Written By Viviana
July 25, 2016, 9:26 a.m.(2/13/1004 AR)
I'm afraid I got a little tipsy before this fight to help dull the ache of the wounds so recently received by Lord Victus. Still I appreciated Prince Edain for keeping me company during the fight and the two combatants for their skill and bravery. I had thought Talen more likely to take the day, Alrec's skills extend further to command and sailing than they do to foot based swordplay, but he put up an impressive showing none the less and was able to draw blood several times before Talen put him down. I highly commend both fighters.
Written By Viviana
July 25, 2016, 9:23 a.m.(2/13/1004 AR)
I was not intending to take any chances when I fought Lord Thrax and even wore head protection for the first time in a fight in Arx. Vanity is all well and good but keeping your brain inside your skull is better. Some might find it odd I didn't draw Twilight's edge to meet The Axe of House Tyrde Alaricite for Alaricite, but there is a fundemental difference between our weapons. Twlight's Edge is the blade of Pravus, entrusted to me by the House. The Axe Victus wields is his trophy of war, leant to him by no one and his own to use as he will. There is nothing at all dishonorable about him using such a weapon, it is his by right after all.
In any case I'm a little disappointed with myself, I had thought after the early injuries I inflicted on the man that finishing him would be fairly straightforward, it was not. Still lesson is learned for next time, do not take wounded Thraxians lightly.
In any case I'm a little disappointed with myself, I had thought after the early injuries I inflicted on the man that finishing him would be fairly straightforward, it was not. Still lesson is learned for next time, do not take wounded Thraxians lightly.
Written By Viviana
July 25, 2016, 9:19 a.m.(2/13/1004 AR)
I did not think this reception would be particularly note worthy, just another party. I even showed up late much to my chagrin. But as it turns out Princess Valencia Redrain and Duchess Nadia Nightgold had been investigating Shav activity in the North and other areas and were to give a report on it. Some aspects of this report were a little unclear and I still hope to have a better explanation in time, but even so I appreciate the effort to both investigate the thread and report on it to the compact as a whole. Many would prefer to hoard anything they learn for personal advantage.
I will admit however I was rather taken aback when many of the ladies in attendance, very important individuals with great levels of authority and command, seemingly mostly ignored the report on the Shav threat to go engage in idle banter with a tattooed commoner over by the armor display instead. I can't imagine what that was about, but it certainly does not look good.
I will admit however I was rather taken aback when many of the ladies in attendance, very important individuals with great levels of authority and command, seemingly mostly ignored the report on the Shav threat to go engage in idle banter with a tattooed commoner over by the armor display instead. I can't imagine what that was about, but it certainly does not look good.
Written By Viviana
July 22, 2016, 8:51 a.m.(2/4/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Talen
I highly suspect Talen may actually have some noble blood somewhere in his lineage. He's not perfect of course, too crass, to apolitic, and too unaware of the importance of appearances to be a true born noble, yet he has more noble qualities than many others I've met in this city of pure blood. He's brave, capable, intelligent, loyal, willing to sacrifice and make hard choices for his house, and has a sharp wit when he chooses to use it. I quite enjoy his company, and his bladework. I still do not think a commoner should be given an ancestral blade, but I will admit I'm somewhat jealous of my cousin, the Archduchess Esera, for securing his services none the less.
Written By Viviana
July 22, 2016, 5:02 a.m.(2/4/1004 AR)
I fought Duchess Nadia Nightgold on the tournament grounds for the Decathlon qualifiers. I fought with a token of favor from Princess Ophelia Velenosa, she with one from Princess Valencia Redrain. It's odd to say that it's the first time I've seen the woman in person despite exchanging correspondance with her many times. She's beautiful, which is no surprise, her armor was also rather exquisitely stylish, I'm almost jealous really. I think she's the first person I've seen besides myself who took the time and effort to fashion dueling armor that is also appealing to look at.
The fight itself was over fairly quickly, she has a lot of raw skill, but I suspect not the time to really hone it with her obligations as a ruler. It makes me worry that my own work as Voice will eventually start to eat into my own training time and I'll lose my edge. She kept fighting well beyond first blood, and displayed honor and bravery as well as her skill, I commend her highly. It is a far more remarkable person who steps into an arena when they suspect they are outmatched than than one who simply trains enough to be good with a blade. If I had to choose I would sooner follow Duchess Nightgold into battle than any master swordsman, bravery, conviction and a willingness to bleed for your House matter far more in a leader than speed with a blade.
