Heinrich's Journal

WRITTEN IN HEINRICH'S NATIVE LANGUAGE

UNKNOWN IF MEANT TO BE A LETTER TO SOMEONE IN HAVELBERG

Xun Wen

My beloved wife with a wonderful mind. I can do nothing but sing praises of her talents. My kin have a great grasp on mathematics, and yet her knowledge completely eclipses any other that I have ever seen. Simply incredible. Her craft in what the East refers to as talismans, which I believe to be similar to the runes of my people, is also outstanding. To say nothing of her mind's capacity for creating items, and doing so in a way in which I have never been able to truly bring to fruition; creating fascinating effects with mere patterns. If any of us in Havelberg could do what she can, I doubt I would ever be able to find a party of fellow explorers to come with me.

Truly, I am lucky to have met her. If the Xun Clan had presented me with a million options a million times, I would choose her every time without thinking any longer than it would take to register her.

Alas, she has her flaws. I have to acknowledge, she seems a bit dismissive of the common folk, to say the least. I do believe she formerly didn't consider them as "equals", to put it lightly. But, I think I have swayed her stance a touch. Progress is progress. Another unfortunate circumstance is that her brilliant designs are apparently frowned upon for a woman to produce! Unbelievable! How this exactly relates to her is that, for some strange reason, she does not nearly share enough in my outrage against this! Then again, I suppose it's understandable. We both know good and well that order and duty is important, and no matter how tantalizing rebellion in some form may be, it should be avoided. I am well aware.

Finally, she has one final issue that I must rectify.
To put it simply, she does not have the same love for me that I do for.

Our marriage was born from politicking for our people, and not out of passion, as I wish it could have been.

This cannot stand! No matter how hard I must work, I will not stop until I become her true love! With every romantic gesture I make, every help I bring to the Xun Clan, and every time I prove my mind, I feel as if her heart grows warmer! I will cultivate our love, until I am her beloved!

I have even taken up poetry, as I have heard that it is a Xun speciality.
An excerpt:

Skin like snow.
Eyes like winter blooms.
A mind more complex than any snowflake.
What must I do to thaw your icy heart?

Terrible. Absolutely terrible. Must work on romantic poetry.

Xun Ri

I know Xun Ri quite well... in comparison to the other members of the Clan, and mostly due to her relation to my beloved. Truly, a veritable genius, albeit one with a flaw that needs work.

Ri is, essentially, my sister-in-law. While her actual relation to Wen is that of a bodyguard and retainer, which she excels at with a truly powerful body, she certainly seems more like a sister to me. I heard she was adopted by the Xun Clan at a young age, and grew up alongside Wen.

Her artwork is simply captivating. She practices a similar art of talismans to Wen, and her knowledge is simply encyclopedic! Not to mention the dexterity with which she can draw!

She's also a highly skilled physician, like myself. If I couldn't perform a surgery for whatever reason, I'd certainly feel at peace knowing that it was her doing it.

Alas, she seems to have one flaw, as I have mentioned earlier. It is not exactly an issue with her mind, no. Her knowledge is exceptional. It seems to be an issue of execution, I'd say? It's as if she has knowledge of where everything should be, but has issue in feeling the right time to put it all there; almost as if it's her perception itself that's flawed, a deficiency in looking deeper into what she's doing.

No matter what it is, I hope to help her overcome it and flourish into a wonderful genius of craft, if I can.
I wonder if a new pair of eyeballs could help?

Xun Moyu

Ah, Moyu! I have grown quite fond of her. Even despite her tendencies, one could call them. It was quite the bit of culture shock to hear the following for the first time: that Moyu had a young fellow torn to pieces for disrespect, that she had done this before, and that it was even encouraged!

I suppose, matters are simply handled differently around here.
Personally, I would go for Havelberg tradition of pretending to turn cheek and resolving for private spite and scheming for someone who disrespected the Xun Clan, but if obliteration is what is expected of me, I feel that I'd be compelled to oblige for the sake of the Clan's honor? I can't help but feel that this could make more enemies, however... unless you were more thorough, which I have heard some who use this method to be...

