Editing Solaris Games

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−	* '''Class One - Exoskeleton''': Duels in Class One are lost or won more by the usage of creative tactics than raw firepower.<ref name=CBMapp13>''MapPack: Solaris VII'', p. 13: "Arena Classes"</ref>	+	* '''Class One - Exoskeleton''': Duels in Class One are lost or won more by the usage of creative tactics than raw firepower.<ref name=CBMapp13>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', p. 13: "Arena Classes"</ref>
	* '''Class Two - Light 'Mechs''': Duels in Class Two are often stunningly fast and savage, where maneuverability usually carries the day.<ref name=CBMapp13/>		* '''Class Two - Light 'Mechs''': Duels in Class Two are often stunningly fast and savage, where maneuverability usually carries the day.<ref name=CBMapp13/>
	* '''Class Three - Medium 'Mechs''': Duels in Class Three usually provide an excellent balance between speed and firepower, balance and tactics.<ref name=CBMapp13/>		* '''Class Three - Medium 'Mechs''': Duels in Class Three usually provide an excellent balance between speed and firepower, balance and tactics.<ref name=CBMapp13/>
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	<br><u>Special Rule: Weapons Dead</u><br>		<br><u>Special Rule: Weapons Dead</u><br>
−	When all the contenders agree to fight under ''Weapons Dead'' rules (instead of ''Weapons Live''), all the ranged weapons are rendered inoperative and the battle is fought only using melee combat. The ammunition bins might nevertheless be left loaded for devastating yet crowd-pleasing effects during the battle.<ref name=CBMapp38>''MapPack: Solaris VII'', p. 38: "Scenario Types - Weapons Dead"</ref>	+	When all the contenders agree to fight under ''Weapons Dead'' rules (instead of ''Weapons Live''), all the ranged weapons are rendered inoperative and the battle is fought only using melee combat. The ammunition bins might nevertheless be left loaded for devastating yet crowd-pleasing effects during the battle.<ref name=CBMapp38>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', p. 38: "Scenario Types - Weapons Dead"</ref>
	<br><u>Surrender</u><br>		<br><u>Surrender</u><br>
−	Though most matches are fought until one team is destroyed or crippled, there are cases when MechWarriors or Stables are eager to avoid the total loss of their machines and surrender once they absorb enough damage. A surrender is broadcast on a general Arena frequency that can be picked up by the opponent's machine, and it is accompanied by the firing of a ''surrender flare'' for the benefit of the audience.<ref name=CBMapp45>''MapPack: Solaris VII'', p. 45: "Rules - Arenas"</ref>	+	Though most matches are fought until one team is destroyed or crippled, there are cases when MechWarriors or Stables are eager to avoid the total loss of their machines and surrender once they absorb enough damage. A surrender is broadcast on a general Arena frequency that can be picked up by the opponent's machine, and it is accompanied by the firing of a ''surrender flare'' for the benefit of the audience.<ref name=CBMapp45>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', p. 45: "Rules - Arenas"</ref>
	===Grand Tournament===		===Grand Tournament===
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	====Single matches====		====Single matches====
−	This is the most popular form of combat in Solaris. The goal is simply to be the last unit on the field and under its own power at the end, hence they are fought until one combatant is destroyed, disabled or surrenders.<ref name=CBMapp38a>''MapPack: Solaris VII'', p. 38: "Single Duels"</ref>	+	This is the most popular form of combat in Solaris. The goal is simply to be the last unit on the field and under its own power at the end, hence they are fought until one combatant is destroyed, disabled or surrenders.<ref name=CBMapp38a>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', p. 38: "Single Duels"</ref>
	<br>		<br>
	=====Challenge matches=====		=====Challenge matches=====
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	====Free-For-All (Grand Melee)====		====Free-For-All (Grand Melee)====
−	A free-for-all match (often referred as Grand Melee) is a form of combat that involves anywhere from three to six sides, each consisting of one MechWarrior. Each side battles all the other contenders until only one warrior is in control of the field.<ref name=CBMapp38b>''MapPack: Solaris VII'', p. 38: "Free-For-All (Grand Melee)"</ref>	+	A free-for-all match (often referred as Grand Melee) is a form of combat that involves anywhere from three to six sides, each consisting of one MechWarrior. Each side battles all the other contenders until only one warrior is in control of the field.<ref name=CBMapp38b>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', p. 38: "Free-For-All (Grand Melee)"</ref>
	[[Freak Show Entertainment]] was known to organize these kind of combats.<ref name="LR"/>		[[Freak Show Entertainment]] was known to organize these kind of combats.<ref name="LR"/>
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	In these kind of matches, two to four teams fight in pairs or [[Lance]]s of 'Mechs of different stables, doing battle until only one team is left standing. Sometimes the fighters do not belong to any stable, but are just a ''[[:Category:Dueling Teams|Team]]''. The organization of these matches requires that all teams contain the same number of units, of roughly the same technology level and weight classes.		In these kind of matches, two to four teams fight in pairs or [[Lance]]s of 'Mechs of different stables, doing battle until only one team is left standing. Sometimes the fighters do not belong to any stable, but are just a ''[[:Category:Dueling Teams|Team]]''. The organization of these matches requires that all teams contain the same number of units, of roughly the same technology level and weight classes.
