Written By Brigida
July 27, 2019, 2:33 a.m.(7/15/1011 AR)
Time to do a bit of cleaning around the Shrine. I think I'll gather up the offerings to Petrichor and prepare a service in which they are properly offered up.
I might as well make a thing of it and see how many people would actually attend.
I might as well make a thing of it and see how many people would actually attend.
Written By Monique
July 26, 2019, 10:20 p.m.(7/15/1011 AR)
My first Patronsday with a Patron to celebrate. I do hope I've done homage to the day.
Well, of course I have. Or rather, Guildmaster Josephine has. She has performed a miracle for this gift. It's everything.
Well, of course I have. Or rather, Guildmaster Josephine has. She has performed a miracle for this gift. It's everything.
Written By Delfina
July 26, 2019, 10:07 p.m.(7/15/1011 AR)
I've found myself reading more lately. Poetry, history, all sorts of things. The collection Princess Helena Redrain put together for the Queen of Endings is quite lovely, very atmospheric. I don't know if it makes me smarter, but I feel more thoughtful.
Written By Vincenzo
July 26, 2019, 9:34 p.m.(7/15/1011 AR)
Beyond dreams does the crafter take,
formless, ideas that tug on her mind.
With toil, sweat and many failures.
Success comes with worship intwined.
Holy Jayus, Blessed Jayus.
May my craft worship you.
The heat of the forge blazes
while acrid smoke stings harshly the eye.
But the slam of her hammer to anvil,
Creates the beat to the song of the divine.
Holy Jayus, Blessed Jayus.
May my craft worship you.
Huddled over with candles alit,
her eye spies the minute imperfect.
Polished gem set on sparkling metals and linked chain,
To the song of the divine may we connect.
Holy Jayus, Blessed Jayus.
May my craft worship you.
With fabrics from near and away,
gold stitch and silk threads on display.
Our masterpieces of work is our worship,
greatness of inspiration from Jayus we convey.
Holy Jayus, Blessed Jayus.
May my craft worship you.
Patronsday! And I finally did it! The outfit is complete and as I presented it to her highness, my muse, for Patronsday, it created a near legendary draw of breath from those who saw it. Two long months gathering Cardian steelsilk, gold, luxury brocade, stygian, star iron and epiphanite. You'll have to see the Grayson princess wearing it. That epiphanite, I stared many an hour at night at it, watching the swirling mists inside and dreaming of daring dreams. Of course, I didn't charge a single silver, how could I as a disciple of Jayus and master artist? But what a prayer to Jayus it is, hopefully to inspire others and have them seek joy in the many trials and failures of being a crafter.
And that truly is the truth. As a master of tailoring, I've failed far more times than any of my apprentices have. While it's frustrating, often I find it gives me a chance to keep myself humble (but gods is it hard, if I'm honest) and take in a moment to think about what these hands are creating from dreams.
To all crafters, be they apprentice, journeyman, master or hobbyist, may this Patronsday be full of ideas that come to you. May you realize you can be so much better than you are today if you keep devoting yourself to the Art or Craft. May you bring delight and happiness in others, and dare to take chances.
And to those nobles who have never had the opportunity yet to dabble in a hobby craft? By all means, seek a crafter out on Patronsday and in worship to Jayus, pay them a large gift to teach you some of the basics. Once you start learning, you'll appreciate even more their hard work and dedication to providing you the very best.
formless, ideas that tug on her mind.
With toil, sweat and many failures.
Success comes with worship intwined.
Holy Jayus, Blessed Jayus.
May my craft worship you.
The heat of the forge blazes
while acrid smoke stings harshly the eye.
But the slam of her hammer to anvil,
Creates the beat to the song of the divine.
Holy Jayus, Blessed Jayus.
May my craft worship you.
Huddled over with candles alit,
her eye spies the minute imperfect.
Polished gem set on sparkling metals and linked chain,
To the song of the divine may we connect.
Holy Jayus, Blessed Jayus.
May my craft worship you.
With fabrics from near and away,
gold stitch and silk threads on display.
Our masterpieces of work is our worship,
greatness of inspiration from Jayus we convey.
Holy Jayus, Blessed Jayus.
May my craft worship you.
