"For Wealth and Glory, honor shall be tested in the arena, with the Celestials as witnesses."
- The Overseer
Within ring Ymir, a large and imposing structure known as the Domus Aurea stands proudly amongst all the other well-crafted and rich buildings of the Capital’s innermost circle.
Its purpose ever since its construction has ranged from parades and celebrations, to gladiatorial fights and other entertainment events, some of which border or tread on the illegal.
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The colisseum features a single massive arena that offers plenty of space for fights and flight, large enough to fit larger groups of fighters or entertainers too.
Within it, there are four gates located at each cardinal point, and which divide the colisseum in atriums: North, South, East and West.​
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Above each atrium there is a booth for the announcers, equipped with a megaphone.
Information
Allegiance
Colors
​Banner
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Element
Trade
Founder
Leader
Heir
Founding Year
​Living Members
Location
Status
The Heartlands
Green and gold
The Overseer’s helmet surrounded by vines
Any (Aether, Nether, Mixed)
Entertainment and Art
The Dominus
Undecided
1142
92
City of Tears, Ring Ymir
Open
​​The seats of the atriums are located two stories above the arena, built in the form of a large oval staircase that allows for perfect visibility to the events taking place.
In order to protect the viewers and staff during fights, magical wards are set in place, preventing the elements and fighters from crossing what is essentially an invisible magical wall.
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The colisseum can host up to 20.000 guests, sat in a tiered arrangement, with the best placements being podiums, the north one reserved for the Overseer and his staff, and the south one being reserved for the most esteemed guests of the Domus, usually the highest supporters and sponsors.
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Underneath the Colisseum there can be found holding cells for prisoners, indentured fighters, or beasts.​
On the lower levels beneath the seats there are many rooms for staff as well as the infirmary, which may only be used by the Domus fighters or sponsored fighters.​
While on the upper levels there can be found the rooms of the higher echelons of the Colisseum, as well as the private rooms for the house fighters.
All of these are well guarded by the Custodios.
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The Domus Aurea features easy access to the Undercity through complex tunnels that are very well guarded, and which only select few know how to navigate.
Content Warning
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Mentions of:
Death, public executions
Forced labor
Drug use
Implied sexual and nonsexual assault
Trade of sentient beings and dangerous fauna
A lot of dark and uncomfortable topics regarding the past of the Domus Aurea. Nowadays things have tamed down thanks to the new manager, but there are still a lot of cursed topics to be wary of.
History
“Let Them Fight”
Founding of the Colisseum
year 1142 - year 1523​
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After its construction in 675, a dragon whose name was lost to time took upon the mantle of the first Dominus, quickly establishing a ruthless presence that high society respected and low society feared.
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The Colisseum became known for its extremely gruesome fights to the death, as well as illegal businesses and trading of all sorts. All funded by a high society that searched for "quality" entertainment.
Both the founder and future leaders had no fear nor morals, going as far as to order kidnappings of beings of all ages, and purchasing the least favoured dragons that were illegally sold and trafficked in the Undercity. The fights had no restrictions. And all of it allowed due to the corruption of the Guard which was easily bribed.
While the Undercity has a few small fighting arenas, the main one has always been the Colisseum, where individuals may sign up for fights in order to gain money with the bets placed upon them.
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“War Within”
In-fighting
year 1523 - year 1993​
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For 381 years the Domus would see no change in its programming and methodology, until the death of the fifth Dominus sent the colisseum into disarray.
With no established hierarchy beyond the bare basics, and no decided inheritor to the role, there would many fights for the role for the next centuries.
The Domus Aurea, back then known simply as The Colisseum would be jump between ownership by the City and a private entity that would attempt to be the new Dominus, only to fail as it was quite hard to mantain such a coveted position before being assassinated by interested parties.
Soon enough the role would fall into further disgrace, as much as the Colisseum itself which would fall into disrepair as it was used less and less.
With it's absence, the Heartlands became more dangerous, as high society looked for new ways to entertain themselves at the expense of the lower class and the least fortunate beings...
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“Under New Management”
The Overseer
year 1993 - Present
In 1975, a new individual would make himself known to the City publicly through the purchase of the Colisseum.
Now under the leadership of a dragon of extensive experience from the Undercity, the Colisseum was turned it into a semi-legal and far more profitable business.
The new Dominus brought with him not only coin with which to restore the colisseums' original glory, but also organised it under a new name and a banner: the Domus Aurea.
