Dominic "Crucix" Antonopoulos ~ Etu Demu Gladiatorial Slave

[Dominic "Crucix" Antonopoulos]

Table of Contents

• Basic Stats
• Appearance
• Ability and Weakness
• Skills 
• Personality
• Gladiatorial Relations 
• Brief History 
• Expanded History
• On Site Relations
• Current (On Site) History 

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Basic Information

Name: Dominic "Crucix" Antonopoulos

Age: 30

Race:Dhampire - Sterile

Clan: Etu Demu

Rank: Gladiator (Slave) - Sub Champion

Occupation:
Bouncer at Synful, on call for Zeo's other establishments

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[Dominic "Crucix" Antonopoulos]

Appearance

Height: 6'2"
Weight: 215 lbs
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown
Scars:

Moderate scaring from a lash or two along his back from a pit master breaking up a fight between himself an another gladiator, standard minor scaring along chest, arms and thigh. One deep though non-debilitating scar along his side from a spear he just managed to avoid taking through the abdomen.

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[Dominic "Crucix" Antonopoulos]

Abilities

• Standard Dhampire abilities
• Encore:
  
  Crucix (his gladiatorial name ) is fueled by the attention of his spectators, especially of those in support of him. The more eyes upon him during a match, the greater his strength,speed, agility, and reflexes. Meanwhile, his physical fatigue and awareness of the severity of an injury lessen.

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Weakness

• Illiterate:
  
  Due to his background as a slave, he has had little opportunity for education. As he result, Dominic can neither read nor write. There are a few words he recognizes, those mostly being names he has seen often. There is some possibility that he may be dyslexic, but level of mastery is so minimal it would be hard to ascertain such a thing at this time. Despite this, he can easily recognize numbers, and seems to have at least a comfortable relationship with basic mathematics, mostly as pertains to money.
• "It's just a flesh wound"
  
  The greater the effect of his Encore ability, the less likely he is to take heed of pending wounds. Worse yet, he is less likely to realize the severity of a wound while in the middle of a match. This can, and has often resulted in his continuing to fight when he should have (and others would have) been unable to continue. In the past, he nearly died after his first match under the most recent pit master; who, unaware of this weakness took for granted his shrugging off what nearly ended up a fatal wound.
• Show boat
  
  While he does try to be mindful when he is working the crowd during a match, his drive to do so is compelling. As such, if he is not mindful of his surroundings, his need to keep his spectators rightly engaged can put him in a compromising position. Fortunately this only comes into play with especially large crowds, so this weakness does not interfere with his work as a bouncer.

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[Dominic "Crucix" Antonopoulos]

Skills

• Weapons Master: (blade, axe, spear)
  
  Crucix has trained in a number of old weapons, and is comfortable with them all. He prefers blades and spears depending on the match at hand, and as these are the gladiatorial weapons he has mastered. However, if an opponent's dropped weapon is the best he has on hand, he will not hesitate to pick it up and wield it with deadly force.
• Intimidation:
  
  In the arena his sheer confidence (and later his rate of success) and seemingly complete lack of concern for his own death or injury has been known to cause his opponents to shy or hesitate. He has been known through taunts, jeering, and working the crowd while opponents are winded, to dishearten fellow gladiators and feral lycans alike, further pressing the impressive figure that makes a midst the blood and gore of the pit.
• Ability to 'Work the Crowd':
  
  What can be said other than he really gets into the matches and knows how to work the crowd. This gets the blood of the audience going, and helps keep the money flowing. For this reason he is one of the favorites among regular patrons, and blood sources for the selling are in high demand.

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[Dominic "Crucix" Antonopoulos]

Personality

In the arena (and sometimes during training):

Loud, Prideful, Enthusiastic, Attention Seeking, Flashy.

Out of the arena

Laid back, Confident, Dedicated, Loyal, Conformist


Dominic enjoys the thrill of the games, and the glory of victory. While in the arena he is noted for his near arrogance, and new gladiators are likely to see this during spars with the sometimes overbearing veteran of the blood sports. When faced with non-gladiatorial opponents (such as feral lycan, or crazed opponents ), he can be cruel and favors blows that make his 'opponents' make the most noise, or make the greatest spectacles of blood and gore. He isn't however 'blood thirsty' this is all for show and the approval of the crowd. Fighting fellow gladiators, he does follow the code, fight with all that he is to win, but typically doesn't make it especially important to seriously maim or humiliate his opponents (unless he finds himself with fresh meat in which case humiliation is simply the new comers 'paying their dues' or if a match is deemed to the death). While killing an a fellow gladiator is something that all must accept, the preference is usually to subdue his opponent and then present him/her to his clan mistress, then, as once done in Rome, she decides if they deserve to live or shall be put to death for their failure.

