The Hunter's Proving

[Hellwalker]

On message boards across the nation in every city and settlement, as well as at every well-known shrine to the Beastlord, the notes concerning the Hunter's Challenge are replaced by a new announcement. At the bottom of the parchment the familiar large red imprint of the Beastlord's sigil; a bloodied talon, is found; this time surrounded by silhouettes in the same red ink depicting two humanoid hunters, one at each side, charging one another. The note reads:

”To those who have bled for a place in the Proving; your time is now. I call upon each and everyone of you to take this final test – a test that will determine who among you stand at the very top of the food chain. You've all proved your individual strength against the beasts of the Huntlands; now you must prove that you command all the necessary marks of a true hunter. Three supreme hunters are to be decided; a Novice, an Adept, and a Master.

In the Hunter's Proving contestants venture forth into the trackless wilds, armed with the knowledge they've gained since their Challenge and the preparations made as a consequence. There, before the watchful eyes of Cormyr, amongst peers and rivals, contestants will fight under the law of nature; the strong survive, and the weak perish. Only one victor can be decided, but the path carved in the blood of their opponents is for each contestant to choose as they see fit. Will you form a pack to survive, only to look over your shoulder for the inevitable betrayal to come? Will you stand alone, trusting only in yourself and your own capacity? Will you stalk the forest beyond sight and await the opportune moment to strike? Will you catch your enemies unaware in deadly traps and ambushes borne of careful consideration and knowledge of your foe's movements? The choice is yours.

***

The only true condition each contestant must accept is thus;

• No use of healing magic, medicine or other wound mending is allowed. Every drop of blood lost stays lost until the winner has been decided.

In addition to this, however, there are additional points of observation, considering the powers our contestants wield, that must be adhered to. They are as follows:

• Once you set foot in the Proving Grounds, any attempt to leave the grounds, however briefly, will see the contestant out of the Proving and out of the battle permanently. This includes any planeshifting (into the ethereal by way of a Sanctuary spell or otherwise), teleportation, or simply leaving the arena by foot.
• Contestants may reach beyond the Proving Grounds to summon a bound ally once, and only once, if it is within their power. Choose wisely.

***

In order to encourage growth in Cormyr, the Church of Malar sponsors rewards for those brave enough to participate in the Proving. Three victors are to be decided; one for each rank. The following rewards are for the strongest in each rank to claim:

• The winner of the Novice Hunter's Proving will be awarded a Bulette Exoskeleton Helm blessed by the Beastlord himself to grant the protection and endurance of the landshark's hide, in addition to claiming the title of Novice Hunter Supreme, their name announced across Cormyr.
• The winner of the Adept Hunter's Proving will be awarded a White Dragonfang Dagger blessed by the Beastlord himself to grant power over winter's chill in addition to the rending force of a dragon's fang, in addition to claiming the title of Adept Hunter Supreme, their name announced across Cormyr.
• The winner of the Master Hunter's Proving will be awarded a Displacer Beast Hide Mantle blessed by the Beastlord himself to grant the wearer the elusive traits of the nigh-uncatchable Displacer Beast, in addition to claiming the title of Master Hunter Supreme, their name announced across Cormyr.

***

Take heed, challengers; you will be summoned shortly. Prepare yourselves.

To all others, to Cormyr at large, I say this; you are about to behold the strongest the nation has to offer; bloodlines evolved to the pinnacle of their capacity, pitted against eachother for the sake of determining the strongest. The time quickly approaches; prepare to bear witness to Cormyr's growth.

For the glory of the hunt and for the strength of Cormyr!”

Underneath the imagery at the bottom of the parchment, the note is signed: ”Acamas Oribasus, Beastmaster of Malar”.

//Questions are best addressed by way of PM to myself or Mirrir Tharasvin (PedantryInc) on the forums or ingame.

To clarify a few things; the Novice, Adept and Master Provings will be three separate events due to scheduling and the sheer amount of people involved. Spectators are very welcome and encouraged!

