Invictus Gladitorium Update from Black & White 2022

   This summary was provided by Sir Kiira, acting as a scribe to the Nation of Invictus.

Unto the denizens of the Realms,

We are writing to inform you of the most recent court held by the Nation of Invictus. Our nation holds our court in what is called a Gladitorium. In this Gladitorium, we hold trials of combat, magic, and craftsmanship to allow individuals to gain entrance into the Army of Invictus. 

Saturday, October 22nd, of year 1022, we held our Gladitorium in the beautiful Lands of Chimeron, which had equally beautiful weather. The grounds, which were damp from recent rainfalls, made for soft ground in which to fight. We began by presenting our members with new tabards, customized for each person in accordance to their sizes and preferences. 

Once the new garments were adorned, we continued onto the combat portion of our trials. Thayet, a mage who specializes in heavy support magic and can wield lightning, petitioned to join the Invictus Army. She chose a champion to support, Sir Daekara. When a mage is supporting their champion, they must face every fighter in the Gladitorium while they are being supported by another mage. After a series of up to fifteen fights (one fight for each of the founding members), or one victory for the petitioner, they move onto the next series of fights with the next fighter and mage. 

As is customary for every Gladitorium where there is a combat-focused caster, the first series of fights was against Imperator Shandar Silverstorm, and his most venerated mage, Sir Kiira. After this series of fights, Thayet chose her challengers by going widdershins around the circle. Thayet proved her worth as a mage and entered the group as a petitioning member. She was given a tabard with a Black Wolf symbol, signifying her status as a petitioner. 

 

After the combat had concluded, Sir Aelias Softshadow presented a ritual to gain entrance into the Army of Invictus as a full member. While performing a ritual similar to one he had performed in the past, he stopped suddenly. Aelias turned and address the group, explaining how when you cast a spell, you create a circle providing protection. Instead of needing the protection provided by the magical circle, he empowered his magic and was protected by the circle standing around him; his nation; The Nation of Invictus. Pulling out the blade he was given as an accolade to winning the mage tournament at Queen of Hearts, Aelias offered up his sword to Imperator Shandar in defense of the nation. Shandar welcomed him into the Army and presented him with a tabard featuring a golden wolf, signifying full member status. 

The last trial of the day was that of Lady Liselle Silvermaple, and it was quite a marvelous one at that. For her final trial, she was challenged with proving her craftsmanship through an item to be presented to Shandar. What an item it was. Liselle stated that she had never seen the leader of Invictus in what she considered formal attire. She presented him with an exquisite burgundy doublet, with detachable arms, and a side cape bearing the Invictus Wolf. Under the doublet was a golden silk shirt of the same material used to accent the doublet. If that was not enough, on the reverse side of the doublet sits studded leather armor—to never be left undefended. With successfully delighting the Imperator, Liselle gained entrance into Invictus and was given her own gold wolf in the form of a tabard. 

Next up during the Gladitorium, Daekara took on a Squire, Jack of Redwall, for the Knights of Invictus. 

Now we come to the point in the Gladitorium where we discussed change moving forward. Shandar addressed the nation stating that, when Invictus was founded, we were in a constant war with our enemies. As we move on to a more prosperous time, we are looking to restructure ourselves. While the world slowed down due to our times spent within our borders, we have had the opportunity to self-reflect and see where we are and where we want to be. 

Though his authority is not changed, Sir Randalf is now in charge of the Army of Invictus, specifically the fighters. He will still answer directly to Shandar. Randalf’s position is now known as Warmaster. Parallel to Randalf will be Kiira, who will have the same duties, specifically with the Mages of the Invictus Army, who also answers directly to Shandar. She will have the title of Warmage. 

The next level of authority will be called Captains. They are the field and squad leaders who will be responsible for mustering and organizing the troops while on campaign. This role is still Sir Eldritch Cleaver’s, though the title has changed from what it previously was. In addition to Eldritch, Daekara was promoted to the rank of Captain. 

Another shift in positions was in the title of Justicar, which is filled by Sir Vuel Shiba. His responsibilities are to enforce the justice and will of Shandar. Sir Jayne Wrath is taking over the title of Praetorian Guard, which was formerly held by Vuel. The Praetorian Guard’s job is to ensure the safety of Shandar. 

Finally, at the end of the Gladitorium, Shandar declared his intentions, with full support from all those present in the nation of Invictus, to take the title of King. The plans for the coronation are to be announced shortly, for some time during mid-spring of the year 1023.