The Lopanic Games: A Chance At Immortality
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| Reader Note: This has been
| sent to Ondemeira the White.
| At the castle of King Guy the First
| in the city of Credia.
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Dear Lady Torchwood,
I thought it would be fun there to try your pseudonym for it being filled with ‘mystery’ & ‘wonder’ of knowledge yet gleaned, very cunning of you. I have informed my brother, Zeelik, and his lifemate Luur’na of the following bit of information and just wanted you aware. My brother is heading to Troker to help re-establish the Church of Isis there and bring light to such a dark and wanton place. If he should perish she will send word but since I am not sure where I will be I left a note about using your office as a go between. If this is not correct allow a bit of time to find another means of conveyance of the missive I NEVER hope to get.
‘ …If you or any of the others need to reach me then send the pigeon missive to Ondemeira the White. At the castle of King Guy the First in the city of Credia… ‘
I know you said you would be coming to the games good Scribe of Light and I have deliberately not sought you out in your official persona to the southern king you aid / serve (not sure which word is correct here). But maybe Lady Torchwood could make a public debut and interview CrIsis? Really just a thought since I have been listening to ‘Druids’ and ‘Bards’ tell tales. Silly, me you won’t read this until you make it back home unless it is allowed for you to recieve them anywhere as the ‘Scribe.’ Well I suppose we should get on to continuing recording the ‘Games’ themselves.
~ The 5th of THOTH / Day Four of the Competitions ~
This was to be my third event of the Pentathlon: Discus. I will list the other stadiums where there were other events beginning as well.
- Freestyle Archery was back in the Arena’s of Light.
- Swimming was being held in the Ippodrome.
- Freestyle Diulos racing was held in the Lopanic Bowl.
- All of the Equestrian events was held in the Hippodrome today.
- Pentathlon Discus were being held again in the stadium known as the Dragon’s Breath.
- Cryptomancy Preview of the puzzle the Mage Triathlon would be required to solved was to be held in the gigantic Tower of Angels.
I teased Master-Sister Caminata once more that one of her suitors from Winterhaven would be there. She did not look amused the second time any more than the other day I did it, HA! I feel bad that Master Asher is still having to work off all that weight from the botched scroll creation. Magic is like fire, a tool, but a tool can be a weapon in the wrong hands or when accidents happen. To his credit I have never heard him complain about it, and please don’t mention the eight foot difference between his mouth and my ears. Wow! More funny jokes I am on a roll today! Oh sorry Master Asher when you read this volume I … sorry that was rude.
I woke before dawn to the most unsettling thing I have yet to experience. I overheard a small boy pay one of the guards to let him ‘see’ the Bull of Light! It was only when the tent flap pulled back and a small Hooman child came face to face with me sitting up on the floor did I realize whom the bull of light was! He quickly scampered away but of the two of us I think I was more frightened of scaring him than he was of seeing a ‘Minotaur’ or redeemed Spawn of Evil as many of the ‘gossip scholars’ seem to be carrying on about. 
Clouds began forming and moving over the island as day crept over the ‘Tent Sea’ and Ra’s Eye began gazing upon us once more bringing life where it went. Then, as though a tower of mages were directing the weather it parted and turned a different direction away!! Over the course of the next few days I learned it was Warlocks responsible for keeping the games in perfect season! I bet the rains that come after they leave are kind of brutal, hehehe!
As we prepared to leave the tent we could hear crowds going and I heard one of the same kids sitting on the canvas roof of the tent with a few of his friends! Looking down my companions seemed unaffected by all of this and I simply assumed they were here to try and glimpse Master Overkill our active member that was a champion in rowing after all. His fame as well being a member of CrIsis only compounds this inundation by the populaces of all these nations coming together. When we exited the tent I had gone last and my friends were to either side smirking! Huh? Why are they smirking I thought then I heard the first of the cacophonous wave of calls saying but one word… 
…my name!
XERX’SES!!!
XERX’SES!!!
XERX’SES!!!
XERX’SES!!!
I panicked and normally I have my height to hide my face but there were HUNDREDS I could see and HUNDREDS more I couldn’t, some standing on shoulders and other crying out from two story tents!!! Some children were trying to give us a tapestry of some kind but could not make it through the crowd. I wanted to help them but thought I might start a riot, panicking Hoomans thinking I had gotten hungry.
XERX’SES!!!
XERX’SES!!!
I was so scared I thought I was going to be dragged away and burned alive! My eyes were darting for arrows, catapults, mages, the infamous ReSet we have yet to encounter in full somewhere lurking in the crowd, nay THRONG of peoples chanting…
…XERX’SES!!!