...Of course it is a little easier for me to say that when I'm not the one in bandages.
The fight itself was over fairly quickly, she has a lot of raw skill, but I suspect not the time to really hone it with her obligations as a ruler. It makes me worry that my own work as Voice will eventually start to eat into my own training time and I'll lose my edge. She kept fighting well beyond first blood, and displayed honor and bravery as well as her skill, I commend her highly. It is a far more remarkable person who steps into an arena when they suspect they are outmatched than than one who simply trains enough to be good with a blade. If I had to choose I would sooner follow Duchess Nightgold into battle than any master swordsman, bravery, conviction and a willingness to bleed for your House matter far more in a leader than speed with a blade.
...Of course it is a little easier for me to say that when I'm not the one in bandages.
Written By Viviana
July 19, 2016, 9:27 a.m.(1/23/1004 AR)
I have high hopes that many of the combatants and competitors of the Decathlon will fight with a token of favor from one of the ladies, or even lords of the court. I am unsure how common it is in Arx, but back home it is a large part of the excitement of a competition or duel.
Before the contest is to begin the challengers will approach those in the crowd to ask for their favor, it's very common for the ladies to hold up some token before hand though to make it clear to the challengers they are willing to give out a token of their favor but not all do that. In theory a lady might refuse to give one out, but in practice this almost never happens as it's quite awkward for all involved. How valuable and personal the token is shows the degree of favor the lady shows for her champion. A simple ribbon or kerchief is the standard, but items of clothing or personal jewelry can be offered for those one particularly favors. You risk whatever you hand over being damaged in the conflict you see, so the more valuable it is to you the more invested you are in your champion. After the conflict is over the challenger will return the token, although it is not unheard of for ladies to refuse the return and allow them to keep it instead, that is also a sign of particular favor.
Some think that a sign of favor is a romantic overture, and sometimes it is that, it is not unheard of for champions to return the token to the lady after the event is over in the lady's bedchamber for instance. But in truth it can and usually does show any kind of favor, that for family, or for friendship or for loyalty. Alliances have been cemented with the bestowing of a precious favor.
The tradition began during war time, when ladies would give precious items to warriors about to leave to go to war, entrusting the warrior to bring the item back to them as a way to ensure they returned home safely. Then became part of duels, and finally a part of all contests. I can only speak for my own region of course, I know not the traditions of elsewhere, still I can't help but hope the practice becomes popular, it can add so much more romance and intrigue to the battles of skill that we all so enjoy, you are never so enraptured by a duel as you are when one of the fighters has your token wrapped around the hilt of his sword. It also can be a wonderful source of gossip.
Before the contest is to begin the challengers will approach those in the crowd to ask for their favor, it's very common for the ladies to hold up some token before hand though to make it clear to the challengers they are willing to give out a token of their favor but not all do that. In theory a lady might refuse to give one out, but in practice this almost never happens as it's quite awkward for all involved. How valuable and personal the token is shows the degree of favor the lady shows for her champion. A simple ribbon or kerchief is the standard, but items of clothing or personal jewelry can be offered for those one particularly favors. You risk whatever you hand over being damaged in the conflict you see, so the more valuable it is to you the more invested you are in your champion. After the conflict is over the challenger will return the token, although it is not unheard of for ladies to refuse the return and allow them to keep it instead, that is also a sign of particular favor.
Some think that a sign of favor is a romantic overture, and sometimes it is that, it is not unheard of for champions to return the token to the lady after the event is over in the lady's bedchamber for instance. But in truth it can and usually does show any kind of favor, that for family, or for friendship or for loyalty. Alliances have been cemented with the bestowing of a precious favor.
The tradition began during war time, when ladies would give precious items to warriors about to leave to go to war, entrusting the warrior to bring the item back to them as a way to ensure they returned home safely. Then became part of duels, and finally a part of all contests. I can only speak for my own region of course, I know not the traditions of elsewhere, still I can't help but hope the practice becomes popular, it can add so much more romance and intrigue to the battles of skill that we all so enjoy, you are never so enraptured by a duel as you are when one of the fighters has your token wrapped around the hilt of his sword. It also can be a wonderful source of gossip.
