City of IF

[Shady Stoat]

Huzzah for Mal-Fait! All that blood, all that gore, all that undead!

Wooo - I'm getting all tingly ;)

[Chinaren]

LOL!! :clap:

[Ingrothechundyer]

Nice job on the story :)

Who's left in the arena now?

[Chinaren]

If you go Here you can see a competitors list.

I will post the prelims and voting for round 2 as soon as I have figured out what I am going to do with it!! :D

[Sorrow_A]

Huzzah! Huzzah!

Just out of curiousity, if this is the first time we've done this Arena of Death thing, and it's a new arena, then where did the bodies come from when the necromancer raised the dead (twice)?

Unless we put a special layer of dirt in the Arena filled with dead bodies. I wouldn't put it past you though Chinaren.

[LordoftheNight]

woooooooonessssss

nice one mal-fait - ahem.

[Sorrow_A]

Just to clarify. Chinaren, you haven't been accepting bribes, have you? It seems suspicious that LOTN's character, who is obviously hated in all of IF, hasn't been assassinated yet. And if you haven't, then that's a good idea. :D

[Chinaren]

No, no bribes in this one, my GvEvM thread is for that!

I have a (rather simplistic) system of dice worked out, and roll for winner as well as who survives/injured/killed etc. Once I know the results I write the chapter. I will make a slightly more complex system up for Arena 2.

For the necromancer's undead, well it was a wand of Undead Summoning, hence there didn't need to be any bodies in the grounds, though there probably was! ;)

[D-Lotus]

Lets see the round 2 play offs now!

[LordoftheNight]

who says there hasn't been assassins after him - maybe he just killed them first

[Sorrow_A]

Ooo, I didn't think about that.

Hey, what if he's sleeping? I bet he has a proximity alarm or some such, though . . .

[LordoftheNight]

or maybe just really good elvish senses

maybe he has daemonic agreements and bargins

bartering away his soul for more power and protection

and im getting carried away here

[Chinaren]

<”and finally tonight Key, our beloved Mayor, was in a pickle when some wag hoisted his underwear up the City Hall flagpole. The Mayor was heard to say: ‘The *bleep* *bleep* *bleep* Smee *bleep* *bleep* *bleep* with a donkey *bleep* rubber hose *bleep* *bleep* *bleep*’ Ha ha. What a joker, our mayor eh? Please join us with our weekly news roundup at 10, but for now, over to Bob McBobsky in the Arena of Death…”>

<cuts to Bob in the studio…”>

“Welcome back fight fans! This is Bob McBobsky here, in the Arena of Death! Let’s just remind you all that we have four hard core nutters who have moved on into round two. The action will start soon, but first I will explain the rules…”

<turns to another camera angle>

“The four finalists will all enter the Arena together. The layout will remain the same, but with one key difference, there will be a number of chests scattered about the Arena. In some of these chests will be Arena Orbs. To win the coveted title of the First Ever Arena of Death a competitor must collect ten of these orbs. Of course, there are no rules as to how he or she collects the orbs, so if they were to take some from another competitor, then that’s just good luck for them!”

“I need to remind all finalists to submit their tactics for approval to the co-ordination department, and all spectators that betting should be completed before the finals commence. Finally, I want to remind all of you happy citizens of IF that BLOOD PARTY will be commencing in the near future, so you should keep a close eye on our shops in the marketplace!”

“This is Bob McBobsky, coming to you live from the ARENA OF DEATH! Stay tuned folks, the best is yet to come!”

<Fade to black>

[LordoftheNight]

ok then

sounds like ignoring the globes and killing everyone is the plan for this trick

[Chinaren]

<Deep voiced male voiceover while shots of the Arena games show.

“Blood! Gore! Mayhem and carnage! Swords and sorcery! We have seen it all in the ARENA OF DEATH! But more is to come! Let’s go to the Arena now for the stunning finals of ARENA OF DEATH! Here, as ever, are your hosts Bob and Bub…”

cuts to the now familiar faces of Bob and Bub. Bub is talking to Bob in a low voice…>

“…bitch has given me the clap…” <lights come up and both hurriedly turn to the camera>

“Welcome citizens of IF! This is Bub Bubbabub here, with my good friend Bob McBobsky, and here it is! The one you have all been waiting for! Finally, we are entering Endgame of the world’s first ever Arena of Death! You can cut the atmosphere here with a spoon, right Bob?”