XERX’SES!!!
I slowly moved my arm to wave and stopped it at my waist when I heard gasps from the crowd. I am not sure which of friend took me and lead me onward to the Dragon’s Breath arena where I was to compete in my third event of the Pentathlon: the Discus. As I neared the partly covered stadium I think I saw Master Tyvernos head off with Masters Azariel and Asher to their Cryptomancy Preview of the puzzle the Mage Triathlon would be required to solved, was to be held in the gigantic Tower of Angels. I won’t deny the jealousy I felt being a wizard and having failed to match my betters as they wandered off to mystical glory.
The corners of the Dragon’s Breath arena are flanked by two statues of Kym-Nark-Mar the Dragon God of Magic. Ugh another reminder of my inadequacies as a wizard. I trust the gods know my path otherwise I would wonder why they picked such a weak wizard as myself. Still we each have our part to play and my magic has saved Isis’ Torch and my friends so I am not completely worthless in the mystic arts. Oh to be as wise as our leader upon land, sigh. Once I made it into the Dragon’s Breath Range I noticed Brother Indaris take my satchel with all my magical stuff as I changed into my uniform of Gold Coast Trading Company. Breeches that stopped at the knee and sash made of blue with Gold Coast Logo and words or initials upon it. Mine still looked new because I had been using a ‘Cleanse Spell’ to keep them that way.
I tried a great deal to show only my right half to the crowds because now the left side of my torso, neck, face, and arm were visible. The scarring was from the fire he was in my youth that I have yet to repay the debt to my assailants. Their day will come though, mark these words it will come. Still I have been embarrassed by them because I felt unable to defend myself and protect my home when the attack came. So much knowledge of Dwarven Magic went up in the flames that day, were it not for being rescued by my brother, Zeelik, I would be dead. Alas, there I stood for the world to see adjust the sash to show as much of the logo and wording across my back side with the anchor logo centered on my spine and wrapping it around to tie in the front. On smaller competitors the their sashes went from shoulder to opposite hip, but no one from the Gold Coast felt like correcting me based on the number of times I heard behind me, “NOOO!!! Uh UH! You can tell him, what if he thinks I’m a carrot he likes them ya know!”
Rahl went first and a few other and then I was fourth or fifth. Each of the competitors was handed their colored discus by the officials judging the games. They were all clad in crimson robes with the famous shield logo of the LGC about their necks. I must surmise this process kept cheating to a minimum. Rahl and Joe had not been performing well in the last two events and I was curious to see how they were going to do in this event. Apparently, I need to pay attention to them both when they throw things because both did excellent. Rahl was again superb given his strength is not as impressive compared to Joe or myself, his toss was 298 feet! ! ! Just wow!!! apparently during the course of this event some of us were setting Lopanic Games records and then breaking them! I clapped for my other Gold Coast teammates even though they worked for the side of evil. They were worthy and showed their mettle in this match. Joe reminded me of how Groun’na uses his Runic Chakram, the bladed ring knife that oft-times has a handle in the center of the ring. I suspect he is good with knives as well. Foster and Cobert did very poorly and even Arleep and Blaife did not suck as bad! Aside from myself everyone’s standing changed. All I can remember is what Groun’na taught me about knife throwing and focus. When I stepped into the throwing ring I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
I opened my eyes and saluted toward the Gold Coast section then swung my arm back, AND FORWARD BEGINNING THE SPIN! Whoosh!!!!!!!!!!
I stayed in the pose I let go until it hit the at 310 feet!!!! My first throw had set a new *Lopanic Games RECORD!!!* The crowd went wild as Jaymus Murray called out the action of each athlete in what I am told is a hard event because I thought I had to win each of the five to get the gold feather! If I thought they had gone crazy before then when I made my second throw and the discuss landed 314 FEET shattering my own record and raising the bar because I beat Joe by only two feet! I had won the third competition!!!! I then took the banner of the Gold Coast Company and joined the athletes in the run around the field showing off for the crowd and our fealty to our sponsors. At the end of the third match the points stand thus:
- Xerx’ses – 24 points
- Foster – 18 points
- Sir Palomedes – 14 points
- Rahl – 14 points
- Joe – 14 points
- Cobert – 13 points
- Blaife – 6 points
- Arleep – 5 points
Once we were done I changed back into my normal clothes and folded my uniform reverently using magic when we were back at camp to clean it. Master-Sister Caminata had gone off to have a Druidic celebration of her ascension to Master among the woodland order. I sat quietly listening to the throngs outside try to see if they good see the Golden Minotaur. Not understanding I asked why they called me golden, and Master Overkill said because had won three games of the Pentathlon and was a likely winner of the event based on points alone.
