Light.
There was a lump the size of a poached egg on the Orc’s head. The smell of damp straw filled his nose where he lay, beneath the straw lengths of bar striped dents into his side at three inch intervals, beneath the bar dirt.
Light.
The blindingly bright sun’s angle reached his eyes, waking Holler prematurely from his slumbering convalesce. Sounds filtered about the air, the sound of chain links clinking, and water being poured – and more distant sounds of people about the days commerce, seagulls squawked high above.
Where is he? [28th Samheen MT]
Moderator: Mods
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Guest
A piercing red glow filtered through to his eyes. The closed screens of his eyelids filtered the dazzling downpour of light hitting Holler's face. As sounds started to pierce his hazy mind, a feeling of dread showed it's ugly head. Keeping his eyes shut for the moment, firstly to add some time to get his bearing and secondly to regain some of his strength. Soon, the vaguely familiar indentations pushing into his hardy skin from below, found their meaning in his memories. Prison? ...PRISON!!
The flabbergasted orc started to rummage through his entangled brain. Did he kill someone...already? Last thing he remembered was him stumbling out of the tavern, waving at the crownprince. How did he come to know any crownprince anyways? I NEVER wave!! What happened? Then it dawned on him; rivers of ale flooded back into his memory, reminding him of their devastating influence. Traces of events after his exit of the pub flashed through his green head, although they managed to elude his grasp. A face, a figure...was she his dinner? Were these metal bars pushing into him, because of a midnight snack. NEVER should 'ave left orcland!
Unable to make much sense of his shook-up brain, Holler slowly opened his dark eyes. As the full force of the sun hit him, waves of nausea crashed down on him. Bile bubbled up in his throat filling his mouth, choking and coughing he scrambled to turn over. Cramps raked his body, wringing out his intestines, which responded by emptying their stinking contents on the straw. Shivering, the miserable orc stood on hands and knees, waiting for the torturing torment to dissipate. After what seemed like ages his insides seemed to calm down. With a sigh of relief he carefully manoeuvred to a seated position. No flesh; gal and ale. So, I didn't eat anyone. The very low bass of his stomach growled at him, as if to say: 'You're in a cage for Vargaz's sake! Couldn't you at least have been here for eating a human?! It IS the only decent thing to do!' Although his current state left very much to be desired, the reaction of his body to all of it, managed to cast a shade of a smile over Sleipnir's features, as he sat there trying to make sense of his surroundings.
The flabbergasted orc started to rummage through his entangled brain. Did he kill someone...already? Last thing he remembered was him stumbling out of the tavern, waving at the crownprince. How did he come to know any crownprince anyways? I NEVER wave!! What happened? Then it dawned on him; rivers of ale flooded back into his memory, reminding him of their devastating influence. Traces of events after his exit of the pub flashed through his green head, although they managed to elude his grasp. A face, a figure...was she his dinner? Were these metal bars pushing into him, because of a midnight snack. NEVER should 'ave left orcland!
Unable to make much sense of his shook-up brain, Holler slowly opened his dark eyes. As the full force of the sun hit him, waves of nausea crashed down on him. Bile bubbled up in his throat filling his mouth, choking and coughing he scrambled to turn over. Cramps raked his body, wringing out his intestines, which responded by emptying their stinking contents on the straw. Shivering, the miserable orc stood on hands and knees, waiting for the torturing torment to dissipate. After what seemed like ages his insides seemed to calm down. With a sigh of relief he carefully manoeuvred to a seated position. No flesh; gal and ale. So, I didn't eat anyone. The very low bass of his stomach growled at him, as if to say: 'You're in a cage for Vargaz's sake! Couldn't you at least have been here for eating a human?! It IS the only decent thing to do!' Although his current state left very much to be desired, the reaction of his body to all of it, managed to cast a shade of a smile over Sleipnir's features, as he sat there trying to make sense of his surroundings.
Last edited by Guest on Sun May 28, 2006 8:15 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Dionysii
The walls too, were bars, as were the sides and roof, and as the disoriented Holler tried to stand he found he was unable to... the cage he was in measuring barely 5x5x5 feet. Someone snorted nearby - if this were jail it was an unusual one, with pens holding it's inmates lined up along the side a sturdy building. Outside. He was outside - though far from being free.
"Wondered how long you'd be sleeping it off" the voice of the snorter came from the cage next to Hollars, "need all the beauty sleep you can get I suppose. Ugly brute aren't you."
He could talk.
His teeth yellowed and his right eye was that of a thief if Holler had ever seen one, narrow and darting about. A jagged scar ran from forehead to jaw, at the the centre point of the scar: his left eye was stationary and full of milky clouds. "Got any tobbacco?"
"Wondered how long you'd be sleeping it off" the voice of the snorter came from the cage next to Hollars, "need all the beauty sleep you can get I suppose. Ugly brute aren't you."
He could talk.
His teeth yellowed and his right eye was that of a thief if Holler had ever seen one, narrow and darting about. A jagged scar ran from forehead to jaw, at the the centre point of the scar: his left eye was stationary and full of milky clouds. "Got any tobbacco?"
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Guest
Focusing on the cage next to his, he for the first time noticed that he wasn't alone in his predicament. Trying to avoid the nausiating puddle slowly seeping down through the straw, Holler shuffled towards the side nearest to the orator's barred box. Growling softly the cramped orc waved at the other's eye and grunted: "You'd be not mother's beautiest, either!"
Some residue of vomit lingered in his toothy maw. Gurgling loudly the muddy orc collected in a large, wet lump and spat it out, barely missing his neighbor's cage.
