Fantasy Arva: Tides of Darkness [IC] [Closed]

[Breadman]

"Well now. That was helpful." Waylond responded as the mandrill ran off somewhere. He turned to his squire "Come on then. Let's go see what's inside." He started to briskly walk towards the ruins. Pottrey on the other hand had a different response.

"Is that wise ser?" The squire piped up "Going alone in there?"

"I'm not alone. You're with me!" Waylond gave him a reassuring answer. It didn't seem to have worked "You are not confident in your skills to aid me?"

"Well, no. And you're still hurt from the fight ser." The squire began to rationalize and already he made a very good point. "And I believe the military monkey's should be listened to. He looks like a veteran and knows things around here better than anyone of us could possibly given we just came here. We should see if someone can lend a hand. Ser Arnas, Ser Cain or Lady Drokos or Lady Zakalla."

"Or anyone else of our companions." The knight added. "You made a very good case my squire, but let me ask you a question? Why did you suggest we get armor before anything else?"

"To quote you ser 'A knight is the most naked without armor' and to be frank, I doubted you would have done much different in the decision."

"Well well." Waylond smiled "You're growing sharper in wit my squire and are absolutely correct in your conclusion." The knight changed direction "Come then. To the healing baths. With any luck we will catch our group and ask for assistance."

 

[Viper Actual]

Following her dip in the waters Eirana felt more reinvigorated than ever. At this point she was more or less ignoring the others- they'd be stuck inside the city limits for a while or at least that's what she guessed. Slowly, in an almost elegant manner, she rose up from the water and grabbed hold of her half-drowned cloak to cover up her curvy and form-fitting gold and white armor. Whatever magic that empowered the waters must truly be blessed both physically and spiritually as Eirana found herself feeling a deep calm within herself.

It's almost as if I was healed in more ways than one.

With a smirk she glanced over her shoulders one by one.

Time to put that theory to the test.

Suddenly she dropped her cloak, sword and shield on the ground. As the metallic clanging ringed out across the nearby streets and homesteads Eirana closed her eyes and revealed her magical angelic wings. Unlike before they were now properly healed. A process that surely required at least one more week had been sped up in a matter of minutes.

Eirana looked at her left wing with a smirk. Remarkable.

Then, before anyone could react, the Elf hurled herself into the air and took flight. Unlike how she had looked during the fight at sea Eirana looked surprisingly graceful this time as she soared some meters above the ground while gliding between buildings of varying shapes and sizes. Anyone with keen eyes would notice that she was also smiling widely.

 

[joshuadim]

As Eirana took flight over and about the area, much to the shock and bewilderment of the monkeys as they hooted and hollered in a mix of amazement, fear, and annoyance as she flew above their heads, Waylond and Pottrey would rejoin the group proper at around the healing spring they were gathered around. Zakala and Arnas were rather confused as to what Cain meant by what he had meant regardin a 'hooded figure' and this so called Republic. The two looked to each other before returning their attention back to the half-elf: "How do we know we can trust whatever this person you say said?" Zakala asked with suspicion, "Maybe it's trying to lead us into a trap?"

Arnas shook his head as he tried to make sense of it. "Well obviously it was important enough to go out of its way to deliver such a message. Maybe we ought to keep it in mind for later should we ever get out of this place." He scratched his chin before speaking further, "In any case, we should still be careful regarding what we speak of here. Valentina did mention this Monkey King of ours is somewhat deranged." In the meantime, Hughin looked to Drokos as she gave her apology and was quiet for a few moments before sitting up. "Listen, I'm not angry. I know you were trying to help. But just next time... don't just brute force things, yeah?" he spoke in a rather calm tone as he looked towards Drokos as he slowly stood up and walked over to the springs, the demoness following suit shortly after just in time to overhear the conversation between Cain, Zakala, and Arnas.

"So what this figure said is we need to get out of here soon? Fine by me, because frankly I don't trust our 'gracious host' all that much." Hughin spoke in a lowered voice, looking about as if he expected to see someone spying on them. "If we get the chance, we're springing out of-" he then began to say before a large horn interrupted him, turning his attention towards the source of where it came from: the palace. Eirana would land next to the group shortly after in confusion as the horn had seemingly been bellowed out of nowhere.

