What lies beyond the Trackless Sea in the world of Toril has always perplexed the citizens of Neverwinter. Rumors have it that great undiscovered continents with untold wealth lie there, but many dismiss them as fireside tales. As with many rumors and tales, a grain of truth is always present. The continent of Austrilis lies in this perilous sea with a great many countries. One such country is the Country of Comstalia. King Lacerca currently rules the country from the tallest mountain in the center of the country, Unus Mons, in the city Rexstalia. Four lords rule below him over the four major cities: Lord Nesteris rules the port city of Norstalia, Lord Eura rules the city of Eastalia, Lord Salari rules the city of Soutstalia and Lord Waxston rules the city of Westalia.
Darrimus Artelli, currently age 18, was born into a loving family on an isolated cabin in the deep forests south of Eastalia. While his family did not have much, they were self-sufficient off the land with hunting and gathering from the plentiful resources that the forest had to offer. Darrimus’s mom spent a lot of time role-playing and acting with him as a kid, teaching him about her previous life as performing ***** before she met her husband and abandoned the profession. Darrimus has never learned if they were living in the woods out of fear or choice, but living in the forests was always uneventful. That is until one night two years ago. In the middle of the night, Darrimus’s dad came and awoke him from his slumber and told him “Grab what you can. Take only what we need to survive. The orcs will be here any minute.” As they fled into the night, Darrimus can still remember the distant roars of the orcs and the smoke that came from deeper into the forest.
Darrimus and family walked for what seemed like a week north until they reached the edge of the forest. In front of them was the golden lush fields of Eastalia. They had to sell practically everything, but the family was able to find a place to live and work in a local tavern and inn called the “Jolly Flopper”. The Artelli family would live in the two room basement of the tavent, but Darrimus was not in Eastalia for long. Due to the increasing threat of orcs to the east, mandatory conscriptions of able bodied men was required leading to Darrimus being drafted into the military.
Coat of Arms for the Eastalia Military
The military of Eastalia contains four divisions: Officer, City Guard, Army, and Scout. While the officers and city guards were considered the safest options, many of the wealthiest families bought their way into these divisions. The army division contained the bulk of the men, but the scout division, considered to be the most dangerous, contained only those who were considered forgettable. Scouting and spying became a way of life for Darrimus and for the next year, he was trained under Lieutenant Karolem with three other recruits Jairodre, Moran, and Barthalo. After a year of training, all recruits are brought back to Eastalia for the annual “Call to Arms” festival. This festival contains the expected events, including plenty of meat and mead, but most importantly is the dueling tournament. First years even have their own special tournament where the top candidate from each division is selected to duel with the winner getting a special prize and notoriety. Darrimus has been selected from the Scout division to participate, and thus finds himself right outside the town of Eastalia the night before the festival at a small campfire with the other scout recruits: Jairodre, Moran, and Barthalo.
Darrimus sits around the fire staring into the flames and watching the smoke and embers rise into the night. The smoke... The sight... The smell... It should be a relaxing experiencing as it is for most but for Darrimus it reminds him of that fateful night he was driven from his home. The screams of the Orcs. Soon, very soon he would use the skills his gained against these beasts... these monsters.
Darrimus wears a sleeveless tight leather jerkin. He prefers to keep his arms free for movement. His muscles instead of large and bulky and instead long and wiry. He is larger for a scout and while stealthy its' clear that sneaking a hiding is not his go to move. He wears a cloak that has been smeared with mud intentionally try add a type of camouflage. Inside he keeps two daggers lodged that he uses for throwing. On his right hip he keeps his weapon of choice, the rapier. Rarely has he used it in his young life but he knows that is about to change.
That is all about to change. He looks around at the other scout recruits. It is not lost on him that this most likely will be the last time all of them will sit together. After this festival they will be shipped out. He will miss Moran the most. On the few training missions where they were able to pair up with a teammate he always tried to get with Moran as he knew he had his back. Darrimus feels indifferent toward Jairodre. He knows Jairodre knows how to do his job but he isn't sure if it came down to a final stand if he would want to be beside Jairodre. And then there is Barthalo. As far as Darrimus is concerned he would be fine with never seeing Barthalo again. Darrimus has never been able to catch him cheating but he just doesn't trust Bathalo. Not one bid.
