Arena

<h1>''The Arena''</h1> [[Start Game->Intro]] [[Credits->Credits]] (set:$wound to 0) (set:$name to "Spartacus") (set:$Soothes to 0) (set:$Throws to 0) (set:$IntroToBattle1Complete to 0) (set:$IntroToBattle2Complete to 0) (set:$IntroToBattle3Complete to 0) (set:$Refusal to 0) (set:$ZombieBall to 0) (set:$Roars to 0) (set:$Quicksanded to 0)

<h3>Welcome to the Arena</h3> You step forth bravely, a gladiator waiting to enter the arena. As you wait, you notice a cloaked figure nearby. Without lifting his hood, he asks if you would like to make a deal. The man offers a potion that he claims is magic, granting the imbiber power seen only in their wildest dreams. He offers it to you as a test run, saying he wants to see the effects on someone else before producing more. You hear cheering from the arena, you'll have to enter the arena soon. [[Drink the 'Potion'->Zombies]] [[Go in without drinking the 'Potion'->Slaves]] (put: (prompt: "All who watch you in the arena shall know you as...") into $name) (if:$name is "")[(set:$name to "Spartacus")]

A Twine game written and programmed by Grant Tabler Based on an idea from: Flavio Bernardes de Paula [[Back to Menu->Menu]]

<h3>The First Battle</h3> You decide to down the experimental concoction. Figuring it can't make things any worse. Your vision blurs and you stagger back a bit, bracing against the wall and holding your eyes closed for a moment before blinking up. The man is gone. You hear the crowd again and charge up to the arena. You feel invigorated, perhaps there was more to the brew than you had first thought. After only a moment however, things seemed wrong... ''"Welcome, to the Arena!"'' came a terrible, hissing voice from above. A large serpent creature hovered in the air above the audience, the announcer seemed a bit different today. The audience themselves was comprised of strange shapes and horrific creatures, most with sharp teeth and strange collections of appendages. ''"Today, we will see $name, king of kings, warm up with a horde of the undead!"'' the announcer hissed, grinning down at you. No sooner had he named your opponent than they appeared by the far wall, a swarm of zombies waiting to be vanquished. You looked down at your hands, feeling a tingling sensation in your palms. [[Fireball->Fireball]] [[Death Ray->Death Ray]] [[Circle around slashing with your sword->Slash Zombies]] [[Quicksand->Quicksand]] [[Petrify->Petrify]]

<h3>The First Battle</h3> {(if:$IntroToBattle1Complete is 0)[ You decide not to take the 'magic' liquid offered to you. No one gives away something like that for free unless it's poison! <br><br> ''"And now, we present our next merciless gladiator, $name, herald of doom!"'' The booming voice of an announcer is second only to the roar of the crowds all around you. A cursory glance shows nearly every seat full on the hot summer's day. <br><br> Stepping out into to sand-filled arena, you stare appraisingly at the gate ahead of you, slowly opening as your first opponents are brought out. <br><br> ''"He will be fighting... A pack of belligerent slaves!"'' the announcer called out, just as a group of poorly armored men shambled into the arena, no weapons among them. It took only a moment of adjustment to the bright light before the group decided to charge towards you in a disorganized mass.]} {(else:)[Having given up on mercy, you decide to fight back, weighing your options carefully, you try your best to get away from the group as you ready yourself for battle once more.]} (if:$wound is not 3)[ [[Refuse to attack->Refuse to Attack]] [[Make wide slashes at the group->Slave Slash]] [[Tackle-Impale closest slave->Tackle Impale]] [[Throw/Kick sand to blind the slaves->PocketSand]] [[Ask the audience for weapons->Slave Ask]] ] (else:)[[[You are too wounded to fight->Slave Death]]] (set:$IntroToBattle1Complete to 1)

<h3>The First Battle</h3> Holding out your hand, you focus, feeling heat flick from your fingertips. Soon the flames start to coalesce, growing into a larger and larger ball of flame in your palm. You can't help but grin, looking up at the zombies as they shamble towards you. With a quick lob, you toss the fiery mass into the swarm, sending out a rapidly expanding explosion of fire. Most of the zombies are incinerated instantly, and those that aren't are quickly dealt with as you summon another fireball to annihilate their ranks. With stomping feet and clattering teeth, the great masses of spectators cheer for your victory. [[Prepare for the next battle->HellHounds]]

