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Written By Merek

May 29, 2017, 5:16 a.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Silas

I don't think we would've made it as well as we did in the siege without the Lord Commander. He is worthy of his title, if I haven't already written that. I am happy to continue serving under him.

Written By Merek

May 29, 2017, 5:15 a.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

7/18/1006 After the Reckoning. It's been a thousand and so since the Reckoning, and it seems that a millenia brings many new things to the world. I heard that a Princess gave birth, that is a happy event, as is the new planting that is going on to recover the lands outside of Arx. I should not have gotten so drunk at the medal ceremony, but it was a time for celebration and for remembering. At least I did not act too crazy! But it was nice to let go for once and be allowed to do these things, to remember people and celebrate them in our own way. I'm hopeful for the future of Arx, though there is still much work to be done.

Written By Silas

May 29, 2017, 4:54 a.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Might be having too much fun with sewing now.

I should stop.

Written By Abbas

May 29, 2017, 3:23 a.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Lord Darrow Darkwater is my champion. He stands as my axe in matters of dispute. The line starts there.

I trust the Knight of Sorrow in all tings. Including the protection of my life and of my interests.

As such he has earned my consideration as well. Any slight upon his station or attempt to do anything but increase his power in his lands with be met with hostility. Make no mistake about it. He has been a brother in blood and we have paid the tithe over and over. Such bonds do not falter.

Abbas Thrax

Written By Audric

May 29, 2017, 3:18 a.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Audric's Rule Number Five of Being a Sellsword, of which he should probably compile somewhere: Never be unreasonable. If you ever give off the impression you can't be reasoned with, every fight is a fight to the last. This is a bad decision. Actually, I think this goes for more people than just sellswords. Should I change these to 'Audric's Rules of Being a Pragmatist And Not Getting Yourself Killed Because You're An Idiot'?

Written By Carita

May 29, 2017, 1:33 a.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

I refuse to allow corruption to remain hidden. If that makes me disgraceful, I will accept that.

Written By Silas

May 29, 2017, 12:49 a.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

It’s been said that ‘where there is a brave man, in the thickest of the fight, there is the post of honor.’ Today, we pay tribute to those who placed themselves in the thick of the fight — again and again and again. I am extraordinarily proud of them.

Prince Ainsley Grayson - Medal of the Star, Medal of the Guardian
It is by Prince Ainsley's hand that the fiend Tolamar Brand was vanquished, and if it were not for him we may not be here tonight. He helped prepare our new recruits for the formidable task ahead of them and I have personally witnessed his ferocity in protecting people before, during, and after the siege. He has faithfully served as my Second with great aplomb and has taken measures to restore honor to the Iron Guard when our traitorous Lord Commander left us in ruin.

The Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Guardian and the Medal of the Star to Prince Ainsley Grayson, Paladin of the Sword and Deputy Commander of the Iron Guard, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, while serving in the Iron Guard.

Master Calaudrin Estardes - Medal of the Star
Master Calaudrin Estardes has been with us for years now — he started at a younger age than any of us by virtue of lying about it — and I feel he has finally started to be recognized for the work he has done and has continued to do. He has demonstrated superb leadership and quick thinking on the battlefield, and I am proud to have him as our newest Lieutenant.

The Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Star to Master Calaudrin Estardes, Lieutenant of the Iron Guard, for being a leader for all young boys to admire and showing astute judgement, while serving in the Iron Guard.

Lord Estaban Saik - Medal of the Star, Medal of the Guardian
Lord Saik joined us not long ago, but has already proven himself to be a hard worker and valiant individual. At a pivotal moment, he put himself in harm’s way to save the life of Prince Aiden Grayson, whom he had just met minutes prior. When he is not on duty, he is a conscientious young man who reminds us to be kind to one another and to treat people as each of us wants to be treated.

The Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Guardian and Medal of the Star to Lord Estaban Saik, Guardsman of the Iron Guard, for demonstrating selflessness and an eagerness to do what is right, and risking his life above and beyond the call of duty, while serving in the Iron Guard.

