[EMPIRES!6] All-Kiswa Wrestling Tournament

[Potato_Priest]

Registration

The wrestling tournament, like many things, was something of a power struggle between the Matriarch and the Warlady. The Matriarch wanted to host foreign dignitaries to make nice. The Warlady wanted to crash other nations' parties and demonstrate her strength. The Tournament was their compromise.

Another compromise was the time tables. The dwarf clerk Fiona assigned to take entries and decide the bouts for the wrestling tournament at the assigned spot on the beach only worked during the small hours of the night, in an effort to make foreigners feel particularly out of place, and as revenge for the feast of the Blue Star taking place before Anbroch waking hours. The tournament though was to be actually held shortly after sundown after a week of registration, when all races could be at their prime.

Each constestant was told this about the rules: each team was to consist of one warrior and their quad (a group of three wrestlers to assist their leader). Two teams would be pitted against each other in each bout, and the last quad leader standing won. If there were an odd number of teams in a round, there would be one three-way match. No weapons or armor were permitted in the arena, and striking with hands or feet would be prohibited. Opponents would be chosen by the drawing of sticks.

If you're planning to compete, please post your contestants in a spoiler like this.
Warlady MacGill and her quad of Anbroch Warriors (Ruler), Military score 5.
On Wednesday the 12th we'll roll the first round of wrestling matches. Heroes as contestants will roll 2d10+their hero score, all others use 2d10+ their ruler's military score, with a +1 bonus if the ruler themselves leads a quad.

The Feast
As was the tradition with the Anbroch, the pre-game feast was directly before the tournament, so that any alcohol consumed during the festivities would still be fresh in the system for the wrestling, and there was plenty of it available. The Feast was held outside the large arena building, a temporary wooden construction, on the beach at sundown. Many merchants selling everything from lucky talismans to coconut-headed dolls hastily altered to look like the arriving contestants, many partisans were cooking or drinking (or, having already drank, brawling) on the sand, watching the new arrivals with interest and gossiping about them in the Dwarven language, and many monkeys and rodents had already gathered in the shadows on the edges of the torchlight, poised to steal some food once the dwarves got careless or left to watch the wrestling.

While the party outside lacked the amenities of a more civilized gathering the visiting contestants, their quads, and their diplomatic delegations were ushered into a large ring of torches protected by guards to keep wandering nobodies out. A large table was laid out with food and beverages, and house MacGill partisan servants scuttled about trying in vain to keep the sand off of it. Blankets were strewn out on the sand, and the Dwarven noblewomen already in attendance demonstrated to the visitors that it was customary to just grab what one wanted from the table and sit on a blanket to eat.

Warlady Mollie MacGill stood with Matriarch MacGill and her daughter Rosie close to the edge of the ring of torches to greet the visitors.

[bc56]

Veramondo!

The envoy from Veramondo is small. This is not an officially sponsored visit.
Glad to be visiting the Anbroch halls again, Kona, princess of the Veramondi arrives. Clad in hunting leathers, with longspear and axe slung across her back, and a wild look in her eyes, she is the picture of a barbarian, in her parents' view. But this is her preferred environment, where courtly etiquette will not get in her way. She brings her dwarven 'quad along. There's no way she'd leave them out of this. But there are no escorts, no retainers, no fanfare.

[Potato_Priest]

Veramondo!

The envoy from Veramondo is small. This is not an officially sponsored visit.
Glad to be visiting the Anbroch halls again, Kona, princess of the Veramondi arrives. Clad in hunting leathers, with longspear and axe slung across her back, and a wild look in her eyes, she is the picture of a barbarian, in her parents' view. But this is her preferred environment, where courtly etiquette will not get in her way. She brings her dwarven 'quad along. There's no way she'd leave them out of this. But there are no escorts, no retainers, no fanfare.

"Kona!" Warlady MacGill shouted, running up and hugging the human around the waist. "Loren's beard, it's good ta see ye again, lass! How was yer triumphant return home?"

[Rolepgeek]

The envoy from Lhungho Saar was not small. But the visit was still not, technically, officially sponsored.

Ingkannu Isidi, champion of Ghrakka Yonghalo, travels lightly - bringing with her only what she can carry. It is fortunate that, being nearly four times the height of Warlady Mollie MacGill, 'only what she can carry' turns out to be quite a lot - including a person, garbed in black, seated upon her snout as if riding sidesaddle on a deer or a small Inghu. The sweet laughter of the Truthseer reached them before the low rumbling of the Dhraan's own voice. As the pair drew closer to the waiting dwarves, the flickering light of the torches would cast light upon milky-white scales laced with weak golden markings, faint as the memory of a former lover's touch, and curiously smooth - almost leathery in the way it reflects the light.

When she doubles over to allow the woman to get down, it is with great care, and the Truthseer introduces her companion, dipping her head in polite deference to both the Warlady and the Matriarch - it would escape neither of their notice, it was certain, that though she bowed slightly deeper to the Matriarch, it was only after she had bowed to the Warlady.

"I have the honor of introducing Ingkannu Isidi, foremost priestess of Ghrakka Yonghalo and champion of Lhungho Saar."


Ingkannu Isidi, Chosen of Ghrakka Yonghalo (Hero), Hero Skill 10

[Aedilred]

Henanda

As with most of the other kingdoms of the east, no formal delegation from Henanda was attending. The dwarfs were considered too unpredictable and potentially hostile for members of the king's immediate family to attend. So, naturally, Ocēmis had ignored this and swaggered into the event anyway, accompanied by three younger men who seemed to be both figuratively and literally in his shadow. The champion of the Bannanda was a big man and wore only a jaguar-skin cloak and loincloth, displaying the sculpted and glistening muscles that covered his limbs and torso. In his right hand he carried a spear and his left a shield, which he tossed down casually on arrival at the wrestling arena.

The others seemed to be trying to ape his style and affect but seemed merely pale imitations of their leader, as they jostled quietly to position themselves most closely behind him. Also tagging along with them was a young woman, dressed hardly less revealingly than the men, who seemed to think it best to keep out of their way.

"I am Ocēmis of the Esāla", he boomed to anyone within earshot, "and I will fight any who dare to stand before me!" Seeing Kona some distance away, he levelled his spearpoint in her direction. "Especially you, alīda!"


Ocēmis, hero (9)
Ocifmonis, henchman
Acēnga, henchman
Cifalpis, henchman

Cifecimā, groupie


Ocēmis and his henchmen (Hero skill 9)

[Potato_Priest]

Trolls

The Matriarch Bowed in return.
"I am honored to have ye, Ingkannu. While ye are here as guests ye are under my protection." She shared a meaningful look with Mollie. "I believe the Warlady is eager ta see how ye perform in the arena."
"Aye, yer about the only thing I didn't get ta fight at the last little soiree I attended."

Bannanda

Mollie liked this human, he had some fire in his style, something you usually only saw in drunks or Bel-dan.
"Yer going ta have ta introduce me to yer boyfriend here, Kona!" The warlady shouted to the young Veramondi warrior, then gave him a long glance, looking him up and down
"I've heard yer name, but not much else for one so... muscular."

[Minescratcher]

No important dignitaries, no renowned warriors, no honored leaders came from Ten-Fuj-Sa-Cos. Some believed the whole thing was a trap of the dwarves, meaning to capture and kill, enslave, or ransom (depending on who you asked) any kings foolish enough to show up. Many simply had no interest in a brawl of this sort, preferring more unfair fights. The Reren and his warriors were busy pillaging Dozgasil [Region 194] and subjugating the locals, and Ren-Cha-Fen and his followers were raiding off to the east, in [Region 197]. This left only a handful of pirates bold, brave, or foolish enough to attend, and, as it happened, a full crew of ten had just pulled their double-hulled canoe ashore.

Two stayed behind to guard the ship, wielding not only their axes but also long poles to push the craft into the water. The remaining eight split up, four going straight to the merchants and feast table while the other four sought out the Matriarch and Warlady. The leader of the group took off his hat, a large black amorphous thing with two red feathers sticking out, and bowed to the Warlady and Matriarch, taking care to keep his head above theirs the entire time.

