This is an accounting of the first formal deed of arms I was privileged to hazard. This was written January of 2013
On the last day of August, Anno Sociatas XXXIX do I, Lord Robert Downey, a man blessed more than his worth, sit with ink and quill, and write these words, having been hard pressed by my companions to do so. This is not in keeping with the ancient traditions of our fathers, for it seems unseemly to me to write of my own endeavors, but for the pleasure of my companions, for the renown of those most worthy Men at Armes who participated, and for the honor of my most Radiant Lady I am compelled to write down this deed. I beg forgiveness from you, most noble reader, for my audacity.
I am blessed with living in the lands of the Barony of Illiton, being held for our most excellent Dragon King by Baron Gareth Thorne, and Baroness Katherine Oakley. In the spring of this year, Our Most Dread and Glorious Soverign King Alaric commanded Their Excellencies to make ready the Barony’s forces for war. When these words did reach my ears I rejoiced heartily, for serving our King is a most glorious thing. I also contemplated the opportunity for deeds of armes between armies in the fashion our Ancient fathers wrote about. As I and my household readied for war, my heart seized upon starting an enterprise. For the Love and Honor of my beautiful Lady, for the pleasure of my Master, to display my newly registered armes for the first time upon the field, and to honor a Knight who had taught me much in the way of armes, I would put myself to the hazard, and attempt a Deed of Armes.
With grim resolution did I set forth to prepare for this deed. As is right and proper, I sought the services of a scribe to fashion letters for each of the Mighty Kings that would gather their forces to this dread conflict. My good friend, Lord Wilhelm Mihallik, whose silver pen can create miracles and delights for the eyes, offered his services to ennoble my quest. I heartily accepted his help, but I fear I vexed him, for he agreed to help before he had seen the cascade of words I wished to convey. He was sorely pressed in the task of creating eighteen letters fit for a King to read, but with grim determination, and love of beautiful things in his heart did he fashion these parchments. I shall now record here what these letters contained:
“Unto the Most Splendid and Dread Monarch of the mighty Kingdom of ____________ do I, Lord Robert Downey, a humble warrior of little status but much desire send humble greetings, May the Lord keep and bless thee, and may the light of Glory shine ever upon your Realm.
I beg forgiveness for my feeble and ungraceful words as I am but a simple warrior of the Dragon, being not Knight, nor Squire, but a humble student of Chivalry and of the sword. I tremble with the audacity of sending you this missive, but my heart, the love of my most excellent Lady, and the simple joy of Deeds of armes do push me to strive above my station.
In the lands of the Middle there lives a most Chivalrous and excellent Knight, possessing of pure heart and skillful sword arm. I much desire to be worthy of his tutelage, but fear my humble birth and skills are not deserving of such a Master. With great desire and much love of the joy of simple combat have I set myself upon a Quest. I will pit myself against a warrior from each kingdom present, and live with joyful pleasure in this deed of armes, or die a humble man who strove too high. If I satisfy my quest in honorable fashion, then I will know I have it in me to be the student of a Knight, and will be worthy of honoring my most radiant Lady.
To accomplish this, I most humbly beg a boon. Will you send a warrior of your Kingdom to strive with me in noble combat? It need not be a Knight or Squire, only a warrior of honor who can judge my efforts. I shall make myself available at their pleasure upon the pickup fields on the days of August 11th, 12th, and 13th 2-4 PM with my Lady beside a shield Ermine, a tower and on a chief embattled vert a fiddle fesswise reversed and a fiddle fesswise argent.
with heartfelt gratitude do I thank you for your time in consideration of this matter.
Ever humbly in service
Lord Robert Downey of Forfar
House Fallen Star, Barony of Illiton, Middle Kingdom
Protégé to Master Günther Von Stein”
Lord Wilhelm delivered these eighteen letters to me, and my Dearest Lady lovingly folded and sealed them in the ancient and proper fashion. She also prepared a boke for worthy participants to write their words and admonitions. (After this fete was done, I delivered this boke to the glorious Knight who has given me training. Alas, I did not record all the names from the boke before I gifted it to this knight, so My telling of this tale is missing a few names. This is a grievous error, as I would have the names of these fellows known, but alas, I cannot undo my mistake) After all other preparations were complete, We loaded our wagons, and followed our King to the fields of Pennsic.
When we had arrived and arrayed our camp in proper and war-like fashion, I sought and procured the services of a most Excellent Herald, as is proper for such deeds. Lord Samwell of Hartshorn Dale proved to be an exceptional herald, and did serve me nobly, adding honor to the name of his office. For a day did he and I travel the roads between noble camps to deliver letters to the High Kings of our earth. I tell you now that this day in itself was high adventure, and we were honored above our stations to speak with terrible and splendid sovereigns, and High officers of state. I trembled with the audacity of such a thing, but my Herald proved to be bold and worthy of his title. We were given much pleasure and honor by these most noble and powerful Lords and Ladies, so much so that we were saddened when the last of the letters was delivered. With sore feet, and fiery eyes, my Herald took his leave for the day, and I returned to my own camp, to prepare for the next day.