Glowering at the maimed stranger next to him, he feared that the self imposed frisking wouldn't yield much of a booty.
Some residue of vomit lingered in his toothy maw. Gurgling loudly the muddy orc collected in a large, wet lump and spat it out, barely missing his neighbor's cage.
Looking up he was a bit surprised by the sudden change of topic. Not one to chew or smoke, Holler merely shook his head. The question did remind him to check his current possessions. Huge hands carefully padded his clothes in search of something...anything."Got any tobbacco?"
Glowering at the maimed stranger next to him, he feared that the self imposed frisking wouldn't yield much of a booty.
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Dionysii
A smirk formed on his 'companion's narrow lips with Hollers retort, "That's not what your mother said to me last night." the smirk broadened into a grin.
"You looking for this?" One eye asked as Holler begun to search about for his possession, holding up the edge of his sack like bag. Holler might have been relieved to feel his money pouch still safe and warm near his privates - it seemed he hadn't been molested to that degree while he'd slept. "Keeping an eye on it for you, stock taking really, making sure you don't loose nothing." the fellow laughed, "you can't trust no-one nowadays. If you had any tobacco in here, someone got to it before me. I mean… well yeah."
"You looking for this?" One eye asked as Holler begun to search about for his possession, holding up the edge of his sack like bag. Holler might have been relieved to feel his money pouch still safe and warm near his privates - it seemed he hadn't been molested to that degree while he'd slept. "Keeping an eye on it for you, stock taking really, making sure you don't loose nothing." the fellow laughed, "you can't trust no-one nowadays. If you had any tobacco in here, someone got to it before me. I mean… well yeah."
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Guest
Both relief and foremost surprise washed over the orc as his search told him that he hadn't lost his money. Happy to still have some credit to his name, Holler chose to ignore his neighbor's snide remark about his mum. However, his resolve died a violent death as the man revealed his ownership of the orc's leather sack. "Hey, that's mine!", he rumbled. Although it did seem a bit strange that one-eye could have gotten his grubby hands on it at all, the former sailor had only one thing on his mind; getting his belongings back!
"Keeping an eye on it, me ass! You stole it!" Without further warning a muscular arm shot through the bars of his holding pen towards the smirking fellow. A huge hand grappled for the sack. "Give it back! You hear!" With his temper flaring, Sleipnir kept angling for his possessions. His bad mood darkened even more by the resurrection of his hangover. Sharp stings cut through his brain as the offensive mounted at his neighbor went on. Doggedly Holler's claws kept questing for his belongings. Under his breath he muttered: "Mine. Give it back."
"Keeping an eye on it, me ass! You stole it!" Without further warning a muscular arm shot through the bars of his holding pen towards the smirking fellow. A huge hand grappled for the sack. "Give it back! You hear!" With his temper flaring, Sleipnir kept angling for his possessions. His bad mood darkened even more by the resurrection of his hangover. Sharp stings cut through his brain as the offensive mounted at his neighbor went on. Doggedly Holler's claws kept questing for his belongings. Under his breath he muttered: "Mine. Give it back."
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Dionysii
His wiry neighbor made to snatch the sack away - but was not quick enough - Hollers' fingers made sure their grasp.
"WhooooOOOooo!" One eye jeered as if in a schoolyard, even as he swung around - still holding the sack as Holler yanked on it - his feet scrambling to find foot hold - which he eventually did with legs cocked up upon the very bars of the cage themselves.
A grunt of effort escaped his lips, his facade of a mocking expression faltering as he frowned with effort in the tug-a-war with the Orc, "What's got you in such a fowl mood? Can't you tell a true friend when you see one!"
He stuck to his guns, he'd found that the best course to take with lies, there wasn't 'no way no how' he was going to admit he'd filched Hollers bag.
"WhooooOOOooo!" One eye jeered as if in a schoolyard, even as he swung around - still holding the sack as Holler yanked on it - his feet scrambling to find foot hold - which he eventually did with legs cocked up upon the very bars of the cage themselves.
A grunt of effort escaped his lips, his facade of a mocking expression faltering as he frowned with effort in the tug-a-war with the Orc, "What's got you in such a fowl mood? Can't you tell a true friend when you see one!"
He stuck to his guns, he'd found that the best course to take with lies, there wasn't 'no way no how' he was going to admit he'd filched Hollers bag.
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Guest
OOC: sorry for late reply. RL is a bitch right now. *pledges to better his ways*
IC:
One eye's persistent resistance shook Holler's bag back and forth, and to the left and right. The shudders ran up the Orc's arm shaking his befuddled brain once again. Perhaps the thud on his head had done more damage than he'd first thought. His mood darkened and Sleipnir glowered with a burning anger at his teaser.
If this is how true friends act, I'd be better off eating them all!, shot through the murky green head. The thought alone made Holler lick his teeth. murmuring to himself he funneled all his rage into the tug'o'war. "No true friend acts like you do!" Grumbling he added: "Give me my bag!"
The muscular Orc felt his temper flare, fueling an almost uncontrollable urge to roar. With his mind still rather foggy, he didn't think long on the consequences of such an action. He only knew that the low rumble starting within the deepest burrows of his stomach would need a way out.
IC:
One eye's persistent resistance shook Holler's bag back and forth, and to the left and right. The shudders ran up the Orc's arm shaking his befuddled brain once again. Perhaps the thud on his head had done more damage than he'd first thought. His mood darkened and Sleipnir glowered with a burning anger at his teaser.
