The Westgate Campaign Chronicles - serial

[Carlo-One]

(As a monk of Kelemvor, it is at times personally and philosophically challenging to read this long-ago chronicle, especially when it includes such a chilling account of evil deeds. However I expect that is the true essence of the task that has been set before me, to recopy the volumes with my own thoughts added, in the process learning individual lessons and making my own judgments, as the Lord of the Dead must do with more weighty consequences. I still know nothing of what is to come in these pages, unlike my predecessor "R" whose generally more acerbic and pointed commentary indicates to me that he chose instead to read ahead and see how events played out before putting quill to paper. This prospect is occasionally tempting, but I believe it is important for me to assess the characters within the chronicle not only by the outcomes they achieve - once that is known, the mind cannot help but be colored by them - but by their intent and capabilities at the time. One can make what seems to be a reasonable decision based on the facts at hand, which in hindsight proves wrong or even disastrous. Even the gods do not know the future with certainty, although all of us know that Kelemvor's realm awaits us at the end of the path. What we choose to do with the knowledge we have, is what determines our character...and our fate. --C)

 

[Carlo-One]

Their business at the smithy done, Darrow said that he needed to stop by the barracks next. Lloria suggested they split up the coin from the hoard reward first, which Aerikoth confirmed would be 251 gold, split evenly between the five of them, with one gold piece left over. Dermot immediately said he would dice the wizard for it, although the ranger did not appear to be completely serious. The disappointingly small amount having been divided, Darrow headed for the barracks accompanied by the others for most of the way. Lloria was interested in stopping in the clan library while Dermot was more interested in a meal at the tavern, but since the barracks was nearby they all decided to stay with their dwarven companion.

Inside the barracks, Darrow’s brother Nurbir greeted him with a friendly blow to the shoulder, which Darrow happily returned. Nurbir declared that he would have to do better that evening, alluding to Darrow’s role as defender of the Prince at his upcoming coronation. Nurbir was also appreciative of the fact that Darrow’s companions would have his back, if needed. He expected that one of the “hotheads” in the clan would take up the challenge – a dwarf named Bunar, kind of a bully at school and a terror with his fists, if not so good with an axe. Darrow said he hoped Bunar would be the one, as he would be fun to take on. Nurbir was more cautious, observing that he knew his stuff in bare-knuckle brawling. In response to a question from Lloria, Nurbir informed the warrior priest that if Bunar won, the Prince’s claim to the throne would be negated; no one knew what would happen next. So his little brother had better win, declared Nurbir.

The dwarven warrior thought that their brother Andin actually had a good idea, which was to get Darrow some practice before the challenge. Darrow had never heard of "Moradin Fight Club", so Nurbir explained that if you had a cleric handy, you could fight in the barracks without anybody knowing. Andin had enough spells for three matches and could heal any bruises and cuts. Nurbir proposed that Darrow fight him in one round, and two of his companions in the remaining ones, with Darrow getting to pick the order. The rules were that no magic, armor or weapons would be allowed, just as in the challenge fight. Darrow responded with an exclamation of pleasure, saying with a wink he would have his revenge on Nurbir. The dwarven warrior went to get Andin, after pointing out the barracks chest where the sparring clothes were kept.

 

[Carlo-One]

Lloria, without bothering to ask whom Darrow would choose, immediately started to look through the clothes for something in her (large) size. Rosten put the question to the dwarf – pirate, crusader, ranger or wizard? – to which Aerikoth just as quickly declined. Rosten admitted that maybe the wizard would not be the best choice of sparring partner.

Darrow, referring to himself as “the bareknuckle champ of Starmantle” seemed not to be taking the upcoming fight quite as seriously as the others. Pressed to decide, however, the stout dwarf named Dermot as probably the one to give him the best run for his money; the ranger seemed up for it, rolling his neck and smacking his hand into his palm a couple of times in response. Darrow, thinking out loud, then said he supposed Rosten would be a more different fighter than Lloria for his final round, giving the dwarf more variety for practice.

