agogelogs | EVERY LIVING THING PUSHED INTO THE RING,

EVERY LIVING THING PUSHED INTO THE RING,

WHO? Everybody!
WHAT? Welcome to the arenas.
WHEN? Two weeks of arena time.
ANYTHING ELSE? Please warn for anything besides physical violence and move to a personal journal if it's beyond PG-13.

GUESS YOU THOUGHT YOU COULDN'T JUST WATCH;

no one's getting out

READ THE JHASHCH INFOPAGE.

THE ENTRANCE

COST and the Regency receive formal invites a week before the arenas open, requesting their presence at the opening ceremony. And not in just any capacity, but as guests of honor. Queen Thsh agreed to host these arenas, after all, as a show of power and confidence in that power; not only to spiderkind, but to those who would support or overthrow her.

The inner rings of Ythaway buzz in anticipation. Aranean architects and their workers put the final touches on the massive structure strung over the pits of Ymir, dedicated in equal parts to combat and gaming and court life. Carved from stone and adorned with wicked sculptures, it looks impossibly delicate, balanced on bridges only just wide enough for a single female Aranean. They are packed with spiders and their decorative servants on opening day, made more hazardous by the crowd and perpetual darkness.

The arena is lavishly decorated on all fronts; while the bulk of the audience only offers standing room, there is peculiarly decorated Aranean furniture along the perimeter of each area, set up high so even those significantly smaller than the average Aranean female can get a view. It's possible to find Aranean children tussling here and at the forefront of the crowds, with even the smallest already sharpening their backstabbing skills.

» THE CEREMONY

The opening ceremony is a grandiose affair, marking the beginning of a two-week event. The arenas themselves are hung with banners and trimmed by gold filigree that represents the Royal Family and each of the remaining Great Houses. Each house puts on their own show, displaying the best of their respective skills and resources.

Jankeh's is technological genius, featuring mechanical wonders and holographic projections that earn noises of admiration from the crowd. Shaiy's is pure luxury, displaying all the latest fashion trends and elegant in movement. Khah's is power, with elaborate dances that mimic military formations and tell tales of the Thshan Empire's victories. It takes the better part of two hours to display everything they have in full, each display more extravagant than the last.

And then, as fireworks go off, it's your turn. COST and the Regency aren't expected to do much, fortunately; you aren't the entertainers here, at least not yet. But you're brought on stage and introduced, expected to bow and carry out your pleasantries. It's short and snappy and the Regency exchanges derisive looks with any recruit who meets their eyes.

Once you've cleared the stage, a parade of uthcki and hhcho are marched out in neat rows perhaps a little too similar to the ones you just departed in. All of them wear the colors of House Chchai and they are, in essence, the last vestiges of the house. They're displayed proudly by House Shaiy, with Lady Thchnk's daughters standing at either edge as an honor guard. And then, at the sound of a rising cry from their mother, they turn as one on the genetically engineered creatures.

It's brutally quick and silent, save for the crack of bone, as each female Aranean cuts down the servants and pets of the now-dead house. Their teeth gnash and blood splatters against their carefully, lovingly crafted dresses. Part ceremonial and all power, they kill every last uthcki and hhcho until the stage is littered with remains and permanently stained red with blood.

As Lady Thchnk's eldest daughter and heir apparent delicately wipes her mouth of blood, none other than High Queen Thsh steps forward, to applaud the display. And, with her word, the arenas are officially open.

These are your battlegrounds.

» DIVIDE AND CONQUER

As ever, "conquest" is the name of the game in High Queen Thsh's empire. While you've made impressions and connections with noble spiders, this is your chance to show off where your loyalties lie. If you claim victory, you can dedicate it to your chosen monarch. While COST would like you to declare for the Queen, you can show your favor for Princess Chch or any other spider allies. COST will not reprimand you and Young, at least, spares Queen Thsh no love.

But note that, while you may kill competing Araneans and Regency agents here with immunity, the same holds true for them to you. To step into an arena is to forfeit any semblance of safety or diplomatic immunity. While there are rules—you still need to follow proper Aranean duel etiquette and can't wantonly attack anyone when you aren't participating in these arenas—they are few and far between.

