Wydara Blood and the Arena Story One

[Dungeon Master]

Warning, strong sensitive subject matter ahead. Consider this Thread M/A Rated R

Wydara: Blood and the Arena
Character created by DCR
Story One
Chapter One: Wydara

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, during the Age of Despair. Some of these events were covered in the Story of Talidaar Story One.

I will not go into the dark days of her captivity. Just that it scarred her for life.


She was eventually sold to a passing Minotaur slaving ship where life did not get much better. But one day Wydara swore she would never be assaulted again, and she fights 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 Taris 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 Taris and has since joined her here in Gwynned.

The architecture that has accompanied the remodeling is first 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 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 starting the next morning. She has not had the pleasure yet, but one thing the Imperial City has that Taris 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 like 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.

[Dungeon Master]

Wydara Blood and the Arena

Story One
Chapter Two: Gladiatorial Training School

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 are the four 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 then are broken into two groups
Aidan Ergothin Ex-military is First Sword -light-skinned, brown hair, unshaven Medium sized
Khan Khur Barbarian -a very large man

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 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 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 Gladiators through the paces.
(Note: will soon be detailed)

Taris Trident and Net
Kharolis Human
Ice Wall Large Human
Kharolis Human Medium sized
Taris Human Medium sized
Blood Sea Human
Solamnia Human
Flotsam Human


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.

[Dungeon Master]

Wydara Blood and the Arena

Story One
Chapter Three: Doubt

They are pushed


Harder and harder


Intensity


Sweat


They work


They get better


Faster



As the days pass, and the date of the matches comes near, the Four get prepared 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. And 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 light skinned
Barrat was condemned to die but survived.


Sarus
Ragor



Berrat and Aidan have been training together. They have 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 n the next couple of days. She just has not figured 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.

[Dungeon Master]

Wydara: Blood and the Arena

Story One
Chapter Four: Grand Reopening Part One

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 put into the arena and given basic weapons to defend themselves against Mountain Lions that are unleashed upon them.

Its gruesome, and I will write no more other then report that it took place.


Midday
twenty prisoners that are condemned to death are dispatched by the Gladiators that 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, the Black Bull 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 the Black bull backing up. Then the minotaur exploits a weakness, waits for it again, and then hammers him with powerful strikes, it is Dias that is backpedaling. He can’t keep up the defense.
The Black Bull overpowers Dias with brutal strikes that are already tiring Dias out. He strikes out at the Bull and he’s close to scoring his hit, But the Bull moves and takes Dias’s head.

The Match was Four Minutes Twenty-Four Seconds.

The Next match is coming.

[Dungeon Master]

Wydara: Blood and Circuses
Story One
Chapter Four: Grand Reopening Part Two

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 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. He takes off his helmet and throws it to Sarus and Taran rolls away and gets up.

The crowds’ emotions play as they watch the match-up. They are now past the Minotaur’s Four Minutes twenty-four-second match.

They are well 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, momentary 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 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 Crowds 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

[Dungeon Master]

Wydara: Blood and the Arena

Chapter Four: Grand Reopening Part Three

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 round small 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 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 carries 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 with ferocity Ragor 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 fifty-four seconds

[Dungeon Master]

Wydara: Blood and the Arena
Story One
Chapter Four: Grand Reopening Part Four: The Primus

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 Taris 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 Sheild, 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 sized
Armored, 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-

[Dungeon Master]

Wydara: Blood and the Arena
Story One
Chapter Five: The Funeral for Ragos/Preparing for the Party Part One

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 participate 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 that have come to visit. The group right now does not carry much animosity towards anyone at this time, that’s not always the case. In this case, the Gladiators just have 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 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.

[Dungeon Master]

Continues from Las in Ergoth

Wydara: Blood and the Arena
Story One
Chapter Five: Victory Party Part Two Baby Brother

Western Ansalon
Northern Ergoth
Imperial Capital City of Gwynned
Wydara's Training School


In Wydaras living space above


The sun is going down.


Elegant materials hang from some walls and flow with the airflow

The air is heavy with the smell of exotic spices and incense.

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 to a 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, has 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 her nieces and nephews won’t make it in time for the exhibition. Her fears are dispelled when she turns around and 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 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 in 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 acrobatics 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.