Patronsday! And I finally did it! The outfit is complete and as I presented it to her highness, my muse, for Patronsday, it created a near legendary draw of breath from those who saw it. Two long months gathering Cardian steelsilk, gold, luxury brocade, stygian, star iron and epiphanite. You'll have to see the Grayson princess wearing it. That epiphanite, I stared many an hour at night at it, watching the swirling mists inside and dreaming of daring dreams. Of course, I didn't charge a single silver, how could I as a disciple of Jayus and master artist? But what a prayer to Jayus it is, hopefully to inspire others and have them seek joy in the many trials and failures of being a crafter.
And that truly is the truth. As a master of tailoring, I've failed far more times than any of my apprentices have. While it's frustrating, often I find it gives me a chance to keep myself humble (but gods is it hard, if I'm honest) and take in a moment to think about what these hands are creating from dreams.
To all crafters, be they apprentice, journeyman, master or hobbyist, may this Patronsday be full of ideas that come to you. May you realize you can be so much better than you are today if you keep devoting yourself to the Art or Craft. May you bring delight and happiness in others, and dare to take chances.
And to those nobles who have never had the opportunity yet to dabble in a hobby craft? By all means, seek a crafter out on Patronsday and in worship to Jayus, pay them a large gift to teach you some of the basics. Once you start learning, you'll appreciate even more their hard work and dedication to providing you the very best.
Written By Vanora
July 26, 2019, 6:06 p.m.(7/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Jasher
Yet another example, Prince Jasher Thrax is one who has surprised me recently. There is knowledge everywhere in every direction, and if we only know where to look, who to know...we find so much.
Written By Sina
July 26, 2019, 5:29 p.m.(7/14/1011 AR)
The Scholars of Vellichor often work closely with the Shrine of the Thirteenth. There are several reasons for this. First, we have shared a mutually respectful relationship with one another on the grounds that we share a vested interest in asking questions. While Scholars ask questions of a more academic nature, the Mirrormasks ask those questions which are designed to look within oneself for answers. One is not greater than the other. Both are equally important to understanding ourselves and the world in which we live.
Second, both Scholars and Mirrormasks often both act in the role of confessors. Many come to us Scholars with questions which may touch upon your personal story. We record your black reflections and guard them, and should we fail to do so, the Shrine of the Thirteenth is our destination. This is why, when a prospective disciple of Vellichor prepares to take his or her vows, they first spend a week within the Shrine of the Thirteenth as a reminder of the weight of those vows. Mirrormasks are there to advise and make you take a hard look at yourself and your motivations. It is not always pleasant or a comfortable situation, but it can have value.
Archlector Vayne has been both patron and friend to me personally, and while some of his advice has been difficult at times, I can always count on him to reflect back to me the truths that I hide even from myself. I have the greatest respect for the role of the Mirrormask.
A question is 'legitimate', in my opinion, if both the question and the answer allow for growth and greater understanding.
Second, both Scholars and Mirrormasks often both act in the role of confessors. Many come to us Scholars with questions which may touch upon your personal story. We record your black reflections and guard them, and should we fail to do so, the Shrine of the Thirteenth is our destination. This is why, when a prospective disciple of Vellichor prepares to take his or her vows, they first spend a week within the Shrine of the Thirteenth as a reminder of the weight of those vows. Mirrormasks are there to advise and make you take a hard look at yourself and your motivations. It is not always pleasant or a comfortable situation, but it can have value.
Archlector Vayne has been both patron and friend to me personally, and while some of his advice has been difficult at times, I can always count on him to reflect back to me the truths that I hide even from myself. I have the greatest respect for the role of the Mirrormask.
A question is 'legitimate', in my opinion, if both the question and the answer allow for growth and greater understanding.
Written By Brianna
July 26, 2019, 4:36 p.m.(7/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
Why would a question be forbidden?
Written By Ida
July 26, 2019, 1:30 p.m.(7/14/1011 AR)
I am excited for the upcoming holy day of Jayus, also called Patronsday. The giant bazaars that spring up all throughout the Compact to showcase art, with surely one of the biggest right here in Arx. As well, I am really looking forward to the art that will be on display in the Gallery of Jayus. It never fails to both amaze and wholly inspire me every Patronsday with its showcases.
It's nice to have a day that honors crafters and artisans, though I feel like many of my customers already do that throughout the year.
It's nice to have a day that honors crafters and artisans, though I feel like many of my customers already do that throughout the year.
Written By Riagnon
July 26, 2019, 10:05 a.m.(7/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Rhea
It feels as though we are finally making up for having spent the balance of our formative years apart. My sister has magnanimously and gener-ificently elected to bring to close a personal history of mine that vaguely vexes me still. Basically, every time I've ever tripped is probably because I'm worried about this most likely! I should stop riling new household staff into being afraid of her so -err- best not stop all at once.