−	The most typical example of a Team Match is one team versus another team. Though not as common, matches involving more than two sides can easily escalate into large-scale free-for-all fights.<ref name=CBMapp38c>''MapPack: Solaris VII'', p. 38: "Team Match"</ref>	+	The most typical example of a Team Match is one team versus another team. Though not as common, matches involving more than two sides can easily escalate into large-scale free-for-all fights.<ref name=CBMapp38c>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', p. 38: "Team Match"</ref>
	====Tag Team matches====		====Tag Team matches====
−	These kinds of matches were popularized by the O'Bannon sisters. These are a type of Team Match that pits two teams of two to four MechWarriors each against one another. Only one MechWarrior from a team may fight at a time. The other remains in the starting area until ''tagged'' by his or her partner or the current fighter is destroyed, disabled or surrenders, when the next fighter becomes ''active''. A unit can be activated up to three times. Final victory goes to the team with the final active contender.<ref name=CBMapp38d>''MapPack: Solaris VII'', p. 38: "Tag Team Match"</ref>	+	These kinds of matches were popularized by the O'Bannon sisters. These are a type of Team Match that pits two teams of two to four MechWarriors each against one another. Only one MechWarrior from a team may fight at a time. The other remains in the starting area until ''tagged'' by his or her partner or the current fighter is destroyed, disabled or surrenders, when the next fighter becomes ''active''. A unit can be activated up to three times. Final victory goes to the team with the final active contender.<ref name=CBMapp38d>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', p. 38: "Tag Team Match"</ref>
	As of [[3053]] no official tournament has approved this kind of match, but these fights delight the crowds and only time will tell if this style will become more officially acceptable.<ref name=SGW-GMBp14>''Solaris VII: The Game World – Gamemaster's Book'', p. 14: "Tag Team Matches"</ref>		As of [[3053]] no official tournament has approved this kind of match, but these fights delight the crowds and only time will tell if this style will become more officially acceptable.<ref name=SGW-GMBp14>''Solaris VII: The Game World – Gamemaster's Book'', p. 14: "Tag Team Matches"</ref>
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	This type of Match evolved while trying to bring Tactics into the Games by giving the combatants an objective other than blasting away at his enemy's armor.		This type of Match evolved while trying to bring Tactics into the Games by giving the combatants an objective other than blasting away at his enemy's armor.
−	One marker is placed at each team's start point, and to win one side must capture all markers from its opponents and carry them back to their starting point while still having their own flag there. Markers are electronic beacons rather than actual flags and can be "picked up" regardless of the unit having hand actuators or not. The unit must then get safely back to its home designation point. The marker cannot be lost in transit unless the unit is destroyed, disabled, or surrenders, and in such a case, the "flag" falls to the place where the 'Mech ''falls''.<ref name=CBMapp39>''MapPack: Solaris VII'', p. 39: "Flag Captures"</ref>	+	One marker is placed at each team's start point, and to win one side must capture all markers from its opponents and carry them back to their starting point while still having their own flag there. Markers are electronic beacons rather than actual flags and can be "picked up" regardless of the unit having hand actuators or not. The unit must then get safely back to its home designation point. The marker cannot be lost in transit unless the unit is destroyed, disabled, or surrenders, and in such a case, the "flag" falls to the place where the 'Mech ''falls''.<ref name=CBMapp39>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', p. 39: "Flag Captures"</ref>
	===='Mech-scaled sports====		===='Mech-scaled sports====
−	Emphasizing piloting skills and machine performance over brute force and firepower, 'Mech scaled Sports like football and hockey provide an entertaining diversion from the relentless savagery of the circuit Games.<ref name=CBMapp17>''MapPack: Solaris VII'', p. 17: "And all the Games in Between!"</ref>	+	Emphasizing piloting skills and machine performance over brute force and firepower, 'Mech scaled Sports like football and hockey provide an entertaining diversion from the relentless savagery of the circuit Games.<ref name=CBMapp17>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', p. 17: "And all the Games in Between!"</ref>
	These games are not as famous as the [[Noisiel Games]] fought in [[Noisiel]], however.{{cn}}		These games are not as famous as the [[Noisiel Games]] fought in [[Noisiel]], however.{{cn}}
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	Tank Derbies have found a cult following in the open arenas in [[Roland Fields]]. In these matches heavily armored tanks duke it out with live ammunition using both weapons fire and ramming attacks to win glory and a purse. Matches are fought until one side ends up immobilized or a fight judge declares enough damage has been done to render the vehicle "tactically killed". With these rules and the banning of incendiary weapons, there is an effort to give the crews a better chance of survival, though these precautions aren't always enough.		Tank Derbies have found a cult following in the open arenas in [[Roland Fields]]. In these matches heavily armored tanks duke it out with live ammunition using both weapons fire and ramming attacks to win glory and a purse. Matches are fought until one side ends up immobilized or a fight judge declares enough damage has been done to render the vehicle "tactically killed". With these rules and the banning of incendiary weapons, there is an effort to give the crews a better chance of survival, though these precautions aren't always enough.
