38: The Oathtakers' Tournament, Part 1

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## Summary

The party returns to the palace on wyvernback after Damhir gets a distress signal from Nuur. They meet Jinna at the royal temple, where she informs them of her findings on Wrath and the fragments of Siffir, which she also thinks is responsible for the illness afflicting the boy in the districts. Meanwhile, Damhir is summoned by the Empress herself, and seriously guys i can't believe you didn't eavesdrop on this conversation like really

The next morning, Heyfa brings the group back their updated Ark tablet, now with unlimited texting and multimedia messaging. She also gives Cat a set of Artificer's Tools in the style of the palace Artificers' Guild. After breakfast, the gang reads the official announcement of the tournament format—four rounds of combat, where warriors compete to gain the right to swear fealty to the Empire and the Arkspring.

Tira receives her sponsor-laden plate armor; Luca, Mujie, and Cat barter for various items from yet another infuriating old man NPC; Bran scores a sweet axe from a blacksmith named Piya in exchange for possibly Yazan's undergarments and a handshake.

A few days later, the tournament begins. The party dispatches a group of robotic foes constructed for the tournament by Heyfa's team, followed by two elemental gladiator spirits conjured from another plane. The next round begins, and Saadi challenges Tira, de-facto leader of our plucky band of heroes, to a 1-on-1(+lizard) duel.

## Quotes

#### *EVERYONE'S FAVORITE HISTORY PROFESSOR:*

> “The poor baby… Dragons are fearsome creatures, but worthy of our respect, as well. I am glad you could save it. Perhaps there’s some hope for others afflicted by Wrath, as well…”
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> “I’ve looked into the sickness that befell the boy in the districts. Mr. Mujie, you said you found something terrible in K’nafay, did you not? Are you familiar with the tale of Balaayt’s first king? A man so powerful and so hungry that he became a weapon. The Godslayer, who killed Death herself. It took the six most powerful warriors in Balaayt and the vessels of each of the Gods to destroy him. His remains were scattered across the Farlands—fragments of the Fell King Siffir. But they never entered the Kkora Desert. I fear that has changed, now.”
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> “Wrath is a power born of the Fell King’s cruelty. It is what remains of the Godslayer weapon. If Ark is what brings life to the realm, Wrath is the power to destroy it. I believe that the sickness that befell the boy is one caused by Wrath.”
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> “Before the Second Ark War, when nations sought to harness the fragments of the Godslayer to wield against each other, there were reports of a similar illness in the Farlands. Perhaps Wrath can unleash some kind of power in people, but as far as I am concerned, it seems merely to search for a host to consume with darkness...”
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*—Jinna, at the temple*

#### *DO* WHAT *AGAIN?:*

> "I swore I wouldn't do this again..."
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*—Piya, referencing... something*

#### *LET THE GAMES BEGIN:*

> "Welcome, citizens of the Empire, and friends from near and far. Today marks the official beginning of a new dynasty. Representatives from all across the imperial territories have gathered today to usher us into this new age in the cherished tradition of our peoples.
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> I proudly present to you my candidates for the royal court. I have no doubts of their prowess as warriors, nor of the depth of their devotion to the Imperial banner. It is up to them to prove the same to you all.
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> Together, we will begin to rebuild this nation in a new image. The citizens of this Empire—all citizens—are long overdue an age of security and unity. That is my promise to you all. Today, we will forge an unbreakable bond in combat, and determine who is worthy to swear our peoples’ sacred Oath. May the Tournament begin.”
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*—The Reclaimer Empress, Mhiral*