The Northern Struggle, Qüreş

- In and About the City of Psophis, Morning

Preparations for Northern Wrestling had begun the moment the Joust had ended and the arena floor had cleared. Workers armed with shovels, timbers, and earth compactors had invaded. A traditional Qüreş pit was constructed, a circular depression with a raised rim to create a bow-like structure, seven and a half strides straight across and pounded flat. It was finished with a layer of hardened reddish soil that was hardened by fire and a black soot ring denoting the formal borders. Just another of the dozens of these wrestling pits that were scattered across Arcaadjia wherever people gathered. Where Joust had been an exotic display to the highlanders, Qüreş was a beloved local classic.

Prompting a bit of time in the morning to run the combatants through the game, as demonstrated by the Vožd himself. Two combatants, (either in the most minimal of leggings, girded loincloth, or nude) faced one another down and either tossed them from the pit or pinned them to earn their victory. No ear-pulling, cloth-grabbing, nipple-twisting or ear-biting. Strikes and kicks were penalized. With both parties oiled the match would last until one party won, or both parties agreed to a mutual loss. A straightforward game, but one that required much tact as the Vožd proved as he twisted a domesticated goat woman from the central ring with dizzying proficiency, despite her being a foot taller and almost twice his weight. Height and weight were useful, but not as much as leverage and stance.

Afterword the demonstration, the contestants were released to either practice or prepare in other ways, while Lampys personally delivered his dizzied partner to the medical tent. The event would begin at noon, though the stands had been packed since dawn as the locals were eager to watch, already picking favorites. Aside one boy (a lad called Kjuno) who'd memorized a hundred names to taunt the participants.

Duke Archibald's towering champion, only known as 'Ian' ventured back into the city after the demonstration to glut himself while he could, coincidentally in the path of the Marquise of Dragonbad and his champion. A tall soldier by the name of Seminar who, having seen his competitors, was already feeling rather defeated. His mood did not improve as the brick outhouse of an Arcashire champion put down a full leg of hog and a pitcher of tea like it was a bite of bread and mouthful of wine. But his outlook managed to drop even lower as Ian began preparing by 'working up a sweat' as he pulled a full wagon back in the direction of the arena. Alone. With the Marquise upon the wagon.

Outside the Arena, the encampment of Traitor-Lord's people was invaded by Rapsail's champion, who believed he needed to prove something. A broad dwarf who was almost as wide as he was tall, Gromrec Scorchedbraids marched after Gristletooth's champion and humbly requested to 'lift.' Gristletooth's champion, the ursid known as 'Hide-Render', granted his request with some confusion. Not realizing what had been asked until the dwarf grabbed him by ankles and heaved, briefly lifting the broad bear-man into the air like he was a sign. Then relinquishing him. letting Hide-Render land on his feet. Despite that unusual introduction, Gromrec would accept Hide-Render's offer to warm up together. The dwarf eager to get himself ready while the ursid welcomed making a good impression. As well as getting a feel for his competition.

Nero would remain in the arena to do a simple enough warm-up and stretches, right beside Smith's small circle where the Adventuress was drilling her champion, called 'Yakshi.' A sly Felinid of dark skin and cruel teeth already unclad and stretching with unnatural dexterity. One of her fellows handed the Felinid a carrot, and noticing Nero was watching she ran her tongue along its length. Then bit it in half like it was a dry straw. He shuddered.

The more magically inclined participants briefly ventured into the tent of Filius, where the mage was performing his final checks on his freely given poultices, a studious druid overlooking the product that would, hypothetically, level the playing field for some. To which the druid made Filius slowly turn red as she made him explain ingredient details in simple terms, an agonizing process for the verbose wizard. Robin herself inspecting the mixtures all the while, as did Steerpike until the Maid arrived, asking if this 'attire' was really necessary. She was naked aside a lean strophium and subligaculum of frankly scant golden cloth and string that was somehow more shocking than total nudity. To which Filius pointed to the stunned nobles. Yes, it was completely necessary and she would thank him when she won herself the day.

The Mystery Rider, now clad only in a fine custom golden mask, and Tanaka in nothing would 'train.' Both already oiled before the demonstration. The two men were peak physical specimens with their presence packing the stands nearest to them, the crowd dominated by young women as the two lifted weights, stretched, and merrily tossed a discus between themselves.

