Gladiators: A Bloody Beginning(IC)

[Whittington]

Gladiators: A Bloody Beginning

In the early morning hours, Lucretia Verinius prepares to leave her villa and venture down into Venturi, a beautiful Roman City. It is home to The House of Verinius, proper Roman citizens, slaves, a desolate arena and now home to Legio II, an elite legion headed by Legate Atius. Lucretia hopes to purchase gladiators that will carry The House of Verinius back to proper title and see the arena is full of crowds once more. Lucretia has procured enough coin to restore the ludus, making into an elite training school for the incoming gladiators. Today is the start of anew beginning for many, many stories will cross paths and diverge into one, ending either in praise, freedom, coin or blood.

[Whittington]

Lucretia prepares herself for her meeting with Legate Atius. When news broke of Legio II making Venturi their new headquaters, she saw it as sign from the Gods themselves. It is well known that Legate Atius has gladiators and slaves in his possession worthy of her coin. She disembarks from her villa, walking to the center of Venturi. The paved clean streets soon turn into streets covered in mud and piss as she ventures into the slave market. she treads lightly not letting her robes touch the ground. She arrives at the gates to the slave market, donning her signature red wig, waiting for Legate Atius...

[Lancearc]

Clennan Agor marched side-by-side down the stone paved streets that led into the settlement that could be seen ahead, he had heard the Romans call it something like 'Venture' or something of the likes. He had no desire to learn their language. It had been a long trip, and by now some of the slaves of races that were averagely less hulking in stature as the Celts could barely continue any longer, but were forced to when their ropes attached to the slave ahead of them were yanked, or the soldiers poked at them with their weapons. Clennan was visibly tired, but in good condition in comparison to most. His brother, too, was in good shape marching in front of him.

The Celt glanced down at the itchy cloth covering his chest, wishing the Romans would remive the cloth. It felt unnatural to have the war tattooes on his torso to be covered--Celts rarely wore anything over their chest, even in battle. He wished he was untied, at least. He would surely be able to crush the skulls of at least one of the small soldiers that had captured him and his brother. He had done it before. He was prodded forward again, and snapped backwards into the face if the soldier that had poked at him. He shared a deadly stare before grunting and continuing, having no choice.

They arrived in a stinking market, were peopke if various races were being examined by Romans. The city was far larger and more luxorious than the small settlements and villages he'd been raised in. "So this is why they are so weak." Clennan muttered as they came to a stop, being lined up in the middle of the marketplace.

[Cylarn]

The massive Legio II soon marched into the city of Venturi, returning from yet another successful campaign. The Legionnaries marched down the dirty streets, perfectly in step as they marched. What made this unit unique from the other Legions is that Legio II's men were all trained in various forms of warfare, not just Roman tactics, but the tactics used by the barbarians as well. In addition to the Hasta, Pilum, and Gladius, each man also carried a Handaxe that could be used for close-quarters combat, or throwing. The various denizens of the city gathered along the street as the Legion marched through, the well-maintained equipment and men of Legio II contrasting greatly with the citizens. At the front rode Legate Atius, an elite Legion General and Veteran. Wearing the armor of a Legate and a Legatus helmet, he looked forward as he rode on his black horse at the front of the Legion, along with his cavalry and the Legion Staff. Towards the back, several caged wagons carried captured slaves that were to be sold at the slave market.

Once they arrived at the market, the Legionnaries forced the slaves out of the wagons and formed them up into columns, spacing them appropriately and then surrounding them in a box formation. As this was carried out, Legate Atius approached Lady Venturi, bowing as he greeted her.

"Ave Lady Venturi," he said.

Alongside Lady Venturi was Cassius Lividicus, the famed Gladiator Trainer and former Legion Immune. He looked on as the Legionnaries surrounded the slaves.

(OOC: I'm gonna be gone for 2 hours or so.)