−	Even with these restrictions, the brutality and high risk of the Tank Derbies never fails to keep fans screaming for more.<ref name=CBMapp16-17>''MapPack: Solaris VII'', pp. 16–17: "Non-BattleMech Venues"</ref>	+	Even with these restrictions, the brutality and high risk of the Tank Derbies never fails to keep fans screaming for more.<ref name=CBMapp16-17>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', pp. 16–17: "Non-BattleMech Venues"</ref>
	====Race/Gauntlet match====		====Race/Gauntlet match====
	These matches pit two or more contestants against each other with a limited amount of time to proceed through a series of preset battlefield navigation points while other opponents attempt to thwart them. The competing units are chosen for identical performance profiles, which leaves the skill of the pilots as the key to winning the race. Some arenas that sponsor these type of races are known to add minefields and other booby traps for added effect.		These matches pit two or more contestants against each other with a limited amount of time to proceed through a series of preset battlefield navigation points while other opponents attempt to thwart them. The competing units are chosen for identical performance profiles, which leaves the skill of the pilots as the key to winning the race. Some arenas that sponsor these type of races are known to add minefields and other booby traps for added effect.
−	Some analysts consider this type of event one of the most intense forms of combat, though it has not yet reached the mainstream Games.<ref name=CBMapp39a>''MapPack: Solaris VII'', p. 39: "Race/Gauntlet Match"</ref>	+	Some analysts consider this type of event one of the most intense forms of combat, though it has not yet reached the mainstream Games.<ref name=CBMapp39a>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', p. 39: "Race/Gauntlet Match"</ref>
	<u>Race examples:</u>		<u>Race examples:</u>

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{{Cleanup|reason=review needed|date=September 2023}} The '''Solaris Games''' are the most popular and prominent gladiatorial games in the [[Inner Sphere]]. Focusing primarily on combat between [[BattleMechs]], the Solaris Games take place on [[Solaris VII]], a rowdy frontier world on the border between [[House Steiner]] and [[House Marik]]. [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]] from across known space will travel to Solaris to participate in the games, whether seeking fame and fortune or out of desperation, as do countless fans and tourists. The Solaris Games bring in substantial revenues for the planetary government and whichever realm controls the Solaris system, an incentive to ensure the games are carried out in an open and forthright manner. Nevertheless, the wealth to be gained in the games also attracts the unscrupulous elements of society, leading to occasional charges of fixed matches, skimmed prize money, and elimination of competitors outside of sanctioned fights. ==The Fighting Stables== Most MechWarriors join a '''Fighting Stable''', owned by a wealthy patron who provides all the necessary support for the gladiators and run by a stablemaster. Typically a stable will have ten to forty MechWarriors employed, with similarly varying number of 'Mechs - some MechWarriors might own their own 'Mech or share it with others, or they might lease it from the stable - along with the technicians and administrative staff to keep the stable running. In return for defraying training costs, providing a monthly salary and arranging matches, the stable takes a percentage of all direct revenue brought in by the MechWarrior, typically 15 to 25 percent. Where the real money is found though is in lucrative merchandising and broadcasting rights, which by contract belongs to the stable; a typical MechWarrior might receive up to ten percent of that revenue, though prominent fighters are in a position to demand more.<ref name=MWGS63>''MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII'', p. 63</ref><ref name=MWGS78>''MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII'', p. 78</ref> While most come to them from all across the Inner Sphere, the fighting stables are always on the hunt for new talent and many offer internship programs for teenagers as a form of secondary education. Generally lasting three to four years, these internship programs will teach the students the skills needed for a given profession, such as a MechWarrior, technician, promoter or stable manager. Once completed, the intern is pledged to work for the stable for a certain number of years, typically four, after which they are free to pursue their own career path.<ref>''''MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII'', pp. 14–15</ref> How much a MechWarrior can earn as part of a fighting stable depends partly on their own skill and prominence and partly on the state of the stable. Most stables on Solaris offer fair terms and are usually solvent, though they might run into the occasional financial or maintenance issue. For an unknown newcomer starting out at a stable with a bad reputation for fraudulence and poor support, they might earn as little as 250 [[C-bill]]s a month, while a superstar fighting for one of the more elite stables might bring in more than 2,500 C-bills a month.<ref name=MWGS79>''MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII'', p. 79</ref><ref name=MWGS80/> However, beyond having to give up a portion of their winnings, there are other drawbacks to being a member of a fighting stable. Before they can fight, a gladiator must obtain a dueling license from the [[Solaris Civic Council]] which, depending on the arena class they want to fight in, can cost 5,000 to 50,000 C-bills (a waiver can be obtained instead for each individual fight, but at double the cost). Often the stable will defray the cost of the license, but in return hold ownership of it, making it more difficult for the gladiator to leave their service.