"What's this?" one voice asked. This voice is a harsh, commanding baritone. "New shipment of gladiators, sir," another voice answered. This one is quieter, higher-pitched, nervous. It probably belongs to someone young. The crate was pried open at the top ever so slightly, and I winced as the bright afternoon light glared into my eyes after the inky darkness of the crate. I heard the other prisoners groan with discontent as well. I caught a glimpse of a sharply angled but handsome face looking down upon us before the lid of the crate slammed shut once more and we were once again enveloped in blackness. "Let them in," the authoritative voice ordered coldly. "Get them to the trainers immediately." "Yes, sir," replied the young voice. I could hear the sound of bronze boots clacking against cobblestones, and it slowly receded. Then, I heard an order called out, and with the clattering of hooves against stones, we lurched forward once again.
"Welcome to the arena," a voice said. This one, too, was authoritative, but it was kinder than the voice from before. I opened my eyes slowly and leaned upward in the crate, awaking from my nap in the crate. I beheld a tall, muscular man with jet black hair cut unevenly short. He was clad in the garb of the Roman military; lorica segmentata, a war skirt, caligas, a scarlet focale, a crimson tunic, a black woolen sagum, a horsehair galea, and a balteus containing a stylized gladius. His face was marred by a deep, straight scar running from the cheek to just above the eye. He extended his right hand to me and I grasped it in mine. He gripped my hand firmly and hauled me to my feet. I stumbled at first, months of malnutrition and starvation as well as being jammed in a crate with several other people for days having severely atrophied my muscles, but the soldier caught me. I was able to sit down in a stooping position. "My name's Cadmus," the soldier informed me. "And that's Octavia." He pointed across the vast, sand-floored room and I saw a tall, equally muscular woman in a white toga and caligas. She seemed to be pretty...but in a commanding way. "We're your trainers." "Trainers? For what?" I asked in confusion. Cadmus shook his head. "You don't know where you are, do you?" Octavia replied, walking up. I shook my head unsteadily. "You're in the Arena," Cadmus informed me. "In Rome." I rubbed my gritty eyes. I did recall hearing one of the guards mention something about sending me to some arena. "So...the Arena? In Rome? And why am I here?" I asked again. "I think you know," Cadmus replied. "This Arena is used as a form of punishment for crimes against Rome. I don't care to know what crime you committed in particular, but I do know that in order to be here, in this arena, you have to have done something." "A punishment?" I repeated. "So...it's like the gladiators' arena then, is it?" "Not quite," Octavia answered. "This Arena is a little bit different." "How so?" I asked. "In the Gladiator's arena, the fights are fair," Cadmus answered, "and they're watched by a crowd of spectators for sport. This Arena is no sport. The only viewer is our Emperor, and he is our judge. We must put on a good show for him. He and the others control everything in the Arena. If the Emperor is disappointed, we die. That's not exactly it, but it's a simplified version." "So...I'm in the Arena to fight, am I?" I asked, already knowing the answer. Octavia rolled her eyes. "Of course," she answered. Cadmus folded his arms impassively. "And you're my trainers?" I clarified. Cadmus nodded. "Our job is to make sure you survive...long enough so that the Emperor is pleased with our work, that is," Cadmus told me. "Your work reflects on our own. If the Emperor is really displeased about your performance, we can be punished as well. We must not only make sure you survive, but that you put on a good show." "Makes sense...I guess," I said, shrugging. "So, what now?" "Perhaps you should tell us who you are," Octavia suggested.
Name: First name mandatory, last name optional. Must at least sound authentic...here's a list of male and female names. Age: No kids, and no one elderly. Gender: Crime Committed: Physical Description: Biography: --------------------------------------------------------------------- You have 50 points to distribute among the following attributes. Strength: Charisma: Intelligence: Agility: Endurance: Skill: I do this, from your biography. Ability: You make this up, but be reasonable. Preferred Weapon: You do better with this weapon than you do with any other. For a list of weapons, look below. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: None. Left Hand: None. Torso: None. Head: None. Arms: None. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
List of Weapons Almost all possible weapons that you can use are on this list, but if I'm missing one, you can use that. Swords Pugio Gladius Spatha Spears/Javelins Hasta Javelin Pilum Ranged Arcus/Sagitta Plumbatae
Good luck! But be warned...this is not just about winning fights. There's a lot more to it than that.
