Written By Alexis
Aug. 1, 2017, 5:45 a.m.(12/10/1006 AR)
The final event of the Iron Pentathlon was the dueling tourney, which had all participants facing off, one by one, garnering points for every opponent defeated. I am pleased to report of the ones I faced (as some, due to time restraints, had to concede - a shame, as I was looking forward to testing myself), only goodman Agnarr of the Northlands and Prince Luca Grayson were able to get points from me.
I also admit I found myself surprised holding the second place, with the undefeated Prince Luca in first place, and Princesss Reese Grayson taking the third.
Some journals have been written about the contest - that it is nothing like true combat (true), and that it is a measure of your allies and the arms of the people who will stand side by side with you. Which is also true.
I was impressed by the displays of combat prowess I witnessed. And by the unflinching steadfastness people showed in going up against their foes. It shows good promise, I hope, for if we ever do stand shoulder to shoulder facing down an outside foe.
Gloria, I think, smiled upon Baron Whitehawk's efforts, and upon the participants that day.
I also admit I found myself surprised holding the second place, with the undefeated Prince Luca in first place, and Princesss Reese Grayson taking the third.
Some journals have been written about the contest - that it is nothing like true combat (true), and that it is a measure of your allies and the arms of the people who will stand side by side with you. Which is also true.
I was impressed by the displays of combat prowess I witnessed. And by the unflinching steadfastness people showed in going up against their foes. It shows good promise, I hope, for if we ever do stand shoulder to shoulder facing down an outside foe.
Gloria, I think, smiled upon Baron Whitehawk's efforts, and upon the participants that day.
Written By Alexis
July 30, 2017, 7:33 p.m.(12/7/1006 AR)
Arx is a complicated city. I would say it is turning me into a complicated woman. But I'm not sure if that is true - perhaps I was always complicated, and the many facets of this city has let me see myself from new angles.
Too, it is not the city itself, of course. But rather the people in it, from many nations and views. They've given me much food for thought and helped me develop. In ways I did not expect as a freshly knighted Sword, arriving here.
I am thankful.
Too, it is not the city itself, of course. But rather the people in it, from many nations and views. They've given me much food for thought and helped me develop. In ways I did not expect as a freshly knighted Sword, arriving here.
I am thankful.
Written By Alexis
July 30, 2017, 7:22 p.m.(12/7/1006 AR)
If Baron Whtehawk decides to do a repeat of the Iron Pentathlon, I hope he'll consider doing it earlier in the year - the water was freezing.
I admit, I went into the contest hoping only to acquit myself well for Valardin. I did go all in, however, and while I didn't have any of the amazing bursts of speed that some of the other contestants were capable of, I managed to keep a mostly even pace (even if I swallowed some sea water). Call it Oathlands persistance - it paid off, as I earned the bronze medal and third place, behind such luminaries as Prince Reese Grayson and Dame Esoka Greenblood.
I admit I'm proud. And I admit I hadn't expected to place so well. I'll give some credit to the cheering section that I could hear all the way over the crashing waves - with Duke Laurent using his battlefield voice.
Maybe that's why Princess Reese did so well - her cheering section was swimming after her, after all.
I admit, I went into the contest hoping only to acquit myself well for Valardin. I did go all in, however, and while I didn't have any of the amazing bursts of speed that some of the other contestants were capable of, I managed to keep a mostly even pace (even if I swallowed some sea water). Call it Oathlands persistance - it paid off, as I earned the bronze medal and third place, behind such luminaries as Prince Reese Grayson and Dame Esoka Greenblood.
I admit I'm proud. And I admit I hadn't expected to place so well. I'll give some credit to the cheering section that I could hear all the way over the crashing waves - with Duke Laurent using his battlefield voice.
Maybe that's why Princess Reese did so well - her cheering section was swimming after her, after all.
Written By Alexis
July 26, 2017, 4:16 a.m.(11/26/1006 AR)
I placed fifth in the Iron Pentathlon's foot race, which pleases me. The people who beat me were all accomplished athletes and heroes in their own ways - Duke Cristoph took the gold, with Princess Reese Grayson taking the silver, barely ahead of Prince Fergus and Princess Marian. There was some discussion which of those two went third, but in the end, Princess Marian received the bronze. She ran for Redrain, but I hope no one will hold it against me that I take a little Oathlands pride in her performance.
I barely beat out Prince Luca, who at that point in the race seemed more concerned wwith cheering on his wife than his own score - adorable, really. He in turn barely beat out Lady Eirlys. Which means that, by official tally, the Oathlands scored first, fifth, and seventh place, with an unofficial third (and, according to some, fourth, for if they get to claim Princess Marian, we should be allowed to claim Prince Fergus. Or so the reasoning goes).
Not a bad showing at all. And I quite enjoyed myself.
