Barnabas the tavern keeper looks around at his dusty tavern cleaning his mugs ready for the day. He is a large burly man with thick biceps and a broad chest. He has a large scar running across his face that gave him a scary visage. He yawns loudly.
It's always a slow on the first day of the week. Wonder if any gladiators would come by today since it's their off day today.
Barnabas smiles as he fondly remembers the times he spent as a gladiator. He lost a hand during his time and got it replaced with a hook.
What glorious times that was...the chanting of the crowd, the hot sand upon my face, the saltiness of the opponent's blood sprayed upon my face as i slit their throats.
Here he is, a successful gladiator that managed to pay off his debt and even earned the approval and delight of a Katapesh Lord which purchase his bond and gave him his freedom.
The doors open to allow in the bulk of Owyn Nakagro, clad in a loose tunic and sweating slightly from the rising sun of the day. He nods to Barnabas and takes up his usual seat next to the bar. "Mornin', Barn. Two o' the usual; I need get back early to the master today, so I'd want to get prop'rly drunk before I return to the greasy buzzard."
Taking his drinks, he swigs one and wipes some of the droplets over his forehead to cool his face. "Gods its good to get out of the old bucket..."
Aahhhh Owyn the Braggart!!! I heard you are doing fine in the pit. Managed to earn the irk of your opponents with that big mouth of yours Bwahahah!!
Leaning in towards Owyn whispering.
I heard some Katapesh Lord favors your fighting style and your boastful manner. It's a good thing aye?
Owyn gives a thin smile. "Aye... never remember what I say down there, though. Words come to me and leave, crowd roars, opponent gets red and charges... then I gut him like a fish. Good sport."
Leaning closer also, the man nods slowly. "It is... I've got a family waiting for me somewhere out there, a Lord may mean money and it may mean freedom... although..." the big man hesitates, then looks straight at Barnabus. "Can I trust you, Barn?"
You don't have much friends Owyn. I am probably one of those sad few you have and will keep you in remembrance should you fall. Most out there would glee and forget you like the wind
Barnabas looked at him with a serious face.
Owyn sighs deeply and looks into his drink. "I sold myself into this, Barn. My family needed the money and this was the only way I could get it to them. And for five years I've lifted and crushed and served, trying to earn my freedom so I could see my family again. Since the buzzard chucked me into the Arena, though..."
The man takes another swig, coughing slightly as it burns the back of his throat. "The arena... it calls to me, Barn. The blood, the sand, the crowd... three months ago, I slammed this orc against the wall and cut his eyes out. I saw a face in the crowd, smiling, screaming in delight like the rest of them. I can't picture my son's face, Barn. I just see that man's face, crowding it all out... and when I walk on the sand or even think about it, my... my desire to see my family again... disappears."
"And now there's that new Lord... what do I do, Barn? Go back to my family? It's been five years, they've heard nothing from me... And the arena.... Gods, Barn, walking out into that heat, slicing with my blade... it's the greatest feeling i've ever had."
Owyn's face turns upwards as he looks at Barn. "Do you know what I mean, Barn? See my problem? What do I do?"
We are men born on the sands of the arena. Even should you leave these sands and return to your family will the darkness go away? Barnabas looked at his hook. I know mine didn't left....everyday I dream of going back to the sands....the adrenaline the excitement...most people think that when I lost my hand I would wilt and die....but it didn't...it fact my desire to return grew and consumed me.
There was a gleam in Barnabas eyes when he spook.
When I was given my freedom, I have a choice to return home. I did...but the look in my wife and daughter's eyes carry a certain disdain as if I was a monster...I tried to blend in but things are just different ..I do not know how to tell you nor the best person to advice you..we all be damn...
Barnabas pours himself a mug of ale and gulps down it down
Owyn stares at Barnabas for several minutes before reaching out and clacking his mug against Barnabas'. "Cheers" he says, taking a swig.
"Thanks, Barn." Owyn grips Barn by the shoulder comradely. "I owe you."
Barnabas grunts and nods.
You keep your head on out there Owyn. Have you seen the new batch of fighters they brought in 2 days ago. They sure looks like they know how to use that falcata and buckler of theirs. Taldor fighters I heard, best there ever was. They even fight like you...
Recovering some of his confidence, Owyn lets out a snort of derision. "Bucklers are shields men buy for their women to wear while they're away at the boozing house. I ain't worried."
