Dharkantia had greeted Throg before heading up to get Ausk and Linli.
Once back down she would nod to Suileman. "Hello, Suileman, I am Dharkantia. Its good to see you up and about. Now where are the others? Linli as for plans, we should be meeting a representative this morning that will take us out to the fields after our meal is finished. Then a break for Lunch I believe and our first game after Lunch."
Looking at Suileman's hatred for the light she would stop one of the maids and whispers in her ear. She giggled and nodded and whispered back. Nodding Dharkantia thanked her and gave her a couple of copper.
"Suileman, will you need a hat? I know a place to get one like the one I am wearing." one of her hands lifts up to the hat that is partially on her head. It didn't fit on her strange head right but it somehow stayed on.
Throg nodded as his little hands greedily ripped up some meat and biscuits as his big arms held firmly on his book while hid massive club is on his right side.
"I am Throg Freeman nice to meet you, Suileman"
"No, Dharkantia, I cannot afford a hat. It wouldn't really help, either. I can get by, it just affects my vision a little."
Before going to bed the night before, Julio had asked for the staff to clean and press his garments. He rises early to wash, shave, trim his facial hair, and comb his flowing locks. He dons his fresh clothing and heads down the stairs.
One must always look good for the crowd.
He spots the table where the others who received coins from the merchants have gathered and walks over.
"Good morning teammates. My name is Julio and I will be joining you in the grand adventure."
He calls the waitress over and orders wine, cheese, and bread.
So.... We have the Butcher, the Unbound Smith, the Handsome Devil, and the Serpent Servant.... Ausk shot a grin at Linli It would appear the rest of our team mates need a nick name, Linli.
He looks up, always the smile, Linli never seems to be down about anything.
"That's about right, Aurk, I found the other two last night, Julio here, or as I like to call him, The Pretty boy, because the way he papers his looks, hes more gay whorehouse owner then fighter. I think he's going to have fans of both sex's, witch is not a bad thing, gets the support up, bums on seats love, bums on seats."
He waves his fork at Julio with a smile and a wink.
"Then Suileman The Slink man moves an don't make a sound, I like that, also its a catchy name. Then Dharkantia just has to be The four armed destroyer The arms have to be in there is her most striking feature, and not something your going to miss on a game field. If she is goal keep it will also put the fear of the hell's up any one getting close. Dos me I tell ya, so did I miss anyone?."
He eats a little more bread.
"This thing to remember is to Entertain above all things, make it a show out there, even if we lose they will want is back because the punters like us. Its like Gladiators in the pits, real fights don't fight like that, they go for the Kill hit every time, but the paying public, don't want 2 minuets of one sided death. Like a teen lad with his 1st wench. They want a spectacle, a show, their moneys worth. trust me I have been to see some games in my time. We still need to play well and learn this fricking game to win, heard yes, but after that, its all show, and the better the show the more they pay."
He gos back to eating.
He's right. Says Tolus from the stairs. The more they love us, the more we get paid. It also increases or chance of assassination, so try not to over do it.
Ausk grinned- he liked the sound of an attempted assassination-
He would finally be able to sate his thirst, his real thirst
Let them try- no one kills my new family. Look at me, already spoiled, fat on dinner, drunk for bed, and then spoiled again at breakfast. I'll protect each and every one of you if I have to- I'm not giving this up for anything. It is exactly why I left the family business, after all.
Maybe Ausk would have a drink- he was definitely feeling up for another one. He had not been this happy, nor this calm as himself, since he was a child.
Ausk was relaxed. Tolus was not. He was headed into a game where getting knocked unconscious wasn't just a coincidence, but a strategy! What would Ashshram say... He constantly watched this group with his vertical irises and of course noted the addition of yet another noble, or at least high class type, among them.
And I thank you, Ausk. I have no Orc blood, so mine tends to run cold. And never warm up. Another side effect of being reptilian. He slowly walks across the room and takes a mug of water from the inn keeper. From there he painstakingly makes his way over to a table in the morning sun and sits. His eyes remain open and becomes so still you'd think he was a wax sculpture.
