Friday Night Fights/OPEN
Wolfgang grinned toothily at the crowd that had filled the sloped bleachers surrounding the walled pit as he walked the edge, stepping carefully over the thick tie downs holding the net covering the opening. It was still primarily his people with a few upyr and humans that had gotten into the habit of coming to watch... whether to bet on the vamps or to study their fighting techniques or both, he didn’t particularly care. There were new faces in the crowd, such as the Keeper and the Bone Queen who sat together in the front row, but they had an obligation to attend the opening night, plus new watchers from all three... four... groups. He doubted Milena would even stay past the first couple of bouts, her disdain already twisting her sharp features. Unlike her advisor, Darius Vasilescu, and his ever present shadow, Costin Petrescu, she rarely seemed interested in learning more about the other people in the community beyond their secrets.
He could feel the deep, steady beat of the large drums placed on opposite sides of the pit. The vibrations pounding into his chest, he almost could swear he was alive again, that the sounds effects imitated a beating heart. Probably why we like the damn things so much. Time for the grand introduction. He raised his arms and the drums muted, the talented musicians striking nearer to the rims to keep the beat but allow the king to speak easily.
“Welcome one and all to the Pits...” The vampire contingent pound the ground with their feet, the benches with their hands, hoot and howl in delight. “A time-honored way to air and solve grievances... and to improve our fighting skills. The tribunal has graciously approved...” He half-bowed and nodded at Ayanna and Milena then straightened. “...opening and expanding our pit to allow human and upyr fighters in the mix.”
“First off, the rules...” A handful of his most eager hunters booed. “Shut it kids... don’t want to break the breathers... Get permission from your leaders reps, consent first between both fighters, tap out and not incapacitate or kill, and level the playing field. You got more strength or speed or power, level it down to your opponent. This is about skill first. If you’re a wicked who wants to use your powers, I’ll allow it against my people on a case by case basis.” He looks over the crowd and smirks as he sees Noah perched eagerly on a seat near one of the entryways into the pit.
“In honor of the occasion, I offer myself as tribute. I give myself permission to fight anyone who’d like to test themselves against me.” He slaps his chest, his grin widening. “Who will take me on?” He bellows to be heard over the roar of the people in the stands.