Name:Caligula Maximus Age: 24 Gender:M Crime Committed:Treason Physical Description:tall,black hair,brown eyes,slight tan,not very toned (muscles) Biography:Lived a young life in a family of Socii, from the gauls who came from germany as refugees and joined the roman army, but i saw what they did to the Gaulish they saw me and knew i wasn't one of them, after plotting i stole army food and various things and delivered to them. But one night i was caught and end up here --------------------------------------------------------------------- You have 50 points to distribute among the following attributes. Strength:12 Charisma:10 Intelligence:10 Agility:10 Endurance:8 Skill: Scavenger[because of the time you spent stealing food from the army, you are better not only at finding things, but you are more resilient and able to handle food and water deprivation better]. Ability: Finesse i can do some fancy rolls and whatnot to confuse the brutes who are dumb Preferred Weapon: Sica --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: None. Left Hand: None. Torso: None. Head: None. Arms: None. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
Cadmus shakes his head and rolls up the scroll again. He reties it with a ribbon and sets it on a small nearby desk. "Very well then," he says with a sigh. "So, you are going to be a myrmidon with a spatha? It's your choice, I suppose." Cadmus snaps his fingers and another aid scampers up. "Yes, sir?" the aid asks. "Take this one to the armory," Cadmus instructs the aid. "Custom myrmidon equipment." Cadmus grabs a quill and scroll then scribbles something on it. He hands it to the aid, who then grabs your hand. "Come with me," the aid instructs you.
Name: Talow Age: 18. Gender:M Crime Committed:Framed for stealing his own sword, and some food, and murdeer Physical Description: 6' even with a medium build. white skin, brown hair, blue eyes, Biography:Someone who believes that you should fight for what is right and kill only when needed. never truly knew his family but if he makes a friend, he'll do everything possible to protect his friends. was living with a friend who took him in before getting arrested for stealing and a murder he didn't commit. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength:10 Charisma:5 Intelligence:15 Agility:5 Endurance:15 Skill: I do this, from your biography. Ability: Focused. (harder to hit with attacks when wielding a sword) Preferred Weapon: Gladius --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: None. Left Hand: None. Torso: None. Head: None. Arms: None. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
"The dimachaerus usually had a light helmet, and a breechcloth. So very lightly armored. Sound good to you?" Octavia asks.
Name: Talow Age: 18. Gender:M Crime Committed:Framed for stealing his own sword, and some food, and murdeer Physical Description: 6' even with a medium build. white skin, brown hair, blue eyes, Biography:Someone who believes that you should fight for what is right and kill only when needed. never truly knew his family but if he makes a friend, he'll do everything possible to protect his friends. was living with a friend who took him in before getting arrested for stealing and a murder he didn't commit. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength:10 Charisma:5 Intelligence:15 Agility:5 Endurance:15 Skill: I do this, from your biography. Ability: Focused. (harder to hit with attacks when wielding a sword) Preferred Weapon: Gladius --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: None. Left Hand: None. Torso: None. Head: None. Arms: None. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
"yeah, because a sword can easily be used to help defend, if you use it right"
Name: Talow Age: 18. Gender:M Crime Committed:Framed for stealing his own sword, and some food, and murdeer Physical Description: 6' even with a medium build. white skin, brown hair, blue eyes, Biography:Someone who believes that you should fight for what is right and kill only when needed. never truly knew his family but if he makes a friend, he'll do everything possible to protect his friends. was living with a friend who took him in before getting arrested for stealing and a murder he didn't commit. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength:10 Charisma:5 Intelligence:15 Agility:5 Endurance:15 Skill: Err....uh....your bio is like one sentence, seriously dude. Ability: Focused. (harder to hit with attacks when wielding a sword) Preferred Weapon: Gladius --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: None. Left Hand: None. Torso: None. Head: None. Arms: None. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
"All right." Octavia snaps her fingers and a youthful aide scurries up. She hands him a scroll and he grabs your hand. "This way please, to the armory," the aide tells you.