Darrimus takes a stick and begins to trace the Coat of Arms in the dirt in front of him. He turns to Moran.
Darrimus says to Moran, "So... Tomorrow is the big day. After this, no telling where we will be. I hope you will write my friend."
Darrimus smiles at Moran then looks around, "I wonder who I will be facing tomorrow. I'm not too worried about the Officers or City Guard but some of those Army boys can be pretty stout. No match for a scout of course!" Darrimus laughs heartily.
Moran looks to Darrimus and says "I have no doubt that you will show them how great we are. You always made me look like a chump during our training."
"HA!" exclaims Bathalo "You don't have the strength to win tomorrow. I am not sure why the Lieutenant chose you instead of me. Knowing how you weasel around, I am sure you have some black mail over him."
Jairodre continues to stare at the fire. Seemingly unaware of the conversation around him.
Darrimus turns to Moran, "You were no chump! You were just taking it easy on me!"
Darrimus then looks to Bathalo and says with a smirk, "My dear, Bethalo. I envy every person you have never met... You don't need strength when you have speed. If you knew that, maybe the Lieutenant would have chosen you. You probably have not even had the intelligence or ability to know what prize I am competing for tomorrow."
Darrimus then turns to Moran and Jairodre, "Did either of you see where the Army was making camp today? Are they out in the woods like us?"
"Of course not. They get the run of every Inn in town and every bar wench. We always get the shaft as the scouts. Nobody respects the scouts." says Moran.
"That's what I figured." Darrimus says with a sigh. "I was hoping we could do one more scouting mission but with the festival tomorrow we shouldn't be out all night."
"Agreed" says Moran. "Well since you have to competition tomorrow, we will cover the night watch. I know Bathalo is as excited as ever to watch over us."
Bathalo smirks and says "Well luckily after tonight, I probably won't ever have to see you again."
Jairodre continues to stare at the fire. Seemingly unaware of the conversation around him.
Darrimus stands up... Looks into the fire... Then looks around to everyone.
"That is true... Tomorrow everything changes and we will be posted Bahamut knows where. Most likely in Orc territory. Although, you will not be receiving any letters from me I wish no one from our troop harm. No matter our differences, we are Scouts! We may be expendable to others but not to each other."
Darrimus laughs lightly
"Now enough of that. The morning comes early. I appreciate you taking the watch. I will represent us well tomorrow."
Darrimus lays down and places his cloak over him. Mainly for warmth but also as he likes to keep one hand on a dagger within. He shuts his eyes and thinks of what tomorrow may bring.
The night passes by without much event. The next morning Darrimus wakes up to a quiet spring morning. He readies himself and exits the tent. The four men pack down camp and head into the town of Eastalia. As Darrimus approaches Eastalia he sees the giant windmill and remembers the time, which seems like so long ago, when his family came fleeing the orcs. As he enters the gates of the town and they approach the center market, he notices the giant tents already set up for the festival. As the four mean arrive Maron pats Darrimus on the back and says "Best of luck. I'll be cheering in the stands."
Darrimus looks in front of him to see a small tent with a sign out in front "Rookie Dueling Registration". Darrimus heads inside the flaps of the tent to notice a small, wrinkly man sitting staring at Darrimus. At first Darrimus is not sure if he is even awake, for his eyes are so scrunched and his face is so wrinkled, but as soon as the thought enters his mind the man exclaims "AH about time you showed up. No surprise the scout division is the last to arrive. Sign here. Doesn't matter if you are who they say you are. You won't win anyway." Darrimus seems suprised by his statements, but says "Thanks for waiting for me and I appreciate all the effort that you guys do to have this tournament." The man smirks and says "You have some manners for such a wild scout. Good luck. Surprise me with a win, and I might win big on the gambles. Now sign here and head out the back here. You can get your dueling equipment in the tent behind me."
Darrimus signs the sheet and exits into the back. When he walks in he notices three other men around his age. He assumes these are going to be the competitors.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Darrimus decides to walk with a slight limp of his left leg to give the impression he is slower than he seems.
