GURPS 4e - Martial Arts - Gladiators PDF

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TM

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Written by VOLKER BACH and PETER V. DELL’ORTO


Edited by NIKOLA VRTIS

An e23 Sourcebook for GURPS ®

STEVE JACKSON GAMES ®


Stock #37-1642 Version 1.0 – July 2009
INTRODUCTION . . . . 3
CONTENTS
2. STYLES . . . . . . 12 4. WE WHO 6. CAMPAIGNS . . . 40
About GURPS . . . . . . . . . 3 ARMATURAE . . . . . . . . . . 12 ARE ABOUT THE GLADIATOR
GURPS Martial Arts Hoplomachus. . . . . . . . . 12 CAMPAIGN . . . . . . . . 40
TO DIE . . . . . . 25
and This Book . . . . . . 3 Murmillo . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Games . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Publication History . . . . . 3 Provocator . . . . . . . . . . . 13
THE GLADIATORS . . . . . . 25
The Selection Process . . 25 First Blood
About the Authors . . . . . . 3 Murmillo Variations. . . . 13 and Beyond. . . . . . . . 40
Day-to-Day Life . . . . . . . 26
Retiarius . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Beyond the Arena . . . . . 41
1. GLADIATORIAL Thraex (Thracian) . . . . . 14
Built Like a Fighter. . . . . 26
Starting Characters . . . . 41
GAMES . . . . . . . 4 Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Exotic Types . . . . . . . . . . 15 Walk the Walk
The Barley Crunchers . . . 27
HISTORICAL The Venator. . . . . . . . . . . 16 and Talk the Talk . . . . 41
ADVANTAGES, CHARACTER Adventure Seeds . . . . . . 42
OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . 4
DISADVANTAGES, TEMPLATES . . . . . . . 28 THE LUDUS
POLITICS OF Gladiator. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
THE ARENA . . . . . . . . 4 AND SKILLS . . . . . . . 17 CAMPAIGN . . . . . . . . 44
Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Rome: Imperial Advantages . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Lanista . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 The Customer Is
Splendor . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Perks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 The Champions . . . . . . . 29 Everything . . . . . . . . 44
Spartacus and the Typical Gladiator Pugilist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 No Business Like
Third Servile War . . . . 5 Advantages . . . . . . . . 18 Venator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Show Business . . . . . 44
Provincial Games. . . . . . . 5 Disadvantages . . . . . . . . 19 Vindex the Murmillo. . . . 31 The Cooperative
The Decline and Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Ludus . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Typical Gladiator
SUPPORTING ROLES . . . . 32 Competitive Ludi . . . . . . 45
Fall of the Games. . . . 6 Animal
TIMELINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Disadvantages . . . . . . 19 No Expenses Spared:
Handler/Trainer . . . . 32
Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . 20 The Economics
FAMOUS Harenarius . . . . . . . . . . . 32
of Munera . . . . . . . . . 45
GLADIATORS . . . . . . . . 6 3. RULES OF Ludus Guard . . . . . . . . . 32
Musician. . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 TRANSPLANTING
Albanus, Seasoned
THE GAMES . . . 21 THE GAMES . . . . . . . 45
Professional . . . . . . . . 6 Paegnarius . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Commodus, Imperial BLOOD ON Physician . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Fantasy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Amateur . . . . . . . . . . . 7 THE SANDS . . . . . . . 21 Stage Engineer. . . . . . . . 33 Science Fiction . . . . . . . 46
Galen, Gladiatorial Focused Defense . . . . . . 21 Summa Rudis . . . . . . . . 33 Supers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Physician. . . . . . . . . . . 7 Sufficient Space Horror. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Modern Gladiators . . . . . . 7 to Die . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 5. EQUIPMENT . . . 34 Infinite Worlds. . . . . . . . 47
Spartacus, Rebel Shifting Sands . . . . . . . . 22 WEAPONS . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Gladiator . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The Crowd’s ARMOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
A DAY AT THE ARENA . . . . 8 Reaction . . . . . . . . . . 22 Helmets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Pompe and Asking for Mercy . . . . . . 22 Melee Weapon Table . . . . 35 GLOSSARY . . . . . . 48
Cena Libera . . . . . . . . 8 Stans Missus . . . . . . . . . 23 Other Armor. . . . . . . . . . 36 Pronouncing Latin:
The Morning OUTSIDE THE Shields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 A Quick and
Program . . . . . . . . . . . 9 COLOSSEUM . . . . . . . 23 Armor Table . . . . . . . . . . 37 Dirty Guide . . . . . . . . 48
Gladiator Fandom . . . . . . 9 Gladiatorial Other Equipment. . . . . . 38
The Matches. . . . . . . . . . 10 Advancement . . . . . . 23 Medical Gear . . . . . . . . . 38 BIBLIOGRAPHY . . . 50
Female Gladiators . . . . . 10 Complementary Skills . . 23 Fighting Kit . . . . . . . . . . 38
Defending the Bridge . . . 11 Gladiator Prices . . . . . . . 24 Custom Equipment . . . . 39 INDEX . . . . . . . . . 51

GURPS System Design ❚ STEVE JACKSON Managing Editor ❚ PHILIP REED Director of Sales ❚ ROSS JEPSON
GURPS Line Editor ❚ SEAN PUNCH Art Director ❚ WILL SCHOONOVER Errata Coordinator ❚ WARREN
e23 Manager ❚ STEVEN MARSH Production Artist & Indexer ❚ NIKOLA VRTIS MacLAUCHLAN McKENZIE
Page Design ❚ PHIL REED and Prepress Checker ❚ WILL SCHOONOVER GURPS FAQ Maintainer ❚ –––––––
JUSTIN DE WITT Marketing Director ❚ PAUL CHAPMAN VICKY “MOLOKH” KOLENKO

Lead Playtester: Jeff Wilson


Playtesters: Richard Bing, Doug Caruso, Ken Clary, Chris Davies, The Denver GURPS Group
(Matt Denno, Tod Higman, Christopher Landauer, and Brian McCabe), Leonardo M Holschuh, Dan Howard,
Phil Masters, Joseph Reynolds, Hans-Peter Schöni, Emily Smirle, Shawn Stevenson
Special Thanks: Phil Dunlap (for reality checking); The Roman Army Talk community at romanarmy.com;
and Svenja Grosser from Ludus Nemesis (Volker Bach’s local gladiatorial group)
GURPS, Warehouse 23, and the all-seeing pyramid are registered trademarks of Steve Jackson Games Incorporated. Martial Arts, Gladiators, Pyramid, e23, and the names
of all products published by Steve Jackson Games Incorporated are registered trademarks or trademarks of Steve Jackson Games Incorporated, or used under license.
GURPS Martial Arts: Gladiators is copyright © 2009 by Steve Jackson Games Incorporated. Some art © 2009 JupiterImages Corporation. All rights reserved.
The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this material via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal,
and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage
the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

CONTENTS 2
INTRODUCTION
The word “gladiators” immediately conjures up a host of
violent images. The net and trident. Fans screaming for blood. GURPS MARTIAL
Patrician Romans sitting disdainful of the slaves who fight for
the crowd’s amusement.
ARTS AND THIS BOOK
The world of the gladiator is more than just slaves, swords, This work is a supplement for GURPS Martial Arts. It
and death. Gladiators were well-trained athletes competing in expands on the descriptions of the gladiators from that book
a most lethal sport. They were pampered and cared for like by offering a background history of the arena, several
racehorses, driven mercilessly like boot-camp recruits, and templates and template variations, and the equipment
then sent out to kill and die splendidly for the crowds. necessary for gladiators.
GURPS Martial Arts: Gladiators takes you inside the
world of the gladiator. You’ll enter the ludus, where raw slaves
and desperate freemen were transformed into cunning and art- PUBLICATION HISTORY
ful martial artists. You’ll go inside the arena, where they put on Gladiators drew on material in GURPS Martial Arts for
the show they trained for. You’ll travel to the Roman streets GURPS Fourth Edition and GURPS Imperial Rome for
and beyond, where gladiators were famed for their fighting GURPS Third Edition. Although Imperial Rome proved
skills, envied for their physical prowess, and wooed by their inspirational, the history, the styles, and the templates were
social betters. generated from the latest research and archaeological data
Now enter the arena, where the blood-soaked sand available. Where these books differ, it is intentional, revising
reveals the skills of some of the most renowned martial out-of-date information about the arena.
artists in history . . .

ABOUT THE AUTHORS


Joey, do you like movies about gladiators?
About GURPS – Captain Oveur, Airplane (1980)

Steve Jackson Games is committed to full support of GURPS players. Volker Bach is a relative latecomer to role-
Our address is SJ Games, P.O. Box 18957, Austin, TX 78760. Please playing, starting at age 24, though by now he
include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) any time you write us! has accumulated far more experience in it
We can also be reached by e-mail: info@sjgames.com. Resources include: than he will admit to in polite company. He
holds a degree in ancient history with a spe-
New supplements and adventures. GURPS continues to grow – see cialization in Roman studies. His personal
what’s new at www.sjgames.com/gurps. experience in combat is limited to being bul-
e23. Our e-publishing division offers GURPS adventures, play aids, lied in school. Volker has written several arti-
and support in PDF form . . . digital copies of our books, plus exclusive cles for Pyramid magazine, but this is his first
material available only on e23! Just head over to e23.sjgames.com. GURPS book. He lives in Hamburg,
Pyramid (www.sjgames.com/pyramid). Our monthly PDF magazine Germany, with numerous books, and he
includes new rules and articles for GURPS, systemless locations, adven- works as an English teacher and translator
tures, and much more. Look for each themed issue from e23! while pursuing an education degree. Aside
Internet. Visit us on the World Wide Web at www.sjgames.com for from roleplaying, his interests include history
errata, updates, Q&A, and much more. To discuss GURPS with our staff (both real and counterfactual), reenacting,
and your fellow gamers, visit our forums at forums.sjgames.com. The reading, and the culinary arts.
GURPS Martial Arts: Gladiators web page can be found at Peter V. Dell’Orto started roleplaying in
www.sjgames.com/gurps/books/martialarts/gladiators. 1981, with Dungeons & Dragons, and has
Bibliographies. Many of our books have extensive bibliographies, played GURPS since Man to Man. He has
and we’re putting them online – with links to let you buy the resources been active as a GURPS playtester, editor,
that interest you! Go to each book’s web page and look for the “Bibliog- and contributing author since 1996, and he
raphy” link. has written many GURPS articles for
Errata. Everyone makes mistakes, including us – but we do our best to Pyramid magazine. He is also the co-author of
fix our errors. Up-to-date errata pages for all GURPS releases, including GURPS Martial Arts with Sean Punch. Peter
this book, are available on our website – see above. is an enthusiastic martial artist. He currently
Rules and statistics in this book are specifically for the GURPS Basic fights amateur MMA, holds a shodan rank in
Set, Fourth Edition. Page references that begin with B refer to that book, Kendo, and trains Kachin Bando. His other
not this one. hobbies include fitness, reading, painting
miniatures, Japanese culture, and music.
Peter likes movies about gladiators.

INTRODUCTION 3
CHAPTER ONE

GLADIATORIAL
GAMES
The myth and legends of the gladiatorial games intertwine makes for good gaming. (A glossary of terms found in this sup-
with the facts of history. Whether the information is deduced plement is on pp. 48-49.)
from inscriptions, graffiti, drawings, or literature, all of it

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Like most of the more baffling Roman customs, gladiator- cheering crowd. As these events became politicized, their reli-
ial combat has its roots in religious practices. The Campanian gious character increasingly fell behind their function as crowd-
tribes may have been the first in the region to force condemned pleasers, and aristocrats vied with each other to provide the
men to fight to the death in funeral games, perhaps as a form most spectacular entertainment. For example, at the funeral of
of human sacrifice, and the Campanians are still remembered Publius Licinius in 160 B.C., 60 pairs of gladiators fought in the
in Roman times as the most enthusiastic gladiatorial fans. It is Forum Romanum before huge crowds. By the first century
most likely from them that Roman aristocrats adopted the B.C., the munera (literally “gifts,” originally referring to the cer-
habit of including ritual combat to the death in their funerals. emonial handouts at funeral feasts) were often held at arbitrar-
Initially, these games were rare and small scale, part of the ily chosen memorial days for long-dead relatives during
elaborate ceremonies that accompanied the funeral of a power- election season and were regarded as something ambitious
ful man. In addition to distributing gifts of food and holding a politicians had to provide the electorate with. Laws were passed
lavish feast in honor of the deceased, a handful of fighters – intermittently to limit the expense permitted to candidates seek-
known as bustuarii (pyre men) – would kill each other before a ing office, but the upward spiral proved unstoppable.

POLITICS OF THE ARENA


During the Late Republican period (about 200 B.C. to 50 Marius drafted gladiatorial trainers to drill their unseasoned
B.C.), candidates for political office often took on huge debt to recruits in swordsmanship. Despite its risks, the business
finance lavish gladiatorial games as parts of their campaigns. thrived and grew.
Providing fighters, gear, and the managerial and choreo-
graphic skills required was the task of a highly specialized pri-
vate industry that sprang up in and around Rome. The cost of ROME: IMPERIAL SPLENDOR
setting up training centers (ludi), armories, and menageries; Aware of the potential political status and military muscle
buying suitable slaves; and employing trainers (doctores), an unregulated ludus could place in the hands of potential
physicians, and entertainers was huge. Nevertheless, the popu- rivals, Augustus took control of the major gladiatorial schools
larity of the games justified it: In 160 B.C., the mere rumor of soon after he became emperor, and he regulated the number
nearby gladiator fighting emptied the seats of a theater pre- and size of shows that would be permitted in Rome. From now
miere by Terence, an author of great stature. on, the right to hold munera was limited to praetors, and they
The presence of a large number of armed and trained men were restricted a maximum of two a year and 60 pairs of glad-
so close to Rome, traditionally without any form of military iators. Private funeral games, still allowed by Augustus,
presence, brought risks of its own. Gladiators were used as petered out after his reign. By contrast, the emperors were free
bodyguards, assassins, and foot soldiers in factional infight- to hold games of any size they chose and used this privilege to
ing. Spartacus’ revolt in 73 B.C. left no doubt that armed the hilt. Augustus boasted of having held eight grand games at
slaves also had revolutionary potential. There were some which 10,000 gladiators fought, and later emperors did their
unexpected side benefits, too: In 105 B.C., the armies of best to set new records.

GLADIATORIAL GAMES 4
At the same time, the haphazard system of Republican
munera was brought under a system of strict rules. Games PROVINCIAL GAMES
continued to be held in improvised or adapted venues until While the games in Rome turned from rowdy electioneering
Titus opened the Colosseum in 79 A.D., but the audience was into imperial spectacle, gladiator fighting spread into the
now allotted seats according to rank and status. Front rows provinces. It had always been popular in Central Italy, but now
were reserved for senators and knights (equites), while women arenas sprang up from Gaul to Syria. Wealthy town councilors
were banished to the rear. Gladiator classes (known as and newly rich freedmen mostly financed these munera; the
armatura) were standardized, their armament regulated, and upper class used them to boost their prestige and electability.
the pairings of fighters formally fixed. All this was probably The scale of these games was far more modest than in Rome,
simply the outcome of imperial control over the great gladiato- with even a rich city like Pompeii considering 35 pairs of fight-
rial schools (which independent provincial establishments ers a lavish display.
copied). It eventually created an empire-wide gladiatorial cul- Provincial munera continued to be arranged by lanistae,
ture with its own rules, traditions, and fan culture. private ludus entrepreneurs who rented out their gladiators
Gladiatorial shows were rare. No more than a handful and animals for pay. The lanistae purchased or hired and
occurred in a year – sometimes none at all. Despite this fact, an trained their troupes at their own risk and expense, and they
impressive capital outlay went into them. The Colosseum often traveled long distances to their shows. Few provincial
(properly called the Flavian Amphitheater after the dynasty aristocrats would have had the money to maintain their own
that built it) was one of the largest buildings in the city and the fighters, but when they hired in, they were prepared to spend
greatest arena in the Roman world. The compounds of the large amounts. Being tight-fisted on such occasions was a
imperial gladiatorial schools surrounded it, a permanent naval major faux pas, and the lanistae would offer all manner of
detachment was kept on hand to operate its canvas sunroof, attractions to impress the public.
and large numbers of wild animals were brought in from all A gladiatorial munus was announced months in advance
over the Empire and kept in readiness for the great day. This and drew spectators of people from the surrounding country-
was partly a display of imperial patronage, the kind of luxury side and neighboring towns. If everything went well, the spon-
only the greatest power in the world could offer its citizens, but sor (known in Latin as the editor) could bask in the adoration
it also reflected the immense popularity of the munera. For of the cheering multitude. The memory of particularly suc-
something this important, nothing less would do. Provincial cessful games could buoy a political career for decades. This
cities that could easily have improvised a venue for the one or also meant that unsuccessful munera could seriously damage
two small games they held each year often built expensive not only the sponsor, but also the reputation of a town.
amphitheaters for much the same reason.

Spartacus and the Third Servile War


Large-scale slave revolts occasionally occurred in the and Asia Minor at the time. The slave army defeated two
Roman Republic (they were known as bellum servile – Roman expeditionary forces, the first under Propraetor
servile or slave wars). However, one revolt in particular was Claudius Glaber and the second under Praetor Publius
larger, closer to home, and more dangerous to Rome than Varinius. Besieged on the mountaintop by the hastily raised
any previous one had been. militia force of Claudius Glaber, they used improvised rope
At the height of the Late Republic’s conquests in 73 B.C., ladders to quietly slip behind his back and destroyed his
when the life of a slave was cheap and regular supplies came army in a night attack. They overcame Publius Varinius’s
to Rome from all over the world, a gang of around 70 slave force in open battle by a quickly growing slave army then
gladiators escaped from the ludus of Lentulus Batiatus in numbering in the tens of thousands. At this point, one part
Capua. They armed themselves with knives and cooking of the slave army, under the leadership of Crixus, decided to
spits and plundered a consignment of gladiatorial weapons. try to escape to Gaul. They were cut off and defeated by
Plutarch, a later historian, writes that they were unwilling Roman troops. Spartacus’ army was luckier. He ultimately
prisoners of war from Gaul and Thrace who plotted to became the leader of a vast rebel force. In 72 B.C., his
escape. The plot was discovered by their guards, which led followers defeated the armies of both Roman consuls. They
to a desperate breakout. One of this band of fugitives was may have come close to threatening the city of Rome itself.
called Spartacus. His name would become legend. The tide of war turned when Marcus Licinius Crassus
The escaped gladiators took refuge at the summit of took command of Rome’s forces against the rebels. He bru-
then-dormant Mt. Vesuvius. From this base, they managed tally enforced discipline and led his legions south in a sys-
to repel several attempts to recapture them and recruited tematic effort to trap Spartacus’ army. Eventually, he
more fugitive slaves into their force. The gladiators among succeeded in bottling up the rebels in Bruttium, in the “toe”
them trained other escapees in combat. This turned a of Italy, by building a chain of field fortifications across the
potential liability (masses of untrained slaves) into an asset peninsula, and blocked efforts to escape to Sicily by sea. In
(an army). Spartacus was either their leader or one of their a final attempt to break out, the slave army was annihilated
co-leaders, along with two Gauls, Crixus and Oenomaus. by the legions. The survivors, some 6,000 men, were
Early on, the rebels experienced success. Rome’s most rounded up and crucified along the road between Capua
experienced troops and best generals were engaged in Spain and Rome. No further gladiator uprisings are recorded.

GLADIATORIAL GAMES 5
A particularly disastrous example took place in Pompeii in 59 image of the Roman as conquerors and civilizers, triumphing
A.D., when local rivalry with the nearby town of Nuceria trig- over wild animals and savage tribes alike. It also showed off
gered riots in which several spectators were killed. A less-than- the near limitless wealth of the Empire with hugely expensive
amused emperor banned games in Pompeii for 10 years. novelties such as ivory fences to protect the audience, per-
Nevertheless, even nonviolent urban crowds could be fume dispensers, and raffles of valuable prizes for spectators.
volatile and hard to please. Modern event and marketing man- For the grandest kinds of games, artificial lakes were used to
agers would not find the world of the provincial arena strange. stage naval battles with hundreds of men fighting on ship-
board. The arena of the Flavian Amphitheater could be
flooded for this purpose.
THE DECLINE AND Eventually, though, economic decline and political crisis

FALL OF THE GAMES caught up with the games. Emperors spent less and less time
in the capital, and money was in ever-shorter supply. The
Throughout the first and second centuries and well into the munera dried up until, in the course of the fourth century,
crisis-ridden third, emperors threw lavish munera featuring they disappeared from the Roman scene. Under Emperor
thousands of gladiators along with barbarian captives to be Honorius, all gladiatorial games were prohibited throughout
executed and wild beasts for the hunt. All of this reinforced the the Empire.

TIMELINE
4th century B.C. – First depictions of gladiatorial fights in 42 B.C. – Gladiatorial fights are first organized by the state, not
Campania. private donors.
264 B.C. – First recorded gladiatorial fight in Rome at the 36 and 31 B.C. – Augustus holds huge naumachiae to cele-
funeral of Didius Iunius Brutus Petra. brate naval victories.
206 B.C. – Scipio Africanus has deserters killed by wild c. 0-30 A.D. – Development of the formal gladiator types
animals. (armaturae).
186 B.C. – First lion hunt in the arena in Rome organized by 14-37 – Reign of Tiberius; collapse of the wooden amphithe-
Fulvius Nobilior. ater at Fidenae said to kill 10,000 spectators.
166 B.C. – First gladiatorial fights in Asia Minor under 37-41 – Reign of Caligula; he causes a scandal by having wild
Antiochus IV. animals fed on the meat of executed criminals.
105 B.C. – Marius recruits gladiatorial trainers to drill Roman 59 – Riots at gladiatorial games in Pompeii; the city is banned
levies for the war against the Cimbri and Teutones. from holding munera for 10 years.
80 B.C. – Amphitheater in Pompeii is built. 80 – Emperor Titus opens the Flavian Amphitheater in Rome.
73-71 B.C. – Spartacus’ Rebellion. 109 – Emperor Trajan celebrates his victory over the Dacians
50 B.C. – Pompey neutralizes Caesar’s gladiatorial bodyguards; by having 10,000 gladiators fight on 123 days of festivities,
5,000 men are disarmed and arrested. the largest such event ever.
46 B.C. – Caesar organizes the first naumachia (staged battle 177 – The prices of gladiators are capped by Senate decree.
on an artificial lake). 180-192 – Reign of Commodus; the emperor fights personally.
438 – Emperor Valentinian outlaws gladiatorial games.

FAMOUS GLADIATORS
Little is known about the career of any gladiator, but a thraex named Severus (himself a veteran with 13 victories to
handful of them are commemorated in gravestones, depictions his name); the bout ended in death.
of fights, and fan graffiti. One even came from the ranks of the Albanus’ career likely began as a slave – young, in good phys-
emperors of Rome. ical shape, and with the necessary aggressiveness and drive –
purchased by one Scaurus for Pomponius Faustinus, a local
powerbroker who owned the Pompeii ludus. (As he was a freed-
ALBANUS, SEASONED man, he cannot have been a volunteer initially.) After rigorous

PROFESSIONAL physical training in the prison-like ludus, he must have proved


himself in his early fights and repaid the (considerable) invest-
Albanus is one gladiator known from graffiti. His name is ment handsomely. Nineteen victories (the number of reprieves is
mentioned in an epigraph on a wall in Pompeii, where an eager not listed) represent a career spanning many years It is likely he
devotee of the sport scratched a quick sketch of his idol in the earned his liberty at some point. From then onward, he fought
process of defeating an opponent. It depicts him fighting as a in the arena of his own volition, lured perhaps by the fame or the
murmillo, and his opponent in this particular fight was a large premiums that could be won, or by the risk of death.

GLADIATORIAL GAMES 6
Encountered Encountered
Fighting on the provincial circuit in south Italy, Albanus Physically – contrary to recent Hollywood depictions –
probably still works for Pomponius Faustinus and holds a high Commodus is a very handsome, well-muscled young man, tall,
rank in his ludus. His 19 victories – one of the best records blond, bearded, and supremely fit (he devotes much of his time
known – means his reputation is considerable. A match to physical exercise and combat training). Vain, self-centered,
between Albanus and an equally seasoned veteran would and a coward, he overcompensates for his weakness by fright-
almost certainly represent the high point of the day. Scurrilous ening people around him, and he enjoys being feared. With his
graffiti found elsewhere in Pompeii suggest not everyone friends, he is trusting to the point of naiveté, but vengeful and
rooted for him, and some supporters of his opponent ruthless with real or perceived enemies.
expressed their dislike in strong words. As a star, Albanus earns
large sums for every fight and, now free, shares them with his
lanista on an equitable basis. Soon enough – prompted by the GALEN, GLADIATORIAL
onset of old age, an injury, or simply to enjoy his wealth – he
may retire and become a doctor, training young gladiators. As PHYSICIAN
of now, he enjoys his status and earning power. He is probably Gladiators represented considerable investment and needed
too old to move to Rome and play on the biggest stage, though to be in peak form if they were to recoup the outlay by winning
a sufficiently large sum might tempt him to try a new venue. If fights. The ancient world had a long tradition of sports medi-
he stays in Pompeii long enough, he may be unfortunate cine, developed mostly in Greece, that the Roman schools
enough to be caught in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius . . . could tap into. Any ludus worth its salt had a medical profes-
sional to supervise training and diet, treat injuries, and keep
the troupe healthy. Modern scholars do not know much about
COMMODUS, these men, but it so happens that one of the most influential
physicians of antiquity worked in a gladiatorial school: Galen.
IMPERIAL AMATEUR Born in 129 A.D. as the son of a Greek architect, Galen
Everybody remembers Commodus from the silver screen – received an education in technical and mathematical subjects.
the poster child for depravity and decadence. Unusually for He then went on to study medicine under teachers in Smyrna,
Hollywood, this comes pretty close to being right. Commodus Corinth, and Alexandria.
was one of the worst emperors Rome ever had.
Unlike Nero, who fancied himself an artist, or
Elagabalus, who was into religious mania,
Commodus was crazy about the arena. This infatu-
ation went so far that some contemporaries specu- Modern Gladiators
lated his father was not emperor Marcus Aurelius, Although the gladiators of ancient Rome may seem distant from
but a gladiator his mother had had an affair with. modern day, combat sports are alive and well. Modern fans flock to
Amateurs were nothing new to the world of the professional boxing, professional wrestling, and more recently,
gladiator. Bored rich men trained with them and mixed martial arts events.
sometimes – scandalously – even fought in public. Much of the atmosphere of an ancient day at the games remains
Nonetheless, most of them were relatively harmless. in these events. Fighters enter to fanfare and music, and wave, bow,
Commodus was far from that. He was known for or otherwise salute the crowd before they engage in combat. Rules
training with real weapons and injuring or killing emphasize safety, but not at the expense of a good choke, a bone-
his sparring partners, and anyone facing him in the crunching body slam, or a bloody broken nose. Scantily clad ring-
arena could only hope to survive by surrendering. girls mark the rounds as they go by, corporations looking to sell to
Fighting as a secutor (left-handed, as he proudly the crowds sponsor fighters, and teams eagerly show their best
emphasized), the emperor also favored this fighters to their advantage. The stretch from the trappings of a mod-
armatura in his games, often rigging contests ern fight to the sandy Colosseum is not such a long one, after all.
against opponents. He also played the role of a Many modern fighters hearken back to the gladiators for inspi-
venator, killing animals in inventive ways (often to ration, or consciously draw a parallel to their ancient counter-
the distaste of the audience). Fittingly, he eventually parts. Unlike in the past, though, these fighters are not slaves
fell victim to a court intrigue, strangled by a fighting to the death. In fact, very few participants suffer serious
wrestler he trained with. or life-threatening injuries.
The political career of Commodus was undis- One current event has a close resemblance to ancient Roman
tinguished: He rose to power in 180 A.D. at the gladiator fights: The Spanish bullfights replicate the atmosphere
young age of 19 by virtue of being the son of an and challenge of the venatores, fighting trained animals for the
emperor. He spent most of his reign indulging his entertainment of the crowd. The torero replaces the slave gladiator,
bloodthirsty hobbies. In political matters, he was but the spectacle and the bloody death of the bull are still the same.
naive and depended on corrupt and sycophantic In addition, some modern reenactment groups put on gladiator
advisers, chief among them his freedman shows. The combat is not real, and there is controversy over how
Cleander. His reign saw rebellions in the provinces accurate they represent the real games. Nevertheless, for a GM,
and riots in the capital. In the last years before his reenactors, bullfighters, and modern combat sports all provide a
death in 192 A.D., he developed into a megaloma- potential source of inspiration for their own munera.
niac, identifying himself with the demigod
Hercules and renaming Rome in his own honor.

