The Gallica Colosseum

The House Tollere Colosseum

The Gallica Colosseum was an arena built on the Gallica, a worldship owned by House Tollere. It was considered one of the greatest arenas in the Galaxy.

## Description and Origin

\*Build by Dorrian Shadowsun, Iron Knight

### ***~{Flashback / 6 months prior}~***

Dorrian stood motionless as the construction took place beneath him. From his floating platform, he could oversee all aspects of the massive structure being built. The swarm of droids scurried around beneath him, setting, carving, and placing stone as per his specific and strenuous designs. Archways, caverns, aqueducts, sensors, cages and so much more. All had to be planned and executed in the proper order or it would never work properly. So many details had to be accounted for and placed properly, a database worth of meticulously designed measurements and layouts all linked to the control ships in orbit that directed each movement in a performance of epic proportions.

Despite the number of droids working on the structure, it was slow going and tedious. Once already a section of wall had fallen and crushed dozens of droids flatter than a credit chip. It took days to clean up the mess and almost set them behind schedule. Luckily enough the droids could work day and night with little need for stopping, aside from minor maintenance and refitting tools. Entire squadrons of refitted droids roamed the grounds, from welding droids to BLL to massive walkers refitted to pull large materials into place.
Massive cargo ships brought resources in waves, ensuring they were never lacking replacement droids or supplies. Entire yards had been set up to maintain a constant supply to the builders and daily Dorrian was checking in on them to see their progress. Yards full of stone, metal, and various other materials were scattered around the construction site, each one containing a small army of droids that we're cutting, measuring, and fitting their pieces together to ensure a perfect fit once placed. The tolerances were near-exact and several miscalculations had already set them behind. The scale alone would have been daunting to most but this only made the reward of seeing it complete all the sweeter.
Despite all the minor headaches and irritations, there was visible progress being made every day and slowly but surely the outline of his masterpiece was coming into view. Few knew of the construction effort, aside from the Command of House Tollere and they were indeed going to be surprised, at least he hoped they would. Time and time again he checked and re-checked his design and measurements, concerned that it was going to either be way too large and imposing or far too small and inadequate. Every time he re-ran the simulations they all came out perfectly, except for the one single time that it ended in a massive explosion. Dorrian chalked that up to a faulty droid in the wrong location and quickly adjusted for it.
Time-pressed on and construction continued and a smile began to cross the Fel-Fire Demons' lips. This was going to be spectacular. This was his first major undertaking for his House and he intended on it being one to remember.

=== ***~{Present Day}~***

The day had finally come for Dorrian to unveil his work of art, a colossal structure of herculean proportions. With the press of a button, his platform raised into the air, and the holo-emitters hummed to life, somewhat effectively cloaked the structure from plain sight. Floating around to make sure all sides were adequately concealed, he gave the all-clear for his fellow house members to approach.
One by one they all arrived, carried in by ships and transports of varying sizes and designs. A special viewing platform had been set up for House command. They were the honored guests this day, all their hard work to make the House what it was earned them the VIP booth. Several other platforms were waiting as well for the rest of the House to use. They all took their places upon the platforms as Dorrian lowered down in front of them before speaking.

“Hail Great Emperor and Empress! Hail the Empire! Hail you House Tollere!” His voice echoing over the terrain.

“I welcome you all to the unveiling and grand opening of a long-running project. A place for all of us to test our wits against the most vicious creatures the galaxy has to offer. A place for us to hone our skills against one another in glorious gladiatorial combat. I present to you, in all its glory, The Golden Phoenix Colosseum.” With a flourish, lightning arched between his hands as fireworks were set off behind him. The holo-emitters slowly shut off, starting from the top, dissolving the illusion of piled rocks that stood before them.
As the illusion faded a massive structure began to appear, gleaming in the sunlight. Roughly twelve stories tall, the immense structure loomed before them, beckoning them inside. Built-in the image of ancient designs dug out of the archives, the blood-red stone seemed to glow in the light, a stark contrast to the tan sand and rocks that dotted the landscape around it. Archways and pillars lined the outside of the building, creating the appearance of shaded doorways. Statues of warriors stood illuminated inside each of the archways, glorifying the battles to come. The statues, made of steel had a stark, almost ghost-like appearance in contrast to the dark red exterior. Massive banners of House Tollere hung loosely from the ramparts and swayed gently in the breeze. Seven massive towers jutted from the top of the structure, each corresponding to a specific virtue of combat, standing an additional 30 meters tall. The massive power generators exhaust blasted through the middle of the multi-tier, ringed towers, adding an archaic, crowned appearance to the colosseum.