Throg scratches his head as he puts bit of the shredded mess in his mouth. as hie teeth chew his mandibles move chittering as he speaks."Linli..can you say something that those of us can understand, I mean is everything some brawdy sexual innuendo? And the whole whorehouse thing, whats all this obsession with sex and whores. I mean I haven't been or had either." he stopped as he pressed in a large portion of food into his gullet. he tried to say something else but all that came froth was spittle. Noting this he finished up eating and then finished talking.
"And I mean look at me I am fine, upstanding citizen"
Ausk raised an eye brow at Tolus and Throg You know, if I hadn't known better, I'd think you two were noble heritage, too, the way you bicker like rich old ladies about others who are rich! Ausk laughed as he wiped the last bit of sausage juices from his chin, unsure of how the others would take such a comment.
Enough of this, Dharkantia, you appear to be quite tactful and rearing to go this morning- any idea where our trainer, or the fat man, are? I've had quite a great breakfast, hell, I might even get a drink if I start feeling any more excited this morning!
Ausk was ready for practice, and, more importantly, for some well paid violence. He still was too happy for words at how quickly he had found an opportunity to commit legal, good fun and violence at the behest of a rich person. He had assumed it would be as a mercenary- but the games seemed like they may be safer, and definitely paid more.
Linli, perhaps we go out and about and try to find this man, see just how eager we really are to play in tonight's game, eh?
After all, Linli always does appear ecstatic for some uncalled for fun and adventure.
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Dharkantia looks at Linli and shakes her head in disappointment. ”Four Armed Destroyer, how original.” It was obvious in tone, inflection and even body language she was being sarcastic. Her hands would bring up her breakfast underneath the mask that covered the lower part of her face and then come out of underneath empty. It didn’t even look like she had chewed. ”Going for obvious things doesn’t give it the mystery or pizazz that would come about if we do win the coming games. After all we suddenly show up… and then, IF we win it would add a greater air of mystery that will attract people to us. Honestly, I don’t think Pretty Boy Fits Julio. Since you are the self-named handsome devil why call him ‘The Gentleman.’ Keeps it simple, elegant and on top of that makes it a nice contrast without insulting him in the way I think you just did.”
Nodding to Ausk she would direct her talking to him
”As for where our trainer here he should be here soon. If not I will be asking where the fields are and we will be going there with or without him. Also, it is not tonight, the game is this afternoon. As for being tactful and rearing to go, I don’t do anything half-assed. Observing each of you I see definite strengths and I know I will see more during practice. Once we learn the game we will find where we fit best and can make tactical decisions then. I tend to be organized and always thinking ahead. Race doesn’t matter to me. What you can do, your passions, and what you contribute to a team is even more important to me. Throg, is a fine upstanding citizen as I believe Tolus is also. Each, seems well put together and are more measured and precise in what they do. Linli, you are a passionate womanizer but have strength in showmanship. That is a liability and an asset. Julio, is still new to me but he makes sure he presents a great human image and seems to be very personable. Suileman I know little of also but I would guess his vision at night is great since light he is sensitive to. Also, quiet movement and soft spoken means he is someone I believe will be a great asset and has much potential. Ausk, is definitely passionate and ready to go. Strength of arms and dedicated to craft, shows that once he takes something on he won’t drop it lightly. All of these qualities I have noticed. Now it doesn’t mean I am correct on my assumptions. These are just my observations.”
Finishing eating she would look at them all. ”Is everyone ready to go?
Been ready since you banged on my door this morning! Well, alright, not quite that early, but Ausk scootched out from his chair with a satisfied sigh I'm definitely rearing to go now. I just wonder if I finally get to use my ax or not!
Ausk always found there was something about the morning air that was simply excitable- of course, eating breakfast for the first time in a week, after eating a well-sized dinner and drink for the first time in a week, tended to help how a creature felt in the morning- even a half-orc with a raging orc bloodline.
Come on come on eat your breakfasts- I wanna hit something.
Ausk was now remembering that he hadn't crafted in item in some time, and hoped he'd have enough coin after the games to do so again, even if just for fun.
