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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Jul 3, 2023 12:24:39 GMT -5
Whatever monster. You are just another mindless beast that will be downed with a swift stroke from my keen blade. Days like this happened more often than Shaa cared for. Here he was, sitting outside on a stump, eating some soup, minding his own business and nonsense comes looking for him. Most of the time, he just got an odd look or a side glance from passersby but here around the fight pits was different. Around the fight pits, men and women from all over who think they are tough enough come here to prove it. Of course, there are rules for such things. Marv, the owner and proprietor of the fight pits let a lot slide but only up to a point. Don’t mess with Marv. It was generally understood that people should handle issues in the pits ( more money that way) but with so many volatile personalities in one place, small skirmishes about town were bound to happen.
Shaa continued eating his soup and secretly hoped this braggart would get bored and walk away. Instead, the lean fighter in shiny armor seemed to be emboldened by the fact that Shaa was reluctant to engage him. As it happened, it was really really good soup and he knew starting something now would rob him of something he had been looking forward to for weeks.
Have you nothing to say beast? Your reputation around here as a killer is so bold, so grand. When I found you I thought I would find this towering behemoth, this grand fighter. Not some mewling cow slurping down some watery garbage. Watery garbage? This soup has friggin Ashland scallions in it! He thought to himself. Just ignore him. Just ignore him. Enjoy the soup. You have a nice half loaf of seed bread in your bag. Some Gnoll will probably eat him later, it’s fine….it’s fine.
The pesky knight could not take the hint and kept after him. I’m curious beast. Continuing to goad him further. Just who are your parents? Did you have a father who got lonely in the field one night and brought you into the world? Or did your filthy mother have unnatural desires that spawned you only to be brutally slain by my hand?
Speaking of mothers, how is yours? Does she miss me? The fighter smiled wickedly knowing that he had finally gotten through. Speak you of my gentle mother monster? If you miss her so, I shall present her with your head as a trophy! Dang it! I’ll have to loot his corpse for soup money when we are done.
The rough knight pulls a blade from its scabbard and tries to bring it down on Shaa’s left shoulder. Twisting to the side, Shaa doges the blow and counters by tossing the bowl of soup in the armored knights face. Blinded by blissful goodness and lentils, Shaa takes advantage of the distraction by punching the fighter roughly in the side of the head. The blow is hard enough to send him sprawling backwards and awkwardly into the dirt.
Shaa starts looking for a branch to bludgeon this guy with when he hears a voice from the side. Stop right there Shaa. You know better than that. Shaa looked over and locked eyes with another of the fight pits local celebrities, Marvadene, Marv’s daughter and heir apparent to the pits. He started it, I just wanted to eat my soup! Marvadene cocked one crooked eye and smiled. Yes ,yes, I’m sure dear boy I’m sure. But the tournament is about to start and we need all our fighter in top form. No damaging the merchandise.
Suddenly, everything became clear. The fighter had heard about the shakedown and had come to get Shaa disqualified before he could even step foot in the pits. And like some rookie, he fell for it. If he can taken out by a bowl of soup, you probably don’t want him in your tournament anyway. Marvadene sneers a bit with crooked teeth. Come now, let’s be honest dear. A bowl of soup in your hands is probably more dangerous than most. Shaa had to admit that she had a point. Anyway, it’s time to go you naughty boys. Of course, you have heard about the changes and you are ready? He hadn’t. Ummm no, what changes?
Of dear, yes. Due to the dangerous nature of some of the challenges, you are required to bring a partner. Your’e joking. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. No exceptions I’m afraid, rules are rules. Failure to get a partner will result in forfeit. If either you or your partner die, you both lose. Isn’t that fun? It starts tomorrow morning, don’t be late. And….don’t even think of bailing, my father would be most disappointed. You wouldn’t want that would you cutie? Shaa definitely didn’t want that. The pits were on the low his main source of income outside the guild. No…I’ll figure it out. Good. We’ll see you tomorrow then. The grotesque woman points to the fighter on the ground still wiping some soup from his face. A bolt of black lightning leaps from her fingers striking the road beside him. Marvadene smiles at the startled fighter and intones. That goes for you too sweetie, best be on your way. The man gets up and rushes off down the road without another word, the dangerous woman following behind.
Shaa looks his spilled soup on the road with sadness. He needed a partner by tomorrow and not just any partner, one that could take care of themselves and not die 5 minutes in. One that wouldn’t mind getting their hands dirty. He decides to make a short jaunt to town to think it over.
