Pit Fighter (Warrior Kit)[]
Pit fighters are humanoids who have been trained to put on a good show for paying customers. In every seedy part of every city, humans and some demihumans frequent hidden battle pits where humanoid pit fighters are matched against each other or some other opponent (probably an animal or captured monster). Betting takes place at these events, but the real entertainment comes from the stunts employed by the pit fighters.
Pit fighters who become player characters have given up the life (if they were slaves) or have decided to supplement their income by adventuring (if they were free pit fighters). Even when fighting alongside adventuring companions, pit fighters battle like they are still in the pits, making fancy moves and playing with their opponents in anticipation of the roar of the crowd.
Requirements: Any humanoid, male or female, except fremlins, can be a pit fighter. Because of their exotic natures and because of the freedom to excel that this kit allows, many female humanoids find their way into the battle pits. There are no special alignment or ability score requirements for this kit.
Role: Like cock fighting, humanoid battle pits are illegal in most human and demihuman cities, towns and villages. However, that does not stop criminals and others seeking monetary gain from engaging in the practice. In large cities and towns, battle pits are hidden in the less-savory areas. In villages, spectators must wait until a traveling show fighting circus makes the circuit to their area. The audience bets on each match, and winners of each match receive a portion of the purse.
Pit fighters can either be slaves or free, using their talents to make money for themselves and their masters. As a slave, the pit fighter fights exclusively for the profit of the owner. In return, the pit fighter receives food and water, weapons, training, and the roar of the crowds. A free pit fighter enters the pits for personal wealth and fame. Free pit fighters usually have an "agent" who assists them in return for a cut of the profits. These agents are normally human or demihuman, so they can more easily act on the pit fighter's behalf in the towns and cities.
Some pit fighters use graceful maneuvers, stunts, and witty banter to put on impressive displays. Such skilled pit fighters are valuable to their masters and rarely forced to fight each other to the death. Instead, they engage in well-choreographed bouts for the entertainment of the audience. When bloodlust takes the crowds, pit fighters are pitted against animals or monsters, where they use their superior skills to methodically and with great fanfare slice their foes to ribbons.
Pit fighters are among the most urban of humanoid character kits. They have an accepted place in human society, and use their spare time to learn whatever they can (if their masters allow it). Even so, they pick up a lot of the local culture just because of their proximity to it. Many pit fighters love to have a good time, often spending the money they earn on gaming, drink, and entertainment.
Many pit fighters take their showy skills adventuring with them. They never battle quietly, rarely go for the quick kill, and often prod their companions to compliment them when no crowds of spectators are present to lavish praise.
Weapon Proficiencies: Members of this kit must have a basic tribal weapon or a short sword proficiency. Other weapon slots should be filled with exotic melee weapons not normally allowed beginning humanoid characters.
Nonweapon Proficiencies:
- Bonus Proficiencies: Close-quarter fighting.
- Recommended, General: Acting (stage fighting), drinking, eating.
- Recommended, Warrior: Endurance, gaming, natural fighting.
- Recommended, Priest: Reading/writing.
- Recommended, Rogue: Crowd working, jumping, tightrope walking, tumbling.
- Forbidden: Hiding, running, wild fighting. These proficiencies can be learned later during the campaign, should the opportunity arise.
Equipment: A pit fighter is limited to chain mail or lighter armor (AC 5). A shield is also allowed. A pit fighter also starts play with a weapon of specialization (see below).
Special Benefits: Single-classed pit fighters receive a free weapon specialization in any melee weapon.
Any pit fighter is allowed to specialize in more melee weapons after first level by using additional weapon proficiency slots. In addition, any pit fighter can use nonweapon proficiency slots for weapons.
A pit fighter can take rogue proficiencies without spending an extra penalty slot.
Special Hindrances: As pit fighters are trained to make combat last, they receive a -2 penalty to all damage rolls they inflict.
Wealth Options: Though pit fighters can make decent money in the battle pits, they often spend it as fast as they earn it. Each begins play with 3d4 x 10 gp.