The Coliseum of Ragna
The roaring of a crowd desperate for bloody entertainment echoes through the towering walls. The smell of blood and death assaults the senses. There can be no mistaking it… this is the Coliseum of Ragna. Above the cheers of an easily excitable crowd and the seemingly never-ending flow of blood, the Warrior Elite and the Prince Elect watch. And still above them, a massive statue of Ragna overlooks all, fed by the blood and bones of her arena.
General Overview
The Coliseum
The Coliseum of Ragna is the only major “city” in the region of Ragna, often informally referred to as just “The Coliseum”. While there are buildings arranged around the Coliseum itself, much of the city has become integrated with the Coliseum, building on and expanding around the massive structure. If one walks from the exterior to the heart of the Coliseum, the architecture reflects the times with more modern structures built on the exterior and the original building at the heart, built of the blood and bones of Ragna’s warriors of old.
Reminiscent of a traditional Roman Coliseum, the Coliseum is a massive structure, even if you ignore the various expansions. The arena itself has four massive tiers of seating that overlook an enormous arena that allows for large-scale skirmishes, battles, and even naval combat. At the northern end of the arena is a large, covered booth decorated in gold and supported by marble pillars carved into the likeness of men and women straining underneath the pillar’s weight. It is from this box that the Ruler Elect watches the battles of the Coliseum.
Along the 3rd tier of seating, various other boxes just out slightly and are reserved for members of the Warrior Elite. For example, Bonebreaker’s box is covered in gold plating and various “tasteful” bone décor pieces.
Large marble arches mark the top of the Coliseum. Atop of each arch sits a massive statue, each depicting men and women of various races in combat wielding different weaponry and/or magic. These are the previous Chosen and Champions of Ragna and her Coliseum, including the Warrior Queen Ralla, Prince Elect Endellion, and the founder, Princess Elect Venya amidst various other figures.
Behind the Elect’s box and emerging from the very foundation of the Coliseum is the largest statue, composed entirely of marble and plated in gold that shimmers in the sunlight. The statue depicts Ragna and, through feats of deep-seeded magic –believed to be fueled by the blood of those who suffer, fight, and die in her arena – shifts between two forms. When pleased, Ragna appears as a fire gansi woman with black cornrows that shift to molten lava, cascading down her back. Her eyes are a molten gold. She is dressed in obsidian black armor with gold plating and molten lava seeming to course underneath it. Her bare biceps are covered in tallies. When she is displeased, the statue morphs to an enraged massive fire elemental, poised as if it was going to strike and destroy the Elect’s box…
… and perhaps the statue has.
The arena itself can appear differently every day based on the type of combat it plans to host. The arena can be flooded, frozen, turned to muck, or mimic the harsh climate of a desert. Various features of the arena are known to move to provide changing combat environments and to generally screw with those in the arena, while delighting the observers.
Around the Coliseum
The Coliseum is embedded in a web of various buildings that surround its base and climb up and around its walls. These structures provide homes for pleasure houses, casinos, bars, and other businesses that thrive off of those entering and exiting the Coliseum. Further out, there are the makings of a modest town for the “regular folk” who call the Coliseum’s area of immediate influence home.
As the Coliseum is positioned along the Tuz’Haltuk River, there is a large marketplace and trading center near the river. This large cluster of buildings, tents, and stalls is somewhat separated from the Coliseum, though some of its buildings have been engulfed by the continuously expanded structure. Some of the Warrior Elite keep estates and other properties – villas, vineyards, orchards, stables, etc. – around this area. When the chaotic, intense, and often cutthroat atmosphere of the Coliseum begins to consume them, these “distant” properties are way they retire.
The Elect resides in a palace built up along the northern wall of the Coliseum around the statue of Ragna. There are multiple entrances to the palace, one of which is through the statue itself. All entrances, however, are kept heavily guarded.
In the Coliseum
The Coliseum is generally organized into three tiers: the Upper, Middle, and Lower levels.The Upper Levels
The Warrior Elite call the upper levels of the Coliseum home. Far above the dirt, grime, and death of the arena floor, it is here that the Warrior Elite dine, sleep, and mingle in various social gatherings from a casual drink to elaborate parties. Additionally, in small arenas trimmed in gold and lined with marble statues, the Warrior Elite participate in ceremonial combat reenactment. The Warrior Elite that are a part of the Elect’s inner circle and advisory board often occupy luxurious housings. Other members of the Warrior Elite have modest accommodations, though they are significantly better than what can be found in most villages in the region.
Various social halls are scattered throughout the Upper Level and provide a place for the Warrior Elite to mingle away from the rest of the Coliseum crowd. The social halls are easy to identify: beautiful wooden doors with golden trim flanked by two sets of obsidian dressed guards.
Beyond the doors is a large, well-lit two-story room. The middle portion of the room is open to both stories and lined with marble arches on each level. A large, golden statue embedded in a fountain – with red liquid – rests in the middle of the room, serving as a center piece for people to admire and linger to socialize. Those who wander this hall are dressed in finery, whether that be robes and gowns or glimmering armor with ornate swords and weapons strapped to their hips or back.
The Middle Levels
The middle levels of the Coliseum connect directly to the outer scaffolding of the Coliseum. On these levels – and expanding out to the additional buildings – artisans have built up workshops, storefronts, and living spaces. These include some of the finest blacksmiths (though the best can be found elsewhere), leatherworkers, jewelers, and various other craftsmen who sell their wares to the Warrior Elite, tourists, and the general population of the Coliseum and surrounding “town”.
Those of modest means who willingly come to the Coliseum to fight often find lodging on these levels. The accommodations are simple, but all of their basic needs are met. They are, however, required to demonstrate their commitment to Ragna’s glory in order to keep those housing accommodations and Coliseum access. This usually required regular participation in certain gladiatorial fights and other events.
Training halls are also scattered about the Middle Levels. These halls are generally open access – provided you’re able to get to the Middle Levels in the first place. Often, the halls have a “skylight” that ascends upward to the Upper Levels and even to the top of the Coliseum, allowing the Warrior Elite to watch the “up-and-coming” talent… or to perhaps berate those beneath them.
The Lower Levels
The lower levels of the Coliseum are reserved for the destitute and criminal that have often been unwillingly sent to the Coliseum. For those lucky enough to not be housed in a jail cell, the accommodations are generally squalor. The halls and rooms alike are both dim, dingy, and have a persistent smell of blood, grime, and waste. Guards regularly patrol these halls, often forcibly escorting “competitors” to the Coliseum to participate in their required events.
For many, the only hope of escaping the conditions… is a quick death. A lucky few, however, are able to ascend through the floor of the Coliseum.
Founding Date
140 YAR
Type
Citadel
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Characters in Location
Related Reports (Primary)
Related Reports (Secondary)
Ruler Elect's Box
Statues of Ragna Reference
Comments