I Am Gladiator! (Closed, Started)

[AceofPie]

A champion huh? Somehow Jamukha did not find that hard to believe. Unintimidated, he urged Clay to go faster as they approached the turn, hoping to cut ahead of Kranst and Shade. The champion was one step ahead however, and outmaneuvered Jamukha coming around the corner. Jamuu was unwilling to allow Kranst and Shade to get in a position ahead of them where it would be easy for the champion to block any passing attempt. Jamuu decided that he would let the champion have the inside wall, and instead crossed sharply over to put himself on Kranst opposite side. It was the weaker position, but the best that he and Clay could hope for until they approached the next turn.

Adrenaline pumped through Jamukha's veins as they raced down the straight path. He could feel the rhythm of his heart grow steadily until he fell in sync with the beating of the hoofs on the soft sand of the track. Thunder welled up inside of him, and he felt like shouting at the top of his lungs. He could feel the wind pulling on his hair and stinging his eyes. He felt good, he felt alive.

"Go, Go" He whispered to Clay, urging his partner forward. Clay was proving to be everything he could ask for in a horse. Each stride was as fluid as a river and as powerful as a bolt of lightening.

They were neck and neck with Shade and Kranst with the turn rapidly approaching. If I can just pull ahead a little before the turn, I can cut him off and pull ahead Jamukha thought feverishly. The competitive spirit in him had been reawaken. But every time he made a move, Kranst and Shade were able to pull ahead just a little more.

He leaned foward in his saddle and gave Clay a stern kick. "Go!"

The horse seemed to want to win just as much as Jamuu. Drawing on some hidden reserve, Clay surged forward, slowly moving ahead of the darker horse. With the turn just ahead, Jamukha saw his opportunity for victory, and in one moment of horrified hesitation let it slip through his fingers. As he moved to cut Kranst off, the image of his brother flashed in his mind. Stricken with fear, Jamukha hesitated, allowing Kranst to keep the inside of the wall and take a commanding lead going into the final stretch.

Despite his best efforts to recover, Clay and Jamukha were well over a stride behind Shade and Kranst as they came to the finish. Jamukha pulled along side the champion, and tired his best to hide his embarrassment.

"Well done, you truly are a champion."

 

[ProtoChimp]

Gaius saw Vorgis distracted by Rowan and the exectuor and he found himself staring as well. He stabbed his spear into the ground and snarled. "He makes me ashamed to call myself Asiren. He finds great pride in killing for the enjoyment of wretched thugs. My supposed brother must have very little self worth."

 

[Dogmatic99]

Rowan launched a good heavy attack. It would have easily taken apart a lesser opponent, but the executor was no such opponent. Bringing his sword up at an angle, the blade bit into the wooden handle of Rowan's axe. His other arm flashing outwards to grab hold of Rowan's punching arm.

The two men's muscles clenched and quivered as they tried to hold each other at bay. "Vorgis, What did I teach you about grappling?"

Vorgis replied like an obedient student. "Never grapple with a stronger opponent."

"Or?" The executor called back, his face contorting in concentration.

"Or a dirty opponent."

As if in response to that the executor puckered his lips and spat in Rowan's eye. he Asieren flinched back at this and the executor took advantage of this second of weakness. His sword slipped from its groove in the axe handle and the executor closed the distance between them, twisting Rowan's other arm as he went. Spinning his sword in his hand the executor brought the point so that it poked at the side of Rowan's lower rib.

