>>2372959
Let's get the fight going already! I don't have all day!

You deposit your bident into the sand, you won’t be needing it for what you have planned.

With your free hand you grab the man’s wrist. His grip on your ankle was too weak to even slow you. You hold his arm outstretched and swing your axe down. You make sure it takes three chops to remove the arm. The man’s screams grow loader with each swing and so do the crowds cheers. You take his removed arm and toss it towards the crowd behind you.

A man nearly falls into the pit reacting over the wall to catch the detached limb.

You grab his other hand and the man’s eyes lock with yours. With every ounce of strength he can muster he pulls against you and shakes his head violently. “Please... stop... kil-“ You don’t give him the chance to finish as you hack free the other arm and send it sailing towards the crowd in front of you

You can tell, not only by just how heavily he’s bleeding but just body his body language that death is upon him. You decide to skip removing his legs, you’re not here today to butcher a corpse. But with one last motion you remove his head and send flying towards the area where you last saw the master of games.

After the decapitated head finds it way into the crowd and people scream and laugh over it the figure appears again. Both of its arms raise and it calls. “Gerhard! Reaver of the Black Forests!” And begins you you hear the portcullis slowly pulling its way free of the earth and giving you an exit.

You make your way back into the bowels known as the pits and find the pale man waiting for you. He smirks, showing gnarled and yellowed teeth. “Good fightin, Let’s get yer ass to the sisters to stitch that little cut.” You follow him down deeper into the dark and damp tunnels. Once you arrive in the room of the maidens of the arena you find among their usual dying patients, several of them attend to a giant man who trashes at they try to restrain and stitch the last of his wounds.

You quickly recognize the giant as Ildutas, he curses when he sees you and seems to stop fighting as much. “Damn umberkin poison, feels like someone’s pouring fire in my bones. Ildutas won’t be bested by any mere poison though!” Before he can boast more, one of the sisters leads you away and cleans your wound and applies more of the foul smelling paste to it before sending you on your way.

The pale man waits for you outside the room, whispering with a young man with bright blue hair. When he sees you her waves the boy on. “Done already? Yer free to go, no more fights fer ya today. And it’s custom that yer free tomorrow as well fer winnin. Can yer find yer own way out or do I need to show you? Oh! And take this.” He tosses you a bag of what you can only assume is coins by the jingle of it. “A little welcome to the arena.” You count the coins as you make your way to the city streets.

>>You have free roam of the city, what do?

>>Wander the streets

>>Return to the villa

>>Watch the rest of the games

>>2380038
>>really sorry about the delay, I was in a car accident yesterday and this weekend was a nightmare

>>2380038
>>Watch the rest of the games
May as well see what kind of competition we could be facing. If there's time after that then
>>Wander the streets

>>2380038
>Return to the villa

>>2380038
>Watch the rest of the games

let's see the others that are about to die. Then we return to the Vila.

>>2380038
>Watch the rest of the games
Especially the sneaky little Greek.

>>2380040
Sorry to hear that OP, I hope everything is alright. Are you hurt at all?

>>2380098
>>2380160
>>2380185
Writing!

>>2380185
I’m good, just a little more banged up than before, they kept me overnight at the hospital for observation but I got cleared and sent home.

You step into the bright sunlight as you make your way out of the small building that conceals the entrance to the pits. You recognize one of Battius’ servants standing nearby and wave them over. “Do you need help finding your way back to the villa? I have ferried several of you here and back and I’m headed back again now” You shake your head at the young woman. “Send my things, I’m off to watch the games.” You hand her your bundle of arms and turn towards the arena.

You have to circle half way around the building before you find the main entrance. The huge archway is still clogged with people and you have to push your way through. You pass by men taking bets and women plying the oldest trade, attempting to draw men drunk on wine and violence into their embrace. You find a set of well worn stairs that lead you up into the stands.

As you emerge into the area that rings the arena you push your way to the front, several people recognizing you and parting. You feel several attempted fondles from members of the crowd pressed around you before you make it to the edge and look down into the empty pit. You’re surprised at how small the arena looks from this height.

Before long the master of games shows itself again, standing a quarter of the ring away you still can’t make out much of it, but it’s voice is even louder in the stands. “Slaves! Men conquered by the glory of Roma! Bound together in chains we will see if they can stand against the might of a beast from exotic lands!”

You watch as three men with gladius emerge from one side of the arena, you notice that between each of them in a length of chain attached to their ankles. From underneath you, you hear a rumbling growl, followed by a roar. Something darts out quickly and the portcullis slams down behind it.

You’ve never seen such a beast before, it walks on four legs like the wolves that stalked the forests of your homes but it is easily double the size of a wolf and is covered with orange and black stripes.

The men fight well but the beast is superior and comes out victorious, shredding the men with claws and tearing them apart with teeth. The handlers seem content with letting the beast feast for several moments, the crowds loving every second of it, before the beast suddenly falls over and they move to retrieve it. You noticed the small pipe poke from the portcullis the men entered through fire a dart at the beast moments before it fell.

You watch another battle, this one a seven on seven much like the one you had been part of weeks ago. The tunics this time are red and purple and the purple team is victorious this time, carving a swath through the men in red while only losing two of their own.

It seems the crowd is waiting for something while the corpses are removed and the sands raked even, and soon enough the master of games gives them what they want. “Our final battle of the day has arrived! You will see Huron face Decentus!”

>cont

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>>2380556

The crowd goes ballistic at the mention of Huron’s name and your interest is piqued. Soon enough the master of games raises its hands and draws silence again. “First I give to you Decentus, Fire Touched!”

