
                     * The Fighting Environments *
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In the year 2003, a new aspect was added to MELEE: Combat Environments.

No longer was dueling to be limited to the Arena Sands. Under the lobbying of
the Warrior's Guild, both specialized combats--like Blood Matches and
Tournaments-- as well as normal combat, could be held in any of the following
different arenas:

THE ARENA SANDS

     This was the original terrain, in honor of the traditions of ancient 
Rome upon which all combats were held. The Sands are relatively neutral,
favoring no warrior, weapon type, or armor type more than any other.

THE BEAM

     A stylized one-man bridge, The Beam was the first special environment
added to the MELEE Arena. Raised twenty-five feet up in the air, The Beam
provides only an eight inch width for the combatants to stand and fight 
upon. Below, depending on the combatants' agreement, could be sand, water
--deep or shallow and occasionally with sharks, crocodiles, or piranha--
spikes, or predatory mammals. In some combats, being knocked from the beam
could mean little more than a loss, in others it was fatal.
    The Beam favors Warriors who use thrusting weapons and wear heavy
armor. A large, heavy, strong Warrior will often have a decisive advantage
over one who is small and wiry, although experience can often overcome
disadvantages in size and poor suitability of weapons.

THE ALL WEATHER SURFACE

     This white, rubberized mat was introduced three months after the
Beam. Laid over a network of stiff leaf springs, the traction and rebound
of this surface produces the most exciting combats of any of the terrains.
It favors the wiry, agile Warriors who wear light armor and employ quick
weapons. Even less athletic Warriors can usually manage five foot vertical
leaps and double flips. Warriors who specialize in this terrain are breath-
taking to watch and often draw incredible crowds.

THE MUD PIT

     Introduced just last year, The Mud Pit is little more than a hole in 
he ground that is four feet deep and fifty feet across. It is filled with
artificial muck to a depth of two-and-a-half feet which makes maneuvering
an exhausting ordeal. A Warrior who specializes in The Mud Pit must have
extraordinary endurance and, ideally, a constitution that will allow him to
recover faster than his opponent. Combatants favoring the Mud Pit are usually
wise to wear heavy armor which can absorb the shock of the blows which could
not be dodged due to the impediment to maneuver. No specific type of weapon
is favored.


THE CAGE

    The fighting environment of the insane, bloodthirsty, or fearless, The
Cage terrifies almost all Warriors who can boast even a touch of sanity.
Only seven feet high, and with dimensions of eight feet by eight feet, 
combats held in The Cage tend to be quick and bloody. Obviously, large, slow 
weapons are almost useless in its confined space. Warriors who can withstand 
wounds that would disable those of lesser stature stand the greatest advan-
tage. Most Warriors choosing this specialty favor heavy armor and short, 
quick weapons. Going into this environment with poor endurance or when tired 
can be suicidal, since these combats are usually fast and furious, with no 
time taken out to regain fatigue.

FUTURE ENVIRONMENTS

     Currently, the Warriors' Guild is lobbying to add underwater combat
     and blindfolded combat to the current list of fighting environments.