If this is how true friends act, I'd be better off eating them all!, shot through the murky green head. The thought alone made Holler lick his teeth. murmuring to himself he funneled all his rage into the tug'o'war. "No true friend acts like you do!" Grumbling he added: "Give me my bag!"
The muscular Orc felt his temper flare, fueling an almost uncontrollable urge to roar. With his mind still rather foggy, he didn't think long on the consequences of such an action. He only knew that the low rumble starting within the deepest burrows of his stomach would need a way out.
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Guest
OOC: Oh crap! Sorry about the delay, Holler. I just totally spaced it. 
IC: Holler fell back with a thud as his companion released the bag. His neighbor crashed into the side of his cage with a clatter.
“Touchy, aren’t you,†came a muffled response.
As they tussled, a shadow passed over the caged prisoners. Holler’s nostrils flared with the smell of someone else’s, a human’s, sweat.
“Ai’ight, you two,†came a nasally, but deep, voice. Looking up, the pair could see the face of what appeared to be their captor. “Either you knock it off or I will. You only have one tide before you go on display, so relax.†He emphasized the point by knocking the cage with a very large club.
IC: Holler fell back with a thud as his companion released the bag. His neighbor crashed into the side of his cage with a clatter.
“Touchy, aren’t you,†came a muffled response.
As they tussled, a shadow passed over the caged prisoners. Holler’s nostrils flared with the smell of someone else’s, a human’s, sweat.
“Ai’ight, you two,†came a nasally, but deep, voice. Looking up, the pair could see the face of what appeared to be their captor. “Either you knock it off or I will. You only have one tide before you go on display, so relax.†He emphasized the point by knocking the cage with a very large club.
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Guest
OOC: Oh crap! Sorry about the delay, Holler. I just totally spaced it.
IC: Holler fell back with a thud as his companion released the bag. His neighbor crashed into the side of his cage with a clatter.
“Touchy, aren’t you,†came a muffled response.
As they tussled, a shadow passed over the caged prisoners. Holler’s nostrils flared with the smell of someone else’s, a human’s, sweat.
“Ai’ight, you two,†came a nasally, but deep, voice. Looking up, the pair could see the face of what appeared to be their captor. “Either you knock it off or I will. You only have one tide before you go on display, so relax.†He emphasized the point by knocking the cage with a very large club.
IC: Holler fell back with a thud as his companion released the bag. His neighbor crashed into the side of his cage with a clatter.
“Touchy, aren’t you,†came a muffled response.
As they tussled, a shadow passed over the caged prisoners. Holler’s nostrils flared with the smell of someone else’s, a human’s, sweat.
“Ai’ight, you two,†came a nasally, but deep, voice. Looking up, the pair could see the face of what appeared to be their captor. “Either you knock it off or I will. You only have one tide before you go on display, so relax.†He emphasized the point by knocking the cage with a very large club.
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Guest
OOC: No worries, man! 
IC:
The low roar rising up from his gullet was cut short by the sudden release of his bag. Well actually, his head thudding into the cage was to blame. As Holler smacked into the bars the sound was forced back into his lungs. The tall Orc straightened himself, one murky green arm firmly cradling his belongings. "Hiccup!" Clearly the swallowing of his frustrated snarl didn't go unnoticed by his body.
Still feeling a smouldering animosity towards his annoying neighbor, Sleipnir did his best to ignore him. One thing he however couldn't ignore, was the pungent smell of sweaty human suddenly appearing on his radar screen. Peering up through the offensive bars of his cage he noticed a faintly familiar face looking down on him. "Hiccup."
As the testy Orc flicked through his brain in search of some clues as to the face's familiarity, his ears focused on the man's last remark.
Unsure, the young Orc held his peace until he learned more. The threat of the large club was met by a stoic - some might say blank - stare. A fantasy about his two green hands wringing the wielder's neck, kept Holler satisfied...for the moment. "Hiccup!" Darn'!
IC:
The low roar rising up from his gullet was cut short by the sudden release of his bag. Well actually, his head thudding into the cage was to blame. As Holler smacked into the bars the sound was forced back into his lungs. The tall Orc straightened himself, one murky green arm firmly cradling his belongings. "Hiccup!" Clearly the swallowing of his frustrated snarl didn't go unnoticed by his body.
Still feeling a smouldering animosity towards his annoying neighbor, Sleipnir did his best to ignore him. One thing he however couldn't ignore, was the pungent smell of sweaty human suddenly appearing on his radar screen. Peering up through the offensive bars of his cage he noticed a faintly familiar face looking down on him. "Hiccup."
As the testy Orc flicked through his brain in search of some clues as to the face's familiarity, his ears focused on the man's last remark.
On this play? On this play? Why, how, where... What play is he referring to? Thoroughly confused, Sleipnir rubbed the fresh bruise on his head. Have to stop keep doing that; bumping my head. Neigh impossible to think after such a bump. The green hulk still didn't have a clue why he was stuffed in a cage as he was now. If the man beside him was a clue, he would think he must have done something illegal. If Holler only would be able to recall last night's events..."You only have one tide before you go on display, so relax.â€
Unsure, the young Orc held his peace until he learned more. The threat of the large club was met by a stoic - some might say blank - stare. A fantasy about his two green hands wringing the wielder's neck, kept Holler satisfied...for the moment. "Hiccup!" Darn'!
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Guest
Sleipnir had nodded off waiting for the man to return. The jangle of heavy chains dragging in the dirt woke him his slumber. His body was beginning to get sore from the cramped quarters and his mouth was parched. He was hungry too. He was slowly coming to the realization that there was nothing fun about captivity. And to add insult to, well insult, he still could not remember what had happened the night before.
