The Colossal Gladiator

Tonight, the stadium was filled with the cheers and surprises of the crowd of Ar as gladiators fought for glory, title, fame, and freedom.

A huge upset as Volusian, the newest gladiator, bested the Primus Palus, Arco, the mute gladiator.

Aquilla was then pitted against the veteran, Priscus.

Priscus, the most experienced of the Ludus Cerise, retired, receiving his rudius and his freedom tonight at the hands of the Ubar. Here are some pictures of his last fight.

The champion of the night was Desimus, who bested the champions from the other rounds to achieve the title Colossal Gladiator.

Step Right Up! Step Right Up!

The Games Fair opened on Friday's night and was up all weekend, visited by both the locals and the occasional visitors from neighbouring cities. Free people and slaves alike had fun, though rumours have it that the owners of chattel were the ones who enjoyed themselves the most, by wagering their slaves to others, threatening them to shave their heads if they didn't beat an oponent and even playing sunk tank with them. There was a constant parading of costumes and the laughter and catching up with city life was heard from pasangs away.

Carnival Activities

Come celebrate with us this weekend!

FRIDAY 11, at 8 PM - GAMES FAIR

Come play and wager! Games fair with sword swallowers, jugglers, tarn wire, darts, dunk tank, swinging ship, hammer! All are invited to come and play, free and slaves alike.

SATURDAY 12 at 2 PM - MASK & COSTUME PARADE & CONTEST

Garb in old style carnival or outlanders costumes, parade the city and the red carpet and win! Both free and slaves high encouraged to bring their creativity. You could also parade all weekend in this exotic clothing.

SUNDAY 13 at 5 PM - SLAVE BEAN RACE

Slaves gather to race and free wager like mad. Do not miss the chance for a good laugh!

The Menagerie

Melisande (melisande.moisant) glanced behind her, the faithful wash of violet that was there reassuring her that, even though the throng of people had gathered to witness the marvels on display and hear the expert opinion of the scribe, peace would be kept. She looked delighted to see Isabella, and perhaps even wearing a wig. She chuckled and waved her over, "Cousin..."

Helena Octavia Betela (helena.betelus) joined the crowd, tempted by the loud noises and the always wonderful opportunity to mingle. She sat between Kait and Ziarre, after nodding to all present and bowing to the Ubara. She did her usual little ceremony when sitting down, hands paralel and in perfect symmetry adjusting the skirts.

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis) takes a step forward on the stage, looking across the crowd for a few moments before commencing. From a pouch on his tunic, he produces a crumpled piece of parchment which looked as though it had seen far better days, "I hold in my hand the journal of a renowned scribe, who spent many years studying the ecology of the rainforest. In the following passage he writes about the Schendi anteater, of which six varieties are known, some growing to more than twenty feet in length."

Fritha: me wonders about the agricultural value of the animals on show. The upside down one seems to hold out a vague interest, if only that it might make use of the roofs of pens

Isabella (isabella.bergiere) cannot help but lean forward eagerly as she watches the girl disappear behind the curtain, resting her chin on one of her hands as she fixes her gaze on the opening to see what would be appearing. Almost of equal interest to her were the various people who had turned out to watch and Isabella takes in their appearances and names as best she could, trying to familiarise herself with her new home. Self consciously patting the elaborate blonde wig she returns Melisande's smile with shining eyes and scoots a little closer to greet her with a genuine display of affection before her attention is taken by the words of Tycho.

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis) smooths out the parchment slightly so that he can hold it forth and read in a clear voice, "Our scribe says, 'Despite their exceptional size, these beasts are harmless, and quite lazy. They choose to feed upon the grubs and scum of the insect world. Nobody could admire such an animal, being as they are, lazy, half-blind, slow and stupid'." He pauses a moment for effect, before looking directly to the crowd. "The lifeless corpse of the scribe who wrote this passage was last seen in the deadly grip of a great spined anteater."

Savir (soren.davidov) leaned over and whipsered to Crow. "Seems they perform their duty quite well then" he said, a jest at the expense of the expired scribe.

Alžběta Myška (alzbeta.bohemian) lifts her hand to her mouth to cover an unattractive smirk.

Fritha: me wonders what a Scribe was even doing near an animal; one would as likely get eaten by a verr! She snorts a bit in contempt

Crow (melchior.wardell) nodded towards his captain "Sometimes they make it look so easy heh." he replied darkly.

Elara Jupiter shifts a bit further from the sloth in the tree just in case... who knows what that one might do if it ever woke up long enough to come up with a whole thought.