With Brother Krooger still out of commission, the remaining Knights of the Pneumin Brotherhood drew straws over who was to participate, and Brother Glebzingr was selected. A heavy set man fond of beer and without a hair on his head, two of his brothers stripped him and 'trained' by throwing stones at him. Glebzingr was mercifully cushioned by his weight, such that he was not bothered when a stone bounced off his blubber.

Eventually the warning horn came, the lots were selected, and the first round of the Qüreş event began.

The first to enter the ring were Arcashire's Ian and the Carnival's Hide-Render. The former stripped down to his braies while Hide-Render needed to be briefly trimmed before he was oiled. The two entered, the Ursid bowed which puzzled Ian who just wished him good luck. Then the match began with the horn's call, the Plough-Horse of a human smashing into the Ursid, and in the first minutes almost forcing him of the ring out as the two grappled. Hide-Render was taken aback as the huge man engaged in an obscenely simple strategy, pushing him out of the ring by simply forcing himself forward. Twice he was shoved almost completely out of the circle, though he held out long enough that the tide turned, with a sudden under-arm grab almost letting him toss Ian upon his back. The young man redoubled but after that the fight had turned against him. Hide-Render turning his progress back on him until he got a full grasp on his legs and heaved, dropping Arcshire's huge champion just over the ring's edge. The crowd roared as the huge farmer boy sighed and rolled to his feet, the ursid putting a hand on his shoulder and offered him mead. Something young Ian gladly accepted.

The next match began swiftly as a professional Qüreş custodian re-dusted the arena in moments.

Allowing Tiberius' Nero in bright red breeches and Lady Smith's Yakshi clad in nothing but oil to take their positions. The match began, both wrestlers circled their stance low. Nero had watched her throughout her training, and was ready to deal with her pins and slippery motions. Or so he'd thought. When she pounced he was would have caught her, if her bones hadn't felt like they'd been made made of rubber. She took his grab and wrapped around him like putty. Immediately dropped both combatants into a heap. It was a short dirty match, Nero briefly managing to overturn his initial bad position, almost succeeding in dropping her in a pin. But he made the same mistake he'd made before, going for her arm and exposing his neck, which Yakshi's leg wrapped about and overturned him, flipping him to a pin on his back. Again, the crowd roared though laughing could be heard as the Felinid skipped out of the circle to her cheering fellows. Nero laid on his back for a few moments stunned. Until the broom of the custodian forced him to rise and exit, a small boy asking if he liked being a sitting cushion as he went.

Following came Robin Stormlily in practical grey chestwrap and girded loincloth, downing the potion of grounding and tossing the empty bottle to an arena attendant. Across from her, the Good Maid in a cloak she tossed aside, revealing the scandalous southern undergarb and eliciting as much noise from the crowd as prior victories. Though she ignored them, asking her opponent not to hold back. Robin nodded as the horn came. Immediately Robin skirted forward, getting a leg grab on the Maid who swayed as she was suddenly forced onto the backfoot, Robin realizing her only way to win would be an upturn that forced her not-quite-human opponent on her back or over the line. The Maid struggled at the opening, being pushed back slightly as Robin thrashed, trying to topple her before she could be pried off. Unfortunately the window closed fast, and the moment the Maid got a hand between the noble lady and her leg, she methodically pinned her and took the victory. The Maid did not seem particularly concerned with her victory as she picked up her defeated opponent in a princess carry, ferrying her to the bench where the stunned Nero was sitting on the Arena's edge.

As she did the next combatants entered the Qüreş circle, the tanned champion of Dragonbad Seminar in girdle and crotch-guard to the north, against the Black Knight Glebzingr in the south. Glebzingr had spent two minutes trying to fit the wrestling girdle on, giving up when the match was called and entering the circle with only a pot of oil, which he simply dumped over his head. He tossed the pot aside as the starting horn blew. Seminar rushed the Black Knight, and though he could not wholly wrap his arms about the fat man he began wobbling him. Much like how one would move a heavy barrel by rolling it at an angle. Glebzingr began the match on the back foot, and was only a few inches from the Arena's edge when he recovered, finally getting a grip on the Dragonbad champion and forcing him to his knees. Seminar rallied, briefly bringing the Knight down to his level. But time was not his friend. Glebzingr was simply too round for him to get a grip on him. The moment Glebzingr got one hand under Seminar's leg, and one about his arm he heaved him down, pinning him for the victory. Glebzingr hauled Seminar up and smacked him on the shoulder for a good struggle before he departed, Dragonbad's champion briefly waving to the crowd before he did the same.

