The Crucible (WoD)

[Judah Lesan]

Dathomir
Crucible
Gladiator Pits

The arena was full. Spectators from all clans were in the stands. An arena which used the be the object of dark arts and make enslavement now served as the home for gladiatorial games of all kinds, even those to the death if the sponsors demanded it. Why were the stands full, because of one man. Yes, there were those who wanted to see the other games, but it was the main event which drew the crowd. Draven was the name many chanted as he had done for so long what had not happened in a long time. The male Dathomiri would challenge the gauntlet and gain his freedom.

While slavery was outlawed, Draven had been bread for this. His father owed a debt which could not be paid, and a son was demanded of him. Strength was a bonus for the young Jai. His mother had been a nightsister, or so he was told. She died in childbirth, though, as the stroy went, he was claimed by the clan and raised by all. He hunted for them at a young age, but this was where he was destined to be. Today he would earn his freedom, or die trying.

"You're foolish you know that, Draven," a sultry voice crooned from behind him. "Very few ever live past the third wave."

Draven did not turn. His blue eyes stayed fixed ahead, focusing on the rusty, red, stone which made the wall in front of him.

"Foolish? That will be determined. History is always told from the perspective of the victor," he responded plainly.

The woman took a sharp look of displeasure at the comment. Her distaste for the way he treated her evident to any who looked on. For a moment the thought crossed her mind to slap him hard, but the claws which were worn on her fingers would have drawn blood, and she could not have her prize warrior damaged. His features were appealing to the women of Dathomir after all, and that fact alone put wealth in her pockets.

"You had best hope you die in that arena today, Draven. Your betrayal to us is one which will not be forgiven, or so easily forgotten. A fate much worse than death awaits you should you actually accomplish the impossible. To think we wasted so much time with you, took you through our rights of passage. The ink imbedded into your skin will always serve as a reminder to where you came from and whom you truly belong to."

She spat on the ground as she left. Draven smirked. Eyes finally closed as his mind was solely focused on the task at hand. He would dress in his armor soon enough, but for now there were several events to see. Draven would watch none of them. Instead, he would simply sit where he was. Freedom was his only aim today, and he would have it.

 

[Samara Raine]

Samara had made the trip from the land of misty falls to where the gladiator pits were. LIke most witches, she wanted to be entertained, but more so the young Allyan had wanted to see the prize fighter all were talking about clan to clan. The male Dathomiri was said to be one of the finest gladiators of all time… that was left to be seen, though if what was said of him was to be true, this [member="Draven"] would be one fine catch to be had.

Climbing the coliseum steps the blonde witch, dressed in traditional Dathomiri female clothing, took a seat up top with her wolf companion laying down protectively at her booted feet. The two were never far apart. Topan was endeared to Samara and her to him as members of the Mistly Falls Clan.

 

[Judah Lesan]

The crowds had been changing his name all afternoon. Every battle was just one which stood between the people and what they came to see. The gauntlet was not something anyone ever challenged lightly. Even the best of fighters failed to survive. Should Draven defeat it, he would among a small select few who accomplished it.

He now stood in the entrance gate awaiting his name to be announced. The excitement in the air was so thick it could be cut, and Draven hoped he would not disappoint. The famous wolf tattoo, which the nightsisters carved on him to rile up a certain clan, was clearly seen on his pectoral muscle. In truth, Draven was wolf like in his methods. The man would tear through the enemies he faced.

"Now for the moment you've all been waiting for. Today's main event will answer the question of freedom for Draven, the Wolf. Shall his freedom come by death, or by victory? The stage is set for him to take on the gauntlet."

Stepping out into the arena, Draven looked across the crowd. His eyes fell to one woman in particular who had arrived alone, seemed to be content with it. Their eyes met briefly before Draven moved on. The first obstacle presented itself. A wave of six men all challenging him. This would be six on one, and Draven would win. Six lives fell by his sword as he maneuvered through them carefully. Doing as he had been instructed, Draven kept them in line and managed to take one opponent at a time. All of them suffered the same death as their heads were relieved from their bodies. Draven now covered in crimson stood to face the next challenge.

[member="Samara Raine"]

 

[Samara Raine]

Finally the main event was to start. Samara craned her neck to get a good view of the gladiator that was called "The Wolf" as he waited at the entrance. She knew of the reasoning behind his tattoos that were prominently display upon his strapping chest and left arm. Yes, the Nightsisters, who enslaved him, were taunting her own clan, Mistly Falls. For these Allyans, the wolf was sacred to them whether in symbolism or in the animal itself. If the man were to win his freedom by victory rather than death, there would be quite the fight over the male slave to be made into either a Jai or Nightbrother. The thought of having someone of his capabilities as an ally rather than an enemy had great appeal, not to mention he wasn't at all bad to look at...

