The fighting rings
Overview
Werewolves were once a rare and valuable resource within the Hunter Society, primarily used for tracking and protection. In fact, their numbers were so low that the UK Branch instituted a global protection ordinance to prevent the abuse of their unique abilities. For many years, this law was respected without issue. However, in recent decades, some branches began circumventing these rules. The Mexican Branch, under the leadership of Enoch Serrano, has spearheaded this exploitation, using a Valko named Vincent to forcibly turn kidnapped humans into werewolves and channel them into the Fighting Rings.
The Fighting Rings have operated for though they only became a significant topic of interest in the last two. Presented under the guise of “training facilities,” these operations subject captive werewolves to inhumane treatment, including brutal physical conditioning and life-or-death combat for the entertainment of a select group of hunters. These fights generate immense profits, with millions of dollars pouring in from spectators and hunters scouting werewolves to purchase for their own use. Despite their success, the Fighting Rings remain a major offense to the Hunter Society's principles and the werewolf protection ordinances.
Where it’s located
The Fighting Rings are hidden deep in the heart of Mexico’s Sonoran Desert, within the Sinforosa section of Copper Canyon. The facility's remote location ensures its secrecy; the rugged landscape, extreme heat, and private ownership of the land make unauthorized access nearly impossible. Built into a canyon wall, the structures are camouflaged from aerial view and heavily guarded against intrusions.
Reaching the facility requires an appointment, off-road vehicles, and a grueling journey through treacherous terrain. Inside, the complex includes containment cells for werewolves, training chambers, medical facilities, and recreation rooms for those deemed “trustworthy.” Despite these superficial amenities, the overall atmosphere resembles a high-security prison, reflecting the inhumane treatment of its captives.
Who runs it
Enoch Serrano, the leader of the Mexican Branch, is the mastermind behind the Fighting Rings. Under his direction, the back-alley practice of werewolf fighting has grown into a lucrative and well-organized enterprise. Enoch oversees every aspect of the facility, from the selection of werewolves to their branding and subsequent training. Despite his outward success, his methods are widely considered cruel, even by the standards of the Hunter Society.
How it works
Vincent, a Valko under Enoch's control, plays a key role by transforming kidnapped humans into werewolves at a secret location. These werewolves are then transported to the Fighting Rings in armored vehicles, sedated to ensure compliance and minimize the risk of escape. Each of them are checked to ensure they won’t go into a feral blackout state once the sedative wears off and are promptly greeted by an evaluation performed by none other than Enoch. If they “pass” he places his brand on them, leaving whatever wolves he doesn’t pick to be chosen among the other members of the Mexican Branch, such as his lead Commodore, CJ, and a few others who have been vetted.
After receiving the brand and settling in, the werewolves are subjected to excruciating tests to expose their strength and endurance levels. Those who show signs of potential will be placed into the Fighting Rings the following week. Depending on their performance they will continue to be forced to fight, either for the duration of their life or until another hunter offers to buy them from the facility. This is why the Fighting Rings have become so popular among the hunter society, because it allows them to see the werewolves and have a selection that they never had before. The best fighters are kept in Enoch’s private collection, and he keeps the team at his side as bodyguards and hunting assistants. The fights are held every weekend and face a "Knock Out" type schedule where the strongest rise to the top and battle it out. The last two fighters are pit against one another and featured as the main event of the night. It is not uncommon for werewolves to kill one another during these battles, and tension between the participating hunters is always on the rise at this time. Top werewolves sell for a considerable amount of money. Losing werewolves (if they survive) are often kept in cells or returned to the "owners," only to appear again the following week.