Written By Preston
July 26, 2019, 9:47 a.m.(7/14/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Yvon
Some questions are forbidden, even to the Disciples of the Thirteenth. Some proposals and suggestions, some queries, transgress those lines we allow and the freedoms granted within the Faith. There is active debate among the Godsworn even on such matters, where our comfort may lie - but the absolute limit was established in the very act of creation of the Orthodoxy, in the actions of Alor Valardin, that there is a line up to which you can go and no further. Be careful child of the Faith that your necessary work in honouring the Thirteenth and your confidence in his methods does not turn into hubris and over confidence in your own cleverness. There are those far older and far cleverer than any of us who will misuse that for their ends.
Written By Cambria
July 26, 2019, 2:32 a.m.(7/13/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Yvon
A lack of self-knowledge is, perhaps, our greatest problem.
You have inspired me to begin the penning of a new series of discourses.
You have inspired me to begin the penning of a new series of discourses.
Written By Willow
July 26, 2019, 1:55 a.m.(7/13/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Yvon
I still mean what I said as you were departing the other day. You said if I found my time there enjoyable you weren't doing your job. Disagree. The entire reason I first started visiting the shrine of dark reflection was because it was only in examining the holes in my belief systems that I was able to approve my approach, and in learning to do so, and in trying to see things from the perspective of those I have most strongly disagreed with, that my head for leading and understanding those I would work with has been most improved.
Therefore, even if your words and arguments are unpalatable, they still spur on reflection rather than offense if one understands the exercise has little to do with pride for good or ill and is indeed an exercise in thought rather than some personal scolding or admonishment.
Therefore, even if your words and arguments are unpalatable, they still spur on reflection rather than offense if one understands the exercise has little to do with pride for good or ill and is indeed an exercise in thought rather than some personal scolding or admonishment.
Written By Josephine
July 26, 2019, 1:30 a.m.(7/13/1011 AR)
There is something to be said, for huddling over a bench with ones patron, and working on something. To see her fledgeling skills at smithing blossom. The way she holds the hammer better. I gave her her patron's gift a little early, the second part will come soon enough. I wonder if her words were true. If I was her mother in some past life, some previous turn off the wheel. I don't know. It's not me to delve in and find out, nor do I know whether I would want to. But the bird prints at the bottom of the letter made me smile as well. Little fat wendy bird.
Written By Rafael
July 25, 2019, 10:43 p.m.(7/13/1011 AR)
Had I been aware our estate here was home to a peacock, I might have better prepared myself. Did you know that they peck at their own reflections in nighttime window panes? Not a particularly wise move in my opinion. Not to mention, really very startling to wake up to!
Written By Elloise
July 25, 2019, 8:57 p.m.(7/13/1011 AR)
Log:
Starting work with Ashur (!) on this new project for Cady. And the House, I guess! So far we've set each other on fire twice but now I have a fancy new lab coat from Princess Tikva. I love it.
Starting work with Ashur (!) on this new project for Cady. And the House, I guess! So far we've set each other on fire twice but now I have a fancy new lab coat from Princess Tikva. I love it.
Written By Yvon
July 25, 2019, 7:36 p.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
I cannot decide which of the following two responses I more keenly enjoy.
First, the suggestion that one must question everything ... subject to the caveats of the lickspittle: only if 'appropriate!' One wouldn't wish to offend, after all. Only if 'legitimate!' How terrible it would be to air an illegitimate question. Only if done 'thoughtfully,' with knowledge and evidence! As if we are -only- lawyers and not also much more.
Questions which are inappropriate and illegitimate are not merely valuable, they are _more_ valuable than appropriate and legitimate questions. What are 'appropriateness' and 'legitimacy' other than conventional notions that must be tested by people unafraid of the yipping of frightened terriers? One shrinks from asking questions without evidence only if one is afraid of making mistakes and being exposed as ignorant. That is mere pride. Ask and be exposed. Be wrong. Be disdained for your ignorance or your cruelty. This is not meant to be an easy path.
Leave the appropriate, legitimate, questions to our sisters and brothers the scholars, and the devotees of other gods. They do not require our aid in asking wise, informed, appropriate, legitimate questions. They are trained for it. And they are trained to shy away from inappropriate, impolite, thoughtless, offensive questions.
