Written By Talen
Nov. 20, 2016, 11:57 a.m.(3/3/1005 AR)
The archduchess' desire for a cat has been curbed due to my snake, Hiss. If a lion is the next best thing, maybe I need a bigger serpent. Do basilisks exist?
Written By Talen
Nov. 10, 2016, 10:40 a.m.(2/1/1005 AR)
Sourcing skins suitable for a new suit of armour has proven more troublesome than I thought. Nothing seems to be fit quite right. True, its thickness and durability is a factor, but what good is a man born and raised amongst the Velenosa if he cannot set the latest trends of fashion.
Soon.
Soon.
Written By Talen
Nov. 6, 2016, 2:13 p.m.(1/17/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Sylvie
The cooler head of the Zaffria-Rubino pair. Charming, dangerously so. The kind of person you want to have on your side. Part of the family of vassal Lyceum provinces.
Written By Talen
Nov. 6, 2016, 1:38 p.m.(1/17/1005 AR)
I nearly burnt the silks I own in a fire today. Someone told me to give them away instead. I'm such a nice guy.
Written By Talen
Nov. 6, 2016, 1:22 p.m.(1/17/1005 AR)
It is time to design a new set of armour. The hassle of sending everything from Lenosia to Arx is simply too much. I have set a man out to source exotic hides for the leatherworker.
I have yet to decide if I wish to pair it with rubicund or not. There certainly is an appeal to blending red and black.
Perhaps it's too forthright in appearance, however.
Decisions, decisions.
I have yet to decide if I wish to pair it with rubicund or not. There certainly is an appeal to blending red and black.
Perhaps it's too forthright in appearance, however.
Decisions, decisions.
Written By Talen
Oct. 9, 2016, 11:06 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Ophelia
I found another dead gull in the hallway today. I'm pretty sure this is Ophelia's latest toy forgotten in a moment of flighty ditziness. I might bring back a boar's head and leave it in her room next time I'm done hunting. Let's see if she approves of my reciprocation of her familial love.
Written By Talen
Oct. 9, 2016, 9:46 p.m.(10/18/1004 AR)
The gala this week was themed for challenges and trickery. My task was of little interest and therefore I did not play. The archduchess claims I am a bore and in that I must confess that yes, sometimes, I am.
How fortuitous then that I was able to entertain the Lord Rubino, and his companionable co-ruler of Gemecitta, Lady Zaffria.
How fortuitous then that I was able to entertain the Lord Rubino, and his companionable co-ruler of Gemecitta, Lady Zaffria.
Written By Talen
Oct. 2, 2016, 9:52 p.m.(9/25/1004 AR)
What is it with the Arxian way of thinking that has most insisting that I am a knight? "Sir Talen" isn't something I've asked to be called, let alone want to be known as. Since when did cheating in sports reward me with a reputation of a gentleman?
I am /trying/ to do as etiquette dictates in this god forsaken city. This new /home/ of mine. I cannot, however, fathom what it is that goes through most minds when they look at me.
They see Giovanni Artiglio and not Talen Artiglio, I suppose. We are not one in the same. We are cut from the same cloth and yet fashioned in different styles of men. I am no paragon of virtue. I am a man that survives because I value results and victory.
I am /trying/ to do as etiquette dictates in this god forsaken city. This new /home/ of mine. I cannot, however, fathom what it is that goes through most minds when they look at me.
They see Giovanni Artiglio and not Talen Artiglio, I suppose. We are not one in the same. We are cut from the same cloth and yet fashioned in different styles of men. I am no paragon of virtue. I am a man that survives because I value results and victory.
Written By Talen
Sept. 25, 2016, 8:17 p.m.(9/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Luca
Luca, why. Why, Luca. You're the duellist, the champion - you're specialised in fencing, even. Where were you this past competition? I hope Ophelia had you indisposed at an impromptu tea-party and you were denied any such alcoholic beverage you were fantasising over in place of nettle soup and roasted fowl.
It's your turn at the next public tournament, your highness. I'm going to have conveniently taken extra shifts at the archduchess' side right around the time the next one is held.
You'll have no choice.
It's your turn at the next public tournament, your highness. I'm going to have conveniently taken extra shifts at the archduchess' side right around the time the next one is held.
