Meeting the Marauder Challenge - ROLEPLAY

A report on recent events: by one who was there.

Xyrala Kythus, self proclaimed leader of the "Coalition of Flames," had demanded tribute from The Soul, caretakers of the Blackburn Trading Post OP. (http://app.ryzom.com/app_forum/?page=topic/view/11680/12#1) At the appointed time not only were the representatives of The Soul present, but also The Monks of Polonius, Armageddons, Aedan Artisans, Mad Russians, and many others -- representing a cross section of the civilized lands united to oppose such demands. After a brief discussion, we were attacked by the Fyros Rebels making up the "Coalition of Flames" without so much as a declaration.

It was clear that these Fyros had no sense of that battle honor that is the hallmark of the true, civilized, Fyros. It was also clear that they had but small battle skill. They did, however, to give them small honor, acquit themselves well, even as they were beaten to the ground.

They must have allies, for strangely a formal declaration to take over the Outpost was delivered though none of them were still present to touch the flag as is the civilized custom in these matters. Still, the challenge is there. It seems only right that those of every civilized land should respond to meet the challenge.

We then proceeded to Twin Tops. A Riddle Contest had been proposed by self named Aesan Be'Lauer (who knows so little of his Tryker heritage as to use the Matis version of his name) that there should be a challenge of wits at Twin Tops. (http://app.ryzom.com/app_forum/?page=topic/view/11680/12#2).

We arrived to find that he had brought friends from the so-called Cynics of Liberty who nonetheless wore their labels as what they were: Rebel Trykers. We felt, however, justified in the fact that many homins of all civilizations heeded the call from Armageddons to support them. Be'Lauer Aesan appeared and issued his challenge and Jola stepped forward to accept it. Imagine our surprise that the riddler from the other side was none other than that notorious Marauder, Dante the Teaser. Still, no weapons were drawn and the contest began.

It was immediately obvious that the large crates scattered around held something of import, and it was revealed after the failure of Jola to guess the first riddle, that they contained beasts, somehow magically constrained to keep them from attacking.

Jola had made riddles of worth and depth, all based in the history of the civilized lands of Atys. Even though some of that history is bloody and we have passed it by, still there are lessons to be learned there. Dante could not guess even one of Jola's riddles, and complained of multiple meanings even when he could not get any of the meanings correct.

Jola, on the other hand, guessed three of his riddles aright, and so won the contest. The Rebel Trykers faded into the distance, taking their beasts with them, but again, without a hand upon the banner, the outpost was declared upon -- as if the Cynics were a true guild and not just some collection of rabble.

During the contest it seemed that there were some homins who, while nominally civilized, were supporting the Cynics and even Dante. We should be careful in the future to be sure that those who claim to support us actually do so.

-- Bitttymacod, Proud Tryker Citizen and follower of Jena.