DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
The Damn Forum mkIII
HTML https://thedamnforum.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: Empire of Ergoth
*****************************************************
#Post#: 240--------------------------------------------------
429 AC Wydara Blood and the Arena Story One: Family and the Fall
By: Dungeon Master Date: August 8, 2023, 11:40 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Warning: strong, sensitive subject matter ahead. Consider this
Thread M/A Rated R
[center]
Wydara: Blood and the Arena
Story One: Family and the Fall
Chapter One: Wydara
Character created by DCR[/center]
Wydara, the older sister of Talidaar, was taken at a young age,
stolen away in a human raid in Qualinesti lands during the Time
of Twilight, in the dark times after the Cataclysm, the Age of
Despair. Some of these events were covered in 262 AC A Druid's
Tale: The Story of Talidaar Volume I
HTML https://thedamnforum.createaforum.com/the-hierophant-of-chislev-29/the-story-of-talidaar/<br
/>
I will not go into the dark days of her captivity. It just
scarred her for life.
Wydara was eventually sold to a passing Minotaur slaving ship,
where life did not get much better. But one da,y Wydara swore
she would never be assaulted again, and she fought back. The
fight is brought out in the deck. It is a bloody, knockdown
brawl that Wydara finally wins. It greatly impressed the
Minotaurs, and she was brought on as one of the crew.
She soon found her way into the great games of the Blood Sea
arenas, where she fought as a gladiator, and after many matches,
she won her freedom and left the Blood Sea Isles behind.
She would reunite with her brother Talidaar, but she had still
not found healing for her soul.
Through many adventures, she found love and loss and was finally
able to embrace her extended Family and Talidaar. Finding some
Peace with family.
But soon she felt drawn to the arena again. She helped get a
middling arena constructed in Tarsis and began a Gladiator
school during the 5th Age. She soon became a well-known name in
the community of Games.
As time went on,
The offers came in from around Ansalon for her to come and train
Gladiators. One offer stood out above the others, and soon
Wydara found herself in the Imperial City of Ergoth. Gwynned had
no less than three gladiatorial arenas in the Imperial City.
Wydara's services were in high demand, and the coinage began to
add up. Her Gladiator school is known for producing premier
athletes for the Games.
Today Wydara is touring the remodeling of one of the arenas. She
is traveling with her chief assistant Kol, a Klar Dwarf from
Thorbardin.
Most of the outside world doesn’t know that for several years
after the Dewar left Thorbardin, the Arena was for solving
personal matters, as is the way of the Daergar Dark Dwarves. Kol
was a survivor of many of these matches until he was forced into
Exile. He soon joined Wydara’s school in Tarsis and has since
joined her here in Gwynned.
The architecture that has accompanied the remodeling is
first-class class Kol tells Wydara. She would have to agree. The
Blood Sea arena in Lyconos on Mithas is enormous and grand.
This is a lot smaller and more intimate, but it has style.
The arena manager wants to put on a great show for the
reopening. He tells her who he wants to see, and she tells him
how much it is going to cost him.
They finally agree on terms, the Date is set.
Wydara and Kol return to her fighting school to tell the boys
and plot a training schedule for the next morning. She has not
had the pleasure yet, but one thing the Imperial City has that
Tarsis doesn’t is the Assassin Guild. It's something she keeps
in the back of her mind at all times, that this place is
dangerous.
One thing she finds she likes about Gwynned is that it is truly
cosmopolitan here. A wide influx of people and ideas and not the
backwater it is perceived to be on the mainland. Wydara has
almost been tempted to sail the Western Seas and visit the
Western Isles. But she is happy here. She has a very nice Villa
above her school, and she trains the Gladiators. She treats them
very well and tries to ensure they come home after every fight.
Sometimes Wydara goes to the Guild Hall, where the other owners
gather to drink and talk about the Games.
The Roster is made up of Gladiators of Wydara's School
Some are from her school in Tarsis, and others have joined since
Wydara arrived in the capital.
Aidan of Ergoth-First Sword
Sarus Barbarian of Khur
The Barbarian Ragor of the Plains of Dust
Barret of Ergoth
Bril from the Blood Sea
Mataus from distant Flotsam
Aric of Solamnia
Jason of Tarsis
Hale of the Icewall Barbarian
Zachariah of Tarsis
Kevon of Kharolis
Cullen of Kharolis
#Post#: 265--------------------------------------------------
Wydara Blood and the Arena Chapter Two: Gladiatorial Training Sc
hool
By: Dungeon Master Date: August 13, 2023, 6:01 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Wydara Blood and the Arena
Story One: Family and the Fall
Chapter Two: Gladiatorial Training School [/center]
Western Ansalon
Northern Ergoth
Imperial Capital City of Gwynned
Wydara walks among her assembled Gladiators in the yard of her
walled training compound. She tells them who the four are that
are fighting in two weeks. She tells the rest of them that they
will be fighting in a month to qualify for the Grand Coliseum
for the Imperial Games. She tells Roric to run the morning
calisthenics.
