps. I have been saying there's all this supernatural fuckery for fifteen years now and you've always looked at me funny.
Written By Eirene
Nov. 10, 2023, 12:51 p.m.(3/2/1021 AR)
My son has made a choice in his future. It's one I am prepared to fight for, die for if necessarily. Prefer I live to SEE him make those choices. Idris, I fight for your right to be who YOU choose. Iris too. And Jace. And every other Arvani. We decide.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.