Black Plauge
9th of October, 2005, 02:34
All right, gather round, gather round. We're only going to say this once.
First of all, we want to thank you all for participating and congratulate you for surviving the qualifying round. For those of you that didn't kill the Dire Wolf you fought outright, Duke Soloth would like to thank you personally. Said action has reduced the expenses of the tournament.
Unfortunately that doesn't mean there's been an increase in the purse.
We had 17 competitors officially qualify, and you all know who you are. Due to his immense populatity with the crowd, Duke Soloth has elected to use his postion as event organizer to allow Zeek into the tournament even though he didn't actually win his match. Also, the judges have, on further review, decided to let Thonewan compete due to the mix-up about the horse. They felt that it wasn't his fault and he'd have had a much better chance at winning had the keeper's not made the mistake.
For the rest of you, these decisions are final, so gripe all you want amongst yourselves, but don't bother taking them up with the judges. However, it is imporant to note that both Zeek and Thonewan will be given the lowest seeds in the tournament.
The judges are still hammering out the official brackets, but they've determined at least part of it. We're going to post what they've got so far and will update the posting when the judges finish setting the bracket and as the tournament progresses.
Finally, in light of the results of the qualifying matches, the judges have made a few revisions to the rules. Be sure to go over them before your first match begins.
Official Tournament Bracket
http://www.uvm.edu/~rspringu/Tournament%20Bracket.jpg
Black Plauge
9th of October, 2005, 02:42
Ergis simply grunts, leaning over the edge of the stall to look at the listings. Once the announcement is made, he hops down, and returns to his corner.
Pitting a giant against a dwarf was a sad recipe for someone trying to make a good fight...but, then, maybe someone had decided the dwarf needed an easy bout. In either event, he'd have to work harder to kiss the crowd's bums a little more in the next match.
His pale eyes watched, as each of the other fighters turned to head back to their inn rooms, his teeth grinding.
Soon. Few more days o'this, boyo, and we're DONE.
He turned a bit, and went back to his work.
Wang Xiao Yun smelled him before he saw him. Dwarf, an unmistakable odor, rank and thick. His lips curled involuntarily in revulsion, but he kept his peace. It had many rounds to win before it might face him. If it was not a worthy opponent, it would fall without any action on his part.
Finding Tethost Stormwind among the crowd of gladiators, he bows low to his opponent, a formal expression on his fierce orcish face.
"Cool skies and fresh water, human," he offers a common greeting from the Dragon Empire. "I watched you fight." Xiao Yun pauses, and considers. "You're good with a sword." He wrinkles his nose again. There's another odd smell in here. It smells almost like...wet dog. Disgusting. If he didn't know better, he'd swear the arena had a kobold infestation or something.
The Lone Halfling continues to wash and scrub down D-Biscuit, glaring at Wang Xiao Yun defiantly.
Almost immediately after the brackets are posted, Sareno seeks out Qao-laojai. Offering a modest bow, one given an equal, he says, "I watched your match with a great deal of interest. Truly, it will be good to face off against another warrior of the arts, rather than a great, hairy beast.
At the last, he seems to be casting sidelong glances at some of the other gladiators, such as Burning Sand and Egris Slatecrack.
"Would you prefer," Sareno continues, "to complete our match by the traditional rules, or to opt out of equipment entirely? I would not ask it of one of the typical warriors, but against one such as you," he shrugs, "it is a different matter."
DM Edit: Bluff 11-1=10 vs. Sense Motive 10+8=18. Qao-laojai senses that Sareno's offer is not genuine.
Lily greets Thonewan as he leaves the field after his match with Zeek the Kobold.
"Congratulations on a well deserved victory. That rabble out there does not recognize the skill with which you fought, but I am not so blind." Lily smiles at Thonewan and takes his arm to walk him into the common room. "It seems that fate has placed us at odds in the next round. I would have preferred delaying such a meeting until later in the tournament, but twas not to be. In any case, it will be a pleasure and an honor to test my skills against another elf.
"You are not doubt wondering by now my true motive for seeking you out. It is simple really. I believe it is important that we ensure that those worthy, you, me and a perhaps a few others, survive this competition. There is Evil among the competitors. Vile vermin," a glance at Zeek, "murderous beasts," a look to Wang and Ok Bok, "and disgusting lechers," the look that Lily throws in Kryyn's direction is full of scorn. "It would be unfortunate if the Good were to die in this tournament along with the Evil. As such, I would like to assure you that, should I gain the upper hand, I would do all that I can to spare your life. I ask the same in return from you."
Thonewan, happy to take the affections of a kind lady, listens politely.
He nods as she finishes.
I had noticed a rather... unsavoury element, and I must say I was rather dissapointed to hear that poor dwarven slave returned to the bosom of the mountain. Detestible creatures, those slavers.
He takes a long draw of some of the wine provided, grimacing at the flavor, but then finishes his glass.
