Unto the Combatants of the Thirty

[maxntropy]

Your example has inspired me since my brothers Manfred and Albrecht armoured and took the field for the first deed at Pennsic, and long have I hoped for the opportunity to join you on the field in pursuit of such unparalleled displays of Nobility, Prowess, and Chivalry -- though duty to Crown and Kingdom and the cruel irony of fate had e'er worked to dash such hopes.

Then finally, on the field of the Fortieth Pennsic War, did Sir Nigel do me the great honor of inviting me to join his gallant Gallic forces in honorable engagement against his worthy, though overly Anglic, opposition.

Expectations built over a number of years are usually destined for disappointment as the fantasy of imagination collides with harsh realities.

Yet for at least this one glorious example, such was not the case, and expectations were met and exceeded.

I could not have hoped for ought more than to once again fight alongside both my Brothers and with such great good friends as our own Sir Gaston de Clermont in such hard-fought yet Chivalrous engagement. In my twenty-eight years in harness, I can scarce remember a fight of such worth.

Would there were words to appropriately express my thanks for the involvement of you all in making such glorious moments possible -- both ally and opponent; or my deep sense of humility and unworthiness of the honor given through Gilebert's selection and gift.

Thank you for your Fellowship and inspiration, and I will strive to move Heaven and Earth for the opportunity to be considered one of your number yet again.

In gratitude and eternal friendship,

Max Von Halstern

[Gilebert]

Unto Max Von Halstern....

It was a great day to finally meet you! It was my misfortune that I was unable to participate in any battles this year at Pennsic. Let alone not being able to compete in the CotT.

It was a pleasure to see the finery arrayed on the field and the great combat that took place.

Now... you must relate in a bit more detail about the gift you were given. And I want to see pictures when it is completed!

Gilebert

[Glaukos the Athenian]

It was simply awesome... I was honored to participate.

[maxntropy]

Now... you must relate in a bit more detail about the gift you were given. And I want to see pictures when it is completed!

Though I'm certain you can explain more fully and properly, it is my understanding that you stood before the combatants assembled at the Thirty and expressed how though you were unable to participate in the deed this year, you still hoped to honor the nature of the deed by recognizing the combatant whom you felt best expressed the nature of the Thirty in comportment, word, and deed -- and would express that honor through the gift of a Vitus-made shield.

While I am of course grateful and extremely honored and immensely surprised, I am also quite certain that the heat might have affected your judgement, as I am absolutely certain there were a number in that Fellowship that were far more worthy than I.

Unfortunately, unless I can find someone willing to undertake the effort, it will likely be some time before I can get the shield painted and rigged (I'm considering getting it painted to honor or represent the Thirty in some way) -- especially since there was no way for me to take it back on the plane (so it headed back to NJ with my brother, Albrecht instead of down here to Trimaris).

I am truly humbled by the gesture, and can't imagine what you were thinking with the selection.

Gratefully,

Max Von Halstern

[Galvyn Lockhart]

Max -

It was truly a joy to work w/ you in the Thirty to gain a couple of captures together. Your selflessness & prowess on the field of honor is nothing short of inspiring.

Mayhaps we will get to do it again someday.

YIS,
Galvyn

[Aaron]

I knew you'd be a great Combat of the Thirty guy!

[maxntropy]

Max -

It was truly a joy to work w/ you in the Thirty to gain a couple of captures together. Your selflessness & prowess on the field of honor is nothing short of inspiring.

Mayhaps we will get to do it again someday.

YIS,
Galvyn

Galvyn:

I would consider the future diminished indeed were we not to able to again take the field in the brotherhood of arms against worthy foes -- and my Pennsic was vastly enriched by your noble company and and off the field.

I am, and always will be, honored to fight alongside you.

In friendship,

Max Von Halstern

[Kenwrec Wulfe]

As always, it is a battle without compare. It was a privalege to be on the field with all of you.

[maxntropy]

I knew you'd be a great Combat of the Thirty guy!

Thanks, Aaron. Took awhile, but I finally got there.

Max Von Halstern

[Aaron]

You have style and good sportsmanship in your soul Max. It was just a matter of time.