[Treko]

Adalwin looked at the slave market in disgust, it was a disgrace to be hear but he could do nothing, Romans legionnaires were surrounding him and the other slaves. The only thing that satisfied him was that he towered most of the Romans here, Adalwin gave a slight grin but it slowly disappeared when he saw the women that would be buying him and other slaves. As some of the slaves sat down and rested, Adalwin stood upright and looked down at the loincloth that covered his hips and genitalia. It was hardly embarrassing, the Romans had given it to him show off his muscular body and height but Adalwin cared nothing for it. As he stood he tried to get the smell of piss and feces out of his nose, it was hard, the smell filled the slave market.

[Lewina]

Medios stopped in his tracks as the soldiers surrounded him. His stomach was small. His former owner rarely feed him and when he did he only gave him scraps to eat. It felt terrible to be called property and treated as if he was a rat. He hated all of the Romans, even if his new owner would feed him more and gave him a better place to sleep he would still hate his owner. After all he would still be property. The only way he could have a high opinion of a Roman was if they set him free. And that wasn't going to happen soon.

He hoped he wasn't going to be a gladiator. He doesn't want to be thrown into a pit and be forced to fight. He never had to fight with weapons so why should he now? Although he was strong and tough and had all of the traits of a fighter he dreaded to be one. To be killed for other people's entertainment seemed unjust and mean. He had heard stories that when Greece was an independent nation they didn't kill each other for entertainment. Instead they had acting. From what he knew acting seemed like a fun profession one that he would like. Being a slave was far from what he would like to be, and so was being a gladiator.

Medios looked at the market. It reminded him of Greece. The only good thing about Rome was that it looked like Greece. It looked like home. But Greece was also Rome.it was ruled by the Senate and the Emperor. Which enraged Medios. Every night he dreamed of a free Greece. Where everyone was free and lived in peace. But even Greece wasn't perfect. From what Medios knew when Greece was free they had slaves. Well... You can't get the best of everything. And that was a fact.

[Galdius]

The smell of urine and feces tainted Ursula's nostrils as she was dragged out into the disgusting marketplace where she was about to be sold, it was different from the other marketplaces she had been sold in, it was busier and it smelt worse, she stood next to a hulking slave with a large scar across his face and by his size she quickly assumed that he was going to be a fighter in the area like her, unlike some of her fellow slaves, Ursula's ragged tunic was marked with a line of red paint to show that she had fought in the area before. Ursula long craved the cheering of the crowd and the glory, she missed the feel of a Gladius in her hand and she could not wait to get back in the fight pits, after all, that's what Ursula believed to be her true calling, to kill.

[Great Nepal]

Venturi
Procurator Augusti, Septimus Sertorius sat on his study as usual overlooking the usual affairs of the province. Usual taxation issues with few men thinking they could get away with paying four or five less coins. What were they thinking? This man would notice ounce less metal in coins by just looking at it, missing few coins was simply not possible. However, in this city trade was slow not much for him to do, especially as largest avenue of tax: slave trade was drying up. Well, it was until his assistant arrived in his study and said, "procurator, there is news that Lucretia is going to slave market." Procurator looked at the messenger and asked in surprise "Lucretia of House of Verinius? She owns a gladiator school doesn't she?" Messenger nodded as he replied "yes, procurator. I assumed you would like to be there personally so, I took liberty to arrange carriage." Septimus nodded in approval as he replied, "yes, thank you. Look over these paperwork of portorium while I am gone", he said as he gave the man a pen and entered a room to change into official uniform, red velvet shirt with bronze armour as well as shoes. As he exited the room, he looked at the man and passed comment, "just put notes beside the revenue of those that look suspiciously low. I will look at them personally." He continued outwards and to the carriage, which was drawn by two horses and had a man driving it with a man on horse left of carriage carrying banner of Rome. The convoy headed for the slave market.

