The Arena

You awaken in a small room that you don't recognize. You [[look around|Extra1]] and notice that your legs are chained to the ground. You look down and notice that your arms are chained together through a link in the ground. Adorned wth a warriors gladius he smiles at you and says, "For your crimes committed against the empire. You are sentenced to the Arena!" You: [[Struggle|Page1a]] aginst your chains. [[Question|Page1b]] what crimes. [[Stay Quiet|Page1b]] and listen.

You awaken in a small room that you don't recognize. You look around, and realize that you are in a jail cell that holds the prisoners of the Arena. Across the room you spot a collection of mismatched weapons and armor. You look down and notice that your arms are chained together through a link in the ground. You hear a laugh as what seems to be a city guard office strides towards you. Adorned wth a warriors gladius he smiles at you and says, "For your crimes committed against the empire. You are sentenced to the Arena!" You: [[Struggle|Page1a]] aginst your chains. [[Question|Page1b]] what crimes. [[Stay Quiet|Page1c]] and listen.

He scoffs and tells you not to waste your energy. "You have a big fight ahead of you", he spits distainfully. You are yanked to your feet as the guard pulls you across the room to the pile of weapons. "Take one" You take a: [[Gladius and shield|Sword1]] to keep you safe. [[Pilum|Spear1]] to keep your enemies away.

The guard leans in and tells you you were caught stealing and can prove your innocence by winning in the arena. "You have a big fight ahead of you", he says calmly. You are yanked to your feet as the guard pulls you across the room to the pile of weapons. "Take one" You take a: [[Galdius and hoplon|Sword1]] to keep you safe. [[Pilum|Spear1]] to keep your enemies away.

The guard unlocks your chains and shoves you out the door. You hear, "Good Luck" as the light of day blinds your eyes. You cautiously take a step into the arena and [[look around|Extra2s]]. You hear the crowd chanting, "Crixus!" "Crixus!" "Crixus!". A [[name|Sword2]] you recognize to be the most famed gladiator in Rome.

The guard unlocks your chains and shoves you out the door. You hear, "Good Luck" as the light of day blinds your eyes. You walk forwards with your weapon raised in front of you and [[look around|Extra2t]]. You hear the crowd chanting, "Crixus!" "Crixus!" "Crixus!". A [[name|Spear2]] you recognize to be the most famed gladiator in Rome.

Crixus turns towards you and smiles eerily. He draws a spatha from a sheath on his back and rushes towards you. You: [[Block|Block1s]], shield raised high to protect against a fury of blows [[Attack|Attack1s]], sword drawn in front of you to strike [[Run|Run1s]], without a second thought about Crixus

Crixus turns towards you and smiles eerily. He draws a spatha from a sheath on his back and rushes towards you. You: [[Block|Block1sp]], holding the trdent across your chest [[Attack|Attack1sp]], weapon raised to batter his approach [[Run|Run1sp]], without a second thought about Crixus

You have died [[Try again?|Start]]

You charge forward, sword raised to attack the guards, hoping that you may be able to break through their defenses. The first guard catches your blow across his shield, while the second guard stabs forward with his sword, piercing you through your abdomen. You slide off his sword and fall to the ground, encircled by an expanding pool of blood [[continue|Death]]

The guard unlocks your chains and shoves you out the door. You hear, "Good Luck" as the light of day blinds your eyes. You cautiously take a step into the arena and look around. You feel the blistering heat of a noon-day sun beating down on you, and see a cluster of crows feasting on a bloodied corpse, one among many in this arena. You hear the crowd chanting, "Crixus!" "Crixus!" "Crixus!". A [[name|Sword2]] you recognize to be the most famed gladiator in Rome.

The guard unlocks your chains and shoves you out the door. You hear, "Good Luck" as the light of day blinds your eyes. You walk forwards with your weapon raised in front of you and look around. You feel the blistering heat of a noon-day sun beating down on you, and see a cluster of crows feasting on a bloodied corpse, one among many in this arena. You hear the crowd chanting, "Crixus!" "Crixus!" "Crixus!". A [[name|Spear2]] you recognize to be the most famed gladiator in Rome.

"You have a big fight ahead of you", he says in the silence. You are yanked to your feet as the guard pulls you across the room to the pile of weapons. "Take one" You take a: [[Galdius and hoplon|Sword1]] to keep you safe. [[Pilum|Spear1]] to keep your enemies away.