I barely beat out Prince Luca, who at that point in the race seemed more concerned wwith cheering on his wife than his own score - adorable, really. He in turn barely beat out Lady Eirlys. Which means that, by official tally, the Oathlands scored first, fifth, and seventh place, with an unofficial third (and, according to some, fourth, for if they get to claim Princess Marian, we should be allowed to claim Prince Fergus. Or so the reasoning goes).
Not a bad showing at all. And I quite enjoyed myself.
Written By Alexis
July 23, 2017, 1:30 p.m.(11/21/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Alarissa
I've met with Princess Alarissa a couple of times in the last month. I feel like she has made herself well at home in the Oathlands, and adapted well to our culture. But perhaps the Crownlanders have the easiest time doing so?
She always provides scintillating conversation, and I've had the pleasure of discussing a few potential works with her. And I know for a fact that her recommendation landed me at least one comission.
Should you read this, your highness, know that I am grateful.
She always provides scintillating conversation, and I've had the pleasure of discussing a few potential works with her. And I know for a fact that her recommendation landed me at least one comission.
Should you read this, your highness, know that I am grateful.
Written By Alexis
July 23, 2017, 1:13 p.m.(11/21/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Petal
In preparation for Princess Alarissa and Lady Monique's celebration, I have comissioned Mistress Petal Penrose to make me a formal outfit. She has surpassed expectations. Truly, a gifted seamstress. I am sure that Princess Alis will be pleased to see what her silver has bought.
Written By Alexis
July 18, 2017, 7:59 p.m.(11/11/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Leola
I was asked by Paladin Leola Allenatore to assist in a matter as regards to a sacred place to Petrichor. I helped drive out some who would defile it, and assisted a knight of Petrichor and his allies in battle.
And now I've met this Sir Matthew that Paladin Leola writes of.
He is very dignified and I am grateful for his patience with easily confused Oathlands knights.
And now I've met this Sir Matthew that Paladin Leola writes of.
He is very dignified and I am grateful for his patience with easily confused Oathlands knights.
Written By Alexis
July 16, 2017, 5:35 p.m.(11/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Abbas
I spoke to the Warlord of the Mourning Isles this week. Shared rum with him. I also spoke to the High Lord of Thrax when he visited the Gauntlet.
Warlord Abbas and High Lord Victus are more similar than not, I suspect. And while I do not know that I will ever understand the hardscrabble life of the Mourning Isles, there's mutual respect to be had for the core of who we are and what we do.
Warlord Abbas and High Lord Victus are more similar than not, I suspect. And while I do not know that I will ever understand the hardscrabble life of the Mourning Isles, there's mutual respect to be had for the core of who we are and what we do.
Written By Alexis
July 16, 2017, 5:33 p.m.(11/7/1006 AR)
I think that Lord Ansel did me a great favour by making me an official record keeper of the Gauntlet. The number of fine people with an interest in bettering themselves physically that I've met as a direct result is delightful.
My own personal record is dwarfed by several of the people visiting. Which means I can only keep trying.
My own personal record is dwarfed by several of the people visiting. Which means I can only keep trying.
Written By Alexis
July 16, 2017, 6:01 a.m.(11/6/1006 AR)
The Dragon's Hearth seems to be coming along well. I've recently finished one comission I was rather proud of. Already I find myself with offers of more comissions, and I can only hope that I can keep to the standard I've set for myself.
The forge still holds a peace for me, where I can lose myself in the heat and the rhythm, and let the world melt away. It is physically exerting, yes, but there's less of the extreme and the hints of agony that come with testing oneself to the limit, and more a... A meditation and a constant pressure.
Maybe one day I'll be able to express it as well as the lady in the poetry collection Lord Percephon lent me.
The forge still holds a peace for me, where I can lose myself in the heat and the rhythm, and let the world melt away. It is physically exerting, yes, but there's less of the extreme and the hints of agony that come with testing oneself to the limit, and more a... A meditation and a constant pressure.
Maybe one day I'll be able to express it as well as the lady in the poetry collection Lord Percephon lent me.
Written By Alexis
July 9, 2017, 6:41 p.m.(10/21/1006 AR)
I've increased my personal best at the Gauntlet to 65 marks. This places me at a respectable fifth, though as I've written before - self-improvement is the goal.
I do admit, I hope to one day hit triple digits myself. Even if I never duplicate the feat.
I do admit, I hope to one day hit triple digits myself. Even if I never duplicate the feat.
Written By Alexis
July 9, 2017, 6:35 p.m.(10/21/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Zhayla
I've met Dame Zhayla of Old Oak a few times now - we fought together on an imagined battlefield, back to back, against the fierce foes of the strawman armies. I am pleased to say we were successful in winning the day, and now peace and justice reigns in strawman-lands.
Which is to say, she joined me when I was sparring.
She impresses me. Her bearing. Her attitudes and ideals, what I've heard of them, and the fact that she is the second person I know of to score a three-digit marker at the Telmar Gauntlet. Old Oak has a fine woman for a Sword, and I am inspired by her to try harder and ensure that I am as fine a Sword to Blancbier.
