[OOC] Tooth and Claw (Sci-Fi Pit Fighting and Societal War for Good Measure)[High Casual]

[Gutshot]

Tooth And Claw

Futuristic Slave Pit-Fighting with Societal War for Good Measure

Peace has reined over the empire of Merkadia longer than whatever it's generations of privileged citizens could possibly fathom. It has become the Roman empire of the 30th century, it's military and conquering power unprecedented and unmatched by any other nation. It's ideas, cities, and customs touch the corners of the earth, pulling into it wealth and that before-mentioned blessed peace. Yet, unlike it's ancient counterpart, Merkadia sees no signs of collapse, sustaining it's gigantic self on the backs of patient slavery and politics. There truly is nothing wrong in the bountiful society under this civic juggernaut, it's laws enforced by evergreen surveillance, sufficient martial responses, and absolutely necessary fear tactics. Autocratically rulers make sure this rhetoric is enforced, the money they constantly store surely backing the great peace of Merkadian rule. Questions are never needed to be asked when Merkadia provides absolute peace. So, with such universal prosperity, it is only natural to seek recreation...

Another great creation of the Merkadian autocracy, the patient backs of the nation's slaves are put to good use in the globally famous past-time of Pit Fighting. Masters of bionically enhanced slaves and gladiators compete for money and respect in this deadly game. Truly, it is a test of who can design the most ferocious marvels of biological science, and the bloody scene never does get dull. It is an imperative platform of scientific discovery, political gain, and most popularly: gambling. Truly, pit fighting is a versatile and crucial part to Merkadian society, an aspect that grants the money to the Autocratic elite, and the will to live to lowly workers. It is a gory show that is worthy of the splendor of Merkadia!

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Overview

Tooth and Claw is the bloody tale of biologically enhanced slaves pit against one another for the enjoyment of autocratic houses and masters. Such pit-fighting is a game of political and economical gain, and tension has quickly surrounded it. The deadly game has become the center point of the stagnant grandeur of Merkadia: most people's incomes, and even their lives, now depend on this barbaric sport set in a civilized world. These facts have been noticed, most definitely, by those of Merkadia. It is a fact no one will dismiss, but instead decides to drink fully in. You, a slave biologically modified by a certain autocratic house for this fatal past-time, refuse to drink from that silver goblet and risk your life. You see the chance, you see the political strain.

Merkadia will fall

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Hello everybody, and thank you for checking out the Tooth and Claw Roleplay! This is a science fiction role-play idea I have conjured up that I think would be a lot of fun for collabrative world building and character development. The story will be crafted by the players in the frame of this presented universe, and thus, is a collective effort to create enjoyable experiences, problems, solutions, etc. I really do ask for any and all players to be 1) Familiar With Roleplay and 2) Not only responsive to situations the other players' have created, but to create situations themselves as well.

Rules

• Hesitation is Decapitation: Like I said, don't only be responsive to what has been created in the role-play, but also create situations, pieces of world-building, and problems yourself for everyone else to enjoy.
• Made of Iron, Not Platinum: No God-modding under any circumstances. Body enhancement can only go so far.
• A Foul Mouth Speaks For Itself: Language and harassment, outside of legitimate role-playing, is prohibited. We're keeping it friendly, but not family-friendly.
• Do Not Weep for A Corpse: This is a Science Fiction gladiatorial arena simulator, and thus, many characters may die. Please do not have a fit due to such, and deal with it like an adult.
• Many Men make For An Army: There is not a limit on how many characters you can have, but I suggest you keep it manageable. Two at a recommended maximum, perhaps.
• Innocence Extinguished: This role-play is not for the squimish. It will get bloody and perhaps descriptive, so be prepared for such.

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Character Sheet

Empty Character Sheet:

***

Character Name: (Creativity is extra points)

Sex: (Explanatory)

Appearance: (You may describe or provide a picture)

Autocratic House: (Who has funded and created you? Give a brief description and perhaps an emblem and/or name of a master)

Biological Enhancements: (Don't be too overpowered, but do be creative. The world is your biologically mutated oyster, after all. If you are to have a specific number of enhancements, the maximum is 5)

Personality: (Explanatory, but please don't use full-on stereotypes)

History: (Does not have to be long, but it's your preference)

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Character Name:
Sex:
Appearance:
Autocratic House:
Biological Enchancements:
Personality:
History:

Example Character (Mine):

Magnus, the Steel Demon

Character Name: Magnus, the Steel Demon

Sex: Male

Appearance

A large, steel carapace-clad, giant of a man, Magnus's terrifying demeanor and ghoulish looks are a mainstay of his pit infamy. Though not the most popular of brawlers, he has his few wicked fans.