Syd (syd.moonstone) raises one eyebrow at the words renowned scribe "the best and only kind of scribe" he chuckles to himself"...and listens to waht he had to say

Helena Octavia Betela (helena.betelus) grinned, extra sparkles in her eyes, giving it away.

Melisande (melisande.moisant) leans in to whisper to her, "That's remarkable. Have you ever been to Schendi, cousin? I think it might be the most exciting thing." She wrinkles her nose as he describes the eating habits of the anteater, yet still fascinated, watching Tycho closely as he continues with the display. The presence of the assassins would normally cause the Taurentians to be extra vigilant, but Melisande seemed unaffected, and her guard keep usual. She nodded respectfully towards Crow... briefly, then turned her attention back to the main event.

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis) tucks the parchment away in his tunic, trying to maintain a straight face at the crowd reaction before continuing, "The anteater, you see - even the smaller varieties - are in possession of great strength, easily able to crush your average jungle larl between their front paws. So what is to be learned from the fate of this scribe? Simple ... respect for nature. With this in mind, let us begin our exhibition."

Lady Kait of Ar (kaitlin.eiren) lifts a hand to her mouth pressing the fabric to her lips to suppress the initial gasp. "Surely he did not...well good to know..." Mentally she crosses off the anteater from her list of possible specimen before nodding to the beautifully gowned Helena who has just arrived and the other free she missed in her fascination with the animals

Crow (melchior.wardell) notes her nod and it was for one reason alone. He dipped his head galantly back. The secret of his task one he could not share with anyone while he turns to Savir briefly "At times I wonder ... if we couldn't learn a trick or too hmm... Have you ever seen an ost strike ?" he asks him. Instantly wondering if the man had one there too.

Fritha considers the possibility of anteaters. For sure, the fodder for them would come remarkably cheap

Syd (syd.moonstone) thinks back with some little regret that he had not travelled to the rain forests... spending all that time sailing up and down the Vosk on pointless ambassadorial missions.. he shakes his head slowly to himself promising himself one more trip ..

Isabella (isabella.bergiere) was probably exactly the audience Tyros looked for and provides the expected inhale of breath at the irony of the scribe meeting his demise at the animal he mocked. Wrinkling her nose to Melisande she replies faintly, "Indeed no, I have not been there, I have hardly travelled at all. Infact I think this is the furthest I have ever been from... well from home."

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis) rests one hand upon the horn of the mighty stuffed creature as he speaks, "The kailiauk. This gigantic herbivore lives upon the savannahs and plains of Gor, found across several territories. Some herds frequent the rainforests, where they find ample sustenance."

Savir (soren.davidov) glanced over and caught the look of the Ubara. He knew the look, it was a gaze held without fear, but perhaps admiration. She had been whipsering in his ear. Or perhaps someone had been whispering in Crow's ear for her. Usually the women of high caste either flocked to them for protection or ran from them in fear. The look shared by the Ubara told him alot. He let his gaze settle on her, from the shroud of his hood he took her in and noted she mourned.. as many of the ladies did in the city during this time. He turned his gaze back to the master assassin as he spoke. "I have never seen an Ost strike, but am familiar with its venom" he told him honestly. "Perhaps we will see one today, maybe let it bite one of the slaves" he suggested darkly.

Arkhus of the Voltai (anarch.allegiere) was not oblivious to the man in black being present, nor of his duties, but he had his own way of dealing with such situations. He simply kept his eyes on the stage as the more important targets would be kept in the corners of his eyes, faking his unattentiveness in case anyone had anything planned. As long as his blade was in his arm's reach he felt like everyone nearby was safe from everything.

Helena Octavia Betela (helena.betelus) followed the event but her tired feet were really annoying her. She looked up and snapped her fingers to the slave of the Knot, to come closer. She returned her gaze to Tycho, with whom she sworn to the Home Stone and smiled, listening attently. Having herself noticed the killers, she was at ease knowing Savir was one of them.

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis) returns to the front of the stage, continuing, "The horns and tooled hides of the forest kailiauk are major exports of the port of Schendi. Some believe these horns contain powerful healing magics. One southern merchant even suggested to me that powdered kailiauk horn is a powerful aphrodisiac. However, I do not believe any research into this has been conducted ... yet." He casts a brief glance towards a couple of the attending physicians in the audience.