A brute of a man makes his way onto the sands, and you think his name must be due to the thick and wild mane of red hair that rings his head but then he stops to look among the crowds and you see his face, horrible burns cover his head, neck, and shoulders. He draws a long blade from his back and as it pulls from the scabbard the length of steel ignites in a brilliant crimson flame.

He presses the flaming sword to the skin of his bicep and sears his own flesh with a laugh. “Huron! Come face immolation!” He calls as the crowd cheers for him.

The master of games raises his hands once more. “I give you, Huron! The Hooved Horror!” You can barely believe how loud the crowd cheers for this man and you watch as he slowly stalks out of the shadow of the portcullis opposite Decentus. The first thing to draw your attention is the giant horned helmet that adorns the man but you quickly notice the long tail that flicks between his legs and the way his legs bend opposite of yours and end in hooves. His grey skin is adorned with a mixture of scars and darker grey tattoos. His voice is like a snakes hiss. “Decentussss, today your flame burns it’sss lassst.” The bigger man laughs as Huron draws a sword and tightens his grip on his buckler.

The master of games waves its hands for them to begin and the two circle each other. Decentus isn’t as big of a man as Ildutas but he’s built tough, each of his movements is brutal and direct and both of his hands grip the hilt of his long sword. Meanwhile, Huron moves with grace you wouldn’t expect for someone with legs like his, every motion is fluid and easy.

Their first clash is quick, Decentus launches a quick swipe of his flaming sword and Huron catches the blade and turns it away with his shield. Huron quickly retaliates with a low sweep of his own blade and almost catches the shin of his opponent, who leaps back at the last moment.

The crowd jeers as the two separate and cheers as they quickly rush back toward each other. What follows is a quick series of strikes and parries that leave neither with the upper hand. Huron is too fast while Decentus has reach and strength on his side. Finally Huron gets lucky and slides underneath a wide horizontal sweep of Decentus’ blade.

The hooved man’s sword buries itself in the large man’s stomach, who quickly responds by rocketing a knee into Huron’s face.

Huron is launched backwards with a bone crunching sound as the knee finds his exposed chin.

Decentus grins and presses the burning sword to his wounded stomach, cauterizing the wound. “You will have to try harder than that foul one!”

Huron climbs back to his feet and you notice the sickening maw of razored teeth as he spits a wad of phlegm and blood out of it.

>c

>>2380601

You grin, whoever survives you look forward to facing one day, both men would be amusing to fight before you killed them.

Huron launches forward, side stepping a huge overhead chop from Decentus and again impales the man’s stomach, tearing through the still hot flesh. He tries to pull his blade free to dodge but is a second too slow as now an elbow smashes into the side of his head, his helmet sounding like a gong.

Decentus makes a sloppy one handed swing with his longer blade and forces Huron to leap back and abandon his sword, still lodged in Decentus’ innards.

The smaller contestant draws a brutal cleaver like weapon from his belt and shakes the confusion from his head. His opponent laughs and rushes forward, swinging cross body with both hands. He doesn’t even seem to be slowed by the sword protruding from his gut.

Huron stands until the last possible second before reacting. You find yourself shocked at his legs tense and propel him up and over the charging man.

The leap turns into a front flip and the goat legged man lands behind his opponent without his cleaver. The big man pauses and reaches up behind his head. “Wha...” his fingers brush the back of the cleaver’s blade before he collapses to his knees, the entire cutting edge of the weapon buried into the back of his skull.

Decentus struggles, trying to get back to his feet but failing. Huron quickly circles the man and kicks his sword away with a powerful hoof before retrieving his own blade. The flaming blade immediately gutters out the second it leaves Decentus’ hand.

He looks out to the crowd and raises his hands, bringing forth their cheers. And cheer they do, men and women scream themselves hoarse. They beg for Huron to kill the mortally wounded man.

The master of games appears once more. “Decentus, Fire Touched. It seems your flame is extinguished.”

You smirk, while the goat man soaks in the crowds cheers the bigger man finds his last reserves. Somehow the burned man rises, his fingers slick with his own blood as he clutches the cleaver that had been imbedded in his brain. He moves silently towards his distracted opponent. A gasp echos throughout the crowd and a look of confusion overtakes the alien features of Huron’s face.

The burned man stumbles forward and makes one last and desperate attack, bringing the cleaver down with all of his might at Huron’s spine.

Huron spins on his hoof, as if he saw the attack coming from a mile away, and slips to the side of the chop. His sword flashes through thick burn-scarred flesh and removes Decentus from his body. The head topples to the sand with a renewed roar from the crowd.

Huron retrieves his cleaver before stalking his way back to the portcullis and slipping under it as it rises.

>>2380613
“The games will continue tomorrow! Battius sends his third new face, Kyros, the blade of nightmares, to face our arena’s challenges! The Beetle will face his greatest challenge yet!”

You make your way back to the street, fighting through the crowds as the master of games rattles off the rest of the showbill for the next day. You look up at the sun and think you’ve got a few more hours of daylight left.

>>Explore the city

>>Return to Battius’ villa

>>Write in

>>2380615
>>>Return to Battius’ villa

>>2380615
>Return to Battius’ villa

Dam goatmen is pretty hardcore.

>>2380615
>Return to Battius’ villa

>>2380620
>>2380627
>>2380637
Writing!

You weave your way through clusters of people, heading back towards Battius’ villa.

