You stalk through bicycle clogged streets and dark narrow back alleys of this mysterious southeast Asian city. A pause for a furtive glance over your shoulder, then down a shadowy flight of stairs to a heavy cast-iron door. You knock, an narrow peephole opens and a pair of glittering black eyes size you up.
“Paper wraps stone” you mutter.
The eyes linger on you a moment longer, then with a loud mechanical clatter the door creeks open.
Inside the arena is alive with exotic smells of hashish, opium and sweat. At least a dozen languages can be heard. All around you bookies place bets, chalk up odds and wave wads of crumpled dollars, Deutchmarks, Yen.
But you haven’t come all this way just to bet…
This is the underground world of Ultimate Rochambo Fighter Arena: the ancient game of paper-rock-scissor transformed into a bloodsport so deadly it’s outlawed in all civilized countries --and Tennessee. This game isn’t limited to stones, rocks and scissors, but rather contestants can use any object, action or abstract concept they desire in an attempt to beat your own.
There in the corner is the champion from India,Speedy Gahnesh. You once saw him beat a Black and Decker cordless hedge trimmer with a Henry Moore marble abstract. Clever one that Speedy, but stone does beat scissors.
And over there, Knuckles Nishahara, Zen master from Japan. You once thought him doomed when his opponent pulled out a
Seafoam Green 1987 Chrysler LeBaron sedan with leather seats and full chrome package. But he merely countered with
“yellow” and won the match. Always unpredictable that Knuckles.
And over there, the burly Russian bear Johnny Zhivago. His cheek bears the ragged scar you gave him when you blocked his signature Thorium attack with a egg salad sandwich. It was his own fault for being so dependent on rare-earth metals, but that won’t quench his thirst for revenge.
You enter the ring, consider the opponent and attack!
Mayer McCheese collector glass!