The Gladiator

Gladiators, like soldiers, mercenaries, and assasins are trained warriors. Unlike the others they are also entertainers. They live for the adulation of the crowd, the thrill of the dramatic victory, and often the just the simple rush of adrenilin that comes from fighting for your life.

Fighting in the arena has to be done with style, sword strokes arn't just accurate, they are dynamic. The Gladiator must be able to kill on cue, and has to be able to make it look funny, tragic or difficult according to a script. Sometimes the gladiator must act like an incompetent fool, killing the opponent only by accident or dumb luck. Other times it must look like a desperate battle, difficult and dangerous, even when the result has already been decided.

Certain stage tricks are used to make everyone look good. Skins filled with animal blood are used to fake serious injuries, and every gladiator knows how to make a wound that looks serious, but is actually relitively harmless. Gladiators train in a variety of different arms and armour. At times thay may be called upon to fight with strange weapons and no real armour.

In many cases the Gladiators are slaves, but many are also freemen who fight for the glory of it all. Slave Gladiators can in time buy thier freedom if they are fortunate to live so long. Regardless, however, they are generally treated far better then common slaves, often being supplied with good food, good drink, and many of the pleasures of the flesh that may be denied common slaves.

Gladiators and Armour: Gladiators view armour as more a costume then protection. The type and colour is used as a sort of uniform that allows the crowd to tell the different fighters apart. Most gladiators prefer to use a small amount of armour, the arm shield and a light chain vest is most common. Half suits of either scale, splint, or plate and chain are also used. Half-suits of armour tend to provide maximum protection of limbs and head while allowing for maximum maneuverability. A gladiator will rarely, if ever, wear a full suit of armour unless it's leather.

Gladiatorial Equipment: Usually provided by the gladiator's owner, promoter or manager, or is issued by the arena. Varies according to the rules of a particular match.