The warrior priest, left out of the lineup, leaned against a nearby column in the barracks watching while the others got into their “fight club” outfits. She indicated she could jump in later, depending if Darrow wanted another practice bout, but did not want to strain the available hearling resources. Unlike the dwarf, she was starting to get an ominous feeling about the supposed challenged later that night.

While taking off and stowing his equipment, Darrow shared his opinion that his brothers were making a big deal out of nothing – some hothead was going to take a swing at him after getting full of liquid courage, naught to be afraid of. Lloria still preferred to be fully prepared, as the gods alone knew what could happen, alluding to potential succession issues with the Prince and the fact that whoever killed Toran Goldfinder and the dwarven expedition was still out there. Even if there were no civil disturbance, there could still be an attack by an outsider. Dermot wondered aloud who was putting the challenger up to it, and Lloria speculated that maybe one of Toran’s underlings was seeking vengeance for his death, as the leader of this “hot head” faction. Darrow’s only response to Lloria’s concern was to continue chuckling, evidently not caring who his opponent would be. (It is once again clear that Darrow's true calling is as a fighter, not as a priest, for his reckless bravery evidently covers up the hole where wisdom should be. It has gotten him killed in the past, and will do so again in the future. Someone has to keep all those high-level clerics in business, I suppose. --R)

 

[Carlo-One]

Rosten while attempting to warm up for the sparring session pulled his groin, so the hin slowly limped back to the Clan Ironhelm guest quarters to take care of it. That left Dermot and substitute Lloria to join Darrow’s brother Nurbir in their impromptu “fight club” preparation for Darrow as Prince Dalgan’s designated coronation champion. Dermot eagerly warmed up as Darrow lounged in the barracks, saying they should wait for his brothers Andin and Nurbir to get back before starting.

Aerikoth, having recused himself from the bare-knuckle brawling, expressed interest in studying the gold dragon figurine they had been gifted as part of their dragon hoard share. Dermot paused his pre-fight routine, then rooted around in the pile of his stuff to find and pass it along to the wizard, who expressed his confidence in Darrow’s abilities to win the challenge. Meanwhile, Lloria made her way to an unclaimed barracks cot and started the complicated process of getting out of her armor and into the relatively skimpy fight gear. After some study, Aerikoth passed the figurine back to Dermot, stating that he sensed nothing magical about it, although he valued it at around six hundred gold and noted that it had the profile of a red dragon. The wizard considered that unsurprising, considering they thought a red dragon had last occupied the hoard site.

Nurbir and Andin walked in and were pleased to see the group looked ready to rumble. Dermot quipped that was their middle name: Helm’s “Ready” Shadows. Andin confirmed that he should have enough healing spells prepared for three rounds of fighting – as long as nobody actually cracked their heads open. Lloria, more seriously, said that comment reminded her that the priest from the Helm temple in Teziir had said to stop using the name Helm’s Shadows for their company; after the death of Brok-Tul, their former priest of Helm, the group no longer had a connection to them nor the right to use the name. Dermot sucked his teeth in response and admitted that the priest had a point, while Aerikoth declared he was never fond of the appellation. Darrow suggested “The Group Formerly Known as Helm’s Shadows” as their new name, which earned an exaggerated sigh from Dermot. Lloria said it should not be a big issue, they just needed to tell the mercenary guild and register a new name. The warrior priest then tongue-in-cheek suggested “The Flying Murderskulls” and expressed the hope they could actually get some flying horses, which earned a chuckle from Darrow.

