 Main Corridor into Dragon Talon. |
The Dragon Talon is the Keep's training arena for combat in the arts of warfare. This is where house members gather to hone their survival and self-defense skills. The art of warfare and dominance is a struggle that has existed, since the dawn of time. Though, the Matriarch does not require members to seek fights or spar on a weekly basis like most Outer Realm organizations; however, every house member is expected to learn some form of self-defense. One cannot become overly dependent on a personal body guard.
Part of any good combat training requires learning about basic anatomy to understand physical weakenesses in the opponent. |
Over the centuries, Wyrm scales have been collected thus the name of Dragon Talon in honor of the Imajian Wyrms who helped forge this magnificant building. Their scales were added to the mortar. Scales of the deepests bloodred, blackest night, and deepest blues adorn the walls. Flickering black iron wrought conical sconce torch holders burn away the darkness and melt the night's chill. Their flickering orange-bluish flames cause a shimmering dance along the concave walls were the fire reflects off the exposed dragon scales.
Here members may hone their skills against one another or request off Stonehaven to produce interesting advisories. From time to time, He will materialize all sorts of creatures against which house members may try their skills. The art of combat is not just about muscles, but also requires discipline and intelligence.
The arena has not been built for just those that deal in the traditional arts of hand to hand combat and the usage of weapons but has been built for those that traffic in the arcane arts. With is purpose in mind, the arena gives off a scarlet hued glow that is only seen at night. This a protective powerful ward placed upon the Dragon Talon for the benefit of keeping any powerful spells or powers in check within its confines that may be conjured or use during a dual of arcane power.
The walls are adorned with various weapons that have been brought off from far off battles and conquests as trophies in ages past. Deep crimson sands litter the arena's floor in a thick packed carpeting of three feet. Any spilled blood is easily absorbed by the hungry sands.
On either side of this circular structure are tiered rows of leather covered seats where spectators may sit and watch the spectacle below.
View of one of the Communal Bathing Pools of the Arena. |
This building not only hosts the main arena but within it are other subterranean rooms. There is a complete sauna and bath area with hot thermal mineral pools. A small infirmary is located on the grounds as is a specious gymnasium to work off stiff muscles. Naturally, there are storage rooms for weapons and other gear. One of the biggest salons is the meditation stone garden that offers peace off mind. Its ever changing scenery of stone, sand, and water offers the opportunity to melt away worries. It's shimmering white marble walls assist with keeping the mind focused. Here the mind and soul are cleared and renewed.
Even in this place of warriors, art dominates the landscape. Colorful mosiacs rendered in the classical style depict scenes of athletics in all modes of physical competition throughout the lower corridors. In the sauna and communal bathing area, the mosiacs depict frocklicking dolphins doing arial acrobatic maneuvers.
Contents found throughout this web site of the Stonehaven Keep, the Ascension Conclave, the Imaji Realm (Realm of the Imaji), the Impa'wixay, the Shi'aarae, and all related material are the intellectual property of Grizell E. Blessing B. (GEBB) and are protected under international copyright law. This material may not be reproduce under any condition without permission from the author, © 1990 - 2002.
