Path of the Gladiator

[Lethalis]

The streets of Karond Kar were quite busy, but not as busy as usual. This was because a quite successful raiding party had come back from the east with all kinds of slaves, and not just any slaves. Amongst them were quite a few powerful slaves, who used to hold an important position in their race’s culture.

This may seem like a paradox, but the truth is, as ever with the Dark Elves, more complicated than it looks to the untrained eye. Quite recently, a trend of gladiatorial combats had become a fashion in some places in the Druchii land, and while it was officially not allowed, young Rakarth had not much of a problem with it – he knew some prominent members of the noble families had interest in fighting these slaves, and with the fights being relatively fair some highborn ones that preyed on his position might somehow lose their lives.

In the eastern part of the city, there were a lot of stables where beastmasters trained and were trained. However, some stables were circular shaped, with a sand-covered floor and with seats like the ones one would rather expect in a theatre than a stable. Blackened torches illuminated quite a lot of the inside, so that an audience could still see what was happening in the dark places.

Today, the stable, nicknamed the Stable of Lights after the many torches, was packed with interested Elves. The place was buzzing with rumours, as the new pack of slaves was quite promising to the insiders. Although betting too was officially disallowed, it was a nice opportunity for the gathered ones to enrich themselves.

Suddenly, a spot in the lower walls opened, giving entrance to the arena. With the bare eye it was difficult to distinguish the doors, and through it a single Elf entered. Covered with flexible armour and a sword and dagger sheathed, he walked to the centre of the lower floor. Looking around, he spoke:

“Welcome, my friends. Today, a new pack of slaves has arrived, and the chance is given for noble families to enter one of their slaves or family members to fight each other within these stables. The winning family is given much honour and wealth, a price to fight for. Now, who shall enter?”

A lot of shouting followed the Beastmaster’s words, and now was the time to see which nobles would enter and honour their name – or drag it through the mud.

Welcome, Dear Druchii.netters, to Path of the Gladiators. In this Arena of Death, noble families from all around Naggaroth and beyond get a chance to earn fame and fortune, or an assassin’s attention

The rules are as following:

• characters up to 200 points are allowed
• only characters under the Heroes section allowed (ie, no Lords)
• No characters with the special rules Daemonic or Undead allowed (they make for poor slaves)
• Characters from Appendix lists are allowed (such as an Eshin sorcerer, or Gnoblar Honcho)
• only 1 wound mounts allowed
• no special characters allowed
• up till 50 points of magic items, virtues, Temple of Khaine upgrades etc. allowed

The following items aren’t allowed:
Tress of Isolde
Sword of Fate
Van Horstmann's Speculum
The Daemon Sword
The Fellblade
The Bane Head
The Grudge Rune
The Talisman of Saphery
Virtue of Confidence
Annoyance of Nettles

Also, any item which I have missed here that includes in its rules "nominate one enemy character" is illegal.

Changed:
Gaze of the Gods - same points cost, before the battle roll a D6 - 1 = you get a 6+ ward, 2-3 = you get a 5+ ward, 4-6 = you get a 4+ ward. Such is the fickle nature of chaos.

Warpstone amulet - same points cost, but roll to see if you die before the fight instead of afterwards.

In the first round of combat, both warriors count as charging for the purposes of lances and other special rules. If neither warrior has a 'strike first' ability (or a 'strike last' ability), the person with the highest Initiative will strike first. If both warriors are equally entitled to strike first (usually because they have equal initiative), striking order will be determined randomly.

The fight is rolled like a normal challenge. This means that dice are rolled 'to hit', 'to wound', 'saves', and 'ward saves'. It will continue until one warrior dies. If both warriors die simultaneously, the entire fight is re-rolled from the start. This means no shooting or magic (including prayers).

Killing Blow will not instantly kill it's foe. Instead, when a 6 is rolled, their armour is ignored as normal for the rules for killing blow. If it then bypasses their ward save, the victim will suffer D2 wounds, instead of instantly killing them.