The two of them paused for a moment as the blade point teased at Rowan's flesh, drawing a pin prick of blood. "A man who will do anything to live is unpredictable, never let him get drawn in close enough to bite, scratch or spit." Then he slammed his head into Rowan's nose, causing the Asieren to stumble back. "I have seen far too many scuffles and grapples from this new batch and it is starting to rub off on our more refined recruits. We are showmen as much as we are warriors. Two men rolling around in the dirt like dogs does not make a good show, it makes for a sloppy fight." He pointed his sword at the onlooking Belkin and Vokrash as he said the last part before turning back to Rowan. "Are you ready to go again?"
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The swing of the hammer would have been enough to crush bone and rend flesh. Ozrick leapt back in the knick of time slashing his sword against the head of the great blunt weapon. Sparks flew out as the two weapons collided. The crowd roared at that, this fight was shaping up to be a better show than the previous ones. Ozrick cheered back at them, egging on the rowdier audience members. He began to stoop low and weave back and forth, slashing out at Antonius' legs. Still he kept his distance, wary of the hands he had seen dismantle the corpses at his feet.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ "Well done, you truly are a champion."

Kranst laughed again. "Me? No, I can't claim that title, though not for lack of trying. No, Reagah would leave us both in the dust." He eyed Jamukha more seriously. "You started out well there. You'll want to be careful about falling behind. The further back you get the stabbier the riders get."

 

[KelevraBD]

Rowan felt his fist smack into the palm of the executor, and howled in frustration. His axe strike was parried masterfully, and in an instant he could feel cold spit in his eye. He stumbled back, and was ensnared once again, this time the executor's sword poked at his ribs. When the executor sent a headbutt his way, Rowan grunted and fell to the ground, blood spewing from his nose. He was on one knee, breathing heavily but still listening to every word the executor was saying.

A straight fight would be useless, both in practice and in the sands. Rowan would need to adapt and become just as ruthless. Feinting weakness, he coughed up some more blood and scooped a handful of dirt into his free hand, continuing to heave and suck in air. He also slyly moved his leg in preparation for a sweeping attack, and flipped his axe so that the pointed, angled end was ready to strike.

"Are you ready to go again?" called the executor, pointing at him with a sword still wet with blood.

Rowan nodded feebly, and coughed some more, still on the ground. He made like he wanted to get up, but stumbled slightly, still keeping a good defensible position.

"Please, the least you could do is help me up?" he asked, his voice rusty with sand and dirt. The second the executor got close enough, he would spring into action like a viper in the grass.

 

[MortifiedPenguin]

Lahar continued sipping his cactus juice while his patron spoke.

I doubt most ever even meet their gladiators. Well allow me to explain." Kedrin poured himself a new drink and shifted his weight in his chair making himself more comfortable. "A patron is like a sponsor for a gladiator. As of yesterday I own half of your contract. It is now my duty to supply you with equipment, supplies, whatever you require for when you set foot into the arena. I also pay your living expenses for our dear friend Varlen Marrick as well as anything else you may require. So tell me Lahar, what do you need?"

He shot him a smile he almost thought was friendly, but Lahar couldn't shake the feeling he was up to no good. He made it clear that his wants and needs were separate things.

"All I need are my blades, I'm sure someone of your...Status would be able to get them back for me" He said, refilling his cup, "It is your job to get what I require, no?"

 

[Dogmatic99]

"Please, the least you could do is help me up?"

That only seemed to anger the executor even more. "On the sands, no one will help you up!"
He strode up to Rowan and raised his leg to boot the Asieren in the shoulder.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________"All I need are my blades, I'm sure someone of your...Status would be able to get them back for me" He said, refilling his cup, "It is your job to get what I require, no?"

Kedrin's beamed back at him like a child on their birthday. "Yes!" He exclaimed. "Lyria!"

"Yes?" Replied a pale haired woman who had entered at the back of the room.

"He said it!"

Lyria sighed. "Oh for goodness sake, Artus.

"No, No he said it, just as I said he would! Ready your keys!" Kedrin sprung up like an excited puppy. He swept up Lahar in his whirlwind of energy and ushered him to a room at the back of his manor, it was far removed from the rest of the house. The woman called Lyria fidgeted with a ring of keys until she finally managed to find the one which opened the doors before them. The sight was spectacular.

The far wall was adorned with a host of black blades. They were long, short, curved, straight, jagged and sleek. There must have been twenty of them maybe more. Each one had been crafted with exquisite care, their blade and hilt each just one continuous piece of metal.