Leaving your shield raised, you take the time to [[recouperate|Shield1d]] and prepare for the next [[blow|Shield2a]]

Taken off guard by your defense, you press the advantage and: [[Quickly|Shield3d]] slash at his front [[Powerfully|Shield2c]] attack with an overhanded blow

You feint forwards with your sword. As Crixus quickly brings about his spatha to block your slash, You: [[Bash|Shield3c]], with your shield to keep him at bay [[Drop|Shield3d]] low and slash at his front

Leaving your shield raised, you take the time to recouperate. You watch as Crixus quickly recovers and lunges forwards at you. You summon your courage and prepare for the next [[blow|Shield2b]]

Caught unaware, Crixus slashes you across your unprotected [[legs|Shield3a]]

Prepared for his blow, Crixus slashes at your legs, but you quickly counter by: [[lunging forwards|Shield3b]], in a quick burst of energy [[bashing with your shield|Shield3c]], to keep him at bay

You feel a burning pain as your left left sags beneath you. You [[watch|Shield4a]] as Crixus brings his spatha towards you for another blow

You thrust your sword forward at Crixus's [[center of mass|Shield4b]]

Stepping forward into the blow, you throw your shield arm forward. Hearing a sickening crunch as it smashes into Crixus's face, you decide to: [[Press|Shield4c]] the attack [[Get|Shield4d]] your bearings

With a deft adjustment of his sword, Crixus parries your blow and slips his blade into the meat of your [[leg|Shield3a]]

You bring you sword down from over the top of your [[shield|Shield2d]].

In your fury you [[neglect|Shield2e]] to pay attention

In your fury you hesitate as you bring your sword down. With years of experience, Crixus uses this opening to slash at your [[legs|Shield3a]]

You hear a resounding "THUNK" as his first blow bounces off your protected front. He staggers backwards as you: [[Keep your shield raised|Shield1a]] [[Push the attack|Shield1b]] [[Feint forwards|Shield1c]]

Striking first you quickly [[stab|Shield3b]] forwards at Crixus

Weakly, you attempt to: [[shield|Shield5a]] against the blow [[parry|Shield5b]] the blow aside [[strike|Shield5c]] as he approaches

You raise your shield once again, just in time to deflect the blow. You decide to press the [[attack|shield6a]]

You barely manage to lift your sword as th blow comes [[down|Shield6b]]

You make a [[feeble|Shield6c]] attempt to stab Crixus

Crixus turns at the last second, but you feel your sword meet resistance as it slides into his [[side|Shield5d]]

You hear an animalistic scream, and watch as Crixus swings wildly at you. [[Continue|Shield6d]]

You quickly strike forwards with your sword. Crixus turns at the last second, but you feel your sword meet resistance as it slides into his [[side|Shield5d]]

You take a second to rest in the middle of the [[fight|Shield5e]].

as you strike [[forward|Shield7a]]

Your sword strikes forward as a spray of [[crimson|Shield7c]] blinds you.

You [[wipe|Shield8c]] your hands across your face.

But your vision doesn't clear Blinded you: [[Wildly slash|Shield9c]] [[Turn to flee|Shield9c]] [[Try to wipe it away|Shield8c]]

But before you can do anything you feel a sharp pain in the center of your chest. your vision slowly fades [[away|Death]]

You awaken in a small room that you vaguely recognize. You [[look around|Extra1]] and notice that your legs are chained to the ground. You look down and notice that your arms are chained together through a link in the ground. Adorned wth a warriors gladius he smiles at you and says, "For your crimes committed against the empire. You are sentenced to the Arena!" You: [[Struggle|Page1a]] aginst your chains. [[Question|Page1b]] what crimes. [[Stay Quiet|Page1b]] and listen.

The blow hits so forcefully, you feel your sword forcefully ripped from your hands. You: [[Look|Shield7b]] for your sword [[Raise|Shield7d]] your shield [[Turn|Shield7e]] and run

You scramble backwards away from Crixus, and see a sword sticking out of the mud by you. You: [[Take the sword|Ground1]] and prepare to attack [[Leave the sword|Shield7d]] and turn and run

As you turn and run away, you feel a sharp pain stab through your [[chest|Death]]

As you turn and run away, you feel a numbness from your back to your groin. Crixus has lain you open. [[Continue|Death]]

You pick up your sword and strike forward, as you are blinded by a spray of [[crimson|Shield7c]]

You fall to the ground, collapsing under your [[weak|Shield8a]] left leg

You [[wait|Shield9a]] as Crixus slowly walks up to [[you|Shield9b]]

He walks slowly, cleraly taking his time. You take the opportunity to look towards: [[Your escape|Shield10a]] [[Crixus|Shield9b]] [[The Crowd|Stands1]]

You watch as Crixus looks towards the stands, following his [[gaze|Stands1]]...