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jul 5, 2023 22:39:01 GMT -5
It was hard not to catch wind of the fighting pits no matter what station in life you were blessed to have. Leandros had heard plenty of talk about it, perhaps even stealing away to watch a fight or two in his youth but the display never sat well with him. If it were his rule, people wouldn't have to turn to such means of making a living. But alas, he was not king and the people would likely riot to have their entertainment taken awat.
He raises an eyebrow as he mills about the streets, seeing a soup-sodden man running for his life. An odd thing, but there were lots of oddities making their way through Charon these days. He shrugs and lets it pass by without a second thought. Monsters and bandits and men covered in soup are all of equal happenstance all things considered.
The knight is deep into his errands for the morning, a collection of horseshoes needed collecting from the blacksmith. One top of that Apogee needed a few things from the apothecary and a gift was needed for Theobo's coming nameday. It was certainly a busy, though far less active, morning for the Lion compared to the Bull.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Jul 7, 2023 23:59:21 GMT -5
Shaa walked into town and headed over to the bar. Surely there was someone over there who he could finagle into running into the pit with him. The place was usually so full of mercs and fighters , it shouldn’t be a problem. As Shaa walked in through the door, his heart dropped a bit. The place was practically deserted. Shaa walked over to the bar and flagged down the bartender. Hey man, what’s going on? Why is it so dead in here?
A middle aged woman slides over from behind the bar and pushes a mug over to Shaa. Hey there fuzzy face, I should be asking, what are you doing here? Most everyone is back over at the pits. You know, registering, betting, picking out seats and what not. No one is going to be back here until tonight. Well. She looks and points over to a couple of very drunken goblins in the corner. It was fairly obvious that they had been there for awhile. The thought crossed Shaa’s mind for just a moment that he could snag one of them and stick them in a corner while he took care of business, but it would be too risky.
Shaa looked back at the bartender. You heard about the new rule change right? He asked. I don’t suppose you have heard of anybody looking to pair up? The bartender curled a bit of her auburn hair around her finger and looked up at the ceiling. Yeah, there were plenty of folks talking about it earlier, but all the regular knuckle heads got all paired up. I can’t think of anyone who was still looking. He grimaced a bit and finished off the mug. Ughh that’s just great. Thanks anyway. He spun slightly in his stool and headed back out the door. The sounds of some very rowdy goblins behind him.
Shaa headed out to the street concerned about his next move. Ergghh, I suppose I could head over to the pits if that’s where everyone is. He is about to head back out when he sees a familiar face by the blacksmith.
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jul 8, 2023 10:53:16 GMT -5
At the present moment, Leandros is engrossed in his errands. He takes a keen eye to the horse shoes, running a thumb along the edges to make sure its filed nicely and just feeling the shape. The nails get the same treatment.
It's only once he settles up with the blacksmith and tucks the items into a satchel that he notices Shaa. It wasn't often the minotaur was hard to miss. The knight smiles broadly and gives a wave.
"Shaa, it's good to see you again....though...you don't seem to be in the best of spirits. Something troubling you?" He makes his way out of the shop and over to the fellow guildmate so they don't have to shout the conversation around the street.
As they meet, a halfling boy approaches Leandros wearing a similar garb to the knight, though far from as thickly armored. "Ah Theobo, this is my friend Shaa I've mentioned. Shaa, this is my squire Theobo Buck." He pats the halflings back to encourage him a step forward.
It feels like it takes days for the halfling to finally look up far enough to meet Shaa's gaze. Not many people he met were taller than Leandros. "Good to meet you sir."
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Jul 8, 2023 20:51:51 GMT -5
Shaa smiles at Leandro’s greeting and moves across the street to meet him. This was great! Leandros was a capable fighter who could definitely take care of himself. This might be just the help that he needed. On the other hand , he also knew that he probably wasn’t the kind of person to jump into a fight pit and bloody peoples faces for fun and profit. He also looked like he was pretty busy so who knows if he would have the time to do it. Shaa started to doubt if it work out at all and he could feel himself grousing a bit.
Leandros introduces him to his halfling squire and the boy looks terrified. As it happend, Shaa had a special protective place in his oversized heart for kids, he himself being an orphan raised in slavery. Shaa tried to brighten himself up as much as he could to set the squire’s mind at ease. It’s very nice to meet you Theobo. I hope you are taking very good care of your knight here. I know from personal experience that he gets into a lot of trouble. It’s probably why we are friends. Shaa laughs loudly and pats the boys head gently but reassuringly. Speaking of which….
