The Ravenblack Grimoire - Columns

The thing about the past.....

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 21:15:50 +0000

.... is that it is just that. The past.

There are those who say it was a golden age, and proclaim that if only we went back to "the way things were", everything would be ticketty-boo again. They are wrong. The past was made by people, and many of the people fromt he past are gone and unlikely to return. Their place has been taken by people with new ideas, new ways of doing things, and new dreams of personal power or glory. Trying to go back to "the past" (whatever that means) is neither possible nor desirable.

There are others who say that the past is gone, and the future is what counts. They too are wrong. The past is the foundation of the present, and those two together will be the foundation of the future. The past has valuable lessons to teach. It tells stories of what worked and what didn't, and more importantly it gives us legends to live up (or in some cases, down) to. Without those legends and that history, the city is nothing.

There be hororscopes and with a pirate taste from the ol sea dog

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:07:27 +0000

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) Sag
I wrote yer forecast last this moon, usually I write Cancer or Capricorn last. But Aquarius has an interestin' chart (say that like ye mean 't an' ye, too, can be a prognosticator) fer Octobree an' Novembree. Maybe 'tis on accoun' o' me own family be comin' t' visit (I’m still clistin' th' coffins an' th' pokers an' ordered in a feather collector fer me lassie how scary be 't t' be havin' yer sire visit fer hork sake), but ya`ll will be havin' family either in yer hair, on yer mind, or in yer house fer some or part o' this time an' they will teeter between drivin' ye insane an' makin' ye insanely happy (let me be seein' happy be bilge water lily livered shitless) t' be havin' them. A turnin' point will happen on (go one guess th' date bet its easier than ye think ) 31 Octobree(hope th' family be nay still here then damn) after this turnin' point, an' ye be off an' set fer a REALLY REALLY good rest o' th' voyage (snickers apart from Novembree 'ere let’s face 't nay one’s goin' t' be happy). 't be in so many ways what ye`ve been lookin' toward fer all these long moons, th' slow poisonin' o' an enemy perhaps or th' sudden sunlight Davy Jones' locker o' yer old girl/ boyfriend dirty cheatin' Hoes). I feel really excited about Aquarius in `09. Davy Jones' locker mayhem an' blood cant beat itl.

hawt scopes

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 01:25:31 +0000

I started with a joke more below really there is

An elderly couple, who were both widowed, had been going out with each other for a long time. Urged on by their friends, they decided it was finally time to get married. Before the wedding, they went out to
dinner and had a long conversation regarding how their marriage might work. They discussed finances, living arrangements, and so on. Finally, the old gentleman decided it was time to broach the subject of their physical relationship. 'How do you feel about sex?' he asked, rather tentatively.
'I would like it infrequently' she replied. The old gentleman sat quietly for a moment, adjusted his glasses, then leaned over towards her and whispered:

the future you want a guess or read it

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 03:15:20 +0000

August 2008
Is it really August already?
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)
For those Dark dwellers of the night who just cant seem to get a bite i guess you need to hear “Never say never”? Your performance anxiety will vanish in August, and you’ll be sucking the life of party goers the city wide. It wont take much just a visit to a beauty therapy boutique yes the mono tone hair and black lip gloss is so passé and last year you will have to put yourself on display instead of sinking into the globby little pit of your inner life.. So -- in August, risk failure. Risk rejection. Just get out there shake your bootie and be the life (or un-life of the party). Even if you find it uncomfortable out in the open with others, the stars say you’ll look good doing it.

The St. John Guide to Negotiation

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:59:09 +0000

Okay, picture it. You're in a war and the bodies are piling up. You haven't managed to pull a kill for your side yet, and your resources are drained. The leaders of your entire alliance were all just zeroed, and you're left holding the bag. What do you do?

Since there are a lot of dissenting views as far as how operations should go to end a conflict, I've decided to take these things and put it all together in a nice pretty manual for those of you Seconds who have been tossed into the fray and have no clue how to work on your behalf. Considering that I've sat in on numerous of these over my time here in the city, I feel like I'm the PERFECT expert to deliver to you...

