Champions

*Champions* is the title of the fourth episode of the eighth season of S.H.A.D.O.W. and the eighty eighth session of the entire game.

This session was played on January 31st, 2021

## Champions

### Writer

Jonny Christie, Matt Christie, Richie Maynard, Eric Rios

## Plot

Darrow and Banshee participate in the Golden Lion's competition.

## Synopsis

The crowd cheers the morning of the competitions. The announcers rile the crowd up as the overseer lays the rules down to the competitors. Up above is the people responsible for the competition, sitting center is the Golden Lion, a masked figure with and intimidating presence. The first match is between the frontrunner Doon the Orc-slayer and Gaboolaz the Crusher. Darrow is not happy that the best two fighters are going at it first. This sparks comments from some of the other competitors and while they’re distracted, the Loxodon sticks true to his name and crushes Doon in three swift punches. The second match starts right up and it’s between Sizzle, one of the snake men that traveled with Darrow, and “Khivo the Cutter” which is actually Banshee Black. It’s a longer match but Banshee is able to defeat the Yuan-Ti.

The crowd is going ballistic; Ale being tossed to the audience by a suited-up dwarf as the next match begins. Illdan Saeller fights the hooded man, the Throne-Ceased. He removes his hood to reveal that it is the dragon rider that was assumed dead, Bregand. Aurora recognizes him now and heads into the champions chambers to inform Banshee that she needs to leave and inform someone of this. She returns him his gear and he stows it in one of the locked chests. As the fight starts, Bregand catches the drow drinking a potion and forfeits, not wanting to fight a cheater. Illdan takes this opportunity to knock the man out. The other Champions are not pleased with the results, particularly Banshee. He offers the drow his hat, sending him into a shock as Darrow enters the arena under the title “the Phoenix”. His opponent is Nolnan Driftcatcher, a masochistic centaur. The fight is pretty well matched and they even get weapons dropped to them including a whip and a tower shield. It seems in favor of the Centaur but Darrow always pulls through and takes the victory.

Banshee was not impressed. Darrow warns him he will be as they pass each other and the next fight begins. Banshee has a bit more of a challenge against Gaboolaz but he is able to defeat the Loxodon with relative ease thanks to the sand clouds caused by the crusher’s heavy feet and falls. Darrow is awoken, having slept through the match for his match against the cheater, Illdan. Bregand stands next to Banshee, brandishing his lance. He tosses it into the arena and it slams into the back of Illdan’s head, skewering him and he dies instantly. Bregand leaves the coliseum, stating that he does not tolerate insincerity in a fight.

The finals are set. Darrow versus Banshee. Their chests of gear are placed on opposite sides of the arena. The two agree to trade boxes but they quickly realize the chests are magically locked. They duke it out for a few hits before the chests open. The crowd is so rowdy that it feels like the entire building is shaking. That is until they realize it actually is and the Scorpion queen emerges from the center of the battlefield, her children burrowing in the stands. All the armored people in the crowd prepare to protect the civilians, including the dwarf that reveals himself to be Bhalgus Tornhammer. The Golden Lion jumps down to help the finalists and removes his helmet to reveal it is none other than Grekkus and the group running the competition is the Pride. The battle is hectic but the three are able to eliminate the queen. Elsewhere, Aurora leaves an envelope on a stump. Another person lifts it up and begins to read it. Vargas.

## Cast

### Main

* Vargas de Orion Highstar
* Darrow Emberstorm
* Grekkus Raisir
* Aurora Lightblade
* Banshee Black

### Supporting

* Bose
* Sheeva Raisir
* Bregand
* Christophe Jallet

### Guest

* Lolth
* Sizzle
* Illdan Saeller
* Doon
* Nolnan Driftcatcher
* Gaboolaz
* Kilt
* Begga

## Trivia

* This session sees the return of numerous characters from previous seasons. Including Grekkus Raisir, Vargas de Orion Highstar, and Bhalgus Tornhammer among others.
* This session reveals that The Pride are willing to recruit anyone so long as they are willing to participate in their competitions.