I did not sleep well that night, for I spent the sleepless hours in contemplation. In the late watches, the demons of doubt tormented me ceaselessly, for I feared I was striving above my station, or would fail in such a fashion as to bring dishonor to my Lady, and those I wished to honor. As the sun rose, however, I determined in my heart that even should I fail, and prove unworthy, I would strive with open heart and all my strength, and let these Noble warriors and my Lady measure the worth of my deeds.
My Master Gunter and I loaded the wagons with chairs and refreshment, and the beautiful shade pavilion of gold and yellow he had fashioned for this deed, and with my Lady and her splendid mother, we proceeded to the fields of Pennsic. We quickly put all in order, and My dearest Constance armed me in a most expert fashion. After warming up on the pickup fields with several noble warriors, I sat by my Lady, and waited. We passed an hour in pleasant conversation and bouts with warriors, when my Herald Samwell approached with his Royal Majesty Robert de Rath, mighty Soverign of the majestic Kingdom of Atlantia, and one of his Majesty’s doughty warriors. His Majesty spoke with eloquence and power, and delivered to me a young and skilled warrior. I had the joy and pleasure of introducing my Lady to these Fine gentlemen, and his Majesty took refreshment, and prepared to watch and judge this deed of armes between myself and this skillful warrior. We chose to contest with Sword and Shield, for five blows received, and, saluting our sovereigns and Ladies, we engaged each other with lusty vigor. With smiles on our faces, we strove for some minutes, my noble adversary being quite skilled, the eyes of my Lady and his Majesty ever upon our efforts. After receiving three excellent blows from my friend, God shined upon me, and I bested him with five blows. We removed our helms and reveled in the joy of combat. I sat this noble warrior beside my Lady so they could judge our efforts, and presented him with a gift of luxury to bestow upon his inspiration. I was then greatly blessed by His Majesty offering combat as well. I leapt to arm myself, and eagerly accepted. I was then blessed with joyfully receiving many blows from His Majesty, and striving happily in this contest. The King then deemed my efforts honorable, and He and His warrior wrote in my boke. Then, after refreshing themselves, they took their leave. I was greatly pleased and humbled by this encounter, and having realized his Majesty had left the gift of a well crafted dent in my breastplate, swore to never remove it in remembrance of this event.
The previous day, My Herald and I had the pleasure of speaking with His Royal Majesty Baldar Langstrider, King of Mighty Trimaris, and the most excellent Crown Prince Gaston de Vieuxchamps. These to Noble warriors were on their own quest during this war, and His Majesty proposed we fulfill our quests together by my participation in their Passage of Armes. I joyously accepted this proposal, and as this was the day to fulfill this, my Lady, my Master and I proceeded to where his Majesty’s Deed was being performed. I had the great pleasure of introducing my Lady to His Majesty, his Highness, and a most noble knight of Trimaris. I then armed myself, and entered the list with his Majesty. I strove with all my might, and took great pleasure in the skill with which this Mighty King of men struck ten blows upon my person, I then immediately launched into combat with his Highness the Crown Prince. Again with much skill did he best me with ten blows received. I then had the great honor of striving with a mighty knight of Trimaris. We both took much joy in this combat, and having been inspired by such worthy foes, I struck upon his person two blows before he completed his course of ten blows upon me. With joy he embraced me, and we spoke of noble deeds and chivalry for some time. These combatants judged my efforts honorable, and wrote in my boke, and I delivered my humble gift of luxury to these gentlemen. Many good words were spoken, and I shall remember them always.
After these events transpired, it was time to end for the day, so we packed the wagons, and removed ourselves to our encampment.
The next day was beautiful and windy, and with much excitement, we returned to the field. After having set up, I again warmed up with my fellow brothers of the sword, and waited.
Soon, a lone warrior with fiery eyes approached our pavilion. He had one of our letters in his hands, and was well armed. He introduced himself in a noble fashion, as a warrior of the Grand Kingdom of the Outlands, and leader of the Clan Tinker. With much joy did we receive him, and offer him refreshment. We then spoke for much time on honor, Chivalry, the paths of Knighthood, and many other things. My Lady Delighted in the wonderful gift he brought her, a pin of the Outlands stag fashioned expertly and designed by himself. He also gave her a beautiful rose. I was then able to give him my gift of luxury to his inspiration, and having enjoyed ourselves in this manner, we armed for the Deed at hand. We merrily engaged each other in combat to five blows recieved, and many minutes ensued. He proved to be a skilled and joyful adversary, and we both enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. We both exchanged several blows, some of them landing upon both our persons. Eventually, it had to end, and he landed the final blow with great skill upon my person. With much pleasure taken from this combat, we removed our helms, and refreshed ourselves. Again we spoke on noble subjects. I was thrilled to hear he would soon take the chain of Chivalry from his King, and we spoke on this for some time. Having written in my boke, this Noble warrior took his leave, and departed.
