Arena

"You'll face whatever I can pull together for the day's

events, and even I don't often know what that'll be much

in advance. Criminals, heretics, wild beasts. If you can't

roll with the punches, at least leap to your grave. The

crowd loves that."

—Arena Master Codus ap Dugal

What started off as a mere dream of Gaiden Shinji, the Blademaster of the Order of Diagna, has grown out to be a reality. He stated that the best techniques are passed on by the survivors and that to be the best, you have to learn from the best. These sayings form the very foundation upon which the Arena is built. Gaiden Shinji personally guided the construction of the very first arena, located in the Imperial City. Even after Gaiden fell in the war against the Orcs of Orsinium, the construction continued and was eventually finished. Indirectly inspired by Gaiden, many other initiatives to build arenas had started, but only some managed to be completed. Even today, many aspiring combatants travel from all over Cyrodiil to meet either death or glory in the Imperial City's Bloody Jewel. In Cyrodiil, the two main arenas are in Kvatch and the Imperial City, with the latter being far more grand and reserved for the best fighters of Tamriel.

Goals of the Arena

Every arena wants little more than to entertain the citizens of Tamriel by organizing the most exciting gladiatorial fights possible. The more notable the fight, the higher the financial gain. The arenas wish to keep their fights honest by upholding certain rule sets, although that may differ from province to province. All the while, the Arena seeks to earn masses of gold by allowing spectators to place bets on the combatants. This heightens the excitement and spectacle of the fights, as the combat determines not just the winner, but who takes a hefty pouch of Septims home and who loses it all to fate.
Concerning the combatants themselves, the stakes are usually even higher. There may be some lower ranking fights that prove to be merciful, but the greatest of crowds are often drawn to the bloodiest and most gruesome battles. Though many fighters have fallen, it is in the Arena's best interest to always remember and celebrate their heroes so that their memory may live on in the tales that people tell their children. The Arena also earns incredible profits from selling merchandise and organizing events around their most esteemed champions.
In the end, the Arena wants to make history through their competitions and continues to satisfy that desire with every match. Even in the darkest of times, people will always be wanting for distraction and entertainment and there are always more than enough fighters who want to bring glory to their names.

Feature: Arena Access

As a combatant in the Arena, you have access to any arena or fighting pit across Tamriel. Here you can find weapons and armor that you can borrow for fighting in the arena, and can gain the use of the local barracks where you can rest in safety. Along with the free lodging, you can also eat and drink the modest fare offered by the location for half the price it would cost at an inn.

How Do I Fit In?

As a fighter in the arena, you are always able to apply for gladiatorial battles against either creatures, monsters, or other fighters. You might be traveling from one arena to another, looking for opportunities to prove your mettle and to show fans that you are the greatest fighter around. Unlike the Fighter's Guild, the fighters of the Arena look for fame and glory rather than solving problems or helping the community. You'll find that the arena life can be isolating, as there are few that understand both the banes and benefits of the intense life that you are living. The thrill of the fight and the roaring of the crowds are addicting enough that Arena fighters will often look for other chances to fight when there are no battles planned. They might turn to pub-fights or even a bit of mercenary work to keep their abilities honed for the next major battle. Most of the time, the fighters can be found training in the arena to improve their skills in combat. Sometimes, in the case of some Arena heroes, they can be found cajoling with their numerous fans, receiving gifts and excessive adoration. It may seem simple to some, living life in a cycle of training, fighting, eating, and sleeping. But make no mistake, even the lowest ranking battles against small- time foes can prove fatal to careless combatants.
However different their individual goals may be, fighters will often be amicable to each other and will often help those who are in need of training, for there is little need for fighting when the crowds have gone home.

Rank and Renown

By gaining renown as a combatant in the Arena, you increase in standing and rank. Promotion throughout the ranks requires the approval of a Blademaster. Advancement is a reward for winning Arena fights and defeating worthy opponents, rather than an automatic consequence of increased renown.

Spell Level	Spell 1	Spell 2
Cantrip	True Strike	Vicious Mockery
Level 1	Mage Armor	Heroism
Level 2	Magic Weapon	Flameblade
Level 3	Haste	Fear
Level 4	Death Ward	Stoneskin
Level 5	Animate Objects	Flamestrike

Rank 1: Pit Dog

Prerequisite: Renown 3 or higher with the Arena
As Pit Dog for the Arena, you are standing at the start of a hopefully long career as a fighter. You have a lot to learn, but you have already picked up various techniques from the others. You have either won a few fights or proved yourself in the training grounds. The trainers have even begun to refer to you by name. Your training has allowed you to learn new techniques. You gain proficiency in one of the following choices: a weapon type of your choice, light armor, shields, smith’s tools, or a gaming set.
After a battle, the Arena ensures that you are healthy and taken care of. If you spend a short rest with the Arena healers after a fight, you regain all of your hit points without needing to roll hit dice. You aren't supplied with a steady income, but you do get paid a modest amount after each fight.

Rank 2: Bloodletter

Prerequisite: Rank 1 and Renown 10 or higher with the Arena
You have seen your share of bloodshed, but there is still a long road ahead of you. The crowd is more likely to recognize you and cheer you on and you have earned the right to wear a signature outfit or use a unique banner when entering an arena. You may have even seen your likeness on posters and playbills around town. You now get paid more after each fight, and you receive small discounts with shopkeepers that are familiar with you when buying arms or armor, hoping that you can promote their wares.

Type

Guild, Fighter / Mercenary