Written By Darren
Sept. 3, 2016, 12:42 p.m.(6/22/1004 AR)
The Grand Melee was a vicious, entertaining evening. I was a late entry, but had conscripted the might of my sister and the Lady Halfshav to fight along side; we were as ferocious a team as any.
Myself and Lord Victus Thrax were the first to be targetted - I by the Lord himself and his entire team, him by everybody else in the match. Most of the fighters that took on Lord Victus eventually dispersed onto other foes, but the team of Lord Victus, Lady Kima Saik, and Master Marcas Aodh were unrelenting in their pursuit to put me in the ground. I held fast - a bear of the North does not go down without a fight, no matter how many foes he is up against. Master Marcas impressed me with his might, and it was him and Lady Kima that got most of the more serious blows against me. I had the satisfaction of watching Lady Kima go down first, though. I'll be sure to send Mistress Eithne quite a bit more work, as her steel armour was impressive.
Though none from the North managed to secure a win, Deva and Brianna made an impressive showing. Fourth and fifth place, respectively. It was a fine and impressive showing of what us Northmen can accomplish.
Surprisingly, it was Prince Luca who came away with the win. Without wearing any armour, to boot. I saw how he tore into Lady Kima, and I'll give the Prince this - he impressed me this night. I suppose I'll allow him to stick around for awhile longer.
I did not get a chance to stick around to enjoy the rush that comes after the battle, as there was quite a bit of business to attend to. But I am reminded, as sometimes I still do require reminding, that words and gestures both in the battlefield and out hold weight which are incapable of being measured.
Myself and Lord Victus Thrax were the first to be targetted - I by the Lord himself and his entire team, him by everybody else in the match. Most of the fighters that took on Lord Victus eventually dispersed onto other foes, but the team of Lord Victus, Lady Kima Saik, and Master Marcas Aodh were unrelenting in their pursuit to put me in the ground. I held fast - a bear of the North does not go down without a fight, no matter how many foes he is up against. Master Marcas impressed me with his might, and it was him and Lady Kima that got most of the more serious blows against me. I had the satisfaction of watching Lady Kima go down first, though. I'll be sure to send Mistress Eithne quite a bit more work, as her steel armour was impressive.
Though none from the North managed to secure a win, Deva and Brianna made an impressive showing. Fourth and fifth place, respectively. It was a fine and impressive showing of what us Northmen can accomplish.
Surprisingly, it was Prince Luca who came away with the win. Without wearing any armour, to boot. I saw how he tore into Lady Kima, and I'll give the Prince this - he impressed me this night. I suppose I'll allow him to stick around for awhile longer.
I did not get a chance to stick around to enjoy the rush that comes after the battle, as there was quite a bit of business to attend to. But I am reminded, as sometimes I still do require reminding, that words and gestures both in the battlefield and out hold weight which are incapable of being measured.
Written By Laric
Sept. 3, 2016, 12:31 p.m.(6/22/1004 AR)
My hand hurts so painfully I can hardly put thoughts to paper. I pray the Gods don't find a slight in this, but if they do, you try writing sober with your ribs screaming bloody murder at you.
Written By Dagon
Sept. 3, 2016, 11:21 a.m.(6/22/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
Cousin. It seemed everything was against you at that melee and yet you managed to last far longer than any other under similar circumstances. Seeing you fight so fiercely gave me an intense pride, cousin. The next melee we shall have to fight together, and I can only hope not to be left drowning in your wake, you magnificent bastard.
Written By Anastasio
Sept. 3, 2016, 7:20 a.m.(6/21/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Acacia
Acacia Culler. There's something devious in that one, but a spark of camaraderie and kindness that you get in somewhat kindred spirits. She's risen far, and already the habits of the silks are working their way into her life. But so far, she's not forgotten her roots.
Written By Anastasio
Sept. 3, 2016, 7:19 a.m.(6/21/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
I met Princess Alarissa Valardin yesterday, in a most unexpected turn of circumstance. She has taken the Valardin people as her own and seems to care for them as deeply as someone born into the Oathlands. She impressed me with her sincerity and I will not soon forget her kindness.
Written By Silas
Sept. 3, 2016, 12:59 a.m.(6/20/1004 AR)
The Grand Melee was something to behold. A massive fight, the blades of skilled warriors clashing, and the man without anything donned to protect himself ultimately coming out on top as the two others standing knock each other out of the contest.
I really don't have any regrets on how it turned out, even if I came out a loser.
Before the melee was underway, I advised Prince Laric to leave Prince Edain and Duke Leo alone for now, given they were shorthanded one man like we were. This unspoken plan had to be discarded when they turned their focus on us. I suspect this may have been the point where things went awry with us; Laric was quickly downed and I had already did a fair amount of damage to them both when they finally turned their attention to the Lycene team and I followed suit.
Then Lady Deva got in the way.
To be fair, if she wanted to win, she needed to get me out too. Completely understandable. That glaive has some impressive reach and she managed to bloody me quite a bit before I had to face off against Duke Niccolo and Prince Luca. I won the duel, but she sealed my fate, I believe.
Then again, Duke Niccolo and Prince Luca hit very hard as well, I soon discovered.
A good fight, indeed. Now back to work!
I really don't have any regrets on how it turned out, even if I came out a loser.
Before the melee was underway, I advised Prince Laric to leave Prince Edain and Duke Leo alone for now, given they were shorthanded one man like we were. This unspoken plan had to be discarded when they turned their focus on us. I suspect this may have been the point where things went awry with us; Laric was quickly downed and I had already did a fair amount of damage to them both when they finally turned their attention to the Lycene team and I followed suit.
Then Lady Deva got in the way.
To be fair, if she wanted to win, she needed to get me out too. Completely understandable. That glaive has some impressive reach and she managed to bloody me quite a bit before I had to face off against Duke Niccolo and Prince Luca. I won the duel, but she sealed my fate, I believe.
Then again, Duke Niccolo and Prince Luca hit very hard as well, I soon discovered.
A good fight, indeed. Now back to work!
Written By Silas
Sept. 3, 2016, 12:48 a.m.(6/20/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Laric
Yet another Inquisitor of House Grayson I have managed to befriend! I had approached him with an offer to join me in the Grand Melee to represent House Grayson, who was hosting the event. I tested his mettle, and while he clearly lacks the experience to stand long against the storied warriors of Arx, the man definitely has potential and natural toughness. I hope he doesn't let up in learning combat, but it may be a good thing to let him find his own pace.
Written By Sina
Sept. 3, 2016, 12:22 a.m.(6/20/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Donella
Princess Donella has always been a stalwart figurehead in my life. It gives me a great deal of pride to serve the Voice of Thrax. If I could be another person, as I sometimes dream I could, it would be her - she stands out from the men.
Written By Joscelin
Sept. 3, 2016, 12:07 a.m.(6/20/1004 AR)
Note to self:
I lost my bet to Acacia, the smug auburn-haired creature.
Don't forget, Jos.
Stop drinking, Jos.
I lost my bet to Acacia, the smug auburn-haired creature.
Don't forget, Jos.
Stop drinking, Jos.
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.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.