Darrimus says through gritted teeth at first, "My sincerest apologies the delay boys. Had an Owlbear decide it wanted to be my first bout of the day. Anyway, have I missed anything?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
41412
"My lord" the man with short blonde hair, approximately 6', well cleaned and seemingly well dressed says "This is the best the scouts have to offer? I have heard stories but these said excuses for soldiers
As you limp across the room, you see a chair with a box next to it labeled "Scout Division". You open up the box to see a leather outfit with a label on it and a rapier.
Darrimus plops down on the chair and puts on his leather with a grunt.
Darrimus laughs, "Haha oh god no! I am not a solider so yes by your standards I am sure I would be a poor excuse! I am way over qualified for that."
Darrimus then says seriously, "By the way I have always been curious. How much does it cost to bribe your way into the City Guard or Officer's club? It's a shame that you can't buy actual talent wouldn't you agree? I didn't get your name, sir?"
The blonde male says "I am Armond Stanton, and you best watch your tone and remember that I will be a officer one day and unlike your little pea brain, I won't forget your insolence and disrespect."
The other two males in the room look at you with disbelief in what just transpired.
Unidentified man 1 is a big, muscle built man about 6' with short black hair.
Unidentified man number 2 is a relatively standard fit human about 5'10''. His hair is a bit longer and is brown.
Darrimus smirks and satirically salutes back at Armond Stanton, "Well I would normally be afraid but I doubt you will be in the same area I am in. Since I will be in an area where there will be actual fighting. Anyway, I digress."
Darrimus looks to the big muscle man, "My word! With muscles that large I would think you were a half-orc. By the gods, I hope I do not draw your name. I bet you could show Officer Stanton over here a thing or two. They probably wouldn't even make him an officer after that embarrassing fight. Do you think they will let us watch while we aren't fighting? Ugh.. I am getting too excited here. What's your name big man?"
The big muscle man turns around and says "I, I, I-m, aaa" before Armond interrupts him and says "Please don't make Gunther Garland try to talk. I expect him to beat you senseless in the first round. Although I will admit, me having to fight Gunther in the last round will be entertaining for the crowd. And before you ask, Pierre Verner doesn't talk to people he doesn't like so don't even bother."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Darrimus says accusingly to Stanton, "Whoa, whoa, there, sir! As you said you are not an officer yet and therefore Gunther can speak for himself. Figures, stereotypical Officer neglecting and abusing the common man."
Darrimus looks directly at Gunther, "Figures right? They always try to keep us down just because we don't have fancy titles or names. I am pleased to meet you Sir Gunther Garland! I have to say, if I was to be beaten senseless it would be an honor to fall against such a worthy opponent as yourself. No matter what the future holds I am sure you are destined for great things! Whatever you do, don't let this foolish future Officer Stanley(incorrect on purpose) bribe you into letting him win the final round."
Persuasion: 13
Darrimus then turns back to Stanton making sure Gunther can hear clearly, "Speaking of bribes, is that what you did to make sure you don't face Gunther first as it seems you have arranged for us? You know it's just disrespectful and outright sad to take advantage of someone who trusts you. Instead of letting this great warrior(Darrimus motions to Gunther) have a fair chance you set him up to fail? That's not leadership that's manipulation."
Darrimus then turns to Pierre, "I am happy to make your acquaintance as well Pierre Verner. I am sorry that judgement has already been cast upon me before my arrival. Since I will be facing Gunther, I assume you will have the pleasure of facing this over confident Officer Stanley first? If you do not wish to speak I will assume Officer Stanley has paid you off as well. Unfortunately, gold will not save him from the shadows. Actually let me make sure my equipment has not been tampered with."
Darrimus will then remain seated and inspect his Rapier to ensure it has not been sabotaged.
Gunther smiles at Darrimus and says "Thank yo-" but before he can finish Stanton interrupts again and says "I am not sure if you are an idiot or just pretending to be one. The dueling tournament has been the same for over 20 years. The Officers always duels the City Guard and the Army always duels the Scouts and as is tradition, the final round will be the Army brute versus the Officers tact. And as is tradition, the officers will emerge victorious. Now I am through with you and your mouth. I hope you don't get hit in the head. There isn't much left up there." Stanton grabs his rapier and leaves the tent.
