Baer's First Fight

Every Barbarian in the Barresh Settlements faces a choice when he or she comes of age. Either they can join the Raiders to go to Goblin terriority. They function as a skirmish force to harass and harry the Goblin cities from gaining enough strength to invade.

If that choice was unappealing then the Barbarian can join one of the Border Kingdoms armies to support and fight in the many city state wars that rage within and without.

If brave or crazy enough, then there is the third choice. It offered the quickest path to Fame, Fortune, and Death. It is the path of the Gladiator.

Baer looked with pride at his and his friends brand. The troupe leader stage several fights before it was his turn. He was the first chosen to fight. He had expected it. He was taller than his friends and one of the tallest in all the Settlements.

He looked at his opponent and swung his huge club around.  Wulf had instructed him to do this. "Put doubt in your opponent's mind and fear in his limbs" was what his friend had said.

He stared at his opponent as the troupe leader called out his opponent's name: Hasad.  Hasad had a Sword and Small Sheild and wore no armor just like Baer. He was shorter than Baer but he was not short. Hasad was the small height as his friends.

Both fighters entered the arena and faced each other. The troupe leader entered as well. He would make sure all those watching were entertained. He would not allow Baer to stand around or try to run away.



Both fighters moved forward slowly. Carefully judging each other for weakness.

Baer moved to the center of the ring and motioned for Hasad to attack. "Come little man. You face a true Warrior of Barresh. Lets fight".

Hasad charges into the center yelling, "I am a Kingdom Warrior! You shall die the same day that you took the mark!" Baer was ready and sidesteps the charge. He swings his club as he looks for an opening. Hasad maneuvers them into a standoff.

Hasad attacks with his sword but it is just a fient. He launches into his true attack with his sword. He does a wild swing aiming for Baer's head. Baer ducks the swing. Hasad lurches past him. As he passes by Baer smashes his mighty club into Hasad's lower back knocking him to the ground.

The troupe leader stares at Baer in shock. Hasad is dead.