Although slightly spoiled, and while her knowledge-base and capacity for learning seem to lack in some areas, she is not to be underestimated!
A wonderfully insightful tamer, who may be the finest I have ever met! I'm no stranger to taming beasts, and the ways she can understand them simply allude me.

Of course, like Ri, she is certainly a gem in need of polishing. I hope to see her knowledge catch up to her perception, one day, and to be there for every step to help her reach her potential.

I also worry about her. While settling fights is apparently normal, she also seems to have a bad habit of picking them. I always have a dreadful thought of something bad happening to her after she makes a grave mistake... I've already been able to acquire a more stable item than the ones I make for her use, but perhaps I should step in and see how she feels about some special modifications for her beasts or even specially modified ones...

Xun Jian

Xun Ri's younger brother. If she were my sister-in-law, I suppose that makes him my brother-in-law. I know him far less than Ri; he seems to be a hermit.

I've been lead to understand that his unique being was a subject of study of some among the Xun Clan. Unfortunate that I was late to the party, and similarly unfortunate that he seems to already be fed up with it, which I've gleamed from a few conversations I had with the Clan's scholars. I can't help but feel bad for him. Although sacrifices must be made for greater understanding, it seems he's been driven to be a hermit by those sacrifices. I can't say it would be fun for a boy to grow up like I assume he did.

As for his talents, while I am impressed with his musical talent, I found his penchant for Item Refining certainly impressive. I'd like to get to know him more, if I could. Ideally to study him, but to understand his mind on a more personal level would be great, as well.

Fei Cangqiong

A young man with romantic pursuits, whom I feel sympathetic towards. Although I was initially wary of him, he does actually seem to have a good head on his shoulders. Well, in a sense that he seems less like a snake or rat, and more like a lazy dog.

While I have hired him due to his drive and his talents, honestly, it's really to give him a chance. I am no stranger to romantic pursuits given my circumstances, so it feels to me like I have a duty to at least extend a helping hand. Of course, I also have a duty to protect the Xun Clan; hiring him serves a dual purpose, for if he proves himself to be a tumor and not merely pathetic, I could better have him turned away.
Or extracted.

Another use of him is that he's certainly a powerful martial asset. Or at least a decent method to test weaponry if it were to be given to him. I do wish it aids in getting him out of trouble, and not into it.

Xun Yi

Yi, the 'Warrior Queen.' Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? She's similar to myself in circumstances; married into the Xun Clan from a smaller tribe, along with having a very intelligent mind. Of course, it seems that we differ greatly, as well. It's suffice to say that my marriage's circumstances were more respectful, if you will. Mine was born of trade and wealth; her's, not so much.
As another similarity, it is not lost on me that both women in these marriages had little choice. Is it perhaps uncouth and crude to say that I hope Wen grows to love me, as it appears Yi has grown to love her husband?

Likely.

Another uncouth thing for me to do is to complain about how she treats her children. I do not know them entirely well, but I can paint the picture that they long for her. Even as young adults with a Clan at their backs, children still need a mother. Why does she not simply spend more time with them? It is not my place to muse on such things, and I cannot understand a mother and children I am not truly familiar with, yet I muse nonetheless.

Xun Fengqi

Son of the Main Clan, and a likely candidate to become head. He also seems to be one of the members spearheading the issues with the Ghost Domain, suiting his role as leader of the expeditionary force.

Personality wise, it would simply be humorous to consider someone like him in Havelberg. Heedless to danger, not a particular focus on craft, and a particular enjoyment for a close quarters duel! Almost makes me chuckle when I think about how one of the most influential sons of one of the most powerful territories in our time would be seen as a garish barbarian of sorts in my homeland. Really goes to show how effective ol' Havelberg has been in the grand scheme things.

Although he does not seem to share my love of the craft or a grand intelligence, he is certainly a respectable fellow. I assume I will get well acquainted with him in efforts to deal with the Ghost Domain, and I can only hope that some of my accomplishments come close to his in aiding the Xun Clan. It does seem that he shares in his wife's tendency to slightly neglect their children, though to a lesser extent... even if I suppose it's natural when you have such a heavy burden and important job as expeditionary leader? Perhaps I should strive to lessen that burden?

