Atlantean Trilogy Archive
A muscled gladiator in a crested bronze helm grips a trident and a net on the sand of a sunlit arena before packed stands.

Gladiator

Profession, single-classed

A professional arena fighter trained in close-quarters weapon and weaponless combat. Most are slaves, prisoners of war or felons sold into the arena, though some fight by choice.

From the book

Gladiators are professional fighters schooled in many weapon and weaponless techniques. Their training centers on close combat, so at first they cannot become proficient with any missile weapon except the throwing net; other missile weapons can be learned from 2nd level.

They also cannot wear armor heavier or bulkier than studded leather when boxing or wrestling without taking the usual non-proficiency penalty on every attack and maneuver. Most come from society's lowest ranks: former slaves, war captives or convicted criminals, sold into the arena as expendable, though a few volunteer.

Survivors who reach 1st level may or may not be freed; successful gladiators can often buy their freedom, yet some keep fighting for wealth or fame (players should agree their background with the Game Judge). They may be of any alignment, and after the arena many become mercenaries, thieves, slavers, or, if trained with animals, arena or circus handlers.

Skills by level

  1. Level 1
    • Any 3 Weapons
    • Wrestling
    • Boxing
  2. Level 2
  3. Level 4
    • +1 to Hit
    • One Additional Weapon
  4. Level 6
    • +1 to Hit
    • 2 Attacks per Round
  5. Level 8
    • +1 to Hit
    • One Additional Weapon
  6. Level 10
    • +1 to Hit
    • Add One Combat Skill
  7. Level 12
    • +1 to Hit
    • 3 Attacks per Round
    • One Additional Weapon
  8. Level 14, 16, 18, 20, etc.
    • +1 to Hit

At a glance

Minimum attributes
STR 14, DEX 12, SPD 10
Alignment
Any
Combat training
Highly Trained
Hit points per level
1 H.P. per point of CON, plus 6 H.P. at first level; then +6 H.P. and any CON bonus per level gained; after 12th level, +1 H.P. per level with no CON bonus (optional rule, page 48)
Special abilities
None
Free skill choices
Level 2: one combat skill or Animal Training; level 10: one combat skill
Restrictions
Initially no proficiency in any missile weapon except the throwing net; may learn other missile weapons after reaching 2nd level; May not wear armor heavier or more restricting than studded leather while wrestling or boxing without the standard non-proficiency penalty on all attacks and maneuvers
Open to races
Humans, Aesir, Andaman, Nethermen