Written By Gian
Jan. 8, 2017, 2:10 a.m.(8/8/1005 AR)
Of all that transpired within the Assembly of Peers; of all the momentous events and announcements, I will repeat the one that may be of greatest weight in days to come, from the voice of Lady Eirene Malvici:
One: Diamondplate weapons cut and burn demonic flesh.
Two: Alaricite blades cleave and consume demonic flesh.
Three: Holy water of Mangata’s shrine eats at demonic flesh.
Four: Holy fire from Lagoma’s shrine cleanly consumes demonic flesh.
I will hold these words close to my heart, as will- I hope- all others.
One: Diamondplate weapons cut and burn demonic flesh.
Two: Alaricite blades cleave and consume demonic flesh.
Three: Holy water of Mangata’s shrine eats at demonic flesh.
Four: Holy fire from Lagoma’s shrine cleanly consumes demonic flesh.
I will hold these words close to my heart, as will- I hope- all others.
Written By Gian
Jan. 3, 2017, 2:14 a.m.(7/21/1005 AR)
I have met a new enemy, and it can be slain with courage and steel.
I know not whether we will prevail, but now I know we can fight. And we shall fight.
For tonight, we won. All too small a victory, but for five souls on this one night, it is a start.
I know not whether we will prevail, but now I know we can fight. And we shall fight.
For tonight, we won. All too small a victory, but for five souls on this one night, it is a start.
Written By Gian
Jan. 1, 2017, 12:51 a.m.(7/15/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Hana
Her shop came with the highest of recommendations, thus I sought out an apprentice of the shop to ask after a commission to replace the pikes of the Household Guard with more suitable polearms, as I judged a master would find such a common commission beneath them.
There were no apprentices.
She'd never seen the Lycene variety of guisarme before. And out of common steel, on the spot she made one that put a Gemecittan master's to shame. I still can't fully believe it. Despite her grand reputation, how could a young girl who can't even keep apprentices so simply create the best weapon I've ever fought with?
...and I first mistook her for the desk clerk.
There were no apprentices.
She'd never seen the Lycene variety of guisarme before. And out of common steel, on the spot she made one that put a Gemecittan master's to shame. I still can't fully believe it. Despite her grand reputation, how could a young girl who can't even keep apprentices so simply create the best weapon I've ever fought with?
...and I first mistook her for the desk clerk.
Written By Gian
Jan. 1, 2017, 12:51 a.m.(7/15/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Hana
(Duplicate post through a website hiccup. Please delete)
Written By Gian
Jan. 1, 2017, 12:50 a.m.(7/15/1005 AR)
Several events have taken place, which have caused me to re-examine the world as I understood it.
I love Gemecitta, Crowned Hill is my home, and shall always remain a rare place of happiness. Yet, in coming to Arx, I stood upon a bridge so vast that the earth was lost to morning mist, and I could hardly believe that it had been raised by mortals, let alone men like me. Yet for the people of Arx it is simply the ‘Sovereign Bridge’, and the path they tread every day.
I have seen sun shine through the living veins of the earth in my home, yet this place is so distant as to be a wholly different creation, I half expected the people of Arx to keep different Gods.
...and some of them do.
Though the great Cathedral of the Pantheon was wonderous to behold, I have met a curious breed of folk here called Northerners. Talk in the Lyceum of their unusual manner and culture did not prepare me for this. One, Agnarr- a ‘housecarl’ as they call their men at arms- was the tallest man I have ever met, let alone fought. He spoke with scorn for disciplined formations as we tested our arms upon one another; a gracious foe, and a worthy warrior, he.
Another, Anze Redrain- a prince of of his people, would not be known for a nobleman in the Lyceum. At arms, he were brilliant, though in manner so simple and.. Dare I say crude, that he would cause scandal as a retainer in the south, let alone as a high lord. He spoke plainly and directly, which I found admirable, though he and his people seem utterly without guile. Honest and forthright, he wondered how Zaffria and Rubino could ever trust one another after centuries of rivalry. As I struggled to grasp his question, I sought to explain that our estranged brothers were the only ones we could fully trust. Though our words were the same, it felt much like speaking another language.
I have never felt a summer so cold, and yet Prince Anze complained of the heat.
Nobles at large in Arx are curious to me, and not only those of the North. So many nobles in this, the great capital City, put forth so common a manner that their speech is indistinguishable from that of most Lycene commoners. At first, I thought it a test, or a trick; Some gambit to put me off my guard, or tempt me into an unwise comment, yet it seems instead to simply... be their manner.