Autocratic House

The Scalpaleon Syndicate

A club of gamblers and crooks, The Scalpaleon Syndicate keeps it's power through cheating and wealth. Multiple times they have rigged pit fights in their favor in order to secure more coin. The Scalpaloens are one of the sleaziest of houses.

Biological Enhancements:

• Man of Steel: Magnus is covered neck-to-toe in carapace-like steel, giving him improved protection from blunt or battering attacks, and somewhat stopping piercing blades.
• Metal 'ead: Under the fragile flesh of Magnus's head lies thick, iron plating. This protection is great for headbutting and stopping blows that would chop his head clean off. Even durable yellow plastics have been put over his eyes to ensure that he will see his prey die all the way through.
• Harpy's Talons: Trading small stubby fingers for long, vicious metal claws, Magnus is built to deal with his opponents as a shredder deals with paper.
• Synthetic Circulation: Magnus's plating isn't only protection, but also an extension of himself. Blood vessels and an additional heart have been worked into the carapace to improve the circulation of Magnus's body, creating a man that can endure much more running, beating, and bleeding then the average cybernetic Joe.
• Emotional Control: Due to Magnus being much more pacifistic than they would like, The Scalpaleon Syndicate have programmed the steel demon with a control panel at the stem of the neck. Via remote control, his masters can render Magnus completely rageful, silent, or back to normal.

Personality: A pacifist and very philosophical, Magnus is a kind soul who's synthetic exterior truly betrays him. If he is to avoid a fight, he will, but if backed into a corner he can become extremely fierce. Otherwise, he is an intelligent gentleman that can get even squeamish and/or cowardly at times. Violence is his greatest nemesis.

History: Sold as a slave to the Scalpaleon Syndicate due to his father, a noble of said organization, losing an arrogant bet, Magnus's life has been bitter yet cruelly educational. Through terrible scientific procedures and violent trials he has become what he is, and though trauma still haunts him, he has learnt that outcry and hate only fuel the fire of Merkadia's entertainment industry. The teachings have truly scared the careful giant, but Magnus has chosen to accept this new information, and now wishes to bring about the end of Merkadia's sadistic pleasures through ways of extinguishing it's mounting flame.

---

"A silver plater created from the backs of silver men"

[Necrophage]

The Rebel Xander

Character Name: Crispin Xander

Sex: Male

Appearance

A generally suave looking fellow with absolutely no modifications. A normal human.

Autocratic House

Tsargorav

Tsargorav is a militaristic faction led by a family of the same name that helps keep Merkadian forces armed to the teeth and trained to respond quickly. They profit mostly off of the sales their weapons make including the shadier aspects of their business.

Biological Enhancements:
Absolutely none.

Personality:

Crispin is stoic and rebellious. Willful strength is something he has in droves and he isn't afraid to let everyone else know. He admits that part of his strength comes from his Christian belief, a religion that has been in massive decline since the rise of the Merkadian regime long ago.
This rebel is in a state of mind where he knows he will die eventually and he damned well will do as much as he can to make it take as long as possible. Maybe if he lasts long enough his cause won't totally die with him.

History: Here's a short story instead!

"Crispin Xander?" A rather short man confirmed, looking down on the chained rebel from atop a stand. "THE Xander? Hah, you lasted a while out there didn't you?" Crispin looked up at the auctioneer before looking back at the ground in silence. A lot of his energy had been beaten out of him the last time he tried to fight back. "Come now. I've given you permission to speak, so speak!" The weasely auctioneer demanded.

Crispin tried to posture himself against the pole that held him in line with the other men and failed against the solid bindings. It was a showing of new slaves for the arena and corporations, syndicates and other houses were here to bid for them. Finally he looked up at the diminutive man's eyes, staring coldly at him. "Just kill me you little shit stain." The auctioneer beamed wickedly at him, triumphant in getting a rise.