<ref name=MWGS81>''MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII'', p. 81</ref> Furthermore, many stables require that a member place a "surrender bond" which is given up in case the warrior losses a match by capitulation. This bond is typically valued at 50,000 to 250,000 C-bills, encouraging many warriors to keep fighting until they've lost (or more likely been killed) rather than give up.<ref name=MWGS80/> On the other hand some MechWarriors will instead form or join a '''Cooperative''', coming together to provide mutual support to each other. These cooperatives have little financial support or backing, with the 'Mechs either owned individual and/or jointly by the MechWarriors involved, and generally command fewer resources than found in the average fighting stable.<ref name=MWGS78/><ref name=MWGS79/> Cooperatives suffer pressure (often direct intimidation) from regular stables and crime syndicates, which usually makes them though, professional and protective of their members.<ref name="SBG-GMG">''Solaris VII: The Game World – Gamemaster's Book'', p. 11: "'Mech Cooperatives"</ref> Finally, some MechWarriors will fight in smaller leagues or minor competitions as part of a '''Team'''. Such Teams also usually only fight in the collective matches (Team Matches, Tag-Team Matches and so on). While it is possible for some MechWarriors to gain success as lone gladiators in the Solaris Games, the system is set up to work against such competitors, encouraging most to join one of the above groups. For a list of fighting stables and cooperatives, see [[:Category:Solaris Stables|here]]. ==The Solaris Circuit== The Games have evolved a lot during the years. They started more as single contests between different companies trying to showcase their designs, but over the years they have become more contest for the ego of the MechWarriors... and for the money moved behind. Six classes have been organized to classify the contests. {|class="wikitable" width='230px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;" align=right ! colspan="2" align="center" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Arena Classes |- |align="center "|Class One |align="center "|[[Exoskeleton]]s |- |align="center "|Class Two |align="center "|[[Light 'Mech]]s |- |align="center "|Class Three |align="center "|[[Medium 'Mech]]s |- |align="center "|Class Four |align="center "|[[Heavy 'Mech]]s |- |align="center "|Class Five |align="center "|[[Assault 'Mech]]s |- |align="center "|Class Six |align="center "|Open |- |} * '''Class One - Exoskeleton''': Duels in Class One are lost or won more by the usage of creative tactics than raw firepower.<ref name=CBMapp13>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', p. 13: "Arena Classes"</ref> * '''Class Two - Light 'Mechs''': Duels in Class Two are often stunningly fast and savage, where maneuverability usually carries the day.<ref name=CBMapp13/> * '''Class Three - Medium 'Mechs''': Duels in Class Three usually provide an excellent balance between speed and firepower, balance and tactics.<ref name=CBMapp13/> * '''Class Four - Heavy 'Mechs''': Duels in Class Four are usually a slugfest where armor and firepower carry the day.<ref name=CBMapp13/> * '''Class Five - Assault 'Mechs''': Duels in Class Five are often contests of sheer brutality, where the armor and firepower usually carry the day.<ref name=CBMapp13/> * '''Class Six - Open''': Duels in Class Six usually offer a mix of tactics, firepower, speed and style not seen in any other class. While the other Five Classes are open to specific 'Mech weights, Open Class combats are open to 'Mechs of any class. Only the five [[Solaris City]] Arenas are enabled for Open Class combats.<ref name=CBMapp13/> Though [[Combat Vehicle|Armor]], [[aerospace fighters]], and [[BattleMechs]] compete in the Class Two, Three, Four, and Five matches, it is very unusual to see anything but heavier BattleMechs fighting in Class Six Arenas.<ref name=CBMapp13/> According to Solaris VII tournament rules, all 'Mechs had to pass a rigorous safety inspection before they are allowed to be brought into a sanctioned berth. After that the system checks are done to the 'Mech, ammo is loaded, coolant flushed, and several other preparatory tasks completed before the 'Mech is in shape for a fight.<ref>''A Shot at Glory''</ref> <br><u>Special Rule: Weapons Dead</u><br> When all the contenders agree to fight under ''Weapons Dead'' rules (instead of ''Weapons Live''), all the ranged weapons are rendered inoperative and the battle is fought only using melee combat. The ammunition bins might nevertheless be left loaded for devastating yet crowd-pleasing effects during the battle.<ref name=CBMapp38>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', p. 38: "Scenario Types - Weapons Dead"</ref> <br><u>Surrender</u><br> Though most matches are fought until one team is destroyed or crippled, there are cases when MechWarriors or Stables are eager to avoid the total loss of their machines and surrender once they absorb enough damage. A surrender is broadcast on a general Arena frequency that can be picked up by the opponent's machine, and it is accompanied by the firing of a ''surrender flare'' for the benefit of the audience.