With his sharp with and intellect, as well as the right funds and contacts, it quickly went from the most infamous arena in the Heartlands, to the most famous and glorious way to find honor in battle outside of the army.
Programming
Types of programmes that can be seen at the Domus Aurea. Entry requires a fee.
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Main Events
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Gladiatorial Fights
TBW
After Hours
The after hours programs are mostly fights to the death or against illegal, dangerous creatures that threaten the realm and have been smuggled into the city.
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Minor Events
TBW
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Entertainment
TBW
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Parades
TBW
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Celebrations
TBW
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Exclusive Events
TBW
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Public Executions
(after-hours)
TBW
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Traditions
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The Domus Aurea went through a drastic change at first, starting as a legal entertainment center, then quickly turning to illegal activities that the previous owners would bribe the guard to look past. And these would waver in the level of gruesomeness, depending on the owner that century.
Now a days, the Domus is a mix of legal and illegal business, under the Overseers' management, and has kept very little from its old rules and habits.
Yet some still persist.
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Naming Convention
Fame only comes to dragons who show great skills and enough entertainment to the watchers, those will be given "titles", nicknames that reflect their skills in some ways, but such "fame" will only remain inside of the rings and the undercity that connects to it.
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Meals & Drinks
The Domus Aurea features a lavish menu for the highest sponsors of the Domus, while they offer basic refreshments to everyone else in between programs.
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Training
The instructors of the Domus are largely composed of members of the Guard or Army that preferred a life outside the chain of command, and thus turned to the Overseer for repurposing.
Their training regimes have all been approved by him, and test the mettle of all trainees.
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Element Differences
The Domus Aurea makes no distinction between Aether, Nether or Neutral elements, or even Mixed elements and even alignments, the later being one of the main reasons the Domus is so popular: it is the only place in the world where halfers can have a chance at "buying" their life through fighting, and those who can afford entry to the Domus pay a hefty price to watch their particular blood be spilled in the arena.
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Inner Ranks
Within the Aureas' ranks are decided by the Overseer himself when hiring new workers, gladiators, and staff members.
It is always based on skill, innate ability and efficiency.
Hirees may be forced into a job they do not wish for simply because the Overseer judged them to be fit for it the most.
Rank Determination
Ranking within the Domus Aurea is highly respected, as the Overseer carefully manages every aspect of the business within, while also taking everyone and their own lives into account, which lessens the impact of his decisions that are forced upon hired members.
The Overseer
Formerly known as the Dominus, the new formal owner of the Domus changed this title yet kept its privileges and tradition of wearing a mask and clothing that conceals his identity.
No one except the Overseers’ Claws and Talons know the true details of this figure.
The current overseer was a well-known crime boss that used the alias Shrike during his time in the Undercity. He runs all black market and illegal operations in the Heartlands, and damage-controls the crimes within the city, leading to a curious balance that has turned the City of Tears into a far more peaceful and safe place compared to years prior his ascension, as most of the crime is kept in the underbelly of the capital.
The Overseer can be mostly found in the Domus Aurea, but will occasionally take trips outside to deal with businesses in person, or visit other
He is easily distinguished by his golden helmet, symbol of the Domus Aurea, passed down from leader to leader... or in his case, purchased with coin from its previous starving owner.
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The Overseers' Claws
These individuals are part of the Overseers' most trusted agents.
They aid in the organization of the Domus Aurea as supervisors, as well as all other enterprises connected to it, such as their smaller arenas in the Heartlands.
While their identity and appearance are somewhat known under aliases and masks, their authority is not only feared but also respected, as they carry their superior’s voice and orders, having a close relationship with him and great insight into his plans.
There are a total of eight members, and are recognised by their golden masks of fancier shape, styled after the Overseers' helm, as well as golden claw guards on their front paws. Some may choose to also wear a pauldron and/or cape.
The Overseers' Talons
The enforcers Domus Aurea, who ensure the rules and laws of the Domus are followed by any means necessary, both inside and outside the Colisseum.
Their loyalty to the Overseer is unbreakable and undying, leading to many rumors and speculations regarding his methods of acquiring such devotion.
They are not below taking jobs of lower ranking members if the Overseer deems it necessary, or they themselves wish to undertake other tasks such as spying, recruiting, and many other illegal activities whose goals always align with the Domus’ principles.
