- THE ARENA GUiDE

[Master Account]

Chapter 1
the arena guide

This chapter will cover general information about the arena and its history.

The New Syzdoth Arena, as it is formally called, was constructed when the wall was built in New Syzdoth to separate it into two distinct cities. As a literal part of the wall, it takes up equal space in both cities, with entrances on both sides. Much akin to the roman coliseum, it is comprised of large rows of seats rising up around a circular sand pit. There are metal barriers (magically enhanced to never break) to protect spectators from the dueling dragons, and a dome over the top to prevent cowards from flying away. In the very center of the ring there is a metal grate where all the blood from the battles drains. At opposite ends of the arena are two gates that lead down into the Bloodworks for each team. This is where opponents will be held before the match starts. As soon as the gates lower, they are free to maim each other.

The arena is both a form of entertainment and a serious sport in Artha. Manics and Demented alike find amusement in the senseless graphic violence that the arena embodies. Moreover, there is no fee to watch a fight. One can simply waltz right into the spectators stands and regard the bone-crunching gore within.

[Master Account]

Chapter 2
the arena guide

This chapter will cover information about the blue and yellow teams and betting.

For those who wish to enhance their visit, there is an option to place a sum of gold on one team's victory. Should the bet be won, you will be returned the gold you put down, and win that same amount. Which means if you bet 50 gold and you won, you would regain your 50 and then be given another 50. The arena has only two teams: blue and yellow. They are not comprised of a permanent selection of fighters (mostly due to the fact that they all keep dying), and often a dragon who was on the blue team one day, might fight on the yellow team the next. But spectators often prefer one team over the other, and have even been known to get into fights themselves over rude remarks made against the other's favored team.

To place a bet is a rather simple affair. At either of the main entrances (Orn or Kothar) there is a betting window. The clerk will, if you approach to place a bet, ask which team you would like to bet on, and how much gold you would like to bet on said team. He or she will, if asked nicely, be more than happy to give you a brief synopsis of the combatants, their history, and who the favorite is to win the battle. Once you've decided, simply place your bet and continue on to the spectator stands to watch the fight.

If your bet lost then you are free to leave the arena after the fight. If you bet was a winner, however, you must return to the betting window to receive your winnings. A fairly simple process.

Remember to always be polite to the betting window clerks, for they are the ones who handle your gold.

[Master Account]

Chapter 3
the arena guide

This chapter will cover information about participating in arena fights.

If spectating isn't enough for you then you are welcome to become a combatant. The first thing you must know when considering becoming a fighter in the arena is that death is more than likely. Most fights in the arena are to-the-death. While you can always back down from the fight by surrendering to your opponent (saying "I surrender" loud enough for the entire arena to hear), it is disgraceful to do so and will often land you the title of "Faessi," which means coward in Draconic.

But if, putting aside the 90% chance of death and the 10% chance of humility, you still wish to participate, you simply need to see Kilitharde, the Arena Battlemaster. Instead of heading up to the spectator stands, turn the opposite direction and head down into the Arena Bloodworks. Seek out the gargantuan Red Dragon spitting fire into the face of the newbloods. That would be Kilitharde. He is widely considered the best fighting teacher to ever exist in Artha, but also the biggest hard ass. Approach him, if you dare, and request to be in a battle. State your name and age, to which he might retort he doesn't care, and when you would like to fight. He'll set you up on either the blue team or the yellow team, and tell you when your match is to start. You are then free to make use of some of the training equipment, free food and drink, and comfortable bed-mats in the Bloodworks. Just don't be late to your match.

When your match is to start, you must report to the arena via the Fighter's door (make sure you pick the door that is the color of your team) and move up into the holding area. While there, you can glare across the arena at your opponent, or worry about getting your tail ripped off. Your choice. But once those gates lower, you are free to begin the onslaught. If you survive and win, then you must return to Kilitharde to receive your winnings. The amount of gold (and exp) you earn depends on your performance during battle (post quality), level, and age. Kilitharde will likely have a few words on how to better your skills, or simply degrade you for being such a worthless piece of shit. It depends on his mood.

[Master Account]

Chapter 4
the arena guide

This chapter will cover information about the arena champions and how to become one.

Since it was built, the arena has seen countless slaughters, weaklings, and otherwise worthless fighters. But there have only been two dragons with the skill and prowess to become the champion: Suncamilah, the Brass Dragon, and Csarivchizzik, the White Dragon. Both have since retired and disappeared into the populace of Artha. Thus, Artha is without a champion.

Would you like to become one? You had better be prepared for a long and arduous journey. In order to become the champion of Artha, you must win at least 10 fights in the arena, with 5 of them being against other members. The typical fighter only lasts for 3 fights before they die, decide that they cannot compete, figured out they are lucky enough to have survived this long and don't want to push it, or have received a crippling injury that prevents them from fighting. If you can make it through all 10 fights then you have definitely earned the title of champion.

However, if you make through all the fights, then you simply must notify a staff member and provide the links to the fights (so that they may verify), and you will be granted the title "Champion of Artha."

Good luck, you'll need it.