Pierre smiles at you and says "It is always quite easy to get him riled up. Just a warning, his family is the second richest in Eastalia. If you don't watch your tongue he may try to have it removed." Pierre then grabs his rapier and follows Stanton out the room.
Darrimus looks down at his equipment and notices that while his rapier and leather armor is worn and not as nice as the two that left, it seems to be functional and of average quality.
Darrimus smirks until the others leave satisfied that he got under Stanton's skin.
Darrimus rises and limps over to Gunther. "My apologies, for that fellows interruptions. You deserve better. Eastalia deserves better than officers like that. May the Platinum Dragon smile down upon you this day Gunther Garland. Shall we go change some traditions?"
Darrimus motions toward the tent flap. Under his sly smile Darrimus worries if he may have bit off more than he can chew.
Darrimus, equipped with only the provided leather armor and a rapier at his side exits the tent and finds two early teenage male attendants (probably volunteers wanting to future knights) waiting for him. "Darrimus" one says "come with me. I will take you to the dueling grounds." As they begin to walk away, Darrimus hears the other attendant ask Gunther the same question.
Darimus follows the attendant, and is brought to an entrance into a circular dirt arena of about 40 feet in diameter. A crowd of about 75 people is around in the bleachers sitting, with about 50 more standing. The crowd remains relatively undisturbed by you entering the ring. The attendant says "please stand inside the circle and the duel will commence shortly." As Darrimus waits inside the circle he see Gunther start to enter from the other side. As soon as Gunther enters the arena, a loud voice is heard saying "Ladies and gentlemen! It is that time to introduce the Army representative GUNTHER!" The crowd erupts in cheers and applause.
Gunther enters the ring, holding a rapier that is clearly too small for his hand. He looks quite uncomfortable but his large, bullish figure is as intimidating as ever.
OOC: If you would like to do anything before the duel starts please let me know.
What lies beyond the Trackless Sea in the world of Toril has always perplexed the citizens of Neverwinter. Rumors have it that great undiscovered continents with untold wealth lie there, but many dismiss them as fireside tales. As with many rumors and tales, a grain of truth is always present. The continent of Austrilis lies in this perilous sea with a great many countries. One such country is the Country of Comstalia. King Lacerca currently rules the country from the tallest mountain in the center of the country, Unus Mons, in the city Rexstalia. Four lords rule below him over the four major cities: Lord Nesteris rules the port city of Norstalia, Lord Eura rules the city of Eastalia, Lord Salari rules the city of Soutstalia and Lord Waxston rules the city of Westalia.
Darrimus Artelli, currently age 18, was born into a loving family on an isolated cabin in the deep forests south of Eastalia. While his family did not have much, they were self-sufficient off the land with hunting and gathering from the plentiful resources that the forest had to offer. Darrimus’s mom spent a lot of time role-playing and acting with him as a kid, teaching him about her previous life as performing ***** before she met her husband and abandoned the profession. Darrimus has never learned if they were living in the woods out of fear or choice, but living in the forests was always uneventful. That is until one night two years ago. In the middle of the night, Darrimus’s dad came and awoke him from his slumber and told him “Grab what you can. Take only what we need to survive. The orcs will be here any minute.” As they fled into the night, Darrimus can still remember the distant roars of the orcs and the smoke that came from deeper into the forest.
Darrimus and family walked for what seemed like a week north until they reached the edge of the forest. In front of them was the golden lush fields of Eastalia. They had to sell practically everything, but the family was able to find a place to live and work in a local tavern and inn called the “Jolly Flopper”. The Artelli family would live in the two room basement of the tavent, but Darrimus was not in Eastalia for long. Due to the increasing threat of orcs to the east, mandatory conscriptions of able bodied men was required leading to Darrimus being drafted into the military.