You make notes of several shops close to the Arena as you leave the area, a butcher, a brothel, an arms merchant, and a small stable like building seem to be the most prominent. A man claiming to see futures and bend magicks stood in the doorframe of his shop and called to passerby’s by name though when his eyes meet yours he turns himself away and gestures wards against evil.

Soon enough you find yourself back at the villa, a servant waits at the gates and pulls them open for you. He bows his head. “Congratulations on your victory today.”

You make your way inside and find several of the gladiators you had left with this morning in various states of drunkenness and debasement. One of them is sating his baser needs with one of the serving girls on the uneven stone of the courtyard, a pitcher of wine shattered close by.

“Gerhard! Join us for a drink! Today we fought and tomorrow we rest, so let us drink enough to have something to rest off!” You are unsure of the man’s name but he is obviously several dozen cups of wine ahead of you.

>> Join in, drink the night away

>> Find Battius

>> Find Aedan

>> Find someone else

>> Leave them to drink, head to your room and sleep

>> Write in

>>2380701
> Find Aedan

I though everyone was afraid of us. This guy may be drunk but i think he's being to cheerfull. Need to watch ourselfs for any poison in the drink, but then again i might just be paranoid.

>>2380701
>>> Find Aedan

>>2380701
>> Find Aedan

>>2380708
>>2380853
>>2381125
Finding Aedan.

You shake your head at the drunknen man and make your way towards the stairs that lead to basement, were all the gladiator’s quarters are located. You hear several of the other men, trying to whisper, admonishing the man for inviting you to join them.

“You seen what he done to the beskam...” One mummers.

“You’re a right idiot, asking him over here like that, probably would’ve drank us under the table and killed us as we slept.” Hisses another.

You ignore them, enjoying the reputation you’ve already built as you descend into the cool earth. You quickly make your way to the room you had claimed, making sure your possessions are where they belong.

After finding everything in its place you do a quick search of the inhabitied rooms and find that Aedan is not in any of them. You return to the stairs and make your way back up, he didn’t fight today so he has to be somewhere in the Villa.

You search the smaller second courtyard that Battius had taken you to and head towards the kitchen when you find them home to nothing but the servants charged with the care of the plants.

Finally, near to the kitchens you hear his voice and a woman’s voice unfamiliar to you, you catch the end of her sentence. “... you’d like that, wouldn’t you.” Aedan laughs. “I’m just saying, plenty of Roman women like yourself pay for me. You’d get the first time, at least, free.”

The two of them don’t know you’re there yet as you stand just around a corner from their conversation.

>>What do you do?

>>Let them finish their conversation, it’s obviously somewhat private and you can catch Aedan afterwards(what say to him)

>>Butt in, privacy be damned! (What say to them?)

>>Leave them be

>>Write in

>>2381190
>>>Leave them be

>>2381190
>Leave them be

>>2381190
>>Let them finish, then say
"Taking a side job as a male whore Aedan? Fighting in the pits not pay enough?"

>>2381217
wait this is better

>>2381217
>>2381415
Writing

You decide to wait out their conversation, trying not to pay attention to Aedan getting rejected by whoever this woman is. After only a few more exchanges you hear footsteps coming your way.

You turn the corner making it like you just arrived and see that at least Aedan has good taste. She’s surely a Roman woman with the proud features of her face, but she is beautiful and with curves in all the important places. She gives you an acknowledging nod as you both pass each other but says nothing.

Aedan grins when he sees you. “So the triumphant hero returns to us!” He clasps you on the shoulder when you get close. You speak lightly, so only Aedan can hear. “Are you trying to find work as a whore? Does the pits not pay enough?”

He laughs, loudly. “Well Battius has already made a tidy profit off of me both in the arena and with noblewomen sharing my bed, but no. That was Liviana, the only woman in all of the world that’s immune to my charms. She’s also Battius’ only child. We have been friends the few months I’ve been in Battius’ service, but I’ll crack that egg one day. But enough of me! Tell me of your fight! How did it go? What did you have to face?”

>>Tell him about your fight

>> Brag about your fight

>>Ask a question (Write in)

>>2383632
>Tell him about your fight
"Fight, you say? Against three criminals it was no fight, but an execution... Altough I did put up a show for the crowd."

>>2383632
>>Tell him about your fight

>>2383632
>Tell him about your fight

>>2383669
>>2383654
>>2383641
Writing!

"Fight, you say? Against three criminals it was no fight, but an execution... Although I did put up a show for the crowd." Aedan grins. “I see you could still use a little more practice against a group. I thought we’d drilled you good.” He motions to the paste dried over your shoulder wound. You shrug in response, sending a small twinge of pain up from the wound. “Had to make it interesting at least.”

Aedan laughs. “I’m sure the crowds appreciated it, they do love a good bit of drama in their fights. I don’t fight until the day after tomorrow. Everyone knows though that the third day of the games is when it really picks up, but the waiting kills me, you know? I want to be out there, doing something.” You nod. “Its why I always kept on the move back home, the legionaries weren’t coming to me, I had to find the fights on my own.” Aedan stretches. “Aye, always another man to kill or woman to fuck over the next hill.” A servant passes by with a tray of food in hand and Aedan stops him. “Who’s that for?” The servant looks down at the floor as he speaks. “The victors out front sir.” Aedan steps closer to the man, relieving him of the tray. “You’ve got a victor right here and I’m sure he’s hungry. And I’m no sir. I’m a slave, just as you are, so you’ll look me in the eye when you speak to me.” The man nervously looks up and nods before scurrying back in the kitchen to replace the tray. “Want a bite? I’m starving.” He holds the tray for you to grab something, smoked fish, fruits, and cheeses coat the surface of the tray and you grab a handful of the thinly sliced fish. “What’re you planning to do tomorrow? Victors are given a free day after a fight. We could see what Belum has to offer.”

