#mateusprovinggrounds

[the-mateus-minute]

Behind the Proving Grounds: Cecily Reeve

Dear Readers,

Today I have a very special interview for you; I sat down with Cecily Reeve, the lovely lass in charge of the healers who keep the Proving Grounds’ gladiators in good health. Miss Reeve had some interesting insight into what it is like behind the scenes.

C: Miss Reeve, why don't you tell us a bit about your background in the healing arts? R: Ah... well. I learned all I know from my da— sewing people back together, setting bones, making tinctures and potions and such. I started helping him in the surgery when I was... eh, twelve summers? He'd had some of my older sibling's helping, before me, but I was the only one who didn't get sick when I smelled blood. So. Ended up just sort of staying there.

C: Interesting, I know several of the healers are conjurers or even scholars; do you have any magical talents, or is your healing all medicinal? R: Ah... purely medicinal, I'm afraid. But someone's gotta keep 'em in ethers.

C: Nothing to be ashamed of. Quite the contrary, in fact. You have your own unique talents, and that you are the chief healer when medicinal healing is so often overlooked in favor of conjury says a lot about your talents. So, what made you decide to work at the Proving Grounds? R: Ah, well. As you say, practical medicine is... overlooked, yeah? In favor of magical, especially in a place like Ul'dah. Had a lot of trouble finding working, couldn't hack it in the Flames. The usual sob story y'hear. Was living with a friend, and heard that a new sort of gladiator games was lookin' for folks to patch people up. Figured— what the hell, who knows where it'll take me. Maybe they'll let me set a few broken noses. And that was... that.

C: And now you're the lead healer. I'm glad you found a place your talents are appreciated. Tell me though, how has that turned out for you? With some of the injuries we've seen inflicted on the sands, I can only imagine what things are like for you behind the scenes. R: It gets... it gets right messy at times. Folks with broken arms, smashed heads, bleeding lungs. Not for the faint, that's for sure. It doesn't bother me any— the blood, I mean, that's just the job. But... Sometimes, they.... say stuff, you know? Like, 'will I be okay?' and 'will I walk straight again?' and you just kind of... you don't know, but you're pretty sure, but they don't want pretty sure, they need more than that. And that's... that's hard.

C: I know what you mean all too well. Fresh off the battlefield, I imagine no small number of gladiators come to you and yours with adrenaline still coursing through their veins. Do the fighters ever cause problems while you're trying to care for them? R: Not... not as such. They're usually pretty quiet, all things considered— if they're conscious at all. They snap at each other a little but keep peace. Sometimes they refuse treatment, an' that's like... What c'n we do? We ask a couple times, but if they keep sayin' no, we just let 'em be. The real problem we've had is with patrons in the healing corner, tossing their weight around. I won't name names, but a certain lady made her business pretty clear and had to be asked to leave— not that she listened.

C: I can certainly see a couple of the patrons doing that. A couple weeks ago, after a particularly trying evening, where I hear you were the only healer on staff, Lady Owu hired a decent number of new healers. How was that evening for you, having to manage this all by yourself? and how have things improved since getting the added help? R: That was right hard, I won't lie. I was runnin' ragged between... eight fighters, I think it was? A lot. Too many. Some folk had to make use of their own healers, an' some folk... I did my best, an' all, but gods it was a near thing. After she gave leave to hire new folks, it's tenfold better. Got a good crew of regulars and part-timers, and they got a whole host of talents to help out— an' make sure there's less 'pretty sure' and more 'completely sure' about folks' injuries.

C: I'm glad to know the new hires are helping, and that things are looking better for you all. Well Miss Reeve, I believe that is all of my questions. Is there anything you would like to add before we conclude the interview? R: I... hm. Dunno! I guess... if there's any healers out there looking for work, send word to House Owu, because we can always use a few extra hands!

I would add a disclaimer to that request for healers; having seen the condition some of the fighters end up in, healing for the Proving Grounds is not for the faint of heart. But, if you think you have the stomach for it then, by all means, do take Miss Reeve up on her offer.

