I Am Gladiator! (Closed, Started)

[Floris2123]

Antonius was unhappy to find an foe that also used defensive tactics, still it was bound to happen at some point. He began to move forward holding his defensive stances. When he was close to Lahar he suddenly jumped forward lifting his sword to strike. This was merely an feint however as he knew the boy would try to counter. And Antonius wanted to see how he would do that, so he could think of an way to best counter his fighting style.

 

[ProtoChimp]

Gaius chuckled slightly as he saw Rowan attempting to play with Vorgis' child, hopefully Vorgis wouldn't be too angry about that. 'I could use their assistance in my escape'. Gaius thought silently for a minute before stating clearly but quietly to the Pingla next to him "I'm going to kill Marrick. I will try to escape but if I die I need to know Marrick dies with me. Now I know I can't do this right now, and it will take planning. I want to get Rowan and Vorgis to help me but again, I know they will take a while to convince. I need to know if you want in."

 

[SPARTANXIII]

Belkin leaned in and listened in to what Gaius had to say. Escape was risky, that much was true, but if he was ever to get home and show the Empire just what the Pingla were truly like on the battlefield, escape was more than the best bet, if fact, as far as he knew, it was the only way. He responded to Gaius in a hushed tone. "I'd gladly help, if only for my last few days on this land to be that of showing the Empire what would happen if a single Pingla soldier got loose on their soil. They'd leave us alone in a heartbeat."

 

[ProtoChimp]

Gaius was relieved. His only ally so far was willing to help. Now he had to convince the prideful fool Rowan and the Champion of Ptolemy. His family will most likely follow suit. Vokrash however, maybe he could rely on his kinship but he knew his story. He was selfish and cruel and may ruin their plans. Gaius turned to Belkin and said "Thank you my brother. I too want to fight on their sands and spill the blood of their best 'warriors', and we may need to fight for a while before we can attempt escape. I just wished I was quick enough to challenge Vorgis, then I would have ten gold shards to my name, which I think is many in their coin. I was thinking maybe Vokrash as well but he seems too... attached to the ludas."

 

[MortifiedPenguin]

The Imperial seemed displeased that Lahar had also taken up a defensive stance. While he waited for the right time to strike the Imperial slowly edged towards him. Suddenly the Imperial leapt upwards and struck out with his sword. He rolled to the side keeping a sword ready if the Imperial tried to hit him while he was moving and slashed at his back. It was only afterwards he realised the the Imperial had feinted.

 

[Floris2123]

Antonius saw that Lahar rolled to the side. Antonius quickly landed on the ground and span around blocking the attack of the young Vaan, hitting his sword to the side. He knew that he still had the other sword but if he charged he wouldn't be able to use it effectively. He quickly stepped into the space he made by blocking and tried to kick Lahar in his stomach. While it had almost no effect on the big fighter a week ago, this boy was much shorter and much less muscled he would feel it. At least Antonius hoped he would feel it, that is if he didn't somehow dodge it.

 

[MortifiedPenguin]

Luckily for Lahar the Imperial hadn't struck him when he was rolling, unfortunately he did manage to block Lahar's attack to his back. The Imperial then stepped forwards closing the space between the two and tried to kick Lahar in the gut. He sidestepped out of the way bringing up his right arm to feint a slash to the imperials head, at the same time trying to wind him by stabbing at his torso.

 

[Floris2123]

Antonius saw the sword heading for his face. He made an rash decision and stepped forward trying to charge the Vaan while dodging the blow. he felt a stabbing pain from his right side the Vaan must have used his other sword, still he could go on with this. he charged the Vaan lowering his shoulder, while at the same time stepping in and lifting up one of the Vaan's legs. He hit him with his shoulder on the chest knocking him of his remaining leg. He quickly jumped and pinned the Vaan under him by landing on his waist. He tried to punch him in the face his first punch hopefully getting through because of the confusion. His fist headed for his face with great speed.