They run through the exercises and are then broken into two
groups
Aidan Ergothin, Ex-military, is First Sword -light-skinned,
brown hair, unshaven Medium medium-sized
Sarus Barbarian of Khur
Barrat Ergothian -dark-skinned, was condemned to die in the
arena, but survived, and survived, and survived. He became so
popular; he was released if he joined a Gladiator Training
School. Wydara sacrificed a lot of capital to secure his
release. Medium-sized
Ragor Plains of Dust Barbarian
Keeping special watch over the gladiators that are fighting in
the upcoming match by Roric Tores is from Northern Ergoth and
has been in the business a long time. Wydara moved in and
witnessed his talent, she offered him more money to work for
her.
She watches the four closely throughout the training session.
She wants to see how far they have to go to be perfect. She
gives the session her full attention.
At midday, a post arrives from in town. She reads the message,
it is from her niece Marilee. They are in Town. The Black Brood
(Draconian) Mercenary group has declared war on the Arbagon
family. They are at Las's, they are going to need guards for the
immediate future. She writes a return message and has her runner
run it over to her Niece's house. She is focused on what she is
doing, but she will take care of her family. She tells Kol to
"inform those two that they will be working for me tonight".
"You can release them now, and tell them to get some sleep. They
will be up all night. I will come for them when I have business
done at the end of the day."
Kol nods and carries out her wishes.
The Other Eight are being trained by Kol the Klar Dwarf. He puts
the Gladiators through the paces.
Jason of Tarsis
Bril from the Blood Sea
Mataus from distant Flotsam
Hale of the Icewall Barbarian
Aric of Solamnia
Zachariah of Tarsis
Kevon of Kharolis
Cullen of Kharolis
Breakfast, then training from Dawn to Dusk, with a break at
midday for an afternoon light meal.
The Gladiators bathe and have dinner, and soon retire after a
hard day.
The trainers gather for a drink with Wydara and go over what
they will address the next day.
Wydara calls it a night and tells the boys she is ready and they
walk through the streets under the lamp lights. They come to
Las's neighborhood, Wydara looks for the house and eventually
comes to the right address. She knocks.
This story connects with Las in Ergoth Chapter One.
HTML https://thedamnforum.createaforum.com/empire-of-ergoth/las-in-ergoth/
#Post#: 314--------------------------------------------------
Wydara Blood and the Arena Chapter Three: Doubt
By: Dungeon Master Date: August 16, 2023, 1:46 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Wydara Blood and the Arena
Story One:Family and the Fall
Chapter Three: Doubt
[/center]
Western Ansalon
Northern Ergoth
Imperial Capital City of Gwynned
The Gladiators are pushed - harder and harder
The training intensifies
They work
Faster
They sweat
They get better
As the days pass, and the date of the matches comes near, the
Four prepare to live or die upon the sands. It is up to them.
They are watched over, for any signs of weakness or fallibility
Their diets are carefully managed, as are rationed amounts of
ale or wine
She does not push them to break, just to make them stronger. She
knows when to hold them back and let them get rest. She wants
their senses sharp, for all too all have an edge.
The training ends for the day. Soon they are bathed and seen by
the Medicus for any injuries they may have incurred.
They eat. Each is focused, on their own world. Two will fight in
separate matches while the other two fight together in the
Primus against two others
Aidan the First Sword of the House, Ex-military Ergothian
Barrat was condemned to die but survived, Dark skinned Ergothian
Sarus Barbarian of Khur
The Barbarian Ragor of the Plains of Dust
Berrat and Aidan have been training together, and eating
together, but they have yet to find common ground. Though
everything has been fine, they just have not been able to get on
the same page.
Wydara hopes they figure it out in the next couple of days. She
has not found out how to make it work and it’s frustrating her.
She brainstorms ways to make it work. But they are running out
of time.
She wants them all to live. She is not careless with life.
She decides tomorrow is do or die. She has to get them to work
together.
#Post#: 345--------------------------------------------------
Wydara Blood and the Arena Chapter Four: Grand Reopening Part
One
By: Dungeon Master Date: August 23, 2023, 2:33 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Wydara: Blood and the Arena
Story One: Family and the Fall
Chapter Four: Grand Reopening Part One[/center]
Western Ansalon
Northern Ergoth
Imperial Capital City of Gwynned
Only a couple of days till the match.
They figure it out. They begin to work as a team. Barret and
Aiden find common ground, leaving Wydara to feel much better
about their prospects.
Wydara is not sure what has gotten into Barret, or if he has
turned the corner. But he is fighting better than she has ever
seen him.