GLADIATORIAL GAMES 7
After his return to his hometown of Pergamum at age 28, he of a ragtag army numbering tens of thousands of escaped
became physician to the local gladiator school. A young medical slaves and disaffected paupers. He bested Roman armies in the
man would not consider this a desirable position, but it seems to field, and he besieged and took the city of Thurioi. He only
be an acceptable starting point, and it did not hinder his mete- went down in defeat to a vastly superior force of battle-hard-
oric career later in life. After four years at the ludus, he left ened legionaries under the command of Crassus, one of
Pergamum to settle in Rome, where he became imperial physi- Rome’s most powerful men at the time. It is thought that he
cian to Marcus Aurelius and a medical writer whose texts died in battle, but his body was never found.
shaped Western medical thought for many centuries. Much of
the experimental work they are based on was done on gladiators. Encountered
Spartacus at the time of his rebellion is likely in his late 20s
Encountered to late 30s, in good physical shape, and a competent fighter. If
Galen at the Pergamum ludus is a young man on the make, he were a Thracian, he would have looked like an average
strikingly intelligent, well-read, inquisitive, and combative. His Greek or Roman. Early in the course of the war, he probably
treatment of the gladiators is often unconventional – and usu- wears gladiatorial gear taken from Capua, but later, he could
ally effective. In keeping with the Hippocratic tradition, he be equally dressed in captured military equipment or even the
pays particular attention to diet and lifestyle, but he is an finery of Roman officers. He must have been an inspiring fig-
equally competent surgeon and can suture wounds, set frac- ure, easy to trust and like, and able to impress his authority on
tures, and restore patients to health and fitness. his followers. It is his personality above all that holds together
a disparate assembly of angry men and instills in them the dis-
cipline, training, and esprit de corps that turned them into an
SPARTACUS, army capable of defeating Rome’s legions.

REBEL GLADIATOR If he were indeed an enslaved Thracian nobleman, he


would have military experience and a Greek education, be lit-
For a figure of such historical significance, very little is erate and numerate, and be able to organize a fighting force
known about Spartacus. Ancient historians mention that he and develop and execute military plans. He speaks Greek and
was a Thracian from the Maedi tribe. Modern scholars have Latin along with his native language. He most likely com-
cast this into doubt; they believe that he may, in fact, have been mands his army in Greek (still widely spoken in southern Italy
a condemned criminal fighting as a thraex. Others suggest he and the lingua franca of the eastern Mediterranean).
may have been of royal blood, a descendant of Spartokos V of Plutarch mentions Spartacus’ wife, a Thracian prophetess,
the Bosporan kingdom (c. 160-150 B.C.). He may have served joining him in his enslavement and being at his side as a rebel
as a Roman auxiliary soldier before being either captured in leader. This is not corroborated by other sources and too con-
war or sentenced to the arena for some unknown crime. venient a literary trope to be very trustworthy. Nonetheless, it
Historical records indicate that Spartacus was a gladiator in may be true. In that case, Spartacus may be self-consciously
Capua in 73 B.C. when he was involved in plotting a mass Thracian, wearing Greek-style armor and long hair and a
breakout. On being discovered, about 70 men seized what beard. Harsh self-discipline and austerity would be consistent
weapons they could and made for the hills. See Spartacus and with a soldierly ethos and inspire loyalty in his followers. Since
the Third Servile War (p. 5). Spartacus probably never was the sole and uncontested leader
Over the coming three years, Spartacus would prove him- of his army, that would be a wise choice.
self a skillful guerilla tactician, inspiring war leader, and ruler

A DAY AT THE ARENA


The spectacle of munera included far more than just gladia- their weapons and armor, other performers, and whatever
tor fights, though they were at the center. It was a daylong dis- animals or machinery was deemed sufficiently impressive.
play of power and luxury where the audience felt part of the It was led by civic officials and the donor, and it included
world-conquering community of Romans. It was a lavish mix of statues of deities (especially if the games were in honor of a
the Superbowl and a Thanksgiving Day parade. At the same religious holiday), musicians, flowers, and shiny orna-
time, a dedicated fan culture carefully studied fighting tech- ments. The fans had the chance to look at their idols, com-
niques, eagerly followed the careers of star gladiators, and mer- ment on their physical shape and mental state, examine
cilessly criticized the weaknesses of any match. The munera their weapons and horses, and marvel at the things the
would be preceded by weeks of advertising. show held in store for them. For those who could not attend
A munus had a specific routine that casual and dedicated the games themselves, this was an opportunity to take in
fans alike would be familiar with. some of the atmosphere and join in the excitement with
their luckier fellow citizens. At the time of the parade, the
organizers also presented the program of the games, includ-
POMPE AND CENA LIBERA ing which gladiators would be paired with each other. This
The munera traditionally began with the pompe, a big compositio was studied attentively, especially by those who
parade. The pompe included the gladiators, servants carrying intended to bet on the fights.

GLADIATORIAL GAMES 8
The next occasion was the cena libera, the gladiators’ pre- During the venatio, exotic or aggressive beasts were made
fight feast. The public was invited to watch. Spectators tried to to fight against each other or against trained venatores, or sim-
pick up clues from the behavior of the men: too little appetite ply slaughtered for the amusement of the public. The Roman
indicated fear, while a gladiator who ate and drank too heavily stereotype has lions, leopards, and bears fill this role, and in the
might already have despaired of his survival chances. Winners grand spectacles of the Flavian Amphitheater, they did. Smaller
ate and drank sparingly, but sufficiently, it was believed, trying munera often had to make do with less exotic bulls, boars,
to avoid hunger, lethargy, or hangovers. In films and novels, the wolves, and dogs. Inscriptions from Pompeii mention only bulls
cena libera has been depicted as anything from a demeaning in one event, and bulls, boars, and bears in another.
display with the gladiators behind bars and a gaping public The demand for wild animals was such that an entire indus-
outside, to an orgy where jaded noblewomen threw themselves try dedicated to their supply sprang up. Bears and aurochs
into the arms of seasoned killers for animalistic sex. Very likely were brought from the forests of Germany. Lions, crocodiles,
neither is true, but since there are no good sources on what the and elephants came from Africa. Even more exotic tigers,
event really looked like, GMs are free to use either, both, or rhinoceroses, and polar bears were transported thousands of
something in between. miles to be shown off and often killed. For more details, see
Animal Show: Venatio and Executions (below).
Finally, along with the prolusio and venatio, there could be
THE MORNING PROGRAM other acts. Just about anything that could wow the audience
The organizers of gladiatorial games were well aware of the was possible – acrobats, trained animals, music, dance, even
value of good showmanship. Munera never began with the gladiator clowns and dwarves. Provincial arenas probably were
main event but slowly built up to a crescendo, starting the a bit more intimate than the Flavian Amphitheater with its
morning with lighter entertainment. The early show included audience of 50,000, but the entertainment tended toward phys-
several elements: the entrance of the fighters, the prolusio ical comedy and large-scale showmanship. Individual comedi-
(mock combat), the venatio (wild animal fights), executions, ans, singers, or mimes would have seemed lost on a stage
and assorted other entertainment. where many in the audience could barely see, let alone hear,
A typical show – and there were plenty of atypical ones – the action, and the Romans had neither microphones nor cam-
began with a procession of the gladiators. All fighters scheduled eras to bring them closer. This phase was also when public exe-
for the day marched into the arena to be inspected and admired. cutions could be scheduled. Roman criminal justice believed in
This was also the opportunity for a speech by the editor and deterrence, and a delinquent sentenced to death ad bestias was
cheering (or booing) by the populace. Wild animals, too, were executed publicly and spectacularly in the arena, usually being
paraded at this point if the organizers thought they would draw killed by wild animals.
attention. Boars or wolves were too commonplace, but bears,
lions, or beasts that are even more exotic generally qualified. Animal Show: Venatio and Executions
In the prolusio, the fighters would entertain the crowd with
Animal fights and the execution of convicted felons pro-
mock combat using wooden practice weapons. This gave them
vided part of the entertainment of munera. Serious fans might
the opportunity to show off their skill and technique, impress
deliberately miss it and only come for the gladiators.
the audience, and build up the popularity that could save a
Animal handlers and beast-fighting venatores took care of
defeated gladiator’s life in the real bouts. No doubt it was also
the animals used in the arena, trained them, and where the
used to develop their “stage personalities” – daring or cautious,
show called for it, killed them. No proper games were consid-
vicious or chivalrous. Spectators often bet large sums on the
ered complete without the deaths of at least some animals.
outcome of fights based on their observations here.

Gladiator Fandom
All the girls sigh for Celadus the Thraex. line among these fans was not along different troupes or
– Graffiti in Pompeii individual fighters (though it appears some could attract a
following), but by fighting styles. Parmularii fans preferred
The Romans knew a business opportunity when they
gladiator classes that used small shields, while scutarii sup-
saw one. Archeologists have unearthed what can only be
porters cheered for those who carried the scutum. Tradi-
described as fan articles all over the Empire. Perfume
tional pairings often pitted these types against each other,
flasks shaped like helmets; toy figures; lamps; water flasks;
and the rumor that an editor favored one over the other
and tableware decorated with scenes of gladiatorial fights
could lead to angry outbursts.
and arena hunts have al been found. On one oil lamp, the
The success of gladiators with women was a stock theme
wick extended from the gladiator’s oversized erect penis,
of Roman satire and humor. A great deal of exaggeration
neatly combining usefulness and smutty humor. As far as
was likely involved, but no doubt, arena groupies did exist.
anyone knows, there were no restrictions on names or
Sometimes a wealthy and respectable woman actually
designs. Anybody could make and sell these items.
eloped with a fighter. Popular culture certainly held up glad-
Gladiators, much like many modern athletes, also
iators as symbols of virility and sexual prowess. The fact that
attracted a dedicated fan base that studied their sport in
a woman’s skeleton was found in the gladiator barracks at
detail and enjoyed talking about it at length. The dividing
Pompeii has only fuelled this particular stereotype.

GLADIATORIAL GAMES 9
Trainable ones often were deliberately made aggressive while fight for their lives. These unfortunates could, by dint of skill
less biddable ones were simply starved, hurt, and goaded into and luck, sometimes win a reprieve and become gladiators.
fighting. Often, they were tied together or penned into narrow Most of them, though, did not survive their first fight. The rest
confines to force them to fight. Much of this was not very dif- of the delinquents were simply offered up to the animals to be
ferent, except in scale, from medieval bear baiting or modern killed. The lanista who received the prisoners would decide
dog fighting. For the animal handlers involved, these fights who was merely killed and who fought as venatores.
were incredibly dangerous as their job was to control and goad Arena executions were cruel and creative, with the aim of
the terrified, enraged, and often injured beasts into providing providing entertainment as much as deterrence. Far from the
the best possible entertainment. Venatores armed with bows or somber spectacle of the gallows or guillotine, they often relied
spears were kept ready in case anything went wrong. on technological gadgets or decorative surroundings to create
Not all beasts – especially expensive, exotic ones – were killed a sense of novelty. Prisoners were dressed as Orpheus to be
as part of the show. Roman audiences especially hated to see ele- torn to pieces by wild animals, dropped from cranes as Icarus,
phants harmed (trained ones were a staple of arena shows). or raped to death by bulls as Pasiphae. Less imaginative set-
tings included tying victims to stakes – sometimes on
small carts ready to wheel into the arena – and having
predators take bites out of their bodies. The handlers also
Female Gladiators had to cage the animals again after the last victim was fin-
ished – the training was too valuable to waste.
Female gladiators – gladiatrices – are one option for female
characters in a historical Roman gladiatorial campaign. Glad-
iatrices certainly existed – Roman authors who mention them
usually profess themselves shocked and appalled at this
T HE M ATCHES
offense against morality and tend to associate them with At the heart of every arena show were the bouts
decadence and bad emperors. Juvenal even mentions – with between gladiators. These fights with actual weapons
disgust – wealthy women who practiced gladiatorial fighting could end with participants being injured or killed
as a hobby in the first century A.D. (though they probably did (though that was far from always the case). Except in very
not perform in the arena). large and extravagant shows (the kind that emperors
What no one knows is whether gladiatrices were accorded could occasionally lay on), these matches were between
the same status as men. Some historians believe that they individuals or small groups that followed specific rules;
were only part of the morning show, a curiosity like fighting they were not the free-for-all melees shown in some
dwarves or counting elephants. The only surviving image of movies. There were fixed pairings of gladiator types (mur-
gladiatrices (a relief from Ephesus) shows two of them – their millo fought thraex and hoplomachus, secutor fought
stage names are Achillia and Amazon – in the pose of regular retiarius, provocator fought provocator) and traditional
fighters. That makes it believable that women fought as regu- setups for group combat.
lar contestants in the arena, although they were only paired Fights were scheduled in increasing order of
with other women. The practice was hardly common, if an importance. The later in the afternoon (and the closer to
inscription from Ostia – in which an editor boasts that he had the great dramatic finish of the day) a fight was sched-
women fight for the first time since the founding of the town uled, the more prestige it brought. The more dangerous
– can be believed. and experienced the opponent, the greater the rewards
of victory. The larger the city and the grander the occa-
sion, the more important the victory and the more dam-
aging the defeat.
In addition to animal-animal fighting, so-called hunts The summa rudis and his assistant, the secunda rudis, ref-
were arranged in which venatores battled with beasts. These ereed all fights. Dressed in white tunics and equipped with long
fights – more slaughter than contest – symbolized the tri- staves, they were easily recognizable in the arena and could
umph of man over nature, but the risk to the fighters stop bouts if any rules were broken. They stood close to fight-
nonetheless was great. Some of them faced bears, wolves, or ing pairs, ready to intervene much like the referee in a modern
lions with nothing more than a sword or spear. Usually the boxing match. Before the beginning of each fight, the referees
chances were more unequal, and the show focused on the ele- checked weapons and armor. The area within which the fight-
gance and skill with which the gladiators dispatched wild ers were allowed to move was then designated (they could not
creatures. In extreme cases, animals were simply run into the roam around the arena at will) and the opponents announced.
arena and killed by archers from the safety of the audience – Refereeing was apparently not considered demeaning to the
a sport that Emperor Commodus (p. 7) is said to have honor of good citizens the way actual fighting was, and some
enjoyed greatly. However, when the fighters were down in the very respectable people worked as referees.
arena, measures were taken to protect the men.
Naturally, the danger of working with animals specifically
taught to maim, rape, and kill humans was considerable. Even
Individual Fights
so, the life of a venator was nowhere near as dangerous as that On a signal from the summa rudis, the fight began. This fol-
of a main-event gladiator, probably more akin to that of a mod- lowed certain rules. Strikes to the groin were not allowed (exca-
ern torero. vated gladiator remains show no wounds there). Immediately
Additionally, animals were used in executions. Some con- lethal strikes were permitted, but they were discouraged. They
victs were offered a slim chance by being armed and trained to cut short the fight without giving the audience a chance to judge.

GLADIATORIAL GAMES 10
Longer bouts were interrupted by breaks during which ers were killed. However, being too free with pardons opened the
wounds were bandaged and drinks were provided to refresh the editor to the suspicion of parsimony. The death of a gladiator
fighters. If a bout went on too long, though, the gladiators could was expensive, but the audience expected it. Especially during
have their shields taken away by the referees to produce a quick the Late Republic, killing a large number of fighters was seen by
result. The crowds did not like overly defensive fighting, and the some as a sign of generosity. Even in the much less competitive
organizers aimed to give the people what they wanted. political atmosphere of the Empire, some fights were expressly
If a gladiator was too badly injured or too exhausted to con- sine missione, without the option of mercy. Emperor Augustus
tinue fighting, he surrendered to his opponent by throwing away forbade the practice, but that didn’t make a lasting impression.
his weapon and raising his hands or kneeling down. The win-
ner now had to wait while the editor decided the fate of the
loser. See Asking for Mercy (pp. 22-23). Killing a surrendering
opponent outright was a severe breach of the rules (difficult
to avoid for characters with Bloodlust), as was resuming the Defending the Bridge
fight after surrendering. Traditionally, a thrust to the neck or In addition to regular bouts, organizers tried to offer the
chest ended the life of the loser mercifully quickly. audience creative twists on the theme. The most popular
If the audience spared him, the loser was allowed to and best documented of these was the pons (bridge). A
leave the arena to cheers and applause. The winner then retiarius was placed on a man-high platform (the pons)
received his due from the editor’s servants: a palm frond as with two ramps leading up to it. Two secutores attacked
a sign of victory and a sum of money as his prize (much of him from below, trying to force their way onto the platform.
which would eventually go to his lanista). If he fought par- The defender was given a supply of stones to throw at the
ticularly well, he also accepted a corona (laurel wreath, also attackers along with his regular weapons (the secutores
called a victory crown) in recognition of skill and bravery. were not allowed to throw them back). Some gladiators
After a lap of victory through the arena, bathing in the roar- seem to have specifically trained for this scenario, and it is
ing applause, he left the ring to the next fighters. expressly mentioned in some inscriptions.
If both parties had fought well, the editor could end the Some evidence exists of other variations. Gladiators
fight during a break by declaring a draw – the Latin phrase could defend gates or hurdles or fight blindfolded, shield-
for this was stans missus (dismissed while standing). It less, or otherwise impeded. Inventive lanistae needed to
was a great boost to the reputation of both gladiators. See remember, though, that the public expected primarily to see
Stans Missus (p. 23). single combat matches.
The fate of a defeated gladiator rested in the hands of the
editor who had paid for the games (and would have to fully
reimburse the lanista for all gladiators who were killed). The
audience would not be denied its say, though, and a sponsor Mass Fights
would be a foolhardy to neglect their opinion. Traditionally, they If a sponsor wanted to give the public something truly spec-
signaled their preference by gestures, though it is unclear what tacular (and he had the money for it), a mass fight could be laid
they were. The “thumbs up, thumbs down” beloved of on. These melees dispensed with many of the usual rules, pitting
Hollywood is unlikely, given that the sign had to be unambigu- one group of fighters against another without referees or bound-
ous across a large arena. Stabbing the thumb toward the throat aries. They could be crowd-pleasers, though they were hugely
may have signaled death, and lifting the hand high, mercy, but more expensive than regular fights given that they used 10 or 20
all such reconstruction is speculation. However it was expressed, (in extreme cases, hundreds of) gladiators in the time that a sin-
the public expected its decision to be respected, and the editor gle fight would normally take. Established stars were unlikely to
usually would prefer even financial ruin to countering them. take part in such organized slaughter, but beginners had the
A loser who impressed the crowds was pardoned (missus – opportunity to get their first taste of real combat, while con-
literally, “dismissed”). (The crowd’s reaction would depend on victed felons were sometimes sentenced to participate. The
his previous reputation, his showing during the prolusio, how largest such events – held by the emperors in Rome – depended
well he had fought and how popular his opponent was.) He on a supply of prisoners of war that were effectively free.
could leave the arena to fight another day. If he had displeased
the audience, his life was forfeit, and the last test of his courage Naumachiae
would be how he received the killing blow. It fell to the winner
The ultimate in extravagance was a naumachia, a staged sea
to slay him with a stab to his neck or chest. A man who could
battle. The cost and scale of such a show meant that this was
muster the strength to take the blade to his exposed neck with-
out of reach of anyone but the likes of Caesar and Pompey or
out flinching could draw cheers. His body was carried out of
– after Augustus – the emperors. Even they could not afford
the arena and buried respectfully – at least if he or his friends
them with anything approaching regularity. The first challenge
and family could afford the funeral.
was usually an engineering one – getting a body of water to
Exactly how many fights ended in death is unknown, but it
where the audience was. Augustus had an artificial lake dug
seems to have been less common that many writers and
near Rome and facilities built for the audience to hold his
moviemakers think. Gladiators recorded their careers in the
games. Later, the Flavian Amphitheater could be flooded for
numbers of victories and pardons they received (much like mod-
the purpose. Ships had to be built (full-size warships were too
ern win-loss records for professional fighters). A man could eas-
big for these venues), and hundreds, sometimes thousands, of
ily rack up as many of the latter as the former! Especially in the
fighters kitted out. They usually represented historic sea bat-
early Empire, professional gladiators could hope for reprieve
tles. The sources mention 10 such events in over 200 years, so
regularly. Some academics think that as little as one in four los-
seeing a naumachia was a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

GLADIATORIAL GAMES 11
CHAPTER TWO

STYLES
Gladiator styles were specialized by a specific set of other in as evenly balanced – and exciting – a match as possi-
weapons, armor, and tactics. The origins of this tradition prob- ble. The traditional distinction of classes – probably going
ably lie in the Roman habit of having prisoners of war fight in back far into Republican times – was between defensive,
the arena in their native weapons and armor, as the names of heavily armed scutarii (“large-shielders”) and aggressive,
the most traditional gladiator types – the thraex (Thracian) and more mobile parmularii (“small-shielders”). Fans also
samnes (Samnite) – suggest. It seems, though, that until the roughly divided along those lines (it appears that the scutarii
end of the Republic, a certain amount of leeway was allowed were usually more popular) and cheered for their favorite
in the equipment of many arena fighters. The influence of the style. The Republican-era samnes, the murmillo, the secutor,
great imperial gladiator schools then led to the standardization and very likely the essedarius counted among the scutarii,
of the armaturae that was to hold true, with only small varia- while the thraex, the hoplomachus, and the retiarius (despite
tions, until the end of the munera in the fifth century. having no shield at all) were parmularii. Provocatores, equi-
The point to arming gladiators in different fashions was a tes, and the more exotic types are harder to class and may
sporting one – to pit fighters with different styles against each simply never have fit the scheme.

ARMATURAE
The five most common types of gladiator styles are There is no body of legend surrounding the hoplomachus.
described here, as well as several versions that are more exotic. Therefore, cinematic hoplomachi should be much like realistic
Fighters usually trained in one armatura only, though there are stylists, only more so. Higher skill, ST, and better movement
gravestones of rare individuals who fought professionally in will be their mainstays in combat.
two or three.
Skills: Knife; Shield (Buckler); Spear.
Techniques: Feint (Spear).
Cinematic Skills: Immovable Stance; Power Blow.
HOPLOMACHUS Perks: Style Adaptation (any other gladiator style); Sure-
4 points Footed (Sand).
The name of the hoplomachus refers to the classical Greek
fighting style of Hoplomachia (see GURPS Martial Arts, Optional Traits
p. 161). This armatura likely goes back to Republican tradi- Secondary Characteristics: Improved Basic Speed.
tions and was already well established as an opponent for both Advantages: See Typical Gladiator Advantages (p. 18).
the thraex and murmillo by the early Empire. The hoplo- Disadvantages: See Typical Gladiator Disadvantages (p. 19).
machus, like the thraex, was armored with a crested helmet, Skills: Brawling; Performance; Shield Art; Shortsword;
long greaves on both legs, and a manica on the sword arm. He Spear Art; Wrestling.
carried a thrusting spear as his main weapon and a small, Techniques: Retain Weapon (Shield or Spear).
deeply dished round shield on his left arm. His secondary Perks: Naval Training; Off-Hand Weapon Training (Spear).
weapon was a dagger or very short sword.
The hoplomachus, like all parmularii, depends on superior
mobility in his confrontation with scutarii. Stylists keep their MURMILLO
small shield held chest high, ready for active blocks, and use 3 points
their spears to exploit openings in their opponent’s defenses. The murmillo was one of the most common armaturae,
This is best represented by Defensive Attacks with the spear, usually paired off against a thraex. His weapon was the short
coupled with Deceptive Attack. Hoplomachus will use long, sword, and he wore a short metal greave on his left leg, a man-
overhand stabs (Committed Attack or All-Out Attack (Long)), ica on his right arm, and a crested, broad-brimmed helmet
or try to lure his opponent into exposing himself in an unwise with a fully enclosed faceplate. His shield was the large scu-
attack or shield strike (a Feint). The dagger is mainly intended tum. The murmillo, as a scutarius, was the more powerful and
for the deathblow, but it could also be used to defend the less agile part of his traditional pairings.
hoplomachus if he loses his main weapon.

STYLES 12
Murmillones rely on the cover of their large shield to
protect themselves as they move near to their oppo-
nents. These scutarii prefer to use the shield offensively
to block attacks and deliver shield bashes and Beats.
Murmillo Variations
There are two notable variations of the murmillo: the samnes
Murmillones move aggressively behind a slam or shield and the secutor.
bash, trying to punish their typically less-armored oppo-
nents with explosive strikes, charges, and sudden stabs
of the sword using Attack maneuvers. These combatants
Samnes (Samnite)
often fight in a deep crouch. The strength of the mur- Evidence for the samnes is scanty. They seem to have been
millo is in superior defense and carefully timed, over- almost identical to murmillo except that they wore an open-
whelming attacks. The fighter uses Attacks, counting on faced helmet and some type of torso armor. A samnes was prob-
his shield and armor to protect himself. Committed ably originally equipped like a Samnite warrior, with the scutum
Attacks are used to finish opponents. and gladius, and may be the ancestor of both murmillo and secu-
The murmillo style rewards a strong fighter; a suc- tor. There is some evidence that, in Republican times, samnites
cessful murmillo will often be large and physically were paired off against each other and used javelins before mov-
powerful. High ST and HP are very useful for practi- ing in for close combat.
tioners. Cinematic Murmillones should emphasize Samnite gladiators will fight with the same tactics as a mur-
high ST, HP, and Springing Attack. Power Blow will millo. Early representatives of the type may have Thrown Weapon
further enhance the murmillo’s advantage. (Spear), but even in the Late Republic, this is uncommon.
Skills, techniques, etc. are identical to the murmillo (pp. 12-13).
Skills: Shield; Shortsword.
Techniques: Close Combat (Shortsword); Feint Secutor
(Shield); Low Fighting (Shield or Shortsword). The secutor was a subtype of the murmillo who specialized in
Cinematic Skills: Immovable Stance; Kiai; Power fighting the retiarius. He, too, used short sword and scutum and
Blow. wore greave and manica, but his fully closed helmet had neither
Cinematic Techniques: Dual-Weapon Defense crest not brim, giving his opponent’s net nothing to catch on.
(Shield); Springing Attack (Shield or Shortsword). Emperor Commodus (p. 7) fought as a secutor.
Perks: Shield-Wall Training; Shoves and Tackles Skills, techniques, etc. are identical to the murmillo (pp. 12-13).
(Shield); Special Exercises (Striking ST 1); Style Adap-
tation (any gladiator style); Sure-Footed (Sand);
Technique Adaptation (Springing Attack).
Unlike most other armaturae, provocatores fight with each
Optional Traits other. Their weaponry and fighting style are balanced midway
Secondary Characteristics: Improved ST or HP. between those of the defensive, static scutarii and the aggres-
Advantages: See Typical Gladiator Advantages (p. 18). sive, mobile parmularii. In a fight between two provocatores,
Disadvantages: See Typical Gladiator Disadvantages (p. 19). neither has the advantage in speed, reach, or defense. Both
Skills: Brawling; Knife; Performance; Shield Art; fighters keep their distance, looking for an opening to strike
Shortsword Art; Wrestling. home or go into close combat.
Techniques: Counterattack (Shortsword). Cinematic provocatores will use the full versions of Dual-
Perks: Naval Training; Off-Hand Weapon Training Weapon Attack, striking with both their shield and sword. They
(Shortsword). should develop Immovable Stance to resist charges, and Kiai
and Power Blow to stun and then overwhelm their foes.

PROVOCATOR Skills: Shield; Shortsword.


Techniques: Counterattack (Shortsword); Feint (Shield or
3 points Shortsword).
The provocator, a traditional armatura known from Cinematic Skills: Immovable Stance; Kiai; Power Blow.
Republican times, fought as a swordsman with the short sword Cinematic Techniques: Dual-Weapon Attack (Shield or
and large scutum (though his was slightly smaller than that of Shortsword); Dual-Weapon Defense (Shield).
the other scutum-wielding types). Along with a long greave on Perks: Shield-Wall Training; Shoves and Tackles (Shield);
his left leg and a manica on his right arm, he was protected by Style Adaptation (any other gladiator style); Sure-Footed
a small breastplate (spongia) and a fully enclosed, crestless hel- (Sand); Unusual Training (Dual-Weapon Attack; Both attacks
met with a wide neck guard. must target the same foe).
Provocatores always fought other provocatores. A recent
French publication assumes all gladiators started out as provo- Optional Traits
catores and graduated to the other armaturae, but this seems Advantages: See Typical Gladiator Advantages (p. 18).
unlikely despite the multi-role aspect of this type. Disadvantages: See Typical Gladiator Disadvantages (p. 19).
Provocatores fight in a mobile style that emphasizes shield Skills: Brawling; Performance; Shield Art; Shortsword Art;
strikes and stabbing blows with the sword to probe and defeat Wrestling.
their foe’s defenses. They start their matches defensively, open- Techniques: Retain Weapon (Shortsword).
ing with Evaluate and Defensive Attacks. Stylists also rely on Perks: Naval Training; Off-Hand Weapon Training
Deceptive Attacks heavily, and they make aggressive use of the (Shortsword).
shield for shield bashes and Beats.