“All right!†The guard shouted. He was not alone this time. Flanking him were two of the largest humans Holler had ever laid eyes on. In their hands were the chains the Orc had heard. They were not being wielded like a weapon, though. On their ends were great shackles. Behind the two humans with chains, were another pair of humans dressed like the guard. They were being greeted with a much more impressive entourage than Holler had seen in the morning.
“Here’s the rules, boys and girls,†continued the guard in a rapid fire tone. “You will be released from your cell. You will gently place your wrists in the shackles. If you resist, we will put a spear through your ribs. You will then place your ankles into the shackle. If you resist, we will put a spear through your ribs. Then when everyone is in the shackle, the chain will pull slightly. Follow the chain. If you resist?†He waited. Somewhere in the distance Holler heard a faint voice.
“You’ll put a spear into our ribs.â€
“Exactly,†replied the guard. “Now, wait your turn and keep quiet.â€
Holler could hear the opening and closing of cages similar to his. There were a few murmurs and several questions but no answers.
Gradually, the group approached his cage, releasing and then shackling his neighbor; the greedy bastard who’d tried to steel his bag. They came to holler next and unlatched the cage. The two larges humans, as large as big Orc, Holler decided, offered the shackles and waited for their captive to comply.
“All right!†The guard shouted. He was not alone this time. Flanking him were two of the largest humans Holler had ever laid eyes on. In their hands were the chains the Orc had heard. They were not being wielded like a weapon, though. On their ends were great shackles. Behind the two humans with chains, were another pair of humans dressed like the guard. They were being greeted with a much more impressive entourage than Holler had seen in the morning.
“Here’s the rules, boys and girls,†continued the guard in a rapid fire tone. “You will be released from your cell. You will gently place your wrists in the shackles. If you resist, we will put a spear through your ribs. You will then place your ankles into the shackle. If you resist, we will put a spear through your ribs. Then when everyone is in the shackle, the chain will pull slightly. Follow the chain. If you resist?†He waited. Somewhere in the distance Holler heard a faint voice.
“You’ll put a spear into our ribs.â€
“Exactly,†replied the guard. “Now, wait your turn and keep quiet.â€
Holler could hear the opening and closing of cages similar to his. There were a few murmurs and several questions but no answers.
Gradually, the group approached his cage, releasing and then shackling his neighbor; the greedy bastard who’d tried to steel his bag. They came to holler next and unlatched the cage. The two larges humans, as large as big Orc, Holler decided, offered the shackles and waited for their captive to comply.
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Guest
His dreams were a thousand scores more pleasant than the harsh reality, so when an insistent, rusty jingle woke him, Holler arose to a foul temper. The notion that his stomach growled like a crazed animal, his throat felt like a vellum of sandpaper and that his cramped muscles trembled with maltreatment did nothing to improve this dark mood.
Slowly the parade of shackled people shuffled towards him, at every cage it stopped and a new bead was added to the chain. As the cage door screeched open, Sleipnir was opposed by alert and attentive gazes. The thundercloud darkening his complexion was hard to ignore. Only the hard gleam off the spearpoints, backing the two gorillas, held the livid Orc back. Brooding he decided to wait for a better opportunity to break away. Patience, my knuckles, patience... Sluggish he handed over his thick wrists. Peering down he noticed his metal wrist bands, oddly they very much resembled the offered shackles. Nostrils wide, Holler waited for the heavy set men to tack him up.
The guard's boring drone couldn't grab the Orc's attention, until the meaning of this recurrent phrase pierced his half snoozing brain. His life was in danger! Considering his flaring temper and bad self control, the threat seemed all too real.If you resist, we will put a spear through your ribs.
Slowly the parade of shackled people shuffled towards him, at every cage it stopped and a new bead was added to the chain. As the cage door screeched open, Sleipnir was opposed by alert and attentive gazes. The thundercloud darkening his complexion was hard to ignore. Only the hard gleam off the spearpoints, backing the two gorillas, held the livid Orc back. Brooding he decided to wait for a better opportunity to break away. Patience, my knuckles, patience... Sluggish he handed over his thick wrists. Peering down he noticed his metal wrist bands, oddly they very much resembled the offered shackles. Nostrils wide, Holler waited for the heavy set men to tack him up.
Last edited by Guest on Fri Sep 01, 2006 2:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Guest
The men looked at each other, slightly unsure of what do with such a big captive. With a shrug, they clapped the irons on the Orc and pulled him upward. One captive was as good as another. They gave him a once over but said nothing and moved on to the next in line.
Holler could see more now that he was out of his cage. He was behind a small, squat building, standing on the edge of a large dirt ring. A chain of bodies, all shackled, strung out both in front of and behind him. They were mostly human though a few adhiel stood out. He was, as far as he could see, the only Orc.
The chain pulled, gentler than Holler anticipated, and the line began to snake around the corner. It moved perhaps half the length of the building and then stopped suddenly but began to move after a few burns and then suddenly stopped again. This continued a few more times before Holler realized what was happening.
The chain of captives was being led around the building and up onto a wooden platform of some sort. At each stop, five or six stood on the platform which appeared to be the ominous frame of a gallows. A man dressed in plain but fine robe stood on the platform with the captives and shouted words so rapidly, Holler could barely understand. Beyond the platform, in another dirt filled ring – an arena of sorts – a large crowd milled about listening to the shouting man and raising small, painted sticks as if to answer a question. Holler had the opportunity to watch the five in front of him go through the process and then, with another gentle tug, it was his turn to stand on the platform. As the guard, indicated he was now on display.