That was the moment Samara realize she had been gawking at him. Well maybe she could blame it on the admiration of his tattoos since they had meaning with her clan. Their eyes met briefly and the blonde witch canted her head in a good luck gesture, then he moved on and stepped into the arena.

The crowd went wild, especially as it was to be six on one. Samara gave a healthy wolf call herself. Even Togan raised his head to seemingly watch the match with earnest attention. The slave warrior's opponents were strategically taken out one by one; their decapitated heads rolling away from the bloody trail left behind. It was gruesome and brutal, yet glorious no doubt.

Now to await the next challenge… To say Samara was both excited and nervous was an understatement for she knew only too well the degree of difficulty grew greatly with each new challenge level. It was meant to break even the strongest of the gladiators… only a few to this day had survived till the end.

[member="Draven"]

 

[Cassia Edric]

Cassia had traveled a great distance to see Dathomir, the famed land of the witches. She had heard many tales of the various clans that dwelled there, and curiosity had finally deemed a visit necessary. The young witch quickly learned that she looked quite out of place here, dressed in simple farm clothing and covered in dirt. She had only just arrived on the planet that day, having paid her way to a spacer, as she lacked a ship of her own. He’d made sure to set her down near an area that was heavily populated today, so she could hopefully make some connections and avoid wandering aimlessly for too long. The teen traveled light, carrying only the essentials: a leather rucksack, dagger, and a simple wooden staff that was enhanced with Durindfire crystals. While her staff was more for helping to concentrate her spells, she had also imbued it with the force, making it a decent defensive weapon.

Her blue eyes scanned the large crowds that were filing into the coliseum, and she decided to follow their lead. Cassia climbed the steps and looked in awe at the sheer number of people that filled the stands. Whatever event she had stumbled upon was certainly a crowd pleaser. She couldn’t help but stop and look from the point at the top of the stairs, but she was ushered out of the way by a flock of people. Cassia looked around; she was standing nearby a statuesque blonde woman and her wolf companion. She looked down towards the center of the action, just in time to see a man cutting through his opponents. There was an ample amount of bloodshed, and bodies lay strewn on the ground around [member="Draven"]. Cassia’s mouth fell open in a mix of shock and horror; these certainly were not images she was used to.

Having arrived too late to hear the announcements about this tournament, she had little idea what sort of event was taking place here. Especially being a young woman from off-world, and she was only beginning to scratch the surface when it came to the knowledge of the witches. Cassia inched closed to [member="Samara Raine"], it was evident that she was still clearly shaken by what she’d seen. “Excuse me…” Cassia interrupted quietly. “What is happening here?” She asked, looking up at the blonde woman for guidance.

 

[Samara Raine]

After the first round of the competition was over, Samara gave Togan a good scratching behind his ears, then poured some water from the bladder slung across her body and gave some of the clear liquid to the wolf in her cupped hand. When she looked up, a young brunette was standing nearby. From the woman's attire, [member="Cassia Edric"] was definitely an offworlder. She also was Force-Sensitive by the aura about her.

Samara tilled her head and smiled. "This arena is called the Crucible. Right now is the gladiator competition for the male slaves and is sponsored by the Nightsisters. Which ever maleling wins will get a chance to go through the Selection along with the Nightbrothers. Traditionally this is where only Nightsisters choose their mates and servants, but this year it is also open to Allyans as we are trying to work in good faith as Witches of Dathomir in rebuilding our world together. I guess we'll see just how well that works… The maleling who just finished the first obstacle is [member="Draven"], known as "The Wolf". He certainly is intriguing to watch," the blonde said with an appreciative grin, then patted the seat next to her.

"Come and sit with me to watch the next round…. I am Samara from the Misty Falls Clan, and this is my companion, Togan. He is gentle unless provoked. And who might you be and from where, if I may ask?"

 

[Cassia Edric]

Cassia was grateful for the explanation, and the fact that the woman seemed open and approachable. She had a bit of knowledge of the Nightsisters, due to her training with Lavania, but she knew little about their traditional practices. It seemed that she had a lot to learn about life on Dathomir, and perhaps Samara would play an instrumental part in her education. “I see.” Cassia answered simply, nodding to Samara. When she received an invitation to sit with Samara, Cassia smiled and had a seat. Her eyes shifted to the wolf by the woman's feet, and she blinked a few times… she’d never been so close to such a wild creature. She was very relieved to hear that he was gentle, and Cassia certainly had no reasons to provoke the beast.