"The Warlady, I presume. I've heard a lot about you," he said, grinning. "My name's Ně-Mej, captain of this little band here - " he gestured to the two men and one woman behind him " - Nal-Yose, Bema-Dan, and Te-Me-Jo, fierce brawlers all. I'm sure you won't mind if we join in the fun tonight?" He put his hat back on and straightened up, showing off the tight muscles underneath the dark blue sash that crossed his chest.

Captain Ně-Mej, Nal-Yose, Bema-Dan, and Te-Me-Jo: Mil Score 8 (ruler)

[bc56]

Anbroch and Ocēmis

"Mollie!" Kona bends down to hug the warlady back. "It went as I thought. Da'll barely speak ta me, and ma won't even look at me. But I really showed 'em! Shoulda seen the looks on their faces when I walked in with a dead jaguar over my shoulder." Killing a jaguar or other wild predator in the jungle is a rite of passage for Veramondi warriors.
Then Ocēmis' shouts at Kona. She turns in a fluid motion and unslings her longspear, brandishing it back at him. "I dunno who he is, but I like his style. We'll see if he's just all talk." She bellows back to him. "Then come over and face me, ya spotted kitten! Any cat can roar, but only a few're real jaguars!"

[Potato_Priest]

Bel-Dan

"Of course not," the Warlady replied with obviously sarcastic warmth, gesturing toward the table of food. "Make yerself at home." She winked with her stone eye.

[Aedilred]

Mollie liked this human, he had some fire in his style, something you usually only saw in drunks or Bel-dan.
"Yer going ta have ta introduce me to yer boyfriend here, Kona!" The warlady shouted to the young Veramondi warrior, then gave him a long glance, looking him up and down
"I've heard yer name, but not much else for one so... muscular."
"Ah, your people have only lately been so easy for news to reach. I am he who slew the eagle-men of the Azipāra, who brought down the black beast of Besōll, and slew the bandit king Oyonga. I have travelled far and wide, fought with Sentinels in the eastern hills, and treated with the anthropophagi, and men whose heads do grow beneath their shoulders. Ah, I could say more, but I will not keep the lady waiting. I can regale you further later with tales of my deeds if you so wish."


Anbroch and Ocēmis
Then Ocēmis' shouts at Kona. She turns in a fluid motion and unslings her longspear, brandishing it back at him. "I dunno who he is, but I like his style. We'll see if he's just all talk." She bellows back to him. "Then come over and face me, ya spotted kitten! Any cat can roar, but only a few're real jaguars!"
Ocēmis shrugged off his cloak and strode over.

"hetona endīsc lacamūll!" shouted one of his followers, and all three joined in a lewd-sounding cheer.

Ocēmis stopped before Kona, chest puffed out. "Well then, ocūā, what would you have of me? Will you face me on the sand?"

[bc56]

Ocēmis shrugged off his cloak and strode over.

"hetona endīsc lacamūll!" shouted one of his followers, and all three joined in a lewd-sounding cheer.

Ocēmis stopped before Kona, chest puffed out. "Well then, ocūā, what would you have of me? Will you face me on the sand?"

Kona doesn't look cowed at all. If anything, her resolve has increased. "'Course I would. I could take on three of yer size and emerge on top. Yer fancy foreign insults don't scare me."

[Corona]

A group of four elven warriors arrives at the feast, travelling light and paying no heed to the exhaustion of their hooded servant, who is stumbling and panting some distance behind them. Their leader cuts through the crowds to get himself a drink, and those who have heard the legends can recognize him by his muscles, constantly bulging like a nest of striped snakes below his skin as he moves. He surveys the feasting people and ponders just how can they ignore the cataclysm that is going on right now. Perhaps they thought that true happiness could still be found in this world... and Vetrapa would prove them wrong. Or not - the thought vanishes as quickly as it had occurred. Taking on so many dwarves would be painfully boring, not to mention contrary to the delegation's purpose, which is, well...

Vetrapa turns to the considerably younger elf at his left side. "Why have we ventured hither, Zarrkatl? It is scarcely a sufficient reason that thy sister wills to befriend the dwarfs. Indeed, there are few treasures in the world that could be worth such an expedition, none of which are confined in the dwarfs' treasury, surely!" Zarrkatl sighs, having endured this kind of questioning throughout the whole journey without knowing exactly how to fend off the old man. "Come on! What do you lose - in Gitj you're either sitting on a rock all day, catching flies, or destroying random things and beings and then complaining that no one can challenge you! See this contest they've got here? Maybe you'll find the 'Perfect Warrior' or whatever you're looking for here. And all that aside, you know that befriending dwarves is just the first step of the great plan which we talked to you about!" The youth waves his hands around so much while talking that he would inflict a veritable massacre on those around him if his spear were not securely strapped to his back. He points Vetrapa toward the Warlady and leaves his side to talk to a more agreeable companion.

Vetrapa ambles toward the dwarven dignitaries like he has all the time in the world, his gaze wandering toward the sky, mountains on the horizon, shadows cast by tents, anything but the path he is walking on. When he comes close to them, he abruptly starts talking, though it takes a few further seconds for his big brown eyes to find the dwarves and scan them from head to toe. "I am Vetrapa of the Sons of Sirrvat, standing before you in reply to your invitation." He looks away, seemingly lost in thought again, when he suddenly snaps his blocky fingers with a bang as he spots his servant's head in the crowd, who jumps a little, quickly walks over to Vetrapa's side and, cursing the sword's weight, hands Boredom to Vetrapa, who grips it with one hand and plants it in the ground. "My reply is: it is senseless to fight in the absence of weapons. We shall wit of the greatest wrestler born of Kiswa - and what afterwards? Ferocious beasts roaming the forests and the plains shall take a moment longer to inflict mortal wounds on him? Take well to the truth or not - mortals must bear arms to be of any account, and it is with arms one ought to practice."



Vetrapa (hero) 10 and a quad of seasoned elven warriors

[Aedilred]

Kona doesn't look cowed at all. If anything, her resolve has increased. "'Course I would. I could take on three of yer size and emerge on top. Yer fancy foreign insults don't scare me."

"Very well then!" He leapt into the arena and took up a wrestling stance. "How about a wager to make things interesting? If I win, you spend a night in my bed. And if I lose, I spend a night in yours!"

23 (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?614510-Empire-6-Embers-of-Dawn-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=24656410#post24656410) it is

[bc56]

"Very well then!" He leapt into the arena and took up a wrestling stance. "How about a wager to make things interesting? If I win, you spend a night in my bed. And if I lose, I spend a night in yours!"

23 (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?614510-Empire-6-Embers-of-Dawn-Dice-Rolling-Thread&p=24656410#post24656410) it is

Kona smirks. She looks Ocēmis up and down appreciatively, then winks at him. "A fine bet! Even if I lose, I win!" She drops her weapons in the sand and vaults into the arena proper. "Have at ya, then! She rushes at her opponent to begin the engagement.
15 (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=24656413&postcount=243)

[Potato_Priest]

Vetrapa

My goodness, he was every bit as dour as the stories said.
Vetrapa?" The warlady paused for a moment, slightly amazed to be meeting the legend in person. She quickly got over it, though. After all, her legend was going to be far greater by the time she was done.
"My ma used ta say 'we wrestle ta practice movement and creativity, both of which are useful with a blade but not taught by one.'" She grinned up at the elf, "But I think we do it because it's a bleeding good time!"

The Warlady gestured for the elf to follow her, "It was Neno who asked me to invite ye specifically, he's what ye might call a fan. Can I get ye a drink?"

[Frostwander]

Fulji Aruni strides with confidence at the head of the Vygra contingent as they arrive at the arena grounds. She stands nearly a head taller than those who walk just behind, nearly 24 hands in all. Hair like a crackling flame drapes loose around her shoulders, and glowing veins that break the surface of her darkened gray skin seem to glow and dim with the measured pace of her breath. Piercing eyes like hot coals scan the gathering, taking in the scene at large but focused on picking out the other competitors. Along with the dozen or so Vygra behind also walks Fulji Hamyra.

