Enhanced Violence

The Mediterranean Branch

The Chimera Corps has existed for hundreds of years, going back to the days of Ancient Greece, where it originated. While the organization has spread all over the world, its Mediterranean Branch is the oldest and one of the most powerful due to its influence on the others. Despite this, the branch has always been run in a different way compared to the rest.

The first difference is its prioritization. When the organization was first created, the Assault, Observation, and Research Groups all shared common goals and worked together to achieve them. As time went on, the Observation Group became the main priority, as gaining and controlling information allowed for them to manipulate others with relative ease. The Assault Group became the branch's enforcers, with its Heads varying between honorable leaders and bloodthirsty maniacs. Meanwhile, the Research Group was simply used by both to create and modify weapons and equipment for them, as well as selling their creations to fund the branch and expand its influence.

Today, things within the branch remain the same. The Assault Head, Korina Mariadi, spends more time training, fighting, and prioritizing her own interests than acting as a leader. Her predecessor and role model, Myrto Kyriakos, behaved similarly, though at least Korina cares about the actions of her subordinates and goes through the effort of keeping them in line.

Within the Observation Group, the previous Heads have spent as much time keeping the Assault Group under control as they have influencing and managing things in their region. The same applies to the current Head, Stephanie Johnston, who has the unfortunate task of overseeing Korina and managing her own group.

The Research Group is mostly under the radar, typically focusing on their current projects more than any external conflicts. By now, the only time the group is heard from is when they're releasing a new or improved creation, especially when it's for the Assault Group. So little is heard from them that even their current Head is unknown, with the only sign they even have one being the communication that privately happens between them and the other Heads.

Other Details:

• In order to consistently train and recruit new members, the Assault Group owns and runs many gyms and dojos throughout the Mediterranean Region. By now, any they don't own are likely connected to them.

• While the Assault Group has its fair share of mercenaries, assassins, and other hired muscle like the other branches, most of its members are fighters and martial arts that joined or are associated with the group. This is due to their presence in the underground fighting circuits throughout the region, as many were established and run by previous members and associates of the group.

• The Research Group of this branch mostly focuses on augmentations through the creation of serums and cybernetics. The current Heads of the other two groups have both benefitted from this.

• Due to the actions of Myrto Kyriakos, mixed martial arts have gained more popularity throughout the region, especially in underground circuits. After she was replaced by Korina, she moved to Thesaloniki, Greece to create her own MMA gym, which she devotes most of her time to now.

• The previous Observation Head seemingly disappeared after his retirement, as he decided to avoid being followed entirely. The only connection to him that even his own subordinates are aware of is that the Observation Head of the North American Branch is his grandson.

• Two of the other most powerful branches in the Chimera Corps are the North American Branch and the East Asian Branch. While there hasn't been much communication between the three, each one has control over their neighboring branches to varying degrees.

The Olympus Contest

After the death of Mirai Yanagita, the Insight Corporation gained a new CEO. The Summit Trials however weren't so lucky, as she was the one responsible for funding and managing the tournament ever since its creation. With the world's largest (legal) martial arts event finally ending, there were few other options for most. Various promotions hosted tournaments of their own, but none could fully replicate the scale and popularity of the trials.

Meanwhile, underground fighting circuits around the world gained a noticeable boost in membership, with many publicly known fighters, martial artists, and other athletes joining to gain some of the benefits the trials offered. Some sought money that they couldn't gain from public promotions and local groups. Others just wanted a place they could fight without the risk of getting caught. Two of the largest underground groups, Yomi and Hades, took note of and exploited this, but regions with smaller or no existing groups were limited, forcing many to go elsewhere to train and fight.

To fill the hole left behind, Korina Mariadi decided to use her resources and influence to create a tournament throughout the Mediterranean Region known as the Olympus Contest. With word quickly spreading online and invitations being offered to martial artists around the world, it's only a matter of time before this becomes the next big tournament.

Other Details:

• The tournament works similarly to the Summit Trials, in that there are no brackets and fighters are ranked based on their record and popularity. When the tournament ends, the top 10 will all be rewarded, with the prize money increasing the higher their rank.

• Due to Korina's questionable sanity, the tournament will last from February to August, allowing for anyone from any part of the world to join and fight during this large period of time.

• Tournament locations are mostly set in various gyms, dojos, and stadiums around the Mediterranean Sea, though some other locations will be featured as well. These include beaches, meadows, and various privately owned locations.