Lord Killian Ashford - Medal of the Star, Medal of the Guardian
Lord Ashford is not a Guardsman, but an Agent whose ability and advice have proven to be invaluable assets to the Iron Guard. He, too, assisted his fellow paladins in destroying Tolamar Brand, and was kind enough to give us a detailed account of what occurred. He can be counted on to spring into action regardless of the danger clearly presented, to protect the innocent from harm.

The Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Guardian and the Medal of the Star to Lord Killian Ashford, Paladin of Ideals and Agent of the Iron Guard, for offering sound advice, an adherence to justice, and risking his life above and beyond the call of duty, while serving in the Iron Guard.

Mistress Mae Culler - Medal of the Star
The Iron Guard does not typically expect their Liasions to do more beyond their designated duty as a go-between, but Mistress Mae Culler has repeatedly offered her assistance to the Iron Guard when I have asked for help. She has even fought alongside us against Bringers!

For her helpfulness and her unique creativity on the field of battle, the Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Star to Mistress Mae Culler, Liasion and part-time Agent of the Iron Guard.

Lord Michael Bisland - Medal of the Star
Bislands have a reputation of military greatness, and I find Lord Michael Bisland to be no different. He serves the Iron Guard with skill, loyalty, and a refreshing amount of candor. He fought with us to repel a shav attack at the walls, and fought alongside our forces at the gate.

The Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Star to Lord Michael Bisland, Lieutenant of the Iron Guard, for his great inner and physical strength and wearing the uniform the way it is meant to be worn, while serving in the Iron Guard.

Master Merek Black - Medal of the Star
While the valor and gallantry of the Iron Guard is showcased often, there happens to be quite a bit of paperwork and complicated logistics behind the scenes. Master Merek Black has proven himself to be proficient with both the sword and the pen, and it takes no small amount of skill to balance both. He has fought marvelously on the field of battle and has assisted the Crafters Guild with fortifying the city when he was not on duty.

He is now ensuring our newest recruits get the attention they need to become excellent guardsmen. The Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Star to Master Merek Black, Officer of the Iron Guard, for strengthening our city and pushing us toward progress, while serving in the Iron Guard.

Princess Reese Grayson - Medal of the Star
The Princess of Ribbons has lifted our spirits and brought joy to our lives as a guardswoman, friend, and budding war commander. She commits herself fully to every role she takes and succeeds with flying colors. In addition to personal heroism, she commanded the Grayson forces with skill and grace. Within the Iron Guard she has shown us that a single individual can make the world a more fun, more open, more loving place.

The Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Star to Princess Reese Grayson, Guardswoman of the Iron Guard, for her heroism and inspiring us to reach for the sky, while serving in the Iron Guard.

Dame Serafine Velenosa - Medal of the Star
Known far and wide for her skill and bawdy banter, Dame Serafine can always be counted to make organization briefings lively and slightly uncomfortable. Before the siege she was instrumental in keeping the peace in the Lower Boroughs and I get no shortage of people asking for her assistance. When I ask her to do something, I have little doubt she will succeed, and she might even bring a party with her. During the siege she fought at the behest of House Thrax and assisted them with their troubles, and helped her fellow guardsmen protect the Docks.

The Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Star to Dame Serafine Velenosa, Officer of the Iron Guard, for bringing satire, wits, and comedy to otherwise dull meetings and fighting valiantly with us and for our allies, while serving in the Iron Guard.

Master Sparte Fatchforth - Medal of the Star, Medal of the Guardian
Master Sparte came to us a country boy looking for something to do. He is much more than a country boy, in essence, and I suspect the Compact is beginning to realize that. He is a warrior, a bard, a chef, a medic and a hero! His personal story and impressive skillset prove that success need not be determined by our background, but by our dedication to others and our passion. When fighting alongside myself, I have witnessed him save an ally without a second thought, endangering his life in the process.

The Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Guardian and the Medal of the Star to Master Sparte Fatchforth, Guardsman of the Iron Guard, for valor on the battlefield and assisting so many with his admirable talents, and risking his life above and beyond the call of duty, while serving in the Iron Guard.

Mistress Thena Grayhope - Medal of the Star
Never limited by convention, Mistress Thena Grayhope is a pleasant surprise. She is both bold and thoughtful, speaking her mind while mending our wounds and making sure our insides don't become outsides. She inspires us to bridge our differences and recognize the gravity of our collective existence. Her tenacious and unwavering spirit should do her family proud, and the Iron Guard is ever thankful for her service.

