Lia (Ranger9000)

[freeko]

Re: Lia (Ranger9000)

Grigor would replay to Lia and then head off about his business.

"All I know about the Bannock's is that they are a noble family by birth. The representatives of that family that were sent here for the tournament are very raw and simply lack any skill whatsoever. So not to be harsh, but you are likely on even footing with your opponent in this match.

Kohar and I will win very easily, as I said before I am more concerned about not killing their jouster than I am of anything really. Pulling your head away on impact is not only the sign of a coward, but dangerous as well. Hopefully I can knock him off his horse and knock him out as well quickly.

You should consider eating something and then calling it a night, Tomorrow will be a pretty fast moving day."

Lia found little reason not to listen to Grigor. As they said their goodbyes to each other, Lia would retire to her room for the night and sneak in a few fits and spurts of some forms while she was restless throughout the night. Eventually though, Lia was able to get herself to sleep amid her head spinning constantly over what to expect come tomorrow. It was her first match afterall, Lia did not want to embarrass herself or Grigor for that matter.

As Lia would awaken in the morning, she could tell something was happening. There was an unusually high level of noise outside of her room. Sounded like a crowded banquet hall or something of the like. Lia did not seem to be immediately needed for anything, though she certainly could go to investigate just what all was going on.

 

[Ranger9000]

Re: Lia (Ranger9000)

Heading to sleep was fine with Lia, the armour was quickly proving heavier then she expected. So she would take Sir Grigor's advice and go to sleep. She actually managed a fairly good rest, well she wouldn't really. Instead she ended up getting up more often then not doing some exercises to burn out some extra energy.

Morning would come eventually, and Lia would be greeted with alot action. The girl would be drawn to the sound, hoping to see just what was going on outside.

 

[freeko]

Re: Lia (Ranger9000)

Lia would awaken after burning out all her nervous energy though the night to quite a bustle. No sooner than she would open the door to her room, people would flock around her. It would seem the bookies and matchmakers alike were all trying to ask questions of her and try to get to know her a little better. Their motives were simple, try to evaluate Lia so that they can make the most money on the action she may bring when it was her turn to fight. Lia could engage them further if she desired. Certainly an opportunity was present to turn the tables on some of the bookies and get information on them as well. A give and take as it were.

Once done with the bookies, it was on to the next ring in this apparent circus. Lia would be sieged by a few maids and attendants concerned only with her appearance. Lia would have her hair done up along with a formal gown being made for her. Off to one side, she would see Kohar in the same predicament. Her hands rather wildly flinging about trying to keep the attendants away from her face. It was a sight to behold watching Kohar so deftly swat arms aside. Kohar was simply not a fan of all the pomp and circumstance this day would bring.

Grigor on the other hand was quite the frontman. At least on the outside it would look as if he was accepting of his fate as a noble knight and would play toward it. Everyone was seemingly drawn toward him, which would work out well for Kohar and Lia when they made their grand reappearance it would be all the more majestic.

Once the dresses were taken care of, it was off to the final ring of the circus. The parade of colors would be the functional opening event for the tournament. The trio would ride on horseback with their formalwear along with the rest of the noble families also formally dressed as well. The Bannock Family that they were to meet in the opening round was nowhere near them in the bustle of the parade. In fairness, they did not seem to be discernable within the masses of the parade at all.

Lia would notice the two groups to the left and right of her's though. An Amazon tribe from Preicyme, with all three competitors being sisters. Doris, Tia and Agnes Petros. Their methods of dress were.. basic. Simple white dresses that left little to the imagination. The other group to her left was a complete contrast as they were all dressed in very dark gray and black suits. Representatives of the Devaria Kingdom to the north, Artur, Sile, and Morys. Looking a little more closely, you would almost think Sile was female though the style of suit would make you think otherwise.

Once the parade of colors was through, it would be the opening match of the tournament that was up next. The town crier would announce the Bannock Family and Lia knew what that would mean. Grigor, Kohar and herself would be announced next. Irrespective of how she were to handle the affairs within the mansion, it was time for her to get ready for her first match.

 

[Ranger9000]

Re: Lia (Ranger9000)

Lia would indeed try to turn the tables on the bookies, seeing if she could get any more information about the Bannock girl she would be fighting, and also looking to see how much she could make on a bet on herself.

Once that was done she was bogged down in maids, people fitting her for clothing to wear during the function apparently. She bore them stoically, though she had to suppress a chuckle when she saw Kohar's reaction to them. Not that Lia liked the pomp any more then she seemed to, but she figured it would be bad form for her to act like the lady.

