Bloodflag

Was a violent gladiatorial game based on the ancient sport known as Football. It consisted of two teams (also known as armies) which would form lines and battle in the arena, with each team attempting to get their flag bearer to the in-zone without being killed.

The players were normally slaves or descendants of slaves who showed physical prowess, their masters would often send them to train in the arena to become a bloodflagger. If they were successful their masters could make a large fortune from their slaves fame.

In the center of the line were the heavily armored spear and shield wielding Linemen, who's formations would push against each other until the other broke or was destroyed. On either side of the linemen were the guards, who were equipped with two short swords and medium armor, they used their mobility to outflank the other team. On the far flanks were the skirmishers, who would hurl arrows, slings, or javelins at the opposing line.

When one teams line collapsed the flag bearer would attempt to cross the field and get their team flag into the enemies in-zone, which would result in a victory.

Bloodflag was enormously popular in New Chikago which was home to the sports largest arena, the Imperial Stadium, home of its famous Bloodflag team, the Bears. Its popularity would eventually spread across the empire, with most major cities of the Empire establishing a team. Skilled Flag bearers or team members often became infamous celebrities across the empire, and sometimes were granted their freedom if they were notorious enough.