"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: 12/13 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: Occupied. Left Hand: Arcus/Sagittarius. Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None Other: None
You successfully dodge the net of the retiarus and roll away then back to your feet. This gives you a brief reprieve while they approach you.
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 12/13 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: Occupied. Left Hand: Arcus/Sagittarius. Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None Other: None
Surprised it worked with my agility as it is. Still, I'm not complaining.
Eh... Shoot the retarius in the chest. He's lightly armored, and at a relatively short range he couldn't dodge it without serious exposure to a follow up.
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 7/13 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: Occupied. Left Hand: Arcus/Sagittarius. Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None Other: None
You successfully shoot the retiarus, killing him, but this gives the Samnite enough time to close in the distance between you. Now, he's close enough to use his sword. He swings at you and you don't have time to block or dodge, just enough time to raise your hand so your arm takes what would have been a lethal blow. You take quite a bit of damage from it, but because you feel no pain, you are not stunned, although your right arm is now useless. What will you do now?
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 7/13 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: Occupied. Left Hand: Arcus/Sagittarius. Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None Other: None
Run away, and quickly. I'd also ditch my bow, and run towards where the Retairus dropped his dagger, avoiding the Samenite if nessasary.
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 7/13 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: Pugio. Left Hand: Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None Other: None
You drop your bow and run away. You are much faster than the Samnite and therefore he cannot catch you. He does, however, pause for a moment, stopping to pick up your bow where you dropped it and smash it against his knee; now, what was once your bow is now just a bunch of slivers scattered around the arena. You make it to where the retiarus dropped his pugio, and pick it up.
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 7/13 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: Pugio. Left Hand: Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None Other: None
My right arm is messed up, so my bow was useless anyways. I thought of several uses for it, but it would require time, and I don't think the Samnite would be to willing to give me that. - -
I'm going to try and lure the Samnite away from the Retairius' net, and then steal it when he's not near it.
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 7/13 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: Pugio. Left Hand: Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None Other: None
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 7/13 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: Pugio. Left Hand: Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None Other: None
Call him names, and insight him without seriously pissing him off.
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 7/13 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: Pugio. Left Hand: Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None Other: None
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 7/13 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: Pugio. Left Hand: Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None Other: None
How un-civilized, but desperate times call for desperate measures...
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 7/13 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: Pugio. Left Hand: Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None Other: None
... He does nothing. Again. The Emperor is starting to get bored. That's a bad sign, it means he could release something nasty to spice things up.
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 7/13 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: Pugio. Left Hand: Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None Other: None
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 7/13 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: Pugio. Left Hand: Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None Other: None
I'm going to say you didn't do that, because if you do that you will die. Immediately.
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 7/13 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: Pugio. Left Hand: Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None Other: None
Sorry, but I'm not bored with the RPG, just the Samnites inability to do anything...
Name: Orpheus Age: 21 Class: Sagitarrius Gender: Male Health: 7/13 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: Pugio. Left Hand: Torso: Mastercraft Thorax Hamata. Head: Cassis. Right Shoulder: None Left Shoulder: Galerus. Legs: Cloth Leggings Feet: None Other: None
You charge the Samnite. He's taken off guard, and you manage to tackle him to the ground. Now you have an advantage. What now?