You see a regal figure standing in the midst of his retinue. You can vaguely make out his hand curled into a fist. But a single digit is out from the rest of the hand. His thumb is pointed: [[Up|Decapitate]] [[Down|Spared]]

You turn back towards Crixus, as his Spatha arcs through the [[air|Death]].

You turn towards Crixus, as he drops his Spatha in the [[dirt|Spared1]]

Guards quickly come and rush you [[away|Spared2]]

They move you to what seems to be a [[medical tent|Spared3]]

Months pass as you [[rest and recouperate|Spared4]]

Finally feeling better you are released from your prison and spend the night [[drinking|Start]]

As you prepare to: [[Attack|Shield6e]] [[Block|Shield6e]]

You feel a sudden wetness spread in your chest. You look [[down|Death]]

Looking around you, you see a battlefield filled with corpses of other unlucky souls. Guards block every exit, and Crixus is still approaching. You run: [[towards Crixus|Shield11a]] [[away from Crixus|Shield11b]]

You charge headlong shield raised into Crixus. He attempts to jump to the side and is knocked off his feet as you [[connect|Shield12a]] with his body

As you turn to flee you feel a shooting pain, followed by numbness centered in your lower abdomen. [[You look down|Death]]

You turn around and notice the door you were shoved out of has since been slammed shut. You run to the nearest exit, which leads up through the crowd. As you approach you notice two guards barring the exit. You: [[Attack the two Arena Guards|Dumbs]] [[Turn around to Defend|Block1s]] [[Turn around to Attack|Attack1s]] [[Turn and run a Different direction|Run2s]]

You continue following the arc of the arena walls to the next exit. As you approach, you see another two guards blocking the exit. You: [[Attack the two Arena Guards|Dumbs]] [[Turn around to Defend|Block1s]] [[Turn around to Attack|Attack1s]]

You watch as Crixus falls to the ground, and adeptly rolls back onto his feet. You: [[Jab|Shield13a]] forwards [[Slash|Shield13b]] forwards

And feel your sword meet resistance as it [[slides|Shield14a]] into Crixus's side.

As you lower your shield to slash at Crixus, he raises his Spatha in time to defend against the [[blow|Shield14b]]

You hear an animalistic scream, and watch as Crixus swings wildly at your torso. [[Continue|Shield15b]]

He continues the movement of his blade to pass into a killing arc. You attempt to leap out of the way. [[Continue|Shield15a]]

You grip your spear in two hands and ready yourself as he closes the remaining few feet between you. He raises his sword high and brings it down across your [[outstreached arms|Spear1c]]

You thrust your spear out in front of you, interrupting Crixus's charge and buying yourself some time to think. You decide to: [[Attack|Spear1a]] [[Wait|Spear1b]]

You turn around and notice the door you were shoved out of has since been slammed shut. You run to the nearest exit, which leads up through the crowd. As you approach you notice two guards barring the exit. You: [[Attack the two Arena Guards|Dumbsp]] [[Turn around to Defend|Block1sp]] [[Turn and run a Different direction|Run2sp]]

You continue following the arc of the arena walls to the next exit. As you approach, you see another two guards blocking the exit. You: [[Attack the two Arena Guards|Dumbsp]] [[Turn around to Defend|Block1sp]] [[Turn around to Attack|Attack1sp]]

You dance forward with your spear out in front of you, hoping that you may be able to break through their defenses. The first guard parries your blow with his sword, while the second guard thrusts piercing you through your abdomen. You slide off his sword and fall to the ground, encircled by an expanding pool of blood [[continue|Death]]

Continuing to disrupt his momentum you lunge forwards once again with your spear as Crixus turns to dodge your [[blow|Spear2a]]

You hesitate for a moment too long as you fail to notice the attack coming towards you. In desperation you: [[attack|Spear2b]] [[runn|Spear2d]]

You hear a resounding THUNK as your arms get pushed closer to your face. You feel the [[hot breathe|Spear2c]] of Crixus on your face.

As Crixus raises his sword to attack again, you: [[bat him away|Spear3c]] [[leap backwards|Spear3d]]

You step backwards and [[swing|Spear4c]] the butt of your spear upwards.

