Benacian pit fighting
Benacian Pit Fighting is a brutal team-based gladiatorial sport that originated in Shireroth and which has been maintained by the Benacian Union. It involves armed combatants engaging in full-contact fights to the death or incapacitation within fenced arenas known as "pits".
Urban and Rural Venues
In major cities, the fighting pits are often constructed as large stadia able to host other events like football matches or athletics. However, in smaller towns and rural areas, the sunken pit venues play host to more disreputable blood sports and theatrical performances.
These lesser rural pits fall under the jurisdiction of the Guild of the Lotus, though their raucous crowds and stench of slaughter mean they are situated away from the walled "Paradise Districts" where tranquility is prized. Diversions hosted include:
- Bear, bull, and badger baiting
- Cockfights
- Prizefights between men and women
- Freak shows
- Travelling theatre troupes (Cover for criminals and prostitutes)
In rural bailiwicks, it was customary for newly appointed bailiffs to present a bear or bull to be baited as a display of the governorate's munificence. The abundance of butchered carcasses from these events meant fighting pits were located near butchers' yards.
Origins and Martial Tradition
Pit fighting traces its roots to the ancient gladiatorial games and martial heritage of old Shireroth. After the Second Elwynnese Civil War, the new Benacian regime revived these blood sports as a means of spectacle, enforcing ideology, and martial conditioning.
The first organised pit fights occurred in Chryse in 1699 AN, with teams representing the military, guilds, and governorates. Standardised rules were subsequently developed under the Benacian Institute of Physical Culture.
Rules and Combat
Benacian pit fights take place in a fenced circular or oval arena filled with hard dirt or sand, with designated team areas on opposite sides. Teams consist of eleven fighters in four weight classes and roles:
- Imperator - The captain and field commander
- Armipotens - Heavily armoured front line fighters
- Velites - Lightly armed and armoured skirmishers
- Armiger - Weaponsmiths and equipment handlers
Matches are conducted in rounds, with teams fielding set numbers of fighters. Victory is achieved by knockout, surrender or having the last fighter standing.
Approved arms and armour include:
- Swords, spears, pole arms
- Armoured jackets, helms, shields
- Truncheons, flails, blunt weapons
The use of projectiles weapons is prohibited, even the casting of a spear is considered a severe breach of etiquette and bad sportsmanship.
Benacian Martial League
Pit fighting is an officially sanctioned sport overseen by the Benacian Institute of Physical Culture. The sport is organised the Benacian Martial League, which professionalised in 1731 AN.
Teams of the Benacian Martial League
- Chrysean Brothers (Chryse)
- Jund-e Ardashirani (Ardashirshahr)
- The Aureates (Goldfield)
- The Companions (Merensk)
- The Deadringers (Underwall)