<ref name=CBMapp45>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', p. 45: "Rules - Arenas"</ref> ===Grand Tournament=== Perhaps the most famous event associated with the Solaris Games is the Grand Tournament, an annual single-elimination tournament taking place typically during the latter half of the year, which pits 128 of the best MechWarriors against each other until only one is left standing. The champion takes home a half-million C-bills in prize money and other perks, and is guaranteed to be offered lucrative merchandising and broadcasting rights. They will also be challenged to defend their title, producing more matches which can generate almost as much wealth as the championship itself. If the champion loses one of these matches the title is suspended until a rematch or a new Grand Tournament is held, whichever comes first; if the champion loses again, the title is transferred to the challenger.<ref name=MWGS63>''MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII'', p. 63</ref><ref name=MWGS64>''MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII'', p. 64</ref> ====Top 20==== Every year a Top 20 rank is published by Class. Of course, Class 6 (Open Class), the most famous one, is the one displaying the most well-known MechWarriors in the Arenas. This is the [[Top 20 Unlimited Class List|Top 20 Unlimited Class]] historical rank. ====Class historical winners==== This is the list of [[Class Champions]]. {{sectionstub}} ====Dueling regulations==== * A MechWarrior must be 18 years old to fight in the circuit, but there are known cases (with bribes in the middle) that have allowed younger MechWarriors to fight.<ref name="OMN...">''Old MechWarriors Never...''</ref> * Solaris dueling regulations are surprisingly light on the subject of drones (except in the Championships which have had strictly stated humans-only directives ever since the [[Jihad]]), and some have questioned the point of sending robots to do a MechWarrior's job. In [[3146]], during the [[Dark Age]] a lot of spectators and stables were eager to see how well some drone 'Mechs might fare during one of the tournament exhibitions scheduled for the year (the [[S7RFT]]).<ref name="XTRORFp5">''Experimental Technical Readout: Royal Fantasy'', p. 5: "PXH-7KJ Phoenix Hawk ''Jasmine''"</ref> Also the [[Republic of the Sphere]] was testing the [[Drone Command Console]] in an off-circuit tag team tournament.<ref name="XTRORF3p10">''Experimental Technical Readout: Republic, Volume 3'', p. 10: "LMT-2D Lament"</ref> ====Title defenses==== It is not uncommon for a Champion to be asked for a title match sometime during the year outside of the Grand Tournament. The rules that cover these matches if the Champions loses are unknown, though in theory he loses the Championship Title.{{cn}} One example of title defense is the fight between [[Kai Allard-Liao]] and [[Wu Deng Tang‎‎]], which ended with Kai's victory.<ref name="AoR>''Assumption of Risk''</ref> ===Other Circuit combats=== While the Grand Tournament is the biggest draw on Solaris, a large number of fighting events take place year-round, many drawing an impressive amount of betting in their own right.<ref name=MWGS63/> Getting accepted into a tournament or league or finding an opponent for a challenge match depends greatly on what class the fighter is participating in, their prominence, and the reputation of their fighting stable or cooperative. Likewise with the size of the purse, the prize money goes to whoever wins the match. For a match between a couple of relative unknowns going at each other in exoskeletons, it might be as little as 250 C-bills; a match between some minor leaguers in medium 'Mechs might award several thousand to tens of thousands; an epic bout between two prospective Grand Tournament champions in an Open Class arena can have a purse in the hundreds of thousands of C-bills.<ref name=MWGS81/> Though the flashy gladiators fight in the big Solaris Circuit, over the years some other types of fights have appeared on Solaris: ====Single matches==== This is the most popular form of combat in Solaris. The goal is simply to be the last unit on the field and under its own power at the end, hence they are fought until one combatant is destroyed, disabled or surrenders.<ref name=CBMapp38a>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', p. 38: "Single Duels"</ref> <br> =====Challenge matches===== These are matches usually set up as a sporting promotion or a grudge match between two fighters with no impact on any other tournaments. They are a sub-type of Single Duels. =====Charity matches===== Some matches are not sanctioned by the Circuit and are just charity matches where the pilots might (or might not) have something to prove. <u>Charity Matches examples:</u> * [[Hendry Vs. Metz]] is one of the best-known fights of this type. ====Free-For-All (Grand Melee)==== A free-for-all match (often referred as Grand Melee) is a form of combat that involves anywhere from three to six sides, each consisting of one MechWarrior. Each side battles all the other contenders until only one warrior is in control of the field.<ref name=CBMapp38b>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', p. 38: "Free-For-All (Grand Melee)"</ref> [[Freak Show Entertainment]] was known to organize these kind of combats.<ref name="LR"/> ====Team matches==== In these kind of matches, two to four teams fight in pairs or [[Lance]]s of 'Mechs of different stables, doing battle until only one team is left standing. Sometimes the fighters do not belong to any stable, but are just a ''[[:Category:Dueling Teams|Team]]''. The organization of these matches requires that all teams contain the same number of units, of roughly the same technology level and weight classes. The most typical example of a Team Match is one team versus another team. Though not as common, matches involving more than two sides can easily escalate into large-scale free-for-all fights.