 

[MortifiedPenguin]

The Imperials charge took Lahar by surprise, he didn't think that the Imperial would charged at him so recklessly while a sword was still pointed at his gut. Unable to stop him he fell to the ground. Dazed and pinned to the floor by the Imperials weight he saw the fist coming too slowly. Unable to move his head the away, he turned his face so he would be hit on the cheek and not the nose. His sword arms were still free and since the Imperial unable to block with his shield he slashed both swords at his neck forming a cross. Panting, Lahar told the Imperial to surrender.

 

[Godhead]

The week had been better than usual for Vokrash, the new recruits had arrived instilling new blood and energy into many of the older gladiators, himself included. The fact that there were two Asieren was nice as well; even though Vokrash had become detached from his heritage due to the decades of imprisonment and his banishment. Still he felt some form of distant kinship with Rowan and Gaius. He hoped that they would serve their forefathers proud.

However, Vokrash couldn't get past the notion that Gaius might be planning something. His eyes had been darting around all week, like an animal kept in a cage. Vokrash was beginning to get the idea that Gaius might be planning some form of escape. But he couldn't be certain unless he's approached about it.

Either way today was the day off, and Vokrash had decided to lounge around in the shade near the trees, one of the only places where he could be at peace in this world.

 

[Floris2123]

Antonius looked down on the man. he had been trained to go on until one of them was unable to move. This boy however was taught differently. Might as well play along. He smiled at the boy. "An good strategy I am beat you have won." He got off him and stretched out his hand to help him up of the floor.

Spoiler: If he is allowed to help him up

"An very good strategy, I will try to avoid making that mistake when we will have to fight in the arena tomorrow." He smiled yet again. Knowing this was one of the few gladiators here who wouldn't kill him just for the fun of it. "So where did you say you were from again? I mean I have never seen someone like you before." he was still smiling. That he had accepted his hand was an good sign.

Spoiler: If he isn't allowed to help him up

"An very good strategy, I will try to avoid making that mistake when we will have to fight in the arena tomorrow." He turned around and picked up his weapons. better stay clear of him for a while see how his opinion has changed. He went back to training feeling even more alone then before.

 

[Dogmatic99]

Accepting the challenge, Durro raced after Rowan. Smacking his sword against the Asiren's sword with abandon. Vorgis smiles warmly at the display but his eyes stare coldly at the new comer.

Unknown to the gladiators, above them Marrick and his executor are going over the final listing for the games. "It's been a good year sir, my thanks for keeping most of our men out of the minor matches but are you sure about the entrants for the more exotic matches?"

"If what you've been telling me is true then I am certain. Said Marrick not looking up from his desk.

"But they hate each other." protested the executor.

"Exactly. We've both seen these grudges develop into something more violent and I will not have it in my ludus." Marrick's voice had a hard edge to it this time. "They will learn to work together or they will die. I have no time for them otherwise"

 

[MortifiedPenguin]

Accepting the Imperials offer to help him up, Lahar brushed himself down and quickly checked for any major wounds. Except for the quickly developing bruise on his cheek he was fine. "I doubt you have never met a Vaan before. Like the rest of my brethren I walk the Desert of the White Sands, if you meant my fighting style it is unique to myself. It is meant to be used with mine own blades, but they were taken from me" He said morosely.

"When I was younger my teacher told me 'Men who fight with dispair in their hearts, keeps fighting but wish the next blow will kill them.' You said you found your wife dead, not by your own hand but by others. Yet I can sense there is no anger in your heart, no grief. You fight like a man who has something to fight for. Tell me the truth of your tale"

 

[Floris2123]

"but they were taken from me" I am sorry to hear that they were taken from you. Perhaps you can earn them back?" He said hoping to give the boy some faith. "When I was younger my teacher told me 'Men who fight with dispair in their hearts, keeps fighting but wish the next blow will kill them.'...Tell me the truth of your tale" Antonius smiled and began to laugh. "It seems I have underestimated you once again you saw right through me. And yes there is an tale to tell but first." He turned around. "Do you swear on your swords that you will keep it to yourself?" Lahar nodded. Antonius went against his better judgment as he made his way away from everybody and began to tell his tale, through whispers so that nobody could hear what he said. Antonius finished his story with: "And that is why I am here right now. I wanted to protect my unborn son and wife." He looked up to Lahar awaiting his reaction to his tale.