OOC: Sorry, not much to ‘do’ easily here, but it will give Holler some time to understand his situation.
Holler could see more now that he was out of his cage. He was behind a small, squat building, standing on the edge of a large dirt ring. A chain of bodies, all shackled, strung out both in front of and behind him. They were mostly human though a few adhiel stood out. He was, as far as he could see, the only Orc.
The chain pulled, gentler than Holler anticipated, and the line began to snake around the corner. It moved perhaps half the length of the building and then stopped suddenly but began to move after a few burns and then suddenly stopped again. This continued a few more times before Holler realized what was happening.
The chain of captives was being led around the building and up onto a wooden platform of some sort. At each stop, five or six stood on the platform which appeared to be the ominous frame of a gallows. A man dressed in plain but fine robe stood on the platform with the captives and shouted words so rapidly, Holler could barely understand. Beyond the platform, in another dirt filled ring – an arena of sorts – a large crowd milled about listening to the shouting man and raising small, painted sticks as if to answer a question. Holler had the opportunity to watch the five in front of him go through the process and then, with another gentle tug, it was his turn to stand on the platform. As the guard, indicated he was now on display.
OOC: Sorry, not much to ‘do’ easily here, but it will give Holler some time to understand his situation.
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Guest
As the sturdy shackles clamped shut around his wrists an ominous shudder ascended his long spine. Holler knew he didn't like the feeling. Perhaps he should have acted before the metal rings gripped his thick wrists. As the captive wished he had, his attention was diverted by a better look on his surroundings. Somehow the notion that he wasn't the only one shackled to the line comforted him in a strange way.
The slow rhythm of waiting and shuffling forward at least didn't foretell some violent fate. Still, Sleipnir wasn't quite sure what was going on. When does the play start? What do they expect me to do? Remembering the few Orcish plays he had seen, he knew he probably would do a good job. Most performances he had witnessed in his time displayed the proud narration of the bloody battles featuring so prominently in Orcish society. The heavy shackles however didn't quite correspond with his expectations. How was he supposed to move around the stage with those?
When the muddy green Orc finally got close enough to the stage to have a clear view of the proceedings, he was rather disappointed to see the going ons. Although five of his fellow prisoners stood on the high stage, only the rapidly rattling man in the fine robe seemed to get most of the attention of the onlookers. As the group in front of him were halted on the wooden platform, the finely dressed man blabbered so fast that Holler was unable to understand the unfamiliar tongue. In response to the stream of words the spectators lifted their painted sticks up.
Slowly a memory crept into the Orc's thick head. The images vaguely reminded him of the fish market back home. Bidding! Their bidding! As his gaze swept back and forth between the masses in front and the people on top of the wooden stage, it slowly dawned on him that the prisoners were for sale! Hot outrage swept over him as he suddenly understood what was going on here. Selling people off like that! By Vargaz's poxed balls! This isn't decent! Why don't they just eat us?
As Holler Sleipnir was tugged onto the broad wooden planks of the platform he looked around rather stunned. A tiny part of his brain expected a high price for himself, while the rest still screamed out in shock and anger. From beneath his bushy brow he peered at his neighbors. The presence of the would be thief next to him, somehow cheered him up. At least he got what he deserved!
The slow rhythm of waiting and shuffling forward at least didn't foretell some violent fate. Still, Sleipnir wasn't quite sure what was going on. When does the play start? What do they expect me to do? Remembering the few Orcish plays he had seen, he knew he probably would do a good job. Most performances he had witnessed in his time displayed the proud narration of the bloody battles featuring so prominently in Orcish society. The heavy shackles however didn't quite correspond with his expectations. How was he supposed to move around the stage with those?
When the muddy green Orc finally got close enough to the stage to have a clear view of the proceedings, he was rather disappointed to see the going ons. Although five of his fellow prisoners stood on the high stage, only the rapidly rattling man in the fine robe seemed to get most of the attention of the onlookers. As the group in front of him were halted on the wooden platform, the finely dressed man blabbered so fast that Holler was unable to understand the unfamiliar tongue. In response to the stream of words the spectators lifted their painted sticks up.
Slowly a memory crept into the Orc's thick head. The images vaguely reminded him of the fish market back home. Bidding! Their bidding! As his gaze swept back and forth between the masses in front and the people on top of the wooden stage, it slowly dawned on him that the prisoners were for sale! Hot outrage swept over him as he suddenly understood what was going on here. Selling people off like that! By Vargaz's poxed balls! This isn't decent! Why don't they just eat us?
As Holler Sleipnir was tugged onto the broad wooden planks of the platform he looked around rather stunned. A tiny part of his brain expected a high price for himself, while the rest still screamed out in shock and anger. From beneath his bushy brow he peered at his neighbors. The presence of the would be thief next to him, somehow cheered him up. At least he got what he deserved!
Last edited by Guest on Sat Sep 09, 2006 4:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Guest
OOC: I moved us forward. If you had a desire to do something to escape or resist, let me know and we can edit.
IC:
As the auctioneer began to describe the newest commodity, the crowd drew closer. They were obviously intrigued by Holler. Orcs were apparently not common among the slave blocks of Sabata. White sticks popped up and down in a comic sequence until finally, a loud shout ended it all and one man, a bald man near the back walked away smiling. Holler was pulled gently off the stage into what was sure to be an interesting next stage of his journey.
