The Lopanic Games Open

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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. This has also been
| sent to Luur’na.
| At the caverns of the Serinan Tribe
| in the Baalgor Rocky Desert.
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Dear Luur’na,

At your lifemate, my brother’s request I am writing to you in case you should be required to inform me of ill tidings. His pigeon message about ‘New Beginnings’ arrived on the 1st of THOTH. I know these first two sentences seem cold and almost angry and if that is how you perceive them know I am sorry but a writer like the Master Elf Bard I am not. I feel you deserve an explanation and I am unsure if my mother or Zeelik has shared much of my travels with you. Over a year ago I left our former tribal caves and have been plucked out of obscurity like a hero in old tales to make something miraculous!

I am the chosen scion of the Great Lady among a group of six heroes called: CrIsis! We are reclaiming the pieces of the Lawgiver, Osiris, himself and making it ready for his lifemate to bring him back from the dead! The current roster of heroes I am graced to call friends is as follows.

• The former Dwarf pirate, turned mariner of light, Master Overkill.
• The Elven Alchemist and Stratego of War and Life, Master Azariel.
• A Hooman priest of the Great Lady Isis and a noble friend, Brother Indaris.
• A wielder of the mighty Mental and Magical arts, the Kobold storyteller of Light, Master Asher.
• Our newest member and Master Druid Priestess of the Lawgiver himself, the Elf, Sister Caminata.

I am going to make the assumption that you are aware my and Zeelik’s father has been saved because of the torture I endured as part of a cease hostilities agreement between the Gods of Light and Dark. He is now safely living among the capital of the Church of Light and Dark on the Isle of Lopan in a surface city called Sekti-Abtu. He is working with master Dwarf smiths making weapons and aiding the cause of Light. I bring this up because he finally made me answer questions I had not thought important given the tasks ahead of my fellows and I.

I was “in love” with you. At the time it was a child’s crush and my heart was yours to do with as you saw fit. I could not understand why you chose Zii’clymnt over me but it is in the past. Zeelik has told me he treated you poorly and would not elaborate. Given that Zii’clymnt and Groun’na’s thug Ca’zan nearly burned me alive in A’zad’s tower. I will have to accept that understanding the heart of a woman is just beyond me. Please understand none of this is a bashing of you for the list of my mistakes are being recorded in books for the world to read, and Master A’zad always said to be careful not to use glass runes when making swords.

I beg your forgiveness in the matter of your wedding. I am sure my companions could have arranged for me to be there when you and my brother were lifebonded, but I am unsure and will never know how I might have reacted seeing my first love being put forever beyond my reach. I did not bring it up other than to share the absolute joy I felt at the news. Yes, I said absolute joy. While my love for you at the time was childish my desire that only the best happen to you was not and has never changed. I want for my brother what I want for you, only the best things in life! So yes, to hear that you freed yourself from Zii’clymnt’s hold over you and knowing that my brother and you have found light and solace in each other means I have two less things to worry about. I only hope when I find my lifemate I smile as brightly as my brother did looking into your eyes.

I truly hope this sets to rest any concerns you may have had about me since my father seemed to have them I felt the need to address it here. Now on to the Lopanic Games!

~ The 1st of THOTH ~

After the ‘Opening Ceremonies’ and word from my brother I turned to Brother Indaris, knelt and made a prayer, ”I am bad at prayers when I come up with them, I hope I am doing you proud and have met the Soldiers Of The Torch, knowing that I helped to inspire their creation fills me with hope I am doing your good work. Another band sets forth to try and reclaim thy temple in Troker, my brother among them. I know the gods do so much for us we never see and most fail to understand as just coincidence. I know you take an active hand and may that hand guide them safely to Troker so they may continue to bring thine light to dark places of the world.”

Looking at the good priest I asked, “You think it was okay?”

Looking like someone had just slapped me I was stunned by his reply. “I’d love to talk to the group you select, just tell me if I need to use Hooman disguise, ” and standing, “we should help get Overkill ready for his debut to the world.”

Onward, we tried to head off to the rowing event. However, first we headed to Titan Park to take the ‘Oath’ in front of the statue of Rurga Truthsayer. Then the statue was imbued with the Truthsayer’s power and the statue spoke, “Remember all that give an oath to me and break it will die.” Looking around we members of CrIsis noticed some people had vanished at the oath. Then was the great line for exiting Titan Park where they went over event ‘specific rules’ for each person as they left and verified their identity. We were told of there would be celebration party that evening for competitor’s and a guest for each in Alliance Park. None of us opted to go afraid that we would be targets for ‘altered’ food and drinks. I was worried Master Overkill would screw someone from another team and get disqualified.

