Introduction to Guitar Gladiator

In the year 2220, the earthlike world of Suprulu is controlled by the supreme oracle Zoona and her Lectual minions, a female-dominated totalitarian regime that seeks to protect the balance of power in favor of the Lectuals by altering the minds and body chemistry of its citizens via the water they drink, as well as gladiatorial-styled arena events that combine music and sports where attendance is mandatory. The arenas are one of the few places where the populace can access modern existence. The male populace and the women that choose to be with them live as if they exist in the equivalent of our 19th century in all other aspects of their lives. Ace Martin is a persona non grata whose every move is watched by the State. He works in a fiery furnace steel mill. It’s the job he can get after being forced out of a career competing in the old guitar gladiator (GG) leagues. His wife Janis is the only thing keeping him sane. In a world where music outside of the state sanctioned arena competitions has been banned and individuality is taxed, Ace is barely making it. With a sick wife and low on collateral to help her, Ace decides to risk competing in the underground music competitions. This is the misstep Zoona has been waiting for. The Lectuals long to make an example of Ace.
The producer of GG, a vile worm of a man named Kasher offers Ace a deal he can’t refuse: in order to save the life of his wife and unborn child, he must compete in the Guitar Gladiator league. Ace was once a rising star in the league before the Lectuals took control of it in 2217. A former adversary, Merc, leader of the elite Viper team would love to settle old some scores, and bring Ace to his knees — just before killing him in front of a national audience. Kasher is counting on this outcome.
As Ace rises through the league ranks he attracts the attention of the Resistance who would destroy the balance of power Zoona’s Lectual regime holds, as well as the Marineaquatics of the Forbidden Region of Aprexia, led by Mal, the humanoid amphibian. This underwater realm bides its time — its intentions for good or ill toward the top earth dwellers are unclear. Meanwhile, Zoona sees Ace’s potential as a pawn to secure her power forever.
Ace dreams of a life as a free man in a free world. To that end, he is destined to compete in the ultimate event to crown the champion for the season. When he does, the fate of a world will rest in Ace’s hands,unleashed by the music the Guitar Gladiator creates.