Glatorian

Glatorian are fighters, specifically fighters who battle on behalf of a village in return for food, shelter, equipment and other rewards. When two villages have a dispute, each sends a Glatorian to fight for them in an arena. The winning Glatorian earns for his villages the rights to whatever the dispute was about. For example, if Iconox and Tesara both claim an oasis, Gresh and Strakk might be sent to battle each other in a match. If Gresh won, Tesara would have ownership of that oasis. This system is designed to prevent wars from breaking out between the villages.

The beings who make up the Glatorian class are a separate species from the Agori. Many of them are veterans of past wars, and so have a great deal of knowledge about tactics and skills. A good Glatorian is equally as talented with a sword or axe as he or she is with a Thornax launcher. Despite that, Glatorian are almost always training, trying to learn new moves for use in the arena.

Of course, Glatorian do other things besides battle in the arena. They protect their villages in the event of attacks by bone hunters or desert creatures, sometimes act as escorts for trade caravans, and even (if they are really well paid), go out in search of water or other resources. Some Glatorian have turned away from the system and live in the wastelands as bandits – others have been exiled there for crimes in the arena.

While Glatorian are allowed to work for any village they choose, most “adopt” a village and stay there for most of their lives. Villages also have the right to decide what fights they will send which Glatorian to do, or if they want to keep a Glatorian at all. A fighter who loses too many battles may be reduced to only fighting to settle minor, unimportant disputes or may be released by his village.

While the world of Glatorian is a dangerous one, there are certain rules they are expected to follow in the arena. Striking a foe who has already conceded, or attacking an opponent after you have conceded, are both considered serious violations. Killing an opponent who has already given up is grounds for exile. Accepting a bribe from another village to lose a fight can also lead to exile in the wasteland.


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