<h3>The First Battle</h3> You decide to fight the creatures of undeath with death. You raise your palm and glare at the quickly advancing horde of shambling creatures. You fire a powerful beam of pure darkness into the group. Much to your surprise, instead of killing the creatures, the beam creates a single point of dark mass amidst the zombies, pulling the group together into a constantly swirling ball of flailing limbs and decaying flesh. You realize this might have been a mistake. The huge mass rolls faster than you anticipate, unable to avoid it, the huge ball rolls over you, crushing you beneath it as it picks up speed. The injuries aren't enough to stop you, but you're starting to wish you'd chosen another spell. Luckily the ball rolls too fast, and, as it hits the opposite arena wall, it bounces out, off into the distance. You're not sure what you've wrought, but at least you're on to the next fight. (set:$wound to it+1) (set:$ZombieBall to it+1) [[Prepare for the next battle->HellHounds]]

<h3>The First Battle</h3> Deciding to take the direct approach, you grip your sword tightly. Much to your surprise, your sword inherits some of your power, bursting into flames all along the blade. You circle around the shambling horrors, slashing and sliding at the crowd of zombies. Each cut cauterizes the creatures, ensuring none manage to continue fighting after they've been slashed. Your fleet-footed tactics keep you one step ahead of the swarm at all times. Circling and slashing without relent, you're always out of reach of their undead grasp. Before long the sandy arena floor is nearly carpeted with undead corpses. Eliciting eager cheers from the flailing, wailing creatures in the audience. [[Prepare for the next battle->HellHounds]]

<h3>The First Battle</h3> You decide to test the limits of your new powers in this so-called warm up. Sheathing your sword, you raise both your hands, palms turned towards the sky. As you do, the sand filling the arena shifts and contorts, bending to your will. With another quick gesture, you bury the horde of corpses waist deep in the sands. The monsters struggle to get free, digging and dragging themselves to try and escape. You shake your head, swirling your hands and creating a swirling pit beneath, sinking the creatures further and further into the ground. Soon you've buried the creatures so deep beneath the arena, you're confident you won't need to deal with them again. You smile up at the crowd, only to be reminded how twisted and alien the clattering swarm looks. (set:$Quicksanded to it +1) [[Prepare for the next battle->HellHounds]]

<h3>The First Battle</h3> Eager to show off your new found capacities, you send a steely glare at the shuffling zombies. Though it's hard to see the change at first due to their speed, you soon notice a few stop moving entirely. As you continue to stare, the creatures lock in place, some falling over and flailing helplessly in the sand. Those that don't fall are left frozen in time, soon becoming solid stone statues for one side of the arena. You notice that their statued form actually makes the group look more human now that their rotted flesh was hidden from view. The cackling crowd seemed satisfied at the display, though their gnashing teeth and wandering eyes made it clear they hoped for more bloodshed. (set:$Petrified to it + 1) [[Prepare for the next battle->HellHounds]]

<h3>The First Battle</h3> {(if:$Refusal is 0)[ You plant your sword in the ground, staring up at the pack of charging slaves with stoic discipline. The crowd is taken aback, but the tactic does little to impress the under-fed slaves. The group rushes at you, their blows mostly deflected by your armor, but a few hits manage to strike true. Though injured, you know they'd still be no match for you. <br><br> You wince in pain, glancing down at your sword, questioning if your honor is worth your life.] (else:)[You decide to go back to resisting the urge to fight, choosing to leave the slaves alone and let them attack you as they will. <br><br> If any of the slaves are swayed by your renewed devotion to refusal, they don't show it with any restraint in the ferocity of their attacks.]} (set:$wound to it+1) (if:$wound is not 3)[ [[Try Something Else->Slaves]] [[Continue Refusing to Attack->Refusal2]]] (if:$wound is 3)[[[You have Chosen not to fight and are too injured to continue->Refused to Fight]]] (set:$Refusal to it+1)

<h3>The First Battle</h3> Drawing your sword, you dodge away from the bare-handed swarm. You make wide slashes as you back away, cutting down enemies one after another and keeping the group at bay as they struggle to flank your position. Within moments you've thinned the group to such a point that too few remain to pose a challenge. Some try to climb the walls to escape, others beg the crowd for their lives. By the end of the round, you are the only survivor. [[Prepare for the next battle->Wild Dogs]]

<h3>The First Battle</h3> Choosing the direct approach, you pick one slave in particular and charge him. With a hard tackle and a stabbing slice, you tumble to the ground with the corpse you've just made. Despite the effectiveness of your strategy on one opponent, those of the group not taken aback by your ferocity attack you, kicking, punching, biting and flailing. As you continue tackling and impaling each troublesome attacker in kind, you manage to wipe out the group, though you sustain some injuries in the process. (set:$wound to it+1) (if:$wound is 3)[Unfortunately, these injuries prove to be too much to bear. Having taken too much damage from the slaves already with your earlier refusals. [[You are too wounded to fight->Slave Death]]] (else:)[[[Prepare for the next Battle->Wild Dogs]] ]