Shaa, not being the most subtle creature in Charon, lays it right out. To be honest Lee, I’m kind of in a pickle at the moment. You probably heard about the fights in the pits this week right? Well, I’m supposed to be in them but they had a last minute rule change. I need a partner. Preferably one that isn’t going to die in 5 minutes. Personally I would just do it myself but the organization in charge is kind of insisting. These are not the kinds of people you mess around with, good way to get a new knife delivered to your face if you know what I mean. Shaa hoped he wasn’t getting to graphic for the squire.
Anyway, I just found out about the change so it’s been pretty slim pickings. Not that I would trust the other pit fighters as far as I could throw them. I don’t suppose you could help me out could you? I know it’s not your thing but this would really be more about watching my back than anything. What do you say?
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jul 9, 2023 10:08:00 GMT -5
The mix in expressions is probably what Shaa expected, excitement from the boy and concern from the knight. He wasn't entirely wrong that this wasn't exactly Leandros' thing, but it was hard to deny a friend in need.
"I suppose this is a lesson for you Theobo that sometimes as a knight you have to do things you disagree with to help a friend." He smiled a bit as he handed the satchel over to the halfling. "As excited as I know you are, take this back to Byrr and Gilder. Let him know I will be delayed for a bit. You two have free reign of where to go...except the fighting pits."
"But shouldn't I learn all kinds of fighting?"
"Not this kind, but a compromise." Leandros looks back towards Shaa. "I'll help, but you have to promise to dinner at Bluescale Manor, my home, within the next week. You can share some of your stories with Theobo. Don't worry, he's getting his fair share of fighting in. Last month or so he killed his first hell hound, so you don't have to hold back."
Leandros really couldn't believe he was accepting this offer, but he knew Shaa was a good man. He wouldn't be asking this if he really didn't have any other option. It was just the fighting pits, how bad could it really be? Leandros likely had no idea how wrong he would be soon enough.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Jul 9, 2023 14:13:36 GMT -5
Shaa couldn’t believe his good fortune. He was sure that he would have to figure out some way to guilt him into it. Dinner and stories? Sounds like a pretty fair exchange to me. You have a deal. Shaa turned to the young squire. I’ll be sure to bring some of my best stories. Who knows? If this fight goes well, we might get some new ones in there. Don’t worry though. I’ll make sure your knight stays in one piece.
It was a promise he had intended to keep but, deep down, he knew it was going to be a tall order. Shaa had been fighting in the pits for years and he knew, perhaps better than most anyone, that pit fighting was different than any other kind of fighting in the world.
What made it so different was that it was truly unpredictable. You could be fighting alone or on a team. You could be fighting monsters or mages. It was never the same fight twice. Shaa’s ability to adjust and adapt had made him one of the top fighters to enter the pits or, at the very least, one of the most long lasting.
Shaa motions to Leandros to follow him. We probably need to go ahead over to the pits to register. It looks like you had some errands. If you want to take care of them and meet me later, we can do that too. What would you like to do?
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jul 9, 2023 19:11:32 GMT -5
"I'm not worried about that, he's fought dragons and hydra, I just wanted to see it." He grumbles and kicks a rock before taking the satchel. Theobo tries desperately to look so sad and pitiful that Leandros will change his mind, but the knight is steadfast in his decision.
"It's good training for children I suppose." He smiled and shook his head once the halfling was out of sight. Leandros turns to face Shaa and start following after the minotaur.
The knight really had no idea what he was walking in to. All he had ever heard and remembered about this place was how lawless the fights seemed. It was not a place where rules mattered and the only honor was the glory of victory, no matter how it was attained. Dirty tricks were not only allowed, but encouraged.
"They can take care of what else we need. There's just a blacksmith here that uses a special type of iron I like to use for Byrr's horse shoes. It's softer on the hooves which makes it easier for him during travel and helps navigate uneven terrain more easily, but it remains strong enough that I don't worry about it breaking."
After a mooment, Leandros realizes he is rambling. The secret passion of the knight to those that didn't know him was his deep knowledge of horses and their proper care, especially war horses. Though to those that did know him, it made sense, the Aurthurian wealth was made selling war horses.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Jul 10, 2023 18:56:48 GMT -5
With their last goodbyes and instructions behind them the two fighters headed down the well trod road towards the infamous fight pits. It was a path that Shaa had marched down more times than he could remember. He gently rubbed his left arm, remembering his last fight in the pits about a month back.