Xun Chìzǐ

The poor youngest child of Fengqi and Yi. Although already a young adult, they (more on that later) seem to have not truly come into their own, should I say? Strange for their age. Quiet, extremely patient, and everpresent but distant to all. I am unsure if they have any hobbies of their own, even. Extremely talented, but none of that talent seems to be focused. While neither bewilderingly perceptive or blindlingly intelligent like some others of the Clan, they instead have both in spades, which is fantastically flexible and important to have. Unfortunate that they seem to currently not practice any art, but they do seem to have a fondness of swords? I wonder if introduction to what is referred to as Item Refinery by the East would be pleasant.

Moreover, their biology is fascinating. Like Jian, the scholars seem to have special interest in them. While clinically some form of hermaphrodite, I am more intrigued in the impossible malleability of their physical form! Any surgeon would immediately understand the advantages and possible challenges such a physiology would create, and I am utterly fascinated with their body. If it could be replicated in small ways, it could revolutionize medicine. I can't help but wonder how exacly their body would heal wounds, and wish to see it in action. Dare I say that I also wish to understand their reaction to the finest and most forbidden surgical art of Havelberg, Taboo Stitching Mahrt?

Cruel to put into words.

Obviously, I would greatly prefer if no harm ever came to Chìzǐ. And I know better than anyone the dangers experimenting with that damned surgery could pose. Furthermore, such focused study feels like it would hamper someone who has yet to come into their own like Chìzǐ has, and would best be held out upon. Conundrums, conundrums...

Perhaps getting them into surgery would be a happy medium? Using scalpels to cut people open is similar to using swords...

Wen Shāhuá

I have referred to many as genius in these writings, but Shāhuá is exceptional among exceptional. I am not well familiar with her, but from the little I am, I understand that her grasp on medical knowledge and ability to execute tasks using it are phenomenal. Some people have trouble with finding the parts, and others with putting the parts together, if you will accept such a crude analogy, and she has neither.

While I understand the profession of a physician best, I am lead to understand that her genius also pertains to Talisman Creation like my beloved, and to Alchemy, an art relatively unheard of in Havelberg. It wouldn't be wrong to say that if I were to rank the aptitude for craft of those that I met, she would be at or at least near the very top.

Personality wise, she's a bit... exhausting, you could say? I saw her cough up blood, and while the percieved illness befuddled me at first, I soon realized that it was a machination of her own design. Eccentric. Truly, she reminds me of home, in many ways.

Xun Ming

The second youngest child of Fengqi and Yi, and the older twin sibling of Chìzǐ. Different in every way, and equally as strange.

Simply to say, they are a case study on the Havelbergish psychological concept of dual identities. Well, they seem similar. There exist two Mings, in some sense of the word. I suppose I would call them, Gentle Ming and Fierce Ming? I certainly prefer the former, although I believe both sides should be given proper respect, even if the latter needs is considerably more crude. Both are still Ming, and neither should be looked down upon or neglected.
I don't think that they are seperate beings in the sense that they themselves feel distinct from one another. They just jarringly switch at times. Strange.

Talent wise, they are simply unbelievable. I believe they are like Chìzǐ in the sense of potential for a craft, only on a higher scale. Exceptional intelligence and perception. I don't think that that should ever become known to the twins, seeing that they already have a stoked rivalry of sorts, and do not need any coal added to their flames.

Biologically, they also seem to exhibit hermaphroditic traits, though beyond that, their physiology is not as interesting as their sibling's. Again, I don't believe any good will come from that being known.

They don't seem to have as many issues as Chìzǐ, but I believe a craft could still be helpful for them. I am unsure if they could possibly be interested in anything I could offer. Taming sounds like it could be difficult for not Ming but the beasts to handle. They do seem fond of their swords. Maybe Item Refining would come naturally to them? If both twins exhibit interest in the same craft, that could be a way for them to bond, as well.

I wish they could get along better.

Another strange servant, although not hired by me. Seems to be like Fei's accomplice. Ominous.

You'd expect someone like him to keep their head down, but he's strangely confident and prideful. I worry for him, the way he disrespects both his peers and superiors. What if Moyu becomes offended by him, and elects to have him torn to shreds? What if he insults my position, and others look upon me with disdain for not putting him in his place?
I'd really rather not have that happen to him or have to do anything to him, especially considering his pleasant nature.