<h3>The First Battle</h3> A smile crosses your face as you hatch a cunning plan. Moving to an open space, you grab a handful of sand, tossing a cloud of particles into the eyes of the now-bewildered slaves. With a few kicks and more handfuls of the blinding powder, you make short work of the unarmed men as they wince and struggle to regain their vision in a flailing panic. As the last man hits the dirt, you look up to the announcer, awaiting your next challenge. [[Prepare for the next Battle->Wild Dogs]]

<h3>The First Battle</h3> Deciding your current weapon might not be sufficient to deal with the pack of slaves, you call out to the audience for aid. Though most seem hesitant to reward a gladiator who hasn't even killed anything yet, one man produces a bundle of daggers that he hold up to throw into the arena. As you reach up to grab the daggers, you are tackled into the thick stone wall by one of the slaves. You manage to kill the man and grab the daggers, but your injuries remain. Drawing a weapon from the bundle you begin peppering the nearby slaves with knives, your accuracy drawing constant cheering from the crowd as you land wound after wound, soon finishing the last of the pack as you run out of knives. (set:$wound to it+1) (if:$wound is 3)[Unfortunately, the damage from the tackle proves to be more than you first realized, you stumble and fall, coughing blood as your accumulated wounds are finally pushed too far. [[You are too wounded to fight->Slave Death]]] (else:)[[[Prepare for the next battle->Wild Dogs]]]

<h3>The Second Battle</h3> {(if:$IntroToBattle2Complete is 0)[Having dealt with the slaves, you stare out at your adoring fans. The crowd seems eager to see more bloodshed, and you're certain they won't have to wait long. <br><br> ''"$name slaughters the slaves! Wasn't that just incredible? Well what about a real challenge now?"'' the announcer crowed from on high. ''"Next up... $name versus... Wild Dogs!"'' <br><br> The cheer of the crowds made the entrance of your next opponent almost silent. You looked over to see a pack of dogs being ushered into the arena from behind a wall of shields. The gate quickly closed for the handler's safety and the pack picked up your scent.]} {(else:)[Despite making some poor decisions, you still think you have a fighting chance against the wild dogs. Holding up your sword you consider your next move as the pack of snarling creatures closes in around you. ]} (if:$wound is not 3)[ [[Attempt to soothe the dogs->Soothe Dogs]] [[Kick the nearest dog into the others->Kick]] [[Make rapid stabs while backing away->Rapid Stab]] [[Throw your sword at the nearest dog->Throw Sword]] [[Ask the audience for weapons->Dog Ask]] ] (else:)[Unfortunately, the wounds you'd suffered already were more than you could handle. You collapse just as the dogs charge, and you're torn limb from limb before your body goes cold. [[You are too wounded to fight->Dog Death]]] (set:$IntroToBattle2Complete to 1)

<h3>The Second Battle</h3> The swirling snake floating above flew past as you finished your foes. ''"Magnificent! Wasn't that just spectacular?"'' called the enthusiastic announcer. ''"Now how about another step up? We present to you, $name, versus, hellhounds of Cardoooom!"'' The announcer's howl was enough to rile up the bloodthirsty crowd, with eager patrons clanging weapons together and stomping with anticipation. As you looked back to the enemy gate, you saw a group of large wolves, their fur completely black. With each panting breath a hot spurt of fire cascaded out across the sand. As soon as you made eye contact, the hounds charged. [[Summon a Mighty Whirlwind->Whirlwind]] [[Call down bolts of lightning->Lightning]] [[Create chasms with an earthquake->Earthquake]] [[Impale the Hell hounds with a spear of ice->Ice Spear]] [[Spin and slash in a bladestorm of fury->Bladestorm]]

<h3>The Second Battle</h3> Not interested in letting any of the fearsome fire-breathers get near you, you set your sights on summoning. With a few gesturing swirls of your hands you cause a powerful gust of wind to send the creatures tumbling off their feet. Despite their yelps of panic, you persist, soon lifting the whole group up with a set of swirling mini-tornadoes. Looking to the crowd, you see the audience is entranced by the spectacle. Increasing the power of your whirlwind, you send the creatures flying up and off over the arena walls. (if:$ZombieBall is 1)[You wonder if maybe you should be concerned about sending both zombies and hell hounds into the city.] [[Prepare for the next battle->Chimera]]

