"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 Level: 1 Health: 8/8 Class: Myrmidon. 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 Trained: Basic Shield Skill. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Sica. Left Hand: . Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: Right Manica. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
'what's with you all silent, i came back from almost dying, try to act lively"
Name:Caligula Maximus Age: 24 Gender:M Level: 1 Health: 8/8 Class: Myrmidon. 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 Trained: Basic Shield Skill. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Sica. Left Hand: . Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: Right Manica. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
"Lively?" he raises his eyebrows and laughs grimly. "If you wanted lively, perhaps you should have gone to them." He points to the table with a lot of people drinking and talking loudly. Then he is silent for a while before suddenly sitting up straighter. "Almost dying? Pray tell, who are you?"
Name: Abdul Massih Age: 23 Health: 7/7 Level: 1 Class: Gender: M Crime Committed: Wrong place at the worst time Physical Description: Strongly Arabian. Dark, long Greasy hair. Yellow-Blue eyes, 5'11", Medium build, 155 lbs. Biography: Abdul was born into a wealthy Caravan family, Travelling frequently along the Silk Road. Their most frequent cargo was exotic spices from India and sometimes as far as China, though those were rare. Well anyway he had frequent contact with both European, particularly Roman, and Asian cultures. In the process he learned his native language, Arabic, as well as some useful bits of Roman and Hindi here and there. Eventually after his parents retired somewhat, he took up the family Caravan along with his multiple Brothers and sisters (without Islam in existence yet, there wasn't nearly as much sexual discrimination). He grew even wealthier with innovative routes to cut time and having many different contacts handed down from his parents (to get the best deals).....Then IT happened. On a hot, lazy night near Egypt, he happened to be on watch for the night when he noticed a group of Romans centralized around what seemed to be a man in Silk and gold, both of which were Goods he carried. He appeared quite agitated, and seeing a Large Caravan camped along his route didn't seem very helpful to the plight. Without warning, the entire Escort, several hundred strong, began slaughtering the entire Caravan, Looting as they went. Abdul tried to stop them, noticing many a faithful business partner be slew, but instead of causing anything eventful or stopping the bloodshed, he was knocked out and sent off to the Arena. --------------------------------------------------------------------- You have 50 points to distribute among the following attributes. Strength:8 Charisma:12 Intelligence:11 Agility:12 Endurance:7 Skill: Smooth Talker[you are able to talk people into stuff easier, in addition to getting lower prices at shops and higher job pay]. Ability: Rage-- can go into a controlled rage where his attacks are harder-hitting, much more intimidating, and charges are more successful. Preferred Weapon: Swords --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: None. Left Hand: None. Torso: None. Head: None. Arms: None. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
Also taken. This is what happens when you are the last to join. =(
Name:Caligula Maximus Age: 24 Gender:M Level: 1 Health: 8/8 Class: Myrmidon. 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 Trained: Basic Shield Skill. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Sica. Left Hand: . Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: Right Manica. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
"gladiator, you couldn't tell by the blood on me?"
Name:Caligula Maximus Age: 24 Gender:M Level: 1 Health: 8/8 Class: Myrmidon. 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 Trained: Basic Shield Skill. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Sica. Left Hand: . Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: Right Manica. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
"I did not ask your occupation, I asked who you were" the hooded man replies coldly. "I already knew you were a gladiator. But there are many gladiators. What is your name?"
Name:Caligula Maximus Age: 24 Gender:M Level: 1 Health: 8/8 Class: Myrmidon. 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 Trained: Basic Shield Skill. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Sica. Left Hand: . Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: Right Manica. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
Name:Caligula Maximus Age: 24 Gender:M Level: 1 Health: 8/8 Class: Myrmidon. 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 Trained: Basic Shield Skill. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Sica. Left Hand: . Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: Right Manica. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
Name:Caligula Maximus Age: 24 Gender:M Level: 1 Health: 8/8 Class: Myrmidon. 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 Trained: Basic Shield Skill. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Sica. Left Hand: . Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: Right Manica. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
Name:Caligula Maximus Age: 24 Gender:M Level: 1 Health: 8/8 Class: Myrmidon. 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 Trained: Basic Shield Skill. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Sica. Left Hand: . Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: Right Manica. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
"What's your last name, and which arena are you from? The Gladiators' Arena with the crowd or the other arena?"
Name:Caligula Maximus Age: 24 Gender:M Level: 1 Health: 8/8 Class: Myrmidon. 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 Trained: Basic Shield Skill. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Sica. Left Hand: . Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: Right Manica. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
Name:Caligula Maximus Age: 24 Gender:M Level: 1 Health: 8/8 Class: Myrmidon. 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 Trained: Basic Shield Skill. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Sica. Left Hand: . Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: Right Manica. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
"Really, now?" the hooded man asks. "Who are your trainers? Cadmus and Octavia, correct?"
Name:Caligula Maximus Age: 24 Gender:M Level: 1 Health: 8/8 Class: Myrmidon. 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 Trained: Basic Shield Skill. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Sica. Left Hand: . Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: Right Manica. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
Name:Caligula Maximus Age: 24 Gender:M Level: 1 Health: 8/8 Class: Myrmidon. 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 Trained: Basic Shield Skill. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Sica. Left Hand: . Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: Right Manica. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
"I assume that's a yes?" The hooded man pulls up his sleeve ever so slightly and you see a sloppy tattoo of a black raven on his right wrist. Then he shifts the sleeve again and the raven disappears.
Name:Caligula Maximus Age: 24 Gender:M Level: 1 Health: 8/8 Class: Myrmidon. 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 Trained: Basic Shield Skill. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Sica. Left Hand: . Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: Right Manica. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
Name:Caligula Maximus Age: 24 Gender:M Level: 1 Health: 8/8 Class: Myrmidon. 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 Trained: Basic Shield Skill. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Right Hand: Sica. Left Hand: . Torso: None. Head: Galea. Arms: Right Manica. Legs: Cloth Leggings. Feet: None.
The hooded man pulls up his hood so you can see his face. Blue eyes, tan skin, black hair... You suddenly recognize him! It's the same sharp, angular, handsome features as you've seen before! It is the commanding man from when you were in the crate! He frowns deeply and stands up. "Give this to your trainers," he instructs you, handing you a small scroll tied with a blue and black ribbon from one black-gloved hand. "Immediately." He strides away quickly. What will you do?