• Fighters will be given a translator for whatever area they choose to compete in, either as an earpiece to wear or a personal assistant to follow them. These are optional however, as they can go without either for whatever reasons they choose.

• Underground matches will be part of this tournament, usually taking place from 9pm to 3am. These matches have fewer restrictions, allowing for attacks that are normally illegal and even allowing for fighters to permanently injure or kill each other. Weapons aren't allowed, but may be included as part of special rules matches, which can be decided by vote.

• Most events in the tournament will last from 11am to 8pm, allowing for plenty of matches during any day of the week. These regular matches will follow rules similar to the unified rules of MMA, with some differences; 12-6 elbows, kneeing grounded opponents, and headbutts are legal.

• Despite its public nature, the tournament is Openweight, allowing for anyone to fight regardless of height and weight.

• Media coverage of regular matches is allowed and encouraged, while underground matches will only be recorded and posted online by chosen individuals.

• Special rules matches may occur in both regular and underground fights if enough people vote for them. These include Ring Out Matches (also known as Spotlight Matches), Tag Team Matches, Timed Matches, and Armed Matches (only in underground fights.)

• Food will be provided by vendors at most locations, and fighters will be able to stay at their choice of hotel in whatever location they choose.

• Each fighter will be paid for competing in matches, with 20,000 (in their choice of currency) being the bare minimum for showing up. If they win, they'll gain an extra 30k, and the rewards will increase depending on other factors in the match. At the end of the tournament, the minimum prize is 2 million for 10th place.

The Ascent

January 20th, 2023 in Madrid, Spain at 3:00pm.

A young man covered in sweat walks from his home gym to his living room, and notices his phone vibrate once he sits on his couch to rest.

"Hope this is something good."

He says as he sees and reads a message from a friend.

"Olympus Contest..."

A few seconds later, he sends a response.

[Seems interesting, but I'm not sure.]

Roughly one minute later, he gets another text.

[You've joined tournaments before, Luis, this'll be similar.]

Luis sighs as he sends another message.

[Those were different. No-Gi BJJ competitions are very different from more...open stuff like this.]

[That doesn't mean you can't join in. I've seen you choke out people twice your size before, and you're almost impossible to submit.]

[Neither of those will matter if I get beaten to a pulp by someone strong. Besides, I'm still pretty new to cross training. All I've got is BJJ and some basic Kickboxing.]

[That's all you'll need. You're way better than you think, and not everyone you could fight is too strong to grapple with. Even if you don't enjoy this, think about the rewards. Way more people are gonna know about you, and you'll get a ton of cash just from competing.]

[How much? If it's less than the IBJJF pays, then I'm not joining.]

In response, Luis almost immediately receives a link to a site explaining the Olympus Contest. After scrolling through some information, his eyes widen upon seeing the prize money listed.

"Dammit...why'd you have to be so convincing..."

He says to himself before sending another text.

[Fine, I'll join. I don't know if I'll stick around for the whole thing, but it's worth a shot.]

Luis then goes back to the site to sign up for the tournament. After receiving an email containing information on what happens next, he leans back and takes a deep breath while staring off.

"Hopefully this all goes well..."

A New Summit

January 14th, 2023 in Athens, Greece.

"This'll be just as satisfying as usual."

A woman says while adjusting her gloves, currently standing in the outskirts of a small forest. She walks up to a large tree with a rope wrapped around it.

"You sure about this Kory? Didn't your wrist get dislocated a week ago?"

Her training partner asks.

"I get that you care a lot about conditioning, but this just seems too risky."

Korina grins as she throws a right cross at the tree, shaking it from the force of the punch.

"I heal pretty fast, so I'm fine. Besides, I'm not the type of coach to skip my own training."

She alternates between different punches and kicks on the part of the tree the rope covers, shaking it with each strike.

"I guess so. Using an entire tree as a makeshift makiwara just seems...extreme. Even knowing you."

Alina responds, concerned in her tone and expression while standing behind Korina.

"Maybe, but it helps to be prepared. After all, the tournament I created starts next month."

She responds, still striking the tree.

"With the Summit Trials over for good, something's gotta take its place. So I repurposed our Succession Trials to be a bit more open."

"The trials only happen during the summer though. Making the tournament open to the public and starting in February just seems..."

