Written By Joscelin
Sept. 3, 2016, 12:05 a.m.(6/20/1004 AR)
So I made an absolute fool of myself at the tournament, and I. REGRET. NOTHING.
The Knight Kima was AMAZING. House Saik was done proudly today and I may have gone home a little inspired, having actually -known- one of the fighters that fought and not just from a distance.
The lovely Acacia was in attendance, as was Ida until she fled, probably in embarrassment at my shenanigans. Acacia is lovely, frankly the woman is dazzling and intriguing, and always has something observant to say. She found my loud cheering to be amusing.
Ida is, as ever, a delight. She came as my companion to the tournament, and since it was her first time I did my best to not spoil the experience.
The Courtesan Larissa was in attendance as well, and she too was very appreciative of my antics. The two of them, Acacia and Larissa, insist that I rallied the crowd on my own. HA.
I'm blushing again. Damn them!
All in all, a good night.
The Knight Kima was AMAZING. House Saik was done proudly today and I may have gone home a little inspired, having actually -known- one of the fighters that fought and not just from a distance.
The lovely Acacia was in attendance, as was Ida until she fled, probably in embarrassment at my shenanigans. Acacia is lovely, frankly the woman is dazzling and intriguing, and always has something observant to say. She found my loud cheering to be amusing.
Ida is, as ever, a delight. She came as my companion to the tournament, and since it was her first time I did my best to not spoil the experience.
The Courtesan Larissa was in attendance as well, and she too was very appreciative of my antics. The two of them, Acacia and Larissa, insist that I rallied the crowd on my own. HA.
I'm blushing again. Damn them!
All in all, a good night.
Written By Dawn
Sept. 3, 2016, 12:03 a.m.(6/20/1004 AR)
The grand melee has come and gone. I admit some relief that it's over; it took an immense amount of time, energy, and silver to enact. But now that it's done, I feel such pride. Not for myself, but for Prince Calain who helped plan such an immense undertaking; for Mistress Ida who provided the prizes; for those who fought and proved themselves; even for those who attended and cheered themselves hoarse. It was just a day but for the day, we were all of us together. Arx.
But here, a record of those who fought.
The Redrains fielded a team that consisted of their high lord, Prince Darren, his sister Princess Deva, and Lady Brianna Halfshav. I had been assured of the ferocity of bears in battle but to see it with my own eyes was something else entirely.
Velardin and Lyceum came together in a team composed of the Dragons' high lord, Prince Edain, and Duke Leo Fidante, bannerman of the Velenosa. When power and grace come together, they make a formidable combination.
My own Graysons fielded a team of two as well, with Sir Silas Mercier and Prince Laric Grayson joining forces. They came very close to taking the whole thing and in so doing, brought honor to the Grayson name.
I must confess some fondness of the mixed team that took the field, for they exemplified the ideals I'd envisioned when planning this tourney. Lord Victus Thrax, Lady Kima Saik of the Lyceum and Master Marcus Aodh of Redrain all share allegiance to others, yet one would think them all warriors of the same cohort to see them fight together. Of special note, Lord Victus' first minutes in the melee were spent fending off attacks from nearly every other competitor; I've never seen a man defend himself so capably. But they were all magnificent and surely earned Gloria's blessings for how well they performed. Certainly the others recognized them for the threat they were.
And finally, the tourney's victors. From Velenosa, Duke Niccolo, Voice of that House, with Prince Luca Velenosa and Master Talen Artiglio, Sword of Lenosia. Tales are also told of Southern excellence in battle and the truth of that was established in the performance of this team. They worked as one unit, and almost to the very last, they still stood as one team. But it was Prince Luca who was left standing when the dust settled, and so to Velenosa went the prize.
Your champions, Arx. And all of them, your heroes in the coming days.
May the gods bless us and keep us, all.
But here, a record of those who fought.
The Redrains fielded a team that consisted of their high lord, Prince Darren, his sister Princess Deva, and Lady Brianna Halfshav. I had been assured of the ferocity of bears in battle but to see it with my own eyes was something else entirely.
Velardin and Lyceum came together in a team composed of the Dragons' high lord, Prince Edain, and Duke Leo Fidante, bannerman of the Velenosa. When power and grace come together, they make a formidable combination.