 

[AceofPie]

Time slowed to a crawl for Jamukha, and a week passed by like a year. He kept himself to a steady routine, hoping to drown his anger and pain in tediousness and familiarity. Not that there was much variation in the ludus. They slaves woke early in the morning and were fed, and then they were led to the practice yard where their training continued. When they were done they were fed again and led back to their cells for the night. A rather bland and ordinary existence for a slave, Jamukha thought. No doubt that would all change when they were sent to the arena for the first time.

"Rowan," Jamukha called to the Asieren as they entered the courtyard on the eve before the Carvelan Games. "Do not provoke the boy. Have you seen what he did to poor Vorgis?" Jamukha gave the child a playful smile. Durro was a good lad, and Vorgis wasn?t so bad for a brute either.

Jamukha found a spot in the courtyard close to Rowan and began to stretch out his body. As he bent his arm behind his back, he watched the Imperial and the Vaan, Lahar, spar. They fought like savages, without and soon the fight was taken to the ground.

"And Antonius is dead again." Jamukha said with dry satisfaction. "He is too reckless. Lahar had him the moment he stepped in and took the hit to the side. If those swords were made of steel, we?d be pulling that Imperial?s body off of Lahar." Jamukha spoke to Rowan, but did not care if the Asieren was listening or not.

When their fight was over, Jamukha watched as the Imperial and the Lahar walked together to a discreet area of the courtyard, and began speaking very softly with each other. Jamuu wondered what they could possibly be talking about, but did not bother himself too long about it. Secrets were a rare commodity among slaves.

On the other side of the practice yard Jamuu caught a glimpse of the Pingla and Gaius exchanging a few words. There seemed to be a lot of conversation, and not a whole lot of sparring going on in the yard. Could it be that his fellow slaves were just as anxious to set foot in the arena as he was?

 

[MortifiedPenguin]

The story Antonius told Lahar was a sorrowful one. He regretted that he had held him in such contempt. Realising that he was just a man following order and that Imperial propaganda had made their wandering tribes look like feral beasts compared to the "civilised" city dwellers of the Empire, that Antonius had truly believed that he had to protect this festering city. It was not his fault, it was the ones in control who pulled his strings.

"You are not a bad man, nor 'dremulgar'. That is clear now" He said, apologising. "I will return to my meditations now"

Now that his mind was clear of the doubts he had about Antonius, he found a secluded spot and slipped into the meditation trance, wondering what the next day in the arena might hold for them.

 

[KelevraBD]

Rowan moved to block all of Durro's strikes, but only countered with blows to Durro's own sword that could easily be blocked. He was having a good laugh until he realized Vorgis was watching him intently. Rowan had meant no disrespect to Vorgis by playing with Durro, but it seemed as though the champion didn't care too much for what Rowan had meant regardless. From the corner of his eye, Rowan spotted his closest friend amongst the other slaves, Jamuu, walking out onto the courtyard. Without taking his attention from the intense sparring match, Rowan shouted back.

"Aye, I'll be careful." Just then Rowan made a swooping motion with his sword arm, just slow enough to get caught by Durro's latest wild strike. Rowan crashed to the ground in an overly dramatic fashion and looked up at Durro pleadingly.

"Mercy! Mercy!" He called. He found himself actually having a great deal of fun, and he even forgot that the pair of them were slaves. If Rowan had had a son, he would have wanted him to be like Durro: proud, wild and strong. Pulling himself to his feet, Rowan also noticed the great deal of conspiring going on around the courtyard. He resigned himself to the fact that if he were meant to know what was going on, someone would take the time to tell him.

"Your boy is strong, Vorgis." Rowan said between heavy breathes. Hopefully his banter and kind demeanor would break that ice cold stare. After getting himself a drink of water and returning the practice sword to Durro, Rowan found Jamuu again and patted the Amon'tyr on his back.

