Gladiators in Golarion

[Radavel]

Been watching Spartacus (both season 1 and the prequel) and I got to thinking where in Golarion would there be gladiatorial games. I figured Cheliax would have it.

But are there other places where such would be appropriate? Thoughts?

[Aeshuura]

I think there is quite a bit of Gladiatorial games at Kaer Maga in Varisia. I'm sure there are other places, but I have rarely ventured beyond Varisia in my games...

[Shizvestus]

There are Gladitorial arenas in Kaer Maga, and Riddle Port (run by Monks) in Varisia. In Cheliax there is a Monk Run Gladiatorial arena in the Old Capitol. There is one run by Monks I believe in the City at the Center of the World. There is a Fighting Monastery somewhere in the mountains
in Taldor and they would have a tournament training arena. They are all over.

[Ayronis]

Tymon, in the River Kingdoms, is what you are looking for. It is covered in the story portion of Pathfinder #35.
"Pathfinder Ollix Kaddar’s adventures in the gladiator pits of Tymon in the Pathfinder's Journal, by Steven E. Schend."

There are a few references to Taldor having a gladiatorial tradition as well.

[Shizvestus]

Yup, that is correct on both accounts ;)

[Thomas LeBlanc]

I think there was one also in the southern area of the Sodden Lands.

[Patrick Renie]

Thomas LeBlanc wrote:

I think there was one also in the southern area of the Sodden Lands.

Yep, you're thinking of Green Blood on a Black Rock, a gladiatorial event located in the town of Greenblood near the southern edge of the Sodden Lands. Gamblers from all over the region go to Greenblood to watch and bet on brutal fights between slave-monsters such as scrags, trolls, and even more ferocious beasts. The battles take place on a lonely, ash-colored rock just off the shore, and whichever captured monster wins the fight earns its freedom.

More on Greenblood can be found in the Inner Sea World Guide.

[HappyDaze]

I'm sure there are some rather rough venues in Belkzen. Generally, anywhere Taldor (and later Cheliax) went, blood sports are likely.

[Muser]

And naturally the more lawless a place is, the more likely it has bloodsport enterpreneurs. Pit fights, bar brawls and boxing matches are likely all over Golarion, but Shackles, the aforementioned Belkzen and River Kingdoms too possibly have a large market share of them.

[HappyDaze]

I'm not sure that lawlessness is more likely to lead to bloodsports. I'd be willing argue that actual gladiators are much more likely to exist in lawful nations, but I'm too tired to type it all in right now.

[Feral]

I never actually bothered to confirm it, but I've always assumed that Taldor had it's share of bloodsports both legal and underground.

It seemed to fit the decadent fallen empire vibe that Taldor is all about.

[TwiceGreat]

One of my players is a Gladiator. Awesome thread considering.

[TwiceGreat]

Also inspired a bit my Spartacus. I had him escape slavery in Ostenso during a run in with some Eagle Knights in game session #1. Thinking of how I want to move along his storyline. It's funny, because he actually IS a worshiper of Asmodeus.

[Ridge]

"Do you like threads about gladiators, Timmy?"
"Golly, DO I!"

I think Taldor is a natural fit for it, but yeah, I can see devil ridden Cheliax joining in a 'bread and circuses' way as well.

[TwiceGreat]

Cheliax is very roman. Do they have Legions as well?