Crow (melchior.wardell) kept his gaze sharply while he continues to his captain "I saw one ... and it was very odd." he whispers "The slave that kept it called it snappy the snake." he shook his head "How she had managed to train the damn thing ... I have no clue but clearly she must have been patient and couragious." the barbarian slave seemed ot have made a very firm impression with Crow.

Syd (syd.moonstone): chuckles rather too loudly at the thought of an aphrodisiac.. and then remebers his crate of kalana .. and listens once more

Elara Jupiter glances at the stuffed kailiauk, particularly the impressive crown of horns it still boasts even in death, and smirks to herself, well able to imagine why the qualities of such horns would be preferred in aphrodisiacs.

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis): "The rainforests, you see, are teeming with life. For instance, there are twenty distinct varieties of tabuk known in the rainforest alone! These, and other animals, often fall prey to various species of jungle larl and panther."

Savir (soren.davidov) nodded to Crow as he spoke. "WIth its venom, to keep the comapy of an ost, one would have to be brave, or a fool" he noted.

Alžběta Myška (alzbeta.bohemian) mutteres to herself, "So that's a Kailiauk." Her gaze was more caught by the little black animal nearby, "Ah, koneko da," she murmured, not knowing it's Gorean name. She almost hadn't noticed the Free Woman summon her, but a second look confirmed it.

domu (domuta.yootz) continued to look about the crowd with interest. She heard the low murmers between Savir and Crow and the Scribe talking of the Beasts. Her gaze shifted to catch slight movement from the corner of her eye and she spied Seven and gave him a warm smile before turning back to rest her gaze on the fram of the large bosk, a beast she had encountered many a times in the wagons. A slight smile on her face as she watched it a few memorys flashed back

Crow (melchior.wardell) nods slow "Still ... " he whispers "I believe she kept it because of her owner ... When she tried to gift the ost to him he nearly killed her." again the amusement of the story hit him and made him chuckle which was rare "The poor girl ... never knew that his name wasn't one he would like to encouter in life." he gave Savir a knowing look wondering if he could guess the man he meant.

Lady Kait of Ar (kaitlin.eiren) grumbles to herself, "So much for caste secrets...", then raising her voice she counters, "Just a jest scribe, only a jest by some coin seeking merchant."

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis): "Predators in the rainforest, the larl and panther, are often regarded as less dangerous to man than their northern counterparts. This is likely to do with the more abudant alternative prey which is available to them." He turns, not paying too much attention to the jit monkey which appears to be clinging to his tunic for dear life.

Alžběta Myška (alzbeta.bohemian) ducks her head as she passes through the crowd, lowering to her knees at her final step towards the Free Woman. Lasted training in mind, she keeps her eyes down. "Yes, Mistress?"

Nyx Snowpaw was hiding behind the stone entry way peeking in on what was going on; the voices rebounding from the city walls attracting her. She at first looked upon the animals on the stage then into the audience. She couldn't help but to focus on the intricate veils, hair and complicated robes that the free women wore. To her the women here were just as exotic and fearsome as the animals.

Savir (soren.davidov) thought a moment. "I know not of whom you speak, the only barbarian I know of at the time is one that resides in Raven's camp" he said.

Melisande (melisande.moisant) rises, moving to the back of the amphitheater as a scroll is passed to her of some import. She pats Isabella's arm and then moves back to look at it while the event continues to be conducted.

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis) lifts the small giani with easy, carrying it back to display it to the crowd. "The giani, for instance, is a species which is completely harmless to man. It mostly preys upon the small rodents which are found upon the forest floor."

Isabella (isabella.bergiere) was not entirely unoblivious to the presence of killers behind her and she heartily wished that she had chosen a seat where her back was not to them. The presence of Anarch helps to reassure her somewhat but she cannot help but dart an apprehensive look towards them and her posture stiffens slightly as she stares straight ahead trying to mimic her cousins indifference whether feigned or not. A smile spreads across her lips at the antics of the monkey and she shares a glance of amusement with any others that might have noticed.

Seven (seeker.tyran) notices the sly smile from domu and responds with a simple nod, some of the faces at the gather were familiar to him but others were not, although he could not hear all that was being said, he deduced that it was a discussion about the wildlife of Gor

Helena Octavia Betela (helena.betelus) pointed before her: "Just kneel before me, I need a stool to keep my tired feet up". She gave the slave a fake smile, delish eyes and said: "Oh giani, how splendid! Lasy time I saw one was Tatrix, Olympia's one. How fluffy..." she jested.