They were followed by Lord Steerpike uncloaking himself in his plain breeches as the Mystery Rider wandered in across from him, glimmering in the noon sun with his golden mask and pale oiled form. The Earl sighed and shook his head as the match began. They circled, Steerpike eyeing his opponent for a sign of weakness as the enigmatic wrestler followed suite, arms held wide in a ready stance. The Earl went in, spying a momentary opportunity in his opponents gait, and he dived for the thigh grab. His gambit was flipped on its head as the Masked Wrestler's arms got him like a bear trap, turning them about towards the Arena's edge. Steerpike saw his intention and struggled violently to keep himself from being hauled any further, but the mystery wrestler did not relinquish him and he was briefly wheeled. Desperate the Earl tried to force himself apart, only allowing the enigma to completely lift him up of the ground and hurled him out of the ring. The crowd roared as the Earl stood, cursing his fortunes. The mystery wrestler himself took in the applause.

Next came Baron Tanaka, already oiled and eating up the crowd's attention, and across from him Raspail's Gromrec Scorchedbraids, his loincloth and beard already girded. The crowd was energized, commoners and nobles alike eager to see if the Godsiron Champion could pull out another upturn as the opening horn came. None could have predicted the massacre to follow. Tanaka dived and broadsided Gromrec who'd leapt ahead, the Baron getting an immediate torso grab and methodically swept the legs out from the Dwarf. Pinning him in just a minute. So much so, the crowd stunned for a moment before shouts and jeers came. Gromrec refused help in rising, growling and grumbling to himself as he stormed off. Tanaka shrugged and revelled in the victory he'd been denied in the prior event.

A recess was called between rounds as the Second-Chance bracket was raffled. Nero and the just bested Gromrec being granted an opportunity to take the event.

Above in the observation tower, the Duke-Elector de Barca coyly remarked to his host that what Qüreş lacked in subtlety it made up for in vigour.

The Hetman offered no dispute.

The next round began without delay, though the Earl's Drake certainly gave a good attempt. The beast awoke from its healing stupor and had limped into the empty section of the long Arena, sneaking up to one of the tents where Steerpike had been sitting and giving him a nasty shock when it pushed its head through the cloth wall.

With a very large additional spectator now present in the crowd, the second round of matches began.

Opening with Smith and Gristletooth's respective champions. Yakshi bouncing on her toes as she strutted in, Hide-Render lumbering forward over the line. The match began slow at first, Yakshi light on her feet as she kept her distance, Hide-Render almost a pillar in his lack of motion as he waited for the Felinid to make her move. Just as she tried to get behind his position he jolted into action, getting a hand about her arm. Beginning the death-spiral as the adventurer tried to free herself, but was unable to as she writhed, forcing Hide-Render into action. Her struggle all but sealing her fate he got a grasp on her opposite arm, prompting the Felinid to dig in, as she was pulled towards the wrestling pit's edge. She was hurled out after one last desperate attempt to grab on with her legs, the toss dropping her on her backside outside. She hissed as the crowd roared, the Felinid refusing a cloak as she strutted off toward the wine cart with little shame. Hide-Render stood there for a moment staring up at the wide blue sky before someone calling his name drew him. Gromrec beckoning him over to his allies as Lynntao beside whistled.

Next came Filius' Maid completely forgoing any intermediade garb, as Brother Glebzingr oiled himself up. The match began, the Maid and the Knight briefly staring at one another. The knight went for a waist grab, and she pulled back, his finger getting stuck between the strings of her garment and it quickly became apparent it was like a trap, the round knight shouting for a pause as he began bleeding. The Maid quickly disentangled him, forgiving what was technically an illegal move and any penalty to begin again. The match was restarted. A much more cautious Glebzingr beginning with a leg grab while the Maid held him at bay. Glebzingr wiggled like a beached carp desperate to try and make space, but the Maid gave him none as she got his upper arm, and after a long desperate attempt to make some ground she reached down and grabbed one of his ankles. Rather than going for the pin she suddenly hauled up the Black Knight like a startled deer and hurled him sideways, rolling him right out of the Arena and briefly through the air before landing in a heap. The crowd went wild as the Maid curtly checked on her defeated enemy, who admittedly sheepishly that was not the worst way to lose.