At first, I was unsure if he does any work. I almost always saw him lounging about. 'Does he actually do anything at all?' I thought! I did spy him doing tasks once, though, so I suppose he's just lazy. I fear for what could happen if he doesn't shape up, but I guess he's reliable enough if he's still around?

Xun Linghao

The eldest child of Fengiq and Yi, and with similarly strange genes to boot. A free spirit, like his father. Most normal of his siblings, and still quite strange. He seems to have gotten himself into a bit of trouble, I've heard. Rumors, more or less.

I've always found the concept of evolution fascinating, and this thought was shared among my peers at Havelberg. Not just to change, but to adapt, survive, and pass on your blood. With a mind like his, that seems to even exceed his younger siblings', I believe he could certainly uncover that truth.

But he seems to not be well focused in any craft... much like his siblings. And he seems distant from them, as well! How truly unfortunate! Maybe it's whatever happens to be in their mother's blood that created such a strange family...

I don't know what would best fit him, but, just maybe, if I could get all three of them interested in Item Refinery, they could bond over that, while ensuring their talents don't go to waste? I don't know if he would take to Item Refinery like I hope the others would, however. He seems more like the art of Taming and the inherent themes of evolution that come with it might intrigue him. Just a thought.

Yuki Ashai

Some harlot courtesan I've seen around Xun's courts. I have nothing more to say on her, and nothing less. I appreciate the Xun Clan's 'open-mind' when it comes to outsiders, but mayhaps they were a bit too accepting?

Wuyu

A respectable martial warrior. Men like him don't exactly exist in Havelberg. I heard of his encounter with the cult, and it's quite eye-opening to the struggles of the common soldier. I feel sorrow at what happened to his fellow men, and I shall resolve to aid in their effort. While the genius of my beloved's siege weaponry will certainly help, the common man needs a spear and shield. Finding a way to mass-produce effective items would do well to aid in the fight against the cult savages. May Wuyu and his kin exceed in battle, and live to see the end and rest.

I also wonder if I should do something to try and find a way for a common man like himself to elevate in status?

Tsolmon

Shen Qiu

A powerful man in service to the Xun, particularly Moyu, whose presence alone incites terror. Seems to not just be a bodyguard, but a fixer of sorts; going on certain "errands" as needed, when available. His fearful presence alone can solve problems! I've found that he's not one for small talk, and while I'm unsure if it is simply something lost in translation, but he seems a bit socially unrefined? You wouldn't expect some of the things he says for someone in his position. Not that I mind.

I've also heard of his exploits and talents, for which he was scouted by the Clan, and I have to wonder what his reasons for joining the Xun actually are? He seems to mostly resign to his humble room at the end of the day. Is it simply just an effective and honorable means to keep a roof over his head? Of course, I'm not implying any lack of trust in him. I'm merely curious on what he hopes to gain, and if I could be of any assistance. He's a hard worker, and I don't believe he's thanked enough for his efforts and diligence. Especially regarding his patience.

On the Xun Clan

On Havelberg

My time in the Northern Territory and the general culture of the greater area has made me reflect on Havelberg and its values. We, hiding in our valley behind great mountains, should be ashamed of ourselves. One would think that a society such as ours would be among the most advanced in the world; one that has relatively abandoned violence and conflict in pursuance of arts and science. Yet, what have we accomplished, really? Certain colleagues of mine have derided me for furthering the use of Taboo Stitching Marht, as well as general instability of my creations due to Donarkind. But what has such cowardice done for Havelberg? Our knowledge of qi barely scratched the surface, and our crafts pale in comparison to what hidden treasures exist in the East. Moreover, martial might. If trade with the Xun Clan and greater Northen Territory had not been established, and if war had been chosen, we would have been annihilated. We simply could not hope to compare in martial prowess with any of the minor clans, I believe. And if said war came to fruition, who would stop it? At risk of being branded a traitor, certainly not me. I wish I could say I would be forced to make a choice, but that's simply not the case. If I were to choose between Havelberg and the Xun Clan, I wouldn't need very long to make a decision.