Fritha pricks up her ears at this; rodent control is naturally an issue for her

Crow (melchior.wardell) narrows his eyes and whispers low in hope none would overhear "Serpent ... she gave him an ost. Can you imagine his face."he tells Savir, really his dark demeanor was at times a pose hard to live up too. "The snake followed her and had never given her a bite or even a snap. She had no clue it was the most hidious things found in the desert."

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis) turns back to deposit the giani in its original location, though it doesn't seem to mind being handled too much. The small feline had come to associate such contact with feeding time, after all.

Savir (soren.davidov) offered a grin to Crow as the words came and chuckeld a moment. "I can only imagine his face. That is indeed quite a story. What did serpent do with it?" he asked.

Lady Kait of Ar (kaitlin.eiren) continues to listen intently to the scribe on the stage or so she appears but it is impossible to not overhear a smattering of the words shared by the killers if their wardrobe were any indication of their profession. The mention of the lethal Ost almost has her beating a hasty retreat back to her lab rather than eyeing the curious larl like animal with the ebony coat.

Elara Jupiter rubs at the claw marks on her left arm, still just surface scrapes but nevertheless swollen and itchy. She glares at the giani for a moment as her Master sets it down, but can't stay mad for long.

Syd (syd.moonstone) notes the lady settle next to him and turns to smile at her and catch er eye before returning his gaze to the subject in hand.. he chuckles quietly at the lady using a slave as a footstool.

Alžběta Myška (alzbeta.bohemian) kept her head turned away from the stage, she'd never know that the giani referred to was the kitten. "Yes, Mistress," she replies in her soft and measured tone, shuffling foward to move her lap close enough for the lady's feet.

Crow (melchior.wardell) had to be careful now since the laugh was really trying hard to surface "You think he would dare to approach it ?" he shook his head "I think it escaped and the poor girl ... he shot her friend the squirel and made her skin, cook and eat it." he sighs "Those were the times heh."

Syd (syd.moonstone) looks around at Crow chuckling at the ribald humour.. "yes quite so.. " he laughs

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis) continues with the lecture, casually indicating to the picture furthest left on the stage, of the warrior grappling with a rather toothy foe. "Other carnivores of the rainforest include many varieties of tharlarion. One which is rather well known is the mamba, which even has a cannibalistic tribe named after it, so I have heard. I would prefer not to meet with them, personally ..."

Savir (soren.davidov) nodded to Crow. "Indeed' he simply said, thinking back to the many times they held in ayr.

Helena Octavia Betela (helena.betelus) heard the man behind her chuckle, so she looked over her shoulders briefly and smiled, head briefly lowered in silent salute to the high caste. She returned then to the white and black stripped camisk of the slave of the Knot and placed her feet on the slave's back. She barely looked her, it was like if she were the slave, any slave, an universal one. "Oh I didn't know that, certainly. Mamba...what a musical name, Tycho".

Elara Jupiter shoots a warning look and clicks her tongue at the giani, who is lingering a bit too close to the parrot for the latter's comfort.

Seven (seeker.tyran) shifts his weight slightly extending his left arm out to grasp the side of the plant urn to rest upon

Isabella (isabella.bergiere) smiles brightly beneath her veil as she hears the Lady refer to Olympia's giani and with a fond rememberance thinks back to the day that Cor bought it for her, a time which seemed so long ago now. A barely audible sigh escapes her as she leans on her hands once more to observe the pictures that Tycho was pointing out, a look of distaste crossing her face at the mention of Mambas.

Ara The Parrot: Last name Ara, first name Ub!

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis): "Mamba are most often seen basking in the rivers of the rainforest. Sometimes they are called the wild river tharlarion, though of course not to be confused with ..." His attention is distracted by the parrot, which he glares at for a moment.

Savir (soren.davidov) perked a brow thinking back to the one mamba he had met during his training... that beast had tried to eat him, he had slit his throat and left his corpse on his campfire, a treat for his friends...he was disgusted by them and hoped to never meet another.

Syd (syd.moonstone) feels a certain call to nature approaching and wishes he had not had that third mug of tea,, he stands and excuses himself and sidles out

Alžběta Myška (alzbeta.bohemian) bites the corner of her lip as she feels a heel's edge on her back, but at least there's something on stage to distract her.

Crow (melchior.wardell) turns his attention back to Tycho "She would have enjoyed this." he muses "The girl had a gift with animals ... " he added as to explain to why. He heard of mamba's and turns to Savir "I know you are a brave man, Captain. But demanding a blowjob ... well ... I have to admit I wouldn't dare that." he jested. He was in a good mood for some odd reason. The darkness of his mood had for a moment passe him.