Points?
He went on to explain that you could lose an event and still if you had the most points, honestly, I think I knew that from hearing it before but the weirdness of the day had made me a bit addled. Then he added that winning tomorrow would really make me a possible Golden Minotaur. I tried to get him to explain further but he said not knowing was better.
When Master-Sister Caminata returned from her celebration she had brought a guest to try and help the competing CrIsis mages with the Cryptomancy challenge which seemed Druidic in nature. The guest was none other than the Supreme Druid of all Palladium, Devacious! Master Asher whom wields psionics as well as magic may not have been competing but his breadth of powers is extraordinary enough earn him a seat in the discussion. The wise, Kobold loremaster was not happy about sharing the knowledge for fear of it leaking to the team’s competitors. Strangely enough, neither the Guild of the White Ash or the Tri-Arcanum Magic Guild had any complaint (that I had heard of) about Masters Azariel and Tyvernos working together. Merchants are far more prickly for their chosen associates and endeavors. Having missed the mage events though I don’t know how they faced off in the ring. A battle between those master wielders of the arcane arts would be quite the show! Someday I will be their equal I just have to not give up, simple!
There was an impassioned debate, but it was REALLY civil and I felt like I was at home sitting among tribal elders that had strong views but could debate them rationally. While the debate went on the Supreme Druid went across the way to the tavern to await the decision about whether or not the group would share the findings of the Cryptomancy Preview. What intrigued me was Master Azariel abstaining from most of it. I bet he was taking it all in, evaluating, re-classifying, taking mental stock of his soldiers. After a vote Master-Sister Caminata and I were sent to escort the Supreme Druid back. I got delayed at tavern when everyone wanted to buy me drinks and congratulate me I have been praticing simple phrases in Eastern to help, but I was so terrified once more of screwing up I blurted out in Elven the next round was on me and I dumped 100 eastern coins on the bar and made my way out as the mob rushed for free drinks chanting my name again. Once we were all back the Supreme Druid helped fill in or simply verify what the group already knew. After they were able to ascertain his conditions for giving his word not to share what he heard. Afterwords I went to the Temple of the Great One in Hooman guise and the black and white outfit of an Easterner and prayed:
To the Lords and Ladies of Ra’s benevolent fellowship of light!
May the good monk/bard and warrior/merchant find their souls healed and faith in friends restored. I seek not mending betwixt me and the monk for that would be avarice and gain for which I have not prayed. I beseech thee to before the last of the Defilers flee this world for your warm embrace in the hereafter and he is left behind. That he sees his brothers and sisters again for the fellowship they were, are, and shall always be for those of Palladium.
I want to thank my mother and 1st father, thank Luur’na for being kind and caring, wish her and Zeelik centuries of happiness and many children. Mergerij for helping to train me.
A prayer for my 2nd father that life for him is well and he is happy out in the world.
A prayer for Old Gregg for helping me find my way home and helping Zeelik now.
May I win not for me but the golry of my people. May I serve as an example that their is a brighter path and evil does not have to be the road of our destiny.
Your servent now and forever,
Cyrus Far’zan, named by his mother, Xerx’ses, chosen to remember the Lawgiver’s servant that was his first father.
P.S. may Masters A’zad & Aesyl find peace as well in the Lord of Wisdom’s hall.
~ The 6th of THOTH / Day Five of the Competitions ~
Today looked perfect and those weather warlocks are earning their money! I headed to my fourth event of the Pentathlon: Javelin. I will list the other stadiums where there were other events beginning as well.
- Freestyle Weightlifting was held in the Lopanic Bowl.
- Freestyle Hurdles was held in the Alliance Stadium.
- Running (All except Stadion) was held in the Juggernaut today.
- Pentathlon Javelin was being held again in the stadium known as the Dragon’s Breath.
Master-Sister Caminata and Brother Indaris went to running to help cheer on a few of the runners willing to donate the Lawgiver’s Lung should they be chosen as the overall champion! Masters Asher and Azariel headed off to sell scrolls and wards, Master Overkill came with me to the Dragon’s Breath arena and held my satchel with the magical items. While changing I kept over hearing whispers about how relaxed I looked and man could they have been more off. For me this is the chance to show the world I could be a good sportsman, and maybe other like me would be given a “shot” at proving they could be good as well. If I screw this up no one will care. Along with the Western Empire’s slave Wolfen we may set a precedent for allowing other races to compete. Yeah no pressure!
