Gladiators' Glory
Such a gathering of the mightiest,
As so rarely ever sighted,
In the age-old seat of Empire met,
To glorious contest invited.
Young warriors were the first to compete,
Of their generation the best,
Wemics, Nanshi, and sons of Mikon,
Putting their mettle to the test.
The battles all were contested well,
'Til two warriors did remain,
Ambrosius of Kurathene reknown,
And Liam Dald from M'Chek's plain.
The pair set to with clashing blades,
The crowd by their struggle enthralled,
At long last the match conceded to:
The victorious Liam Dald!
Next up to fight the veterans rose,
Battle-hardened all and blooded,
A motley crew: from Paladins pure,
To those of histories muddied.
Two warriors then, did cut a swathe,
Through all those who would their path bar,
Scythe-master Aur with visage cowled and,
Aerie: servant of Gorethar.
With most deadly force did Aur's scythe swing.
Yet failed to strike its right-sized mark,
Who with blessings and control of mind,
Was entered "winner" by the clerk.
Finally it was the Champions' turn,
Men of legend, fame and glory,
Shape shifters, nobles and Justicars,
Were but part of this great story.
Once again, two fighters made their mark,
Consigning all foes to defeat,
Their unmatch'd prowess driving them on,
'Til in the last bout they did meet.
Lord Ayren, Admiral world renown'd,
Skill elevated as his rank,
Sailed though both his bouts with bare a scratch,
As with finesse his foes he sank.
Magus Samwir, robed in Eb'ny black,
Cast 'pon his challengers a pall,
Transmuted by spell to great effect,
Led two Justicars to their fall.
But fiercely though Magus Samwir fought,
In the final bout, down he laid,
For in the end no spell could protect,
Against Lord Ayren's flashing blade.
So to the victors the spoils are due,
In celebration their names called:
The Lord Ayren Tochi'larion,
A. Angeltear, and Liam Dald!
(Commissioned by Roland de'Cyronde to commemorate the Kuras Arena Fight Tournament)