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis) clears his throat, putting the talkative parrot out of his mind and continuing, "Sleen are not common in the rainforest. The closest animal is probably the zeder - a small, carnivorous mammal found along the Ua river. You may have seen one if you were in the city for the "vagabonds and villains" production recently."

Helena Octavia Betela (helena.betelus) frowned at the vocabulary around her and stiffened, shoulders taken back and chin lifted. She looked to the delicate beauty of the slave below her and tilted her head, perhaps the woman was interesting.

Seven (seeker.tyran) ears prick up as he hears the discussion on Mambas, he recalls his trips to earth and the ones he had seen there, so of the men of earth kept them as pets as he recals watching a snake charmer for hours in one of the may markets he visted

Savir (soren.davidov) gave a dark grin and added to crow. "I found it was easier after the head was removed" he jested. They had a dark sense of humor. He noted afew looks towards them from members of the audience. Such was the nature of their appearance at any event, any weary gorean checking for marks and the like.

Fritha grins behind her veil at the fancy folk around her, most of who would run a pasang if faced by any kind of animal

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis) heads towards the back of the stage to point out the animal hanging from the tree ... it was so motionless, he was concerned it may not even have been noticed. "The sloth is a tree-dwelling mammal of the rainforest. The most remarkable thing about it is its low metabolism ... their digestive process can take over a month to complete, and only once a week do they descend from the trees to defecate."

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis): "it is said that when an infant sloth tumbles from the trees, the mother is often too lazy even to climb down and retrieve it. Thus, the small animal is left to perish from its wounds or be snatched by a wandering jungle larl."

Fritha becomes even more interested in the upside-down animal. So it shitted but once a week - that would save some work. Maybe they were good for meat. She peers at it for a while

Elara Jupiter mutters in the general direction of the sloth, so quietly that probaby even the animal doesn't hear, "I wish all of his creatures were as slow to produce waste as you."

domu (domuta.yootz) smirked at the talkings between Savir and Crow and she stifled a grin. Still her understanding and learning of them and their strange sense of humour was something domu continued to learn about daily. The talk of a mamba reminding her of her own experiance and she grinned away to herself before listening back to the Scribe about the talk of the sloth, it catching her attention for the moment

Crow (melchior.wardell) noticed the looks aswell, but didn't seem bothered because of them. It helped him most often when they thought him to be overly cruel and horrid. He wasn't one that enjoyed casual conversations about weather or such.

Lady Kait of Ar (kaitlin.eiren) can't help but wonder the level of sedation that would be required to study such a vicious creature fully. Shifting on the hard seat she eyes the hanging animal with keen interest as the secret of its slow digestion might yield much in the manufacture of some of her provender.

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis): "Some herbivores have adapted in remarkable ways to defend themselves against the equally abundant carnivores. For instance, there is the armored gatch, a marsupial animal with a thick armored shell. Then there is the long-tailed porcupine, a large rodent distinguished by a thick coat of sharp spines."

Helena Octavia Betela (helena.betelus) started to really feel her feet hurting and whispered: "Excuse me, all" and slowly departed. She looked to the slave working as stool and said: "Heel, kajira". It was clear that the slave was not with any of the slavers at the moment. "Tycho, what a great work...I will be back shortly.".

Seven (seeker.tyran) watches the learnerd man on the stage, he presumed he must be a scribe due to the depth of his knowledge, passes a fleeting glance to the familair fugures clothed in black, their faces shrowded by their cloaks. before turning his attentions back towards the events on the stage

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis): "The rainforest also houses rodents such as slee, and many different varieties of urt ... the ground urt of the forest floor, for instance, and in the canopies the leaf urt and the tree urt. My personal favourite is the magnificent gliding urt - which can be seen extending a thin membrane to 'fly' between the trees."

Alžběta Myška (alzbeta.bohemian) mentally makes connections with the descriptions of the animals and the earth names, but is called away.... looking at the stage as she leaves.

Lady Kait of Ar (kaitlin.eiren) warms to the scribes words now having found urts to be the best subjects for research.

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis): "These are not to be confused with the tarsier, which is a nocturnal primate ... extremely athletic, quick and ruthless. Often you may see them leaping between trees to catch a small bird or jungle vart in mid-flight."

