You were taken as a slave or committed a horrible crime, and were forced to fight in arenas or theaters for your life. Beasts, humans, others creatures... the lives you cut down in the Colosseum are what you've known for as long as you remember. Your fighting style made you a successful gladiator or it was at least good enough to keep you alive. The Colosseum is in your blood now, the events that took place, and the memories that replay in your dreams and nightmares. You have experienced a war of a kind. For a time, survival was your only goal and it shows in everything you do. Soldier, mercenaries, veteran, guard or retired battle-master will recognize the look in your eyes and your stance and know a kinship with you. Those experiences have become you whether by choice or not, and although you are free; you'll never escape the arena.
- Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Intimidation
- Equipment: A armbands made of iron, a trophy taken from a fallen enemy (a dagger, broken blade, or piece of a banner), a inexpensive but unusual weapon, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gold
A Gladiator is in every way a fighter and a performer. In the Arena, you rouse the crowd with your displays of fighting prowess killing or maiming other combatants, and like any other well-known performer, there is rarely a dull moment in your day-to-day life --- On the streets, the people may recognize you for these feats of armed combat in the Arena. Oftentimes your fans might present you with small gifts, discounts on combat gear, a free round of drinks, or a free nights stay at the local Tavern & Inn. Sometimes you might have to deal with the occasional stalker, or other times you are the victim of an "unfortunate accident" due to vengeful fans of a fighter you've fought against.
Suggested Characteristics
Gladiators come from all walks of life with different morals. Some come to the arena for glory, while others gold. Some aren’t supposed to be there at all.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | When in battle, only two things are on my mind. My enemies and my guaranteed victory. |
| 2 | I have a persona and costume that I change into when I fight, I make decisions as that persona that I normally wouldn't make as myself. |
| 3 | I only respect people if they've proven themselves in combat. |
| 4 | I can't stand the sight of an unfair fight. |
| 5 | Some fight to escape their reality. For me, fighting is my reality. |
| 6 | I get bitter if I’m not the center of attention. |
| 7 | I’ll settle for nothing less than perfection. |
| 8 | I consider my line of work an art form; the arena is my canvas, the blade is my brush, blood is my paint, and myself, I'm the painter. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Reputation. I want to be known as the greatest fighter to ever live. (Any) |
| 2 | Liberation. I want to overthrow tyrants like the ones that kept me as a slave fighter. (Chaotic) |
| 3 | Fear. I want people to tremble at the sound of my name. (Evil) |
| 4 | People. I fight because not everyone can. (Good) |
| 5 | Greed. I'm just in it for the money. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Honour. The law is what saved me, and thus the law I will follow. (Lawful) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sometimes I cannot leave who I became in the arena. |
| 2 | I have seen countless friends die around me, many at my own hands, so I find it difficult to make new ones. |
| 3 | I want to be famous, whatever it takes. |
| 4 | I idolize a hero of the old tales and measure my deeds against that person’s. |
| 5 | I'm always searching for greater challenge, to surpass my previous accomplishments. |
| 6 | I will never forget who enslaved me and someday I will make them pay. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I’ll do anything to win fame even facing impossible odds. |
| 2 | I’d rather eat my armor than admit when I’m wrong. |
| 3 | A scandal prevents me from ever going home again. That kind of trouble seems to follow me around. |
| 4 | The monstrous foe I faced in the Ring still leaves me quivering with fear. |
| 5 | I have trouble keeping my true feelings hidden. My sharp tongue lands me in trouble. |
| 6 | Despite my best efforts, I am unreliable to my friends. |