"Come now, my good friends! The main spectacle has come!" Jirin would speak from behind the group as if he has appeared out of thin air, startling them as he held his arms spread apart in a joyous manner. "The food will be delightful, the drinks will be plentiful!" he spoke with a grin as he motioned his hands in a manner that indicated he wanted the group to move with him. Hughin played along as he gave a nod towards the Monkey King before returning his attention to the group, "You heard him. Let's enjoy ourselves." he said as he followed Jirin's lead back towards the palace, everyone else following suit. Passing through the throne room and further into the palace itself, bringing the group into rather uncharted territory as they went further into the palace before finally arriving at the spectator stands of a wide open arena, encircling a large area with the center being rather barren and dirt filled.

"We got the best seats in the house! Right up there." Jirin pointed up towards a rather large podium that was shaded and dressed with fine silks up above, and decorated with a large table to seat practically everyone as they observed what was to happen. Many monkeys were already entering the arena through various means to cheer on and holler from the many rows and columns of seats. This was clearly an arena used by whomever used to rule here prior to the Monkey King for one reason alone: bloodsports. But it was rather unclear as to who would be fighting as the group took their seats facing towards the pit. "I don't like this one bit." Zakala murmured to Sharad as things began to come together, the crowds deafening cheers and hollering overtaking the area as Jirin walked to the front of the podium and waved to the masses.

"My people! Today, we are gathered here in celebration!" he spoke, without bothering to speak in their own native tongue. Yet it seemed as though he didn't need to as the mob of monkeys in the arena cheered and hollered at his words nonetheless. "Today we will watch as our great champion, Mukla, shows his strength once again against our contestants!" The mere mention of this 'Mukla' figure whipped the crowd into a frenzy as they cheered louder than ever before, as if it was even possible. In the meantime, several plates of dishes were brought by some monkeys for the group to partake in, although these were rather... exotic. In a shot glass for everyone it seemed that there was a liquid similar to that of a hard ale, yet inside of it lay a singular small heart of a snake that still beat. For soup, there was a thick orange stew mixed with rice, and fried spider legs which was joined with a large roasted water buffalo at the very center of the table, the whole creature in fact, as its limbs were splayed about and its mouth holding a golden apple in it. Large knives were set near it for anyone to use to slice off a piece they wished to eat, and finally smaller plates of candied insects were brought about as a finishing dessert.

Hughin and Zakala were rather disgusted but most of what was brought before them, as it was so strange and unlike anything they were used to while Arnas was rather shocked at the cuisine given to them. His shock then turned to disgust as well as he struggled to not audibly gag and to not insult the Monkey King.

 

[Fauxs]

After being disturbed by the unruly entrance of the monkey king; before he could even respond to his allies, Cain could not help but agree to the both of them. Trusting a stranger is possibly dangerous and the same idea goes for the friendly yet domineering monkey king. Traveling a distance with no assurance is also a bad choice to pick as they have no assurance of their safety on the outside. In the end, it's all in the matter of the right intuition.

Cain couldn't help but overthink as they followed the monkey king out in to the streets and deep into the palace halls. As they got deeper in and saw the arena, Cain felt slightly nervous. He did not expect such an event to happen right after the group entered the city in which was quite odd and convenient towards a possible dangerous intent. He decided not to pay mind of their intentions as they appear to bring a kind gesture by serving food, however, it was not the edible kind.

 

[Breadman]

Waylond an Potrey had just reached the bathhouse when the monkey king came in and urged them to join in his feast. Not to be rude to their host, the knight and squire went along without too much questions. Despite the knight still needing some time in the waters. Maybe a dip after the feast.

The feast itself looked to be impressive. Despite the odd food and strange smells from somewhere, this looked to be very familiar. A noble king orchestrating a feast for his guests, a ridiculous amount of food and variety and a fight between a champion and challenger? Just add horses and this would be a regular jousting tournament. Maybe the monkeys do ride horses? Or maybe they ride something else? Do they even need to? Waylond pondered these questions while the squire looked at the food. The squire's complexion gave away his feeling for it. He poked and prodded at it, expecting it to explode or something worse. The knight simply looked to him for a few seconds before trying it himself. It wasn't bad. Quite good actually. But he was more interested in the fight rather than the food.

 

[Auda]

It looked like Aureal arrived at the healing waters at the right time. If what his companions said are correct, then a quick dip in the waters will do his body wonders. But alas, the Monkey King once again appeared out of nowhere and interrupted his plans. Covering up a sigh, he quickly followed the rest and the idea of a hearty meal quickly put his mood up.

