Well I've got a new favorite new RPG member. Welcome :). A few questions:

1. Will this be strictly gladiator Vs. gladiator matches or can we expect some horribly destructive beast/alien type fights?
2. Will the RP unfold strictly in the arena or will their be behind-the-scenes type stuff with conniving Houses/Syndicates etc.? 
3. Is Merkadia a planet? A nation? What is the scope of the RP? Other planets/aliens etc? 
4. All good games (and stories) have a starting and stopping point. You mention [i]Merkadia will fall[/i] is this ambiguous or is this how you see the story unfolding?