You were taken as a slave or committed (or were accused of committing) a horrible crime, and were forced to fight in arenas or theatres for your life. Beasts, humans, other 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. Eventually, you became a champion and won your freedom. You have experienced a war of a kind. For a time, survival was your only goal, and it shows in everything you do. Soldiers, mercenaries, veterans, guards, or retired battle masters will recognize the look in your eyes and your stance and know a kinship with you. They will also be wary. Those experiences have become you whether by choice or not, and although you are free; you'll never escape the arena.
- Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Performance
- Tool Proficiencies: Dice Set
- Equipment: A set of Cestus, An inexpensive but unusual weapon or a musical instrument (one of your choice), the favor of an admirer (love letter, lock of hair, or trinket), a costume, and a pouch containing 15 gp
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 night's stay at the local Tavern & Inn. Sometimes, you might have to deal with the occasional stalker, or at other times, you are the victim of an "unfortunate accident" due to vengeful fans of a fighter you've fought against.
You can always find a place to perform in any place that features combat for entertainment — perhaps a gladiatorial arena or secret pit fighting club. At such a place, you receive free lodging and food of a modest or comfortable standard (depending on the quality of the establishment), as long as you perform each night. In addition, your performance makes you something of a local figure. When strangers recognize you in a town where you have performed, they typically take a liking to you.
Suggested Characteristics
Successful entertainers have to be able to capture and hold an audience’s attention, so they tend to have flamboyant or forceful personalities. They’re inclined toward the romantic and often cling to high-minded ideals about the practice of art and the appreciation of beauty.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I know a story relevant to almost every situation. |
| 2 | Whenever I come to a new place, I collect local rumors and spread gossip. |
| 3 | I’m a hopeless romantic, always searching for that “special someone.” |
| 4 | Nobody stays angry at me or around me for long, since I can defuse any amount of tension. |
| 5 | I love a good insult, even one directed at me. |
| 6 | I get bitter if I’m not the center of attention. |
| 7 | I’ll settle for nothing less than perfection. |
| 8 | I change my mood or my mind as quickly as I change key in a song. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Beauty. When I perform, I make the world better than it was. (Good) |
| 2 | Tradition. The stories, legends, and songs of the past must never be forgotten, for they teach us who we are. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Creativity. The world is in need of new ideas and bold action. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Greed. I’m only in it for the money and fame. (Evil) |
| 5 | People. I like seeing the smiles on people’s faces when I perform. That’s all that matters. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Honesty. Art should reflect the soul; it should come from within and reveal who we really are. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | My instrument is my most treasured possession, and it reminds me of someone I love. |
| 2 | Someone stole my precious instrument, and someday I’ll get it back. |
| 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 will do anything to prove myself superior to my hated rival. |
| 6 | I would do anything for the other members of my old troupe. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I’ll do anything to win fame and renown. |
| 2 | I’m a sucker for a pretty face. |
| 3 | A scandal prevents me from ever going home again. That kind of trouble seems to follow me around. |
| 4 | I once satirized a noble who still wants my head. It was a mistake that I will likely repeat. |
| 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. |
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