Coat of Arms for the Eastalia Military
The military of Eastalia contains four divisions: Officer, City Guard, Army, and Scout. While the officers and city guards were considered the safest options, many of the wealthiest families bought their way into these divisions. The army division contained the bulk of the men, but the scout division, considered to be the most dangerous, contained only those who were considered forgettable. Scouting and spying became a way of life for Darrimus and for the next year, he was trained under Lieutenant Karolem with three other recruits Jairodre, Moran, and Barthalo. After a year of training, all recruits are brought back to Eastalia for the annual “Call to Arms” festival. This festival contains the expected events, including plenty of meat and mead, but most importantly is the dueling tournament. First years even have their own special tournament where the top candidate from each division is selected to duel with the winner getting a special prize and notoriety. Darrimus has been selected from the Scout division to participate, and thus finds himself right outside the town of Eastalia the night before the festival at a small campfire with the other scout recruits: Jairodre, Moran, and Barthalo.
Darrimus sits around the fire staring into the flames and watching the smoke and embers rise into the night. The smoke... The sight... The smell... It should be a relaxing experiencing as it is for most but for Darrimus it reminds him of that fateful night he was driven from his home. The screams of the Orcs. Soon, very soon he would use the skills his gained against these beasts... these monsters.
Darrimus wears a sleeveless tight leather jerkin. He prefers to keep his arms free for movement. His muscles instead of large and bulky and instead long and wiry. He is larger for a scout and while stealthy its' clear that sneaking a hiding is not his go to move. He wears a cloak that has been smeared with mud intentionally try add a type of camouflage. Inside he keeps two daggers lodged that he uses for throwing. On his right hip he keeps his weapon of choice, the rapier. Rarely has he used it in his young life but he knows that is about to change.
That is all about to change. He looks around at the other scout recruits. It is not lost on him that this most likely will be the last time all of them will sit together. After this festival they will be shipped out. He will miss Moran the most. On the few training missions where they were able to pair up with a teammate he always tried to get with Moran as he knew he had his back. Darrimus feels indifferent toward Jairodre. He knows Jairodre knows how to do his job but he isn't sure if it came down to a final stand if he would want to be beside Jairodre. And then there is Barthalo. As far as Darrimus is concerned he would be fine with never seeing Barthalo again. Darrimus has never been able to catch him cheating but he just doesn't trust Bathalo. Not one bid.
Darrimus takes a stick and begins to trace the Coat of Arms in the dirt in front of him. He turns to Moran.
Darrimus says to Moran, "So... Tomorrow is the big day. After this, no telling where we will be. I hope you will write my friend."
Darrimus smiles at Moran then looks around, "I wonder who I will be facing tomorrow. I'm not too worried about the Officers or City Guard but some of those Army boys can be pretty stout. No match for a scout of course!" Darrimus laughs heartily.
Moran looks to Darrimus and says "I have no doubt that you will show them how great we are. You always made me look like a chump during our training."
"HA!" exclaims Bathalo "You don't have the strength to win tomorrow. I am not sure why the Lieutenant chose you instead of me. Knowing how you weasel around, I am sure you have some black mail over him."
Jairodre continues to stare at the fire. Seemingly unaware of the conversation around him.
Darrimus turns to Moran, "You were no chump! You were just taking it easy on me!"
Darrimus then looks to Bathalo and says with a smirk, "My dear, Bethalo. I envy every person you have never met... You don't need strength when you have speed. If you knew that, maybe the Lieutenant would have chosen you. You probably have not even had the intelligence or ability to know what prize I am competing for tomorrow."
Darrimus then turns to Moran and Jairodre, "Did either of you see where the Army was making camp today? Are they out in the woods like us?"
"Of course not. They get the run of every Inn in town and every bar wench. We always get the shaft as the scouts. Nobody respects the scouts." says Moran.
"That's what I figured." Darrimus says with a sigh. "I was hoping we could do one more scouting mission but with the festival tomorrow we shouldn't be out all night."
"Agreed" says Moran. "Well since you have to competition tomorrow, we will cover the night watch. I know Bathalo is as excited as ever to watch over us."
Bathalo smirks and says "Well luckily after tonight, I probably won't ever have to see you again."
Jairodre continues to stare at the fire. Seemingly unaware of the conversation around him.
Darrimus stands up... Looks into the fire... Then looks around to everyone.
