[Empire] The Fourth Tellurian Games - 482

[Snowfire]

The Fourth Tellurian Games
-Summer, 482-

All Guests note - any alliances or trades or betrothals can be merged into your action of attending the games, so long as you summarize all occurrences in your action post.





With the joined voices of Lady Sucheta and Lord Aethlwygg, Masters of Raaneka, may all the realms lend ear!

The first Lord and Lady of Raaneka ruled for fifteen years, and great contests of prowess were held at their coronation and their abdication. These games have repeated themselves every fifteen years for centuries, and were gifted to the world 45 years ago. Now, in the summer of 482, on the six longest days of the year, the Games shall be held yet again. The Raaneki are eager to receive you in peace, and our athletes eager to compete. Come one and all, to partake of our hospitality and our fabled wine.

The Fourth Tellurian Games begin in the capitol, Bandar of Many Colors. They will conclude in the city of Sarab.


Signed,

Sucheta and Aethlwygg
Lady and Lord of Raaneka
Success in Joy!

All rulers in attendance are invited to stay in in the homes of wealthy Raaneki, or their Embassies in the nearby Eastern Floor if they would prefer the comforts and privacy of home.

Demonstration events from any realm are welcome. They serve as an opportunity for a culture to show off their most prized feats in a noncompetitive atmosphere.



Locations
Bandar Harbor:
Like a crashing wave, great blocks of blue and white stone formed the stadium of Bandar Harbor. Bleachers of pale green stone provided seating for 30,000, including luxurious box seating for foreign regents and the Lady and Lord of Raaneka. The harbor itself was large enough for two forces of three ships each. Though built for the Games, it was home to Bandar’s sea trade at all other times.

Mounted Racecourse:
Filling the second, third, and fourth days of the Games, athletes mounted a trusted steed to race almost two hundred miles from the gates of Bandar of Many Colors to the gates of Sarab. There were three legs to the journey: the treacherous Painted Coast, the sublime Lower Berrylands, and the final climb to Sarab.

Raaneka Stadium:
The field of grass was long enough to hold the ranged tournament, and wide enough for the mass melee. A long track of raised earth encircled the field for the foot race. A platform of and stone was raised in the center for the field for dueling, wrestling, and demonstrations of worthy skills. Victors were crowned in glory upon it.

The stadium was raised in purple sandstone on the field’s southern edge. Audiences looked out from under shaded awnings, as the Upper Berrylands and the Mountains of Dis beyond framed the field of play in majesty. Golden-yellow sandstone benches provided seating for 30,000 spectators, again with luxurious box seating for foreign regents and the Lady and Lord of Raaneka.

The Victors’ Plaza was erected outside the stadium in pure white stone. It was ringed by the statues of crowned victors and many warm taverns. A huge statue of a Berunda, wrought of gold and gems, topped a fountain at its center. Here many streamers were hung and many kites unfurled, and all manner of revelry and celebration found in its welcoming arms.


Schedule
Day 1
Revelry in the streets of Bandar of Many Colors

Day 2
Mock Naval Battle in Bandar Harbor
Diving Contest in Bandar Harbor, following the Mock Battles
Mounted Race begins at the gates of Bandar

Day 3
Archery Tournament at Raaneka Stadium
Duel Tournament at Raaneka Stadium
Mass Melee at Raaneka Stadium
Mounted Race through the Lower Berrylands
Demonstration Events

Day 4
Caragita at Raaneka Stadium (foot race, long jump, javelin throw, wrestling)
Mounted Race ends at the gates of Sarab
Aerial Display at Raaneka Stadium

Day 5
Art Contest at Raaneka Stadium Plaza
Vocal Arts Contest at Ranneka Stadium Plaza

Day 6
Revelry in the streets of Sarab

Event Descriptions


Aerial Display: A contest of both skill and ingenuity, this display consists of multiple riders flying in formation with generally intricate choreography to dazzle the crowds below. Special recognition is given to the team that displays the greatest precision in flight and the greatest sense of artistry.

Arts Contest: Any craft or display of art may be submitted. Prize awarded for finest skill and overall beauty.

Caragita: A contest in four parts: foot race, long jump, javelin throw, and wrestling. Prizes awarded for individual events. Prize for best overall is the highest honor of the Games.

Diving Contest: Taking place after the Mock Naval Battle, the diving contest is a new event created by the Raaneki in response to their newest Lady. A test of wits as well as will, it is not a challenge undertaken lightly - although the discovery of the Mhaki Jana has made it rather safer.

Duel Tournament: Any blunted weapons may be used. Prize awarded to the character with the best win/lose/draw record. Please organize your own 1v1 matches.

Demonstration Events: Noncompetitive display of any cultural artifact (e.g. weapons styles, poetry, etc.).

Mass Melee: Party-based combat against all realms from other parties. Prize awarded to the last party standing.

Mock Naval Battle: Two forces of three ships face off in Bandar Harbor. Prize awarded to the character with the best win/lose/draw record. Please organize your own 1v1 matches.

Mounted Race: A race in three parts from Bandar to Sarab. Any landborne mount may be used. Prize awarded to the first to enter the gates of the city.

Ranged Tournament: Any ranged weapons may be used. Prize awarded to the character with the best win/lose/draw record. Please organize your own 1v1 matches.

Vocal Arts: Poetry and song are a thriving part of Raaneki culture, and bringing it into the games is done carefully, but brought all the same so that the many cultures of Telluris may share a part of their arts in a manner beyond the visual.

Walk of the Ancestors: The Raaneki hold great stock by their ancestors, and whilst they do not impose that belief, they do like to share it if ears are willing. The Walk of the Ancestors is a rite that few Raaneki take, but exists as a means of guidance for those who lose their way. Utilising Osuro Mirc under controlled conditions in the Ancestral Shrines, it allows those strong-minded enough to walk the lines of their ancestors in search of guidance.

Whilst in no way a contest, the existence of a such a rite very well may attract attention from many who attend the Games.