"So?" Kedrin said, breaking the silence. "Did I do well, are any of these yours?"

The blades were fine creations. each of them looked to be a worthy weapon. But none of them came in a pair, none of them had the signature hooked tips of Lahar's blades.

 

[Floris2123]

Ozrick jumped back and slashed his hammer with his sword putting up an show for the crowd. Orzick cheered, he wouldn't be cheering for long. Ozrick began to slash at Antonius feet who kept dodging the blows. He tried to keep his distance, Antonius however wouldn't let him. Antonius waited for him to swing again and then swung his hammer at the mans head, knowing that since he was slashing it would be very hard to dodge. Antonius hammer had more reach he had to use it to his advantage.

 

[KelevraBD]

Rowan's gambit seemed to have failed, the executor opting instead to yell at him and scold him about the risks of the sands. Then, miraculously, the executor inched ever closer to Rowans trap. Rowan hadn't anticipated that the man's anger would blind him of his own advice, but he was certainly not about to complain. He just had to keep looking weak for a few more moments and then he could strike. The executor stopped, raised his leg to kick Rowan on the shoulder, and Rowan found his opportunity. Quick as a flash, Rowan swung the pointed end of his axe right for the executors exposed leg, hoping to impale his ankle, or if he was even luckier, his calf. At the same moment, Rowan lifted himself to his feet and tossed the sand and dirt mix square into the executors eyes, a cheap trick but necessary.

Rowan's body ached from his wounds, but he did manage to straighten himself out. If his axe struck true, he would be able to pull the executor to the ground and gain the advantage at last, after a whole morning of being dominated in combat. His losses were not without their own benefits though. Clearly he was getting better, stronger, and smarter from his training. Rowan pittied the man whom he would face next on the sands. His bloodlust would be enough to give him the victory, but now he'd been taught proper Gladiator tactics and techniques.

"What was that you said about dirty opponents? I didn't quite hear you the first time."

 

[Dogmatic99]

Ozrick barely dodged the swing of the hammer, at least he managed to dodge the main bulk of the hammer's head. One of the corners clipped his helmet, stumbling him. The crowd gave out a collective "Oooohh!" and Ozrick righted himself after nearlt stumbling over one of the many corpses that littered the floor. He shook his head, trying to clear his shaking vision. Clearly he would have to change his tactic. He struck a new stance and lifted his visor.He winked at Antonius and blew him a kiss, which prompted a bout of laughter and jeers from the audience.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The executor was caught off guard by Rowan's sudden burst of movement. Rowan's attack did not go completely to plan but it was effective. The axe caught his leg as it came down on the thin air, digging a deep gash across lower side of the executor's thigh. The clump of dirt did do its job well though catching him square in one eye. Suprisingly though the executor did not cry out in pain, he simply grunted and stooped low, hunching his shoulders over.

"What was that you said about dirty opponents? I didn't quite hear you the first time."

Rowan's voice dripped with smugness in his ears. That was sloppy, I deserve that.The executor chided himself. He turned his sword over in his hand so that the blade pointed downwards and wiped the dirt from his eye. It stung like hell and did nothing to improve his mood. Then, fast as snake, he sprung to life. Delivering a quick jab to Rowan's diaphragm with one hand and drove the sword hilt upwards into the Asiren's chin. He had regained an even footing.

"A decent start. Now show that you can follow through."

 

[Floris2123]

The crowd seemed shocked when Antonius just managed to hit a small piece of Ozrick's helmet. Ozrick lifted his visor and then he winked and blew an kiss at Antonius. Antonius looked a bit disgusted but he wouldn't be thrown of his game by this kind of mockery. Antonius used his left hand to wipe some of the blood away, he wiped the blood from just underneath his eye away keeping it on his fingers. Antonius moved forward, then just out of Ozrick's range he shot the blood aiming for his eyes. He quickly stepped forward aiming another sweep at Ozrick's chest. He was still looking for an counterattack but he was more focused on the attack this time.

