Written By Bliss
March 31, 2019, 9:03 p.m.(11/4/1010 AR)
There have been very few things that have reminded me of the Folly I fought with the Nox'alfar. The thrill of it, the chaos, the laughter and strategy and clever nature that the whole thing required. Being pushed to the absolute edge of your limits. Your whole body on fire as the adrenaline rushes through you, and the world starts to come alive.
The Grand Melee today was one of those moments, and in particular, I want to thank Lady Brianna Halfshav. She gave me a much harder fight than I expected from her, and I found myself on the back foot and barely holding on for most of the competition. When I went down, there was no bitterness - that is what a fight is supposed to be.
It's a good day to be alive.
The Grand Melee today was one of those moments, and in particular, I want to thank Lady Brianna Halfshav. She gave me a much harder fight than I expected from her, and I found myself on the back foot and barely holding on for most of the competition. When I went down, there was no bitterness - that is what a fight is supposed to be.
It's a good day to be alive.
Written By Klaus
March 31, 2019, 8:36 p.m.(11/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Iliana
I think I might be allowed freedom here in the future. I have bribed Doreen and she has been convinced rope is a great snack. Let us meet so we can discuss things others find boring, and over brown nut ale instead of rum.
Written By Klaus
March 31, 2019, 8:35 p.m.(11/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Fecundo
If I had but a hundred like him, the damage I could inflict upon the enemy on the battlefield. I am extremely grateful the Compact has this warrior to count upon, and not having to fight against.
Written By Klaus
March 31, 2019, 8:33 p.m.(11/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Miranda
She jousted well in the tournament. We have much alike as we are both normally the soldiers ordering the charge, not participating in it. I believe I would like to have a discussion with her about which tactics she prefers on the battlefield.
Written By Calypso
March 31, 2019, 8:20 p.m.(11/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Domonico
Well done in the Melee today.
You represented the Malvici family with honor and bravery.
I am glad to have seen you fight.
You represented the Malvici family with honor and bravery.
I am glad to have seen you fight.
Written By Silas
March 31, 2019, 8:07 p.m.(11/4/1010 AR)
That was an exhilarating melee! I did not fare as well as I hoped I would, but I enjoyed fighting alongside Princess Marian. She makes a terrific impromptu melee partner!
Lady Raven may be the most slippery opponent I've yet faced, too.
Lady Raven may be the most slippery opponent I've yet faced, too.
Written By Felicia
March 31, 2019, 7:24 p.m.(11/4/1010 AR)
I made it to the semi-finals of the Grand Melee, at least, though Duke Grimhall almost had me in the preliminary bouts, and I didn't last long in the main field. It's going to be a painful few weeks while everything heals, but, at least I tried. It would have been nice if Gloria had seen fit to allow victory, but I also cannot blame Her for not favoring a Harrow.
Written By Ajax
March 31, 2019, 6:59 p.m.(11/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Ian
A good fight, Lord Kennex. I can't wait for our next bout.
Written By Saro
March 31, 2019, 6:11 p.m.(11/4/1010 AR)
I've got a workshop, and a place to live above it.
I've got an official position as Luthier for the Bard's College.
I've got approval of my work, of the most genuine kind, from Nightingale and Mockingbird both.
I've got a _crwth_.
Hopefully what I _haven't_ got is too much spare time on my hands to wonder just when this is all going to fall to pieces.
I've got an official position as Luthier for the Bard's College.
I've got approval of my work, of the most genuine kind, from Nightingale and Mockingbird both.
I've got a _crwth_.
Hopefully what I _haven't_ got is too much spare time on my hands to wonder just when this is all going to fall to pieces.
Written By Felicia
March 31, 2019, 6:08 p.m.(11/4/1010 AR)
The Joust was an entertaining bout, though I had the misfortune of coming up against Violet's Harlex in the first round. Of the two of us, the man is definitely the more skilled, and it was an honor to come up against him.
Written By Sparte
March 31, 2019, 5:43 p.m.(11/4/1010 AR)
The Grand Melee was AMAZING! In hindsight trying to fight multiple people at once probably wasn't the wisest tactic if I wanted to win, but I still enjoyed the opportunity to participate and all of the watching after I was benched. I'm comfortable with losing the way I did though, the combatants were exceptional.
Written By Bhandn
March 31, 2019, 3:32 p.m.(11/4/1010 AR)
If there is one thing to be said for a Tournament, it's that one gets a very good idea of who does and does not maintain their armaments. I will be watching to see who has plenty to show to the rest of Arvum, and maybe showing a little myself even though I don't intend to do more than observe proceedings.
Although, I wonder if anyone will try to be coy and flout the restriction imposed on the Grand Melee. That would be rather embarrassing, would it not? I wonder if I will even have time to read about such thoughts afterward. Pellichor knows I have plenty of reading as it is.