“My name is Cassia.” She started, feeling a bit awkward. “I’m not part of a clan yet, I’m from Bestine.” Though, she didn’t expect Samara to know of her home world… it was mainly filled with ocean and rocks, nothing terribly noteworthy. “I have only recently discovered my roots here as an Allyan, I still have a lot to learn.” She said, offering a small smile. Her eyes shifted down to the arena again, though she tried not to dwell on the carnage left behind from the previous fight.

[member="Samara Raine"], [member="Draven"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

Draven was oblivious to the conversation happening around him. Even the voices chanting his name were drown out as background noise to the intense focus he had. His eyes were looking at the second gate, the second challenge. He did not know what to expect as every time this callenge was given it was different. After handling six men, what could be the next challenge to up the difficulty? On Dathomir there were many things.

The gate opened, and a vapor was released. From out of it came a large Dathomir Spider. They were quick, agile, deadly, and Draven was now facing it. The announcer's voice rang out from the PA system which was all over the seating area and arena floor.

"This next challenge faces off against a gift from the spider clan. Who will be victorious, the spider or the wolf?"

All eyes looked below as this was a serious challenge. There were not many who could surpass this, and given the size of the combatant, the odds were not in his favor. This did not matter to Draven. He knew his best bet was to keep moving, but toward the spider as he needed to make it react.

Rushing the beast, Draven waited to the last possible to slide under the beast and cut off the part of her which dispense the silk for her treacherous web. The beast roared in pain, and turned to swipe at Draven with her legs. Grabbing one of the legs, he cut it off, causing the spider to snap at him hoping to inject poison into his system. Now was the time to strike, stabbing into the open mouth while his other hand kept the jaw from clamping down. The struggle lasted for a couple of minutes, but in time the beast was dead, and the crowd was quiet in disbelief.

[member="Samara Raine"] [member="Cassia Edric"]

 

[Samara Raine]

[member="Draven"] [member="Cassia Edric"]

"It is nice to meet you, Cassia. I have only been off world once and that was to Elom to help the Iron Men and aid the people there. The witch clans of Dathomir are few after the civil war decimated our numbers. Both the Nightsisters and Allyans are now trying to rebuild our wonderful home back to it's previous glory, though hopefully in a more unified way. If you like, I could introduce you to my clan. We live in the southern mountains near the misty falls, hence our name," Samara offered, then her blue eyes were attracted back to the arena where the second challenge was just beginning.

"Oh my… That is a gaping spider. They live with the Nightsisters of the Spider Clan. This arachnoid is known to very vicious and deadly. Their sting is agonizingly painful. One should stay away from them, especially the large ones known as the hunters. They will cocoon you in their silky web, then take you back to their cave so the Queen can play with you until you die or are fed to the other spiders, which ever comes first. Though a precise arrow or blade inside it's mouth between the pinchers will kill one, that is if you dare to get that close as the stinger is within reach."

Samara clinched her fists and bit her lip as she watched "The Wolf" take on the next challenge. He seemed to be invincible moving swiftly and striking ferociously like his namesake. When the struggle at the end was over between spider and man, the blonde let out a breath she didn't know was holding in. Mara banged the end of her witch's staff on the stone flooring of the grandstand and called out the gladiator's name as the place erupted in both yells of triumph and boos of defeat depending which side you were for.

"Well this is getting very exciting," she grinned at her new friend while petting Togan excitedly.

 

[Cassia Edric]

Cassia listened to Samara’s words, and she nodded. It did seem that it would be most beneficial for the Nightsisters and the Allyans to work together. Perhaps this was one reason that Lavania had readily provided her with training, despite the fact that she was not a Nightsister. Cassia’s eyes lit up when she was invited to meet the Misty Falls Clan. “Thank you, I would like that very much.” She said eagerly. Cassia knew very little about her mother, but she understood that she had once lived on Dathomir. She thought that perhaps being accepted into a clan could give her an idea about how her mother lived.

Her attention was pulled back to Draven once the announcements came over the PA. Cassia cringed when she saw the large spider that was presented. She was thankful for Samara’s commentary on the fight, as she had little knowledge of the beasts that dwelled on Dathomir. By the sounds of it, any that fell to the gaping spider truly suffered an ill fate. The young witch did not envy the warrior, for he had quite the daunting task before him. However, just like the first task, Cassia watched as Draven seemed to make easy work of the spider. Once the spider had fallen, Cassia let out a long sigh of relief, as the crowed around her went wild.