 

[KelevraBD]

Rowan slid one of his feet backwards to absorb the impact of the strikes the executor rained down on him. They still hurt but at least he wasn't fumbling around on the ground afterwards. The shot to his diaphragm took some air out of him, and he almost bit his tounge off when the sword hilt crashed into his chin. With his free hand he grabbed at the executors sword wrist, just as he was about to take it away, no doubt for a follow up attack. If he could lock the man's arm in place, Rowan might be able to avoid a finishing blow. Blood ran from the side of his mouth, but Rowan blocked out the pain and tried to get a strong, tight grip.

With his other hand, Rowan swung his axe at the undefended collarbone of the executor. He figured that even if he failed to lock the mans wrist in place, the awkward placement of his sword would make blocking difficult still. Rowan led the strike with the hook of his axe, trying to rip a gash in his foes chest.

Rowan could feel his adrenaline picking up, and was actually enjoying his first real challenge as a gladiator since he arrived at the ludus. the executor was strong, resolute, and unrelenting. Rowan felt a great deal of respect for the man as their fight continued, and regretted that one of them might have to die.

 

[Dogmatic99]

Ozrick let out a wild, sharp laugh as he launched himself into a combat roll under Antonius' hammer. Taking advantage of the few seconds he had while Antonius was off balance, he launched himself at the Imperial, aiming a punch with his bladed hand right at Antonius' neck.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The two fighters locked each other in a grapple again as the executor blocked Rowan's weapon arm, blocking it with his forearm and then slipping it into a vice like grip. "What did I say about grappling!" He screamed.

Before Rowan could react the executor placed his leg among Rowan's and shifted his weight, throwing the gladiator to the ground but keeping hold of his axe arm. "You were brave boy but you're punching above your weight." There was a flash of movement as the executor twisted himself around to obscure Rowan's arm. Then there was a loud crack. The gladiators in the yard held their breath. The executor let out a deep throaty laugh as he walked away from the, now grounded, Rowan. Holding the two halves of the broken axe handle. He seemed to be enjoying himself as he threw the pieces away and helped Rowan to his feet.

"Good job lad, it's been too long since I've had a good fight. There's a future for you here that much is sure." He took Rowan's hand in his own, giving it a hearty shake. "But talk like that to me again and I'll break your neck." He said in a voice like ice.

"Well That's enough of that." Called out Marrick from his balcony. "Executor, Gaius, Belkin, Rowan. Come to the armoury. I have something to show you."

When they were brought to the armoury the gladiators were presented with a mannequin adorned with a suit of armour. The left arm was particularly exquisite. It was covered in layers of plate armour which widened out at the forearm, forming a built in shield. The fingers on the glove were tipped with curved talons. The right arm was left bare except for a large steel shoulder pad. Unlike most gladiator armour the entire lower half was covered as well, metal at the front and hard leather at the back. The helmet was shaped to look like a snarling wolf face with a visor that was attached separately to look like the face of a weeping man. Marrick looked at it like a proud father.

"Most gladiators are equipped to enter the arena in a specific fighting style. The solider fights with sword and shield. The fisherman gets a trident and net. This," He said pointing to the armour. "Has never been seen before. I plan to make history by introducing this, a new style of gladiator. The Efferus style., named after the greatest gladiator to have ever walked the sands. I plan to give it to a gladiator who's reputation is yet to be made. One capable of winning the love of the crowd and who can prove himself deadly in any given situation. Rowan, I thought that could be you but after your display earlier I'm not so sure. The man I give this armour to will be my future champion. I need him to place himself in my hands." Marrick closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to clear his mind. "You three are my best options for this. So! What are we going to do about this?"