STYLES 13
Optional Traits
RETIARIUS Secondary Characteristics: Improved Basic Speed or Basic
4 points Move.
The retiarius appeared in the first century A.D. – possibly Advantages: See Typical Gladiator Advantages (p. 18).
originally in naumachiae – and quickly became one of the most Disadvantages: See Typical Gladiator Disadvantages (p. 19).
popular armaturae. He was unusual in being very lightly Skills: Brawling; Performance; Net Art; Spear Art; Wrestling.
armored and wearing no helmet – retiarii had to rely on their Perks: Naval Training; Style Familiarity (Murmillo or
agility and speed to fight better-protected opponents. Their Thraex).
main weapons were a throwing net and a heavy trident, with a
dagger carried as a secondary weapon. The only protection
they had was a long manica with a galerus metal plate THRAEX (THRACIAN)
mounted on the left shoulder that protected the face when it 3 points
was turned toward the opponent. The thraex goes back to Republican traditions. He is usually
Almost unarmored, the retiarius needs speed and reach to paired off against the scutum-wielding murmillo as a more agile
defeat his usual opponent, the secutor. Stylists use the net to and aggressive opponent. The distinctive, small, square parma
tangle, trip, distract, or disarm their better-protected foe. The and curved sword (sica) make him easily recognizable. Thraeces
retiarius relies on the trident to deliver crippling blows when- wear long greaves on both legs (usually with fabric armor under-
ever an opening presents itself. With the net, the fighter can neath), a manica on their sword arm, and a fully
entangle the opponent, Feint, or spread it out to deny the enclosed helmet with a high crest and broad brim.
opponent a place to move unhindered. If the The thraex depends on his speed and
opponent does step on the net, the retiarius tries to agility to exploit openings in the defense
trip up his foe; see GURPS Martial Arts, p. 221. of his opponent. Unlike gladiators
Once a foe is entangled or feinted out of armed with long weapons, like the
position, the attacks the body or vitals hoplomachus, he has to move in
with the trident. close to do so. A thraex tries to stab
Despite having a weapon in each with his curved sword around the
hand, practitioners do not Dual- shield of his opponent (a Deceptive
Weapon Attack – the pattern is to Attack). He moves into and out of
use the net to disadvantage the range of his opponent’s strikes,
opponent and then strike with the depending on quick footwork. The
trident, not to attack with both at stylist tries to avoid staying in
once. The gladiator keeps his dis- place, launching Attacks until the
tance and avoids close combat opponent leaves an opening for a
where his lack of protection opens finishing attack. When near the
him to easy defeat. The dagger is opposition, the thraex often drops
held in reserve for a killing blow or into a low posture, such as
as a last, desperate line of defense. crouching or kneeling.
The retiarius uses the trident Cinematic thraeces emphasize
as the main weapon from the start their speed and agility. Increased
of his career. Because of this Basic Speed, Basic Move, and DX,
training, practitioners may learn and Extra Attacks, are more
the Exotic Weapon Training perk suited to the style than especially
as soon as they have a point in high ST or cinematic abilities.
Spear (instead of the usual 10
points in skills and techniques). Skills: Shield; Shortsword.
Cinematic retiarii should emphasize their speed advantage. Techniques: Feint (Shield or Shortsword); Low Fighting
Increased Speed and Move are very useful to a retiarius, as are (Shield or Shortsword).
FP to keep up the fight. A truly cinematic retiarius may want to Cinematic Skills: Power Blow.
replicate the trident-throwing feat of Draba from Spartacus. Perks: Style Adaptation (any other gladiator style); Sure-
This would require both Thrown Weapon (Spear) and the Footed (Sand).
Exotic Weapon Training perk.
The exotic laquearius style uses a lasso, but otherwise is the Optional Traits
same as a retiarius.
Secondary Characteristics: Improved Basic Speed, Basic
Skills: Knife; Net; Spear. Move, and DX.
Techniques: Armed Grapple (Net); Counterattack (Net or Advantages: Enhanced Dodge; also see Typical Gladiator
Spear); Hook (Spear); Sweep (Net); Targeted Attack (Spear Advantages (p. 18).
Thrust/Neck); Targeted Attack (Spear Thrust/Vitals). Disadvantages: See Typical Gladiator Disadvantages (p. 19).
Cinematic Skills: Power Blow. Skills: Brawling; Shield Art; Shortsword Art; Wrestling.
Perks: Exotic Weapon Training (Trident); Grip Mastery Techniques: Retain Weapon (Shield or Shortsword).
(Spear); Off-Hand Weapon Training (Knife or Net); Technique Perks: Naval Training; Off-Hand Weapon Training
Mastery (any Net-based technique). (Shortsword); Style Familiarity (Murmillo).

STYLES 14
lighter armor, but they use their heavy armor to allow them to
EXOTIC TYPES attack with a degree of impunity. These strikes are typically
In addition to the more common gladiator styles, a number Attacks and Committed Attacks.
of exotic ones also fought in the arena. Even cinematic crupellarii will be slow and ponderous, but
they should make up for it with high ST and HP and by pour-
Andabata ing points into Immovable Stance. Lifting ST is also useful to
carry the extra weight of the armor!
2 points
Little is known about the equipment of this armatura Skills: Shield; Shortsword.
except that they, uniquely, fought blind. Very likely, their hel- Techniques: Feint (Shield or Shortsword).
mets shut off all vision. Cicero mentions that andabatae used Cinematic Skills: Immovable Stance; Power Blow.
swords, but gives no further detail. They may have fought Perks: Special Exercises (Lifting ST 1); Style Adaptation
unarmored, for the bloody spectacle, or heavily armored, to (any gladiator style); Sure-Footed (Sand).
encourage their wild swinging.
Andabatae are greatly handicapped by their helmets. Optional Traits
Stylists move about, attempting to hear their opponent – a Secondary Characteristics: Improved ST.
challenging prospect in a crowded arena – and probe the dark- Advantages: Lifting ST; also see Typical Gladiator Advantages
ness with quick attacks, trying to locate a target. Defensive (p. 18).
Attacks are the rule, and Wait, simultaneously listening with Disadvantages: See Typical Gladiator Disadvantages (p. 19).
Hearing rolls (see p. B394 for details on combat Hearing rolls). Skills: Brawling; Performance; Shield Art; Shortsword Art;
Andabatae who sense their opponent go for a quick, hard, crip- Wrestling.
pling strike to win their fights. Perks: Naval Training; Off-Hand Weapon Training
Cinematic andabatae are masters of Blind Fighting. Using (Shortsword).
their honed senses, they locate their opponents and then
launch a spectacular Power Blow to finish them off. Unlike the
realistic stylists, cinematic andabatae will be far from poten-
tially bloody comic relief. Instead, they will be masters of a
very specialized style.
You stab in the dark like an
Skills: Shortsword. andabata!
Cinematic Skills: Blind Fighting; Power Blow.
Perks: Style Adaptation (any gladiator style); Sure-Footed
– Cicero, Virgilii
(Sand). Maronis 5.210
Optional Traits
Secondary Characteristics: Improved Per.
Advantages: Acute Hearing; also see Typical Gladiator Dimachaerus (“Two-Sword Fighter”)
Advantages (p. 18).
Disadvantages: See Typical Gladiator Disadvantages (p. 19). 2 points
Skills: Brawling; Performance; Wrestling. The dimachaerus is poorly documented and may not have
Perks: Naval Training; Off-Hand Weapon Training been a specific type at all. A relief from Turkey that shows a
(Shortsword). fighter with a round, enclosed helmet, short greaves on both
legs and curved short swords in both hands. Little is known
about the fighting style of the dimachaerus.
Crupellarius Equipped with two swords but no shield, dimachaeri use
3 points both blades for attack and defense. Stylists emphasize mobility
Crupellarii are mentioned in the first century A.D. as a specif- and seeking openings in an opponent’s defenses. Close-in com-
ically Gallic armatura, notorious for their extremely heavy bat with two blades and no torso armor is too lethal to be dra-
armor. A statuette from France shows a pot-shaped helmet and matically satisfying to the crowd! Instead, dimachaeri rely on
what appears to be segmented metal armor over the upper torso, Defensive Attacks and Evaluate. Feints are also popular, and
arms, and legs. The crupellarius probably carried a shield, fighters use retreats to move away from opponent’s attacks,
though the type is unknown. Tacitus mentions crupellarii fight- only to try to sweep back into range and Counterattack.
ing in a Gallic revolt in 21 A.D. where Roman soldiers used pick- Cinematic stylists apply Dual-Weapon Attack to strike their
axes to break through their armor. He also writes that the foes, using one sword to Feint and the other to Attack!
soldiers pushed over their enemies to render them helpless, but
Skills: Shortsword.
that may be hyperbole. However, putting a crupellarius off bal-
Techniques: Feint (Shortsword).
ance, disarming him, or knocking him over to make him vulner-
Cinematic Skills: Power Blow.
able to an attack in the abdomen seems a promising approach.
Cinematic Techniques: Dual-Weapon Attack (Shortsword).
Crupellarii depend on their extremely heavy armor, which
Perks: Off-Hand Weapon Training (Shortsword); Style
covers everything except the abdomen. Much like the
Adaptation (any other gladiator style); Sure-Footed (Sand);
Murmillo, stylists center their tactics on their overwhelming
Unusual Training (Dual-Weapon Attack; Both attacks must tar-
armor advantage. Fighters work to protect their vulnerable
get the same foe).
abdomen from opponents with longer-reach weapons or

STYLES 15
Optional Traits while using Feint and Defensive Attacks to create an opening
Secondary Characteristics: Improved Basic Speed or Basic for a finishing shot.
Move. Cinematic equites should be both masters of their weapons
Advantages: Enhanced Dodge; Enhanced Parry and masters of the horse. Animal Friend, which gives Riding
(Shortsword); see also Typical Gladiator Advantages (p. 18). bonuses, is certainly useful.
Disadvantages: See Typical Gladiator Disadvantages (p. 19). Skills: Shield; Shortsword; Spear; Riding (Horse).
Skills: Brawling; Performance; Shortsword Art; Wrestling. Techniques: Back Strike (Spear); Combat Riding; Hands-
Techniques: Spinning Strike (Shortsword). Free Riding; Staying Seated.
Perks: Naval Training. Cinematic Skills: Power Blow.
Perks: Grip Mastery (Spear); Style Adaptation (any
gladiator style).

The Venator Optional Traits


Venatores were no gladiatorial armatura and had no specific Advantages: Animal Friend; see also Typical
weapons or armor that made them recognizable. They specialized Gladiator Advantages (p. 18).
in fighting wild beasts in the arena. Some of them may have run Disadvantages: See Typical Gladiator Disadvantages
great risks facing lions, bears, and wolves with nothing more than (p. 19).
daggers or swords. Most of them had less dangerous tasks, going Skills: Brawling; Performance; Shield Art;
into the arena armed with shields and spears. Graffiti from Pom- Shortsword Art; Spear Art; Wrestling.
peii specifically mention taurarii and succursores, interpreted to
mean specialized bullfighters on foot and horseback. It is not Essedarius (“Charioteer”)
always clear whether depictions show professional venatores or
condemned men. 5 points
Unlike gladiators, venatores were expected to win. The beast in Despite the name, no evidence exists that essedarii
the Roman arena was not an equal and respected opponent, but a used chariots except possibly when this armatura was
representative of wild and dangerous nature and thus needed introduced in the first century A.D. (Some scholars
killing, either in fights against other beasts or at the hands of pro- think that this gladiator type was actually called gal-
fessionals. Their opponents were therefore given the possibility to lus, with the essedarius undepicted.) The Britons,
escape if the situation got out of hand – a fourth-century ivory carv- who used war chariots, may have inspired the equip-
ing shows man-sized baskets bristling with spikes for the venatores ment and fighting style. They wore no armor other
to flee into – and the audience cheered at even senseless slaughter than a manica on their sword arm and a round, crest-
of defenseless animals by archers shooting from safe positions. The less helmet (originally open-faced, later enclosed).
point was not a real contest but a spectacular show, a way of killing Some images show them using javelins, but their
animals in the most impressive manner possible. main weapons were the short sword and large scu-
tum. Essedarii mainly fought each other, though
there is one depiction of a fight with a retiarius.
Whether fighting from chariots or on foot,
essedarii open combat with an exchange of javelins, blocking
Eques (“Horseman”) and dodging their opponent’s missiles. The sword, not par-
5 points ticularly suited to stabbing, is used to slash the opponent
The eques fought on horseback, though it is likely that most with Attacks and Committed Attacks. Blows are aimed at the
bouts ended on foot after one or both opponents were unhorsed face, neck, and skull. Shield bashes also feature prominently
(staying mounted after throwing the opponent may have been in their arsenal. Mobility plays a greater role than with the
against the rules). Unlike most gladiators, equites wore tunics. other scutarii.
During Republican times, they wore torso armor, but afterward, Although it is unlikely the chariot was used in combat, it is
they went without protection. Their helmets were crestless and possible essedarii still learned to control it. At the very least, it
fully enclosed. A thrusting spear was their main weapon, and makes for a memorable entrance into the arena. The style
they carried a short sword for foot combat. Their shield was the below assumes the chariot is still used for combat; for foot-
traditional parma equestris, a small round leather shield. only essedarii, drop Teamster (Equines) from the list and
When equites fight from horseback, they stabbed at their reduce style cost to 4 points.
opponent (always another eques) with spears. Unlike later Whatever the truth of the matter historically, cinematic
European knights, they do not depend on the momentum of essedarii should drive a chariot. These larger-than-life gladia-
their horses to drive home couched lance strikes. Rather, they tors should be able to maneuver their chariot and hurl their
wield the spear both over- and underhand to stab forward, javelins on the run, as well as display exceptional defense skills
sideways, down, and even backwards. Spear attacks are gener- (Enhanced Block and Enhanced Dodge).
ally Attacks and Defensive Attacks; Deceptive Attacks are used Skills: Shield; Shortsword; Teamster (Equines); Thrown
to try to overcome the opponent’s defenses. Weapon (Spear).
Seeking to keep the challenge equal, equites dismount Techniques: Mounted Shooting (Thrown Spear/Chariot);
once their opponent is unhorsed. Attacking the horses is Targeted Attack (Shortsword Swing/Face); Targeted Attack
against the rules. On foot, equites depend on deft footwork (Shortsword Swing/Neck); Targeted Attack (Shortsword
and agility. Stylists deflect blows with their small, light shield Swing/Skull).

STYLES 16
Cinematic Skills: Power Blow. in the right hand and a metal tube that ended in a half-moon
Perks: Style Adaptation (any gladiator style). blade over the left hand. Unlike most traditional armaturae,
scissores used no shields, but they were heavily armored. They
Optional Traits wore mail on their torso; round, fully enclosed helmets;
Advantages: Enhanced Block; Enhanced Dodge; see also greaves on both legs; and a manica on their sword arm. Their
Typical Gladiator Advantages (p. 18). usual opponent was the retiarius.
Disadvantages: See Typical Gladiator Disadvantages (p. 19). Heavily armored, but without the protection of the shield,
Skills: Brawling; Performance; Shield Art; Shortsword Art; the scissor’s tactics are hard to reconstruct. The left, encased in
Wrestling. protective metal, is primarily used for defense, parrying with
Perks: Off-Hand Weapon Training (Shortsword). the bladed glove. The sword is used offensively to stab and cut.
Outranged and without the superior defense of the scutarius,
the scissor needs to keep his distance from the terrifying trident
of his typical foe. The main road to victory of the scissor is a
sudden, aggressive move into his opponent’s space. A scissor
relies on Attacks, but when an opportunity presents itself, the
stylist uses Committed Attack to try to launch a finishing blow.
Cinematic scissores should invest heavily in Power Blow
and improved ST to make their sudden strike a telling one.
Like most gladiator styles, there isn’t a body of cinematic
legends to draw on. Cinematic scissors should do all of the
same things realistic stylists do, only better and faster!
Skills: Boxing; Shortsword.
Techniques: Close Combat (Shortsword).
Cinematic Skills: Power Blow.
Perks: Style Adaptation (any other gladiator style); Sure-
Footed (Sand).

Optional Traits
Secondary Characteristics: Improved ST.
Advantages: Enhanced Dodge; Enhanced Parry (Short-
Scissor (“Cutter”) sword); see also Typical Gladiator Advantages (p. 18).
3 points Disadvantages: See Typical Gladiator Disadvantages (p. 19).
The scissor was one of the creative armaturae that showed Skills: Boxing Art; Brawling; Performance; Shortsword Art;
up in the early Empire. Although not an absolute certainty, Wrestling.
good evidence exists that his main weapons were a short sword Perks: Naval Training; Style Familiarity (Retiarius).

ADVANTAGES, DISADVANTAGES,
AND SKILLS
Some components of the martial-arts styles of the gladia- legal penalties, he may choose to administer his own punish-
tors merit special discussion. ment later. All slave gladiators will have an owner, of course,
but that owner may not necessarily act as a Patron.
A typical lanista will be a 10-point Patron, with a
ADVANTAGES frequency of appearance as high as 15 or less (for a game set
Certain advantages are especially common in a gladiatorial almost entirely within a ludus) or as low as 6 or less (for a
campaign. campaign with lots of activity outside the ludus). While the
ludus provides equipment for a gladiator, it is only for use in
the arena. Free gladiators who live and train outside a ludus,
Patron or former gladiators, are unlikely to have their lanista as a
see p. B72 Patron. Doctores, with their greater duties and importance,
Gladiators, whether slave or free, may have a Patron. In the are more likely than regular gladiators to have the lanista as
Late Republic and into the Empire, a sufficiently wealthy a Patron.
owner or employer can get a gladiator out of a lot of trouble (as A lanista also may have a Patron. During the Republic, this
serious as assault, theft, or other crimes). Roman law occasion- may be a rich benefactor willing to intercede on the lanista’s
ally makes direct reference to defendants being too rich to behalf. During the Empire, imperial lanistae are required to
prosecute. However, even if a Patron saves a gladiator from have a Patron – the emperor.

STYLES 17
Extra Option†
The rules are full of advanced and optional rules
Typical Gladiator that change how the game works in particular situa-
tions. Usually, these don’t cost points because they’re
Advantages campaign options – either everybody uses them or
Certain advantages are typical or useful for gladiators and oth- nobody does. However, the GM may allow certain
ers associated with the ludus. To save space on each style, these are rules that normally aren’t used in the campaign on a
listed here. Advantages marked with a * are exotic or cinematic PC-by-PC basis. Access to each of these is a perk.
advantages; GM approval is required to include these with a PC. Options that cost FP or character points to exer-
Luck is especially useful for a gladiator. Not all gladiators will cise are the fairest. For instance, each aspect of
have it, but those that do will have much longer careers than Influencing Success Rolls (p. B347) and Extra Effort
those that don’t! in Combat (p. B357), as well as Flesh Wounds and TV
Action Violence under Cinematic Combat Rules (p.
Appearance; Charisma; Combat Reflexes; Extra Attack*; Fear- B417), could be an Extra Option perk in a campaign
lessness; Fit or Very Fit; Gladiator Rank; Hard to Kill; Hard to Sub- where those rules don’t universally apply.
due; High Pain Threshold; Lifting ST*; Luck*; Patron; Rapid Rules that inflict penalties are usually fine, too.
Healing; Reputation; Striking ST*; and Wealth (for successful For example, the GM may not want to use the com-
gladiators!). plicated new hit locations in GURPS Martial Arts –
or his campaign might be set before medicine knows
about those locations! In this instance, an Extra
Option could enable a warrior familiar with one of
Gladiator Rank those locations to target it at the standard penalty. Indeed,
see p. B29 many optional rules in Martial Arts could work this way, with
A special form of Rank is important in a Gladiators access to them becoming attractive special abilities for skilled
campaign. fighters.
If either kind of rule expands the spectrum of an advantage,
Gladiator Rank: Gladiators, doctores, and lanista may have cinematic skill, or spell, the GM should require a separate Extra
some level of Gladiator Rank. This is a form of Courtesy Title Option perk for each trait that can benefit from the added
(see GURPS Power-Ups 2: Perks, p. 18). Characters may option. The same goes for cinematic or supernatural rules
purchase up to 5 levels of Gladiator Rank. However, only a options available for mundane skills, like the most extreme cin-
lanista can have Gladiator Rank 5; this is functionally equiva- ematic rules in Martial Arts; specialization by skill is advisable.
lent to, and requires, Status 1. Gladiators generally cannot pro- For certain types of gladiators, individual rules make sense.
mote to Rank 5; gladiators do not become lanista during the For example, the minimally armored retiarius might acquire
course of a normal career. For details of these ranks, see Extra Option (Bulletproof Nudity), while any cinematic gladia-
Ranking System (p. 29). 1 point/level. tor might benefit from Extra Option (Cannon Fodder) to allow
him or her to quickly overcome any no-name arena opponent.
PERKS Naval Training
Certain perks are especially useful for gladiators. Perks Gladiators trained to fight in naval engagements (see p. 11)
marked with a † require specialization. may acquire this perk. Note that not all combatants in such
engagements have this perk. Gladiators deemed unlikely to
Style Familiarity survive might not be singled out for special training. Star glad-
iators and those with potential surely get it, to keep them alive
see GURPS Martial Arts, p. 49
through the action! Naval actions were sufficiently rare, how-
All gladiators will be familiar with a specific gladiatorial style
ever, to preclude this from being standard training.
(see pp. 12-17). Many also learn the Style Familiarity perk of
their usual opponents. Such training is commonly available in
Off-Hand Weapon Training†
the ludus. The lanista wants his gladiators to know the tricks of
Many gladiators learn to fight with their off-hand.
their opponents, in order that they may put on a better show!
Familiarity with a recognized gladiatorial style is enough
for a Claim to Hospitality at your own particular ludus but not
Shoves and Tackles†
necessarily in another ludus. It all depends on the relationship You’ve trained at using a melee weapon to press and over-
of your owner to the owner of that ludus. bear the enemy. Whenever you make an armed shove or slam
– whether a shield rush (p. B372) or one of the long-weapon
options in GURPS Martial Arts – add a damage bonus similar
Style Perks that that which Sumo Wrestling gives unarmed shoves and
see GURPS Martial Arts, pp. 49-52 slams: +1 per die at skill DX+1, or +2 per die at DX+2 or bet-
Several style perks need further discussion for gladiator ter. You must specialize by Melee Weapon skill.
characters.
Sure-Footed†
Exotic Weapon Training† Gladiators who must regularly fight on unusual surfaces
The retiarius uses the trident, which requires this perk to will benefit from this perk. Arena sand was likely hard packed
remove its inherent skill penalty. (but see Shifting Sands, p. 22), making this perk unnecessary.

STYLES 18
Nevertheless, gladiators may learn it anyway, to deal with
improperly maintained sand, overly wet spots (from
blood or water), or deliberately treacherous spots meant
to spice up a fight.
Typical Gladiator
Disadvantages
DISADVANTAGES Gladiators were stereotyped; Roman literature paints
them as vain, greedy, lecherous, arrogant, and violent bullies!
Several disadvantages need more discussion for a glad- All slave gladiators have Social Stigma (Valuable Property),
iatorial campaign. and all free gladiators have Social Stigma (Second-Class Citi-
zen) – this is a required disadvantage. This list offers common
Code of Honor disadvantages for gladiators, free or slave, and others associ-
ated with ludi.
see p. B127
While all free gladiators took an oath to be “whipped, Appearance (from scars and battle injuries, if not actual natu-
burned, and killed with iron,” this was more of a waiver ral ugliness!); Bully; Callous; Compulsive Behavior (Fighting);
than a code. Slaves had little choice in the matter, and Compulsive Carousing; Duty (Extremely Hazardous; possibly
volunteers gave the oath to subject themselves to these with Involuntary – see below); Enemy (a rival gladiator); Greed;
acts normally forbidden by law. Some gladiators, Lecherousness; Odious Personal Habit (Arrogance or Vanity);
however, may have felt bound by a personal code of Overconfidence; Reputation; Social Stigma (optional for every-
showmanship and fair play. This would never have been one except gladiators); Status; Stubbornness; Wealth (for poor,
common, but it is especially appropriate in heroic, starting gladiators.)
cinematic gladiators.
Former gladiators who survived the arena may have any
Code of Honor (Gladiator’s): Never willingly show fear, number of physical disabilities, such as Lame or One Eye.
pain, or pity; accept death with courage; and give a good Many of those so injured, however, would have asked for (and
show above all else. -5 points been granted) a clean death in the arena.

Duty
see p. B133 In addition, many gladiators will have an additional stigma,
Almost all members of a ludus, from the lanista down to the over and above this required stigma. These commonly include
lowliest tiro, have a Duty. Several modifiers apply to this duty. Minority Group or Subjugated.

Extremely Hazardous: Gladiators, guardsmen, and


venatores are required to risk life and limb during the
execution of their duty. It is not always combat to the death,
SKILLS
Of course, combat skills are vital for gladiators. However,
but the risks are high and the consequences of error are steep. some noncombat skills are important, too.
Involuntary: Generally, slave gladiators have an involuntary
duty. They do not choose their particular job, and the price of
noncompliance with their duty is pain and death. Combat Art
Nonhazardous: Only those characters who do not have any see p. B184
risk whatsoever in their job can claim this. This includes Gladiator styles included not just practical skills for combat
stagehands, musicians, and physicians, but excludes lanistae, but also some flashy techniques designed to impress the crowd.
animal trainers, and doctores. The former group never need to These techniques were intended to be both attractive and
risk themselves as part of their job, while the latter group may reasonably effective. Since matched pairs were common, a
risk injury or death at the hands of gladiators, wild animals, gladiator might learn a strike or block that not only displays his
rivals, and even angry mobs unhappy over a poorly run munus. style to its best advantage, but gives his opponent a chance to do
Those jobs do not qualify as nonhazardous! so as well! Ultimately, the business is show business, and
gladiators who demonstrate potential to survive and fight again
Social Stigma will be taught these more artistic techniques.
see p. B155
All gladiators will have some form of Social Stigma. The Current Affairs
rest of society looks down upon gladiators, whether slave or see p. B186
free. Individual gladiators may be respected or beloved, but as Current Affairs (Sports) is the appropriate specialty for
a class, they are below the average member of Roman society. gladiators, gladiator fans, and any ludus or arena profession-
All slave gladiators have Social Stigma (Valuable Property). als. The arena is the major sporting obsession in Rome, other
They are no longer people but are valuable investments for a than the chariot races. Just about no other sports matter half
wealthy owner. Neither the owner, nor those who rent the glad- as much . . . to Romans. The -3 for lack of Cultural Familiarity
iator from the owner, will risk them lightly. However, the glad- (p. B23) is applicable in this setting. Non-Romans are at a dis-
iator’s main value is his ability to kill or be killed in the arena. tinct penalty to know about the latest events in the arena, and
Free gladiators have Social Stigma (Second-Class Citizen). Romans are equally penalized to know what is going in sports
Other Roman citizens always feel superior to gladiators. Others in Greece or farther regions.
associated with ludi may or may not have this disadvantage.