Written By Viviana
July 17, 2016, 10:18 a.m.(1/18/1004 AR)
Have you ever had one of those mornings where you woke up and realised you hated something? Well today I woke up and realised that I hated positively everything about the Setarco Manor. I mean really? Just how long as it been since someone updated the decor? It's stuffy and dim and I'm sure the carpet in the hall is starting to smell of old woman. Anyway long story short I had the place gutted and am going to entirely redecorate the whole thing. Of course some people might say it's a waste of money to spend this much on redecorating, but to them I say... Well probably nothing since I imagine they're poor and dirty and I don't want to get too close.
Written By Viviana
July 17, 2016, 10:13 a.m.(1/18/1004 AR)
It's been a busy month for me,
I decided that the best way to promote wines from Setarco as the local merchants have been nagging constantly at me to do was to create a signature wine. After some searching I found our most exclusive and best sweet white and organized something of a campaign to make it all the more popular. So far it seems to be working well, with Prince Edain Valardin and Princess Valencia Redrain both asking for significant shipmentments for their home territories in particular. Prince Gareth Grayson was also quite supportive of the vintage. I'm optomistic that we can make Muscato d'Aureus the go to wine for warm summer evenings. Of course I may have to find a new signature vintage for when the weather turns, some sort of nice bodied red I think...
I also was able to arrange some naval exercises around the Saffron chain in concert with navies from Velenosa and Thrax, it seems a good time to make sure our sailors remain sharp and remind everyone that Setarco does have its fair share of warships, even if we are primarily a mercantile house.
Today I am the mistress of wine and warships.
I decided that the best way to promote wines from Setarco as the local merchants have been nagging constantly at me to do was to create a signature wine. After some searching I found our most exclusive and best sweet white and organized something of a campaign to make it all the more popular. So far it seems to be working well, with Prince Edain Valardin and Princess Valencia Redrain both asking for significant shipmentments for their home territories in particular. Prince Gareth Grayson was also quite supportive of the vintage. I'm optomistic that we can make Muscato d'Aureus the go to wine for warm summer evenings. Of course I may have to find a new signature vintage for when the weather turns, some sort of nice bodied red I think...
I also was able to arrange some naval exercises around the Saffron chain in concert with navies from Velenosa and Thrax, it seems a good time to make sure our sailors remain sharp and remind everyone that Setarco does have its fair share of warships, even if we are primarily a mercantile house.
Today I am the mistress of wine and warships.
Written By Viviana
July 12, 2016, 11:28 a.m.(1/3/1004 AR)
Viviana's Minimum Courting Requirements:
1) Pure noble blood dating back to at least the reckoning.
2) Dangerous(And a little bit scary.)
3) Witty.
4) Handsome.
5) Wealthy.
6) Owns at least once nice suit.
7) A bicep I can't fit my hand all the way around.
8)At least six feet tall.
Is that really so much to ask?
Written By Viviana
July 12, 2016, 10:46 a.m.(1/3/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Bliss
Champion Bliss Whisper may well be the first person I've met who actually understands the value of showmanship in a sword fight. When you duel in the tournament grounds before a crowd you are not fighting to win a battle, or to murder an enemy, you are fighting to win hearts and minds. She understands this, as I suppose something of an expert in winning hearts as a courtesan. I'm sure we're to get along famously, the fact that I can pay her to agree with me and do as I please will not doubt help also.
Written By Viviana
July 12, 2016, 10:46 a.m.(1/3/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Alrec
Alrec came to our service in a rather... unorthodox way. Still we are called the libertines for a reason and do not hold the past of any many against him. Since then he's proved to be a solid asset and our short time together in Arx has demonstrated that he's highly motivated to make something of himself and do our house proud, which is what matters most.
Written By Viviana
July 10, 2016, 2:26 p.m.(12/25/1003 AR)
I missed the Tournament Calista held the other night. It often seems that I'm unable to attend many of the most popular social events. It's a shame, it would've been quite enjoyable to watch or participate in I think. Curious that neither Kima nor Victus took part, I think they're cut from the same cloth in a lot of ways. Rumours abound about Talen's cheating in the finals yet I have to wonder was it actually against any listed rules? If not that is really the fault of the tournament organizers and not the Sword, I should offer him a job in House Pravus sometime, we're much more used to weathering allegations than our cousins and have developed it into something of a fine art.
Written By Viviana
July 6, 2016, 9:22 a.m.(12/14/1003 AR)
I love my house.