Name: Talow Age: 18. Gender:M Crime Committed:Framed for stealing his own sword, and some food, and murdeer Physical Description: 6' even with a medium build. white skin, brown hair, blue eyes, Biography:Someone who believes that you should fight for what is right and kill only when needed. never truly knew his family but if he makes a friend, he'll do everything possible to protect his friends. was living with a friend who took him in before getting arrested for stealing and a murder he didn't commit. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength:10 Charisma:5 Intelligence:15 Agility:5 Endurance:15 Skill: Err....uh....your bio is like one sentence, seriously dude.(i'm not good at bios... sorry) Ability: Focused. (harder to hit with attacks when wielding a sword) Preferred Weapon: Gladius --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: None. Left Hand: None. Torso: None. Head: None. Arms: None. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
Name: Talow Age: 18. Gender:M Crime Committed:Framed for stealing his own sword, and some food, and murdeer Physical Description: 6' even with a medium build. white skin, brown hair, blue eyes, Biography:Someone who believes that you should fight for what is right and kill only when needed. never truly knew his family but if he makes a friend, he'll do everything possible to protect his friends. was living with a friend who took him in before getting arrested for stealing and a murder he didn't commit. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength:10 Charisma:5 Intelligence:15 Agility:5 Endurance:15 Skill: Err....uh....your bio is like one sentence, seriously dude.(i'm not good at bios... sorry) Ability: Focused. (harder to hit with attacks when wielding a sword) Preferred Weapon: Gladius --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Gladius. Left Hand: Gladius. Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: None. Legs: Breechcloth. Feet: None.
Your cloth leggings are taken away and you're given just a breechcloth. Then, you're handed a small, thin bronze helmet with a face grill and finally two gladii.
Name: Talow Age: 18. Gender:M Crime Committed:Framed for stealing his own sword, and some food, and murdeer Physical Description: 6' even with a medium build. white skin, brown hair, blue eyes, Biography:Someone who believes that you should fight for what is right and kill only when needed. never truly knew his family but if he makes a friend, he'll do everything possible to protect his friends. was living with a friend who took him in before getting arrested for stealing and a murder he didn't commit. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength:10 Charisma:5 Intelligence:15 Agility:5 Endurance:15 Skill: Err....uh....your bio is like one sentence, seriously dude.(i'm not good at bios... sorry) Ability: Focused. (harder to hit with attacks when wielding a sword) Preferred Weapon: Gladius --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Gladius. Left Hand: Gladius. Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: None. Legs: Breechcloth. Feet: None.
Name:Caligula Maximus Age: 24 Gender:M Crime Committed:Treason Physical Description:tall,black hair,brown eyes,slight tan,not very toned (muscles) Biography:Lived a young life in a family of Socii, from the gauls who came from germany as refugees and joined the roman army, but i saw what they did to the Gaulish they saw me and knew i wasn't one of them, after plotting i stole army food and various things and delivered to them. But one night i was caught and end up here --------------------------------------------------------------------- You have 50 points to distribute among the following attributes. Strength:12 Charisma:10 Intelligence:10 Agility:10 Endurance:8 Skill: Scavenger[because of the time you spent stealing food from the army, you are better not only at finding things, but you are more resilient and able to handle food and water deprivation better]. Ability: Finesse i can do some fancy rolls and whatnot to confuse the brutes who are dumb Preferred Weapon: Sica --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: None. Left Hand: None. Torso: None. Head: None. Arms: None. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
Name: Talow Age: 18. Gender:M Crime Committed:Framed for stealing his own sword, and some food, and murdeer Physical Description: 6' even with a medium build. white skin, brown hair, blue eyes, Biography:Someone who believes that you should fight for what is right and kill only when needed. never truly knew his family but if he makes a friend, he'll do everything possible to protect his friends. was living with a friend who took him in before getting arrested for stealing and a murder he didn't commit. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength:10 Charisma:5 Intelligence:15 Agility:5 Endurance:15 Skill: Err....uh....your bio is like one sentence, seriously dude.(i'm not good at bios... sorry) Ability: Focused. (harder to hit with attacks when wielding a sword) Preferred Weapon: Gladius --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Gladius. Left Hand: Gladius. Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: None. Legs: Breechcloth. Feet: None.