Event Mechanics


Event
Roll 1d12+...
# of Rolls
Victory Condition


Aerial Display
1/3 Military on the first roll and 1/3 Curiosity on the second
2
Highest individual and highest cumulative results


Arts Contest
1/3 Curiosity
1
Highest Result


Caragita
1/3 Military
4 (Foot Race, Long Jump, Javelin Throw, Wrestling)
Highest individual and highest cumulative results


Demonstration Events
None
None
None


Diving Contest
1/3 Curiosity on the first roll, 1/3 Faith on the second
2
Highest cumulative result.


Duel Tournament
1/3 Military
3 (Rounds 1, 2, and 3)
Best 2/3


Mass Melee
1/2 Military
3 (War Cry, Mock Battle, Revelry)
Best 2/3


Mounted Race
1/3 Military
3 (three stage race)
Highest Cumulative Result


Naval Battle
1/2 Military
3 (Maneuvering, Mock Battle, Revelry)
Best 2/3


Ranged Tournament
1/3 Military
3 (Rounds 1, 2, and 3)
Best 2/3


Vocal Arts
1/3 Diplomacy + a piece of poetry or song, suited to your nation.
1
Highest Result


Walk of Ancestors
1/2 Faith
1
Highest Result


All stats are rounded up.

Bonuses
Aerial Display: +2 if you have Athletes are a resource
Caragita: +2 if you have Athletes as a resource
Duel: +2 if you use a Scrolls of Prowess style in your duel
Diving Contest: +2 to either phase if you can raise Aquatic Units.
Mass Melee: +2 to any 1 phase: war cry, mock battle, revelry
Mounted Race: +2 to any 1 phase if you have horses as a resource
Naval Battle: +2 to any one sortie if you have Ships or Aeromancers as a resource, or if you can raise Aquatic Units.
Walk of the Ancestors: +1 for Radurjic adherents

National Focus
Pick any three events where 1/3 is used. For those events, you may roll using 1/2 of the appropriate score.

Extra Consequences
The Diving Contest, even with access to amphibious races and the Mhaki Jana, is not the safest of events. If the natural roll for this event is a one or two, the contestants of that team push themselves too far and run out of air during the contest. All teams are, given free access to Mhaki Jana as part of the event, and if so this risk does not apply. However, if risk is in the spirit and soul of your people, you many choose to refuse the use of this resource. Raaneki divers with Mhaki Jana will attempt to save any who run out of air, but if they succeed is up to the player.

The Walk of the Ancestors - no part of the Games officially - is also not without danger, as those without the strength to hold themselves together in the spirit world can lose themselves inside it. On a result of a natural 1, the participant in the Spiritwalk loses their way on the walk to their ancestors. If this occurs, that character is removed from play until the next round opener.

Instructions
For the duel tournament, challenge as many people as you would like and resolve each 3-round bout individually. Victory goes to the contestant with the greatest win/lose/draw ratio.

For all other events, roll the indicated number of times. Everyone competes in a single contest, as opposed to the challenge method above.

Feel free to ask about any rules clarifications (or suggest changes! This is a perpetual work in progress).

Embrace the Anachronism
Feel free to make all of your rolls for the events as soon as you’d like. In the interest of letting people RP whatever they’d like, I think it’s a good idea to free ourselves from linear time. Your first post could be about something at the end of the Games or vice versa. Go nuts!




Standings


Realm
Aerial Display
Arts
Caragita
Duel (W/L/D)
Diving Contest
Mass Melee
Mounted Race
Naval Battle
Ranged Tournament (W/L/D)
Vocal Arts
Walk of the Ancestors
















Leader
















Awards
In addition to whatever awards are given by their nations, victorious contestants will receive a crown made of berry vines, one years' store of Raaneki wine, and a life-size statue of their likeness in the Victors’ Plaza.

Past Games
The First Worldwide Raaneki Games (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?330727-Empire!-The-Raaneki-Games-of-347&p=16975881#post16975881), Summer 347
The Second Raaneki Games (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?334602-Empire-The-Second-Raaneki-Games-year-362), Summer 362
The Third Raaneki Games (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?339070-Empire-The-Third-Raaneki-Games-year-377), Summer 377
The Fourth Raaneki Games (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?344990-Empire-The-Fourth-Raaneki-Games-year-392), Winter 392
The Fifth Raaneki Games (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?351797-Empire-The-Fifth-Raaneki-Games-year-407&p=17525799#post17525799), Summer 407
The Sixth Raaneki Games (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?358331-Empire-The-Sixth-Raaneki-Games-year-422), Summer 422
The First Tellurian Games (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?366320-Empire-The-First-Tellurian-Games-Year-437), Summer 437
The Second Tellurian Games (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?373382-Empire!-The-Second-Tellurian-Games-452 ), Summer 452
The Third Tellurian Games (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?381751-EMPIRE!-Third-Tellurian-Games-Summer-467), Summer 467

Roll of Champions
These proud and doughty champions have earned victory and glory in the games of the past. Their likenesses surround the plaza outside the stadium in Sarab in Raaneka.

Caragita:
Princess Anguri Adite, Raaneka, 2nd Raaneki Games
Cascade "Casca" Pitch, AQUA, 3rd Raaneki Games
[S]Tupelo "Freak" Cornus, AQUA, 4th Raaneki Games
Prince Li Tailong, Salterri Imperium, 5th Raaneki Games
Princess Ambryn Jarrow, Jarrland, 6th Raaneki Games
Tecoumsay, AQUA, 1st Tellurian Games
General Caris of Psilberg, Glazfell & Prince Li Gun Huang Jarrow, Salterri Imperium, 2nd Tellurian Games
Guilderene Expanse, 3rd Tellurian Games


Aerial Race:
Triumvirate, 6th Raaneki Games
Kingdom of the Carmine Sea, 2nd Tellurian Games
Guilderene Expanse, 3rd Tellurian Games

