"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: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 6/13 Level: 1 Crime Committed: Conspiracy, High Treason Physical Description: 6'1", Fair features, slight build. but with wiry muscles. Biography: From the Greek Mainland. Conspired with other Intelligentsia against the Stationed Romans. After a failed revolution, he fled to the Middle East, and Jerusalem. Used his Intelligence to talk his way out of guards. Ambushed by the Romans, he killed several but was soon overpowered. And the rest, is history. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength: 7 Charisma: 7 Intelligence: 13 Agility: 10 Endurance: 13 Skill: Aesthetic (I feel nothing: Handle Pain, Food, Water, and Sleep Deprivation better, and can't get psyched out) Ability: Smooth Talker(you can talk people into your way of thinking, as well as being able to bluff, intimidate, lie, and charm better). Preferred Weapon: Arcus/Sagittarus. Training: Basic Horsemanship, Basic Bow Proficiency. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Money: 1 dupondius, 1 asarii. Right Hand: . Left Hand: Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 6/13 Level: 1 Crime Committed: Conspiracy, High Treason Physical Description: 6'1", Fair features, slight build. but with wiry muscles. Biography: From the Greek Mainland. Conspired with other Intelligentsia against the Stationed Romans. After a failed revolution, he fled to the Middle East, and Jerusalem. Used his Intelligence to talk his way out of guards. Ambushed by the Romans, he killed several but was soon overpowered. And the rest, is history. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength: 7 Charisma: 7 Intelligence: 13 Agility: 10 Endurance: 13 Skill: Aesthetic (I feel nothing: Handle Pain, Food, Water, and Sleep Deprivation better, and can't get psyched out) Ability: Smooth Talker(you can talk people into your way of thinking, as well as being able to bluff, intimidate, lie, and charm better). Preferred Weapon: Arcus/Sagittarus. Training: Basic Horsemanship, Basic Bow Proficiency. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Money: None. Right Hand: Regular Arcus/Sagitarii[17]. Left Hand: Occupied. Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None
You buy a normal bow and as a sweetener for the deal, the armory master throws in 5 normal arrows as well. You now have 17 arrows(you started off with a dozen). What will you do now?
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 6/13 Level: 1 Crime Committed: Conspiracy, High Treason Physical Description: 6'1", Fair features, slight build. but with wiry muscles. Biography: From the Greek Mainland. Conspired with other Intelligentsia against the Stationed Romans. After a failed revolution, he fled to the Middle East, and Jerusalem. Used his Intelligence to talk his way out of guards. Ambushed by the Romans, he killed several but was soon overpowered. And the rest, is history. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength: 7 Charisma: 7 Intelligence: 13 Agility: 10 Endurance: 13 Skill: Aesthetic (I feel nothing: Handle Pain, Food, Water, and Sleep Deprivation better, and can't get psyched out) Ability: Smooth Talker(you can talk people into your way of thinking, as well as being able to bluff, intimidate, lie, and charm better). Preferred Weapon: Arcus/Sagittarus. Training: Basic Horsemanship, Basic Bow Proficiency. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Money: None. Right Hand: Regular Arcus/Sagitarii[17]. Left Hand: Occupied. Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 13/13 Level: 1 Crime Committed: Conspiracy, High Treason Physical Description: 6'1", Fair features, slight build. but with wiry muscles. Biography: From the Greek Mainland. Conspired with other Intelligentsia against the Stationed Romans. After a failed revolution, he fled to the Middle East, and Jerusalem. Used his Intelligence to talk his way out of guards. Ambushed by the Romans, he killed several but was soon overpowered. And the rest, is history. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength: 7 Charisma: 7 Intelligence: 13 Agility: 10 Endurance: 13 Skill: Aesthetic (I feel nothing: Handle Pain, Food, Water, and Sleep Deprivation better, and can't get psyched out) Ability: Smooth Talker(you can talk people into your way of thinking, as well as being able to bluff, intimidate, lie, and charm better). Preferred Weapon: Arcus/Sagittarus. Training: Basic Horsemanship, Basic Bow Proficiency. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Money: None. Right Hand: Regular Arcus/Sagitarii[17]. Left Hand: Occupied. Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None
Out of curiosity, how do I go up levels?