I have been away but now im back have a laugh

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 11:45:58 +0000

Aries (March 21st-April 19th)
Despite having to deal with some annoying insecurities and/or behind-the-scenes-disruptions June can end up being a pretty great month for you. What makes it great? Movement! (No not bowl but come to think of it you had one this century?)Between June 11th-27th Mercury ignites the good decisions, excellent communications, and fun trips that inspire your favourite feeling: The Thrill of the kill. Begin Something New – possibly with someone new. You might be especially empowered June 16,17,and 20 as your ideas catch fire (and so too does your enemy). Do not ask any one if your arse looks big in these jeans, just accept it yes it does. Anyone who reminds you of this, slaughter them and any progeny they have. What to do about those pesky unexpected issues popping up? Treat them like you do everything else: holy water and garlic spray. Sex can be fun, go get some, watch some. Just make sure they are alive before doing it well unless that’s what you like.

Current Events: Temporary or No?

Sat, 31 May 2008 20:08:41 +0000

The smell of flesh. The puddles of blood oozing across the streets. The sounds of glass breaking and canisters discharging. The murmurs of vampires reading scrolls, posturing up, and sharing strategy. This, folks, is the picture of war.

This picture I’ve painted used to be one that could be present on almost any given night. Innocent vampires would have to watch their steps as they touched down onto the streets or get tossed around like rag dolls due to bad timing. The crunch of broken holy water vials under ones foot was an almost comforting sound, as it was the sound of several things. For some, it was the sound of success and others failure…and for others it was the sound of relief or jealousy. All in all, it was a sound that just was.

The St. John Guide To Clan Membership

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 15:50:29 +0000

When I left The Republic last July, I spent several months without a clan until eventually joining the ranks of Yggdrasil. During that time, I had several vampires and vampiresses seek my counsel regarding clans. More specifically, these vamps wanted information about clans that would suit them and their personalities and also some wanted information about clan life in general. I’m sure some were coming to me in order to get justification of their stance that clan life was stupid, assuming that since I had just left it that I was no longer a proponent of such. Since I’ve served in clans in various capacities ranging from just a member to the leader of two clans, I decided to take some of the advice that I’ve been handing out to various members of the RavenBlack community and condense it down to one happy little guide.

2007: An Overview

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 15:28:28 +0000

Another year is gone, and it’s time for my second annual overview. Before reviewing this year’s list of ridiculousness, let’s go back and review last year’s special winners and where they are now!

***

10. jimmher and sharrinya: Well, jimmher is nowhere to be found, and sharrinya has taken the last year to produce the city’s most used interactive news source. Granted, her clan philosophies may still be quite a bit off base, but the success of the BCIN has pulled her off the list for this year.

9. EvilBill: You did nothing of note to make it on last year’s list, and surprise! You earned yourself a spot on this year’s! See below.

Dear Mistress Sanguine

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 22:02:55 +0000

Dear Mistress Sanguine~

I have an interesting problem that could potentially ruin my marriage. My wife and I are not in the same clan, yet we are happily married. When we were first bound, we agreed to keep our relationship free of any politics to save either of us from having to compromise our clan’s knowledge. This method worked for a while, but lately she has been lightly discussing political topics that I do not feel comfortable talking about. I know she isn’t doing this on purpose, but I feel that if I tell her to cease, she’ll take it as an affront on our vow to be open and honest with each other. The longer we are together, the more I think that having my spouse in another clan might not be such a great idea. Any suggestions?

Dear Mistress Sanguine

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 03:21:26 +0000

Dear Mistress Sanguine ~

I am currently an active member of a well-known clan in the city. I am also a member of a bloodline of which I am loyal to. I have recently been asked to participate in an action against a threat to the bloodline, but my clan leader made it clear that I was not to get involved. Should I listen to the head of my bloodline and risk removal from my clan? Or should I listen to my clan leader and risk being cast out of my family. Help!