Fear is handled similarly to normal. In the first round of combat, a warrior facing a fearsome foe will take a Ld test. If it is failed, he/she will hit on 6+ for that round of combat, even if he/she is outnumbered.

Hatred is also handled as normal. The warrior will re-roll failed 'to hit' rolls against hated foes.

While there's nowhere to run, you can still have the confidence and fighting frenzy knocked out of you, and therefore models do lose frenzy as normal.

There will be a magic phase, but the enemy character counts as in combat for the purposes of magic missiles and the like. The shooting phase will also still be available, but all to hit rolls will suffer –2 due to the urgency of the situation.

If you wish to enter, PM me with the family name (only one family per member) of your noble house and the character (stats, items, appearance). In this thread, you can post your character’s fluff and challenges. NOTE THAT FLUFF IS MANDATORY. Challenges can be declined or accepted. If I want to start the game but there are unchallenged characters or unanswered challenges, I will pair the characters randomly. The challenges work using the knock-out system, so if you’re beaten you’re beaten. This also means a game can start with 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 etc players. Should there be a shortage, I will include characters randomly chosen (I have a couple in store for you ).

Note that this is the first of a series. After this one is over, each family gets the chance to enter again, apart from the one that was beaten in a most disgraceful way (ie, the fastest) which will be excluded from the next series. The winner will get 10 more points on his character to spend the next series regardless of point limits.

A chance to win fame and fortune is not easily overlooked by the Druchii, for while fame may come in handy fortune is a goal in itself. And of course, everyone knows that money is good, money is right… and might makes right.

Also, for each placing the participant will receive the opposite number of revenue points (e.g., in a 16 man round no.2 will get 15 points, no. 3 will get 14 and so on). These points may be used to buy the following:

• 10 more points magic item allowance next round - 1 revenue point
• re-rolls to hit* - 3 revenue points
• re-rolls to wound* - 5 revenue points
• re-rolls for armour saves* - 3 revenue points
• re-rolls for ward saves* - 10 revenue points
• a sorceress from the convent - 30 revenue points

* = will be used at first possible opportunity
A sorceress will be able to summon a daemonic character for the family, within the normal restrictions.

The next round, after Karond Kar, will take place in Har Ganeth, so stay tuned

[Lloyba]

Hans-Erik Jargensson, a proud member of a norse tribe hailing from Skeggi. He marched to the arena with pure hatred flaming in his eyes towards his dark masters. Hagaroth the Cold had captured Hans-Erik on a raiding party to the shores of lustria. The brave tribesmen had fought with the druchii raiders, but these cold-hearted killers had been too much to Hans' tribesmen. Hagaroth had noticed the potential in the young chieftain, so he decided to make him his personal slave-fighter. Hans-Erik had watched his kinsmen get killed in the hands of Hagaroth's executioners, but he couldn't do anything at that time. This day, Hans-Erik had decided to make his kinsmen proud by killing in the name of his new master. In battle his axes would provide the way to express his rage. He was among the first to enter the arena and with baited breath sat down to wait for the duels to start...

Hans-Erik Jargensson, the marauder chieftain of Skeggi, fights for Hagaroth the cold.

[The_nightlord]

Lord Khaernain Darkhand!
We would like to bring slave number 134 to your attention.
A Davi from the Ironfist clan, we found him fighting among the humans.
He fought with much more skill than the humans, but he still stood little chance against the lethal skills of our Executioners.
We thought it fitting to not waste his skills in the mines or leave him to the khainites, so we have brought him here to represent your house in the arenas, that have become so popular lately. We hope you will like this little gift and find him fitting to fight for your house in the arena.
/Slavemaster

Note: His equipment is in the box sent with this message.

[Vengeanceseeker]

Aenath, an Asuryan garrison leader was lucky he was not killed on the return journey or by the raiders as they sacked the town he used to be part of. Still, death in battle may have been preferable to the capture at the hands of the twin brother and sister Kalanath and Hal Qualleth or the Moriquendi family. Hours of endless torure at the hands of the twins had hardened his soul, and now death was a sought after gift that would not come. Now, he hoped to gain it while freeing as many other slaves from torment as possible. His masters thought that he would be good entertainment.