>> Decline his company for tomorrow

>> Accept a traveling companion for exploring the city

>>Write in

>>2383869
>Accept a traveling companion for exploring the city

>>2383869
>>> Accept a traveling companion for exploring the city

>>2383869
>> Accept a traveling companion for exploring the city

>>2383869
>Accept a traveling companion for exploring the city

>>2384134
>>2384072
>>2384049
>>2383987
Writing!

You think it over for a few minutes while the two of you eat. “Couldn’t hurt, toured the city much in the past?” Aedan nods. “Here and there. They’d recognize my face in most of the popina around here, and a few of them I do owe a few coins to from a few bad rolls of the dice. But we can avoid those ones.”

He pops one of the last olives in his mouth and chews it before continuing and it gives you a moment to wonder what you’ve gotten yourself into. “I’ve got to return this tray, I’ll find you in the morning though, yeah?” Aedan tucks the tray to his side and gives you an over exaggeratedly formal bow. “Congratulations on your victory in the arena sir.” And ducks into the kitchens with a laugh.

You make you way back towards the main courtyard, unsure of what to do next. You glance up at the sky and notice that the sun has nearly vanished beneath the rooftops of the city. Servants begin the process of lighting torches throughout the villa and the city beyond.

Motion draws your attention, Battius slowly makes his way towards the smaller second courtyard with his daughter and another woman in tow, though you can’t hear what they’re talking about from this distance.

A man’s yelling draws your attention “Open the damn gates!” You quickly recognize it at your giant friend, Ildutas. Two servants rush from lighting torches to pull the gates free for him. He has a crutch, which looks comically small in his hands, to help stabilize himself as he makes his way into the courtyard. The gathered gladiators cheer for the return of another victorious comrade but he brushes them off, making his way towards the stairs downward. “No drink for me tonight, my body still fights the poison already in its veins. But I will take this.” You hear him say when offered a platter of food and cup of wine. He takes the platter, a cooked goat shank by the look of it, and continues on his way.

>>Go see Battius

>>See how Ildutas is doing

>>Retire for the night

>>Write in

>>2384191
>See how Ildutas is doing
I wanna know what it's like fighting Umberkin.
I wanna know WHAT an Umberkin is.

>>2384191
>>>See how Ildutas is doing
"Looks like you at least fought something that could actually put up a fight."

>>2384191
>See how Ildutas is doing

>>2384239
>>2384205
>>2384200
Got to head to work soon, but I’m going to try and get another update out quick. Writing!

You decide it’s best to check on the giant of a man, following him down into the underbelly of the villa.

You have no problem catching up to him as he leans on the crutch through the corridors. “Looks like you fought something that could actually put up a fight.” He grunts. “Have you never seen an umberkin?” You shake your head. He snorts out a laugh. “Lucky you. Theyre the monstrous children of the skinchanging umber and a human woman. They’re all different, depending on what the umber has eaten and skinchanged into in the past. They burst forth from their mothers, killing them, as a mangled mess of different features. This one was half again as tall as I am.” You look up at the man, who already stands close to eight feet tall, if not taller. “Tail like a scorpion, long as you are tall. Stinger like a dagger. Skin the color of clay and thicker than my thumb. Built like it was used to lifting ogres to warm up. It’s fingers ended in claws sharp as any blade I’ve ever seen. Head like their umber parent in its natural state, long and ending in a mouth that splits down the middle so they can swallow things whole into their rings of squirming teeth.” He draws a line down the center of his chin with his free hand, awkwardly clutching the tray of food while he does, showing you where it’s mouth split.

“Nasty thing, it was. Stung me six times. Supposed to kill with a few less than that.” He grins, some of his former vigor returning as he ducks through a doorway into his room. “But it takes more than poison to kill the mighty Ildutas! I tore the beasts stinger free from its body, drove it through its heart, and sent it for Brennus to make something of it.” He drops heavily onto the bed, discarding the crutch without a thought. “What manner of beast did you face? Or was it a man?” He begins tearing into the meat as he waits for your response

>>Tell him about what you faced, full details

>>Give him the short version, you faced three men and killed them

>>Avoid the topic, ask something (Write in)

>>2386100
>>>Give him the short version, you faced three men and killed them

>>2386100
>>>Give him the short version, you faced three men and killed them

>>2386100
>Give him the short version, you faced three men and killed them
Wave it off and say "Three men, petty criminals. Nothing to brag about. Barely a challenge."

>>2386100
>>>Give him the short version, you faced three men and killed them
No reason to brag over slaying three condemned men, especially when it sounds like he slew some sort of f*cking D&D monster.

>>2386208
>>2386153
>>2386155
>>2386184
Writing!

You shrug, waving him off. “It was barely a challenge. Three condemned criminals. Not worth the breath to tell you about.”

The bigger man laughs. “I must’ve pissed Battius off, or he thinks I’m better than you.” He finishes the last of the goat meat and snaps the bones, sucking out marrow. You’re about to respond when a servant interrupts, knocking on the door frame and waiting to enter. “Excuse me sirs. I have Ildutas’ weapons and a question from Battius.” Ildutas answers with something close to his usual mirth. “Enter, What questions do you bring?”