Outside the slave market
The convoy arrived outside the market, and the man on left got off still holding the banner of more and stood on left exit of the carriage from where Septimus dismounted the carriage and walked to Lucretia Verinius and Legate Atius who stood outside of the gates of the market, waving hand to inform the man carrying banner to stay behind. Once there, he spoke "pleased to see both of you outside the market. I am just here to personally ensure everything goes smoothly and receive 2% tax for Rome", both calmly and confidently.

[Cylarn]

Venturi
Procurator Augusti, Septimus Sertorius sat on his study as usual overlooking the usual affairs of the province. Usual taxation issues with few men thinking they could get away with paying four or five less coins. What were they thinking? This man would notice ounce less metal in coins by just looking at it, missing few coins was simply not possible. However, in this city trade was slow not much for him to do, especially as largest avenue of tax: slave trade was drying up. Well, it was until his assistant arrived in his study and said, "procurator, there is news that Lucretia is going to slave market." Procurator looked at the messenger and asked in surprise "Lucretia of House of Verinius? She owns a gladiator school doesn't she?" Messenger nodded as he replied "yes, procurator. I assumed you would like to be there personally so, I took liberty to arrange carriage." Septimus nodded in approval as he replied, "yes, thank you. Look over these paperwork of portorium while I am gone", he said as he gave the man a pen and entered a room to change into official uniform, red velvet shirt with bronze armour as well as shoes. As he exited the room, he looked at the man and passed comment, "just put notes beside the revenue of those that look suspiciously low. I will look at them personally." He continued outwards and to the carriage, which was drawn by two horses and had a man driving it with a man on horse left of carriage carrying banner of Rome. The convoy headed for the slave market.

Outside the slave market
The convoy arrived outside the market, and the man on left got off still holding the banner of more and stood on left exit of the carriage from where Septimus dismounted the carriage and walked to Lucretia Verinius and Legate Atius who stood outside of the gates of the market, waving hand to inform the man carrying banner to stay behind. Once there, he spoke "pleased to see both of you outside the market. I am just here to personally ensure everything goes smoothly and receive 2% tax for Rome", both calmly and confidently.

Legate Atius watched as the man in similar armor approached. The Procurator Augusti was a good man, dedicated to Rome and its people. He was a friend of the Legate's, and had helped the Legate secure land to establish the massive Legio II fortress. He proudly saluted Septimus as he approached.

"It is a pleasure to see you once again, Septimus," Atius said. "Do you see any slaves you wish to purchase?"

[Whittington]

Lucretia walked up to the men before her, with her body slaves in tow. Before Septimus could speak, Lucretia butted in, introducing herself." It seems the God's have blessed us both Legate Atius. I welcome you and your men to Venturi. I feel you will find it a good fit here in this blessed city. It is an honor...a privilege to have a legion as yours within our city walls." Lucretia rarely ventured into the slave market and the smell of piss and feces was getting to her. she looked down and noticed the train of her robes had be stained with the filth. She looked back, glaring at her body slaves who were suppose to be holding the train. She quickly put a smile back on her face and returned to the conversation.

[Cylarn]

Lucretia walked up to the men before her, with her body slaves in tow. Before Septimus could speak, Lucretia butted in, introducing herself." It seems the God's have blessed us both Legate Atius. I welcome you and your men to Venturi. I feel you will find it a good fit here in this blessed city. It is an honor...a privilege to have a legion as yours within our city walls."

"Lady Verinius, I must say that myself and the rest of Legio II are truly honored to become part of your fair city," he said. "Truly, I should be the one who is honored, as you are allowing us a place to call home. My men are not only skilled at fighting, but as a Legionnary, they must also partake in labor. We will do what we can to make the city great again. The sale of these slaves is only a mere pittance of what we will do for Venturi. Feel free to take a slave for free, on behalf of my gratitude."

[Lancearc]

Howell glanced over at his brother as they were lined up in the market. They were both absolutely livid at this point, though his brother seemed especially sore about their capture. Of course, his brother and he were proud warriors, and it would make sense that Clennan be more angry than he--after all, his brother was rapidly becoming a renowned and important warrior before they were captured. Now, if they ever did make it back to homeland, it would be years from now, when he would be replaced by younger, stronger warriors.