[General kala]

Noble Lords and Ladies of the great Houses of Naggaroth, offered for your delight, House Velari brings to you from the steaming jungles of the south a beast so ferocious that no less than seven handlers have been slain and devoured in breaking it. So powerful is his stroke that the very walls quake when his weapon lands. So mighty are his arms that Manticores are hurled aside like Snotlings. So thick is his hide that Reaper bolts bounce without so much as a scratch.

Weighing in a forty seven stone, I give you the the coldest of cold-blooded killers - Skraelok the Cruel.

** Four beastmaster apprentices with whips and goads bring forth in chains a hulking Saurus with the rune of House Velari branded into its forehead crest. It raises its seven foot long obsinite mace and roars at the crowd.**


--------------------------------------
---Back Story on House Velari---
--------------------------------------

After the end of the Civil War and the death of Kala at the 6th Gate of Arnhelm, House Velari has no Highborn Lord to command it. Under Malekith's law, the Lesser Houses and Seconds-in-Command of Kala's retinue get the first shot at winning the troops, resources and lands in an attempt to maintain Velari as a House of Naggaroth. After that, the Greater Houses (including yours) get to pick the bones.

This contest is part of that succession process. The hopefuls vying for the prizes have agreed to use trial by arena combat as their means of proving worth. The greater the performance by the Noble or his/her champion, the more of the spoils they can collect. If the hopefuls do poorly, there is an increased chance that other Houses can snatch away resources, lands and troops in the coming months. Some will do this to honor and support House Velari. Some will do so out of the sheer greed and lust for power that seethes in the heart of every Druchii.

Beastmistress Ki was the Head Beastmaster for Kala's armies. As she is lowborn and can have no stake in House Velari, she serves as a neutral Slavemaster and arming squire for all the champions. She is also the go-between for the Nobles of the Velari retinue and and Generals of the Black Lotus Brigade. She wears a charm of Slaanesh on her necklace, but doesn't consider herself to be part of the Cult. As with all former Black Lotus officers, she is Druchii before she is Slaaneshi and her loyalty lies first to Malekith and Naggaroth.

But none of the House Velari hopefuls are being represented in the first match at Karond Kar.

[Cal]

Darth Vader, Chosen of Khorne
Anakin Skywalker was born in the Empire's capital city of Altdorf 150 years ago. Before he reached his teens he was stolen away from his family by a group of Witch Hunters led by the infamous Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi. These Witch Hunters were convinced that they could turn the power of Chaos (or THE FORCE, as they called it) against itself, and took Anakin because they believed that they had strong links to it. Qui Gon was killed by the infamous Champion of Chaos Darth Maul before he could witness the fruits of his ideas, but Anakin was indeed strong in THE FORCE. Rather than using his powers for good, however, Anakin attacked and nearly killed his master Obi-Wan, then fled to the Chaos Wastes. Blessed with a suit of chaos armour and a shiny red magical sword, Anakin took the name Darth Vader in the pretence of protecting people and began his reign of terror over the Old World but while roming in search of battle he was found by a corsair ship. Despite a great fight Darth was eventually taken and the corsairs returned home, upon arriving they took Darth to a slave auction where his skills wwre recognised by a great warrior household. When they heard of a slave tournament, knowing Darth was a skilled fighter they decided to enter him. So it was that this mighty champion was forced to fight for those who had humiliated him....

Leth, I'll give you darths stats later when I've finished cutting him down to the right pts size.

[Cerulaetas]

Tlinvasa the Ravenous - Champion of Tzeentch
Fighting for House Soraava

A giant of a man crashes around in the darksteel cage behind the House Soraava Herald, four guards and an executioner standing by to subdue, and if necessary, kill, the beast should he escape. A fifth guard rushes up to talk to one of the four, motioning with his spear, then rushes back into the walls of the arena, dragging a deer out with the help of another 3, while the guard at the cage distracts the chaos champion away from the door so that it can be open, and the deer driven in. The guards then retreat from the cage, and the warrior becomes aware of the deer with him, turning upon it with his mouth opening to an entirely unbelievable width, swallowing the deer in one bite, before rampaging within the cage once more.

