Our cast thus far. In center stage is the heroine of our saga, Our Damsel, who we will talk about more after introducing her fellow cast-members. To her right is Anaxibius, current "Arena Champion" celebrated throughout the Imperial City and beyond. Admired by men and yearned for by women, it is said his heart already belongs to another, a mystery woman who stalks the shadows of the city by might fighting crime and other menaces. Sometimes it's said he joins her in these heroic ventures, but if he does, it must be in disguise because while that shadow has often been seen with someone of his height and build by her side in such efforts, no one has positively identified it as him. Romantic tales such as this simply serve to further kindle the hearts of those who yearn for him. Oh, and just in case members of the audience's minds are speculating, this heroine of the shadows is not the heroine of our story. To Anaxibius' right is Yalag. Though a monster, he's not very evil. He's a skilled trainer, stout and stalwart and typically gruff. A red orc chieftain who was exiled from his tribe for "insufficient dedication to its future," he wound up heading to the "Big City" and fighting in the arena before being selected as a trainer. He has never shown any interest in human females - or males, for that matter. In his relaxation time he enjoys reading books on combat styles, and also cooking wonderful stews. To our heroine's left is Martigan the Black. A former headlining gladiator of the Arena and fan-favorite despite - or perhaps because of - the occasionally sketchy methods he uses to win key matches and his unapologetic attitude about it. However, recently he's found himself in difficulties with the bookers and even caused once favorable fans to turn on him. Perhaps he annoyed the wrong person somewhere along the line. If so, his unapologetic attitude is now coming back to bite him. Following getting very mildly embarrassed by our heroine, he's vowed to get back to her as soon as he can in the worst possible way. Oh, and yes: that is his skin tone. Martigan is said to hale from exotic northern lands. Or perhaps eastern lands. Or both - his parentage is unknown. To Martigan's left is Genericus the Gladiator. Genericus played the part of various random gladiators in the training sequence. A competent opponent in midcard matches at the arena, Genericus is talented but unexceptional. He is also the understudy of all our star cast. Yes, all of them - if you want to fantasize about him dressed in Vivianna's gladiator costume, knock yourself out. He'll be grateful for the fan following. What more needs to be said about our heroine at center stage? Vivianna's tale is being told. You are invited to review the story thus far and the hints about her deeper background and the destiny that awaits her - should she survive these experiences. Well, one thing is clearly evident by the tight-lipped look on her face here. She's seen the script for the upcoming episode and is still slightly disgruntled that this part of her story is being made public. I told her it's important for people to see the humble beginnings. Her quip in retort was that "humble is one thing. Humiliating, another!" I reminded her this part isn't that humiliating - there are good parts in it for her even here. She wasn't convinced, but agreed to play her parts with vigor and spirit! Her waist is more slender than most of the other cast member's biceps. That's the spirit! And the point! The hand you're dealt may not be best - it's how you face and overcome the challenging circumstances of life.