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After sneaking their way through the bars of the gate and out into the arena, the Heroes glance around the spacious area. The steep seating rose high into the sky, allowing for massive audiences to cheer on the combatants below. The Heroes could easily imagine the roar of the cheering onlookers as each sword was swung, and each fighter fell. As they approached the walled area in the center, the Heroes noticed a figure running up to them from the edge of the arena. The figure shouted at them as it approached; yelling suggestions that perhaps they shouldn't be in the arena. As it got closer, they could see it was a young man in a guard's uniform. Knowing they had been caught, the Heroes prepared their next move.   Thanks a million to Ellipsis Mark / Hal Parks for spending time with us on the show! Go check out his work using the links below: World of Demi-Humans: Freshmen Orientation on Amazon His YouTube   Also be sure to check out our website and sponsors:   Our Website   Get hydrated 2X faster with great flavor and with 3X the electrolytes with Liquid IV. Get 20% off when you go to Liquid I.V. 's website and use code DJP15 at checkout   Use my special code: DJP15 to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.  Go to zencastr.com/pricing and use code DJP15 and you’ll get 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

The Heroes approach the gate, peering out between the bars. The arena was packed full of large walls, likely a maze of sorts. There were also cages along the outer perimeter containing creatures of all shapes and sizes. The one nearest them held a large bear, and the next contained a trio of snarling wolves. The Heroes assumed that contestants would likely have to enter the maze while searching for something, then after a brief time the creatures would be sent in after them. Knowing this, the Heroes attempted to sneak through the bars and out into the arena itself. If they could figure out what it was they were to be looking for they would have a massive advantage over the competition. The Jester whispered into his hands, and then pulled apart two of the bars with surprising ease. Once they had slipped through, he returned the bars to their original position.   We're grateful to B for taking time to chat with us on the show! Go check out his work using the links below: Et al. Book His Website   Also be sure to check out our website and sponsors:   Our Website   Get hydrated 2X faster with great flavor and with 3X the electrolytes with Liquid IV. Get 20% off when you go to Liquid I.V. 's website and use code DJP15 at checkout   Use my special code: DJP15 to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.  Go to zencastr.com/pricing and use code DJP15 and you’ll get 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

Climbing out of the pit, the Heroes examine the cages and cells surrounding them. Various creatures lay slumbering inside the largest cages, with some rough individuals sat inside the small cells. The area appeared to be a holding space for imprisoned combatants, as well as beasts that would fight in the arena. The Heroes carefully crept forward, not wanting to disturb the beast's slumber. A few of the imprisoned individuals stirred, noticing the Heroes but saying nothing. The Jester motions them forward, signaling he planned to stay behind and investigate. They make their way around the area until they find a small door, carefully opening it. It creaks open to reveal a narrow, winding hallway leading up into the arena. Making their way forward, the Heroes are careful not to make any noise and blow their cover. Reaching the top of the stairs, they cautiously open another door. Before them was a long, wide hallway. At the far end was a row of benches followed by large, steel bars. The entrance to the fighting pits.   Also be sure to check out our website and sponsors:   Our Website   Get hydrated 2X faster with great flavor and with 3X the electrolytes with Liquid IV. Get 20% off when you go to Liquid I.V. 's website and use code DJP15 at checkout   Use my special code: DJP15 to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.  Go to zencastr.com/pricing and use code DJP15 and you’ll get 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

The Heroes crept through the damp tunnel, watching their step as they moved around rats and scraps of what could only be described as "debris" scattered about. A small stream of what they hoped was water flowed through the center of the tunnel, carrying with it a less than pleasant aroma. The air was damp and hung heavy over them, urging them forward to escape its embrace. After far too long, the Heroes encountered the end of the tunnel, which deposited them into a large pit beneath what seemed like a dungeon. They climbed their way up, eventually emerging over the cusp of the pit to see they were faced with rows of cages and small cells.    Many thanks to Ruan for spending the time with us on the show! Go check out her work using the links below: Her Linktree   Also be sure to check out our website and sponsors:   Our Website   Get hydrated 2X faster with great flavor and with 3X the electrolytes with Liquid IV. Get 20% off when you go to Liquid I.V. 's website and use code DJP15 at checkout   Use my special code: DJP15 to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.  Go to zencastr.com/pricing and use code DJP15 and you’ll get 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