You'll have no choice.
Written By Talen
Sept. 25, 2016, 8:09 p.m.(9/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Dagon
A prince of the Thrax and one of the few competitors at the fencing competition actually worth their salt. As well as the ships they build, the islanders breed good warriors.
It's no wonder why the Velenosa-Thrax alliances are often strong. Pretty, smart women and strong, bold men oft make good matches and it helps that fat merchant vessels need well-armed military galleons to escort them.
Perhaps he'll earn himself a bride from within the Lyceum someday. Either way, he's begun to earn my respect.
It's no wonder why the Velenosa-Thrax alliances are often strong. Pretty, smart women and strong, bold men oft make good matches and it helps that fat merchant vessels need well-armed military galleons to escort them.
Perhaps he'll earn himself a bride from within the Lyceum someday. Either way, he's begun to earn my respect.
Written By Talen
Sept. 25, 2016, 8:02 p.m.(9/4/1004 AR)
Master Silas of the Iron Guard keeps cropping up in all the oddest places. From tourneys to the crafter's row and now in hosting a fencing competition.
I attended with Duke Niccolo in my capacity as Sword for House Velenosa and although it did not require me to be there I found myself playing the game of being a good little wanna-be knight.
I didn't even throw sand in anyone's face. Aren't you proud, father?
I attended with Duke Niccolo in my capacity as Sword for House Velenosa and although it did not require me to be there I found myself playing the game of being a good little wanna-be knight.
I didn't even throw sand in anyone's face. Aren't you proud, father?
Written By Talen
Sept. 18, 2016, 8:08 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
I have a penchant to draw from time to time. Today is one of those days. To demonstrate what exactly my room looks like at this moment in time, I will immortalise it forever. Please stash it with my last journal entry, Master Scholar.
You see: a handsome royal purple silk doublet with billowing sleeves secured by black and gold ties, a loosely fit set of rich heliotrope silk breeches secured by jaunty leather belts, a stylishly slanted obsidian kid leather hat complete with a gilded feather, a darkest inky duo of leather gloves wrapped possessively about the wrists, a soft doeskin pair of stark black knee-high boots with criss-crossed golden laces, a sash of cream coloured linen embroidered in shades of red and orange, book, an ebon wood chest inlaid with deadly nightshade in silver and garnet, a gleaming, polished steel helmet with a visor reminiscent of a mirrormask, a sharp, taloned pair of steel gauntlets constructed by overlapping plates, a shining, knee-high set of steel sollerets that taper into hooked points, charcoal simple shoes made of tightly woven layered cloth, charcoal linen pants with looser legs and cinched tight and tucked into boots, close fitting blood red tunic with the sleeves raggedly torn off, charcoal linen pants with looser legs and cinched tight at the ankle, House Velenosa Mirror Blade, a wicked, sanguine schiavona-style rubicund broadsword with an elaborately wrought basket-hilt, a villainous, blood-crimson rubicund stiletto with a warped and twisted leather-bound handgrip, a long, taut duo of shadowy leather sleeves sporting tarnished metal elbow-guards, a close-cut pair of stark, padded leather pants complete with shineless knee plates, a flared, knee-high set of dark leather boots with broad, dull steel toe caps, a snug set of rich, obsidian leather gloves punctuated with sharp knuckle dusters, a somber, dim leather cloak that shrouds the figure and posesses a deep hood, a martial, inky black leather vest belted by wide straps and gunmetal buckles, a narrow, high quality steel longsword with a grooved tang and silver fox pommel, a complicated, cube-shaped puzzle box with interlocking parts, a shadowed metal ring with a center cut ruby, A purple ribbon with a fox sigil stitched into the bottom, a chain of amethyst and black gold, a grungy, patchwork cloak of fabric scraps