                                                                    --C. Blythe

@mateusprovinggrounds @cecilyreeve

[mateusprovinggrounds]

Proving Grounds V: March 24th 2018

Welcome to the fifth Proving Grounds that will be taking place on Saturday, March 24th at 8 PM EST. All the warriors that will be taking to the sands have already known the pain of steel slicing flesh, they all know the cries of the crowd, they have all felt defeat, but now, see them take the latest offered chance to win an Ivory Dagger.

Location, in Ward 1 of the Goblet:

ICly the arena is different from what you see in game, imagine an actual arena with seats, the spectators elevated above the fighters.

[gal-the-violet]

Proving Grounds Inauguration Tournament

What is it?

The greatest gladiatorial tournament Ul���dah has ever seen is back. A chance for men and women to rise from the lowest ranks of society to perhaps become champions. Patrons sponsor their gladiators in hopes to get fame, fortune, glory and influence. The Game Mistress, the generous lady Owuwu of clan Owu presides over the events, introducing the warriors and rewarding an ivory dagger to the tournament’s winner. Win three, and one can become champion and ask a boon of the generous, kind and gracious lady Owuwu.

When is it?

January 27th at 8 PM EST.

Where is it?

Found within the Goblet Ward 1(red circle):

The closest aetheryes are Sultana’s breath and Goblet southeast.

How does it work?

Fighters are chosen from the beginning, and the outcome is even figured out over a week in advance! Why? To give you the best spectator experience ever! Fighters will take to the sands, armed with nothing but weapons and courage. They will fight for the glory of Ul’dah, and of their patron, the roars of the crowd will be deafening!

How you doin’?

I’m doing fine, thanks for asking.

[mateusprovinggrounds]

Proving Grounds VI Recap

And so the first chapter of the Proving Grounds ends.

The generous, kind and humble Lady Owuwu got to reward the first ever champion of the Proving Grounds, none other than the first winner of the first games, Cat Ilson. @pallycat The man, as humble as he is fierce upon the sands, decided to reward his boon to his patron Zezezigo! The boon requested? An estate and the riches needed to start a business, which was completely within Lady Owuwu’s doing. And so it shall be done!

Tonight’s games also brought the end of an era. Lady Owuwu is retiring from the Proving Grounds. After the sudden death of her father, Owuwu is now head of her clan and must run the estate and really the business empire that comes with it. Taking her place?  A family friend, a mysterious man named Hyde who had been suspiciously close to her father in his last few days. Hyde’s closing speech seemed one filled with promises of gore, bloodshed and more gore. Truly the Proving Grounds’ next chapter will be... sickening.

The Lady Owuwu, saying byyyyie.

-----

On the OOC side of things, I’m glad I got a chance to build this pretty big thing known as THE PROVING GROUNDS. In the end, it was a looot of work behind the scenes, and I am glad to pass it on to Sige/Hyde, who I know will just bring it to the next level. I’d like to officially thank A LOT of people. People like @cecilyreeve and @raeynnblackthorne who were there from the start and ended up being leaders of the healers and guards respectively. A huuuge thank you to @gararmstrong who at every event offered up his house for the Pre-social games.Rhys/Wanderer was also a lot of help in organizing the fights. The fighters for having to pre-type the fights with me always annoyingly poking at them, and always having to show up on time at the fights. The patrons, who were always there to help out. A HUGE thank you to those who took jobs that weren’t necessarily fun like healers and guards, you guys really make the Proving Grounds unique. The biggest of thank you to those who attend, the spectators. All of these thank yous...seems like the Proving Grounds are dying. But they are not. I just want to show my thanks to people who have helped MY era of PGs and who I hope will continue helping in the future.

I’m hoping to stick around the PGs when I am available. Possibly as handmaiden or guard whatever is more needed, though I may actually be able to pull off both on one character.