Working their way around the perimeter of the arena, the Heroes searched for an alternative entry point that would be unguarded. Entry after entry had guards stationed at them, so sneaking in was proving to be difficult. After circling what seemed the entire arena, they eventually came to the water's edge at the docks. They looked around and spotted what appeared to be a drainage tunnel leading from under the arena into the bay. The Jester hopped down into the water and peered into the darkness of the tunnel. He motioned back to the other Heroes and they prepared to follow him. The Jester muttered some words to himself, and blue flames sprung forth at the tips of his fingers. He carefully moved his hands across the bars to the tunnel, cutting them with the flames as his fingers passed. Eventually, the bars dropped into the muddy water and the path had been opened.   We're very grateful to have Reny on the show! Go check out her show using the links below: Replay Rewind Website Replay Rewind on Instagram   Also be sure to check out our website and sponsors:   Our Website   Get hydrated 2X faster with great flavor and with 3X the electrolytes with Liquid IV. Get 20% off when you go to Liquid I.V. 's website and use code DJP15 at checkout   Use my special code: DJP15 to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.  Go to zencastr.com/pricing and use code DJP15 and you’ll get 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

The Heroes asked around and were able to find out that the arena was near the edge of the city along the harbor. This was likely done to ease the arrival of warriors from afar via ships, as well as bring in exotic beasts for display. They made their way through the winding city once more, spotting various criers announcing the start of the tournament in just two days time. The arena was easy to spot as they neared, with its towering walls climbing high into the sky. Merchants skittered about, making their preparations for the influx of travelers that would be passing by them en route to the main events. The Heroes walked up to one of the main entrances, attempting to make their way inside. They were stopped by a guard, informing them that no one was permitted to enter the arena before the tournament started. The Heroes took issue with this, but stepped away. They would find an alternative entrance.   Many thanks to Jack for bringing his expertise to the show! Go check out his work using the links below: States First Amendment His Twitter   Also be sure to check out our website and sponsors:   Our Website   Get hydrated 2X faster with great flavor and with 3X the electrolytes with Liquid IV. Get 20% off when you go to Liquid I.V. 's website and use code DJP15 at checkout   Use my special code: DJP15 to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.  Go to zencastr.com/pricing and use code DJP15 and you’ll get 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

The Swordsman Hero returned inside the orphanage to find that the female combatant had arrived. She nervously looked at the Heroes, awaiting their decision. The Heroes looked amongst themselves before the Swordsman Hero stepped forward. He informed her that they would take part in the tournament, though she would need to join them. She leapt up and down excitedly, thanking the Heroes repeatedly. The children's faces lit up, and they began to talk emphatically amongst themselves. The female combatant explained the details of the tournament to the Heroes, and they left the orphanage. They walked back towards the main part of the city, and decided to scout out the arena.   Kudos to Brandon for taking the time to share his insights with us! Go check out his work using the links below: Tinfoil Tales Podcast Shadows of Cedarville Book   Also be sure to check out our website and sponsors:   Our Website   Get hydrated 2X faster with great flavor and with 3X the electrolytes with Liquid IV. Get 20% off when you go to Liquid I.V. 's website and use code DJP15 at checkout   Use my special code: DJP15 to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.  Go to zencastr.com/pricing and use code DJP15 and you’ll get 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

The Swordsman Hero handed the small doll back to the small girl and looked around the area. Other than the roughly designed cemetery, the surrounding buildings were formed of cracked walls and constricting vines. It was quiet here, and very few people must have made the trek toward the edge of the city to get here. The scraps around the orphanage were likely from lost drunkards, or dropped by the children. The Swordsman Hero turned and walked back through the alleyway from which he came. The small child stayed behind, gently placing the doll onto the ground. She said a small prayer, and then looked back towards the Hero as he walked away. Her watchful eyes didn't miss him gently drop a flower at the entrance.   Big thanks to Teapott for joining us today! Go check out his show using the link below: Dungeons and Shinobi Linktree   Also be sure to check out our website and sponsors:   Our Website   Get hydrated 2X faster with great flavor and with 3X the electrolytes with Liquid IV. Get 20% off when you go to Liquid I.V. 's website and use code DJP15 at checkout   Use my special code: DJP15 to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.  Go to zencastr.com/pricing and use code DJP15 and you’ll get 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