Barnabas grins.
Aye with a mouth like yours, you probably have an advantage....but hear me from one gladiator to another. Rely on your teammates, think of it like a rose. Hold it carefully, it is beautiful and nice, but trust it too much and careless it will prick you. Fight like a pack of wolves, but think like a lone wolf. Remember.....It goes a long way in the arena.
Xem stepped into the bar with a cold look in his eye. There was an aura of danger surrounding a man that killed bare handed. He moved to sit facing the door as he studied his possible companions or enemies.
I see we got another one here today. Come here my friend! We are no strangers to each other for we may meet someday on the sands. At least let us know you before we send each other to our glorious death.
Barnabas shouts out to Xem.
The man looked up as Barnabas called out to him, pausing for a moment before responding. His black gi he wore was torn and ripped from his harsh training in the arena. His chest and arms were heavily scarred, more then he could have possibly earned in his time at the arena. Some even looked self inflicted.
"Friend? There is no place for friends in this place. There is only those you fight beside and those you kill. If we fight together then I will share the glory as we stand over our fallen enemies. If not..."
He trails off his interest in Barnabas exchanged for staring down Owyn as he takes his measure. Clearly he didn't come here for the drinks.
Barnabas looked at the pair and grinned.
Ahhh...good times...
Producing a small knife and a small piece of wood, Xem began to violently shave and whittle away. He was crafting something small, like a toy perhaps as he continued to watch the men at the bar and the door of the tavern. There was little here to interest him but he was always interested in the competition and he had been told this bar was where many gladiators spent their days off. Perhaps he'd see the group he would fight with or against next here...
Owyn looks carefully up and down the man, noticing the ripped clothes, the scars, the intense stare... and breaks into a smile. Stepping forwards, he grabs the man by the hand and shakes it vigorously. "Ah, a madman! New as I am to the Arena I always know a madman when I see one, never met one I didn't find amusing in one way or another. Utter disregard for pain or morals always makes a good opponent... plus they don't whine about a kick in the balls."
"The name's Owyn, friend. What can I call you?"
Xem looks at the hand touching his and suddenly and violently slams his knife into the table hard next to Owyn's hand.
"Don't know where your from but you touch me again without my permission and that'll be your hand pinned to the table. We clear? I just told your 'friend' we aren't friends. I sure hope you don't fight as poorly as you hold your liquor or it'll be very disappointing for the crowd."
He pulls his knife back out and resumes his carving of a small wooden archery target.
"You can call me Cursed One."
Watch it..
Barnabas stared menacingly at Xem.
Owyn waves Barnabus away, still smiling. "Aye, 'Cursed One'. I let any man call himself what he wishes. I'll leave you to carve, sir. Fight well."
Turning away, Owyn signals for a re-fill.
Xem doesn't bother getting into a staring contest with the washed up gladiator Barnabas. He just keeps whittling away. Perhaps someone else would come in who would be more interesting to him.
A lanky Tein man enters as the heavily armored man raises his fingers for a drink. "Two of whatever he's drinking," he calls to the bartender as he closes the door behind him. "I have no cares as to what it is so long as it keeps my troubles away."
He rests 2 seats down from Owyn and gives the man a studious gaze. "Share a drink with a fellow slave?"
You come to the right place my brother...this is a place where you might just get your last drink before you breathe your last upon the sands. Name's Barnabas and I own this place!
Barnabas grins as he slides 2 mug of ale over to Treiden.
You come to the right place my brother...this is a place where you might just get your last drink before you breathe your last upon the sands. Name's Barnabas and I own this place!
Barnabas grins as he slides 2 mugs of ale over to Treiden.
Barnabas ponders and scratched his head.
Don't mind me asking are you both related? You look alike.
Barnabas looked at both Xem and Treiden.
Treiden considers the question for a moment while he assesses the whittler in the corner. He stands up and pulls down the collar of his ragged shirt to reveal an intricate tattoo of a snake constricting a human heart branded into his chest and up his collarbone. "When I was a free man I trained at Master Shen's House of the Weeping Serpent. I am Treiden Wallace. The onlookers have taken to calling me 'Iron Hands' during tournament. I have seen you fight but your style is unknown to me. Who was your master?"
A cat-man walks in on smooth, padded steps and glides to the stool at the end of the bar () before sitting down.
