[Still a work in progress and the ranking explanation part seems a bit redundant. I will most likely be editing this post as the finer details get even further ironed out.]
The Red SpectacleA Gladiatorial School/Professional Dueling League/Union of Bounty Hunters, Assassins, and Mercenaries… and so much more.Public History and GoalsFormed to supply skilled warriors for The Arena games, exhibitions, and the education of individuals in battle technique, The Red Spectacle is the vision of Soontur Talonspyre, a gladiator by trade and a trainer by heart. Disillusioned with living, sweating, and bleeding to line someone else’s pockets, Talonspyre took the small amount of tria he had earned in battle (and the financial backing of a mysterious benefactor) and set about establishing his own school, an organization run by gladiators, for gladiators, to preserve the sanctity of the games.
The SchoolOpen and free to anyone willing to dedicate themselves to the training. For the period of enrollment, all individuals are expected to place prior guild affiliations on hiatus.* Depending on the talent and expertise of the individual, training may take anywhere from days to months but, it is guaranteed by the time you leave, you will know how to fight well and with honor. Offensive and defensive magic is forbidden and can result in a dishonorable expulsion from the school.
Upon completion of training, a student will be promoted to the rank of Tyro. Fully trained, they are only obligated to compete in one sanctioned gladiatorial match, then are free to leave and reassume any prior affiliations if they so choose. Those that stay will be promoted to the rank of Gladiator and fully initiated into the competitive and exciting league of ranked battles with fame, glory, and undying stardom awaiting the best of the bravest.
Anyone promoted to Gladiator is has earned the right to wear The Crimson Circle, an emblematic closed circle edged in black, often worn as a tattoo that upon permanent death is struck through. It is the symbol of all Red Spectacle gladiators and an object of ceremonial importance.
“Exhibitions” are also available upon request at a rate of 20,000 tria per event. These are duels fought by individuals of the “Fated” class who have dedicated their lives to the glory of Dakkru. These are marginally legal private events designed for blood sacrifice to Dakkru by means of duel. All individuals involved are aware of the potential consequences. Any character that survives 7 battles is considered fated by Dakkru to live and is offered Gladiator status. This is a very rare occurrence considering the “one and done” nature of these battle to the death duels.
[ooc note: This is also the perfect opportunity for duelist players to create momentary alts for some dueling fun \o/]
*Under extenuating circumstances a student may appeal to the Lanista for leave with it understood they will continue their training at a later date. This is only offered under the direst of situations and is rarely ever used.
The LeagueThe realm of the most skilled gladiators in Yliakum. Comprised of three separate tiers it offers a place for gladiators of every skill level and something for even the most jaded spectator. The gladiators are offered a flat rate as follows:
Division 1: (winner) 10,000 tria per bout, (loser) 5,000 tria per bout.
Division 2: (winner) 5,000 tria per bout, (loser) 2,000 tria per bout.
Division 3: (winner) 2,000 tria per bout, (loser) 500 tria per bout.
Each division will have its own rankings; preferably match days will consist of at least one bout from each division. Sanctioned bouts are best of three, non-lethal affairs with the winner being the first to win two rounds. Rankings are based purely on win, losses, and how many rounds necessary for victory or defeat.
A two round win = 3 points, a 3 round win = 2 points, a 3 round loss = -1 point, a 2 round loss = -3 points.
Occasionally non-ranked matches may be arranged with notable fighters that are not affiliated with The Red Spectacle. These matches are of an exhibition nature only and will not be included in official rankings.
Gambling is very much encouraged and any bet placed with a certified individual pays 1:1. All a person has to do is pick the winner and the round in which they complete their victory; either second or third.
The Union of Bounty Hunters, Assassins, and MercenariesRun by “The Benefactor,” The Red Spectacle is a cover organization for a league of bounty hunters, soldiers of fortune, and professional assassins. While not required, often these “professional problem solvers” are drawn from the pool of the most skilled and well trained gladiators. The league exists as a proving ground for future “professionals” and a means of ensuring the power that only cold hard tria can provide.
Both government and personal contracts can and will be dealt with regardless of legality. However, as risk escalates so does the rate… There is no charity in this business. Given the broad spectrum of jobs available, it is quite possible to find valiant war heroes who lend their expertise only to “worthy” causes sitting next to less idealistic individuals willing to take virtually any contract… if the price is right. There is no “good” or “bad,” professionalism and skill are the only standards in which a member of this elite group is judged.