<ref name=CBMapp38c>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', p. 38: "Team Match"</ref> ====Tag Team matches==== These kinds of matches were popularized by the O'Bannon sisters. These are a type of Team Match that pits two teams of two to four MechWarriors each against one another. Only one MechWarrior from a team may fight at a time. The other remains in the starting area until ''tagged'' by his or her partner or the current fighter is destroyed, disabled or surrenders, when the next fighter becomes ''active''. A unit can be activated up to three times. Final victory goes to the team with the final active contender.<ref name=CBMapp38d>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', p. 38: "Tag Team Match"</ref> As of [[3053]] no official tournament has approved this kind of match, but these fights delight the crowds and only time will tell if this style will become more officially acceptable.<ref name=SGW-GMBp14>''Solaris VII: The Game World – Gamemaster's Book'', p. 14: "Tag Team Matches"</ref> ====Smaller Leagues==== Those are combats fought outside the '''Big Five''' Arenas (basically the Solaris Reaches Arenas and/or smaller Arenas through [[Solaris]]), and by lesser known fighters (and usually also less skilled). Some of the big players started their careers in the smaller leagues. These are generally less popular and are more common among the lower class arenas where leagues of twenty to thirty MechWarriors fight in a round robin format over the course of a year. In addition to the prize money, the fighters win points with each match - '''3 for a win''', '''1 for a draw''', '''0 for a loss''' - until they have all fought each other and the one with the most points is declared the winner. The combats have a time limit, after which if both contenders do still have functional 'Mechs the combat is marked as a draw unless a panel of judges decides it is a win or loss for one of the contenders, though this decision can be different depending on the League. Many spectators dislike the repetitive nature of league matches, though some Solaris connoisseurs regard them as the best way to judge a fighter's talent. <u>Small League examples:</u> * [[Branson Brewery League]]<ref>''BattleCorps Stable Reports''</ref> * [[Solaran League of Independent Stables]] - known for their full lance-on-lance BattleMech matches.<ref name=MWGtSp125>''MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII'', p. 125: "Solaran League of Independent Stables"</ref> ====Tournaments==== Usually with the same format as the Grand Tournament, some of the Arenas also organize tournaments to spark attention and discover new gladiators during the year. The most common and popular are championship tournaments structured similarly to the Grand Tournament, using either a single-elimination or "best of three" elimination scheme to determine the final winner. A Tournament's length is usually short (few consecutive days). <u>Tournament examples:</u> * The [[Allard Cup Charity Tournament]]<ref name="TRO3058U">''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 210: ''STY-3C Starslayer''</ref> * The [[Black Mountain Cup]]. It celebrated its 200th edition by [[3053]], this cup was fought in [[Ishiyama]], starting from qualifying rounds until the final itself.<ref name=SGW-PBp53>''Solaris VII: The Game World – Player's Book'', p. 53: "Black Mountain Cup flyer"</ref> * The [[Solaris Lance Championship]]. The first edition of the Tournament was finally held in August [[3054]]. This was as the name implies the first time an official lance competition was held officially on Solaris Games: this is a Tournament found under '''Team Match''' Rules<ref name=TBTp24>''The Black Thorns'', p. 24</ref><ref name=MEp80>''Main Event'', ch. 8, p. 80</ref> Though the fights are usually with weapons armed, this first final, as per a private agreement between the stablemasters, was fought with ''Weapons Dead'' rules but with the ammunition still loaded.<ref name=MEp53>''Main Event'', ch. 12, p. 53</ref> * The [[Solaris VII Royal Fantasy Tournament]] ('''S7RFT''') is a unique exhibition match series tailored to small teams and stables, rather than the major state and conglomerate-backed competitors.<ref name=XTRORFp22>''Experimental Technical Readout: Royal Fantasy'', p. 22: "3146 Royal Fantasy Rules"</ref> It is not known when this tournament started, but it was still active during the [[Dark Age]], and for sure still on [[3146]]. * The [[Cathay Open Division]].<ref name="LR">''Lion's Roar''</ref> ===Lesser known circuits=== The Other Circuit describes those combats which are really less official than any of the other venues described previously, in most cases the non-'Mech related or the ones related to 'Mech combat but not to actual duels. <span id="Reaches BloodSport circuit"> ====Blood Pit matches==== This type of combat is more common in the larger villages of the '''Equatus''' continent. There are basically two types of these matches: * The first type is the one where [[AgroMech]]s fight until one or both is taken out.<ref name=MWGS67>''MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII'', p. 67: "A brief history of Solaris VII"</ref> With very few weapons or directly without weapons, these matches are usually fought with pure physical attack strength.{{cn}} * The second type is where combat is waged between unarmored freestyle fighters.