GH - Pauper (Pit Fighter)

This is an advanced background. These advanced backgrounds are a tool for giving some added flavor, flexibility, and power to a normal background. These are meant to provide deeper immersion into the setting as well. Unlike regular backgrounds, advanced backgrounds allow characters to advance in their chosen background as they also advance in their class. It’s suggested that if one character uses advanced backgrounds, all should. This helps maintain both a roleplaying and a power balance between all the characters in the party.

Unterland was the first of the provinces to host blood sport arenas, back in the days before the formation of the Bürach Empire. Since then the practice has been driven underground, but, like poison spreading silently throughout a healthy body, it has infiltrated nearly every major city. Ostensibly illegal, you can almost always find small groups of desperate individuals putting their lives on the line for the amusement and enrichment of others. This hidden network of arenas has recently organized into the self-proclaimed Fighter’s Guild and developed a series of coded phrases and symbols to identify its members. Following the unspoken rule of Etharis, it is a place where only the strong survive.

 

Rank 1 – Scrapper

Life on the streets has toughened you, and now you have started down the path of an illegal underground fighter. You have yet to make a name for yourself, but your training is starting to pay off. All you need is a chance to prove yourself.

Holdings

• Room and board at a guildhouse near an underground arena.
• An invitation to an exhibition match that will be attended by promoters and scouts for the Fighter’s Guild

Progression

Attract the notice of a patron among the various underground fight handlers of the Guild.

 

Rank 2 – Prize Fighter

You’ve made your debut and are now a part of the Fighter’s Guild. As part of a small stable of up-and-coming fighters, you are mostly booked for minor tournaments and as warmups for some of the bigger names in arena fighting. 

Holdings

• A mentor in the form of a handler, trainer, or promoter who helps organize and book your fights.
• Access to a small training area equipped with dummies and frequented by potential sparring partners.

Progression

Enter a fight with a high-ranked fighter and either last three rounds or knock your opponent out.

 

Rank 3 – Contender

Recognized as one of the most promising fighters in the Guild, you are now eligible for entry into major tournaments for ever-increasing amounts of prize money. Most of the money goes to your handlers, but your standard of living has increased dramatically along with your value. 

Holdings

• A private room at a high quality inn or other establishment.
• Several admirers among the arena patrons, willing to ingratiate themselves with gifts or bribes.

Progression

Win a major championship bout.

 

Rank 4 – Arena Champ

Being champion of an underground tournament makes you a major figure within the Fighter’s Guild. As your fights draw greater and greater crowds, your duties are lessened and you live in relative luxury. Admired by some, envied by others, you nevertheless command respect among those in your line of work. Even your patron is willing to bend to most of your wishes, out of fear that you will defect to another noble or trainer.

Holdings

• A collection of toadies and sycophants, eager to follow your wishes.
• Job offers and party invitations from various nobles and criminals aware of your status.
• A fancy championship trophy, which can take the form of a belt, cup, or some other trinket.

Skill Proficiencies: Intimidation, Choose one from Deception, Insight, Perception, Persuasion, Stealth, or Survival.

Tool Proficiencies: Choose one gaming set.

Languages:  Choose one standard language.

Equipment: A worn blanket, a set of ragged clothing, a sack, 10 copper pieces, a pair of tough leather gloves, one gaming set of your choice, and a mess kit.

Suggested Characteristics

None.