Just a note in case anyone is wondering, once these few questions are answered and the specifics to rules finalized the OP will be updated to include them along with their placement in the final worldbuilding post.
Pregame 1 Results
Of course, everyone knows of the legend of Remus and Romulus. While their baptism by fratricide may be more foreboding and foretelling than many would care to admit, Juno's blessing has allowed Rome and the Republic to flourish even when threatened by man (and occasional beast). The world is a very dangerous place, with everything from hydras, to cyclopes, to other tribes and states of humans out for Roman blood. Yours is even moreso, thanks to a generations-long feud between you've found yourself in the middle of. But there's good reason behind it...
A) The houses of
Magnus and
Flavius split off from the same family after some long-forgotten disagreement - some uncle killed some distant cousin somewhere or something like that, and eventually enough people died to piss enough other people off to form two distinct parties. The Magnii have a strong military tradition, while the Flavii are extremely successful merchants and politicians. While it is well-known that the families hate one another, they've managed to keep the worst of it from public eye.[Magnii Gladiators train at +1 Resilience/-1 Intelligence, Flavii Gladiators train at +1 Theatrics/-1 Strength]
B) The houses of
Volentus and
Viverus are actually part of the same large, prestigious family of devotees to a number of Gods. The Volentii are well-known attendees, priests, and priestesses within a wide variety of Roman temples, while the Viverii abandoned the Roman gods in secret and embraced the gods of some tribes to the North. This fact isn't known outside the family, and both parties wish to keep it that way. The Volentii seek largely to contest the Viverii at every turn in any field, and the Viverii seem all too eager to respond in kind. Blood has yet to be drawn from a member of either faction. [Volentii Gladiators train at +1 Intelligence/-1 Resilience, Viverii Gladiators train at +1 Strength/-1 Agility]
C) The House of
Lutus is a family of farmers who've recently come into a significant parcel of land as well as an extremely bountiful pair of harvest seasons. The House of
Aurus comes from old money and can often be seen observing contests and games of all types (especially if you can bet on the outcome), but recently had to sell some particularly nice land after a few of the family were kidnapped by unidentified masked thugs. [Lutii Gladiators train at +1 Strength/-1 Intelligence, Aurii Gladiators train at +1 Agility/-1 Resilience]
But that's not all! If you're a smartypants, you'll have noticed that your Gladiators will be training in Resilience, Agility, Intelligence, Theatrics, and Strength. They will also train in Technique, but that skill has rules different from the others and cannot be a primary bonus/malus.
Technique is a Gladiator's familiarity with a weapon or particular piece of equipment should it be unique in some way. There can be multiple Technique (Equipment) skills on an individual Gladiator.
Resilience is a Gladiator's stamina and endurance, and is also taken into account when mounted on a creature. Higher Resilience generally indicates more staying power.
Agility represents a Gladiator's physical prowess and swiftness. Higher Agility often indicates quicker movements and attacks.
Intelligence is a Gladiator's familiarity with invoking or evoking the powers of their various gods. Higher Intelligence means more frequent and potent use of magical equipment of all types.
Theatrics represents a Gladiator's ability to draw in the crowd. Higher Theatrics generally indicates better favor from the crowd, patrons, and more.
Strength represents a Gladiator's, well, strength. Higher Strength means they can hit harder, and with bigger things.
If you all have a pairing of trait bonus/malus, uh, pairs that you'd rather see face off, feel free to propose them! You just need to include:
The names of both families/factions
The +1/-1 bonus for each team
Their reason for feuding
IT IS NOW PREGAME PHASE 2
Author
Topic: Blood and Sand, A Gladiatorial Arms Race-Like [CORE] (Read 6001 times)