<ref name=CBMapp16-17/> ====Company-on-company infantry==== During the Dark Age, with the increase of nonstandard arenas, this type of combat increased. It helped several Arenas like the [[Black Hills Urban Combat Zone]], [[Tennessee Valley]] and [[Arena Amazonia]]. Fighting went around scoring points. Scoring was simple: the aggressor team had to make it past three to four defenders, taking out as many as they could, to reach a specific house in a target area. Then they cleared the house. A win was one aggressor in the house, alive at the final whistle. Payment was based on points earned through kills and captures. Clearing the house doubled the aggressor's money.<ref name=WH>''Wolf Hunters''</ref> ====Flag captures==== This type of Match evolved while trying to bring Tactics into the Games by giving the combatants an objective other than blasting away at his enemy's armor. One marker is placed at each team's start point, and to win one side must capture all markers from its opponents and carry them back to their starting point while still having their own flag there. Markers are electronic beacons rather than actual flags and can be "picked up" regardless of the unit having hand actuators or not. The unit must then get safely back to its home designation point. The marker cannot be lost in transit unless the unit is destroyed, disabled, or surrenders, and in such a case, the "flag" falls to the place where the 'Mech ''falls''.<ref name=CBMapp39>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', p. 39: "Flag Captures"</ref> ===='Mech-scaled sports==== Emphasizing piloting skills and machine performance over brute force and firepower, 'Mech scaled Sports like football and hockey provide an entertaining diversion from the relentless savagery of the circuit Games.<ref name=CBMapp17>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', p. 17: "And all the Games in Between!"</ref> These games are not as famous as the [[Noisiel Games]] fought in [[Noisiel]], however.{{cn}} ====Tank Derby==== Tank Derbies have found a cult following in the open arenas in [[Roland Fields]]. In these matches heavily armored tanks duke it out with live ammunition using both weapons fire and ramming attacks to win glory and a purse. Matches are fought until one side ends up immobilized or a fight judge declares enough damage has been done to render the vehicle "tactically killed". With these rules and the banning of incendiary weapons, there is an effort to give the crews a better chance of survival, though these precautions aren't always enough. Even with these restrictions, the brutality and high risk of the Tank Derbies never fails to keep fans screaming for more.<ref name=CBMapp16-17>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', pp. 16–17: "Non-BattleMech Venues"</ref> ====Race/Gauntlet match==== These matches pit two or more contestants against each other with a limited amount of time to proceed through a series of preset battlefield navigation points while other opponents attempt to thwart them. The competing units are chosen for identical performance profiles, which leaves the skill of the pilots as the key to winning the race. Some arenas that sponsor these type of races are known to add minefields and other booby traps for added effect. Some analysts consider this type of event one of the most intense forms of combat, though it has not yet reached the mainstream Games.<ref name=CBMapp39a>''Mappack: Solaris VII'', p. 39: "Race/Gauntlet Match"</ref> <u>Race examples:</u> * [[Equatus 500 HoverBlitz Championship]] - A HoverBlitz speed race tournament<ref name=DAINN_p118>''Dark Age: 3132-3134 INN'', p. 118: "Baker, Jokowski Claim Championship in Equatus 500 HoverBlitz"</ref> * [[Pan-Solaris Open]] - A HoverBlitz speed race tournament<ref name=MWDACMG>''MechWarrior: Dark Age Collectable Miniatures Game'', p. 205: "Kristin Crowley"</ref> * [[Slaughter Racing Cup]]<ref name=TRO3145Clans>''Technical Readout: 3145 The Clans'', p. 18: "Skanda Light Tank"</ref> ====Sky-high dogfight duels==== In a dogfight duel, [[Conventional Aircraft|conventional]] and [[aerospace fighters]] chase one another at extreme speeds high above the [[Solaris VII#Geography|Grayland continent]] in a kilometers-wide sphere of engagement. Those matches are complex to follow, requiring special camera feeds and holo-projections to get something for audiences to follow. For safety reasons fighter pilots are encouraged to concede if they suffer too much damage, and in most cases pilots can eject if they push their luck too far.<ref name=CBMapp16-17/> The [[Liao Aerodrome]] was an aerospace arena as late as [[3136]]. ===Illegal Circuit=== Renegades, low ranking warriors, or warriors who have lost their [[Arena Gladiator]] license from the Solaris Games Commission are not above fighting in this ''circuit'', usually in no-rules matches held in less savvy arenas, sometimes even just a pit or piece of terrain. ==Arenas== Over a hundred fighting arenas dot the two continents of Solaris, broken down into weight classes depending on the size of the machines they are certified to fight. Most small towns can only support a Class One or Two arena, while larger urban centers can boast Class Three, Four or even Five arenas. Arenas can host matches between 'Mechs up to their Class restriction, though with the permission of the Solaris Dueling Board they may host "out of class" matches. The entry fee to fight in these arenas is commensurate with their class rating: a Class One might cost 500 C-bills, while a Class Five can cost 2,000 C-bills. Of course, an unlicensed fight can occur anywhere on Solaris, but such matches tend to be organized by criminal gangs and lack any of the regulations or safety measures of licensed bouts.