The Hippodrome of Amet

The Hippodrome of Amet hosts the City’s public games. A full one-third of the year is dedicated to the games at the Hippodrome. Of these, the chariot races are the most popular, but they include a wide variety of other entertainment: parades and processions, foot races, exotic animal hunts, plays and recitals, and public executions. The need for support during the public games has caused an entire district to grow up around the Hippodrome. Food sellers, beer brewers, token takers, animal tamers, janitors, musicians, repairmen, teamsters, and others all live near the Hippodrome to provide needed manpower.

Sensations:

The Hippodrome of Amet is a large field with a racetrack about a half-mile long. Stadium seating rings the field in tiers. On game days, the thunder of the horse hooves and chariot wheels is matched only by the thunder of the crowds. Flute players perform the sacred songs that start and end each game. The heraldry of different houses flies proudly in the hot wind. The smells of candied scorpion snacks mix with those of the horse stables.

Special City Action:

• Purchase animal companion: Hunters are sent to the far corners of the Wide World for exotic animals to be displayed as combatants in the Hippodrome; not all animals brought back make the cut. You can purchase an exotic animal for the cost of 100–1000g (based on the animal’s rarity). Each animal purchased enters your service knowing one command (p. 78).