Arena Variations and Obstacles (CGH)

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Arena Managers may place ramps, pits, traps, or other obstacles in the arena to add excitement to gladiatorial games. These obstacles may take many different forms and may be used in combination. Great publicity and promotion surrounds the scheduling of these special arena events. Some of the obstacles are created and used for specific games.
The only exception to the use of pits and obstacles is the Criterion at Balic. The floor of this arena is altered more than any other. Instead of adding obstacles, Balic uses the flexible configuration of the arena floor to accomplish these goals.
==Montare Loop==
The Montare Loop is an enormous set of ramps and roadways constructed in a double loop (figure-8). The roads and ramps are steeply banked on the opposite ends of the loops. The center, where the roadway crosses, is at ground level. This is where beasts, riders, and gladiators enter the loop. Different games are placed using variations of this configuration.
The two most popular are Cross-Loop and Loop- Race." In Cross-Loop, the combatants circle the loop in opposite directions. The first gladiator to make two complete circles of the loop in his specific direction wins. A gladiator may also win by slaying all opponents along the way.
Loop-Race is a contest to see who can be first to make a complete circuit of the loop a predetermined number of times. Gladiators use a variety of different tactics to win this type of combat. Some stand and await the foe; others (especially elves and montare) attempt to win the bout hy circling the loops and fighting the opponents only when they must
==Queens or Kings Pyramid==
Although slightly different in each arena, the concept is the same. A large, pyramidal object is placed in the center of the arena. The last gladiator(s) standing on top is the winner.
The pyramid might be greased with a slippery substance to make the ascent more difficult. Razor sharp blades may be attached, making the pyramid as deadly as the other gladiators. The structure might be trapped, or pressure plates on the pyramid's sides may release poison gas, flames, darts, or other dangerous devices. Beasts or creatures may be placed atop the structure to make the game more difficult for the gladiators.
==Queen's or King's Puzzle==
The Queen's Puzzle is different in size and shape in each of the different arenas, but the concept remains the same. A series of interlocking vertical and horizontal bars or platforms create a huge scaffolding that gladiators may climb over, around, and through. The huge, three dimensional labyrinth is usually constructed of bones or bram bletrees tied together to create the framework. Gaps are left in the twisting structure to allow the gladiators to enter and exit. Because of the open construction, combatants are always visible.
==Dritan==
In dritan landscaping, large quantities of sand and dirt are transported into the arena to modify the existing arena floor. Ditches, hillocks, pits, and defensive battlements are landscaped about the arena. This produces new battlefield configurations for gladiatorial conflict. New designs are limited only to the arena manager's fertile imagination.
==Mist Matches==
In these rare matches, the arena is filled with a magical mist. When the mist is created, it covers the arena floor to a depth no greater than 9 feet. The magical mist obscures horizontal visibility past 10 feet. Hence, the spectators in the stands can clearly see the combatants, because they are looking down through the mist. Combatants more than 10 feet apart must hunt for one another through the mist. Creatures greater than 20 feet in height are not hampered by the mist, as they are tall enough to see over the obscurement.
==The Pillory==
Slaves who perform poorly or refuse to take orders are locked into the pillory. The pillory is a set of stocks that trap the victims head and hands between two solid blocks of wood. Half circles are carved into the wood to accommodate the victim's neck and hands. One large block is placed over the other and locked together. The victim is then forced to kneel in the blazing Athasian sun all day. Trainers may stop and drink water in front of the pillory to torment the victims and aggravate their thirst. An individual may spend days locked in the pillory. Some die there as examples to others who might disobey.