Finally they made it to the tournament itself, or atleast the opening ceremonies. She was certainly rather interested in the amazon delegation, she hadn't expected a group like that to be here.

Then came the tournament itself, and she heard the announcer calling out the Bannock's name, which meant they would be heading out shortly. As it was the girl stood ready, some nervousness still through her as she waited for her turn to start.

 

[freeko]

Re: Lia (Ranger9000)

Lia would give it as good as she got with her exchanges with the bookies. Asking all the right questions, it would seem that she was about equal with her upcoming opponent. Another relative novice, Diedre Bannock was not perceived to be any stronger than Lia. It would be likely an even money bet were Lia to wager on herself.

Lia would then simply weather the storm. First with the fitting of her formal gown, then the following cermonial parade, and now it would end with her preparations for her match. With Grigor and Kohar being called off onto their respective fields of battle, Lia was left mostly to her own devices. If there were ever a window to place a bet, now would be the opportune time. Were Lia to simply sit and watch, waiting for her turn to come, she could take in the spectacle of either the jousting or archery. Once the jousting match was completed, the serfs would clean out the area and call for Lia and Deidre.

 

[Ranger9000]

Re: Lia (Ranger9000)

Well, her odds were even, that fact kept her from betting on herself as the return wouldn't really be all that worth it. Instead he waited and watched as Kohar and Grigor went off to there respective events. She especially watched Grigor in the hopes of picking up something that might be useful later.

When it was eventually her turn, she would more or less rush off to get into positions. The girl eager to prove that she would be able to be useful and atleast put up something of a fight.

 

[freeko]

Re: Lia (Ranger9000)

Lia would pass on the betting in this round. Instead opting to try to watch the matches unfold in front of her. Kohar and Grigor would be led off in different directions so it was mostly impossible to have any way to watch the matches unfold at the same time.

The spectacle surrounding the jousting match was far more interesting than the match itself was. As the criers for each side would announce the combatants, their cries were simply drown out by the cheering. Almost all of which was directed toward Grigor.

Lia would conduct a quick investigation as to what exactly was going on. One of the bet collectors passing by would take the time to explain things to her, having recognized her from before.

"Each match consists of up to 5 passes. You score 3 points for hitting the opponent's Brechschild, 5 points for breaking your lance, and 10 for dismounting your opponent. The points are not cumulative, so you do not get 8 points for a hit that breaks the lance, nor do you score at all if your lance misses the Brechschild target. If the competitor cannot continue after being dismounted or otherwise decides to yield, then the match is immediately forfeit and a winner is declared.

Oh, just in case you were wondering what a Brechschild is, see the large piece of metal sticking out from their left shoulder? That is a Brechschild. The objective is to hit that part of the armor."

Armed now with the knowledge of what a jousting match entailed, Lia may be able to more properly discern what is going on during the match she was about to watch. It would be likely that another bet collector near the archery range would explain the rules there as well if Lia were to head over that way at any point during the competition.

With this all settled, Lia would be in for what was a very one sided affair. Grigor broke all 5 lances and dismounted his adversary twice for a score of 35. The Braddock boy who was his adversary for the match was only able to land 2 hits on Grigor with one of the lances breaking for a total score of 8. Grigor had clearly won the jousting match. As Lia went off to get her armor on for her match following the joust, word would make it back that Kohar had easily defeated the other Braddock brother at archery.

As Lia would head over to the staging area, Diedre was already there as well. If Lia would want to attempt adding a stipulation to the match, this could be the opportune moment to do so. Diedre, just as easily may approach Lia with a stipulation as well once she were to realize Lia's presence. As things stood now, Lia would be in a standard match against Diedre to 5 hits.

 

[Ranger9000]

Re: Lia (Ranger9000)

Lia did infact know what a Brechschild was, though she let the bookie explain it to her anyways as she was just supposed to be a peasant around here. Lia, having little interest in archery, would focus on watching Grigor's match. It wasn't really a match though, it was much to one sided for that. Then she heard that Kohar crushed her own opponent. So at the very least she didn't have to worry about the round resting on her shoulders.

Still she wasn't going to take this Diedre girl lightly! Lia very much wanted to win this match. As she was armouring up she saw the last Braddock, and she was wondering about adding something, but she figured with how new she was to all this she didn't want to get herself seriously in over her head or do something insulting. So instead she'd let the other fighter come to her if she wanted to add something to the fight.

 

[freeko]

Re: Lia (Ranger9000)

Knowing that the match as a whole was already decided, Lia would at least try to make sure she would show well now that she would be on the center stage alone against Deidre. As she could think of nothing while she had the initiative, Lia would simply head over to her equipment and start to suit up.