Times for the Provings are as follows:

Novice Proving: Sunday March 2nd - 3pm EST / 8pm GMT

Adept Proving: Saturday February 22nd - 4pm EST / 9pm GMT

Master Proving: Sunday February 23rd - 5pm EST / 10pm GMT

[Hellwalker]

Another note is tacked up at the bottom of the previous announcement after a few days, stating the following:

”The following hunters are hereby summoned on the 2nd of Ches to fight in the Novice Hunters' Proving:

• Snorri Madaxe the Spiderslayer
• Snow Wolf the Spiderslayer
• Zedok Mindspanner the Boarslayer
• Lan the Serpentslayer

//Novice Proving: Sunday March 2nd - 3pm EST / 8pm GMT

***

The following hunters are hereby summoned on the 22nd of Alturiak to fight in the Adept Hunters' Proving:

• Ophelia Dawnspite the Tigerslayer
• Nicodemus the Tigerslayer
• Merrigan the Bearslayer
• Elise, Frostwind of Auril, the Tigerslayer
• Elijah the Bearslayer
• Havardr Gunnvor the Bearslayer
• Felicity Butterflystomper the Tigerslayer

//Adept Proving: Saturday February 22nd - 4pm EST / 9pm GMT

***

The following hunters are hereby summoned on the 23rd of Alturiak to fight in the Master Hunters' Proving:

• Talon the Wyvernslayer
• Jachal the Firetamer
• Amethyst Viper the Renderslayer
• Cherristelle the Renderslayer
• Mara Iron Heart the Renderslayer
• Amothrade Deseven the Renderslayer
• Dimitri Golde the Wyvernslayer
• Reina Damarra, Wave Mistress of the Queen of the Deep, the Renderslayer
• Tequis Bellcopper the Wyvernslayer
• Butcher the Renderslayer, Unscatched
• Crystal, Ice Queen of Auril, the Skytamer
• Nuvian the Firetamer
• Salina Pandora the Renderslayer

//Master Proving: Sunday February 23rd - 5pm EST / 10pm GMT

***

Hunters; return to the trial grounds where you shed blood when your day arrives. The ceremony of the Proving will begin there. Let all of Cormyr hear you coming, and most importantly; let them see what you are capable of. This is your time.

Spectators; you have three choices. For those who wish to see the battles to come with their own eyes in the flesh, follow a hunter participating or follow the coastal road west of Suzail. Shortly past the hills where ogres roam you will come upon a great oak along the trail on the right amidst hills covered in evergreen. Take a right into the hills past the great oak and make your way into the valley where a famed weaponsmith lives, but instead of continuing right into the second valley, seek out the northern side of the lake, and the Proving Grounds to the west. There you will find us.

The third choice is to remain in the shadow of the safe walls of Suzail, where a magical projection of the Proving Grounds will be raised for those who cannot or will not come in the flesh. Go to the tourney grounds east of the city of Suzail. There you will witness the strength of this nation and the thrill of the hunt, if you but bring a small offering for the attending wizards.

For the glory of the hunt and for the strength of Cormyr!”

The note is signed: ”Acamas Oribasus, Beastmaster of Malar”.


//For overclarification, each event will begin where contestants took the Hunter's Challenge, in the valley nestled in the Stormhorns west of Suzail. If anyone wishing to attend is unable to find it with the IC directions given, send me a tell or PM. After the initial gathering, the main event will be held directly west of the Challenge grounds for spectators and contestants alike. The magical projection of the event east of Suzail is strictly offscreen, meant for unrepresented NPCs (and offline PCs) only. PCs wishing to spectate must come to the Proving Grounds in the flesh.

[Pedantry INC]

Mirrir begins making rounds about Cormyr, stopping in inns to speak loudly and freely of the hunter's provings to come, making clear the fact that the event will be open to spectators and that those that come to witness the challenges will be protected by 'The Peace of the Table' - which she explains means that guests are under the protection of the Malarites present - that any who attend may do so and expect to be allowed to move about freely without threat.

She speaks on the participants, expressing that many of them exhibit interesting talents and unique abilities, that it will be a marvelous, exciting show of strength for Cormyr to enjoy, to take hope and a sense of glory from, a revel of skills and feats, a great test of wills!