The Efra comes to a halt after they are ushered into the torchlight, pausing a moment as three of the other Vygra step up alongside her, all dressed in similar wraps with copper-leaf embellishments. She raises her voice to address the assembled. "I am Fulji Aruni of the Vygra people. We have come to answer the challenge of the Anbroch and partake in this contest." She gestures to the other ra flanking her. "These are my 'quad,'" she uses the Dwarven word, "Caruvi, Damini, and Yacka."

The three each give a nod or small bow as they are introduced: a Bora, stocky and broad-shouldered with crystal outcroppings similar to Hamyra's, though less pronounced; a lithe Mira, aqua-blue skin glistening in the torchlight; and another Efra, dull red skin taut over flexed muscle. This last sports long scars on her right arm and abdomen, and once her eyes settle on Warlady MacGill, rarely leave the Dwarven leader.

Fulji Aruni and her warriors three - Efra Hero - Score: 8(+1)
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/6c/7c/75/6c7c75c1e085ab18cdc364dc83ed3271.jpg
Fulji Hamyra, Fulji Aruni, Caruvi, Damini, Yacka, and half a dozen others

[Aedilred]

It seemed that Ocēmis's greater size and strength told, and eventually he was able to pin Kona and force submission. "Ha!" he cried. "Have I proven myself a jaguar now?"

He sprang back to his feet and lifted Kona upright. "A fine contest! I look forward to seeing what else you are capable of! I shall be sure to save my strength."



"My reply is: it is senseless to fight in the absence of weapons. We shall wit of the greatest wrestler born of Kiswa - and what afterwards? Ferocious beasts roaming the forests and the plains shall take a moment longer to inflict mortal wounds on him? Take well to the truth or not - mortals must bear arms to be of any account, and it is with arms one ought to practice."

The elven hero had a formidable reputation, but he was so joyless. Perhaps life was short, but that was all the more reason to enjoy oneself. Buoyed by his victory - and thoughts of the prize yet to come, Ocēmis wandered over with a fresh drink in his hand.

"You talk of the absence of weapons, non-Vetrapa, but is your body not a weapon? I have killed men, and beasts too, with my hands alone. When my spear is lost stuck in the hide of some great creature, or broken in its jaws, or when I am set upon in my sleep, I must fight on with my body and my wits alone, unless I am to flee like a coward! For this I would not forgo play-fighting unarmed, for I have fought too often without weapons not to see its value."



The Efra comes to a halt after they are ushered into the torchlight, pausing a moment as three of the other Vygra step up alongside her, all dressed in similar wraps with copper-leaf embellishments. She raises her voice to address the assembled. "I am Fulji Aruni of the Vygra people. We have come to answer the challenge of the Anbroch and partake in this contest." She gestures to the other ra flanking her. "These are my 'quad,'" she uses the Dwarven word, "Caruvi, Damini, and Yacka."
"Why, this contest is overrun with onolīdyārd! My night is spoken for, but I would not pass up the chance to test your mettle."

[Corona]

Vetrapa

My goodness, he was every bit as dour as the stories said.
Vetrapa?" The warlady paused for a moment, slightly amazed to be meeting the legend in person. She quickly got over it, though. After all, her legend was going to be far greater by the time she was done.
"My ma used ta say 'we wrestle ta practice movement and creativity, both of which are useful with a blade but not taught by one.'" She grinned up at the elf, "But I think we do it because it's a bleeding good time!"

Vetrapa taps his chin as he unsuccessfully tries to recall some of his childhood fights a century ago. "Thou wilt see yet more bleeding if you battle fully armed - and what concerns having a good time, I would avow that war is hell on earth which thou shouldst avoid at each and every time and place... but I will not be a hypocrite, if thy mother will forgive me."



The Warlady gestured for the elf to follow her, "It was Neno who asked me to invite ye specifically, he's what ye might call a fan. Can I get ye a drink?"

The elf follows, leaving his sword behind. None would dare to steal it. "Neno, a fan, thou sayest. I had not realized there was some knowledge of me among dwarvenkind. Tellest thou me, is he among those who grow complacent as they watch warriors fight for them? Such is the curse of organized armies. Folk feel safe. Oh, I will have any drink, thy recommendation or otherwise. There are only a limited number of tastes, and not one of them doth distract me, after all those years." He rests his hands, fingers interlocked, on his head and yawns.

[bc56]

Henanda

"You are indeed a jaguar in the field," Kona pants. "We'll see if that is true tonight. Better not tire yourself in the arena. I know I'll be fresh and ready." She laughs heartily. "I'll be waiting for you after I win this tournament."

[mystic1110]

Clan Kw’Sewi

The humans enter proudly, their heads bent low in symbolic connection to their Greater Clan brethren. Their leader KaSi Kw’Sewi entered first and was dressed in the traditional wrestling attire of the clan - shirtless with a cloth completely covering their lower body. The cloth was large enough to allow complete freedom of movement, such that KaSi looked almost like an upside tulip with its petals spread open. Behind Kasi were their brethren; KaDi, dressed similarly their breasts exposed, but the Kw’Sewi did not recognize such things as insipid gender based modesty or for that matter insipid gender; KaFo, proudly displaying a scar on their abdomen from a birthing ceremony that they heroically survived; KeGi, who was skinnier and weaker than the others with longer hair and whom wished to join the Mesihafi in their studies in the library and did not know why they were brought along; and finally KeHi, KeGi's brood mate, who was built larger and stronger than perhaps the others combined.

KaSi walked towards Warlady Mollie MacGill and Matriarch MacGill, and placed their arms in front of their face as if they were bound in chains. KaSi then separated their arms violently thrusting their face forward in the Kw'Sewi greeting of first meeting, symbolic of the great Ancestor Sewi who earned the freedom of all Humans in Korebita and thus displaying the lack of chains and equal standing of the parties who were facing each other. A Kw'Sewi would not greet a Fekiri slave in such a fashion.

KaSi spoke in a deep voice:

My honored Persons, we have heard much of you and your tournament of strength. We have traveled far to earn renown and commit great deeds. Please honor us with the opportunity to try and fail, to succeed among strife and have life eternal. We are most grateful.

The slight twitch of the Human's mouth as they tried to avoid using the gendered titles.


KaSi (Score: 7), KaDi, KaFo and KeGi. KeHi is a sub slash scribe.

[Potato_Priest]

Tournament

Now that all the contestants had arrived and registered, the tournament was to begin. Fiona the clerk stood on the table and shouted to get the contestants' attention. "Competitors, we have your matches arranged. Would you follow me into the arena please?"

She hopped off the table and led the competitors to a set of stairs leading up to the top level of the wooden building. As the contestants walked in near the top of the building, they could see the arena: contrary to many expectations, there did not seem to be any pit of sand: the entire floor of the building was full of dwarves flooding into the arena and looking with interest at the competitors. A grid of peeled logs stood twenty-five feet above the crowd supported by pillars.

Warlady MacGill walked out onto the slippery logs, followed by her quad. Partly for the crowd's benefit, she repeated the rules to the other competitors.
"Right, ye remember the rules from when ye registered. First quad leader ta hit the ground loses. No striking, and if any of ye are still wearing armor, ye can take it off now."
She snapped at Fiona, the registration clerk. "Now, who's wrestling who? We don't have all night, it's nearly some of these blighters' bed time!"


Mollie MacGill vs KaSi K'sewi

Princess Kona vs Vetrapa

Captain Ne-Mej vs Ocemis of the Esala

Ingkannu Isidi, Champion of Lungho Saar, competing alone vs Fulji Aruni

Reach out to your competitor, roll and write your matches cooperatively. 2d10 + hero/military score, as detailed in the first post.

[Potato_Priest]

Round one Match: KaSi K'Sewi vs Warlady Mollie MacGill

Once the warriors were out on the grid, MacGill spoke first:
"Ready, KaSi? May the crowd approve enough ta catch ye when ye fall."

KaSi sings a poem in response as they flex their muscles and watch MacGill's form

"Sing, o Muses, of this Battle
May your defeat be swift, my victory certain
Our deed written in the pages of history forever"

The two quads circled approached each other diagonally across the grid, MacGill's staying close together in a line while KaSi's spread out slightly across a square, KeGi crouching in the front. The first contact occurred at an intersection, where one of MacGill's warriors locked arms with KeGi. Leaping across to a perpendicular beam, MacGill approached the pair from the side, rapidly grabbing KeGi's head and levering them off down to the crowd below.