Deidre would finish suiting up, and it was clear she favored more heavy armor as it looked like the armor was about twice her size, and the weight would make things difficult for her to move around in as well Lia thought. As Deidre moved past Lia, all she would do was offer up a good luck and wait for her within the makeshift ring being formed. It would seem that nothing would be wagered between the two on their own in this match.

With the stage now set, the criers begin to announce their competitors. Deidre already being inside the ring of stones laid around in a circle, she was announced first. With Lia properly dressed and equipped, she was on her way toward the improvised stone combat pit.

"Member of the house of Grigor, Making her debut in the tournament.. LIA!"

The level of applause for either competitor was lukewarm at best. Maybe a win or two could improve her standing amongst the masses. Then again a few losses could improve the odds she would get from the bookies in her later round matches.

That all being said, Deidre was given a blue ribbon tied at the pommel of what looked to be a two handed sword. It was a katana for most intents and purposes, but far larger and required both hands to wield properly. Having at least some level of experience with the weapons back at the manor, Lia was able to surmise that Deidre was wielding a Zanbato.

There were three judges, two with flags colored blue or red and another that seemed to be the director. As the director summoned both to the center, he would draw a few small lines in the ground about 5 feet apart from each other.

"You know the rules, yes? Tow the line and lets get this going.

If Lia were confused as to what exactly this meant, Deidre made it obvious as she stood at one of the lines with her weapon at the ready. As she moved toward the other line, Lia would have a few seconds to think about just how she wanted to approach this match.

 

[Ranger9000]

Re: Lia (Ranger9000)

Lia looked at her competitions armour, and it quickly became obvious that she would have an advantage in speed and mobility this match. Though she had to make sure she managed strong hits if she wanted to be able to slow Deidre at all further.

Giving a good luck back to the other girl, Lia would head out into the arena, and be greeted by mild applause. It really wasn't all that unexpected, she hadn't gotten any reputation for herself after all. Wielding her own halberd she took up position on the line. She'd tried to keep distance from Deidre and use her better maneuverability to dart in and out of Deidre's range, which was about approximately the same as her own. Though she hoped she had some extra range with the spear end of her weapon that would let her poke away at Deidre and set up openings to use the axe head.

 

[freeko]

Re: Lia (Ranger9000)

Lia would think for a second about how to approach Deidre, and her thoughts were interrupted by the Director simply signaling for the match to begin.

Rolls:

Spoiler

Lia: 6 - 7 Deidre - Miss
Deidre: 8 - 5 Lia - Hit

Lia: 5 - 3 Deidre - Hit

Lia would continue to measure Deidre, as Deidre would do the same with Lia. Both feinting a few times to find their range. Lia would make the first real move to attack. Narrowly missing Deidre as she was able to parry Lia's blade away, two red flags immediately went up as Deidre's counter landed flush along the waist of Lia scoring a clean hit and a point.

The pair would reset back to their lines as a small level of applause was heard out of respect for the hit that was scored. Lia would score a hit almost immediately by just simply thrusting forward in a way that Deidre was unable to block or parry effectively. With the score tied 1-1, there was a level of excitement starting to build in the crowd.

Rolls:

Spoiler

Lia: 9 - 2 Deidre - Critical

Lia may well have found the weakness in Deidre's defenses and she would score another hit right away. Simply being able to act faster than Deidre was able to react, the white flags fly up again as Deidre was knocked to the ground. Now ahead 2-1 Lia could possibly start to make a show of things while Deidre was trying to right herself. Lia could simply go back to her line and wait for Deidre to continue the match as well.

Status:

Spoiler

Lia 2 - 1 Deidre

 

[Ranger9000]

Re: Lia (Ranger9000)

Lia wasn't one to brag, so when she managed to knock Deidre to the ground, she simply gave a cheered "Yes!" and then started to head back to her line. The girl could celebrate or showboat after she actually won anyways. She had wished she hadn't managed to take that one hit, but she still had the lead atleast.

Going back to her line, Lia would ready herself for the next round, she'd try to use the same tactics as before, hoping to take advantage of the weakspot in the other girls defenses she had just exploited.

 

[freeko]

Re: Lia (Ranger9000)

Simply opting to let out a small yell after the flags had been raised signalling her second clean hit, Lia would go back to her line as Deidre brought herself back up to her feet. The armor she was wearing had to be heavy so there was a level of energy that needed to be expended just to right herself after being knocked down. A few moments later the pair would be on their lines waiting for the director to restart the match.