“I think you mean knife, but I know what you mean Bub! The crowd is shouting and singing, and a few scuffles broke out earlier but it is all under control now. The militia has asked me to say that if anyone is caught with ale, they must share it with the officers.”

“…but back to the action in the Arena Bob. Our four finalists are in the portal rings as we speak. Remember, this round sees the familiar Arena layout, but with chests dotted around at random. In some of these chests are Arena ‘orbs’, who knows what is in the others? Who ever is the first to collect ten of these orbs, by whatever means they can think of, will win the championship!”

“It’s a game that offers several strategies Bub. There’s the starting siren! The competitors have just been ported into the game, let’s catch up with the action from our flying eyes on the Arena floor…”

“There is Bungo Kneecapper, just north of the bridge and right next to a chest!”

“I can see Rufus the mage not too far away, he is just north of the hut in the center of the arena. Remember, Rufus showed some pretty devastating moves in round 1, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was top of the hit list for the other players!”

“Oh yes, one to watch, and here is another one, the filthy Elf from OF has arrived just north of the rocks and just south of the wooded area. He is in plain sight of Rufus, and vice-versa!”

“Finally, I can see the Blademage, he has landed in the stream to the south of the bridge! Oooh, that’s going to annoy him! And Bungo has seen him land, I don’t know if the warrior has seen the hobbit though!”

“And look at the Orb-chests! There must be about 20 of them! There are three between Rufus and Mal-fat alone, with one of the bridge and several in the sandy zone near the Blademage.”

“It’s going to be an interesting fight Bub! What do you think the competitors are going to do?”

>>>>

Well? What do you will they do? The sponsors have PMd me their strategies already, but suggestions from the spectators are now welcome! Go go go!

[Sorrow_A]

Well, Bungo has a pretty good vantage point to start throwing some knives around, or rocks. The Blademage wouldn't like that.

Of course, Mister OF Elf already has some grudge against the halfling for beating him in the first match.

Rufus, from what I remember, thrashed Rathier completely (COMPLETELY) in the first round -- he's got some tricks up his sleeve. But a regular old FireBall won't get him anywhere, now -- time for some unorthodox ownage.

The Blademage might have a little trouble seeing his target . . . the dude's a bit short, and the Blademage is underwater, which could hamper a few things.

[Key]

Looks like Malfait and Rufus are going to tangle first, since they landed so close to each other. For Rufus, I'd say stick with what works - go with a fireball again. If I were Malfait, I'd try to close the distance quick before Rufus can cast, and be ready to jump out of the way of whatever he throws at me. Once Malfait closes, he's got the advantage.

[Chinaren]

“The Blademage is wading out of the stream Bob, he is heading for the chest near the Halfling.”

“Yes, I don’t think he has seen Bungo, who is crouching down behind it and is using his abilities to merge into the landscape.”

“Those little people Bob, I always said you couldn’t trust them, sneaky little bas…”

“Wait! Let’s see what happens here! The Blademage is approaching cautiously, he still hasn’t seen the hobbit, he is looking…Oh!”

“Yes indeed Bob, that has to hurt! Bungo Kneecapper has leapt out and pickaxed the Blademages’ kneecaps! I guess that name was really earned!”

“…but the Blademage isn’t helpless, even on the floor with blood streaming from his legs. He has lashed out with his big sword and given the hobbit a nasty cut along the shoulder. Bungo has had enough, he has run for cover into the wooden hut!”

“Meanwhile Rufus has leapt for cover himself, in the rocks, and Mal-Fatty is skulking around the hut, keeping close to the walls.”

“I can’t see clearly Bub, but I think the mage is busy casting some sort of spell. It doesn’t look like a fireball, but I don’t know what affect it has had.”

“Mal-Foot has seen him though, he is crouching low and zig-zagging towards the mage, wary of those fireballs!”

“…and here comes one now! Rufus has seen Mal-Fait and look at it go! A huge ball of fiery death heading for the Citizen of OF!”

“But look at him roll! The slippery elf has dodged the fireball with only peripheral burns!”

“And it has hit the wooden hut! The hut has just exploded in a HUGE ball of fire!”

“Oh my! Bungo Kneecapper was in there Bob! Rufus has just made some hobbit toast!”

“Meanwhile the Blademage has opened the first chest and has found two Arena Orbs! Eight more and he wins the competition!”

“Rufus has also seen a chest Bob, hidden away in the rocks. He is opening it… Oh! Booby trap! It’s a booby trap box!”