As you step backwards you see his sword arc through the air. Suddenly you see: [[nothing]]

You feel resistance as you connect with the side of Crixus's [[face|Spear5c]]

Crixus stumbles and takes a quick step back slicing his sword in a broad arc towards your chest. You attempt to: [[block|Spear6d]] [[strike|Spear6c]]

As you again attempt to block his attack, you hear a resounding [[snap!|Spear7d]]

You lunge forward with your spear, trusting your superior range to [[keep you safe|Spear7c]]

And feel a sharp pain in your chest, as his sword passes through your spear and lays you open. [[Continue|Death]]

In your terror, you: [[swing wildly|nothing2]] [[reach to your eyes|nothing2]]

Before you can do anything, you feel a sharp pain across your chest, as his sword lays you open. [[Continue|Death]]

Realizing your advantage, Crixus adjusts his trajectory and bats your spear into the ground, sending dirt flying into the arena. [[Continue|Spear8c]]

Before you can react, you feel a fist hit you in the face. You see that Crixus has dropped his weapon and is now trying to engage you in a brawl. You: [[drop your weapon|Spear9c]] [[bat him away|Spear9d]]

You drop your weapon and raise your fists into a defensive position just as Crixus [[throws|Fists]] another punch

As you attempt to raise your spear you [[realize|Choke]] that Crixus is too close.

As you deflect his blow with your forearms you feel a second fist hammer you in the stomach. You throw a punch: [[Wildly|Fists1]] [[Precisely|Fists2]]

He bursts through your defenses and tackles you to the [[ground|Choke1]]

You wrestle on the ground, but are unable to stop him as he wrangles you onto your back and pulls you into a [[chokehold|Choke2]]

You attempt to: [[punch|Choke3a]] [[struggle|Choke3b]]

You feel your fist connect with Crixus, but he seems unfased. You try to: [[punch again|Choke4a]] [[struggle|Choke3b]]

As you struggle you feel the grip tighten around your [[neck|Choke4b]]

You feel you fist connect once again, and the grip lessen. You: [[punch again|Choke5a]] [[struggle|Choke3b]]

Your fist connects a third time, and you feel your knuckles shatter with impact. You: [[punch again|Choke6a]] [[struggle|Choke3b]]

You continue to struggle against his grip, but it is locked firmly around your throat. You [[notice|Choke5b]] that you can't get any air

Your vision slowly [[fades|Choke6b]]

You [[gasp|Choke7b]] for air

You see only [[blackness|Death]]

But you can't raise your fist any longer. [[All of your strength has left you|Choke5b]]

As you jump backwards you feel a sharp pain across your chest. [[Continue|Death]]

You bring your spear forwards too slowly as his sword cuts deeply into your neck. [[You fall to the ground|Death]]

As you turn to run, you feel a biting pain in your neck. [[Continue|Death]]

He moves too slowly, as you feel you spear slice through his side. [[Continue|Spear3a]]

You hear him scream in [[pain.|Spear4a]] Ignoring the screams you strike forwards a third time [[Continue|Spear4b]]

Momentarily distracted by his pain, Crixus wields his sword in one hand, and swings wildly at your chest. [[Continue|Spear5a]]

As you strike forward once again, Crixus manages to knock your blow aside with his forearm. [[Continue|Spear5b]]

Without hesitating you leap out of the way and counter by: [[Closing the distance|Spear6e]] [[Throwing your spear|Spear6b]]

Reversing your movement to get inside of Crixus's reach, you are struck in the chest by the fierce attack. [[Continue|Death]]

In a miraculous display of agility. Crixus drops his [[Spatha|Spear7b]]

Snags the spear out of the [[air|Spear8b]]

Twirls and launches the spear right back at you. [[Continue|Spear9b]]

Without hesitation, you: [[reach for the spear|Spear10b]] [[dodge out of the way|Spear10c]]

As you reach for the spear, it impales you through the chest and you fall to the ground. [[Continue|Death]]

As you get back onto your feet you [[look to your left|Spear11c]] and see the haft of the spear jutting out of the ground.

Suddenly, you feel a large blow knock you back onto the ground. [[Crixus has tackled you|Choke1]]

You watch as Crixus disengages from you and eyes you [[carefully|Spear6a]]

With Crixus standing 10 feet away from you. You: [[Throw your spear|Spear6b]] [[Close the distance|Spear7a]]

You rush forwards at Crixus. Prepared he swings his sword in a broad arc closing on your head. [[Continue|Spear8a]]

You watch as he winces in pain, and brings his sword down too slowly. Your spear once again meets flesh. [[Continue|Spear9a]]

With Crixus now lying at your feet, you take a moment to [[look around you|Spear10a]]

In the [[crowd|Spear11a]] you see hundreds of faces shrieking and screaming satisfied by bloodlust. In the [[pit|Spear11a]] you see dozens of corpses scattered about, likely slaves and other dregs of society misfortunate enough to fight in the Arena. And along the [[walls|Spear11a]] you see clusters of guards blocking any attempt to escape from fate.

