<div class="floatleft">(http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs5/i/2004/345/2/b/Gladiatrixes_by_Ferres.jpg)</div><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 12pt;">The Streeatul, or Arena, of Takrin is where disputes are settled in the time-honored fashion by duelling.  Two nude fighters, chained by the neck, are led out and have helmets placed upon their heads, preventing sight.  Then, handed their weapons, they are to fight until one surrenders or dies.  The games are always a popular diversion of all, and when the games begin to lull, slaves are often thrown into the arena to fight, or exotic animals released to fight.  The fights only end when the sun goes down, when plays and other forms of entertainment are brought out.  When the Empress wishes to make examples of a mass group, she often has them brought out into the arena and executed in mass, or made to battle one another until only one stands alive.<br/><br/>The numerous entrances to the Streeatul means it resembles the Colosseum from Rome, a large white rigging overhead blocking out most of the sun during the day and during the rare rainstorms that strike during the wet season.  The combatants, however, must continue to fight in the sun or rain, which is especially popular when the dusty floor of the Streeatul becomes filled with mud and the contestants end up coated in a layer of mud.<br/><br/>To the west of the Arena is the Market (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=135879.0), where winners may celebrate by buying a trophy of their recent victory.</span>