Let me repeat: our role is not to ask the questions that any clever, educated, insightful scholar might ask. They are scholars. They are better at their duties than we are at their duties. We must focus on our -own- role instead. The pantheon's strength emerges from diversity within unity. We have a specialized, and vitally important role. Let us accept that, instead of cowering within the castoff robes of Vellichor and Lagoma, pretending we can match them for wisdom and caring.
Second, the assertion--repeated always in deeply offended tones--that my questions are so stale that they don't even offend. Well, that one perhaps I -do- enjoy more keenly.
I have spent some days now, in the shrine, and the single most common reason people enter is to preen. Smugness is what they bring and self-love is what they depart with. The shrine functions too often in support of spiritual onanism. They gaze at their reflections with the eyes of self-love. Are my fellow students of Tehom satisfied with this status quo?
First, the suggestion that one must question everything ... subject to the caveats of the lickspittle: only if 'appropriate!' One wouldn't wish to offend, after all. Only if 'legitimate!' How terrible it would be to air an illegitimate question. Only if done 'thoughtfully,' with knowledge and evidence! As if we are -only- lawyers and not also much more.
Questions which are inappropriate and illegitimate are not merely valuable, they are _more_ valuable than appropriate and legitimate questions. What are 'appropriateness' and 'legitimacy' other than conventional notions that must be tested by people unafraid of the yipping of frightened terriers? One shrinks from asking questions without evidence only if one is afraid of making mistakes and being exposed as ignorant. That is mere pride. Ask and be exposed. Be wrong. Be disdained for your ignorance or your cruelty. This is not meant to be an easy path.
Leave the appropriate, legitimate, questions to our sisters and brothers the scholars, and the devotees of other gods. They do not require our aid in asking wise, informed, appropriate, legitimate questions. They are trained for it. And they are trained to shy away from inappropriate, impolite, thoughtless, offensive questions.
Let me repeat: our role is not to ask the questions that any clever, educated, insightful scholar might ask. They are scholars. They are better at their duties than we are at their duties. We must focus on our -own- role instead. The pantheon's strength emerges from diversity within unity. We have a specialized, and vitally important role. Let us accept that, instead of cowering within the castoff robes of Vellichor and Lagoma, pretending we can match them for wisdom and caring.
Second, the assertion--repeated always in deeply offended tones--that my questions are so stale that they don't even offend. Well, that one perhaps I -do- enjoy more keenly.
I have spent some days now, in the shrine, and the single most common reason people enter is to preen. Smugness is what they bring and self-love is what they depart with. The shrine functions too often in support of spiritual onanism. They gaze at their reflections with the eyes of self-love. Are my fellow students of Tehom satisfied with this status quo?
Written By Preston
July 25, 2019, 6:32 p.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Cabrera
The city is a fascinating place, and a great location for the Faith to gather and to be able to guide the Faithful children.
Written By Felicia
July 25, 2019, 6:23 p.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
I'm not exactly a 'floral' person myself. My valet tried to suggest I should be a Snapdragon, which I disagreed with... until I saw what they look like after the flower itself has died. So, yes, I am a Snapdragon... after the bloom has gone off. Those tiny little 'skulls' look gorgeous.
Written By Narcissa
July 25, 2019, 6 p.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
The petals descend, crimson crumbled to ash.
Blackening bloom bleakened, breached ballast.
Gone the anchor, swift the tide does thrash,
Roses drowned whole in the currents cruellest.
Blackening bloom bleakened, breached ballast.
Gone the anchor, swift the tide does thrash,
Roses drowned whole in the currents cruellest.
Written By Helena
July 25, 2019, 5:55 p.m.(7/12/1011 AR)
The poems read in honor of the Queen of Endings at the Festival of Death poetry reading are now available in a book. A special thanks to all the poets who contributed again. Your work was was heartwarming and insightful. The rest of the copies are available for a donation of 5000 silver to support the Harlequins in their ministry and service to the people of Arx. Please message me with your donation and you will receive a copy of the anthology!
My discussions with people surrounding the events of the Festival have been enlightening. I do see that some people still misunderstand our Queen of Endings. She herself is not the one to fear -- she does not choose our times, but embraces us when it is our time. And for some, she gives us another chance to live. Either way, we are gifted by her welcome or our return to the wheel, and these are blessings for which I give thanks.
My discussions with people surrounding the events of the Festival have been enlightening. I do see that some people still misunderstand our Queen of Endings. She herself is not the one to fear -- she does not choose our times, but embraces us when it is our time. And for some, she gives us another chance to live. Either way, we are gifted by her welcome or our return to the wheel, and these are blessings for which I give thanks.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.