The life of a pit fighter is is one of brutality, blood and death. Either raised as or taken as slaves, pit fighters live only to entertain and fill the pockets of their degenerate patrons. They differ from the famous gladiators of the lands in that the vast majority of pit fighters will never know the glory and fanfare of the large Arenas. Most pit fighters, tragically, will spend their days collared and caged in a slaver's warren with only an unknown and an unsung death in a pit under a gambling den as a reward.
This life of violence and captivity leads most pit fighters to eventually try and escape their situation, usually by killing or overthrowing their patron. There are, however, a handful of former pit fighters that have been freed by winning their freedom or through emancipation by other means (i.e. a third party attacks the slaver's domain and frees the slaves including the pit fighters).
- Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Intimidation
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set
- Languages: Choose one of the following: Draconic, Dwarvish, Elvish, Giant, Goblin, Orc, Undercommon, or Minotaur
- Equipment: An improvised weapon ( a crowbar, a length of chain, or the femur of a humanoid), a grisly trophy taken from a fallen enemy (a necklace made of teeth, a scalp, or a pair of ears), a set of common cloths, 10 gp
You have been taken around the region (or world) by your patron to participate in fights across the lands. You are known among dark and criminal sects and your reputation as a brutal and merciless fighter proceeds you. People who recognize you will go out of their way to accommodate your requests, provided it doesn't put them in harm's way. This notoriety can be both a help and a hindrance as fighters seeking to make a name for themselves may seek you out to prove themselves.
You are also at least passingly familiar with the underbelly of most large towns and cities.
Suggested Characteristics
Pit fighters are newly emancipated from a deadly and savage world and usually have a hard time acclimating themselves to life outside of the pit. Their lives before were nothing but punishment and miniscule rewards. As such, a pit fighter is slow to trust and often sees danger everywhere and in everyone.
Once freed, pit fighters often develop a desire to see all indentured peoples freed and right the wrongs that were inflicted to upon them and others. Some, though, just relish in their new found freedom and all of the gold and wealth their skills can bring them in the open market.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I know a story relevant to almost every situation. |
| 2 | I am hunted and always on edge. |
| 3 | I love a good insult, even one directed at me. |
| 4 | I drink to erase the memories of the past. |
| 5 | I prefer to stare people down over yelling at them. |
| 6 | I have seen too many friends die and am slow to make new ones. |
| 7 | I respect anyone skilled at martial combat, even my enemies. |
| 8 | I am always calm, no matter what the situation. I never raise my voice or let my emotions control me. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Righteousness. Stand up to those who subjugate and oppress others, especially when the oppressed can't stand up for themselves. (Good) |
| 2 | Tradition. The stories, legends, and songs of the past must never be forgotten, for they teach us who we are. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Fearless. The world is in need of brash and bold action. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Greed. I’m only in it for the money and fame. (Evil) |
| 5 | Independence. No being should be beholden to anyone.(Neutral) |
| 6 | Aspiration. Now that I am free i will prove to the world how great i truly am. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I protect those who fight by my side both in and out of combat. |
| 2 | My honor is my life. |
| 3 | I fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. |
| 4 | An ally betrayed me and left me to die. Someday I will have my revenge. |
| 5 | I idolize a hero of the old tales and measure my deeds against that person’s. |
| 6 | Those who fight beside me are those worth dying for. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I killed my patron escaping, and now I am hunted by their allies. |
| 2 | A monstrous foe I faced in the pit still lives, it killed my allies and haunts my Nightmares. |
| 3 | I have little respect for anyone who is not a proven warrior. |
| 4 | I value my honor over the lives of others. |
| 5 | I am always on the lookout for attack and can never truly relax. |
| 6 | The blood of my enemies must stain my skin for a full day to honor their deaths. |
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