"Risky? I know. So what? It's always fun getting more people into the underground scene, and we'll be able to get plenty of new recruits for the Assault Group. "

"Won't other members still try to replace you though? You're extending their window of opportunity after all."

Korina punches the tree a little harder out of annoyance, causing a loud crack to emit from its trunk.

"The key word is try. I've been Head of this group for three years, and you know why. The trials are just the only time the whole group gets to take their shot. One on one, I'll take on anyone who wants to replace me any time of the year."

She goes back to striking the tree, starting to visibly tire out.

"I know. Just be careful. No telling when some dark horse might show up out of nowhere to become the next Head."

"I will. Now quit worrying, you're starting to remind me of the Observation Head. At least she has reason to be paranoid."

Alina quietly sighs as she responds.

"Fine. I'll be back in a while with lunch."

Korina gives a thumbs up before throwing a strong roundhouse kick at the tree, splitting the trunk and knocking it over as if it had been chopped down.

"Make sure to bring Kathy when you come back. I've got two more to take down today, not sure I'll be walking away when I'm done."

She says while picking up the rope and starting to wrap it around another tree.

In response, Alina gives a thumbs up while walking off and thinking to herself.

'Crazy but kinda admirable. No wonder Anthony sent me to train under her.'

End of The Line

June 26th, 2022. 10:30pm in Kyoto.

A man in purple stands in the middle of a hotel room shadowboxing. A spear is leaned against the wall, while a young woman sits on a bed next to him with a laptop in front of her.

"You got a message from the Head earlier, right?" The man asks her.

The young woman nods before explaining.

"Two hours ago. She gave us a deadline. Two weeks"

The man stops for a moment and looks at her with a concerned expression.

"You serious, Sofia?"

Sofia nods again and explains.

"She says we've been gone too long. Several months have been spent away from the Mediterranean Branch after that mission in Singapore, and she doubts whether or not this investigation's worth it, given all the conflict that's started here."

"Can't say I don't feel the same." The man states. "To think we went from getting rid of Kei's body to trying to find who killed him, only to get caught up in a civil war."

"That's exactly why she wants us back, Amur. Plus this year's Succession Trials have already started. That's why we only have two weeks. If we don't come back or at least start going back...then either we'll be transferred to this Branch, or she'll fly over to drag us back herself."

Amur sighs as he goes back to shadowboxing.

"That sounds like exactly the kind of thing she'd do. Crazy but well intentioned. The sooner we finish this investigation the better."

"Yeah. I've been keeping an eye on multiple people so far, and only one hasn't been either killed or imprisoned yet. So at least we're close to finishing this."

Sofia states as she focuses on her laptop.

"Though there's one thing that's been bothering me."

"What would that be?" Amur asks.

"The entire time we've spent here, I haven't found out who offered us this job. It's normal to stay anonymous, even in the Corp's message system, but...this person's practically a ghost. All I know is that they're in the Assault Group."

Amur takes a deep breath as he stops to rest.

"As concerning as that is, we can worry about them after the job's done."

"You're right..."

Sofia yawns and turns off her laptop before putting it aside. As she leans back onto a small stack of pillows, she thinks to herself.

'An anonymous client, a slippery target, and a civil war... Almost everything about this feels off...' She sighs as she starts falling asleep, meanwhile Amur walks into another room to watch TV without disturbing her.

A New Pursuit

June 25th, 2022. 1:30pm on a train from Tokyo to Osaka.

A tall woman in a yellow jacket stares out of a window next to her.

'Always something with those Executives...can't let me have much fun in my current position.' She thinks to herself.

'Training their other guards is one thing, but limiting the number of matches I can join...they really expect me to just be their guard dog. No wonder Nico left them.' As she thinks, her phone vibrates from a text. When she takes it out to read the message, she quietly sighs.

'Great. Now they want me to help with the search for Kei's killer...'

She responds to the message, agreeing to the offer but demanding an increase in pay and the chance to join more of Yomi's matches. Afterwards, she sends a text to a friend of hers, telling them about the situation. After a few minutes, she gets a response.

[It's fine if you have to take some breaks, Taylor. I'll just practice what we went over already.]

Taylor smiles before sending another text.

[Good to know. Still on my way over right now, so don't worry about training alone.]

Upon receiving a thumbs up in response, Taylor puts her phone away.

'Typical Nico. Improving her skills with or without me...training her is actually kinda nice. Between that and looking for Yomi's person of interest, this job might just be fun for a while.'