 

[Floris2123]

Ozrick quickly rolled underneath Antonius hammer, Antonius heard an laugh as he turned his head to see the arm blade of Ozrick heading for his neck. Antonius decided that the hammer wasn't the weapon he would use to defeat Ozrick, he dropped it. Antonius waited until the last second while he began to turn around, he just moved his neck out of the way of the blade as he grinned. He grabbed Ozrick's arm pulling him forward and pulling him out of balance. He quickly used his other hand to attacks Ozrick's eye, he had removed his visor and he was about to see effect of such carelessness. Before Ozrick could react Antonius took out his left eye with his 2 fingers, using the same technique he had used earlier. Antonius wasn't dumb however, while he knew how much destroying an eye had to hurt. He knew that Ozrick would probably counter, and he was ready to jump back if needed.

 

[ProtoChimp]

Gaius held his breath as a loud crack was heard throughout the courtyard as the executor held Rowan's life in his hands. He had secretly hoped he was dead. He couldn't take his pride anymore, it was unbearable. Alas, he still lived, and all that was broken was the axe handle. After the fight, he Rowan and Belkin were called into the armoury. There stood a suit of armour, but no ordinary suit of armour, it was intricately designed and adorned with various features, and an odd looking helmet. It did look like great protection though, better than the rags he wore in the last fight.

"Most gladiators are equipped to enter the arena in a specific fighting style. The solider fights with sword and shield. The fisherman gets a trident and net. This," Said Marrick pointing to the armour. "Has never been seen before. I plan to make history by introducing this, a new style of gladiator. The Efferus style., named after the greatest gladiator to have ever walked the sands. I plan to give it to a gladiator who's reputation is yet to be made. One capable of winning the love of the crowd and who can prove himself deadly in any given situation. Rowan, I thought that could be you but after your display earlier I'm not so sure. The man I give this armour to will be my future champion. I need him to place himself in my hands." Marrick closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to clear his mind. "You three are my best options for this. So! What are we going to do about this?"

A million thoughts raced through Gaius's mind. He had planned to allow himself to be killed in the arena, but this was a perfect opportunity to kill the man who had imprisoned him. Unthinking, Gaius stepped forward.

"I or Belkin are the only options. We are your beast masters are we not? But what is the Efferus style... Master" Gaius put his head down in defeat of that last word.

 

[KelevraBD]

Rowan grunted as he was bested by the executor, having ignored his lessons in his pride. Fortunately, the only thing left broken was his axe. Rowan was pulled to his feet and looked around the courtyard, noticing the audience his fight had drawn. At least a few of his fellow gladiators wished him harm, he figured. Though as the saying goes, if you wanted something done right you had to do it yourself. Rowan rubbed the dirt and blood from his face before grabbing the executors handshake and drawing him in for a brief hug.

"Aye, I've not had my blood up like that in a very long time. Well fought. And.." he paused, breathing in and trying to hold back the sweat.

"And I am sorry, executor. I neglected your lesson and it almost cost me an arm. The next fight, I will be sure to take your words into account." It was difficult for Rowan to admit when he was wrong, but even an experienced fighter as himself could learn something new. Before he could catch his breath, Rowan was called upon by Marrick, along with Belkin and Gaius. He looked over at his two brothers, and smiled to himself. Belkin was a tough and hearty gladiator, but Gaius was still struggling to find his place. Both of them were well respected by Rowan, however.


As the reason for their being called became clear, Rowan lit up with excitement. The set of armor before them was absolutely exquisite, perfect and deadly. Marrick explained that the three of them were his top choices for gladiators that would debut his new style of fighting, called "The Efferus Style". He added that Rowan was his first choice for a while, but that his display out in the courtyard had given him second thoughts.

Gaius stepped forward and practically spat on Rowan's name, declaring himself and Belkin to be the better of the three options. So much for Asieren brotherhood, thought Rowan. He waited until Gaius was done questioning his honor before stepping forward himself.

"With respect, the people practically cheered my name the entire time myself and Lahar were on the sands. You want someone to debut this new fighting style? The Flying Asiren will be matched by no other. Gaius has been in poor spirits ever since his first fight, and has just now taken to net and spear. Belkin is a grand fighter, but scrappy. Unless you want the crowd to see clouds of dust and dirt as your shiny new armour is rolled into the sands match after match, I am the only option."