COST and the Regency aren't the only foreign diplomats in attendance, either. There is a surge of new arrivals through the Jhashchan terminals, some humanoid and some not; if you can imagine it, you're likely to see an alien of that sort in the audience or competing in the arenas themselves. Of course...whether they're here willingly or not is another matter.

That said, for recruits who make a name for themselves: Don't be surprised if an Aranean asks you for a genetic donation to their labs.

THE ARENA

Upon entering the arena, the social niceties that encouraged the spiders to separate COST and the Regency dissolve. You are left to the darkness and your own devices, so don't get stabbed in the back, whether by an Aranean or the Regency operatives. While the three individuals in charge of the Regency—Khnum, Ptah, and Tatenen—icily engage Grothia and Young, the agents under their employ at left to your mercy and vice versa.

None of them are without their shabti; in many cases, when a Regency operative considers a challenge beneath them, they order their shabti to take it instead. It's yet another display of power to the Araneans, daring them to take offense. The shabti never protest; they execute their assigned duties with a minimum of words, uncannily blank faced and almost robotic in their motions. The Regency's unspoken point is clear; they expect the Araneans beneath them to bow just as their shabti do.

Mhic Nathair, earstwhile matron in Gallipoli, keeps her distance, though her shabti secretary occasionally flits through the crowd to get her mistress drinks. The shabti Mhic Nathair owns is a quiet, demure woman, who shies away from conversation as though she expects it to preclude physical violence. No one knows what Mhic Nathair is doing to her secretary, but it hasn't resulted in any bruises anyone can see. But, then again, she's always wearing long sleeved shirts and high collars.

Still, no agent is foolish enough to disgrace one of the Araneans at the top of the food chain. There's real deference in their treatment of the High Queen and Princess Chch; the observant might even catch a few meaningful glances between the princess and some of the higher ranking Regency agents as the Royal Family receives their guests.

It's a cool affair, before they wave everyone into the hands of the Great Matrons, ever playing politics. And the Great Matrons brush the duty off on their daughters, who are as disdainful as they are vain. After all, you haven't proven yourselves yet and the Matrons have their own duties; it's only under their watchful eyes that the arena logistics unfold. And there will be hell to pay if they don't go as planned.

Each of the Great Houses claims domain over one of the arenas. Rumors hint House Chchai would have dominated the court and dabbled in the games, but with the family exterminated, it's only hearsay. As it stands, House Khah exerts most of their influence over the game and the stadium, while Shaiy shows the most favor to the court, but does not hesitate to plunge into the other arenas. House Jankeh favors the stadium and then the court. This is done most transparently in the form of sponsorships, which they'll offer to victors with particularly impressive winning streaks, especially if they dedicate victories to the family.

And remember, even here the hierarchy is in play. But it doesn't always obey the simple layout outside the arena doors. Someone sharp of eye might notice that some challenges in different arenas are specifically gamed so one tier of the hierarchy dominates the others. So keep an ear to the ground and follow the spider gossip if you want to play to your strengths; sometimes the arenas are, without a doubt, rigged.

» THE LOGISTICS

You have the option of choosing the outcome of your arena exploits and tailoring them to your liking. But for those who are interested in a bit more risk...well, there's a bit more reward involved as well. If you'd like to RNG your battle, sign up here. Be warned: Losing may result in serious injury or death.

Of course, if your character dies, they'll be teleported back to BASE and will have to convalesce there for three weeks, although given the way BASE time lines up with everything else, well. There's a good chance they might get teleported back into the mission not long after they died. And they may also experience a strange vision, a magical glimpse into the future...or maybe that's just the excellent drugs Chiron has in Medical.

That said, the prize for winning is much more impressive. Win well enough and by a large enough margin and the loser (or the house of the loser) must give you whatever you claim as boon, within reason. If they own it, you can take it. Up to and including their very lives.

In all arenas, you can name enemy spiders, Regency operatives, and other NPCs; feel free to make up their personalities and handle them as you see fit, down to plotting their demise. If you need to contact an Aranean NPC for something that cannot be handwaved, please go here; to talk to Mhic Nathair, her shabti, or any other Regency NPCs, please go here!

