Gauntlet Melee

Gauntlet Melee is a local gladiatorial combat sport popular in Foratorra. The sport consists of two parts: a preparation phase and the fight phase. The fight phase is held in the famous Tower of Triumph arena in Foratorra, where the winner of the duel is decided.

Preparation Phase

In the preparation phase, participants spend their time to craft their Golden Aegis, beautifully decorated gauntlets used for combat. They are required to be forged by the participants themselves. A jury of smiths then decides if the Golden Aegis are worthy enough to be used by the participant in the fight phase. The goal is then for the participant to make a gauntlet balanced in such a way that it is heavy enough to effectively strike, and light enough to offer enough agility, while also making the gauntlet richly detailed. While the participants have a lot of control over the design and the materials of the Golden Aegis, they are required to be gilded: covered thinly with gold. The bar for passing the preparation phase is set really high, and only few are able and willing to create a masterpiece worthy of reaching the fight phase.

Fight Phase

The fact that only few of the participants are able to reach this phase only makes it more attractive for people all throughout Garfarr to spectate when duels do happen. Apart from the Golden Aegis being required equipment, fighters are completely free to choose how they armour themselves. Interesting strategies have resulted from this freedom, where some fighters opt for a full set of armour for protection, while others fight with nothing but a helmet. The most popular approach seems to be thick padded jacket with shoulder guards and a helmet, as it offers a good balance between maneuverability and protection. Fights go on until one of the participants can no longer continue for whatever reason. Only striking is allowed, and a referee is present to keep an eye out for illegal moves. Referees also decide how much ground time happens; when an opponent is floored, a fighter is allowed to capitalize on this vulnerable position and score a few devastating hits. As it is very hard to get up when grounded, the referee usually intervenes to prevent the fight from ending too quickly. Whereas the preparation phase is decided by judges, the outcome of the fight phase is decided by the crowd. Fighters try to put on a huge show to win over the spectators. Winning a Gauntlet Melee is considered to be a huge honour, especially in Foratorra.