Behind the Scenes of Arena Night: An Interview with Yvie and Lilian Linelle, the Witches of Friday
by Eleawen Galathiel
There be duos that rumour carrieth farther than the ships of Port Saban. Yvie and Lilian Linelle are of that number. Each Friday, when the sun doth bow before the arenas of Arche Terre — most oft that of Saban — these two organisers do turn a simple bout into a ceremony wherein sand, sweat and gold coins do dance together.
They did agree to cross the threshold of the Gazette, within our halls of Mur County Center, and let us confess it: to see them seated in mine armchairs, far from the fury of the stands, was a sight near as rare as a contrite dragon. Near, I say. For I did see them smile as they met mine eye, and I did think — as ever — that they knew more of my questions than I of their answers.
Eleawen Galathiel: Could you briefly introduce yourself? It seems like a duo right?
Lilian Linelle: « She is my lovely wife, yes. »
Yvie Linelle: « Lilian and Yvie Linelle. Delightfully married for now six years and some months. »
Lilian Linelle: « As she says. We met at the arena in the Waterfront, when it was there. »
Eleawen Galathiel: « That’s super old, before that went bad with free agression everywhere? »
Lilian Linelle: « Correct. »
Yvie Linelle: « That sort of thing wasn’t as prevalent when we were regulars at the arena, but it did come up occasionally. »
Eleawen Galathiel: « Arena Night is one of the oldest and most popular events in Sinefer. Could you tell us more about its origins and how it has evolved over the years? »
Yvie Linelle: « The origin came from the redesign of the Waterfront District. The arena was changed, and later removed entirely, so we sought to give a home to friendly, sporting combat again. »
Lilian Linelle: « The old arena in the Waterfront used to be the gathering place. The spot everyone would go. Even if there was no fighting. When it was changed, and then taken out, we lost that, and sought to give people a place for community and fighting sports once again. »
Yvie Linelle: « Lilian has said it much more eloqunetly. And as for evolution, the format has largely stayed the same, all this time. Weekly Arena Night, and one monthly special event. Our prize pool is much more robust now, though. »
Lilian Linelle: « You were perfectly eloquent, lovely. And it is as she says. We have moved from the Dragon’s Mouth to Saban, but otherwise we have not changed the format. »
Eleawen Galathiel: « Why did you move, or maybe the reason is not public? »
Yvie Linelle: « At the time, the laws in Sinifer were… well, pretty lawless. Audience members were in danger. We had to move. »
Lilian Linelle: « Yes. It was strictly safety, though it has worked out. »
Eleawen Galathiel: « I remember. everybody could be attacked in the street. Was totally mad. »
Lilian Linelle: « Casters were causing harm to the audience unintentionally. »
Eleawen Galathiel: « Why did you choose a weekly format with a special event per month? What are the advantages and challenges of this regularity? »
Yvie Linelle: « Well, in a perfect world, the arena would be bustling all the time, as it used to be. Once per week is about as much of a commitment as we can offer. It’s not the same, but it’s a taste. »
Lilian Linelle: « Yes. Exactly this. It is a community event, first and foremost. »
Eleawen Galathiel: « How does the preparation for a typical Arena Night evening take place? What are the key steps to ensure its success? »
Yvie Linelle: « It’s fairly free-form on a regular Arena Night. We’ll announce it on the day, and that is about it. The monthly events take a bit more time, depending on the theme. The tournaments, especially, require more scheming. »
Lilian Linelle: « My lovely wife will announce the event. She sets up arrows to point the way. If it is the monthly special event, we scheme, but otherwise – Yes. It is exactly as she says. »
Yvie Linelle: « We’ve modified the rules for Monarch of the Arena a few times, over the years. I think we’ve landed on a format that works now, as of number eight, which was just last month. »
Eleawen Galathiel: « Arena Night sometimes offers special events with very high prices. Could you explain what makes these evenings unique? »
Yvie Linelle: « Each one is quite different. There are tournaments, fashion and costume contests, raffles, and specialized combat events, like the recent one in Durakiss where we featured team matches. »
Yvie Linelle: « As for the prizes themselves, they come from many sources. Some are generously donated. Some we have purchased, or earned in various dungeons. »
Lilian Linelle: « Yes. They are an opportunity to do something unique, or special. But still related to the arena. And exactly that. »
Eleawen Galathiel: « What is the most memorable moment you have from Arena Night, whether it was a success or an unexpected event? »
Lilian Linelle: « That is a very difficult question. Our Hallow’s Eve event is especially fun, and always interesting. Just last year Surin’s costume was nothing short of incredible. »
Yvie Linelle: « It is difficult. The Hallow’s Eve event came to my mind, too. Seeing the costumes every year is a true highlight. This can also be a shameless advertisement that the next one is coming very soon! »
Eleawen Galathiel: « True in a month. more or less. How do you see the future of Arena Night? Do you have any plans to innovate or expand its audience? »
Lilian Linelle: « We will keep the core things that make Arena Night special. We will continue to innovate new monthly events as and when we find opportunity. »
Yvie Linelle: « Yes. I think we will largely stay the course, though we will be looking to try a new tournament format in the month following Hallow’s Eve. We’ll be doing a tournament for less-experienced fighters. The first of its kind, as far as Arena Night is concerned. »
Eleawen Galathiel: « Can you tell how it works? how people will be recruited? How somebody who want to join can join?
Lilian Linelle: « It is posted on the board, but they will sign up. All they need to do is inform my lovely wife or myself. »
Yvie Linelle: « Yes, Scion of the Arena will see newcomers being trained, and outfitted with gear, by more experienced veterans of the Arena and elsewhere. Of course, independent adventurers may also join, but the mentor format is the intent. We’ve posted all of the details on the Event Board, in Sinifer’s Halcyon. »
Eleawen Galathiel: A final word for the loyal fans of Arena Night?
Yvie Linelle: « Only, ‘thank you.’ Without the fighters and the audience, Arena Night does not exist. »
Lilian Linelle: « Our thanks for the continued support over the years. We hope to continue to provide enjoyment for years to come. »
Yvie Linelle: « Well said, lovely. »
Lilian Linelle: « She has said it better. »
Eleawen Galathiel: « Well i have enough content for the article. Do you want me to add something else? Maybe a question that you would me to ask? »
Yvie Linelle: « I would also add a thank you to people who have made a difference behind the scenes. All of our prize donators. Sultan Kezef, and the new Sultana, for opening up Port Staban to us. Cat Friend, for the many trinkets that have helped the event run more smoothly. There are many more, but we’d be here all night, to name them all. It is truly a community effort. »
Two days ere, the Durakiss Arena did still tremble beneath the acclamations: a new format of team battles, captains drawn by lot, strategies woven in the oval sand of the District Market – and a crowd conquered, mine own humble chronicler among them, who did not see the evening fly. So great was the triumph that we made it our front page: ye have read When Blades Learn to Dance Together, published in the twenty-fourth issue of the Gazette.
As I did close the door of our halls in Mur County Center, one thing was certain: Yvie and Lilian Linelle hath understood what many organisers do ignore – that to draw fighters in, one must bait the hook, aye, but above all surprise them. And to surprise, good friends, is the sacred domain of Erevan Ilesere.
Then meet me on Friday next. The sand doth await thee – and so doth the Gazette.
A good organiser knoweth how to cast the coin; a great organiser knoweth ’tis chance itself that is cast into the air, the better to catch men’s hearts. Thank you, my ladies, for reminding us that chaos, well conducted, is the fairest of musics.