"Tlinvasa was captured by the honorable General Soraava as the small warband he was a part of attempted to launch a raid towards Ghrond - the purpose, probably having something to do with the Winds of Magic and the convent of Sorceresses there, but knowing Tzeentch, the reasons could be anything.

Particular note was given to the capture of this beast after he lead his unit of Chaos Warriors in a suicidal charge towards General Soraava's personal battle standard, and its bearer, Psili Czild. Relatively few of them made it to the spear wall surrounding the battle standard, but Tlinvasa did, and managed to swallow Psili, in his entirety, before he could be subdued.

I give you, Nobles and Noblesses, Tlinvasa the Ravenous!"

EDIT: Tlinvasa believes that, because of Tzeentch's gift to him, he will only rise in favor in Tzeentch's eyes by consuming the bodies and souls of those who are larger, and more powerful than him. He has barely any shred of sanity besides that concept.

[H.e.k.]

If it's alright I'll join the fray.

Marcus Galliano, fighting for House Nar'Glyth

"Caged like a beast" the small figure brooded as he paced in his cage, his captors staring at him with barbed whips clutched in their hands, their uncaring eyes gleaming with the hopes of flogging him like a dog for even the slightest of infractions or wrong moves. Several cuts could be seen along his back, reminders of his rebelliousness in his initial capture. Why they had spared him amongst the rest of his company of mercenaries was a mystery in itself. Perhaps they were impressed by his considerable swordsmanship and fencing skills or perhaps he was considered a specimen worth sacrificing to their disgusting god of murder. But since he was still alive, he thought to himself, "I suppose I'm to serve a darker purpose."


Marcus Galliano, a Tilean mercenary leader of a little known mercenary group called the Iron Gauntlets, and a reputedly excellent fencer and swordsman in his country, had been hired on as a bodyguard along with the rest of his mercenary group, to guard a group of Empire explorers intent on plundering the riches of Lustria's temples, but instead of even landing upon the shores of Lustria, they were raided by a druchii vessel, who mercilessly killed the explorers as well as captured most of Marcus's group, stuffing them in hellish conditions in the raiders vessel, killing most of the group before they could even reach the shores of this dark race's foul lands. When they finally arrived in a city that the slavemaster who greeted them at the docks as Karond Kar, city of beasts, A great number of Marcus's men were hauled off to work in the mines and forests, Marcus knowing he'd never see them again. Thinking he'd share the same fate, the master of the house he was to serve under found a different interest in him, a sort of possible entertainment and profit gaining opportunity, with which in short meant he was to be used for this sick race's perverse amusement in death in their arena's.

The day finally came when he was hauled off to the entrance of the arena, hearing a foreign language with which he couldn't understand but said, "Welcome honored guests and ladies, may I present to you one of our newest additions to our great gladiator games, Marcus Galliano the Swift, who shall fight for the honorable Lord Korath of House Nar'glyth!", and with that, was goaded into the arena's with stinging whips, clutching his wickedly crafted sword and shield, both heirlooms of his family, in his hands, his full plate armor glinting with fierce defiance, , walked out in the middle of a small circular arena, the seats above filled with various patrons, screaming for blood to be spilt. Though Marcus was disgusted, he knew he had little choice and at the same time did feel a small twinge of pride at the attention he was given, thinking it wouldn't make any difference since he knew he wouldn't escape from this place so decided at the moment to live his life out here in its fullest and shouted out his mercenary group's motto in homage to his homeland, "Salutamus te Morituri", (We who are about to die, salute you!).
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Back Story on House Nar'Glyth:


House Nar'Glyth is one of the oldest house's of Har-Ganeth, and despite there being little known about the house, it has been known from time to time to produce some of the greatest executioners and corsairs in the Land of Chill, but other than that, its history is mostly obscure, whether it be purposely so or simply little effort to try to reveal more of their history. It is known that their house was founded after the founding of the six cities, as well as their involvement in the death matches that started out in Karond Kar only centuries after the creation of the six cities. It is also known that they are one of the greatest contributors of sacrifices to Khaine on Death Night and the Harvest of Souls, almost expending every slave they have in order to appease both Khaine and Malekith. They are steadfastly loyal to Khaine and Malekith, and would gladly put their lives on the line if it would serve to aid Malekith and Khaine.

The present Highborn Lord of House Nar'Glyth is Lord Nalrythe Har'eth Nar'Glyth, whose rule over the house has rewarded it great prosperity of the house as well as rising reputation and wealth, the main reason of this being his two twin sons, Kalus and Korath, both of whom proven themselves in some way or another. Kalus, being born only a mere ten minutes before Korath, was considered to be the older of the twins and was therefore inducted as an Executioner of Har-Ganeth, as is House Nar'Glyth's tradition every time the first son comes of age. Kalus has participated in many of the battles against their hated cousins, the Asur, claiming many of their heads in Khaine's name. His success has brought great honor and has even earned him the title of High Executioner as well as a rare compliment from Grand Executioner Tullaris. Korath on the other hand, while an excellent corsair and politician, is the least favorite son in his father's eyes, considering that he could never spill as much blood to Khaine as his twin brother, Kalus, causing much strife between the twins as they vye with one another for their father's attention. The upcoming death match in Karond Kar has provided an excellent opportunity for Korath to prove his worth to his father by winning the tournament.

[Mel'reyna]

Malissa Sorrowsoul:

Malissa was the pride of the Sorrowsoul House, she was their most skilled assassin and fighter. Her last mission, however, was a failure due to being defeated by the Highborn she was after and barely escaping with her life. The elders of the house, not wanting to execute the talented young elf, sent her to fight in the gladiator arena instead so that she may redeem herself. Malissa found out that she enjoyed the roars of the crowd, the thrill of fighting in front of an audience instead of in the shadows.

Her weapons are two long daggers, both very unique and expertly crafted. She wears very little clothing made of black silk and no armor since it would limit her movement. As an added bonus, her opponents are often caught offguard staring at her rather than defending themselves. She has long silvery hair which she lets flow freely, and although there is the risk of getting her hair grabbed during battle, she is usually too swift allow that to happen, leaving her opponents clutching the air instead.

[One-eye]

Kondor the Mighty, fighting for the house of Fermiekh

During the raids into Lustria many captives were taken. One such beast was a powerfully built Scar-Veteran who slew many Devoted of Slaanesh single-handedly with his powerful magic items. He was truly favoured by the Old Ones. His items were taken away from him and when in Naggoroth he was sold to the Fermiekh family, and was put to work caring for the Cold Ones. When word spread of a tournament the Khaladin Fermiekh, head of the house decided to use his prized slave to earn some money. The Fermiekh family had also bought the items he was using and these were returned to the mighty Scar veteran. He was shipped off into the Arena and the Fermiekh family have much faith in their former adversary.

Will pm you the items soon.

[Ashnari doomsong]

A very large orc stomped into the arena, and faces blanched. Be it because of the stench, the vastness of the warrior or simply his rather small, pink robes granting his frame too little cover to simply be true, he did not seem to care. In one hand, he held a very large and black axe. In his other, he carried a buckler. He led a surprisingly gentle giant boar by the tusks, petting it to keep it happy.
This orc, reputedly an apprentice of the reknown orc poet, Gorgut "Rhymer" Grimshaw, had come of his own violition to practice his poetry.
Unfortunately, that very poetry had proven quite the weapon against the guards who were trying to apprehend him; they had simply collapsed, cataconic.
Seeing the battlefield value of being an orc with a sense of rhyming, he decided to test it in an arena. This was the closest arena...