The Elf didn't expect to be lead into a Colosseum when Jirin promised them a meal. He expected a more subdued place and the loud crowd was anything but that. The food was interesting to say the least. The glass with an innocently beating heart inside of it caught Aureal's attention first as he made a move to grab it and he continued to survey the table to look for more. The golden apple in the mouth of the buffalo caught his interest next. There were many legends surrounding a golden apple, and eternal youth or immortality is probably the most famous one. Aureal wondered if the tales have some truth in it as he reached out for the apple.

 

[Viper Actual]

Seated near Da'Vost, Eirana cleared her throat and glanced at the Fateseeker. "Surely this feast isn't a prelude to a looming battle. This 'Mukla' sounds dangerous..."

Her voice trailed off as she observed the food that was presented before them, alongside the very surroundings themselves. If the architecture outside had been impressive this area had double the effect. Though the Monkey King felt slightly forcing with his hospitality, or at least that's what Eirana thought.

She glanced over at Hughin. At least the company leader was showing his skepticism as well alongside disgust for the food in front of them.

 

[Dmaster]

Da'Vost had spent much of his time with Lanya in attempts to figure out ways they could begin their studies. Despite the location of this ancient city, the monkeys that resided here were quite civilized indeed. That would appear to be fortunate, which was a bit of a surprise given where circumstances had led them. Yet before he could get too far in his efforts of preparation, they had all been assembled for a feast on the behalf of their... gracious host. The Fateseeker was becoming suspicious of the Monkey King himself, certain interactions had left him questioning his motives.

He was sure to keep Lanya close as they sat down, the aged bird squinting at the odd delicacies placed before him. Surprisingly he made little hesitation as he pecked at what was in their glass, eating the beating heart without any hesitation. Quietly he assembled his plate, looking down at the arena that was meant to be their entertainment for the meal.

"You do not believe so?" Da'Vost asks to Eirana over the roar of the crowd, his head on a swivel as he looked about the arena. "It would seem our hosts fancy themselves violent competition as entertainment. Surprisingly barbaric given what we've seen from them thus far..!"

 

[joshuadim]

Lanya looked about as the group settled down for the event and was rather hungry as she chowed down on the soup with spider legs without much of a fuss. Seems as though she was used to strange foods, considering the odd cuisine of her kin as well. As the Monkey King looked about and saw that most were rather taken aback by the cuisine he chuckled: "At least the little water rodent appreciates the food." he said with a grin before noticing Aureal reach out for the golden apple. "Ah, the apple intrigues you? It's a dangerous proposition that one. It promises so much, but in the end takes more from you... at least, for mortal's anyway." Jirin spoke as he snatched the apple before holding it in front of the elf. "Are you willing to risk yourself a second time?" he asked before the horn blew once more to signal the gates of the arena opening, dragging his attention back down towards the event.

At first, a few pale elves were driven out into the open space of the arena to the jeers and disapproval of the crowd as Jirin walked to the front of the podium and raised his arms up. "Our first challengers to face Mukla, a few spies from our dear 'friends' up north!" he would announce to the crowd, whipping them up to a frenzy. One of the elves, a rather hardened one, looked up to where Jirin was and shook a fist. "I already told you, time and time again, we are NOT spies! We were patrolling our borders. If you kill us, you risk war-"

"Oh don't be such a downer, I won't have you killed! At worst it'll be some lacerations, maybe some broken bones! It'll serve as a warning to your leaders..." Jirin cut him off as he pointed towards the gate opposite of the elves in the arena, and as if on cue it began to rise in an ominous manner. The crowd chanted in unison as heavy footsteps could be heard from the darkness, and before long the silhouette of a massive figure could be seen approaching the area. The elves began to back off in fear as a massive armored gorilla appeared to the onslaught of cheers of the crowd. Towering well over the elves, Mukla beat his chest and gave off a fearsome roar to the delight of the observing crowd above. "Ho ho, he looks like he's in the mood for a fight!"

