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{{ | {{Building | ||
| image = [[File:Arena CityOfGreyhawk Baerald.png|250px]] | |||
| image = [[File:Arena | | caption = The Arena, depicted in the DMG (2024), on the [[Baerald map]]. | ||
| caption = The Arena, | |||
| name = | | name = | ||
| | | aliases = | ||
| type = Civic stadium | | type = Civic stadium | ||
| | | architecture = | ||
| | | floors = | ||
| | | location = [[Free City of Greyhawk]] | ||
| | | built = | ||
| | | destroyed = | ||
| | | owner = Director of the Arena, overseen by the [[Lord Mayor]] and [[Directing Oligarchy|Oligarchs]] | ||
| items = | | staff = | ||
| occupants = | |||
| services = Sports, fighting, competitions | |||
| worship = | |||
| quality = | |||
| price = | |||
| organizations = [[Guild of Gladiators, Wrestlers, and Professional Combatants]] | |||
| items = | |||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Free City Arena''' is a large coliseum and center for civic activity in the [[Clerkburg]] district of the [[Free City of Greyhawk]], hosting events including gladiatorial combat, holiday celebrations, and sporting events. | The '''Free City Arena''' is a large coliseum and center for civic activity in the [[Clerkburg]] district of the [[Free City of Greyhawk]], hosting events including gladiatorial combat, holiday celebrations, and sporting events. | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
The Arena is and large oval, bowl-shaped stadium. It holds eighteen{{csb|WoG|70|Gem of the Flanaess}}{{csb|TAB|98}}{{cite dungeon|128|36}} to twenty thousand attendees.{{cite lgj|5|9}} {{quoted text|Seating occurs in 12 banks of | The Arena is and large oval, bowl-shaped stadium. It holds eighteen{{csb|WoG|70|Gem of the Flanaess}}{{csb|TAB|98}}{{cite dungeon|128|36}} to twenty thousand attendees.{{cite lgj|5|9}} {{quoted text|Seating occurs in 12 banks of 1,500 seats each. All the seats offer splendid views of the field....there are three types of seats for sale. The majority of the seats are high in the tiers and sell for 1sp per day. The lower seats closest to the action sell for 1gp a day. The 500 most expensive seats are situated in the section nearest [the Director's] Palace. These seats are cushioned, shaded, and well-staffed by vendors; they sell for 50gp a day.|{{cite dungeon|128|36}} }} The expensive seats are centered along the northern long side of the oval of the Arena, beside the Director's box. The Director's Palace is just outside the Arena adjacent to the north wall (and connected by secret, private tunnel), | ||
1,500 seats each. All the seats offer splendid views of the field....there are three types of | |||
== Events == | == Events == | ||
A variety of events are held in the arena; it is not stricly for meleé combats. There are even "long-field sports" played on grass turf by two teams sponsored by local schools.{{csb|TAB|98}} | |||
[[File:Arena CityOfGreyhawk02.png|thumb|350px|Gladiators in action in the Free City Arena. ([[Age of Worms Overload|AoWO]] 2005). Art by John Galagher.]] | [[File:Arena CityOfGreyhawk02.png|thumb|350px|Gladiators in action in the Free City Arena. ([[Age of Worms Overload|AoWO]] 2005). Art by John Galagher.]] | ||
{{quoted text|In addition to sport and gladiatorial combat, the Free City Arena sees action as a home to militia and city watch drills. countless open-air performances. musical concerts. and holiday celebrations. At least once a year. guild wizards seal the field's two entrances with walls of force and flood the playing field allowing for simulated naval battles that draw observers from as far as [[Nyrond]].| {{cite lgj|5|9}} }} | {{quoted text|In addition to sport and gladiatorial combat, the Free City Arena sees action as a home to militia and city watch drills. countless open-air performances. musical concerts. and holiday celebrations. At least once a year. guild wizards seal the field's two entrances with walls of force and flood the playing field allowing for simulated naval battles that draw observers from as far as [[Nyrond]].| {{cite lgj|5|9}} }} | ||
Twice a month (fortnightly), day-long lethal gladiatorial matches are held | Twice a month (fortnightly), day-long lethal gladiatorial matches are held,{{cite lgj|5|9}} though for 170 years, they were not permitted. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
In the | [[File:Arena CityOfGreyhawk01.png|thumb|250px|The Arena, illustrated in the ''[[Age of Worms Overload]] by John Gallagher (2005).]] | ||
In the early [[third century CY]], the arena was built by [[Ponjes the Bull]] (the first [[Lord Mayor]] of [[Free City of Greyhawk|Greyhawk]]) as a means of trying to slake the "Oeridian thirst for bloodsport."{{cite lgj|4|4}} In the late [[fourth century CY]] (c.390s CY),{{csb|TAB|98}} the arena was "restored and expanded" because it had largely become ruined.{{cite lgj|4|4}} The joint effort between then-Lord Mayor [[Zagig Yragerne]] and the [[Grey College]]{{csb|TAB|98}}{{csb|CoG|70|Gem of the Flanaess}} used only the best stonemasons and architects for the restoration,{{cite lgj|4|4}} creating a place where "student assemblies, spotting events, pubic entertainment, and so forth could be held."{{csb|TAB|98}} | |||