The servant woman enters and deposits the bundled swords at the foot of the bed, you don’t recognize this woman but she is pretty. You assume she’s one of Battius servants not one of ones who attends to gladiators as her tunic is clean and fits her well, cinched so its hugging her body in all the right places to show the slim woman’s curves, and her long brown tied in an intricate braid down her back. She looks at you with shock, something akin to fear and awe mingling in her eyes. “Beskam slayer... I did not know you were both here.” She bows her head. Ildutas grunts and chuckles to himself, speaking under his breath. “Kill a monster in the arena? Par for the course. Kill a monster anywhere else and women get wet between the legs for you.” You can’t help but smirk and the woman immediately takes a step back. “No... he merely saved my life. I was on my way to draw water for Lady Liviana’s bath, the beast surely would’ve eaten me if he hadn’t gone to the Well first.” Ildutas nods. “I was joking, little woman, no harm meant. But ask your question.” She pauses for a moment, unsure of herself, before continuing. “Battius asks of your health, he would check himself but the long stairs down here are rough on his legs. He also wants to ask if you will meet with him tomorrow, once you’ve rested.” She turns to you. “He also asked, if I saw you... if you would meet with him before your fight the day after tomorrow. Oh. And to tell you that you’ll be fighting... the day after tomorrow.” She blushes and turns her attention back to Ildutas. “I’m fine, tell him I will need a few days before I fight another monster like that but I could be back in the pits tomorrow against men. And that I will see him tomorrow.”

She nods and quickly leaves the room, not waiting for your response. Ildutas laughs. “I’m not sure if she’s terrified or if she’s in love with you. But why don’t you let me rest, we will talk tomorrow when I feel strong again.” You nod and excuse yourself, stepping from the small room. You catch a glimpse of the servant girl scurrying down the corridor towards the stairs up to the surface.

>>Retire for the night

>>Go meet with Battius now, get it over with

>> Follow the servant

>> Write in

>>2386527
>>>Go meet with Battius now, get it over with

>>2386527
>>>Go meet with Battius now, get it over with

>>2386527
>Go meet with Battius now, get it over with
I wonder what he wants.

>>2386527
>Go meet with Battius now, get it over with

>>2386807
To congratulate us, I'd guess, and maybe tell us about our next opponent.

>>2386636
Said we did a great job entretaining the crowd. Also i have the feeling that Batius leg is the result of a fight. Maybe he was a gladiator and the wounded leg is starting to hurt with him comming close to age? But that is just assumptions.

>>2386537
>>2386546
>>2386636
>>2386807
Writing!

You give the servant a few minutes to get away, not wanting to seem like you’re following her, before you head down the long corridor towards the stairs. Might as well meet with Battius now and get it over with.

You make it back to the surface and find that night has overtaken the day, and most of the gladiators who were celebrating their victory have succumbed to wine induced stupor. You noticed several servants slowly untangling themselves from snoring bodies and hurrying back to work as your make your way through the courtyard.

You first go to the second smaller courtyard, where you had seen Battius heading earlier. The quiet Nubian, Godjo, sits alone in the tranquil space whittling at a hunk of wood. He pauses to nod acknowledgment to you before continuing. “Have you seen Battius? He asked for me.” The ebony skinned man points towards the stairs leading to the upper floors at the back of the courtyard. You nod thanks and leave him to his work.

You climb the stairs quickly and scan around the upper floor, unsure where Battius would be. In front of you are several rooms with closed doors and behind you on either side spans the balcony that overlooks the small courtyard. You hear conversation and see candlelight from one of the doors in front of you and make your way towards it.

Just as you’re about to knock on the thin wood, the door opens and the servant girl from before leaps back upon seeing you. “Is Battius in there?” You ask, trying to get a glimpse past her but seeing only the end of a short hallway and the torches burning within it, too bright to see past. She nods, “Let me announce you, he’s with his family.” She gently closes the door on you, and you wait for several seconds before the door creaks open again.”Come in.” She moves to the side and let’s you pass before slipping out of the room.

You make your way down the short hall and see what appears to be an art studio of some kind. Chips of marble littler the floors alongside smears of paint. Battius stands at an easel, washing a brush in a small pot of water. The subject of his half finished painting is the woman you saw with Aedan earlier, Liviana, Battius’ daughter. She sits on a slightly raised platform, ringed by torches to provide light. An older woman lounges in the back of the room, glass of wine in hand. You can assume by the similar features that she is Liviana’s mother. “Porcia, Liviana. Allow me to introduce you to Gerhard. He was the one who killed the beast at the academy and you both saw him fight today in the arena.” The older woman responds. “He was the one who butchered that murderer, was he not?” Battius smiles. “The very same! Gerhard, this is my lovely wife Porcia. And The beautiful subject of my portrait here is my daughter, Liviana.” You nod. “Good to meet you both. You asked for me Battius?”

The older man shuffles a heavy smock off of himself. “Well, first, congratulations are in order!”

>cont

>>2389361

“Not only did you win, but the crowds loved you. I am very pleased with how you performed. My wife was unsure of you, but today you showed her not to doubt, right my love?” The woman shrugs. “He is still no Atticus, but he will serve our family well, of that I am sure.”