"Oh we'll see who the shit stain is after the beasts of the arena eat you." He chuckled at his own clever remark."Xander, you and your men here have been condemned to fight in the arena until death. Your little escapades mean nothing anymore. Play nice because you're going to help line Merkadia with profit. See? Even your death will mean something!" The little auctioneer boasted.

Men in suits and various other types of ornamental outfits started walking in to see the day's haul of merchandise. "Here they are. Grovel and you might get a nice patron." The little man whispered.

A man in a black suit, lined with red gilding started eying Crispin's line as the other patrons spread around the chamber to look at others. He was middle-aged, wrinkles just setting into his eyes and gray hints striking his hairline. He looked up and down at each person with the kind of passionless poise of a man deciding what he wanted for dinner. He paused in front of Crispin and turned to look back at the auction master. Who promptly asked him a question, "Is something the matter, sir?"

"Is something the matter he says? Of course something is the matter. This merchandise is battered. Damaged merchandise is not worth such a cost. Even if it is rebel scum you should have just executed them!" He turned and leaned in toward Crispin. "Especially this one." Crispin scowled at him before forcing himself forward and head butting the man in the face. The patron fell on the ground cradling his face as some blood dripped between his hands onto the expensive suit. The hands muffled the string of curses he spat out.

The auctioneer acted immediately, arming himself with the shockstaff he kept handy against his stand and prodding Crispin. The rebel clenched and shook involuntarily as the shock hit him. "Stop!" The patron shouted, word partially muffled by the handkerchief he had pulled out to cover his bleeding nose. "This one has fire. I will enjoy snuffing it out." He wiped the blood from his nose and glanced at the rest of the line. "These are all his troop?" He questioned the auctioneer.

"Yes, Mr. Tsargorav." The auctioneer responded instantly.

"Good, I will buy them." He blew blood into the handkerchief and continued." ... At a discount!"

"A discount sir?" The auctioneer looked puzzled. A threatening leer from Mr. Tsargorav was enough to coerce him. "Of course sir, for damage done, a discount."

The Tsargorav looked the rebel in the eyes, staying away enough to avoid another sharp head butt. "You've made me bleed. I will enjoy finding creative activities for you to make me money. You will survive so long as I allow it." He turned away to motion for some of his retainers. "Don't worry, I won't keep you waiting."

Quick Overview: Crispin Xander is a notorious rebel who lasted for months in Merkadia without being caught, causing all kinds of havoc until special forces finally tracked him down. It is unusual for anyone to give military forces so much trouble. They killed most of his men before capturing the rest with non-lethal weaponry to ensure there were no more insurgencies to be had. As a show of good will to their national past time they enrolled the remaining few who were not tortured to death for information to spend the remainder of their short lives entertaining Merkadia.

Hope you enjoy, I actually enjoyed writing the "history".

[Gutshot]

@Necrophage, great character and history, I really like it.

Approved!

[ScreenAcne]

Character Name: Coward (Ex name: Reginus Latida)

Stage Name: Tooth Taker.

Sex: Male/Eunich

Appearance:

Hider

Humanoid in form, his body is partially skeletal with the clear lines of his ribs waving to the world with each release of breath. His spine pokes out line mole hills when bending and his skinny arms lack any loose skin or fat, making the small slab of muscles peek out like wrapped butcher meat. Ten fingers, Ten toes, a normal heart beat and standing at a unintimidating size of 5,6 even by normal human standards he appears almost unmodified by most respect.

A dreamy cloak of skin shrouds his insides, white like silk and smooth like satin, stains dance on it like oil on water. Not mixing and seeming out of place. This image of a man is broken on his face, his eyes are sowed shut, each of his lids stretched out in massive bags as unknown organs and liquids squirm and pulsate within them. His nostril expand several lumps where his nose joint would be and his mouth is stuffed with several intestines that whistle as he takes each breath. A voice of a man, loudly but calmly escapes an open hole from a loose tube that peeks out from the mess inside his expanded gullet.

Autocratic House: "The Flow" or Estadics Reliada

0 0 0
Symbol: \ I /
0 _ /\/\/\/\ _ 0
/ I \
0 0 0

flow

the Flow came forth as a spiritual reading of Electricity. The concept of positive and negative charges, and how energy moves became the basis for a new spiritual awakening. Originally a scorned cult, it's rapid growth lead many smaller houses and peasants to give them land and money to the point that The Flow spiritual leaders had just as much power collectively as most autocratic houses. Their ascension is a populist one. It doesn't have blood nor deeds to make it a power.