You see: a handsome royal purple silk doublet with billowing sleeves secured by black and gold ties, a loosely fit set of rich heliotrope silk breeches secured by jaunty leather belts, a stylishly slanted obsidian kid leather hat complete with a gilded feather, a darkest inky duo of leather gloves wrapped possessively about the wrists, a soft doeskin pair of stark black knee-high boots with criss-crossed golden laces, a sash of cream coloured linen embroidered in shades of red and orange, book, an ebon wood chest inlaid with deadly nightshade in silver and garnet, a gleaming, polished steel helmet with a visor reminiscent of a mirrormask, a sharp, taloned pair of steel gauntlets constructed by overlapping plates, a shining, knee-high set of steel sollerets that taper into hooked points, charcoal simple shoes made of tightly woven layered cloth, charcoal linen pants with looser legs and cinched tight and tucked into boots, close fitting blood red tunic with the sleeves raggedly torn off, charcoal linen pants with looser legs and cinched tight at the ankle, House Velenosa Mirror Blade, a wicked, sanguine schiavona-style rubicund broadsword with an elaborately wrought basket-hilt, a villainous, blood-crimson rubicund stiletto with a warped and twisted leather-bound handgrip, a long, taut duo of shadowy leather sleeves sporting tarnished metal elbow-guards, a close-cut pair of stark, padded leather pants complete with shineless knee plates, a flared, knee-high set of dark leather boots with broad, dull steel toe caps, a snug set of rich, obsidian leather gloves punctuated with sharp knuckle dusters, a somber, dim leather cloak that shrouds the figure and posesses a deep hood, a martial, inky black leather vest belted by wide straps and gunmetal buckles, a narrow, high quality steel longsword with a grooved tang and silver fox pommel, a complicated, cube-shaped puzzle box with interlocking parts, a shadowed metal ring with a center cut ruby, A purple ribbon with a fox sigil stitched into the bottom, a chain of amethyst and black gold, a grungy, patchwork cloak of fabric scraps
Written By Talen
Sept. 18, 2016, 7:59 p.m.(8/11/1004 AR)
I hear endless complaints from family, friends and colleagues about the state of my room within the Velenosa Estate. Apparently the countless outfits, numerous trinkets and collection of armour strewn about the place are all an abhorrence to see. The swords and other similar sharp, pointy weapons haphazardly poking out of these small mountains go further and are supposedly not just messy but a danger to life and limb.
Honestly, I like order and tidiness as much as any other person but my room is my domain and the last thing I wish to worry about is spending time cleaning it. I've had others offer to do it for me but truly, it's my junk, my responsibility and everyone else can get their nose out of my business. I don't want anyone else touching it, you see.
Evidently the Grand Duchess has heard of this issue and sent me a rather handsome chest to store many of my belongings in. I'm not sure her grace thought this through, however-- it's just become yet another item in the room, to occupy more space. I've yet to put a single thing within it.
Really, the Archduchess'll thank me someday. When the assassins begin to realise they can't kill her with me around, they'll try to get rid of me. What they'll find, however, is that you can't sneak up on a man surrounded by a cleverly laid system of anti-murderation and an assassin-detection system.
Who knows, they might even trip, fall and impale themselves on Mirror Blade while I'm dreaming about shadowmeld.
Honestly, I like order and tidiness as much as any other person but my room is my domain and the last thing I wish to worry about is spending time cleaning it. I've had others offer to do it for me but truly, it's my junk, my responsibility and everyone else can get their nose out of my business. I don't want anyone else touching it, you see.
Evidently the Grand Duchess has heard of this issue and sent me a rather handsome chest to store many of my belongings in. I'm not sure her grace thought this through, however-- it's just become yet another item in the room, to occupy more space. I've yet to put a single thing within it.
Really, the Archduchess'll thank me someday. When the assassins begin to realise they can't kill her with me around, they'll try to get rid of me. What they'll find, however, is that you can't sneak up on a man surrounded by a cleverly laid system of anti-murderation and an assassin-detection system.
Who knows, they might even trip, fall and impale themselves on Mirror Blade while I'm dreaming about shadowmeld.
Written By Talen
Sept. 4, 2016, 3:03 p.m.(6/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Marcas
During an underground brawl hosted in the lower boroughs I had the satisfying pleasure of fighting this man in the rough. I would upgrade my opinion of the Redrain captain from a dog without bite and only bark to a beast with a talent for unadulterated brutality. This, I can respect. I shall have to reach out to him, to speak with him another day and learn more of him. Somewhere commonplace, however, so he doesn't dirty the finery. The Unkindness, perhaps. They'll likely serve the slop and ale he prefers to the wines I would. Tehom give me strength.