Following was a most anticipated match; between the Baron Tanaka on the north rim, and the Mystery Rider-turned-Wrestler on the south. They strutted into the wrestling pit as the horn sounded to begin, casually as neither man took a formal wrestlers stance. Tanaka offed a hand, which the enigmatic masked man took to shake. Then it began in full. Both men tossing themselves into a mass of oiled pale and tan muscle and limbs. Brief as it was spectacular, both men going for professional grabs. It quickly became apparent Tanaka had the upper hand, getting atop the Mystery Rider who struggled to dislodge him, managing to get one of Tanaka's ankles. Only for a moment though as the Slipper Baron wheeled the struggle to the circle's edge. Tanaka made a brazen play despite his edge in that moment, going for the Mystery Rider's Thighs to lift him completely off the ground, and he achieved it, successfully hurling the masked wrestler over the line. The Mystery Rider landed on his feet as the match was called, though ever magnanimous he congratulated the Baron, earning a deafening applause.

To follow was the Second Chance bracket, Gromrec Scorchedbraids walking back into the Qüreş circle before the former contenders had cleared out, while Nero slowly rose from the bench where he'd sat between Robin and Steerpike, briefly psyching himself up before he entered. He took a low stance, already seeing the Dwarf's charge. The match began with the horn, and for a second time that day Nero's correct estimate was undone by his opponent biology as the boulder of muscle and Beard ran him down, almost toppling him outright. He quickly recovered as a brutal match unfolded, both men struggling for their chance as they rolled around the ring. But Nero recovered, putting Gromrec on the back foot with an under-arm lock-grab. The dwarf writhed though, succeeding in loosening Nero's hold and almost managing to rush him over the ring line. But his inability to free himself from Nero's arm grab proved fatal when Nero got an arm around his barrel chest and heaved him down to a pin. The crowd erupted as Nero rolled off the dwarf, both men heaving and sweaty as they left the ring. Nero not satisfied perhaps, but determined. While the Godsiron dwarf had had his rage snuffed out, as he jogged off towards a certain menagerie's camp.

Another Recess was called before the semi-finals, just as brief as the one before it. Kjuuno finally being dragged out after shit-talking the size of the Gromrec's sausage.

Those defeated dispersed somewhat. Somewhat. Ian of Arcashire bringing Seminar of Dragonbad up to the stands to try liquor tea. Brother Glebzingr wandering off to join Brother Krooger in the medical tent, just to keep him company really. The rest remained on the Arena edge, watching aside one of particular contender.

Gromrec ran Hide-Render through the Maid's strengths and weaknesses as he drilled him on some positions that would help. Qüreş was closest to Dwarven wrestling in form, and he was eager to exploit his own knowledge in the hopes the Ursid would win the day.

The Maid herself did not pay him any mind, as she found herself occupied by several harpies from the Hetman's forces who were utterly captivated by her. As it turned out seven of the winged women could perch atop one of the Maid's extended arms.

Tanaka did not stray far, keeping to himself as he ran himself through a few more stretches and accepted a jug of water sent by his masked counterpart.

Across from him, Nero waited, watching his future opponents with a heavy brow and back damp with sweat.

The Semi-Finals began as the sky began to orange, the day dying a slow death thanks to cloudless skies and gentle warm wind.

Opening with a long anticipated match up between two giants. In both literal and metaphorical terms. The Maid in the northern end of the Ring, one last harpy flying off her shoulder as the huge woman cracked her knuckles. In the south Hide-Render let his new found Dwarven friend finish oiling his shoulders with a towel, standing and marching into the circle. Silence fell over the arena. The horn came and the match began, to be the longest one that day lasting almost an hour. The Maid struck low but the ursid stuck lower, managing to get her about the waist and began pushing. He made an incredible first rush, almost ringing her before she redoubled, spitting steam as she drove him back, even landing an armpit grab that lifted the ursid off his feet, though he too redoubled, putting his leverage down to repeatedly drag her to the fighting pit's edge, only to be driven back. Back and forth. Back and forth. For the bulk of it Hide-Render dominated the match. It went on, six times the Maid was almost bested, but Hide-Render struggled to get the final edge that the Maid refused to give him. Then the tide turned as the Maid made a dramatic push, playing the game the Ursid had and driving him to the other side of the pit, making the bear-man roar, bellowing as his clawed feet left grooves in the packed dirt beneath them and his grip bit into the Maid's arms.

But it just wasn't enough as she got the final push Hide-Render had spent so long seeking.

He tumbled out of the circle as the long silenced crowd erupted, the Maid roaring herself, though only for a moment before she wiped her arms and went to get the ursid to his feet. A difficult task when Hide-Render seemed unable to rise, requiring two dwarves, three Arcaadjitte labourers, the maid and the ring custodian to pitch in. After which Gromrec and the Maid helped him out as the next competitors entered the ring.