[Dungeon Master]

Wydara: Blood and the Arena
Story One
Chapter Five: Victory Party Part Three: Exhibition

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 to not 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 of 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 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 of how she could help, but they accept her gesture of goodwill.

Wydara She 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.”

“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 Dragon’s 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 agrees.

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 now is 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, 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 swoon 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, 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.



The story of Las, her father, and the kids will continue in Las in Ergoth.


The last part of the evening will continue on this Topic and will conclude part Four of Chapter Five Victory Party

[Dungeon Master]

Wydara: Blood and the Arena
Story One
Chapter Five: Victory Party Part Four Morally Wrong

Many of the patrons have left the party due to the hour. But a select few stay. They join Wydara in discussions concerning the Games, and the Gladiators with the premier Trainers of the Empire, Vartus Sevinus, Titus Calvus, and Servius Duro, along with several big names that host the games. The subject is the Old Round (Oldest Arena in Ergoth). It's also known as the Pit. They are working on the number of Gladiators that can enter, and do some horse trading to try to get their man in the top Game, the night’s Primus. Wydara is gracious. She has had men in the last Primus and does not seek position, letting it go to one of her fellow trainers. It is a system that Wydara came into, it seemed archaic, but what she has learned over her nearly year and a half here, the system limits the need for violence and vitriol between the Trainers so the fighting can be left to the Arena.

They fight in the Old Round next, again to the refurbished Arena, and then it is to the coliseum for the Emperor’s Games.

Wydara decides she will enter some of her Gladiators in the Old Round and a mix of gladiators and Champions at the Refurbished Arena, and have everyone prepare for the Emperor’s Games.

Wydara’s attention is brought back to her guests, as a statement is directed to her.

“We want Bril of the Blood Sea in one match and Jason of Tarsis, he is your Net and trident Retiarii gladiator, correct?”

“Yes, that’s correct. Bril and Jason. That works for me. Who are they facing?” Wydara asks

“Bril would be fighting Xerus of Neraka, and Jason would be facing Dagra of Nordmaar.” The Editor answers.

“Now you put up a man to join two others from the other trainers. Word has come down that they are to face Ackal of the Ker-Vakt in a three-on-one. The emperor does not want this Ackalite to live.”

This strikes Wydara and is unreasonably cold. She does not know who among her people could face him. Wydara asks “Did he not just fight a few days ago? I thought we all agreed to that months in the proper form to run these men?”

“He’s not a man, he’s a northern beast that the Trainers have to put in a hole every night lest he finds some way to escape. Tell her Titus.”

“It is true he is a wild man, crude in every sense of the word. He is very difficult to manage.”
Titus Calvus answers.

“Okay, I just think anyone I put up is going to die.”

"The State will compensate your man I am given to understand.” The Editor says.

Wydara thinks, whatever it is, it won’t cover the life snuffed out. “We three should get special consideration come the emperor’s games.”

“I believe that is doable, of course, I would have to talk it over with the emperor.”

Then Wydara puts up Hale of the Ice Wall to be her choice. Hale is a big man, questionable if he has Ogre blood from some crossing in the ancient past.

It is decided then.

[Dungeon Master]

Wydara Blood and The Arena
Story One
Chapter Six: Niece

Summer End/Sirrimont/August


Bright one morning towards the end of Summer End, Wydara’s niece comes to stay with her for a while.
Wydara explains the rules of the villa, no going into the Training Grounds without Wydara. Do not be lulled in by these men. Most of them are free and are here because they want to be, but there is a percentage that is not and should never be around these men without me. Wydara asks Daera if she understands.

“Yes, Aunt Wydara.” The young elf answers.

“No touching anything or moving anything out of place. They are touched if there is a cleaning being done.”

“Okay. So, what am I going to be doing here?” Daera asks.

“Well first, I am going to get my men training for the day, then we are going over to another property I own.”

“Is it far?” her niece asks

“No, fairly close by.” Wydara answers. “Now follow me, we are going to get you in your room.”

As they walk through her place, Wydara stops and says “This is you. Put on something you won’t mind getting dirty in. “

Wydara walks back out to her school and gives final instructions for the Training today.