 

[Breadman]

"Are you sure that's wise your majesty?" Waylon observed the scene and he could feel this wasn't right. Pottrey felt like he was about to shrink. What was his knight doing exactly? "Surely the brutalization of prisoners would be viewed as much as provocation as outright killing them. A king who inspires fear in his foes through his own prowess rather than cruelty is to be commended by those who remember him, is it not?" Now the squire had an idea of what he was doing. Was he really appealing to the king's sense of honor? "And surely your champion and his fans deserve better than a few chained up elves to to really show what he's made of. He looks like he can tear a building with his bear hands, what possible test are these elves to him?"

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"I don't like this one bit."

Sharad nodded slowly as he kept an eye at his surroundings, still stuck in his mentality that something felt very off and he needed to find a quick way out in case things turn bad. Though at the very least, they could enjoy the bizarre feast and spectacle before them until they themselves most likely are tossed into the pit. Sharad stuffs small handfuls of fried spiders legs under his helmet as he edges up closer to the pit itself. He throws a few demeaning gestures at the elves as he feasts; and while Waylon voices his disagreement about throwing hapless captives towards the King's champion, Sharad instead prepares himself to revel in the carnage. Better them down there than him.

"And surely your champion and his fans deserve better than a few chained up elves to to really show what he's made of. He looks like he can tear a building with his bear hands, what possible test are these elves to him?"

"Who cares? They're just elves! It's a show! Let's enjoy it!" spits Sharad dismissively. Turning back to the pit, he throws a few fists in the air as he cheers at the champion. "KNOCK THEIR HEADS OFF! KNOCK THEIR HEADS OFF!!"

 

[Adobe]

Eidunn ambled behind her companions as they were lead forward by the monkey king. She took her seat at the table, grimacing at the food that was placed in front of them. The noise was something else, causing her to furrow her brow as the king spoke up. Drumming her fingers on the table, she quickly glanced around the table, gauging the rest of the companies reactions. Not good, start thinking ahead Eida. As Sharad stood up, she gave him a long hard glare before gently getting up. Carefully sliding one of the sharp knifes across the table. Replacing the blade she had lost, her eyes still darting around the stand. She looked over towards Arnas and Zakala, as she began to edge backwards away from the table.

 

[Dmaster]

Da'Vost looked down at the scene with a sad and exasperated look in his eyes, not approving of their entertainment one bit. Were those elves even armed? While two against one would be good odds in a standard combat scenario, this was far from it given the physical disparity between the two opponents. Even if these were enemy spies hoping to harm the monkey king's kingdom, this was extremely cruel and was bringing the monarch's supposed benevolence into question yet again.

His head darted to Sharad as he dismissed Waylond's valid concerns, wincing at the shouting before turning his head to the Monkey King. "I am afraid I must agree with Waylond. This sort of competition seems rather excessive... Even then there is hardly any entertainment to be had by witnessing such a one-sided fight." the Aervis stated. In truth he absolutely detested this as a form of entertainment in the first place, though it was slightly more forgivable if it was done willingly by the fighters. But this?

 

[Viper Actual]

"ENOUGH!"

As her voice echoed unnaturally throughout the arena Eirana looked at the Monkey King with a deep fire burning within. Her hands were gripping both sword and shield with her cloak seemingly having fallen to the ground, revealing her armor in full. "Slavery is not amusement. These Elves are prisoners of war and should, like any other prisoner, be treated with dignity. I will not watch as you send my kind unarmed to fight your champion."

Eirana glanced at Da'Vost, Hughin and Sharad. The latter received a special kind of glare that'd make others run and flee. Looking back at the Monkey King she raised her sword to point in his direction. "I, Eirana, Daughter of Shackles and Lone Survivor of Yal'Taram challenge your champion, Jirin, Monkey King."

She raised her chin and narrowed her eyes. "I will take the place of your 'slaves', for I refuse to let others go through what I once did."

 

[Dmaster]

The Aervis looked to Eirana as she made that piercing gaze among them, his statement on the entertainment value was made so as not to upset the potential powder keg that was Jirin. Yet Da'Vost's morality could not be more clear, and if Eirana would endanger herself for the sake of her kin, he could not call himself a benevolent Fateseeker if he did not stand by her decision. Yet he wouldn't merely stand with her.

Placing his hand on the table he slowly rose up to his towering height, looking at the Monkey King following the elf's outburst. "She is right. I refuse to sit idle as blood is spilled so wantonly, especially if there may be a chance that they are innocent." he crooned, tilting his head slightly though balling his fists.