STYLES 19
Esoteric Medicine Sex Appeal
see p. B192 see p. B219
Gladiators were treated by physicians, who watched over Roman gladiators were legendary figures of virility and sex
their physical training and tended them after injury. This skill is appeal. Some gladiators may specifically develop this skill, both
used in place of Physician in low-tech societies for treatments for out-of-arena use and for wooing the crowd in the arena.
not based on herbs or other medicinal substances. It’s not mag-
ical or mystical; it includes purely physical methods such as Surgery
bleeding and purging, dietary regimens, or massage. At the GM’s
discretion, these may have useful effects. In particular, massage see p. B223
can relieve pain from strained muscles; pain decreases by one Surgery is one of the main skills used by physicians
level on a success (see p. B428) and by two levels on a critical employed by the ludus. In low-tech societies, Physician skill is
success. Herbal preparations (prepared with Pharmacy skill) normally unavailable. Surgeons are at -5 to effective skill for
may count as good- or fine-quality equipment for massage. operations other than field-expedient surgery (setting broken
bones, treating wounds, extracting arrowheads or bullets).
Many surgeons may make a virtue of necessity, with an
Games optional specialty in trauma surgery that exactly covers the
see p. B197 procedures of field-expedient surgery. Trauma surgeons are
The gladiatorial games have their at -2 to effective skill for general surgery and have the stan-
own rules, ceremonies, and etiquette. dard -5 penalty. See GURPS Low-Tech for more detailed
All gladiators learn these basics in the rules.
ludus. The appropriate specialization is
Games (Roman Gladiator).
TECHNIQUES
Performance One technique is worth special discussion for gladiators.
see p. B212
While combat skills are vital to Targeted Attack
survive the fight, Performance is essential see GURPS Martial Arts, p. 68
to thrill the crowd before and after the match. The difference Common Targeted Attacks are included for the various
between successfully impressing the masses might be the gladiator styles. Additionally, individual combatants may train in
difference between calls for mercy and calls for the sword. other specialties of this technique. GMs may consider allowing
gladiators to develop almost any Targeted Attack for their style’s
Savoir-Faire (Ludus) weaponry. This will allow for much more efficient killing or
crippling blows against new fighters . . . but any gladiator with a
see p. B218 Targeted Attack will quickly have it recognized by the crowd and
The ludus is a place of training, pain, and preparation for by any potential rivals! A Reputation for using that “signature
death. It is also its own society, with a pecking order and attack” is thus appropriate for a fighter with more than a few
standards of behavior. This skill covers knowledge of the matches. In such a case, the bonus to defend against the
written and unwritten rules of the ludus. While slight varia- gladiator’s Targeted Attack should apply from the first attempt,
tions from ludus to ludus exist, the “rules” are similar enough not just on the second and subsequent uses. For this reason,
to be covered with one skill. gladiators favor variety over specialized targeting.

Men give them their hearts and women even their


bodies. . . . At the same time, they are praised and
humiliated, relegated to an inferior status . . . and yet they
love the one they punish and disdain those they honor!
The art is praised, but the artist is looked down upon.
– Tertullian, On Spectacles 22

STYLES 20
CHAPTER THREE

RULES OF
THE GAMES
Gladiatorial games call for some additional rules for advancement, and more. Many options in GURPS Martial
defending in combat, resolving matches, pleading for mercy, Arts come in handy for replicating the gladiatorial experience.

BLOOD ON THE SANDS


Central to the gladiatorial games is the fight. The Detailed give -2, cumulative with standard hit location penalties. This
Method for tournament combat (Martial Arts, p. 134) is cannot result in a net bonus. In addition, block and parries
especially useful for arena combats, with its methodical pace made with the presented side are at +1, while those made with
punctuated by flurries of violent action. Specific exchanges of the denied one are at -1. One-handed weapons and equipment
blows should be resolved with the standard combat rules. are also struck at +2 in the presented hand or -2 in the denied
Actions involving only NPCs may be simplified to announcing one. As well, weapons in the denied hand – even long ones –
the resolution, or they can be determined with the Quick lose a yard of maximum reach while away from the opponent
Contest Method (Martial Arts, p. 134). However, unless there is (and weapons with Reach C only can’t attack at all!).
a clean victor, with one gladiator dead and the other alive, Armament held in two hands are unaffected – although they do
other rules are needed to determine the final score . . . not lose a yard of reach, the bearer attacks and parries with
them normally.
There are three, mutually exclusive options.
Neutral: The default stance, used if you don’t explicitly pick
Sufficient Space to Die an option. It has no effect on attack rolls or defenses. It need
Each gladiatorial match took place in a space des- not mean facing the opponent squarely – only that nothing is
ignated by the referee. The dimensions of this space prominently presented or denied.
depended on the size of the arena and the extent of the Deny Left: Deny your left side by turning your right side to
production. A matched pair in a small arena might the enemy. He hits your right arm and leg at no penalty, and
fight in an area as little as 10 yards by 10 yards, while your right hand and foot at a net -2. He attacks your left arm
a group combat or animal hunt could fill the floor of and leg at -4 total, though, and your left hand and foot at an
the arena. Small fights in private homes might be in a overall -6. Your blocks and parries are at -1 with your left arm
spot as small as five yards by five yards. A space and +1 with your right arm.
approximately 15 yards by 15 yards seems to have Deny Right: As above, but now the left side is easier to hit
been sufficient for most gladiatorial matches. and has a defense bonus, while the right side is harder to hit
and has a defense penalty.
The above modifiers assume an opponent in your front arc.
Rivals on your flanks attack all locations normally, while your
FOCUSED DEFENSE defenses have the usual -2 from the side. Enemies to your rear
hit the denied locations at +2 (and of course, you get no
Many gladiators wear armor on just one limb, and the
retiarius wears a special piece of armor that protects his neck defense!).
only from the left. Thus, fighters may wish to alter their stance You may choose a stance once on your turn, immediately
or guard position to make it easier to defend their unarmored before or after you select a maneuver. This is a free action. All-
side. This comes at a cost, however: it’s easier to attack the Out Attack (Long) using a weapon in your denied hand returns
opposite side! This optional rule lets warriors attempt such a you to the neutral stance immediately.
gambit. Note: The classic sport-fencing stance often denies the non-
A fighter may opt to present some hit locations and deny weapon side, but this isn’t automatic for weapons with a fenc-
others. Presented locations are struck at +2 while denied ones ing parry. Apply these rules normally to fencers.

RULES OF THE GAMES 21


The final reaction roll also helps determine if the
crowd spares a defeated gladiator – see Asking for Mercy
Shifting Sands (below). Should the fight continues for too long, the
crowd may ask for both fighters to be spared – see Stans
The arena surface was sand. Whether it was hard-packed
and solid like a bullfighting ring or shifting and treacherous Missus (p. 23).
like a desert is unknown. The former is more likely; the latter If, at the end of the fight, the total reaction roll for any
can make for an entertaining fight. gladiator is 18 or more, the fighter may find his heroism
By default, Martial Arts: Gladiators assumes that the has increased his reputation with the crowd. The gladia-
ground was hard-packed and/or damp sand, meant to give tor will gain a temporary Reputation (+1, from all gladi-
solid and sure footing to the gladiators. If the GM chooses, the ator games fans) for 1d months. After that, the fighter
area may be bad footing (see pp. B547-548), giving -2 to attack must pay character points if he wishes to make it perma-
and -1 to defend. This penalty is eliminated by Sure-Footed nent. This applies to both winners and losers, if the loser
(Sand) (see pp. 18-19). If every arena is like this, all gladiators is spared.
who live to be veterans will have this perk! However, perhaps GMs who play out the pompe and prolusio for each
only poorly maintained arenas in the provinces have this fight may wish to allow the fighters to try to influence the
problem . . . or the locals may consider it a feature. crowd then. In that case, make the initial reaction roll
In an ahistorical, fantasy, or science fiction gladiatorial during the pompe. The fighters may need to start warm-
campaign, the fighting surface may be much more bizarre or ing the crowd up to them before the match starts.
dangerous. Shifting surfaces, pits, slick floors . . . the
possibilities are limitless.
ASKING FOR MERCY
Some gladiatorial combats end with a clean kill – a
fatal sword thrust, vitals pierced by a trident, a neck or
THE CROWD’S REACTION skull broken from a blow. In many cases, one fighter is
defeated without suffering a fatal injury. The defeated fighter
The crowd is an important element in a gladiatorial match. may ask for a merciful death . . . or mercy.
It is fought for their entertainment, and fighters who don’t First, the defeated fighter must pose with aplomb. Roll Will.
make the crowd happy can pay for it in the end.
At the beginning of each match, make a reaction roll from Modifiers: Fearlessness gives +1 per level; a fearless fighter
the crowd for each fighter. Roll for the crowd as one entity. is more likely to face death without flinching. Fearfulness gives
This is how the audience feels about each gladiator from the -1 per level. Gladiators with Unfazeable still roll, but all results
start of the match. During the fight, gladiators can attempt to are a full step better: critical failure counts as a mere failure,
influence the crowd through their actions. As the match pro- failure as success, and any success as critical success.
gresses, modify the reaction roll for each fighter with the On a success, the gladiator faces death bravely; there is no
modifiers below and keep a running total. The GM may wish penalty or bonus to the crowd’s reaction roll. On a failure, the
to calculate the final reaction roll only at the end of the gladiator flinches or otherwise betrays fear; this results in -1 to
match, but it’s usually more fun to describe the cheers and the reaction roll (see The Crowd’s Reaction, above). On a criti-
boos of the mercurial crowd. cal failure, he shakes visibly, cries, breaks down, and begs for
Modifiers: During the match, keep a running total of each his life (or something similar) – crowds react at -2. On a criti-
gladiator’s coups and fumbles. Each time an attack ultimately cal success, he manages to project such bravery in the face of
results in either warrior being disarmed, knocked down, or death that he gains +1 on the audience-reaction roll. An uncon-
crippled (even only temporarily) – whether through injury, a scious gladiator does not need to make this roll, but he still
noninjurious blow (e.g., a successful attempt to disarm or trip), must consult the reaction roll results.
a special critical hit or miss result, or a failed HT or DX roll –
the other fighter gets +1 to the crowd’s reactions for this fight.
Should a combatant somehow manage to inflict such a result
or any injury on himself when not engaged (e.g., he critically
fails his Fast-Draw roll and disarms himself, or tries Jumping Got You Covered
to get up on a piece of scenery and falls down), add -1 to the Gladiators usually fight alone, but teams of
running total. gladiators may wish to help one another. In a situation
Complementary Skills (see p. 23) may be used to modify this where some heroes lack a vital skill, skilled PCs can
roll. Gladiators may try to make an especially stirring plea for sometimes cover for unskilled ones. When making a
mercy (Performance), demonstrate their skill at arms during single roll for the entire team, start with the group’s
the fight to impress the crowd (by using Combat Art instead of best skill level, add a bonus equal to the number of
the usual combat skill), or even draw on their powerful physi- people who know the skill (no defaults!), and subtract
cality to impress the crowd (Sex Appeal). These rolls can be a penalty equal to group size. For example, a team of
made during combat; a success garners a +1 to the crowd’s experienced gladiators could use their Combat Art skill
reactions for the fight, and a critical failure results in a -1 to the to help a young tiro look good during a group melee.
running total. Each skill can only be used once per fight, and While it’s possible for gladiators to do this for their
the attempt is generally treated as a Concentrate maneuver. opponents, it’s not common.
These rolls can also be done during lulls in the action (see
Detailed Method, Martial Arts, p. 134).

RULES OF THE GAMES 22


Next, the GM determines the results of the reaction
roll. The editor, not the crowd, has the final decision.
Generally, the editor will side with the crowd. Editors
must walk a fine line between sparing too many glad-
Complementary Skills
Whenever it makes sense, the GM may allow one skill to aid
iators (and thus appearing cheap!) or calling for too another. The assisting skill is the complementary skill while the skill
many to be slain (and running up the cost of the actually needed for the task is the master skill.
games). Woe to the editor who chooses death in the Teams of gladiators working together can help each other. The
face of a crowd demanding life, and vice versa! person using the complementary skill doesn’t have to be the one
On a Good or better reaction roll, the crowd cheers using the master skill, unless splitting up these rolls would make
to spare the fighter. On a Poor or worse reaction roll, no sense. For instance, a gladiator trying to impress the crowd
they call for the editor to let the gladiator die. On a using Combat Art might benefit from a teammate (or generous
Neutral reaction roll, they are evenly divided – the edi- foe) applying his own Performance skill to make the other person
tor alone must decide. The GM makes a new reaction look even better! This is more common during the prolusio than
roll for the editor, with the modifiers listed under The in bloody combat. (In this example, Performance would be com-
Crowd’s Reaction (p. 22). plementary to Combat Art.)
If the editor chooses death, the victorious gladiator To use a complementary skill, simply roll against it. The result
is expect to kill his condemned foe with a sword or gives a modifier to the master skill: +2 for critical success, +1 for
knife thrust to the neck or vitals. This is usually an All- success, -1 for failure, or -2 for critical failure. This modifier is
Out Attack (Determined or Strong) and a Telegraphic cumulative with others, such as equipment bonuses.
Attack. Failure to kill the opponent cleanly is If the GM agrees, a master skill might sometimes be able to
embarrassing but not dangerous for the victorious benefit from several complementary skills! Additionally, in a
gladiator. team situation, someone may be able to use the same skill as
A favorable reaction roll is its own reward – the both complementary and master skill. For example, one
fighter is spared. Spared and victorious fighters then gladiator may use his own Performance skill to aid his partner’s
leave the field. If they’re too injured, they are carried Performance skill. This can only be done with multiple
off. All wounded fighters are given medical care – characters; a participant cannot complement his own skill with
win or lose, they are still valuable property! the same skill (for example, using Performance to enhance
your own Performance skill).
STANS MISSUS
If a fight has gone on too long, the mood of the
crowd may enter into the decision. Should both fighters per- the crowd clamors for a draw. Both fighters leave stans missus
form well, the crowd may ask that both be spared in tribute to – alive and to the accolades of the crowd. Should either receive
their skill and bravery. When both combatants offer little enter- a Poor or worse reaction, the crowd shouts for his death as
tainment, the crowd may show their displeasure by calling for under Asking for Mercy; generally, the editor lets the fight con-
their death. tinue to achieve this result. If both have a Poor reaction, the
After a match has gone on for more than three minutes, if crowd demands they have their shields taken away and the
both gladiators could continue, the crowd may intervene. bout resumed. If both gladiators receive a Disastrous reaction,
Should both fighters’ running reaction roll be Good or better, the crowd will demand that both die!

OUTSIDE THE COLOSSEUM


Two rules address the considerations of a individual arena matches. In a GM-less
gladiator’s advancement and his price. These “arena battle” campaign, it could be the sole
help the lanista determine the fee he can com- method of advancement for gladiators. It can
mand for each of his fighters’ services. “stack” with the normal rules for
advancement. Simply add any points
awarded for roleplaying on top of these
GLADIATORIAL awards. Don’t provide any bonus for
ADVANCEMENT completing a mission or winning combats;
that’s what these rules already do!
In an arena-based campaign, the normal
rewards for roleplaying and accomplishing Example: Furius the Thraex fights in the
missions may seem inadequate. Each individual arena and survives. His opponent was an
match that gladiators fight is a career milestone equal match, and Furius acquitted himself
and can result in fame and glory . . . or maiming well and won the fight. He nets 2 point:
or death. 1 for surviving, 1 point for winning, and 0
This system is useful in a normal, GM-run for facing an equal opponent. His
campaign to determine appropriate awards for opponent, Maximus, however, did poorly.

RULES OF THE GAMES 23


While he fought well, he broke down when asking for mercy
. . . and only the miserly editor’s parsimony saved him! He
gains 1 point for surviving the match, gets 0 points for an I spared many lives in the
equal opponent, but loses 1 point for his cowardice at the
end. He gets 0 points and likely the opprobrium (contempt) of arena, but it was my fate to
the crowd!
pay the price in my ninth fight.
Arena Matches – Gravestone of
Surviving a match gives each gladiator 1 point, win or lose.
In many cases, losing will result in death! In addition, the Olympos from Larisa
following modifiers apply.
• Winning the match: 1 point.
• Weak opponent, a relatively easy kill for the gladiator:
-1 point. GLADIATOR PRICES
• Worthy opponent, about equal to the gladiator: 0 points. With many gladiators being slaves, eventually the question
• Exceptional opponent, clearly more powerful than the of purchase price will come up. In Rome, these prices could
gladiator: 1 point. vary widely, depending on supply and demand, the abilities
and prestige of a fighter, and (not least) the negotiating skills of
buyer and seller. Should the price matter in a campaign, these
Impressive Feats and guidelines can be used to calculate it.
Ignominious Failures All gladiators are high-value goods, with prices in the thou-
Accomplishing impressive deeds in the arena can result in sands or tens of thousands of GURPS $. Their base price is cal-
additional points. Failures can result in fewer points. culated by adding all physical attribute levels above 10 and all
combat skill levels for their armatura (martial-arts style) above
• Defeating a superior foe without any injury: 1 point. 10, and multiplying the sum by $100. Add $100 for every level
• Defeating a multitude of foes in one match (one versus above 11 in Performance and Combat Art skills for their
many): 1 point. armatura and for each level of Fit, Charisma, and Appearance.
• Showing cowardice in the arena (either by action, or a Combat Reflexes and High Pain Threshold are worth $200
failed roll while asking for mercy!): -1 point. each. If the campaign allows supernatural or exotic advan-
• Getting caught cheating (using poison, sabotaging tages, their price effects are entirely at the GM’s discretion.
the opposition – but if you’re not caught, there is no penalty!):
-1 point. Example: Urbicus, a promising tiro at the beginning of his
career, has ST 12, DX 11, and HT 11. He fights as a provoca-
tor with a Shortsword skill of 13, a Shield skill of 12, and a
Brawling skill of 12. His training has also given him the Fit
advantage. Nonetheless, he would sell for a mere $1,200.
What makes a gladiator valuable is his pulling power as
an attraction – his Reputation. As soon as a fighter attains
either a positive Reputation with spectators or Rank, total
the levels in both (reaction modifiers from Rank do not
count separately), add 1, and multiply the base price by the
result. Then add $100 for every victory the fighter has earned
in the course of his career or $500 for every victory crown.
Example: Taurus, a freedman gladiator, has been fighting
for several years and is by now a local star. He has ST 13,
DX 12, HT 12, and the Fit advantage. His armatura is a
thraex and he has the Shortsword skill at 14, Shield at 14, and
Putting on a Good Show Brawling at 13. This gives him a base price of $1,900. However,
For a lanista, rewards for fighting make little sense. After he also has Gladiator Rank 2 (rudarius) and a Reputation +1
all, the lanista “merely” provides the gladiators! However, (arena star), for a ¥4 multiplier to the base price. He also has
putting on a successful set of games is worth some points for won six bouts with two victory crowns for an addition of
the lanista. $1,600 to the final price. Thus, anyone wanting to acquire him
for his ludus would have to come up with ($1,900 ¥ 4) + $1,600
• Putting on a poor show (few gladiators, many Poor = $9,200.
reactions from the crowd): 0 points.
• Putting on a good show (at least a dozen gladiators and no Prices calculated by this formula are always subject to mar-
reaction roll worse than Neutral from the crowd): 1 point. ket fluctuations at GM’s discretion. Star gladiators can com-
• Putting on an extravagant show (hundred of pairs of glad- mand prices far in excess of what would be considered
iators, or a smaller show with no reaction roll worse than Good “reasonable” – some are known to have sold for millions. The
from the crowd): 2 points. sky, and the treasure boxes of the rich, is the limit!

RULES OF THE GAMES 24


CHAPTER FOUR

WE WHO ARE
ABOUT TO DIE
Vindex felt the urge to swallow despite the dust coating the The servants were gone. The referees stepped back. Anthrax
inside of his dry mouth. The heat of the dazzling sun felt unbear- weighed the viciously curved sica in his hand and stepped back
able on his bare, oiled skin, and the sand under his feet suddenly and forth with mocking nimbleness. Cold sweat ran into Vindex’s
appeared treacherous and slippery. Cold fear spread through his eyes, and he blinked to clear his vision. His left held the weight of
stomach as the applause washed around him. He wanted to turn the scutum more easily now as he felt long-drilled reflexes take
and run, run back to the safety of the dark vault that he had left over. The Thracian recoiled as the sword flashed forward in a
his comrades in. He bit his lip and kept walking, slowly, meas- probing attack. Breathe – step – keep facing the opponent. This
ured step by measured step, toward his waiting opponent at the was easy. Oh, gods of the underworld, let him survive this!
center of the arena.
Everybody knows the line “We who are about to die salute
As the referee carefully checked the weapons, the young gladi-
you!” Not a lot of people know prisoners sentenced to death, not
ator felt the time crawl, silently praying for the wait to be over.
professional gladiators, spoke it. Then again,
The words of the announcer still echoed through his
Roman law itself was never quite sure whether
mind: “Anthrax, thraex, once dismissed, one victory!
the arena should be considered a career or a sen-
Vindex, murmillo, tiro!” The swarthy fighter opposite
tence. Life in the cramped quarters of the ludus
him slipped on his helmet, and Vindex could have
had condemned criminals and rebellious slaves
sworn he saw a wolfish grin. Harenarii fixed his own
rub shoulders with the flamboyant, wealthy stars
greaves and helmet and handed him the sword and
of the arena. A consummately professional sup-
the reassuringly large, deep scutum. The young man
port team – servants and cleaners; musicians and
curled into the hollow as though trying to escape driv-
clowns; physicians, martial-arts trainers, animal
ing rain. Distant, nagging memories brought back the
handlers, and choreographers – put on the show.
lessons of his doctor: You are a scutarius. The crowds
Even in the days of the Roman Empire, there
love scutarii. The scutum is a weapon. Always keep a
was no business like show business.
hand’s breadth between you and your shield.

THE GLADIATORS
Gladiators could be either slaves or free men (auctorati).
Most were slaves. Some of them, especially in Republican times, THE SELECTION PROCESS
were prisoners taken in war. These were men deemed too dan- Gladiator recruits were selected along much the same lines
gerous for chattel slavery or too competent fighters to waste. as military ones: young men aged between 16 and 25, well-
Others were slaves sold to a lanista as punishment. (In the built and without serious health problems, not over- or seri-
Empire, owners were forbidden from doing so without a proper ously underweight, and preferably from the countryside
court hearing.) Still others were prisoners sentenced to possible where they had been used to an active lifestyle. City-bred
or certain death. A sentence ad bestias meant facing wild ani- slaves usually had other marketable skills anyway, but a for-
mals; see The Morning Program (pp. 9-10). A sentence ad judos mer athlete or upper-class youth might be considered suitable
meant gladiatorial training and the real chance of victory. Judges for the arena. The recruits were by definition above average
could specify that the delinquent should only be freed after a cer- physically (average slaves went into average jobs). Lanistae
tain number of fights, or even never. Finally, free men (and looked for different profiles to match different armaturae –
women) voluntarily chose the life of a gladiator as a career in especially strong men for murmillones or secutores; quick,
pursuit of fame and money. Upper-class writers often express mobile ones for retiarii; and small, agile fighters as equites –
shock at the thought, but the lower classes seem to have been and candidates had no choice in the matter. Attractiveness
much less discriminating. The gladiators themselves, whatever played a role, too, but it was a secondary consideration – a
their origin, were united by their common status of infamia, the breathtakingly handsome slave who could not fight was a bet-
stigma that excluded them from public office for life. ter investment for a brothel keeper than a lanista.

WE WHO ARE ABOUT TO DIE 25


Previous combat training was not necessarily an advantage Physicians directed training and diet, and they regularly
– gladiators learned specific styles – but being athletic and used checked their charges and treated any injuries or illnesses they
to strict training regimes was. Intelligence was not a major contracted. The lessons for promising candidates would also
concern – indeed, the mental limits of gladiators and athletes include showmanship – how to display their bodies to the best
in general was the theme of many a joke – but a genuinely stu- effect, how to make their moves look elegant and flashy, and
pid gladiator could cause more trouble than he was worth. The even how to allow an opponent to look his best without com-
right kind of personality was much more important. A gladia- promising defenses. The arena was above all about entertain-
tor needed grit, discipline, ambition, and confidence to suc- ment, and gladiators who did not give the audience what they
ceed, and an excess of scruples was a problem. This was the wanted risked their lives in case of defeat.
ideal. However, when the market was bad, all kinds of compro- Established gladiators enjoyed greater freedom than
mises had to be made . . . recruits did. They were still expected to train regularly, but they
could leave the ludus and spend the money they made.
Some had families – it is unknown whether their
wives and children lived inside the school or outside
Built Like a Fighter – and others pursued the lifestyle popular legend
ascribed to them – chasing skirts and living high.
The body weight of gladiators is a matter of controversy
Especially in Late Republican times, gladiators were
among historians. Some claim – supported by ancient depictions
in demand as bodyguards and muscle in the often
– that the diet in the ludus deliberately aimed to give the men a
dirty and dangerous political machinations of that
layer of fat to cushion blows and mitigate the effects of superficial
period. Politicians would simply buy one, or hire
cuts. Gladiators have even been compared to sumo wrestlers.
them from a lanista they trusted, for good pay!
Gladiators fought without weight classes, so fighters who
Another lucrative sideline was combat training for
depended on explosive rushing (such as scutarii) could benefit
civilians. Upper-class Romans considered basic
from extra mass. Fights were usually intense but short, so
proficiency with shield, sword, and javelin part of any
endurance was less of a problem than it would be for soldiers. Add
boy’s education, and many young men prided them-
to this the fact that the Roman ideal of masculine beauty was
selves on their prowess. Individuals even came to
bulky and muscular, and it’s easy see why it is quite likely gladia-
practice with gladiators inside the ludi. Given that
tors looked much like modern mixed-martial arts fighters or
munera were relatively rare, most experienced
heavyweight boxers. The arena was a ruthlessly competitive place
gladiators had enough time on their hands for a sec-
where anything that interfered with performance would quickly
ond job.
be eliminated. They may not have been quite the lean, mean,
fighting machines of modern imagination, but Overweight or Fat
are inappropriate disadvantages for professional fighters. The Supporting Cast
However important the main attraction, a ludus
was more than just gladiators. Around the arena
where the fighters drilled their moves, engineers tin-
kered with stage machinery, smiths and armorers repaired and
D - AY TO AY IFE-D L polished equipment, and venatores and bestiarii honed their
A ludus was not a traveling circus. The organization needed aim with bow and spear. Animal trainers put warhorses
permanent facilities for training, cells to hold prisoners, sta- through their motions, taught elephants to count, monkeys to
bling and cages for animals, and storage for its equipment. In dance, or bears to play the trumpet. Clowns practiced their
Rome, the buildings of the imperial schools after Augustus routines, and the musicians that accompanied every show
were grand affairs indeed. However, even a provincial outfit added to the din.
required sound financing and substantial premises, not least Not least, an organization this size needed to be serviced
because some of their staff needed to be locked up at night. and administered, so there were a number of harenarii ser-
Gladiators spent the greatest part of their time training. vants, clerks, cooks, sweepers, water carriers, and general
Munera were rare occasions and few men fought more than roustabouts, along with security. The things that gave lanistae
once or twice per event, but skills needed to be maintained. sleepless nights were above all espionage – training secrets –
Multiple fights could occur – one fighter fought and won nine and sabotage. Fans trying to get in also must have been an
bouts in as many days, and he was freed in recognition of his annoyance, especially in the case of well-connected female
exceptional achievement. ones whose husbands or fathers could cause serious problems.
Actual duty rosters and training regimes have not survived Technically, a ludus was also full of valuable property, but most
to the present day, but the basic principles are known. New thieves would have looked for softer targets. The idea of actu-
recruits (tirones) were confined to the premises and drilled ally stealing the most valuable asset – slave gladiators – has a
under the supervision of their trainers (doctores). Physicians madcap quality to it, but it is hardly realistic.
and experienced gladiators assisted with the lessons. Following
Greek traditions, weapon training was accompanied by physi- A Fighter’s Progress
cal conditioning, speed and endurance training, and special Typically, a gladiator started out as a slave purchased for the
exercises designed to strengthen specific muscles, improve arena. A few free men volunteered for the career – some jaded
reflexes, and heighten perception. kids drawn by a sense of adventure; others strictly for the
Basic combat moves were drilled using wooden posts money. For a poor Roman, the earnings of a professional glad-
before the men were considered ready for practice bouts. iator could be temptation enough to risk life and limb.

