Story Name: Sovereign Fighter Genre: Modern/Urban Fantasy Status: Closed - friends only

OVERVIEW

While originally conceptualized as an international, televised martial arts competition, similar to the Olympics, the accidental death of a contestant resulted in the gradual bastardization of a once-innocent project. It was the finals, the fight that would decide that year's victor. René Lécuyer had been targeted by contention and bullying from the beginning, and now he was to face his greatest antagonizer on live television. His opponent was taunting, insulting, and it pushed the Frenchman too far. Forcing his way past his opponent's defenses, he accidentally ended up blugeoning the man to death before anyone knew to stop him. Fearing retaliation, the Producers cut the live feed immediately, only to be shocked by the suddenly skyrocketed viewership statistics. Fans seemed to love the bloodshed.

They deemed René that season's Champion, paraded him around the world as a celebrity, and prepared for the future of Sovereign Fighter.

Some of the greatest fighters across the globe were recruited to these yearly televised competitions, some coming willingly, but most being forced against their will onto a secluded and heavily guarded island where the competition was filmed. These contestants were then given SoViD, a unique drug that alters their physiology, giving them unique abilities to aid them in battle, as well as what has come to be known as their "Sovereign Form"--a beastly or monstrous transformation that some contestants can control better than others. Contestants were forced to cohabitate on the guarded Sovereign Island, which was monitored 24/7 and televised simultaneously, like a reality show, to capture every bit of conflict and drama that arised. 

SOVEREIGN FIGHTER COMPETITIONS

Sovereign Fighter is a battle competition typically spanning from 16 to 20 weeks, depending on fatalities and special events (team/group matches, free-for-alls, champion matches). In a given week, there are generally about 3-7 matches, with competitors arranged into a random roster designating their opponents at any given time. Matches are best 2 out of 3 (save for special cases or fatalities), allowing competitors more than one chance, generally, to succeed. These matches are hosted and overseen by show-host Bianco Rege, whom ensures things go smoothly and that the fans remain entertained. 

At the time of a match, individiuals are expected to go to the arena willingly, otherwise they are forced by armed guards. Those contestants that refuse to fight are either injected with a dosage of SoViD, thrown into a group match, or beaten off-camera until they are more cooperative. 

THE PRODUCERS AND BIANCO REGE

Sovereign Fighter was created by an elusive group of individuals known only as the Producers. These wealthy investors have resources and influence throughout the world, and its unclear what background each of them comes from--industry officials, politicians, even organized criminals--they are an incredibly powerful force that has managed to manipulate world government, and world media, to their whim. No one knows who they are, or met them in person, but they oversee the tournament and make all major choices. 

The tournaments themselves are hosted by an enigmatic figure appointed by the Producers--Bianco Rege. While coming from a rather nefarious background, the Italy native was shaped into a handsome, charismatic celebrity and face of these bloody matches. He maintains order in the day to day running of the island, hosts the matches, and reports directly to the Producers. While he himself has been given SoViD and is suspected to be a skilled fighter, he has yet to participate in the matches.

sovid drug and its effects

All participants in the Sovereign tournaments are forced to take SoViD. Created by the Producers and their connections, this experimental drug can be administered through pill or injection. Even just with one dose, an individual's physiology is permanently changed, with the aquisition of unique abilities ranging from electricity discharge, to teleportation. The drug also provides its user a monstrous, beastly form they can transform into with varied levels of control, which has been come to be called their Sovereign Form. The drug was created for the sole purpose of making the matches even bloodier and more unpredictable, and affects every taker differently.

Extended use of SoViD can at times provide further control and power to an individual, and has similar side effects to stimulant drugs--this has resulted in some contestants becoming permanently dependent on the drug. As a result, these addicted participants are generally more complacent and cooperative, which has led the Producers to encourage addiction among their fighters.

Sovereign Island

Sovereign Island is a private island off the coast of California, created and owned by the Producers. It is surrounded by unpassable concrete barriers, preventing any contestant from venturing further than a few meters into the surrounding ocean waters, and keeping any unauthorized personnel from entering or leaving the island. While in a naturally tropical climate similar to California, the weather on the island is completely controlled and manipulated--allowing for sudden storms, drought-like heats, or even snow. The island is organized into quadrants, with one dedicated to shops and facilities, staffed by island personnel, that contestants can use for their needs. Contestants earn 'money' for matches won, or through consistent cooperation, which they can use to buy food, clothes, and other things. 

The Participant Quadrant is where all participants are housed in small one-room condos, within a larger cluster neighborhood. It is within these assigned homes where constestants first wake on the island (generally rendered unconscious for transport), allowing for some level of privacy but demanding interaction throughout the rest of the island. Former Champions of Sovereign Fighter also live on the island, but in a separate quadrant known as the Champion Quarter. These homes are larger and more secure, allowing for increased privacy. While regular participants can access these homes, they are not as easy to enter as regular participant homes. 

The fourth quadrant is off limits to participants and the only area on the island not under constant television surveillance. This is where island personnel reside and oversee the functioning of the island and tournament. In the center of the island, between all four quadrants, is the arena--a massive, gladiator-inspired dome where all matches occur. 

PARTICIPANTS AND RELEVANT PARTIES

TBA	TBA	TBA
Bianco Rege	René Lécuyer	Juliano "Lobo" Correia