Ignoring the companions’ banter, Nurbir prepared an improvised fight ring for the barracks, placing a torch down as a floor marker. Darrow, after some thought, had concluded that he would prefer to fight Dermot first, then Lloria, and save his brother for last. Durbir told Andin the acolyte to stand out of the way over by Aerikoth, then explained the rules for a formal clan leadership challenge fight. Their father, as chief of the guards, would preside over any match, should it occur that night. Any single person could claim the right of a fight challenge, prior to the coronation's completion – but that also meant only one person could do it, ruling out the prospect of a series of challengers; both Dermot and Lloria appreciated the wisdom of the rules point. The Prince would then either have to fight himself, or his champion would. According to High Priest Iskar, who checked the archives, the bearer of the legendary axe Haelgrim would fulfill that role. It had been a moot point before Darrow’s recovery of the axe in the Deep Delve, but was now relevant.

Dermot expressed concern that it would look weak for the new King if he didn’t fight himself. Nurbir conceded it might, but also noted that the Prince had been sick for a while and wasn’t really a fighter type to begin with; the dwarf thought it would be worse for him to fight and lose. Dermot observed that would not stop someone from calling the Prince out, which Nurbir agreed with, and why Darrow would get the job as champion. Nurbir was not sure if people were aware of the champion’s role, given that it had been so long since there was one for the clan, which made a challenge of the weaker-looking Prince more likely. However, his father, Iskar and the Prince weren’t stupid and had planned for it.

Returning to the actual fight preparation, Nurbir gestured at the torch on the floor and explained that for a challenge they would mark off a section of the main hall with braziers in four corners as the boundary of the fight area. In the barracks, they would use the three pillars and the torch as the boundary markers. If one of the fighters went past a marker, they would lose. If both did it, whoever broke the line first lost. Nurbir cautioned Darrow to watch out for rushing and other tactics designed to do that, as the challenger would not necessarily have to beat him standing toe-to-toe. Darrow thought that was weak, drawing a chuckle from his older brother and an admonishment to just use his brain for a change. That was about it for the rules, Nurbir indicated, as the last dwarf standing otherwise won.

 

[Carlo-One]

Preparations complete, Nurbir gave himself the role of referee for the first two practice bouts and signaled for Darrow and Dermot to begin the first fight. Darrow hit hard straight out of the gate, while Dermot initially flailed after a missed knockdown attempt. Darrow missed with his own knockdown tries, then the two settled into more of a rhythm of jabs and retreats, although the weight of Darrow’s fists favored the dwarf with each exchange. The ranger used his expertise in defensive fighting to try and dodge the incoming blows, but without much success as Darrow kept relentlessly pounding. Whenever the dwarf tried a fancier attack it failed, but he was able to shrug off attempts from Dermot to knock him off his feet. Darrow landed a final combination that laid Dermot on the ground, his head falling past the boundary marker. Nurbir declared Darrow the winner and called Andin over to provide divine healing to the battered ranger, who staggered over to a nearby cot while groaning and clutching his head.

In response to a question from Darrow, Nurbir clarified that in the real challenge fight both participants would be inspected beforehand to check for any potions or other illegal magical items – although the fighting outfits didn’t hide much, he noted. Before the next fight, Nurbir went over how the previous one had gone, first asking Darrow what he’d learned from it. Darrow replied that he hadn’t been knocked down or pushed outside the ring, so thought that if he can get his opponent to stand toe to toe, he should be fine. Nurbir in turn pointed out that Dermot didn’t move around much or use different angles of attack, while getting himself backed up against the boundary. Nurbir termed it a good fight, but observed that Dermot was no brawler, which the ranger acknowledged.

For the next fight against Lloria, who towered over the dwarves, Nurbir noted that she had some reach and might move better. Before stepping into the fighting area, Lloria did a few quick stretches. Once it was time to start, she advanced towards Darrow, adopting more of a grappling stance as she faced her opponent. Her first throw attempt worked and she dropped Darrow to the ground, getting several follow-on hits in before the dwarf could shrug it off and get back in a proper fighting stance. Darrow’s next punches were weaker than usual, but then the dwarf started getting his rhythm and was able to neutralize further attempts to knock him off his balance. He struck quickly to knock Lloria down and his follow-up blows equalized their conditions. The dwarf managed to land a critical hit and generally do more damage with each strike, although the tall warrior priest got in some good blows in return. Eventually Lloria was knocked out and Andin was called over again for more healing. Darrow apologized, saying he didn’t mean to hit her that hard at the end.