KaSi yells in rage, "How can you be a warrior and grab their head? Such tactics are beneath your lineage and show you for a coward. Do you take them for a Slave?!"
MacGill grinned: "It's all fair game in Anbroch wrestling, lad."

The Kw’Sewi quad edges closer at the perceived slight but KaSi waves them off; KaDi then lunges at the Warlady directly grabbing her breasts and trying to twist her to the ground. MacGill grunted, struggling to free herself but the human had a strong grip "I know I -eurrgh- said everything's fair game, but..."" the Warlady wrapped her legs around the beam and gripped KaDi's hands, then used the force of KaDi's twisting motion to rotate to hang upside down from the log, sending KaDi tumbling after the dwarf, unable to grab the beam as her hands were still held close to Mollie's chest. As she fell, MacGill released her grip and shouted down to the falling human "I'm afraid yer na my type!"

At the same time KaSi drops to a low squat and flies across the elevated beams to grab the legs of another Anbroch warrior, making them fall off. KaSi themselves stayed on the beam with their body and was able to climb back up. The Warlady was also able to get up after throwing off KaDi and was back up when KaFo, the one who gave Birth, was rushing towards her. Performing another rotation, this time with hands as well as feet, the Warlady swung around the beam, passing under KaFo's feet as the pregnant human slid towards a stable position on an intersection. As she dug in her fingernails to get right side up again though, MacGill was wrenched off the beam from behind by KaSi gripping her in a headlock.
Kasi whispered in the warlady's ear, "I've learned your ways!" as they dragged the dwarf precariously upright.
MacGill grunted, barely able to move her jaw in the human's tight grip. Using both hands, she grabbed Kasi's wrist and twisted it away from herself, forcing the human to let go.

KaFo and another Anbroch both fell from the beams after another struggle, leaving only KaSi, the Warlady and another Anbroch. KaSi looked at the beams and jumps to grab a further one with his hands and using the momentum to flip onto it behind the Anbroch warrior. A quick leg sweep and KaSi and the Warlady were the last ones remaining.
MacGill grumbled under her breath "Ach, tits. I was looking forward to some two-on one."
KaSi squared off with the Warlady and they both grabbed each others forearms, trying to twist the other off. They went back and forth, when suddenly KaSi seemed to simply melt away. As the Warlady rushed forward into the sudden emptiness of force, KaSi flicked the dwarf's arms to the side, spinning Mollie off the beams with the grace of a dancer.
KaSi from the stands yelled down: "A fine bout! We shall definitely tell poems and sing of this for many cycles of the moon!"
The Warlady replied "And I suppose I'll never hear the end of it either! Getting trounced at my own tournament, and by a human..." Although she was trying to jest, there was a real touch of dissapointment in her voice.

[Aedilred]

As Fulji Aruni fell from the platform into the waiting crowd of dwarfs, three of the Bannanda rushed over to where she had been caught.

"Here, let me help you, nāc-onelijāwi!" cried Ocifmonis, extending a hand. "Are you hurt?"

"I am skilled at tending wounds, if you need assistance!" yelled Cifalpis, trying to push past him.

"Do you have any tips for those yet to face it?" shouted Acēnga from behind, who seemed to be the most intelligent of the three.

"Leave her alone, banoywīsi." The three rapidly retreated, Ocifmonis and Cifalpis moving on to attempt to "comfort" Aruni's female companions, while Acēnga hung around within earshot.

"A worthy fight, non-onāwi!" Ocēmis boomed, and clapped Aruni on the shoulder. "To defeat such a foe as that would be a mighty victory indeed. You honour your people by the attempt. I shall do what I can to avenge you when I face it!"

[Minescratcher]

Bel-Dan-Ub vs. Bannanda

The two quads circled the center of the grid, both spread out in lines, with each wrestler's eyes watching their opposite number intently. Ně-Mej grinned as he stepped over a gap in the log grid and shouted, "What're you waiting over there for, He-Who-Fights-Any-Who-Stand-Before-Him? We're standing before you!"

"Come and take me, then, if you think you can!" Ocēmis boomed in reply.

With a fierce, ear-splitting yell, the Bel-Dan-Ub leaped forward across the grid, slamming into the Bannanda quad at full speed, and the match disintegrated into a series of one-on-one fights.

Nal-Yose leapt into a flying tackle, slamming into Ocifmonis and knocking him from the grid. Nal-Yose's landing left a lot to be desired, though, as he wrapped his stomach around a log, which knocked the wind from him. As Ocifmonis fell, he grabbed Nal-Yose's leg and pulled him off the platform, both of them landing in the crowd together.

Cifalpis fared better against Bema-Dan. The pirate went for an arm lock, but Cifalpis grabbed him first, and the two wrenched their arms back and forth to little effect, until Cifalpis dug into the log as best he could and twisted around, pulling Bema-Dan off of the grid entirely and dropping him into the crowd below with an undignified scream.

Te-Me-Jo had the best luck of the Bel-Dan team, shoving Acēnga back as she charged, then grabbing the beam under him and using her momentum to swing up behind him. With Acēnga staggered, Te-Me-Jo easily put him in a headlock and dragged him off of the platform, his attempts to break free only proving successful when she dropped him through a gap.

Ocēmis was ready for the Bel-Dan and sidestepped Ně-Mej as he charged. The two circled each other before Ně-Mej darted forward again, grabbing Ocēmis's legs and wrestling him to the ground, but the Bannanda champion escaped the pin, then dropped his full weight onto the pirate captain, pinning him in return. Ně-Mej fought back hard, scrabbling for the logs, but he couldn't free himself before Ocēmis pushed him down to the crowd.

"And by the rules of this tournament, this is my victory! Well fought, Bel-Dan." Ocēmis grinned down at the supine Ně-Mej, who was swearing vividly in his native language but still had the good grace to smile back.

"A good bout! Well done! You're among the few land-walkers to have bested us." The Bel-Dan's heavy breathing didn't quite obscure the tone of embarrassed pride and boastfulness.

[Gaius Hermicus]

At the top of the stairs leading into the arena, directly overlooking the beach, a column of smoke suddenly billowed upward! The cloud filtered through the edges of the crowd before dispersing to reveal a strange contraption that had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. Two mountain goats, inordinately large and muscular, snorted and pawed the ground, with a wooden board attached to their backs. Sitting in rough-hewn chairs on the board were a pair of blemmyae, one dressed in dark patched robes, the other’s skin pierced in many places with needles of flint. The former pulled on the ropes tied around the goats’ horns, stopping them where they stood, while the latter jumped down from the chain with a single athletic motion.
I am Yegin Kw’Haleti, said the blemmyae, walking at a furious pace toward Warlady MacGill. I have journeyed thousands of miles, along rocky donkey trails, through the glades of the Sirrvadut, and past the shores of the Cotton Coast, just to be here for this occasion. It has been weeks on the road, accompanied only by the sorcerer Inigid Kw’Anigoli, and the goats which conveyed us to this location, but finally I have arrived! Reaching McGill, Yegin’s voice crescendoes to a shout. Warlady MacGill, I have sworn an oath on the bones of my ancestors, yea, on the bones of the earth itself, that I shall avenge the slaying of my king. Neguwi, look down upon us from Dumuzi, and grant strength to my club, that I shall crush the skull of this treacherous dwarf!
For a moment, it appeared as though Yegin would attack MacGill then and there, but then they lowered their club. But this must be done properly. I will not have it said that Yegin Kw’Haleti’s victory was due to treachery, or that they won only against an unprepared enemy. Let us fight in the manner you have set out for your competition, on your platform of logs, but this time, the fight will be to the DEATH!
Turning, Yegin addressed the other foreign delegations. Those of you who have been harmed by the Anbroch leadership and wish to see this piece of scum die, join me as my quad. We shall all attain the greatest of glories! Their eyes flit from Ingkannu to Ně-Mej to Vetrapa and Fulji, before finally lingering on Kasi of the Korebita, gauging their reaction to their challenge.