Special teams for the foreseeable future

Jason of Tarsis with Aric of Solamnia

Bril from the Blood Sea with Kevon of Kharolis

Hale of the Icewall Barbarian with Sarus Khur Barbarian


The rest are normal training routine

Barret of Ergoth
Aidan of Ergoth
Cullen of Kharolis
Zachariahas of Tarsis
Mataus from distant Flotsam


Wydara makes her announcement before training starts in earnest and good day, she has positions open for “Jason of Taris, Bril of the Blood Sea, and Hale of the Icewall at the next games at the Old Round.”

“Hale, you will be teamed with two other Gladiators. All Three gladiators are from separate Training schools and will face the Wildman from the North.”

“Last bit of news, my niece is staying with me for a number of weeks, I want all of you to stay away from her unless I am in your presence. I want to hear that you all understand me.”

Seeing and hearing their pledge, Wydara says “Good, begin.”


The special teams prepare for the coming games.

Meanwhile,

Daera puts on old clothes from home and thinks about her mom. She hopes she’s okay. After she ties her shoe, she starts to bound off and almost instantly knocks over a vase and she saves it just in time, she puts it back and has choice words in elven.

She comes out of the Villa as Wydara is finishing her morning address.

"Okay, we are going this way." Wydara says. They walk out of the school and up a hill.

The calve muscles on the women begin to tell them they are feeling the hill work on them.

Soon, they reach what looks like an abandoned villa and school. Some vegetation is overgrown. They walk into the sands of the abandoned school.

“What is this?” Daera asks.

“This is, was, might be, maybe one day a school for Women. It was the intention when I bought the place, but the emperor is still thinking about allowing it or not. He’s been deciding this for a year and a half.”

“I briefly met the emperor with my father the other day. I had lunch with Princess Mercidith and she invited me to the Winter Ball.”

“How interesting. Your Brother is going? “

“Yes, He doesn’t think he will have a good time, but I’m excited to wear a gown and I don’t know, dance with some guy that is there.”

“Have you ever been in a fight before?” Wydara asks

“No,” Daera says.

“Ever punched somebody or somebody punched you?” Wydara asks

“No, I haven’t been in that position before.”

Let me see you throw a punch.

Daera balls up her fist and swings and punches the air.

Wydara watches her form and corrects her posture and the proper follow-through.

“Any of those guys in suits tries anything with you anywhere at the Ball, you be sure to remember this lesson. We are going to be working this this going forward. I’m going to give you what you need to fend off attackers, no matter how big they are. We are going to start on a dummy, then we are going to see how you do for real.”


Alright, we are going to pick up heavy bags and carry them over there. I want you to do that ten times.

Daera's mind is filled with thoughts now, of some guy trying to take advantage, and tells herself she was stupid to not consider the possibility. She is grateful to her aunt for pointing out her naivety before it was too late.

The bag is really heavy and each time she gets slower and slower, but she perseveres and pushes through the pain and she drops the bag.

Wydara asks if she is done

Daera is so beaten and huffing, she says, “No, I...I'm not done, Im… just… recovering.


Wydara tells her to get going. She pushes her.


Daera forces herself to accomplish the task, she keeps going long after she would have normally would have quit. She proves it to herself whether she has the stuff to do it.

Her muscles ache, and she is on the verge of tears, but she throws the bag down for the tenth time. She walks around recovering, then falls down on the sand.


Wydara comes to her and finds that she is not out, just regaining her strength. Wydara has Daera drink some water. Her natural inclination would be to comfort her niece and tell her she was going to be okay.

Wydara just waits for Daera to find the strength to get up on her own.

[Dungeon Master]

Wydara Blood and The Arena
Story One
Chapter Seven: Bonding

Daera finally got up, woozy, but alive. Wydara gives her some water. Daera looks at what she did and smiles at her aunt. “I hated that. But I feel accomplished, but I’m beat Aunt Wydara. What else are we doing to do today?

Wydara looks at her niece. “I think that was the lesson for the day. You Survived. You got up on your own. I’m proud of you.”

Daera smiles.

“I think we are going to catch lunch, and I thought we would go down to the gallery. It may not be our culture, but it is culture nonetheless. Besides, they have some works by the Elven scribe Quivalen Soth.”

“I would love that” they start walking back. “At least going down at the end is better than going up,” Daera observes.

“We will set a Target up there for you to practice your bow and arrow, how does that sound?” Wydara asks.

“That would be great!” Daera answers.