WE WHO ARE ABOUT TO DIE 26


They had to swear an oath to be “whipped, burned, and
killed with iron” at the whim of their lanista and for all
purposes belonged to him every bit as much as his
chattel. A tiro could look forward to a grueling period
The Barley Crunchers
Gladiators, like other professional athletes, carefully regulated
of basic training, conditioning, and indoctrination to their diet. They were known as hordearii – barley crunchers – in
turn him into a man who would kill and die for other colloquial Latin for eating a grain that many Romans considered
people’s entertainment. At this stage of their careers, inferior to wheat and fit only for slaves and animals. However, their
gladiators were kept locked up in the ludus and food was hardly scanty or of poor quality. The daily fare was a por-
guarded against suicide, and business-minded lanistae ridge of grain and legumes, hardly appetizing, but nourishing and
tried to separate those who were promising from those healthy. In a society as obsessed with good eating as the Romans
who would not survive their first bout. The latter could were, vegetables, fruit, cheese, meat, and fish were probably added
be used for group fights or pitted against renowned to the rations either as a matter of course or as private purchases
opponents without too great a loss, while a man with by the men. Physicians of the time thought grain essential to the
the right fighting spirit was something to be treasured. diet of an active man, and meat was traditionally served to fighters
The first fight was the deadliest. A gladiator who in large quantities. Wine was taken heavily watered; during the day,
survived it could – at least statistically – hope for a water or posca (a drink made with vinegar and water) were proba-
career in the business. Two or three victories meant bly preferred. Drinks were always available, even served to fighters
name recognition and a measure of financial independ- in the arena during breaks, to prevent dehydration.
ence. Traditionally, the winner of a fight received a sig-
nificant sum as a premium – typically in the hundreds
or even thousands of sesterces – the kind of money a
laborer would make in a year or two. A slave could not to be ceremonially presented with a wooden sword – the rudis
technically own anything under Roman law, but there seems to – and declared a freed man. (A similar ceremony probably
have been an understanding that free gladiators got to keep existed for releasing voluntary fighters from their oaths.)
around a quarter and slaves a fifth of these winnings. This way, Once freed, he was under no obligation to fight, though he
a man could quickly gain a degree financial independence and was permitted to do so for pay, and many continued. As a vet-
afford small luxuries that made life in the ludus a lot more bear- eran with numerous victories to his name, he could command
able. Once they had begun having a career, gladiators were also large fees for each fight.
allowed greater freedom. They were hired out as bodyguards or Freed slaves had legal obligations to serve their former mas-
trainers, and they were no longer locked up at night. ters. Even though the obligation did not extend to fighting in
the arena, the former master could insist that the former slaves
A Fighter’s Life take (nonhazardous) jobs and could forbid them going else-
where. Likewise, voluntary fighters often continued working
The life of a professional gladiator could be a pleasant one.
for the same lanista as combatants or trainers.
Wealth, fame, and a life surrounded by attentive trainers, physi-
Retirement into comfortable obscurity must have been
cians and servants must have been a powerful lure. However,
more common than the evidence suggests. There is no way to
part of the drama was that a moment of inattention or bad luck
know how many gladiators survived their careers to live to a
could bring it all to a bloody end in the arena. Additionally, stars
ripe old age, but at least some did. Many married and fathered
were traded, sold as investments or status goods, even pur-
children, as is evidenced by gravestones set by their surviving
chased by rich men who wanted to grace their household with a
wives and offspring. Some must have opted to start businesses
famous name even though they had no actual use for a fighter.
or pursue other careers with the money they earned, while oth-
After several years of successful bouts, slaves could look for-
ers stayed in the ludus, becoming trainers or referees.
ward to the crowning achievement of their career: They would
Nonetheless, many – probably the majority of – gladiators died
be granted their freedom. It is unclear how (or whether) this
in the arena eventually.
was regulated, but it was customary at some point for a victor

Security
Security at the ludus could vary widely, but it would themselves did day-to-day guard work. This would be the
never have been lax. The imperial gladiator schools most job of hired or slave guardsmen. These might be former
likely were guarded by regular soldiers, as were the prisons gladiators or, especially during the Republic, ex-soldiers.
that housed condemned men. Private operations, on the Most of the time, a lax routine would be sufficient to
other hand, might get help from the authorities in unusual ensure no despairing prisoner or promising tiro escaped.
circumstances, but otherwise they would have depended Nevertheless, a large consignment of new slaves or delin-
on their own arrangements. Having a private ludus quents might strain the system to the breaking point.
guarded by soldiers would have been the high-prestige Records exist of occasional group suicides and escapes, but
thing, securable most likely only with bribes or in excep- only Spartacus (see p. 5) succeeded at staging a mass
tional cases. revolt. PCs trying to stage (or prevent) a breakout will need
A gladiator school would have no shortage of fighting to find out if the guards can be distracted or bribed . . . or
men in an emergency, but it is unlikely the gladiators if they must be removed otherwise.

WE WHO ARE ABOUT TO DIE 27


CHARACTER TEMPLATES
The following templates describe the more interesting pro- • Add 10 points in your style’s cinematic skills (and prereq-
fessions involved in the Roman arena. uisites); Power Blow is excellent for “finishing moves.”
• Add 10 points in Appearance, Charisma, and Reputation.
Cinematic gladiators should be handsome, beloved of the
GLADIATOR crowds, and/or possessed of raw personal magnetism.
100 points Free Man (+5 points): You are a freed slave or a citizen
You are whom the arena is all about – a highly trained mar- who chooses to work for a ludus. You have Social Stigma
tial artist and showman dedicated to a demanding and danger- (Second-Class Citizen) [-5] instead of Social Stigma
ous profession. You may have had no choice in the matter, but (Valuable Property).
nobody long survives this life without grit and ambition. You’re Tough Guy (+100 points): You’re a hulking brute! You have no
no passive victim; you aim for a career and the opportunity for “mystical” abilities, but your gifts are just as cinematic. Add
freedom, wealth, fame – even stardom. You are probably a +1 to ST [10] and 90 points chosen from among ST +1 to +9
young man in his prime, strong and fit, and often remarkably [10/level], HT +1 to +9 [10/level], HP +1 to +10 [2/level], Will
handsome (the crowds tend to reprieve handsome men) – but +1 to +10 [5/level], FP +1 to +10 [3/level], Arm ST 1 or 2 [5
women and older gladiators fight too. or 10], Damage Resistance 1 or 2 (Tough Skin, -40%) [3 or
Regularly facing death in the arena colors your outlook on 6], Extra Attack (Multi-Strike, +20%) 1-3 [30/level], Lifting
life – some single-mindedly pursue pleasure, others try to build ST 1 or 2 [3 or 6], Recovery [10], Resistant to Arm Injury
themselves an island of stability with savings or a family, oth- (+3) [1], Resistant to Neck Injury (+3) [1], or Striking ST 1
ers still turn to religion or gloomy fatalism. Some may still be or 2 [5 or 10].
young enough to be convinced they are immortal, but in this
job, you grow up quickly. If you survive . . . Customization Notes
A gladiator with at least one fight under his belt will have
Attributes: ST 12 [20]; DX 12 [40]; IQ 10 [0]; HT 12 [20]. Gladiator Rank 1; more skilled and respected fighters may
Secondary Characteristics: Damage 1d-1/1d+2; BL 29 lbs.; HP have more. In addition, each particular gladiatorial style con-
12 [0]; Will 10 [0]; Per 10 [0]; FP 12 [0]; Basic Speed 6.00 [0]; tains suggestions of how to customize a fighter trained in it.
Basic Move 6 [0]. Some rare gladiators will learn more than one full style – but
Advantages: Combat Reflexes [15]. • 25 points chosen from more will learn the Style Familiarity for both their own style
among ST +1 or +2 [10 or 20], DX +1 [20], HT +1 or +2 [10 and that of their typical opponent. For example, murmillones
or 20], HP +1 to +3 [2/level], Will +1 to +4 [5/level], FP +1 to will quickly learn Style Familiarity (Retiarius) and vice versa.
+3 [3/level], Style Familiarity (any other gladiator style)
[1/style], Style Perks [1/perk], and Typical Gladiator Advan-
tages (p. 18) or optional traits for your particular gladiator
style.
DOCTOR
165 points
Perks: Style Familiarity (own style) [1].
The doctor is a gladiatorial trainer. You are most likely a for-
Disadvantages: Duty (Extremely Hazardous; 12 or less) [-15];
mer gladiator yourself and intimately familiar with the combat
Social Stigma (Valuable Property) [-10]; and Status -2 [-10].
style you teach. Along with a thorough understanding of the
• -20 points in traits chosen from Typical Gladiator Disad-
human body and its capabilities and limits, you know all kinds
vantages (p. 19).
of tricks and tradecraft – from how to look your best in the
Primary Skills: Games (Roman Gladiator) (E) IQ [1]-10;
arena to cheats that nobody notices. You may understand your
Performance (A) IQ [2]-10; and Savoir-Faire (Ludus) (E) IQ
charges better than anyone and can offer good advice, fatherly
[1]-10. • 20 points in the skills and techniques of a gladia-
discipline, and a sympathetic ear. Alternatively, you may enjoy
tor combat style.
making them suffer and play off their rivalries and insecurities
Secondary Skills: 5 points in any optional skills for your glad-
for the sake of the show.
iator combat style.
Background Skills: 5 points in Current Affairs/TL2 (Sports) or Attributes: ST 11 [10]; DX 12 [40]; IQ 12 [40]; HT 12 [20].
Games (any), both IQ/E; Gambling or Streetwise, both IQ/A; Secondary Characteristics: Damage 1d-1/1d+1; BL 24 lbs.; HP
Carousing, HT/E; or Intimidation, Will/A. 11 [0]; Will 12 [0]; Per 12 [0]; FP 12 [0]; Basic Speed 6.00 [0];
Basic Move 6 [0].
Lenses Advantages: Gladiatorial Rank 4 [4]. • 20 points chosen from
Cinematic (+100 points): Add 80 points chosen from among the among DX or IQ +1 [20], Will +1 to +4 [5/level], Charisma 1
base template advantages, Typical Gladiator Advantages or 2 [5 or 10], Style Familiarity (any) [1/style], Style Perks
(p. 18), or Arm ST 1 or 2 [5 or 10], Enhanced Dodge 1-3 [1/perk], Wealth (Comfortable) [10], and Typical Gladiator
[15/level], Enhanced Parry 1-3 [5 or 10/level], Enhanced Advantages (p. 18) or optional traits for your particular
Time Sense [45], Extra Attack 1 or 2 (Multi-Strike, +20%) gladiator style.
[30 or 60], Recovery [10], Striking ST 1 or 2 [5 or 10], Perks: Style Familiarity (own style) [1] and Style Familiarity
Trained by a Master [30], or Weapon Master [20-45]. You (one other style) [1].
must take either Trained by a Master or Weapon Master!

WE WHO ARE ABOUT TO DIE 28


The Champions
The life of the average gladiator could be brutal and corona (victory crown), the number of which would also be
short. The life of a successful gladiator could lead to duly recorded. Some gladiators had them depicted on their
respect, authority, and a good reputation. tombstones. Like a modern boxer’s record, these numbers
summarized a career in shorthand. Since gladiators did not
Ranking System fight very often, 10 fights marked a veteran and a record of
In the world of the gladiator, there were two distinct sys- 20 or 30 bouts survived was exceptional.
tems of rank – rank inside the ludus and fight statistics.
Every major school had an internal system by which its Titles and Reputation
leading gladiators were designated, probably by the deci- Rank within a ludus was not as strictly a matter of chain
sion of their trainers. Each armatura had its own top man, of command as in the military, but there was a clear hier-
known as the primus palus (“first post,” after the wooden archy that justifies the use of the Rank advantage in cam-
post used as a target in training), and the second and third paigns set mostly in the world of the arena. Gladiator Rank
runner-up (secundus and tertius palus, respectively). Com- only conveys actual authority within a given ludus,
petition for these ranks was fierce, and a lanista needed to although it carries a reaction bonus with everyone who fol-
be on his guard against foul play. A primus palus had lows the games – which, in ancient Rome, is just about
duties in training promising candidates in his class, and he everybody.
could command significantly higher fees for a fight. He
would also have a good chance to be taken on as a trainer Rank Description
after retiring from the game. 5 Lanista
Independent of the palus system, fans kept track of the 4 Doctor of a gladiator class
career of a gladiator by totting up the number of fights and 3 Primus palus of a gladiator class
recording the number of victories (V for vicit – won), draws, 2 Rudarius, secundus palus
and reprieves (M for missus – dismissed). Especially 1 Veteran gladiator
impressive fights could lead to the victor being awarded a 0 Tiro

Disadvantages: Duty (School; 12 or less) [-10]. • Either Bully Advantages (p. 18). You must take either Trained by a Mas-
(12) [-10], for a mean doctor, or any two of Code of Honor ter or Weapon Master! • Add 40 points in your style’s cine-
(“Fight fair”) [-5], Sense of Duty (Students) [-5], or Vow matic skills, optional skills, and prerequisites – preferably
(Look after your gladiators) [-5], for a pleasant one. • A fur- all of them.
ther -20 points chosen from among Bad Temper [-10*],
Enemy (Members of rival school; Rival; 9 or less) [-5], Stub- Customization Notes
bornness [-5], Workaholic [-5], and Typical Gladiator Disad- Every style in a ludus has a doctor that teaches it. Some doc-
vantages (p. 19). tores may teach more than one style, but all of them will know
Primary Skills: Games (Roman Gladiator) (E) IQ [1]-12; at least two – their own style and the main style that opposes it
Savoir-Faire (Ludus) (E) IQ+2 [4]-14; and Teaching (A) in the arena! The doctor may not teach both styles, but he is
IQ+2 [8]-14. • 40 points in the skills and techniques of any certainly familiar enough with it to keep his charges alive
gladiator style or styles. against it.
Secondary Skills: One of Diplomacy (H) IQ [4]-12, Intimida-
tion (A) Will+1 [4]-13, or Leadership (A) IQ+1 [4]-13. • One
of Body Language (A) Per+1 [4]-13 or Psychology (H) IQ LANISTA
[4]-12. 110 points
Background Skills: Any three of First Aid/TL2 (E) IQ+1 [2]-13;
You are the owner and manager of a ludus, a gladiatorial
Administration, Public Speaking, or Writing, all (A) IQ
entrepreneur. You manage its business, acquire contracts for
[2]-12; Expert Skill (Hoplology) or Philosophy (Stoic), both
games with editores, negotiate fees and premiums, and put
(H) IQ-1 [2]-11. • One of Breath Control (H) HT-1 [2]-11,
together programs. You are very probably a rich, influential
Lifting (A) HT [2]-12, or Running (A) HT [2]-12.
Roman from the upper classes (even of equestrian rank),
* Multiplied for self-control number; see p. B120. although a rare few come from the ranks of the arena. You
regard your ludus as business ventures to generate profit. You
Lens may be a fan and love the game for its own sake, or you may
Cinematic (+125 points): Add 85 points chosen from among squeeze every sesterces out of their investment with little
Enhanced Block 1-3 [5/level], Enhanced Dodge 1-3 regard for the health and well-being of your animal and
[15/level], Enhanced Parry 1-3 [5 or 10/level], Enhanced human property.
Time Sense [45], Extra Attack 1 or 2 (Multi-Strike, +20%) The emperor owns the great ludi in Rome during the
[30 or 60], Heroic Archer [20], Trained by a Master [30], Empire, and procurators run them on his behalf. Their tasks
Weapon Master [20-45], Wild Talent (Focused, Martial Arts, are similar to those of a lanista, but they are salaried employ-
-20%) 1-4 [16/level], and traits from Typical Gladiator ees rather than independent businessmen.

WE WHO ARE ABOUT TO DIE 29


Attributes: ST 10 [0]; DX 10 [0]; IQ 12 [40]; HT 10 [0]. purchased with the 20% of starting wealth allowed for
Secondary Characteristics: Damage 1d-2/1d; BL 20 lbs.; HP “adventuring gear.” In a game with competitive ludi (see p. 45),
10 [0]; Will 12 [0]; Per 12 [0]; FP 10 [0]; Basic Speed 5.00 [0]; the real differences between ludi will be their gladiators, not
Basic Move 5 [0]. the school itself.
Advantages: Gladiatorial Rank 5 [5]; Status 1 [0]*; and
Wealth (Filthy Rich) [50]. • 30 points chosen from among
IQ +1 [20], Will +1 to +5 [5/level], Allies (Bodyguards, jun-
ior partners, especially competent staff) [varies], Business We swore the oath Eumolpus
Acumen [10/level], Charisma 1 or 2 [5 or 10], Contacts
(Other Lanista, slave merchants, or upper-class Romans) led us in: to be branded, chained,
[varies], Multimillionaire 1 [25], Status [5/level], Reputa- whipped, and killed with iron.
tion (Puts on good shows, +2, from potential customers,
all the time) [5]. • The ludus itself may be purchased with – Petronius, Satyricon 117.5
starting wealth (see The Ludus, below), or it may be Signa-
ture Gear [varies]. Slaves may also be Signature Gear,
especially if an otherwise middle-grade ludus has an espe-
cially valuable gladiator.
Disadvantages: Duty (Ludus; 9 or less) [-5]. • -30 points from PUGILIST
Bad Temper [-10†], Bully [-10†], Debt [-1/level], Gluttony see Martial Arts, p. 32
[-5†], Greed [-15†], Jealousy [-10], Lecherousness [-15†], The Roman world had professional and semiprofessional
Miserliness [-10†], Odious Personal Habit (Ostentatious dis- boxers and wrestlers, and they regularly displayed their skills
play of wealth) [-5], Overweight [-1] or Fat [-3], Selfish [-5†], in the morning program in munera. You are one of these fight-
or Workaholic [-5]. ers. You aren’t employed permanently by a ludus, but there are
Primary Skills: Administration (A) IQ [2]-12; Merchant (A) many other festivals and shows where you can perform in
IQ+1 [4]-13; Savoir-Faire (High Society) (E) IQ [1]-12; and front of paying audiences. You are above all strong and tough
Savoir-Faire (Ludus) (E) IQ+1 [2]-13. – you fight without weight classes, rounds, or points. The
Secondary Skills: Current Affairs/TL2 (Sports) (E) IQ+1 [2]-13 match is over when you or your foe gives up or is knocked
and Games (Roman Gladiator) (E) IQ [1]-12. • One of unconscious. In the arena, you’ll often use cestus to land more
Diplomacy (H) IQ-1 [2]-11, Intimidation (A) Will [2]-12, or devastating punches.
Leadership (A) IQ [2]-12. In the Roman world, boxers and pankrationists have a rep-
Background Skills: 6 points on any of Detect Lies (Per/H); utation as stupid, arrogant, and violent. The Greek-speaking
Fast-Talk, Performance, Politics, Public Speaking, Street- East holds you in somewhat higher regard, but the days when
wise, or Writing, all (IQ/A); Accounting, Finance, or Law you would be honored by the cream of society ended with the
(Roman), all (IQ/H). close of the Classical age. You may not have the respect and
* From Gladiator Rank. awe inspired by the gladiators, but your fights are not to the
† Multiplied for self-control number; see p. B120. death, either!
Pugilists should be built with the Contender template
Lens (Martial Arts, p. 32). Obviously, high-tech skills like Bicycling
Imperial Roman Lanista (-20 points): You are an employee of or esoteric skills like Autohypnosis are not appropriate in a his-
the emperor, not a private owner. Reduce Wealth to Wealthy torical game. Typical Gladiator Advantages (p. 18) and Typical
[20], add Patron (Emperor; 6 or less) [10], and change Duty Gladiator Disadvantages (p. 19) are also appropriate for histor-
to (Emperor; 9 or less). ical pugilists. None are slaves, but few are as rich or famous as
successful gladiators are.
Customization Notes Styles: Pugilists usually specialize in one of Ancient Greek
A former gladiator-turned-lanista is a possibility. They were Boxing (Martial Arts, p. 153), Pankration (Martial Arts, p.
certainly rare, but in the wild-and-wooly days of the Republic, 188), or Greco-Roman Wrestling (Martial Arts, p. 205). Well-
such things did happen. Former gladiators are likely to retain rounded stylists may train in two or three of those styles.
Social Stigma (Second-Class Citizen) [-5] because of their ori- Pugilists who once served in the Roman military – possible
gins, but they also may keep much of their combat expertise. for older fighters or pre-professional Republican-era Romans
No average gladiator will survive long enough to become a – or in the arena may also have an appropriate armed martial
lanista . . . arts style.

The Ludus
Detailing the total cost of a ludus, from its buildings and
VENATOR
equipment, to its staff and salaries, is beyond what’s needed for 100 points
most campaigns. Instead, it’s more convenient to treat the Unlike other gladiators, you fight animals for a living. You
ludus as representing the 80% of starting wealth normally tied engage in combat more often and to less acclaim. Only the
up in fixed assets – see Starting Wealth (p. B26). This would foolish underestimate your martial prowess, however – you,
include a normal complement of property, gladiator gear, too, fight for your life – but when you go into battle, the odds
trainers, etc. Gladiators themselves, and any exceptional gear are stacked in your favor. You assist in executions ad bestias
(ornate or fine quality weapons, for example), should be where required.

WE WHO ARE ABOUT TO DIE 30


You must be proficient in a variety of weapons – sword, Disadvantages: Duty (Extremely Hazardous; 12 or less) [-15];
spear, bow, and javelin are the most common – so that you can Social Stigma (Valuable Property) [-10]; and Status -2 [-10].
kill wild beasts as impressively as possible. You also need to be • -20 points chosen among Sadism [-15*] and Typical Glad-
able to move – animals can be much faster than human foes. iator Disadvantages (p. 19).
Experienced venatores will have intimate insight into the Primary Skills: Animal Handling (any specialty) (A) IQ+2
behavior of many dangerous animals and can often be callous [8]-12 and Games (Roman Gladiator) (E) IQ [1]-10. • One
and jaded people. of Bow (A) DX+2 [8]-14 or Thrown Weapon (Spear) (E)
DX+3 [8]-15. • One of Shortsword (A) DX+1 [4]-13 or
Attributes: ST 12 [20]; DX 12 [40]; IQ 10 [0]; HT 12 [20].
Spear (A) DX+1 [4]-13.
Secondary Characteristics: Damage 1d-1/1d+2; BL 29 lbs.; HP
Secondary Skills: Select the weapon skills not taken as
12 [0]; Will 10 [0]; Per 10 [0]; FP 12 [0]; Basic Speed 6.00 [0];
primary skills: One of Bow (A) DX+1 [4]-13 or Thrown
Basic Move 7 [5].
Weapon (Spear) (E) DX+2 [4]-14 • One of Shortsword (A)
Advantages: Combat Reflexes [15]. • 20 points chosen from
DX [2]-12 or Spear (A) DX [2]-12.
among ST +1 or +2 [10 or 20], DX +1 [20], HT +1 or +2 [10
Background Skills: 8 points on additional specialties of Cur-
or 20], HP +1 to +3 [2/level], Will +1 to +4 [5/level], FP +1 to
rent Affairs/TL2 (Sports) or Games (any), both IQ/E; Animal
+3 [3/level], Animal Friend [5/level], Style Familiarity (any
Handling (any specialty), Gambling, or Streetwise, all IQ/A;
gladiator style) [1/style], Style Perks [1/perk], and Typical
Carousing, HT/E; or Intimidation, Will/A.
Gladiator Advantages (p. 18).
* Multiplied for self-control number; see p. B120.

Vindex the Murmillo (125 points)


Vindex is 21 years old, a tall, heavily muscled young Damage 1d/2d*; BL 34 lbs.; HP 15 [4]; Will 11 [5]; Per 10
man with short black hair and alert brown eyes who [0]; FP 12 [0].
moves with surprising grace for someone of his size and Basic Speed 6.00 [0]; Basic Move 7 [5]; Dodge 10†; Parry
bulk. His career is just beginning, and his lanista is opti- 11†; Block 12‡.
mistic about his young charge after he defeated Anthrax 5’10”; 210 lbs.
the thraex in his first bout. By now, Vindex has won two
victories (his first and third bouts), and he was reprieved Social Background
after losing a good fight against a veteran hoplomachus. TL: 2 [0].
He has set aside a few hundred sesterces for himself, lives CF: Rome [0].
in his own quarters at the ludus, and spends his new- Languages: Latin (Native/None) [-3].
found fortune sparingly on good food and nice clothing,
saving most of it. Advantages
Coming from a rural home in Northern Italy, Vindex is Combat Reflexes [15]; Fit [5]; Gladiator Rank 1 [1];
still a bit out of his depth in the city with his rustic accent Striking ST 1 [5].
and simple country-boy ways. He is a volunteer auctora- Perks: Special Exercises (Striking ST 1); Style
tus, having joined a ludus two years ago after his father Familiarity (Murmillo); Sure-Footed (Sand). [3]
was forced to sell his farm. Vindex hopes to earn enough
money to settle down on land of his own. Personally Disadvantages
good-natured and not yet hardened by years of arena life, Duty (To ludus; Extremely Hazardous; 12 or less) [-15];
he is easy to like and to get along with. Despite his victo- Enemy (Anthrax the Thraex; Rival; 9 or less) [-5]; Obsession
ries, he remains insecure about his martial skills and (12) (Succeed in the arena) [-5]; Social Stigma (Second-Class
trains obsessively to improve them. He is very much in Citizen) [-5]; Status -2 [-10]; Workaholic [-5].
love with the world of the arena, and he works hard to Quirks: Prefers not to kill his opponents; Insecure about
acquire the mannerisms and habits of a real gladiator, his skills and position in the ludus; Likes nice clothing and
though the role of cynical killer does not suit him well. In food. [-3]
fact, he has never killed a man (both his losing opponents
were reprieved), and he does not look forward to it. While Skills
not a gentle soul, Vindex is no more bloodthirsty than the Brawling (E) DX+1 [2]-13; Carousing (E) HT+1 [2]-13;
next man. Unfortunately, his first opponent is not so Current Affairs/TL2 (Sports) (E) IQ [1]-10; Farming (A) IQ
gentle, and still feels humiliated by losing to a tiro. Vindex [2]-10; Gambling (A) IQ-1 [1]-9; Performance (A) IQ [2]-10;
will have to be careful of his rival, Anthrax, within the Savoir-Faire (Ludus) (E) IQ [1]-10; Shield (E) DX+4 [12]-16;
ludus. The life of a gladiator is never safe. Shortsword (A) DX+3 [12]-15; Wrestling (A) DX [2]-12.
Vindex is suitable as a starting PC in a gladiator cam- Techniques: Close Combat (Shortsword) (H) [3]-13;
paign, a member of a stable of fighters in a ludus campaign, Feint (Shield) (H) [3]-18.
or as an NPC in a Roman campaign featuring gladiators.
* Damage modified for Striking ST 1.
ST 13 [30]; DX 12 [40]; IQ 10 [0]; HT 12 [20]. † Includes +1 from Combat Reflexes.

WE WHO ARE ABOUT TO DIE 31


Lenses (Second-Class Citizen) [-5] instead of Social Stigma (Valu-
Cinematic (+100 points): Add 80 points chosen from among the able Property).
base template advantages, traits from Typical Gladiator Tough Guy (+100 points): You’re a hulking brute! You have no
Advantages (see p. 18), or from Arm ST 1 or 2 [5 or 10], “mystical” abilities, but your gifts are just as cinematic. Add
Enhanced Dodge 1-3 [15/level], Enhanced Parry 1-3 [5 or +1 to ST [10] and 90 points chosen from among ST +1 to +9
10/level], Enhanced Time Sense [45], Extra Attack 1 or 2 [10/level], HT +1 to +9 [10/level], HP +1 to +10 [2/level], Will
(Multi-Strike, +20%) [30 or 60], Recovery [10], Striking ST +1 to +10 [5/level], FP +1 to +10 [3/level], Arm ST 1 or 2 [5
1 or 2 [5 or 10], Heroic Archer [30], Trained by a Master or 10], Damage Resistance 1 or 2 (Tough Skin, -40%) [3 or
[30], or Weapon Master [20-45]. You must take one of 6], Extra Attack (Multi-Strike, +20%) 1-3 [30/level], Lifting
Heroic Archer, Trained by a Master, or Weapon Master! ST 1 or 2 [3 or 6], Recovery [10], Resistant to Arm Injury
• Add 20 points in the template’s primary skills. (+3) [1], Resistant to Neck Injury (+3) [1], or Striking ST 1
Free Man (+5 points): You are a freed slave or a citizen or 2 [5 or 10].
who chooses to work for a ludus. You have Social Stigma

SUPPORTING ROLES
There are also many supporting players in the drama of the their food, clean and repair their costumes and props, and haul
arena. Some NPCs have stats expressed as a range. The GM out the dead and wounded on biers. It is a lowly job, but it’s a
should select an approriate number. way into show business.
ST 10; DX 10; IQ 10; HT 10.
ANIMAL HANDLER/TRAINER Damage 1d-2/1d; BL 20 lbs.; HP 10; Will 10; Per 10; FP 10.
Basic Speed 5.00; Basic Move 5; Dodge 8.
Most animal handlers are slaves or freedmen who receive
their training on the job, in informal apprenticeships with Advantages/Disadvantages: Duty (Arena owner;
skilled handlers and trainers. Their careers usually begin early Nonhazardous).
in life, at the low end of the hierarchy, mucking out cages and Skills: Professional Skill (Stagehand)-10.
fetching feed and water. Masters of their profession are on par
with the trainers of modern-day circuses, and they command
great respect and high salaries. LUDUS GUARD
Roman methods of training animals are sophisticated but Security at a private ludus fell to professional guards. These
often cruel. While such men could be empathetic, patient, and might be armed slaves, retired gladiators, or former soldiers,
loving with their charges, there is no guarantee that they will but all are skilled and experienced. No lanista would entrust
be. Bear in mind that managing wild animals for executions is his life and property to lower-quality guardsmen. The template
no job for a sensitive soul. below reflects a typical guard. Soldiers, who would be even
more skilled and experienced, might guard imperial ludi.
ST 11; DX 10; IQ 10; HT 10.
Damage 1d-1/1d+1; BL 24 lbs.; HP 11; Will 10; Per 10; FP 10. ST 11; DX 11; IQ 10; HT 11.
Basic Speed 5.00; Basic Move 5; Dodge 8. Damage 1d-1/1d+1; BL 24 lbs.; HP 11; Will 10; Per 10; FP 11.
Basic Speed 5.50; Basic Move 5; Dodge 8; Parry 9; Block 9.
Advantages/Disadvantages: Animal Friend; Duty (Arena
owner); Social Stigma (Valuable Property). Advantages/Disadvantages: Duty (Ludus).
Skills: Animal Handling (specialize in a particular animal)-12; Skills: Brawling-11; Shield-12; Shortsword-12 or Spear-12;
Running-10. Wrestling-10.