"Frog don't knock sex till you have tried it, and Dharkantia, thats all nice and dandy, but I have a feeling this game as close to simple, elegant as 6 Orc bridesmaids jumping for the wedding bucay.
he jokes, then gos back to letting other talk.
Julio continues eating his breakfast listening to the banter of the others.
"I have never had to pay for the company of a woman. There has always been a steady stream of them knocking on my door. At one time I was the most wanted man in Vigil. I built a house on that reputation but it turned out to be a house of cards that came crashing down when the husbands and lovers of the women banded together to run me out of town. Some of them still pursue me to this day. If one of them should catch me now I hope that you are with me Ausk-Davor to help me send them back home."
He raises his glass in a toast, "To teammates."
Ausk shook his head How I find myself between these two competing sycophants is beyond me- but, here I am. And they both do appear to be wealthy...
Ausk nodded to Julio Yes! Although, you may not pay your women Julio, but I trust *I* could expect some compensation for such assistance? If so, then, by all means! Ausk met his glass to Julio's, really regretting his choice against ale earlier To teammates.
Almost on cue an older fellow, greying in the hair with sunken eyes that said he had seen more than his fair share of fights entered the common area of the inn waering a strange get up that was the exact kit you all saw upstairs. After scanning the crowd for a moment his eyes fell on all of you and he appeared to grunt.
Coach Dreen said the owner found some fresh meat for the games and that we needed to get you all up to speed.
He paused at the table and looked over each one of your a moment and then sighed.
Whelp I've seen worse, get your kit and lets go."
He said nodding his head to the door and turning to head out. He seemed to be in a bit of a hurry, keeping up with him took a bit of effort. Any questions you all seemed to have seemed to be unheard or ignored. It was early enough that most of the folk out were shop owners, either local or the ones that traveled through the festival none of whom seemed too concerned with your strange parties march to the outer edges of the lower city. It wasnt hard to figure out where you were headed. Tents and grandstands had been erected along the field, you could see 4 other men in the distance in a simular kit as the one sent to get you, another large paunchy man with coal dark skin and closecut hair stood there in a coat. The Garundi man appeared to be barking orders lowly to the other men who were tightening their gear and nodding.
When you got closer he glanced your way and scowled.
Im supposed to win with..." he paused and tilted his head to the side actually taking a good look at some of you.
Cluwe, get em in their kits... as best you can. He said obviously eying Dharkantia, and Throg. The pads and gear clearly wasnt designed for someone their size, but they would figure it out. [/b] He moved off torwards the side of the field chatting with the old fellow sent to get you, something about sticking to the game plan even if the others guys were missing.
A tall rangy looking fellow hurried over chuckling.
Lets get you all suited up, Name's Kris, I uh handle the kicking duties for the most part round here and try not to get too crushed.
He began starting with Julio and helping him put on the pads, He made sure to show the other... standard humanoids the basics of it before he got to the more complicated Throg and Dharkantia.
"Greetings Kris, I am Dharkantia. I will let the other's introduce themselves." Watching him carefully put Julio's on she would assist the other, more normal, people into their kit as well.
"Do you mind explaining at least a few things? Since the person that came to get us was less than forthcoming in information. As you said their are kicking duties and you mostly do that. What else is there?"
Oh... well we run a pretty heavy run and gun style of offense... or we did til our two best catches ended up missing. Offensively we try to keep them off ol Marren Woon, he was the older fellow who brought you here long enough for him to catch a receiver breaking open and he throw them the ball. We dont worry so much about kicking points... unless we are down a lot.
Defensively is a bit more complacated, Coach Dreen usually assigns us a man to mark or follow about, and we try to get the ball from them... With you guys here being unknown... we might just try to zone, but well we will see.
"To teammates, and running away from other mens wives"
"So rules. every sport has rules, that's what makes it a sport and not just all out combat. so what are they"
"I am used to the lack of equipment that would fit me. If you let me look at it I might beable to figure something out." Throg says as he picks up a kit and looks at it. With a simple once over he sees he could modify it to fit him and Dharkantia.