Like the Claws, there are a total of eight members, but unlike them, they conceal their identities well, even from each other, using nicknames instead. Thus only the Overseer knows details such as their elements, age, mastery, and real name.
This has led to speculations that they may live outside the Domus as members of high society during daylight, while working for the Domus during night hours, since the Overseer has a couple of legal businesses, under which these individuals may be written to work at.
​The Talons are recognised by their golden masks of more aggressive design, as well as claw guards for their back legs. Some may choose to also wear a pauldron and/or cape.
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Wardens
These are the Overseers’ personal elite guard.
Their superior training rivals that of the Army’s best, which has earned them a feared reputation throughout the Heartlands as the Domus’ enforcer team, so much so that many speculate they have been personally selected and trained at a very young age for this single task.
Wardens answer only to the Claws, which sometimes leads to conflict with the Talons, specially when loyalty is put in doubt.
Wardens are often seen as ruthless, cold and brutal murderers, and this is due to how they are punished by the Claws if they show any empathy: they need the Wardens to be capable of doing what they are ordered, with no questions nor hesitation.
They are seldom seen in public, are very secretive and seldom speak unless necessarsy.
Answering to none but the Overseer and his Claws.
There isn’t an exact number to how many wardens there are, but they can be spotted at random, always wearing obsidian armor with the Domus Aurea insignia on their helm or shoulder guard.
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Praetors
Praetors are in charge of managing the Atriums in person, and oversee the staff and clientele of each Arena. There are four of them, one per each of the 4 atriums.
Praetors conceal their identity the same as the Wardens but it is not obligatory.
This particular task is given to the staff members the Overseer deems trustworthy and fit for the role, and is often considered a rite of passage to earn his respect if they excel.
Praetors are recognised by their black armor with golden accents and golden helms.
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Custodios
The guards of the Domus Aurea.
There is a group of Custodios under each Praetor, making it four groups per Arena.
Their role is to ensure the safety of all members of the Domus, including the staff and the attending public. They are infamous for being especially cruel should a fight break out. But they can also be tasked with guarding specific areas of the Domus.
Unlike higher ranks, the Custodios have very limited knowledge, and are composed of physically strong and tall dragons that are as intimidating as can be. They simply earn their coin and remain silent regarding their work. They answer to the Praetors as well as Custodios.
Recognised by their shoulder pauldron featuring the Domus insignia, as well as black helms and arm guards.
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Instructors
As the name implies, instructors are quite varied, and are tasked with the training of the Domus’ staff, including but not limited to gladiators and performers.
They are recognised by their golden arm guards and a medallion with the Domus insignia.
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Gladiators
The official fighters of the Domus, also known as House Gladiators.
They are extremely varied in species, elemental alignment, age, gender, etc...
(There are rumors that children are also trained as gladiators in the Domus but this has never been confirmed. In truth, any minors the Domus comes accross, are sent to orphanages.)
Gladiators who do not have fighting experienced can be trained by instructors should they pay for it, or have a sponsor that pays for their teaching.
But usually, these individuals are either the experienced soldiers or guards that need a way to blow off steam with little to no consequence, or the desperate that wish to earn fame and coin.
In a more rare manner, there are those who wish to gain honor through fighting, as it is often customary to dragons to settle their differences through overpowering their oponent.
House gladiators can choose if they are willing to be "rented" by their sponsor or by the individual whom bid the highest on the winner/loser of the last fight of the day.
Gladiators are often respected warriors who have a say in their own lives, a benefit indentured fighters do not share.
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Guest Gladiators
Fighters that sign up and fight in the Domus temporarily.
They do not have any benefits and depend solely on themselves or their sponsor.
The Domus doesn't interfere with guest Gladiators nor their sponsors, but it is expected of both to follow the rules. They are responsible for their own integrity and life, and are only given medical attention if paid for it. Upon winning they are given a share of the earnings from friendly bets.
If they have a sponsor, they will decide if they can be "rented" or not by the highest bidder after the fight.
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Healers
Quite possibly the most demanding role in the entire Colisseum.
Healers are in charge of not only the health and well-being of the gladiators, but also that of the staff.
Due to the violent nature of the entertainment offered in the Domus, they certainly have their hands full every day.
Their knowledge is quite limited, akin to the Custodios, and answer to none except the Praetors.