The Swordsman Hero approached the small child and knelt down beside her. She turned to look up to him, and handed him a small doll. It was crudely constructed, made from scraps of cloth with broken buttons for eyes. It appeared to be stuffed with various bits of grass and weeds. He handed it back to the girl, and she gently placed it upon a freshly disturbed plot of dirt. Looking around, the Swordsman Hero could see that the area was dotted with similar patches of dirt in various stages of regrowth. He didn't have to ask the child what this was - a small cemetery. There were no headstones or markers of any kind, only small dolls dotting each plot of dirt. There were at least a dozen of them, though the area was in enough disarray that it would be hard to know for sure.   Thanks a ton to Robert for coming on the show! Go check out his book using the links below: The Book With No Answers on Amazon His Instagram   Also be sure to check out our website and sponsors:   Our Website   Get hydrated 2X faster with great flavor and with 3X the electrolytes with Liquid IV. Get 20% off when you go to Liquid I.V. 's website and use code DJP15 at checkout   Use my special code: DJP15 to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.  Go to zencastr.com/pricing and use code DJP15 and you’ll get 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

After cleaning up the orphanage for a while, the Heroes finally decide to take a break. The Swordsman Hero stepped outside to investigate the area. It was a run down part of the city, with no foot traffic. The surrounding  buildings were cracked, with vines slowly consuming their exteriors. He noticed a small form moving behind the orphanage, and so he went to investigate. Walking in the small alleyway between the orphanage and the adjacent building, the Swordsman Hero stepped over broken toys and torn pieces of clothing. Stepping out of the alleyway and into the small garden behind the orphanage, the Swordsman Hero noticed a small child setting a small doll onto the ground. Looking around, he could see similar dolls all around the garden.   Thanks to Noah for coming by the show! Go check out his work using the links below: His Twitter His YouTube   Also be sure to check out our website and sponsors:   Our Website   Get hydrated 2X faster with great flavor and with 3X the electrolytes with Liquid IV. Get 20% off when you go to Liquid I.V. 's website and use code DJP15 at checkout   Use my special code: DJP15 to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.  Go to zencastr.com/pricing and use code DJP15 and you’ll get 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

Waking up the next morning, the Heroes said goodbye to the disgusting innkeep and made their way back to the orphanage. Walking along the city streets, they noticed how lively the city was for so early in the morning. Children ran around playfully, guards made their morning patrols, and shopkeepers cleaned the front of their shops. Upon arriving at the orphanage the Heroes made their way inside to find the children attempting to clean. The female combatant was nowhere to be seen, so the Heroes decided to assist the children. They attempted to make some minor repairs, and the Jester "entertained" them by summoning skeletons as the children ran away in pure terror.   Thanks a bunch to TheAmazingPatPat for coming back on the show! Go explore his content using the link below: TheAmazingPatPat   Also be sure to check out our website and sponsors:   Our Website   Get hydrated 2X faster with great flavor and with 3X the electrolytes with Liquid IV. Get 20% off when you go to Liquid I.V. 's website and use code DJP15 at checkout   Use my special code: DJP15 to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.  Go to zencastr.com/pricing and use code DJP15 and you’ll get 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

The Heroes pondered whether it was really worth their time being sidetracked by an entire tournament. They told the female combatant that they would consider it and return to the orphanage with their decision. She wasn't happy with their delayed answer, and begged them to agree. The Swordsman Hero explained that she couldn't demand anything of them, and she solemnly acquiesced. The Heroes left the orphanage and made their way to the nearest inn. Heading inside, they were pleased to find it empty aside from a truly hideous innkeep. They explained that they would need a room for a few nights, and were told that they had arrived in time to get a room ahead of the crowds visiting the city for the tournament. After receiving the room key from the incredibly scraggy and haggard looking innkeep, the Heroes dropped off their things and turned in for the night.   Thanks to Boystick for stopping by! Please go check out his content using the links below: His YouTube His Twitter His Instagram His TikTok   Also be sure to check out our website and sponsors:   Our Website   Get hydrated 2X faster with great flavor and with 3X the electrolytes with Liquid IV. Get 20% off when you go to Liquid I.V. 's website and use code DJP15 at checkout   Use my special code: DJP15 to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.  Go to zencastr.com/pricing and use code DJP15 and you’ll get 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.