<h3>The Second Battle</h3> {(if:$Quicksanded is not 0)[Having already used to earth to wipe out a pack of zombies, you decide it's just as useful a tool for annihilating hellhounds.]} With a rending motion you gesture in the air as if pulling something apart. Within seconds the world responds, creating a mighty crack in the arena floor. The ground splits beneath the charging hounds, sending a few tumbling down with the initial split, and trapping the rest with the aftershocks and chasms breaking off from the main quake. You decide there's no sense leaving a hole in the arena however, and quickly clap your hands back together, slamming the chasm closed. [[Prepare for the next battle->Chimera]]

<h3>The Second Battle</h3> Hellhounds, breathing fire... you decide it's time for some ice. Raising one hand you close your fingers slowly, as if gripping a weapon. No sooner had you done so, than a frozen crystal spear materialized in your hand. Dodging out of the way of the first lunging hell hound, you get a quick stab in as it sails by. Spinning again you avoid the redirecting pack, stabbing a few more as you back away. With careful movements, you keep the group at bay with your added reach and skewer the fiery dogs with your weapon of ice. To show off for the crowd, you hurtle the spear up into the audience. Unfortunately, the person who catches it is immediately killed by other ravenous fans. [[Prepare for the next battle->Chimera]]

<h3>The Second Battle</h3> You ready your sword, eager to engage the pack in close quarters combat. Letting the monsters encircle you, your blade glints and flies in a swirl of slashes, cutting and slashing cross each hellhound in turn. The blinding speed is almost too much for you, leaving you just off balance enough to feel the punch of a fireball against your back. You struggle back to your feet despite the injury and kill the last surviving hound with a decisive slash. The crowd is emboldened by both the visceral combat, and your new wound. (set:$wound to it+1) [[Prepare for the next battle->Chimera]]

<h3>The Second Battle</h3> {(if:$Throws is 0)[ You decide on a course of action as the dogs take off towards you. With a powerful throw, you toss your only weapon into the pack. By some incredible stroke of luck you manage to kill one of the dogs with this first toss. Unfortunately, more than one dog remains, and you are forced to go after your sword in order to continue fighting. Despite your best acrobatic efforts, the pack of dogs is fast enough to bite and claw at your lightly armored body, carving deep wounds into your overzealous body.]} {(if:$Throws is not 0)[ Despite your failed efforts at killing the pack of dogs with a throw before, you decide to try again. This time your luck doesn't hold. With only grazing damage against the nearest dog, you fail to kill anything, managing only to sustain more injuries as you rush back after your sword once more. ] } (set:$wound to it+1) (if:$wound is 3)[As an added frustration, your building wounds are finally too much for you, costing you your life as you succumb to the pain and collapse. [[You are too wounded to fight->Dog Death]]] (else:)[[[Try Something Else->Wild Dogs]] (set:$Throws to it+1)]

<h3>The Second Battle</h3> {(if:$Soothes is 0)[With a calm smile, you drop your sword and kneel down to offer yourself to the dogs. Despite your calming voice, and gentle coos, you seem unable to stop any of the animals from slashing and biting at you. You start to wonder if your ability to soothe animals isn't up to par, or if you're just not trying hard enough. In any case, you sustain injuries from the less-than-adorable wild dogs' relentless attacks.]} {(if:$Soothes is not 0)[It's definitely not a matter of trying hard enough. It seems that, despite you trying again, even going for ear rubs, you've not managed to sway any of the creatures to your side, sustaining yet more injuries, and more than a few hurt feelings.]} (set:$Soothes to it+1) (set:$wound to it+1) (if:$wound is 3)[While you're not sure how many lives dogs get to a cat's 9, you surely only had one. With the last few attacks, you find yourself unable to continue. [[You are too wounded to fight->Dog Death]]] (else:)[[[Try Something Else->Wild Dogs]]]

<h3>The Second Battle</h3> With a renewed sense of purpose you lunge to one side, avoiding the pack by just enough to get a powerful kick into one of the creatures. The hit is more effective than you might have expected, using the creature's own momentum against it as it is sent flying into the rest of the creatures with a yelp. You quickly close in, slashing and stabbing without relent, struggling to pin and finish each writhing dog with a powerful coup de gras as the group struggles against itself to pull get back on their paws. The corpses of packmates works to your advantage as you soon finish the last of the creatures and sheath your sword. [[Prepare for the next battle->Lion]]