[Hellwalker]

//Second awareness bump! The first Proving - the Adepts' - is tomorrow at 4pm EST! Read above for all the specifics, including who is competing in tomorrow's Proving - The Adept Hunter's Proving!

When
Novice Proving: Sunday March 2nd - 3pm EST / 8pm GMT
Adept Proving: Saturday February 22nd - 4pm EST / 9pm GMT
Master Proving: Sunday February 23rd - 5pm EST / 10pm GMT

Where
Each event will begin where contestants took the Hunter's Challenge, in the valley nestled in the Stormhorns west of Suzail. If anyone wishing to attend is unable to find it with the IC directions given, send me a tell or PM. After the initial gathering, the main event will be held directly west of the Challenge grounds for spectators and contestants alike. The magical projection of the event east of Suzail is strictly offscreen, meant for unrepresented NPCs (and offline PCs) only. PCs wishing to spectate must come to the Proving Grounds in the flesh.

Hope to see you all there!

[Hellwalker]

//Bump! The Adept Hunter's Proving is set to begin in one hour as of the time of this posting!

Today's contestants include:

• Ophelia Dawnspite the Tigerslayer
• Nicodemus the Tigerslayer
• Merrigan the Bearslayer
• Elise, Frostwind of Auril, the Tigerslayer
• Elijah the Bearslayer
• Havardr Gunnvor the Bearslayer
• Felicity Butterflystomper the Tigerslayer

We hope to see you all there! Remember; spectators are both welcome and highly encouraged!

When
Adept Proving: Today - 4pm EST / 9pm GMT

Where
Each event will begin where contestants took the Hunter's Challenge, in the valley nestled in the Stormhorns west of Suzail. If anyone wishing to attend is unable to find it with the IC directions given, send me a tell or PM. After the initial gathering, the main event will be held directly west of the Challenge grounds for spectators and contestants alike. The magical projection of the event east of Suzail is strictly offscreen, meant for unrepresented NPCs (and offline PCs) only. PCs wishing to spectate must come to the Proving Grounds in the flesh.

[DM Hawk]

As the Hunter's Proving begins, hedge wizards offer to raise scrying fields for spectators to view the contest from within the city.

The city lord rules against this use of magic within the city. In response the hedge wizards step outside the city bounds and raise their scrying fields, joined by fans who were unable to attend the sport in person.

One gathering persisted in the sewer beneath the Laughing Lass undetected for a time, but shortly after the Proving began this group was dispersed by the Suzail Watch.

[DM Hawk]

Word spreads by word of mouth from spectators at the sport and by those watching by magical means near the city of Suzail.

The Adept's Proving is won! Elise Frostwind of Auril is the winner!

All of those in the Proving showed their courage and strength, each being a favorite among the spectators.


Nicodemus the Tigerslayer
Ophelia Dawnspite the Tigerslayer
Felicity Butterflystomper the Tigerslayer
Havardr Gunnvor the Bearslayer


Bets are lost and won, toasts are made to each warrior and to the champion of the Adept's Proving!

[Hellwalker]

On message boards across the nation in every city and settlement, as well as at every well-known shrine to the Beastlord, an announcement is tacked up on parchment carrying the imprint of the bestial claw of Malar in red ink at the bottom. The note reads:

"Let it be known that Elise Hiemal, Frostwind of Auril, Tigerslayer and Slayer of Men, has claimed victory in the Adept Hunter's Proving. From this day forth she has proven herself as Adept Hunter Supreme, her strength unmatched amongst her rivals. Remember her, Cormyr, for she walks amongst you, strong and proud, and rightfully so.

For the glory of the hunt and for the strength of Cormyr!”

Underneath the imagery at the bottom of the parchment, the note is signed: ”Acamas Oribasus, Beastmaster of Malar”.

[Deleted]

*A dark haired man with Bright green eyes reads the posting and looks around*

Not over all of her rivals...

*then he fades into the city streets*

//Sorry I missed it, but I'm a Family man and a weekend afternoon ended up being far from ideal!

[lowstorm]

~Rade leaves a rather short message for those involved with the provings~

I must withdraw from the challenge.