Brother Indaris, Sister Caminata, and I were about to head to the Religious Sector to pay homage to the gods when Master Overkill said he needed me to go with him and meet Mikala at the Ras Magiras hotel. I thought again with this bloody hotel, just make it with more towers and call it a summer castle. I read that in a book on the History of Wisdom, though I have never seen a summer castle. The group started arguing about whether it was safe, a trap, was this the real Mikala. I had raised my hand to mention that maybe we could forgo any fees by just transferring accounts and give them the money as a thank you for all the work they had done for CrIsis. Soon other members spoke up about investments of coin and time. I also was ignored for the same reason I watch to not step on small folk. My raised hand was 3-4 feet above their heads they never saw it. Eventually, it was decided we would meet up in an hour at the tavern where Master Overkill cheated on his lifemate, but opted for some other location. After warning him about getting hooked up with some slut I noticed he checked more than a few of the fasteners on his golden armor. On we went and since the start of the ‘Games’ I have been able to ditch the disguise of a Hooman via magic. You know short people aren’t bad, having had to be one for weeks on end each day I can see benefits and consequences to each size. Seems I learned something today, Master A’zad would be proud I think.

He told everyone about his agreement and we understood. I then brought up going to the religious corner because of something Rod Rambler had said to me once regarding prayer and the Games. My personal differences aside when advice is good you should follow it even if you are not fond of the choices a person makes. Good advice is what it is, good, and therefore important to warrant adherence to. I explained that I was going to perform a vigil for the Lawgiver in the temple for the Cult of the Great One. This ‘Cult’ is the world wide faction of the Church of Light dedicated to Osiris and the prophecy of his resurrection. I prayed and read what books they would lend me as I sat at the main alter and hovered over where I had lain Uraeus’ Fang upon it. I was dedicating my time in the games to the Glory of Osiris as the world renowned bard had suggested we might do as others before us had to their chosen faiths. I had even taken it a step farther, before I had left Sekti-Abtu I had my father and the Master Dwarf smith of the Church of Light repair and alter my suit of tempered bronze scale armor. It now has scales to make it look like golden snake skin my my sword’s namesake, Ra’s golden cobra, Uraeus!

The old Kobold (whom is still 300lbs heavier due to a scroll mishap, and don’t remind me of the time I turned myself pink for a week) stayed with me for my vigil, I was honored he has a giant heart. I overheard Brother Indaris say he was visiting the other temples of Ra’s Pantheon to give them each a Dragon Coin of the lost Elven Empire. I gave my last Dragon Coin to the temple and realized I have had so much money past through my hands its value to me was transitory at best. The longer I prayed over the day and read the scriptures of the Lawgiver all I could think of was poor Rod Rambler. He and Mikala were heroes of an age still talked about and dreamed of yet this difference of viewpoint had poisoned them both. I again felt drawn to try and pray for them:

Then dawn came and Ra’s eye cast its heavenly gaze bring us forth from vigil, slumber, and any other form of rest to begin the GAMES!!!

~ The 2nd of THOTH / Day One of the Competitions ~

There were two events today going on one after the other. First was the Rowing competition Master Overkill was competing in the single man event of this segment. Many times I have been in awe of a Dwarf taking to water even on Rogtilda, but what I saw this day was just him, his oars, and a boat loaned to him! Boots, breaches, and salt-stained tri-ponted black hat he loves so much and refuses to replace sat down to show the “kids how its done” he murmured.

Then event took place INDOORS!!!!!!

The stadium among the “Arenas of Light” called the “IPPODROME” was big enough to have a field 600 feet long by the Dwarven measuring standards and 200 feet across!!! THEN THEY FLOODED THE WHOLE FLOOR OF THE FIELD!!!!! It was no different than an underground lake! Each of the three round was was three complete laps around the outer edge of the watery field.

Then Overkill stood out cleared the air for all listening, oh and did I mention there were over 10,000 people in the seats this was a instant city!!!!!!!! I cannot fathom how much the games disrupt life in so many cities around Palladium! Clearly, the world is far bigger than even I have seen and I have teleported, walk, sailed, and flown over the southern half of it!

A fire bolt was shot into the sky from a rod held by a judge to start the competition. Watching the first three laps of round one you would have thought the others didn’t even know how to row a boat (although, come to think of it I didn’t know how to row a boat so maybe I can compete next time, hmmm)!! His opponents though in the second round of three laps seemed to let loose more but with a tiny point of luck on his side Master Overkill pulled his boat ahead by an arm’s length to win the second round! I thought the thunder of the gods had descended from on high as 10,000 screaming fans were RRROOAARRRING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“OVERKILL, OVERKILL, OVERKILL,” echoing so much giants could have invaded Lopan and no one would know! Round three’s last set of laps seemed to be looking like another close finish and this time Overkill was not leading the pack, however, as they ran into the last lap he HEAVED so hard jutting his boat forward and cracking the seat he was on! On broken board he kept his strokes even but with every ounce of strength and as he passed us his face was red and temples throbbing! He pulled it out in the end by 8 meters according to the Elven measurment system FOR THE WIN!!!

THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE AND CHEERS were all I could here for several minutes! Then as the ability to hear ANYTHING else came back the top three were taking their place on the winner’s podium with Master Overkill at the top. The Dwarf received his golden feather as did the silver and bronze winners. Then horror struck Master Overkill as he had to sing the Anthem of the Eastern Territories! Walking out on stage now was Commander Terramore and they sang together. Really the good bard just drowned out Master Overkill saving him any embarrassment from his voice cracking and getting heckled.

Kingdoms of the East; The Lands that I call home! Kingdoms OF the East, Kingdoms OF The East! The Land that I call home!

From Sweet Creek to New Crest’s Ports, From Haven to Llorn; Our providence given, and destiny manifest! Long live the kings, their subjects and their heirs. For the Father country we shed tears!

Kingdoms of the East; The Lands that I call home! Kingdoms OF the East, Kingdoms OF The East! The Land that I call home!

You could tell everyone in the stands that was a member of the Territories as they were singing along. For a small moment no one hated anyone, well not openly at least.

Later that day I snuck away in Hooman guise to watch the Hurdles at the Juggernaut Stadium. No one from CrIsis was competing but I didn’t know if they would ever let me back so I wanted to see it ALL!!! I wore one of the nice outfits I got the night of the dinner with Miss Hoppner. It was a set of of very nice court clothing an Eastern nobleman might have. There is a white and black theme to the clothing with small Ankh’s embroidered along the outer edges, white ankh’s on black pieces and black ankh’s on the white parts. I ended up sitting with some young acolyte priests of Horus and they treated me like a noble when I mentioned my father worked in Arms and Armor portion of the Church in Sekti-Abtu. I would be lying if I said I really watched the match, I was enthralled with all the people Hoomans, Dwarves, Elves, Orcs (bodyguards for some), Goblins selling food to the crowd and ducking between them the way hoomans do to us and we to giants! When one Goblin merchant fell over spilling his strapped tray of food wares I helped him up and SO MANY people seemed struck awe at my kindness and disgust I would stoop so low. I gave him 176 in Eastern gold so he could hopefully buy more with for the tray and didn’t loose any money.

When one of the Acolytes of Horus asked why I intervened for a measly goblin I told him, “All creatures that can bask in the light of Ra were his creatures, and they deserve to be shone that all races can share its warmth.” When he was stunned and about to attempt a retort I told him Brother Indaris of CrIsis told me that himself. The Acolytes wouldn’t let me pay for anything the rest of the event. I think I managed to fit in for once. That night I again felt drawn to try and pray for Rod Rambler and Mikala:

~ The 3rd of THOTH / Day Two of the Competitions ~

There were six events today but they ran them in pairs so people had to pick which of each group they wanted to see. First two events on board split CrIsis apart and I wouldn’t to see my little buddy, Master Tyrvernos or Master Azariel compete in the first part the Mage’s Tri-Athalon:

The Freestyle Deathmatch!

What made me want to go more is I heard they were going to face the same Hydra I lost to in Wisdom, because no one wanted to work together! I told our leader I would wish him luck but I knew his mettle, and he needed no such hopeful accolades.

I was right they are among four mages that made it through to the next round! The spectator in me wanted to see if the battle was in the water or how they covered it up because that event was also held in the Ippodrome from the day before! Since we were running against the same time slot for the mage’s battle you could see spots in the top of the stands that were empty. Funny thing I have been looking to see my first Wolfen that is suppose to be here, but I have not seen him yet. Now we still had quite the attendance and I would guess eight to nine thousand. There was nearly 18,000 watching the mages battle it out and some idiots tried climbing the outside of the arena because they could not afford seats and fell to their deaths!!! Unbelievable!!!

My trials to see whom would end up in the final eight for the Pentathlon was held in the stadium called: The Lopanic Bowl. This grueling set of qualifiers took nearly the whole day but I made it into the final eight! This also caused me to miss out on seeing:

• Weightlifting, which ran against Freestyle Derby,
• and Gymnastics, which ran against Freestyle Javelin.

It is now I should point out that they had events in Pentathlon that at first seemed to have duplicate events, but I was mistaken. There would be a match for Javelin throwing outside of the Pentathlon for that specific event. I would only win a golden feather if I won the ‘Five’ events associated with the Pentathlon. Not for each event and the Pentathlon.