Sincerely,
TornIn2

Dear TornIn2 ~

It is unfortunate that you have been placed in such a difficult situation, but this is more common than you would be led to believe. Usually most clans make it clear that your resources are going to be at their disposal for tactical purposes. If you willingly took this oath of loyalty to your clan, it is understood that your actions will directly affect the clan you are in, thus limiting your ability to participate in attacks of any nature without their express permission. I cannot direct you easily towards clan or family; that decision lies within the confines of your heart. The more pressing question would be what is more important to you, clan or bloodline?

Clan Histories: What's Important?

Sat, 27 Oct 2007 13:39:35 +0000

Over the past few weeks, I've watched a debate around the city regarding clan history and who is important. The Ferrymen have been the clan that has been singled out in this debate, with former members claiming their accolades publically and current members denying their importance. Although The Ferrymen are the face of the debate, this discussion could be had regarding any past or current clan in the city. After watching the comments and hearing the side chatter, I think that most of you are way off the mark as far as clan histories are concerned. Let me explain.

My point in this matter is very simple. Basically, the bottom line is, EVERY vampire that crosses the threshold of a clan has in some way or another shaped its history, even if they don't do something gigantic and earth shattering. The entire POINT of a clan is to have several members working together for a common goal and if you can get a bunch of people together just working, they're building the legacy of that clan and are part of history.

The More Things Change....

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 13:56:44 +0000

Over the past several weeks, the city as a whole has been dealing with the departure of several of its own. From all corners of the city, these vampires all left within days of one another and for those who were in immediate relations, it probably hit harder than others. Some may have thrown parties, others climbed in lawnchairs and popped a brewhaha, waiting to see what fallout if any would occur.

Why did they leave? Well, no one is going to be 100% sure of that, even if they were given a reason. I didn’t tell everyone all of the reasons I stepped down in my clan, and so it’s a pretty safe bet that there are a few hidden reasons strewn about that folks just don’t know. At this point I would like to make it clear that I really do not care what they were. One of them could have left because they can’t find purplish green fingernail polish in the city, and it would be fine. It’s just not my place to judge why any of them left.

And we all float on...

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:17:01 +0000

In a city that is usually filled with bloodshed and smartassed comments, lately it seems as if the city has been filled with heavy decisions instead. Vampires are choosing to leave the city behind, others are leaving their clans behind, and others are splitting from their bloodlines. In reality, decisions like this are generally a commonday occurrance that do well to keep the reporters of the city busy with their revolving door nature. The last several months, however, these same type of decisions have gone far to change the political landscape of the city.

A year ago this time, there were three entities gaining strength in the city. There were the perennial House of Heorot/Capadocious Clan/The Ferrymen combination, the up and coming Unholy Alliance containing the Sanctuary of Immortal Enlightenment, Republic of Ravenblack, and Enforcers of Enlightenment, and the combination of The Inner Circle/Yggdrasil/Empty Spiral. While the Ferrymen broke off and joined the Unholy Alliance with the Hall of Rogues soon following, HoH/Cap Clan picked up groups breaking off from the main Cap Clan, and TiC/Ygg/ES began adding a number of other clans to their fold, if they hadn't already.

Last Will and Testament

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 17:49:58 +0000

July 14th, in the year of grace 2007.

Last Will and Testament,

I, Lucius of the Dreaming, citizen of the city of RavenBlack, do hereby make, write with my own blood and declare this to be my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all previous wills and codicils by me made.

To twylyte, my sister of blood, my home, Palazzo Lucius, at the intersection of Zebra and 27th, Ravenblack, all its contents but my wife's , my personal property - jewelry, cars, and all other unassigned assets. I hereby appoint twylyte, RavenBlack, as my lawful Executrix. She will see to it that any of my childer will find a shelter in my home, provide any form of assistance to them as she sees fit - this, of course, doesn't apply to the childer of my wife - and wish twylyte to continue as the lawful Executrix of my legacy after my death.