Day of the Games at the refurbished Arena. Half the size of the
Colosseum, with a round area fight in. built in the years after
the Cataclysm. It was the second arena built. The First one was
a pre-cataclysm construction that has survived into the modern
day. When the game was outlawed by the Kingpriest, it became
used for Theater, until that was outlawed as well. After Gwynned
became the capital, it was not long before the numbers of the
city necessitated the construction of the Colosseum. It took
years to complete. The Colosseum* is a true oval Amphitheater
The announcements come
Fifteen Condemned Prisoners are put into the arena and given
basic weapons to defend themselves against Mountain Lions that
are unleashed upon them.
It is gruesome, and I will write no more other than report that
it took place.
Midday
twenty prisoners who are condemned to death are dispatched by
the Gladiators who have been chosen by chance, a name drawn from
a bag to carry out the will of the state.
The horns announce the entry of the Gladiators - The Games Begin
The time comes When the assigned gladiators enter the sands from
the Gate of Life. For their match-up.
The Fights
Opening Fight
Dias, a well-regarded Gladiator Slave enters the Arena, he looks
around, and he has some supporters yell for him, but generally,
the crowd is so-so for him.
From another Door, the Professional Gladiator, Durak the Black
Minotaur comes into the Arena, and the crowd gives a mixed
reaction to this one. He has eliminated several favorites in his
time in the Ergothian Games and he has cut a bloody swath
through his opponents.
As the Emperor is not here today, they still salute towards the
Imperial Palace, then salute the Editor’s box where sits the
Editor and his elite guests. They then salute each other.
And they start moving toward one another. The anticipation for
the match builds in the stands.
There is a strict seating arrangement in the stands. The lower
tiers of the society are higher up. The affluent and nobles have
the choice of seating. Women are allowed to attend with their
husbands, or if they have special dispensation from the emperor,
or the unmarried women sit higher up in the stands.
They come to blows, move around, and try to land strikes, Dias
goes on the offensive and has Durak backing up. Then the
minotaur exploits a weakness, waits for it again, and then
hammers him with powerful strikes, it is Dias who is
backpedaling. He can’t keep up the defense.
The Black Minotaur overpowers Dias with brutal strikes that are
already tiring Dias out. He strikes out at the Minotaur and he’s
close to scoring his hit, But the Durak moves and takes Dias’s
head.
The Match was Four Minutes Twenty-Four Seconds.
The Next match is coming.
#Post#: 347--------------------------------------------------
Wydara Blood and the Arena Chapter Four: Grand Reopening Part Tw
o
By: Dungeon Master Date: August 23, 2023, 6:11 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Wydara: Blood and the Arena
Story One: Family and the Fall
Chapter Four: Grand Reopening Part Two[/center]
Wydara watches from her box seat. Fellow trainers Kol and Roric
have joined her. They witnessed the Black Bull’s furious assault
in the last match was brutal to watch. She cringes when one of
her guys draws a match with him. He may win the season. She
resolves to train her guys with things she picked up fighting
minotaurs.
The Cleaning crew disposes of the body and head from the field.
Wydara looks across the way to the other Trainer seating boxes
to see the other Trainers from the other schools.
Titus Calvus and Duro. Wydara is not sure how they feel about
her. This is her First Full Season, after coming in late in the
game last year. So far, so good, only lost three so far. Knock
on wood. Some of her guys have killed some of theirs. She does
not want to want to be driven out of the city, and she wouldn’t
put it past some people.
The Horns announce the next match
The Professional Gladiator Taran from the School of Servius Duro
walks through the gates and enters the Arena. He is attired in
the Murmillo fighting garb and elaborate full-face curved
helmet. A body shield and various pieces of armor on one leg,
the shield arm is padded armor. The crowd cheers for the popular
professional gladiator. He soaks up the adulation and awaits his
opponent
The Opposition Gate opens and out walks Sarus the Khur Barbarian
from Wydara’s Training school. He has various pieces of light
armor. Sarus is a very large man. He carries a medium round
shield, a pilus spear, and a Spatha long sword.
They repeat the Ritual of Salutes to each other, and the
fighting begins.
Sarus makes use of the Spear to make Taran think twice about
moving in. He jabs at the eyes. Taran’s Shield pushes Sarus back
and Taran tries to stab with his Gladius. Sarus defends with his
shield and pushes Taran back. The Khur warrior steps on Taran’s
foot and pushes Taran again, this time knocking him back. Taran
swings at the Barbarian. But Sarus is not stupid. He gets in
position for when Taran tries to get up, and Taran sees that is
what he is trying to do that. He takes off his helmet and throws
it to Sarus, and Taran rolls away and gets up.