It pained Rowan to have to denounce Belkin, but Gaius had already betrayed him with words, so putting him in his place was easier. Rowan kneeled before Marrick and looked up confidently.

"I realize I have been...disapointing, of late. But give me this honor and I will shine in the arena like the sun, and all will praise the bloody glory of House Marrick."

 

[SPARTANXIII]

Belkin had watched the entire fight, hoping the executor would finish the boasting prick. Sadly, it was not to be, only disarming him and wounding his pride. Belkin clapped at the end, ammused and pleased by the Executors domination. When the Empire dog that he had to call "Master" called for Him, Gaius and Rowan to join him in the Armory, he was confused as to what this was about.

He soon saw the armour and the apparent "Efferus" style that came with it. To the Pingla sword and shield user, it was revolutionary: The gauntlet held the shield itself, leaving the clawed hand open to hold another weapon, or help deal extra damage from really close battles, the only real weakness coming from his open sword arm. He heard Gaius and Rowan speak, Gaius saying that only Belkin or himself would be best for this. Belkin was pleased that he was considered equal to the Asieren, as he seemed to be in a different world recently. Then came the loud-mouth and HIS words;

"Belkin is a grand fighter, but scrappy. Unless you want the crowd to see clouds of dust and dirt as your shiny new armour is rolled into the sands match after match, I am the only option."

"The only reason I roll around in the dirt", replied Belkin, "Is because someone else starred the up-close scuffle" he said, looking at Gaius but also remembering Vokrash, "Or because the boasting idiot who I have to teach is so slow at learning how to use a sharp stick, I have to limit how I fight for the idiot to hold a chance!"

 

[MortifiedPenguin]

Breaking out of his aloof attitude the man suddenly jumped out of his seat and became animated with glee, almost prancing about the room once Lahar had asked for his blades back. He swept Lahar up in his excitement and ushered him into another room at the back of the manor, far removed from the finery of the last.

At least he had finally learned his patron's name: Artus

The woman, Lyria, fumbled with a large set of keys until she found the one that matched the doors in front of him. Once she unlocked them the doors swung open revealing row upon row of blades forged by War Walkers, each one different, some had curved edges, some jagged, some straight, but none his.

There was only one way that this Artus could've amassed such a collection, either by killing or enslaving other war walkers, but he was not the one that did the deed, just a fool with money to spare.

"None of these blades are mine." He said, remaining rigid and stoic, not letting his anger consume him.

 

[Dogmatic99]

Ozrik's shrieked out in pain as blood sprung forth from his eye socket. He slashed out with his sword, cutting into Antonius' torso and rammed into him with his armoured shoulder. Ozrik was fighting like a wild animal, charging at the Imperial until the two of them were almost nose to nose.

"You fight like a girl." He hissed through gritted teeth.

Although despite whatever Ozrik had to say about Antonius' fighting style, the crowd was loving it.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Marrick watched as his three gladiators bickering with each other like children. Rowan even went so far as to kneel. This is too perfect.

"Well you all make a very good case, but I have an idea. We're going to hold a competition to see which of you really wants this more. Follow me!" And with that Marrick lead them all into the courtyard to find Vokrash.

"Vokrash my good man! I come to you with a worthy task for a loyal man of my house. I am too indecisive to make the decision myself and The Executor's judgement is clouded by his disdain for Rowan and his large mouth. Whereas I am fairly certain that you hate all three of these men equally. So I need you to decide who will be the one to claim my Efferus armour for himself. The choice is in your hands."