Gergram Killrog, fighting for himself.

[Cenyu]

The House of Zharkan of Karond Fel acknowledges the Gladiatorial Event and sends one of its finest slaves into the pits of the Arena.


The circumstances of the capture of Traian, Champion of Slaanesh, a Chaotic chieftain of the Northern Wastes are still undisclosed. Nontheless now he is released to spill his blood in the name of his captors.

Traian is a skilled warrior though unlike many other followers of the Ruinous Powers he is not fueled by anger and fights in a battle frenzy but his fighting style is dominated by seemingly effortless and graceful fencing. As a Slaaneshi Traian is rather intent on 'offering a good show' instead of killing his opponents as quickly and savagely as possible. He enjoys delivering delicate wounds and savours the expression of pain on the face of his enemies as life slowly drains from their bodies.

For his future fights as a Gladiator Traian received the equipment which he bore when he was captured in the Chaos Wastes - fullplate mail in the colour of darkest and purest ebony, both offering enormous protection and preserving Traian's inhuman dexterity rivalling that of an Elf. The armour is etched with golden runes and ornaments marking it as a gift of the Dark Prince to his devout follower and includes a shield of the same fashion. Yet Traian refuses to wear a helm - his white mane freely falls on his back and no vizor offers protection from his eyes. Traian's gaze is capable of distracting even the most determined opponent.

In a fight besides his armour and shield Traian relies solely upon his sword, another gift of the Dark Lord. His imbued blade is capable of dealing deadly, yet exalting blows to Traian's foes.


€: I'm not sure if a single free Orc would really survive a journey to a Naggarothian city, Ashnari.

[Voodoomaster]

Lelith Vraneth sat beside her fellow sisters of the 3rd Convent as she chanted softly to herself in the high stands above the arena. Why did her father send her here? She dis-liked savage gladiator contests she had seen enough of them during her posting at the 6th Gate, down in the south. She would much rather be back home continuing her work on the History of the Civil War.

Lelith Looked down as noble walked by in order to avoid being recognised, her leadership in the southern reacheshad earnt her much respect but it had also earnt her alot of enemies. Khael was the one for this kind of sport not her. But she would have to put up with it until Khael returned from exile, and for now she could have a little fun with one of her servants.

Looking around at the tall elf behind her, his eye buring with rage as he looked at her with hatred. Lelith Giggled like a child as she remembered ripping out the Slaaneshi's tounge after she had pulled it's eye out just to shut it up. Yes she would enter it into the arena, perhaps if he failed she could find another way of tourturing the poor Beast, she had yet to hurt him below the belt. Grinning sinisterly she would enter him in the arena.

The House of Vraneth enters Khlar the Captured Slaaneshi.

[Ashnari doomsong]

Oh, allright... he's fighting for the Naggarothian Order of Culture, or failing that the house Thernol...
Happy?

[Cenyu]

My heart is overflowing with happiness.

[H.e.k.]

How many more gladiators shall join this odd menagerie?

[Ansob.]

Ehr, why the hell not?

House Sarashath

House Sarashath is, despite all the efforts made by its current head to the contrary, a very recent household. Indeed, the Sarashath are a house of khyrmen - of all things abhorred by the social Druchii, this is the worse. To be a merchanting house, to earn one's living through trade and not through acts of war, is an act of greater shame than should be possibly endured by a Druchii. Unfortunately for the bonne société of Har Ganeth, money, slaves and expensive, exotic goods go a long way in the struggle for power... which is how the head of the family, Zerehq Vehlta, managed to be knighted.

Asadh Vehlta Sarashath

Asadh is the eldest of Zerehq's two sons, whom he cares deeply for. They are the only remaining tendrils of his immediate family and the only reminder he has of his long-deceased wife. Though Zerehq loved his wife, she cheated on him. Her subsequent decease was suspicious, but Zerehq's genuine affection for her and sorrow at her death (as well as the generous amount of money donated to the Temple prior to the accident and after it) proved sufficient to convince everyone that he was not behind that dreadful act.