You shrug back. “Wait until you see me in a real fight. I look forward to facing a real gladiator.” Battius waves you towards a chair. “Sit, we have much to talk about.” You oblige, sliding onto a comfortably padded seat. “We watched your fight today, as we watch all of our gladiators. And my family shared in my interest in you. There’s something of a wager between Liviana and myself about your background. Liviana...” he pauses, turning to face his daughter who has remained remarkably still this entire time. “You may relax darling, my apologies.” Her shoulders slouch slightly and she rolls her neck, working the muscles. “Liviana claims you were a warlord, that you lead a tribe of your kinsmen against the legions and lost. Slavers took you when you were wounded and you ended up here in my service.” His daughter smiles prettily as he talks, watching you with interest. “Having wielded the might of legions myself, I can say that you are no general of barbarians. You hold yourself different. And though I still doubt your authenticity as a normal man, I think you were what you named yourself. A Reaver. You killed when it pleased you and took what you wanted when it suited you. You may have fought legionaries, but never in a pitched battle.” He shuffles over to a pitcher and pours himself a drink, drinking deeply before continuing. “So tell us, who is right? And if you don’t mind, tell us a story of your life. Who was Gerhard before he set foot on arena sand?”

>> Tell the truth, you raided, you killed. You’re proud of your old life

>> Lie, you were the son of the warlord and his best fighter. Maybe they shouldn’t know too much about your past.

>> Lie, Write in. Get creative here

>> AND

>> Tell a story of ambushing Romans. Gain [Legion Shatterer] - bonus against enemies with legionary training and organized blocks of troops

>> Tell a story of hunting lycanthropes. Gain [Hunter of Hunters] - Bonus against intelligent monsters and predatory beasts.

>> Tell a story of defending your village from other tribesmen and worse. Gain [Defender of the Hearth] - Bonus when facing large groups and swarms.

>>Heading to work, will try to post later tonight. If not expect me back here around 11ish EST tomorrow morning.

>>2389501
>> Tell the truth, you raided, you killed. You’re proud of your old life
Battius has been forthright with us. We are not a complex man
>> Tell a story of hunting lycanthropes. Gain [Hunter of Hunters] - Bonus against intelligent monsters and predatory beasts.
the legion bonus seems better, but this seems more in-character

>>2389501
>Tell the truth, you raided, you killed. You’re proud of your old life
> Tell a story of hunting lycanthropes. Gain [Hunter of Hunters] - Bonus against intelligent monsters and predatory beasts.

>>2389501
>Tell the truth, you raided, you killed. You’re proud of your old life
>Tell a story of hunting lycanthropes. Gain [Hunter of Hunters] - Bonus against intelligent monsters and predatory beasts.

I don't see any reason to lie and Fuck furries.

>>2389501
>> Tell the truth, you raided, you killed. You’re proud of your old life
No reason to lie to him.
>> Tell a story of hunting lycanthropes. Gain [Hunter of Hunters] - Bonus against intelligent monsters and predatory beasts.
A bonus against big beasties is always useful.

>>2389501
> Tell the truth, you raided, you killed. You’re proud of your old life

> Tell a story of hunting lycanthropes. Gain [Hunter of Hunters] - Bonus against intelligent monsters and predatory beasts

I believe Gehard has hunted other creatures in his home land. But that is a story to later.

>>2389641
He and his family migth not like it. But then again raiding and killing were something normal to us. It may make then think we will cut their throats during sleep if we change our mind.

Heck the only reason we were capture was because we were sold while sleeping and didn't escaped because we were being sended to the arena.

I think our fellow men were to afraid of us and sold us to the romans.lol

>>2389501
>Tell the truth, you raided, you killed. You’re proud of your old life
No reason to lie to them as i doubt we would gain favor for it.
> Tell a story of hunting lycanthropes. Gain [Hunter of Hunters] - Bonus against intelligent monsters and predatory beasts
Wonder if this will help against that beast we saw who killed the fire wielder.

>>2389716
Besides they want a gladiator who is ferocious

>>2390350
To be fair, we can easily train to fight men or trainned man in the vila. So in kinda like a meta game knowledge but i think facing beasts is much more impressive. There is the fact that this may help against not just creature but against other monsters such as the satyr gladiator.

>>2390386
Yeah that's what i was thinking if that bonus applied to fighting him.

>>2389528
>>2389550
>>2389555
>>2389641
>>2389700
>>2390350
Writing!

You shift in the seat. “I suppose you have to be able to read a man well when you’re deciding who will fight for you in the pits.” You give Liviana a look of feigned sorrow. “Your father was the correct one, I’m sorry to tell you. I never found the cause many of my kin did, wanting to stand up to you Romans and claim our land as our own. I didn’t care who ruled. I wasn’t a dog pissing on a tree to mark it as his. I was the wolf that stalked and killed and took. From the second I was old enough, my father put a weapon of some kind in my hand. Taught me to ignore pain, ignore death even. Mean bastard he was, only man in this world with a chance of killing me.” You grin, remembering the brutal lessons your father imparted on you. “The world I come from is different. We’re still on the food chain out there. Here in Roman lands you are safe. All manner of things stalk the night.”

Battius buts in. “That is the beauty of Roma, that is what I fought for. The light of our civilization illuminates the world and leaves nowhere for monsters to hide.” You shrug again. “That light hasn’t yet reached my home.” Battius nods solemnly. “One day though my friend, one day.”