It wasn’t a large scale tournament like this one but one one of the many impromptu matches that occurred when the right fighters converge on a place. In this case, a drake breeder happened to have an unexpected boon of fire breathers in his latest clutch. As he could only afford to raise so many for the trades, he sold the surplus to the pits for exhibition matches. There were 6 drakes in all. All with some sort of superfluous anomaly that made them worth less supposedly. A bent horn, a snaggle tooth. In the pits, no one cared about such things as long as they put up a decent show.
By the time they had gotten to the last drake, 4 fighters had been maimed and two had lost their lives to the feral creatures. Marv had decided the cost in fighters had gotten too high to continue the fighting. People had stopped cheering and had turned to gagging over the gruesome scene. He had made a bundle on the fights but the final drake was apparently bound and determined to end anyone or anything that came for him. Marv called on Shaa to put and end to the beast once and for all. It was a tough battle but ultimately Shaa’s experience overcame the vengeful wrath of the creature. Then, it was over. That was his job really, to end things that needed an end. He wouldn’t drag this fight either if he could avoid it.
You getting nervous? He asked genuinely. I wouldn’t blame you if you were. This is the place where the smiles are just as dangerous as the swords. We are coming up the registrar now but….keep your guard up.
They walked over to one of several large tables manned by pit employees hurrying themselves with papers and small tasks. The smaller of the tables were for fighter registration while the others handled more mundane tasks like gambling licenses, food vendors and other sundry but necessary items. Shaa recognized some of the regulars but there always seemed to be newer, younger faces hanging about.
Name? Came a curt voice from behind the table. The voice belonged to an Avian crane named Frax who was probably older than the table he was writing on. Are you serious Frax? Why do we have to do this every time. You know who I am! The bird man gives him a crusty look from behind some speckled glasses. There are procedures which must be followed. Name. Shaa rolled his blue eyes almost back into his head. Shaa Rhunn, Minotaur, Kings Valley. The bird man looks to Leandros. Your partner. Name?
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jul 10, 2023 19:16:25 GMT -5
"I know it would be folly to bost that I've faced tougher beasts, but nervous? No. I may not traipse through these types of places often, but I know enough to not be taken advantage of." Leandros did stretch as much as he could while they waited. Maybe it was a bit of deep down subconcious nerves and a little bit of his childhood poking through where standing idle was not something he could do.
He looks over the animals held in cages with a bit of pity, such a sad existence to see them holed up and sold off. They were to know nothing else than this place it seemed, that pulled at the knights heart pretty firmly. He could feel that righteousness welling in his chest to overturn this place and empty the cages.
Thankfully, the calling for him broke him from what would have been a foolhardy decision. "Leandros Aurthurian, Human, Capitol Landing."
Should he have used a fake name? Well it's too late now so no sense worrying about it. Once they were settled he continued after Shaa.
"So, is this as lawless as I have been told as a child or are there rules? I would hate to go in unaware of the decorum of the sport and get you disqualified because of my error."
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Jul 12, 2023 11:52:04 GMT -5
Shaa thought carefully about the reply. No, I don’t think lawless is a good description. The pit definitely has rules that everyone is expected to follow. They are just … ya know…flexible when they need to be. The only hard and fast rule is “ Dint tick off Marv or his children.” That’s a one way ticket to a missing person’s poster if you catch my meaning. I have made them enough money over the years that they tend to give me a lot of flexibility around here when I need it but even I follow the rules….most of the time. Shaa gives him a bit of a mischievous smile.
Just stick with me and I’ll keep you out of trouble. As long as you don’t start anything it should be fine. Shaa can feel something coming fron behind with his fighter’s sense. Reaching back, he snags a large rock before it smacks him in the back of the head. Look at that, still got it. Shaa turns around to face a short grizzled man with grubby clothes and an eye patch. Shaa smiles at the bedraggled man. Severn! You smelly nose picker. It’s been a minute. I’m surprised your not dead yet or, at the very least, no one’s tried to stab you yet.
Pssstt they tried! Severn holds up his shirt to display some recently sewn scars in his chest. There are several more older scars that mar his chest and arms. You know it’s probably safer to NOT get stabbed at all right? Eh, a little stabbing never killed me none. Who’s the stiff? He says jabbing his thumb in Leandroses direction. This is my friend Leandros, he’s good people. Severn looks Leandros up and down skeptically. Doesn’t seem like the type. Shaa waves his hand. He’s a great fighter. You can tell because he has all his fingers and most of his teeth..I think. Yeah yeah, we’ll see I guess. They are posting the schedule, you better go check the lists. See you later grub face. You too pretty boy. Shaa waves at his friend as he walks towards a nearby wall with some postings on it. K, don’t scare any children. Shaa turns back to Leandros. We just registered so we probably won’t be posted till later. It looks like they are just wrapping up. Let’s go grab some food and they should be ready by the time we’re done eating.
