Welcome to Inkbunny...
Allowed ratings
To view member-only content, create an account. ( Hide )
Darkflame215

Cub Pits Lore

Worldbuilding for the world of the Cub Pits. Hope you enjoy and please ask questions; I'm still fleshing things out.

The Triumvirate and the Caste of Cub Pits: A World of Valor and Sacrifice

In the world of Cub Pits, a complex and intricate caste system governs social dynamics, heavily influenced by a triad of foundational powers: the military, religion, and commerce. The interplay among these three forces shapes the lives, ambitions, and societal roles of individuals, particularly in the realm of combat and martial prowess. At the heart of this structure lie the revered Pit Fighters, once known as mere gladiators, who ascend to occupy a uniquely exalted position that bridges the worlds of war, faith, and trade.

The Sacred Caste of Pit Fighters

Pit Fighters are not just respected; they embody the essence of valor and sacrifice, aligning themselves with all three pillars of the triumvirate. Within this caste, they stand as symbols of strength and endurance, revered by the populace for their prowess, and celebrated as heroes in a world that craves spectacle. The triumvirate’s acknowledgment of the Pit Fighters’ significance is evident in their willingness to intercede directly in their lives, from mandating procreation among certain valued fighters to choreographing their training and development.
This combination of honor and obligation comes with unique ramifications. As custodians of the art of combat, Pit Fighters often engage in same-sex relationships, particularly those who serve as soldiers or skilled combatants. Such bonds are not only common but celebrated, providing emotional and tactical cohesion among those who live and die on the battlefield. In the arena of the Cub Pits, where life is a brutal contest of strength and strategy, these relationships foster trust and camaraderie, crucial elements for survival.

The Role of Cub Pits

When Pit Fighters father children, the triumvirate encourages them to raise their offspring alongside same-gender parents, further entrenching the cycle of combat training within familial structures. These children, referred to as "cubs," are indoctrinated early in the ways of fighting and survival. Upon reaching the age of ten, they are sent to specialized academies known as the Cub Pits, institutions where they are rigorously trained to become elite fighters.
Structured by age groups—10 to 13, 14 to 16, and 17 to 20—these academies immerse cubs in physical conditioning, weapon proficiency, and tactical strategy. Each tier represents an increasing level of skill and responsibility, with the ultimate aim of serving not just as entertainers in the arena but as indispensable warriors for the military or as divine instruments of the church. The distinction between combat and spirituality blurs within these walls, illustrating the intertwined fate of violence, faith, and power.

A Formula for Power

The societal structure surrounding the Cub Pits also reveals an intricate web of dependencies. The military seeks to draft elite fighters to bolster its ranks during times of conflict, while religious institutions emphasize the sanctity of combat as a form of divine service. Commerce benefits from the spectacle of victory and defeat, turning the prowess of the fighters into profitable ventures for traders and merchants looking to capitalize on their skills and lineage.
This system perpetuates itself through a cyclical mechanism: the triumvirate's need for strength fuels the training of the next generation, while the cubs' upbringing ensures that loyalty to the state and faith remain at the forefront of their identities. The Cub Pits become a crucible—a place where physical abilities are honed and societal roles are forged, producing a steady stream of fighters prepared to uphold the tenets of the triumvirate.
Viewed: 18 times
Added: 3 months, 1 week ago
 
troublekit
2 months, 2 weeks ago
I love where this is going! I can't wait to read more!

A caste system is really interesting. It lets you have characters with very different mindsets, raised in very different environments. Creates the potential for some cross-caste interactions, e.g. between fighters and audience members, fans.

Two thoughts I had, going down some of my favorite pathways (semi-willing snuff, uneven exhibition matches):

I wonder about cubs raised as warriors who, for one reason or another, just don't have the skills to be a good warrior. They might, at some point, instead be nudged towards becoming willing snuff sluts?

If the triumvirate is pushing strong warriors to have a bunch of children, you could end up with some generations that have too many cubs for the academies to absorb, and they might need to do some extra winnowing, or maybe they'd be guided towards less training-intensive jobs, like fodder for better warriors to show off their skills in exhibition matches.
Darkflame215
2 months, 2 weeks ago
I was thinking of that. I don't have all the characters worked out, but I was thinking of one character that is a poor fighter and who really doesn't belong in the pits and keeps getting snuffed. As much as he likes it, he knows with his poor fight skills it's only a matter of time before he's snuffed permanently.

That's also where the point system comes into play. Just like in the original series, cubs don't just get revived. You need a hundred points to be resurrected, which comes from your own fights, family members, or even other fighters.
troublekit
2 months, 2 weeks ago
Yesss, that's so good. The points system in Snuffie Games was a really cool way to create ambiguity about whether any death was permanent. It lets the reader play it out both ways in their minds.

On the flip side, I love the idea you're getting at there. A fighter who's been snuffed a bunch of times, who knows they're well and truly out of coins is a great dynamic. (The more of it I read, the more I like the finality of perma-snuff.)

What does that fighter do when it's clear the fight's lost? What kind of death do they want? Probably a really hot one. They've tried it a bunch of times after all, who has better taste in how to die, than someone who's died a ton of times!
New Comment:
Move reply box to top
Log in or create an account to comment.