Ikken Hissatsu

June 25th, 2022. 11:00pm in Tokyo's Roppongi Ward.

"Mission...accomplished."

A young woman with long hair and a self-made outfit nervously stands inside an office building, currently in a room on its second floor. She takes out her phone before calling someone.

"I've got good news and bad news..." She says.

"Start with the good news, Anna." The person on the other end responds, sounding like a slightly older woman.

"Okay. The good news is that I got the information you wanted. This group of Yakuza was on the right track, just like you thought. Managed to narrow down our search quite a bit."

After a sigh of relief, the woman replies.

"Great. What's the bad news?"

"Well..."

Anna walks out into the hallway, seeing many Yakuza members, most of which were armed, lying dead on the floor or sitting against the wall.

"We're not gonna be able to rely on them anymore. Someone got here before I did..."

She starts walking down the hallway, observing the bodies and the environment around them.

"There aren't many bullet holes in the walls, and even though most of these guys have guns or knives, most of their weapons are still concealed. Whoever did this killed them before they could fight back."

"I see...any visible cause of death?"

The woman asks out of curiosity.

"Mostly no. The only visible injuries I see are a few broken bones, and some of these guys seem like their ribcages were caved in. One of them's even sitting in front of a crater in the wall...even though it's made of concrete."

"Interesting. Whoever did this had to have been either really strong, really skilled, or both. Either way, good job. Get out of there before the police arrive, or before whoever did this comes back. We'll discuss this situation more once you're here."

"Understood." Anna responds, quickly running out of the building at nearly invisible speeds. She then runs into an alley nearby before jumping up to the roof of a nearby building, and leaves the area by using her parkour skills to quickly cross several rooftops.

"See you soon, boss."

A small sigh can be heard over the phone before the woman responds.

"Until I become Head of the Assault Group, I'm not your boss."

"Okay...Naomi." Anna awkwardly responds as she hangs up.

For those that missed the Teasers and Info Posts

@K5S142 @Cresxatr @The CodeXian Thinker @XavtheB @DjalliLind

Basics of The Plot: In late June, 2022, Hades has been more successful than ever. After buying out the last of their competitors in Los Angeles, new members are rapidly joining and a celebration is in order. Unknown to them however, the Chimera Corps has become aware of them, and has plans to infiltrate the organization for unknown purposes. Whether the attempt will be successful, and what happens next, is yet to be seen.

Rules:

• To ensure nobody is too OP, everyone must have several weaknesses. Additionally, too many Power Sources, Skills, and Techniques per characters can be confusing and OP. The limit to power sources is 2, and the limit for techniques and skills is 5. Variations of a technique count as the same one, but can still push the limit.

• OCs that use weapons have the potential to be either overpowered or at a disadvantage compared to others, so be careful with them.

• Techniques need at least a basic description as to what they do.

• Skills/Abilities are for things the OC can do that aren't necessarily combat related. Genetic mutations, cybernetics, and other modifications are to be listed and described there too.

• Non-Combatant OCs are optional, with more roles than before thanks to the positions in Hades, the Chimera Corps, and potential outside groups.

• Themes are optional, but help for OCs fighting in a Hades match.

• Regardless of the superhuman feats an OC is capable of, remember that they're still human. Loss, injury, and potentially even death are still possible. Exceptionally skilled OCs may last longer in this regard, but aren't invincible.

(The Character Sheet below is heavily inspired by K5S142.)

Name:

Alias:

Alignment:

Appearance:

Age:

Personality:

Gender:

Sexuality:

Pronouns:

Occupation:

Goal(s):

Weapons/Paraphernalia:

Power Source:

Fighting Style:

Techniques:

Skills/Abilities:

Weaknesses:

Backstory (Optional):

Extra Info:

Theme (Optional):

Since this RP is more open than the previous one, feel free to set up and join in on different sub-plots. Just try not to get too chaotic.

The Chimera Corps

An international organization that's existed since 600 B.C. Originating in Greece, the Corps was comprised of philosophers, politicians, soldiers, and others who wanted to change the world for the better. In order to do this, they kept their existence hidden and manipulated events in secret, constantly spreading across the world. Over time, the different parts of the Corps divided depending on what region they were in, leading to occasional infighting. What any given branch is doing varies, but one thing can be certain. If something important happens, no matter where it is, the Corps is either responsible or aware of it.