Dermot commented to Darrow that he just soaked up the punches and whaled back at his opponent. In response, Darrow rhetorically asked if there was more to do, also noting that he hadn’t even gotten mad yet. Lloria observed that Darrow’s defense was good, but someone with formal training and more speed might catch him out. Nurbir noted that Lloria had got Darrow with her first blow, but he got up and gave it back. Lloria was critiqued for also not using different angles, though. With that, Nurbir started changing into his fighting clothes for the final round.

 

[Carlo-One]

Nurbir grinned at Darrow, evidently relishing the chance to fight his younger brother. Darrow evidently returned the sentiment, saying it was going to be fun revenge for that time Nurbir served him “ale” in a chamberpot. While Nurbir finished donning his outfit, Lloria groaned a little and made her way back to her pile of stuff to start changing again. She took her time, evidently still a little winded from the loss.

Although Nurbir was quick off the mark as soon as he called for the fight to start, Darrow was lightning fast and his first strike hit his brother unerringly, visibly staggering him with the force of the blow. Shaken, Nurbir absorbed a few follow-up blows before rallying and getting back into the fight. Nurbir managed to twist out of the path of a knockdown attempt, but then walked into another massive fist.

This time, however, Nurbir kept jabbing and the brothers each landed a flurry of blows. Nurbir deftly moved around the fighting area, drawing Darrow after him. Dermot blinked in astonishment at their furious exchange, which was capped off by another smashing blow from Darrow. Nurbir stubbornly stayed upright and inside the markers, however, shrugging off another attempt to sweep him off his feet. The two warriors traded another extended series of blows which saw Nurbir fall to the ground but then struggle back up and continue. Finally, after getting knocked down again, Nurbir got up slowly and called an end to the fight, telling his little brother that he had gotten stronger since he left the citadel.

The veteran guard then turned towards their acolyte brother Andin and asked what he had seen. Andin confirmed that Darrow had gone outside the boundary one time, while Nurbir was deliberately drawing him to the chase and Darrow missed contact. Darrow acknowledged the mistake – which would have cost him the fight if it were a real challenge – and noted he would have to keep to the middle. Nurbir then waved Andin over, saying he could use some healing. Darrow slipped on his ring of regeneration again, watching Andin cast two spells to undo the damage to Nurbir.

After Lloria exchanged some comments about the fight with Dermot, she asked a question – at the risk of sounding rude – about whether if the Prince were sickly and not a good fighter, if they were sure he should be king. Nurbir responded that Lloria wasn’t rude, just ignorant. The last king only had one son, so no other children to contest the crown. Nurbir called the Prince a good leader, honorable and wise; the strength of your arms was not what it took to rule the clan, which is what Darrow and he stood for. However, he admitted that what Lloria just said was what the clan hotheads thought.

Once everyone was back in their normal gear, Nurbir and Andin excused themselves, saying they should get back to their duties so they would not be missed. Nurbir urged Darrow to talk with his friends and plan his strategy, since they were unlikely to meet again before the coronation ceremony. Lloria had another question about who the “hot head” faction favored, but Nurbir just shrugged and said he didn’t think they had thought about it, beyond opposing the Prince. The two dwarves then departed the barracks, congratulating themselves on another successful session of the Moradin Fight Club.