The crowd’s emotions play out as they watch the match-up. They
are now past the Minotaur’s four-minute twenty-four-second
match.
They are evenly matched. Wydara watches as the spear enters
Taran’s shield and stays embedded. While Taran uses his Gladius
to break the spear, Sarus draws his long sword and bashes his
shield into Taran’s shield, momentarily trapping Taran’s shield
and Sword, and Sarus cuts down into Taran’s collarbone and cuts
a gash into Taran’s neck. Taran drops his sword and falls to the
ground. He drops his shield and raises his hand in submission.
Blood rushes from his wound onto the sands.
The Khur Barbarian knows it's over, but looks to the crowd to
see what their reaction is.
People are in shock that their guy is dying. Sarus looks to the
Editor’s box to see what the verdict is. They seem to be unsure
of what to do next. They can’t gauge the crowd.
Sarus ends his suffering, pulling the armor free and driving his
sword through his heart.
The crowd is quiet for long moments, then cheers for Sarus begin
breaking out!
He raises his arm in victory, and Wydara cheers for him. Sarus
takes in the newfound love for him. He exits the Gates with a
fist in the air.
Five Minutes Thirty-Five Seconds
#Post#: 349--------------------------------------------------
Wydara Blood and the Arena Chapter Four: Grand Reopening Part Th
ree
By: Dungeon Master Date: August 23, 2023, 11:59 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Wydara: Blood and the Arena
Story One: Family and the Fall
Chapter Four: Grand Reopening Part Three[/center]
Servius Duro looks over to Wydara and nods his head to her in a
sign of respect.
Wydara returns the gesture. As poor Taran is drug from the
arena, the victory of Sarus has catapulted him to a new plateau
of respect and acclaim. Soon, he is known as Sarus the Merciful.
Catchy, but mercy is not usually ever on the Barbarian’s agenda.
Next up will be Ragor, her Barbarian from the Plains of Dust.
Large, ferocious, and dominant. He has won thirteen matches thus
far for her. Came from the Plains into Taris and watched the
games until he finally had to be a part of it. Ragor and Sarus
became fast friends and watched each other’s backs.
A new face enters the Sponsor’s Box. It looks as though this one
owns the next gladiator that will be fighting. He’s rich, can
tell that by his clothes, his sandals, his hair, and the way he
carries himself. Wydara wants to know more.
She begins to ask Kol a question before she notices that the Man
is looking in her direction, and catches her eye. He nods his
head to her, and she does the same. He smiles at her before
turning to Titus Calvus and asking a question.
“Sly devil,” Wydara says to nobody in particular. She drinks
some more water and avoids his gaze the rest of the day.
The Horns announce the next Match.
The Barbarian Ragor of the Plains of Dust, From Wydra Arbagon’s
Gladiatorial School.
Ragor comes out of the gate of Life and onto the sands of the
Arena. He is armed with a spear, a Gladius, various pieces of
armor, and a small round shield.
Ragor is liked well enough for his past victories, he is
rewarded with cheers from different sections of the arena
stands.
His opponent is announced, and the crowds go silent. Ackal of
the Ker-Vakt from the school of Titus Calvus.
Wydara was not aware that it was going to be the opponent. She
has only heard some stories about this Gladiator. A Wildman from
the North.
Armed with a Gladius, various pieces of armor on his leg and
arm, and carrying a body shield
The Salutes are made, and they stalk around each other. The
opening spear thrust is deflected away, and a sword thrust is
blocked. What follows in the next three minutes is a flurry of
attacks, blocks, and dodges. Both are out for blood, but the
edge to this point has gone to Ragor until Ackal breaks Ragor’s
spear. Ragor recovers and slashes at the face of Ackal, who gets
his shield up and bashes Ragor in the face with his shield and
proceeds to gut Ragor with ferocity in the midsection, his
intestines pour forth, and Ragor falls backward into the sand.
Ackal raises his arm in victory. The crowd is in shock. This
Wildman lives again. In some quarters, some are cheering for
him, but the Crowd as a whole has not embraced this Northman.
Wydara looks crestfallen. She has seen her share of gruesome
endings, but that was hands down the worst any of her guys have
gotten in the arena. She says a small prayer for Ragor and
wishes him well on his journey.
Four Minutes and fifty-four seconds
#Post#: 387--------------------------------------------------
Wydara Blood and the Arena Chapter Four: Grand Reopening Part Fo
ur: The Primus
By: Dungeon Master Date: September 3, 2023, 7:15 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Wydara: Blood and the Arena
Story One: Family and the Fall
Chapter Four: Grand Reopening Part Four: The Primus[/center]
There is a pause before the games continue. The cleaning crew is
sent out to retrieve the body of Ragor. The bloody mess on the
sands is scooped up into bins. Sand is kicked over the blood,
and it soaks into the sand as a sacrifice, a payment, a toll.