Main Details:

• Divisions: The Corps operates in three groups per region. These divisions are the Assault Group, Observation Group, and Research Division. The Assault Group acts as the Corps' muscle, using force to get things done. It's mainly composed of fighters, mercenaries, and assassins, though other particularly strong and skilled individuals can join too. Assassination, kidnapping, sabotage, and simple intimidation are the main functions of this division. The Observation Group are the Corps' eyes and ears, as they can gather information any time, anywhere. Fittingly enough, this group is the largest since many associates and lower ranking members are average people. Literally anyone can join this division, making them spies and sleeper agents. The main members of this division are hackers, politicians, professional spies, and anyone else with the capacity to gain and manipulate important information. Blackmail, espionage, and information leaks are what this division mainly does. The Research Division acts as the Corps' R&D, as they're responsible for the high end equipment, implants, and serums the Corps uses. Due to this division's members being composed of scientists and engineers, it has the least infighting in exchange for the highest standards. Aside from making, modifying, and repairing important equipment for the Corps, this division also sells their creations to other groups after going through a screening process to decide what gets sold and to who.

• Ranking: Within the Corps, there are technically only three ranks. Associates, Members, and the Head of each division. Associates are typically new recruits, and are occasionally given assignments that are mostly optional. Depending on the individual, some Associates can be particularly powerful and well respected, but simply don't become full members to avoid certain necessities. Members are the main people within each division, and are the ones responsible for completing assignments. What separates Members and Associates is the difference in pay, the fact that they have to complete missions assigned to them, and the standard of having a tattoo (usually a chimera) to show their loyalty, though some branches and individuals don't emphasize tattoos as much. The Head of a division is the leader, and needs to be the best in their branch at what that division does. A Head of The Assault Group needs to be the most powerful and skilled, an Observation Group Head needs to have the most influence over information, and Heads of Research need to be capable of organizing and leading important projects within the division. While the standards and rules involved with becoming Head vary depending on division, the Assault Group is known for being the most difficult to reach and maintain the position in.

• Branches: Each branch of the Corps depends on what region of the world they're in. Examples include the North American Branch, the Mediterranean Branch, the East Asian Branch, and the Oceanian Branch. While plenty of branches cooperate with each other, competition and division between them can lead to occasional infighting. This aspect of the Corps is what gave it the name it has, since the composite of different groups doesn't always work together, but can be especially dangerous when it does.

• Funding: The Corps is funded by its Members, who each give a small part of the paycheck gained from their job. Newer members typically pay more, but the amount decreases as they become more respected and valued. Associates and Heads don't need to pay, and the latter decides how much their members and associates make.

Extra Details:

• The Assault Group is the hardest division to lead, since the main method of becoming Head is to kill whoever has the position. If a member or associate kills the Head, they're given the position instead. Being chosen as the Head's successor or second in command can also guarantee the position when the Head either dies or retires. Because of this, the longer a person remains in this position, the more powerful and dangerous they are.

• Some branches are more powerful or feared than others. The North American Branch is an example, since it's often one of if not the most influential branch, due to their overseas influence. The Mediterranean Branch is the largest and oldest, possessing a similar level of power. This branch existed before the current mainstream regions of the world were made, which is why it isn't divided depending on continent. Other examples of a similar naming scheme can be found as well, such as the Scandinavian Branch not being known as the Northern European Branch, and Mexico being part of the North American Branch rather than the Central American Branch.

• Organizations outside the Corps tend to be either connected or manipulated in various ways. Gangs and crime families having members that are in the Assault Group, governments, federal agencies, and media outlets being controlled by the Observation Group, and major medical and tech companies being connected to the Research Division.

• Different divisions have different rules, such as infighting being illegal in the Research Division and monitored (like everything else) in the Observation Group. One universal rule is that despite blackmail being an option to use against other members, exposing the Corps itself isn't. Those who do are quickly punished and silenced through various means.

• When someone deserts the Corps instead of retiring or resigning, they're considered an Enemy of the Corps. People in this status are quickly dealt with to ensure they don't leak information, whether by killing them, forcibly bringing them back in, or making them disappear in another way.

• Since pragmatism is an important thing within the Corps, some individuals and groups are considered off limits. Particularly strong and dangerous individuals are to be avoided at any cost, as well as people who are likely to try and expose the Corps. Sometimes, individuals can also be avoided due to liabilities they'd have, such as a fighter with too much negative publicity being unsuited for the Assault Group.