In writing this, I've come to realize I have a touch of regret for my decision. I think recent events have spurred this particular thought on, but if there is one thing that I've come to learn over the years, it's that consistency begets certainty, and trust. I can trust myself with this, at least. Plus, I can't wait for the inevitable fights to break out because some poor fool doesn't understand that a Grand Melee is not always a contest of alliances. Everyone is in it for themselves. It would be a terrible shame if they were sent home with more bruises earned from their idiocy than during the actual tournament.
Although, I wonder if anyone will try to be coy and flout the restriction imposed on the Grand Melee. That would be rather embarrassing, would it not? I wonder if I will even have time to read about such thoughts afterward. Pellichor knows I have plenty of reading as it is.
In writing this, I've come to realize I have a touch of regret for my decision. I think recent events have spurred this particular thought on, but if there is one thing that I've come to learn over the years, it's that consistency begets certainty, and trust. I can trust myself with this, at least. Plus, I can't wait for the inevitable fights to break out because some poor fool doesn't understand that a Grand Melee is not always a contest of alliances. Everyone is in it for themselves. It would be a terrible shame if they were sent home with more bruises earned from their idiocy than during the actual tournament.
Written By Gianna
March 31, 2019, 3:02 p.m.(11/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Saro
I am absolutely delighted with the College's new luthier, Miss Saro Uliveto. She showed Captain Evaristo and I an absolutely gorgeous instrument, a crwth she made herself. I'm glad I gave her use of the workshop to show us her skills. I'd never seen a crwth before. I showed her our citole and I'm sure she can replicate it.
For those unaware, there is a workshop in the Bard's College which sells instruments. Members of the College do get a discount, but anyone is welcome to them.
For those unaware, there is a workshop in the Bard's College which sells instruments. Members of the College do get a discount, but anyone is welcome to them.
Written By Perronne
March 31, 2019, 2:31 p.m.(11/4/1010 AR)
I've never really missed anywhere before.
I've missed people! I miss my family every day, even if that's a complicated sort of missing that is equal parts relief with sorrow. But I was happy to leave my homelands and excited about seeing what I've never seen before. Then I spent ten years on the roads, never staying anywhere for more than a few months at a time and always, always keeping my eyes on the horizon, planning the next leg of what I thought at one point would be an unending journey.
When I've been out exploring, and headed back to base camp, that's how I'd think of it. Like, 'back to the camp' or 'back to the inn' or on rare occasions, 'back to the manor' (when I've worked with nobility who were putting me up for the duration). But I've been in Arx for over a year now, and I find myself thinking at the end of the day, "Time to head home."
Home. A shop that is all mine, filled with bits and pieces of memories from my journeys, and above that shop, a modest set of rooms that I know so well, I don't even keep an oil lamp by the bed at night, because I can actually wander around in the dark without breaking my toes. I know the way it smells, where the furniture is, how it's going to react in all four seasons. My bed always feels the same when I roll into it, even if sometimes it has a person in it who needs to be gently hit with a pillow. It's nice! I would have thought that it would be boring. But it's nice.
The road still calls. And I'm still going to follow that call. But I'm going to miss Arx while I'm gone.
I've missed people! I miss my family every day, even if that's a complicated sort of missing that is equal parts relief with sorrow. But I was happy to leave my homelands and excited about seeing what I've never seen before. Then I spent ten years on the roads, never staying anywhere for more than a few months at a time and always, always keeping my eyes on the horizon, planning the next leg of what I thought at one point would be an unending journey.
When I've been out exploring, and headed back to base camp, that's how I'd think of it. Like, 'back to the camp' or 'back to the inn' or on rare occasions, 'back to the manor' (when I've worked with nobility who were putting me up for the duration). But I've been in Arx for over a year now, and I find myself thinking at the end of the day, "Time to head home."
Home. A shop that is all mine, filled with bits and pieces of memories from my journeys, and above that shop, a modest set of rooms that I know so well, I don't even keep an oil lamp by the bed at night, because I can actually wander around in the dark without breaking my toes. I know the way it smells, where the furniture is, how it's going to react in all four seasons. My bed always feels the same when I roll into it, even if sometimes it has a person in it who needs to be gently hit with a pillow. It's nice! I would have thought that it would be boring. But it's nice.
The road still calls. And I'm still going to follow that call. But I'm going to miss Arx while I'm gone.
Written By Jyri
March 31, 2019, 2:31 p.m.(11/4/1010 AR)
Tournament or Roses today. Looking forward to it.
Good luck, everyone.
Good luck, everyone.
Written By Domonico
March 31, 2019, 1:46 p.m.(11/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Miranda
I am very proud of watching my cousins Miranda and Fecundo compete in the joust. I must admit that they both vastly outstrip me in skill when it comes to riding a horse.
Written By Harlex
March 31, 2019, 11:51 a.m.(11/4/1010 AR)
When Nazares was killed in front of me I felt more liberated than lost. The Dead Crows have been gone for over six years and I still think of that old black cloak I never stopped wearing. How we hold on to symbols of bad memories as much as good.
Life as a wandering swordsman was the freedom I'd always wanted and felt that I deserved. It was not easy and skill does not always beget fortune. There is chance involved. We make our own fate but only for the most part. There's just no shaking chance.