<h3>The Second Battle</h3> Seeing no other option but the most direct route, you put all your faith in the speed and strength of your sword arm. With a power you barely knew you had, you stab with incredible rapidity, skewering and impaling the dogs without relent. Within moments you've thinned the pack and decide to reposition. The crowd's constant cheering seems to offput the remaining creatures and you use the opening to your advantage, hunting down the last few dogs before they have a chance to injure you. With a triumphant pose, you look around at the crowd expectantly. [[Prepare for the next battle->Lion]]

<h3>The Second Battle</h3> You shake your head, not ready for a battle with a pack of dogs with just a sword. You holler to the crowd, attempting to be heard over the cheering drone. One man notices your flailing pleas and offers you a spear. In the time it took you to turn your back and reach up for the spear, you feel the stinging bite of teeth sinking into your flesh. You impale the dog with your newly acquired weapon, tossing the creature aside before backing away. You use the spear's added reach to keep the dogs at bay, managing to stab, slash, or impale the rest of the creatures without sustaining further injury. (set:$wound to it+1) (if:$wound is 3)[And, although you were victorious... [[You are too wounded to continue fighting->Dog Death]]] (else:)[Unfortunately the spear snaps inside one of the dogs you impale, and you're forced to return to using your sword for the next fight. [[Prepare for the next battle->Lion]]]

<h3>The Third Battle</h3> {(if:$IntroToBattle3Complete is 0)[The crowd's cheers echo throughout the arena, though you're not sure if it's for you or the bloodshed. The announcer stands tall once more ''"$name strikes again! Killing two packs of animals today! ...But how will he fare against something a little more dangerous for his final fight?"'' the gates rattle as they're slowly raised, and light falls onto your next opponent. <br><br> The powerful paws of a lion hit the sand as the creature steps out into the sun, eliciting cheers and hollers from the crowd. The creature lets out a roar in your direction, sizing up its next meal. ]} {(else:)[While your last attempt was admirable, the creature is still standing, its claws extended and its eyes fixated on you. If you could just manage to finish the creature off, you're sure you could finally rest.]} (if:$wound is not 3)[ [[Attempt to get on its back->Lion Ride]] [[Wait for opportunity to dodge and counterattack->Dodge!]] [[Charge at the lion to stab it->Charger!]] [[Ask audience for weapons->Lion Ask]] [[Roar at the Lion->Roar]]] (else:)[To your chagrin, however, the ravages of the arena have taken their toll, and your blood-covered body finally gives out. [[You are too wounded to fight->Lion Death]]] (set:$IntroToBattle3Complete to 1)

<h3>The Third Battle</h3> The announcer slithers through the blackened sky, chanting your name as he leads the crowd. ''"$name has bested every foe so far... but how will he fare against the mighty Chimera?"'' He yells, eliciting a mix of surprise and excitement from the crowd. A huge creature bounds into the arena, a lion, though twice the size, with a snake for a tail and a goat's head sticking out from its back. (if:$Petrified is not 0)[As the creature arrives, it crushes the petrified zombie statues you'd left there earlier, ruining your hard-earned undead trophies.] You ready yourself for the final challenge. [[Call Down Heavenly Aid->Heavenly Aid]] [[Summon a Wall of Fire->Firewall]] [[Emit Lasers from your palms->Hand Lasers]] [[Sacrifice your blood for a more powerful form->Blood Sacrifice]] [[Send out a flurry of duplicated swords->Sword Duplication]]

<h3>The Third Battle</h3> You decide to ask for a little help on this one. Closing your eyes you summon powerful aid, doing your best to manifest something to help in your fight. Your summons are answered, though not by anything heavenly. You hear a roar from the chimera as it stares up at the swirling portal opening above the arena. The inky blackness stands out, even amid the darkened sky above. From this inscrutable portal, a huge clawed, scaly hand reaches down into the arena. The mighty hand crushes the once-mighty chimera with a slight squeeze of its grip, pulling the creature back through the portal as a repayment. You're left without an opponent in the arena, though you figure it's at least technically a win. [[Ascend to Godliness->God Dream]] [[Destroy the World->Death Dream]]

<h3>The Third Battle</h3> It may be a snake-goat-lion, but it's still covered in fur. You decide fire is the best answer. You wait for the creature to lunge your direction before jumping aside and clenching your fist, igniting a fiery cage all around the beast. The creature, though startled and singed, chooses to dive through the fire, freeing itself to chase you once more. After avoiding a few more attacks, you decide to change strategy, creating a cage of fire around yourself. You kneel down and put your fist to the ground, sending up walls that close around you tightly, leaving only a little space for you inside before the rest of the arena bursts into flames, creating a sea of fire all around you. The audience is both awestruck and fearful as they watch the flames roast the huge creature. You let the flames die down after hearing the heavy thud of the chimera's corpse against the arena floor. [[Ascend to Godliness->God Dream]] [[Destroy the World->Death Dream]]