I believe this tumblr will no longer be of use, the new leader is not comfortable with tumblr, so everything PG-related will be on Discord, PLEASE join us:

https://discord.gg/J9zeMjJ

GLORY TO UL’DAH!

[mateusprovinggrounds]

NEW PG TUMBLR!

The Proving Grounds have a new tumblr, please click and follow:

https://theprovinggrounds.tumblr.com/

[mateusprovinggrounds]

Proving Grounds IV: March 10th

The controversial albeit undeniably entertaining Proving Grounds are back and will be taking place on March 10th(8 PM EST) at the usual location. Attend to see these fierce warriors take to the sands and fight for the entertainment of all of Ul’dah! Join us as we jump the shark continually!

Your gladiators:

We have new gladiators, we have returning gladiators but no victors, they are all getting much deserved rest. What does this mean? Our roster is filled to the brim with fierce warriors that wish to prove themselves before the good people of Ul’dah! Will E’zayi fall in the first round like the three previous times? Will Garinn fall short like the first ever games? What about D’Atlas, will she finally win an Ivory Dagger? And of course, never count the new blood out!

Location, in Ward 1 of the Goblet:

I do not own the last image.

[mateusprovinggrounds]

PROVING GROUNDS: SECOND GAMES

Greetings one and all, the Proving Grounds, the talk of the town and gladiatorial arena tournament will be taking place once more, this time on February 10th 2018 at 8 PM EST. Join us to see veritable warriors take to the sands with blade in hand for your entertainment! All of this brought to you by the Game Mistress herself, the generous, kind and humble Lady Owuwu Owu. For the glory of Ul’dah!!!

The fighters that will take to the sands?!

D'atlas Lhex VS  Xandaria Morgana

Burkegan Iriq VS  Z'ro Fallharbor

C'xhori Fisher VS O'kori Kett

Wyra'to Coeurlkin VS  Cyneburg 'Hailstorm' Hayle

Who will be the one to be awarded the second Ivory Dagger?! Come to the Proving Grounds arena in Ward 1 of the Goblet, head to this location:

Ask around, these are not your regular fights! The fights are predetermined, and planned by the fighters in advance? Why? To make the best spectacle, to entertain the crowd, and to keep you on the edge of your seat. No, as a spectator you will not have to wait for every turn to follow a roll of dice. Instead, the fighters will be using prose to wow you and take your breath away, to keep you at the very edge of your seat! Mateus’s RP community truly has no greater spectacle!

Join us on February 10th and be part of history!

The Proving Grounds are not responsible for the loss of wealth following debts, the Proving Grounds is also not responsible for any racist commentary made by its game mistress. The Proving Grounds are not responsible if a stray blade lodges itself within your sternum. The Proving Grounds are responsible for a good time!

[the-mateus-minute]

Proving Grounds 4th Week Breakdown

Dear Readers,

The fourth week of the Proving Grounds saw something we haven’t had the privilege of recently; new fighters. This week, several gladiators took to the sands for the first time to prove their mettle and win our hearts, and fittingly for our new blood, the evening seemed much tamer compared to the last two weeks.

In the first fight, D’atlas Lhex returned to fight newcomer, Sloth’i Iriqas, a katana wielder who quickly found himself in a hand to hand fight. Sloth’i fought valiantly and took a number of impressive wounds, but in the end, D’atlas stood triumphant, her claws poised at his throat. The second fight of the evening saw the return of the Ishgardian dragoon, Garinn Armstrong, as he fought Gaspard Vairemont, another new fighter, who seemed to feel no pain. Halberd and greatsword clashed, the sound of metal on metal echoing through the arena as the two men gave their all. By all accounts, the fight was evenly matched, with each man giving his all. But there can be no draws, and in the end, Garinn’s halberd pierced the chest of Vairemont with the greatsword moments from striking his head. The third match saw two newcomers fighting each other as Delesta Dorel stood against Arvic Steel. Both fighters gave it their all, each maiming their opponent before the match ended in a flourish the Proving Grounds is no stranger to, a shield to the face, securing Delesta a victory on her first night. The last match of the first round saw E’zayi Tia, true to his words, returning to the sands yet again. His opponent, this time, was Quoth Raven, a new fighter wielding a scythe. Quoth showed herself quite capable of handling the unwieldy weapon, keeping the Tia on the defensive for most of the fight. In the end, though, an attack meant to be his undoing, proved to be her own, as she left her back exposed and found E’zayi’s daggers soon wedged into her.

