AS 85: Kagura Ohzora vs. Theron Daggershield-EA Qualifier

[Richard Blonoff]

Deadline is Tuesday, September 30th, 11:59PM CST. Extensions available upon request.

 

[Dagger Dias]

Theron's Merry Band Of Misfits

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A large dome is seen where a crowd of thousands of humanoids are on their way walking inside. Bright lights blink on the sign above the dome, which has a marquee banner that reads "World Magic Conference". At the gates of the dome is Davivel the Drow Cleric and sitting on the ground by a tree just outside the gates of the dome is the Orc Swashbuckler, Sheshmish. He looks at the crowd as they walk past him to enter the conference, some of which appear afraid of him. Sheshmish stands up and turns over to Davivel.

Sheshmish: Vice-captain, can ye toss me my bottle of rum?

Davivel: No rum tonight, Sheshmish. Theron has instructed us to assist the Mystrian Prayer Team in being security for tonight's event. You cannot fully focus on guarding while drinking.

Sheshmish: Arrrr!

Sheshmish sits back down by the tree again. More humanoids pass them, showing their weekend passes to Davivel who allows them entry into the dome. One of the individuals Davivel allows past him is a black haired Samurai Priestess of Moonsea with red Lamellar Armor. Davivel does not know that this is Kaitlyn Onyx, Theron's Elevation 85 opponent. She bows to him, he bows back, and after she walks inside he turns to Sheshmish to continue their conversation while he keeps checking the humanoids in line for weekend passes to allow them to enter the dome.

Sheshmish: Vice-Captain.... Have ye seen that Samurai Priestess before?

Davivel: She did look kind of familiar. I cannot remember where from, but that is irrelevant. Anyway, after Keifasar and Kayrentia return from their patrol we will trade places with them and they will watch the gate as we walk around the area, we all must keep a lookout for Feron. Theron's twin brother must not be allowed inside.

Sheshmish: Yarr, this be a big night for the captain!

Davivel: Indeed. His speech could motivate many and fuel his own support.

The line of humanoids arriving for the World Magic Conference keeps getting larger. Humanoids of all races enter the dome. Amongst the crowd we see Keifasar the Tiefling Necromancer and Kayrentia the Half-Elf Druid walk up to their allies.

Davivel: Everything clear?

Keifasar: So far so good. No sign of Feron or any Cultists of Shar. We did spot Theron's Elevation 85 opponent, though. Kaitlyn Onyx is here in the crowd. You didn't let her in, did you?

Davivel scratches his head.

Davivel: So that's where I knew her from. I knew that Samurai girl looked familiar.

Keifasar sighs in disappointment.

Davivel: She's a Samurai Priestess of Moonsea, what harm could she cause at a Mystra worship retreat?

Keifasar: Dang, do I have to do everything around here? All you two had to do is make sure no one gets inside who shouldn't.

Sheshmish: The Captain respects her, I think ye need not worry, arrr.

Keifasar: Well, go on, your turn to patrol. Kayrentia and I can watch the gate now.

Davivel: Don't scare any of the people in the crowd, they are here to worship their deity.

Keifasar: Me? Scare someone? Davivel.... When have I ever scared anyone?

Fear can be seen in the eyes of just about every humanoid who walks past Keifasar during this conversation. The crowd's conversations can still be heard, but silence falls over the four misfits for a few moments. Davivel and Sheshmish leave to go begin their turn of patrolling the area. Keifasar stands by the tree where Sheshmish sat earlier and laughs as the crowd akwardly avoid him on their way walking up toward Kayrentia at the dome enrance where she allows them entry if they have their weekend passes, and the scene fades to black.

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Scene fades back in to Theron and Kirilah sitting in their seats in the VIP rows at the arena inside the dome. It has filled to capacity with over ten thousand humanoids in attendance. An upbeat optimistic instrumental can be heard played by a group of bards on stage. Flashing lights of many colors shine brightly on the bards.