Motioning for them to follow him, Dorrian proceeded with the tour. Lowering down from the constructed platforms, they made their way through the main entrance. Ten-meter statues lined the main walkway, replicas of the Ancient Sith Lords of Korriban, each containing a holo-recording detailing their life and accomplishments that could be accessed via the terminal at the base of the statue. The walkway was paved with cobblestone and mortar, adding to the ambiance. Approaching the main gate led them to the next set of statues. Above the main entrance was a pair of statues standing nearly 15 meters high, made from the blackest of obsidian and adorned with gold accents. These were in the likeness of the Emperor and Empress themselves, to honor those that lead the Empire to greatness. To the right of the door stood Lord Solus, Leader of House Tollere, to the left stood Knight Gwinwyndd, second of the House. Spaced evenly around the base of the arena stood a statue for each other member of the House, with plenty of room to add more as the need arises.

Through the gate led them into the concessionary; food sales, vendors, medical, and the like were spread throughout this ring of the structure. The House colors and symbols were abundant in the halls. The eagle and laurels inset above every doorway and spaced perfectly throughout the walkways, polished to perfection and gleaming in the light. Banners hung between the predesignated booths, displaying the Red and Gold colors of House Tollere. The soft, gunmetal Grey of the floors and walls made the banners and emblems stand out that much more. Replica armors from all eras, past and present, lined the walls and walkways, displayed proudly for all to see. View-screens dotted the walls so no one had to miss a moment of the ensuing action. Platoons of droids marched in formation through the halls, ready at a moment's notice. All manner of growls and noises could be heard echoing from underneath where they stood, many creatures had already arrived and were waiting below for their turn in the arena.

On a separate floor, accessible only to members of House Tollere were simple, plainly adorned rooms for each member. A place for them to store their belongings safe while they trained. Each came with a protocol droid that served as an information link to the structure, providing information about the combatants that were currently in combat as well as statistics on attendance, creatures, and announcements. The rooms were simple enough, each meeting the requirements of the specific owner. Generally speaking there was little more than a bed, a locker, and a desk. Each room was however equipped with a small bacta station for healing minor injuries or burns.

After making a full circle they ascended up the primary ramp and out of the muted hall and into the main arena. They were greeted with an immense arena, nearly a half-mile in diameter and stadium seating, amphitheater-style. As each transport made its way to the main viewing pathway, he gave them a moment to take it all in. Across the arena from where they entered stood the Emperor's booth, a custom made observation platform reserved specifically for the Emperor, Empress, and the Council. Upon it hung the Emperor's personal banner, flanked and offset by the standard banner of the Empire, and lastly flanked by the banners of House Tollere. From this vantage, they could easily see all that happened inside the arena.

“This facility is state of the art and has taken nearly six months of continuous, round the clock work to make it a reality. Any and every known form of combat, aside from starships, can be performed inside this arena. Everything from the weather to the gravity can be manipulated. There is a vast array of creatures from all over the galaxy, brought in for our entertainment, and to challenge us all both individually as well as a team. With the push of a button any part of the arena can be altered to suit the needs of the combat situation. Let me demonstrate.” His voice trailed off slightly as the platforms raised up slightly to afford the group a better look at the arena as a whole.
Dorrian pressed a button in front of him and the lights began to turn on, greatly illuminating the area and seating. Pressing another button the floor of the arena began to shift and morph, creating peaks and valleys all along the inside of the arena. Only a few short minutes later the entire floor had changed shape into steep, difficult terrain that would be difficult for most, if not all, to traverse. Another button pressed and water began to flow from random locations, turning the already difficult terrain into extremely slick and dangerous. Cycling through just a few of the options saw vast changes to the arena, weather patterns could be manipulated, lava spewed forth from various locations, gravity was increased and nullified at different points, the floor even changed into a vast maze at one point.

“With little notification, this arena can be adapted to almost any form of combat that we know of. We can even simulate naval battles aboard massive, floating ships. I have an army of droids at the disposal of the House to help in any way they can, from combat to find the perfect layout to finding the perfect opponent.” He paused for a moment, taking in the grandeur of the complex for himself before he continued.

“Please allow me to dedicate this place to you all. My fell House members, my Brothers, and Sisters. You have accepted me as one of your own and for that, I could never properly repay you all. I will forever be a member of House Tollere, TOGETHER WE RISE!” His voice boomed and resonated through the complex as every droid, painted in House colors, of course, snapped to attention and saluted. ===