The Trial of Our Realms

[Jent]

<big>The Trial of Our Realms</big>

A grand goddess is Zaphira, who manifested these gateways, who organized this tournament, who made the Sorcerer oversee, for she is the Goddess of Gods.

I am the great Sorcerer, divinator of the unseen, Game Master of this tournament, who welcomes those of realms both far and wide to enjoy the games.

The Sorcerer says: by the favor of Zaphira to this 'Trial of Our Realms' she sponsored. Much else that is magnificent was built in this realm, which I designed and my helpers managed. Whatever has been established and seems beautiful - all that we done by the favor of Zaphira.

The Sorcerer says: may Zaphira preserve the tournament, its contestants, and the audience of multitude who partake in the events. That, indeed, may Zaphira preserve.

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“Bring out your champions&#33;”

The cry boomed throughout town, a final call for last minute contenders for multiverse tournament. Well, of sorts. While plenty of beings intrigued by the offer of either prize or entertainment, and many hailed from distances lands, nearly all of the advertisement focused on just two polar universes. More than enough to demonstrate the strength of mortals. “... Blih gremble,” an agitated smog elemental grumbled in their air tight space suit. Deities and similar sets of beings were disqualified from competing, due to keeping the sliding scale of power within relative reason. “Might as well go to watch. The tickets are a sane price.”

It trudged forward to the out-of-place altar of circular limestone. One normally expected nearly anything to end up in Pax, though it appeared rather tame in design apart from the dimensional portal. The gateway itself only had a stone sign near the portal, writen in a few languages of text about tournament. A plain rippling oval, branching out multiple routes for those who enter inside.

After stepping through the shimmering portal, they be greeted by an astounding feat of engineering. Numerous tiny shard fragments of the other Pax rounded and forged into a near circular belt, laying outside of actual arena. Seats for thousands of sentient beings of all species were situated throughout the curved stands. Refreshments, restrooms, and merchandise celebrating the tournament neatly organized to sate the viewers between bouts of raw action. Dimensional mirrors located at each chair allowed any watcher to zoom in on particular scenes, rewind, and record (at a price) for later viewings.

However, those who possessed a card for participation found themselves teleported to a building existing at both corners of the three-fourths circle. A separate area for processing applicants. Designed for maximum scrutiny and protection, those deemed ineligible for the tournament were either redirect back to the stands entrance to buy a ticket, or kicked out back to the Pax universe they entered from. Their participation card would be immediately shredded to prevent sneaking back inside for a do-over process.

“Welcome, champions all&#33; I be the Master of these games-”
Standing tall from his regal chair, the half-Jinn who started the draws of attention to the tournament grinned. A vibrant purple robe donned by this Sorcerer, reminiscent to a Median Robe style attire, gestured to what was just air beside him.” “-And she: Zaphira, Goddess of Dimensions and sponsor of the tournament.

The primordial deity blinked into the room before anyone could realize the space just prior laid vacant. Zaphira donned her typical black suit with matching pants, detailed in silver tone trim. A Goddess bothered not with shoes of any sort, standing barefooted as her wings and tail adjusted themselves accordingly with an accompanying yawn.

“We would like to thank each one of you fighters for joining the tournament,” the 'GM' expressed his gratitude. “Those observant would realize there are # participants around besides yourself. Unfortunately, only # of you will get the chance to fight on the grand stage. In order to find out who will advance, all of your participation cards will be processed by the Grand Orb.”

Attention drew upward to the high ceiling. Slowly, one glistening crimson orb descended a couple meters, out of reach of direct contact. “The checked boxes of your cards must be filled and etched in a legible writing to be accepted, noted by the asterisk to the side. Anything else you wish to include is completely optional,” Demi-Jinn explained to the various beings delegated in the preliminary room. “... While we will allow some white lies to be overlooked, the Grand Orb will NOT approve of dishonestly regarding potential disqualifying factors. You may make any last minute edits in the next sixty seconds before your cards are collected.”