"Ah yes rules...What are these rules and do we have weapons or no?" He says eagerly awaiting the answer to the rules question..
Tolus choices the equipment a good once over before slipping it on and strapping it down.
And how much can we expect cheating? He adds.
"Here. See. It's leather plates and cloth padding.... And, see how this buckles down. Anyone who needs help with it. You can ask me."
The whole trip to the outer edges of the city Ausk didn't say a word I have to get ready- this is gold, LOTS of gold, as much gold as a full day's or even week's commission from the shop. I could eat and drink for almost an entire month on the possible winnings from making it half-way alone.
Upon arrival, as a man named Kris talked with Dharkantia, Ausk began to put on the pads and the suit. They can work out all the rules they'd like- if I can't get disqualified for something, if the game goes on, I'm doing it. I finally get to see just how much Orc is in my blood.
Ausk put his suit on as if he were born to do it. He pounded both his fists against his chest with a snarl- he didn't know how these games were going, but if that old man was the one he was to protect, so be it.
I need combat rules- I know I can SCARE them He let his throat roar with a rumbling throttle as it was always meant to, the voice he had hid for years and years as a merchant But how can I hit them? Trip them? I'm assuming we aren't allowed weapons- but someone else mentioned cheating- what cheating do we have to hide, and what cheating can I do out in the open? Maybe if we do a practice run, with non-essential players?
No one was going to touch that old man who guided them here- no one was going to significantly hurt the others, not Ausk's new team, not his new gold mine- no one was cutting short his adventure.
Not if he had anything to say about it, they wouldn't.
After getting his kit adjusted Julio looks at the others. He slowly turns around to model the outfit and asks, "Does this make me look fat?"
I am definitely going to have to have a word with the tailor
Kris nodded at Ausk's ferver and smiled good naturedly.
Easy there friend in all honesty the rules are simple. do what it takes to score. Weapons are not technically allowed, although, especially dirty teams have been known to sneak a dagger or two in. Some teams like the Darkside Drakes line their kits with sharp edges or even spikes. He paused and looked around almost conspiratorily.
I wouldnt worry about being disqualified, if you are caught with outside weapons, you get kicked off the field and we have to play a man down until someone scores or the half ends. Secondly, this is the good part, anything tossed onto the field by the fans, or naturally left on the fields is considered legal. I uh, along with one of the other guys might have bribed a fellow or two to toss a few clubs onto the field once gameplay starts so its something.
After he was sure everyone had their kit on properly he frowned and worked on the two who well were decidedly not perfectly human.
The only other thing that will get you disqualified is attacking a man on the ground. Its in the rules that when a player falls unconcious to the ground they stay there until the end of play or they can be drug off by their team and 'substituted'. It does happen though, some teams are really good at distracted the on field ref and getting in a few cheapshots.
He finished loosely strapping the kit over Throg's right shoulder, it would only be protection on the one side, but it would have to do.
Have you got them ready yet Cluwe! They heard the coach yelling from about 30 yards away. We need to get this going. He added.
In front of you the coach had lined up a half dozen weird oblong shaped bladders made of what looked to be the skin of a pig. Tiny little studs were embed into it probably to help in gripping the ball.
So I could probably distract both of them... All I have to do is scare them off.
Ausk looked at the pig skins with heavy contempt and a furrowed brow Ah, I bet I know why the fat man and they all were looking at Dharkantia and Throg the way they did! They have four arms, which means... Ausk sighed with relief as he realized he probably wouldn't have to catch the ball.
Alright, so I can scare them, and use any weapons that are thrown on the field. I'll need to encourage them to throw weapons to our side then, too. Interesting. Ausk fantasized about knocking a few people out as the crowds cheered wildly for the team.
Alright, what do you want us to do now? I think we are all ready.
Ausk took a glance at Julio I am unsure... of how to respond to you Julio.
Dharkantia listened intently. 'So rules are simple. Now let's see some plays to get an idea. We may be able to use the serving maid to help.And u have a great idea on how to bribe the innkeeper to support us also. Just tell them Linli is going to come home with a couple of extra bruises and she will ensure the team celebrates its winnings there. That will line his pockets.'