The Lord Commander, in the name of the Iron Guard, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of the Star to Mistress Thena Grayhope, Guardswoman of the Iron Guard, for fighting with us, challenging us to think, and raising the bar for those who follow, while serving in the Iron Guard.

I would like all of you to give one big rousing round of applause to our medal honorees. Give it up! Or just send them a pesky message of congratulations for everything they have done for the Compact.

Additionally, we will be awarding medals to individuals who gave us their aid to us during one of the most tumultuous periods in our history. Tonight, however, belongs to our men.

IRON AND BLOOD!

Written By Victus

May 29, 2017, 12:45 a.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Carita

Taking the house that Maximilian Darkwater built and dismantling it while he's away?

Disgraceful woman.

Written By Leta

May 29, 2017, 12:05 a.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Luca

A while after planting a tree I had a spar with Prince Luca, bare handed.

His Highness is hard to hit and hits hard and I think I am not leaving the house for days on account of not seeing out one eye. Thought I had the best of him for a while but he just would not go down as you'd expect he ought to. That and also I think I hit the fence a couple of times trying to hit him. I can't remember what happened really. It hurts to think so I'll stop now thank you.

Written By Nisaa

May 28, 2017, 11:54 p.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Malik

We have come so far, Malik and I. From lands so far away and so dangerous to get to, almost no one makes the trip alive... Our lives are so different now, and so are we. And yet, we are the same, in a whole new way.

Written By Dafne

May 28, 2017, 11:53 p.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

I have not had much experience with babies. They seem--very little, really. Little and red.

But--it is amazing, is it not? So new, so little. Such a tiny little life, where nothing existed before.

New beginnings. Beginnings where before there were ends.

Thank you, Lady of Endings and Beginnings.

Written By Malesh

May 28, 2017, 11:46 p.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Things are starting to look up in the city. The stress of the warfare brought to our gates is wearing off and soon I shall be able to relax again.

Written By Dagon

May 28, 2017, 11:43 p.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Valencia

A transplanted Velenosa turned Redrain Princess turned widow turned gaming-house owner and roving socialite. We've had a few chance run-ins at her place of business and she strikes me as an interesting sort... though she is still *very* southern, whatever her fealty. Her and her countrywomen have a way about them, and there is never any hiding it. Not that they hide, so much as revel.

Written By Mae

May 28, 2017, 11:39 p.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

*Tacked up, in lieu of actual words, is a pencil sketch. It appears to be of a woman, her skin fair, her eyes fair, her hair fair, and she's looking off and away, distracted. The face fills almost the full page, and it is clear the artist has paid particular attention to capturing details, as lifelike as possible. Were the woman in question not obviously identified by the artist's signature - 'mae' appears in lower case letters in the bottom left corner of the page - there is a stray ribbon cascading down and between those blonde locks.*

Written By Ilvin

May 28, 2017, 11:38 p.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Ahh, sweet Limerance, what a week it's been. Has it really been so short a time since I returned to great Arx, after being trapped beyond its walls during the siege? So much has happened since then, and it feels like it could not possibly have been so little time. It's one of the great mysteries, truly, how when we have little to do, a day seems like a week, and yet when we are busy, a week goes by in the span of no time at all, and we find that there's just never enough time for all we would like to do. Still, now that I have a moment or two to myself, finally, I will put quill to parchment and try and make some sense of my thoughts.

First, and foremost: the Devotions have done a wonderful job caring for the spiritual and emotional well-being of our people here in Arx, even without me to guide them. I thank sweet Limerance's guidance as much as their own diligence in keeping to the tenets of our faith and always keeping their hearts open to all that need it. I am proud of them, of all of them, and what they've achieved. And I will strive to be worthy, in their eyes and in Limerance's, of serving as their Archlector for as long as I am able.

The other Archlectors have received me with kindness and joy, which is a sweet relief, for I had feared they would hold my absence during the siege against me. I had no reason to fear- they are loyal servants of the Pantheon, and they embody the best in all of us. I am honored to serve beside them- even the new ones that I had no idea would come to join us when I originally left Arx! Of all the surprises, they have been the best one.