The next few burns of the candle were practically a blur for the Orc. He was moved quickly between odd locations. He remained in his chains but he was now treated even gentler than before. It wasn’t respect but almost as if he was fragile . . . like a piece of fine pottery. He was washed and inspected by what he thought was the human’s version of a medical man and then he was lifted into a wagon with several other large beings. The rear of the wagon was shut and with a jolting ‘Hiya!’ the driver pulled away with the gang of slaves chained in the rear.
Holler did not recognize the area they traveled through but because of the direct sunlight, he could tell they were not under one of the gleaming domes over the main city. Most likely they were still near the harbor and not far from the slave house. The wagon rumbled on in silence until one of the humans chained near him spoke.
“My name’s Damien. How’d ye get yirself caught? You don’t look like you’d be an easy one to capture.â€
IC:
As the auctioneer began to describe the newest commodity, the crowd drew closer. They were obviously intrigued by Holler. Orcs were apparently not common among the slave blocks of Sabata. White sticks popped up and down in a comic sequence until finally, a loud shout ended it all and one man, a bald man near the back walked away smiling. Holler was pulled gently off the stage into what was sure to be an interesting next stage of his journey.
The next few burns of the candle were practically a blur for the Orc. He was moved quickly between odd locations. He remained in his chains but he was now treated even gentler than before. It wasn’t respect but almost as if he was fragile . . . like a piece of fine pottery. He was washed and inspected by what he thought was the human’s version of a medical man and then he was lifted into a wagon with several other large beings. The rear of the wagon was shut and with a jolting ‘Hiya!’ the driver pulled away with the gang of slaves chained in the rear.
Holler did not recognize the area they traveled through but because of the direct sunlight, he could tell they were not under one of the gleaming domes over the main city. Most likely they were still near the harbor and not far from the slave house. The wagon rumbled on in silence until one of the humans chained near him spoke.
“My name’s Damien. How’d ye get yirself caught? You don’t look like you’d be an easy one to capture.â€
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Guest
OOC: I'll just watch...for the moment...
IC:
With offended pride and red hot glowing ears Holler listened to the auctioneer. The description that the man uttered didn't even come close to the Orc's real self. It actually took Sleipnir a few flickers to realize that he now was under scrutiny and under offer. Exaggeration and bias mixed with a healthy dose of pure fib and fable didn't even come close to what Orcs where all about. Shrugging, the former sailor had to admit that it probably was only good business. After all, the more exotic the wares, the higher the price. Just too bad that he was the contested item.
All too soon the bidding ended, and Holler was bustled off. What happened next almost seemed like a strange daydream. Resigned to keep his calm until he was free of his shackles, or at least left to his own devices for a while, he let it all wash over him rather stoically.
Sitting in the back of the large wagon, the - now clean - Orc refitted himself with a demure posture. Beneath his sullen eyebrows the coal black eyes gazed about highly alert. Where are we off to now? As his knowledge of Sabata didn't extend beyond the harbor and a certain pub within crawling distance of it, he couldn't start to figure out where he was or what the destination of the lumbering cart was.
What is it with humans? They're much too talkative to my liking. Peering over to the man who had addressed him, he sighed. Perhaps it would be wise to cast about at least a semblance of accessibility and amiability. Guessing at his capture, with only a few clues to go by, Holler Sleipnir, softly murmured a reply. "Buckets of too strong ale an' a host of men in a dark alley..." Recalling a few boggy, tattered details about the whole embarrassing episode, the Orc vouched never to touch strong spirits again. Look what good it did me! By Vargaz's pox ridden, salted balls! No booze for me ever again!! Surly he added: "Vaguely I recall a la'y of the night thrown into tha' mess as well..."
IC:
With offended pride and red hot glowing ears Holler listened to the auctioneer. The description that the man uttered didn't even come close to the Orc's real self. It actually took Sleipnir a few flickers to realize that he now was under scrutiny and under offer. Exaggeration and bias mixed with a healthy dose of pure fib and fable didn't even come close to what Orcs where all about. Shrugging, the former sailor had to admit that it probably was only good business. After all, the more exotic the wares, the higher the price. Just too bad that he was the contested item.
All too soon the bidding ended, and Holler was bustled off. What happened next almost seemed like a strange daydream. Resigned to keep his calm until he was free of his shackles, or at least left to his own devices for a while, he let it all wash over him rather stoically.
Sitting in the back of the large wagon, the - now clean - Orc refitted himself with a demure posture. Beneath his sullen eyebrows the coal black eyes gazed about highly alert. Where are we off to now? As his knowledge of Sabata didn't extend beyond the harbor and a certain pub within crawling distance of it, he couldn't start to figure out where he was or what the destination of the lumbering cart was.
What is it with humans? They're much too talkative to my liking. Peering over to the man who had addressed him, he sighed. Perhaps it would be wise to cast about at least a semblance of accessibility and amiability. Guessing at his capture, with only a few clues to go by, Holler Sleipnir, softly murmured a reply. "Buckets of too strong ale an' a host of men in a dark alley..." Recalling a few boggy, tattered details about the whole embarrassing episode, the Orc vouched never to touch strong spirits again. Look what good it did me! By Vargaz's pox ridden, salted balls! No booze for me ever again!! Surly he added: "Vaguely I recall a la'y of the night thrown into tha' mess as well..."
Last edited by Guest on Mon Oct 02, 2006 1:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Guest
With a jolt, the wagon came to a stop. It was Damien again that spoke. This human apparently knew more than the others and it piqued the Orc’s curiosity.