Asadh, unlike his younger brother Khyval, is brash, arrogant, prideful and quick to anger; however, he is also level-headed and cunning when it comes to harming someone or disposing of an otherwise troubling adversary who would have had the misfortune of stepping in his way. In some ways, he embodies the modern Druchii youth: ambitious, driven, power-hungry and possessed of a complete disrespect for the majority of social traditions that govern Naggaroth's nobility.

Asadh's purpose in Karond Kar is a simple one - he is on an errand of the greatest importance for his father. He must retreive a potent magical artifact that his father has had imported from faraway lands in the hopes of it being the Sarashath family heirloom. Being the hot-headed youth that he is, however, Asadh could not pass up an opportunity for fame and glory - and is entering the gladiatorial arena himself.

[Lethalis]

The slavemaster drew a wicked smile on his pale face, his darkened eyes gleaming with joy. The prospect of some nice fights and deaths in the name of Khaine had always warmed his cold heart, and this would be no different. When someone came to question him, he had answered this was all a different form of sacrificing. They approved in it, since he 'forgot' to tell them betting was involved too.

He was a bit concerned about his management issues though. So far, 13 brave houses had entered someone to fight for their glory and of those 13 fighters only 11 had shown up yet. Two prisoners from Umbra Chaotica, both marked by a Dark God, had yet to make their presence known, and he hated it for them to come late since Chaotic warriors were great for the audience.

For all enthusiasm of the audience, he still needed 3 more houses to enter their champions or slaves, lest he had to reach for his private collection. He didn't like doing that, but everything was better than a displeased audience...

(ie, keep those characters coming people!)

[Andruillius]

"Not too late are we?"

A stunningly beautiful maiden stepped in front of the slavemaster. Her eyes were yellow without no pupils, which gave her a daemonic appearance. Apart from these her face was elven, but with features so perfectly drawn that she almost could contend with Morathi herself. The skin was pale, almost white with a hint of green, and the lips were as red as fresh blood, curved to a gentle smile. The hair was long and had a yellowish brown colour, but looked as healthy as it could be.

She wore a green, transparent robe, and she would probably have been surrounded by lusty elves if it wasn't for the sight under the cloth. A light brown, glistening slime could be seen covering her elegant curves, and a horrible smell oozed from it. Where the dress ended there were two bare feet, but these had the same flesh colour as the face, and the same beauty. It was the same with the hands, which were long and thin.

"I am Wenrah from the Nan'kuyash family. I am sure you recognize the name, we are those who slay followers of the Pestilence God. And we do it better than any other family in Naggaroth... We are the ones who keep you all safe from diseases, it is us you shall thank for your health." She paused, looking to see if anyone had been offended by her words. No one spoke.
"We heard of this little contest of yours, and though it would be fun to see what our toy can tackle...That is, if there is still room for one more..."

Wenrah lifted her right hand, and with a slow gesture beckoned something forward from the shadow behind her. Forth came a being that could not be described fully as a human nor beast. It looked like a huge hulked beast and shared similarities with the fabled Fenbeasts of Albion, but its head was more manlike, two green spots of light flaring from inside a helmet. In its right arm it bore a huge, twinbladed axe, reddish brown with rust and thick, dark slime running from the wooden shaft. The whole body was covered in either slime, mud or infested wounds, and the smell was even worse than that of Wernah. A great number of flies were surrounding it, laying eggs in its gashes and keeping people away from it. It was as tall as one and a half elf, and as wide as a big dog is long.

Tied to its other arm was the corpse of a Harpy, which caused much angry mumbling. With slow, almost floating footsteps it moved, stopping right behind Wenrah. Then it lowered its head, like an inferior dog waiting for its master's command. The maiden turned and smiled, starting to scratch under the creature's cheek as if it were a cat. She spoke in the tongue of Chaos while caressing it.

"You will do good work for us, won't you Gnorr?"
Gnorr responded with a nod with its great head, and a gurgle which must have been the creature purring.