Still shocked and shaken by the last fight, Wydara will remember
that warrior. He made mistakes, but adjusted, and poor Ragor was
no match. She decides she will start going to see his matches
whenever he fights. She needs to figure out how to beat him. So,
she can train her guys, or the same fate may fall on them.
She hopes her fighters do well in this next match.
However, others in the Arena have different thoughts about the
winner of the last match.
Several officials from the Court of Emperor Mercadior Redic VI
take note of him and consider him a dangerous threat.
While still others are deeply impressed. These men in particular
are a part of a secret society of Noblemen called the Alligators
Secret Gladiator Society. They are attempting to bring the
Gladiator games back, first in secret, then into the mainstream
again. They view Northern Ergoth as good as it gets with its
three arenas. Ergoth has always been a ruthless society, the
Games are just an extension of this facet. They have attempted
to build an underground arena network on the Mainland of
Ansalon. They were delighted to find out that Tarsis had opened
its arena. This brought their attention to Wydara Arbagon and
her school of Gladiators, and her eventual move to Gwynned.
Some among them lost money on Ragor, but others bet on Ackal.
Having learned from his many victories, they were not going to
bet against him.
Torches are lit around the arena as the sun begins to set
The Horns blare and announce the coming of the Primus
From the House and Training School of Vartus Sevinus-
Through the Gates of Life walk
Professional Gladiator Tyos Hoplomachi
Visored helmet, gladius sword, Heavy Armor, Body Shield, with an
ocrea, or metal greave, on the lower left leg.
Professional Gladiator Verin Murmillo
Elaborate full-face curved fish crest on his helmet. Armed with
a Gladius, Armored Arm, with Body Shield, and Armored leg
Across the sands from them,
The entrance of their opposition was announced from the Training
School of Lady Wydara
Aidan Dimachaeri
Ergothin -light-skinned Ex-military. First Sword, short hair,
unshaven Medium medium-sized
Light leather armor will fight with Two Swords
Barrat Thracian
Ergothian -dark-skinned- Former Criminal, a string of victories
has brought him popularity
Fight with a curved sword (siccae), 18 inches. His helmet has a
tall crest (crista) with a distinctive griffin. The helmet has a
wide brim and a visor to cover his face. He wears a manica of
tied linen or leather to protect his sword arm. He also had
padded leg protection over which he wore a pair of high greaves
that ended above his upper thigh. Barrat’s shield is a
quadrangular small shield.
The Editor gives a speech and honors the Gladiators and the
blood they spill upon the sands on this day of reopening.
The four gladiators make their salutes
There is no fear in the arena.
The bigger Gladiators press their advantage with strength and
power. They have an impressive defense.
Swords clash with swords, and against shields.
Practiced dodges and feints, learned almost as rotes dedicated
to memory save our Gladiators time and again.
Frustration begins to manifest among the big gladiators, The
Murmillo bashes Aidan in the face and traps one of his swords
and disarms one of his swords, and throws it, laughing… Aidan
rolls and rolls again.
The Hoplomachi takes advantage and kicks Barret back and follows
through causing Barret to have to roll away.
The Murmillo swings and swings again, Aidan rolls again and
picks up his lost sword, and is back on his feet.
The Crowd gives a deafening roar of excitement.
Wydara is following along from her Box seat, looking for any
weakness, something to exploit.
Barret cut through the back of the leg of his opponent bringing
him to the ground
Meanwhile, mere feet away, the Murmillo sees that his partner
has gone down and that he is about to be outnumbered. He punches
Aidan with his sword handle, almost knocking him out. He stands
there dazed, and the Murmillo begins to stab Aidan. Barrat is
all at once there knocking the blade's trajectory off, then he
kicks Aidan down, and out of the way.
The Murmillo backhands Barret with his giant shield and lunge
kicks him away, sending him falling back.
The Murmillo begins moving towards his First opponent, who is
still dazed but coming through. He can hear the crowd; he can
even hear Wydara yelling at him to get up. He now sees the
Murmillo coming. He can’t see his partner…then he sees him. He
has gotten behind the Murmillo. Aidan rolls backward over the
shoulder and couple of times to give himself some space and then
meets him in combat on his feet. He backs the Murmillo steps
back and is soon tripping over the Barrat, who takes him down
violently. Barret Kicks his shield away, blocks his sword
strike, and knocks the sword away, driving his sword through the
Murmillo’s throat.
Barrat had off-screen killed his other opponent.
Aidan walks over to him and raises Barrat’s arm and hand and
together they soak in the applause as wave after wave of cheers
descend upon them. Aidan tells Barrat thank you.
Match elapsed time: Five Minutes 12 Seconds
Wydara stops gripping Koda’s arm and lets go. And sits there for
a moment before she hugs her Trainers, one after the other.