Arts Contest:
Papa Raana, Raaneka , 2nd Raaneki Games
Anonymous, Lyradis, 3rd Raaneki Games
Tarn and Firth Grant-Tremblor, AQUA, 4th Raaneki Games
Paryna Earthguard, Hurosha Empire, 5th Raaneki Games
Palas Caercia, 6th Raaneki Games
Hurosha Empire, 2nd Tellurian Games
Faedas Freehold/Hurosha Empire, 3rd Tellurian Games

Duel Tournament:
Trumbo Bashskull, Grmanhil, 2nd Raaneki Games
Grïend of Gwrîstîn, Hurosha Empire, 3rd Raaneki Games
Grïend of Gwrîstîn, Hurosha Empire, 4th Raaneki Games
Tie: Dame Dusari Adite, Raaneka; Prince Xiu Tailong, Salterri Imperium, 5th Raaneki Games
Tie: Hawkeye Grumby, AQUA; Princess Ambryn Jarrow, Jarrland, 6th Raaneki Games
Prince Eldred Jarrow, Kingdom of the Carmine Sea, 2nd Tellurian Games

Footrace
Hurosha Empire, 3rd Tellurian Games

Mass Melee:
Raaneka, 2nd Raaneki Games
Sympolemou, 3rd Raaneki Games
Raaneka, 4th Raaneki Games
Hurosha Empire, 5th Raaneki Games
Crown of Jarrow, 6th Raaneki Games
Hurosha, 2nd Tellurian Games
Hurosha, 3rd Tellurian Games

Mounted Race:
Prince Tikta Satato, Raaneka, 2nd Raaneki Games
Princess Uristine, Razdis, 3rd Raaneki Games
Sir Bapa Adite, Raaneka, 4th Raaneki Games
Tie: Helga Grimhammer, Hurosha Empire; Prince Xiu Tailong, Salterri Imperium, 5th Raaneki Games
Prince Atheldynn Jarrow, Jarrland, 6th Raaneki Games
Emperor Wayve Earthguard, Hurosha Empire, 2nd Tellurian Games
Faedas Freehold/Sovereign Principality of Niskovia, 3rd Tellurian Games

Naval Race:
Kingdom of the Carmine Sea, 2nd Tellurian Games
Hurosha, 3rd Tellurian Games

Past Events:

Mock Naval Battle:
Raaneka, 2nd Raaneki Games
Lyradis, 3rd Raaneki Games
Raaneka, 4th Raaneki Games
Hurosha Empire, 5th Raaneki Games
Raaneka, 2nd Tellurian Games
Ranged Tournament:
Prince Tikta Satato, Raaneka, 2nd Raaneki Games
Prince Avam Devdano, Raaneka, 3rd Raaneki Games
Alara Sacco, Raaneka, 4th Raaneki Games
Jielf Tournament:
Tie: Grïend of Gwîstîn, Hurosha Empire; Prince Xiu Tailong, Salterri Imperium, 5th Raaneki Games
Walk of the Molten Sea
Faedas Freehold, 3rd Tellurian Games

[Aedilred]

Day 1

The return of the Games to Raaneka for the first time in sixty years prompted a number of athletes to make the journey to compete in the original home of the Games, against those who took them most seriously. As was increasingly customary, the king was not present, though colours denoting the presence of a handful of other senior members of the royal family were flown from the ships as they approached harbour.

Heading the delegation was Prince Alfmyr, the king's brother, forgoing his familiar high collar and gloves and wearing a shirt open to the neck to display his tattoos and the accompanying golden dye. The golden dye was accentuated by the warm glow that emanated from his exposed skin and in places even showed through his clothes. Behind him, his son Elwyn, still young but finally of age and showing little sign of the childhood affliction which nearly killed him in infancy. Also with them were Malyn, brother of the king of Raaneka, and a handful of minor relatives of the royal family together with the usual host of hangers-on.

Day 2

Aside from one racing victory in home waters, the Jarrland/Carmine team had never won a naval event, a sore point for a people so proud of their sailing aptitude, and both the Lord Admiral and the leading navy commodore, the Earl of Horbeach and Vu Florian, had accompanied the group to ensure maximum effectiveness. The Carmine spectators were therefore horrified to see that standards of seamanship had apparently dropped markedly since the days of King Athelmere and Admiral Jogay, with the sailors putting in a thoroughly mediocre effort at manoeuvring and an appalling performance in the battle itself. Malyn was left hoping his great-aunt the dowager Empress wasn't here to see what had become of her proud fleet, while among the rest of the spectators shock turned to horror and ultimately to anger as the full depth of their humiliation became apparent. Nobody knew quite how the rumour got started, but by the end of the day it was official: the Raaneki had got the Carmine crews drunk in advance to prevent them mounting a challenge to the Qarimosi ships who considered the event theirs by prescriptive right.

The mood worsened when news arrived later that evening that the competitor in the mounted race had also performed disastrously on the first leg, with more suggestions that the racer had been nobbled, and not even a relatively strong performance in the diving contest improved it much. Strong showings in the remaining events would be expected, otherwise there was a chance things might turn riotous.


Not planning on actioning attendance this round. Alfmark, Malyn or Elwyn will fight in the arena if anyone wants to duel.

Prince Alfmyr, the king's brother (52, widowed)
Prince Elwyn, his son (18, tentatively betrothed)
Prince Alfmark, the king's son (17, betrothed)
Prince Malyn, son of the atheling, brother of King Athelwygg of Raaneka (29, unmarried)
Prince Aldin, the atheling's youngest son, brother of King Athelwygg of Raaneka (19, unmarried)
Villem, 4th Earl of Horbeach, distant cousin of the atheling, Lord Admiral (31, unmarried)
Vu Florian Morris, naval commander (27, unmarried)
Delarra, Ireiarchon Teinanaxe (24)
Radber, heir to the duchy of Sunder (24, unmarried)
The Earl of Suxia
Lord Yang

Assorted other minor nobles, retainers, etc.