Now there is talk in the streets of elves and monsters, lurking in the shadows and forests. I have always known there are greater mysteries in this world than could ever be understood by the likes of me, but I begin to suspect that my small knowledge of the world was even smaller than I had thought.
I love Gemecitta, Crowned Hill is my home, and shall always remain a rare place of happiness. Yet, in coming to Arx, I stood upon a bridge so vast that the earth was lost to morning mist, and I could hardly believe that it had been raised by mortals, let alone men like me. Yet for the people of Arx it is simply the ‘Sovereign Bridge’, and the path they tread every day.
I have seen sun shine through the living veins of the earth in my home, yet this place is so distant as to be a wholly different creation, I half expected the people of Arx to keep different Gods.
...and some of them do.
Though the great Cathedral of the Pantheon was wonderous to behold, I have met a curious breed of folk here called Northerners. Talk in the Lyceum of their unusual manner and culture did not prepare me for this. One, Agnarr- a ‘housecarl’ as they call their men at arms- was the tallest man I have ever met, let alone fought. He spoke with scorn for disciplined formations as we tested our arms upon one another; a gracious foe, and a worthy warrior, he.
Another, Anze Redrain- a prince of of his people, would not be known for a nobleman in the Lyceum. At arms, he were brilliant, though in manner so simple and.. Dare I say crude, that he would cause scandal as a retainer in the south, let alone as a high lord. He spoke plainly and directly, which I found admirable, though he and his people seem utterly without guile. Honest and forthright, he wondered how Zaffria and Rubino could ever trust one another after centuries of rivalry. As I struggled to grasp his question, I sought to explain that our estranged brothers were the only ones we could fully trust. Though our words were the same, it felt much like speaking another language.
I have never felt a summer so cold, and yet Prince Anze complained of the heat.
Nobles at large in Arx are curious to me, and not only those of the North. So many nobles in this, the great capital City, put forth so common a manner that their speech is indistinguishable from that of most Lycene commoners. At first, I thought it a test, or a trick; Some gambit to put me off my guard, or tempt me into an unwise comment, yet it seems instead to simply... be their manner.
Now there is talk in the streets of elves and monsters, lurking in the shadows and forests. I have always known there are greater mysteries in this world than could ever be understood by the likes of me, but I begin to suspect that my small knowledge of the world was even smaller than I had thought.
Written By Gian
Jan. 1, 2017, 12:28 a.m.(7/15/1005 AR)
The Duchess has honored me with the station of master of the Household Guard. I will set down my thoughts on less palpable details soon, but business of the house must come first.
There is much to be done.
Arms:
Upon my arrival, the guard were fitted with a mix of bows and pikes, with light thrusting swords as sidearms. The quality of such gear was common, and quite sufficient for storage in the Ducal Arsenal, until such a time as levies should be called, but wholly insufficient for the elite guard that such a post as the City of Arx deserves.
While the arrows and swords will serve quite well enough, I judge that the pikes must be replaced; while fit battlefield weapons, they are ill-suited to so small a detachment, who must be ready to defend their patrons in the streets, from any direction, and bereft of formation.
As I am a poor archer, I must seek out one with greater expertise to fairly judge the quality of the bows already on hand, though I must prepare for the possibility of improving upon these, as well. I hold out hope that the bows are suitable, as these would present a greater expense than the polearms.
Armor:
Upon first inspection: common steel open-faced helms, gauntlets, and breastplates, in the popular Lycene fashion, worn beneath tabards, with a plume for each helm. I intend to see whether an apprentice or journeyman armorsmith might be hired on to the household, to attend re-fitting and improvement of the existing armory, with an eye toward adding steel arm and leg harnesses to the standard armaments. Failing this, at least leathers for the limbs, of secondary import once weapons are seen to.
The City of Arx is a rich field for workers of arms and armor, I do not anticipate difficulty in finding suitable aid in this.
Supply:
The supply of this house is in good order. All necessities are well appointed, with no foreseeable shortages.
If all goes well, this will prove unnecessary, but I wish to see the Palazzo Gemecitta provisioned in such a manner as to support its inhabitants for a period of one month, should famine or pestilence threaten the City. The House steward is most capable, and I have no doubt that surplus grain, cheese, wine, and such other sundries could be maintained without waste. Surplus nails, horseshoes, arrowheads, linen cloth, strapping leather will keep indefinitely.