"I will fight your champion alongside her. As I cannot allow her to bear this burden alone."

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

Returning Eirana's nasty look with a sneer, Sharad simply laughs cruelly at her foolishness.

"I will take the place of your 'slaves', for I refuse to let others go through what I once did."

"I will fight your champion alongside her. As I cannot allow her to bear this burden alone."

"Ho ho ho... Make it entertaining for me, will you?" he mocks the both of them.

 

[joshuadim]

Jirin looked to Waylond as he scratched his chin for a moment, pondering the knight's words. "Hmm... perhaps you are right. Although spies ought to be punished, I am willing to-" he started to say to the knight before Eirana cut in with her challenge. Hughin looked at Eirana with a horrified expression as he darted his gaze between her and the Monkey King before quickly stepping in. "What are you doing? Are you trying to get yourself killed?" he practically hissed at the elf, before glaring at Da'Vost's support. And it was then that Arnas stood up as well: "And I will join them too." he spoke, causing Hughin to sputter in anger and disbelief. What are you idiots doing!? he wanted to shout, but Zakala quickly spoke up on his behalf to try to dissuade such things: "Er, your highness... let's not do anything rash shall we?" she spoke rather directly to Jirin and indirectly to the rest of the company.

Jirin in the meantime laughed aloud at what had now transpired and clutched at his belly, "Ho ho ho! What a rather valiant display of selflessness! So willing to sacrifice yourselves for absolute strangers!" he remarked as he looked between the three who had volunteered to take the elves' places. He was silent for a moment before waving a hand nonchalently towards the arena, causing a few guards to corral the elves back to where they had came from. "You cost me a bet against one of my peers, but alas a deal is a deal. The elves won't be used, you have my word. Mukla will have to fight something however... and I have just the thing in mind! Perhaps you'll find this more agreeable."

Jirin then stood up and motioned a hand to another set of gates, forcing them to open. Within moments, a few of those hounds and soldiers that the group had fought previously in the forest rushed out into the open, all of whom looked about bewildered and seemingly confused as to where they were. The jeers of the monkeys grew ever louder as they threw small rocks, foodstuffs, and even mud at the newest contenders. Mukla looked unfazed at the creatures that had been presented to him and began to beat his chest once more as a show of force.

 

[Breadman]

Waylond wanted to volunteer his own blade to the fight, but the monkey king had already made his decision.

"You showed grace towards the elves, your majesty. Which I do commend you for." The knight made sure to speak with respect towards the monkey kind. "But I'm afraid I still do not see the honor in this. Even if it's this group of invaders." He was silent for a few seconds before trying to give advice. "Give them weapons so the champion would have a real challenge and I believe it would be more acceptable. Even if barely." The knight didn't exactly have any love for this group, but he would rather give them a fighting chance as well. Unlike the elves, these do present a direct threat to the kingdom's well being. But there was still something he could do "Or if you would accept, I will back up my own words with deeds. I will fight your champion and make this fight worthy of song."

 

[Viper Actual]

Honored by both Da'Vost's and Arnas' own act of bravery, Eirana bowed her head towards them. She was satisfied with the Elves being led off of the arena though the sudden emergence of another group of prisoners made her frown. Hughin's response to the event and Sharad's snicker were both ignored.

"I will join you, knight." She said in response to Waylond. "If you truly harbor such a desire for blood then the fight should either be with even odds or carried out by our hands."

 

[joshuadim]

Even Zakala now stared at both Eirana and Waylond in disbelief before speaking. "Are you two serious? Those things were trying to kill us not too long ago, remember that? And now you want to fight on their behalf?" she asked with confusion, unsure as to what exactly was happening. Hughin meanwhile was now at a loss of words as it seemed his own company was now willing to fight for those that had been trying to kill them and sat back down to clutch as his head with his hands as he rested his elbows on the table and shook his head rather slowly.

"Listen Zee, Ser Waylond's got a point... even if they are our enemy." Arnas then replied to Zakala, "Even with them being such creatures, what good is there in having them being be thrown about without a fighting chance?"

"Would you say the same if we were back in that forest and surrounded by those things again? Death staring straight at us? We all barely got out of there alive! That thing you fought would have killed you without hesitation!" the demoness would then retort, setting her hands on the table so she could lean forward.

