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Message: <blockquote data-quote="aartvb" data-source="post: 9531131" data-attributes="member: 7035557">Session 48 (16-10-2024): The Arena’s ChaosThe Pyrecat attacks Andrei. Andrei fights back, while Nikolai also attacks the Pyrecat.  Morthos sits in the skybox, calmly observing the scene. BenDER, too, watches the spectacle quietly for the time being. Ravarel checks on Luc and Ottavia. Aurelius, accustomed to the chaos of his home plane, steps into the hallway for reflection. Unfortunately, Zuna's player was absent, so Zuna spent the entire time watching with interest while eating chicken and caviar.The Pyrecat is attacked from all sides and doesn’t last long before dying.  Aurelius, struck by an idea, descends from the skybox into the arena and rushes to the Pyrecat.  Meanwhile, Andrei continues to carry Isobel away. Elanor tries to stop him with Hold Person, which succeeds after several attempts. Meanwhile, the three mages join the fray. The necromancer attacks Andrei, and Jaime the Weevil, revealed to be a druid, enters the arena in spider form to help fight. Father Balthazar summons eight wolves to attack Andrei.  Notably, Andrei's wounds keep healing after each attack.  Ravarel discovers that Luc and Ottavia are watching the fight but seem to have no stakes in it. He heads toward Elanor’s and the mages’ skybox.  BenDER, meanwhile, launches an attack on Nikolai, using both himself and his constructs. His dog also tries to attack but immediately falls apart from the drop from the skybox.  Ravarel decides it’s wiser to attack Andrei rather than Elanor and follows through.Aurelius reaches the Pyrecat, pulls a crystal from his pocket, places it in the Pyrecat’s mouth, and begins a ritual. The Pyrecat starts trembling, and its eyes reignite with fire. The crowd believes Aurelius is reviving the Pyrecat. In reality, he is stealing its soul to deliver it to his master. Once successful, Aurelius begins a sermon praising the Dawnbringer.  Morthos continues eating chips, observing.  Ravarel lowers a rope so people can climb in and out of the arena.  A one-on-one conflict ensues between BenDER and Ravarel. BenDER sides with Andrei, while Ravarel believes the rightful owner of Isobel is Elanor. Eventually, Ravarel even points his gun at BenDER.  The mages manage to kill Andrei von Recklinghausen. Interestingly, the arena mages immediately collect his body, something they don’t do with the others. Morthos finds this suspicious and goes down to investigate what they’re doing with the corpse.  Meanwhile, things go poorly for Elanor and her allies. Nikolai is killed by Andrei, and Elanor is tied up. The other mages cease fighting and retreat in defeat.  BenDER amplifies his voice and asks the arena audience what they want him to do with the slaver Elanor. The majority shouts, “Kill her!” This prompts Ravarel to change sides, deciding to oppose Elanor rather than support her.After the fight, BenDER explains that, as a robot, he is staunchly against slavery and was determined to prevent it at all costs. He admits he had no plan for what to do once the fight ended. Ravarel, on the other hand, finds Andrei a peculiar character. Andrei had beaten a necromancer with his bare hands, had struggled to explain his intentions for Isobel days ago, and had caused problems on the train. Ravarel also notes that his mission requires subtlety and remaining inconspicuous—something BenDER clearly ignored.  They confiscate Elanor’s spell focus, spell components, and jewelry, as well as Father Balthazar’s wallet and magical sickle.  After some interrogation, Elanor admits she intended to sell Isobel for the money. BenDER has heard enough and takes her to Lord Kulp to have her imprisoned.  Morthos speaks with the arena mages, who reveal their interest in Andrei stemmed from his regeneration ability. Andrei explains that his father created him, granting him the power to heal his wounds. Morthos mentions he has met Andrei’s father. Andrei shows mild interest, but Morthos brushes it off.  Isobel also appears, and Andrei is overjoyed to see her. He promises to protect her and take her far away from Elanor.  Aurelius climbs back up the rope. Ravarel and Aurelius interrogate Father Balthazar, the last mage in the skybox. When asked how much he was willing to pay for Isobel, Balthazar replies, “1 million, maybe even 1.5!” Ravarel then asks how much his own life is worth. After some negotiation, they settle on half a million gold pieces. A deal is struck. As they escort Balthazar out of the arena, they place a tracking bead on him in case he tries to escape.  Upon arriving at Lord Kulp, BenDER requests a cell for Elanor. None are available, but Lord Kulp assures him that Elanor will be handed over to the authorities.  BenDER and Morthos leave the arena as well.</blockquote>

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