(The rich description of the sparring sessions could not help but make me recall similarly painful - yet educational - ones spent in the monastery's training hall. As was reflected in the account of the dwarven fight club, the ability to win a fight against a strong opponent is less about perfecting your own strikes, and more about becoming used to being hit and still able to continue the battle. Those who believe ultimate glory and skill can be demonstrated by repeatedly striking a training dummy in a spectacular fashion are quickly disabused of their worldview, once they have been punched in the face by someone who knows what they are doing. --C)

 

[Carlo-One]

Aerikoth, who had observed the fights with little comment, spoke up and reminded them of Yarran, a dwarf that an earlier iteration of their company had encountered, who belonged to the anti-Prince faction; the wizard evidently considered him their best potential source of information. Dermot admitted to having forgotten the guy’s name, but thought it might be worth cutting a deal with him.
Darrow unwisely asked about spells that could make a person talk, but Lloria’s disapproval of this use of charm magic – illegal in most civilized countries – ended that notion quickly. Darrow then suggested offering to buy him an ale and see how he behaved. Aerikoth recalled that Yarran had spoken admiringly of Darrow in the past, indeed considering him the “Redeemer” as the wielder of the legendary axe Haelgrim, and as someone who should take Prince Dalgan’s place.

The others agreed with Aerikoth’s plan, so headed for the clan tavern, where the wizard had last spotted him. The mage however declared he first wanted to pay a visit to the library and speak with Maximar. After arriving in the tavern area, Aerikoth sat down at a table with Dermot, and the two watched Darrow and Yarran have a conversation in dwarven over some Ironhelm ales. Lloria meanwhile had maneuvered herself to a separate table within earshot. The two dwarves eventually stood up and parted ways, then Darrow joined his companions and quietly filled them in.

He said he was able to confirm that the challenger at the coronation would be Bunar, whom Darrow remembered from growing up with him as a bully with a mean streak; according to Yarran, he was now a pretty good brawler. Lloria advised Darrow to try to use his grappling skills to make Bunar easier to beat. Darrow mentioned he had a few tricks left that he didn’t use on them in the practice fights, including Haela’s rage. Aerikoth reminded Darrow to remain in the arena boundaries, noting it would be unfortunate – as had occurred with Darrow’s brother – if he went out of bounds accidentally while chasing him. Darrow stubbornly insisted Nurbir went out first during the practice fight, but acknowledged the point, which was reinforced by Lloria.

 

[Carlo-One]

In response to a question from Lloria, Aerikoth characterized his trip to the clan library as uneventful, having spoken with librarian Maximar Thrax about a dwarven to common translation book. The wizard decided that it was well past due for him to learn the language, if their relationship with Clan Ironhelm were to continue. Aerikoth indicated that he had managed to convince Maximar to part with one of two tomes that taught their people to speak the common tongue of the surface, which Aerikoth would use for self-study and return in time.

Lloria nodded thoughtfully, commenting that dwarven was a difficult language for man to learn, as the sounds are harsh compared to the way humans speak common. Not all that unlike orcish or draconic, she asserted - earning an objection from Darrow to being compared with orcs, as he was sitting with his ale. Lloria further observed that it could be difficult to find a teacher, given that dwarves tended to be very insular, as she was sure they had all seen. As she finished her food, she made the point that they could keep an eye on any potential Underdark connection to the clan’s troubles, including the potential for any Drow, Duergar or Illithids to launch an invasion. The warrior priest then departed the common hall and made her way to the library.

In the evening, shortly before the coronation ceremony was due to start, the company gathered together in the guest quarters study. They reviewed what they had learning in the Moradin Fight Club practice sessions and from Yarran about the potential challenge fight, should Darrow have to exercise his role as Prince Dalgan’s champion. The likely challenger appeared to be Bunar, whom Darrow termed a bully and a blowhard from their previous acquaintance; he was not what Darrow would call a tactical thinker, however, and the dwarf said he was looking forward to the opportunity to right some wrongs.

Although the rest of the company would have no active role in the proceedings, both Dermot and Lloria thought it would be smart to keep on the lookout for anything unusual; Aerikoth agreed there was the possibility of something else occurring, if the challenge were used as a distraction. As they were discussing potential tactics, with Rosten bemoaning the fact he did not have his cutlass with him, Acolyte Andin arrived to make sure everyone was ready and explain what would occur at the ceremony, also telling Darrow on behalf of High Priest Iskar not to screw it up, which earned him a brotherly punch in the arm.