Fritha shudders at the mention of the flying urt. An urt with wings is just about the last thing she needs about the place, she thinks. how could you set a trap for a beast like that... *she shudders, and knits on*

Crow (melchior.wardell) turns to Savir "In Salernum they had this huge outbreak of urts once." he tells as if every animal seemed to trigger good memories. "Seemed that some physician had mixed breedingwine with some experiment." he again grins boy'ish "A luck it was with urts instead of slaves hmmm..."

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis) digs into a pouch on his tunic and produces a small treat, which he feeds to the animal on his shoulder ... only now remembering that it was there. "And speaking of primates ... guernon monkeys are found along the Ua river, and general inhabit the canopy level of the rainforest. They are recognisable by a very distinctive chattering sound. Jit monkeys, meanwhile, are primarily a nocturnal species which reside in the lower branches."

Seven (seeker.tyran) feeling some what hungry decides to return to market to purchase some Sa'Tarna bread and black grapes and some milk, knowling he is forbidden to drink anything more enjoyable

Elara Jupiter purses her lips angrily - the stinky little beast seems to be in favour again, getting treats and all. Figures.

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis): "They are a huge variety of snakes to be found in the rainforest - some dangerous, some not. The most well-known is probably the Ushindi ost, also called the rainforest ost. These are just as deadly as the common ost, but rather than being bright orange they are in fact red with black stripes."

Savir (soren.davidov) gave Crow another grin. "Physicans and their silly experiments" he said. It did remind him to talk to Crow later about a certain medical journal he had come across it was written in ancient gorean.

Crow (melchior.wardell) poked Savir "Watch." he says "Snakes ... I wonder if the man will tell about a certain serpent ... most deadly with a blade." he chuckles again darkly.

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis) moves over towards the bowl on the table in one corner of the stage ... despite being the smallest, it was the exhibit which made him most nervous, should it manage to escape. "Here we have a nasty little predatory athropod ... the scorpion. Scorpions have an aversion to sunlight, and will emerge at night to hunt, injecting their prey with a deadly venom."

Lady Kait of Ar (kaitlin.eiren) squirms a bit hearing the recollection of the killer quite happy at that moment to know she had never visited Salernum. Such a mistake should have been easily understood and how else is one to know the potency of a mixture unless it is tested.

Elara Jupiter puts her trust in the bowl in which the little many-legged killer is housed. He wouldn't bring it here if the container wasn't completely and totally safe, now would he?

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis) side-steps the giani as he makes his way back to the front of the stage, pointing with his right arm towards the image of the spider. "There are many species of spider, too. The most dangerous known to man is the giant rock spider, so named for their ability to disguise themselves as a rock while they wait for prey to tumble into their web."

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis): "Most rock spiders, of normal size, prey only on the likes of birds and rodents. However, I have read of those which are large enough to take a man as prey."

Crow (melchior.wardell) now was silent and for reasons he wouldn't ever speak off. Meeting spiderpeople was one thing he would never speak off with anyone, eventhough it had taught him much. He suddenly felt old knowing so many of the animals ... however how many had he taken for granted he thought seeing the beautiful bird that seemed to enjoy the attention.

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis) grins slightly, knowing that the spider always seemed to produce the most squeamishness in the audience, "But size is not everything, of course! The marcher ants of Schendi, for instance, are only two inches long but are particularly dangerous. They march through the jungle in a single column, pasangs in length, swarming over and consuming all that lies in their path!"

Isabella (isabella.bergiere) keeps a wary eye on Tyros as he moves away from the scorpion, she could possibly be imagining it but he seemed to be a little more tense and probably with good reason. Shifting slightly on her seat she rises and stands next to Anarch, her gaping jaw luckily hidden by the numerous veils at the talk of giant spiders.

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis) glances towards the sun for a moment ... the exhibition neared its end now, all that remained were the fish and the birds of the rainforest. "The rivers and lakes of the rainforest, too, are teeming with life. One would not idly wade into certain rivers due to the presence of leeches and the bint - a fanged, carnivorous eel."

Crow (melchior.wardell) was in a rather odd mood, and leans to Savir "Are you up for a bet ?" he asks eyeing the scorpions and wondered if he could hit it with an arrow from here so that it would tumble down. "It might be amusing." he suggested to Savir.

Arkhus of the Voltai (anarch.allegiere) smiled lightly at his companions behaviour and saw her step behind him as his own posture would be unmoved. He had heard, from hearsay, that spider-people were one of the few peaceful and not so dangerous creatures on Gor, never having met one, but the man that told him so was reliable enough to be trusted in such things. He listened with intent though to the description given and to that of the other animals. He had never even been to the jungles or the shendi either.

