Bollo “Wave-Tongue”
The legendary voice of the Blood Bond Tournament — a master showman whose booming commentary turns every fight into an unforgettable spectacle.
Appearance
Rotund man with a perpetually red face and a magnificent handlebar mustache that seems to have a life of its own. He wears a patchwork vest made from banner-strips collected from past tournaments, each one a different color and pattern. His massive brass megaphone is polished to a mirror shine and covered in dents from enthusiastic gesturing.
The Voice
Bollo’s voice is LOUD. Not just loud — it’s theatrical, musical, and capable of projecting to the farthest reaches of the arena without any magical aid. When he speaks, you don’t just hear him — you feel him. The crowd hangs on his every word.
Background
Everyone in Shuttle’s Shipyard knows Bollo’s voice before they know his face. He spent years as a market caller in Spindle Square, selling everything from thread to ship parts with equal enthusiasm.
About ten years ago, he became the official commentator for the Blood Bond Tournament and transformed it from a grim trial into a celebration. His jokes, his timing, and his genuine excitement turn every match into theater.
Memorable Quotes from the Tournament
- “AND THE HOOK GOES IN! It’s not fish we’re catching today, friends!”
- “BIG MADS SWINGS WIDE! That’s a lot of bread to dodge!”
- “WATCH THE NORTH CRANE! It’s coming around like my mother-in-law at festival time!”
- “BY THE SHUTTLE’S FORGOTTEN NAME — IT COMES FROM THE EDGE!”
- “BEAUTIFUL! That’s the kind of work that keeps the Weave together!”
- “Did you see that JUMP? That’s not walking — that’s FLYING WITH POOR PLANNING!”
Personality
- Entertaining: Everything is a show, every moment an opportunity for drama
- Quick-witted: Never at a loss for words, always has a joke ready
- Fair: Celebrates skill regardless of who shows it
- Enthusiastic: Genuinely loves the tournament and the fighters
Where to Find Him
- During Tournaments: In his hanging commentator’s box above the arena
- Most Evenings: At The Slackline tavern, holding court and telling stories
- Festival Days: In Spindle Square, sometimes doing impromptu market calling for fun
What He Knows
Bollo has been commentating tournaments for ten years. He’s seen hundreds of fighters, knows most of the regular spectators, and has watched the city’s factions interact through the arena. If you want to know about past tournaments, famous fighters, or arena traditions, Bollo is your source.
He also knows everyone in Spindle Square — merchants, traders, craftspeople. If you need an introduction or information about the market district, buy him a drink and ask.
His Reputation
- Among Fighters: Respected for fair commentary that highlights skill over brutality
- Among Citizens: Beloved entertainment — people quote his lines in taverns
- Among Festival-Goers: The voice of celebration, synonymous with the Blood Bond
Approaching Bollo
Bollo loves to talk, especially about the tournament. He’s friendly to anyone who shows genuine interest in the fights or has a good story to tell. He particularly appreciates fighters who showed creativity or courage in the arena.
He’s not a fighter himself anymore, but he clearly knows combat when he sees it. His commentary often includes tactical observations wrapped in jokes.
Cross-Links: High Edge-Warden Hem · The Slackline · Spindle Square