Rudera Arrick

A dark of blood and singed plates. I issued a challenge, and one showed to battle me. He fought with his hands, enchanted gauntlets, an odd style. I fought valiantly with an axe and shield, with predictable forms and fighting styles. He tried to topple me, which lent him less accuracy as soon as I realised his tactic. It wasn't long before he resumed pummeling me with his fiery fists, though, and I was felled. I must learn from this one, look out for others like him. A question irks me. Is he the master of his refined discipline or simply a student of the true master who still bested me?

Yet he failed, himself, when he took to the Machine and tried to fight the animatrons with no plan in mind. His rejection of the principles of the Red Knight almost had him killed. I'll limp on.

I issued another challenge, and was once again felled to the might and discipline of a different variety.

This one used a sword and shield, though, and despite his plate armour, could strike as quickly and fiercly as if it were a speck of dust and not a steel shell that weighed him down.

The same happened with an elven lass I fought, except she had two blades. Her strikes were well placed, and she insisted on having the advantage of stealth for the first fight. I gave the advantage to her willingly. If I could learn to overcome it, I would be better for it.

Except I did not, and I did not best her even the second time when we fought face to face. Speed is my downfall, it seems, damn my leg to Baator.

I must strategise, find a way to turn my disadvantage into an advantage, their advantages into disadvantages.

Yet another defeat in the Arena. This time, a warrior with a sword of incredible proportions. It seems that even awkward and weighty power, too, is able to defeat those with dead legs and battle axes.

The Mistress's Melee should yield some more applicable tactics and strategies.