» THE STADIUM

The most openly dangerous of the arenas, combat is for recruits who see strife as a way of life. While the setting varies—sometimes there are even simulated fields in the barren, boiling style of Jhashch's daytime landscape, modified so all lifeforms can survive it—often they're darker than the rest of the arena, so your assigned goggles may come in handy.

Fights take any manner of shape and form, from straightforward combat to competitions that test competitors' mettle in reflexes or speed. Opponents vary; some of them are ordinary humans whose luck has taken a bad turn, while others are aliens on par with your own cognition. Others still are monstrous wildlife, big or small but always deadly. Just remember: it's expected victory end in blood. If it doesn't, rumors inevitably fly.

There is no rhyme or reason to what kind of fight you find yourself in, whether pairing up with a friend or against said friend. You might even find yourself temporarily allied with an Aranean, the Regency, or another being. And recruits are authorized to carry any weapons they like into the arena; perform well enough and House Jankeh might sponsor you with their own arms.

Also, Princess Shai and Princess Aythy compete in this arena. Deadly and graceful, they're a sight to see on the battlefield. Arena encounters with the Twin Generals are only available via RNG and mean your character has an extremely high chance of dying, so tread with caution.

» THE COURT

As ever in the Aranean court, etiquette is key. Entertain, dance, and dine; in this arena, it's as much an artform as stressed by your training. Only here, if you make an error, a droid doesn't cutely—infuriatingly—glitter ball and inform you that you've been consumed. No, here it becomes reality. And these interactions are no longer reserved for Araneans; again, there are other species on the playing field, representing other factions of the Thshan Empire and all here to exercise that specific brand of Aranean diplomacy.

And, of course, there's the Regency. It becomes clear that the Regency is working to fill the power void created by the fall of House Chchai; there are candidates of all sorts clamoring for recognition in these arenas, which serve both foreign and domestic diplomats.

COST recruits receive a list of marks, with pro-Regency targets highlighted. While all members of COST are told to keep company with at least one other recruit, it holds especially true in this arena. The court may not be fast-paced outside of bursts of blood-bright violence, but tensions constantly run high. And, for the unlucky—or the lucky, depending on your point of view—you may encounter Princess Chch herself. While her mother derides participation—well loved as these arenas may be, they're a celebration of High Queen Thsh and don't merit her participation—the princess has her own agenda, so watch her closely.

» THE GAME

The safest of the arenas, by virtue of why it exists in the first place, there's no limit to what kind of games the spiders offer. As long as it has a bit of violent spice and a clear winner or loser, it's all good. Moreover, the night vision goggles you received at the beginning of the mission can interface with the VR equipment, provided you do some tweaking.

This is also the arena that allows interplanetary participation. As such, there are several players who appear as nothing more than usernames on a screen. The spiders in charge of this arena claim participation is locked only to diplomats and individuals with important political sway, as a way of paying homage to and fostering relations with distant stars, so rest assured you're gaming with someone very important.

...Probably, anyway. There are signs something is off about some of these distant competitors, whether through the muttering of spiders or their own silence. They never speak, sticking exclusively to text for communication, and at one point an entire group is banned from the servers. Which doesn't seem to be enough to keep them out; several return, taunting anyone who will listen. Trolls, perhaps; it's certainly how the higher ranking spiders like to spin it.

Prince Shch and a few members of his entourage observe, although as male Araneans it's derided that they participate. It's funny enough to female Araneans that male humans like video games; the idea of a male Aranean enjoying the pastime is preposterous. But he remains a silently ominous figure in the stands, bearing witness to your endeavors and showing understated favor to victors who somehow win his attentions.

THE FALLOUT

All of the arenas run the risk of being bloody. Physical confrontations are almost inevitable and brushes with them are inescapable. While it's possible to sweet talk your way out of them in the court or game arenas, there are a few things to keep in mind for those of you who try and don't succeed...or for those of you who want to be a big damn hero and come to another recruit's rescue with guns blazing. Your pick.