All rolls here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=18545044&postcount=4)
Aerial Display (Deralla): 12, 7
Arts Contest (goblin): 9
Caragita (Elwyn): 15, 14, 15, 13
Diving Contest: 9, 12
Mass Melee (Radber commanding): 14, 16, 13
Mounted Race (Aldin): 6, 5, 11
Naval Battle: 7, 8, 16
Ranged Tournament (Radber): 10, 10, 16
Vocal Arts (Malyn): 15
Walk of Ancestors (Alfmyr): 6

[Reggiejam]

Though geographically Faedas and Raaneka were not distant fellow they could not share a more dissonant outlook upon the world. Where Raaneka saw brotherhood and peace among the world Faedas saw a world filled with those who would take what the desired and burn any who tried to stop them. Perhaps one was right and the other wrong, perhaps both had their place in the world, but for Faedas arriving in Raaneka was as thesis to antithesis. This even without the shadowy and unknowable Queen of Faedas who remained behind in the capital to carry out plans she shared with only a select few, of whom only a scattered few were present here at the Games. Pendraga Tayanya, sister to the Countess Katava Tayanya and uncle to the dragon blooded Meztli, was one of these confidants and he was present alongside his wife the heir to the County of Alabasa, Hapada.

Accompanying the trusted Tayanya man was a myriad of other Faedas nobles whom were decidedly less well liked by the Queen. Daughters and sons of Marquises and Countesses from across the Freehold and a few Singers from Galie-Noiret and a very small delegation of Yorukunin and Tekorvanin led by the Prince Katsu himself. A new mark to the Faedas scene that drew attention however was a delegation of Keldagrim Dwarves and Bucka servants headed by Prince Artur Grimhammer. The Keldagrim Prince was young, for a Dwarf, and those with their ear to the ground would know he was not the son of Hurosha's Ambassador Helga Grimhammer but her nephew and one who held to the older Keldagrim views on relations between Dwarven and Bucka kind.

Despite his lack of seniority to the Prince Katsu his novelty allowed Prince Artur to ride at the head of the delegation upon one of the smaller Requiem horses the elite of the delegation rode upon. Slightly behind him was the Yorukuni Prince and bringing up the flanks were the nobles of the courts. They arrived in Raaneka early in the evening of the first day and dispersed throughout the streets of Bandar, the principle peoples staying with each other but separating from the rest of the Freehold.

The following days would determine if the Mother was watching over Faedas for these Games and what Her plans were at this particular meeting of the nations.

Rolls (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=18546054&postcount=6)

[DurkBlanston]

The majority of the Caercian delegation came riding from the South on a horde of Horses. Approximately 100 in total, many attendants and lower ranked nobles, Barons and their heirs those who only held the title 'Lord, as well as small retinues of professional soldiers serving groups of these nobles namely the Minotines who had won the preliminary melees in Caercia and earned position to represent the Consortium in the mass melee. At the head of the procession rode Markus Caercia, the Caercia who was never Lord Protector or King but instead became a religious man, devoting himself to the Wyrm Below and becoming head of the faith as it organized in return for his support in the restructuring that culminated at the ill-fated Coronation.

Riding to his right was the Lord Lieutenant Vitus Caercia and the Lord’s wife Martina of the Jeweled Cities. Heirs to various Protectorates rode behind them hoping to prove themselves honorable and worthy warriors and capable diplomats and heads of governance both. However the entire Caercian delegation was not riding upon horses, a detachment of Sterk ships had sailed long-ways north and through the Grand Canal to participate in the naval activities of these Games. They had been led by the young but proficient Achille Caercia who despite his youth had expressed no small amount of aptitude for martial skill, notably upon the ocean, though his lack of experience would face testing at these Games. It was rumored among the Consortium that these Games would be an unofficial trial for Vitus to begin the process of selecting a worthy young man to take on as his apprentice and squire to eventually take on the title of Lord Lieutenant themselves when Vitus became Lord Protector.

The Golden Guru Markus, despite heading the procession, was noticeably quiet and lacking in the ornamentation the royal family of Caercia were often accompanied in. He was dressed in the simple and loose fitting clothing of the Wyrmar in plain colors of sand and pale purple. Of course, the patriarchal appearance did little to diminish the fine clothes of his fellow family and the lords of his son the King. Most were dressed in elaborate linen tunics with their familial sigils and heralds embroidered upon them. It was a cascade of colors both complimentary and clashing that came riding in upon the bellowing horses and the descended upon the city of Bandar like a swarm.

Markus rode apart, remembering the tales of his father, seeking out the Lord and Lady of Raaneka to pay his respects and meet with the woman his son found so captivating, positively and negatively, and to speak with her on matters of state and faith.

When Achille arrived at the head of the Sterk Fleet he did so joyously and disembarked with much joy and revelry through the streets of Raaneka. He nearly challenged every foreigner with a sword that he met to a duel and by the end of the first night had assembled quite a roster of opponents including Orion Airguard, a Huroshan combatant purportedly of much repute.

Attendants

Golden Guru Markus Caercia (63, Un-married, Head of the Wyrm Below Faith)
Lord Lieutenant Vitus Caercia (32, Married, Heir to the Lord Protector) and his wife Lady Martina Grant-Tremblor Fitzrion (35, Married)

Lucius Abn Tnyn (27, Married, Heir to the Protectorate of Wyrmar)
Zuei Antony Julius (22, Married, Heir to the Protectorate of Minotron) and his wife Domitia Visellius (20, Married)
Cornelius Caercia (17, Married, Heir to the Protectorate of Sterkelv)

Achille Caercia (16, Single, Heir to the Protectorate of Bjurnja)
Magnus Caercia (14, Single)
Fredrick Gilbartsan (22, Single, Heir to the County of Exbur)
Eduard Gilbartsan (16, Single)

Rolls (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?388673-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread-The-2nd&p=18544966#post18544966) & Here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?388673-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread-The-2nd&p=18545001#post18545001) & Here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=18549088&postcount=14)
Looks like the Golden Guru got caught up in the Spirit World

[Aedilred]

Day 1

While most of the party made their way to the embassy, or whatever other lodgings had been arranged, Malyn and his manservant retrieved a sheaf of paperwork from among the baggage, and made their way straight towards their hosts.