“Maybe. But a story of my life you asked for... let me see. I could tell you of the night I scaled the walls of a legion fort, or when goblins swarmed over my village like a tide of stinking green flesh.” The women eye you with a mixture of fear and fascination, listening intently to you. Battius smirks, waiting for you to finish. “No, I will tell you of my first hunt. My first real hunt. I was a boy, maybe of ten or eleven winters. I stole my father’s prized spear. He claims it was the weapon that helped him slay a Lear in single combat.” Battius interrupts again. “A Lear? If that is true... your Beskam kill is significantly less impressive if that’s the stock you come from. I’ve only heard of one Lear ever being killed and it took half a legion.” You take his comment in stride. “As I said, he was the only man who I’m not sure I could kill. I can still remember the spear, he and the crone in our village had spent so many hours carving strange symbols in the the stark white wood. I remember when I took it, I could feel strength in it, power humming in my small fists. I convinced two other boys from the village to join me. Tormus and Sigmund. We crept away from the village in the dead of night on the eve of a full moon. The two of them were afraid... I was excited. We’d never been hunting without our fathers before. I hadn’t told them what our real prey was. I’d heard men in the village speaking of a lycanthrope setting up a nest in the woods near our hunting grounds. I lead the two other boys straight to our hunting grounds with the promise of deer and rabbits.” You lean back in the chair, feeling the adrenaline you did in that moment as a boy. “We began stalking a deer, creeping as quiet as we could through the brush.”
>c

>>2391612
“It wasn’t long before I knew we were being followed, hunted. The two other boys focused too much on the deer, a brilliant stag with ten points, and not the crunching of leaves behind us, the hairs standing up on the back of their necks.” You turn your gaze at the enthralled women, Battius even listening with more intent. “I crawled between Tormus and Sigmund, told them that the time was now. Before Sigmund could even rise to ready his sling, his blood painted the underbrush. His scream of pain sent the deer away like an arrow. The lycanthrope had exposed his heart to the open air with a single swipe of its claws. Tormus faltered, running screaming into the night. I rose, spear gripped tightly in my fists and thrust at a beast that was no longer there. The tip of my spear whistled through empty air. I spun in the dark of the forest, looking for a beast that lived in shadows. I stood over the crying body of a boy I’d grown up with, knowing that the beast would not relinquish its kill. The creature padded soundlessly around the two of us, it’s vision superb in the dark and it’s stength incredible due to the nearness of the full moon. The creature leapt over me once, grazing me with a pass of its claws.” You pause to undo the sleeve of your armor, showing them the deep scars that adorn your forearm. “That was when I knew, I’d taken a measure of this beast. It’s superiority was its weakness. Even though it was more, it was still a man once and a man’s mind still lived in this beast. I crouched low, I cried out in pain, I let my grip falter slightly. The beast saw weakness, saw two boys ready to feast upon.” You grin, an evil curl of your lips frightening to the three Romans now completely lost in your story. “The spear did it’s job, the beast leapt in for the kill faster than any man. But in that moment, I was faster, I brought forth the power in that spear, I brought forth the power in my small body and I brought the beast low. Driving the steel tip through its heart like a stake was easier than I’d expected. It felt good as I turned the creature over, pinning it to the ground with my father spear. The fear in the creatures eyes as it was bested by a child still lives fresh in my memory. I sawed off the beasts head with Sigmund’s knife. I laid the head on him as I dragged him back home. I shook with exhaustion and pain and even fear that I would not make it by the time we reached the village. But made it we did. The sun crested over the horizon and men had begun to gather at the cries of Tormus. I pitched the head into the knot of them before I lost consciousness.” Battius claps, genuine respect in his face. “By the gods, you truly are not human.” Liviana, finding her voice, quietly asks. “What of Sigmund? Did he survive?” You meet her gaze. “Yes, until the next night. The bite or scratch of a lycanthrope is infectious. Obviously not entirely as I stand here today.”

>cont

>The bite or scratch of a lycanthrope is infectious.

Geez the old country sound like a terrible place. Wonder if it was the spear magic that made us not be infected.

>>2391653
“More often than not, men afflicted by a lycanthrope become one. Sigmund’s father hacked his owns sons head free from his body as the change started to take him. My own father was prepared to do the same, but merely beat me bloody for my theft of his spear when I didn’t turn.” The women gasp and Battius nods knowingly before adding. “It is a terrible thing, they say. Hunger and anger uncontrollable. It is best to give them mercy before they feel the depths of that. Thank you for sharing with us.” The women add their thanks to his. Liviana looks you up and down. “You lived a hard live Gerhard, I did not know the old country was so dangerous, but your time with us will be as comfortable as we can make it. I believe that you will one day win your freedom in the games as well.” You rise from your seat. “Thank you for your kind words, I’ll leave you all be.” Battius rises to meet you and shakes your hand, his wife and daughter animatedly talking about your story behind him. “We will have to have you join us again sometime soon. It is important that my daughter see the world through many eyes if she is to take my place one day.” He releases you hand and sends you on your way. “Oh. Gerhard... maybe next time you can tell us tales of how many Goblins you slain.” He gives you a conspiratorial wink before turning back to his family.

You make your way back to the basement that houses the gladiators and your room quickly, the late night air chilly on your skin. You quickly disrobe and wash yourself with the cool water left in your basin and climb into bed, knowing the following day with Aedan will be eventful at least.

You awaken, unsure of how much time as past in your subterranean home, to the shouting of the pale man from the day before. You see the Greek man from your first fight hustle past your door towards the stairs along with several others.

You rise to find a roughspun tunic and small platter of food at the foot of your bed. You eat and dress quickly and make your way to the surface to watch the assembled gladiators leave. Three dozen men stand waiting for the pale man to usher them along, the only man among the bunch you recognize is the Greek, Kyros. If he was the one they named yesterday at the arena.

The sun hangs halfway through its morning climb to the top of the world and already warms the morning air. You see Ildutas stretching and lifting barrels of something, basking in the sun of the large courtyard as the rest of the men are driven out to the arena.

Before long Aedan finds you. “We’ll give them a few minutes to clear out and then we’ll head out ourselves. Do you want me to lead the way or you had something in mind?”

