Some time later, the halls echoing with the raised voices and cheers of a crowd coming from nearby, the attendant came back with about a quarter of the contestants who left, leading them back to the waiting room.<br/>"Take this opportunity to gather your strength anew. If you need you may visit the armorer to fix your equipment. I need everyone who didn't fight yet to form up in two lines before me." then, once they did "Good now come along and fight well!" The little man led them through the stone hallway that eventually branched into two other directions, one probably the loser's exit or an infirmary for any serious injuries with doctors at the ready. Doctors, since the world was now lacking divine magic, used medicine and herbs to treat wounds. Much slower and less effective than magical healing, but it was still possible at least. Throughout the place were several guards posted to watch for any unrest among the warriors. These guards however had actual weapons on them, ready to put down a revolt if it arose.<br/>Heading down straight the main hall the group finally exited to a large chamber, lit with several torches. The floor was filled with sand here to catch falls no doubt and the arena was separated from the rest of the underground chamber by a dome-shaped cage. From outside the cage, beyond a wall of torchlight, hundreds of people looking at the spectacle of the lined up, armed gladiators.<br/>On a terrace overlooking the chamber was Gandrav seated with a woman Evelyn did not recognize, dressed in a fine gown and jewelry, the rugged looking bodyguard standing behind the host, and two female servants even further back, ready to serve wine.<br/>The host rose to a stand.<br/>"Now, the games continue with the second group of fighters ready to win our goodwill, and the grand prize! Feast your eyes on our best, both returning veterans and new challengers alike! The best of this group will advance to the tournament proper, fighting the champions you already witnessed in single combat, a display of martial mastery for our enjoyment. Let us express our gratitude and cheer for these titans of the arena!" The crowd cheered and clapped and several of the warriors shifted slightly, enjoying the attention.<br/><br/>The attendant who led them out to the arena directed the warriors to spread out evenly across the ground while the host continued his speech once the cheering died down.<br/>"Like before, these warriors will fight one on one, engaging one opponent after the other. Those who claim three victories qualify for the tournament and will advance. Pick your champion honored guests! Let the games resume!"<br/><br/>And with that, it started. It wasn't an organized series of duels... it was a free for all with warriors all over the arena, everyone jumping either the closest opponent or the one they could single out as the easiest target close by. The only safety from being engaged by a superior foe was to engage in a duel with another gladiator! In a matter of seconds, muscles and bodies strained, weapons clashed and battle cries rose to the cheer of the crowd!<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Fight!</div><div class="spoiler_body">Roll initiative! If Evelyn has an 8 or higher, she can single out a nearby opponent she could have an easy time with, and can engage a <em>Thug</em>, taking the first turn against the loudmouth. If Evelyn has an initiative of 7 or lower, she isn't fast enough and she is the one singled out by a Veteran, with the seasoned warrior taking the first move! While engaged with one opponent, attacking anyone else is considered dishonorable and means disqualification, so combatants will fight duels. There is bright light in the cage arena and dim light where the audience is seated. Based on actions taken, the crowd will have a reaction. They seem to generally favor the attack action, and dislike things like dodge and disengage, but regardless of the course taken they greatly favor dropping a foe to 0 hp. Once per opponent Evelyn can attempt to show off, making a performance check as a bonus action. Based on the result she can influence the crowd by making flashy combat moves, wardrobe malfunctions or any cool stuff of your choosing, but a low result on the roll can also work against Evelyn.<br/><br/>For quick reference, please include a spoiler tagged status on your posts during combat with Evelyn's current hit points, AC (which should be 16) and currently wielded items (sword and shield).<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">If initiative 7 or less</div><div class="spoiler_body"><div class="floatright">(http://api.ning.com/files/vMKNBukzoNR*8AZTELIy3OE-OCz1Zer*pWui5IyghBkKqJYRE6cmtJoAQ*uJKm9HDn1xlSPIGAkCXifY2y7UwmjYWwhrPZ2v/FG3.jpg)</div>The veteran charges at Evelyn and begins raining strike after strike at the lady paladin. He is wearing metal armor made to deflect attacks and is wielding a gladius in each hand. His first round of attacks score two hits on Evelyn, for 14 points of damage. </div></div></div></div>