“Indeed, indeed Bub, Rufus simply wasn’t careful enough. Some sort of needle trap by the look of it, a classic chest trap!”

“Yes, they are often poisoned as well, and Rufus does seem to be staggering around somewhat.”

“Meanwhile the Blademage is dragging himself towards the bridge and the chest. I guess with his knees out of operation he is trying to get as many orbs as possible.”

“But Mal-Fart has seen him! He has decided to ignore Rufus for a moment and dispatch the Blademage. The Blademage has seen him!”

“He is trying to crawl away, no! No, now he is turning and he has thrown one of his blades! But the visitor from OF ducks and closes fast!”

<Bub winces> “Ohh, there goes the Blademage Bob! Nastily gutted by the gutter slime that is the Elf from OF! A nasty end for the brave Blademage who was down and practically defenseless, at the hands of a dirty foreigner!”

“That’s the way the skeleton crumbles Bub! Now, what is Rufus doing?”

“He is not looking well Bob, that needle must have been coated with something unpleasant for sure!”

“…and now here comes Mal-Fait, heading into the rocks to take care of his last opponent! He certainly seems to be having a lucky streak today!”

“Yes, I am sure there is a saying about scummy dogs getting all the luck Bob! Rufus is trying to climb up onto a rock, maybe to get a better view of the surroundings, but he is struggling.”

“Here is Mal-Fait, he has entered the area himself, carefully, he knows that the Mage is a dangerous opponent, but I guess he doesn’t know he is not at his best. There may be hope for the mage if only he can fight off the affects of the poison before Mal-Fait gets to him!”

“Oh no! No chance of that Bob! Mal-Frog has seen our brave hero from IF staggering around. He is pausing though; maybe he thinks it is some sort of trap.”

“He is looking around and… Oh he is going in! Rufus has seen him and appears to be trying to cast a spell, but the poison is confusing him. There is a lightning bolt, but it misses! It has hit a rock next to the dark Elf and showered him with shrapnel.”

“But it isn’t enough to stop him! He has closed and ooooh!” <Quick shot of Bub covering his hand with his eyes in the studio> “That was so uncalled for!”

“I agree Bub! There is simply no call for that sort of painful mutilation of an enemy in civilized society. Some things they do over there in OF are just plain sick!”

“Finally though, Mal-F**k has raises his sword and down it comes! Rufus has finally been put out of his misery, and the winner of the first ever Arena of Death is the tourist from OF!”

<Crowd boos>

“Yes, there won’t be much celebration here tonight Bub!”

<Cuts back to the studio. Bub turns to Whisper>

“So Whisper, your comments and thoughts on that match?”

“Oh Bub! Bub!”

“What is it Whisper?”

<Whisper leans over and whispers something to Bub>

“WHAT? You sure?”

“Yes Bub! I am with child!”

<Bub falls backwards off his seat and the camera cuts back to Bob>

“Well its congratulations all round today!” <puts his hand to his ear> “…and I have just heard that the Mayor himself is going to present the award to Mal-Fait. Let’s go over now to watch!”

<Camera cuts to the Mayor, dressed in his Mayoral robes in which various bottles of alcohol can be seen stuffed in the pockets. The Mayor takes a trophy and an envelope from two scantily clad maidens on either side of him and turns to the bloodied Mal-Fait. Camera zooms in on the mayor as he hands the Trophy to Mal-Fait and begins his speech :>

“As the Mayor of this illustrious city, let me thank all of the competitors, living and dead, for their efforts in this great competition. Now, we have in our midst a surprising winner - a competitor from our sister city with which we have an always-friendly rivalry, the City of OF.

Now I know there are some among you who might be a bit, put out, shall we say, by the fact that our City's greatest tournament was just won by what some call a "@#$%% nasty stinking foreigner.” But let's put all that behind us and be good hosts. We don't really know why he won. Maybe the other competitors all ignored him because they know that everyone from the City of OF is a wimp. Who knows?

The important thing is that Le Chevaliey Mal-Fait won fair and square. I'm hereby bestowing on him an official City of IF honor, as promised. I'm also granting him a special award of 200 fables in cash. Now ordinarily, if I were to give a large cash award like this, I would suggest that the recipient acquire some security to protect him from thieves and muggers and the like, which as we all know infest even the greatest of cities. However, in this case I'm sure that as Mal-Fait has just bested the greatest warriors in the City of IF, he would have no problem defending his 200 fables in cash against anyone who might be interested in a little extra money to have a good time this weekend.