Outside the arena, and when not in the presence of 'fresh meat', he tends to be more laid back when at leisure to be so. His loyalty to serving his clan mistress is deeply ingrained, and if it were her desire he would act as a 'full service' gladiator without question, providing blood or more pleasurable services for her guest or any others she might wish for him to impress. Dominic tends to be a bit of a sheep, in that he doesn't question the order of things, nor his place in it as a Dhampire and a slave, this can make him prone to being lead, especially if one were to get to his fellow gladiators, as there tends to be a brotherhood forged among them, and admiration for the especially skilled and honorable run deep among their ranks.

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[Dominic "Crucix" Antonopoulos]

Gladiatorial Relations

• Pit Master (No name as Character is available to be created to fulfill this role)
  
  Dominic is mostly indifferent to the pit master at present.  He is aware that the other likely holds a bit of a grudge against him for inadvertently nearly putting the other in a difficult position with the clanmistress. Still the others history of harsher treatment and being quicker to discipline him hardly doesn't really phase the Sub-Champion all that much.  He mostly tries to keep himself out of trouble, following the training and such, but he doesn't carry himself like some dog that's been beaten too much. 
  
  
• Champion (No name as Character is available to be created to fulfill this role)
  
  Dominic respects the Champion, but there tends to be tension between them.  Being favored to take over, and become the next Champion, it's no surprise to Dominic that the other has responded with hostility in the past. The current Champion is known to have provoked out of the arena/training  fights with him, to the point that the Pit Master has had to physically bring the pair of them to order.  Dominic, for his part doesn't necessarily dislike the Champion, but does try to stay out of his way and has often insisted he is not interested in the Champion's position. 
  
  
• Sub-Champions (No name as Characters are available to be created to fulfill this role, 2 positions)
    
  Dominic tends to share a great deal of comradery with his other sub-champions.  Outgoing among them, he has no problems shifting from the seriousness of training, to the more laid back setting of their shared quarters.  He has been known to 'entertain' his other sub-champions from time to time, but that really isn't anything surprising. Still, any such 'intimacies' between himself and the other sub-champions tend to only a matter of physical pleasure, and does not spill over into the realm of warm feelings or attachment. 

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[Dominic "Crucix" Antonopoulos]

History

Born of a slave that was falsely presented as having been sterilized to a young vampire far to inexperienced to know the difference, Dominic is one of those few Dhampire to actually be sired by a vampire. His mother died while giving birth, and if not for a wave of impulse by means of his father physically removing the infant from the tortured human corpse, he would have perished as well. His father, however, had been far to young to be permitted to raise a child on his own, let alone a half breed (and may or may not have been of higher standing such that Dominic's presence in his life would have been damning), so Dominic was turned over to the clan as it's property to do with as the clanmaster saw fit.

Growing up a slave wasn't so bad to Dominic who quickly came to understand the way of things. He was less than the vampires, or so he was told, but he had seemed to have a knack for endearing them to himself at least marginally with his antics and willingness to please. It was likely why he was serving even before most slave born were as he found the approval of his masters something fulfilling in some way. However, the young slave, even before his eighth year had a goal in mind.

"Shape up, or you'll be sent to the arena" Oh now wasn't that a constant threat to the less well behaved slaves, especially what Dhampires there were. The arena; however, fascinated Dominic; he wanted to go to this place where a slave could be more without necessarily upsurging the natural order. To be a gladiator seemed a glorious and wonderful life, even if he had heard that most of them died, and that other than the best of them, they had to live, much as the other slaves, packed together in communal quarters, with few extra accommodations. That didn't matter, the fact was, if they worked hard they could do more. Clans with arenas favored their gladiators that could preform, especially the champion, and sub champions. Of course, most that went to the arena were not actually gladiators, but those used for mere sport and crowd approval, and if he wanted to be a sub-champion (champions got better, but didn't get to actually participate in as many of the blood sports so it seemed a bit dull), he would have to work hard.

He was self taught and vigorously trained up until he reached his tenth year, then toned muscles beyond his peers and a propensity for winning in fights among other young slaves, even those who were a few years his elders earned him notice and value. Sold to his fist arena running clan, as a 'potential' fighter upon his maturity, Dominic was still not content to wait, not by a long shot. Sneaking his way into the pits, he was quick to work at endearing himself to the gladiators and their pit master, though their interests were not always so innocent. Still, their teasing, occasional "roughing up", even their more suggestive touching and occasional full out molestation or sexual encounter was worth it to the Dhampire, who in exchange received further and sometimes almost fondly accommodating training under them. After all, he was a slave, he could just as easily be ordered to service others in such ways, why not do it for something especially worth while?