[mystic1110]

KaSi was still giddy from their victory over the Warlady and spouting ever increasing poetics at poor KeHi who was promising that they were memorizing every word and would be sure to submit it for inclusion in the Great Library.

Did you see how I bravely leaped onto the bar to flip over and take our victory with our hands? I dare say that the Great Sewi would have been impressed, eh?!

KeHi nodded as KaSi spoke, the other three standing around them in a tight circle given that their victory over the hosts had attracted some glares. Suddenly KeHi's eyes went wide as Yegin Kw’Haleti entered. KaSi noticing this reaction simply assumed that they were drawn more into their telling of the story and continued with their speech which turned into a poem:

"o Muses, will sing, about the Beams
Upon which we flew like birds and as We
Reflected Barbaric Customs upon the Barbarians"

KeHi punched KaSi in the shoulder mainly to get him to turn around and look at Yegin, but also to shut them up. KaSi was not a great poet and the journey already seemed three times as long listing to them brag in terrible rhyme.

KaSi and the other members of Clan Kw’Sewi watched the Haleti with great interest and immediate respect. While the humans of Korebita were equal to the Blemmyae there was an ingrained disposition of subordination, perhaps from their history as Slaves or just from the simple recongition that they were adopters of Blemmyae culture and at the continued sufferance of the Blemmyae. And among the Blemmyae there were none more respectable than Clan Kw'Haleti. Listening to the speech brought, not anger, but excitement to KaSi. They had thought to earn the right to have their name enshrined in the Great Library by victory in these foreign lands, but now there was a chance to avenge the king of all kings!?! Why, their names will live forever!

KaSi walked up to the Blemmyae, head bent low proudly, and placed their arms in front of their face as if they were bound in chains, then separating their arms violently thrusting their face forward in the Kw'Sewi greeting of first meeting. He announced to Yegin:

I am KaSi of the Kw'Sewi. We descendants of Sewi have heard of the death of the King of Kings but we had no idea who had taken our King from us! If we had known we would have joined you earlier in your righteous way. We have already defeated your quarry at their own challenge, I am sure we can repeat the feat and have our names remembered along with the great Neguwi! Clan Kw'Sewi shall stand behind you.

Three of the other Clansmen cheered and joined their leader with Yegin while KeHi meekly followed along. While this would be a great deed to record for their ambitions to join the library they were not at all prepared to see a match to the death.

[Potato_Priest]

Yegin's Challenge

"So, some nobody from the ass end of Kiswa challenges me to a duel, and ye expect me, the warrior who defeated the ploughin "King of Kings" ta find yer challenge worthy and accept?"

The warlady shook her head.

"Sorry, lad... er, lass? Whatever the hell ye are, yer not gettin' yer duel, so get out before I throw ye out."

[Gaius Hermicus]

Yegin blinks furiously to indicate understanding. I see. Well, all of you are witnesses. The Warlady heard my challenge and is prepared for my intent. No deception has occurred, and my victory will be won honorably.

A billow of smoke puffs up from around Yegin, as Inigid throws their cloak open and gestures madly. As the smoke clears, a roaring Yegin is revealed, wrestling MacGill to the ground as they pull out the knife that MacGill had used to slay the King of Kings.

People of Kincany, know who it was that slew your leader! I am Yegin Kw'Haleti, -oof- First of the Realm of the Korebita, hero of the Blemmyae! I am your doom, Warlady MacGill!

[Minescratcher]

I Declare a Blood Feud!
The appearance of the blemmyae had sparked a flurry of whispers between the Bel-Dan-Ub, with Nal-Yose almost immediately trying to convince the other pirates to help Yegin. Ně-Mej and Bema-Dan were hesitant, but Te-Me-Jo and Nal-Yose convinced the captain to let them help the avenger.

"We stand with you, Cha-Con-Dan-Ub!" Te-Me-Jo shouted.


Yegin blinks furiously to indicate understanding. I see. Well, all of you are witnesses. The Warlady heard my challenge and is prepared for my intent. No deception has occurred, and my victory will be won honorably.

A billow of smoke puffs up from around Yegin, as Inigid throws their cloak open and gestures madly. As the smoke clears, a roaring Yegin is revealed, wrestling MacGill to the ground as they pull out the knife that MacGill had used to slay the King of Kings.

People of Kincany, know who it was that slew your leader! I am Yegin Kw'Haleti, -oof- First of the Realm of the Korebita, hero of the Blemmyae! I am your doom, Warlady MacGill!

Te-Me-Jo rushed forward with her spear, interposing herself between Yegin and any dwarves or foreign wrestlers who might try to pull him off of the Warlady, while Nal-Yose drew a dagger and slipped into the crowds around the pair, waiting for the opportunity to strike MacGill off guard. The other two Bel-Dan wrestlers quietly left the area to gather the others, who were still eating at the feast, and head back to the ship.

[Potato_Priest]

The elf follows, leaving his sword behind. None would dare to steal it. "Neno, a fan, thou sayest. I had not realized there was some knowledge of me among dwarvenkind. Tellest thou me, is he among those who grow complacent as they watch warriors fight for them? Such is the curse of organized armies. Folk feel safe. Oh, I will have any drink, thy recommendation or otherwise. There are only a limited number of tastes, and not one of them doth distract me, after all those years." He rests his hands, fingers interlocked, on his head and yawns.

"No, Neno's not the type to grow complacent... in fact, he's more of a nervous Nancy." As the Warlady handed Uravali a gourd of alchoholic fig cider, she pondered, "He's been particularly bad lately, worried about his legacy or somesuch."

Neno

Neno was a stout and extremely muscularly built human with a large gut, shaggy and unkempt black hair and a thin scrap of beard around his chin. When he was introduced to Vetrapa, his brown eyes widened significantly, and he knelt down at the elf's feet.

"Vetrapa, I am Neno, who never hits a foe twice. Thank you for coming here, I invited you because I have heard the stories about you and-" he stuttered for a moment "-and I wanted to learn what you make of your responsibilities as a leader."

[Corona]

Bannanda


The elven hero had a formidable reputation, but he was so joyless. Perhaps life was short, but that was all the more reason to enjoy oneself. Buoyed by his victory - and thoughts of the prize yet to come, Ocēmis wandered over with a fresh drink in his hand.

"You talk of the absence of weapons, non-Vetrapa, but is your body not a weapon? I have killed men, and beasts too, with my hands alone. When my spear is lost stuck in the hide of some great creature, or broken in its jaws, or when I am set upon in my sleep, I must fight on with my body and my wits alone, unless I am to flee like a coward! For this I would not forgo play-fighting unarmed, for I have fought too often without weapons not to see its value."

"That may hold true, Ocevis of the Esala. Still, tellest me, dost thou fight these beasts merely with grabs and throws? Young warriors will be lulled into a sense of security at yonder wrestling ground. Hast thou seen green youths perish in battle, nay, slaughter thou mighst call it? What then?!"

Vetrapa takes a sip of his drink and continues more slowly, recovering his indifferent facade.

"Should they battle in earnest, some might suffer wounds, even die. It would be less than die otherwise, thou canst hardly deny that."




Yegin's challenge

Vetrapa is sleepily leaning on a large boulder some distance from the arena when the Blemmyae appear and he rouses immediately. To get a good view of the action, he does a backflip on the spot to relocate himself to the top of the boulder. He stands still and watches, seemingly uninvested in the overdramatic proclamations, when Yegin mentions fighting ...to the DEATH! Vetrapa shivers visibly. Every single muscle in his body starts to itch, begging to be used. He tilts his head and almost accidentally glances at Boredom, still stuck in the sand in front of the arena. In the next moment, he's over there, playfully massaging its hilt. Did he, an old man, leap that distance? Bulldoze through the crowd? He didn't remember - his short-term memory was already starting to give up on recording details in advance, for the events which usually followed such an excitement were somewhat troubling to remember - but it didn't matter. Some prankster must have greased the sword, for it slides into his hands by itself.