"I can't tell if I'm smelling the reek of Roman arrogance or slaves." Howell commented on the smell of the market, looking over at his brother.

"Probably both. They won't think so highly of themselves when I pop their heads, tin cap and all." Clennan commented bitterly. Howell couldn't help but muster a humorless chuckle at the comment.

[Whittington]

Lucretia walked up to the men before her, with her body slaves in tow. Before Septimus could speak, Lucretia butted in, introducing herself." It seems the God's have blessed us both Legate Atius. I welcome you and your men to Venturi. I feel you will find it a good fit here in this blessed city. It is an honor...a privilege to have a legion as yours within our city walls."

"Lady Verinius, I must say that myself and the rest of Legio II are truly honored to become part of your fair city," he said. "Truly, I should be the one who is honored, as you are allowing us a place to call home. My men are not only skilled at fighting, but as a Legionnary, they must also partake in labor. We will do what we can to make the city great again. The sale of these slaves is only a mere pittance of what we will do for Venturi. Feel free to take a slave for free, on behalf of my gratitude."

Howell glanced over at his brother as they were lined up in the market. They were both absolutely livid at this point, though his brother seemed especially sore about their capture. Of course, his brother and he were proud warriors, and it would make sense that Clennan be more angry than he--after all, his brother was rapidly becoming a renowned and important warrior before they were captured. Now, if they ever did make it back to homeland, it would be years from now, when he would be replaced by younger, stronger warriors.

"I can't tell if I'm smelling the reek of Roman arrogance or slaves." Howell commented on the smell of the market, looking over at his brother.

"Probably both. They won't think so highly of themselves when I pop their heads, tin cap and all." Clennan commented bitterly. Howell couldn't help but muster a humorless chuckle at the comment.

"Your gratitude is much appreciated as are the rest of your offerings. Before me lays the future champions of Venturi , and I could never truly repay for what you have done. However before I offer coin, I would like to examine the men...and woman you have to offer." With that being said, she walked down the aisle of men before her. She walked the through the isle, stepping in filth and after viewing she made her way up to the front but stopped when she heard two men of the men talking. She turned back and faced the two men. The men were dressed dirty cloths, but it appeared one of them had blue tattoos under his shirt. Lucretia faced the man. "That smell is the reek of the piss and shit under your feet.....you there....I see you have markings upon your skin. You must be a Celt are you not ?"

[Lancearc]

Clennan frowned a bit as the Roman woman spoke. He was surprised that she used such blunt language, considering the elegant rags that she wore. Clennan nodded slightly in response, still maintaing his stone-cold frown and tone of voice as he responded slowly. "Yes, only one of the many 'barbarians' fighting against your great empire. I'm surprised that the difference matters."

[Treko]

"A feisty woman she is!" Adalwin said in German before letting out a loud laugh, he examined Lady Verinius with his one good a eye and gave a slight smile. As he examined the woman he noticed the two Celts she was talking to, one was covered in an assortment of blue tattoos the other one not so much. Adalwin continued to eye Lady Verinius for sometime before his eye trailed off to something else, he continued to look disgusted at the market before noticing the Celtic woman next to him.

[Cylarn]

"Lady Verinius, I must say that myself and the rest of Legio II are truly honored to become part of your fair city," he said. "Truly, I should be the one who is honored, as you are allowing us a place to call home. My men are not only skilled at fighting, but as a Legionnary, they must also partake in labor. We will do what we can to make the city great again. The sale of these slaves is only a mere pittance of what we will do for Venturi. Feel free to take a slave for free, on behalf of my gratitude."

Howell glanced over at his brother as they were lined up in the market. They were both absolutely livid at this point, though his brother seemed especially sore about their capture. Of course, his brother and he were proud warriors, and it would make sense that Clennan be more angry than he--after all, his brother was rapidly becoming a renowned and important warrior before they were captured. Now, if they ever did make it back to homeland, it would be years from now, when he would be replaced by younger, stronger warriors.