Which is to say, she joined me when I was sparring.
She impresses me. Her bearing. Her attitudes and ideals, what I've heard of them, and the fact that she is the second person I know of to score a three-digit marker at the Telmar Gauntlet. Old Oak has a fine woman for a Sword, and I am inspired by her to try harder and ensure that I am as fine a Sword to Blancbier.
Written By Alexis
July 9, 2017, 6:31 p.m.(10/21/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aislin
I met with Lady Aislin Ashford at the Society of Explorers. She was Lady Niamh's beloved - her fiance. I wanted to meet her. I wanted to get to know her.
Truth be told, I wanted that before Lady Niamh passed away as well.
We talked. It was nice. She's a wise woman, I think. And I can see why Lady Niamh loved her so. There's a certain combination of competence and certainty that blends in a fine alchemy, producing a fine core of a being. Lady Aislin is that kind of person.
While I wish that the circumstances that led to our first meeting were not quite as grim, I do hope that - in memory of our lady - we will have a bright future as friends.
Truth be told, I wanted that before Lady Niamh passed away as well.
We talked. It was nice. She's a wise woman, I think. And I can see why Lady Niamh loved her so. There's a certain combination of competence and certainty that blends in a fine alchemy, producing a fine core of a being. Lady Aislin is that kind of person.
While I wish that the circumstances that led to our first meeting were not quite as grim, I do hope that - in memory of our lady - we will have a bright future as friends.
Written By Alexis
July 2, 2017, 2:36 p.m.(10/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Percephon
Lord Percephon Telmar. The Steward of Sanctum. A man who has shown me kindness and - when I was injured - insured that I had matters of the mind to keep me occupied, including a few very interesting tomes on metalworking.
He reminds me of my brother. In all the good ways.
He reminds me of my brother. In all the good ways.
Written By Alexis
July 2, 2017, 2:34 p.m.(10/7/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Ansel
Lord Ansel Telmar serves as Voice of Telmar and as the Sword of the Telmarch. He's an impressive figure, and in his years in Arx, he seems to have come into his own. I can only hope my own path will follow a similar trajectory.
Written By Alexis
July 2, 2017, 2:32 p.m.(10/7/1006 AR)
I managed to best my personal record for the Gauntlet recently, and I am well pleased with that. My sixty-five marks are a far cry from master Jhond's 300, but then, I'm competing against myself. Not him. I will aspire to be as swift and sure as he was through the course, but I do not expect to surpass him.
I've all but finished the work on the house, so now all that's left to do is decorating it. I'll save some of that for Alexander, I wager. My scholar-brother will no doubt want a study.
I've all but finished the work on the house, so now all that's left to do is decorating it. I'll save some of that for Alexander, I wager. My scholar-brother will no doubt want a study.
Written By Alexis
June 25, 2017, 10:32 p.m.(9/21/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Regla
Lady Regla Navegant is an interesting woman. I don't quite know what I expected of a Thrax warrior woman. She was not it. And I mean that in a good way. She seems to have a reasonable amount of confidence - and good tastes. And I look forward to figuring something out for her.
Plus, I was able to point her in mistress Manicelli's direction as well. Which surely accounts for something.
Plus, I was able to point her in mistress Manicelli's direction as well. Which surely accounts for something.
Written By Alexis
June 25, 2017, 10:25 p.m.(9/21/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Arn
The Duke Telmar spoke to me. He finds me youthful and idealistic, I think. Maybe too much of both.
I am ok with this. Youth will pass in time, and I intend to enjoy it as much as I can. My idealism - well.
I hope that survives unscathed for as long as possible.
I am ok with this. Youth will pass in time, and I intend to enjoy it as much as I can. My idealism - well.
I hope that survives unscathed for as long as possible.
Written By Alexis
June 25, 2017, 10:24 p.m.(9/21/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Esoka
Dame Greenblood is a fine knight. I've been talking to her about the Gold Order, and about Guardsman Fatchforth's initiative and about other things. She's an interesting woman. A fine knight. And I think we have more in common than not. Such as almost unreasonably large shoes to fill.
But I have faith.
But I have faith.
Written By Alexis
June 18, 2017, 2:43 p.m.(9/5/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Lydia
Duchess Nightgold came to visit my shop, and after some conversation, invited me to her home.
Apparently I'm about the same size as her deceased sister.
And she bestowed upon me a great honour and a great gift.
And now, I own a rubicund glaive and a fine set of leather armour.
Not a day passes that I am not astounded by Arx and the variety of experience here, or the generosity and virtues people uphold.
I will be the best ally I can be to Duchess Lydia. She deserves nothing less.
Apparently I'm about the same size as her deceased sister.
And she bestowed upon me a great honour and a great gift.
And now, I own a rubicund glaive and a fine set of leather armour.
Not a day passes that I am not astounded by Arx and the variety of experience here, or the generosity and virtues people uphold.
I will be the best ally I can be to Duchess Lydia. She deserves nothing less.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.