Vetrapa comes up to Te-Me-Jo, nearly impaling himself on her spear and asks her with a strangle lilt and uncharacteristically interested expression: "Thou... art thou attempting to hold us apart from the death being made by those two or art thou letting more death amongst us? I ask as a fellow deathbringer. Or deathaverter, if one looketh at it that way." Suddenly another of the elven wrestlers, Feqrelat the smith, emerges from the crowd, grabs Vetrapa with all his might and drags him away - not. Try as she might, she can't displace Vetrapa by an inch, as if he grew roots. Hanging from his shoulders and kicking him in his calves ineffectually, she looks around for other elves, who aren't anywhere to be found. She internally panics for a fraction of a second before overcoming her unease about speaking to non-elves and giving her best shout with closed eyes: "HEEELP! This very bad very quick become! Him hold do!"

[Frostwander]

Wrestling - Vygra vs Dhraan
Co-written with Rolepgeek

Aruni had been watching the potential opponents, trying to get a feel for their size and movements. Upon hearing the announcement of their match, she looks to Ingkannu Isidi, over half again even her own prodigious height, and gives a nod and a broad smile, showing her teeth. "May the best win!" she calls over, and the other ra give a yell of agreement.

Aruni speaks low to her team as they climb to the log platform, "Stay spread out, weave around and don't get grabbed. She's got weight and reach on all of us. Tire her and get her near an edge, then topple her balance."

As the group enters the arena, Ingkannu examines the log structure with some apprehension as she closes with it. This would be...trickier than she had expected. The stairs had protested fearsomely under her bulk when she'd been following the others - would this precarious structure hold up even that well?

Her eyes narrowed and she rumbled deep in her belly. It had better hold! To lose by virtue of poor carpentry would be a disgrace. When the one known as Aruni calls to her, she grins in response, displaying her teeth in kind, and her reply is almost guttural, so low that it could be felt in the ribs. "Yes. Mnay the byest win."

As the others begin to climb, she bends down to allow her companion Eulalia to reach her snout - the Truthseer retrieves a small coil of rope and begins to loop it around jaws longer than her legs, with the troll occasionally adjusting her head or shifting suddenly. After a minute or so, Eulalia nodded and stepped back, making the rather intricate knotwork now fastened neatly around Ingkannu's jaws almost like a muzzle more easily visible to competitors and spectators alike.

The daughter of Ghrakka Yongalo stares directly into Aruni's eyes, and begins to climb.

The logs creak, swaying slightly as the contestants took their positions - Ingkannu at one end, leaning forward and holding onto the logs with feet and hands alike, and the Vygra spread out at across the other, wide stances to keep their balance. At word from Aruni, the group begins closing in, forming into a rough half circle, Damini and Yacka on the outside trying to draw the trolls attention toward the edges.

Ingkannu crawls with deliberate slowness across the logs, one limb lifted at a time, until the ra are near. Spaced apart, they dart in and out, hoping to draw an aggressive move to leave an opening on the other side. But it is difficult to guage the limit of the troll's massive arms, and the platform is only so large. Even as the Mira backpedals on the logs, Ingkannu stretches out, pushing forward with her legs and as Damini halts to avoid backing off the edge the massive hand closes around her waist.

Damini is able to get out a yell as the troll pulls her closer, fists beating against the troll's arm fruitlessly, Dhraan claws pressing painfully against the Vygra's skin - and then the troll thrusts her arm downward between the logs and simply lets go, dropping her into the waiting crowd. The platform creaks, and Ingkannu digs her claws into the logs to stay steady, before looking at the others, grinning beneath the knotwork.

She displays one clawed finger and pauses, before putting that hand down and using the other to hold up three fingers, before finally pointing at the remaining Vygra.

This will be fun she thinks to herself, a grumbling challenge building in the pit of her chest.

---

The Bora was the most nervous, she could tell. The Efra were willing to risk entering her reach to attempt to slam into her legs - they'd even succeeded twice by now, though the first time she'd been dug in so it hadn't done worse than wrench her knee, and the second time she'd had to catch herself when her claws got loose and nearly sent her toppling. She'd nearly had Aruni cornered that time too. Ingkannu paused to adjust the ropework Eulalia had fixed up for her where it had slipped into an uncomfortable position, taking an advantage of a lull in the strange shoving match. The Vygra, to their credit, didn't rush her - though whether that was out of respect or out of a need to catch their breath she was uncertain.

The downside, she was beginning to realize, of using her claws to stay steady on these logs, was how it affected the arena for them both. The difference in scale between the Dhraan and her competitors was large enough to affect the way they interacted with the arena they all shared - Ingkannu had to be careful not because she was in danger of slipping, but to avoid toppling the entire flooded contraption. Or at least, that's how it had been at first. Her claws, however, had scratched up the surface significantly enough by now that in places (and given her size, she'd been trying to stay in a few places that felt stable when she could manage it), she was slipping more than they - the gouges were small, relative to the whole of the arena, but they were enough to create wooden shards that she could slip on, and places for the Vygra to have a bit more grip themselves when they stood there.

The Efra, certainly, had noticed, and as the team squared off against her once more, she could see the smaller one eyeing her and glancing at the others. Their teamwork was excellent - that much, by now, was clear. If they hadn't lost one of their number in the earliest parts of the match she was fairly certain she'd never have gotten a chance to rest. But as it was? Well, the smaller Efra took the bait when she let her right leg 'slip' on it's perch...

Yacka reacts immediately to the perceived weakness, darting in underneath the arm as it swings in to barrel into the leg - but it lifts higher than expected, leaving the Efra off balance before the following kick catches her squarely in the chest and send her toppling through the gap. There is a brief scream of rage and then the impact as several of the crowd go sprawling beneath her. Even as Ingkannu settles the foot back onto the log, Caruvi slams into the opposite side, and the dense mass of the Bora carries that leg clear of the log. Still, enough of the Dhraan's weight is held that while she recoils she does not fall. Swing low with her arm, she catches the ra before they can get clear once more, dropping them through the grid as she had the first.

Ingkannu turns to face her last opponent, only to look on empty logs. An abrupt impact from behind causes her to lurch off-balance once again, as Aruni leaps onto her back. She struggles as Aruni tries to get her arms around the troll's neck to heave her sideways, staggering down the length of on of the logs, before her claws dig in once more. Gargantuan arms reach back, pulling the ra from her shoulders and throwing her down. Aruni catches onto one of the logs, but does not have time to regain her footing before the Dhraan is on her once more. Instead, she locks her legs around one of the beams, grabbing onto the trolls arm as it takes hold of her once more.

Aruni's hair flares and the fire within glows bright in her veins as she strains to maintain her hold, causing the green log to singe and smoke. Blisters appear Ingkannu's fingers where she grips the Efra, but with implacable strength she pries her fiery opponent free and hurls her down.

The muffled roar of pain reverberates in the chests of all present as Ingkannu holds her hand up and away from the logs, knotwork straining around her maw as she does. The blisters continue to swell even after Aruni is gone, and the troll hisses gutturally as she waits for the immediate sensitivity to die down enough to maintain a proper grip for climbing down again. Even so, she looks down, trying to find Aruni, so that she can show respect for a defeated and worthy opponent when her mouth is locked shut.

That feast table sounded awfully good right now...

[Frostwander]

Fall aftermath

As Fulji Aruni fell from the platform into the waiting crowd of dwarfs, three of the Bannanda rushed over to where she had been caught.

"Here, let me help you, nāc-onelijāwi!" cried Ocifmonis, extending a hand. "Are you hurt?"

"I am skilled at tending wounds, if you need assistance!" yelled Cifalpis, trying to push past him.

"Do you have any tips for those yet to face it?" shouted Acēnga from behind, who seemed to be the most intelligent of the three.

"Leave her alone, banoywīsi." The three rapidly retreated, Ocifmonis and Cifalpis moving on to attempt to "comfort" Aruni's female companions, while Acēnga hung around within earshot.

"A worthy fight, non-onāwi!" Ocēmis boomed, and clapped Aruni on the shoulder. "To defeat such a foe as that would be a mighty victory indeed. You honour your people by the attempt. I shall do what I can to avenge you when I face it!"
Aruni rises to her feet with assistance from the Bannanda (as well as a hefty shove from the dwarf she is lying on). She is still uncomfortably hot to the touch from her exertion, though no longer enough to leave burns. Aside from the breath knocked from her on landing, she shows no signs of injury.