My own Graysons fielded a team of two as well, with Sir Silas Mercier and Prince Laric Grayson joining forces. They came very close to taking the whole thing and in so doing, brought honor to the Grayson name.
I must confess some fondness of the mixed team that took the field, for they exemplified the ideals I'd envisioned when planning this tourney. Lord Victus Thrax, Lady Kima Saik of the Lyceum and Master Marcus Aodh of Redrain all share allegiance to others, yet one would think them all warriors of the same cohort to see them fight together. Of special note, Lord Victus' first minutes in the melee were spent fending off attacks from nearly every other competitor; I've never seen a man defend himself so capably. But they were all magnificent and surely earned Gloria's blessings for how well they performed. Certainly the others recognized them for the threat they were.
And finally, the tourney's victors. From Velenosa, Duke Niccolo, Voice of that House, with Prince Luca Velenosa and Master Talen Artiglio, Sword of Lenosia. Tales are also told of Southern excellence in battle and the truth of that was established in the performance of this team. They worked as one unit, and almost to the very last, they still stood as one team. But it was Prince Luca who was left standing when the dust settled, and so to Velenosa went the prize.
Your champions, Arx. And all of them, your heroes in the coming days.
May the gods bless us and keep us, all.
Written By Acacia
Sept. 2, 2016, 11:53 p.m.(6/20/1004 AR)
The Grand Melee was fantastic. It's amazing that as many combatants were able to stay standing for as long as they did, with a couple of those hits nothing short of brutal.
I put my wager this time around on House Velenosa, though that was more out of note for my patron and even then, I wasn't entirely convinced they were going to win. I don't think I've missed one of Duke Niccolo or Sword Talen's fights yet, but watching Prince Luca was a rarer treat. He'd advised me a couple times while watching other matches and while I would've enjoyed his expertise in the stands, it was better to see him enact those same lessons.
Mistress Ida has essentially become one of my favorites to sit with, but Mistress Joscelin is swiftly earning favor. She has enough enthusiasm to provoke a crowd by herself-- really, someone should probably hire her to do just that sometime. I briefly saw the Radiant herself and Courtesan Larissa; both women who call attention in their own right. There's occasionally people who mistake me for various things, but when in direct contrast with those practiced, their polish is evident.
Lady Kima, Lord Victus and Captain Marcas' team were an easy favorite, with their prowess between them quite known and many bets and cheers seemed to head in their favor. Clearly this is known by the way they drew the direct focus, but Lord Victus truly wouldn't go down in the beginning, no matter how many swords (or whatever else there was) cut at him. I've seen Marcas fight and the way he unleashes and he was no less formidable this time around.
Prince Darren, Princess Deva and Lady Brianna were equally as intense. I hadn't counted on Prince Darren being a target so quickly, but he also held his ground with remarkable resiliency. I would've bet at least three times that he would've gone down at those blows, but he hardly took a knee and kept on swinging. The Redrain women were a glory to behold though; let no one talk poorly about their ability to both drink and fight, eh?
I don't know much about Duke Leo or Prince Laric, but they held their own. Prince Edain was as impressive as the first time I saw him, though I want to say he complimented a table during it? Must've been some fucking table. But Sir Silas was the one who stood out for me. I'm not used to really complimenting the Iron Guard, but again, the blade he bought from Mistress Ida was put to good use. He scored some heavy-handed strikes, enough to renew all senses on being glad I'm on his better side-- relatively speaking.
Overall, it was incredible. But really. No alcohol for the commoners? Tch.
I put my wager this time around on House Velenosa, though that was more out of note for my patron and even then, I wasn't entirely convinced they were going to win. I don't think I've missed one of Duke Niccolo or Sword Talen's fights yet, but watching Prince Luca was a rarer treat. He'd advised me a couple times while watching other matches and while I would've enjoyed his expertise in the stands, it was better to see him enact those same lessons.
Mistress Ida has essentially become one of my favorites to sit with, but Mistress Joscelin is swiftly earning favor. She has enough enthusiasm to provoke a crowd by herself-- really, someone should probably hire her to do just that sometime. I briefly saw the Radiant herself and Courtesan Larissa; both women who call attention in their own right. There's occasionally people who mistake me for various things, but when in direct contrast with those practiced, their polish is evident.