Some might think that's odd or point to House Pravus' dark reptuation but what you need to understand is that that is only part of who they are. House Pravus is like the Lyceum of the Lyceum, and yes that means their darkness is darker, but it also means they're more mercentile, more liberated and more fashionable than any of the other houses too. They embrace life and liberty more than any other and that is an amazing thing.
Have you ever been to Setarco? It is a place everyone should visit at least once. The smooth blue water leading up to a cove with sands as white as diamonds. Then the city itself rising up from the beach, white stone and red clay, the fountains and gardens and trees scattered throughout as the city climbs every higher towards the peak... The Pravus house grounds, a sprawling white mansion with ivy coated walls and lush green gardens filled with marble statues and fountains.
But to see the city only by day is only to see half of it. Those of the Silken City usually sleep through the hottest part of the afternoon and stay up far into the night. It is a city that never sleeps and to hear the sounds of revelry as they echo through the streets awash in warm torchlight, interspersed with the cries of sea birds and lapping waves. To see the burning lighthouses that bracket the cove and the gently bobbing lights of the night merchant ships coming to and from the docks...
House Pravus built all this, they took an island overgrown with forest and hostile creatures and raving shavs and they shaped it into one of the greatest economic powers in the world. One of the most beautiful cities in the world. So yes I love my house, I would die for her, I have killed for her, and if anyone tries to birsmirch her or challenge her they best hope they're quicker than my blade.
Some might think that's odd or point to House Pravus' dark reptuation but what you need to understand is that that is only part of who they are. House Pravus is like the Lyceum of the Lyceum, and yes that means their darkness is darker, but it also means they're more mercentile, more liberated and more fashionable than any of the other houses too. They embrace life and liberty more than any other and that is an amazing thing.
Have you ever been to Setarco? It is a place everyone should visit at least once. The smooth blue water leading up to a cove with sands as white as diamonds. Then the city itself rising up from the beach, white stone and red clay, the fountains and gardens and trees scattered throughout as the city climbs every higher towards the peak... The Pravus house grounds, a sprawling white mansion with ivy coated walls and lush green gardens filled with marble statues and fountains.
But to see the city only by day is only to see half of it. Those of the Silken City usually sleep through the hottest part of the afternoon and stay up far into the night. It is a city that never sleeps and to hear the sounds of revelry as they echo through the streets awash in warm torchlight, interspersed with the cries of sea birds and lapping waves. To see the burning lighthouses that bracket the cove and the gently bobbing lights of the night merchant ships coming to and from the docks...
House Pravus built all this, they took an island overgrown with forest and hostile creatures and raving shavs and they shaped it into one of the greatest economic powers in the world. One of the most beautiful cities in the world. So yes I love my house, I would die for her, I have killed for her, and if anyone tries to birsmirch her or challenge her they best hope they're quicker than my blade.
Written By Viviana
July 6, 2016, 9:20 a.m.(12/14/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Esera
Archduchess Esera is young, but unlike many other rulers she did not have authority thrust upon her unexpectedly. She has been raised her whole life to rule when her mother passed on the reigns and while tragedy made it come sooner than it otherwise would have it did not catch her unawares. You can tell that her every word is considered, her poise unlikely to ever be broken, and her passion for leading the Lyceum burns brightly. She will never lack for champions for her causes, of that I am certain.
Written By Viviana
July 4, 2016, 6:43 a.m.(12/8/1003 AR)
I attended Princess Alarissa's masquerade the other evening. The event was well run and was a credit to the Valardin Princess, although it was a little more tame than I'm used to. The costumes were rather lacking however, only a very small number of people did more than just a mask although Princess Valencia rather stole the show with her blood spattered arms and crimson leather dress.
There was a vote for best costume, Victus won for the men despite not actually wearing a costume of a hero, and some commoner won for the women. Her outfit was one of the better ones, if obviously not the best, but even if it were the best, who would vote for a commoner in such an event. Sometimes I believe my peers are so scared of an uprising today they willingly throw the seeds of one tomorrow. The nobility rule the compact because we have the blood of legends, heroes, and great leaders flowing through our veins, we are naturally superior to those of inferior blood. Yet this only works as long as the commoners also realise this. As soon as you start treating them as just as clever, or elegant or interesting or capable as nobility what exactly is stopping them deciding they don't really need nobles after all? It is pure foolishness, I really must do something about it.