As Ocēmis shoos his team away, she smiles, broadly though not showing teeth this time. She nods at his compliment, "Thank you, and congratulations on your own victory. I do not need avenging, though - it was a good contest. Win for yourself, if you may! And then we can speak more over the feast again." She claps him on the shoulder in return, noting inwardly how the gesture of familiarity is shared between their cultures.

The other members of the fulji's team take the 'comfort' of the other Bannanda, grinning and joking in good spirits. While Caruvi and Yacka dally with the three wrestlers, Damini seems more interested in the fifth of their number, Cifecimā.

Aruni in the meantime seeks out Ingkannu as the Dhraan descends from the platform. "That was quite a contest! You are a formidable wrestler, Ingkannu Isidi. It is clear why you are a champion to your people!" The ra bows, spreading her arms to the sides and dipping at the knees, as she smiles up at her recent rival.
---
Yegin's Challenge

The Vygra gather quickly at the spectacle, Aruni and her warriors tensing for action even bruised and weary. Hamyra puts up a hand, however, speaking levelly to them, "This is not our fight. She would not want our interference."

The ra remain alert, staying clear of the combat for now. Among the concerned and wary expressions, though, Yacka smirks grimly and runs her fingers down her scars. Just comeuppance, she judges the Warlady mentally.

[Aedilred]

Ocēmis looked on with a frown. A part of him admired the blemmy's resolve and cunning in turning the odds in its favour, but it sat ill to make so grand a statement about honour and lack of deception and then immediately have a second person use trickery to gain an advantage. Then again, the dwarf lady had little room for complaint. After what he gathered had been abuse of hospitality in Veramondo, to now refuse to engage in a duel with a relative of the one she killed was poor form.

But this was a long way from being his fight, and he watched with some dismay as others rushed in, raising the spectacle of what could be a pitched battle - and in a town full of angry dwarfs, no less. He looked across at Aruni, similarly standing back from the fight, and nodded deliberately, then looked around for Kona. If a wholesale battle erupted, it would be foolish to discount potential allies.

Apparently sensing his chief's mood, Acēnga loitered behind him with spear and shield, ready to hand to him as required.

[Rolepgeek]

Ingkannu flexed her fist, watching as the blisters swelled, split, and fell away, leaving fresh-grown skin underneath. There was an analogy to be made here regarding those below, she was sure. Not that she cared much for either party - from what she understood of the death of their king, it had been in personal challenge. The troll prepares to start climbing down, where her companion could remove the knotwork holding her jaws shut - before pausing, and her head swivels to watch The Elf. She had come across many tales on her journeys. She would not allow Eulalia to become part of another.

---

There is a tremendous tearing noise as Ingkannu pulls up one of the great logs that makes up part of the grid, before swinging down to drop herself to the ground. The force of it nearly cracks another log in half, and the impact sends those near scrambling for cover. With her snout still muzzled, she cannot speak, but a deep, profoundly unsettling hiss crawls out from her throat, and her glare makes it very clear what she thought of these who would give threat to her or her charges. Ghrakka Yonghalo, fat and bountiful, would not abide death without purpose, and wanton slaughter. These dwarves might not be their thralls, but what did that matter to the gods?

She hefts her newfound club and stretches her neck, pulling at the ropes around her snout in the places the Truthseer had told her would loosen it if it grew too tight. The Dhraan had a divine task set before them since first they woke to wars of elf against dwarf. Vetrapa the Bloodbathed would get no massacre today.

[bc56]

Brewing Fight

As Yegin arrives and the hubbub begins, Kona is still preparing for her bout. She slides in behind MacGill and watches the two pirates attempting to attack from behind. She gives them a disapproving frown as she unslings her longspear. "Ya should be 'shamed of yerselves." She takes up a defensive stance, using the longspear's reach to ward away anyone that might try to attack MacGill from behind.

[Corona]

"No, Neno's not the type to grow complacent... in fact, he's more of a nervous Nancy." As the Warlady handed Uravali a gourd of alchoholic fig cider, she pondered, "He's been particularly bad lately, worried about his legacy or somesuch."

Neno

Neno was a stout and extremely muscularly built human with a large gut, shaggy and unkempt black hair and a thin scrap of beard around his chin. When he was introduced to Vetrapa, his brown eyes widened significantly, and he knelt down at the elf's feet.

"Vetrapa, I am Neno, who never hits a foe twice. Thank you for coming here, I invited you because I have heard the stories about you and-" he stuttered for a moment "-and I wanted to learn what you make of your responsibilities as a leader."

Vetrapa raises an eyebrow slightly - he's never been one for following a celebrity - but decides to play along. "Firstly, rise! Great leaders discourse, whether with their subordinates or with others, on an equal footing."

While Neno gets up, Vetrapa looks him over - strange that this bear of a man would be so mild in character, but welcome. As he mentioned to MacGill, Vetrapa didn't like overconfident people, for no matter how strong they were, they were nothing compared to some of the creatures that roamed the earth or the heavens. "Indeed I can advise thou on that matter, though thou wilt need to judge the worth of my teachings thyself. Thou must follow me into lands distant and hostile - I am a busy man, even if appearances may suggest otherwise. And, I assume, thou hast heard 'the stories' about numerous pupils of mine meeting with a terrible fate. What driveth you to think of such foolishness such as following me?"

[Potato_Priest]

Sirvadutt
Neno raised his eyebrows "Well, I... hadn't considered accompanying you, to be perfectly honest, though it would be an honor to help you search for your lost love. I was driven to talk to you because I am concerned about what became of your people with the Sirvadutt, and what will become of mine."

[Gaius Hermicus]

Mollie hadn’t expected Yegin to attack so suddenly and viciously. The King of Kings had been an honorable opponent, and KaSi K’Sewi had been straightforward in the wrestling match, so she was taken by surprise when the sorcerer made the smoke and Yegin pounced. Immediately pinned under the Blemmyae, MacGill exclaimed “Hey! My knife!” as she used her right arm to absorb a vicious stab meant for her chest. The blood from the wound splattered into Yegin’s eyes, giving her the opportunity to kick the Blemmyae off, planting both feet on its lips and pushing hard.

Eurgh… so, it's to be a murder, MacGill thought to herself, the stab wound on her arm helping her focus as she scurried back from the approaching Yegin. If I can just get some space, I can…

She was interrupted by another attack as KaSi K’Sewi grabbed her around the arms, restraining her and lifting her up into the air. Unlike Yegin, KaSi came to wrestle and was also unarmed, so was trying to pin her for Yegin to kill.
Nodding, he said, "You were a worthy opponent and it is a shame to see you fall in such a manner, but my King's blood is on your hands so it must be."

MacGill swung backwards sharply with the only implement left available to her: her head, hitting KaSi with a loud crunch in the nose. He staggered backwards enough for Yegin’s next strike to be a grazing wound to the leg, but didn’t let go. MacGill continued to smash the back of her head into his face as she tried to fend off Yegin’s knife with her feet:
“Ye -crack- call this honorable?”

KaSi looked unsure and uneasy, bleeding from their nose and they spurt out "No - but Blood -crack- answers Blood and such Law is stricter than -crack- Honor. As we sing:
"Weep o Muses,
of this Oath For we stain our -crack- hands forever
But Honor demands our Honorless -crack- Actions"
KaSi finished his song with more of a gurgle than any words, the blood from his nose and lips making it difficult to breathe, let alone speak.

Yegin paused their attack for a moment, fingering the knife and eyeing MacGill, "My sibling of Sewi speaks the truth. The only thing that would be crack more dishonorable than murder is allowing a sworn enemy to remain alive. You have refused my offer of an honorable death, so this remains my only option." As Yegin finished speaking, they swept aside MacGill's legs and stepped in to stab her in the gut with the blade, sinking it to its hilt.

"The oath of vengeance has been fulfilled. Oh Neguwi, the halls of Dumuzi shall ring out in celebration for you." Turning and spitting on the ground, Yegin walks over to Kasi and offers a shoulder for the dazed human to lean on. "Your bravery and loyalty shall not go unforgotten, my friend of Kw'Sewi. Inigid! It is high time we left this bloodbath!"