Wenrah turned back to the slavemaster again.

"Well?"

[Danceman]

Vrin walked back and forth inspecting the pitiful
slaves the beastmaster had picked out. Most of them
consisted of Orcs and humans.
Even so one of the less pathetic ones caught his
eyes, a man-lizard. He observed it for awhile before
the beast met his stare. the eyes that regarded him was
cold and calculating and almost made him shiver.
Vrin felt it, he was nothing more than a meal to
the beast.
He turned to the beastmaster and pointed at the
man-lizard.
"Prepare that one". with that he left.
The beastmaster hesitated for a moment, he knew
that one more dangerous than the rest, he almost
had lost his life bringing it before Vrin.

Vrin had seated himself, next to his master
Ashir D´velve.
Ashir stood up to annonce his fighter:
"Greeting, I am Ashir D´velve of the House of
D´velve. I know that I am late but you should
be grateful that attended at all..." he spoke
with a loud voice. Before he sat down he nodded
slowly to the beastmaster below.
Out came the beast.
"This is my fighter, he has no name, he has but
one thing, his love slaughter."
He turned back to Vrin and whisperd:
"Whatever happends here be prepared, even in this
place we are not safe from morathi and her mindless
followers..."

[Niterabbit]

"House Eliannath enters its champion, the Beastman Rakzhar", said a soft voice to the slavemaster's side.

The voice belonged to a Druchii who hid his appearance behind a thin layer of silk in the form of a hood and cloak. Few would notice or care to inquire about the patterns woven into the garment, patterns that interwove to hide the mark of the Cult of Pleasure.

Behind him came two soldiers bearing powerful spears and leading a tall, wiry "thing" with the body of a human but the head and feet of a goat, a domesticated form of cattle the humans seemed overly fond of. It was bound in heavy manacles inscribed with powerful runes of containment and binding.

"To keep the beast's powers contained", the hooded Druchii explained, "You see, we have reason to believe that this particular beast bears the favor of the Chaos Power Nurgle, the Lord of Decay. Our slave stock were set upon by a mysterious disease soon after we captured him and in combat, he was able to ignore blows that would fell an orc. We had to expend great resources in order to bind him and keep the disease from spreading to the patrons."

"In the interest of business, of course", he added as an afterthought.

[Lethalis]

As all noble families had appointed their gladiators, the slavemaster entered the Arena again.

"My friends, the time of waiting is almost over. Silent it has been, so let us speak now! The time is right to choose your opponents!"

Even as the slavemaster walked away to leave the Arena, loud shouting erupted as Druchii began to cheer and insult their opponents.

No more fighters accepted. Instead, the current fighters may now issue challenges!

[Danceman]

"Wenrah of the Nan'kuyash family, we shall see if these beasts of pestilence are of any consequence... if they prove to be i´m happy your house bleed insted of mine." Ashir said cooly to her.
"Do you accept, girl?" he finish with a condesending tone.

OOC: lets fight !

[Lloyba]

Hagaroth peered around the participants, but he was literally spoilt for choice. Then his eye catched the champion of slaneesh, entered by the house of Vraneth. He thought that this could be interesting, so he threw a challenge at Lelith Vraneth. "Let's see if my fighter can give your champion of slaneesh the eternal pleasure he is seeking for".

house of Hagaroth challenges the house of Vraneth!

[Andruillius]

Wenrah inspected Ashnir with her eyes, from head to toe.
"Girl, was it? I bite harder than you think." She winked, but the effect was rather scaring than charming because of the two yellow pools. She looked at the lizardman, then at Gnorr.

"I see no reason why Gnorr should have more problems with eating this reptile than with the previous ones. Sure, I accept."

She started walking against her chambers, and with a small gesture Gnorr came lumbering after her. As she was passing Ashir, her right hand flew out from the long sleeve and heads were turned as a loud *SMACK* could be heard.

"Watch your tongue, commoner of the D´velve house. The plague can reach your family faster than you think."