"If the Gods are good, wood will turn to steel soon enough, and we will be rid of that Imperial."

 

[Dogmatic99]

"Your boy is strong, Vorgis."

"Aye." Replied Vorgis replied. Smiling begrudgingly.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"And you're sure about this?"

"There is no better pairing that I can see, The only question left is what roles too put them in?"

"The Pingla brags about his training with sword and shield and the Asiren quivers at the touch of an axe, just like the rest of his kind. I would say fate has made the choice for us."

"Still I would rather take your advise over fate's, executor."

"Thank you sir."

"And it is heard. The Pingla shall play the part of the tower, the Asiren, the woodsman and Carvinox shall play himself." Marrick smiled at that last remark

A few hours later the final list went up.

Spoiler: The List.

Beta matches at Ptolemy Colosseum:

Vokrash (Axe) vs San'irol (spear)

Typhon (Spear) vs Keldraal (sword)

Exotics:

Antonius (sword and shield) & Jamukha (Spear) vs The Darkling Brothers

Rowan (Axes) & Lahar (swords) vs the Maurie clan

Public exhibition:

The tale of ever light tower -

Belkin (The Tower) Gaius (The woodsman) Vs Carvinox

 

[ProtoChimp]

Gaius felt good for the first time in a while. He had one ally ready to help him escape already. No doubt Vokrash and perhaps the the Champion Vorgis had tried to escape in the past, but their is strength in numbers. And with four, maybe five warriors if Gaius was willing to cooperate with those he didn't respect like the imperial, their was a good chance that at least one of them would escape alive. He couldn't understand why but his mind kept trailing back to Durro and his mother, he even felt less hatred for the Champion. Gaius had surely killed fathers and sons of people in the past, but actually seeing the child of Vorgis... it made him dread meeting him in the arena if it ever came to it. He couldn't live with himself if he killed him and then had to face his family, but at the same time he couldn't go easy on him because no doubt Vorgis would give him his all.

A few hours later a list came up with the various names of Gladiators on it. Gaius rushed to see the list, knocking others aside. The majority of matches involved teaming gladiators up, except his.

Public exhibition:

The tale of ever light tower -

Belkin (The Tower) Gaius (The woodsman) Vs Carvinox

Gaius was extremely confused. "The tale of ever light tower?" he said aloud. "What does this even mean? And who is Carvinox?" He looked around for an answer. Perhaps Carvinox was a name of a team, but most likely an extremely powerful fighter. No matter, he was teamed with Belkin, a man who nearly brought himself to his knees, even if he did have tactics like a rabid dog. But why did it say 'The Tower' and 'Woodsman' instead of listing weapons like the others? If it was an axe, not the small 'one in each hand' style of most Asiren but a large battleaxe, then he would fare well.

 

[Floris2123]

Antonius looked at Lahar leaving. Lahar had said something that Antonius hadn't excepted. He was too stunned to say anything as the words were still hanging in the air. "You are not a bad man, nor 'dremulgar'. That is clear now" He said, apologising. "I will return to my meditations now" Antonius smiled. Maybe he had even made an brother. His first one.. He felt a lot less lonely as he grabbed his sword with new determination, he continued training with new found power.

A few hours later a list came up with the various names of Gladiators on it. Antonius walked toward it avoiding the other gladiators. He was still smiling when he began to read.
Exotics:
Antonius (sword and shield) & Jamukha (Spear) vs The Darkling Brothers

The smile was wiped of his face as he turned pale. I have to work with that cülus! Lady luck really hates me. He turned around taking an neutral expression as he walked over to Jamuu. He walked up to him stopping before him making sure he couldn't pass. "Greeting Jamuu. It looks like we will be fighting in the first round together against 'The darkling brothers'. So I was thinking we could go through some tactic." Antonius wasn't pleased by all this but he would be damned before he died because of Jamuu. He readied himself for any punches or kicks Jamuu would throw at him.