"That is true... Tomorrow everything changes and we will be posted Bahamut knows where. Most likely in Orc territory. Although, you will not be receiving any letters from me I wish no one from our troop harm. No matter our differences, we are Scouts! We may be expendable to others but not to each other."
Darrimus laughs lightly
"Now enough of that. The morning comes early. I appreciate you taking the watch. I will represent us well tomorrow."
Darrimus lays down and places his cloak over him. Mainly for warmth but also as he likes to keep one hand on a dagger within. He shuts his eyes and thinks of what tomorrow may bring.
The night passes by without much event. The next morning Darrimus wakes up to a quiet spring morning. He readies himself and exits the tent. The four men pack down camp and head into the town of Eastalia. As Darrimus approaches Eastalia he sees the giant windmill and remembers the time, which seems like so long ago, when his family came fleeing the orcs. As he enters the gates of the town and they approach the center market, he notices the giant tents already set up for the festival. As the four mean arrive Maron pats Darrimus on the back and says "Best of luck. I'll be cheering in the stands."
Darrimus looks in front of him to see a small tent with a sign out in front "Rookie Dueling Registration". Darrimus heads inside the flaps of the tent to notice a small, wrinkly man sitting staring at Darrimus. At first Darrimus is not sure if he is even awake, for his eyes are so scrunched and his face is so wrinkled, but as soon as the thought enters his mind the man exclaims "AH about time you showed up. No surprise the scout division is the last to arrive. Sign here. Doesn't matter if you are who they say you are. You won't win anyway." Darrimus seems suprised by his statements, but says "Thanks for waiting for me and I appreciate all the effort that you guys do to have this tournament." The man smirks and says "You have some manners for such a wild scout. Good luck. Surprise me with a win, and I might win big on the gambles. Now sign here and head out the back here. You can get your dueling equipment in the tent behind me."
Darrimus signs the sheet and exits into the back. When he walks in he notices three other men around his age. He assumes these are going to be the competitors.
Darrimus decides to walk with a slight limp of his left leg to give the impression he is slower than he seems.
Darrimus says through gritted teeth at first, "My sincerest apologies the delay boys. Had an Owlbear decide it wanted to be my first bout of the day. Anyway, have I missed anything?"
Deception: 23
4 1412
"My lord" the man with short blonde hair, approximately 6', well cleaned and seemingly well dressed says "This is the best the scouts have to offer? I have heard stories but these said excuses for soldiers
As you limp across the room, you see a chair with a box next to it labeled "Scout Division". You open up the box to see a leather outfit with a label on it and a rapier.
Darrimus plops down on the chair and puts on his leather with a grunt.
Darrimus laughs, "Haha oh god no! I am not a solider so yes by your standards I am sure I would be a poor excuse! I am way over qualified for that."
Darrimus then says seriously, "By the way I have always been curious. How much does it cost to bribe your way into the City Guard or Officer's club? It's a shame that you can't buy actual talent wouldn't you agree? I didn't get your name, sir?"
The blonde male says "I am Armond Stanton, and you best watch your tone and remember that I will be a officer one day and unlike your little pea brain, I won't forget your insolence and disrespect."
The other two males in the room look at you with disbelief in what just transpired.
Unidentified man 1 is a big, muscle built man about 6' with short black hair.
Unidentified man number 2 is a relatively standard fit human about 5'10''. His hair is a bit longer and is brown.
Darrimus smirks and satirically salutes back at Armond Stanton, "Well I would normally be afraid but I doubt you will be in the same area I am in. Since I will be in an area where there will be actual fighting. Anyway, I digress."
Darrimus looks to the big muscle man, "My word! With muscles that large I would think you were a half-orc. By the gods, I hope I do not draw your name. I bet you could show Officer Stanton over here a thing or two. They probably wouldn't even make him an officer after that embarrassing fight. Do you think they will let us watch while we aren't fighting? Ugh.. I am getting too excited here. What's your name big man?"