"I can't tell if I'm smelling the reek of Roman arrogance or slaves." Howell commented on the smell of the market, looking over at his brother.

"Probably both. They won't think so highly of themselves when I pop their heads, tin cap and all." Clennan commented bitterly. Howell couldn't help but muster a humorless chuckle at the comment.

"Your gratitude is much appreciated as are the rest of your offerings. Before me lays the future champions of Venturi , and I could never truly repay for what you have done. However before I offer coin, I would like to examine the men...and woman you have to offer." With that being said, she walked down the aisle of men before her. She walked the through the isle, stepping in filth and after viewing she made her way up to the front but stopped when she heard two men of the men talking. She turned back and faced the two men. The men were dressed dirty cloths, but it appeared one of them had blue tattoos under his shirt. Lucretia faced the man. "That smell is the reek of the piss and shit under your feet.....you there....I see you have markings upon your skin. You must be a Celt are you not ?"

As Lucretia approached the slaves, the Legionnaries stepped aside, and one of them followed behind to keep her safe. The soldier glared at the Celts as Lucretia spoke. Meanwhile, as Adalwin eyed Lucretia, Cassius stepped in front of him, glaring. Although the slave was somewhat bigger, Cassius had faced bigger men before.

"You will do well to keep your eyes pointed forward, Profligate," Cassius said. "Or else, the Lady will have them gouged out. It would be fun to wach you fight without sight."

[Whittington]

Clennan frowned a bit as the Roman woman spoke. He was surprised that she used such blunt language, considering the elegant rags that she wore. Clennan nodded slightly in response, still maintaing his stone-cold frown and tone of voice as he responded slowly. "Yes, only one of the many 'barbarians' fighting against your great empire. I'm surprised that the difference matters."

Looking the Celt up and down, Lucretia repiled with a smirk on her face. " Oh but the difference does matter. Since you are already such a fierce warrior, you should find no problem among your fellow brothers." She said looking at the others before her. " You may despise me now, however the Gods have placed you into my hands for a purpose. I sense you long for freedom ?" she asked the Celt.

[Treko]

As Lucretia approached the slaves, the Legionnaries stepped aside, and one of them followed behind to keep her safe. The soldier glared at the Celts as Lucretia spoke. Meanwhile, as Adalwin eyed Lucretia, Cassius stepped in front of him, glaring. Although the slave was somewhat bigger, Cassius had faced bigger men before.

"You will do well to keep your eyes pointed forward, Profligate," Cassius said. "Or else, the Lady will have them gouged out. It would be fun to wach you fight without sight."

Adalwin looked down at the man that had stepped in front of him and gave a smile, "I will look at whatever I want, Roman." Adalwin said in German as he gave a slight chuckle before giving the Roman one last look before taking another look at the Celtic woman next to him. As he finished looking at the Celtic woman, Adalwin looked back at the Roman, "I fought blind before." Adalwin said in German as he gave smile and pointed to the three large scars that ran over his milky right eye.

[Lancearc]

Clennan frowned a bit as the Roman woman spoke. He was surprised that she used such blunt language, considering the elegant rags that she wore. Clennan nodded slightly in response, still maintaing his stone-cold frown and tone of voice as he responded slowly. "Yes, only one of the many 'barbarians' fighting against your great empire. I'm surprised that the difference matters."

Looking the Celt up and down, Lucretia repiled with a smirk on her face. " Oh but the difference does matter. Since you are already such a fierce warrior, you should find no problem among your fellow brothers." She said looking at the others before her. " You may despise me now, however the Gods have placed you into my hands for a purpose. I sense you long for freedom ?" she asked the Celt.

"The Roman people are far less smart than I had them figured for if that is a necessary question. Of course I do, as do all Celts. The freedom to continue putting dents into those useless helmets with a good swing of a club. Why does it matter?" Clennan asked, eying the Roman woman. "Is this some kind of game you like to play to act superior?"

