Tantalus Quicksilva, 1986 The Universe - a History in One Volume by Albertern Einsteiniman Permission to quote from this exceptional volume has been given by both the author and the publishers Matthew-Long-Murray-Hamilton-Peng. It is still available from your local Unistore at just 3.5 millicredits. Date - 2537-3027 - The First Interstellar War and the Last […]
Gladiator
Gladiator
Domark, 1986
As the Roman Legions campaigned through Europe, the spoils of their conquests included gold, precious stones, works of art - and slaves. A process of careful selection by the slaves' masters decided their fate. Some were sent to the galleys to row for eternity. The beautiful were passed for the pleasure of the depraved. Many were destined to hard labour under the whip, creating fabulous monuments for the Roman Empire, a few of which are still in evidence today. But the "Creme de la Creme" of the slaved were set aside for their powerful physiques, athletic prowess and killer instinct. They were called The Gladiators.
One day in 54AD the quiet village of Massina was ransacked by the 13th Legion. After razing the village to the ground, the Centurions took you, Marcus of Massina, back to Rome where you were sold as a slave. Your Owner sent you off to the School of Gladiators and you knew that you must kill or be killed.
There is one small gleam of hope for your survival. You are told that freedom is granted by the Emperor to the top ranking Gladiator, if the price can be paid!
Time moves on to 56AD and your first fight in the Arena is set for the 15th April. The Emperor himself has made a special effort to watch you. The object of the game is to become the Emperor's Champion and buy your freedom. At the end of each bout, you are awarded points (or Eagles), but the total amount needed to buy your freedom is larger than your prize money, so you will forced to gamble on the outcome of other fights to increase your wealth.