As noon approaches, a crowd begins to gather outside the wall. Smith has gathered the guard to keep the crowd from interfering or blocking the roadway, knowing that getting them to disperse peacefully before the duel is over would be a lost cause.

Towering over most of those who had come to watch, Verbannt was clearly visible within the circle of guardsmen. Many within the burgeoning township had seen the Bugbear about, but to others he was a new and novel sight. He stood alone, inspecting a knife that was bigger than most short swords. Whatever he was looking for, he appeared satisfied, for with a grunt he sheathed the blade at his hip. He took a step, his massive unshod paw surprisingly quiet upon the packed snow, and began moving towards the edge of the ring that the guards were valiantly trying to hold. With a practiced motion, he unclasped the heavy broach that held his massive fur cloak on, carefully removing the twinned pelts of the mountain goat and the wolf. These he set reverently down upon the snow, so that the wolf's and ram's heads were on the top, adding a short bow and leather quiver of arrows to the growing pile. Unencumbered, he moved back into the middle of the dueling ring, standing ready and waiting for what came next.

A sticky, and powerfully built Dwarf enters the ring, from where he had been leaning on a tree awaiting the arrival of his taller opponent.  Where Verbant looked like a tower oak, Brohm himself resembled more an immovable boulder bearing a grudge.  Clad in black leather armor with steel joints, and a large, round, black  shield.  On his head, a stout steel healm, with a charging boar figure on the central rindge.  From his waist hung a saex, while on his hip was a bearded battle-axe.  His bearskin cloak hung by its' head from a tree branch, well within sight of the guard.  He stood rooted, opposite Lukas, waiting upon ceremony.

Tidelan stood nearby, trying to project authority. He wouldn't interfere in the fight, but once it was over, he would be on standby if either contestant was downed. He didn't cheer or jeer, but just watched solemnly.

Verbannt turned to face the dwarf, slamming his closed fist into the cuirass of his studded leathers.

"I am Verbannt, once known as Lukas!"

He bellowed, his breath frosting in the chill air. If any spoke the Goblin tongue, they would recognize the word. Not a name, but a word. "Banished," it meant, one who had been exiled from their Clan for some heinous crime.

"I am the wolf tamer, the Ogre slayer, bane to Muzzrink and the Redfoot Tribe."

He stalked back and forth as he spoke, addressing the crowd more than Brohm.

"My honor is dead and long grown cold, but for what little renown I have earned here among you under the banner of Smith. In that work, words were spoken that cannot be unsaid, and cannot be forgiven. I am here to pay what price I have earned, through steel and blood."

He drew an unmatched pair of knives at that, one much longer and thicker than the other, holding them out wide at his side. He pivoted, turning to face his challenger.

"I ask not that all be forgiven, but only that the snows be able to fall pure again."

Odd words, and likely an expression that only meant something among his people.

"May you be free of the corruption which darkens my own heart."

And then he said no more.

Boneclaw sat next to Tidelan on a tree trunk and unpacked some crisps and fried chicken.

A circle had been cleared out of the snow, and guards stood around it, prohibiting the crowd from entering Tidelan stood with the guards. If one of the duelists fell, he was authorized to step in and heal them. The guards made way as Smith walked between the duelists. He said, loud enough for the crowd to hear, "I, Erret Smith, stand witness to this duel. In my capacity of governor and protector of Smith's Gambit. I vow to ensure that this duel proceeds according to the agreed upon terms, and than any who violate them, or interfere in the outcome, shall find no peace within our walls. The duelists agreed leather armor, axes and shields. Lukas, if you have no axe or shield, they will be provided you from the armory of the town guard." Three guards came forward, one offering a wooden shield, one offering a battle-axe, and one offering a handaxe. "Attacking with any other weapon-- including fang, claw, hoof, or other animal appendage-- will constitute a breach of the terms of the duel." He walked out of the circle, and said, "When ready, fight with honor."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:10, Thu 04 Feb 2021.