Heroes, Champions, and the Kappifang

The Várágæti{var-ra-gat-ee}, Celebration of the Long Awaited Winter, marks the most important holiday in the southern reaches of Fjalltin. Why is it so important? It is on this day that contestants enter a free-for-all, non-lethal gladiatorial fray, the Kappi Fang, with hopes of being named a Champion of Fjalltin - a Hreystimaðr {huh-ray-stee-ma-thir} - and obtaining Ymirniðr’s Sigil, a wondrous icon of royal sponsorship. And of course, there’s a healthy sum of coin for the year’s newly minted Hreystimaðr.

How does one ascend to Hreystimaðr? The final six contestants left standing from the Kappi Fang (and two combatants of Ymirniðr’s choosing) must then compete in one-on-one matches known as Jara {Yar-ra}: bouts to the brink of death. Match ups are decided at random, and the matches end only by yield or incapacitation. The final four combatants are all announced as Heroes of Fjalltin, the newest Segr {Seh-gir}. The final matches occur in the lead up to Ymirniðr’s Welcoming of Spring - and the champion is decided in a match adjudicated by Ymirniðr himself.

What prizes await for the newest Hreystimaðr? Ymirniðr’s Sigil and a lavish steed? Gold enough to fuel one’s dreams? Access to secret locations? Extra help from the authorities? Hazing from other Hreystimaðr? Laughed at amongst the more experienced, who've seen the fair share of failed champions (after all… there's a new one every year)? Possibly all of these and more? Some say King Ymirnithir himself will grant audience only to those brave enough to earn the rank of champion, a title he himself once attained and still holds.

...(edited)

[11:22 AM]

And thus, the heroes who ascend to champions also become ambassadors between the common folk and royalty. Of course, the more savage champions may not find such a role comfortable, and often employ a counselor or other intermediary to themselves and the commoners. Hreystimaðr that go down less savory routes quickly become enemies of the people, and bounties for more trusted and wholesome champions (who make a tidy profit by dealing with supposed troublemakers).

Here lies a prime opportunity for Segr, who can go on to challenge fallen champions in mortal combat. By overcoming the corrupted champion, a hero then ascends to champion, and is announced as a Hreystimaðr. The governing body of Segr and Hreystimaðr is a shadowy group known as Gríma Vorðr {gree-ma vor-thir} - The Hidden Guard.