» THE ARANEANS

Araneans are as powerful as their size suggests. Their legs are only deceptively fragile; while their joints can be weak points, their exoskeletons are like armor. They're much faster than any human, with almost preternatural reflexes; they may not be able to deflect or dodge bullets, but in many cases they simply don't need to. Again: their exoskeletons are like armor. They can absorb pure magical attacks, though using bespelled items or elements can work. The underside of their abdomen is a vulnerable spot, but it also puts any targets at the mercy of their eight legs. It's highly unadvised for a baseline human to take an Aranean on solo.

Older female Araneans often go unarmored in the arenas, unless stipulated otherwise; if they're armed, they often carry spears. Male spiders and young female Araneans just stepping into their first arena often don armor. Originally designed as protection and an aid in mining duties, it's evolved with their culture. Designed in a plated style with futuristic trappings, it protects the abdomen and joints but affords the spider full mobility, as expected of a species that prizes agility and jumping. Male Araneans often use longer spears to make up for their smaller size, to give them the reach of a female Aranean, but you'll never see them carrying weaponry that elevates them above a female spider. Historically, that's a sight only seen in rebellions mercilessly crushed by Queen Thsh and her mother.

Their detection ability is a boon against artificial and magical entities—magical ones, especially, who they can sense in the very air. And, as always, mind their fangs. You only have three autotoxin injectors, but keep them handy.

» THE REGENCY

For recruits who endured Gallipoli, facing the agents here isn't too different. Only agents of high ranking have access to power nullification equipment, but they're all in beyond peak physical condition. It'll take at least two baseline humans to tackle one Regency operative, who have additional cybernetic modifications. Some of this is offensive, but it affords them a great deal of additional strength in all cases, depending on what's augmented.

Their actual weaponry varies between arenas, but they err in favor of what the spiders want to see and stick largely with melee weaponry; it earns more respect from the Araneans. They also aren't shy about sending shabti into combat in their place, should they see it necessary. Or if they're aiming for insult and injury.

The shabti are augmented just like their creators; while none of them have the cybernetic implants their lords and ladies favor, there's something preternaturally quick and resilient to each of them. If your timing is equally preternatural, you might see one kill an Aranean...or you might see an Aranean kill a shabti and devour their remains. While spiders are well aware of the Regency's intent behind the shabti, they're also quick to adapt to this hiccup in the hierarchy and treat them as little more than food and decor, just like their own servants. But that isn't to say they're to be underestimated on the battlefield.

» THE LAST FRONTIER

There are far more than spiders and humans in attendance. What they look like, who they represent, and what they're capable of is as variable as you'd expect in a meeting of interplanetary forces. You never know what you might find.

THE KIOSKS

When you aren't participating in the arenas, you have access to your quarters and the Siopai in the Second Ring. Really, you have access to (almost) all levels of Aranean society, should you wish to explore it. However, the sensation of being watched within the dark halls of Ythaway never disappears; if anything, with the arenas, it intensifies.

And the kiosks are no exception. While they're more affordable than the Siopai, they still aren't cheap. They predominantly sell kitschy trinkets and food; none of the latter is labeled outside of a vague description of what it is, so buyer beware. You don't know what's mixed in there, but it's definitely meat. Mystery meat that the Araneans devour ravenously, as if to remind you they once devoured their creators.

The kiosks—and more than a few other locations in the mines—are also overrun by the paparazzi, Aranean and otherwise. They demand interviews, detailing your latest win in the arenas. What's your date of birth? Is it possible to translate it into the Jhashchan calendar? Perhaps your star sign is compatible with a competing bachelorette.

It's going to be a long two weeks.

READ THE JHASHCH INFOPAGE.

NAV. NETWORK LOGS OOC MEMES PLURK

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ So Chiron comes from a world where bows and arrows are commonly used. It could be that he's simply from Earth's past, but judging from what he says next, Genji has to wonder. The bow and arrow was associated with him, part of a tradition, and that tradition had been passed down for years? Just what is he?

Not that Genji should be surprised. He's met demons and gods here already. He looks up at Chiron for a few seconds, tilting his head before he asks: ] Passed down? What do you mean?