Baron Haruto, freshly oiled and eager in the north. Nero, slow on his feet and fashionable disheveled in the south. The two eyed each other as the match began with the horn's cry. the Baron smirking as he stepped near to the ring's edge, and Nero did not press. The mariner would break the inertia, taking advantage of the Baron's initial circle when he was nearest to the Qüreş border. But the slippery serpent of a man expected the move and responded, briefly being pushed but doubleing back. For a moment Nero struggled, unable to get a grasp on his oponent while the Baron flexed. Waiting. In the midst of the mariner's push he half attempted a hip wrap-around, giving up to slow Nero's momentum. Then again, in the moment that Nero tried once more to use his full weight against the Baron, Tanaka pealed about, using the mariners own momentum against him to hurl Nero out of the ring.

The crowd erupted as Nero rolled, up onto his feet in a moment punching the air as he went.

Behind the Baron bowed in the four cardinal directions before exiting the himself.

Laying the stage for the Third-Place match up between Nero and Hide-Render. While the subsequent finals would be between the Maid and Tanaka.

Despite the rough state the Ursid wrestler had been in he gladly went forward to finish the events, accepting a tonic poultice from his cloaked ally to get him back to his feet to enter the ring. While Nero, still fired up from his defeat did the same.

The horn sounded and the match began, both opening with advanced grapples though Tiberius was the one to come out on top. Or rather, around the middle with Hide-Render unable to pry him off, letting him dicate the match. Nero also succeded in toppling the ursid, and keeping his early lead for a long while. But Hide-Render didn't break and prevent the pin, eventually stabalizing his position. Unable to fully pry Tiberius off, even as he continued working to roll him, back and forth the smaller mariner seized, rocking the bear man even as he managed to reach the centre of the ring. Twice he almost succeded in getting the pin. But then Nero made a critical error, giving up on his waist hold to move down to the Ursid's less stable thigh. That momentary divide was all Hide-Render needed, getting a solid upper arm grab and dropping his whole weight on Nero, burrying him in the pin for the victory.

It took a moment for Nero to escape as the exhaused Hide-Render struggled to get up himself. The spectators gave warm applause as Hide-Render raised his arms and bowed to his opponent before shambled out of the ring, followed by the Mariner who limped along after him.

Allowing the finalists to take to the Qüreş circle. In the North the triumphant Baron eager for his moment in the spotlight and his imminent victory. Glistening in the dusk that had settled over across the Arena, with an air of confidence that would befit a man in full enchanted plate armour. In the South the Maid, with her brow heavy as she stepped into the ring, adjusting her curious garb's strings and taking a low stance. Such that her knuckles were almost in the sand. Across the Baron stepped in, a loose stance that favoured his slippery serpent style and working around her weight.

The horn sounded and the match began.

Something... Very curious happened. The Baron pivoted left, going for the cirlce as the Maid jerked in the same direction. A gambit. He moved to slide past as he had done so many times before in a fashion that had worked very well up to this point. With opponents much heavier than he. But Tanaka erred.

Beneath his feet was not packed ground and sand but oiled flesh. In that moment of unsteadiness he looked up to see not a human face but one of huge white teeth, red scales, and glowing yellow eyes with a rapturous smile. Gone in an instant as the maid's huge hand wrapped around Tanaka's sculpted rear, foot kicking off to completely destabalize him. Using his initial momentum against him the Maid hurled Tanaka like a cannonball along his way, right out of the ring. It was shortest match of the day, ended as fast as it had begun. Tanaka rolling some distance away until he came to a stop, now covered in dust and wholly defeated. At least until the mystery wrestler pulled him to his feet. In the ring the Maid was treated to the roars of the crowd, enamoured by the giant woman who'd won the day. And for a moment she closed her eyes and smiled. She stayed only a single moment though, before exiting as gracefully as she'd come to check that her oponent was well.

The Maid had tied up Filius with Smith, Tanaka taking a position in the ranking beside Godsiron, while Gristletooth sat beside Tiberius in formal ranking.

Up in the observation tower, with Filius chuckling to himself as he took his pipe back from Lord Raspail, the Duke-Elector turned to the Vožd.

"As spectaculor as it was brief."

"Indeed." The Vožd nodded, rising to shout out the event to follow. "Next, HORSE ARCHERY!" The masses of Arcaadjia roared even loader as Lampys sat back down, while de Barca chukled.

"Are you making all this up as you go along?"

"Of course!"

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Pub: 28 Jun 2024 01:52 UTC

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