The aide looks at you and starts laughing. Then he sends you to Cadmus. "So...dimachaerus," Cadmus starts, "my job is to make sure you don't get sliced and diced, and to look good in the process. But I think that maybe I'll send you out now, against an equally incompetent opponent. If you survive this one, good for you. If you don't, at least I won't have wasted my time with you." Also, you need to do something with your bio. I mean...it's not even a bio. It's your personality. You know there's a difference, right?
Name: Talow Age: 18. Gender:M Crime Committed:Framed for stealing his own sword, and some food, and murdeer Physical Description: 6' even with a medium build. white skin, brown hair, blue eyes, Biography:Someone who believes that you should fight for what is right and kill only when needed. never truly knew his family but if he makes a friend, he'll do everything possible to protect his friends. was living with a friend who took him in before getting arrested for stealing and a murder he didn't commit. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength:10 Charisma:5 Intelligence:15 Agility:5 Endurance:15 Skill: Err....uh....your bio is like one sentence, seriously dude.(i'm not good at bios... sorry) Ability: Focused. (harder to hit with attacks when wielding a sword) Preferred Weapon: Gladius --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Gladius. Left Hand: Gladius. Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: None. Legs: Breechcloth. Feet: None.
Name: Talow Age: 18. Gender:M Crime Committed:Framed for stealing his own sword, and some food, and murdeer Physical Description: 6' even with a medium build. white skin, brown hair, blue eyes, Biography:Someone who believes that you should fight for what is right and kill only when needed. never truly knew his family but if he makes a friend, he'll do everything possible to protect his friends. was living with a friend who took him in before getting arrested for stealing and a murder he didn't commit. when he was 6 he picked up a stick and imagined it was a sword and praticed with it. when he was 7, he got his hands on a wooden sword and was playing around with his friends who also had wooden swords. was on the streets from 5 till 12. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength:10 Charisma:5 Intelligence:15 Agility:5 Endurance:15 Skill: Err....uh....your bio is like one sentence, seriously dude.(i'm not good at bios... sorry) Ability: Focused. (harder to hit with attacks when wielding a sword) Preferred Weapon: Gladius --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Gladius. Left Hand: Gladius. Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: None. Legs: Breechcloth. Feet: None.
Name:Caligula Maximus Age: 24 Gender:M Crime Committed:Treason Physical Description:tall,black hair,brown eyes,slight tan,not very toned (muscles) Biography:Lived a young life in a family of Socii, from the gauls who came from germany as refugees and joined the roman army, but i saw what they did to the Gaulish they saw me and knew i wasn't one of them, after plotting i stole army food and various things and delivered to them. But one night i was caught and end up here --------------------------------------------------------------------- You have 50 points to distribute among the following attributes. Strength:12 Charisma:10 Intelligence:10 Agility:10 Endurance:8 Skill: Scavenger[because of the time you spent stealing food from the army, you are better not only at finding things, but you are more resilient and able to handle food and water deprivation better]. Ability: Finesse i can do some fancy rolls and whatnot to confuse the brutes who are dumb Preferred Weapon: Sica --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Spatha. Left Hand: Parma. Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: Manica. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
He takes you to the armory and hands you a manica, galea, parma, and a spatha, then sends you to Cadmus. "So...myrmidon," Cadmus starts, "my job is to make sure you don't get sliced and diced, and to look good in the process. But I think that maybe I'll send you out now, against an equally incompetent opponent. If you survive this one, good for you. If you don't, at least I won't have wasted my time with you."