After [[Zagig Yragerne]] disappeared in [[421 CY]], the [[Directing Oligarchy]] changed the operation of the Arena, and no longer permitted lethal combat.{{cite lgj|5|9}} In [[590 CY]], however, Lord Mayor [[Nerof Gasgal|Gasgal]] reversed this ruling, as an attempt to better deal with overcrowding in the City's workhouses. {{cite lgj|5|9}} | After [[Zagig Yragerne]] disappeared in [[421 CY]], the [[Directing Oligarchy]] changed the operation of the Arena, and no longer permitted lethal combat.{{cite lgj|5|9}} In [[590 CY]], however, Lord Mayor [[Nerof Gasgal|Gasgal]] reversed this ruling, as an attempt to better deal with overcrowding in the City's workhouses.{{cite lgj|5|9}} Lethal combat was always ''de rigeur'' in other privately-owned venues such as [[The Pit]] (a gladiatorial establishment in the [[Free City]]) {{csb|CoG|67|Folks, Feuds, and Factions}} | ||
There was a horrid attempt at mass murder in [[595 CY|595]], involving releasing a gargantuan worm-like monster | There was a horrid attempt at mass murder in [[595 CY|595]], involving releasing a gargantuan worm-like monster created by [[Kyuss]] (an [[ulgurstasta]]) in the Arena. Though it was stopped, the conspirators planned on sacrificing the thousands of spectators in the audience to [[Kyuss]].{{cite dungeon|128|30-62|The Champion's Belt}} The then-Arena Director, [[Loris Raknian]], was involved in the plot. He fled for his life, escaping and later being found in the ruins of [[Castle Greyhawk]] in the Tower of Zagig.{{csb|EttRoG|156-157}} | ||
==Geography== | ==Geography== | ||
The Arena sits on a small rise, approximately 30ft tall. The Arena itself is several stories tall and has | The Arena sits on a small rise, approximately 30ft tall. The Arena itself is several stories tall and has an extensive service level in the hill beneath it, containing holding cages for creatures, workshops, armory, and more. There is also a lesser-known area beneath the service level which has quarters for gladiators, training hall, etc.{{cite dungeon|128|49-55}} | ||
==People== | ==People== | ||
=== Notable individuals === | |||
== | * [[Loris Raknian]]—former Director of the Arena | ||
* [[Auric]]—Noted previous Champion of the Arena's annual "Champion's Games" | |||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
''See also:'' | ''See also:'' [[Age of Worms]] | ||
== Gallery == | == Gallery == | ||
| Line 59: | Line 62: | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
==External | == External links == | ||
{{External link disclaimer}} | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
| Line 69: | Line 73: | ||
{{index}} | {{index}} | ||
[[Category:Locations in the City of Greyhawk]] | [[Category:Locations in the City of Greyhawk]] | ||
Latest revision as of 11:05, 23 August 2025
| Free City Arena | |
|---|---|
| Error creating thumbnail: File missing The Arena, depicted in the DMG (2024), on the Baerald map. | |
| General information | |
| Type: | Civic stadium |
| Location: | Free City of Greyhawk |
| Demographics | |
| Owner: | Director of the Arena, overseen by the Lord Mayor and Oligarchs |
| Organizations: | Guild of Gladiators, Wrestlers, and Professional Combatants |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Services: | Sports, fighting, competitions |
The Free City Arena is a large coliseum and center for civic activity in the Clerkburg district of the Free City of Greyhawk, hosting events including gladiatorial combat, holiday celebrations, and sporting events.
Description
The Arena is and large oval, bowl-shaped stadium. It holds eighteen[1][2][3] to twenty thousand attendees.[4]
"Seating occurs in 12 banks of 1,500 seats each. All the seats offer splendid views of the field....there are three types of seats for sale. The majority of the seats are high in the tiers and sell for 1sp per day. The lower seats closest to the action sell for 1gp a day. The 500 most expensive seats are situated in the section nearest [the Director's] Palace. These seats are cushioned, shaded, and well-staffed by vendors; they sell for 50gp a day."[3]
The expensive seats are centered along the northern long side of the oval of the Arena, beside the Director's box. The Director's Palace is just outside the Arena adjacent to the north wall (and connected by secret, private tunnel),
Events
A variety of events are held in the arena; it is not stricly for meleé combats. There are even "long-field sports" played on grass turf by two teams sponsored by local schools.[2]
"In addition to sport and gladiatorial combat, the Free City Arena sees action as a home to militia and city watch drills. countless open-air performances. musical concerts. and holiday celebrations. At least once a year. guild wizards seal the field's two entrances with walls of force and flood the playing field allowing for simulated naval battles that draw observers from as far as Nyrond."[4]
Twice a month (fortnightly), day-long lethal gladiatorial matches are held,[4] though for 170 years, they were not permitted.