What you suggest has merit, Lady Moonsong. You not doubt noticed I did my best to not permanantly harm my last competitor until such time as there was no other recourse. I have little desire to die in the pit, nor do I wish to kill those with whom I compete. I am no murderer. These ravenous wolves would prefer nothing more than to kill or be killed. There is no beauty or dedication to the art with these fools. Perhaps they... seek to return to the most pure form of the art, which has... some merit, but I would rather think we've all moved past the days of the wearing of dead things skulls, hm?
He pours another glass, and finishes it quickly, finally relaxing from his match.
Should quarter be called by you, Good Lilly, I shall honor it, and shall take it on good faith that you shall do so on my behalf, as well. Likewise, I shall refrain from the killing blow, at all costs - even the match.
He sits, enjoying the company of his soon to be competitor until she takes her leave. If there are any servants in these stables, he will send one with a bottle of wine to Zeek. He then focuses his attention inward, relaxing his spirit and clearing his mind of the past chaos.
Exhausted, and rubbing one shoulder overextended from constant use, Sareno wanders through the chamber, seeking out Lily.
"I look forward to our match tomorrow, miss Moonsong. I'm afraid my last contest was a rather spectacular disappointment. Good fortune to you, and may we both put on a good show for the fans this time around."
"YOU", Burning Sand bellows, pointing across the chamber at Kurik as he returns from his match with Pete. "No run, no hide...you stand and fight against me! No more games. REAL fight!"
A broad grin spreads across his misshapen face. "Don't like tricks, don't like sneaky gits. You stand, you fight well. Will be GOOD fight!"
Approaching his new opponent, Kurik never lets his gaze stray from the primal fire of his foe's eyes. Those who are not wise enough to make way for the dwarf are shoved to the ground. Kurik stops about five feet from his foe, extending his right hand forward, offering it to the man without breaking his gaze.
"Indeed,Buurrrrrp. It will be very Good fight. I will be glad not to fight another dancin bug. Let us both enjoy our battle as much as the crowd surely will. If I should gain the upper hand, I will offer you quarter, for I do admire your unique talents. Might I expect the same of you? That is, if you don't crush me into an unconscious oblivion."
"Either way, good luck to you."
"Quar...ter?' Burning Sand mulls that question over in his head. "Is trick? Make me quit squeezing before match over, and try to make me loose again! No...not tricked again! No...quar-ter...but also not squeeze too long after you go to sleep. You wake up again just fine."
Turning to Sareno as he approaches Lily smiles at her next competitor. "Good fortune. I am pleased to hear your interest in a good show.
I can tell you are a clever one, and I wonder what is in store for me on the morrow. Whatever may come I shall do my best to ensure that, should it fall to me, I will refrain from a killing blow. As best I can," Lily says that last with a guilty glance at Thonewan. Turning back to Sareno Lily continues, "I will not ask the same in return. No offence, but your word around here has become a bit... suspect? In any case you seem to avoid killing without the need for a promise, and I respect you for that."
"Oh, come now...a joke, nothing more. Something to play on the inexperienced gladiators. If he'd have taken it well, I'd have held to the terms anyways. Still, one fights with their skills, and their reputation, as said. I won't make a promise you won't believe anyways." With a grin and a slight bow, Sareno departs to prepare for the match.
Seeing the Lone Halfling make his way back to the stables, Burning Sand heads in his direction, towering over the little halfling.
"You and little doggie...yes...make good fight. Two small ones against big, is fair. But you hear me now. You use poison on me, and I KILL YOU! No more poison!"
Callen stalks back into the stables after his combat with the Lone Halfling. He takes a seat and relaxes for a moment. By the time the Lone Halfling come in after basking in the cheering of the crowd he is himself once more.
"Congratulations Master Halfling," Callen says with a smile, "on a well deserved victory. You performed much better than I did today, but should we meet again in the tournament I don't think you will be as lucky." Callen smiles and winks at the diminutive druid.
The Lone Halfling nods and smiles agreeably to Burning Sand.
The Masked Midgit Rider of the Plains has never used poison before, but now gives it serious consideration.
After Burning Sand stalks away, Wang Xiao Yun gives The Lone Halfling a toothy grin.
"I think he likes you."
After recovering from his match with the Lone Halfling, Callen seeks out Thonewan.
"Well Sir, it seems the fates have decided to place us in this so-called "Loser's bracket". But it is a double elimination contest, so there is still a chance for the win and glory." Callen smiles warmly, although his over-sized teeth make it a rather frightening sight. He then thrusts out a clawed hand, apparently intending that Thonewan take it in his own. "Good luck to you!"
Thonewan takes the hand proffered to him, and shakes it. Smiling, he replies, "May Fortune smile on us both. The time for dealing is through. Let us have a fair match, Callen."
Groaning, Sareno comes 'round. The burns and the bruises still causing him pain, he shakes it off and leaves the commons, a look of determination on his face.
A few minutes later, he returns...carrying a chair, a tall stool, and a washbasin full of water all precariously balanced. He tracks down Lily, amongst the other gladiators receiving their congradulations.
"Miss Moonsong, I do believe I owe you a hairwashing."
Lily turns towards Sareno, amazement clear on her face. After some thought she nods and takes the seat indicated by Sareno. As he wets her long black hair Lily finally speaks up.