<h3>The Third Battle</h3> Enough subtlety, you decide. The hulking creature circles forward, snake spitting venom, goat seeming to chant some sort of magic, and the lion snapping it's teeth with anticipation. You shake your head dismissively and raise a free hand to point your palm directly at the creature. By sheer force of will, a beam of red light fires from your hand, slamming into your foe and nearly knocking it down. The chimera flails and gets its footing again, charging at you and making up the distance despite your continued beam. You drop your sword and raise your other hand, firing a combined blast from both hands. The second blast stops the monster it its tracks, soon sending it flying back into the arena wall with a powerful rumble. You let the beams dissipate and the huge corpse drops to the floor. [[Ascend to Godliness->God Dream]] [[Destroy the World->Death Dream]]

<h3>The Third Battle</h3> Deciding it was now or never, you drew your sword and slashed across your chest, wounding yourself and drawing out a steady stream of blood for your usage. Drawing in a deep breath, you let out a roar, finding your voice echoed loudly through the arena as you steadily grew in size. Now towering over the previously intimidating chimera, you charge the creature, pouncing and pummeling the three-headed beast. With every hit you grow bolder, wrestling the mighty creature in a spectacle that makes the audience cheer in a blood-crazed frenzy. After a mighty struggle with the powerful creature, you let it fall, the lifeless body tumbling to your feet as you return to the centre of the arena. (set:$wound to it+1) (if:$wound is 3)[As the blood power wears off, you feel dazed, collapsing to one knee as your wounds get the better of you.[[You are too wounded to fight->Chimera Death]]] (else:)[[[Ascend to Godliness->God Dream]] [[Destroy the World->Death Dream]]]

<h3>The Third Battle</h3> You draw your sword and throw it into the air. With a quick gesture you freeze it there, hovering for a moment before it splits and duplicates into dozens of swords, then hundreds. You push forward with both hands, sending the army of weapons flying towards the rampaging chimera. Though the monster is nimble, it struggles to avoid every hit. You send another wave of swords, then another, soon overwhelming the creature. The chimera collapses to the ground, covered in swords from every angle. You return to the centre of the arena and decide on your next action. [[Ascend to Godliness->God Dream]] [[Destroy the World->Death Dream]]

<h3>The Third Battle</h3> {(if:$Roars is 0)[You're sure this will work. If you can just show your dominance in the face of death, you can stop the creature in its tracks. That's the theory anyway... <br><br> The roaring attempts don't go to plan however. While the creature seems like it might be a bit confused by the hollering human ahead, your voice does little to stifle the hulking predator. <br><br> At the last moment you move to dodge out of the way, but not before feeling the cutting slash of the creature's sharp claws, leaving you wounded and staggering back.]} {(else:)[Your previous roar failed to dissuade the ferocious lion, but surely that was only from lack of trying, you thought. Letting out another powerful roar, even banging your sword against the wall this time for dramatic effect, you try your best to scare the feral feline. <br><br> Your next roar proved to be as ineffectual as the previous one, leading to another piercing slash from the lion as it clawed and bit at your tender flesh, rending your armor into pieces in the process.]} (set:$wound to it+1) (if:$wound is 3)[And, as it turns out, this was the last wound you could bear, forcing you to collapse in the sand before the mighty lion. [[You are too wounded to fight->Lion Death]]] (else:)[[[Try Something Else->Lion]]] (set:$Roars to it+1)

<h3>The Third Battle</h3> Suddenly, a flash of inspiration envelops your mind. You know just what to do. Dashing around away from the creature you manage to avoid its attacks, just barely managing to escape the mighty murder mitts the big cat sports. Seizing the opportunity, you jump atop the feral feline just as it misses you with a big slash. Laying prone atop it, and holding on by the back of the creature's neck, you take advantage of the creature's difficulty in reaching its own back. To get at you, the mighty monster is forced to drop to the ground, trying to roll over to either crush you, or at least have an easier time reaching you. Using this moment, sword in hand, you plunge your blade deep into the creature's exposed chest, cutting along the lion's soft underbelly. The smell of the still-digesting meat of the last gladiator fills the air, though you're glad you're on the outside at least. As you stand back up and look around, you assess your options. [[Ask for Freedom->Freedom!]] [[Commit Ritual Suicide->Death]]