"Please inform the king and queen," he told the steward, "that I have been asked to speak with them regarding the appropriation of the Douar Fu treasures."

Day 3

Jarrland was proud of its archery, and none moreso than the men of Clan Sunder. Crossbows had become common in Vennland, but the men of Sunder and Isling stuck to their traditional longbows, trusting in the strength of their arms and the sharpness of their eyes to see them through. Archery elsewhere might have been considered a commoners' pastime, but even the head of that clan, the first lord of Jarrland, was expected to be a capable shot. So it was that Radber, his son, and grandson of the famous Marrik, took to the field to represent the kingdom in the archery contest.

His first shot was unexceptional, the lord looking in annoyance at his bow: it had pulled off target and impacted well left of the centre mark. The second was no better. A chorus of boos began to ring around the Jarrland section of the stands; it seemed this was yet another event in which the kingdom had been made to look poor. After the second shot, a brawl broke out when one clansman commented that an Isling goat could shoot better than that, and was immediately set upon by a gang of enraged Sundermen. One Horwik man, a sailor annoyed about the naval battle the previous day (and possibly still drunk) opined that the wind was bad for shooting, and this quickly caught on among his fellows: yet another event rigged, this time through timing, to humiliate the Carmine entrant.

Radber retired to adjust his bow, during which time Magnus scored a bullseye, much to the outrage of the spectators (someone was heard shouting that the wind had dropped). Some even started hurling drinks flasks in the direction of the field, which eventually prompted Radber to walk over and implore his people to settle down. Suitably admonished, they returned to a state of mere grumbling rather than outright mutiny, and he returned to his mark to shoot his final arrow. His shot made an unusually wooden sound on impact, and violence nearly erupted as the initial assumption was that he had missed entirely and hit the frame, but then those closer to the action started to cheer wildly when they saw what had actually happened - he had split the Menhirin's arrow with his own! Some pride was duly salvaged, although the overall score was hardly a marker to intimidate some of the stronger archers.

[Kitsanth]

Grand Prince Jehan de Sebastian of House Nisakovich, 30
Princess Tansyn of Jarrland, 26
Kazimir Nisakovich, 40
Rolan Nisakovich, 39
Leonti Nisakovich, 32
Leif Nisakovich, 25

Competitors:
Teodor Nisakovich, 63
Iona Nisakovich, 59
Adinzaesril Shirath, 54
Nera Nisakovich, 24

and others
rolls here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?388673-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread-The-2nd&p=18558863#post18558863)

Aerial Display: Iona Nisakovich leading the team
roll 1: 14
roll 2: 6
total: 20

Arts Contest: (particulars to be decided later)
8

Caragita: Teodor Nisakovich competing

foot race: 6
long jump: 14
javelin throw: 10
wrestling: 10
total: 40

Mounted Race: Adinzaesril Shirath competing on a sabretooth tiger
roll 1: 3
roll 2: 13
roll 3: 4
total: 20

Ranged Tournament: Nera Nisakovich competing with a recurve bow
roll 1: 10
roll 2: 8
roll 3: 7

Vocal Arts: (particulars to be decided later)
10

[WaylanderX]

Day 1

As with the Grand Ball some years before, the Huroshans arrived with little splendor. A group of 30 warriors, divided into the multitude of races that called the Hurosha Empire their home. Menhîrîn, some up to 4,5 meters high or long and clad in heavy shintouite and adamantine plating, marched alongside Ore-elven archers, lightly clad and quick on their feed, Bucka combat engineers, clad in mail and their toolbelts heavy with strange weaponry and contraptions. Even a dwarf could be seen walked amongst them, heavily armored and armed with a huge hammer. Kasumori weaponmasters walked freely between them, armed with the weapons and armor of their respective styles. All were marching in perfect harmony, the Menhîrîn slightly shaking the very earth they walked upon. Leading them, Orion Airguard, Arche of the Eastern Sky, marched on with stern discipline. Finally, behind them, flew Empress Ryena Fireguard herself, accompanied by her husband Joytis Ambere of Raaneka and the Ambassadors of Hurosha. Noticably, Helga Grimhammer was absent, being replaced by Alisander Cardion, Ambassador of Pryonia (OOC: if Chief accept the treaty this round, ffs :P). Alisander was clad in fiery red robes, a sign of his faith in the One who Guard Fire.

Bringing up the rear were nobleman and women from the entirety of the Empire, from ore-elven maidens to Bucka scholars. Behind them, pulled by two huge Kasumori Rhinocerous beetles, rode a giant cart, upon which a large quartz tank rested. In the tank and sitting on the edge of it, five Maighdeann were curiously looking at the crowd around them. They were here to have a glimpse of the world above the waves and to participate in the Vocal arts matches. However, because of their inability to sing or talk properly above water, an even bigger tank was brought as an arena in which the Maighdeann could perform. When the Huroshans got to their spot, they started building a massive tank made of interlocking slabs of quarts specifically made for this purpose, which the Huroshans filled with seawater afterwards, creating a decent sided underwater amphitheater.

The Marius' Pride could be seen floating about 5 miles from the city, an giant shadow lurking high above the earth. It was guarded by a whole unit of Mushi-Heishi, with mantid riders patrolling the perimeter.


Day 2

This day couldn't get any worse than this, Orion thought. Having lost two times in a row, it was just not his day. Still grumbling, he spotted a potential next opponent, as he stepped towards the Faedas fighters.

"Warriors of Faedas! I challenge one of you to a honorable duel! Will any of you accept my challege?"

OOC: Roll result is listed under III.

Empress Ryena Fireguard (440, female Cloudiz), married to Joytis Ambere (439, male human)
Arch of the Eastern Sky, Orion Airguard (400, Cloudiz Blooded (2 features), unmarried)

Magnus, Ambassador of Gwrîstin and Headmaster of the Academy (3053 Before 0, Menhîrin, unmarried)
Alisander Cardion, Ambassador of Pryonia (450, male human, unmarried)
Yorin, Ambassador of Shikurai (450, female ore-elf, unmarried)
Eljak Jak-son, Ambassador of Zargrim (460, male Bucka, unmarried)
Aingeal, Ambassador of Cuan (463, female Maighdeann, unmarried)

Assortment of Huroshan Nobles.