Lady Kima, Lord Victus and Captain Marcas' team were an easy favorite, with their prowess between them quite known and many bets and cheers seemed to head in their favor. Clearly this is known by the way they drew the direct focus, but Lord Victus truly wouldn't go down in the beginning, no matter how many swords (or whatever else there was) cut at him. I've seen Marcas fight and the way he unleashes and he was no less formidable this time around.
Prince Darren, Princess Deva and Lady Brianna were equally as intense. I hadn't counted on Prince Darren being a target so quickly, but he also held his ground with remarkable resiliency. I would've bet at least three times that he would've gone down at those blows, but he hardly took a knee and kept on swinging. The Redrain women were a glory to behold though; let no one talk poorly about their ability to both drink and fight, eh?
I don't know much about Duke Leo or Prince Laric, but they held their own. Prince Edain was as impressive as the first time I saw him, though I want to say he complimented a table during it? Must've been some fucking table. But Sir Silas was the one who stood out for me. I'm not used to really complimenting the Iron Guard, but again, the blade he bought from Mistress Ida was put to good use. He scored some heavy-handed strikes, enough to renew all senses on being glad I'm on his better side-- relatively speaking.
Overall, it was incredible. But really. No alcohol for the commoners? Tch.
Written By Brianna
Sept. 2, 2016, 11:33 p.m.(6/20/1004 AR)
The melee was fun. Five teams, thirteen warriors. I ranked fifth. Deva was still standing when I went down, but the melee went to a team of Velenosians.
Still, the North made a great showing between the four of us who participated.
Still, the North made a great showing between the four of us who participated.
Written By Brianna
Sept. 2, 2016, 11:28 p.m.(6/20/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
At least my interest in him is cured, hm? Father will be so pleased.
Written By Brianna
Sept. 2, 2016, 11:18 p.m.(6/20/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Kima
She went down first. Not so tough as she first seemed, is she? And she has the audacity to think that anyone was upset that they had me on their team?
Hardly.
I outlasted eight warriors of more skill.
Hardly.
I outlasted eight warriors of more skill.
Written By Isolde
Sept. 2, 2016, 11:06 p.m.(6/20/1004 AR)
I fear I must make careful considerations of my favors. So far they seem to be more curses than blessings. Perhaps it is the Reflection. Or perhaps I am a wicked creature who likes to torment the field with them and should give them more reverence. In any case, I shall need to have more tokens made. It is terribly amusing.
Written By Sina
Sept. 2, 2016, 7:17 p.m.(6/20/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Margot
The last of the Tyde family. Their demise was long before I came to live with House Thrax in the kitchens. She dresses demurely, and keeps her voice soft - good lessons when you live in the shark's domain.
Written By Sina
Sept. 2, 2016, 7:16 p.m.(6/20/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dagon
Prince Dagon Thrax, heir to the Maelstrom. He's quite considerate. Said I needed shoes. I didn't think to tell him I do have shoes.
Written By Lydia
Sept. 2, 2016, 5:54 p.m.(6/19/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dagon
I spent last evening walking with Prince Dagon. He was quite good company, even if he was constantly distracted by messengers and he seems fond of my sister. I believe that I left a favorable impression of my people, if nothing else.
Written By Dagon
Sept. 2, 2016, 3:31 p.m.(6/19/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
A charming woman and a credit to House Grayson. She is making efforts at trying to quell any trouble within the city. Our meeting went wonderfully and I got a pretty flower out of it which means I will need to meet with her again in the near future as time permits. I can see why Margot thinks so highly of her, there is much to appreciate.
I would write far more flowery words but alas time is fleeting and I have other matters to attend to. Let us just say that I look forward to future encounters with Lady Dawn.
I would write far more flowery words but alas time is fleeting and I have other matters to attend to. Let us just say that I look forward to future encounters with Lady Dawn.
Written By Dagon
Sept. 2, 2016, 3:09 p.m.(6/19/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Sina
My sister's handmaiden is as quiet as a mouse, yet I think she and Margot were speaking about something. I wonder what.