The pair of goats rush forward, barely even controlled by Inigid's reins, butting an Anbroch guard and knocking her to the ground before stopping in front of Yegin and Kasi. The pair of them climbed onto the board on the goats' backs, causing the animals to bay in protest. They set off again, slower due to the additional weight, but still maintaining a respectable pace. Near the gates to the arena, a line of dwarves stood, guarding against an escape. "Murderers! You shall pay for your crimes!" screamed the leader.

Inigid laughed, a deep and menacing chuckle. "Hold the reins, Yegin. I shall see to them." Tossing back their cloak, they thrust their hands forward in a flourish. The lead dwarf staggered backward, bleeding from a suddenly appearing cut in her throat. A second dwarf fell immediately after from a similar wound, and the line buckled. The remaining guards, in terror of this sorcerer who could kill from a distance seemingly with no weapon, broke and fled.

As the delegation from Korebita sped toward freedom, the dying Warlady lifted a tiny blowgun to her lips. "Here's a little goodbye present, ya bastard," she gasps, and with a last, choking breath, fires the dart in the direction of Yegin Kw'Haleti. By mere inches, it misses the First in the Realm, instead striking the outstretched arm of Inigid. With the screams of the sorcerer echoing throughout the arena, the blemmyae smashed through the gate and away from the spears of the Anbroch.

[Potato_Priest]

After the Battle
After the Warlady's death, more and more dwarves started getting their act together. A few enterprising Battlemistresses led a sweep of the arena, capturing the remainder of KaSi K'Sewi's quad and any remaining Bel-Dan. Ingkannu was found at the banquet table scarfing down food, and was allowed to go free mostly due to lack of desire to mess with her in the absence of clear orders.

Kona
Rosie MacGill stood over the corpse of the Warlady with Kona, examining the scene for a few seconds.
"Well, Kona, I can't say I'm looking forward to avenging this..." she bent down, then pulled the dagger out of Mollie MacGill's abdomen, recoiling at the blood. "... But I'm her heir and you're her best student." Rosie held the knife outstretched between two fingers, and practically gagged as she glanced at it again. "So, one of us will be expected ta do it." She held the dagger out towards Kona, raising her eyebrows hopefully.

Vetrapa
After Neno had knocked Vetrapa unconscious during the fight, he had assumed responsibility for the elf, slung him over his shoulder, and carried him off to a secluded cove down the beach.

Gripping the elf around the neck gently but firmly, Neno woke him up by spitting a mouthful of seawater into his face.
"Sorry about the rough treatment, Vetrapa. Are you still wanting to kill? I'm afraid I've already hit you once, so if you persist it would be much more convenient for me to strangle you now."

[bc56]

Aftermath

Kona looks at the dagger. "Aye. One of us will have to." She takes the dagger and Rosie's hand in hers. "If you'll not take it, I will. But if we both take it, we can work together. It will be easier that way."

[Frostwander]

Aftermath

The Vygra group remains out of the way, causing no trouble for their dwarf hosts. In the aftermath, once the bustle of the guards completes, Fulji Hamyra seeks out Rosie MacGill, who seems to have taken charge. "We are sorry to see the this friendly competition marred by such an act. Please accept our condolences over the death of your Warlady."

At the same time, seeming that the contest is unlikely to continue in the face of this tragedy, Aruni and her team make their way to the feast tables. They did not have the opportunity after their bout to exchange respects with Ingkannu Isidi, and Aruni is unwilling to let their match go unremarked on. The other three ra cluster behind the fulji as she looks to the Dhraan across the tables, still their own height even seated on the ground. Aruni spreads her arms wide, "Champion Ingkannu! I laud you on a vigorous bout, and a well-earned victory. You are a formidable competitor, and we are glad to have encountered you here in a challenge of good spirit, rather than on the battlefield. I have not been bested in a contest such as that in years."

[Potato_Priest]

Vyrga
Rosie MacGill simply replied,
"Thank ye. I'm... not quite sure what ta do with myself now."
Kona
Rosie's face contorted as Kona pressed her hand on the blood against the blade, and she moved as if to squirm free when she saw a group of Anbroch guards watching them expecantly. Supressing a shiver, she sighed defeatedly.
"Fine."

[Corona]

Te-Me-Jo took a step back, leveling the point of her spear at Vetrapa. "Stay where you are, elf, and neither of us has to get hurt."

Going by her shallow and irrelevant response, the pirate was clearly not anyone Vetrapa could have an entertaining conversation or fight with. He yawned a little, lifted the tip of his massive sword and slashed sideways with it, like he'd done a million times before. Though Vetrapa had tuned them out as unlikely threats, there were people other than Te-Me-Jo around him, running for their lives in the chaos or trying to join the fight, and as his sword cut through the air, those who didn't dodge in time had various body parts lopped off, or crushed, if they unfortunate enough to wear heavy armor.

Te-Me-Jo barely dodged out of the way of the sword, but as she repositioned to thrust her spear at Vetrapa, an earthshaking rumble from behind her caught her attention and she turned half towards the elf and half towards the troll looming behind her. Vetrapa, seeing her thrown off balance, went in for the kill - but the arc of the blade was cut short by two impacts. The first was the dull thud of a barkless log slamming into the earth - the second somewhat meatier as Vetrapa's blade sunk into the pillar that had appeared next to him.

Te-Me-Jo sprinted away, gathering as many of the other Bel-Dan-Ub as she could and running for the ship.

Vetrapa looked up. A troll, or so he had heard, having not faced any yet. It was physically impressive, but the crude "weapon" it was using told him that it was another of those lumbering beasts that one can fight with speed and cleverness, rather than a humanoid, whatever its political status might be. He leaned backwards briefly and pulled out his sword, splinters flying in all directions. Not wanting to waste any more time bantering with a creature who might not understand speech, he kicked up sand in Ingkannu's direction and took advantage of the distraction by going for a powerful stab.

As the elf had never faced Dhraan before, they would be unfamiliar with the protective lid that covered their eyes from silt and sand in the rivers - but still their thrust struck home, and Vetrapa could feel unexpected resistance as the sword caught momentarily on Ingkannu's skin, piercing the troll's outstretched palm and sinking in to the hilt, bloodied edge coming out the other end.

But rather than scream or roar in pain and shock, nor recoil from this wound, Ingkannu's fingers close around the hand(s) and wrist(s) holding the blade, picking up and swinging around to fling the elven hero across the spectator stands, Anbroch nobles and their servants scrambling to get out of the way of the tumbling elf.

Ingkannu grumbled to herself internally - she'd meant to throw him into one of the pillars.

Vetrapa managed to keep a grip on Boredom, he would be hardly a seasoned warrior if he lost his head the moment something surprised him. Just as swiftly as he was thrown, he rose to his feet and brandished his blade in his enemy's direction, undeterred in the least. Flames of passion filled his field of vision entirely except for a small spot where Ingkannu was standing. He lifted his enormous sword above his head, focusing on his next strike, which would end this fight, no more toying around. It wouldn't just end his fight with Ingkannu, no, the Hundred Feet Obliteration Blow shatters the ground in the eponymous range, creating a fissure that swallows all present and buries them as it collapses a moment later.

Vetrapa leaned forward, and fell over with a grimace, revealing Neno standing behind him, gripping a staff.



After Neno had knocked Vetrapa unconscious during the fight, he had assumed responsibility for the elf, slung him over his shoulder, and carried him off to a secluded cove down the beach.

Gripping the elf around the neck gently but firmly, Neno woke him up by spitting a mouthful of seawater into his face.
"Sorry about the rough treatment, Vetrapa. Are you still wanting to kill? I'm afraid I've already hit you once, so if you persist it would be much more convenient for me to strangle you now."

Vetrapa shook his head slowly, wearing an expression both rueful and bitter. "No... 'Twas a momentary delusion, once again I had thought I found the answer, while deceived by some cruel curse or devilish demon. I am leaving for solitude in the jungle. Not only do I appear to be no longer welcome here, I crave the peace, as war hath, once again, failed me. No, it is I who is the failure... a greater warrior might have..." If he was still being held by Neno, he swatted away his hands and slowly walked past, toward no particular goal, his eyes fixed on his feet, until he disappeared over the horizon.