I'm mostly a thing confined to legend, you know.

[There's a sly grin on Chiron's face. This never gets old, and he enjoys it a little too much. Someone out to tell him to stop taking such pleasure in it.]

Did it never strike you that I bear the same name as the Sergeant?

[ That's quite the grin, and unexpected given how serious Chiron has been so far. He's definitely enjoying himself, and Genji can sense that he's about to tell him something surprising. ]

I did notice, but I didn't know what to make of it.

[ He hasn't had any direct interaction with the other Chiron, so that's another reason why he hasn't given it much thought. ]

What kind of legend?

We're technically the same version. Or variations of the same legend, that's the much more accurate way to describe it.

[Chiron continues on, the topic as natural as anything from him.]

In the stories of the ancient Greeks, it was known that Chiron was the teacher of a great many heroes, like Achilles and Heracles.

[ Variations of the same legend? Genji still can't wrap his head around how that works, but Chiron is supposedly some great Greek hero -- or at least the one who taught them, which makes him even more impressive. ]

So that's what you meant about teaching... There was no need to be so humble!

[ Genji may not know much about Greek mythology, but he does recognize the name Achilles at least. (He won't mention the heel.) ]

Is it odd to speak with another version of yourself?

[ At this point all they're doing is taking up room in the waiting area, so Genji begins to lead them out of the stadium. ]

My students are the ones with hubris and egos that ensured they entered the minds of countless cultures. Not me.

[There's a small smile, becaust that is in fact a pretty terrible not-joke if Chiron could ever think of one. What a wonder it would be if Achilles was still around to hear that statement from the horse's mouth.]

Honestly, no. Between us there are enough differences that it is a genuine conversation with distinct points of view to enable back and forth.

[Chiron's content to keep pace with Genji, and for all that they're talking about him, he feels compelled to trade on that fact.]

I presume that if bows and arrows are a lost art of sorts for your time, swordsmanship is as well?

[ It's true that the name Achilles has traveled much further than Chiron, from the perspective of a person from a different culture. Not that Chiron seems to mind that his name is a little less known.

Genji is curious to talk to the other Chiron now, if only to see how great the differences between the two of them are. He still doesn't quite understand how it all works, but thinking on it too hard will only give him a headache.

At the question, he glances to Chiron and nods slowly. ]

Swords are not commonly used, no. But the Japanese people made great use of them through history, and my family wished to preserve that tradition. Though we did make some upgrades...

[ It's not like just any sword is capable of deflecting bullets. ]

Well, the upgrades seem obvious.

[Chiron smiles a little, to show the comment is meant lightly. He is sure that there's much more Genji isn't telling him here, but Chiron's not the kind to poke and prod unless he's got good reason to.]

But may I ask how long the tradition has been kept alive in your family?

How long? The Shimada family has been around for centuries...

[ So, since swords fell out of common use, essentially. Of course, they would be contemporary for someone like Chiron, but he's had plenty of chances to see how warfare has evolved during his time with COST, Genji's sure. ]

I couldn't give you an exact number. I never paid as much attention to that kind of thing as I should have.

[ He laughs to himself, not ashamed to admit it. Family history had gotten boring with all he'd had to hear his father drone on about it. ]

Ah, well, centuries is a good enough age from where I stand.

[It was impressive, speaking not only to family traditions but outstanding record keeping. A weird thing to praise, to be sure, but Chiron had been prouder of stranger things.]

And even if you weren't paying attention to that, you were aware of the important bits. [Chiron's eyes flick to Genji's weaponry for a beat.]

We should get something to drink, at the very least.

[ Genji can appreciate anyone who can see the benefit of his weapons, and so he's already decided he likes Chiron. He'd be happy to jump into the arena again at some point, if it becomes necessary. The stadium is supposed to be open all month, after all.

For now, though, they deserve to rest and celebrate, so Genji glances to Chiron and nods enthusiastically at the suggestion. ]

I could go for one!

[ Nothing tastes as good as it used to, with his taste buds limited after all of his enhancements, but he can enjoy the social part of going out for a drink. ]

Do you know a good place?