[Coolpikaaa]

New to the cosmic fairground, the little electric mouse known as CP waddled his way through the crowd, careful not to allow his tail to be trampled. He was rather impressed with the spectacle of it all. The arches, the banners, the speeches? All so very... aggressively extravagant. When he had heard the entire thing was apparently Zaphira's doing, he laughed.

The mouse paused, spying a games stall with sparkling Zaphira plushes in various sizes as awards. He absolutely had to get one, simply as a momento of how outrageous this all was. Plus, maybe he could use it to bug the Goddess every so often with her cutesy look-alike.

It wasn't that he believed Zaphira was undeserving of all the fanfare. No, certainly not&#33; He believed she was quite worthy. But, the whole means in which the tournament presented itself seemed directly uncharacteristic of what he knew of the metallic Goddess. To him, at least, she always seemed... Hmm. What was a better word than lazy? He soon had decided on "Lax". Of course, she slept most of the day, so that conclusion was not hard to draw. But... Goddess of Gods? The hanging velvet banners everywhere proclaiming A Grand Goddess is Zaphira? He wondered who was buying into them, let alone if Zaphira herself truly thought she was better than all the others.

Either way, it got the people out, and moments of happiness seemed far between dates these days. He had even spied Senka taking a rare break from her duties to join the stands and eat the oddly silver cotton candy. As CP suddenly vanished, brought into the judging room by his entrance card, the Knight took her seat. She likely would have joined too... if not for the rules barring outside equipment. What good was a showy fight if no one had access to the tools they had specially honed over the years? Plus that last, unsettling mystery rule, about Zaphira and her organizers being able to change the rules of the realm whenever they deemed fit... it definitely rubbed her the wrong way. Who in their right mind would sign up for this sort of thing?

[TheDarkPsycho]

Outside the Portal
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Ariel sat on a well looking at the dias where the portal stood. Of course she'd be stuck here. She of course had no intention of participating in the tournament, but as one who previously had the freedom of the Multiverse, she had been finding her confinement difficult as of late. Of course the fact that the portal could conduct sound out of it didn't help. Goddess of Gods? Pfft. Ariel was more senior than her by who knows how many millenia&#33; And Preserve the universe? Where was Zaphira when the Collector held the paintbrush? Where were any of the other dieties that seemed to pop up here now?

And of course, like it always did, the depression set in. She did this to herself - turn these people against her. As always, it was all her fault....all of it.

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Locker R4oom

Tom sat there with his card, waiting his turn to present it. Many people had argued that as a human, he shouldn't even be considering it - that it was tantemount to suicide. But the way he saw it, it was the one way to guarentee this town - no, his town could thrive. He knew his abililties, and his chances, but he had survived so far here. "Well....mostly" he thought, looking down at his mechanical leg. Still, he did know a fair bit of hand to hand combat, he had this. What's the worst that could happen?

[Laur]

A mature woman sat a short way away from the soldier within the confinements of the locker room. She brushed the strands of dark hair teased out of her ponytail back behind her ears in hopes of preventing them getting into piercing blue eyes. Laur radiated confidence for someone who looked entirely human, an odd thing to observe despite the particular ruleset. Besides, she never could resist a tournament.

[Swix]

Tucked into the corner sat a pretty woman wearing golden clothing. She sat there with a slight smirk on her face. She had bright green eyes that were slightly larger than a humans, and there were golden feathers-the same colour as her hair-that ran down the back of her arms and stopped at her wrists. Harpy had come out of the wilds purely for this tournament. The mutant was quite fond of fighting, and had not had this opportunity for quite a while. Plus she already knew what her wish would be.

On the opposite side to her was a tall man with dark blue hair cropped short, watery grey eyes that twinkled with an inner humour and optimism, and wearing blue with a blue jacket. This was Shade-the Shade from the Mirrorverse-Fades mirror. The good assassin. He'd decided to participate as well, for the good of his Ana. If he won that was. If.

In the stands, one Blue was sat next to Emerald, black leathery scales of Blue in stark contrast to the white of her Mirror. They hadn't planned this, yet here they were thrown together, and it was blatantly obvious their relationship. When Blues eyes turned black, Emeralds red. When Blues were white, Emeralds were blue, and where Blues turned yellow Emeralds turned yellow as well. That was the colour of the two hybrids glowing eyes now as they turned to watch.