Besides, the first priority of the City of IF security is to defend City of IF citizens. No, I think it's pretty clear that Le Chevaliey Mal-Fait will be all alone with the 200 fables which I am now putting in his pocket, but I'm sure that the citizens of IF will treat him well, or, if not, that he will be well able to defend himself. After all, we've got nothing to prove, do we, despite the fact that this upstart just beat our best heroes? We're bigger than that.

Congratulations, Mal-Fait, and good luck in your future life, however long that may be.”

<Key backs away and, encircling the two maiden’s waists, staggers off back to the mayoral box. Mal-Fait raises his trophy and shakes it at the crowd, who boo. He glares around, then, putting his money in his pouch, takes a sword out and marches off towards the Arena exit… Camera pans back to the studio, where Bob, Bub and Whisper and sat once again.>

“Well Bub, so ends the first every ARENA OF DEATH!”

“That’s right Bob! It has been a roller coaster ride of highs and lows that’s for sure!”

“Indeed it has Bub, and before we go let’s just pause a moment to remember the fallen, who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we could have a bit of entertainment for a few minutes.”

“Let’s not forget Chinaren Bob, for bringing us such a great show!”

“Indeed Bub, a selfless act by a selfless man. The least we could do to say thank-you is vote for him in the upcoming polls in Storygame of the Month, in the City Auditorium, his StoryGame of Good v Evil v money is long overdue for a win!”

“Sure thing Bob, and let’s not forget his new Story of a Picture, or SoaP competition in Experimental either, plus all the other stories which can be found in his sig!”

“So then, this is Bob, Bub and Whisper saying thank-you for watching, don’t forget to keep an eye out for Arena of Death 2 – Blood Party! Coming soon.”

“From us all – Goodbye for now, see you again soon!”

<Camera pans out as they all shake hands and hug, then cuts to various scenes of the Arena and then to a shot of Mal-Fait, outside the Arena, surrounded by angry citizens, wielding his sword trying to get through the crowd… It draws back into the sky, higher and higher until the Arena, then the city is lost in the clouds….

Fade to black.>

[Shady Stoat]

Boooo! Hssss!

I mean... well done Mal-Fait. Jolly well played, old sport! ;)

No, seriously, I don't mind who won the tournament. For me, the real stars were Bob and Bub. Well written, China! :cool:

[Smee]

Excellent stuff. :D

Quote: For me, the real stars were Bob and Bub

Indeed they were.

Well done Chinaren.

Only a shame my character Rufus came second. Nevermind. :)

Happy Writing. :)

[LordoftheNight]

wooness - victory

just a few things though

Quote: “Meanwhile Mal-Fait is dragging himself towards the bridge and the chest. I guess with his knees out of operation he is trying to get as many orbs as possible.”

“But Mal-Fart has seen him! He has decided to ignore Rufus for a moment and dispatch the Blademage. The Blademage has seen him!”

i think the first mal-fait was meant to be the blade mage as it was he who got kneecapped.

Quote: “I agree Bub! There is simply no call for that sort of painful mutilation of an enemy in civilized society. Some things they do over there in IF are just plain sick!”

surely thats meant to be the city of OF?

and once again - wooness. killing someone from behind is always much more fun

[Chinaren]

Thanks Lordy, fixed!

And congratulations! :D

[Ingrothechundyer]

Very nice ending.

[Chinaren]

Thanks Ingro.

I forgot to mention, Key actually wrote his speech, so credit to our beloved mayor for that part please!

I think Key should do something in humor!

[Sorrow_A unlogged]

Aaaaww, a nice happy ending for everyone!

Isn't this your first completed storygame? Congratulations.

Quick question. Are Bob, Bub and Whisper going to be in Arena 2, or are you going to have a new batch of cannon fodder--er, hosts?

[LordoftheNight]

keep them, keep them

jim and bob are mine though

[Chinaren]

Quote: Isn't this your first completed storygame? Congratulations.

Well so it is!! Woo! (Take a swig of beer to celebrate) :cheers:

For Bob/Bub, I don't know yet. I am torn. They are good characters I think, with a bit of history now, but new ones, or maybe just one, would give me some new stuff to work with.

(ponders as he rushes off to the W.C, as they like to call it here).

[Hyperion]

"Bloody hell. I hate losing Mirror Images. I'll be drained for DAYS!" *fades*