I've found one stall that is generous towards me, and tends to be less hm....overly enthusiastic?...with reacting to any status I may or may not carry in this land.

[Chiron takes a sudden right, finally out of the arena's many corridors.]

It's through here. I've found this area in general to be easier to navigate through, in truth.

[ Generous, but not drawing a lot of attention to their various statuses? That does sound ideal, and Genji is relieved for the suggestion. He dutifully follows along. ]

What category of the hierarchy do you fit into?

[ Now that Genji knows a little more about who Chiron is and where he comes from, he has to ask. ]

Magical. I suppose that's not a big surprise, all things considered. Yourself?

[The stall is actually pretty much right there where the arena lets out, manned by an Aranean who actually does Waver when she notices Chiron. It's...a weirdly human gesture, one Chiron is absolutely responsible for starting.]

Do you want anything besides water?

Artificial. Also not much of a surprise!

[ Genji laughs to himself, surprised to see that Chiron has managed to strike up a friendly rapport with one of the Araneans. Then again, Chiron's someone who it's easy to immediately get along with, at least based on Genji's own experience.

Oh, so he didn't actually mean alcohol. Genji takes a few seconds to consider, then shakes his head. ]

It probably wouldn't be a good idea to drink anything else, if I don't know what's in it.

[ They'd been warned to be careful with the food. It stands to reason they should also be cautious with beverages. ]

My assumption with alcohol has been that if it is being fermented here, I most likely do not wish to know what is being fermented. Water is a bit safer.

[Chiron's reasoning is slightly paranoid, but only slightly. The rest of it is a simple fact: you're happier if you don't know how the sausage is made.

He makes quick work of getting water for them both, and once served (ever polite with the thank yous), he hands Genji one of the cups. There is condensation already forming in it.]

This ought to be reviving enough.

[ That makes a very good point. Genji doesn't often put that much thought into how alcohol is made, but it's true that it usually involves some sort of fermenting process. He really doesn't want to think any harder on it than that.

He takes the water with a nod of thanks, then slides back his faceplate so that he can have a drink. His face is human enough, if scarred, and he takes small sips of the water. ]

It definitely hits the spot! Thank you for showing me this place.

Not at all. Some secrets are worth sharing.

[Chiron smiles, noticing the scars but not saying anything about them. It isn't his place, and it isn't as if he and Genji are close friends. Just people with the potential to go down that path.]

Alas, I have no secret spaces to sit down without being mobbed.

[ Genji laughs openly at the comment. For all of his intensity in the arena, he's relaxed and at ease now, almost as if he's a different person. But fighting in the ring and socializing with a new friend are two very different things. ]

We can only be so lucky.

[ He takes a seat at one of the stools offered by the small establishment, continuing to sip at his water. ]

Did you plan to try your luck in there again?

[ With a nod back to the stadium, which still roars with excitement from time to time; a new fight has already begun. ]

In due course, I think. I've been taking every other day off or so, as to not overstay my welcome or to hog spotlights from those higher up than myself who have a better chance to further our goals.

[Chiron lets out a soft snort, shaking his head.]

One can hardly negotiate when one is seen as a snack.

[ Even going into the arena every other day seems quite often, given that it's literally a fight to the death, but Genji can gather that Chiron is used to frequent combat. It makes sense that he'd been recruited, in that case.

It's not like Genji isn't used to high stakes himself, but it's been a while, and it had never been this organized and ritualistic, for him. ]

If you ever need assistance, let me know! I would not want you to end up being snacked on, friend. And my status gives me slightly more leeway, at least.

I shall do just that.

[Chiron raises his water glass to Genji for a moment in a toast, before downing it all in one go.]

Until then, I'll hope that the next time I'm partnered up in that arena, it'll be with you.

[ It's a kind sentiment, and Genji can't help the way that he smiles in response to it. He takes a few more sips of his water before he sets the glass down where it can be collected. ]

I look forward to it! For now, I should be heading back, but it was good to fight alongside you, Chiron.

[ With a respectful nod, Genji bids him farewell and then takes his leave. ]

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