Seven saints were chosen, six answered. Each of these saints subjected themselves to extreme bio-engineering so they may gain a deeper understanding of the universe. Ultimately however, the flow knew that monsters can't dictate mankind to men. After many meditations and scribes, each sacrificed themselves in a message against a matter of society they found evil. Seven were called, six answered.

The Coward fled on his own sacrifice. Meaning to fight a blood thirsty houses head gladiator one on one, without fighting back. In need of satisfactions his temple of disciple were killed and land taken. The Coward was quickly found by the unorganized followers put into the ring. He will fight and partake in barbarity, finishing his hypocrisy or he will die in redemption.

Biological Enhancements:

Hider

Beyond Earthly Troubles: The skin that webs his body reacts to blunt and slashing damage with a small, powerful squirt of satin like goop that cements on the touch of air. In essence, new silky skin grows where it has been lost in seconds. Allowing him not to bleed.

The Flow: The new organs inside his skull are made to assist his higher brain functions. The speed of thought of rapidly increased, allowing him to process emotions and think longer in shorter periods.

Sins on the inside: In order to provoke a greater sense of empathy, each of the monks were given sensitive nerves that scream in pain when attacked. What could be a mild for some can be agonizing for the changed.

Master Controller: His extreme addition of frontal lobe support allows total control of his body, from stopping his own heart to inducing certain chemicals on command. The most visible example is the capacity to control all muscles, turning his tiny frame into an imposing force.

Personality:

Hider

Reginus is a violently passionate person with a lot of ideas from everything in life, acting with an outspoken nature unbridled by the concept of humility. Quick to say his piece, he will rise his voice to the occasion despite his fears or other attitudes but he, himself while able to come up with ideas on life he inwardly lacks any connection to it. Never satisfied with his own musing nor teachings, a linger of doubt disconnects him from what he invests in.

His guilt looms around him for his failure to find faith that he always purported to have. He switches between a wide range of emotions. Unable to process them and not willing to discuss them. He carries his guilt in silence, but his personality lets slip the damage it has done.

History: (mostly tied up in his house. This will be personal)

Hider

One of the most powerful faces of the movement, he regularly spoke loudly at meetings and was unabashed about his controversial ideas. Constantly talking about paths to higher awareness and topics of equality, earning him many press interviews.

Unlike the other masters whom were put together by the first monk and meditated for twenty years. The Coward was a purely public figure and pushed into his position by his media and public love. In many cases the populace thought that he was in fact the leader of the movement entirely. His beginnings were in the art of agricultural industries for most of his childhood and his later years, having been born into the lands of a rural and obscure house that soon fell apart due to inward issues.

Excuse the length, brother. I tried to keep it small but, motherfucking. It's like telling a teenager to not stand attention at a all girl anime cosplay convention with how drowzy I am.

[Necrophage]

@ScreenAcne
Can't quite picture how his face is but he sounds pretty hideous, that's for sure.

[Gutshot]

@ScreenAcne Great character. And don't bother about the length, thanks for the effort!

Approved!

[ScreenAcne]

@Necrophage

It's my web dating experience all over again.

[DracoLunaris]

I made a monster.

You did say as Inhuman as possible.

Also I went and wrote quite a lot about the house so I hope it doesn't step on any toes with the style of bio engineering going on or how I've stuck their noses into a bunch of semi-important things.

Buru-Enmeli

Character Name: subject 274/Buru-Enmeli/Emily/Skitter

Sex: Doesn’t really matter anymore. Nominally female.

Appearance

Autocratic House: Advent

Advent

symbol

A house who's main stray is the research and production of more… unusual Biological crations. Unrestricted modification of, and perhaps a disdain for, the human form, advent strives to create the perfect life form for for every purpose, be they pet, livestock, slave and even to improve themselves. While their creations are with no doubt effective (their exotic pets are particular popular, as are their monstrosities for the arena) there is less certainty whether they are more cost effective than simply using unmodified workers and machines. Most are not as enthusiastic as the advent house members to enter an age of true post-humanism, their intensive self modification considered somewhat distasteful. As a result the most public figures don’t show as much modification as the more secluded members, who have cast of humanity entirely, or dress in clothing that conceal their more bizarre changes while escorted by the more stylish, if still odd, slave soldiers.