Finally his career could begin at sixteen when he moved into the ranks of the others officially. Still there was difficulty for him in moving up in rank among his fellow gladiators. He was gifted, and well trained yes, but the pit master had since changed as the old one had, himself, been Dhampire and had reached the end of his years. This put a younger pit master in place, one that, along with far too many of the others had become quite accustomed to enjoying his youthful and increasingly eager masculine form. So for a time under a different name now forgotten to all but those in his first pit that remember his early career fondly, he engaged in mostly minor bouts, meant to only give the crowds a taste of what was to come, and to ensure that a good day was had, as one never did know when the main event might be cut surprisingly short.

Frustrating though it was, at least he continued to be well treated, even if he did have to beat new comers into the dust during training so they would know better than to mock his place among them. How fortunate it was for him just a scant four years later when a vampire representing Mistress Sarin's interest happened to come looking for a few low talent fighters to purchase as fodder in an upcoming event. Every gladiator knew of Borakiev's blood matches, it was a dream to be one of talent and fight for her, but a sure death for those who went as fodder. Sarin's man was not content to merely watch matches, but did take it upon himself to do what the clanmaster did not, and went down into the pits to watch them train, as it never hurt to gauge the full measure of another arena's stock.

Dominic was still not the most skilled fighter, he needed time in the arena while in real matches to challenge him in ways sparring could not (especially when too many of his sparing partners wanted to make sure he wasn't too sore for a different sort of match later on ). However his talent was brazenly obvious to the skilled buyer, and the true enticement was finding that for whatever reason he couldn't imagine, this particular talent was being overlooked; obvious by the role he later played in the matches set for that day. Of course, if gladiators, or even the pit master might have been consulted they might have convyed a higher price should be demanded (though it would have been interesting explaining to the clanmaster why such a high price should be demanded for so lowly a fighter). However, it was not their decision, but rather those that knew Dominic only by what rein he was given in the arena itself. So it was, with a handful of fodder, that Mistress Sarin acquired a gladiator for the price of lump of flesh meant only to spill a bit of casual blood.

Since Etu Demu

Given the new gladiatorial name Crucix, Dominic's career had been given a fresh start. Matches in the arena became challenging, invigorating and yes addicting. Let loose to finally enjoy real challenges, it was during a match against three young feral lycans that the pit master perceived both Crucix's ability, and his weaknesses pertaining to the match, and quickly set to advancing the young gladiator, while trying to keep him from getting himself killed.

In a short three years Crucix worked his way up in the ranks, moving quickly from his status as 'fresh meat' in Sarin's arena, to that of one of her few sub-champions. As of yet, he has not officially faced the champion for his title, though the pair of them have met in the arena from time to time with victories being had on both sides. No doubt it would be risky to send them into an actual match for the title until one seemed more likely a victor, or until Sarin was ready to give one or the other over to death. For a time the pit master was forced to drive the two apart during training as the current champion was certain that the upstart Crucix meant to steal his prestige out from under him. The pair of them still bear more than one mark from that whip; however tensions between them have settled as it became apparent Crucix is more than pleased in his current position as a crowd favorite and the better of Sarin's sub-champions.

His relationship is slightly strained with the new pit master however. His first under Sarin, had been lost to them suddenly by an unexpected escape of some of the lycan fodder that apparently had bites far worse than their barks. Such is the life in the pits, even for its master. The replacement by the current pit master saw a young, and relatively unprepared man who's first act as Sarin's pit boss was nearly to lose one of her most valuable gladiators. Crucix had hardly noticed that the blade of his competitor had buried quite so deep, had even helped to impale himself a bit to get to the one wielding it, and did they love when such a bold and approach was taken, the look of surprise on the far less experienced fighter he had been facing that day.

His old pit master would have perceived his need for aid, but the new one had no inkling as to the gladiator's weakness, so when Crucix waves it off after leaving his beaten opponent in the sand behind him, nothing more was thought of it. Nothing more until Crucix had nearly bled out an hour later, unable to get himself aid by the time the spike from his Encore ability wore down enough for him to perceive the extent of his wound. The new pit master seems furious, convinced that this had somehow been an intentional set up by the gladiator, who would know that his condition would have to be reported; while, Crucix, for his part remains distant and uninterested in the new pit master, mostly because of the closeness he had felt to his the former master, the one that had given him his shot and seen his rise to sub-champion. Still, as in all matters in the arena and in the pit, only time and the spilling of blood will tell what will come of this.

