(An RP Social is a one-time RP that captures an event - once the event is over, the thread will be closed. The Ill-Omened Duel is, in addition, an RP Public - but one tied to the Valley of Ten Towers, which means you cannot be in any other Ten Tower thread while still in this one as per the usual rules.)

Once this event is complete this thread will be renamed RP PUBLIC V10T: The Arena of Challenges

The Ill-Omened Duel

From the Conclave Herald:

All are invited to watch the battle between H. Councilman Wyrn, the Ancient Shadow, and Low Lord Max, Hero of Canton. A dispute has been called, and Max invoked the Tongue of Odin and challenged the Councilman to a fair duel - a battle of wits as well as personal strength. There is some speculation as to why Wyrn would accept such a duel, as it is within his power to shoot it down immediately, but the press and general population cannot help but admire his sense of fairness. "Not even a Councilman such as I can ignore such a vital body of law such as the Tongue of Odin," he was heard saying to a handful of fans. "That would be immoral, unethical, an a flagrant disrespect of everything we've ever strove to achieve."

It's hard not to admire his patience and sense of justice.

As Wyrn was the challenged, he chose the Duality of Weapons, the mandate of fairness clear in his mind: the ineffable 'Logos', that source of supreme divinity as channeled from our own ineffably brilliant Emperor of the Golden Hand himself; and 'spiritual beings' were the weapons chosen. Conclave press reports that Max has a spiritual being himself, so this fight should be one to watch.

A time and a place: Wyrn chose midnight at the ancient, abandoned Arena of Challenges. Once the centerpiece of the League of Divine Right, a place where convicts could fight for their freedom, it has long been left to the dust. Forgotten. Reclaimed in part by the Drachenorden for its training exercises, but still left virtually untouched. Perhaps this will establish a new era in government-sanctioned, civilized combat.

Conditions: The victor will be chosen upon the death of the other. A tie occurs when both combatants choose to stop fighting (or cannot physically continue). If Max does not show up to the duel, it is rumoured that Wyrn will take his revenge in the sanctioned use of either one of the remaining Inkwyrms or by aurumechanization. If Wyrn does not show, according the Tongue of Odin Max is able to receive half of Wyrn's estates or wealth, rounded down, as decided by independent lawyers. Cheating will lead in disqualification and death.

This will be a fight to watch, ladies and gentlemen. Everyone is invited. As this goes to press, the Arena of Challenges is being renovated to accommodate the fight.

1. Preliminaries

Midnight comes upon the Valley of Ten Towers - a rare occasion enough, in these strange times. Floating lanterns surround the courtyard, humming soft melodies to themselves, casting deep shadows about the arena. The arena itself consists of a large circle of rows, where the spectators may seat themselves, coliseum-style, with a bricked courtyard manifesting the arena itself. It is a dangerous place to host a fight - when blood is spilled the surface will become extremely slippery. This, perhaps more than anything else, explains the nature behind the League of Divine Right.

There is a small wall separating the spectators from the arena itself. At ten meter intervals a Callisti hums above the wall, casting their arcane presence upon the entire arena. The Callisti insure that only those who were invited to fight do combat; that cheating is near impossible, and regulated entirely; and that death is marked immediately.

People slowly enter the arena, taking seats wherever it might please them. Several boxes, installed with binoculars and the like, line the back wall for the important viewers -the Councilmen, head of the Drachenorden and Babilu, etc. This fight has caused a lot of buzz..

   The heroine strode into arena.

     She was unclothed; she was tanned all over, beautiful, muscle showing itself just under the smooth skin as she walked. She an elaborate tattoo of a dark draconic creature on her back- the Inkwyrm.

     She bore no weaponry. The weapon she would use was within her.

The crowd burst into mutters and conversation upon the entrance of the naked challenger. There were no cheers, and a few of the more devoted spectators booed. Not many saw the relevance of the tattoo - a few, however, of more sorcerous persuasions chuckled. Nevertheless, the Max knew immediately when the Councilman entered from the opposite chamber. The entire arena burst into a thunderous roar, cheers and applause filling the colosseum.

Wyrn was dressed entirely in black cloth, leather gloves and padding his only armour. A black, writhing cape, made of unknown materials, swirled about him. He wore no hood, and dark-tinted spectacles obscured his face. He looked utterly charming, and waved to the crowd.

In the center hovered a single large, silver Callisti, easily five times the size of most - H. Councilman EQUILIBRIUM.

Maxillita smiled slightly upon seeing the Callisti. She had the urge to run up and hug the spherical Councilman, though something told that wouldn't be a good idea. He was probably electrified or something.

She knew why she wasn't wearing any clothes- unlike the God of Shadows, she had nothing to hide; no armor was allowed, no weaponry allowed. Why carry unnecessary weight, unnecessary restrictions? Her natural form was the best arsenal at her disposal. They would cheer when she was won.

Fate wouldn't let her lose.

One of the audience who did not cheer wore a simple robe, and had a staff laid across his legs. He was there to watch, and see the fate of the Goddess who had once offered to help him.

Wyrn nodded to Max. EQUILIBRIUM seemed to hum loudly to itself. The crowd rose in a roar.

"Ladies, gentlemen, affiliates and associates both, Councilmen and honorary guests," boomed the massive voice of EQUILIBRIUM. Slightly feminine. I, EQUILIBIRUM, have been tasked with overseeing the duel between LORD COUNCILMAN WYRN, THE MOST ANCIENT SHADOW and LOW LORD MAXILITA OF XI. If either of the two combatants wishes to now back down, this is the chance. If not then we can proceed."

"I will not back done," said Wyrn, grinning towards the audience.

Anik heads over here with Wyrn's shadow from the Temple of the Sun. Atleast he could watch.

<From market>

Ruse appears here in a swirl of mist, solidifying his form. He heads over to the area for high lords and councilors, and if he sees Roid he begins heading toward him unless he has reason to head elsewhere.

Msonus' self returns to the Valley, but rather than returning to his study, arrives here. He is carrying a blank book and a small pen. Perhaps he intends to record the events. Perhaps not. Either way, he is here to watch.