While my Lady and I sat, a noble man in splendid livery approached our pavilion. With princely stride did he approach us, and from his livery I recognized him as His royal Majesty of the Great Kingdom of Drachenwald, Cadogan map Cado. In Kingly fashion did he greet us, and I again had the pleasure of introducing my Lady too a powerful Sovereign. He spoke wonderful words of complement to our letters, and this deed, and pledged that he would not only fulfill my quest tomorrow with his person, but also bring a native son of his land to strive with me as well. He then told me that he had just an hour hence arrived on site, after traveling continuously for 24 hours, and after receiving my missive, could not take his rest until he had spoken to me. I was humbled and honored by this, and tried to express my gratitude with my crude words. He then took his leave for the day.
After these events transpired, it was time to end for the day, so we packed the wagons, and removed ourselves to our encampment.
The next day, my Beloved Lady, of whom there is no equal, adorned herself with her finest clothing, and jools, and with pride stationed herself under my golden pavilion to view the last day of this deed. As in the days before, we prepared ourselves, and I warmed up with my brothers in armes. Soon, however, a most noble entourage approached. It was without question that I knew a queen was approaching. I was approached by the Herald of Northshield who introduced me to her Majesty Queen Bridei. Queenly indeed was her bearing and the star shining upon her brow caused me to bow low to honor her. With wild joy did I introduce her to my Lady, and, when she took her rest, she delivered to me her chosen champion. A noble warrior of Northshield indeed was this man, and it was certain his eyes were filled with the inspiration of his Queen. We strove mightily in this deed, and reveled in the pleasure of it. When the last blow was struck, we embraced in a brotherly fashion, and he attended his queen. I joyfully gifted him with a thing of luxury and, after a short time; this most noble company took their leave.
As they were departing, another Queenly company was approaching. The proud Falcon, gold and purple marked them as from the Kingdom of Calontir, but the Radient and beautiful queen amongst them marked them as Splendid and noble folk. The herald of Calontir approached and, with much skill and gravity did ask me if I recognized the letter he held in his hand. It was indeed one of the letters crafted by Lord Wilhelm, and he introduced me to his Queen and the noble champion of this most radiant Monarch. I was honored above my station with her presence, and she delivered to me her champion to fulfill my quest. She and her company then took their leave, as they had pressing business of state. I introduced her champion to my Lady, and we conversed for some time on noble things. We then armed ourselves for combat. He proved to be a skilled and worthy adversary, and we strove for quite some time. After many minutes, we stood at four blows a piece. I saluted him and his Queen, and he saluted my Lady before we commenced. After a flurry of skilled exchanges, he laid a fine blow upon my helm, and we embraced in joy. He took his ease and refreshment, and I gave him a gift of luxury for his inspiration. We spoke of many things, but when he spoke of being the champion of a Queen, the fire in his eyes burned so brightly I knew the soul of this man, and without a doubt he was most worthy of this title. He wrote in my boke, and after speaking pleasantly, he took his leave. I felt blessed and honored by this exchange, and rejoiced in the pleasure my Lady took from this deed.
Soon after, the most kingly stride of His Majesty of Drachenwald approached with a noble warrior at his side. With much joy did I greet these two, and His Majesty introduced me to his warrior. This gentleman of Bavarian descent greeted me as a brother, and told unto me that this was to be his first fight not only at the Pennsic wars, but on a different continent from his birth. I rejoiced in this, and was humbled by the effort it took to deliver this warrior at this very moment to help in my quest. His majesty took his rest beside my Lady, and we prepared ourselves to exchange blows. We fought with vigor and joy, and it was easy to see the pleasure we both saw in this exchange. After some time, he skillfully bested me, and we embraced each other not as warriors from far flung kingdoms, but as brothers in armes. His Majesty Cadogan then blessed me further with combat himself. He was skilled, and Kingly, and I rejoiced in the nobility and strength he showed me. After I thankfully received blows upon my person, we took our rest, and spoke of many noble things. He spoke of his Kingdom, and its peoples, and I, a humble warrior of the dragon, was shown the great pride he held for his Kingdom. After many words, and after they wrote in my boke, these to chivalrous warriors took their leave, carrying with them my gift. With their departure, the time for my deed was at an end. We packed the wagons for the last time, and removed ourselves to our camp.
So ends this tale. After this transpired, the Great Kings did indeed go to war, and I strove with all my heart to serve my king in this conflict. I delivered my boke with the names of these warriors and what they wrote to the worthy knight who stoops to train such a low born man as myself. I did not tell his name in this missive, as I do not yet know if this deed pleased him, but I shall keep the memory of this enterprise in my heart forever, and shall remember and bless these noble fellows for the honor they showed me, the lessons they taught me, and the chivalry they exemplified. They honored this humble warrior above my station, and I shall ever strive to be worthy of this. Although many kingdoms did not send a warrior, I have been overwhelmed by the glorious response I did get, and sincerely pray the Honor of my Lady, My Master, the Knight who Teaches me, and my worthy opponents has been well served.
So begins my life in the Culture of Armes..
Lord Robert Downey of Forfar
House Fallenstar
Barony of Illiton
Middle Kingdom