The cat-man is just that, a cat-man. Roughly the size of an average human but with a feline-featured head, overlarge hands, a flicking tail and a coat of black fur. He wears dyed clothes that are somewhat nice for a slave, but are obviously secondhand and fairly worn.
"Wine please, friend," says the man in an even register.
My my, looks like the taste of our Katapesh Lords have just went exotic..
Barnabas chuckles as he pours the cat man a mug of wine.
Cat-man picks up the mug, gives it a whiff, tilts it to his face and takes a few cursory laps from the mug. After wincing only a little bit, he will continue to nurse the drink.
So what is your name? Kitty??
Barnabas grins.
Xem mutters something about racist bartenders under his breath as he looks up. He looked Treiden Wallace over, taking in his appearance and stance before returning his gaze to his carving.
"I doubt you'd have heard of it. I wasn't taught at some fancy school with a master. If you want to find my weakness best do it with your fists in the arena rather then words."
"Perhaps we'll fight together though, in which case my ki magics will not be used to destroy you. In which case you may call me the Cursed One."
"Hmph. Reserved. Suspicious. Beclouded by ego," he muses aloud as continues to watch Xem curiously. "What ever curse you carry mustn't be too severe. You still live. Breath. Why have they given you that name?"
"Hmph. Talkative. Inquisitive. Judgmental." Xem responded in the exact same tone out loud as he finished his carving and put his knife and wooden object away. He looks back up at Treiden coldly. "The name was chosen by me. Don't think you know a man by their name. I don't care to share my life story with you any more then I expect you to share with me. But know this...those who face me in the arena will not die a quick death, but their pain and fear will feed the curse I carry."
He stands and heads for the door still wearing an angry look. He walks past the men at the bar and out into the street, heading back toward the ludus to find a man who could procure him some items before the next match.
Garris walks into the bar with a wide smile on his face.
Ah, fellow gladiators. How are we all doing today. I guess we all have the same thought when the master lets us out. Barnabas a glass of your stongest if you will..
Garris takes the mug and passes under his nose a few times before pulling a small vial of liquid out and pouring it in. He then takes a candle and lights the surface of the liquid on fire.
gulp, gulp, Ah, Dragons breath. That will wake you up.
he takes a seat by Owyn
Hi there friend. I'm Garris, you new around here too?
So what is your name? Kitty??
Barnabas grins.
"Hah," laughs the cat-man, "Might as well be! The call me 'The Jaguar'... Rawr! I guess it pulls in more money when you look weird and have a silly gimmick."
AHHHH Pompous prick!!! What do we have here today?? Fresh meat?!!!
A large bald headed imposing man with thick torso and a full grown beard roared into laughter and spits at Garris and Owyn's feet.
Make way for the upcoming champion of Olumsuz!!
Entering the tavern a red haired dwarf clad in kilt and leather tunic
Oy! Barnabs ya knock-kneed mental eejit. Bring me bloody pint!
he hollars at the barkeep in his usual fashion and takes a seat at the bar. even though he has only been here maybe twice before the dwarf feels he has made enough of an impression that he could almost be considered a regular or at least to a few.
Arrgghhhh Breunnor!!!!!! Breunnor!!! Shortest thing around here but sure fun as hell aye??? One bloody hell pint for you overgrown moniker!!
Alright end of RP. Down to business.
I am including some changes to make combat more realistic rather than just numbers. I am including the Sever combat maneuver which you may include in your signature move if you want. Just inform me when you do. NOTE: You take -4 penalty if you attempt to disarm with a weapon without a sharpened blade. For blunt weapons or unarmed attack it is considered to broken the limb.
You can attempt to sever an arm, foot, hand, or leg at the joint as part of an attack action in place of a melee attack. Normally you cannot sever other limbs than those four extremities, but your GMmay deem some special limbs fragile enough to qualify (a wing, for example).If you do not have the Improved Sever feat, or a similar ability, attempting to sever an item provokes an attack of opportunity from the target of your maneuver. Declare which limb you are targeting before your combat maneuver roll. If your attack is successful, you sever the targeted limb. Your opponent can make a Fortitude save (DC equal to your combat maneuver roll) to ignore the effect. Although horrific, the mind blocks out the pain of losing a limb. This attack deals no damage.