Name: Talow Age: 18. Gender:M Crime Committed:Framed for stealing his own sword, and some food, and murdeer Physical Description: 6' even with a medium build. white skin, brown hair, blue eyes, Biography: Was living with a friend who took him in before getting arrested for stealing and a murder he didn't commit. when he was 6 he picked up a stick and imagined it was a sword and praticed with it. when he was 7, he got his hands on a wooden sword and was playing around with his friends who also had wooden swords. was on the streets from 5 till 12. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength:10 Charisma:5 Intelligence:15 Agility:5 Endurance:15 Skill: Swordsman[better with swords]. Ability: Focused. (harder to hit with attacks when wielding a sword) Preferred Weapon: Gladius --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Gladius. Left Hand: Gladius. Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: None. Legs: Breechcloth. Feet: None.
You're sent into the arena against a Samnite. He has heavy armor, a small shield, and a spear. What will you do?
Name: Talow Age: 18. Gender:M Crime Committed:Framed for stealing his own sword, and some food, and murdeer Physical Description: 6' even with a medium build. white skin, brown hair, blue eyes, Biography: Was living with a friend who took him in before getting arrested for stealing and a murder he didn't commit. when he was 6 he picked up a stick and imagined it was a sword and praticed with it. when he was 7, he got his hands on a wooden sword and was playing around with his friends who also had wooden swords. was on the streets from 5 till 12. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength:10 Charisma:5 Intelligence:15 Agility:5 Endurance:15 Skill: Swordsman[better with swords]. Ability: Focused. (harder to hit with attacks when wielding a sword) Preferred Weapon: Gladius --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Gladius. Left Hand: Gladius. Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: None. Legs: Breechcloth. Feet: None.
try to disarm him by slashing the spear head off firstly.
Name: Talow Age: 18. Gender:M Crime Committed:Framed for stealing his own sword, and some food, and murdeer Physical Description: 6' even with a medium build. white skin, brown hair, blue eyes, Biography: Was living with a friend who took him in before getting arrested for stealing and a murder he didn't commit. when he was 6 he picked up a stick and imagined it was a sword and praticed with it. when he was 7, he got his hands on a wooden sword and was playing around with his friends who also had wooden swords. was on the streets from 5 till 12. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength:10 Charisma:5 Intelligence:15 Agility:5 Endurance:15 Skill: Swordsman[better with swords]. Ability: Focused. (harder to hit with attacks when wielding a sword) Preferred Weapon: Gladius --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Gladius. Left Hand: Gladius. Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: None. Legs: Breechcloth. Feet: None.
How? You're on separate sides of the arena and the spear has a much further reach than your gladii.
Name: Talow Age: 18. Gender:M Crime Committed:Framed for stealing his own sword, and some food, and murdeer Physical Description: 6' even with a medium build. white skin, brown hair, blue eyes, Biography: Was living with a friend who took him in before getting arrested for stealing and a murder he didn't commit. when he was 6 he picked up a stick and imagined it was a sword and praticed with it. when he was 7, he got his hands on a wooden sword and was playing around with his friends who also had wooden swords. was on the streets from 5 till 12. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength:10 Charisma:5 Intelligence:15 Agility:5 Endurance:15 Skill: Swordsman[better with swords]. Ability: Focused. (harder to hit with attacks when wielding a sword) Preferred Weapon: Gladius --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Gladius. Left Hand: Gladius. Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: None. Legs: Breechcloth. Feet: None.
hmm... try to get up close to him and look for weak spots in his armor...
