Two women. Kori Raine, incumbent champion and Aumellia, The Legend Killer, Goldbirth went head-to-head late Sunday evening. For some it was what the entire tournament had led up to. The massive Kul Tiran champion against the smaller Sin’dorei seemingly made up entirely of muscles and sinew. The two women traded blows for almost an hour, and I had to clean my camera of blood and sweat more than once, and I think some of the sweat came from the referee, rather than from the two wrestlers. Goading the fighters and the audience and acting as emcee for the fight was Realgan Jameson, who spoiled us with gems such as:
Are we all ready for the world to rock harder than a hungover Deathwing?
Are we all ready to see fighting skills that will make the shando-pan shed their fur in fear!?
Is this a brawl or is it a gossip column?
As the working girls of Boralus will tell you, being underneath Kori Raine is not where you want to be!
The last time a blood elf moved that fast it was during the wine shortage of '69
Did someone order some lamp oil? Because this large creature of the sea just got harpooned!
Watch out folks you're in the splash zone!
Tonight on the menu roasted elven thighs!
The fight itself was hectic, both women where down on the floor several times, counting got to two numerous times, but of course only reached three when the final victor was declared. Some in the audience felt the referee was counting a bit too slow when Kori Raine was down for the count and I am not enough of an expert to know if any credence should be given to that claim, or if it was just audience seeing their favorite wrestler losing the fight.
Both fighters left the ring to chase their opponent after they got physically thrown out of it by their opponent, and despite the referee seeming mildly upset then he must have missed it between his profuse sweating because despite warning both fighters then he gave them plenty of time to fight outside the ring before they brought it back in.
The fight was close, and there were times where we all thought it was over, only for the downed fighter to get back up with renewed energy and turn the tides. It was hectic, bloody, and I am surprised either woman could leave the building and attend the closing ceremony on their own accord. The winner, as stated earlier, was Kori Rainer who gets to keep the champion belt. For now. I do not like brawling and wrestling much, but I have to admit... I was entertained.
None of this would have been possible without the great organisers and announcers of information during the whole tournament. Thank you Zyretha Snowdawn for putting the time and effort in making all this possible. You and your team made the place filled with life and activities. We will see you all next time.
Final note: as we are a small team, we could not cover every lecture, competition, and stall, but we all know that everyone made a great effort. From greeting visitors with a smile, to providing them with a great experience as our questions to people and our own experience has shown. And of course, not only all the organisers, but also the judges of the different competitions. So here is a list with all the judges, shops and speakers involved as the organisers would like to thank you all and we think it is part of our job to include it in our article to make sure everyone’s job is appreciated.
From the Lion's Roar there is only one thing left to say:
Thank you for four amazing days, see you next year!
The big thank you list
Judges
Our Herald, Nomaeori Silverdawn!
For the Magic Contest: Shylvaindae Voidrunner, Sinaldra Morrowburn and Azmira.
For the Ground Mount race: Modian Goldenfield and the Azeroth Grand Prix racing circuit
For the Flying Mount race, a special thank you to the serpent masters of Pandaria for the inspiration and use of their course.
For the Archery Contest: Levia Sunstriker and Faelenn Silverhawk. Special thanks to both for their help both this year and last, and creating our systems for running and scoring the event.
For the Dazzling Wand Contest: Shylvaindae Voidrunner. Special thanks to the Night Elven communities for the inspiration via their Moonball game.
For the Joust: Astran Dawnhaven, Thalia Cinderspear, Nomaeori Silverdawn, Cinthor and Tialis Roseheart. Special thanks to Jack Asheton and Juniper Stites for the original rules system and refinements.
For the Duels: Kori Raine, Faelenn Silverhawk, Shylvaindae Voidrunner, Nomaeori Silverdawn
Cinthor, Rogmasha Thundercaller, Agrail Steelhorn and Velravyn Ashforge.
Lecturers and Teachers
For “The Elements of Pandaria”, Farseer Jin Spiritfoot. For “The Many Facets of a Gryphon”, Grongul Stormheart. For “The Burdens And Joys of Magic”, Edith Lampfire.
For “Pyromancy, how not to burn yourself”, Simetra Shadowshot. For “Practical First Aid for Non-Magic Users”, Shylvaindae Voidrunner. For “The Children of Aman’Thul: Timekeepers and Timebreakers”, Acheleus Moonblaze.
For “An Introduction to Chi: Fundamentals and Basic Applications”, Yuan-Mei Blackpaw. For “The Wonderful World of Illusions”, Lady Everlin. For “Breaking Physical Constraints on the Body Advanced Prosthetics Research Notes”, Six Harrow.
Finally for the Totem Carving session, Akulé Foresthorn and the rest of the Spiritwood Tribe.
Entertainers and shows
Vivian for her musical performance in the opening ceremony. Neïva Dawnblood for her performance in the opening ceremony.
Barovar Sunwhisper and Seolarin for their live concerts on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Fizz and Sparks’ Sky Adventures for their aerial tours of the grounds and forest.
The cast and crew of the Midnight Theatre for their performance of Cabbage Ron.
The Fablewind Faire for their set of musical acts to open this evening’s entertainment, and an “in advance” for the closing ceremony.
The cast and crew of Hercules, headed up by the Quill’s Melody.
The crew behind, referee Mauro Dawncastle, Announcer Raelgan Jameson and both competitors in the AWGP world title match.
As well as all the other street musicians such as Shredding Accordingly and many more!
Traders
Raven's Riches, Faraway Bazaar, Ismaa’s jewellery, T.K. studios, Migi's Wondrous Alchemcial Emporium. Magical Sweets and Snacks, Little Badlands, Genuine Goods and Crafts.
Soap and Glory, Jack Silver's Oddities, The Dustcloud Corporation for additional security requirements, Clan Stormheart, Bronzebrew Meaderies, The Toybox, Yumplings, Ra'Yih's armour smithy, Confectus Imaginarium.
Mama Mei’s Noodle cart, The Enchanted Rose Faire and Myrekyll Manajack’s kitchen, Dead Man’s Chest, as well as all the other traders who have passed through the grounds!
Thank you also to the Lion’s Roar for their press coverage of the event.
A few special thanks for their incredibly extensive service go to the Blossoming Brews, the Maret, and Merchant’s Last Coin for their extended bar service, as well as our official bookmaker Eiondel De’loren