Kirilah: Are you having fun, Theron?

Theron: Remind me again why I came to this thing?

Kirilah: Theron.... The World Magic Conference is the biggest Mystra worship retreat in the world, followers of Mystra from all backgrounds come together to worship her all weekend long. This is a big deal. You'll never get a chance as big as this to gather support for our cause against the Shadow Sage Elora and her Shar Cult.

Theron: It's just.... not really my kinda thing.... all the jumping up and down, the clapping, it's more like we are attending a concert than a worship.

Kirilah: Yeah! That's kind of the point. This is a worship event, but it's a party too.

Theron: I'm all for worshipping, it's just some of the other people are acting a little too happy and crazy for my taste, it's making me uncomfortable. I feel like I should have come with The Czar Of Dragons to search for The Dutchess Of Dragons instead.

Kirilah: You don't have to dance or do anything they are doing. Just show Mystra how much you appreciate all she has done for you, for us, for the world. I promise it will be worth it. I love this retreat, there's a reason I attend it every year. I arranged something special too, just for you. Call it my way of thanking you for saving me from Elora's Lair.

Theron: What is it? You know I don't like surprises.

Kirilah: Tee hee.... Nope, sorry. You'll have to wait and find out. For now just relax. The bards are almost done and soon the speakers will begin sharing stories about what Crusaders and Paladins of Mystra are doing all over the world.

The bards are seen finishing playing their instrumentals and walk off the stage. A bald human Monk of Mystra walks out on stage to address the crowd.

Mystrian Monk: What's up, World Magic Conference! How's everyone doing tonight!?

The crowd cheers loudly.

Mystrian Monk: I am so glad you all could make it, we have an amazing group of speakers lined up. Four different speakers will be sharing testimonies of how Mystra has impacted them as well as the parts of the world they are serving in. Then, a special guest will be giving a speech as well afterwards. We'll have the bards back out again in between each speaker so this will just be amazing chance for us all to worship the Mother of Magic. I can't wait, how about the rest of you?

The crowd cheers even louder. A zoomed out angle shows the excited crowd. Kaitlyn Onyx can be seen quietly sitting in her chair meditating, several rows further back from where Theron and Kirilah are.

Mystrian Monk: Alright then, let's get started. I am going to bring out our first speaker. Please welcome a Cleric who is trying to liberate The Dalelands from the forces of the Zhentarim while spreading the message of Mystra's teachings!

The crowd cheers again as the scene fades to black.

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Bright red text slowly flies up onscreen from the right reading "Several hours later....". The text flies offscreen to the left. Scene fades in to Theron in line at the arena's concession stand. There are nine others behind him, and only one person in front of him. The human man in front of him walks off after he finishes purchasing his snacks. The elven girl at the register waves at Theron signalling that he is next.

Elven Cashier: I can help the next person in line.

Theron walks up to the counter.

Elven Cashier: Hey, I know you. You're Theron Daggershield, from the World Gladiatorial Combat Federation!

Theron: Heh, yeah I get that a lot. That's me. The Warblade!

Elven Cashier: How are you liking the retreat so far?

Theron: It's been pretty cool. and the event as a whole has exceeded my expectations even though this type of worship is not the kind I am used to. I've liked all the speakers.

Elven Cashier: Yeah, but the best part is still to come, right? Are you ready?

Theron, not quite sure what she is talking about, raises his eyebrow.

Theron: Sure....?

Elven Cashier: Oh you don't know about....? Never mind. What can I get you?

Theron: I'll take.... two bottles of water, some chocolate, and a bag of Gummy Wyrms.

Elven Cashier: That will be 10 silver.

Theron takes his snacks and his drinks, places them in his bag of holding. He begins walking back to his seat and waves to numerous other fans who also recognize him. His thoughts can be heard while he walks for a moment.