<h3>The Third Battle</h3> Choosing to follow a more defensive strategy, you wait for the Lion to come to you. The creature circles slowly, choosing for the right moment to lunge. Finally the big cat's paws lift from the ground and the creature hurtles towards you. You roll out of the way, waiting for this moment, spinning around you stab your sword into the creature, driving your blade between its ribs and up into the majestic animal's lungs. Pulling back, you leave the creature infuriated, but crippled. In a few more dodges and slashes you put the creature out of its misery and stand victorious for the crowd, deciding what to do next. [[Ask for Freedom->Freedom!]] [[Commit Ritual Suicide->Death]]

<h3>The Third Battle</h3> All or nothing. You decide that, win or lose, you're going to go out like a lion. Charging straight at the creature leaves the ferocious feline cornered, forcing it to pounce at you in kind. Though your rush gave some extra momentum to your stab, it's also left you open to the monster's powerful paws. You lodge your sword deep inside the creature, stabbing up through its throat as you struggle to end it all in one final blow. Though you kill the creature, you find its claws lodged in your chest as it collapses on top of you, leaving deep gashes in your chest. (set:$wound to it+1) (if:$wound is 3)[The cuts prove too deep and, as the adrenaline wears off, you feel woozy, passing out beneath the mighty lion. [[You are too wounded to fight->Lion Death]]] (else:)[Luckily, you manage to drag yourself free despite your injuries, having done well enough in the earlier battles to still remain standing. [[Ask for Freedom->Freedom!]] [[Commit Ritual Suicide->Death]] ]

<h3>The Third Battle</h3> The thought of fighting a lion head on, with just your sword, feels like an insurmountable task. Appealing to the audience's goodwill, you wave and flail, yelping for help. Before long a man, dressed in fine silk robes, stands with a cask in his hand. You rush over to meet him, though the lion reaches the midway point first. You jump to kick the lion as you grab for the cask, though the furry creature manages to jump and claw at you all the same, slicing along your legs. Despite the pain, you hurtle the cask down at the creature, hearing it smash as you tumble down to the arena again. With a howling roar, the creature lets you know the cask was more than it seemed. Looking back, your eyes light up to see flames dancing along the once composed creature. You decide to leave nothing to chance, dashing back over despite your wounds and stabbing and slashing as much as you can manage, eager to finish the creature off. (set:$wound to it+1) (if:$wound is 3)[As the lodge your sword in the creature, you blink a few times, feeling light-headed from blood loss. Collapsing beside the lion, you drift out of consciousness, wishing things could've been different. [[You are too wounded to fight->Lion Death]]] (else:)[You stand triumphant, though injured above the once-powerful lion, looking up at the crowd and nodding to the apothecary that gave you such a concoction. Walking to the centre of the arena, you decide on your final act. [[Ask for Freedom->Freedom!]] [[Commit Ritual Suicide->Death]] ]

<h3>Victory</h3> You stand triumphant over the corpses of slaves, wild dogs, and a lion, looking out across the crowd as you plant your sword into the sand. Looking up at the announcer, and then to the presiding authority, you call out, asking for your freedom from gladiatorial service, having proven yourself so consistently. The announcer's booming voice takes over. ''"Well, everyone... what do we think? Do you want to let $name, herald of death, merciless hunter of monsters leave us? ...Or do you want to see a few more matches with him next week?"'' the crowd cheers and applauds at the latter option, the clapping and stomping louder than for any of your victories so far. ''"The people have spoken. For your efforts today, I dub thee, $name, Venator -- hunter!"'' The cheering crowd leaves little chance for response, and only by the grace of one of their sponsorships would you be freed. You shake your head and return to the lower levels of the arena, awaiting another bout in the arena. [[Score->Score]]

<h3>Victory</h3> With an iron grip on your sword you walk to the centre of the arena. The cheering of the audience at your victories nearly overpowering the booming voice of the announcer. ''"Well done, $name, next you will--"'' Before you let him finish, you shake your head, glaring up and choosing to end this cycle once and for all. Holding up your sword, it glints for only a moment before you turn the weapon on yourself, denying the crowd any further entertainment. In your last moments, you see a wave of shock ripple across the crowd, rarely had they seen a champion choose death at the end of a day's ordeals. You collapse to the ground with some manner of satisfaction. Whatever they may think of you, they were not able to decide your fate. [[Score->Score]]