~Amothrade Deseven

[Fenix]

Im going to do my best, but I may not make it tonight. I get off work at 12 and need to sleep still. If anything I may sign on at 5 and have to rush

[DM Hawk]

The common folk of Suzail are buzzing about the previous day's proving, their favorite champions, how everyone fared, and how their favorite champion would have surely won if not for this or that.

Hedge Wizards and Gnomish Illusionists prepare scrying fields within walking distance of Suzail's gates for fee-paying spectators. The cityfolk are making a day of it in some cases, showing up with wooden chairs and picnic baskets while children play with wooden swords and blast one another with imaginary magic, imitating the battle that played out before their eyes by illusion.

On the Proving Grounds, spectators able to leave the city have begun showing up. Given the success of the previous day's event, other folk show as well hoping to earn a day's wage off of the gathering crowd of spectators.

Wagers are being taken speculating on the question of the day: Who shall triumph in the Master's Proving?

Only the conclusion of the day's contest will reveal!

[Hellwalker]

//Bump! The Master Hunter's Proving is set to begin in two hours from the time of this posting!

Today's contestants include:

• Talon the Wyvernslayer
• Jachal the Firetamer
• Amethyst Viper the Renderslayer
• Cherristelle the Renderslayer
• Mara Iron Heart the Renderslayer
• Dimitri Golde the Wyvernslayer
• Reina Damarra, Wave Mistress of the Queen of the Deep, the Renderslayer
• Tequis Bellcopper the Wyvernslayer
• Butcher the Renderslayer, Unscatched
• Crystal, Ice Queen of Auril, the Skytamer
• Nuvian the Firetamer
• Salina Pandora the Renderslayer

We hope to see you all there! Remember; spectators are both welcome and highly encouraged! For those who attended yesterday; same place, different time, different contestants!

When
Master Proving: Today - 5pm EST / 10pm GMT

Where
Each event will begin where contestants took the Hunter's Challenge, in the valley nestled in the Stormhorns west of Suzail. If anyone wishing to attend is unable to find it with the IC directions given, send me a tell or PM. After the initial gathering, the main event will be held directly west of the Challenge grounds for spectators and contestants alike. The magical projection of the event east of Suzail is strictly offscreen, meant for unrepresented NPCs (and offline PCs) only. PCs wishing to spectate must come to the Proving Grounds in the flesh.

[Pedantry INC]

As the hour of the Masters Proving draws near, Mirrir makes her way through the grounds themselves, meticulously scanning for signs of tampering. From below she offers lazy smiles to spectators as she goes, waving now and then, but for the most part remains focused. When finally she flexes her wings, taking to a short sprint that launches her into the air, it seems she's satisfied with the state of things.

Landing on the central platform for spectators she spends a few moments chatting amicably with the Snowfalcons, before moving on to speak to the Clergy of Tempus that have come, watching from the western platform. She mingles and wanders, chatting with off duty purple dragons, visiting refugees from Thunderstone, and takes special care to pay mind to the children. She allows them, if they dare, to mock slay the dragon, enduring strikes of their wooden swords with a seemingly good nature, and provides advice on how they might improve their chances.

Finally she excuses herself from the grounds, returning to the area of the challenge to greet people moving into the grounds, welcoming challengers and spectators alike.

// 45 minutes until the ceremonies begin!

[Pedantry INC]

The Masters Proving proves a much more chaotic event than the Adepts, yet the contestants find their way onto the field none the less.

There, the Amethyst Viper proves victorious when her final opponent, Butcher, forfeits his position by leaving the grounds.

Bets are won and lost, and spectators may speak of the vicious first strike of the Amethyst Viper that took Salina Pandora out of the contest, the brutal battle between Talon and the Ice Queen that she ultimately won by bringing down a potent curse upon him, and the Ice Queen's fall to yet another sudden attack by the Viper. Great globes of darkness littered the grounds, along with fields of black tentacles, making it hard to take stock of much of the battles.