The people of Arx have been equally kind- and they have humbled me in so many ways since my return, both in showing their own ways of spreading Limerance's loving light among their fellows, and in their trust and patience with me, and seeking me out to help soothe the pain and worry in their hearts. I have been awed by the love and fidelity shown in these scant few days by citizens of all kinds, from the humblest shopkeep and herbalist, to the fiercest Knights, and the most noble of lords and princes. Truly, Arx is blessed to have such people within its grand walls- and as long as such light lives in the hearts of its people, Arx will never fall to the Abyss.

Ahh, the Abyss. So much pain and loss it has brought, and so much heroism and compassion wrung out from broken hearts. In its darkness, never has a people's light shone so brightly... and I fear our battle against the dark is far, far from over. One threat defeated, but so many more lie in wait. Limerance, I pray to you, oh sweet and beloved lord, make me strong enough to be a light that guides the paths of our faithful to the place where they too can shine with the holy flame of your love. Let me be the warmth they need when the night is coldest, and let them spread that warmth to all their fellows, so that no darkness, no cold, can every touch them.

Ah, but I've blathered on long enough- and I hear one of the Devotions coming, with another request for my time, so I will draw this to a close. There is much to do.

Written By Fergus

May 28, 2017, 11:38 p.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Kima

This one is just full of surprises. She's good fun. Never mind being one hell of a teacher. Took me through some kind of fucking contraption that I'm pretty sure is either a torture device, or belongs in some Lycene's sex dungeon. Or both.

Whatever the fuck it is, sure works good. Gave me a good workout, and she's got a good head on her shoulders when it comes to understanding just it means to being Sword. The kind weight involved in the title.

I owe her a drink. And a couple of stories.

Written By Sparte

May 28, 2017, 11:38 p.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Two medals. I just didn't even know what to expect, but two was something else. I can honestly say I feel like I earned them as well, though that isn't very modest feeling to write. Yet receiving the medals was humbling. I couldn't help but think about those people I patrol past in the hall of heroes. People whose names earned a special recognition, who will be remembered forever. I'm not that. Though, there also isn't a Crownsworn section to the Hall of Heroes. Maybe I should think about that.

Written By Niccolo

May 28, 2017, 11:37 p.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Donella

Whenever I meet with Princess Donella I'm reminded of how sincere she is in her dealings, how gentle and direct she can me. It's refreshing, really, and quite different to dealing with most politicians in Arx or Lenosia even. Sometimes I miss the simplicity of leading Lenosia's troops against the shavs, but meetings with Donella can feel as simple as that, and are far more pleasant.

Written By Harlan

May 28, 2017, 11:37 p.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

How long has it been since I've been away from away from one home and the other? Entirely too long, by my estimation. Fortunately I've gained a spot in an expedition with the Explorers alongside my dear cousin, Killian. Hopefully it goes well enough that I can join others in the future without causing anyone too much distress.

Written By Armel

May 28, 2017, 11:34 p.m.(7/18/1006 AR)

Relationship Note on Mathias

Mathias Coaldust came to me a half-broken man, having lost his family and everything he held dear in this life. He angry, bitter, but filled with a desire to /do/ something about it.

He was driven to excel in everything he did, and astonished me often with his martial skill, his wit, and his simple, blunt wisdom about life. He had a dark past, but a bright future, and I was proud to call him my brother-in-arms. When he stated that he wanted more than a sellsword's life, I was overjoyed. Not because of any fault with the sellsword way (they serve their purpose, as do we all) but because he wanted to become Godsworn. He wanted to devote his life to a cause so much greater than all of us.

If he had chosen a different path? He might still be alive. Or he might not have been. The Knights are an Order a thousand years old, with a martial tradition and ideal second to /none/, and any man who questions that is free to speak it to my face. And Mathias Coaldust? Represented that ideal we strive for. That no matter your past, you can help decide your own future until the moment of your last breath, using those moments to shield the innocent, the healer, and the pilgrim.

I do not know how you died, Mathias, save that you died fighting. For us. For the Compact. For the Gods. I could not be more proud of you, and know that Death will carry you now to your just reward.

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