 

[Breadman]

"Would you prefer it that the things be armed and fight the champion and potentially kill him then? Or this whole festivity called off so the king would have to deal with an unruly crowd of angered subject?" Waylond asked "I would rather not. Therefore I offer an alternative that is both honorable in it's nature and would give them something to gawk at. What happens to the prisoners is up to his majesty to decide." He looked towards Eirana "My lady, while your help is not something obligated from you, I will accept your generosity."

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

Sharad groans in frustration. He's not happy that this grand spectacle is being ruined by a bunch of bleeding hearts. "Oh, what is it to any of you? The king was generous enough to have us enjoy this show with feast and you spit in his face by whining how it's not honorable enough? Even with those four-armed freaks that nearly killed us earlier in the arena taking the place of those stupid elves, you are still not satisfied? If you 'pakaus' really wanna fight on their behalf, then go ahead! Just know that this is a blood sport. You're not meant to fight, you're meant to die!"

 

[Fauxs]

"I have to agree that we shouldn't fight." Cain spoke out as he stood from the table. Seeing the imprisoned elves be freed from this battle was enough for him, but he saw little mercy toward the replacements.

"I don't think it would be wise to risk our lives for the beings that showed us no mercy from the start. They would've killed us if they had the chance. Not a speck of mercy would even be seen in their eyes on that battle we just had." Cain voiced out in a stern manner. "I'm not saying that we should enjoy this violent spectacle, Let's just leave them be with their own odd traditions." Cain said as he ended his opinion.

"However, if you do end up fighting this beast, I would remain to lend my aid not driven from mercy, but rather concern for your safety." He ended. Cain didn't know which side to play. He was heavily concerned about the lives of his allies yet feel no concern for these captives except the compassion of several members were too overwhelming to disregard.

 

[joshuadim]

As the group argued, the Monkey King looked at each of the group and began to chuckle before turning into a hearty laugh. "You mortals are so fascinating! So strange in your ways! You come here chased and assailed by these creatures and now you want to... fight for them? How odd. But, this does make the event even more exciting!" he spoke before lifting a hand and snapping his fingers. In an instant would Da'Vost, Arnas, Eirana, and Waylond find themselves in the arena themselves much to the confusion of both Mukla and the creatures since to them they had suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Bewildered, Arnas looked about quickly before looking up to where Jirin and the rest of the group were. "What the fuck is this!?" he yelled out in anger.

"Call it a new event! A three way battle! Much more exciting than only having two parties, is it not?" Jirin would retort rather sarcastically and with a tone of annoyance. Hughin would quickly dart over to the railing of the terrace and upon seeing Arnas down there he whipped his gaze towards Jirin and yelled at him. "GET THEM OUT OF THERE!" he snarled putting a hand on his blade's hilt, which only prompted an amused laugh from Jirin. "Come now, as I said before you couldn't even hurt me if you wanted to. And besides! I'm only giving my guests what they want." he stated before walking to the edge of the terrace and raising his arms up high. "Let the fight, begin!" he yelled with a toothy grin and to the cheers of the crowd.

THE ARENA
Arnas, Eirana, Da'Vost, Waylond vs. Ozkavir War Party vs. Mukla, Jirin's Champion (300 HP)

x8 Ozkavir Scout (6 HP)
x12 Gorehounds (3 HP)
x14 Ozkavir Infantry (9 HP)
x1 Ozkavir Lieutenant (20 HP)

Mukla Traits
Blessing of the King - Can attack twice times per turn. Has a base damage of 5.
Primal Rage - Every 10 health lost increases Mukla's damage by 1 to a maximum of 15.
Crowd's Favor - The crowd can impact the fight by either helping Mukla or hindering his opponents in a variety of ways.​

Arnas quickly drew his sword as he saw one of the Gorehounds charge straight at him, along with half of the enemy war party paying attention to members of the Company with the other half directed by their lieutenant towards Mukla. "Shit, we're are really outnumbered." Arnas spoke up with his sword raised, preparing for a strike onto the beast that was moving straight towards him.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

Sharad bursts into wicked laughter as the other four are summoned into the pit. What utter and complete fools, willing to fight to the death over a bunch of multi-armed creatures that nearly killed them earlier. Maybe they do deserve to die down there; their stupidity's earned them a death this ignominious yet spectacular.

"Hey!" he shouts at them. "I'll be taking your belongings when Mukla kills you!"