Rolls:

Spoiler

Lia: 6 - 11 Deidre - Counter

Lia: 6 - 3 Deidre - Hit

Lia: 4 - 3 Deidre - Hit

Lia: 7 - 9 Deidre - Miss
Deidre: 6 - 10 Lia - Miss
Lia: 11 - 6 Deidre - Critical

Lia would get a little to overconfident thinking she could exploit the hole in Deidre's defenses that she had used to score her previous hits. Deidre had already made an adjustment and was able to predict Lia's attack. As Lia was left wide open, Deidre would slap Lia's ass with her Zanbato. Two red flags again were raised signalling the point going to Deidre.

As Deidre walked back to her line, Lia seemed to be a little embarrassed by the blow to her backside. However this would fuel her for the remainder of the fight as she simply outmaneuvered Deidre in every exchange. The white flags would be raised constantly as Lia would break the 2-2 tie and get the score to 4-2 within seconds. The decisive blow coming from Lia again knocking Deidre to the ground with a well placed attack after Deidre left an opening.

"Winner, Lia! 5-2"

Lia would be victorious in this match, the pair would bow to each other and then to the director. Afterward they shook hands and Deidre offered her congratulations. As she would return to the staging area, Lia would be greeted by Grigor. It was obvious that he was pleased by Lia's performance as he handed her a bag filled with Dram. 300 Dram to be exact.

"All you need is a little faith in yourself, you won this so this is your share."

It would seem Grigor himself had bet on Lia, and he would share the winnings with her. Maybe now with a little more money to play with, Lia would put some money down on the matches to follow. It would be two full days before the schedule had them competing again, though their bracket was very weak. Grigor and Kohar would be prohibitive favorites no matter who won the match later today.

If Lia wished, she would be escorted back to the manor. She could simply call it a day and rest. Maybe even train a little more if she so desired. As she was still a part of the tournament, there would be guards around her at all times and her travel was restricted somewhat to make sure she was safe from harm. If Lia were to stay she could maybe get in on a little betting action instead.

There would be 4 more matches remaining that Lia could bet on, allowing for up to 12 bets in total to be made. If she wanted to get more intricate with her bets and try to predict multiple winners, the rewards would multiply exponentially if she could get all of them correct while she would lose her whole bet if she was wrong on any of her predictions.

Status:

Spoiler

Lia wins 5-2, gain 300 Dram

 

[Ranger9000]

Re: Lia (Ranger9000)

Lia would shake Deidre's hand and give her a 'Good match' back. The girl being surprisingly alot friendly then Grigor had made her worry she might have been. Though she could have done without the being slapped on the ass part, but maybe it had just been the only place she could hit.

The girl was very surprised when Grigor showed up after the match and handed her a bag with more then 100 times the amount of money she had had to her name over the last few days, and now she definitely had enough to atleast do a bit of betting on her next match.

"Thank you sir. I promise not to waste it!"

After that she decided to stick around for the next few matches, trying to see what information she could get about the contenders first so that she could make some informed bets and hopefully turn this 300 into significantly more.

 

[freeko]

Re: Lia (Ranger9000)

Lia would receive the bonus money from Grigor and stick around to watch the remainder of the matches in the day. From what it seemed, none of the next two matches were of any real import. A few families that were simple filler were paraded out. The Turnstel's would face off against the Seli delegation in the next match.

Hoever Lia chose to watch it, it was a fairly exciting match as the Turnstel's won in jousting fairly handily but the Seli archer would be victorious barely making the hand to hand duel mean the match. The Turnstel fighter would win 5-3 securing the match.

About an hour would pass and the next two groups were summoned. The Skiva Province would face the Berife Alliance. Another match which was decided by the hand to hand combat, The Skiva Provice contingent would prove victorious winning in the jousting and hand to hand elements.

The next match would bring about a few familar faces as the Amazons of Precime were announced. Their opponents would be the Tapolvas family. Having stood next to the Amazons in the opening day parade ceremonies, Lia could sense their quality. As she caught wind of what the odds were, she felt that there was something wrong with the Amazons being a decided underdog.

(Every 3 gold bet would return 5 in winnings, totalling 8 won)

Lia would have a chance to jump at this if the desire hit her. Maybe the Amazons were just being disrespected, but Lia felt this was the possible chance to bet on something.

 

[Ranger9000]

Re: Lia (Ranger9000)

Lia watched the next fight eagerly, it was much more of a close match then her group and the Braddock's had been, but she couldn't tell if it was because the Turntsels were worse then Grigor and Kohar, or if their opponents were better then the Braddocks.