She looked at the others as she worked on getting the kit into a pseudo symblance of being useful.
Seeing the balls she grins. 'That is almost a weapon in of itself.
Looking at Julio she cocks her head. "No but can use some alterations."
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They could see a couple of players about 20 yards distant standing there along with that older graying fellow. He picked up the only ball on his side and threw it towards Cluwe. His form was smooth and easy, he brought the ball from about up near his shoulder and stepped into a throw, His arm with the ball coming almost completely over head and forward as he released it. Cluwe grunted and he caught it. the sound of hte leather striking his hands told you how hard the throw was.
Just like that each one of you take 6 throws to these two fellows, we need probably one alternate arm for the game. The coach called.
With ranged combat her thing she frowned. She would have to practice with this ball. After all she couldn't perform like this.
Tolus takes a few throws to get into it. Eventually beginners luck kicks in and he manages to get the awkward thing to fly right for a couple throws.
Keep it short, got it. He confirms and steps to the side.
Ausk on his last throw simply attempted to throw it as hard as he could at the ground without it looking like the fit of rage it really was. He had an ok pass, a great pass, and three lousy floppy passes. DAMN YOU PIG SKIN!
Ausk's breath was heavy as he slowly simmered himself down, realizing others on the team could definitely pass the ball better than himself I'm going to scare the S$** out of those refs, I'm going to encourage the crowd to throw us their weapons, and then I'm going to KNOCK those Darkside Drakes right into the DIRT.
Was this what it felt like to no longer care about appearances? To finally be himself? He was unsure why he was in such a fit- after all it was only a game. But... to them it is not. Ausk took a look at each of his new team mates The gold is real, too. The fame is real- No, this is not just a game, and this is not a job. It looks like some of the old team even made this their life long career.
After the first two throws Julio starts to get the hang of it.
With a little practice I think I could get the hang of this
After an initial success, two awesome failures make Suileman try harder. He makes one more, but seems to begin to fail as his confidence erodes.
Ausk scratched his head
Er, Linli, it IS your turn to throw, after all.
I uh, along with one of the other guys might have bribed a fellow or two to toss a few clubs onto the field once gameplay starts so its something.
Rubs his chin at this. Then it lands at his feed short and all sad
"Could I see one of the balls."
When he gets the ball he plays with it a moment checking its size and weight.
Linli is just a natural, as with most things he trys, The last one he dos something odd, he trys to hit the ball with a club to see how far it will do. But the ball is to heavy and falls well short of his fine thows.
"You know I have an idea, if we got clubs with nets on the end with could thows this ball a fair ways, and catch it with ease. I have seen it done by fishermen t and short nets, its all about leverage and speed. Fling it right over the heads of the opposition, Just need the goal keep to have one for a start, get milly to thow it on the pitch. The our Goal keep with have a much bigger range for us to get the ball."
Thank god Linli can throw it. Now I can protect him OR the old man- excellent.
Ausk watched with glee as each time Linli threw it better than the last until his very last throw.
Ausk patted Linli on the shoulder A good idea, and don't worry about that last one- I'll eat anyone who catches one of your mis-throws.
" Seems someone has a knack for that. I guess I am here to be intimidating and for my muscle?" He says scratching his head.
When the coach yelled at her she hadn't blinked. Getting yelled at like that was surprisingly comforting for her. Training was rarely quiet after all and only getting yelled at for failur was something.
Dharkantia watches everyone throwing, her eyes absorbing their good throws and then analyzing their bad.
'So everyone can throw a little except me.' Her eyes continued scanning around them and even to their teammates.
'If so many of their teammates disappeared I wonder if this was an inside job or someone around is watching to look into the new team.
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Ausk laughed at Throg heartily Throg! Look at you, my friend! Let us enjoy the violence on the field- your god doesn't forbid it, does it?
Dharkantia moves to Tolus and pats him on the shoulder saying quietly. "Can you keep an eye out for anyone acting suspicious or standing out. I feel like this may be an inside job or we at least have someone watching us. I would if a team I took out of contention suddenly could play again. And spread the word to keep an eye out."