There was a vote for best costume, Victus won for the men despite not actually wearing a costume of a hero, and some commoner won for the women. Her outfit was one of the better ones, if obviously not the best, but even if it were the best, who would vote for a commoner in such an event. Sometimes I believe my peers are so scared of an uprising today they willingly throw the seeds of one tomorrow. The nobility rule the compact because we have the blood of legends, heroes, and great leaders flowing through our veins, we are naturally superior to those of inferior blood. Yet this only works as long as the commoners also realise this. As soon as you start treating them as just as clever, or elegant or interesting or capable as nobility what exactly is stopping them deciding they don't really need nobles after all? It is pure foolishness, I really must do something about it.
Written By Viviana
July 2, 2016, 12:41 p.m.(12/2/1003 AR)
I finally got a chance to let loose in a Rite to Gloria against Talen on the tournament grounds. It was exhilarating, Talen is a good match for me, although I wounded him early and it helped swing the fight heavily in my favor. From then on the onus was on him to make a come back while losing blood and I could play it safe and work him down. He stuck with it until unable to continue though, which is commendable. There's nothing quite like a fight to make you feel alive, I feel sorry for the ladies who've never learnt the art of the sword really, although it has done little to satiate my thirst for new adversaries and new challenges.
I heard rumors some thought the fight depended heavily on the quality of our armor? I can only assume they are fairly unfamiliar with the sword art, yet I wonder by what mechanism would they propose to ensure the armor and weapon quality of all combatants were perfectly matched? Would they outlaw the wearing of plate if your opponent were dressed in leather? Outlaw the use of a greatsword if your opponent prefers a longsword? By what standard would they assess the metallurgic properties of one man's plate compared to the other? I should find one of these people to put the question to them, that or challenge them to a duel without armor of any sort I suppose.
I heard rumors some thought the fight depended heavily on the quality of our armor? I can only assume they are fairly unfamiliar with the sword art, yet I wonder by what mechanism would they propose to ensure the armor and weapon quality of all combatants were perfectly matched? Would they outlaw the wearing of plate if your opponent were dressed in leather? Outlaw the use of a greatsword if your opponent prefers a longsword? By what standard would they assess the metallurgic properties of one man's plate compared to the other? I should find one of these people to put the question to them, that or challenge them to a duel without armor of any sort I suppose.
Written By Viviana
July 1, 2016, 8:27 a.m.(11/27/1003 AR)
I concluded a new trade deal today. High quality lumber for new ships from the Oathlands, floated down the Lyceum split and then shipped to Setarco from Tor. Prince Edain and Marquis Gustave were both very helpful in arranging the deal for which I am grateful. I am not sure I have it in me to engage in prolonged bargaining. In truth I do not mind doing this work for my family, but I wish it was easier to intersperse it with more active pursuits. It seems a challenge to find people willing to face me even in a show fight, perhaps I should take it as a compliment, that they are afraid to lose and think I will outmath them. But it's hard to appreciate when I am still filled with this restless energy.
Written By Viviana
June 29, 2016, 2:36 p.m.(11/22/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Hadrian
I first got to know Duke Hadrian through his white journals. Although an entry in one had me sending the man an honor challenge before ever seeing his face. That turned out to be a mistake of the scribe however and we since met at the menagerie to get to know one another better. He seems a martial man for a Duke, with more interest in the intricacies of swordplay than most who rule, he also seems to like his vices so we have many passions in common.
Written By Viviana
June 29, 2016, 2:34 p.m.(11/22/1003 AR)
Relationship Note on Marian
I took an instant liking to Princess Marian Valardin. When it comes to women who fight there are those who just wish to be men, those who just want something that will impress a would be husband, and then there are those who are actually still feminine but fight because it is what they love to do. I see Princess Marian as the third kind, and feel she may be a kindred spirit in that way... Although her feminine side could use a little help.
Written By Viviana
June 26, 2016, 9:15 a.m.(11/12/1003 AR)
So this is awkward. I have a habit of keeping abreast of recent events by reading the journals of Vellichor. I was quite startled to come upon an entry by Duke Hadrian Malvici which was quite disparaging of my person. Naturally I issued challenge to the man on the grounds of the insult, only to discover the entry was written by a renegade scribe. Now my blood is all up and aflame for a fight, but I have no one to actually -fight- I took it out a little on poor Talen with my training rapier, but I'm still not quite satisfied. Times like these I almost wish I had a husband, I imagine they're useful for burning off tension.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.