The big muscle man turns around and says "I, I, I-m, aaa" before Armond interrupts him and says "Please don't make Gunther Garland try to talk. I expect him to beat you senseless in the first round. Although I will admit, me having to fight Gunther in the last round will be entertaining for the crowd. And before you ask, Pierre Verner doesn't talk to people he doesn't like so don't even bother."
Darrimus says accusingly to Stanton, "Whoa, whoa, there, sir! As you said you are not an officer yet and therefore Gunther can speak for himself. Figures, stereotypical Officer neglecting and abusing the common man."
Darrimus looks directly at Gunther, "Figures right? They always try to keep us down just because we don't have fancy titles or names. I am pleased to meet you Sir Gunther Garland! I have to say, if I was to be beaten senseless it would be an honor to fall against such a worthy opponent as yourself. No matter what the future holds I am sure you are destined for great things! Whatever you do, don't let this foolish future Officer Stanley(incorrect on purpose) bribe you into letting him win the final round."
Persuasion: 13
Darrimus then turns back to Stanton making sure Gunther can hear clearly, "Speaking of bribes, is that what you did to make sure you don't face Gunther first as it seems you have arranged for us? You know it's just disrespectful and outright sad to take advantage of someone who trusts you. Instead of letting this great warrior(Darrimus motions to Gunther) have a fair chance you set him up to fail? That's not leadership that's manipulation."
Darrimus then turns to Pierre, "I am happy to make your acquaintance as well Pierre Verner. I am sorry that judgement has already been cast upon me before my arrival. Since I will be facing Gunther, I assume you will have the pleasure of facing this over confident Officer Stanley first? If you do not wish to speak I will assume Officer Stanley has paid you off as well. Unfortunately, gold will not save him from the shadows. Actually let me make sure my equipment has not been tampered with."
Darrimus will then remain seated and inspect his Rapier to ensure it has not been sabotaged.
Investigation: 11
Gunther smiles at Darrimus and says "Thank yo-" but before he can finish Stanton interrupts again and says "I am not sure if you are an idiot or just pretending to be one. The dueling tournament has been the same for over 20 years. The Officers always duels the City Guard and the Army always duels the Scouts and as is tradition, the final round will be the Army brute versus the Officers tact. And as is tradition, the officers will emerge victorious. Now I am through with you and your mouth. I hope you don't get hit in the head. There isn't much left up there." Stanton grabs his rapier and leaves the tent.
Pierre smiles at you and says "It is always quite easy to get him riled up. Just a warning, his family is the second richest in Eastalia. If you don't watch your tongue he may try to have it removed." Pierre then grabs his rapier and follows Stanton out the room.
Darrimus looks down at his equipment and notices that while his rapier and leather armor is worn and not as nice as the two that left, it seems to be functional and of average quality.
Darrimus smirks until the others leave satisfied that he got under Stanton's skin.
Darrimus rises and limps over to Gunther. "My apologies, for that fellows interruptions. You deserve better. Eastalia deserves better than officers like that. May the Platinum Dragon smile down upon you this day Gunther Garland. Shall we go change some traditions?"
Darrimus motions toward the tent flap. Under his sly smile Darrimus worries if he may have bit off more than he can chew.
Darrimus, equipped with only the provided leather armor and a rapier at his side exits the tent and finds two early teenage male attendants (probably volunteers wanting to future knights) waiting for him. "Darrimus" one says "come with me. I will take you to the dueling grounds." As they begin to walk away, Darrimus hears the other attendant ask Gunther the same question.
Darimus follows the attendant, and is brought to an entrance into a circular dirt arena of about 40 feet in diameter. A crowd of about 75 people is around in the bleachers sitting, with about 50 more standing. The crowd remains relatively undisturbed by you entering the ring. The attendant says "please stand inside the circle and the duel will commence shortly." As Darrimus waits inside the circle he see Gunther start to enter from the other side. As soon as Gunther enters the arena, a loud voice is heard saying "Ladies and gentlemen! It is that time to introduce the Army representative GUNTHER!" The crowd erupts in cheers and applause.
Gunther enters the ring, holding a rapier that is clearly too small for his hand. He looks quite uncomfortable but his large, bullish figure is as intimidating as ever.
OOC: If you would like to do anything before the duel starts please let me know.
Let it begin