Cheers rain down and the Primus has finished. Inaugurating the
Reopening of the Arena with offering. of spilled blood. A night
of possibility is open to the spectators as they file out
according to social status in efficiently designed exits. They
are still talking about the match when they reach the lamp-lit
streets.
The scene ends-
#Post#: 422--------------------------------------------------
429 AC Wydara Blood and the Arena Chapter Five: Funeral for Rago
s/Preparing for the Party Part One
By: Dungeon Master Date: September 10, 2023, 1:45 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Wydara: Blood and the Arena
Story One: Family and the Fall
Chapter Five: Funeral for Ragos/Preparing for the Party Part One
[/center]
The night of the Reopening saw both victory and defeat for the
Training school of Wydara.
At the school, everyone in the House and Gladiators participates
in a solemn funeral for Ragos, the Barbarian of the Plains of
Dust. Had been with Wydra since she had her School in Tarsis.
His remains are set alit and the Gladiators pair off and fight,
the blades echo and give a proper salute to a fellow brother.
Wydara says, “Enough, now celebrate in your rooms. We have
brought barrels of spirits for you, and the ladies are
downstairs, but first, Barret, come up here.”
Everyone starts clapping for him and cheering as the Ergothian
walks up the steps. He walks over to Wydara, and Wydara beams at
him. She quiets everyone and says, “Barret has brought the night
home for us. He was a Champion tonight.” Wydara raises his arm,
and everyone cheers anew for the champion of the night. Wydara
tells him he has earned a bonus that will be added to his trust,
for when he wants to access his funds.”
This brings a genuine smile to his face, “Thank you, and thank
you for not giving up on me.”
Wydara was losing faith in the week before, but lies and tells
him “Never.” She lets Barret join his brothers in celebrating
the victory but gives Kol a list of Gladiators she wants ready
for tomorrow night for the exhibition.
It is a madhouse below, people reveling, almost feeling free for
a little while. They drink and recount the battles they saw and
fought; they enjoy the ladies who have come to visit. The group
right now does not carry much animosity towards anyone at this
time, tbut hat’s not always the case. In this case, the
Gladiators just had a good night. Practice starts at the second
hour after noon.
Above in the House, Wydara is going over the final decision of
who she will invite to her victory party tomorrow night. No,
he’s too much of a pain. She’s had three parties thus far in her
time in Ergoth. Her House is impeccable inside. Won’t win
awards, but some of the art is exquisite. Both paintings she has
done, and collected pieces such as items found in Taris, Pre
pre-cataclysmic pieces. She does not like the people she is
inviting. It will be a symposium for people in the Gladiatorial
field, several nobles, and we have that girl who plays the harp.
We have barrels of wine. We have food coming in, and she’s hired
a few girls to help run the planning.
It was very much a surprise when Las received a post that turned
out to be an invitation to Wydara’s victory party at Wydara’s
Training school. The post includes a little money to get kids
some clothes.
Also, some suggestions for attire. What the heck?
This story will continue in Las in Ergoth
Hours later,
Some visitors make a point to show up early, so Wydara
accommodates them and brings them out to the veranda while they
take in some of the Gladiator training with some wine.
#Post#: 429--------------------------------------------------
429 AC Wydara Blood and the Arena Chapter Five: Victory Party Pa
rt Two Baby Brother
By: Dungeon Master Date: September 11, 2023, 1:41 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Continues from Las in Ergoth Chapter Eight: Surprise
HTML https://thedamnforum.createaforum.com/empire-of-ergoth/las-in-ergoth/msg428/#msg428[/center]
[center]
Wydara: Blood and the Arena
Story One: Family and the Fall
Chapter Five: Victory Party Part Two Baby Brother [/center]
Western Ansalon
Northern Ergoth
Imperial Capital City of Gwynned
Wydara's Training School
In Wydara's living space above,
The sun is setting.
Elegant materials hang from some walls and flow with the airflow
The air is heavy with the smell of exotic spices and incense.
A young elven woman Harpist, playing the most beautiful
background music
The Wine flows along with hors d'oeuvres. being served by
Wydara’s hired help.
An array of egg-based dishes and cooked eggs, salads, snails,
salted fish, vegetable dishes, truffles, and mushrooms. Olives,
sausages, shellfish, and herbed cheese
The symposium was a social gathering in Ergoth and has been a
part of a movement over the centuries to continue the
traditions. At symposia, male and some female citizens gather
for dinner, drinking, conversation, music, and entertainment.
They would engage in jokes and games, recite poetry, and watch
professional musicians and dancers. Here it’s not quite still.