Marrick turned to face the onlooking gladiators. "There are some minor games coming up in a few days you may want to use them to impress your judge but do not think they can assure you victory. Vokrash! I don't care how you decide or how they impress you but by the end of the week I want to hear your decision. Whether it is who you think is the best fighter or if you make them hold a dancing competition, I don't care how you decide, you are the most veteran man I know when it comes to the games. I will trust your judgement." And with a surprising amount of grace Marrick turned on his heels and headed back to his manor. Content in the knowledge that he had gotten up to a healthy amount of mischief that day.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Kedrin seemed to physically deflate at that new. "I am sorry to hear that. Black swords are a rare find on the market, open or secret. I try to save as many as I can, still I fear to think how many slip through my fingers." He headed back into the atrium. Lyria lead Lahar back with a gentle hand and a sympathetic look.

"I am sorry for the theatrics." Kedrin said, looking completely defeated. "My sources had told me that I had claimed every black sword to come to Ptolemy in the recent months. Two of them even arrived around the same time Marrick told me you did. I was so certain one of them must have belonged to you." He let out a tired sigh. "You weren't expecting this were you?"

Getting up to get himself some wine, Kedrin seemed to be talking to the room in general rather than anyone in particular. "We Imperial folk are so terrible aren't we?"

"Artus, you mustn't be like that." Lyria tutted at him.

"Oh why mustn't I? I'm old I have a right to get moody."

"I wont talk to you if you're going to get like this."Suddenly Lyria had switched to speaking in Vaanic.

"Well no one said you had to speak to me at all!" And more surprisingly Kedrin responded in kind. The old senator turned to face Lahar. "Look what you've done? He must be so confused, poor thing can't understand a word we're saying!" Kedrin started sniggering into his wine.

Lyria snatched the cup away from him. "I'm so sorry, he's not well. And he is not supposed to drink after he has had his medicine!" That last part was aimed at Kedrin himself as she scolded him like a badly behaved school boy.

 

[Floris2123]

Ozrick cut Antonius with his sword, but Antonius managed to jump back and avoid any serious damage. Ozrick rammed Antonius knocking some of the air out of him. "You fight like a girl." The crowed seemed to love it though, Antonius grinned to gain the crowds favor he would have to kill this man. In the worst way he could think of. Antonius stepped on the mans foot making him look down. Antonius then quickly hit the man on his undefended jaw with his 'claws' a soft cracking noise was heard. Before he could react however Antonius used his other fist to hit Ozrick in his face, shattering his nose with an loud crack. Ozrick screamed as he stepped back grabbing his nose, looking up he didn't see Antonius however. Antonius had used this small time window to roll past his enemy and grab the hammer.

Antonius hit Ozrick against his left arm, a sickening cracking noise was heard as Ozrick screamed out in pain and let go off his sword. Ozrick turned around to see that Antonius swung again Ozrick just manged to dodge this blow however, the pain was beginning to slow him down and both fighters knew this. Antonius charged again swinging the hammer at Ozrick as he kept dodging. Antonius kept doing this as he lured him into an corner, as soon as Ozrick looked back at the wall he hit when he was trying to dodge Antonius knew it was over. Antonius hammer hit Ozrick on his chest shattering a rib and probably bruising 2 other ones. Ozrick fell to his knees coughing up blood. Antonius grinned as if he had turned insane as he dropped the hammer, Antonius grabbed the curved sword instead his blood still staining it.

Antonius stood in front of him and waited for him to look up. "Who fights like an girl now weakling?" Ozrick lifted his head, and Antonius attacked he used the sword to cut from under to above slamming it into the underside of the helmet. He could see the blood running down Ozrick's face but that wasn't what he was aiming for, he tensed his muscles and pulled the helmet of his face revealing the bloody face of his opponent. Antonius smiled as he attacked twice in quick succession cutting of both ears of the man. He then grabbed him by his throat and pulled him to his feet, hitting him once in the face to make him focus. "Last change weakling." Ozrick said something but he was too weak to say it loud enough. Antonius knew he had lost tons of blood but this was how it would end. He waited for Ozrick to attack when he stepped back an cut with his sword. Opening an deep cut on Ozrick's throat the weakened gladiator fell to his knee, only to see an crazed looking Antonius. Antonius brought his weapon back, and with 1 clean cut separated the head of the man. He picked it up from the ground and held it up to the public. The head looked horrible with only 1 eye, no ears and an broken nose.