The first fight of the second round had D’atlas Lhex squaring off against Sir Armstrong. D’atlas seemed well prepared to fight the halberd-wielding dragoon, handling herself better than many against the imposing weapon, but Garinn’s fighting experience saw him to victory yet again, in what looked to be the night the dragoon would claim his first dagger. In the precursor to the final match, Delesta stood against E’zayi in a match that saw him forsake his daggers to match her in an all-out fist fight. The tia soon proved himself as adept at hand to hand combat as he is with daggers, a fact Delesta learned the hard way as E’zayi wailed on her arm until the bone buckled before lifting her into the air and bringing her down on the merciless ground.

Finally, Garinn Armstrong and E’zayi Tia stood facing one another on the sands when Lady Owu announced another of her twists. This time, the fighters were bound together at the ankle by a chain, ensuring they could not stray too far from one another. Though E’zayi’s daggers cut deep, and Garinn’s halberd has proven to be a dangerous weapon, the most effective tool at their disposal ended up being that very chain. The combatants quickly began using the binding to trip and subdue one another, and it was clear that whoever mastered it first would be the victor. In the end, Garinn was left catching his breath after E’zayi wrapped the chain around his neck until he passed out, proving that even a dragon slayer needs to breathe.

E’zayi Tia’s perseverance, fighting in every match thus far, finally paid off as he claimed his first ivory dagger, his first step towards being declared champion of the Proving Grounds. With more fighters and a growing number of dagger holders, the Proving Grounds are becoming more and more exciting with each event.

                                                                         --C. Blythe

@mateusprovinggrounds

[mateusprovinggrounds]

Proving Grounds IV Recap

I’m not doing a recap because you should have been there guuuuuuuuuurl!

[mateusprovinggrounds]

Proving Grounds V was tonight!

Shield throws, an elephant, a goobue, some 1v1v1, some 1v1, some 2v2, some 2vbeasts.

Both Hayle and Cat saw themselves rewarded with Ivory Daggers.

Seriously, you had to be there.

[the-mateus-minute]

Proving Grounds 3rd Week Breakdown

     “These games, as I said countless times, are for entertainment, shock                value is very much part of all of this.” -- Owuwu Owu

Dear Reader,

Lady Owu is nothing if not consistent. The third round of matches in the Mateus Proving Grounds was the most shocking yet, and I daresay none will soon forget it. As the first two gladiators were called before the crowd, it seemed as though the first match would be a rematch between Cyneburg Hayle and Wyra’to Coeurlkin, but the enigmatic lalafell revealed that these two would, instead, be a team.

The reluctant duo were paired off against none other than E’zayi Tia and the first week’s winner, Cat Ilson. Even the gladiators had no idea what was happening, and at first it seemed as if Wyra’to might refuse to fight, but the Coeurlkin is nothing if not consistent. The match opened exactly as one can expect, with Wyra’to charging headlong at his opponents. Hailstorm proved herself a capable fighter as she sliced straight through Cat’s shield, overwhelming the first week’s winner and turning her ferocity on E’zayi. With their first opponents unconscious, Wyra’to began beating the Tia with a piece of Cat’s shield, ranting and threatening the other fighters until it was time for the second match to begin.