Now if the attack is successful the limb is severed and the victim rolls a fort save if not they go in a state of shock and is helpless for 1 round..During the helpless stage you may perform a coup de grace to score an automatic crit OR you may perform a sever limb move again but it's to decapitate for instance death. NOTE: For blunt or unarmed attack, take a -4 penalty to your CMB and the target is deemed to have broken his neck.
While it is cool remember the same can be performed on you too by enemy gladiator. So those with low cmd beware as you can have full health but still lose a limb or even decapitated if you are helpless. You may pick up improved sever feat and the limbripper feat too.
Helpless Defenders
A helpless opponent is someone who is bound, sleeping, paralyzed, unconscious, or otherwise at your mercy.
Regular Attack
A helpless character takes a –4 penalty to AC against melee attacks. In addition, a helplesscharacter is treated as having a Dexterity of 0, giving him a –5 penalty to AC against both melee and ranged attacks (for a total of –9 against melee and –5 against ranged). A helpless character is also flat-footed.
Coup de Grace
As a full-round action, you can use a melee weapon to deliver a coup de grace (pronounced "coo day grahs") to a helplessopponent. You can also use a bow or crossbow, provided you are adjacent to the target.You automatically hit and score a critical hit. If the defender survives the damage, he must make a Fortitudesave (DC 10 + damage dealt) or die. A rogue also gets her extra sneak attack damage against a helpless opponent when delivering a coup de grace.Delivering a coup de grace provokes attacks of opportunity from threatening opponents
Improved Sever (Combat)
You are particularly good at cutting off body parts in melee.Prerequisite: Str 13, Power Attack.Benefit: You do not provoke an attack of opportunity when performing a sever combat maneuver (see below). In addition, you receive a +2 bonus on checks made to sever a foe’s limb. You also receive a +2 bonus to your CMD whenever an opponent tries to sever your limb.Normal: You provoke an attack of opportunity when performing a sever combat maneuver
Limb Ripper (Combat)
You sever limbs through sheer force.Prerequisite: Str 22, Improved Sever, Improved Unarmed Strike, Improved Grapple.Benefit: When you are grappling an opponent, a successful check allows you to continue grapplingthe foe, and also allows you to perform a special sever combat maneuver (see below) as part of the standard action spent to maintain the grapple. Designate a limb (arm, foot, hand, leg) like you normally would when severing a limb, then make a Strength check. This is the save DC for your sever limb attempt. If your target fails this Fortitude save, you rip off the designated limb. This ends the grapple
Interesting... Would you mind adding your house rules to the campaign info tab? Just helps keep things a bit organized, IMO.
I was just going over the last details but now that whole sever maneuver has me rethinking my exotic weapon choice....
Oh btw severing and decapitation helps in getting the crowd excited and therefore your reputation.
Interesting... Would you mind adding your house rules to the campaign info tab? Just helps keep things a bit organized, IMO.
I was just going over the last details but now that whole sever maneuver has me rethinking my exotic weapon choice....
Yes will do that when I can access a computer.
Jesus... so now FIGHTERS get a save-or-die ability? Interesting.
it's the arena.man.
for broken limbs it takes 1d4 weeks heal. If not require cure serious wound to heal just the broken condition.
Are claws ok for severing limbs?
Signature move is still The Last Rite, but now is Arm sever, Arm sever Headbutt(unarmed strike)
yeah claws are fine.
These fights are going to be so brutal, how does one hope to keep his humanity when forced to entertain :( Is roleplay still closed. I mean that guy spit at our fee :)
What happens if we die? are we out, can we make another Gladiator? will we be useing prostetics?
Yes will do that when I can access a computer.
Thanks!
What happens if we die? are we out, can we make another Gladiator? will we be useing prostetics?
I'd say don't create a character you can get attached to cuz that maneuver makes it painfully easy to kill off a PC. Basically all it takes is a 14 or higher on the dice roll... Gestalts are looking a little more appetizing.
I switched my Exotic Weapon Pro to Kyoketsu Shoge and realized I forgot to roll for... .
DM, I found a few more 3PP feats that tickle my interest if you're up to checking them out: Agile Defense and Unarmored Specialist.
Would it be a huge problem if I exchanged the Exotic Armor Proficiency (Partial) class feature for something that would benefit my monk or will you introduce armor/gear that could help my AC deficit?