The assassin from Prime Pax too had showed up to watch, the rarely seen member of the original Evil Council figured that this was going tk be very interesting to watch.

So too, was Abi. This should be a good lesson on mortal abilities, right? Plus she knew Tom wad participating.... whyyyy? He was like to sustain more injuries. She didn't like that idea. And that seriously confused the immortal sealed in a human body. Empathy was an alien concept to her.

And sat at the back of all people was Zeredah, the young goddess of Night was incredibly excited to watch this once she'd heard of it, and totally ignored the banners proclaiming goddess of gods. Noone was the boss of her&#33; "Woo&#33;" the excitable young one started, before anything had even happened.

[TheDarkPsycho]

The light from the entrance was suddenly blocked by a very large man. Grog stepped through, accompanied by Tala of the H&H, and clutching a card very carefully between both his hands.

"Grog go play now?" He asks, looking down at the woman.

Tom gets up upon seeing the pair, and approaches, saying "I see the big guy decided to come out - can't say as I'm surprised. Considering the rumors, do you think he'll be allowed in?" to Tala.

[Swix]

Tala looked up at the big man and smiled lightly. "Yes, you can go play npw" The werewolf looked over at Tom-today she'd opted for her human form, so she had to look up at him too. "Hello there Tom, to be honest, I'm not really sure. But you know what Grogs like. He insisted, so I said I'd sponsor. Ypu taking part in the tournament too?"

[TheDarkPsycho]

Tom: I'm going to try, though looking at some of the competition in here, I'm not sure of my chances. I'll watch over the big guy if you want to go ahead and get to the stands. Of course I'd hate to be here if they don't let him compete....I'm not sure if any force in the universe can stop him when he's upset.

[Jent]

"... While you would make for a fine head accessory, but you're clashing my theme right now."

Now it be an odd sight for someone to be conversing with a sapient cephalopod. This cuttlefish-like alien claimed her seat atop the stranger's head, perched in place with one tentacle holding up a card to be collected. Weird enough. Factor in a masculine robot being in a red evening gown with a white rose bolero jacket. "Not my fault you picked the wrong outfit, doofus. Just stand still-HEY&#33;"

The two began to bicker during the passing minute. Annoying brats, a thought a lone woman off in the corner huffed. A person of 'near East' descent, possibly of a border nation larger territories or kingdoms. The fact weapons were largely restricted irked Shahapt, but not enough to dissuade her from entry. She instead kept to herself and observed the rest of the crowd. They should be easy to deal with... That one with the feathers might be a problem, she theorized at the Drangue at the other end of the room. In her silken mixed taraz of masculine and feminine design, both her trouser fitted legs crossed together while she leaned against a wall. A women of wealth and experience, cloaked in red with white trims.

Elsewhere from the relative silence, Aventine and Cael were quarreling with a random Mutant Chicken who happened to follow them into the area. This place was only for card-carriers and those directly accompanying (generally sponsors, like with that woman near the giant barbarian). And yet this over-grown poultry decided to barge inside. Luckily just a few scratches... Probably the only reason no one decided to help the two Homunculi was at least one of the GM's chuckling at their plight.

"... Is everyone done? Perfect," the Sorcerer announced. A lone flick of the wrist beckoned the Grand Orb to glow faintly, causing each and every card in the room to float upward to the ceiling. The enchanted pieces of paper were directly absorbed in the twirling sphere to be processed. Details. Traits. Intent and potential deception. The eerie manifestation gleamed into the people awaiting approval for the tournament, and swiftly produced two lists for both the GMs.

"Mmmm, most of you get to stay. Though there a few outliers..."

Waving his hand in the air, strange lights appeared overhead to signify those who were eligible for participation. Most were beings trying to hide weapons. Poisons, enchanted daggers, tasers, stuff normally be fine if listed out on the card-but actively concealed it from the record struck them off.