"You are a stubborn man Master Sareno," Lily says as she turns slightly to stare back at him. "You must have realized that I was more than a match for you long before I was called upon to use my magic, yet you refused to give up." Lily turns back to face forward again, allowing Sareno to lather up her hair.
"And your combat style! It goes against everything I was ever taught!" Lily momentarily flares, then sighs. "Still I can not argue with the effectiveness of your martial skill. Perhaps you can show me more of this style of yours? I would like to learn more about it. While it is unlikely that it would mesh well with my own style, it is wise to know what others may use against you. In return I am sure I can teach you some proper combat techniques: The art of avoidance and accuracy… precision! That is the mark of a truly great warrior." Lily says this with conviction, sure of the superiority of her technique.
While a good hearted person at her core, Lily can be rather arrogant.
"I would greatly enjoy such a discussion, miss Moonsong...but first, it would seem that I must fell a giant. Wish me luck, for I most assuredly will need it, as will you...though I am far less concerned now that that awful orc is out of your path."
"hah i wish you luck as well, little man for you do need it, still let us find out whats most humiliating, losing to a girl, or a gnome and his dog eh"
Mourag says with a broad smile.
Seeing the grin, Sareno returns one of his own...pleased to find another who understands the nature of the game.
"Oh, losing's nothing to be ashamed about at all. Just about every gladiator does it, and those rare few that don't...they're either cowards, retired, or legends." That last word is said with an odd bit of reverence.
After a moment, he comes back to himself. "Still, I look forward to a good match against you, Mourag. Let's have fun with it, and put on a good show!".
Lord Twig
15th of October, 2005, 16:54
"Good evening Miss Moonsong," Callen greets the diminutive Bladesinger warmly as she returns to the Gladiator Stables, "It looks like we will be facing each other in our next match.
Lily frowns at the big man, but answers cordially. "Good evening Master Silver, I too look forward to our match." Lily's face contorts into a sneer as she continues. "At least I will be facing a true opponent and not one of those beasts they let into this contest."
Taken slightly aback, Callen chides her. "Now, now. While I do not know where his allegiance lies, he is an honorable man and not deserving of such scorn."
Lily looks unconvinced, but continues listening.
"After all, he did you no permanent harm, and that is to be applauded. The world would be darker without your beauty to brighten it." Callen give Lily a stern look. "I believe it would be only proper if you were to go over and congratulate him."
Lily stares back at Callen, but eventually wilts under his gaze. "I suppose you are right," she sighs. "It is wrong of me to judge him so harshly. I will seek him out."
Despite Callen's over-sized fangs he manages to make his smile friendly as he hears Lily accept his wisdom. "I am glad to hear it! And I will see you at our next match."
A quick glace around the stables locates the big Half-Orc and his bear companion. Lily takes a deep breath and walks up to Wang. "Excuse me, Master Wang," Lily says with a strait back and a firm resolve. "I wish to congratulate you on your win. It was well deserved."
"Also," Lily hesitates for a bit, then gathers herself and continues, "I must apologize. I have prejudged you unfairly. You have always taken care to do no permanent harm to your opponents, yet I have previously grouped you with those that kill indiscriminately. If you would..." Lily once again falters. She takes a deep breath and continues, "If you would forgive me my past accusations I would be very grateful."
Jiriku
21st of October, 2005, 02:19
Xiao Yun listens impassively as Lily speaks. After a moment, he realizes he's expected to say something, and scowls, uncertain how to respond to Lily's apology. Then he stops, realizing that a scowling orc probably looks threatening. Confusion fills his face.
"Ah...of course." He bows, always a safe thing to do. "Your apology is not necessary, Miss Moonsong. I am merely an escaped slave. I am a killer, a thief, and a scoundrel. You are certainly a high lady among your people. You do not need to make apologies to such as me."
Xiao Yun twists his hands uncomfortably. "But I am glad to hear you took no serious harm."
Black Plauge
20th of January, 2006, 07:34
Well folks, we're down to the last two competitors.
That's right, and given that this is a double elimination tournament, we thought we'd go over the elimination rules real quick just to make sure everyone is clear.
Burning Sand, you've had no loses thus far, while Lily, you've had one.
Lily, should you lose to Burning Sand in the up coming match, the tournament is over, and Burning Sand will be declared the champion.
However, Burning Sand, if you lose, that will only be your first loss, so the Championship match will be replayed and the winner of that second match will be the champion.
Okay, do either of you have any questions?
Andorax
2nd of March, 2006, 00:56
True to his word...there was no need for a second match.
Burning Sand left the arena in the night, as soon as he had regained consciousness. Left, without turning back, without a word, and without the championship he had sought. He knew that that day, he had faced a prey that he would never have been able to catch.
Having heard that the tournament was, in fact, finally over, Sareno quickly sought out Lily. "Well done! You managed to fell not one, but two beastly opponents. I'm duly impressed, milady. Good fortune go with you, and should there ever be a team match planned, I hope you'll keep me in mind!"
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