“We are going to have to work on moving targets since the bad guys or monsters don’t stand still.” Wydara puts forth.

“Hmmm, I guess I hadn’t thought about it.” the young woman answers.


“Don’t worry, it's in your blood, all elves can shoot, they just have to work on being good,” Wydara tells her.

They enter Wydara’s villa and Daera bathes while Wydara checks on the men and their progress.

It is mid-day break for the guys

Wydara fixes lunch for them when Daera reappears, drying her hair.

Wydara tells her towels to go in that hamper. Dry it a little more and come and eat. Then I will brush your hair out the porch.

Soon,

“Gods, you have a lot of hair. I hated it when I let grow out long in the Valley. I hated it on my neck.” Wydara says brushing out Daera’s hair.

“I don’t mind if it's up. Daera says, “Thank you for brushing my hair, my mom would do it for me. It's relaxing and aside from occasional hair pulls, it's soothing.”

“Okay, let's see if I can braid this all up. This is going to be a war every day I can tell.”

“You ever think about having kids?” Daera asks.

“Turned off from it from the get. I didn’t want to be around another man after my childhood trauma and the abduction. There were a few women, but nothing stuck. About the time I stopped thinking about it anything was ever possible like that, I met a man, a human, a Knight of Solamnia. We went from hate to love in a matter of months. For a while it seemed like it was real enough for me to wonder if it was for me, he was killed before too much later, just one of those things. There was only one after that. In the valley there was something with an Elf, that seemed real, but I guess not real enough. After that, I stopped looking and trying. They would just get in the way now.”

“I’m sorry,” Daera says, not being able to think of anything else to say.

“It's alright kid, I have you, now.” Wydara hugs her. “Okay, that’s as good as I can get it. Look in the mirror and see if it's to your satisfaction.”

Daera runs in and looks, it looks great!” She calls. She reappears and says “Thank you.”

They are go off to the Gallery. They see many famous paintings that neither had seen before. And look at the pages of Elven scribe Quivalen Soth.

[Dungeon Master]

Wydara Blood and The Arena
Story One
Chapter Eight: Perspective

Western Ansalon
Northern Ergoth
Imperial City of Gwynned



Wydara is watching her gladiators train in the special teams

Wydara’s main trainer Roric from Kharolis looks over the gladiators, pointing out mistakes, keeping discipline up, and looking for anyone not giving their best.

The current Special teams

Jason of Tarsis with Aric of Solamnia

Bril from the Blood Sea with Kevon of Kharolis

Hale of the Icewall Barbarian with Sarus Khur Barbarian


The rest are normal training routine

Barret of Ergoth
Aidan of Ergoth
Cullen of Kharolis
Zachariahas of Tarsis
Mataus from distant Flotsam


Daera is up the hill at Wydara’s empty school. Shooting her bow and arrows. She has become much more self-assured about her archery.
Some of the exercises Wydara has put her through have built up her grit and determination. All of them have been hard, and made to frustrate her and push her. For once she doesn’t complain, she starts to understand what is going on and has embraced it. She has bumps and bruises but pushes herself.
Partly for herself, partly for her need to make Wydara proud of her.

She walks down the hill and a little and sees the gladiators practice. She walks to the grassy plateau overlooking the Training area. From here she looks at the different Gladiators, the two men fighting with two swords are very good. They are all pretty good. The big guys are terrifying. To think all these guys, go in there knowing they could be dead soon or kill the other guy or be killed. My Aunt is a purveyor of death. Would be hard to get close to any of them. She watches them laugh with each other, or lose control in the heat of fighting and tempers flare. They are hard and brutal men, who are beating the stuffing out of each other. But there is a certain beauty and form they exhibit in flashes of brilliance and artistry. Oh, I’m being sucked in. No. I would hate to face any of them at all ever.

She agreed to be out of the way today. She didn’t mind. She needed a break from her aunt trying to kill her with stuff to do.

She shoots her bow and reflects. She really misses her mom, she misses her dad too, but she just saw him. She doesn’t mean to be a baby about it; it’s just her mom was her friend too. Las and Marilee went out of the house. Sator is completely square and boring. Mom (Lashia) just became my friend.

So how long does it take to get to the Dragon Isles? It's just been weeks.

Wydara walks up. “I’m going to meet with Roric and Kol for a post-session analysis, and then let’s go out to eat. There is a new place up near the East Park Fountain. “

“Yeah, I would like that. You said it was new?”