<ref name=MWGS63>''MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII'', p. 63</ref><ref name=MWGS80>''MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII'', p. 80</ref> Unlike open battlefields, the arenas on Solaris VII are mostly enclosed, with points located throughout via which BattleMechs and arena crews may enter and exit. These entry points feature heavily reinforced doors that are often sealed when matches are underway. Some of the less prestigious arenas on Solaris VII, as well as open fields where units can do battle, permit entrance and egress from a variety of different points.<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 7: "Creating Scenarios"</ref> The most famous arenas however are the Class Six or 'Open' Arenas, found exclusively in [[Solaris City]]. Each of the five Open Class arenas are located within and controlled by one of the city sectors associated with the [[Great Houses]]. The entry fee for these arenas is 2,500 C-bills, but the potential prize money and fame to be gained by fighting in them is worth it.<ref name=MWGS63/><ref name=MWGS80/> The names and features of the five Open Class arenas are famous throughout the Inner Sphere: *;Boreal Reach :The [[Boreal Reach]] arena uses holographic technology, coupled with advanced environmental controls, to produce virtually any setting which can be conceived. It takes its name from one of the more popular such settings, an arctic tundra. *;The Factory :[[The Factory]] began life as a manufacturing plant designed around accommodating [[IndustrialMech]]s, including floor space, hallways and doors large enough to fit them, which has been repurposed for urban combat. *;Ishiyama :[[Ishiyama]] ("Iron Mountain") is a manmade mountain through which a series of tunnels and caverns crisscross, creating a claustrophobic environment in which opponents play a deadly game of hide-and-seek. *;The Jungle :[[The Jungle]] is a pyramidal structure whose interior is designed to resemble the tropical jungles of [[Spica]]. The humidity and close-in terrain encourages sharp, brutal matches. *;Steiner Stadium :Designed with a Romanesque façade, [[Steiner Stadium]] is one of the few arenas which allow large audiences to watch matches in person thanks to a special [[lostech]] barrier. Its featureless floor is a favorite among MechWarriors seeking familiarity. The planet holds several other Arenas, a list of which can be found [[:Category:Solaris Arenas|here]]. ==Gambling== Betting is legal, and has been part of Solaris since the beginning. First it was something informal, with the creation of formalized rules for 'Mech competition, things changed a bit. At the beginning the betting system was unconventional at best, where people bet on 'Mechs rather than pilots (a controversial decision when it was taken), but abuses committed during the 3030s (where low-grade MechWarriors replaced by experienced ones last minute, which changed completely the odds) made the game promoters institute a new system. The new system has a complex equation putting together both the 'Mech strengths and weakness plus the pilot skills. Odds for daily matches are updated continuously. There is an official betting terminal system in all the planet covering all official fights from the smaller arenas to the big fives. And there is also underworld betting, where the risks are higher though sometimes the winnings can be better too.<ref name="SBS-PGp21">''Solaris VII: The Game World – Player's Book'', p. 21: "Gambling"</ref> ==Solarian 'Mechs== Many of the 'Mechs which take to the arenas of Solaris VII are little different than the fighting machines used in the battlefields of the Inner Sphere. However, given the unique aspects of these gladiatorial matches, many more are built around fighting in the Solaris Games. At first, such machines were customization of existing designs or even scratch built, experimental one-offs of which there have been too many to count. Eventually, a small weapons industry built up on Solaris around providing 'Mech designs specifically for gladiatorial combat. Firms such as [[Solaris Arms]], [[Vining Engineering and Salvage Team]], and many others produce small batches of arena 'Mechs, closing down and reopening lines as customer demands or technological upgrades warrant. Many such 'Mechs are as much works of art than tools of war.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', pp. 124–125</ref> Frequently these designs make use of experimental weapons and equipment which haven't yet or might be unsuitable for the battlefield but perfect for the arena, such as [[Fluid Gun]]s, [[BattleMech Taser]]s or [[Claw]]s. For a list of Solarian 'Mechs, see [[:Category:Solarian BattleMechs|here]]. ==Solaris Games Denizens== There is a lot more behind Solaris VII Games fighters, stablemasters, engineers... behind them, big crowds attend the games, and they can be classified in different groups of people depending on their relationship to the planet and the games, like gangs, Mechbunnies, wannabes... To find more information on every Solaris Games ''Denizen'', see [[Solarian Games Denizens]]. ==References== <references/> ==Bibliography== * ''[[BattleCorps Stable Reports]]'' * ''[[The Black Thorns]]'' * ''[[Dark Age: 3132-3134 INN]]'' * ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Royal Fantasy]]'' * ''[[Main Event]]'' (novel) * ''[[MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII]]'' * ''[[Solaris VII: The Game World]]'' * ''[[Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade]]'' * ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 The Clans]]'' [[Category:Inner Sphere Culture]] [[Category:Solaris Games]]

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