Again I was in the second half of the order to throw and the crowd was getting bigger from my first events, even Jaymus Murray seemed excited to be covering the proceedings. Then tragedy struck on the third toss! Sir Palomedes ran forward to throw and just before the line his foot twisted and I heard a crack which spun him nearly completely around as his javelin flew, RIGHT INTO FOSTER!!! My mind tells me I heard a gasp and I keep playing the events back but none of us moved. It happened so quick and down Foster went the silvered colored shaft sticking out of his chest. Cries from the stands, LGC officials running and healer appearing as though by magic on the field. I got eyesight to Master Overkill and we began to pray, and I have no proof of this but I felt Master Asher and the others praying as well for Foster’s “FORTITUDE” to become immense. Our prayers were answered by someone for the javelin was stopped by Foster’s rib bones otherwise it would have pierced the heart! Foster is withdrawn from the competition due to injury and poor Sir Palomedes is disqualified. As bad as it was at least he didn’t kill him and the knight limped off the field, clearly an injury to his foot.
I was so shaken from the event my throw which followed right after was lackluster at best and only a few hundred feet. Everyone, even Arleep and Blaife over shot me I had to regroup quickly so much was riding on this and my shot meant I went last in the second toss. The crowd was deathly quiet at each toss and Joe and Rahl placed their javelin’s around 450 feet, just amazing! I look to Master Overkill and tried to remember I am the chosen scion of Isis and she doesn’t pick quitters!!
I took the javelin closed my eyes and focused once more
*HUURRRAAHHH!!!!!!!* I hauled the javelin back and with a single leap cleared to the line and release yelling out and staying in pose till it landed. Land it did at 470 feet and I dropped to my knees in gratitude of everything that has brought me to this moment! I knew now from what Master Overkill had said I just had to finish the next match and I was already guaranteed to win the golden feather! I bowed to Mikala and he bowed back to me! I took my Gold Coast sash and began waving it for all to see!
- Xerx’ses – 32 points
- Cobert – 19 points
- Rahl – 18 points
- Joe – 17 points
- Blaife – 11 points
- Arleep – 12 points
Now back at our tent the good dwarf shared with me why they were calling me the Golden Minotaur.
Why I have a chance at Immortality.
Apparently in 2,000 years of these games only ‘FOUR’ people have ever won all five competitions in the Pentathlon!!! I would be five and the first of my race to do so if tomorrow be what we hope it can be.
I finished this night with prayer once more:
To the Lords and Ladies of Ra’s benevolent fellowship of light!
May the good monk/bard and warrior/merchant find their souls healed and faith in friends restored. I seek not mending betwixt me and the monk for that would be avarice and gain for which I have not prayed. I beseech thee to before the last of the Defilers flee this world for your warm embrace in the hereafter and he is left behind. That he sees his brothers and sisters again for the fellowship they were, are, and shall always be for those of Palladium.
I want to thank my mother and 1st father, thank Luur’na for being kind and caring, wish her and Zeelik centuries of happiness and many children. Mergerij for helping to train me.
A prayer for my 2nd father that life for him is well and he is happy out in the world.
A prayer for Old Gregg for helping me find my way home and helping Zeelik now.
May I win not for me but the golry of my people. May I serve as an example that their is a brighter path and evil does not have to be the road of our destiny.
Your servent now and forever,
Cyrus Far’zan, named by his mother, Xerx’ses, chosen to remember the Lawgiver’s servant that was his first father.
P.S. may Masters A’zad & Aesyl find peace as well in the Lord of Wisdom’s hall.
Xerx’ses … Name in progress … ,
War Wizard of CrIsis
P.S. Although I am no priest may the Lawgiver’s judgement keep you and yours safe.
>>> Written by Xerx’ses, after the events upon the of the 4th of Thoth, 70th Year of the Wolfen Empire, 2nd year of King Guy the First of the Timiro Kingdom, and 343 year of the Dominion of Man. <<<
Lady Ondemira of Torchwood by AZ-Rune Art, commission him at artist@agodrebuilt.org
Picture of town with cloud from New Schoolers.
Gold Coast Banner & Flag designed and created by me.
LGC Officials picture from Cheeseweb and altered by me.
Crowd picture from Sony.
Xerx’ses Amalgam compiled from pictures by me, Peachyco, and AQ Worlds Wiki.