Either way she watched, and another match after that, and then the Amazons were called out, and were apparently the underdogs. She wondered why it was, but she needed to place a bet before the match started if she wanted in so she didn't really have time to ask around. Instead she decided to just bid safely. Only putting 90 of her coins down on the Amazons, and hoping for a win.

 

[freeko]

Re: Lia (Ranger9000)

Lia would watch a few matches and then see some familiar faces. Almost instantly recognizing the Amazons that she was standing next to at the opening ceremonies. Some chatter around made her feel like they were getting disrespected by the oddsmakers, and Lia would decide that placing 90 gold as a wager was a fair amount.

One of the wandering bookies would acknowledge her bet and it would be that she would receive winnings of 150 dram along with the 90 wagered were the Amazon's successful in defeating the Tapolvas family. So long as she kept the betting slip she received in exchange for the 90 dram given to the bookie. The bookie realizing that Lia was a novice in this venture at least told her where to go to exchange the slip for her winnings after the match was finished.

Lia would have a rooting interest in the match as she had wagered on the Amazons. And after a few minutes more, the match seemed ready to start. The colors being flown would signify the Amazons were yellow and the Tapolvas Family was a black/white mix.

The first pass saw the Amazon get the better of things, scoring a direct hit and breaking the lance. Her opponent only was able to hit but not solid enough for the lance to break. The second pass saw both score clean hits but neither lance broke.

Going into the third lance, The Amazon, which one of the three it was Lia did not presently know was ahead. A lead that would be extended through the fourth lance as the next two lances would provide the same result. The Amazon breaking her lance one more time from the impact. Being ahead by 4 points, all the Amazon needed to do was hit her target and keep herself from falling from her horse.

For good measure she won the fifth lance as well, breaking it. Meaning that the Amazon team had won the jousting, 21-15. As word would come from the archery range that Tia had won the archery, the Amazons would be victorious this round.

Lia could watch the final bout of the match, or simply head off to the bettors area to claim her prize for guessing the correct outcome of the match. With one more match left to go for the day, Lia would need to decide if it was best to simply turn in for the day or keep at it and see what she could win or lose on the final match to be contested that day.

 

[Ranger9000]

Re: Lia (Ranger9000)

Lia cheered a little bit at the Amazon's victory, she had guessed right. Though now she was curious as to why they had been the underdogs as they seemed to have won rather handily. Still, the girl wasn't about to complain, and immediately headed off to collect her winnings before she could forget to cash in.

Once she got her winnings, she'd head back for the night, she wasn't going to bet on the last match, so she might as well go and catch some rest before the next day.

 

[freeko]

Re: Lia (Ranger9000)

Lia would look on with excitement as she knew her bet had won. Making a mental note to see if she could either run into or arrange a meeting between herself and the Amazon trio. They should not have been the underdogs with how easily they won, maybe the oddsmakers just got it wrong?

As Lia collected her money, the original 90 bet along with the 150 won, she would simply call it a night. Not particularly interested in the final match, Lia would have a day of training ahead of her. Best to go into it as well rested as she could. The guards protecting the common areas would certainly discourage anyone or anything from attacking her, and there was no resistance to getting back in the manor. When she entered one of the bulter's would greet her.

"It would seem there was someone interested in meeting you, they left a message to go to the bar at 4pm tomorrow. They were a group of women, and pretty good looking at that. I do not think you should get yourself involved in things like that while you are still in the tournament."

Could it have been the Amazons who visited earlier in the day and left a message? By the sounds of it the butler thought this was some kind of brothel attempting to recruit Lia to work for them. No matter what it was, there was an arranged time and place to meet up. It would be up to Lia to send a response at some point. If she was not interested in the meet-up then the butler would send work back and there would be no meeting.

Lia would have a fairly mundane day tomorrow until that point where she would either go to or refuse to go to the meeting.

 

[Ranger9000]

Re: Lia (Ranger9000)

Lia was surprised that she had a message waiting for her back at the arena. She wasn't entirely sure why someone wanted to talk to her, but maybe it was the amazons? Or maybe it was as the butler thought and it was like a brothel looking to see if she would be up for work.

She wouldn't turn down the offer though, but she would tell Kohar or Grigor that she was going out for a bit to the bar that she had been told to meet at. This way atleast if things went south someone would know where she was last.

Then she'd get ready to go and see who wanted to meet her, the tanned girl hoping that it wasn't going to be like, someone out to kidnap her, or the Braddock's out for revenge.