Savir (soren.davidov) shrugged. "Are you betting you can hit the scorpion, or its container?" he inquired further to him, "the container would be easy, hitting the scoropion would be the trick" he noted

Crow (melchior.wardell) nods slow "True .. well all depends on what you offer ?" he asks.

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis) indicates towards his left, "Over here we an image of a gint - a fascinating piece of river life. They retain to ability to breathe air, having both lung and gills, and may even leave the water for short periods of time to evade predators and seek out new streams or pools. There have even been reports of giant gint - more than ten feet in length - which are fully capable of preying upon man."

Elara Jupiter is listening... somewhat. It's getting warm as the sun moves to touch the stage, and even the giani seems to have stopped to bask in it. She wishes she could stretch her legs a little, having barely moved in a full ahn, but obviously can't under all the curious eyes.

Savir (soren.davidov) looked to the scorpion and judged the distance. "It would be more amusing if the scorpion were running wild in the city somewhere... so id say id wager one silver you cant shoot its container with a bolt, using your off hand" he said evenly keeping a low tone.

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis) steps down from the stage for the first time to stand beside the parrot, "As for bird life, where to begin? There are species to numerous to descibe in detail. Along the rivers, the jungle gants, the tufted fishers and ring-necked, yellow waders ... unflighted birds, such as the grub borer and lang gim - warblers, finches, mindars, lits and so on."

Lady Kait of Ar (kaitlin.eiren) relaxes fully quite nonplussed by the talk of urts, scorpions and spiders having grown quite comfortable with their handling in the production of various agents. Briefly glancing over her shoulder she eyes each of the killers discretely as the scribe continues to talk seemingly spurred by the reactions of the audience. If only they knew how little they had to fear from these animals. Surely they were jesting in their talk of setting one of the little beasts free.

Crow (melchior.wardell) arched a brow and gave a quick glance in to the audience. It was important that one would remain safe as it would cost him his life if that person would be bitten by the scorpion. He narrows his eyes as if to measure the distance aswell. "Hmm... one silver ?" he asks. It was hard for him to speak his true intentions of not giving it that aim.

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis): "The Schendi parrot is of course a fascinating bird ... intelligent, and capable of learning quite a wide vocabulary, I have found."

Ara The Parrot: Exquisite beauty and absolute obedience! Squark!

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis) grins slightly, turning to the audience, "You see? We don't even need slavers any more."

Isabella (isabella.bergiere) blinks a little as she overhears the conversation about shooting the scorpions container and the light grip on Anarchs forearm becomes markedly tighter as she contemplates beating a hasty exit.

Fritha looks up, impressed with the intelligence of the talking bird. It seems to have more brains than several men of her acquaintanceship

Lady Kait of Ar (kaitlin.eiren) turns back to the stage hearing the intelligent squawking of the bird. "Indeed it seems the bird is better trained than some slaves."

Elara Jupiter covers a laugh behind her hand. For some reason the idea of the parrot as a slaver doesn't inspire her all that much.

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis): "There are, of course, scavenger birds in the rainforest. The zad is probably the most well-known - a broad winged black and white bird with a yellow hooked beak. Similar is the jard - small, yellow-winged bird which flies in flocks capable of stripping the meat from a tabuk in seconds!"

Savir (soren.davidov) nodded again. "yes, one silver, says you cant do it. If you hit the scorpion you lose. If you get tackled by the taurentians before you get your shot off, you lose" he said matter of factly. Knowing they might pounce, but penalties wouldnt actually be that severe. "you must use your off-hand and not hit the scorpion...if it dies after the shot, then id say you still win" he said flatly. As if they were discussing the weather. He kept his voice low still as to not raise uncessary attention.

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis) steps to the other side of the stage, "And finally ... the vart. These creatures are probably most known as being native to the Island of Tyros, but many varieties of found in the jungle too. Rather nasty little creatures, though quite capable of being trained to some degree."

Arkhus of the Voltai (anarch.allegiere) eyed the jest of the men in black and their intent. He only replied to it with an exaggurated cough to let them know the city-guards were keeping an eye on them. His eyes would stare at them sternly if they looked his way.

Fritha sits chewing this information about new animals over. Dangerous they may be, but still, her life amongst crea

Fritha: *creatures of various sorts has left a keen interest in animal species in her

Tycho of Ar (tycho.celestalis) gives the monkey one final scratch beneath his chin before turning back to the audience, "This concludes today's exhibition ... I would thank you all for attending, and remind you that this has been only a tiny proportion of the life which is present in the rainforest. There is much yet to be studied and observed in the region, and who knows what other marvelous creatures may dwell beneath the canopies! Again, I thank you."