>>Let Aedan lead you around town

>> Go somewhere specific (Write in)

>> Lead the way, exploring aimlessly (Random event. Roll 1d20, rerolling 2d20 on a roll of 20)

>>Also, invite Ildutas? Y/N

>>Some in world knowledge Gerhard would know. The Lear is similar to a Bloodletter from Warhammer on steroids. It can regenerate from all but the most serious of wounds, it’s one of the three skinchanging species in the world. It revels in death and destruction, cleaving through almost anything put in its path. They’re native to pretty much everywhere but they’re incredibly rare, which is a good thing considering they’re one of, if not the, deadliest creatures out there.

>>2392071
>Let Aedan lead you around town
>Also, invite Ildutas? Y

Let's make our bro meet our other bro. Also what happend to the thief that was with us? Or was he the greek?

>>2392085
And dad killed one of then single handly? Geez that man sounds scary.

>>2392123
That’s the Greek, you haven’t seen much of him in the last few weeks

>>2392071
>>Let Aedan lead you around town
>>Also, invite Ildutas? Y

>>2392123
>>2392169
Going to start writing, but I’ve got to head to work early today so no promises if it’ll be done before then.

Also, family is coming over this weekend but I will update when I can. Regular updates return Monday morning.

Did you do this on an in too?

>>Weekend as way more busy than I expected, sorry about that!

You think about it for a moment. “You have the experience, you lead the way. But, mind if I ask someone else along?” Aedan looks around, uncaring. “Who?” You point at Ildutas in the distance. “Goddess above. He’s a big bastard isn’t he? I love it, I don’t think the city of Belum is ready for us.” Aedan grins and falls in behind you as you approach the giant of a man. “Mighty Ildutas!” You call out mockingly. “Might you join us on a tour of the city?” Ildutas drops the heavy barrel he’d been lifting, water shloshing out of the open top. “Well, I suppose I could use a break. Are we going somewhere a man can get a drink on this hot day?” Aedan steps up, offering his hand. “Why I happen to know just the place, big guy. I’m Aedan.” Ildutas grasps the offered hand and Aedan does his best to match the giant man’s strength but fails, an impromptu contest of strength ending before it even began. “I am the mighty Ildutas, umberbreaker.” Aedan smirks. “And hand-breaker, with that grip. Mom or Dad?” Ildutas raises an eyebrow. “What?”
“Which was the ogre? I’ve seen aplenty of your kind back home.”
“My mother.”
“So your father had the balls of a giant, at least.”
Ildutas smiles. “Indeed, now are we going to stand here and admire my father or are we going on a grand tour of the city?”

You watch their exchange with a grin, letting them take the measure of each other. Soon enough, Aedan speaks. “Aye, Let’s go to one of my favorite spots around.”

Aedan leads the two of you through the city, through winding streets and narrow alleys, through the bustle of men and women pressing their way home or elsewhere, through a crowded marketplace with vendors screaming out their wares, until finally he leads you to a large building marked ‘Dye Works’. He leads the both of your around the side of the building to a small flight of stairs leading down. He stops at a stout door at the bottom. “You boys ready? This place has everything. Wine. Women. Men? Dice. Whatever gets your raft down the river.”

He pushes the door open and sounds and smells pour out. The sound of men and women talking en masse, of arguments and cheers over rolls of dice. The stench of wine rolls into your nose, the sticky sweetness of perfumes, the stain of sweat. You step into the dimly lit basement and take it all in. Aedan is already halfway to the bar before you can say anything and Ildutas ducks under the low door behind you. Your arrival turns many heads, especially with the giant behind you looming over the room.

Both of you decide to follow Aedan to the bar, where he’s already made himself comfortable next to a blonde bartender, she laughs at a joke you missed. “These here are my friends, they’re on Julius’ tab as well, so you be good to them, alright Athenia?” She smiles. “Of course, any friend of Julius’ is a friend of mine.”
>c

>>2401935
She quickly pours two cups of wine and passes one to each of you, Aedan already having a cup resting in front of him. You scan the room, almost everyone in here looks like a slave or servant of some kind.

Men play dice in the far corner, while a group of women and men wait outside curtained off alcoves, beckoning seductively at anyone they make eye contact with. A small hallway between the two groups echoes a familiar sound. The sound of fighting, fist hitting flesh and grunts of pain. Between you and all of this are a dozen or so tables filled with drinkers in various states of sobriety.

Ildutas quickly drains his cup and after getting it refilled makes his way towards the gamblers. You turn and survey the room, deciding on what you want to do when Aedan grabs your shoulder. “One last thing... take this, just in case.” You feel the familiar weight of a dagger being tucked into the belt of your tunic.

>>Wat do?

>> Gamble

>> Hang out at the bar with Aedan (Ask question, Write in)

>> Investigate the source of the noise down that far hallway

>> Write in

>>Just saw how far down the board we’ve slid, will make a new thread after this update.

>>2401942
>> Hang out at the bar with Aedan (Ask question, Write in)
"Where did you find this place eh? It's a filthier pit than coliseum!"

>>2401942
>> Investigate the source of the noise down that far hallway
It might be something fun.

So besides killing a bunch of dudes what kind of plan for the future do we have?

>>2402761
>>2405288
I apologize guys, I’m going to have to put the Quest on hold for a little while. Life has blown up and work has kept me way busier than usual. I made a Twitter and I’ll post a day before I’m going to start the next thread. I will be back though, that’s a promise

https://mobile.twitter.com/MasterOfBlankQM