They are recognised by their silver armor with golden accents, which they are often grateful for having when it is necessary to step into the arena under orders to put a stop to, what usually is, a brutal fight.
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Announcers
These individuals are tasked with rallying the crowd, commenting on the events unfolding in the arena, and analyzing the gladiatorial fights during the breaks in between.
They are searched by the Procurers and the Overseer grants them the role if he deems the prospected individual fit for the task, with each Arena having two announcers.​​​
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Procurers
The runners of the Domus.
Mainly they are to search for new gladiators and inform the Praetors, but they also perform duties such as couriers, messengers, etc…
If they are caught however, a Custodio will be sent to retrieve them, dead or alive.
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Treasurers
Usually this role only has one individual, and they are tasked with the management of the Domus' finances, keeping track of bets, as well as individuals who are behind payment.
The treasurers can send word to the Wardens to "collect" their dues.
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Entertainers & Performers
The most coveted members of the staff, they are very dedicated to showcasing why the Domus Aurea is the first place in anyone’s mind when it comes to quality entertainment.
They are many and very varied, but even more so are their skills. From jugglers to dancers, to skilled element wielders that put to shame any and all Elementals with their ability to do wonders with the elements the gods have gifted them.
Musicians, acrobats, clowns, and more can be found in this rank.
They are all distinguished by their medallion with the Domus insignia, as well as golden bracelets with emerald gemstones.​​​​
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Guest Entertainers & Performers
They are the same as “home” performers, with the difference that they are paid a share of the Domus earnings for their performance, and may even be granted bonus payments depending on public reception, but are only temporary.
They do not belong to the staff of the Domus but are expected to follow their rules and laws as if they were.​
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Servants
These individuals are in charge of both the upkeep and the needs of the staff.
They are paid quite well and given a lot freedom to do as they please, as long as they fullfill their duties to the Domus Aurea. The silent clause however is that no Servants are allowed to leave once they are in, due to the risk of them working against the Domus' best interests.
However the fact they are given fair treatment and a legal job is often more than enough for many to accept such a condition, thus most servants come from unfortunate backgrounds, with the occasional high-born who did not like the comfort of riches and silken sheets.
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Wards
These members are considered gladiators in training, but can be any young dragon that willingly joined the Domus and has been approved by the Overseer to become a part of their ranks.
It is mostly a last ditch attempt to help orphans that despise the orphanages and would rather turn to crime, instead given various jobs at the Domus that do not put them at risk.
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Members by Rank
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The Overseer
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The Overseers' Claws
Isfreya - Alias: Juniper
Name - Alias: TBD
Name - Alias: TBD
Name - Alias: TBD
Name - Alias: TBD
Name - Alias: TBD
Name - Alias: TBD
Name - Alias: TBD
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The Overseers' Talons
Antares - Alias: Viper
Name - Alias: TBD
Name - Alias: TBD
Name - Alias: TBD
Name - Alias: TBD
Name - Alias: TBD
Name - Alias: TBD
Name - Alias: TBD
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Wardens
Cassandra - Alias: Havoc
Name - Alias: TBD
Name - Alias: TBD
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Praetors
(North) Arctius - Alias: Frost
(South) Oldrün - Alias: Sandstone
(East) Aquaris - Alias: Mirror
(Weast) Aaravak - Alias: Snake
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Custodios
​Leon - Alias: Braveheart
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Instructors
Vyranth
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Healers
Lawrence
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Gladiators
Hellion - Alias: Torcher
Borealus - Alias: Blizzard
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Guest Gladiators
Name - Alias: TBD
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Announcers
Suriyen
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Procurers
Khayn​
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Treasurers
Lawson
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Entertainers & Performers
Amirah - Alias: Robyn
Aurelios - Alias: Sunday
Ildari - Alias: Flaming Heart
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Servants
Zircon
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Wards
Voltir
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Sponsors & Public
The main source of income of the Domus comes from both the public that pay entry to watch the programs and the sponsors that pay hefty coin to support their favorite fighters.
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Sponsors are often masked individuals who conceal their identity while still paying and providing for their preferred gladiator, care that can range from purchasing better gear for them, extra training, extra medical care, etc...
They may also purchase indentured servants or fighters depending on the type of mark in their collar: two notches at the sides of the sigil and a ring, they are allowed to be offered upon.
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Watchers can be of any age, element, race, etc... what matters is that they have coin to afford entry and may even spend at large on bets that feed the economy of the colisseum.