Yes, there are Nobles here, and decorum is set mostly at a
conservative level. The dancers will be a bit risqué, but
nothing over the top. She knows her brother’s children are going
to be here. It won’t get her thrown out of the city. Wydara’s
is a strange mix of Elvish and Tarsisian, mixed with the
brutalist Ergothian architecture. Only at this location are
Gladiators on the premises. The night has not fully unfolded
yet, it is the very early hours.
Several Alligators* are here, unknown to Wydara as to their
secret affiliation.
Wydara begins to worry that her nieces and nephews won’t make it
in time for the exhibition. Her fears are dispelled when she
turns around and hears her brother’s voice. As she stands, there
is her baby brother in a toga in her house. Wydara walks to him
and hugs him.
“Welcome to my School baby brother.”
"I don’t know what I expected but it certainly was not this.
You’ve done very well for yourself big sister.” Talidaar says.
Las, Daera, and Sator all get hugs from their aunt.
Sator asks, “If they have missed the demonstrations, the
exhibition?”
Wydara assures them they have not come up yet. Get yourself
something to eat, get some wine, we have water, go out and walk
to the veranda, or listen to the harpist, I have a bard to
recite some good poetry, none of the brutalist stuff. Some
choice elven poetry. Excuse me.” She walks quickly to welcome
new guests.
Talidaar walks with his children over to the hors d'oeuvres. And
Talidaar allows Daera and Sator some wine. The family walks
outside like Wydara suggested, and Daera and Sator get their
first look at gladiators training. A select few have been kept
going long after the others have been getting ready for the
exhibition. Sator sees for the first time the act of stealing
another shield so effortlessly. He is fascinated by the tricks
of the trade. It makes them very formidable opponents. He
watches as he sees blocks and dodges, a shield smashing into
somebody's face. The act of punching someone in melee combat,
the effective elbows to the face. They are quite agile.
He looks at his father. “Did you say something?” He asks
earnestly.”
“No son, I’m watching the same thing you are. Quite impressive.”
Las is taking it all in. Quite a bit of skin is showing. Just
basically very small shorts. Great physiques. Very large men.
She takes a drink and looks up at the stars and her Red Moon.
Daera's mind isn’t there, she is impressed by their ability to
not be hit, and the ability to take a heavy punch and get back
up.
Wydara comes out and tells the dancers are about to begin.
A hired dance troupe of acrobats to perform for the assembled
guests with the accompaniment of a small bardic band of flutes,
horns, and a skinned drum.
The dance is mesmerizing and slightly shocking. But they have
the crowd's attention, aided by the hypnotic music.
Alligators Society* The Nobleman underground society that
promotes the building of arenas, and the propagation of
Gladiator blood sports. They work to bring the underground
network into the mainstream again. They also wager large sums on
Games across Ansalon, This is their backyard.
#Post#: 439--------------------------------------------------
429 AC Wydara Blood and the Arena Chapter Five: Victory Party Pa
rt Three: Exhibition
By: Dungeon Master Date: September 12, 2023, 9:55 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]
Wydara: Blood and the Arena
Story One:Family and the Fall
Chapter Five: Victory Party Part Three: Exhibition[/center]
Members of the Alligators Society gather together and converse.
They are eager for the exhibition and see who Wydara brings out
to parade her wares. (The Gladiators)
Meanwhile, Wydara hunts down the other Trainers who have been
invited to the Party. Titus Calvus, Servius Duro, and Vartus
Sevinus have come to the Party. Wydara is gracious to her guests
and does not show them any venom. Indeed, she tells Titus Calvus
that his Wildman from the North was very impressive in the
Games. Titus thanks her and is careful not to insult Wydara’s
Barbarian from the Plains of Dust, who was killed in the arena.
She asks who owns the Northman.
Ah, that would be Markus Avfinus. He was at the games yesterday.
He is getting pressured by the emperor’s men about the Northman.
It would seem the emperor has taken a dislike to the Northman
and does not want him in the games anymore.
Wydara thinks that would be a shame, He dominated his match. She
wonders what the politics of the situation could be. “What is
his story, why would the emperor’s men want him dead?”
“I’m told the emperor sees him as a threat and he was supposed
to die years ago, but Ackal has won the hearts of the people.”
“Bad business. Agrees with the other trainers. To have the state
come in and force a trainer and owner's hand may be their
prerogative and their right, but it is wrong according to the
code that the Trainers follow.
Wydara tells Titus Calvus that she will think about the matter
and try to figure out a way to help. This surprises the
trainers, but they are at a loss for how she could help, but
they accept her gesture of goodwill.
Wydara tells the trainers to enjoy her party, and the exhibition
will begin soon. Wydara looks over at her family and looks at
her youngest niece and nephew decides to walk over to them and
asks Talidaar if she could talk to him for a moment.