HARENARIUS MUSICIAN
The harenarius (arena-man) is the general gopher of the The arena, like any good piece of drama, needs a musical
ludus. These servants carry weapons and armor for display in score. Smaller ludi hire entertainers to supply the background
the pompe, bring cool drinks to the fighters in the arena, serve music, while major establishments employ their own.

The fearful trainers long goaded the rhinoceros and the great animal’s anger was
slow in coming . . . Then it tossed a heavy bear with its two horns like a bull tosses
straw puppets.
– Martial, Book of Spectacles 22

WE WHO ARE ABOUT TO DIE 32


Cornicines (trumpeters), tibicines (flautists), and hydraularii ST 10; DX 10; IQ 11-13; HT 10.
(water organists – playing a high-tech attraction of their own, Damage 1d-2/1d; BL 20 lbs.; HP 10; Will 11-13; Per 11-13;
the hydraulic organ) musically accompany the gladiators into FP 10.
the arena and the fortunate ones back out. Certain melodies sig- Basic Speed 5.00; Basic Move 5; Dodge 8.
nal the stages of the fight and dramatically underscore its ebb
Advantages/Disadvantages: Code of Honor (Hippocratic
and flow. Well-known fighters may even have their own scores!
Oath).
Musicians are generally held in low esteem in Roman soci-
Skills: Esoteric Medicine (Humoral Medicine) at Per; First
ety, and arena musicians are no exception. The stereotype is
Aid/TL2 at IQ+1; Pharmacy (Herbal)/TL2 at IQ; Surgery
effeminate, greedy, sensual, and amoral, and in the company of
(Trauma Surgery)/TL2 at IQ+1.
gladiators, even a perfectly average man cannot help looking
less than manly.
ST 10; DX 10; IQ 10-12; HT 11. STAGE ENGINEER
Damage 1d-2/1d; BL 20 lbs.; HP 10; Will 10-12; Per 10-12; FP 11. The arena offered its spectators state-of-the-art high-tech
Basic Speed 5.00; Basic Move 5; Dodge 8. entertainment, and the ludus employed the men to make it run
smoothly. This was a profession learned largely on the job –
Advantages/Disadvantages: Attractive; Musical Ability 1-3;
there were no engineering degrees in the Roman world.
Reputation -1 (Amoral sensualist).
It involved such tasks as putting up canvas sunroofs
Skills: Musical Instrument at IQ+2; Savoir-Faire
(the Flavian amphitheater in Rome had a navy
(Rome) at IQ+2.
detachment stationed near it to assist with this
part), fetching equipment, painting elaborate
PAEGNARIUS scenery, and operating complex stage machin-
ery. The technology to wow audiences with special
The paegnarius has a very specific job
effects had flowered in Greek theater, and the
in the arena – that of combat clown.
Romans used it to the hilt. There is even a report of
Paegnarii entertain the crowds during
two full-sized theaters that could turn to either face out-
the morning program by imitating (and
ward to stages (where plays were given in the morning) or
satirizing) gladiatorial fights using sticks,
inward to enclose an arena (where gladiators fought in the
whips, and ropes. They do not enjoy the star
afternoon). Stage engineers, especially scarily enthusiastic
status or bloody reputation of gladiators
Greeks with a background in natural philosophy, might
and venatores, and they live a relatively
make a good addition to a campaign.
quiet life as show business professionals,
which may blind some to the consider- ST 10; DX 11; IQ (1d/2)+9; HT 10.
able demands their job makes of them. Damage 1d-2/1d; BL 20 lbs.; HP 10; Will (1d/2)+9;
Anyone who can convincingly satirize Per (1d/2)+9; FP 10.
the styles of different fighters while Basic Speed 5.25; Basic Move 5; Dodge 8.
dodging blows with a stick or whip to
Advantages/Disadvantages: Code of Honor (“The
his unarmored body must be a profi-
show must go on!”); Duty (Arena owner; Nonhaz-
cient martial artist. Despite the loss
ardous).
of face this would involve, some ex-
Skills: Artist (Scene Design) at IQ+1; Engineer (Civil)
gladiators may have become paegnarii.
at IQ; Professional Skill (Stagehand) at IQ+2.
ST 10; DX 10; IQ 10; HT 10.
Damage 1d-2/1d; BL 20 lbs.; HP 10; Will 10; Per 10; FP 10.
Basic Speed 5.00; Basic Move 5; Dodge 8; Parry 9; Block 9. SUMMA RUDIS
The summa rudis is a gladiatorial referee. His job is to
Advantages/Disadvantages: Duty (Arena Owner).
ensure that a bout is fought fairly and he has the power to
Skills: Brawling-12; Brawling Art-12; Performance-10; Shield-
interpose his staff – the rudis – between the opponents at any
12; Shortsword Art-12; Stage Combat-10; Whip Art-12.
moment to stop any foul play. That gives him considerable
power over the outcome of fights. A corrupt referee is a gladi-
PHYSICIAN ator’s nightmare! Inscriptions mention several summa rudes,
but while many of them seem to have been respected citizens,
Concern for the health and performance of the stable of
it’s unknown whether theirs was a profession or an honorary
gladiators is at the heart of a ludus’ business, and the key man
appointment. This template assumes it is a profession.
for this is the physician. Medicine in the Roman world is
highly advanced, but training is largely through apprentice- ST 10-12; DX 10-11; IQ 10-12; HT 10-11.
ships, so the quality of practitioners varies widely. A gladiator- Damage Varies; BL 20 lbs.; HP 10-12; Will 10-12; Per 10-12;
ial school can afford to pay well for competent services, FP 10-11.
though. Versed in what is now known as sports medicine, the Basic Speed 5.00-5.50; Basic Move 5; Dodge 8.
physician regulates the gladiators’ diet and training regime and
Advantages/Disadvantages: Gladiator Rank 3 (Summa
the application of massages and baths. He treats their injuries
Rudis), plus one of Code of Honor (Referee fairly) or Secret
and illnesses with the help of a staff of masseurs, cooks, and
(Corrupt).
medics. Physicians are often middle class, with a literary edu-
Skills: Games (Gladiatorial Games)-12.
cation and the manners to mingle with respectable folk.

WE WHO ARE ABOUT TO DIE 33


CHAPTER FIVE

EQUIPMENT
The gladiators relied on many unique sorts of equipment Some weapons may be ornately decorated (see p. 39), although
to fight and train. They had special weapons, armor, and this is much more common for armor.
other items to make their work look more spectacular.

WEAPONS
Gladiators used a variety of weapons. Some of these are the entangle his opponent. Striking with the weights can dis-
typical weapons of the Roman military (with the conspicuous tract and confuse an opponent; treat this as a Beat or Feint.
absence of the pilum). Others are more unusual, giving the It can also be used to block at 3+(skill/2). It provides no DB,
audience the treat of watching a real combat with exotic and as it is Diffuse (p. B380), it will only stop 1-2 points of
weaponry. Weaponry is listed along with the gladiators who damage if used to block a missile.
used it most. Quadrens (p. 34) – Various. An unusual four-spiked weapon
Page references marked MA refer to the appropriate page in that replaced the dagger at times. Instead of a single blade, it
Martial Arts; thus, MA225 is p. 225 of Martial Arts. Names in has four thin thrusting spikes arranged in a square pattern.
small caps refer to a functionally equivalent weapon that can Used with Jitte/Sai skill, it can disarm like a jutte (p. MA217).
be referenced for statistics. Larger quadrentes sometimes replaced the gladius (above) or
sica (below) as the main weapon of sword-armed gladiators.
Bow (pp. B275, MA213) – Venatores. Venatores (and some-
It was long assumed to be a ceremonial device, but recent
times gladiators, though not as a regular class) used com-
excavations prove it was used in the arena.
posite recurve bows. Treat as a COMPOSITE BOW.
Scissor Glove (p. 34) – Scissor. The scissor’s glove combines
Dagger (pp. B272, B276, MA215) – Hoplomachus, retiarius.
defense and attack. Its metal tube encloses the lower arm
Short, doubled-edged daggers were used as secondary
and can be used for parrying. The blade that protrudes from
weapons. These were usually quite large. Gladiatorial
it is crescent-shaped and can be used to thrust or slice. The
knives are nonthrowable. Treat as a SMALL KNIFE or a LARGE
tube provides DR 5 to the forearm of the wielder.
KNIFE, depending on size.
Sica – Thraex. The sica is a sword blade about 20-25” in length
Gladius (p. 34) – Various. The typical sword used by gladiators
and curved or angled. It is designed to thrust around the
is the same sword used by contemporary soldiers. It is 20-
edge of the opponent’s shield, but it can be used to cut and
25” long, double-edged, and designed to thrust and cut.
thrust like a regular sword blade. Treat it as a FALCHION
Javelin (pp. B273, B276, MA217) – Essedari, venatores. The
(pp. MA215, MA227), or for smaller versions, as a KUKRI
javelins relied on by gladiators are the light variety typically
(pp. MA219, MA228).
used by the cavalry, ranging in length between 4’ and 5’, and
Spear (pp. B276, MA225) – Eques, hoplomachus. A gladiator
tipped with iron heads. Treat as a JAVELIN.
spear has a short thrusting point. They are designed for use
Lariat (pp. B276, MA219) – Laquearius. Laquearii likely fought
with one hand.
with lariats in the arena, and animal handlers certainly car-
Trident (pp. MA225, MA229) – Retiarius. The trident carried
ried them.
by the retiarius is about 6’ in length and ends in three metal
Net (pp. B276, MA221) – Retiarius. A MELEE NET. The retiarius
thrusting tips. They are designed to deliver thrusting blows,
carries a small, lead-weighted throwing net to catch and
but they can also hook the top of a shield.

Equal in the fight, the men ended the bout as equals. To both, the Caesar
granted the wooden sword of freedom and the palm of victory. Thus were bravery
and prowess rewarded. Under no emperor before you has this occurred: two men
fought, and both were victorious!
– Martial, Epigrams 31 (with considerable hyperbole)

EQUIPMENT 34
Melee Weapon Table
Each melee weapon in the table below appears once per Reach: The weapon’s reach in yards. “C” indicates a
skill that can be used to wield it. Weapons capable of sev- weapon for close combat (see p. B391). A weapon with mul-
eral different attacks get one line per basic attack. In all tiple reaches (e.g., “C, 1”) can strike at any of those reaches.
cases, “–” means the statistic doesn’t apply. All other terms Parry: The modifier to parry when using the weapon
and notation are as defined in Weapon Statistics (pp. B268- with the indicated skill.
271), but for quick reference: Cost: The price of a new weapon, in $.
Weight: The weight of the weapon, in lbs.
TL: The tech level at which the weapon became wide-
ST: The minimum ST needed to wield the weapon
spread in the real world.
properly; fighters with lower ST are at -1 to skill per point
Weapon: The name of the specific weapon.
of ST deficit. Effective ST for damage purposes can’t
Damage: The ST-based damage that the weapon inflicts.
exceed triple the listed ST.
Weapons that are poor at penetrating armor have an armor
Notes: Any special notes, including applicable footnotes
divisor of (0.5), which multiplies DR by 2.
at the end of the table.

TL Weapon Damage Reach Parry Cost Weight ST Notes

BOXING, BRAWLING, KARATE, or DX


2 Scissor Glove thr-1 cut C, 1 0 $200 5 7 [1, 2]
or sw-1 cut C, 1 0 – 7 –

JITTE/SAI (DX-5, Force Sword-4, Main-Gauche-4, or Shortsword-3)


2 Quadrens thr+1(0.5) imp 1 0 $200 2 8

KNIFE (DX-4, Force Sword-3, Main-Gauche-3, or Shortsword-3)


2 Quadrens thr+1(0.5) imp 1 0 $200 2 8

SHORTSWORD (DX-5, Broadsword-2, Force Sword-4, Jitte/Sai-3, Knife-4, Saber-4, Smallsword-4,


or Tonfa-3)
2 Gladius sw cut 1 0 $400 2 8
or thr+1 imp 1 0 – – 8
2 Large Quadrens thr+2(0.5) imp 1 0 $400 3 9

Notes
[1] This attack receives Boxing, Brawling, or Karate damage bonuses.
[2] Gives the hand and lower arm DR 5. If the arm is struck, the armor protects on 1-3 on 1d. Gloves cannot be worn
underneath.

ARMOR
While gladiators during the Republic often wore the campaign, merely worn for a short and extremely dangerous
same types of armor that soldiers did, the transition to the arena combat.
Empire saw the development of specifically gladiatorial
Andabatae Helmet – This helmet covers the entire skull, face,
armor. Typically, it was designed with the specific needs of
and eyes. It completely lacks any slots for vision but leaves
arena combat where the torso was often left bare, but the
the ears open. Combatants wearing this helmet must fight
head and fighting arm heavily protected. Armor was often
blind. Treat this as a murmillo, provocator, or thraex hel-
decorated (see p. 39).
met, but it also protects the eyes. Cost and weight are iden-
See the Armor Table (p. 37) for statistics for helmets and
tical to the basic helmet.
other armor (except shields).
Crests and Plumes – Most helmets were fitted to carry deco-
rative crests or plumes or both. Being elaborate garb, they
HELMETS give -1 to break free from a hold. The secutor helmet (p. 36)
deliberately omits the decoration to avoid getting it caught
Gladiator helmets typically were heavier and stronger
in the net of the retiarius. Cost $20 or more; weight 1 lb.
than military examples. They didn’t need to be carried on

EQUIPMENT 35
Crupellarius Helmet – This is a cylindrical, flat-topped hel- defense reaching up the thigh (DR 1). If the leg is struck
met enclosing the entire head, much like a medieval great from the front, roll 1d: On a 1-4, the greave is hit; on a 5-6,
helm. It has vision slits, and holes to ease breathing. it hits the DR 1 cloth. From the rear, no protection is pro-
Hellenistic Military Helmet – This broad-brimmed helmet vided. Cost and weight is for one leg.
covers the skull and cheeks, leaving the face and neck Greave, Short – The short greave protects the front and sides
unprotected. Republican combatants often wore this type of the lower leg to below the knee. The upper leg remains
of headgear. bare. If the leg is struck from the front, roll 1d: On a 1-3, the
Murmillo Helmet – This helmet covers the entire head and greave is hit; on a 4-6, the unarmored knee or thigh is
face, with a broad brim. Includes a crest. struck. From the rear, no protection is provided. Cost and
Provocator Helmet – This helmet covers the entire head and weight is for one leg.
face. It has no brim, but a broad neck guard flares over the Linothorax – A linothorax is a many-layered fabric body
shoulders. armor stylized in the Greek fashion. Sometimes it was rein-
Republican Military Helmet – An open-faced helmet that forced with scales (treat as lorica squamata, p. 37). The dou-
protects the skull. Many variations existed, but this basic ble-breasted linothorax provides DR 3 from the front only
model was common in Republican times for gladiators and and DR 2 from the flanks and rear, but it is heavier and
in Imperial times for venatores. more costly. Worn only in Republican times, the linothorax
Secutor Helmet – This headgear covers the entire head and was not issued to any Imperial-era armatura.
face. It features a shallow brim and small neck guard. The Lorica – Includes the following armor types: mail (lorica
secutor helmet is undecorated and smooth to give the net of hamata), scale (lorica squamata), segmented (lorica segmen-
the retiarius no purchase. tata), and muscled breastplate (lorica musculata).
Thraex Helmet – This helmet covers the entire Musculata is made of bronze and only protects the front of
head and face, with a broad brim. This helmet typically is the torso (areas 9-10, 17-18). Hamata and squamata cover
fitted with a distinctive, large crest, included in the cost the entire torso including the stomach and groin (areas 9-
and weight. 11, 17-18). Segmentata only covers the upper torso (areas 9-
10, 17-18) except for the version worn by the crupellarius,
whose armor only covers the upper chest (areas 9, 17-18).
On a strike to the torso, roll 1d: On a 1-2, the upper chest
(area 9) is hit; on a 3-4, the blow hits the mid-section (area
10); on a 5-6, the strike hits the abdomen (area 11). This
adds extra complication to combat, and GMs may wish to
treat any strikes to the torso as hitting the armored portion.
An attacker may specifically target an unprotected area,
either of which has a hit location penalty of -1.
Manica – An armored sleeve that protects the weapon arm.
Manicae were typically made of quilted fabric, but metal
versions of overlapping bands existed and may have been
used in the arena. Cost and weight is for one arm.
Lorica Squamata Leggings – Leggings of cloth or leather,
OTHER ARMOR covered with rows of small plates laced to each other in
overlapping rows.
Like gladiator helmets, greaves, and other armor pieces were Spongia – The small metal breastplate of the provocator. It is
often heavier than military pieces and more decorated. a rounded metal plate that covers the upper chest and
Gladiatorial armor was often designed for only partial encloses the neck in a hinged, padded collar. It protects only
protection, covering one arm, part of the torso, and so on. Even the neck (5), upper torso (9), and vitals (17-18), from the
vital areas were left unprotected, allowing for spectacular death front only. Use the rules for lorica (above).
strokes while shielding other parts of the body from minor
wounds. This results in different weights and protectiveness
than the armor in the Basic Set and requires additional die rolls.
For GMs and players who do not wish to use partial covered
rules, it is suggested that similar armor from the Basic Set be Maximus: “I am required
used instead. For more details, see GURPS Low-Tech.
to kill, so I kill. That is
Galerus – This piece covers the left shoulder with a metal plate
projecting upward that protects the neck and face from enough.”
blows from that direction. Protects against any attack to the
face (5), torso (9-10), or neck (17-18) that a shield could aid Proximo: “That’s enough
against. On a battle map, this means blows from the front
or shield side; otherwise, the GM must adjudicate. Roll 1d:
for the provinces, but not
On a 1-2, the armor’s DR protects the face and neck; a 1
means it also protects the torso. Used in combination with
enough for Rome.”
a manica (p. 37).
Greave, Long – A long greave protects the front and sides of
– Gladiator (2000)
the lower leg to above the knee. Worn with a quilted fabric

EQUIPMENT 36
Armor Table
The table gives the following information for each item “*” means the armor is flexible. Flexible armor is eas-
of armor: ier to conceal or wear under other armor, and quicker to
don or remove, but it is more vulnerable to blunt trauma
TL: The tech level at which the armor is commonly
damage.
available.
“F” means the DR only protects against attacks from the
Armor: The item’s name.
front.
Location: The area the armor protects on a humanoid
Cost: The item’s price, in $.
wearer. Individual locations are skull (top of the head), face
Weight: The item’s weight, in pounds.
(the face, excluding the eyes), neck, arm, torso (the
Notes: Many items have special features or restrictions;
abdomen and chest), groin, and leg.
see the notes at the end of the table.
DR: The amount of Damage Resistance the item gives.

TL Armor Location DR Cost Weight LC Notes

Helmets
2 Hellenistic Military Helmet skull 4 $250 3 3
2 Crupellarius Helmet skull, face, neck 6 $400 7 3 [1]
2 Murmillo Helmet skull, face 4 $620 4.5 3 [1]
2 Provocator Helmet skull, face, neck 4 $250 6 3 [1]
2 Republican Military Helmet skull 4 $200 2.5 3
2 Secutor Helmet skull, face, neck 4 $550 3.5 3 [1]
2 Thraex Helmet skull, face 4 $620 4.5 3 [1]

Body Armor
2 Galerus torso 3 $40 2.5 3 [2]
2 Linothorax torso 2* $120 8 3 [2]
2 Linothorax, Double Breasted torso 3F $180 12 3 [2, 3]
2 Lorica Hamata torso, groin 5/3* $550 15 3 [4]
2 Lorica Squamata torso, groin 4* $525 28 3
2 Lorica Segmentata, Crupellarius torso 5 $1000 24 3 [2]
2 Musculata torso 4F $680 8 3 [2]
2 Spongia torso 3F $50 1.5 3 [2]

Limb Armor
1 Lorica Squamata Leggings legs 4/3 $900 30 3 [4]
2 Greave, Long leg 3F $225 2.25 4 [2]
2 Greave, Short leg 3F $150 1.5 4 [2]
2 Manica, Cloth arm 1 $12 1 4 [2]
2 Manica, Metal arm 4 $225 5.5 4 [2]

Notes
[1] Helmet gives wearer the No Peripheral Vision disadvantage (p. B151) while worn.
[2] Partial coverage. For details, see individual descriptions.
[1] Listed DR is front only. Provides DR 2 from the flank and rear.
[4] Split DR; use the lower DR against crushing attacks.

Parma Equestris – This is a round molded leather shield with


SHIELDS concentric circles to get a corrugated strengthening effect. It
Gladiator shields, or their lack of shields, help define was about 20” across. It is very light and used in a mobile
their fighting style as much as their weaponry. Names in fighting style to deflect javelins and thrusting attacks, but it
small caps indicate a functionally equivalent shield; see will not stand up to much solid blocking. Treat as a SMALL
p. B287 for statistics. SHIELD but with only 15 HP. Cost and weight are also halved.
Scutum – The scutum is a rectangular, curved plywood shield
Hoplomachus Shield – The Hoplomachus carries a round,
about 28” wide and 36” high, held by a central horizontal
deeply dished metal shield about 12” across. It is used for
grip. It is used as a relatively static defense to the body,
active parries and bashes like a buckler. Treat as a LIGHT
though it can deliver forceful blows with the metal-reinforced
SHIELD.
rim. Treat as a LARGE SHIELD; users suffer a -2 to hit (p. B547).

EQUIPMENT 37
Titus had the same theater flooded suddenly and had horses, bulls, and other
domestic animals brought in who were trained to move in the water just like on
land. He then had people enter on warships to stage a naval battle.
– Cassius Dio, History 66.25

Thraex Shield – The thraex carries an odd shield: made of ply- kit with instruments of good or fine quality (p. B345) can grant
wood and curved, it measures about 20” ¥ 20” square and is additional bonuses to skill. Roman surgeons commonly had
used in a mobile, aggressive blocking style. Treat as a good instruments, and most ludi will have a large surgeon’s kit
MEDIUM SHIELD. on hand for treating injured gladiators.
Venator Shield – Venatores carry different types of gladiator
Small Surgeon’s Kit (TL1). A typical kit has forceps, hooks,
shields, but they are also sometimes shown using a large
needles, probes, scalpels, thread or sinew for stitching up
(about 36” ¥ 25”), flat, oval shield together with a spear or
wounds, and material for bandages. Basic equipment for
javelins. Treat as a LARGE SHIELD; users suffer a -2 to hit
Surgery skill. $300, 15 lbs.
(p. B547).
Large Surgeon’s Kit (TL1). A typical kit includes the equiva-
lent of two small kits, with more specialized forms of the basic
OTHER EQUIPMENT instruments, plus specula, arrow spoons, bone chisels, small
hammers, cauteries, and catheters. Good equipment for
A few other pieces of equipment made up the kits of some
Surgery skill, giving +1. $1,500, 40 lbs.
gladiator.
Eques Tunic: Unlike most other gladiators, the eques wore a
thin cloth tunic. It is not heavy enough to provide DR, but it FIGHTING KIT
does cover the torso and groin. $10, 0.5 lb. Here is what each standard gladiator carries into the arena.
Loincloth: A simple cloth to cover the groin. $5, negligible. This gear is not personal gear that the gladiator can use how-
Gladiator Belt: The symbol of the gladiator was the broad, ever he likes; it’s provided for combat in the arena. That said,
metal-plated belt that all types wore in the arena. Often, this fictional gladiators always seem to find a way to acquire simi-
consisted of a single strip of decorated sheet bronze closed lar gear, and gladiator-like warriors may want to match their
with hooks. It served no protective function, but distin- kit to the standard arena loadout.
guished the arena fighter from the civilian (who wore an These loadouts assume ordinary equipment. Higher-quality
undecorated cloth or leather belt) and the soldier (whose mil- equipment costs extra, see Custom Equipment (p. 39).
itary belt was metal-studded, with pendants dangling from it).
Most gladiators wore it over a loincloth when fighting, leaving Andabata
the rest of the torso bare. $50, 1 lb.
Loincloth; metal gladiator belt; andabata helmet (provocator
style); gladius. $705, 9 lbs. Some andabatae may have some form
MEDICAL GEAR of torso armor (cost and weight varies) and a manica ($12, 1 lb.)
Surgeons’ kits come in two sizes: small, portable kits; and
larger kits kept in an infirmary or a surgeon’s house. A surgical Crupellarius
Loincloth; metal gladiator belt; crupellarius helmet;
crupellarius lorica segmentata; metal manica (both
arms); long greaves (both legs); hoplomachus shield;
gladius. $2,555, 47 lbs. Sometimes scale leggings
were worn instead of long greaves; cost and weight
changes to $3,005 and 72.5 lbs.

Dimachaerus
Loincloth; metal gladiator belt; provocator hel-
met; lorica hamata; short greaves (both legs); two
gladii. $1,905, 29 lbs.

Eques
Eques tunic; metal gladiator belt; thraex or provo-
cator helmet; cloth manica (weapon arm only);
parma equestris shield; spear; gladius. With a thraex
helmet, $1,152, 17 lbs.; with a provocator helmet,
$782, 18.5 lbs.

EQUIPMENT 38
Essedarius scutum; gladius. $957, 33.5 lbs. Some samnes may have some
form of torso armor (cost and weight varies) and/or two to
Loincloth; metal gladiator belt; provocator helmet; cloth
three javelins (each +$30, +2 lbs.).
manica (weapon arm only); scutum; two javelins; gladius.
$867, 37 lbs.
Scissor
Hoplomachus Loincloth; metal gladiator belt; secutor helmet; lorica
hamata; metal manica (weapon arm only); long greaves (both
Loincloth; metal gladiator belt; thraex helmet; cloth manica
legs); scissor glove; gladius. $2,430, 36.5 lbs.
(weapon arm only); long greaves (both legs); hoplomachus
shield; spear; dagger. $1,222, 17.25 lbs.
Secutor
Murmillo Loincloth; metal gladiator belt; secutor
helmet; cloth manica (weapon arm only);
Loincloth; metal gladiator belt; murmillo helmet; cloth
short greave (off leg); scutum; gladius.
manica (weapon arm only); short greave (off leg); scutum; gla-
$1,257, 34 lbs.
dius. $1,327, 35 lbs.

Provocator Thraex
Loincloth; metal gladiator belt; thraex
Loincloth; metal gladiator belt; provocator helmet; spongia;
helmet; cloth manica (weapon arm only);
cloth manica (weapon arm only); long greave (off leg); scutum;
long greaves (both legs); thraex shield;
gladius. $1,082, 38.75 lbs.
sica. $1,597, 29 lbs.

Retiarius Venator
Loincloth; metal gladiator belt; cloth manica (weapon
Loincloth; metal gladiator belt; helmet (a variety were
arm only); galerus (trident arm); melee net; trident. $207,
worn); shield (any). $55, 1 lb., plus the cost and weight of the
14.5 lbs., plus either a dagger (+$20, +0.25 lbs.) or quadrens
helmet and shield. Include one weapon or set from each of the
(+$200, +2 lbs.).
following groups:

Samnes • a gladius (+$400, +2 lbs.) or spear (+$40, +4 lbs.);


• javelins (at least 2, each +$30 and +2 lbs.) or composite
Loincloth; metal gladiator belt; Hellenistic military helmet;
bow (+$900, +4 lbs.) and a hip quiver with 20 arrows (+$55,
cloth manica (weapon arm only); short greave (off leg);
+3 lbs.).