Theron: (Voice-over) What in the world was that cashier talking about? Wait a minute.... could this have to do with that surprise Kirilah had mentioned? I better ask her about it when I get back to our seats. I don't like that she would keep this surprise a secret. Kaleena, the Lady of Thunderbelle, would not have withheld information from me like this. I miss her, and wonder what she might be doing now or where she may be.

He gets back inside the seating area and walks past several rows of seats. Kaitlyn Onyx can be seen in one of them, Theron does not notice her. His thoughts are still heard.

Theron: (Voice-Over) Still no further hints or revelations on who the spy is. According to the word Mystra gave me it is either Keifasar, Davivel, or Sheshmish. I trust each of them and cannot see how any of the above could be a double agent for Elora's Cult. I'll have to be more careful until I figure out who it is.

Theron makes it back to where he was sitting. He hands Kirilah her chocolate and one of the two bottles of water, then sits down in his seat to open his bag of Gummy Wyrms. Theron eats his Gummy Wyrms as a clock on the screen above the stage counts down with 4 minutes and 25 seconds remaining. He eats first the yellow ones, then orange, green, purple, blue, pink, in that order, and he eats the red ones last. The screen reads 0 minutes and 49 seconds by the time Theron and Kirilah finish eating their candy.

Kirilah: How come you always eat those in that same exact order every single time?

Theron: It's the order that they taste the worst to the best. I like the red ones best, they taste like strawberries, so I eat them last to save the best for last. Hey, Kirilah? The cashier over at the concession stand asked me a strange question earlier that made me wonder about something.... What exactly was this surprise you mentioned earlier?

Kirilah: Shhh. They are about to start again.

The clock on the screen reaches 0 minutes and 0 seconds. The lights dim as the bald human Mystrian Monk walks back out on stage.

Mystrian Monk: Alright we will now hear from our final speaker. We have a really great honor tonight to have one of the most famous followers of Mystra in the whole world here in attendance tonight.... A gladiator from the World Gladiatorial Combat Federation.... Theron Daggershield is here at the World Magic Conference, ladies and gentlemen!

The crowd erupts into loud cheering at the mention of Theron's name.

Theron: Me? Kirilah, what did you do?

Kirilah: Surprise! All these people look up to you. I pulled some strings so that you could get to talk tonight. It'll be just like when you talk on Burnup or Elevation. Just get up there and talk about your match.

Theron: Alright, you know what? Why not.

Theron gets up out of his seat and begins walking up on stage. The crowd is going crazy chanting his name in unison. Theron stands at the podium and takes the mic from the Mystrian Monk, who exits the stage. The bards had walked back out and begin playing a motivational instrumental for Theron to talk during.

[YOUTUBE]l91rfBdd5SM[/YOUTUBE]​

Theron: My name is Theron Daggershield. Any World Gladiatorial Combat Federation fans in the crowd tonight?

The crowd's cheering gets even louder. It is the loudest reaction Theron has heard all night.

Theron: We've heard from a lot of other great speakers tonight about what Mystra has done for them and through them.... Our deity has challenged me with the task of single handedly overthrowing a cult of Shar by the name of The New Church Of Shar. I led my Merry Band Of Misfits to recovering 4 of 9 elemental Mystrian artifacts that the Shar Cult stole.

He walks over to the left side of the stage, looks up and takes a deep breath before facing the crowd again.

Theron: The difficult part is still to come. I learned that The Shadow Sage Elora, a dangerous sorceress who rules the Shar Cult has chosen a protege amongst my coworkers in the World Gladiatorial Combat Federation. Shar herself has given Elora lethal magical abilities far beyond that of any human or elf. I prayed to Mystra asking for guidance and a revelation on how I can defeat the sorceress. Then, my prayer was answered.

Theron begins walking to the right side of the stage, he keeps talking as he walks.

