The Game

[strangermods]

The Games are a long-standing form of entertainment in Pacis Urbs. For decades Otherworlders have been pulled through by the Machine and have paid their way home by fighting in the Games. The Games can be anything from a one-on-one fight, to a battle re-enactment, a game of capture the flag, or whatever else the whim of the sponsor may demand.

Most games are sponsored by groups of individuals either for simple entertainment, or in honor of a death, a birth, or other special event. Satisfied customers come back for more, so combatants are strongly encouraged to fight to the sponsor’s specifications, but no one can control you once you’re out in the ring (knock you unconscious, yes; control you, no). This means some games will be fixed, or are intended to be fixed. Some games are hosted by Ludus, but these do not pay as well. Games can take place in one of the several arenas around the city, and each arena can be wholly transformed from a plain sand-floored ring to an urban environment within a few hours...or any other type of terrain desired. All but the most private games will be televised, and Others not competing can watch these Games in the common room, where a television only streams game fights and plays soft music (strangely akin to ‘60s elevator music) if no Games are being played.

To get to the arenas, characters will be taken down to the basement loading bay. After gearing up, they will enter a truck, buckle in, and promptly go unconscious to wake up in a similar docking bay, rather woozy. This should fade in one to five minutes. A character who will not cooperate with loading procedure is likely to find themselves knocked unconscious and stuffed in the transport vehicle anyway. One way or another, you will earn your way home.

Remember: The more of a fanbase your character collects, the more people will pay to see them compete. It pays to appeal to the fan base and to be as flashy as possible when fighting.

If you are not comfortable fighting another player character, your character is free to fight NPC combatants from other worlds or monsters from other worlds as well.

If it can be considered competitive, it can be part of the Games. Games are divided into three categories. Light games pay the least, but they are not usually as taxing and don’t usually result in injuries. Medium games are higher paying, and higher risk, but death isn’t likely. Dark games death is expected, injuries are the norm, and the pay is high, but they can be twisted and psychologically hard on the character.

Examples:
Light Games:
-Capture the Flag
-Ball based sports
-Non-Deadly obstacle courses
-Fights with non-deadly weapons (three hits you’re out, ect.)
-Staged fights

Medium Games:
-Monster Fights
-Matched Fights (Combatants dialed to matching levels)
-Dangerous obstacle courses

Dark Games (Very HIGH pay):
-Fight to the Death (No other option)
-Blind fights (no idea who you’re fighting)
-Bait fight (character expected to die)
-Basically anything twisted and violent goes here.