Wydara broaches to Talidaar that he should let the kids stay
with Las for a while longer. “I don’t know anything about
anything okay, but hear me out. I think the kids are starting to
thrive a bit. This city is full of harsh lessons about the
world. What better a place for an education.”
“They aren't ready; Lashia would be out of mind with worry. I
know Las would watch them, we were gone to the Valley for so
long, it was nice to just get home.”
“I think they are flourishing here. Being in a different place
is bringing them out of their shells. These kids have been more
protected and sheltered in either Marilee or Las, or even Nebris
for that matter. I think they need this. We went to the Theater
the other night and Daera’s eyes were hanging on every line.
This is exciting for them, new experiences, they have tutors,
and Sator has Sword practice with a good instructor I know.
Daera is going to the Archery range and practicing and getting
better.”
“We both know people who are better archery instructors, and
they don’t live in Ergoth,” Talidaar says.
“That’s true.” Wydara concedes
Talidaar asks Wydara, “If they have come over to the villa
before today?”
Wydara says, “No, this was their first time”. I know you don’t
want their heads filled with violence, and violence is pretty
much what I do for a living, so no, Talidaar, my head was fully
on getting my Gladiators through their fights. I lost one
today.”
Talidaar absorbs this and tells her, “Well, thank you anyway for
supplying guards for the kids. I think we may be in the clear.
But a whole new war is on the Horizon. Lashia is with Damara and
Mikal, and they are trying to get the Dragons' Help. The Elven
Sanctuary is under threat.”
“Maybe keeping the kids here with Las is the best option right
now, right?” Wydara asks her brother.
“Yeah, you’re right. For a while longer. But if Lashia moves
here to be with the Kids, I’m not going to be a happy camper.”
Talidaar states flatly.
Wydara nods, then sees they are ready, and Wydara tells her
brother, "Now, if you excuse me, the Exhibition is about to
begin.
The guests open an area for the Gladiators to walk into the
villa, armed with wooden swords. Besides Hostess, Wydara is now
a showman, introducing the different Gladiators in her House
Jason of Tarsis
Cullen of Kharolis
Hale of the Ice Wall Barbarian (A very large man)
Kevon of Kharolis
Zachariahas of Tarsis
Bril from the Blood Sea
Aric of Solamnia
Mataus from distant Flotsam
Wooden Gladius Exhibition
The gladiators are extremely well-practiced for this kind of
work. It has been drilled into them every day for years. The
gladiators square off and give a convincing spectacle, showing
off their skill, abilities, and their physique. Their defined
muscles glisten in the light given off by oil lamps, having been
oiled before the show.
Attacks
Blocks
Kicks
Thrusts
Dodges
Swings
Punches
Elbows
They are incredibly impressive. Though Sator has no dreams of
becoming a gladiator, he picks up on small things that tell him
how good these warriors are. Talidaar watches his son take in
the demonstration and thinks about the words Wydara said to him
earlier. It is true that after Marilee, Las, and Nebris’s
adventurous childhood, He and Lashia did try to shelter Daera
and Sator. He decides he will ask them their thoughts after he
talks about it with Las.
The guests are enthralled by the display of spectacle. This is
the closest some of the guests have ever been to Gladiators.
They are so close they could reach and touch them. Some of the
women among the guests are filled with thoughts and fantasies of
what it would be like to be ravished by these unconstrained
brutes, while some of the men of the group feel emasculated by
the raw power these men are displaying, giving their all into
each strike.
When it is over, the guests cheer for the performance and the
gladiators file out of the villa, catching eyes with some
beautiful Ergothian female, that makes her inwardly swoons as
they walk past.
The conversation begins anew, and the party goes on after
midnight. Some guests depart, assuring Wydara they had a
wonderful time, and Wydara sees them off. Las signals to
Talidaar that they should go, and Talidaar gets the attention of
his youngest kids, and they visit with Wydara before they leave.
Wydara asks if they enjoyed themselves. Both actually did, the
conversations they heard, and they enjoyed the atmosphere. Sator
wants to take lessons sometime from a gladiator. That catches
both Talidaar and Wydara off guard, and they look at each other.
Wydara tells Sator that maybe some time in the future, you can
come back, and I will set you up.
Daera has decided her aunt is completely foreign to her, but she
is very cool in a lot of ways. They give hugs, and Wydara hugs
Las and Talidaar, and thanks them for coming tonight. They made
it complete. Wydara rejoins her party.
Talidaar and his family leave Wydara’s villa and go back to
Las’s house.
[center]
The story of Las, her father, and the kids will continue in Las
in Ergoth Chapter Nine: Deliberations
HTML https://thedamnforum.createaforum.com/empire-of-ergoth/las-in-ergoth/msg442/#msg442
The last part of the evening will continue on this Topic and
will conclude part Four of Chapter Five, Victory Party[/center]
*****************************************************
DIR Next Page