History
In the early third century CY, the arena was built by Ponjes the Bull (the first Lord Mayor of Greyhawk) as a means of trying to slake the "Oeridian thirst for bloodsport."[5] In the late fourth century CY (c.390s CY),[2] the arena was "restored and expanded" because it had largely become ruined.[5] The joint effort between then-Lord Mayor Zagig Yragerne and the Grey College[2][6] used only the best stonemasons and architects for the restoration,[5] creating a place where "student assemblies, spotting events, pubic entertainment, and so forth could be held."[2]
After Zagig Yragerne disappeared in 421 CY, the Directing Oligarchy changed the operation of the Arena, and no longer permitted lethal combat.[4] In 590 CY, however, Lord Mayor Gasgal reversed this ruling, as an attempt to better deal with overcrowding in the City's workhouses.[4] Lethal combat was always de rigeur in other privately-owned venues such as The Pit (a gladiatorial establishment in the Free City) [7]
There was a horrid attempt at mass murder in 595, involving releasing a gargantuan worm-like monster created by Kyuss (an ulgurstasta) in the Arena. Though it was stopped, the conspirators planned on sacrificing the thousands of spectators in the audience to Kyuss.[8] The then-Arena Director, Loris Raknian, was involved in the plot. He fled for his life, escaping and later being found in the ruins of Castle Greyhawk in the Tower of Zagig.[9]
Geography
The Arena sits on a small rise, approximately 30ft tall. The Arena itself is several stories tall and has an extensive service level in the hill beneath it, containing holding cages for creatures, workshops, armory, and more. There is also a lesser-known area beneath the service level which has quarters for gladiators, training hall, etc.[10]
People
Notable individuals
- Loris Raknian—former Director of the Arena
- Auric—Noted previous Champion of the Arena's annual "Champion's Games"
See Also
See also: Age of Worms
Gallery
Maps
-
The City of Greyhawk boxed set, art by Diesel, 1989. -
LGJ #2, art by Denis Tetreault, 2001. -
EttRoG, art by Mike Schley, 2007. -
The City of Greyhawk boxed set, art by Valerie Valusek, 1989. -
Dungeon magazine #128, "The Champion's Belt", art by Rob Lazzaretti, 2005.
External links
Disclaimer:Any lore presented through the following links does not necessarily adhere to established officially published content, and the views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the editors of this wiki.
References
Notes
Citations
- ↑ World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting (1983), p.70, Gem of the Flanaess.
- ↑ a b c d e The Adventure Begins (1998), p.98.
- ↑ a b Dungeon #128 (Nov 2005), p.36
- ↑ a b c d e Living Greyhawk Journal #5 (Jul 2001, published March 2002), p.9.
- ↑ a b c Living Greyhawk Journal #4 (May 2001), p.4.
- ↑ The City of Greyhawk (1989), p.70, Gem of the Flanaess.
- ↑ The City of Greyhawk (1989), p.67, Folks, Feuds, and Factions.
- ↑ "The Champion's Belt". Dungeon #128 (Nov 2005), p.30-62
- ↑ Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk (2007), p.156-157.
- ↑ Dungeon #128 (Nov 2005), p.49-55
Bibliography
Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free City Arena (City of Greyhawk) | Building | Arena, | The City of Greyhawk: Gem of the Flanaess | 70, 71 |
| Free City Arena (City of Greyhawk) | Building | Arena, | Living Greyhawk Journal #2 | 4 |
| Free City Arena (City of Greyhawk) | Building | Arena, | Living Greyhawk Journal #4 | 6, 9 |
| Free City Arena (City of Greyhawk) | Building | Arena, | Living Greyhawk Journal #5 | 1, 8, 9, IBC |
| Free City Arena (City of Greyhawk) | Building | Arena, | Player's Guide to Greyhawk | 32 |
| Free City Arena (City of Greyhawk) | Building | Arena, | The Adventure Begins | 59, 98 |
| Free City Arena (City of Greyhawk) | Building | Arena, | War Captain's Companion Boxed Set: Book 1 | 37 |
| Free City Arena (City of Greyhawk) | Building | Arena, | WGA1 Falcon's Revenge | 15 |
| Free City Arena, Grand Box of the Lord Mayor (City of Greyhawk) | Building | Arena, | The Adventure Begins | 98 |