Your gaze shifts, as you notice a regal figure standing amongst a retinue of guards. You can vaguely make out his hand curled into a fist. But a single digit is out from the rest of the hand. His thumb is pointed: [[Upwards|Kills]] [[Downards|Spares]]

Understanding his intentions, you raise your blood splattered spear high into the air. And jab it straight down towards the [[prone Crixus|Kills1]]

Understanding his intentions, you raise your blood splattered spear high into the air. And jab it straight down towards the [[prone Crixus|Spares1]]

And directly into his head. You hear an exuberant cheer as the crowd is satisfied once again by the spilling of blood. [[Continue|Finale2]]

And directly into the dirt next to the head. You don't enjoy death, unlike the crowd around you. [[Continue|Finale1]]

You notice as a guard approaches you. "Congratulations, it is very rare that men such as yourselves find themselves living another day." "I pray that such luck will continue to follow you throughout your stay in the Arena" [[Continue|Ending1]]

Finally feeling relaxed after such an intense fight you watch as a guard approaches you. "Congratulations, it seems you have lived to fight another day." [[Continue|Ending1]]

You are taken through the exit that Crixus appeared through. There you fill your stomach with the finest foods, and quell your nerves with wine. [[CONGRATULATIONS]]

You have succesfully navigated the Arena. Would you like to [[try again?|Victory1]] Attempt a playthrough with a different weapon, if you have not done so already.

Reflexively you: [[Raise your shield|Shield16a]] [[Lunge forward|Shield16b]]

You raise your shield as his sword comes crashing down [[Continue|Shield17a]]

You strike forwards and feel sword meet flesh. [[Continue|Shield17b]]

Your shield splinters from the force of the blow. But Crixus has fallen to the ground from exhaustion. [[Continue|Shield18a]]

You watch as Crixus falls to the ground [[Continue|Shield18b]]

You feel a [[numbness|Shield19b]] spreading across your body.

Looking down you see your chest split open, your shock has subsided and you are blinded by the excruciating pain emanating from what once used to be your chest. [[Continue|Death]]

With Crixus now lying at your feet, you take a moment to [[look around you|D1]]

In the [[crowd|D2]] you see hundreds of faces shrieking and screaming satisfied by bloodlust. In the [[pit|D2]] you see dozens of corpses scattered about, likely slaves and other dregs of society misfortunate enough to fight in the Arena. And along the [[walls|D2]] you see clusters of guards blocking any attempt to escape from fate.

Understanding his intentions, you raise your crimson sword into the air. Jabbing it straight down towards the [[prone Crixus|Killd1]]

Understanding his intentions, you raise your crimson sword high into the air. Jabbing it straight down towards the [[prone Crixus|Sparedc1]]

And directly through his neck, separating it from the rest of his body. You hear an exuberant cheer as the crowd is satisfied once again by the spilling of blood. [[Continue|Finale2]]

And directly into the dirt next to the head. You don't enjoy death, unlike the crowd around you. [[Continue|Finale1]]

You raise your: [[Shield to block|Shield7f]] [[Sword to parry|Shield7g]]

And feel it splinter under the power of the blow. Exhausted from the effort, you see Crixus gathering his reamining [[strength|Shield8f]]

And feel as your sword is ripped out of your hands. Now helpless you decide to: [[Flee|Shield8b]] [[Attack|Shield8d]]

You throw your worthless shield to the side and jab at Crixus. [[Continue|Shield9d]]

Crixus slides to the ground, leaving a crimson streak on your blade. You take this time reprieve from battle to get a sense of your surroundings [[Continue|D1]]

As you turn to run you feel the air forcibly expelled from your lungs as you are tackled to the [[ground.|Choke1]]

You rush forward and feel a fist hit you in the face. [[Continue|Shield9e]]

Crixus has dropped his sword, and throws another punch at you. You barely manage to get your hands into a [[defensive position|Fists]]

And feel it connect solidly with Crixus's [[jaw|Fists3]]

And feel it meet resistance as it glances off of Crixus's [[undefended|Fists3]] head

As you trade blows back and forth, you feel as each blow that lands hurts less and less. You realize that [[soon|Fists4]] Crixus will run out of energy, but you yourself feel just as [[weak|Fists5]].

Without warning Crixus changes his tactic and tackles you to the [[ground|Choke1]]

Realizing how weak you both are you [[look around|Fists6]] for anything that can grant you an edge.

You spot a discarded [[sword|F1]] and [[spear|F2]]

Grabbing the sword, you wheel around and slash Crixus across the chest. [[Continue|Shield18a]]

Grabbing the spear, you wheel around and thrust it into Crixus's abdomen. [[Continue|Spear9a]]