Team fights proved to be the theme of the night, as D’atlas Lhex and Burkegan Iriq were allied against week two’s champion, O’kori Kett, and C’xhori Fisher. Their fight was a tough one, but Burkegan seemed to also be fighting a battle all his own; between acclimating to life with one eye, and the other wounds he received last week still healing, the ferocious commander of the battlefield found himself brought low by Miss Kett once more, this time losing little more than his pride.

In the final match, the unlikely pairing of Wyra’to’s brutality and lack of conscience with Hayle’s ferocity seemed sure to win them the day as the Coeurlkin pinned O’kori beneath him and began biting into her like a rabid cur. However, following a lucky blow to Hayle, C’xhori found the opening he needed and sunk his halberd into the back of Wyra’to Coeurlkin. With Wyra out of commission, and many thinking him dead, the duo set their sights on finishing off the Hailstorm to claim their victory.

Lady Owu’s surprises for the evening were not at an end yet though. Following the pair’s victory, she assured the crows there would be one more climactic fight before having one of her guards unleash a behemoth on the winded fighters. The outrage, shock, and horror in the arena were audible, even over the angry roars of the beast as it bore down on them, and the injured Miss Kett in particular. Both gladiators took more than their share of blows over the course of the evening, but thanks to quick thinking, and fast reflexes they managed to bring the behemoth lo, with C’xhori putting the creature out of its misery after O’kori landed a blow that would have seen it to a slow and painful end.

Moments after being declared the victors, Miss Kett succumbed to her injuries and collapsed on the sands before being carried off to the healers, leaving her patron, Nikulas Pierce, to claim her dagger on her behalf.

If this week is any indication, Lady Owu is sure to keep shocking us all in new and horrifying ways as the tournament continues, but we do find ourselves very close to our first champion. Will O’kori Kett claim a third dagger and see herself the first to emerge triumphant from the reborn Proving Grounds? I, for one, look forward to her continued exploits.

                                                                  --C. Blythe

@mateusprovinggrounds

[mateusprovinggrounds]

“Hold that snot.”

[mateusprovinggrounds]

CHANGE OF DATE FOR NEXT PGs.

We apologize, but the next PGs will be taking place on April 21th instead of the 7th. We apologize for the inconvenience. 

[the-mateus-minute]

Gladiator Spotlight: Burkegan Iriq

Dear Readers,

Before I interviewed last week’s winner, I wanted to sit down with the runner up, Burkegan Iriq, and his patron Evette Blackstone. A stark contrast to the chaotic style of the Coeurlkin, Sir Iriq relied on speed and control in his fights, dominating his opponents.

C: Let us begin with the most pressing concern; how are your injuries healing up? B: Oh, I'm on the mend. I understand I have Evette and a few other Ward associates to thank for my recovery; the medical staff appeared to be woefully overworked. I am fortunate to have such capable peers.

C: Yes, there were quite a lot of injuries this time around, the medical staff was certainly under a lot of pressure. And, how are you coping with the loss of an eye? B: Slowly. With more than my typical share of irritation. It will take some getting used to, but get used to it I will.

C: That is very reassuring to hear. Many would react far worse to such a loss and their mood would only hinder their recovery. I'm sure you will acclimate to the change well. So, what made you decide to fight as a gladiator in the Proving Grounds? B: Mm... the sport of it. My role these days tends towards the less visceral aspects of warfare. I still take to the field, but not half as often as I did when I was younger. My options are limited when I want to enjoy both a decent scrap and a flimsy veneer of respectability. There might be more children playing at soldier than I'd prefer present at the Proving Grounds, but I'd say I found at least one good fight, wouldn't you?

C: Indeed, Miss Kett handled herself quite well. So you're more interested in the thrill of the fight than the prize offered? [...] Tell me, are there any other fighters in the tournament that you think are worth their salt? B: That little freak... Wyra? In a duel, I imagine he'd be a nightmare to corral. Hmm... The winner of the first tournament intrigues me. Cat, I believe. I admire the Thanalan gladiator style - blade and shield - though it's certainly not my preferred method of combat. It is an effective one, as Kett helped remind me.

