ARENA VARIANTS
Historical //Whether it's 300 BC or 300 AD, whether you're slaves, volunteers, or a member of the city's favorite team, you're in Rome or something like it. I hear the sand makes the blood easier to clean up.
Fantasy //Mythical creatures set loose to be battled, magic in the bindings that keeps you in line, this life may be even more dangerous. At least the architecture is pretty.
Space //You are on a large ship, or perhaps an entire planet, that exists only as an arena for battles to take place, with exploits beamed across the galaxy.
Your Own World //Turns out even in familiar places there are people bloodthirsty enough to want to see these sorts of battles. The arena might be makeshift, or re-purposed, or even a new stadium made for the purpose, but the sentiment behind the games is the same.
SCENARIOS
1// Man vs BeastToday your opponents are not other gladiators, but animals, or monsters. Try and stay alive.
2// There Can Be Only OneBoth of you have made it to the end of the battle, but there can be only one victor today. You must come to accords in one way or another, or else persuade the crowd to have a change of heart.
3// Fresh MeatOne of you is a veteran gladiator, the other one has just been brought in, willingly or otherwise. Time to haze the greenhorn, or take them under your wing.
4// Biggest FanOne of you is not a fighter at all, but you do enjoy watching the battles, and now you have a chance to meet your heroes.
5// Picking SidesThe next battle will be between a number of teams, you'll need to find your partner ahead of time if you want a chance.
6// Crowd PleaserOne of you is a known favorite of the masses. The other... isn't.
7// ProtectorYou've made an agreement. No matter what happens or who arrives in the arena, you will keep your friend alive.
8// Night LifeOne of you is not a fighter, but you are close to their level, there to entertain the fighters after the arena has quieted for the night with things like drink and dance.
9// Volunteer and the ImpressedOne of you is there because you want to be. The life of battle and fighting for fun just appeals to you you're ready to throw yourself into the ring. This is causing some friction between you and the others.
10// RevoltYou've made your plans, there's a weakness in the arena, and come the next show, you are all getting out.
11// Good HuntingOne of you have been thrown into the arena with little more than the shirt on your back. The other, in full armor with a few nice toys to use. The end result seems simple, doesn't it?
12// PatronOne of you is a person of wealth who would liked to get more involved in a gladiator's life, such as providing them with some useful perks. The other of you could really use a leg up.