Nevermind that. Why does Donella permit her handmaiden to wander around the estate without shoes on? I shall have to ask her about this the next time I see her. Either the girl should have the decency to do her duties as one should, or she should be forced to walk on hot sand for a full day to teach her the value in wearing shoes.
Nevermind that. Why does Donella permit her handmaiden to wander around the estate without shoes on? I shall have to ask her about this the next time I see her. Either the girl should have the decency to do her duties as one should, or she should be forced to walk on hot sand for a full day to teach her the value in wearing shoes.
Written By Max
Sept. 2, 2016, 2:38 p.m.(6/19/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Brianna
The Count's first meeting with Brianna Halfshav was an interesting one. He liked her, in his own way, until she called him a 'kid', a word that the Count only hears to describe certain children of animals. Either way, he didn't like the word, and whatever approval he had for her quickly went away. He also believes she holds intimate feelings for Victus, which makes him trust her even less.
Written By Freja
Sept. 2, 2016, 1:28 p.m.(6/19/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Larissa
One of the few Southern women in silks, a Whisper at that, to not try and get Freja in more 'sensible' and fashionable clothes. Freja may not agree with some of the other woman's overly flirtatious behavior and mannerisms, but she understands it is part of Larissa's job in a sense. She just thinks there could be a more subtle way of going about it. Still, the Whisper has promised to help Freja with some dance lessons so she doesn't trip over her feet too terribly if forced into a gala or something. Like it or not, Freja is in her debt for it.
Written By Silas
Sept. 2, 2016, 5:05 a.m.(6/18/1004 AR)
It has been an interesting week. In my pursuit of finding able teammates for the upcoming Grand Melee, I have become acquainted with yet another Prince Inquisitor who had arrived in Arx a few days prior. He took my invitation to join my team and I thought it prudent to test his skills.
He, uh, needs some work. But he is not without natural toughness. Unsurprising, given his line of work. It seems he has taken the initiative to prepare himself, so I expect him to show up and comport himself well.
Admiral Alrec approached me to join our merry band, but it looks like unexpected trouble at home will be tearing him away. A shame; he sounds like a fun guy to fight with and alongside. I can only hope I get another opportunity.
Mistress Eithne has completed my snazzy set of high steel armor, so even if I don't win I will at least look dashing losing!
Master Enzo has hired me to furnish his shop, which is going through some hefty renovations. I have completed the loveseat designs and now all I need is the materials, but I think I will let him take a peek at the sketches to see if they're to his liking before I continue.
He, uh, needs some work. But he is not without natural toughness. Unsurprising, given his line of work. It seems he has taken the initiative to prepare himself, so I expect him to show up and comport himself well.
Admiral Alrec approached me to join our merry band, but it looks like unexpected trouble at home will be tearing him away. A shame; he sounds like a fun guy to fight with and alongside. I can only hope I get another opportunity.
Mistress Eithne has completed my snazzy set of high steel armor, so even if I don't win I will at least look dashing losing!
Master Enzo has hired me to furnish his shop, which is going through some hefty renovations. I have completed the loveseat designs and now all I need is the materials, but I think I will let him take a peek at the sketches to see if they're to his liking before I continue.
Written By Prospero
Sept. 2, 2016, 4:49 a.m.(6/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Leo
It is good to have my Duke in Arx. His reserved nature will be a pleasant counter to his vivacious sister. I would not have guessed the kind of man that he would become, having witnessed his playing at chivalry and knighthood as a boy. He has retained all the best qualities of those days, yet been tempered by the disaster of the Tor-Southport debacle.
Written By Darren
Sept. 2, 2016, 12:10 a.m.(6/17/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Larissa
The Whisper fluttered her eyelashes at me. She -fluttered- her -eyelashes- at -me-. I'm not quite sure what she expected of me, though perhaps someone with more delicate sensibilities would have fallen for that trick. She may claim to be besotted with my House, but she knows nothing of the ways and wiles of Northern women. If she did, she would not be fluttering her lashes.
