Description: The arena champions are gladiators whose greatest desire is to
practice their blood sport in arenas filled with thousands of
screaming fans. The risk their lives for fame, wealth and adoration.
In rare instances, even slaves have risen to champion status.
Special Requirments: Any gladiator may become an arena champion.
Role: Societies have always demanded heroes. Nobles live in luxury
that no commoner could every hope to acheive. Great gladiators,
however, rise from the ranks of average and ordinary citizens
and so the popular arena champions serve a purpose. Even the most
subjugated servant needs a role model, something to aspire to
-- the arena champion fills this very real need.
Some of the gladiators are local neighborhood heroes or visitors
from nearby communities. They work in jobs or use their skills
to earn a lving and train for the arena in their spare time. Arena
champions aspire to become famous and earn sponsorship, which
would permit them to concentrate on training for the arena full
time.
Other champions are slaves who see the arena as their one chance
for freedom and a better life. The beeter they perform in the
arena, the more money they make for their masters. their masters
in turn may provide better living quarters, weapons, and other
advantages. There is always the possiblity of buying one's freedom,
if one performs well enough.
Weapon Proficiencies: Arena champions gain a specialization in the melee weapon of
their choice at no additional cost.
Equipment: Arena champions have no special equipment and can spend their
starting gold any way they like. However, they must spend 10 percent
of all money they earn on equipment for use in the arena.
Special Benefits: Because of previous success, arena champions may train free of
charge in their home city as long as the following conditions
are met:
The gladiator is not being sought for crimes by the local authorities;
There must be a gladiator in training at the arena who is at least
two levels higher than the PC.
An arena champion's reputation proceeds him. Arena champions receive
a +1 reaction adjustment when dealing with anyone from their hometown
or neighborhood. When in their hometown, arena champions are often
treated to free lodging, free food and drinks and receive discounts
on goods (at the DM's discretion).
Special Hinderances: Arena champions are often held in esteem only in the local area
or in the neighborhood they represent. When in different parts
of the country, they may be assaulted or attacked by the fans
of other champions. An attack may come as anything from rotten
produce being hurled at the champion to heavy stones dropped from
building tops. Other local champions may challenge them to "plaza"
matches or make them fight their way out of a neighborhood.
Slaves who rise to champion status may incur the wrath of other
slaves who feel that they are being cheated out of their fair
share. A fellow slave may attempt to kill an arena champion in
practice or during the night out of sheer envy and hatred. Professional
jealousy often causes infighting between slave champions. In the
slave pits there can be only one "First Rasclinn" among arena
champions. They seldom retain that title for long.
Wealth Options: Unlike other gladiators, arena champions roll their initial Social Class and Social Rank normally, without a negative modifier.
Races: Members of all races can become arena champions.
