“He’s besting all our greatest beasts! Invent new ones if you must, but I need this stadium filled! Add extra heads. More legs. Who cares, just make it happen!”
– Colosseum Editor Gaius, exasperatedly

Many know The Colosseum as a place where hopes and dreams are tested through combat. Few know that The Colosseum itself has hopes and dreams too.
It longed to experience the battles it had cradled. With blessing from the gods, formed in the heart of the arena from blood of the greatest warriors, the gold that fueled its seats, and premium Roman concrete, M. Validus Aurus Maximus was born.
The thrill of combat became his sustenance; the cheering masses were his lifeblood. Aurus crushed sword-wielders, laid waste to shield-bearers, and became the idol of net-men everywhere. He set records in chariot races as the one pulling the chariot. In the morning he was scheduled to take on the Ten Invincible Spearmen. By early afternoon, they had already changed their name.
Begotten by dreams, Aurus and his thirst for combat would prove eternal. The Roman Empire was not. As time marched on, Aurus remained unchanged. One-by-one opponents succumbed to his trident until his Colosseum seats became barren and silent. Unable to fall to time or foe, the Valkyries were blind to the gladiator. Thankfully the psychopomp freelance network is well connected, and Mercury put word out of a battle-ready soul in need of a lively new audience.

“I have triumphed over Rome’s fiercest warriors and felled its mightiest combatants. These, ‘brand deals’… are they strong?”

– Aurus to Thor and Thea, looking for merchandising opportunities

Now, Aurus revels in Thunderguard’s centerstage. He sleeps there in preparation for upcoming matches, which Zariel protests is against runes and regulations. The Grand Tournament has no shortage of adoring fans, and Aurus is eager to have a new crowd to fight for—one that will carry him through eternity.