Wydara looks down at her niece, “Yeah, It's new, but not fancy. You can wear that one dress after you clean up.”

Daera stands. “Do you think my dad moved us away from Inath Wakenti because I didn’t want me conscripted into military service?”

“You are still too young Daera, they wouldn’t take into service at your age.”

Thinking about it Daera says “I guess you are right.”

The Elves walk down to Wydara’s Villa and Daera gets ready while Wydara meets with Roric and Kol on the deck.

“Jason looks good, I’m fairly confident in his victory,” Roric says.

Wydara says “Pair Jason with Kevon tomorrow, Aric and Bril. Bring up Cullen and pair him with Hale.

Cullen is about the same size and shape as Ackal. About the same agility as well. I want Hale to be ready for that so push him, Roric. Push them both.” Wydara says.

Soon Aunt and Neice are walking East of the Training School to the Park near the fountain. Café has opened up serving with cooked peppers olives and cheese, a seasoned sauce wrapped in a pitta sandwich, and wine.

They watch the large turtles walk in the park while they eat. An opera is going on somewhere nearby at one of the theatres.

“I think I want to learn how to fight. Will you teach me?” Daera declares in the middle of their meal.

Wydara had thought was strange she was being so quiet. Wondered if she broke her or something. But this is something different. “Yes, I’ll train you, but you are going to be whacked, and stabbed with a wooden sword, you sure you are ready for that?”


“I’m ready Aunt Wydara.” Daera says with a determined look on her face.

[Dungeon Master]

Wydara Blood and The Arena
Story One
Chapter Nine: Training Begins

Western Ansalon
Northern Ergoth
Imperial City of Gwynned



‘Ow, that hurt. Am I bleeding? You punched me in my face, my nose is bleeding, did you break my nose?” Daera runs gets a towel and looks at her nose in the mirror.

Wydara looks up and wonders if this is how things are going to go. “You were supposed to move "Ah, Are you okay? Wydara asks. “Here, tilt your head back, no like this.

Daera just looks pitiful trying to wipe the blood from her face and makes a mess of it.

Looking at her niece, “Okay, I think that is enough for the day.” Wydara declares.

“No, I’ll be okay, I want to go on.” Daera says, with her head still tilted back.

“Okay then, we have a rest, then we are walking down with the boys. I want to show you something.”


They have a rest and sit under a tree.


“When is your next games?” Daera asks after a while.

“Fifteen days I think.” Wydara answers. “You ready?”

“Yeah, I’m better. I got blood on my shirt.”

“That’s to be expected.” Wydra answers. Come with me. They walk through the throng of gladiators milling around right before practice resumes after the noon day break.

Wydara tells Roric she is taking Aidan for an hour. The three walk up the hill to Wydara’s empty women’s school. They walk into the training area and there is a training post called a Pell. Wydara explains that it is a static training style that is exercise and a technical tool. The small size of the pole (only a few inches in width) required precision for thrusts and commitment to cuts. This will build technical proficiency, and the heavy weapons used would build what is now called “speed strength”.
Wydara asks Aidan to give a demonstration to her niece. She tells Daera to watch what he does.

Aidan explains that they train with these heavy wooden gladiuses to build up tendon strength to deal with the shock of hitting the post. He goes through the repetition, showing the slices and shock coming from hitting the Pell hard. When we wield our swords in the arena, we are like lighting, quick, deadlier.

Wydara has Daera try and has Aidan teach her what she is doing wrong.

She is not used to hitting something so hard. The swords are so heavy. But through persistence and gentle teaching, she gets the swing of it enough that by the end of the hour, Wydara is pleased with her progress and she thanks Aidan for helping her out. She tells him he will be able to drink extra tonight.

Wydara tells Daera she will have blisters and bruises, but they will go away. Aidan goes back to training and Wydara tells her to do a couple more reps before you come back down. And so goes the day.

The Next day Daera is in pain. Her whole body aches. Her arms hate her. She has a little bit of a black eye from yesterday.

They go into the city to the women’s pool. And she has Daera swim in her underclothes and swim laps.
There are a few women here in groups, some with kids. Summer is coming to a close, and they will be shutting down soon.

This will allow her to work other muscles while she heals from yesterday.