C: Yes, between O'kori and Cat, I think the shield is proving the most effective weapon in this tournament so far. Speaking of your preferred fighting style, you handle that axe with remarkable speed; would you mind telling us a little about your fighting experience? B: It is... extensive. I was born on the Steppe. If any of your readers are familiar with the prevailing culture there, that is experience enough. Doubly so, if you are familiar with my tribe, I began learning as a child. When you are young, fighting is how you ensure you are fed. Food goes not to the largest, nor the strongest, but the first boy willing to kill for it. It has been nearly three decades since I first made that decision, and I find the choice is still a simple one.

C: I have heard tales of the way of life on the Steppe; that must have been a difficult way to live. And what of you Miss Blackstone? I presume from Burkegan's earlier comments, that you two are associates outside of the Proving Grounds. Would you care to tell us more about the organization the two of you represent? E: The Aureate Ward has seen many changes since I bought a minority share of the company some months ago, but one thing that has remained constant is the strength of our militia under Burkegan, our commander, and master-at-arms. Our current vision, under Luther Aldric, is to assist the Maelstrom command in ensuring the safe and competent disposal of harmful or chaotic arcane items and the eradication of the voidsent threat to all Eorzeans.

C: I see. Earlier, [before the interview,] you referred to Miss Kett as Burkegan's employee, does that mean she is, herself, a member of Aureate Ward's militia? E: Oh, yes, she's one of our militia's shining stars. I imagine she has to be feeling a bit awkward right now, don't you think? So few people get the chance to meet their direct superiors on the field of battle, much less mutilate them permanently. While he was still in a barely conscious stupor, I'm almost positive I heard Burkegan threaten to give her a raise for her performance. We're very proud of her.

C: A rare opportunity indeed. That final match must have meant a lot for everyone involved. Well, I have but one more question, and it is for both of you. Compared to the Inaugural matches, this week felt unrestrained, some might even say, barbaric even. How do you feel about this spike in brutality? E: Isn't that the whole point of gladiatorial combat? To leave it all out on the dirt? If you ask me, the competition has hit its stride. B: Evette's right. The only beauty involved is in the combat itself; an arena tournament, held in Ul'dah, at the pleasure of Thanalan nobility, carries... connotations. Nobody comes to see us prance around like fops or fight for our honor. They come to watch us bleed.

Sir Iriq and Lady Blackstone may have a grim outlook on the Proving Grounds, but they both seem happy to play their roles for the entertainment of others. I’m sure we all look forward to seeing Burkegan take to the sands once more, all except his opponents, that is.

                                                                     --C. Blythe

@mateusprovinggrounds @ninth-threnody @kalaisgreen

[the-mateus-minute]

Champion’s Call

Dear Readers,

I would like to apologize for not getting this article out sooner, I have been very busy these past few days and it threw my schedule into disarray. With that said, for my final interview about the third round of the Proving Grounds, I once again had the pleasure of meeting with O’kori Kett and her patron Nikulas Pierce. Miss Kett now has two wins under her belt, and is only one away from being crowned the first champion of the revived Proving Grounds.

C: Miss Kett, It would seem you a rather close to becoming the first champion of the Proving Grounds. How does that make you feel? O: It feels amazing, honestly. Though I barely managed to get this second one, it still counts, and I know I'll be the first champion. Just wait for the next tournament.

C: Yes, the matches this week were much different from previous matches. How did you feel about the team match aspect of the most recent fights? O: At first I wasn't thrilled about being teamed with Fisher. I thrashed him so soundly the first time and I thought for sure he'd hold me back, but...honestly he saved my life out there. He's got more mettle than I first thought, and if we hadn't been in a team fight, then I would've lost to Wyra'to and that would have been the end of it, possibly permanently in my case. All told, though, I still prefer single combat. N: I'm sure most patrons would have agreed that a bit of warning would have been appreciated. It's our job to prepare and outfit our fighters so they are most ready for the challenge ahead. It would have been interesting to see what we all could have come up with to better fit this type of combat. Regardless, The Lady Owu does like to make a show, and I can say she succeeded spectacularly this time around in that, whether we like it or not.