Other important characters are aboard the Marius' Pride, but will not be revealed until necesairy.

Tellurian Games rolls

(Relevant attributes are Dip8 Mil7, Cur7, Faith 3)

Specialist events: Aerial Display, Duel Tournament and Mounted Race

Aerial Display (National Focus)
(1d12+3)[14]
(1d12+3)[7]

Arts Contest
(1d12+2)[10]

Caragita
Foot Race (1d12+2)[5]
Long Jump (1d12+2)[10]
Javelin Throw (1d12+2)[13]
Wrestling (1d12+2)[3]

Diving Contest
(1d12+2)[8]
(1d12+3)[6] (+1 faith, +2 because Cuan)

Mass Melee (Team consists of Magnas, Peddis and.....Grïend!)
War Cry - (1d12+3)[4]
Mock Battle - (1d12+5)[14] (+2)
Revelry (1d12+3)[6]

Mounted Race (National Focus)
(1d12+3)[6]
(1d12+3)[10]
(1d12+3)[8]

Naval Battle
Manoeuvring - (1d12+5)[7] (+2 because Aeromancers)
Mock Battle - (1d12+3)[4]
Revelry - (1d12+3)[9]

Ranged Tournament (-1 penalty because Magnus is the one participating)
(1d12+1)[2]
(1d12+1)[13]
(1d12+1)[10]

Vocal Arts
(1d12+3)[15]

Walk of Ancestors (This is done by Yron Fireguard, a nephew of Ryena, young stupid fool)
(1d12+1)[2]

Duel Tournament (First 3 fights, Combatant is Orion Airguard)

I
(1d12+6)[17]
(1d12+6)[11]
(1d12+6)[8]

II
(1d12+6)[7]
(1d12+6)[12]
(1d12+6)[7]

III
(1d12+6)[16]
(1d12+6)[16]
(1d12+6)[18]
[/rolls]

[Reggiejam]

Day 2

This day couldn't get any worse than this, Orion thought. Having lost two times in a row, it was just not his day. Still grumbling, he spotted a potential next opponent, as he stepped towards the Faedas fighters.

"Warriors of Faedas! I challenge one of you to a honorable duel! Will any of you accept my challege?"

OOC: Roll result is listed under III.

III
(1d12+6)[16]
(1d12+6)[16]
(1d12+6)[18]


The collection of Keldagrim Dwarves and Eyrecradian Elves laughed a cruel laugh hidden as merriment as the Arche approached them.

"Aye, we've got one worth your like!" one of the Dwarves, very drunkenly shouted back, "Podal! Podal!" The Dwarf shouted looking around until his eyes fell on a diminutive Bucka who stepped forward.

"Poda! Test your prowess little gobo! Hahaha!" the Dwarf laughed and slapped a short sword into the Bucka's chest knocking the wind from him and pushing him towards the Huroshan.

"Go on! All creatures is equal ain't they Poda! And don't you back out Huroshan! Way you been performing your prowess looks to be about equal to our little Poda's so you's have to prove us wrong fore any real warrior looks to face you!"

The meek Bucka looked at the Huroshan and prepared to duel.

Duel (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=18561853&postcount=23)
(1d12+2)[6]
(1d12+2)[11]
(1d12+2)[3]

[WaylanderX]

The collection of Keldagrim Dwarves and Eyrecradian Elves laughed a cruel laugh hidden as merriment as the Arche approached them.

"Aye, we've got one worth your like!" one of the Dwarves, very drunkenly shouted back, "Podal! Podal!" The Dwarf shouted looking around until his eyes fell on a diminutive Bucka who stepped forward.

"Poda! Test your prowess little gobo! Hahaha!" the Dwarf laughed and slapped a short sword into the Bucka's chest knocking the wind from him and pushing him towards the Huroshan.

"Go on! All creatures is equal ain't they Poda! And don't you back out Huroshan! Way you been performing your prowess looks to be about equal to our little Poda's so you's have to prove us wrong fore any real warrior looks to face you!"

The meek Bucka looked at the Huroshan and prepared to duel.

Duel (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=18561853&postcount=23)
(1d12+2)[6]
(1d12+2)[11]
(1d12+2)[3]

The rage in Orion's eyes was clearly visible. Not only they insulted him, but they dared to put a Bucka this small against him? What was that Faedas runt thinking? Trampling all over her anchestors legacy. He'll show the...

"Hhmm, drunk already lads? You lot really are a disgrace to dwarvenkind."

With his hammer slung over his shoulder, Yron Stronghammer took a swig of alchohol from a jug strapped around his wrist when he approached them.

"If ya ask me, ya're all to chicken to fight. Even when drunk. Pathetic. Knock the sword out of that Bucka's hand, Orion. If ya ask me, they just be giving us free points. Who are we to refuse their "kind"....gift?"

Orion smiled cruelly.

"Well said. Honorably or not, they just dug their own grave. Fools."

He moved in the blink of an eye, almost to fast to follow. His halberd flashed with an orangy sheen when he swung it. The next moment, the Bucka's shortsword was flying through the air. Orion catched it behind his back, spinning it swiftly in his offhand before offering the hilt back to the Bucka.

"Heh, was to be s'pected that." Yron said. Looking at the other dwarves, he smiled, cruel and without compasion.
"Well then, zero points for unskilled Faedas, one point for Hurosha. Any more stupid ideas coming from the lot of you?"

Orion looked back at the Faedas delegation.

"So, who of you dwarves is next on the chopping block?"

[Aedilred]

Malyn had to resist the urge to roll his eyes as the Huroshans squared off against the Faedas party. Here we go again. Not least the contempt with which Orion treated the poor goblin pushed to fight him. What did he think he was accomplishing? He shook his head in despair and walked over to Elwyn to exchange a few words with his cousin.