[Whittington]

"The Roman people are far less smart than I had them figured for if that is a necessary question. Of course I do, as do all Celts. The freedom to continue putting dents into those useless helmets with a good swing of a club. Why does it matter?" Clennan asked, eying the Roman woman. "Is this some kind of game you like to play to act superior?"

"A game ? Why no, I do not play such games with my future. You may not see it now but if you do not prosper, neither do I. If you fight well enough in the arena, then you shall see your freedom. Then you go back to your ways and putting dents into our useless helmets. " Lucretia said as she walked away from the Celt. She continued her way down the aisle of men and stopped before the lone woman in the group. Lucretia had noticed the red marking upon the woman's cloth, indicating she has stepped in the arena.

"A gladiatrix. Venus has blessed you with such beauty, yet you have see much blood. Is not the life for a woman. Tell me...do you enjoy your time in the arena.. among such savage men ?"

[Galdius]

"I live for it, I crave the cheers of the crowd, the feel of a Gladius in my hand, the moment of silence before I strike my opponent down." she said slowly in fluent Latin, keeping eye contact with the woman.

[Whittington]

"I live for it, I crave the cheers of the crowd, the feel of a Gladius in my hand, the moment of silence before I strike my opponent down." she said slowly in fluent Latin, keeping eye contact with the woman.

"It is nice to see a woman of such strength. I feel you shall see your fair share of blood upon the sands. Now, you may be singled out upon the men while in the ludus. Do you wish for separate sleeping quarters ? These words will only fall from mouth once. So speak now or forever lose chance." Lucretia said.

[Galdius]

"I live for it, I crave the cheers of the crowd, the feel of a Gladius in my hand, the moment of silence before I strike my opponent down." she said slowly in fluent Latin, keeping eye contact with the woman.

"It is nice to see a woman of such strength. I feel you shall see your fair share of blood upon the sands. Now, you may be singled out upon the men while in the ludus. Do you wish for separate sleeping quarters ? These words will only fall from mouth once. So speak now or forever lose chance." Lucretia said.

"I accept, thank you." with a slight smile on her face, she continued to keep eye contact, she was more than grateful for Lucretia kindness.

[Cylarn]

As Lucretia approached the slaves, the Legionnaries stepped aside, and one of them followed behind to keep her safe. The soldier glared at the Celts as Lucretia spoke. Meanwhile, as Adalwin eyed Lucretia, Cassius stepped in front of him, glaring. Although the slave was somewhat bigger, Cassius had faced bigger men before.

"You will do well to keep your eyes pointed forward, Profligate," Cassius said. "Or else, the Lady will have them gouged out. It would be fun to wach you fight without sight."

Adalwin looked down at the man that had stepped in front of him and gave a smile, "I will look at whatever I want, Roman." Adalwin said in German as he gave a slight chuckle before giving the Roman one last look before taking another look at the Celtic woman next to him. As he finished looking at the Celtic woman, Adalwin looked back at the Roman, "I fought blind before." Adalwin said in German as he gave smile and pointed to the three large scars that ran over his milky right eye.

"This isn't over, slave," Cassius said. "If Lucretia purchases you, I will destroy you."

Cassius then observed the rest of the slaves, his hand on the head of his handaxe as he looked them over. He then walked over to Legate Atius and stood by the officer, watching the slaves.

[Whittington]

"The it will be done. I would rather you travel with me back to the ludus when we depart from the market. go up to the front with the Legate, I will fetch you when I'm done here"

Lucretia continued her way down the aisle, examining her new gladiators. She saw man in the back and made her way to him. The man was not as tall as the Celts but it seemed like he could hold his own among the others. She looked the man up and down, studying his face. She spoke, placing her hand upon his shoulder. " Your eyes remind of the sea, yet they look heavy, full of worry. If you have concerns, have them be addressed now." Lucretia said in a soft tone.