Notably at the end of the contest, when the winner was presented with her cloak, things took a turn for the worst, when it appeared that the Ice Queen reached out, with the beginnings of a spell taking on a red glow, to touch Talon, the spell coating him in dark energy, and while it certainly looked deadly, Talon kept his feet. Mirrir, having been standing next to the pair, then mercilessly tore into the Aurilite with her bare claws, leaving her dead in mere moments. Loudly it was reiterated : The sacred peace of the table will not be broken on these grounds! The Ice Queen was restored to life by the Beastmaster thereafter.

While Purple Dragons watched on, it seemed there were no charges to be pressed, and ultimately challengers and spectators filtered out of the grounds thereafter.

[Hellwalker]

On message boards across the nation in every city and settlement, as well as at every well-known shrine to the Beastlord, an announcement is tacked up on parchment carrying the imprint of the bestial claw of Malar in red ink at the bottom. The note reads:

"Let it be known that Amethyst Viper, Renderslayer and Slayer of Men, has claimed victory in the Master Hunter's Proving. From this day forth she has proven herself as Master Hunter Supreme, her strength unmatched amongst her rivals, and perhaps all of Cormyr. Remember her, Cormyr, for she walks amongst you, strong and proud, and rightfully so; a symbol of supreme skill in days to come for aspiring hunters across the nation - a symbol of what they all hope to achieve.

For the glory of the hunt and for the strength of Cormyr!”

Underneath the imagery at the bottom of the parchment, the note is signed: ”Acamas Oribasus, Beastmaster of Malar”.

[Hellwalker]

//Final bump! The final Proving - the Novices' - will begin in 30 minutes as of the time of this posting! Read above for all the in-depth specifics. If you wish to spectate or if you're participating, it's nearly time to start making your way to the event area .

Who

• Snorri Madaxe the Spiderslayer
• Snow Wolf the Spiderslayer
• Zedok Mindspanner the Boarslayer
• Lan the Serpentslayer

... as well as any and all spectators who wish to attend.

When
Novice Proving: TODAY - 3pm EST / 8pm GMT

Where
The event will begin where contestants took the Hunter's Challenge, in the valley nestled in the Stormhorns west of Suzail. If anyone wishing to attend is unable to find it with the IC directions given, send me a tell or PM. After the initial gathering, the main event will be held directly west of the Challenge grounds for spectators and contestants alike. The magical projection of the event east of Suzail is strictly offscreen, meant for unrepresented NPCs (and offline PCs) only. PCs wishing to spectate must come to the Proving Grounds in the flesh.

Let the hunt begin!

[Hellwalker]

On message boards across the nation in every city and settlement, as well as at every well-known shrine to the Beastlord, an announcement is tacked up on parchment carrying the imprint of the bestial claw of Malar in red ink at the bottom. The note reads:

"Let it be known that Lan, Serpentslayer and Slayer of Men, has claimed victory in the Novice Hunter's Proving. From this day forth he has proven himself as Novice Hunter Supreme, his strength unmatched amongst his rivals. Remember him, Cormyr, for he walks amongst you, strong and proud, and rightfully so - a symbol of growth that may one day surpass even the greater predators crowned in the Provings; a symbol from which all of Cormyr may learn the value of growth.

For the glory of the hunt and for the strength of Cormyr!”

Underneath the imagery at the bottom of the parchment, the note is signed: ”Acamas Oribasus, Beastmaster of Malar”.

[Pedantry INC]

The Novice Proving ends with Lan the victor.

The long battle between Spiderslayer Kia the Snow Wolf and Spiderslayer Snorri Madaxe that began with an uprising of terrible vines and roots that snared the dwarf before the man attacked may offer the longest commentaries. From spells casts, potions sipped, and the sheer power that went into the blows exchanged, the two Novice hunters put on quite the show. Some cry fowl the change of shapes used by the hunter Kia, first a deadly spider that sunk poisonous fangs into the stalwart dwarf, then the form of a deadly troll, supposedly achieved by a potion. Yet while these strange forms granted Kai victory over Snorri, who none the less left a great deal of deadly wounds on his opponent, they did not grant him immunity from the cunning strike of the Supreme Novice, Lan.

An acidic snare dropped at the feet of the troll left it unable to fight back or recover, while a quick strike of a deadly flaming blade toppled him, releasing the shapeshift and leaving the Hin the victor.