<h3>Victory</h3> Its time you made full use of your powers, deciding it was time to rule over this world. You stood tall and reached out with your powers, feeling your body glow with light, soon feeling yourself levitate into the sky, up past the spectators and the announcer, up into the darkened sky and over the world. You looked down upon your kingdom and considered your next move. Unfortunately, your reign was short-lived. Before long, you woke from the 'potion'-induced dream, finding yourself back in the lower levels of the arena with the empty potion in your hand. It seems the man was right about the potion granting you "powers seen only in your wildest dreams" [[Score->Score]]

<h3>Victory</h3> You decided that this tainted world was not fit to exist. You gathered your power and levitated, raising yourself up above the arena and its denizens. Soon flying above the city, and the continent. As you looked down on the planet you unleashed your power, using each of your powers to wipe out a different part of the world before destroying it completely. Unfortunately, your triumph was short-lived. Before long, you woke from the 'potion'-induced dream, finding yourself back in the lower levels of the arena with the empty potion in your hand. It seems the man was right about the potion granting you "powers seen only in your wildest dreams" [[Score->Score]]

<h3>The First Battle</h3> (set:$wound to it+1) Again you remain still, refusing to do battle with slaves. You find it harder and harder to stand amid the constant onslaught of attacks. Your refusal to fight back has actually caused a few to stop attacking you as you fall to the ground. The blood in your eyes starts to limit your vision, though you do your best to get back on your feet, trying to remain visible to the crowds. (if:$wound is not 3)[ [[Attack->Slaves]] [[Refuse to Fight->Refused to Fight]]] (if:$wound is 3)[Unfortunately, your injuries prove to be too much to bear. Having taken too much damage from the slaves already with your earlier refusals. [[You are too wounded to fight->Slave Death]]]

<h3>Refused to Fight</h3> You decide to take a stand, choosing to prove wrong the announcer's claims of your mercilessness. Despite your merciful gesture, not all were swayed, one slave finally grabbing your discarded sword and using it to finish you off. Few cheers came from the crowd, as most looked on in shock at one of their esteemed heroes putting the lives of others above one's own. This somber moment lasted only a short while though, as soon the next combatant was brought out, and the crowd was rallied once more by the excitement of the arena. [[Play Again->Menu]]

<h3>Death by Slaves</h3> Despite finally deciding to fight back, you made a poor tactical decision in fighting the slaves and succumbed to your wounds. Your early attempts at mercy cost you too much at the hands of your enemies, and by the time you fought back, it was all but too late. The roar of the crowds rings in your ears as your vision goes dark and the chill of death overtakes you. [[Play Again->Menu]]

<h3>Death by Lion</h3> Though you fought admirably, your end came in the final battle. Your glorious last stand against the regal and majestic lion will be remembered... at least until the next time someone fights a lion this week. The clamouring cheers of the crowd are the last farewell of the world, leaving you finally with the silence of the grave. [[Play Again->Menu]]

<h3>Death by Wild Dogs</h3> The wild beasts manage to finish you off, tearing through your armor and most of your vital organs. The crowd is impressed with the carnage, though most had hoped you'd last a little longer. Your life slips away, and your blood seems into the sand of the arena, like so many others before you. [[Play Again->Menu]]

<h3>Death by Chimera</h3> Though you wielded mighty powers, your mistakes added up too quickly to overcome. Your journey ends at the Chimera, though you defeated the mighty amalgamation, your blood sacrifice was one wound too many. [[Play Again->Menu]]

<h3>Congratulations!</h3> {(if:$wound is 0)[You completed the arena without making a single tactical mistakes and defeated all opponents!]} {(if:$wound is 1)[You completed the arena with only one wound, a nearly flawless victory!]} {(if:$wound is 2)[You managed to finish the arena despite a few mistakes along the way and two wounds weighing you down!]} {(if:$wound is 3)[Three wounds! You should probably have died before getting here, but congratulations anyway!]} [[Play again->Menu]]

<h3>The Second Battle</h3> You raise one hand, pointing your fingers to the sky, before swiping back downwards just as fast. The rumble of thunder is heard long after the first hellhounds have been hit. Lightning cascades across the group, individual bolts directed by your will sear and jolt enemy after enemy, wiping out the pack one by one. The roar of the crowd rivals the rumbling thunder as they see such ferocious creatures put down by the power of nature and the grace of your will. Even though the creatures charged, not a single one got close enough to attack before the lightning caught them. [[Prepare for the next battle->Chimera]]

$wound $name $Soothes $Throws $IntroToBattle1Complete $IntroToBattle2Complete $IntroToBattle3Complete $Refusal $Roars $ZombieBall $Quicksanded