Elwyn nodded as Malyn spoke to him, and strode over to where the parties stood bickering. He flicked the goblin's sword upwards with his toe, caught it by the blade and held it out for Poda to take. "I should be honoured to fight the named champion of Faedas," he said. "That is," he cast his eye across the dwarves looking on, "unless any of his fellows care to step out from behind his coat-tails."

11/16/15 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?388673-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread-The-2nd&p=18563668#post18563668)

[WaylanderX]

Malyn had to resist the urge to roll his eyes as the Huroshans squared off against the Faedas party. Here we go again. Not least the contempt with which Orion treated the poor goblin pushed to fight him. What did he think he was accomplishing? He shook his head in despair and walked over to Elwyn to exchange a few words with his cousin.

Elwyn nodded as Malyn spoke to him, and strode over to where the parties stood bickering. He flicked the goblin's sword upwards with his toe, caught it by the blade and held it out for Poda to take. "I should be honoured to fight the named champion of Faedas," he said. "That is," he cast his eye across the dwarves looking on, "unless any of his fellows care to step out from behind his coat-tails."

11/16/15 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?388673-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread-The-2nd&p=18563668#post18563668)

Catching the drift, Orion respectfully made way for Elwyn.

"It would be my honor let the Champion Carmine square of against the Champion of Faedas. It appears that Bucka-kind holds the greatest honors in Keldagrim even in this day and age."

"Aye." Yron said. "I think our work is done here, Orion. You've beaten the best Faedas has to offer. His dwarven servants were too scared to even think of facing you. His courage is admirable."

The Huroshans then went on their way, with quite the smile upon their faces.

[Reggiejam]

The assembled dwarves began to reach for their weapons as their eyes flashed with anger and cross words sat at the tip of their tongues precluding a violent outburst of the non-competitive dueling kind before a voice interrupted any further exchange with the Huroshan or Carmine delegates.

"Woe be it that you lot abuse the position granted unto you by the Queen," a Dwarf dressed in finery and with a well knotted blonde beard approached the others flanked on either side by Tekorvanin.

"A fine mess of things you've made for Her Majesty with your pride and cruel humor. Take that sword from that Bucka before he hurts himself and one of you face the Carmine prince. I suspect you'll fare no better, but at least the one who deserves the beating shall receive it and the chance exists we might not lose more face to your cruelties."

The arriving dwarf turned to one of the Tekorvanin, "Take this Bucka back to the servant's tent and have him transferred over to House Grimhammer. Clearly House Darkjewel is not responsible enough yet for a Bucka."

Rolls (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=18564033&postcount=25)

The assembled dwarves seemed cowed and the ringleader, heir of clan Darkjewel, seemed angered but made no move to oppose the arrived words. The giant Tekorvanin moved forward and guided the meek and frightened Bucka from the dueling ring and back towards the Faedas pavilion.

As Oedric Darkjewel prepared for his duel with Elwyn that leading Dwarf and his remaining Tekorvanin walked over to Malyn Jarrow.

"My apologies for all that," the dwarf said sincerely, "Returning to tradition means some assume anything goes despite the truth of the matter. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Prince Artur Grimhammer of Keldagrim. And you are which of the many Jarrows I have heard of?"

[DurkBlanston]

After meeting with the Raaneki Queen and King, a Jarrow much unlike those who still resided in Carmine or the young wife of his grandson, Markus wandered the grounds. He watched with disinterest the impromptu duels and challenges among the young men and women throughout the plaza and shook his head in bemusement as the Raaneki spilled through the streets in various states of undress and inebriation. He remembered his father, in the few pleasant memories he had of the man, telling starry eyed stories of the Caercian adventures in Raaneka during the Games. So much must have changed. Or perhaps nothing at all had. Ji, his son by right of raising the boy and giving him his name but in truth the blood of the late Guru Agni and the mysterious Princess R'jas, told very different stories of the Raaneki. They were similar in some ways to those of Markus' father but with an edge. Markus wasn't sure if it was the Raaneki or the line of Caercia that had changed its viewpoints.

He had tried his best to raise Ji apart from his grandfather, the Lord Protector Cassius was a marvel upon the field of battle and a legend in the Consortium but he had been a poor father to Markus and the Guru had hoped his own son would have a better parent. In many ways he thought he had delivered that and his grandson Hanyeo seemed to be in an even better place than Ji but still Ji had fallen into joining Cassius' court near the end, partaking in his soldiering adventures with gusto making Markus question whether his peaceful lessons had been undone. The Wyrm bade patience and to avoid the pitfalls of pride and though he did not think Ji was as prideful or as full of machismo as Cassius had been he couldn't help but see reflections of his father in his son.

Lost in thought the elderly Caercian had failed to realize he had wandered away from the main grounds. He thought for a moment to go back but decided instead to continue on his way and see what lay outside the revelry filled streets of Bandar. He continued to muse his son and the state of the world, material and physical, when he heard a strange hum coming from down the way. He approached it cautiously and saw sitting around a shrine a set of Raaneki breathing in fumes of what he had read was known as Osuro. A Radurjic drug used in similar ways to Cana though with far more intense psychotropic effects. Markus was not an adherent to Radurja but he had acquired a copy of their Codex and found some of the theories their priesthood put forward interesting if ultimately misguided.

He approached cautiously, not wishing to disturb the practitioners but seemed to catch the eye of an attendant who was seemingly watching over the ritual to ensure all went well.

"Excuse me for asking, but what is this?" he asked in a quietly respectful voice.


