* The Fighting Environments *
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     In the year 2003, a new aspect was added to MELEE: Combat Environments.
No longer was dueling to be limited to the Arena Sands. Under the lobbying of
the Combatants' Guild, both specialized combats (like Blood Matches and
Tournaments), as well as normal combat, could be held in any of the following
six different arenas:

THE ARENA SANDS
     This was the original terrain upon which all combats were held, in
honor of the traditions of ancient Rome. The Sands are relatively neutral,
favoring no warrior, or weapon type, or armor type more than any other.

THE BEAM
     A stylized one-man bridge, The Beam was the first special environment
added to MELEE. Raised twenty-five feet up in the air, The Beam provides
only an eight inch width to the combatants. Below, depending on the
combatants' agreement, could be sand, water (deep or shallow, occasionally
with sharks, crocodiles, or piranha), spikes, or predatory mammals. In
some combats, being knocked from the beam could mean little more than a
loss, in others it was fatal.
    The Beam favors Warriors who use thrusting weapons and wear heavy
armor. A large, heavy, strong Warrior will often have a decisive advantage
over one who is small and wiry, although experience can often overcome
disadvantages in size and poor suitability of weapons.

THE ALL WEATHER SURFACE
     This white, rubberized mat was introduced three months after The
Beam. Laid over a network of stiff leaf springs, the traction and rebound
of this surface produces the most exciting combats of any of the terrains.
It favors the wiry, agile Warriors who wear light armor and employ quick
weapons. Even less athletic Warriors can usually manage five foot vertical
leaps and double flips. Warriors who specialize in this terrain are breath-
taking to watch and often draw incredible crowds.

THE MUD PIT
     Introduced just last year, The Mud Pit is little more than hole in the
ground that is four feet deep and fifty feet across. It is filled with
artificial muck to a depth of two-and-a-half feet which makes maneuvering
an exhausting ordeal. A Warrior who specializes in The Mud Pit must have
extraordinary endurance and, ideally, a constitution that will allow him to
recover faster than his opponent. Combatants favoring the Mud Pit are usually
wise to wear heavy armor which can absorb the shock of the blows which could
not be dodged due to the impediment to maneuver. No specific type of weapon
is favored.

THE CAGE
    The fighting environment of the insane, bloodthirsty, or fearless, The
Cage terrifies almost all Warriors who can boast even a touch of sanity.
Only seven feet high, and with dimensions of eight feet by eight feet, combats
held in The Cage tend to be quick and bloody. Obviously, large, slow weapons
are almost useless in its confined space. Warriors who can withstand wounds
that would disable those of lesser stature stand the greatest advantage. Most
Warriors choosing this specialty favor heavy armor and short, quick weapons.
Going into this environment with poor endurance or when tired can be suicidal,
since these combats are usually fast and furious, with no time taken out to
regain fatigue.

FUTURE ENVIRONMENTS
     Currently, the Combatants' Guild is lobbying to add underwater combat
and blindfolded combat to the current list of fighting environments.