Win a few battles...do some stuff...it will happen fairly easily. You go see the official Arena medicus, and he patches you up for free(henceforth I'll just have him automatically heal you as soon as you leave the arena for convenience). You practice archery for a while, and are now halfway to Intermediate Bow Proficiency skill. What will you do now?
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 13/13 Level: 1 Crime Committed: Conspiracy, High Treason Physical Description: 6'1", Fair features, slight build. but with wiry muscles. Biography: From the Greek Mainland. Conspired with other Intelligentsia against the Stationed Romans. After a failed revolution, he fled to the Middle East, and Jerusalem. Used his Intelligence to talk his way out of guards. Ambushed by the Romans, he killed several but was soon overpowered. And the rest, is history. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength: 7 Charisma: 7 Intelligence: 13 Agility: 10 Endurance: 13 Skill: Aesthetic (I feel nothing: Handle Pain, Food, Water, and Sleep Deprivation better, and can't get psyched out) Ability: Smooth Talker(you can talk people into your way of thinking, as well as being able to bluff, intimidate, lie, and charm better). Preferred Weapon: Arcus/Sagittarus. Training: Basic Horsemanship, Basic Bow Proficiency. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Money: None. Right Hand: Regular Arcus/Sagitarii[17]. Left Hand: Occupied. Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None
Oh, ok.
To the arena! *imaginary trumpet sounds*
(I've also updated Dead Legions, in case you've forgotten)
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 13/13 Level: 1 Crime Committed: Conspiracy, High Treason Physical Description: 6'1", Fair features, slight build. but with wiry muscles. Biography: From the Greek Mainland. Conspired with other Intelligentsia against the Stationed Romans. After a failed revolution, he fled to the Middle East, and Jerusalem. Used his Intelligence to talk his way out of guards. Ambushed by the Romans, he killed several but was soon overpowered. And the rest, is history. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength: 7 Charisma: 7 Intelligence: 13 Agility: 10 Endurance: 13 Skill: Aesthetic (I feel nothing: Handle Pain, Food, Water, and Sleep Deprivation better, and can't get psyched out) Ability: Smooth Talker(you can talk people into your way of thinking, as well as being able to bluff, intimidate, lie, and charm better). Preferred Weapon: Arcus/Sagittarus. Training: Basic Horsemanship, Basic Bow Proficiency. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Money: None. Right Hand: Regular Arcus/Sagitarii[17]. Left Hand: Occupied. Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None
You head to the Arena, but you've already had your match for the day. Remember, the Arena is not the only place you can go. You might be able to get a job from someone else.
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 13/13 Level: 1 Crime Committed: Conspiracy, High Treason Physical Description: 6'1", Fair features, slight build. but with wiry muscles. Biography: From the Greek Mainland. Conspired with other Intelligentsia against the Stationed Romans. After a failed revolution, he fled to the Middle East, and Jerusalem. Used his Intelligence to talk his way out of guards. Ambushed by the Romans, he killed several but was soon overpowered. And the rest, is history. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength: 7 Charisma: 7 Intelligence: 13 Agility: 10 Endurance: 13 Skill: Aesthetic (I feel nothing: Handle Pain, Food, Water, and Sleep Deprivation better, and can't get psyched out) Ability: Smooth Talker(you can talk people into your way of thinking, as well as being able to bluff, intimidate, lie, and charm better). Preferred Weapon: Arcus/Sagittarus. Training: Basic Horsemanship, Basic Bow Proficiency. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Money: None. Right Hand: Regular Arcus/Sagitarii[17]. Left Hand: Occupied. Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 13/13 Level: 1 Crime Committed: Conspiracy, High Treason Physical Description: 6'1", Fair features, slight build. but with wiry muscles. Biography: From the Greek Mainland. Conspired with other Intelligentsia against the Stationed Romans. After a failed revolution, he fled to the Middle East, and Jerusalem. Used his Intelligence to talk his way out of guards. Ambushed by the Romans, he killed several but was soon overpowered. And the rest, is history. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength: 7 Charisma: 7 Intelligence: 13 Agility: 10 Endurance: 13 Skill: Aesthetic (I feel nothing: Handle Pain, Food, Water, and Sleep Deprivation better, and can't get psyched out) Ability: Smooth Talker(you can talk people into your way of thinking, as well as being able to bluff, intimidate, lie, and charm better). Preferred Weapon: Arcus/Sagittarus. Training: Basic Horsemanship, Basic Bow Proficiency. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Money: None. Right Hand: Regular Arcus/Sagitarii[17]. Left Hand: Occupied. Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 13/13 Level: 1 Crime Committed: Conspiracy, High Treason Physical Description: 6'1", Fair features, slight build. but with wiry muscles. Biography: From the Greek Mainland. Conspired with other Intelligentsia against the Stationed Romans. After a failed revolution, he fled to the Middle East, and Jerusalem. Used his Intelligence to talk his way out of guards. Ambushed by the Romans, he killed several but was soon overpowered. And the rest, is history. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength: 7 Charisma: 7 Intelligence: 13 Agility: 10 Endurance: 13 Skill: Aesthetic (I feel nothing: Handle Pain, Food, Water, and Sleep Deprivation better, and can't get psyched out) Ability: Smooth Talker(you can talk people into your way of thinking, as well as being able to bluff, intimidate, lie, and charm better). Preferred Weapon: Arcus/Sagittarus. Training: Basic Horsemanship, Basic Bow Proficiency. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Money: None. Right Hand: Regular Arcus/Sagitarii[17]. Left Hand: Occupied. Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 13/13 Level: 1 Crime Committed: Conspiracy, High Treason Physical Description: 6'1", Fair features, slight build. but with wiry muscles. Biography: From the Greek Mainland. Conspired with other Intelligentsia against the Stationed Romans. After a failed revolution, he fled to the Middle East, and Jerusalem. Used his Intelligence to talk his way out of guards. Ambushed by the Romans, he killed several but was soon overpowered. And the rest, is history. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength: 7 Charisma: 7 Intelligence: 13 Agility: 10 Endurance: 13 Skill: Aesthetic (I feel nothing: Handle Pain, Food, Water, and Sleep Deprivation better, and can't get psyched out) Ability: Smooth Talker(you can talk people into your way of thinking, as well as being able to bluff, intimidate, lie, and charm better). Preferred Weapon: Arcus/Sagittarus. Training: Basic Horsemanship, Basic Bow Proficiency. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Money: None. Right Hand: Regular Arcus/Sagitarii[17]. Left Hand: Occupied. Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 13/13 Level: 1 Crime Committed: Conspiracy, High Treason Physical Description: 6'1", Fair features, slight build. but with wiry muscles. Biography: From the Greek Mainland. Conspired with other Intelligentsia against the Stationed Romans. After a failed revolution, he fled to the Middle East, and Jerusalem. Used his Intelligence to talk his way out of guards. Ambushed by the Romans, he killed several but was soon overpowered. And the rest, is history. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength: 7 Charisma: 7 Intelligence: 13 Agility: 10 Endurance: 13 Skill: Aesthetic (I feel nothing: Handle Pain, Food, Water, and Sleep Deprivation better, and can't get psyched out) Ability: Smooth Talker(you can talk people into your way of thinking, as well as being able to bluff, intimidate, lie, and charm better). Preferred Weapon: Arcus/Sagittarus. Training: Basic Horsemanship, Basic Bow Proficiency. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Money: None. Right Hand: Regular Arcus/Sagitarii[17]. Left Hand: Occupied. Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None
Guess I'll go to the hospital. And I can only train once a day, right?
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 13/13 Level: 1 Crime Committed: Conspiracy, High Treason Physical Description: 6'1", Fair features, slight build. but with wiry muscles. Biography: From the Greek Mainland. Conspired with other Intelligentsia against the Stationed Romans. After a failed revolution, he fled to the Middle East, and Jerusalem. Used his Intelligence to talk his way out of guards. Ambushed by the Romans, he killed several but was soon overpowered. And the rest, is history. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength: 7 Charisma: 7 Intelligence: 13 Agility: 10 Endurance: 13 Skill: Aesthetic (I feel nothing: Handle Pain, Food, Water, and Sleep Deprivation better, and can't get psyched out) Ability: Smooth Talker(you can talk people into your way of thinking, as well as being able to bluff, intimidate, lie, and charm better). Preferred Weapon: Arcus/Sagittarus. Training: Basic Horsemanship, Basic Bow Proficiency. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Money: None. Right Hand: Regular Arcus/Sagitarii[17]. Left Hand: Occupied. Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None
You can only train after a match.