• Corps members keep in contact through a special chat app that each member is given access to. This app allows them to share information, assign and accept missions, and request help at any time and place. Since the app is constantly monitored to avoid any data breaches, whether or not a person has it is a good way to tell if they're a member or not. Those without a phone or internet connection are given other methods of communication.

• If a member or associate is exceptionally skilled at more than just what their division does, they can be in multiple at a time. A person in multiple divisions can't become Head of more than one however, and will need to choose based on which they're more suited to. Because of how rare it is for anyone to be in more than one division and how difficult it is, only a handful of people have ever been in all three at once.

• When a member moves from one region of the world to another, they retain their rank in the new branch. An exception is if they're on a mission, in which case they'll be considered a member of their original branch regardless of location.

Info on Hades

In recent years, Yomi started branching out to other countries after dominating the underground scene in Japan. The organization was massively successful in Korea, and quickly expanded to China and Taiwan. One of the organization's most difficult endeavors overseas however was expanding to America. When the American Branch appeared, it had a decent start but was outdone by preexisting underground fighting promotions. This was worsened by the fact that they mainly operated in and around Los Angeles, which was filled with many larger and more noteworthy organizations. Instead of simply disappearing however, the branch rapidly made changes that allowed the promotion to thrive in such a competitive area. After a rapid expansion throughout Los Angeles, buying out or erasing other promotions, the American Branch spread throughout the West Coast, and has become one of the biggest underground fighting groups in America. Because of the massive changes made, the organization's name changed from Yomi to Hades. A new underworld for a new land.

The changes made include:

• Sponsorship: One of the biggest changes, and easily the most essential one. In Hades, companies, corporations, and other businesses join in to make wagers with each other, allowing them to gain massive profits in a small period of time. Any organization can join, so long as they're aware of the risks they take.

• Main Structure: Due to the influence of the groups joining Hades, the same leadership structure used in Yomi couldn't work. Instead of three executives managing everything, things in Hades are decided by vote. Whenever any large events are planned, a poll is created to see what the majority of groups agree on. While this can lead to indecision, anything that can't be decided by vote is instead decided via matches.

• Sub-Structure: A term often used for the way members are organized in Hades. Companies, corporations, and others involved choose up to three representatives to carry out their decisions. These decisions mainly include choosing their fighters, doing background checks (optional), and arranging the matches of their fighters. Managers are responsible to a slightly lesser degree, and range from being secretaries to their representative(s), to acting as a coach for their fighters. This mainly depends on the manager themself, as some aren't as familiar with or comfortable being around the people fighting for their group.

• Fighters: Within Hades, there are two choices a fighter can make. One is to work with a specific company or group of companies. The reasons vary, from personal connection to bribery. In order for a company to ensure a fighter stays with them, they can make a contract that guarantees how long they stay with them, as well as giving the fighter a guaranteed paycheck regardless of match outcomes. If a fighter is freelance, then they can temporarily join and fight for any company for any amount of time they choose, though most prefer to fight for whichever one is involved with a match they want to join. By doing this, freelance fighters can ensure they don't need to deal with unwanted details that working with a specific company could bring, at the cost of their paycheck varying more depending on their matches.

• Safety: Since fighters act as the muscle of the companies they work with, certain rules and additions in Hades were made to ensure they don't consistently get killed or injured beyond recovery. Referees are in place mainly to start and end matches, though they can disqualify a fighter if a match with special rules is active. Despite the apparent lack of rules in matches, the main one is the option to kill an opponent. If a fighter attempts to injure or kill their opponent after the match has ended, then guards will be called in to restrain them. Their paycheck will also decrease, and breaking this rule often enough will result in them being temporarily banned from Hades, with the possibility of their company being punished as well. If serious injuries or death occurs during a match however, then no punishment is issued.

• Special Rules Matches: Though this change can also be seen in Yomi's main and other branches, Hades was the one that started it. Examples of special rules matches include ring out matches, where a ring of light is made inside the arena that slowly shrinks as the match goes on. In a Ring Out Match, if a fighter is unable to stay inside the light, they're given a five second countdown before they lose. Another popular match type is Tag Team Matches, which are self-explanatory. A rare but especially noteworthy match type is known as an Armageddon Match, where a large number of fighters are selected to see who the last one standing will be. The number chosen for these matches can be anywhere from 25 to 100, depending on the circumstances. Because of the size of the arena needed for this, as well as other complications, these matches are rare, and mainly happen on special occasions, such as celebration of a massive success for Hades or to make a major decision between companies.