Custom Equipment
Unlike military gear, gladiatorial gear did not need to be Ornate: Decorated with jewels, gold, etc. modifies reac-
created for routine battlefield use and portability. Exotic, tions from buyers, gullible hirelings, and especially from
attractive gear that would give interesting and spectacular the crowd! It does affect crowd reaction rolls when Asking
shows was the order of the day. High-quality gear may for Mercy (pp. 22-23)! Applies to all weapons except impro-
appear in the hands of especially successful gladiators. vised weapons, projectiles, and sticks: +1 to reactions for
Better-than-usual gear is given an increased cost factor. +1 CF, +2 for +4 CF, and +3 for +9 CF.
Each modifier has a “cost factor” (CF); to find final cost,
simply multiply list cost for a good-quality weapon by (1 + Armor and Shields
total CF). These are “stackable” unless noted otherwise, but Gladiatorial armor was often lavishly decorated.
some are restricted to specific weapon or armor types. Helmets sported crests or plumes, ornate decorations, and
bright colors.
Weapons
Fine: Expertly fitted, with no waste material. Armor
Gladiatorial weapons could be higher quality or
only, not shields. Offers full DR at 3/4 the usual weight.
especially ornate. This was less common than decorated
Only fits wearers whose height and weight match the orig-
armor; simply put, it’s more difficult to appreciate from up
inal owner’s! Any armor: +9 CF. Very rare for gladiatorial
in stands!
armor, which is usually re-used once the previous wearer
Fine: -1 to odds of breakage, and +1 to damage for any has been slain . . .
cutting or impaling weapon, or +20% to range for a blow- Ornate: Dress to impress, exactly as for the weapon
pipe, bow, or crossbow. Projectiles (arrows, bolts, etc.) and modifier. Includes details like precious materials,
crushing- or impaling-only melee or thrown weapons: +2 CF. scrollwork, and designs with visual impact. Affects reac-
Fencing weapons, swords, blowpipes, bows, and crossbows: tion rolls exactly like ornate weapons. Any armor or shield:
+3 CF. Other cutting melee or thrown weapons: +9 CF. +1 to reactions for +1 CF, +2 for +4 CF, and +3 for +9 CF.

EQUIPMENT 39
CHAPTER SIX

CAMPAIGNS
Marcus Gavius Ferula sighed contentedly. His day was going might one day fall out of his toga – damnably itchy, heavy, imprac-
well. His customer’s day was going splendidly, which helped tical thing – and embarrass him before all the councilmen, but he
immensely. Right now, the quinquennialis Aulus Gavinius was loved the taste of chickpeas at the games. The cheers subsided.
standing up from his curule chair to receive the carefully coached Maternus ran the last of his victory lap and disappeared into the
cheers as servants handed the victorious provocator Maternus a maw of the stage gate. Ferula turned and saw one of his harenarii,
bulging moneybag (filled with more sesterces than silver denarii dressed in immaculate white tunic and Greek cloak, nervously
to make it look bigger). “Glory to you! Glory to your Family!” the fidgeting by the door. “What is it?” he asked the man, a bit more
crowd cried. “This is true wealth! This is true generosity!” The harshly than he had intended to. Ferula was a careful man and did
audience was eating it up. Another day, another 15 pairs of fight- not believe the Fates ever gave breaks. At least, not to Ferula. The
ers, and his position as first man in town would be secure for messenger swallowed hard and whispered, “Sir, it’s the tiger . . .”
decades. Moreover, Myron, the loser, had been spared – Ferula
Gladiators are attractive PCs for a campaign set in Rome.
had already resigned himself to losing one of his stars.
They combine martial skills and mystique with a freedom of
Slowly, almost surreptitiously, the lanista raised a roasted
movement that soldiers do not enjoy. They lend themselves to
chickpea to his lips. A guilty pleasure, entirely unfitting food for a
adventures by virtue of their profession.
man of his standing and wealth. He dreaded the thought they

THE GLADIATOR CAMPAIGN


The simplest way to use gladiators in a campaign is to base decides the life or death of the loser, and it is here that
the entire campaign on gladiatorial combat. The typical adven- Reputation and showmanship matter as much as martial skill.
ture for a gladiator is his career, and as vocations go it is plenty The munus is the pinnacle of professional excitement for
challenging enough. Much like a typical adventurer, he trains a gladiator!
hard to improve his abilities, fights for his life on various occa-
sions, and accumulates money, rank, and reputation through
his victories. FIRST BLOOD AND BEYOND
The first match should be unforgettable, no matter how
dingy a provincial amphitheater it takes place in and no matter
THE GAMES how undistinguished an opponent the PC faces. The first fight
The dramatic arc of a gladiator campaign runs from match of a tiro is a vital rite of passage. The selection of the opponent,
to match, with the time between munera offering the opportu- training and preparation, the cena libera, the first test of the
nity for training, preparations, and bonding in noncombat prolusio with training weapons, trying to make a good impres-
adventures. Bouts in the arena are the climactic resolutions of sion with the roaring, thousand-headed audience, and, finally,
tensions built over long periods beforehand, decisive moments the actual bout – these are all worth great detail. All manner of
in which the fate of the PC is uncertain. They should never be additional challenges and tasks can be built in: storylines about
played as “just another day,” because for real gladiators, they sabotage, training secrets passed on by a veteran fighter after
never were. If a party contains several gladiator PCs, they completing his test or meeting his price, or a tale of revenge
should all have the opportunity to fight in a munus and earn against the bully who tormented the PC throughout his training
their share of glory. and now faces him in a life-and-death match.
The experience should be played for all it is worth in dra- Over the career of a gladiator PC, the opponents become
matic tension and evocative descriptions: the music, the roar more skilled as he rises through the ranks. The most important
of applause, emerging from the claustrophobic darkness of the fight of all is his last, the match at the end of which he receives
waiting room into the dazzling brightness of the arena, sun- his freedom and the wooden sword that symbolizes his release
light glinting off helmets, the announcer shouting out names from the arena . . . if he survives. A PC who reaches this point
and winning records, the endless seconds while weapons and should be given his dramatic finish – a glorious victory or an
armor are inspected and the opponents armed, and then, honorable death. If the fight takes place in a major arena, in a
finally, the fights. The fight does not end with the winning big city, perhaps even in Rome, that will add to the grandeur of
blow. Victory is merely the beginning of an elaborate ritual that the occasion.

CAMPAIGNS 40
BEYOND THE ARENA
Aside from the arena itself, many opportunities
exist for sideline adventures that draw the PCs into
Walk the Walk
amorous entanglements, criminal affairs, or the
minefield of Roman politics. Munera were rare –
and Talk the Talk
Having gladiator character sound and act convincing is not
even an unusually busy gladiator could not expect to difficult, though it may take some adjusting of modern sensibili-
perform more than once a month – and most fight- ties. Gladiators had a reputation as foul-mouthed, impertinent,
ers were happy to escape the tedium of drill and and oversexed. Among the Romans, famous for their direct earth-
exercise that filled most of their days. iness, that means a lot. It is also plausible. The arena was a world
Slave gladiators, especially early in their career, where manliness was at a premium. A gladiator had every reason
were kept under lock and key. Veteran fighters had to fear loss of reputation if he didn’t play by its rules.
greater freedom of movement. They could easily The Roman world was a great deal more cavalier about human
embark on activities outside the ludus. This can life than modern society. To have somebody die in the arena was
include romantic affairs with wealthy women who not shocking per se; it only was scandalous if he died badly. Many
showered their boy toys with gifts (while dodging Latin authors even believed watching gladiatorial games was good
their husbands and fathers), or a more respectable for boys because they offered an object lesson in courage along
marriage and family. Training and sparring with with entertainment. Romans in general lived with the possibility of
young men of the upper crust offered opportunities having their lives cut short by disease or violence. Some were fatal-
to earn some regular extra money, while larger sums istic about it, some cynical and some defiant, but nobody could do
were available for more dangerous and sometimes anything about it. Enjoying life while it lasted was far preferable to
illegal work as bodyguards and enforcers. During troubling your conscience over the death of people you didn’t know
the Late Republic, gangs of gladiators fought for or care much about.
their political masters in the streets of Rome, leading When it came to language, Roman culture did not have a taboo
mobs or picking off opposing musclemen (killing against obscene language like the modern world. Everyday Latin
nobles was frowned upon except when public enemy generally was crude anyway, so inventiveness and breadth of
lists were proclaimed). Of course, there were also vocabulary rather than mere shock value distinguished the master
odd jobs for the ludus – picking and training of profanity. As today, obscenities were considered inappropriate
recruits, guarding shipments of wild animals, trans- by the upper classes but worn as a badge of machismo by many.
porting money, trying out new routines, or making Generally, sex in the Roman world was a remarkably straight-
appearances in towns where games are scheduled. forward matter. Gladiators in this setting played the role of “manly
men,” and many enjoyed trying to live up to the stereotype. Roman
STARTING CHARACTERS women enjoyed enough liberty in everyday life that a discreet affair
with a gladiator was technically manageable. Scandalous elope-
A typical PC will start as either a tiro or a veteran ments of patrician wives with arena stars were rare, but no famous
gladiator. Both are full of role-playing opportunities. gladiator would ever want for female company.
These aspects of a campaign can be played up or down to the
Tirones degree the gaming group is comfortable with. Nonetheless, to the
In this setup, the PCs start as tirones, recruits Romans, this was merely normal.
with potential but untrained and completely
unknown. Tirones were typically young men (not
boys – around age 20 is realistic) selected for excellent are just as possible as a backdrop as hard training and good
health, martial attributes, and (in the case of free men) their camaraderie.
willingness to risk life and limb in the arena. In other words,
ideal PCs! The power level of a tirones campaign could be as
low as 25-50 points for realistic games or as high as 75-100
Veterans
points for games with cinematic heroes-in-the-making. In this type of campaign, the gladiators are experienced.
A tirones campaign works well with PCs starting with their They’ve fought their first matches, and established a reputation
initial training. Each PC must work his way up through the and a following . . . or maybe built enough skills in the
training regime, improving his physical shape and learning the provinces to make a move to the big show in Rome. As
combat skills he needs to survive in the arena. The experienced gladiators, starting points should be at least 75-
Improvement Through Study and Quick Learning Under 100, but to use the templates on pp. 28-32 they’ll be better off
Pressure rules on p. B292 are very helpful here! In a cinematic with at least 100-200 points. Cinematic gladiators may be
campaign, this can be compressed to a “training sequence” worth many, many more points.
(Martial Arts, p. 147), although the training itself is often the Adventures can focus on individual matches or on
focus of a tirones campaign. adventures during the downtime between the matches. The
Older gladiators and doctores provide teaching and PCs may work together as a team, or they may be rivals for
comradeship to incoming tirones. However, the competition influence within the ludus! If the game is entirely centered on
between gladiators of the same school is intense, and not all the ludus and the games, the potential lethality of the matches
old hands like rising competitors. Intrigue and backstabbing might be better suited for a ludus campaign (see pp. 44-45).

CAMPAIGNS 41
The kid is no bad seed, but he needs to be taught a lesson, and
ADVENTURE SEEDS the PCs are just the people to set his head straight.
Here are a few adventure possibilities for gladiator adven-
tures, both in and out of the arena.
Justice Before Dawn
It is night. The city is asleep, and so is a gladiator PC in the
The Great Escape arms of the pretty, young wife of a jealous, rich, old husband.
It is the first century B.C., and the PCs find themselves in Unnoticed, a gang of thieves manages to enter the house
the cramped, stinking dungeons of a Capuan ludus. Gaulish through the same backdoor that admitted the lady’s lover and
and Iberian warriors, Anatolian and Greek prisoners of war, rob valuable jewelry and silverware. A slave discovers the theft
captured pirates, field hands sold off some nobleman’s estate, and alerts his mistress, who falls into deep despair. Her husband
or unlucky victims of slavers, they all face the same dreadful is due back tomorrow, and if he is alerted to the theft, he will
fate: the arena. Trained hard under close supervision, can bring the matter to the law. Her slaves are keeping silent about
they muster the resourcefulness and strength to escape their her affair, but they will tell the truth under torture in court. She
captors? Once they are out of the ludus, can they hope to faces divorce and ruin, and her lover may lose his head – or other
make it home, out of Italy, unnoticed? Or should they think valuable parts – to the cuckold. He and his friends have just one
bigger and call on the slaves to rise up against their masters? night to hunt down the thieves in a mad chase through danger-
If it worked for Spartacus . . . ous back alleys and teeming slums. They need to recover the loot
by force, stealth, or bribery, and keep the husband away long
enough to return his valuables to their rightful place.

No Heart of Stone
The gladiators are sent to collect outstanding payments for
the patron of their lanista. Their first call is to a freedman arti-
san keeping a small shop; he is several months late paying rent
to his former master. The man begs for mercy, explaining that he
cannot meet the payments because two competing gangs are
fighting over his street, so he has to come up with double protec-
tion money, suffers vandalism, and had to pay extra to protect
his daughter from rape. What are the gladiators to do? There is
little point beating up the unfortunate man or abducting his
daughter as a warning. Getting involved in a local turf war might
not be the brightest idea, but it could be unavoidable. Surely, one
or the other of the underworld bosses can be persuaded to see
reason by a judicious application of real fighting skill.

Friends Like These A Brawl Too Far


The lanista has finally managed to break into the Apulian A successful gladiator – either one of the PCs or a friend –
market. Granted, it is only a small-town munus, and he shares allowed the celebration of his latest victory to get a little out of
the contract with another school, but if this turns out well, big- hand. Now a man lies dead in the streets outside a Roman
ger deals may follow. The problem is that things are not going tavern. He turns out to be the son of an influential equestrian
well. The widely advertised tiger falls ill suspiciously close to banker who had been out “slumming” with his friends. His
the games. Sudden changes to the program pit valuable gladi- father will not be happy, and the courts aren’t likely to side with
ators from your school against vastly superior stars from the a gladiator over a respectable banker. The culprit may have to
other, while your own best men face rank beginners. A stage set cool his heels on the provincial circuit for a while. If it comes
collapses during rehearsals. Soon, it becomes clear that the to trial, the heroes will need to persuade a good lawyer to take
other school’s lanista is doing everything to defend his turf. The the case, track down witnesses, and thwart the plots and tricks
PCs will have their hands full stopping the saboteurs, finding of the opposition. Roman lawyers were masters of character
out who in the ludus has already been bribed, and convincing assassination and playing the jury’s emotions – but two can
the editor to rethink the schedule – not to mention winning play that game.
rigged fights against opponents who are perfectly happy to use
every dirty trick in the book.
Diabolus Ex Machina
Artemidorus of Salamis is a smart man, a gifted engineer, and
Cock of the Walk a smooth talker. The scheme he convinced the lanista about,
No bones about it, the new secutor is good. Very good, in though, has the PCs worried intensely. The engineer plans to set
fact. However, he is making no friends with his arrogance and up an arena for a series of fights based on mythological stories,
his cocksure talk of becoming primus palus in no time and complete with hidden trapdoors, revolving stages, and cranes
making his school famous. He already angered half the ludus, for flying furies, demons, and wild animals to emerge from.
treating sparring partners like dirt, refusing to play his It may sound like a good idea in theory, but anyone who
assigned role in the choreography, and demanding star billing. has to fight on this contraption wants to make sure it works.

CAMPAIGNS 42
First tests are disappointing, to put it mildly. Trapdoors sud- owner are used to sob stories from slaves. Nonetheless, the
denly open under fighters, pulleys get stuck, the creaking lanista may seek to add some exotic excitement to the games
machinery scares the animals, and a bear gets seasick on the and decide this might be a good way to get some bonus money
revolving stage. It will take a lot of effort to make sure this out of such a venture. If they are sent, the heroes are looking at
genius does not end up killing them, and the fight itself is liable a long and dangerous journey across the sea to Antioch or
to be interesting. This adventure can be played straight, but it Alexandria, through the tangled politics of the Levant and the
has great potential for comic relief. mountains and deserts of Syria and Arabia, to the hostile fron-
tier of the Parthian Empire. Their charge may try to give them
Meet Daddy at the Games the slip in the meantime – Rome is full of Greek con men try-
ing to make money off gullible citizens. Even if they make it to
Palumbus the Murmillo has it all: fame, money, success, a
his home safely and he told the truth about his parentage, the
loving wife, and an adorable little son. He fights for large fees
real story may be quite different. Should he really have been
as a free rudarius, and he has signed on with the PCs’ troupe
abducted and sold, powerful men want to prevent his return
as the main attraction, billed to face a rising star. On the day
home, and the adventurers must now fight them on their turf.
before the fight, he gets a letter informing him that his son has
They may need all their strength and wits before the day is out.
been kidnapped and will be released unharmed – provided he
loses tomorrow’s bout. Defeat against a weaker opponent will
likely mean the crowd demanding his death, but a shaken Blacklist
Palumbus will sacrifice himself for his child – unless, of course, The civil wars of the Late Republic brought out the worst in
the heroes can get him back in time. The boy was abducted people. Victorious parties proscribed their defeated enemies,
by the owner of Palumbus’ opponent, a banker whose invest- declaring their property forfeit and putting a high price on
ments have gone sour and who faces bankruptcy unless he can their heads (delivery with the body attached was optional).
sell his gladiator at a hugely inflated price. A victory against a Today, this fate has befallen the PCs’ patron and owner, for
star would do it. So tomorrow, Palumbus enters the arena to whom they’ve fought many a street brawl in the past. They are
die – unless his son’s face greets him in the crowd, safe in the now impounded property, to be auctioned off to the highest
company of his daddy’s friends. bidder and used as arena fodder, while their former master and
his family face torture and death. The only chance is to get
Bait and Switch everyone out of Rome to Tuscany, where loyal clients are will-
ing to hide the group or smuggle them out of Italy until the
How a senator’s son came to fall madly in love with a slave
tides turn again. It is a mad venture – departing the city under
girl should be clear to anyone who sees her. How she ended up
cover of night in disguise, crossing a countryside teeming with
sentenced to death ad bestias can be explained through the
informers and enemy soldiers, evading pursuers, and bribing
arcana of political intrigue – perhaps rivals wanted to punish his
their way past suspicious innkeepers and ferrymen. The heroes
father through him, a competitor for her affection has turned
also need to shepherd through this nightmare a family of
vindictive, or the young man made a powerful enemy. Now, a
nobles used to soft living. If they succeed, the fighters will be
desperate lover approaches the adventurers with a large sum of
made men. If they fail, they will die in shame.
money and an impossible request – protecting his beloved.
Protecting her in the dungeons should be easy enough – if all else
fails, they can simply pretend to claim her for their own enter- Sergeant Whatsisname
tainment (no jailer will argue with gladiators). However, keeping Gaul in the third century A.D. is a frightened place. Cities
her from being executed may require an entirely different level used to centuries of peace and prosperity suddenly face the
of deception, and smuggling her out of the ludus won’t be easy. prospect of marauding German war bands, with the armies of
Rome far away and locked in fruitless civil war. The youth of
New Kid on the Block the town have taken up arms to fight the invaders, but the
defenses are woeful, their training is poor, and their discipline
It’s auction time, and the lanista is out to recruit for the
is hardly worth mentioning. The only able fighters around are
school. He takes along a few gladiator PCs to inspect the mer-
the gladiators and trainers in the ludus. Now is the time for the
chandise and advise him on who has potential. One young
PCs to test their mettle on a greater battlefield: train the towns-
slave looks suitable, and he is bought at a reasonable price. On
people, improvise defenses, and organize a fighting force from
the way home, stumbling over broken Greek and rudimentary
a frightened rabble before the column of Alamannic raiders
Latin, the young man manages to make his new owner under-
descends on them. The reward is their freedom and the grati-
stand that he is the son of a powerful Parthian noble and his
tude of the good people who used to look down on them; the
father will reward them handsomely if they return him. He
price of defeat is death.
may manage to convince the lanista, but men like the ludus

Thrust this [sword] into another man’s flesh, and they will applaud
and love you for that. You may even begin to love them.
– Proximo, Gladiator (2000)

CAMPAIGNS 43
THE LUDUS CAMPAIGN
Another way of structuring a gladiator campaign is by bas- to his patron. There would be invitations to dinner parties at
ing it on the ludus. Instead of centering the action on individ- which connections were created and business deals closed.
ual gladiators, the actor of the story is a gladiatorial school Sometimes, a lanista might be asked to provide entertainment
whose fighters are important but ultimately disposable figures. for such a party, perhaps in the form of trained animals, musi-
Given the lethality of their profession, this may well be a more cians, clowns, or even a private gladiator fight.
satisfying approach for a realistic campaign.
The goal in a ludus campaign is to make the school prof-
itable, keep its combat strength up, improve its repertoire, and NO BUSINESS LIKE
gain patronage, reputation, and money. A ludus campaign can
be run either cooperatively, with the players all running several SHOW BUSINESS
characters belonging to the same organization, or adversarial, Ultimately, a ludus campaign is about putting on an
with each player running his own ludus. entertaining show. To do so, a ludus must also be balanced. It is
The ludus campaign is also well suited for “troupe play,” not enough for a school to have good fighters; it needs a quality
where players will have several characters. One possibility is to mix of top performers to avoid boring the public. Having the
allow each player one or two non-gladiator characters and sev- best retiarius in the world but no good secutores would cause
eral gladiator PCs. A player could, for example, run a doctor the outcome of his fights to be predictable. The only chance to
and several gladiators, or the lanista and several gladiators, or survive in business might be to sell him to someone with a big-
similar combinations. As gladiator PCs are slain, new PCs can ger stable, or buy a top-flight secutor, if the owner could afford
be generated (in the game, purchased or recruited). This one! At the same time, the trainers had to ensure a steady sup-
arrangement permits a more realistic callousness toward glad- ply of gladiators in the pipeline to replace losses. The animal
iators, while letting each player to participate in decisions that handlers must maintain the animals (and find exotic new ones).
affect the ludus as a whole. The musicians and stagehands must be kept happy and their
needs met to ensure no mistakes. The show must go on!
For those who want to play the show out in that kind of
detail, how the games are organized can matter significantly.
In the ludus gladiatorius, you live The basic outline of morning program, noontime executions,
together with the very men you fight against. and afternoon fights is fixed (see The Morning Program, pp. 9-
10), but plenty of leeway exists for individual decisions. Not all
– Seneca, On Anger 2.8.2 audiences are the same: In some towns, the bear playing a flute
and the clowns with wooden swords will go down well. In oth-
ers, Greek boxers and shooting ostriches with arrows are sure-
fire crowd-pleasers. If the weather is particularly hot, people
THE CUSTOMER may go home at midday or fall asleep, so a canopy is needed.
Taking account of these things is important because it pleases
IS EVERYTHING the editor – who pays the bills – and it pleases the audience –
One important part of the ludus campaign is customer rela- who may be more merciful. Putting the crowds in a sour mood
tions – socializing, making contacts, and activating connec- is gambling with the lives of your gladiators . . .
tions. The major ludi of the Empire (both the imperial ones in
Rome and the stationary outfits in big cities like Ephesus or
Antioch) were practically public enterprises and had a monop- THE COOPERATIVE LUDUS
oly on local games, while provincial schools had to scramble for A ludus campaign needs to keep track of many aspects that
gigs. Getting venues involved maintaining good contacts with the individual-gladiator campaign can disregard. The goal is not
the local dignitaries who would be expected to provide munera just to give a good fight; it is to hold good games, keep your best
after being elected to public office in their hometowns. The ludi fighters alive, and get the next contract. Historically, the business
also need to ensure that the politicians were aware what the was not terribly competitive – there were not that many ludi –
school could bring to the shows. but the lanista could still lose contracts if the prices were too
The Roman upper classes were held together by a tight high or (more likely) the offerings not exciting enough.
mesh of patronage relationships without which nobody would Thus, the focus of the ludus campaign is not victories
stand any chance of getting anywhere. An effective operator and reputation, it is money. To keep a successful school
ensured he had a powerful patron to open doors for him. If a afloat, a lanista has to be willing to invest heavily in buy-
lanista was on the good side of a city councilor, the politician ing and training fighters, importing wild animals, hir-
could introduce the ludus owner to his patron – maybe a sen- ing artists and entertainers, and buying props and gadgets.
ator. Should the lanista manage to impress him, he would rec- Gladiatorial shows were about conspicuous spending and it
ommend the school to other people under his patronage. would not do to look poor. At the same time, the ludus owner
Managing such relationships was hard work: the clients had to negotiate fees for shows, promote his program, put
(clientes in Latin) were expected to pay regular morning visits together games for various occasions, and – especially in
to their patron to greet him after rising, exchange small gifts, smaller provincial settings – cooperate with other ludi to stage
and sometimes accompany him on his business or on the way big events (large outfits had everything under one roof).

CAMPAIGNS 44
When it comes time for the games, most of the gladiators perhaps a small group of players, if the GM has many
fighting are from the same ludus. That meant that of all its participants) controls a ludus. Instead of a single ludus
fighters had to be ready to face – and, if it came to that, kill – organizing a munus, competing ludi are asked to contribute
each other. While rivalries with other ludi may occur, they will fighters. The event is run as a competition – anyone may enter,
be business rivalries. Historical ludi do not function like sports and the records of the surviving gladiators are compared to
teams. There are no fans of one or the other school, only of spe- determine the standings. It may also involve maneuvering for
cific armaturae or individual gladiators. Furthermore, being the editor’s favor in order to get the choicest slots. In such a
part of the same ludus doesn’t make everyone friends or campaign, the goal is to have the best ludus. Not only does the
eliminate rivalry. The post of primus palus, the respect of the school need to be the wealthiest, but also the most renowned.
doctores, the ear of the lanista . . . all are potential sources of Money is only one measure of success in a world where
rivalry. A good lanista will encourage some intra-ludus reputation, showmanship, and control of successful gladiators
competition, to keep the fighters vying for prestige and the are more respected . . .
choicest outside jobs. If multiple players control one ludus, each may take different
roles within it. The owner, the lanista, the doctores, and the
prime gladiators are all good choices. If players run multiple
COMPETITIVE LUDI PCs, they may wish to control several gladiators, or a gladiator
An ahistorical campaign might feature ludi that do compete or two and one nonfighting character. That will allow for direct
like sports teams. In this type of campaign, each player (or action in both planning munera and competing in them!

No Expenses Spared: The Economics of Munera


The key feature of gladiatorial games was that they were ing to make money by charging admission for gladiatorial
ridiculously expensive and completely pointless. They repre- games. Most games – certainly those in Rome – had only a
sented more than anything an opportunity for the elite to certain percentage of free seats (which tended to be the first
shower the plebs – the true rules of Rome – with luxury. filled, hours before the spectacle began). Admission was
For a ludus, being the most expensive in the business charged for the rest, presumably not a large sum, but money
could be a competitive advantage. Editores often advertised nonetheless. This went to the editor, who could use it to
the sums they spent, the victory prizes they awarded, and the defray part of the cost of the games or for any other purpose.
numbers of animals slaughtered. (Most cities set aside a (One had a statue of himself built and set up in the town
public budget for games, but not adding a multiple of it from square from the proceeds.)
your own pocket was political suicide.) Many games had Editores paid the ludus they hired for each performer
additional gimmicks such as canvas sunroofs, perfumes and animal, and for the use of each piece of equipment.
sprinkled over the audience, or lotteries where chits for var- Clowns, actors, dancers, or other acts could also be hired
ious prizes were tossed into the crowd. In Rome, some in from outside to round out the show. Animals to be
emperors went to ridiculous lengths, having a barrier to pro- killed in hunts or fights were purchased outright, while
tect the audience from wild animals built from ivory or a performing animals would only cost a rental fee. Gladia-
lake dug for a mock sea battle. tors cost a fee based on their skill, reputation, and fame.
Marcus Aurelius passed a law limiting the expenditures (If it matters, assume each fight costs 1/10th of a combat-
for provincial games. Despite the (generous) caps, if the ant’s purchase price; see p. 24). Furthermore, the editor
ludus could offer a new or exotic thing, money was rarely an was contractually obliged to reimburse the lanista for the
obstacle. full value of each fighter killed. Some politicians – eager
Nevertheless, munera were not simply free, although to demonstrate generosity – would insist on at least one
there is only one recorded instance of someone actually try- high-value gladiator dying.

TRANSPLANTING THE GAMES


Gladiators are almost a universal trope. Here are some set- races, magical powers, and bizarre creatures to fight in their
tings where gladiators and arena combat are especially games. Most traditional fantasy worlds have something like a
common occurrences. Roman Empire where gladiators from all over the world fight
for the entertainment of decadent spectators. Campaigns com-
bine urban refinement and low cunning with martial prowess
FANTASY the equal of any barbarian warrior. Gladiatorial games also
Fantasy games are a fertile field for gladiatorial combat. offer a more standard adventuring party a way of earning
The Romans would have savored the possibilities of strange money quickly by hiring on as fighters.

