Gladiator
You were once the star of the fighting arena, battling foes for the entertainment of others. Your days were spent in intense combat, and your nights in both celebration and contemplation of the life you led. Whether you fought in massive coliseums or underground fighting rings, your skills were honed in some of the most dangerous environments imaginable. Why have you left the roar of the crowd and the thrill of the fight for the life of an adventurer?
Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Intimidation
Tool Proficiencies: one from Gaming Set or Land Vehicle
Languages: 1 of your choice.
Equipment
A trinket from your days in the arena (like a piece of a defeated foe’s weapon, or a fan’s keepsake), a set of common clothes, a gaming set of your choice, a pouch containing 20 gp.
You start with the following equipment, in addition to the equipment granted by your class:
- clothes, common
- (a) any gaming set
Feature: Champion of the Arena
You can always find a place to fight in any settlement that has fighting pits, gladiatorial arenas, or other venues for hand-to-hand combat. Participating in these fights during downtime can earn you extra money. Additionally, your history as a gladiator has made you something of a celebrity; people are more likely to recognize you and you’re often given the “star treatment” at inns and taverns, as long as you regale the patrons with tales of your battles.
Suggested Characteristics
Gladiators are accustomed to high-risk, high-reward situations. They are often bold, fearless, and skilled, but also bear the mental and physical scars of their brutal past.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| d1 | I narrate my life like a grand epic, including my combats. |
| d2 | I size up everyone I meet, wondering if I could take them in the arena. |
| d3 | I am highly competitive; if there’s a challenge to be met, I’m there. |
| d4 | I find peace in solitude, a stark contrast to the roaring crowds of my past. |
| d5 | I always want to be the center of attention. |
| d6 | I’m used to the gory and gruesome, and sometimes forget others may not be. |
| d7 | I show off my scars like badges of honor. |
| d8 | I'm quiet and stoic, letting my combat skills speak for themselves. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| d1 | Valor. I fight to demonstrate what I'm capable of. (Any) |
| d2 | Fame. My name will be remembered forever. (Any) |
| d3 | Discipline. Only through strict training can one become a true warrior. (Lawful) |
| d4 | Freedom. I fight for my own freedom and the freedom of others. (Chaotic) |
| d5 | Thrill. Nothing is more exhilarating than a well-fought battle. (Chaotic) |
| d6 | Tradition. The gladiatorial games are an important custom that must be upheld. (Lawful) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| d1 | I still owe debts to the person who purchased my freedom. |
| d2 | I was inspired by a legendary gladiator and compare myself to them. |
| d3 | I escaped captivity and any symbol of my past as a slave enrages me. |
| d4 | My weapon is my soulmate; we’ve been through hell together. |
| d5 | I fight to support my family or hometown. |
| d6 | I seek to avenge a great loss I suffered in the arena. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| d1 | I am overconfident and prone to underestimating my opponents. |
| d2 | I am haunted by memories of death and violence. |
| d3 | I can be merciless, even when mercy is warranted. |
| d4 | I find it hard to trust people outside of the arena. |
| d5 | I'm addicted to the roar of the crowd and feel empty without it. |
| d6 | I hold grudges and seek retribution over slights both great and small. |
Credits: Squire 5