Guards, snake skin is the in thing this year

Apart from research and bio-engineering the house’s other incomes are from recycling and waste management of the city. They also are sometimes contracted to take care of the “trash” by wealthy individuals, clearing out pockets of dissenters, homeless and anyone else who they might want to disappear. The same semi intelligent hive drones are used for both purposes, swarming settlements or collecting and sorting out useful materials from the huge amount of waste produced by the city. Large behemoths and flying beetles are used as shock troops or garbage collection.

Advent swarm (extreme deployment of house resources. It's garbage day.) and scientist

Their master is one of the more influential and public semi independent scientists who work for the house. So long as their work produces some monetary income demonstrating their work has some value and they aren’t wasting house sponsorship on personal projects or self modification, they are given freedom to do pretty much as they please and a small personal army of the house's drones.

Biological Enhancements:

Chitinous skin: covered in razor sharp armored plaits, while not as effective as grafting metal to the body they are lighter and allow more freedom of movement.

Mandible and spines: A mouth full of knives, claws like daggers, blades on their 4 legs and basically spikes everywhere on their armor.

Enhanced movement abilities: their 4 legs let them both run at about the same speed as a small horse, let them jump considerable heights, quickly dig tunnels in soft terrain and climb by stabbing their shape legs into walls.

Poison: Their sharp points can secrete a neurotoxin that will slowly cripple the target, this can be used either directly or smeared on weapons. As a result of being covered in the stuff they are designed to be immune to it and their blood can act as an anti-venom for it if dunk by others. Production can be turned on and off.

They aren't noticeably stronger than an un-augmented human so they rely on speed and the slow crippling by poison to fight.

Personality:
They used to be a rather peaceful individual, who enjoyed singing, reading and good music. Most of these things have been lost along, their new body is a coiled spring of tension, paranoia and aggression meaning they find it difficult to relax, their voice a disgusting grating mess from their inhuman mouth means they can no-longer sing. On the other hand their new body feels amazing when they are allowed to unleash it, the speed and power they have in those brief moments of freedom before the bloody carnage begins are glorious. They despise their master for taking their voice and for caging them but they can understand their willingness to abandon human forms, for they have never felt more alive, if only they could have the freedom to use their body for their own desire rather than to fight and kill other unfortunate souls.

History:
They are but one of the many slaves taken from a remote town that was recently re-pacified by advent forces, a farmhand who had nothing to do with the group that brought the ire of some house member but when the swarm come they will indiscriminately abduct individuals and their masters mark them down as collaborators in paperwork. Either no-one has noticed or cares about this practice so they were taken away, held for an in determinant amount of time before undergoing extensive modification and genetic engineering to become the monstrosity they are now.

The Advent Scientist has set them up as a gladiator after they performed well against the house's basic drones, for the purpose of further testing and to gain some income to prove they are doing useful work for the house. Having had their name and original appearance scrubbed from their memory and having only been a number, their gladiator name was given as buru-enmeli but they go by the more human Emily when they can. Known as Skitter by crowds for their appearance, style of combat and because buru-enmeli is pretentious as fuck.

[Gutshot]

@DracoLunaris, love the design of both house and character. Always happy to see some good description.

Approved!

---

Alrighty, now we got ourselves some options. I'm really excited to get this RP going, but @polybius has yet to concoct a character, presumably. Should we start it off and give him a chance to enter a little later, or wait a while longer?

I also want to say thank you for the effort put into everyone's character, I'm really liking this roster!

[DracoLunaris]

@Gutshot

Glad you like em.

I would give them at bear minimum till tomorrow, depending on where in the world they are they may only just be getting to their free time for today.

also gives @ScreenAcne time to move their char to the char section.

how much of a starting point do you actually have at the moment?

If you need a few random npc gladiators let me know, I have a bunch of weird designs from when I was looking for art.

[ScreenAcne]

@DracoLunaris

Shit, thanks for poking the potion in my motherfucking. compartmentalized calculator, brother. I just put the paper into the submission slot.

I like, your. motherfucking. Karkat avatar by the way. It's always cool to cross road a digital delicate of the home bound series.

[Gutshot]

how much of a starting point do you actually have at the moment?