Most of them do not bother hiding their identity unless they attend the After Hours programming.
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Rules & Restrictions
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The Domus previously had the basic set of rules, that the Overseer kept and improved upon.
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Deathless Fights: the Domus prides itself in being legal... as a front. Daytime programmes will always observe the laws and abide by the City's rules. However, this rule doesn't include the After Hours programming.
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Weapons: while most gladiatorial fights are hand-to-hand, there are specific fights that allow the use of weapons. These fights are usually only held when sponsored, and happen quite rarely, once or twice a month, tops, and only if the fighters have prior weapon use knowledge. The rules for this type of fight are slightly different, with the winner being declared when their opponent has been rendered immobile. Due to the gruesome nature of these fights, they reserved for the After Hours programming.
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Bets: a rule that is both a matter of etiquette as it is necessary for the upkeep of the Domus. Everyone who chooses to attend the Domus Aurea must place a bet, regardless of the sum. Otherwise they are forbidden entry.
However, placing bets that cannot be afforded will result in severe punishment, or even temporary conscription as a guest fighter.
Sponsors and guest fighters are exempt of this rule.
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Age Limitations: when it comes to deciding which gladiators fight which, many factors are included in the decision, not only expertise and experience but also age.
The Domus does not accept underage individuals of any kind under any circumstance, often sending them to the nearest orphanage. In rare occasions however, if a dragon is older than 16, they may be taken in by an Instructor as a Ward, but under the Overseers' approval only.​
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No Illegal Trading: a rule that is broken on occasion on account of the indentured servants and fighters of the Domus. Exclusive happen after-hours and away from the Guard's sight.
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Rulebreakers: the Domus has little to no pity on those who break the rules, not only that of the Domus but of the city itself. Specially if these rules are broken without the knowledge or consent of the Praetors or the Overseers' Claws.
The Shadeside
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The darkest side of the Domus Aurea is often referred to as the Shadeside, where all the illegal dealings are made, and where the Guard will not interfere due to their understanding that this is a necessary evil.
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Drugs
Drug usage and abuse is often a problem in a society where war and conflict runs in the veins of the dominant species. Thus, the Overseer took over the entire drug market of the Heartlands for the sole purpose of lessening the damage of something that, much like the fights and other crimes, he knows to be impossible to erradicate.
Thus he offers a safer route for those that wish to purchase drugs, and surprisingly to many, offers rehabilitation at the Domus itself, offering medical help as well as an outlet for addicts to have something else in mind via the controlled fights.
This way, the streets of the City of Tears became safer, and society in general saw an improvement, as all drugs were confiscated and managed by a single entity and thus not so easy to obtain and abuse anymore.
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Indentured Servitude
One of the remnants of the old ways of the Domus.
Either members of the Domus or outsiders, that for some reason found themselves in the wrong side of the Overseer or the Domus itself, are forced to serve until the end of their contract, which is often signed unwillingly.
While the Overseer has proven to be a much better owner of the Domus Aurea compared to all his predecessors, his moral compass is rather broken in a few aspects, and sees indenturing as a "teaching method" that avoids creating unnecessary bloodshed.
Indenturing is done and managed by the Talons, and they are the ones to decide the details of what the indentured shall do as penance for their transgression.
Their punishments can be anything, from simple menial tasks such as armory cleaning or upkeep of the Domus grounds, to serving the Talons themselves with anything they demand.
Indentured servants and fighters are recognised by the relatively fancy golden collar around their neck with the sigil of the Domus branded in it.
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Forced Fighting & Experimenting
Another factor that is less known is how the Domus may use prisoners and even targets whom have crossed the Overseer or the Domus, as "fodder" for the arena, giving them a chance at redemption through fighting to earn back their freedom.
​Occasionally, these prisoners may be purchased by sponsors and turned into Guest Gladiators, but this requires the approval of the Overseer or the Claws.
When fighters (home or guest) are indentured, they continue to fight in the arena, but they may also be put up for sponsorship where their rights will be null.​
Some, less lucky individuals however may be deemed beyond redemption, and are given as "gifts" to the staff, becoming nothing short of slaves or test subjects for the healers who double as scientists.
Location
Ring Ymir, City of Tears, the Heartlands.
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Other Arenas
TBD
Trivia
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Themesong: TBD
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Trivia TBD
Gallery
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The Domus Aurea
Clothing and Gear