“Yes, very exciting, indeed!” She agreed, clasping her hands together for a moment in anticipation of the next task. Though this was not the sort of spectator sport that she was used to, she had to admit that it was easy to get caught up in the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd. “How many tasks will he have to face?” she asked, turning back to Samara.

[member="Samara Raine"], [member="Draven"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

No one had seen how close of a call it had truly been. There was a scratch which ran from Draven's wrist up to his elbow on his right forearm. The skin had not been broken, nor did the wound bleed. Had it been more that a scratch Draven would have not made it past the third round, which no one was aware of because the announcer could not be heard over the noise of the crowd. His eyes looked on at the third gate wondering what would come out of it.

He watched as the gate opened, and immediately three Saurian Fliers shot out of the gate. Draven cursed as he did not have a ranged weapon near him. The closest energy bow was on the other side of the arena where he stood. There was not much cover between him and the fliers either. Draven went for the bow in a full on sprint only to be picked up by one of the fliers. Acting quickly, Draven pulled his knife and stabbed it in the leg. The beast shrieked in pain and dropped him onto his back. Quickly Draven was on his feet again and ran for the bow.

The Wolf made it in time to grab the bow and turn to kill the angry flier persuing him. With one dead there were two more to go, and they were now circling him, smelling the blood from where the first had dug into his flesh. A second flew close, followed quickly by the third. Draven fired, but but missed, only grazing the wing of one. It came to the ground and charged him. This is where Draven was best, the ground game. Rushing at the beast, he leaped in time to land on the back of it, and prodded it to fly. Guiding the beast, he flew for the other, and passing it by quickly lopped it's head off with a blade. Forcing the third to land, he wrapped his large arms around the neck, and snapped it.

Looking to his wound, Draven tore some of the cloth from the loin cloth he was wearing. Tying it on the wound directly, Draven knew he had to get the bleeding to stop, as the sound of his final challenge was greeting him from behind the gate. Everyone knew that roar, and everyone knew the most difficult task had been left for last.

[member="Samara Raine"] | [member="Cassia Edric"]

 

[Samara Raine]

[member="Cassia Edric"] @Draven

"This one, then a final third one, which will be the most challenging yet," Samara got out quickly before the crowd noise drowned her out.

When the Saurian Flyers came out, the young Allyan felt sorry for the slave as he wasn't set up to fight them, but then "The Wolf" surprised them all with his show of not only physical prowess but intellectual as well using his head to outsmart the winged reptavians. When Draven took to the air on the back of one, the spectators were forced to duck as the flyer's wings soared just overhead. Togan didn't like that and growled fiercely at the creature, then laid back down at his master's feet.

After Draven had defeated the final saurian by sheer brute force, the crowd went wild again, though that was hushed as the last challenge made its presence known…

"Oh this is going to be really good. If "The Wolf" beats this challenge, he definitely gets my vote to go on to the Selection," she grinned. Yeah there would be a fight for this man.

 

[Cassia Edric]

Cassia jumped with surprise as the Saurian Flyers were set upon Draven. She’d never laid eyes on creatures like this before; this was turning out to be a day of many firsts… and also a great way to learn the bestiary of Dathomir. The young witch had every confidence in the warrior’s skills, having seem him best the previous challenges, but these Saurian Flyers looked fierce. She hoped that he would be able to overcome them, as she knew she wasn’t ready to witness the man’s death. Though, once more Draven was able to defeat the challenge. However, as Samara had informed her, the final challenge was waiting in the wings. Cassia glanced at her blonde companion and she could see the excitement in her eyes.

“He’s wounded…” Cassia noted aloud, as she saw Draven utilizing scraps of fabric as a dressing. “I hope he makes it through this.” She said, her fists clenched in anticipation. Despite the rowdy crowd, Cassia couldn't help but feel a bit anxious.

[member="Samara Raine"], [member="Draven"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

Draven did not need to see, or hear, as he had the other challenges to know wait awaited him now. He scurried like a man desperate for his life to grab whatever weapons he could. His club would not be effecitve to kill the beast, the energy bow he had was not something he could use either. The thick hide of the beast would require something very sharp, and even at that the best way to kill it would be at the base of the neck. Draven looked afraid for the first time that day, and that was because he knew a Rancor was about to enter the pit. He would have to kill it quickly, beccause the longer this drew out, Draven's chances of living grew smaller.