In truth, no matter how I insult Havelberg, I merely wish for it to be better. The exotic metals of our mines and herbs of our mountains certainly prove useful enough to the East to allow reasonable trade; there's no reason why we should be unable to harness their use for ourselves. And yet, we cannot.

For we have neglected cultivation, and abandoned our Martial Path.

On the nature of Cultivation

The spiritual energy we knew, better known as qi, colored our very existence, and it feels as if we've never scratched the surface of it! The most venerable of our elders knew of purifying our bodies and thought of it as a natural process that came with age and proper circulation of your spiritual energy, and we came to understood the fortification of one's soul, but it's a miracle that we even got there. What is known as the Qi Refining process, where we finally find a way to circulate and take in spiritual energy from the world, is something we accomplish well into adulthood with invasive surgery and herbal supplementation. The people of the East typically acomplish this in their teen years, with none of what we require! Still in their teen years, they then work on Foundation Strengthening. Again, no attempts at forcefully rerouting energy to your stomach required. No wonder that the fortification of our souls seemed so elusive and selective; we poorly understood the processes before you even get there! Moreover, the age at which we assumed bodies hit their theoretical limits, at about past 200, is but a drop of what can be achieved. Not only are their further things that can be accomplished beyond removing purities from oneself, but the ages reachable are outstanding! The average cultivator can live at most to about 600, and those with the most potential can reach up to a 1000! Literal ageless immortality is supposed to exist further, though while pursued, it seems to be spoken of as something not easily achieved by anyone. To be fair, I've heard 1000 years is seen as the peak; with immortality as just a myth. But still! We never had someone live past 200!
The perks of raising your cultivation also extend to your mind, body, and very being. The intellects of Havelberg pale in comparison to what an Emperor of Cultivation can supposedly achieve.
And to achieve greater heights, you need a proper Cultivation Technique.
When I first stepped into the Northern Territory, I did not even have that. My current one, focused on the lightning affinity I was lucky to have been born with, is something I evolved from what we currently considered fantastic. It was literally mud in comparison to other techniques! It's said that focusing on multiple cultivation techniques is risky, but nonetheless, I may have to consider it a possibility to ensure my cultivation. At the very least, both me and my technique have quite the long road ahead. And quite a worthwhile road indeed; while I'm obliged to pursue it as a scholar so that I may enhance my knowledge, it will in truth be the means to make me happiest; spending as much time as I can with not just my beloved wife, but those of the Xun Clan I've also grown to hold dear.

Assuming I am not turned into a pill.
I really should do my best to avoid that.

On Donarkind

The remnant of Havelberg's ancient God of Thunder, and proof of how we have failed to reach our potential. To think I was called a fool for rediscovering this lost art! I've been led to believe that this technique that would be classified as utility for the arts of Item Refining is of truly serious quality, even for the standards of the East. The crimson lightning of wrath, imbued with honor and madness at once! It is truly something I can pride myself on! The power of Donarkind is something that must be handled with great care. Crude use or careless mistakes can easily result in destruction of the surrounding vicinity (including whatever extremity is harboring the weapon), and yet the power it can bring is of the highest order. As long as there is metal of high enough quality to work, it can be blessed to become as Donarkind!
Although, I have to say, I am disappointed that any wood in the East I've come across is just as ill-suited for this technique as it was in Havelberg, but where there's wood, there's usually amber. Ores, jewels, and minerals are Donarkind's speciality, as I have suspected. Then again, there is something I've become interested in... why should Item Refining be limited to metal or stone? There exist great Spirit Beasts and Demonic Beasts, beings of strange natures and mystical bloodlines seldom seen in Havelberg; and with them, come scales, feathers, and horns. While those alone are enough to excite me and implore me to see any corpses, I can't help but wonder about their flesh and bone. It is known that the energy of lightning affects muscles in some way, and may even be related in more important ways for our bodies to function... perhaps Donarkind could see heightened use with the flesh of a mystical beast that I do not know just quite yet?

On Taboo Stitching Marht

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Pub: 08 Dec 2025 10:25 UTC

Edit: 13 Dec 2025 07:17 UTC

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