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[Dominic "Crucix" Antonopoulos]

On Site Relations

Aubrey St. Jude

• He has always made note of the other's presence while he was in the arena, but that hadn't prepared Dominic for the day the pair of them crossed paths.  He has been establishing time to spend with the other, apart from their duties. Though, of course, he must remain cautious not to get them into trouble by looking at the other.  Even if their Mistress isn't around, it would not please her to hear of them breaking her rules, and one can be sure that many of the non-gladiatorial slaves would have no problem saying something, especially if they thought it would some how earn them favor in the Clanmistress' eyes. 
  
  
• He has recently been appointed as Aubrey's bodyguard.  Expected to assume these duties whenever he isn't in the arena, training, or working for Clanmaster Zeo, Dominic not only anticipates the opportunity to spend more time with the pretty human, but is also pleased that he has now been granted permission to actually look upon Sarin's most treasure pet. 

Joseph M. LeBeau

• A human he met while working a night in Carnivale.  Dominic doesn't technically know this  human's name, but he did step in to assist the man in dealing with an unruly server.  The fact that things escalated to the point that said server was 

Maggie MacCailin

• A server at Synful, and one of his coworkers.  Dominic is fond of the sweet Lycan girl, and often enjoys her company while they work together.   He makes a point to keep an eye out for her, seeing her as someone that not only is entitled to his protection, but also is deserving of it.  The fact that, the day might come where Maggie finds herself in Sarin's arena doesn't fully occur to the gladiator.  Then again, with what he does, it is best not to think on the matter to much.  Hopefully it never comes down to that; as, if he were to think about it, Dominic might not be so sure he could carry out slaying her. 

Sarin Borakiev

• He has, and always will hold the deepest of respects for his Clanmistress and owner.  Dominic does not doubt her rights to own him, and to expect any service from him in accordance with her whim.  Recently the Clanmistress has shown some interest in him, and has even appointed him the personal guard of her favored pet,  Aubrey St. Jude. 

Xavier Corinthos

• A server at Synful, and one of his coworkers.  The other Dhampire isn't necessarily what Dominic would consider a friend. Actually he holds no particularly warm feelings towards the other, but he doesn't dislike him either.  Xavier seems an unusually reserved, and quite person, but then again many slaves did tend to be.  Regardless, he is devoted to seeing to this servers well being just as much as he is the ones that relate to him better.  At least this one doesn't cause 'the boss' any trouble, and that's really all Dominic can ask from his fellow employees. 

Zeo DiPaulo

• His boss, Dominic works for Zeo as a bouncer, and finds himself especially pleased to be employed by the ancient vampire.  Of course, Dominic knows it isn't his place to admire the vampire, as vampires are rightly so far above his kind that to admit an equality great enough to admire them is offensive to the way of things.  Still, he is rather fond of 'the boss' and is that much more encouraged to loyalty given the man's sense of fairness.  The fact that Zeo is also generous has also not failed to be noticed by him, but he is far more moved by the other's willingness to accept his lack of education, rather than his generosity by means of reward. 
  
  
• Master DiPaulo has done something rather unexpected.   Coming to his aid during a confrontation with a vampire under Master DiPaulo's employment was certainly something he hadn't expected.  Further more the fact that the other both eliminated the vampire, and didn't eliminate him in retribution for the trouble he has caused is a bit puzzling to the Dhampire.  Truthfully, Zeo's behaviors in the past would suggest the possibility, but theorizing and actually seeing it were two far different matters.   

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[Dominic "Crucix" Antonopoulos]

Current (On Site) History

• He has recently been given the duty of guarding of his Clanmistress' most prized pet.  It is an honor, no doubt, and likely one he isn't entirely deserving of.  Still, it isn't his place to question the desires of his owner and mistress.  Therefore, he is content to merely do as is expect of him. 
  
  
• A confrontation in Carnivale has lead to the death of a vampire of considerable age.  Clanmaster Zeo, DiPaulo came to his aid when the vampire in question had a mind to kill him for getting in the vampire's way of taking advantage of a human client.  It is likely very fortunate for Dominic that the vampire in question had also been one from Zeo's own clan.  Otherwise, it was likely that he would be expected to be turned over to be made to pay for his involvement in the death.  After all, a Dhampire's life is not worth the loss of a vampire.

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