They would enter the audience hall together, which signified that Darrow’s companions – except for the dwarf-friend Aerikoth – were there as Darrow's bonded guests. Darrow wagged a finger at them and jokingly said there would be no stealing the silverware or table settings, which got a grunt from Dermot and an uneasy shift from foot to foot from Rosten. They would proceed up the center toward the throne. Darrow would continue all the way, the rest of them stopping where the crowd would be in front of it. Darrow would be recognized by Prince Dalgan as the bearer of Haelgrim, the legendary clan battleaxe, and be asked to stand by his side.

At that point the ceremony would start, with High Priest Iskar leading it and reciting the invocation for the clan. Andin advised Darrow to try not to fidget too much during that part. Iskar would end with a recitation of Prince Dalgan's family line. After that was done, would come the challenge part. Iskar afterwards would crown Dalgan – unless there were a challenge and Darrow lost it, in which case, Andin said, the hells would break loose. Darrow assured him there was nothing to worry about. Rosten asked if that would be the time for them to drink, but was informed that after the ceremony, everyone would retire to their quarters, to offer prayers and thanks to the new king; the actual celebration would be the following night. Andin mentioned that Iskar said this was done because some king in the distant past got drunk and killed in a fight after the coronation.

 

[Carlo-One]

As his companions broke into a babble of questions and advice, Aerikoth in his usual emotionless tone asked Andin if he could say something before they departed. The other talk died down after Andin acknowledged the wizard’s request. Glancing at everyone as he spoke, Aerikoth mentioned the uncertainty and tension of the night’s coming events, but emphasized how privileged they were to be in attendance from outside the clan. The dwarves had been without a king for over a year, something that did not occur often. The wizard counseled everyone to keep aware and take in what occurred.

Slightly breaking the serious atmosphere that had descended, Andin said that reminded him the ceremony would all be in dwarven. Darrow would have to stand by the prince, so could not translate, but Aerikoth shared that he had a spell that would allow him to understand. Andin thought that was very handy, as did Darrow. The acolyte of Moradin told Darrow that if it came to a fight to just follow instructions, with a chest handy for the clothes change and stowing his gear. That was all Andin could think of, beyond answering a few questions from Darrow about privacy – basically the dwarf would not have any, to show he was not attempting to hide something on his person. Aerikoth cleared his throat and offered to cast a second spell to help another of his companions comprehend the action. Aerikoth chose to use the spell on Dermot, who was a bit flustered with the experience. Andin departed, telling them to wait a couple minutes then come to the ceremony chamber as instructed.

The five adventurers departed the guest quarters as soon as the spellcasting was completed, with Darrow in the lead. Arriving at the audience hall, they received salutes from the dwarven defenders and Darrow moved forward towards the ceremonial dais, as the others hung back with the rest of the crowd. Prince Dalgan began speaking in dwarven, his voice hushing the rest of the room, as he addressed Darrow, who was evidently asked to come stand by the Prince’s left. Darrow’s father Boirin accordingly ceded his ceremonial place as the chief of the guards, with a grin at his son, who in turn could not help winking at his mother in the crowd. Dalgan spoke again and indicated the four adventurers standing together. Dermot raised a hand in acknowledgement while Rosten nodded shiftily, the hin visibly less sure of what was going on. Dalgan briefly switched to Common to welcome them to the clan halls, where they were honored to attend the ceremony.

High Priest Iskar then launched into a speech in dwarven, with Aerikoth, Dermot and Lloria evidently following it closely. Recognizing Darrow as the bearer of the clan’s legendary axe Haelgrim, Iskar turned to point out Darrow, who bowed humbly at the honor, then held the weapon aloft. Iskar informed the assembled crowd that the bearer of Haelgrim was considered to be the champion of the clan, according to their lore. He might thus answer any challenge that might be received. At this, some murmurs and surprised grumbling were heard amongst the crowd. Once that ceased, Iskar began chanting in a low, slow voice, invoking the protection of Moradin for the ceremony. After finishing, Iskar began another low, slow recitation, this time of a list of the king’s ancestral line; this seemed to go on interminably.