C: Indeed, she seems rather determined to keep us all on our toes; even releasing a beast on the fighters so soon after a match. Miss Kett, how did you feel about having to fight a behemoth? O: I thought I was hallucinating, I was certain it was just my mind reacting poorly to all the blows I'd taken, but no, it was real. And then...a shot of terror at the sheer size of the thing as it circled us. It was a burst of adrenaline, that's for sure. I knew I had to be the one to focus its attention since I had the shield, that way Fisher could poke it and we could keep it occupied, away from the crowd. [...] I'm proud I was able to do it. I might have collapsed once the beast was dead, but dammit, I gave it all I had before I did.

C: I suppose I might have thought the same thing if I had been in your shoes Miss Kett. [Mr. Pierce,] I was there with you for most of the fight, but could you state, in your own words, how you felt when Miss Kett had to fight that behemoth? N: Ah, yes. Well. She had just avoided near death from the Savage and pronounced victor, so you have to understand at first there was relief, if not a bit of elation. Of course, then Lady Owu made her announcement and it was all I could do not to commit one of the greatest Ul'dah social faux pas by punting her off the balcony. MY fighter, with only a handful of ticks on the clock to recover, was now to fight this ridiculously named behemoth?! I was outraged, but with the creature already in the ring, there was nothing I could do. I hadn't come equipped for much of a fight myself, and even if I did try to intervene I'd be sabotaging Kett's arena career. So...I had to watch. It is not an experience I wish to repeat.

C: It was a rather dire moment. The tension was almost palpable. Thankfully, Miss Kett and her partner, Mr. Fisher, were able to pull through and defeat the beast. Well, I can't say I have too many questions for you tonight, but one last question before we conclude the interview [...] Miss Kett, if you become champion, do you have any idea what sort of boon you might ask of Lady Owu? O: Nope! But I originally came to the Proving Grounds to earn gil, so I might end up just going with that. I'm still undecided, though. And no one said you have to ask the boon as soon as you win; I might hold onto my daggers for a bit to figure it out. They're pretty, you know. Probably worth a bit just on their own. N: I'm sure we'll win over the hearts and minds with that one. To help out some, we' go back a bit, and the arena started shortly after I officially opened Pierce Labs to the public. The endeavor was a dream of mine but left me completely broke. While Kett was already interested in the prospect of the fight, this gave her the final push to take to the sands. In turn, I put the remaining materials I had into shape for her and put my trust and the future of the Lab in her fighting capabilities. My faith was not misplaced.

C: It would seem you made a smart bet Mr. Pierce. And very true, Lady Owu did not say that you had to request your boon right away, so holding onto the daggers while you decide would be a smart call. Any final comments before we conclude the interview? N: We can't properly end the interview without a bit of self-promotion, can we? To you, dear readers, if you wish to be more like the current champion-to-be, please stop by Pierce Labs and make your custom commission today, and I'll do my best to get you outfitted in time to see O'kori take to sands and claim her final dagger. O: I just want people to know that I may have sat out this tournament, but I'm not gone yet. Like Nik said, I'll be coming back at the next one, and I'll win my third dagger when I do.

Miss Kett certainly has her eyes set on that final dagger, it is good to see a fighter such as herself knowing when to sit out and take time to heal though. I’m sure, win or lose, she will be thankful she took this time when she faces her next opponent.

@mateusprovinggrounds 

[mateusprovinggrounds]

Proving Grounds 3: Team Matches?!

The twist of this week’s Proving Grounds was that the fighters had to fight in teams! With two winners seeing themselves awarded each an Ivory Dagger. The winners also had to fight a wild behemoth,but that was just for Owuwu’s entertainment! C’xhori Fisher and O’kori Kett saw themselves awarded an Ivory Dagger!