Nekos is one of the characters who may join your party in The Broken Hourglass.

Any long-time resident of Mal Nassrin knows the draw of the arena--many a dusk settles on the city with the crowd still roaring in appreciation of a marathon battle. But the spectacle has survived the test of time on its personalities as much as violence and escapism. Although the anonymous undercard combatants come and go, one name has stood out for years--Nekos.

As a gladiator, Nekos has a record of victories and titles unparalleled in the arena's history, including the last two Champion's Cup tournaments-feats which not only gave him the most Cup wins on record, but made him the oldest fighter ever to take the top prize. But he sees himself as more than just a champion gladiator. When he steps into the ring, he is part fighter, part orator-he has been known to lecture and engage the audience in topics ranging from the right way to tell uncooperative children bedtime stories, to the importance of saving money for lean times.

His accomplishments are indisputable. But what does the man, woman, and child on the street think of Nekos, owner of "the most recognizable arms in Narimir"?

Pilipo, arena souvenir vendor:

"Nekos? Sure, I root for him. Who doesn't? I've been watching him fight since... wow, ever since I was a boy. I guess I never really thought about it before, but Nekos must be getting on.

Still, you don't see many glads who are able to pick up a barbarian, hold him clear above his head, and plant them in the dust-even those new guys who must be half his age!"


Persethone, widow and professional mourner:

"When will that young man learn that you can't get respect in this life running around with dirty, scraggly hair, all covered with sweat? What good does that do any of us to see? Real work, that's what he needs to do! I've got floors that need a good resurfacing if he wants to show off his muscles."


Marko, laborer:

"Nekos? Bah! Arena? More like a dancehall. I wouldn't go see him and his bunch of old ladies if you paid me. You can't see a good, honest fight there. You gotta find yourself a pit--sure, they're illegal, but I know a place--and look for the guy who's real quiet-like before the fighting starts. More often than not, it's the quiet ones what got the killer instinct. Put your money on them.

All that gabbing Nekos likes to do, he wouldn't last two minutes in the pits. They don't care who you are or which councilors you know there. All that matters is fighting, and when it comes to fighting, those gladiators sure know how to dance!"

 
Kostas, librarian:

"Nekos is a symbol of one of the biggest problems we have in this city-legalized bloodsport is just an excuse to keep the populace diverted and distracted, so that they aren't expanding their minds in intellectual pursuits. Why, if just one-tenth of the average arena crowd were studying in our halls in a given week, Mal Nassrin would assuredly be primed for a tremendous growth in learning and research!

But if-hypothetically speaking-I were to frequent the arena, it probably would in fact be to see Nekos. The man's appreciation for precision tactics is admirable, although his tendency to monologue while his opponents are staggering, instead of finishing the job, is frustrating. His submission holds have to be seen to be believed, but the showman in him just doesn't want the fight to be over.

Ahem. That is... so I have heard."


Dionn, seamstress:

"Well... if you must know-and please don't tell Xilto, he gets so jealous-the other night I had the most peculiar dream. I was on the ocean in a small boat with just a few friends, and from out of nowhere a giant squid attacked us! I thought we were finished but one of my friends turned out to be Nekos, and he jumped on the squid and wrestled it while the rest of us were able to get away! I don't know what it means... but he can save me any time!"


Vulso Ozaliman, potter/trader from Aemir Province, discusses the arena with his aide, Khanmi:

Vulso: "Well, Nekos himself I could take or leave-the man's just a bit too preachy, a bit too smug for my tastes. But the arena? I try not to miss a show when I'm in town! Splendid stuff. They're not just fighting to cave each other's heads in, you know. They're battling for pride! For honor!"

Khanmi: "You can't be serious."

Vulso: "Oh but I am! I am! Being Aemiri myself, I can't just stand by and do nothing while Adonix-he's descended directly from Ralinar, Aemir's greatest general, you know-while Adonix is in a three-on-one handicap match! I have to be there! To stand and cheer and let him know that all of Aemir appreciates what he's doing to keep our great heritage alive!"

Khanmi: "He said that? That he's descended from Ralinar? And you believed him?"

Vulso: "Yes indeed. They never found his body after Overwater, you know. He wasn't killed at all. He became a sheepherder and took a wife and they had six strong young boys and-oh, look, just come with me to the next show, he explains it all before his match!"

Khanmi: "...you can't be serious."


Nourhan and Umut, two rowdy urchins:

Nourhan: "Nekos! Nekos!"

Umut: "Nekos!"

Nourhan: "Nekos is the best!"

Umut: "Nekos Nekos Nekos!"

Nourhan: "Nekos is the best and that's why I am Nekos!" (she pantomimes jabbing and defending with imaginary sword and shield.)

Umut: "You can't be Nekos!"

Nourhan: "Why not?"

Umut: "Girls can't be Nekos! Girls have to be somebody stupid, like Mezezius the barker!"

Nourhan: "When my mighty fist of Nekos knocks out your stupid lying teeth, you won't say that again!"

Umut: "Rraaahh! I'M Nekos!"

Nourhan: "GRAAAAAHH! I'M NEKOS LOUDER!"