 

[Godhead]

As Vokrash was waiting for Belkin to strike again after standing up he heard him say "Want to postpone this till after Rowan loses a leg?" After stopping for a moment Vokrash thought it might be good for Belkin to see this, even if he thought Belkin wasn't stupid enough. "With pleasure, and with any luck it will teach you not to be an arrogant ass." As Vokrash walked towards Rowan and the Executor fighting it seemed as if the Executor was just toying with Rowan and trying to teach him a lesson rather than simply killing him like he would to most anyone else.

When Vokrash finally was close enough to finally see the fight in complete detail and the two had gotten into a grapple. The two men's muscles clenched and quivered as they tried to hold each other at bay. "Vorgis, What did I teach you about grappling?" Vorgis replied like an obedient student. "Never grapple with a stronger opponent." "Or?" The executor called back, his face contorting in concentration. "Or a dirty opponent." With that Vokrash saw the Executor spit into Rowan's eye and flung him to the ground and poked him in the side with a sword. And a real sword no less; this truly is interesting, real weapons are almost never brought out here. The thought flashed past Vokrash's mind and was gone in a second, but it was there none the less. The boy should be dead, and yet he is merely being toyed with. It's almost as if-

Vokrash's thought was struck short as he heard a grunt from the Executor and saw blood running down his thigh. "What was that you said about dirty opponents? I didn't quite hear you the first time." Vokrash saw that the Executor was clearly mad at himself for letting such an arrogant fool play him as one. Then suddenly, the Executor punched Rowan in the diaphragm and hit him under the chin with the hilt of his sword. After Rowan got up he restrained the Executor's sword arm as he swung with his own and went after the side of the Executor who in turn blocked the arm and they were back into another grapple. Then in a flash Rowan was on the ground once again.

Vokrash closed his eyes and sighed. That boy has been in a single fight and now prances about as if he is the second coming of Efferus. Why does the Executor let him live? Marrick must be planning something- As if right on queue Marrick tells them all to stop and ushers in Gaius, Belkin, Rowan, and the Executor. Might as well go back to training, all the fun seems to have stopped. With that Vokrash turned around and went back to training against dummies.

After about half an hour has passed he hears the voice of Marrick calling out to him. "Vokrash my good man! I come to you with a worthy task for a loyal man of my house. I am too indecisive to make the decision myself and The Executor's judgement is clouded by his disdain for Rowan and his large mouth. Whereas I am fairly certain that you hate all three of these men equally. So I need you to decide who will be the one to claim my Efferus armour for himself. The choice is in your hands."

Marrick then turned to face the others. "There are some minor games coming up in a few days you may want to use them to impress your judge but do not think they can assure you victory. Vokrash! I don't care how you decide or how they impress you but by the end of the week I want to hear your decision. Whether it is who you think is the best fighter or if you make them hold a dancing competition, I don't care how you decide, you are the most veteran man I know when it comes to the games. I will trust your judgement." With that Vokrash saw Marrick spin and walk off with a grace he only seems to show when he is completely ecstatic about something.

Vokrash looked at each of them. Rowan: A skillful warrior but much to arrogant for his own well being. If he got the armour then he would surely fall sooner then later. Gaius: The man is like a cowardly lion, big and strong but broke down after his first fight and seemed to have lost the will to live. However, there does seem to be a new fire in his eyes; perhaps Gaius has more to him that Vokrash previously thought? And finally Belkin: he seems the most likely of the candidates right now. He has not shown any massive bouts of arrogance, kept himself cool during the near brawl in the feast hall, and appears to have no reservations when it comes to fighting, if a bit honourable. Still, right now Vokrash is certain that none of them deserve to wear the Efferus armour.

"Now then, tell me why any of you deserve to wear that armour."

Spoiler: OOC

Yes that cowardly lion part was meant to be a jab at Gaius and Carvinox. Take that Proto!