Set in

At the Mazoe colosseum, there is a circular arena called the thunderbowl surrounded by weapons. Spectators sit in bleachers, and screens are placed throughout the area. People offer personal training and gym memberships, and the sound of blenders is constant. All weapons are bludgeoning, and medics are present to treat injuries. Upon entrance, everyone receives a stamp on their hand. Izar and Hrothulf search for rules while Darnit tries to remember them. Ego tries to appear unassuming. Izar, with his Brawl of Fame Crown, gets to choose his opponent, while others are matched up. The bowl has an antimagic field, and tapout or knockout is the goal. Hrothulf must remove his armor before entering. Bookies take bets using colosseum tokens. There are six gates to enter the bowl, each with a worn placard explaining the rules. The floor changes with each battle. There are many spectators, but few seem interested. The current fight ends with a lady dwarf defeating a gnome. The fight results are displayed on screens. Red, a mighty dwarf, prepares to fight as the crowd chants. The fight involves haymakers, and weapons hang on the walls. Red uses a wooden pike, causing some controversy. He ultimately wins and taunts the crowd. Darnit volunteers for the next fight, and the battlefield shifts with mounds and a dip. Ego bets on Darnit. Darnit climbs the mounds, while Red loses track of him. They exchange words, and Darnit knocks Red off the wall. Red grabs a longsword, but Darnit uses a shield and hammer. Darnit defeats Red and chooses not to continue. Izar selects Ego as his opponent. Izar leaves his cloak with Hrothulf.