CAMPAIGNS 45
Hermes – proud fighter with the warlike spear
Hermes – threatening with the trident of Aquarius
Hermes – fearsome even with his helmet drooping
Hermes – glory of the warlike world
Hermes – the only one to be three altogether
– Martial, Epigrams V 24

In many fantasy settings, magic will be part of the games as fantastic races and beasts make for diverse games. Similarly,
a show element (mages can create spectacular scenery and the arena may pull ideas from knightly jousts and melees,
fireworks) and in the hands of spell-slinging gladiators. Magic pitting mounted lancers against one another or encouraging
– in the form of Charm and Enslave spells – can go a long way winner-take-all massed battles. Magical gladiators are
to compelling reluctant gladiators to fight. Controlled animals equally possible – although these are unlikely to be slaves,
can provide exciting elements – a human mind-controlling a simply due to the danger and difficulty of keeping them.
hideous creature is a special challenge for even the best gladi- Mystical aid – using buffing spells, magical items, or elixirs
ators. Monsters and strange races, too, will be popular as oppo- – might be discouraged, allowed in certain duels, or forbid-
nents for the more normal (most likely human) fighters. den outright, depending on the location or even the match.
Parties of hunters will set out to search for the last surviving However, this is Megalos, and what the crowd likes, and the
cockatrice or an adult male manticore to sell to their world’s money-holders like, sets the rules. Magic will almost cer-
lanistae. The hunters could see this either as a high-risk busi- tainly be used to mark gladiators to prevent their escape, and
ness opportunity or as a source of enemies that ravage their to track them if they do.
pristine forests and peaceful villages. Not all gladiators are vol-
unteers, and an unscrupulous hunter is not above kidnapping Dungeon Fantasy
an unwilling candidate.
Roman-style gladiators make an excellent addition to a
group of delvers. Simply take the Gladiator template (p. 28)
Roma Arcana and apply either the Cinematic or Tough Guy lens, and then
The Roman civilization of Roma Arcana (detailed in add another 50 points in the preferred martial arts style and
GURPS Fantasy) has spread its love of the sport along with its Typical Gladiator Advantages (p. 18) to bring the template up to
borders. Rome, of course, has the Colosseum, but each outpost the 250-point Dungeon Fantasy starting total. Venatores also
of civilization will have its own arena. The Games are much make superior critter-killers, especially with the option of
like those of historical Rome, but magic expands the possibili- Hidden Lore to cover knowledge of strange monsters.
ties of match-ups. Execution ad bestias can feature amphisbae- Unlike their arena-based compatriots, dungeon-delving
nas, megalogryphons, or other strange beasts. Skin-turners gladiators should wear better armor or use the Extra Option
might be prized captives for special exhibitions – they would perk (p. 18) to access the Bulletproof Nudity rule.
provide an especially interesting challenge to a venator. Besides including gladiators themselves, groups may find
Gladiator surgeons can use magic to heal the injuries of prized great amusement subjecting a normal Dungeon Fantasy
fighters, making each fight less of a financial risk to the owner. squad to some arena fighting. Some dungeons may feature are-
Mages might try to subtly aid gladiators they favor during a nas, tossing delvers into a team gladiator event. This is espe-
tight contest. Of course, such fight rigging is likely against the cially true for arenas created by mad wizards, lost civilizations,
rules . . . requiring magistrates to investigate corruption and and forgotten gods of war. Opponents may be Roman-style
cheating among the ludi. Magical rituals to prevent such cheat- gladiators, crazed monsters, or worse.
ing would be customary for large and small games alike.

Banestorm SCIENCE FICTION


Science fiction universes sometimes feature a pseudo-
Megalos, like the Roman empire it was patterned on, is a
Roman empire, so it’s simple to bring in gladiators. The arena
great supporter of the Games. Megalan arenas are briefly dis-
may broadcast live across the galaxy, the on-site spectators pro-
cussed in GURPS Banestorm (p. 87). Most of those who fight
tected from wild beasts and stray shots by a force screen, and
in the arena are slaves, but free men also participate, lured by
the retiarius may wield an energy net and a vibro-trident, but
the prize money and chance at fame.
the action is much the same. In other science-fiction settings,
Yrth is a fertile ground for interesting match-ups.
mysterious alien races test the worthiness of other species by
Although the traditional gladiator types persist, modernized
pitting their starship crewmen against one another in an arena.
weaponry – larger swords, heavier armor – and a plethora of

CAMPAIGNS 46
Post-Apocalyptic and Dystopian Futures ad bestias. Unscrupulous lanistae or fighters could easily pro-
vide souls for powerful creatures from beyond in return for
In the future, sports may become so violent they hearken
good fortune, success, and glory. If a real monster exists, an
back to ancient gladiatorial games. Bloody kills are as impor-
animal trainer could well try to capture and train it for display.
tant to the game’s entertainment value as scoring points. Not
If there is no such thing, turning captives into horribly disfig-
all of these worlds feature the violent death of society before
ured freaks for the sideshow might still make a profitable side-
the blood sports arrive, but some do, leading to post-apoca-
line for an enterprising surgeon.
lypse gladiators. What these games lack of the refined opulence
Playing horror inside the ludus could involve gladiator PCs
of the Colosseum and the classic murmillo vs. retiarius combat
finding out that something is amiss at their school. It could be
is made up for with a spike-lined pit and a foaming mutant foe.
the strange habits of the new physician, the inexplicable deaths
The game Car Wars is a post-apocalypse gladiator game
of prisoners or new recruits, or the unsettling behavior of wild
where the weapons used to fight in the arena are armed cars.
beasts. What terrors they uncover are up to the GM, but to
The Car Wars setting shares a lot with ancient Rome. Poor
scare men who kill for a living, they must be truly horrendous.
people scrabble to get by, while the wealthy entertain them
Another option is to use the entire gladiatorial world as a mon-
with death sports. The “bread” is algae-based, the “circuses”
strous entity: The ludus is a death factory, its gladiators, ser-
are televised vehicular combat . . . and the gladiators them-
vants of evil. The doctores and lanistae are its high priests. Its
selves fight on the roads against marauding warriors.
executioners and physicians are twisted, sadistic fiends. The
The movie Rollerball (Norman Jewison, 1975, and John
restless spirits of its numberless victims haunt its corridors.
McTiernan, 2002) depicts one such violent sport. Other
Freeing a friend or lover from the clutches of a ludus may be
movies with gladiatorial-style arenas include the combative
challenge enough for all but the most intrepid PCs.
game of the Juggers in The Blood of Heroes (David Webb
Furthermore, considering that the masses blindly stream into
Peoples, 1989), the fighting ring of Escape from New York
the amphitheaters to cheer this horror, the implications are
(John Carpenter, 1981), and the free-for-all Thunderdome
staggering. What will arise from the Flavian Amphitheater
from Mad Max – Beyond Thunderdome (George Miller and
when the stars are right?
George Ogilvie, 1985).

SUPERS INFINITE WORLDS


Several of the timelines in Infinite Worlds have strong
Comic books occasionally feature the plot device of the
Roman themes, some with gladiatorial elements.
“super arena.” Some alien race or ultra-powerful being tests
superheroes, punishes villains, or entertains itself with excep- Johnson’s Rome: In this timeline, the games still exist. The
tionally powerful gladiators. Robotic gladiators may provide lethality has been toned down, featuring padded and often
the opposition, or supers may be forced to fight teammates. outlandish weaponry, while the spectacle has been ramped up.
Superheroes may rely on their own powers, or they may be These games resemble more the pugnarius, professional
stripped of their powers by unknown abilities and forced to wrestling, and a twisted version of mixed martial arts than the
duke it out with net and trident instead of power blast and fist. armatura of the Colosseum.
Hugo Danner, from Philip Wylie’s novel Gladiator, is a Rome Aeterna: The games are part of the tradition of Rome,
prototypical superhero who competes for a time as a but 1,500 years of drift have changed them. Traditional
professional fighter. armatura co-exist with fighting styles based on Aerii (Plain
Indians) cavalry tactics and Indian Kalaripayit . . . for a start.
Rome-7: The industrial revolution of 180 A.D. Rome has
HORROR changed the games. Oil-driven TL(2+3) aeolicars battle in the
For those seeking a place where the restless dead haunt the Colosseum. The games feature as little regard for safety of the
living, where dark things from the dawn of time lurk in the drivers as historical Romans had for that of the gladiators.
shadows or humans warped
by evil desires prey on their
fellows, the arena is as
promising a stage as anyone
is likely to find. For all its
show business glamour and
martial professionalism, it is
ultimately a place of pain
and death equal to any dun-
geon. Imagine the possibili-
ties that dying gladiators
offer to a vampire, the feast
that the despairing souls of
the doomed prisoners are
for a demon, or the joys a
sadistic serial killer could
find organizing executions

CAMPAIGNS 47
GLOSSARY
ad bestias: “To the beasts”; court verdict sentencing the guilty gladius (pl. gladii): Roman short sword used by some
party to be devoured by wild animals in the arena. gladiators.
ad judos: “To the gladiator school”; court verdict sentencing habet: “He’s got it”; cheer of the audience when a blow strikes
the guilty party to become a gladiator. home.
andabata (pl. andabatae): Gladiator specializing in fighting harenarius (pl. harenarii): Servant in the arena.
blind. hoplomachus (pl. hoplomachi): Gladiator class that fights
armatura (pl. armaturae): Class of gladiator that fights with with small shields and spears.
specific weapons. hydraularius (pl. hydraularii): Musician playing the
auctoratus (pl. auctorati): Free volunteer gladiators bound to hydraulis water organ.
their employers by an oath. infamia: Lesser legal status enforced on gladiators, perform-
bestiarius (pl. bestiarii): Another name for a venator (see ers, and other “dishonorable” professions.
p. 49). iugula: “Cut his throat”; demand by the audience for the death
bustuarius (pl. bustuarii): Early gladiator who fought in of a defeated fighter.
funeral games. iuventus: “The youth”; civic organization of young men. Mem-
cena libera: Publicly held last meal of the gladiators before the bership often included basic weapons training provided by
games. gladiator trainers or during militia duties.
cornicen (pl. cornicines): Musician playing the cornu (a kind lanista (pl. lanistae): Owner-manager of a gladiator stable.
of trumpet). laquearius (pl. laquearii): Gladiator specializing in the use of
corona (pl. coronae): Victory crown awarded to gladiators the lasso.
who proved themselves especially brave or skilled in the ludus (pl. ludi): Gladiator stable providing fighters and per-
arena. formers for games.
crupellarius (pl. crupellarii): Gladiator class that fights in manica (pl. manicae): Arm armor, usually made from padded
especially heavy armor. linen, though metal examples also existed.
dimachaerus (pl. dimachaeri): Gladiator specializing in missio: Reprieve for a defeated gladiator.
fighting with two swords. missus: Losing gladiator who received a reprieve.
doctor (pl. doctores): Gladiator trainer. Usually, there is one munus (pl. munera): Gladiatorial games.
doctor for each gladiator class: doctor secutorum, doctor murmillo (pl. murmillones): Gladiator class that fights with a
retiariorum, doctor murmillorum, etc. large shield and sword.
editor (pl. editores): Wealthy sponsor of gladiatorial games. naumachia (pl. naumachiae): Staged sea battle with gladia-
eques (pl. equites): Gladiator class that fights mounted. tors on ships.
essedarius (pl. essedarii): Gladiator class that fights with paegnarius (pl. paegnarii): Arena clown who pretended to be
javelins, a large shield, and a short sword. Essedarii may a gladiator, armed with sticks and whips.
have fought riding in chariots. palus: The wooden post used for training fencing moves; also,
galerus (pl. galeri): Metal plate mounted vertically on the a gladiator ranking.
shoulder to protect the head from sideways blows. Worn by parma (pl. parmae): A small shield.
the retiarius instead of a helmet. parma equestris: Small round leather shield used by the
gladiatrix (pl. gladiatrices): A woman gladiator. eques.

Pronouncing Latin: A Quick and Dirty Guide


There are several accepted pronunciation systems for S is always sharp (S), never Z.
Latin today, the most common one of which is the “Italian” In SC, the S is always pronounced separately (S-K).
form used by the Catholic Church, so-called ecclesiastical R is rolled on the tongue, never soft.
Latin. Since modern scholars do not know with certainty Vowels are open and usually spoken separate from each
how Latin was pronounced in antiquity, no system is bet- other (IU = I-U, AE = A-E, etc.)
ter than any other. However, it is likely that Classical Latin A, I, and U are always spoken as single sounds (A, I, U),
sounded different from modern Church style. To approxi- never as diphthongs (Ei, Ai, or Iu).
mate it, you can follow these rules. Words are usually stressed on the second-to-last syllable
(reti-a-rius, la-nis-ta).
There are no silent consonants.
C is always pronounced K, never S or CH.

GLOSSARY 48
[This is a form of entertainment that] is well suited to
arouse admiration for honorable wounds and instructs
people to view death with disdain when they see how even
criminals and slaves demonstrate love of glory and desire
for victory.
Pliny the Younger, Panegyric 33.1ff

parmularius (pl. parmularii): General term for all gladiators sine missione: “Without reprieve”; fights where the loser is
that fight with a small shield. always killed.
pompe: Parade of the gladiators before the games. spongia (pl. spongiae): Small metal breastplate worn by the
pons (pl. pontes): Fighting platform defended by one gladia- provocator. It only covers the upper chest.
tor against others. stans missus: “Dismissed while standing”; both gladiators are
primus palus: “First post”; highest-ranking gladiator in his released from a fight without a loser. A particularly honor-
class in a gladiator school. able event.
prolusio: Display fight with wooden weapons before the actual summa rudis: Senior referee in gladiatorial fights.
bout. Usually part of the morning program, with real fights tertius palus: “Third post”; third-highest-ranking gladiator in
scheduled in the afternoon. his class in a gladiator school.
provocator (pl. provocatores): Gladiator class that fights with thraex (pl. thraeces): Gladiator class that fights with a small
swords and large shields. shield and a curved sword.
pugilist: Athlete trained in Greek-style boxing or pankration. tibicen (pl. tibicines): Musician playing the tibia (a kind of
quadrens (pl. quandrentes): Four-pronged stabbing weapon. flute).
rete (pl. retae): Weighted throwing net used by the retiarius. tiro (pl. tirones): Recruit.
retiarius (pl. retiarii): Gladiator class that fights with a trident trident (Latin, tridens; pl. tridentes): Three-pronged spear
and a net. used by the retiarius.
rudarius (pl. rudarii): Freed gladiator no longer under obliga- venatio (pl. venationes): Fight between wild animals or ani-
tion to fight. mals and humans in the arena.
rudis (pl. rudes): Wooden staff; also, the wooden sword that venator (pl. venatores): Fighter who faces wild animals in the
signifies a gladiator’s freedom. arena.
samnes (pl. samnites): Republican-era
gladiator class that fights with a large
shield and sword, and possibly javelins.
scissor (pl. scissores): Gladiator class that
fights with a sword and special armored
bladed glove.
scutarius (pl. scutarii): General term for all
gladiators that fight with a large shield.
scutum (pl. scuta): Large, curved, rectan-
gular or oval shield used by some gladia-
tors.
secunda rudis: Assistant referee in gladia-
torial fights.
secundus palus: “Second post”; second-
highest-ranking gladiator in his class in a
gladiator school.
secutor (pl. secutores): Gladiator class that
fights with a large shield and short
sword.
sica (pl. sicae): Curved or angled sword
used by the thraex.

GLOSSARY 49
BIBLIOGRAPHY
This list offers especially useful reference material and
inspirational media for those who want to use Gladiators in
campaigns. This is not an exhaustive list, but it’s a great start To the spirit of the secutor
for more detail on the subject.
and primus palus Urbicus
BOOKS (NONFICTION) from Florence, who fought 13
Connolly, Peter. Colosseum: Rome’s Arena of Death (BBC
Books, 2003). A look at the inner workings of the Flavian
times and lived for 22 years.
Amphitheater from a technical point of view by one of the fore-
most experts on archeological reconstruction. Written for non-
The stone was set by his
scholarly readers and beautifully illustrated.
Ewigleben, Cornelia, and Köhne, Eckart. Gladiators and
daughter Olympias, aged 5
Caesars: The Power of Spectacle in Ancient Rome (University of
California Press, 2000). This exhibition catalogue places the
months, and his daughter
gladiator in his context of the Roman world of entertainment. Fortunensis and his wife
Renowned scholar and reenactor Marcus Junkelmann wrote
the excellent chapter Familia Gladiatoria. Lauricia, to her good husband
Futtrell, Alison. A Sourcebook on the Roman Games
(Blackwell, 2006). This scholarly reference book collects of seven years. I admonish you
quotes from ancient sources on all forms of Roman games,
including gladiatorial combat. that if you defeat someone, you
Meijer, Fik. Gladiator: History’s Most Deadly Sport (Dunne
Books, 2005). This Dutch expert on the entertainment world of must kill him.
ancient Rome looks at the arena as a sporting venue.
Wiedemann, Thomas. Emperors and Gladiators (Routledge, – Gravestone from Milan
1995). Still one of the best scholarly treatments of gladiatorial
games in their broader context, with vivid descriptions of how
(and why) they were staged.
Wisdom, Stephen. Gladiator 100 BC – AD 200 (Osprey, Fast, Howard. Spartacus (North Castle Books, 1996). A
2001). A short but lavishly illustrated book looking at the novel that dramatizes the Spartacus rebellion by tracing the
equipment, training, and life of Roman gladiators. rise and fall of its leader. It has some very good descriptions of
ancient warfare.

BOOKS (FICTION) MOVIES AND TELEVISION


Davis, Lindsey. Two for the Lions (Century Books, 1998).
This Roman whodunit puts fictional detective Marcus Didius Colosseum (BBC, 2003). Despite minor inaccuracies in
Falco in the world of the ludus to solve a murder mystery. equipment, this television series about a fictional gladiator's
career is well-made and largely true to history.
Empire (Thomas Wheeler, 2005).
This miniseries is a perfect example
of the Hollywood “camp” treatment
of gladiators, complete with combat
dungeons and daring escapes.
Gladiator (Ridley Scott, 2000).
While not historically accurate in its
depiction of gladiators or their
training, this movie is a great
inspiration for Hollywood-style
gladiators.
Spartacus (Stanley Kubrick, 1960).
A cinematic version of Howard Fast’s
novel. Especially notable for its
excellent training sequences.

BIBLIOGRAPHY 50
INDEX
Ad bestias, 9, 25, 48. Crupellarii, 48; helmet, 35, 37; “Friends Like These” adventure Johnson’s Rome, 47.
Ad judos, 25, 48. loadout, 38; style, 15. seed, 42. “Justice Before Dawn”
Advancement, 23-24, 26. Current Affairs skill, 19. Galen (physician), 7-8. adventure seed, 42.
Advantages, 17-19. Custom equipment, 39. Galeri, 36, 37, 48. Killing in the games; see Death
Adventure seeds, 42-43. Cutters, see Scissores. Games skill, 20. in the Games.
Albanus (gladiator), 6. Daggers, 34. Games, gladiatorial; see Lanistae, 5, 11, 17, 25-27, 48;
Andabatae, 48; helmet, 35; Day at the arena, 8-11. Matches, Munera. rewards, 24; template, 29-30;
loadout, 38; style, 15. Day-to-day life, 26-27. Gladiator belt, 38. see also Ludi.
Animal handler/trainer, 32. Death in the games, 4, 9, 11, Gladiator Rank advantage, 18. Lariats, 34, 48.
Animal shows, 9-10. 22, 23, 25, 40, 49; armor Gladiator template, 28. Latin, pronouncing, 48.
Animals, 9-10, 32. and, 36. Gladiators, famous, 6-8; female, Linothorax, 36, 37.
Arena surface, 22. Decline and fall of the games, 10; modern, 7. Loadouts, 38-39.
Arena-match awards, 24. 6.
Armaturae, 5, 6, 12-17, 48. Defending the bridge, 11.
Armor, 35-38; custom, 39; table, “Diabolus Ex Machina”
37. adventure seed, 42-43. A good body with a dull brain is
Asking for mercy, 22-23. Diet of gladiators, 27.
Auctorati, 25-27, 48. Dimachaeri, 48; loadout, 38; as cheap as life itself.
Awards for adventures, 23-24. style, 15-16.
“Bait and Switch” adventure Disadvantages, 19. – Batiatus the Lanista,
seed, 43. Doctores, 4, 26, 27, 45, 48;
Banestorm as setting, 46. template, 28-29.
Spartacus (1960)
Barley crunchers, 27. Dungeon Fantasy setting, 46.
Bestiarii, 48; see also Venatores. Duty disadvantage, 19.
Bibliography, 50. Dystopian futuristic settings, 47. Gladiatrices, 10, 48. Loincloth, 38.
“Blacklist” adventure seeds, 43. Economics of munera, 45. Gladii, 34, 35, 48. Lorica, 36, 37.
Blood on the sands, 21. Editores, 5, 9, 44, 45, 48; fate of Glossary, 48-49. Lorica squamata leggings, 36,
Body weight, 26. loser and, 11, 22-23. Good-show awards, 24. 37.
Bows, 34. Elephants, 10. Got You Covered rule, 22. Losing a match, 11, 22-23.
“Brawl Too Far” adventure Equipment, 34-39; custom, 39. “Great Escape” adventure seed, Ludi, as character equipment,
seed, 42. Equites (sing. eques), 48; 42. 30; campaigns in, 44-45;
Build of gladiators, 26. loadout, 38; style, 16; Greaves, 36, 37. definition, 4, 48; life in, 26-
Bustuarii, 4, 48. tunic, 38. Guards, 27, 32. 27; security of, 27, 32.
Campanian tribes, 4. Esoteric Medicine skill, 20. GURPS, 24; Banestorm, 46; Ludus guards, 32.
Campaigns, gladiator, 40-43; Essedarii, 12, 48; loadout, 39; Dungeon Fantasy, 46; Manicae, 36, 37, 48.
ludus, 44-45. style, 16-17. Fantasy, 46; Imperial Marcus Licinius Crassus, 5.
Car Wars, 47. Example character, 31. Rome, 3; Low-Tech, 20, 36; Mass fights, 11.
Cena libera, 9, 48. Executions, 9-10. Martial Arts, 3, 12, 14, 18, Match awards, 24.
Characters, example, 31; Exotic fighting styles, 15-17. 20-22, 24, 29, 30, 34, 41; Matches, 10-11, 21-23, 40, 41,
templates, 28-32. Exotic Weapon Training perk, Power-Ups 2: Perks, 18. 44, 45; awards for, 23-24; see
Charioteer; see Essedarii. 18. Habet, 48. also Munera.
Cheers, typical, 11, 48. Extra Option perk, 18. Harenarii, 26, 32, 48. Medical gear, 38.
Clown, 9, 26, 33, 48. Failure awards, 24. Hellenistic military helmet, 36, “Meet Daddy at the Games”
“Cock of the Walk” adventure Families, 26, 27, 41. 37. adventure seed, 43.
seed, 42. Famous gladiators, 6-8. Helmets, 35-37; custom, 39. Melee weapons, 34, 35.
Code of Honor disadvantage, Fandom, 4, 8, 9, 12, 22, 26, 29. Helping other gladiators in Mercy for losers, 11, 22-23.
19. Fantasy settings, 45-46. fights, 22, 23. Missus, 11, 48.
Colosseum, see Flavian Feat awards, 24. Historical overview, 4. Modern gladiators, 7.
Amphitheater. Female gladiators, 10. Hoplomachi, 48; loadout, 39; Monetary awards, 27.
Combat Art skill, 19. Fighting kits, 38-39. shields, 37; style, 12. Morning program, 9-10.
Commodus (gladiator), 7. Fine-quality equipment, 39. Horror settings, 47. Munera, format of, 8-11; history
Competitive ludi, 45. First fight, 27, 40. Horseman, see Eques. of, 4-6; see also Matches.
Complementary skills, 22, 23. Flavian Amphitheater, 5, 6, 9, Hunts, 10. Murmillones, 48; helmet, 36,
Compositio, 8. 11. Ignominious-failure awards, 24. 37; loadout, 39; styles,
Cooperative ludus, 44-45. Focused defense, 21. Imperial patronage of the 12-13.
Corona, 11, 29, 48. Food, 27. games, 4-5. Musicians, 8, 26, 32-33, 48, 49.
Crests on helmets, 35, 39. Free men as gladiators, 25-27, Impressive-feat awards, 24. Naumachiae, 6, 11, 48.
Criminals as gladiators, 25. 48. Infamia, 25, 48. Naval Training perk, 18.
Crowd’s reaction, 11, 22, 24, Freedom, 49; gaining, 25-27, Infinite Worlds settings, 47. Nets, 34.
29, 39, 48. 40. Iugula, 48. “New Kid on the Block”
Javelins, 34. adventure seed, 43.

INDEX 51
“No Heart of Stone” adventure Ranking system, 29. “Sergeant Whatsisname” Supporting cast, 26, 32-33;
seed, 42. Reaction of crowd, 11, 22, 24, adventure seed, 43. see also Ludi.
Oath of gladiators, 26, 30. 29, 39. Servile wars, 5. Sure-Footed perk, 18-19, 22.
Off-Hand Weapon Training Records of fighting results, 29. Settings for the games, 45-47. Surgeon’s kits 38.
perk, 18. Referees, 10, 33, 49. Sex Appeal skill, 20. Surgery skill, 20.
Ornate equipment, 39. Republican military helmet, 36, Sexual prowess of gladiators, 9, Targeted Attack technique, 20.
Paegnarius, see Clown. 37. 41. Teamwork, 22, 23.
Palus, 48; ranking system, 29. Reputation advantage, 20, 22, Shields, 37-38. Techniques, 20.
Parmae, 48; equestris, 37, 48. 40. Shifting sands, 22. Third Servile War, 5.
Parmularii, 9, 12, 49. Retiarii, 12, 48; loadout, 39; Shoves and Tackles perk, 18. Thraeces (Thracian), 12, 49;
Patron advantage, 17. style, 14. Sicae, 34, 49. helmet, 36, 37; loadout, 39;
Patronage of the games, 4-6. Retirement, 27. Signals from crowd, 11, 48. shield, 38; style, 14.
Performance skill, 20. Roleplaying tips, 41. Sine missione, 11, 49. Timeline, 6.
Perks, 18-19. Roma Arcana, 46. Size of fighting area, 21. Tirones, 26, 27, 29, 40, 41, 49.
Physicians, 7-8, 20, 26, 27, 33. Rome Aeterna, 47. Skills, 19-20, 23. Titles and reputation, 29.
Plumes on helmets, 35, 39. Rome-7, 47. Slaves as gladiators, 25. Training, 26, 41; see also
Politics of the arena, 4-6. Rudarii, 29, 49. Social Stigma disadvantage, 19. Doctores.
Pompe, 8, 49. Rudes (staff), 27, 49; see also Spartacus (gladiator), 4-6, 8. Transplanting the games,
Pons fights, 11. Summa Rudis. Spears, 34. 45-47.
Post-apocalyptic settings, 47. Samnites, 12, 49; loadout, 39; Spongiae, 36, 37, 49. Tridentes, 34, 49.
Prices of gladiators, 24. style, 13. Sponsors of games, see Two-Sword Fighter, see
Primus palus, 29, 45, 49. Savoir-Faire (Ludus) skill, 20. Editores. Dimachaeri.
Prisoners as gladiators, 25. Science-fiction settings, 46-47. Stage engineer, 33. Typical gladiator advantages,
Progress of a gladiator, 23-24, Scissores, 49; gloves, 34, 35; Stans missus, 11, 22, 23, 49. 18.
26. loadout, 39; style, 17. Starting characters, 41. Typical gladiator
Prolusio, 9, 11, 23, 40, 49. Scuta (sing. scutum), 37, 49. Style Familiarity perk, 18. disadvantages, 19.
Pronouncing Latin, 48. Scutarii, 9, 12, 26, 49. Style Perks, 18-19. Venatio, 9-10, 49.
Provincial games, 5-6. Secunda rudis, 10, 49. Styles of gladiator fighting, 5, Venatores, 16, 49; loadout, 39;
Provocatores, 49; helmet, 36, Secundus palus, 29, 49. 6, 48; descriptions, 12-17, . shield, 38; template, 30-32.
37, loadout, 39; style, 13. Security, 27, 32. Sufficient space to die, 21. Victory crown, 11, 29.
Publication history, 3. Secutores, 12, 49; helmet, 36, Summa rudis, 10, 33, 49. Vindex the Murmillo, 31.
Pugilist, 30, 49. 37 loadout, 39; style, 13. Supers settings, 47. Virility of gladiators, 9, 41.
Quadrentes, 34, 35, 49. Selection process, 25-26. Weapons, 34-35; custom, 39.

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