Contracts are assigned only to one individual at a time. Failure is not an option, if one should fall another professional shall be assigned and if necessary the “Benefactor” may personally take on the contract. Only success is rewarded. Considering the organization and safety The Red Spectacle provides to its members, 10% of the reward from all contracts is expected to be “donated” to the common good of the organization. Any professional holding out on the union will promptly have a personal bounty placed on their head equal to or greater than the amount withheld from their fellow specialists. This bounty does not exclude them from participating in contracts but only an idiot wouldn’t watch their back…
Structure:
1. The Benefactor --> Lanista --> Master Teacher --> Professional --> Gladiator -- Tradesmen--> Tyro--> Fated --> Circle of Legends.
Covert ruler of all,
The Benefactor is the main albeit shadowy figure that runs The Red Spectacle.
Second in command is the
Lanista, the general leader of The Red Spectacle School. As visionary founder this position is currently held by Soontur Talonspyre.
Master Trainers are the ones in charge of the operation of the school; they are the most knowledgeable individuals in charge of day to day training and student progression. This does not exclude them from possible participation in “The Union.”
Just under the Master Trainers and equivalent in status to the Professional class is the
Gladiator, and
Tradesman. All individuals at these ranks are equal though their roles vary.
Equal but separate, the
Professional is an expert in their particular field of interest. These are the bounty hunters, mercenaries, etc., that have never been or are no longer particularly affiliated with the gladiatorial games. “The Union” is their primary interest and means of contribution. A Professional falls under the watchful eye of only The Benefactor, considering they are not involved with the school or league.
Gladiators are the athletes of the realm, the skilled warriors dueling for rank, pride, and undying fame. Any individual with this title is included in the official ranked League standings. This does not exclude them from possible participation in “The Union.”
Tradesmen are the craftsmen, promoters, bookies, and sports writers, of the organization. Widely respected for the expertise, they are not excluded from possible participation in “The Union.”
The
Tyro ranking is the first step on the way to gladiatorial glory and indicates the newest and most promising member of the school. This is also the rank held prior to a person’s first battle and consequently the rank held before a person decides to stay with the school, or take their acquired knowledge to other pursuits.
One marked as
Fated is a student who through either choice or circumstance is destined to battle to the true death to appease the Goddess Dakkru. The school will provide weapons, armor, food, and shelter until the fated one is called upon to sacrifice themselves for the satisfaction of Dakkru and the preservation of the realm’s religious balance.
The
Circle of Legends is a memorial rank where the dead and retired live on forever in story and admiration.
Numerical Rankings in Order:1. Circle of Legends – The rite of every ranked Gladiator who is stricken with the true death while in battle or those permanently retired from the gladiatorial games. It is where the past is remembered and the future inspired. (AKA the rank of “dead” characters and those who are taking time off from the game
)
2. Fated – One marked for the ultimate sacrifice to the Goddess Dakkru. With pomp and ceremony, this is the rank of the fighters to the death. Only on the rarest occasion does a Fated ever promote to the class of Gladiator.
3. Tyro – The students of the school, those acquiring expertise under the watchful eye of the Master Trainers and Lanista.One who has completed their training but has yet to fight in a sanctioned gladiatorial battle.
4. Tradesmen – In charge of the acquisition, stock management, maintaining, and/or crafting of weapons, maintenance of gambling, and/or the further promotional expansion of the organization. Essentially the brain trust of the guild.
5. Gladiator – The legends themselves, men want to be them, women want to be with them. They are the ones who have dedicated themselves to the sport of gladiatorial combat. It is from this pool of brave souls that the next generation of Master Trainers will be drawn from.
6. Professional- A varied collection of high priced and experienced “problem solvers” who make their living with sword and guile.
7. Master Trainer- The teachers in The Red Spectacle. Typically drawn from the best, brightest, and most experienced gladiators, these are the guardians of the future of the sport. Often still active games participants, they are the apex of gladiatorial skill and professionalism.
8. Lanista- The figure head of the school, the face of the fiscal, promotional, and educational aspects. A supervisor there to focus the vision of the school, handle the more mundane aspects of organization… and maybe make a few tria in the process.
9. The Benefactor…
[OOC Note: The Red Spectacle is a highly RP oriented guild. While it is encouraged to have stats that reflect your characters ability, there can still be a place for purely RP assassins and "gladiators" with lower stats and high dueling skill levels. While maxed stats are not a prerequisite, RP ability, or at least the desire to roleplay is. This is largely a guild/organization for well rounded characters looking to broaden their roleplay horizons and possibilities. People with max stats but no desire to roleplay need not apply.]
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Similarly, it seems that just making the "anti-luring" thing work only against NPCs would also be a very viable option. After all, by definition of the system it was only intended to change how people fight NPCs anyway, not PvP. 