The Maw

Named for its location in the northern expanse of the Mawkaw Mountains, the Maw Gladiatorial Training Facility is actually located inside one of the largest known volcanic crater in the mountain range. The Maw first came to prominence during the Spike War, where the Father Emperor established the Maw as his temporary headquarters. Following the defeat of the Spikes, the Father Emperor reinstated the Great Games and associated gladiatorial combat events. But, unlike the games of old, these new games were to feature predominantly criminals, slaves, and captured enemy combatants. As such, it was felt that a harsh, prison-like training environment was needed to sculpt these unwilling participants into suitable gladiators – and the Father Emperor decided that the Maw was perfectly suited for such a role. Already equipped with metal guard towers from its time as an Imperial fortress during the Spike War, the Maw was outfitted with cages to house its trainees and elevated, air-conditioned facilities to house its trainers. The Maw soon earned a reputation as the Empire’s most lethal gladiator training school. Trainees are ferried up the Mawkaw mountainside in giant cages strapped to the backs of drammoth and, upon arrival, are immediately forced to battle against an assortment of vicious animals in the volcano’s sweltering heat. In order to narrow the number of trainees down to more manageable levels, elimination matches are held in which twenty-two combatants are forced into combat against each other, with only the last seven living able to advance in the next rounds. Those few fortunate enough to survive the Maw’s many challenges find themselves one step closer to every gladiator’s dream: competition at the Great Games.