The gate opened, and the roar of the giant beast was heard. A mother whose young had been take from her for the sole purpose of angering her for this fight. Her young would be raised well by those who cared for such beasts, but the mother, she was sent to kill Draven. He kept close to the wall, near the gate, and waited for the beast to have its back turned. Charging it, he handled the sword he had found and cut the achilies tendon of the left ankle. A massive roar was heard across the crucible. Loud boos filled the crowd as Draven landed the first blow.

A massive backhand hit Draven hard as there was nothing he could do to keep the hit from landing. He flew back, and hit his back agains the stone wall of the structure. Shaking it off, Draven had to continue. His heart was racing as the beast was kneeling. Now was his chance. Running up the downed leg and then back, Draven stood atop the shoulders of the beast, as it then attempted to stand. The severed tendon in the back of the left ankle provided enough pain the rancor crashed to the ground with Draven still on top. With the beast down, Draven drove the sword into the base of the neck, severing the spinal chord of the beast, killing it instantly.

Chants of his name broke out amongst the crowd as chaos among the females began to ensue. They wall wanted to know his intentions. He would voice them.

"I have earned the right to Selection," he shouted. "I shall be taught the magicks of the witches."

His eyes scanned the crowd. Draven was looking for one with in particular, the one with the wolf.

[member="Samara Raine"] | [member="Cassia Edric"]

 

[Samara Raine]

@Draven @Cassia Edric

"He is," Samara replied simply though there was a note of concern in her voice. The next task would be daunting even for a trained Nightbrother or Jai for that matter. She had faith in "The Wolf" that he would overcome this challenge as well. It was just something the blonde Allyan sensed of the man.

The whole time Draven fought the enraged female rancor, Samara was on the edge of her seat, fingers gripping tightly the long shaft of her witch's staff except for when the Dathomiri beast roared out in pain as hands came up to cover her ears; the noise was piercing and painful otherwise. Even Togan tried to do the same with his giant front paws.

Again, Samara didn't know she was holding her breath until the strapping maleling drove his sword into the back of the rancor's neck and killed it. And she too, like the rest of the witches present shouted his name from their lips with adoration and maybe even lust, then "The Wolf" called out his intentions bloodied and bruised, but very much alive and attracting attention from his statement. So much so that a few of the Nightsisters began fighting over him even before the Selection had started as this had just been the prelude to the official ritual the candidates eligible to become a Nightbrother occurred.

When Draven's eyes meet Samara's, she knew in that instant what he wanted, needed for her to do. It was unspoken yet loud in her mind so the young Allyan would do what she could to help him achieve it.

The blonde witch spoke to her wolf in paecian, then turned to Cassia. "You must trust me and go with Togan, that is if you still wish to be introduced to my clan. He will take you to the bend in the river. There I will meet you shortly after I finish my business here. Now travel like a leaf on the wind," she smiled reassuringly though with urgency, then bounded down the stadium steps and disappeared.

Chanting a spell to help conceal herself amongst the others fighting, and to pass unseen or undisturbed, the Allyan scout made her way quickly to the other side of the Crucible. There he was up close and personal, "The Wolf". His tattoos were wondrous as they covered his muscular defined physique that was covered in dirt, blood, and sweat, but that was not why she was there; to gawk at the still ruggedly handsome maleling. Samara made an actual wolf call to him hoping Draven would heed it and come to where she was standing near the gate in the shadows as there was just enough room to slip in and out. Time was of the essence if they were to get away unnoticed.

 

[Cassia Edric]

Cassia could hardly watch the final battle with the rancor, she’d seen one such beast up close, and she’d been frightened of it then… and it was docile. There was no way to imagine this fight without a sad ending for the warrior, so the young witch tried to keep her mind clear, and focused her eyes on her feet. It would be over soon, one way or the other. As she heard the piercing cry of the rancor, Cassia shut her eyes tight and didn’t open them again until she heard Draven speak out to the crowd. He was still alive, and would pass through to the selection. She let her eyes slide open and she breathed a great sigh of relief. Though, the energy of the stadium had shifted, and she couldn’t exactly pinpoint what was going to happen next.

Her gaze shifted when Samara spoke to her, providing instructions to follow Togan to the river. It seemed that it was important for her to be swift, and Cassia was not about to ignore instructions from her new friend. “Yes, I will see you there.” She said with a nod, and then watched as Samara disappeared into the crowd. Despite the pull of curiosity, she looked now to Samara’s wolf. Togan was now on his feet, and his eyes were cast back at her, expecting that she would follow. “Lead the way.” She said with a smile to Togan, only hoping that she would be able to keep up with him. With that, the pair was off, shifting deftly through the people on their way out.

[member="Samara Raine"], [member="Draven"]