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jul 12, 2023 20:19:39 GMT -5
Leandros makes a thoughtful hum at Shaa's response, "Don't question those at the top, I know the burden of working under that yoke....At the very least I will do my best to help maintain your reputation, if not grow it."
He looks behind them as Shaa seems to run into another friendly face. Well...this would certainly be interesting if this is how friends are treated. There was rough housing where we came from sure, but thrown rocks and promises of stabbings. Though....there was threats of ass-kickings so maybe it wasn't so different.
The knight stays quiet during the talking. Part of him worries that if he tries to act tough he will only embarass Shaa....and that the same would happen if he spoke truthfully. The longer he ingratiated himself to the culture, the more he learned it really wasn't that far from high courts and noble halls. The only real difference was the polish put on all of it.
A heavy sigh leaves as he puts his hands on his hips looking towards the postings. "You know I have the weirdest hunger for a good stew....I saw a man running down the streets absolutely doused in it and I have been starving ever since."
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Jul 13, 2023 22:48:53 GMT -5
That’s funny Shaa chuckled I missed lunch and I could go for more…um I mean.. I could go for some stew. As it happens, I know a close place that’s open. Follow me. His tummy started to grumble a bit just thinking about it.
As the two walked down a narrow street, close the registration, Shaa points out a small shop with a window to the outside. There are a couple of empty tables and chairs off to the side. Shaa walks up the counter where a young girl is cleaning some well used ceramic mugs. Two bowls of “ the grey” with a loaf of bread please. The girl looks up briefly and continues polishing the mugs. When she finishes, she places them on a small towel and walks over to a large iron pot in the back.
Removing two bowls and spoons from a shelf, the ladles a dark chunky liquid from the pot. Steam rises from the bowl as she slides them across the counter. From a small unseen drawer, she pulls out a small loaf of bread and slides it casually next to the bowls. Shaa is about to pull s.one coins out but the girl waves him off. You fighting today? She asks coldly. Yeah, me and him. The girl looks Leandros in the eye. You looking to win today or what?
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jul 14, 2023 9:29:25 GMT -5
The desire for stew lessens a little bit seeing what is plated in front of him, but he's not one to turn away a meal. It also would feel incredibly rude to make such a big thing about it to Shaa only to turn away because it doesn't look appealing.
At least the taste of it is surprisingly tolerable for the knight. It's a simple, but complete kind of flavor that's filling without being overbearing. He shovels another bite into his mouth as the bread is sliced.
"It would be a strange thing to fight with the intention of losing. I doubt I will have to do much beside Shaa though." Leandros does his best to continue to appear as simple support for the minotaur.
He was growing more and more curious about Shaa's past and history in this place though. He seemed a lot more well-connected than Leandros would have expected. Leandros shouldn't be completely surprised, every good fighter has to start somewhere and a place like this would explain Shaa's incredible battle sense.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Jul 14, 2023 13:32:48 GMT -5
Maggie, the girl behind the counter, gives a small snort and turns to Shaa. I have no doubt this big lump of hair can win. He’s one of only a handful of undefeated fighters out there. But that’s not the question is it fuzzy. Shaa puts the bowl of stew on the counter and raises his hands in playful innocence. What me? You get disqualified a couple times and everyone gets their pants in a twist. If your pops bets on me, you’ll get your money back.
The Ogre? That wasn’t an official fight, I got lost. The bugbear? How was I supposed to know it was allergic to peanuts? The damned captain of the expeditionary guild?? What? I won the fight. You were SUPPOSED to LOSE! Everyone else lost! Him and his stupid magic armor were invincible. Shaa turned to Leandros. I jammed an arcane proxy rod down his magic armor and cast vine field from inside his own armor! He tries to stifle his laughter. Dude was picking thorns out of his butt for a week. He turns back to the girl.
Look look. This is a legit fight, we are all shiny and registered and everything. Just get on us and you’ll be fine. All the way to the finals. You know they said something special is coming for the finals right? Isn’t there always? Special sells tickets. Speaking of which, we need to go check the lists. Shaa downs the rest of the stew and places the bowl back on the counter. Lee, you ready to do this man?
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