Training:
The guardsmen have been kept at a sufficient level of skill and condition to deserve their status as capable men at arms. Though again, men at arms in so august a post as Arx must be exemplary soldiers, a true elite bodyguard to the Zaffria and Rubino households. Increased physical strength and endurance, as well as discipline and fighting skill are our goals over the next month. I expect the strain will lead several to return home or depart service, thus I have written to Gemecitta to request a list of suitable volunteers to replace them, as needed.
Fortune has been kind to me, as chance meetings have opened excellent possibilities: a formidable Northern sellsword called Agnarr has agreed to lend his brawn to their experience- I will bid three guards defend an unarmed fourth to represent a noble, while Agnarr attacks them from surprise. They must secure the ‘noble’s escape. As well, Sir Zebulon Whitewake- a swordsman of great skill sworn to House Igniseri- will be invaluable in teaching the art of the blade.
Yet the best of good fortune lay in a meeting with the Lady General Malvici. The Southport Training Center will be an invaluable field for refining the skill and determination of our men-at-arms, as the excellent Malvici men at arms have been offered as partners and opponents. I could not have asked for better luck. Should all continue as these first days have gone, in due time the House Guard of Rubino-Zaffria will be an elite corp worthy of admiration.
There is much to be done.
Arms:
Upon my arrival, the guard were fitted with a mix of bows and pikes, with light thrusting swords as sidearms. The quality of such gear was common, and quite sufficient for storage in the Ducal Arsenal, until such a time as levies should be called, but wholly insufficient for the elite guard that such a post as the City of Arx deserves.
While the arrows and swords will serve quite well enough, I judge that the pikes must be replaced; while fit battlefield weapons, they are ill-suited to so small a detachment, who must be ready to defend their patrons in the streets, from any direction, and bereft of formation.
As I am a poor archer, I must seek out one with greater expertise to fairly judge the quality of the bows already on hand, though I must prepare for the possibility of improving upon these, as well. I hold out hope that the bows are suitable, as these would present a greater expense than the polearms.
Armor:
Upon first inspection: common steel open-faced helms, gauntlets, and breastplates, in the popular Lycene fashion, worn beneath tabards, with a plume for each helm. I intend to see whether an apprentice or journeyman armorsmith might be hired on to the household, to attend re-fitting and improvement of the existing armory, with an eye toward adding steel arm and leg harnesses to the standard armaments. Failing this, at least leathers for the limbs, of secondary import once weapons are seen to.
The City of Arx is a rich field for workers of arms and armor, I do not anticipate difficulty in finding suitable aid in this.
Supply:
The supply of this house is in good order. All necessities are well appointed, with no foreseeable shortages.
If all goes well, this will prove unnecessary, but I wish to see the Palazzo Gemecitta provisioned in such a manner as to support its inhabitants for a period of one month, should famine or pestilence threaten the City. The House steward is most capable, and I have no doubt that surplus grain, cheese, wine, and such other sundries could be maintained without waste. Surplus nails, horseshoes, arrowheads, linen cloth, strapping leather will keep indefinitely.
Training:
The guardsmen have been kept at a sufficient level of skill and condition to deserve their status as capable men at arms. Though again, men at arms in so august a post as Arx must be exemplary soldiers, a true elite bodyguard to the Zaffria and Rubino households. Increased physical strength and endurance, as well as discipline and fighting skill are our goals over the next month. I expect the strain will lead several to return home or depart service, thus I have written to Gemecitta to request a list of suitable volunteers to replace them, as needed.
Fortune has been kind to me, as chance meetings have opened excellent possibilities: a formidable Northern sellsword called Agnarr has agreed to lend his brawn to their experience- I will bid three guards defend an unarmed fourth to represent a noble, while Agnarr attacks them from surprise. They must secure the ‘noble’s escape. As well, Sir Zebulon Whitewake- a swordsman of great skill sworn to House Igniseri- will be invaluable in teaching the art of the blade.
Yet the best of good fortune lay in a meeting with the Lady General Malvici. The Southport Training Center will be an invaluable field for refining the skill and determination of our men-at-arms, as the excellent Malvici men at arms have been offered as partners and opponents. I could not have asked for better luck. Should all continue as these first days have gone, in due time the House Guard of Rubino-Zaffria will be an elite corp worthy of admiration.
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