The Blood Games

This article was written for Summer Camp 2024 and may be missing some information. Please feel free to ask any questions in the comment section at the end of the article.

The Augustine Arena in Malvarron hosts a variety of public spectacles, including contests, tournaments, sports, and other entertainment events collectively known as the Blood Games or simply the Games.
The games are dangerous, often deadly for the participants—volunteers and forced combatants alike!
Events take place on a daily basis, with Emperor Lucianno and other members of the royal family often in attendance at the weekends and special ceremonies.
Most events are ticketed with all fees supposedly going to the upkeep of the Arena. However occasionally, all citizens will be ordered to attend for notable events, the most noteworthy being the execution of Queen Elora in 1389 A.E. All Emperor decreed ceremonies are free to all citizens.

The Augustine Arena

The arena was originally commissioned by the late Emperor Augustas Malvarro in 1373. It took just over 12 years to construct, and was completed under Augustas' heir, Lucianno, in 1385, who named it in honour of his father.
Located in the Shadesend area of southwest Malvarron, the arena has the capacity for 100 000 spectators, more than enough for the entire adult population of the city. Though the arena plays host to revellers from all walks of life, the seating (or even standing) arrangements are hierarchical and determined by class and reputation.

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Class Specific Areas of the Arena:

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The Imperial Box:

• Located in the centre of the arena.

• Reserved for the Emperor, the royal family & their guests.

• Provides the best view of the games.

The Officials' Box:

• For high-ranking officials of the Kamrala and Presidium not afforded an invitation to the Royal Box

• Such individuals can view the games free gratis from the area above the Royal Box

• Individuals are waited upon with fine food and wine with stunning views of the arena

Equites

• Area for minor aristocracy and lower ranking military officials

• Large section, in the upper circle above the Officials' box

• Two silver revels for entry and extra for refreshments

Wealthy Citizens

• Located below the Royal Box and encircling the circumfrence of the arena

• For Wealthier Malvarri such as merchants, artisans and other business owners

• 50 copper revels for entry, various street food available from arena vendors

Ordinary Citizens

• Located below the wealthy citizens and encircling the circumfrence of the arena.

• The lower tiers of the arena, divided into further sections based on wealth and social standing. The wealthier sit closer to the arena's staging area.

• Entry fee 10–30 copper revels depending on which subsection

Lower Classes and Non-citizens

• Standing room only on in the upper tiers of the arena. Thousands of steps are required to reach it

• Hot, cramped and stuffy with the least favourable view

• Three copper revels for entry.

Events

Gratuitously violent, and callous according to some, the Blood Games are at best, dangerously bloody for the fortunate, and at worst, deadly to the ill-fated.
The Games take various forms and are considered "dazzling" entertainment for the Empire's Loyalists. In fact, for many, the games are seen as the epitome of Malvarri culture and an opportunity to increase social standing and show off the latest Embari fashions.

Events include:

Gladitorial Tournaments

• Among some of the more popular events at the arena

• Often involve duelling and sparring between seasoned, professional fighters—sometimes to the death, sometimes not.

• The most successful fighters are popular celebrities in Malvarron. Notable personalities include the mysterious "Viper", Elias "Sandstorm" Osani, and Skadi "Skullsplitter" Duggan

• Once a month, any criminals wishing for a way out of hard labour, imprisonment or even execution can opt to fight professionals for an Imperial Pardon. Only one Imperial Pardon has ever been issued, and that was to the "Conqueror of Chains" himself—the disgraced Lord Halshan in 1391 A.E.

Animal Baiting and Hunts

If fighting each other wasn't enough, professional fighters known as "hunters" can test their metal against a variety of fearsome wild beasts such as wolves, bears and razorbacks

Executions

The execution of criminals, particularly those of the lower classes, is an almost weekly occurrence at the arena, and people will pay to see them. The more prominent the criminal, the grander the Execution Ceremony becomes.
Criminals who have been "sentenced" by the Vanguard, the Crimson Order] or the [Black Cloaks are put to death in a variety of cruel ways; including hanging, beheadings, burnings or being thrown to wild beasts.
These spectacles not only provide "entertainment" for the masses but also act as a deterrent for "criminal" behaviour. The brutality of these executions demonstrates the power of the regime and the consequences of defying the Empire.

Less Violent Alternatives

For those wishing to take in some more "civilised" culture, popular historical plays and performances can be seen on weeknights as an alternative to the Blood Games. Sometimes large-scale mock battles are staged, with combatants representing competing armies. These are grand shows steeped in rich "empire-approved" history and are often narrated by famous poets, actors or bards.