The Red Depths [WIP Lore]

Deep below the Undercity lies a network called the Red Depths. Converted decades ago from dark, sprawling caverns to a majestic complex of brightly lit halls and walkways, it houses the most infamous and popular fighting pits in the Undercity. Its history is long and bloody, and inextricably tied to the criminal underworld.

Controlled by the Lavernai (the largest criminal organization in Velantis), the Red Depths entertain the masses in the form of competitive bouts. Though the fighters come from many walks of life—mercenaries, disgraced guards, exiled nobles, Undercity urchins—they all have one thing in common: personal debt to Titus Masarian, the Lavernai’s leader. Some remain indebted to him their entire lives; others are eventually able to work off their debt and retire.

As with all fighting rings, the Red Depths are an illegal activity to which the Velantian government turns a blind eye.

The Fighters

There are thirty to forty fighters in Masarian’s employ at any given time. Though the income they make is a pittance, most have achieved celebrity status on par with any actor, bard, or performer. Such celebrity can be used to trade in favours or to pay for food or drink at the local taverns. They are untouchable by Undercity society; threatening Masarian’s fighters is considered the same as threatening Masarian himself and will draw the ire of the Lavernai.

Gambling plays a significant role in the fighting ring’s structure. Fighters have known to throw fights depending on where bets are placed. If the request comes from Masarian himself, it cannot be refused.

Wealthy merchants or nobles from Velantis are known to pay a hefty sum to spend an evening with their favoured fighter. Due to tight control exerted over movement between the Undercity and Velantis and the ramifications of being caught, some wealthy patrons have personal (and illegal) portals that can transport them directly to private rooms in the caverns.

There has never been a magiani fighter in the history of the Red Depths.

The Bouts

Bouts occur six days a week, with afternoon and evening performances. There are many different rotations, including one on one fights, group fights, as well as battles with animals, monsters, or magical contraptions.

Fights to the death are uncommon save in extreme circumstances. Masarian has invested much time and energy into training his warriors, and losing just one too soon could cause a loss of profit. A host of brightwardens are employed to heal any wounds suffered during the bouts; they have brought fighters back from the brink of death many times.

The Red Depths are the main source of entertainment in the Undercity outside of the gambling dens and leisure houses in the red-light district. Entrance costs a crown and both food and drink are free, conjured or crafted by the Lavernai’s soulweavers and dustforgers. For the average Undercity resident, it is an easy place to get accessible good, water, and shelter, even if it means falling under the Lavernai’s thumb.

Development Notes

Calla Tormond is currently one of Masarian’s most prized fighters. The Red Depths will feature heavily in her introduction in Episode 4/Episode 5 (player choice dependent).

• Related reading: The Undercity