Finally Iskar spoke the name of Tagnar, Prince Dalgan’s father, and recognized Dalgan as the heir to the throne of Clan Ironhelm. In keeping with clan lore and custom, before Dalgan assumed the throne, the high priest declared he must ask if there were any challengers to his claim. Bunar, who had been one of those muttering earlier, stepped forward and shouted that he challenged the legitimacy of the claim, pumping his fist in the air for emphasis, saying that a weakling should not sit on the throne. He then asked if Dalgan would fight him, by clan custom. Darrow showed restraint at Bunar’s words and looked to Iskar for guidance. The high priest in turn addressed himself to Dalgan, saying that the Prince might choose to fight, or choose his champion. Dalgan in response calmly looked at Darrow and declared that he chose his champion to fight.

 

[Carlo-One]

Darrow declared that he would defend the honor of the Clan and the Prince, a choice validated by Iskar. This infuriated Bunar, who strode forward and shook his fist at Dalgan, voicing some choice insults on his weakness. Darrow got in one of his own about Bunar’s beard before the high priest intervened, officially recognizing Bunar’s challenge. Bunar managed to complement Darrow’s prowess as a warrior and insult the Prince again before Iskar cut him off. The high priest instructed them to prepare for fight by stripping off their gear and putting on the clothing from the chest behind the throne. Dalgan remained stony-faced throughout the exchange.

After some mutual trash talking, Darrow carefully placed Haelgrim by the Prince’s side and joined Bunar in changing into the prescribed fight clothes. Rosten excitedly shoved forward in the crowd for a better viewing spot, as the hin was having difficulty seeing the action from the back of the hall. With the challenger and champion now ready, Iskar announced that Boirin would oversee the challenge, as captain of the guard. In anticipation Bunar raised a fist to the crowd, while Darrow bowed to the Prince and then waved and shouted to his mom.

Boirin in his role as referee explained the rules for all to hear: the one who wins the fight is the one left standing. If a fighter is pushed beyond the boundaries of the four braziers which formed a rectangle in the hall, they will be disqualified and lose. Those were the only rules, he said, other than to cease fighting once your opponent is knocked down and cannot get up. Both Bunar and Darrow acknowledged the instructions, with some additional trash talking, before Iskar examined the combatants to ensure there was no magic or other items being used to cheat. Boirin then called the two fighters to the center of the hall and counted down to the start of the bout. Bunar reminded Darrow about the beat-downs he used to give, but the Prince’s champion just chuckled in response, cracking his knuckles.

As the match started, Bunar was the first to strike, as Darrow paused to scream a war-cry and enter a rage. Bunar landed a quick follow-up combination before Darrow finally answered with his fists. They then exchanged a pair of blows, with Darrow’s return coming twice as hard and staggering Bunar, to cheers from Rosten. Bunar’s next strike blindly missed and Darrow got in two more blows before the challenger recovered his stance. The two fighters stubbornly went toe-to-toe for an extended period, with Bunar resisting a knockdown attempt by Darrow. Darrow chose not to try anything fancy again, instead slugging it out and visibly hitting a little harder than his opponent. With one final punch, Darrow floored Bunar, who Boirin announced was alive but out cold. As Boirin officially declared him the victor, a battered Darrow let out a sigh of relief and held his hands up to the crowd, then bowed to High Priest Iskar and Prince Dalgan.

(There are many in the more "civilized" nations led by humans and elves who would condemn such a spectacle as barbaric. These same people have, throughout recorded history, instead often chosen their rulers by seeing who survived the latest round of poisonings or demon-summoning rituals involving rival claimants. A straightforward trial by combat is something I find refreshing, plus there is normally an excellent public celebration afterwards. --R)