Standings


Realm
Aerial Display
Arts
Caragita
Duel (W/L/D)
Diving Contest
Mass Melee
Mounted Race
Naval Battle
Ranged Tournament
Vocal Arts
Walk of the Ancestors


Caercian Consortium
3/9 (12)
9
6/3/5/5 (19)
1/0/0
25
9/14/11
16
10/11/9
4/9/2
5
5


Kingdom of the Carmine Sea
12/7 (19)
9
15/14/15/13 (57)
1/0/0
21
14/16/13
22
7/8/16
10/10/16
15
6


Faedas Freehold
-
6
12/3/13/5 (33)
0/1/0
-
13/7/13
27
-
7/5/8
14
7


Hurosha Empire
14/7 (21)
10
5/10/13/3 (31)
1/2/0
14
4/14/6
24
7/4/9
2/13/10
15
2


Sovereign Principality of Niskovia
14/6 (20)
8
6/14/10/10 (40)
0/0/0
-
-
20
-
10/8/7
10
-

[WaylanderX]

Vocal Arts entry:

In the quartz, waterfilled Amphitheater, people were lining up or standing in the shallow parts, anticipating the Maighdeann's performance. A female Maighdeann swam on the stage, shyly looking at the crowd. She recovered swiftly though, and said in the most melodious voice imaginable:

"A song about war, dark times and the resolve of those who helped my people. A tribute..."


And she began to sing, softly, her voice like a siren from the dephs:

Fighting the dark ones
In their haunting guise

Smiting the wicked creatures
And unleash our might

Her voice rose in volume, her songs echoing through the watery crystal hall.

When we face our finest hour,
in the darkest rift.

Come what ever may,
it'll be the death of you.

After channeling our Prowess,
Your end will be swift.

Now there's nothing in our way,
feel our Hurosha's resolve!

Her voice toned down once again,

Clashing spirits,
on the fields of war.

We'll manifest dominion,
our very souls restored.

She sang the chorus one final time,

When we face our finest hour,
in the darkest rift.

Come what ever may,
it'll be the death of you.

After channeling our Prowess,
Your end will be swift.

Now there's nothing in our way,
feel our Empire's resolve!

When she stopped singing, it was visible she was shaking with nervousness.

"T-t-thank you for listing. I wish you all a good day."

As she was swimming away, the audience began to leave the Amphitheater.

[Morph Bark]

Day 5
A group of four dark Salterri men walked onto the stage for the vocal arts performance.

The honour that lives in the hearts of all men
The big and the small and all who have ken
We’ll show them that we all are prepared to die
Living every day to put all on the line
Into war we step with no hesitant cry
From our clashing blades their fire will die
Divided they stand, but united they’ll fall
If they force our hand than we’ll make the call

The music it fades
The sitar soon slows
The darkness it rises
As the sun goes

Love’s but a distant aroma of hope
A withering laugh that is outside your scope
The glint in your eyes that wishes for life
Twinkles and guides but the arrow of strife
The night air it slithers its fingers around
Your body that shakes from an incoming sound
Oh, the sound of her voice’s the sweet symphony
That carries our souls until we break free

The music it fades
The sitar soon slows
The darkness it rises
As the sun goes

Can you feel the new day rising
Climbing up the east horizon?
You won’t hold us as our might combines
Might of gold you’ll break when we shine

We shall not stumble or kneel before thee
We shall not crumble, but stand up with fleet
Death may sure come, as night follows day
But run we will not we will face come what may
Blood-covered hands will be raised against you
Dirt-covered knees and our boots ramming through
We aim for the ones who brought the disease
We’ll cut off their head with our defiant Creed

The music it fades
The sitar soon slows
The darkness it rises
As the sun goes

Can you feel the new day rising
Climbing up the east horizon?
You won’t hold us as our might combines
Might of gold you’ll break when we shine

Can you feel the new day rising
Climbing up the east horizon?
You won’t hold us as our might combines
Might of gold you’ll break when we shine

After they finished, a jovial woman of short stature walked onto the stage, applauding the group. "Thank you, thank you!" She bowed before the crowd. "A beautiful rendition of the song that put to memory the sense of unity that birthed the Salterri people and the strife they experienced with their old masters. But now, a song for all of a simpler time, a happier time. It's time... for joy."

As the men cleared the stage, an aide rushed to set up a stool for the woman and drape a cloak of goat's wool loosely around her shoulders.

I don't ask for a lot of things
There's only one on my mind
No pearl necklace or silk coat
Can make me renege my stubborn pride

The only thing I could ever need
Is you and me beside the shedding tree
Make this one dear wish come true
That one thing I want this Moonshroud is you

I don't ask for a lot of things
There's only one on my mind
No pearl necklace or silk coat
Can make me renege my stubborn pride

Oh, even if I drink Bracian
Or sit beside the firepit
Not even if summer is coming
I'll be warm so deep within

The only thing I could ever need
Is you and me beside the shedding tree
Make this one dear wish come true
That one thing I want this Moonshroud is you

stuff (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?388673-EMPIRE!-The-Community-Dice-Rolling-Thread-The-2nd&p=18573012&viewfull=1#post18573012)

Arts: 7
Vocal Arts: 3 (clearly those dudes weren't the best :P the woman wasn't meant as a participant, just for fun for the time of year)
Caragita: 11, 10, 5, 15

[DoomHat]

In light of an extraordinary number of internal concerns, Cree participation that this year's games was somewhat minimal. Few Tyrannic officials were sent, and most of the contestants were private citizens.

However, on the Fourth Day there was an unsettling incident.

Priestess Munkhtsetseg seemed to have had an adverse reaction to the Osuro Mirc in the "Walk of the Ancestors" ritual she'd been participating in. Instead of drifting into a trance she began thrashing and screaming with horrific visions. It took several people to hold her down. Efforts were made to sooth her affliction, but any holy person that attempted to share her vision or pull her out of it were overwhelmed and shocked into unconsciousness.

The stress ultimately caused Munkhtsetseg's heart to explode in her chest, but not before she said,

"FOOLS! WE WERE ALL FOOLS! DEVOURED BY THE SKY! EARTH MOTHER GOES TO EMBRACE HER HUSBAND!
THEY ARE NOT GIFTS! BAITED HOOKS! THE HOOK IS SWALLOWED! THE LINE GROWS TIGHT!
DO NOT SILENCE THE GOD'S MUSIC BOX! DO NOT HEAR IT! IT PLAYS THE FINAL SONG! ITS END SIGNALS THE END OF ALL THINGS!
WE Muh- WE MUST- before- To survive The End...we must... learn... must sing the hymn of mortal kind..."