"No. No. NO&#33; I deserve to be in tournament&#33;"

One voice roared, causing people nearby to balk from the infuriated warrior. A recent off-worlder from a high magic realm, he directed the end of his greatsword towards the Sorcerer. "I listed my weapons-"

"But not the scrolls kept in your left and right pockets."

Flummoxed, the man refused to admit wrongdoing. He wasn't going to part with any of his magic, not when in any battle death could be awaiting around the corner. That GM wasn't pleased by this outburst. Without even a gesture, a radiant glow from the Orb materialized a portal underneath the stubborn warrior's feet, causing him to drop... From the ceiling... Back into the first portal, arrive from the second above... And after a few cyclical loops, was flung into the main portal and back where he came from.

"Now with order re-established, perhaps we can reorganize and start the team brackets."

[TheDarkPsycho]

::Tom watched the spectacle of the people being thrown out. While worried about his chances, he was at least glad he'd get to keep his leg. Granted, it hardly counted as a weapon, but still. Turning to Tala and Grog, he says::

Tom: Looks like you and me get to compete after all, big guy.

::Grog himself looked overjoyed. Of course Wolf Sister told him he may not be allowed. She tried to explain to Grog why, but he had failed to fully understand why. Finally she explained it as Grog may be too strong to be fair for the others, which made him sad, but he still wanted to try.::

[Swix]

Tala broke into a large-slightly relieved-smile after seeing that Grog had been accepted into the tournament. She wouldn't have wanted to be there either if Grog was upset by the judgements, to tell the truth-but she'd likely handle it better than some. "Great&#33;" she beamed "Right, I'll make my way over to the stands then. Good luck, you two" she hurried off to her seat, where she'd cheer them.

During the whole starting fiasco, Shade had watched the liar with a frown. On the one hand, he disapproved of lying-on the other, that rejection seemed to him to have been unnecessarily humiliating. He hoped anyone who lost their bouts weren't treated like that.

On the other hand, in the other corner, Harpy had watched and found the whole thing amusing. She'd even let out a small laugh when the objector was flung away. What fun&#33; What an idiot&#33; Much as she approved of lying for ones own gain, her instincts that that wouldn't help here had been proven right.

[Laur]

The once reluctant mutant elected to remain seated during the initial process, deigning to look up purely to observe the one whom had attempted to abuse the rules be ejected. Mayhaps she should have brought her sword with her? Ah, but it was far too far along in time for that possible to remain existing.

[Jent]

"With our numbers settled, it is time to see your placement in the tournament."

Once the hall emptied of those unable to participate, the shimmering crimson orb jostled in place. Its magic conjured a wide screen from wall to wall, draping down the ceiling. Odd, names were paired together on the brackets. Apparently this competition worked in teamwork to achieve the prize offered by the GMs. "Now, now. The manner of this setup is two allow two potential champions to earn their own Wish together. I'm certain your desires combined would not overpower the Grand Orb's ability to confer its gifts," the Sorcerer attempted to explain away the murmurs of confusion.

"... And your teams, while they are finalized, your opponents will be a surprise in the first round. To keep everyone on edge who they might face off against."

Smiling, a passing wave by the GM's hand teleported the two-being teams to their individual rooms to prepare.

[TheDarkPsycho]

Tom suddenly felt his world shift, and found himself in a room with Grog.

Tom: Well big guy, looks like it's you and me against all of them. You ready to play?

Grog: Grog play with Mr. Tom?

Tom: Yep. And we are going to be up against some people who many not want whats best for our friends back in town. So we need to win. Not to mention you want to prove you're strong, right?

Grog: Grog show everyone Grog is the strongest&#33;

Tom: Good. I just need you to do what I tell you when I tell you. Can you do that?

Grog: Grog can Mr. Tom.

[Swix]

Both Harpy and Shade were teleported into their respective room... together. Harpy made an 'Ugh' noise after they landed, whilst her partner didn't seem all that bothered about it. "Well" the blue man said in a rather jovial tone "I guess we're working together for the duration of this tournament" Shade smiled charmingly and offered her his hand to shake. It was only polite, right?

Harpy batted it away angrily. "I'm not your friend. Stay out of my way" Why'd she have to get stuck with this fool?