If you need a few random npc gladiators let me know, I have a bunch of weird designs from when I was looking for art.

@DracoLunaris

I have an idea for an arena scenario that can go multiple interesting ways. Getting to know the houses, the other gladiators, the sort of sick-humor the crowd loves to indulge in, escape routes, things like that. As well as a tad-bit of house intrigue afterwards.

Otherwise, i'm all for wacky NPCs. The arena circumstance in mind is gonna be larger than Merkadian normal (A 4 man FFA), so feel welcome to toss as many in as you want to spice it up. PM me with ideas.

[DracoLunaris]

@ScreenAcne
same to you, your void image and gamzee-isms.

I also really like your electricity reading religion, that is quite the interesting concept.

[ScreenAcne]

@DracoLunaris

Shit, my interdimensional kindred of the comic. I get, motherfucking. told I'm like gamzee alot for some reason. Funny thing is, I'm a bard of void or some shambles and shittery.

Fuck. Man, if you wanna throw together some politics with my religion and home owners you're all welcome. I'm open to working with any of your guys to fixing up a scooter to let losoe the hooter on this booter, me shooter.

[DracoLunaris]

@ScreenAcne

If you wanna throw together some politics with my religion and home owners you're all welcome.

@ScreenAcne

My house and your religion are probably fundamentally opposed to one another if I am interpreting the following correctly.

Ultimately however, the flow knew that monsters can't dictate mankind to men. After many meditations and scribes, each sacrificed themselves in a message against a matter of society they found evil.

@ScreenAcne

The Flow would see advent as a house of monsters who want to place themselves above mankind and thus something of an embodiment of that evil their saints spoke of. Advent would see that view as archaic and the Flow as Luddites. They would probably quite like your char for giving those religious fools the middle finger and might tell mine try to ensure you survived just to spite them.

some nice political conflict we have there.

[Gutshot]

While you were talking about your political opposition, the Scalpaleon Syndicate just stole your wallets.

Checkmate

[DracoLunaris]

@Gutshot
How to be crushed to death by a snake lady,
step 1: steal an advent scientist's wallet while he is arguing with a religiose leader
step 2: get noticed by his viper body guard

step 3

or don't because the wallet stealing was actually a metaphor.

[ScreenAcne]

@DracoLunaris

Shit. I think you on the point with the red eye camera lens accuracy, robin hood. Ironically enough the movement wouldn't have any sneeze with the human modification because they knowledge rumbled rubic cubes are superior-all their saints are modified specifically to help enlighten them-

They're more like, all shallow end to the end lack of human rights. Yeah, man. Like we can do a thing where. My dude is in a crisis of faith and duty. My guys politically are forming a populist up rising against like, advent. Who are all sore on the inside about their, motherfucking. brothers and mothers being given gooey over coats.

It's like. We got a 3 way houses going on. The advent could be fucking up @Gutshot houses because they keep ruthlessly muscling them out. My dudes are fucking up your house with diplomatic politics and all that paper and pencil. Gutshot guy can want my guys in tact to help push regulation against you guys or something.

but you want my movement destroyed, so like. You can use the arena to convert or destroy what little bit of dignity/face my religion has left.

[Gutshot]

@Gutshot
How to be crushed to death by a snake lady,
step 1: steal an advent scientist's wallet while he is arguing with a religiose leader
step 2: get noticed by his viper body guard

step 3

or don't because the wallet stealing was actually a metaphor.

@DracoLunaris

"I'm so F***ing glad we sent in the stunt-double first"
"Yeah, now let's go with the big guy's credit-card"
"But you forget, James"
"What?"
"We stole something better... A METAPHOR!"

[Gutshot]

It's like. We got a 3 way houses going on. The advent could be fucking up @Gutshot houses because they keep ruthlessly muscling them out. My dudes are fucking up your house with diplomatic politics and all that paper and pencil. Gutshot guy can want my guys in tact to help push regulation against you guys or something.

but you want my movement destroyed, so like. You can use the arena to convert or destroy what little bit of dignity/face my religion has left.

@ScreenAcne

I like the three-way scheme, Screen. Would give some good tension to a lot of the matches and their aftermath. Perhaps the Scalpaleon have a deep debt with the Advent, and thus, are inciting this conflict between these two opposing belief houses to pull a wool over everyone's' eyes and get out of a pay-up.