You go to the hospital and see the head medicus(not the arena medicus) yelling at a bunch of orderlies and nurses.
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 13/13 Level: 1 Crime Committed: Conspiracy, High Treason Physical Description: 6'1", Fair features, slight build. but with wiry muscles. Biography: From the Greek Mainland. Conspired with other Intelligentsia against the Stationed Romans. After a failed revolution, he fled to the Middle East, and Jerusalem. Used his Intelligence to talk his way out of guards. Ambushed by the Romans, he killed several but was soon overpowered. And the rest, is history. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength: 7 Charisma: 7 Intelligence: 13 Agility: 10 Endurance: 13 Skill: Aesthetic (I feel nothing: Handle Pain, Food, Water, and Sleep Deprivation better, and can't get psyched out) Ability: Smooth Talker(you can talk people into your way of thinking, as well as being able to bluff, intimidate, lie, and charm better). Preferred Weapon: Arcus/Sagittarus. Training: Basic Horsemanship, Basic Bow Proficiency. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Money: None. Right Hand: Regular Arcus/Sagitarii[17]. Left Hand: Occupied. Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 13/13 Level: 1 Crime Committed: Conspiracy, High Treason Physical Description: 6'1", Fair features, slight build. but with wiry muscles. Biography: From the Greek Mainland. Conspired with other Intelligentsia against the Stationed Romans. After a failed revolution, he fled to the Middle East, and Jerusalem. Used his Intelligence to talk his way out of guards. Ambushed by the Romans, he killed several but was soon overpowered. And the rest, is history. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength: 7 Charisma: 7 Intelligence: 13 Agility: 10 Endurance: 13 Skill: Aesthetic (I feel nothing: Handle Pain, Food, Water, and Sleep Deprivation better, and can't get psyched out) Ability: Smooth Talker(you can talk people into your way of thinking, as well as being able to bluff, intimidate, lie, and charm better). Preferred Weapon: Arcus/Sagittarus. Training: Basic Horsemanship, Basic Bow Proficiency. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Money: None. Right Hand: Regular Arcus/Sagitarii[17]. Left Hand: Occupied. Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None
"I am twying to catch that wascally wabbit!" replies the medicus.
Lol. Just kidding, here's your real response.
"A patient has escaped!" the medicus exclaims, pacing in a small circle angrily. "He knocked out a medicus and stole his uniform, then walked right past those poor excuses for medics." He waves his hand in the general direction of the nurses and orderlies. "Now, at best, this hospital's reputation is in shambles, and at worst, the Emperor will have our heads! I was instructed that this was a very dangerous prisoner with some kind of highly communicable disease, and not to let him escape at all costs. This is supposed to be the most secure medical facility in all of Rome. Well, I guess not." The head medicus storms off in an angry monsoon of profanity and sweat.
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 13/13 Level: 1 Crime Committed: Conspiracy, High Treason Physical Description: 6'1", Fair features, slight build. but with wiry muscles. Biography: From the Greek Mainland. Conspired with other Intelligentsia against the Stationed Romans. After a failed revolution, he fled to the Middle East, and Jerusalem. Used his Intelligence to talk his way out of guards. Ambushed by the Romans, he killed several but was soon overpowered. And the rest, is history. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Strength: 7 Charisma: 7 Intelligence: 13 Agility: 10 Endurance: 13 Skill: Aesthetic (I feel nothing: Handle Pain, Food, Water, and Sleep Deprivation better, and can't get psyched out) Ability: Smooth Talker(you can talk people into your way of thinking, as well as being able to bluff, intimidate, lie, and charm better). Preferred Weapon: Arcus/Sagittarus. Training: Basic Horsemanship, Basic Bow Proficiency. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Money: None. Right Hand: Regular Arcus/Sagitarii[17]. Left Hand: Occupied. Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None
"This Diwector is begwinning to wub me the wong way..." XD