Slai and Faythe's Free Companionship

It was a gorgeous morning as we all stood near the Navona Terrace, where the lovely arches are March 5, 2011. Here are some pictures of the event that was well attended by citizens and visitors alike.

Combat with Candence

Anyone with a quote on what might be trying to be taught here?

"And this is what it means to be between a rock and a hard place."

I'm always surprised at the people who come out for the event from all over. Great job again Cadence! We're learning a lot!

With All My Heart

I'll just be honest with you, folks. It's been a miserable week plus for me. And if I can't be real with you all, then I can't ever be. And hasn't Adamark's passing made us all feel a bit more “real?” My first instinct is to want to call his mother and father, or send them each a card. I want to go visit his memorial and pay my respects. I want to erase some months and go back to the day or days after his passing and be at a memorial service. But the reality is, ironically, he was someone we knew online, and though others had more offline relationships with him, the main avenue of interaction with him was always online, so we had no idea he was gone, until he simply wasn't there for too long. In real life, we would have known he'd had to go to the hospital again. And I can't help but think I've somehow let Mark down. We would have sent flowers, we would have gone to visit. We would have been there.

I realize now I'm holding myself to a certain behavior and standard that Mark wouldn't have asked for or expected. It doesn't diminish the greater sense of loss and struggling to cope that most of us feel online when losing someone who is dear to us. Our memorial to him is happening on March 6 at 1 p.m. SLT, and hopefully then we can start to have a little bit of closure and feel as if we've properly honored his memory. I know that, if I could rewind the time, I would have honored him more when he was still living. I would have made our times more intentional, would have wanted to know just what he thought about so many things.

So I turn my attention back to the men and women I spend my time with now, realizing that, at some point, they're all going to be gone too. Me too. And I resolve to make my time, every time, more intentional.

Also this week, we've just had some really disappointing issues and miscommunications with a few sim building, arranging sort of things. There are probably a few people who are going to kick me for openly mentioning it here, but I'll save the details since no one needs to know. Yes, we've eventually worked them out, but it's been like playing last-minute total rearranging of a lot of different things due to major real life issues, then interpersonal issues, then stylistic difference issues, then... you get the picture.

And then in real life... well, where do I start? My personal family has been great, but my son has issues at school. There's a really awful situation involving a coworker that I can't do anything about – or say anything about, according to “the management,” and I understand them, completely. And, has anyone but me noticed that – hello? The world is on fire? As we just go by our daily lives here in America, some of you are seeing riots and uprisings and complete societal collapse and change in neighboring countries if not right there in your back yard.

I get a lot of flak sometimes from folks who say I'm abnormally positive all the time, and they don't see me dealing with any negativity in a real way – well, here you go folks. It happens to me, too.

The difference is, I choose not to stay there. If I'm going to be intentional about my times, as in memory of Mark, and as in my new resolution not to let a single encounter go by the side without filling it with my whole self and engaging as if it were my last day, or if it were your last day, I don't have the time to stay wrapped up in the negativity. My spirit may still be mourning, but it can't last. My disappointments may be real, but they can't define me. I may feel the reality of uncertainty all around me, but fear can't rule my decisions or cloud my vision of the future.

What does this post have to do with Ar? I don't know. But I'm feeling it from you, too, at least some of those close to me. I can't be the only one who can feel it.

Someone mentioned to me that they feel completely at a loss with how to help the folks who knew Adamark. They don't know what to do. They don't know what to say.

I guess I'm telling you to do what I'm going to do, too. I'm going to be here. Remain. Be strong, and fully love and enjoy the folks that have been dropped in my personal path. It is easy to be part of a community and hop into the fun when there's no sadness or pain or personal sacrifice. Why do it in SL at all anyway? Isn't life full of that? Why would I want to experience this stuff in SL?

Because the people in SL are real, even though their avatars aren't. Because relationships between souls and hearts and minds are real, even though the tangible isn't. Ask anyone who knew Adamark who is feeling the loss now – yes of course, it's real. Because what you do in the smallest, most insignificant moments to the people who can just as easily disregard or turn off (turning off SL, making a new avatar, etc.) are, after all, important.

"Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart." - Marcus Aurelius

With all my heart. That sounds like the best way to approach the coming days, and I hope that's how you'll see me.