Finally, the day came and each of the recruits was carted off to the Colosseum.
Ptolemy Colosseum is unlike any arena in all the Empire, taking up a wide expanse of the capital city. At its center is the classic circular arena (known as the den of hearts) but branching off of this are four smaller, identical arenas; allowing multiple fights to take place at the same time. From above this made the colloseum look like the symbol for five seen on a dice.
In the depths of the vast complex the gladiators were being made ready.
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Vokrash
For Vokrash this was a simple affair, one he had been through many times. The armorer gave him his axes and armor, an open faced helmet, armor boots and scale plated pauldrons for his shoulders. The rest of his body was left bare, excluding of course a loincloth to cover his dignity. The old Asiren made his way out onto the sands of one of the outlying arenas and into the baking sun. Here he saw his opponent, San'irol. A young vannic man, the paint and dye barely faded from his body. He was armed with a spear and small buckler, armored very much in the same way as Vokrash except his arms were lightly plated as well as his shoulders. The Editor gave their introductions, the crowd cheered and the spearman charged.
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Antonius & Jamukha
Inside their arena Antonius and Jamukha are given their equipment. Antonius, the short sword and large shield of the legion, his right arm and leg are heavily armored, his face covered by a thick helmet. The rest of his body is unprotected. Each of Jamukha's limbs is covered with plate armour but his head and torso left bare. HE has only a spear and buckler to defend them with. As the two of them head to their gate the executor stops them.
"Where are you two going? All exotic matches have special rules to abide by don't you know?" His smile is wicked as, to the recruits horror, he shackles them to each other by their necks with a thick chain (1 meter in length). Then they are allowed to take to the sands. The crowd roars in anticipation for the Darkling Brothers. Two savage looking men dressed in furs and armed with jagged blades. To the recruits chagrin, the brothers are not bound to each other and they circle the mismatched pair like hungry wolves.
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Lahar & Rowan
Lahar and Rowan seem to be fairing slightly better. Their weapons are of good quality and each is happy to be able to fight in their signature style once again. Lahar is even given fresh hair dye and purple warpaint to anoint himself with before battle. Each is armored from the waist down, leaving their torsos on show for the crowd. Though they are given metal gauntlets to wear. They wait patiently in their open arena as the gate from which The Maurie clan will enter. The gate opens but no one comes out. then, after their own introductions, the Editor begins anew.
"And now ladies and gentlemen, some of the house favorites. Hailing from the savage Amon Plains. Having being tamed by the glorious 7th legion and brought here so many years ago for your approval. Once they were many, now they are few. I give you what remains of.... The Maurie Clan!!!" And at that the crowd errupts and from the open gateway bursts forth a trio of horsemen, two of them armed with spears the third with a bow. Their steeds rear and buck before lowering their heads and charging at their opponents.
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Belkin & Gaius
In the center arena "The Den of Hearts" stands Gaius and Belkin both of them in a state of confusion. While in the depths Belkin was dressed in a suit of plate armor and given two large, specially designed, tower shields. Special in that a gauntlet had been fused to their metal handles. Belkin was made to slide his hands into these gloves and was then strapped into them by a pair of belts, making it impossible for him to throw the shields down.
Gaius on the other hand was put in a peasants rags and given a large two handed axe. Their wonder continued as the editor of the games went on to bore them with the story of Carnivox and the Ever Light Tower. Speaking of how he had run through the peaceful religious temple, killing every priest and pilgrim that crossed his path. Only being forced to flee when he was wounded by a heroic woodsman who was passing through the area, who in their struggle Carnivox mortally wounded. He roamed the outlying woods for many days until he was captured by soldiers. Now Carnivox was brought to the arena to re-enact his deeds and die for the pleasure of the people of The Empire. The ferocity with which his attacks were described made the two recruits think that he most have been a beast of a man. Until his gate was opened. And out of the Darkness starred two bright, merciless eyes. It was then that they realised "man" was not a word one would use when describing their opponent.
The lion known as Carnivox stepped into the light and let out an ear shattering roar. The cat moved with the purpose and grace its kind are known for, eyeing every member of the baying crowd like a potential meal. Until those sharp feline eyes came to rest on the two recruits and Carnivox set to the hunt.