Just to push those that had qualified we ‘eight’ were expected to preform the first of the five competitions of the Pentathlon, the Long Jump. This event was one of my better events to perform in since I never scored less than 5 meters according to Elven measurements. I did far better and won the first of the five events and the standings at the end of the day were:

• Xerx’ses – 8 points
• Foster – 7 points
• Cobert – 6 points
• Joe – 5 points
• Sir Palomedes – 4 points
• Blaife – 3 points
• Rahl – 2 points
• Arleep – 1 points

That night I once more felt the urge to thank the Lords of Light for the people in my life helping me get here and pray for Rod Rambler and Mikala:

~ The 4th of THOTH / Day Three of the Competitions ~

Today I headed back to the Ippodrome from two days before and you would have had no idea there is a lake beneath the sands. Master Azariel told me there are great stone slabs that cover it. To see such structures from a time when Elf and Dwarf still called each other friend makes me have hope these games can allow others to see past their worlds and experience a larger friendlier world seeing that other races and nations are not so different as their own.

This was to be my second event of the Pentathlon: Wrestling and since the qualifiers were all done it was just the final eight competing again for points. I the other stadiums their were other events beginning as well, some of them were churning through their qualifiers for the final matches later that day.

• Non-Pentathlon Long Jump was back in the Lopanic Bowl.
• Something called Freestyle Steeplechase was being held in the Juggernaut where I saw the hurdles two days ago.
• Freestyle Stadion racing was held in the FIFTY FLOOR TALL Tower of Angels! My last missive had us here ferreting out and impostor but this is the biggest structure I have ever seen, ever!!!
• Discus, Javelin, Archery were being held on different ranges in the stadium known as the Dragon’s Breath. I teased Sister Caminata one of her suitors from Winterhaven would be there. She did not look amused.

On to my second event, I was facing off against a human named Cobert whom had an ugly sneer on his face towards me. I was trying to not scare anyone unduly so I was quiet: no roaring or charging. I think goring my opponent was a disqualifying event. So I just jumped forward when the judge said “FIGHT” and tackled him to the ground! I landed on him so hard he tapped out and healers had to come remove him from the sands on a padded board for such things. The other winners of the Quarter-Finals was Sir Palomedes of the Knights of the Dawn, Foster (currently in second place behind me), and the minion of the dark: Rahl.

Semi-Finals began with a pairing between Rahl and myself. He is a cagey fighter from what I saw in the Quarter-Finals and he is very quick and slippery to hold on to as we had both worked up quite a sweat. Height, weight, and well-timed bursts of speed eventually carried me to victory over Rahl but the truth is the match could have gone either way. He was a worthy opponent even if he fought for evil. I offered him my hand to help him up from the ground after the match. He rolled back on his shoulders and shoved his foot into my crotch and I grimaced but stood and did nothing to him. There was a ringing in my ears that passed shortly. The other winner of the Semi-Finals was Foster and we would face off in the Final Match.

The Final match was not as exciting as Rahl and ended in duration much closer to the Quarter-Final match I had against Cobert. The crowd went wild though and while cautious I offered my hand to Foster whom accepted in nodding to me. I knew that nod, the one that said – one mistake and I can take this from you. At the end of this day the Pentathlon points stand as follows:

• Xerx’ses – 16 points
• Foster – 14 points
• Cobert – 10 points
• Sir Palomedes – 9 points
• Rahl – 8 points
• Joe – 7 points
• Blaife – 4 points
• Arleep – 4 points

I managed to get away and a ‘Cleanse Spell’ later I was dressing for my Hooman disguise and went to see the Finals in 200 Meter Archery. Using yet another set of very nice traveling clothes a noble explorer of the Old Kingdom land of Sulestan might have I got there as the archers lined for for the final volleys and I saw Master Ylren win!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I loved cheering and hugged two or three other spectators singing along in Elven to the Anthem of the Eastern Territories and the Island of Phi as he was given his GOLD FEATHER!!!!!!!

WOW just what a day after stopping off at the temple to pray again for thanks, Rod Rambler, and Mikala I wandered quietly among the crowds listening to how they saw everything! Finally my greatest chance to mingle among other races and understand them on their level. After two hours I made my way to the Tavern where Caminata was earning quite the reputation as the traveling minstrel. Others in CrIsis were there and soon they noticed me smiling in a corner people watching. This one night even Master Asher’s story time couldn’t match up to seeing so many people carousing, happy, and not a care about race or nation.

I am blessed.

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. 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.

>>> 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 female minotaur from Maugh’s Deviant Art Page and edited by me.
Picture of staff from Runescape Wiki and edited by me.
Mikala Elf Picture from Bloggs74.
Picture of the Dragon Coin from Palladium Books.
Medals of Gold, Silver, and Bronze take from Goldsteins Jewelers
Shield and Medal color edits done by me.
Golden Feather from Old World Vulture.
Azariel the Elf and Tyvernos the Gnome are done by Gaitkeeper.