“Well,†started Damien, “if what I think is true, you’ll get a chance to get some revenge.â€
Before Damien could explain further a small group of guards approached the back of the wagon and began to unload the prisoners by their shackles. The lead guard spoke in clear, crisp accent that Holler placed as foreign – or at least different than the native’s he’d heard speak here. He ordered the group into a line and marched them through an iron bound door into an underground complex that appeared to be some kind of living quarters. It wasn’t roomy but it wasn’t a prison, that much was clear. Bunks lined one wall and there even appeared to be a table and chairs.
“Lively, you sots. Move lively,†said the lead guard as he ordered the shackles removed. “Your first fight’s in a burn. You’ll get some food and a little rest but then we’ll want to see what we purchased so be ready.†With a cursory glance he and his troop left the group in the room and locked the door.
“Well,†started Damien, “if what I think is true, you’ll get a chance to get some revenge.â€
Before Damien could explain further a small group of guards approached the back of the wagon and began to unload the prisoners by their shackles. The lead guard spoke in clear, crisp accent that Holler placed as foreign – or at least different than the native’s he’d heard speak here. He ordered the group into a line and marched them through an iron bound door into an underground complex that appeared to be some kind of living quarters. It wasn’t roomy but it wasn’t a prison, that much was clear. Bunks lined one wall and there even appeared to be a table and chairs.
“Lively, you sots. Move lively,†said the lead guard as he ordered the shackles removed. “Your first fight’s in a burn. You’ll get some food and a little rest but then we’ll want to see what we purchased so be ready.†With a cursory glance he and his troop left the group in the room and locked the door.
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Guest
The mention of revenge piqued Holler's interest. That he understood! As once again a pack of guards descended upon the shackled mass, the Orc's eyes snapped open with interest. Damien's promise send tremors of anticipation through his heavy muscles. They ached to be loosened, to be used. Fully alert now, he moved along with the slowly marching line of fellow prisoners.
As the dark mouth of a gate swallowed him he was surprised to be met by a rather pleasant view. No dank and dingy dungeons, but a somewhat familiar interior welcomed him. Surveying his new surroundings, he thought: It's just like a ship's belly, only that the hammocks are replaced by bunk beds. And no rolling and turning on the waves.
Still peering around he almost missed his release from the metal bounds. The soft clanking of the shackles hitting the ground, made him look down. A rather thin, unimpressive guard looked up with a grin and went on to the next captive.
As the dark mouth of a gate swallowed him he was surprised to be met by a rather pleasant view. No dank and dingy dungeons, but a somewhat familiar interior welcomed him. Surveying his new surroundings, he thought: It's just like a ship's belly, only that the hammocks are replaced by bunk beds. And no rolling and turning on the waves.
Still peering around he almost missed his release from the metal bounds. The soft clanking of the shackles hitting the ground, made him look down. A rather thin, unimpressive guard looked up with a grin and went on to the next captive.
Fight? Wanting some answers Holler Sleipnir stalked off to find Damien. An air of apprehension and terror swept back and forth through the waiting group, resulting in nervous blabbering and chattering. As the tall Orc reached the human, he shot him a question: "Fight? Wha' kinda fight?!"“Your first fight’s in a burn. You’ll get some food and a little rest but then we’ll want to see what we purchased so be ready.â€
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Guest
Damien didn't looked pleased either but he wasn't shaken like Holler.
"Fight for sport. We've been picked for arena entertainment," said the large human with a sigh. There was mixed chorus of moans and cries of disbelief from the rest of the captives.
"But don't worry, the fights aren't usually to the death . . .first. They'll keep most of us alive until they know who the truly capable fighters are. But then? Then the rest of us are just fodder." He sat down and put his head in his hands.
"But it could be worse, I guess. Here you have a chance to survive. There's a rumor that war has started and Sabata will be sending men. I'd say you have a better chance to survive here than in battle, wouldn't you agree?"
"Fight for sport. We've been picked for arena entertainment," said the large human with a sigh. There was mixed chorus of moans and cries of disbelief from the rest of the captives.
"But don't worry, the fights aren't usually to the death . . .first. They'll keep most of us alive until they know who the truly capable fighters are. But then? Then the rest of us are just fodder." He sat down and put his head in his hands.
"But it could be worse, I guess. Here you have a chance to survive. There's a rumor that war has started and Sabata will be sending men. I'd say you have a better chance to survive here than in battle, wouldn't you agree?"
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Guest
Holler did NOT agree! He knew how to hold his own in a pitched fight. Within the carnage and confusion of battle, Holler was quite capable of staying alive; the fights described by Damien seemed too orchestrated to fit his rather rough style of fighting. Perhaps I can introduce the element of confusion and surprise myself. That would be a big help!
Shrugging the tall Orc, figured that as the first fight would not be aimed at drawing any blood, he would have enough time to learn about the Arena's rules. And when he understood them thoroughly, he would break them, snap them, chew them up and spit them out. All this reasoning didn't happen on a conscious level, it only reflected Holler's character and attitude in life. Satisfied to wait and see, the muddy green giant leaned back against the musty wall, crossed his arm and lazily spat an impressive waddle of spittle on the floor. Let's get it on!
A tiny, devious part of his mind nettled him into a question: "Damien! What 'appens to the woun'ed? An' how many us'lly get killed?" Glaring around he watched his would be opponents. Tales of gut spilling, blood gushing and heads rolling, would scare most of 'em, and thus do an important part of killing them for him.
Shrugging the tall Orc, figured that as the first fight would not be aimed at drawing any blood, he would have enough time to learn about the Arena's rules. And when he understood them thoroughly, he would break them, snap them, chew them up and spit them out. All this reasoning didn't happen on a conscious level, it only reflected Holler's character and attitude in life. Satisfied to wait and see, the muddy green giant leaned back against the musty wall, crossed his arm and lazily spat an impressive waddle of spittle on the floor. Let's get it on!