Written By Darren
Sept. 2, 2016, 12:04 a.m.(6/17/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Luca
Prince Luca Velenosa. Not quite what I expected, and yet I can see what she sees. Begrudingly, I suppose he can continue with what it is he has been doing.
Written By Kima
Sept. 1, 2016, 11:01 p.m.(6/17/1004 AR)
Today I pen this myself, as I sit here within the Menagerie and attempt (with the utmost futility, I might add), to get the creature in the pen below to pay me the attention I am due. Typical! We beautiful animals can never really look beyond ourselves.
Instead, what we long for, what we continually search for, are our reflections. Call it blasphemous, but I dare you to muster the courage and take a good look around. Look at yon lords and ladies in their finery, so much like some of the rare and exotic birds housed here. Are they not as proud of their plumage?
Now you might say, Kima, scholars say those feathers are for attracting mates! And that may be so. It may also be so for the birds. I posit that it is more than that. Whether in rivals or in mates, they're searching for reflections of themselves. They want to see the love, or the envy, that they engender in another. Is it for affirmation? That I do not know.
I found my reflection, once. So I know, know that you can stare into it until you fall inward, and are devoured. I wonder, when all things struggle so mightily to live, what authored this perverse affliction that so plagues some of us to seek out annihilation?
To end on a lighter note, I am told my a most serious-looking young man that the big fuzzy creature with the long canines and bare arse is called a baboon.
Instead, what we long for, what we continually search for, are our reflections. Call it blasphemous, but I dare you to muster the courage and take a good look around. Look at yon lords and ladies in their finery, so much like some of the rare and exotic birds housed here. Are they not as proud of their plumage?
Now you might say, Kima, scholars say those feathers are for attracting mates! And that may be so. It may also be so for the birds. I posit that it is more than that. Whether in rivals or in mates, they're searching for reflections of themselves. They want to see the love, or the envy, that they engender in another. Is it for affirmation? That I do not know.
I found my reflection, once. So I know, know that you can stare into it until you fall inward, and are devoured. I wonder, when all things struggle so mightily to live, what authored this perverse affliction that so plagues some of us to seek out annihilation?
To end on a lighter note, I am told my a most serious-looking young man that the big fuzzy creature with the long canines and bare arse is called a baboon.
Written By Laric
Sept. 1, 2016, 6:22 p.m.(6/16/1004 AR)
Well, the commoner knight, Sir Silas, has once again thoroughly whipped my sorry ass, and his humility makes me all the sorer. I guess I should be thankful for his tutelage but these bruises encourage thanks for nothing. Still, the man has been gracious with his time, even if he's contractually obligated to be. We keep good folk in House Grayson.
I also had the opportunity to shake hands with Lord Harlan! What a reserved gentleman, I could not get a single rise out of him, and I did tilt enthusiastically. Another fine chap looking for a fine wife. One that won't abscond without a prenuptial agreement, or die. Good luck, heir of Ashford Keep, good luck indeed.
Well, I stopped in to have a little look-see at Eithne's shop, and of course she is stunning in person. She has made a suit for Sir Silas that looks positively debonair. I am chomping at the bit to see the final product.
Speaking of final product - Ida's commission of a rapier has me QUITE pleased, so much so that i purchased another sword that was also her make from her storefront. I suppose its a good thing House Grayson is rich, but then, we have earned the privilege to wear the finest crafts Arx can offer.
Faye sent a three word letter by carrier pigeon. I think she must be mocking me.
I also had the opportunity to shake hands with Lord Harlan! What a reserved gentleman, I could not get a single rise out of him, and I did tilt enthusiastically. Another fine chap looking for a fine wife. One that won't abscond without a prenuptial agreement, or die. Good luck, heir of Ashford Keep, good luck indeed.
Well, I stopped in to have a little look-see at Eithne's shop, and of course she is stunning in person. She has made a suit for Sir Silas that looks positively debonair. I am chomping at the bit to see the final product.
Speaking of final product - Ida's commission of a rapier has me QUITE pleased, so much so that i purchased another sword that was also her make from her storefront. I suppose its a good thing House Grayson is rich, but then, we have earned the privilege to wear the finest crafts Arx can offer.
Faye sent a three word letter by carrier pigeon. I think she must be mocking me.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.