Written By Talen
Sept. 4, 2016, 2:56 p.m.(6/25/1004 AR)
Lady Dawn Grayson held a tournament recently-- 'They Shall Rise'-- an event of legendary largesse. It was my duty alongside Prince Luca and Duke Niccolo to represent our family, the Great House Velenosa.
We won the event with some small amount of tactic; a rather common choice of stratagem, admittedly. I stood in front of Luca to keep him unwounded and without armour he was hardly fatigued for much of the fight while I kept everyone at bay. Duke Niccolo called our targets and served as a floating danger. It worked well, as expected, leaving our prince to mop up at the end.
I am ever surprised at the talented warriors in Arx, though I confess they are rather disillusioned. Should I ever face many of these men or women in a true fight, rather than his ridiculous pretense of a show, they won't last very long.
Lord Victus Thrax was outnumbered as one can expect any famed fighter to be and was felled despite his good showing. High Prince Edain and his partner the Lord Fidante both took fancy with me and it proved to be my undoing.
I won a sword, emerald, gold and steel; another trophy that I care very little about. I sent it to Princess Jaenelle as I have done with the others, hopefully to be hoarded by her like a great white dragon would until she chooses to smelt them for something pretty.
We won the event with some small amount of tactic; a rather common choice of stratagem, admittedly. I stood in front of Luca to keep him unwounded and without armour he was hardly fatigued for much of the fight while I kept everyone at bay. Duke Niccolo called our targets and served as a floating danger. It worked well, as expected, leaving our prince to mop up at the end.
I am ever surprised at the talented warriors in Arx, though I confess they are rather disillusioned. Should I ever face many of these men or women in a true fight, rather than his ridiculous pretense of a show, they won't last very long.
Lord Victus Thrax was outnumbered as one can expect any famed fighter to be and was felled despite his good showing. High Prince Edain and his partner the Lord Fidante both took fancy with me and it proved to be my undoing.
I won a sword, emerald, gold and steel; another trophy that I care very little about. I sent it to Princess Jaenelle as I have done with the others, hopefully to be hoarded by her like a great white dragon would until she chooses to smelt them for something pretty.
Written By Talen
Aug. 28, 2016, 11:59 p.m.(6/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Jessamine
Jassemine, a healer of some note. Though he had not known her name, the southern Sword had asked around after the event. A woman of some skill, it would do to reach out and contact her again. While payment was made by the man and his liege both, there is a debt owed in blood-- in thanks. Service for service.
Written By Talen
Aug. 28, 2016, 11:54 p.m.(6/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
Darren Redrain, a prince of the north. The wastes of ice must cool these folk in a similar way the sun bakes those of the Lyceum, the Velenosa. Blunt to subtle, the two are polar opposites-- but this is something one must explore. Talen Artiglio intends to explore the differences of cultures, so he might better interact.
Written By Talen
Aug. 28, 2016, 11:51 p.m.(6/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Marcas
The Hollow held a new kind of experience, one of blood and passion, one of violence and renewel. Marcus Aodh, a man of brutality; he proved himself. The Redrain breed good soldiers and Talen was glad he had the opportunity to fight one. It is something to consider-- these men are tough, powerful, good opponents. A challenge, for once.
Written By Talen
Aug. 21, 2016, 5:35 p.m.(5/11/1004 AR)
An upcoming underground fight to be had with brawlers from across the city piqued the Sword's interest and so he's to take part. It has been too long since he was able to truly express himself in a manner best described as 'dirty fighting' and the countless tourneys in Arx so far have all been rather rigid in their rules. As such, this will be a great opportunity for him to exercise the desire to fight like he has grown up doing so; to win, no matter the cost.
Written By Talen
Aug. 21, 2016, 4:55 p.m.(5/11/1004 AR)
On a whim, Talen encouraged a small, private affair in the depths of the Velenoa estate and only a few external guests were invited. With themes encouraging indulgence, it was much the flavour of a Lenosian party that brought the Sword of Lenosia a certain degree of satisfaction. With the mood one that was welcomed by its participants, another is undoubtedly on the way. Perhaps this time more liberal members of the Arxian populace will be invited, too. It's always encouraging to see people embrace southern mentalities.
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