• Locations: Each match takes place in a location owned by one of its companies. Stadiums, warehouses, and construction sites are popular ones, though scheduling can be tricky since the match can only occur during off-hours. Privately owned beaches, fields, and other sufficiently large areas can also be used. In a general sense, Hades matches can occur anywhere that's large, privately owned, and unlikely to be seen or interrupted by external factors.

Extra Details:

• Within the Sub-Structure chosen by each company, members can occupy multiple roles at the same time. The main case is Representatives that also act as Managers. On some occasions, A Fighter within a company can act as their own Manager or Representative, depending on their connection to the company they're involved with.

• Because background checks are optional, plenty of companies choose temporary fighters at random so they don't need to pay them as much. While some of these fighters prove valuable enough to stay with them, many are random people recruited on the street simply because they could fight. People with more legitimate skills, such as martial artists, professional athletes, mercenaries, assassins, and others tend to be more respected and more reliable.

• Since wagers between companies can vary wildly, plenty of smaller groups have gone into bankruptcy or shut down entirely due to losing too much money or having to give up their most valuable assets.

• Matches are recorded and posted on the dark web. Members are given a password of their choice to login and view them, while anyone else needs to pay to watch. The funds gained through this are part of what keeps Hades active, aside from the money companies pay to retain their membership.

• A team of paramedics is on standby for every match, often to tend to any fighter that's too injured to leave on their own. This team is also part of Hades' membership, since they're paid to avoid sharing information with outside contacts. Fighters can also go to them after a match is over to have their injuries dealt with, or to visit their opponent.

Zero Hour

10:00AM, Las Vegas, Nevada

'Didn't expect Hades to become such a big deal...'

A woman in red leans on the balcony of a penthouse suite, thinking to herself while smoking.

'Last I checked, it was just Yomi's American Branch. The decent start they had was nothing compared to the bigger promotions already here.'

She takes out her phone to check the time, starting to walk back to the master bedroom.

'Guess they made some big changes. Heard some of those other groups got bought out. Even if it's just a rumor...'

The woman puts out her cigarette on an ashtray while starting an app on her phone.

'I can't let something like this go under my radar.'

A private chat room opens on her screen, and she starts sending a message to several people listed as her subordinates.

[Made up my mind. Hades is too good to pass up.]

One minute later, one of them responds and simply asks [What's the plan?]

[A few members in every level of Hades. Some fighters, managers, and representatives. If this goes well enough, I'll join in.]

[And if it doesn't?]

[Then my daughter's gonna need a better promotion to join. And better informants.]

She turns off the app and checks her texts. After a few moments, she goes to one of her contacts named Lucy and sends a message.

[You got your wish. Hades is approved. Pack your bags, we're heading to LA.]

Further Into Hades

12:30AM, Los Angeles, California

'That damn detective...'

A nervous man with long hair cautiously drives his black luxury sedan through the streets of LA.

'If he wasn't tipped off, I wouldn't be driving across the city to get rid of his work.'

He glances at a briefcase sitting next to him, haphazardly stuffed with files and paperwork stolen from an LAPD office.

"I should be at home right now, getting ready to go to sleep, and I should be able to sleep tonight without the fear of getting arrested or worse."

After several minutes, he reaches an empty construction site on the outskirts of the city and grabs the briefcase as he takes a deep breath.

"If the world worked based on how things should happen, life would be so much better."

He steps out of the car with the briefcase in his right hand, walking a few feet away before stopping.

"Just need to get this over with."

He opens the briefcase and dumps out the paperwork before arranging it into a singular messy pile. After closing the briefcase, he takes a lighter out of his right pocket and sets the pile on fire before running back to his car, briefcase in hand.

The man quickly drives off, looking around to make sure he isn't being watched or followed. After five minutes, he reaches a parking garage and stops on the first floor, turning off his headlights and calling his boss on an old phone.

"I dealt with that detective's paperwork. No, I wasn't followed. I know, but disposing of him myself would've been way riskier... Yeah, but... Okay, I'll keep an eye on him. Oh, and about that raise... Thank you."

He hangs up and puts the phone back in his pocket.

'I'll be managing one of the fighters now...'

After reclining in the driver's seat, the man relaxes and lets out a sigh of relief.

'Hope I end up with that wrestler. I might finally get an autograph.'