A tiny, devious part of his mind nettled him into a question: "Damien! What 'appens to the woun'ed? An' how many us'lly get killed?" Glaring around he watched his would be opponents. Tales of gut spilling, blood gushing and heads rolling, would scare most of 'em, and thus do an important part of killing them for him.
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Maeve
- The Dragon & Game Designer
- Posts: 15536
- Joined: Thu Oct 03, 2002 1:29 pm
- Location: The Netherlands
Damien shrugged "Those that fought well will be saved for another day, maybe even healed. Those that the crowd dislikes however, those that lose.. they are killed on the spot." The man didn't seem particularly bothered by it, just relating a fact of life.
A dark swarthy looking man in robes circled the wannabe gladiators, looking them over as a piece of meat. Somehow he looked like a foreigner despite the fact that his robes were made of local cloth, just like the robes of the People of the Sand. It was something about his attitude that screamed he was foreign.
"And that one over there... the green one," the rich foreigner pointed upon spotting Holler "Put him in the arena and if he survives I'll take him off your hands for a handsome amount."
Holler was prodded with the help of spears to a large wooden building with a doom of tent cloth. As soon as he stepped through the door he realized he was in a circular arena, with the crowd surrounding him, up on high. Close enough to see but high enough to keep out of harms way. The guards undid the shackles that had held the Orc but provided no weaponry or armor. The crowd cheered. Facing Holler was a man with a fishnet and a forked spear, with partial body armor and a helmet. Everybody waiting expectantly. A lodge was made of rudimentary material. It contained the foreigner and several other locals in rich robes. The foreigner nodded and the trumpets sounded. Immediately the gladiator advanced upon Holler.
A dark swarthy looking man in robes circled the wannabe gladiators, looking them over as a piece of meat. Somehow he looked like a foreigner despite the fact that his robes were made of local cloth, just like the robes of the People of the Sand. It was something about his attitude that screamed he was foreign.
"And that one over there... the green one," the rich foreigner pointed upon spotting Holler "Put him in the arena and if he survives I'll take him off your hands for a handsome amount."
Holler was prodded with the help of spears to a large wooden building with a doom of tent cloth. As soon as he stepped through the door he realized he was in a circular arena, with the crowd surrounding him, up on high. Close enough to see but high enough to keep out of harms way. The guards undid the shackles that had held the Orc but provided no weaponry or armor. The crowd cheered. Facing Holler was a man with a fishnet and a forked spear, with partial body armor and a helmet. Everybody waiting expectantly. A lodge was made of rudimentary material. It contained the foreigner and several other locals in rich robes. The foreigner nodded and the trumpets sounded. Immediately the gladiator advanced upon Holler.
[i][b][color=orange][size=92]Smile and carry a big stick.[/color][/b][/i][/size]
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Guest
With a low growl Holler let himself - rather reluctantly - be herded away. Outwardly he looked like the menacing, dangerous Orc he was, whilst inwardly he still chuckled over Damien's bone dry remarks.
The tall Orc was relieved to be unshackled at last. As his gaze swept around the circular field of death, he couldn't help but raise his hands to protect his green ears from the deafening roar of the crowds. When Sleipnir however noticed the threatening figure of his opponent, his eyes narrowed and his hands came down. Somehow a distant part of his mind sent him a flash image of the hooker he vaguely remembered being present at his capture. It must be the fishnet that called it forth.
At the sign of the strangely shrouded foreigner, the man with the odd pitchfork and net went for the towering Orc. Relying - perhaps too heavily - on the toughness of his muddy coloured skin Holler swerved away from the net. It might resemble some lady's tights, it still could immobilize him quite efficiently. Images of drawn out fights, with too complicated strategies danced through his head jeering at him. Realizing his shortcomings and the odds stacked against him, Holler growled. No human games anymore! T'is time for Orc games! Piss this!
With a snarl the burly Orc jumped at this puny boor opposing him. "Bet you taste nice...." A massive green hand came up to catch the man's wrist and spear, while the thin lipped mouth gapes open wide unsheathing the whole length of his protruding teeth. With a speed bellying his massive muscles Holler swung the lethal array of razor sharp teeth towards the human's unprotected flank. Fine drops of saliva cascaded from the yellowy daggers.
The tall Orc was relieved to be unshackled at last. As his gaze swept around the circular field of death, he couldn't help but raise his hands to protect his green ears from the deafening roar of the crowds. When Sleipnir however noticed the threatening figure of his opponent, his eyes narrowed and his hands came down. Somehow a distant part of his mind sent him a flash image of the hooker he vaguely remembered being present at his capture. It must be the fishnet that called it forth.
At the sign of the strangely shrouded foreigner, the man with the odd pitchfork and net went for the towering Orc. Relying - perhaps too heavily - on the toughness of his muddy coloured skin Holler swerved away from the net. It might resemble some lady's tights, it still could immobilize him quite efficiently. Images of drawn out fights, with too complicated strategies danced through his head jeering at him. Realizing his shortcomings and the odds stacked against him, Holler growled. No human games anymore! T'is time for Orc games! Piss this!
With a snarl the burly Orc jumped at this puny boor opposing him. "Bet you taste nice...." A massive green hand came up to catch the man's wrist and spear, while the thin lipped mouth gapes open wide unsheathing the whole length of his protruding teeth. With a speed bellying his massive muscles Holler swung the lethal array of razor sharp teeth towards the human's unprotected flank. Fine drops of saliva cascaded from the yellowy daggers.