How I have nearly starved to death at least three times but for the intervention of strangers and hard choices, no matter how you feel about your existence when it comes to life or death your instincts will always choose life. We are beasts like that, I suppose.
When I came to Arx I had nothing but the penchant for violence and a hunger I could not name. Ghosts were at my back and shadows in my sleep. The old blood on my fangs. What was I seeking then?
Maybe a bit of rest.
Instead I learned many more hard lessons. About myself, about the world, and what it means to be a soldier. A swordsman and a warrior must have a cause, like a tonic to clear the poison of all that blood.
The Sword of Lenosia is not a position I took lightly, but after much time and consideration. It's in capable hands but more so it's in hands that know the cause for which it serves. The path ahead has never been more clear to me and I am dedicated to it, like a keen sword thrust, to clear all obstacles with razor certainty. You cannot flinch before the mirror. It's only ever yourself that looks back.
This victory at the joust is but a means to an end. An honor which I will use to better serve House Velenosa.
Choice leads to many unusual places. From a failing farmstead, to the regiments of sellsword companies, to a marauders band, to Arx and higher heights than I ever dreamed.
And I feel no desire to rest on these laurels...
For the truest lesson I've learned is only this, above others; a wolf must hunt.
Life as a wandering swordsman was the freedom I'd always wanted and felt that I deserved. It was not easy and skill does not always beget fortune. There is chance involved. We make our own fate but only for the most part. There's just no shaking chance.
How I have nearly starved to death at least three times but for the intervention of strangers and hard choices, no matter how you feel about your existence when it comes to life or death your instincts will always choose life. We are beasts like that, I suppose.
When I came to Arx I had nothing but the penchant for violence and a hunger I could not name. Ghosts were at my back and shadows in my sleep. The old blood on my fangs. What was I seeking then?
Maybe a bit of rest.
Instead I learned many more hard lessons. About myself, about the world, and what it means to be a soldier. A swordsman and a warrior must have a cause, like a tonic to clear the poison of all that blood.
The Sword of Lenosia is not a position I took lightly, but after much time and consideration. It's in capable hands but more so it's in hands that know the cause for which it serves. The path ahead has never been more clear to me and I am dedicated to it, like a keen sword thrust, to clear all obstacles with razor certainty. You cannot flinch before the mirror. It's only ever yourself that looks back.
This victory at the joust is but a means to an end. An honor which I will use to better serve House Velenosa.
Choice leads to many unusual places. From a failing farmstead, to the regiments of sellsword companies, to a marauders band, to Arx and higher heights than I ever dreamed.
And I feel no desire to rest on these laurels...
For the truest lesson I've learned is only this, above others; a wolf must hunt.
Written By Preston
March 31, 2019, 11:05 a.m.(11/4/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Thena
Watching the jousts reminded me of Stormwall and the time at the end. Thena and I were not Grandmasters then, and the charge was...well, perhaps reckless, but necessary. Princess Terese and the remnants of the Templar mounted knights, those Solace left with a horse, Lord Alban flying through the air as his horse was killed from under him.
It is easy to remember that as a glorious moment. But in truth, I remember worry. I was worried that it had come down to this. Worried that Thena was using a small dagger. Worry that Lord Alban would lack a horse and be unable to withdraw. Worry that if we failed, how many of the wounded and noncombatants we were protecting from Stormwall would not make it to the pass. It is over two years since that day. Thena and I are different people now, and we often are pulled in different directions. But I'd like to think that we still share the agreements and bonds we once had. And that is important in the Faith Militant. We must trust one another to operate independently, to act knowing that even if we do not see the other they will have our back. And equally it allows us to operate together, knowing we can rely on the other to be a source of strength and not division.
It is easy to remember that as a glorious moment. But in truth, I remember worry. I was worried that it had come down to this. Worried that Thena was using a small dagger. Worry that Lord Alban would lack a horse and be unable to withdraw. Worry that if we failed, how many of the wounded and noncombatants we were protecting from Stormwall would not make it to the pass. It is over two years since that day. Thena and I are different people now, and we often are pulled in different directions. But I'd like to think that we still share the agreements and bonds we once had. And that is important in the Faith Militant. We must trust one another to operate independently, to act knowing that even if we do not see the other they will have our back. And equally it allows us to operate together, knowing we can rely on the other to be a source of strength and not division.
Written By Preston
March 31, 2019, 11 a.m.(11/3/1010 AR)
I enjoyed the jousting of the Tournament of Roses - not only the company of Radiant Bliss and Princess Helena, but getting a chance to see others of great skill joust. Great skill was shown by all the riders, and of course I was pleased to see Dame Esoka fight. I should note the skill seen by Count Duarte, of Sir Jeffeth and of course the eventual winner Captain Harlex.
Hopefully it should give people something to talk about and celebrate.
Hopefully it should give people something to talk about and celebrate.
Written By Thea
March 31, 2019, 10:37 a.m.(11/3/1010 AR)
The jousts were amazing! I haven't had that much fun since coming here. Everyone did so well!
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