You grew up on the streets, alone and scared, with nobody to look out for you.  You scavenged food and whatever liquids you could get your hands on (whether you had to leave civilization to do so or not), and you learned to never let your guard down.  If you did, even for an instant, other street urchins would beat you up and  take your most prized possessions - that you knew for sure.  So to avoid those unpleasant times, you found that fighting was a prime way to protect yourself and your belongings.  It was effective.  It got your point across.  And as you fought for your safety more and more, you eventually realized you were quite good at it.  People began to notice your unnatural amount of talent, and eventually, you were invited into a local pit fighting club, where you had to fight against stronger, faster, and more clever men and women.  But even here you excelled - a great accomplishment for one so young.  By now, people far and wide (in your hometown, of course) knew your name.  You were then invited to the Aastardel, a gladiatorial arena in Waterdeep.  Getting there was pretty difficult, but somehow you managed to avoid the many hazards on the road.  The Aastardel was so much bigger and advanced than your local arena, and the bouts were nearly four times as high.  You quickly earned enough money to start a real, honest living, but something about giving up on your talent hurt inside.  How could you possibly leave the career you'd been in since you were young?  After a long while of thinking, you decided to take up the art of adventuring.  You could express your talent in fighting as an adventurer, and you would be no longer avoiding the law.  Your perfect match found, you bought better gear, saddled up a steed, and set off towards the unknown . . .

       Common class choices to go with this background are fighters, rouges, rangers, and barbarians.  This background is mainly a combination of an urchin and an entertainer (gladiator), but there's so much more to it.  You learned how to rough it in the cities, as well as a little about nature, and fighting is your go-to tactic for bullies, monsters, and even jobs.  You're sort of a local celebrity, and when you pass through towns, you often have to disguise yourself to avoid unwanted attention.  You're popular, wealthy, and a little intimidating, but you never let those traits get to your head.  You always do what is right for yourself and others, and you strive to rid the world of cheaters and oppressors - those who would gleefully hurt innocents and urchins like yourself as a youngster.  The law won't hold you back from your destiny or your motives.

Skill Proficiencies: Survival, Persuasion, Intimidation

Tool Proficiencies: Thieves' Tools

Languages: Choose One - Draconic, Dwarvish, Elvish, Gnomish, Goblin, Halfling, Orc

Equipment: a Martial Weapon, Thieves' Tools, a set of Traveler's Clothes, a Membership to the Aastardel, and a pouch with 50 gp

Suggested Characteristics

Former Aastardel gladiators tend to be more sympathetic than empathetic.  They'll help people, but not if those people don't contribute in the process.  They aren't afraid to do what is right, even if it goes against the law, and they have a nasty temper towards those who would cheat, enslave, or mistreat innocents.

d8	Personality Trait
1	In every town I go to, I like to challenge their local pit fighting champion.
2	I treat monsters like my opponents - I always allow them a chance to surrender.
3	I always lend a helping hand to those in need.
4	Everyone says I'm the most popular, most wealthy, and baddest fighter they've ever seen.
5	Behold the might of the Aastardel!
6	I like winning, and I get sore when I have to fight an opponent stronger than me.
7	Who will notice if a few coins are lifted from my opponents during a fight?
8	I avoid eating at taverns with red roof panels. Don't ask why.

d6	Ideal
1	Good (Improvement) - I challenge others in the arena so they can train and learn to become better men and women.
2	Evil (Power) - When I'm done, everyone will fear my name, know of my godlike power, and bow before my golden throne.
3	Lawful (Respect) - I respect my opponents and adversaries, and I only wish they'll one day respect me, too.
4	Chaotic (Freedom) - I am bound to no one, for if I am the strongest fighter, than nobody will be able to hold me down.
5	Any (Protection) - I'll protect myself, no matter the cost.
6	Any (Worthiness) - I will prove myself to those whomever doubted me.

d6	Bond
1	I fight for others who cannot fight for themselves.
2	I will become the greatest fighter of all time.
3	I will never be inadequate again.
4	My friends will never have to be afraid if I have my way.
5	Knowledge is power . . . and power is knowledge.
6	To undo the wrongs of this world - that is my only goal.

d6	Flaw
1	I am the strongest, fastest, most beautiful/handsome, and smartest hero the world has ever seen.
2	I'm never going back.
3	Monster? Go deal with him yourself.
4	People say I'm too young to wield such power.
5	A local pit fighting arena in some small town got raided while I was in it. Everyone else got thrown in jail, but the lawmen gave me some slack - I'm fine with that.
6	I'd rather play dirty than lose.

Contacts

As a former pit fighter, you have many contacts in high places.  In your hometown, most of the nobles respect you and will lend a helping hand if you need it.  Anyone in your pit fighting clubs will provide you with lodging, meals, and weapons if you happen to see them.  In summary, lots of people will help you, including nobles, generals, member of the authorities, and battle hardened warriors.  You'll never be alone again.