Theron: The biggest gladiatorial event of the year, Empire Rally 6, is coming soon to the world's greatest arena in Silverymoon City. At that event there a match will be held to crown a new Global Champion. This prestigious belt is a holy relic that if worn by a Chosen warrior in the name of Mystra who is equipped with her elemental artifacts, can DEFLECT the magic of any disciple of Shar! Mystra gave me a vision when I prayed the most intense heartfelt prayer I have ever prayed. She showed me a vision of myself fully equipped as the Global Champion with that belt around my waist and my Falchion raised up in the air, bravely standing strong as Elora casts every spell in her spellbook on me. They all bounce off me, back at her.

Theron has made it to the far right side of the stage. He closes his eyes for a moment, then opens them when he starts speaking again.

Theron: Winning this championship is the key. It will not work unless a Chosen warrior of Mystra wears it. The Honorable Ninja known as humbleBEE and the Nearsighted Necromancer "N" have both qualified for the Global Championship match. I have respect for both of these gladiators, but the Global Championship's power would not be fully realized in their hands. The same can be said for the gladiators fighting for entry into the match this week on Burnup 110. Whether it be Brett "The Lizardman" Ivyson a rookie Ranger, Father Apple a veteran Sorceror, or Decius Jabari a mercenary Barbarian; one of these three will be joining humbleBEE and N at Empire Rally 6.

Theron begins walking back to the podium at the center of the stage, still speaking.

Theron: On Elevation 85, I too have an opportunity. This is the most important match I have ever had. If I win, I qualify for the Global Championship match at Empire Rally 6. In order to get there, I must win my match against the Samurai Priestess of Moonsea, Kaitlyn Onyx. This will be no easy task.

Kaitlyn, still in attendance in the area, can be seen for a moment. She looks very focused on listening to her opponent speak.

Kaitlyn: ....

Angle remains on Kaitlyn, Theron's voice can still be heard.

Theron: Kaitlyn has been an impressive competitor ever since she joined the World Gladiatorial Combat Federation. I will not let that be an obstacle though. This is a match that I cannot afford to lose. The fate of magic and the world as we know it, depends on me making it to Empire Rally 6 to win the Global Championship. I know that I can defeat her. This reminds me of one of my favorite verses from the Tome of Mystra.... "I can win any battle, through Mystra strengthening me." Kaitlyn, if for some reason you are listening to this conference somewhere in the world, at Elevation I am going to defeat you, but I look forward to our match. May the best gladiator win.

Kaitlyn: ....

Kaitlyn has a half-smile upon hearing Theron's respect for her as a competitor. Angle changes back to a view of Theron onstage.

Theron: I came up short in both of my attempts at winning the poisoned chalice known as the Expert F Championship. Once against Marrmell, and more recently against Kaiser. The Expert F Championship requires putting it up for grabs and winning 7 times in order for it to be able to deflect dark magic. The Global Championship is much more powerful. If worn by a Chosen warrior of Mystra such as myself, the power of this holy relic would work immediately. At Empire Rally 6, I will stand proud as your new Global Champion, Mystra blessed me with such an amazing opportunity, one that I must take no matter what the risk! I cannot, no, WILL NOT let you all down. This week on Elevation 85 Theron Daggershield qualifies for the Global Championship match at Empire Rally 6 when he defeats Kaitlyn Onyx. Thank you, all.

Theron puts the mic on the podium and he walks out into the corridor without saying another word. The bards stop playing their song. The fans chant Theron's name so loud that nothing else can be heard. Fade to black.

 

[Bernkastel]

Appologies are needed. I should have extended my leave of absence until the time was right to make a return. I have a story that is yet to be told. At Kingdom Come I have foreseen an overwhelming victory. But for now i can only feel shame.

I have written all of my ill fortunes down onto slips of paper and tied them to the branches of the sacred tree. None of the branches have snapped. Good fortune has still bestowed its gentle embrace upon my unworthy soul. Losing is only a mere word but yet my opponents deserve better.

Forgive me for this.