Rescue

by R. A. Mejia

“This is kind of a stretch, but what if we start a kind of business? You know, like I did in . . .” I almost say Restrian, but remember that we’re trying to keep a low profile. “. . . in that city we first met at. I crafted stuff and sold it. Why can’t we do that here? I can train during the day then craft at night, and Keans and Mary can sell the stock during the next day. As long as we keep our crafting expenses down, we should be able to make good profit.”

  Sonya adds, “Plus, once we start fighting in the arena, I’m sure we’ll start to make money.”

  The group agrees to my proposition. My crafting, plus Keans’ and Mary’s salesmanship will keep us afloat until we can start to make money in the arena.

  The next day, we’re all up bright and early. Keans and Mary plan to go do some market research on what items we might make and sell. The rest of us go to the Familia Pontius compound to start our training. We hand over our first week’s training dues, a total of fifteen silver, to a servant and are then allowed into the courtyard, where Lanista Lucanus paces, waiting for us. When he sees us approaching, he stops walking back and forth and stands rod straight.

  “Well, it looks like you three decided to come back after all. I was wondering if you’d have the guts to.” He motions to the ground in front of him. “Well, take a seat, and I’ll get your lessons started for the day.” Once we sit down, he continues, “The first thing you need to know about being a gladiator is that it’s a unique honor with unique privileges and responsibilities. Any man or woman may make a name for themselves in the arena and rise to the heights of glory. Or they may die destitute. It all depends on your commitment and training.” He looks each of us in our eyes, a solemn expression on his face. “That is why, if you do not have the commitment to fulfill your training, you should leave now.” After a pause to be sure no one is leaving, he continues, “Well, then I’ll begin with the rules of the arena.”

  “Gladiator rules. Matches may be between just two opponents, between groups, or may even be large scale events reenacting famous battles. To keep the fights fair and interesting, there are a series of rules. Unless specified, the matches are usually non-lethal, though accidents occur. Once the 10% health mark is reached, the match is over. This is only for group versus group fighting, gladiator versus gladiator. When fighting beasts or monsters, the fight is not over until the monster is dead. They earn the most points because of their dangerous nature.

  “We, the Familia Pontius, focus on what some call traditionalism. For much of its history, gladiator fights were specialized affairs with each match an arranged event so that the battle would be fair and honorable. However, the rules have changed since the new governor took office.” With a weary sigh, he mumbles, “Now, it’s almost a free-for-all at the higher levels.”

  Then he returns to his speech. “It used to be that each type of gladiator used specific equipment, this allowed for training in moves that may only work against specific opponents. That also meant that it was unlikely that a gladiator would be challenged by anyone other than their counterpart type. For example, you already know about the fish versus fishermen match? Well, the fish in that example is actually called a Murmillo. The fisherman is called a Retiarius. The two were always paired against each other in a fish versus fishermen match. Now, though, matches may include any type of combat or magic class, regardless of traditions. We, however unfashionable it may be, still train the traditional specializations and pairings.”

  I raise my hand up to ask what the traditional kinds of gladiators are, but the Lanista waves the question away. “I’ll list all the types of gladiators in a minute. Let me finish the other rules first.” I nod my agreement, and he continues: “The point is that when you specialize, you learn particular moves that only other specializations can usually counter. So, you only have to worry about two or three other types of fighting styles. The only exception is the Provocator. Because he uses any type of gear from the specializations, he is challenged by everyone.”

  The Lanista smiles now and claps his hands. “Now, here’s where it gets interesting. All the rules I told you about can be changed anytime by expending gladiator points. And before you ask, points are a special type of currency that gladiators can spend to modify the conditions of a match. Each match has a set point value that goes to the winner. Those points may be used to change the terms of a match, give opponents a disadvantage, themselves an advantage, or they may be wagered, adding extra reward for winning. Points may also be used on authorizing upgrades to equipment. The more challenging the fight, the more points that can be won. Points can also be traded in for special gladiator rewards: the right to use special facilities normally restricted to higher classes, access to high-end equipment dealers, purchasing their own slaves, freedom from slavery, audience with the governor to request favors.”

  My ears perk up at the mention of the governor. That’s exactly the opportunity we’re looking for. But the Lanista continues on with his lecture.

  “There’s even a whole side market for people that want to trade or purchase these points for their fighters to give them advantages. This is how gladiators make money on the side as their regular income only comes if they win the purse.”

  Lanista Lucanus pats his sturdy chest. “I myself was once a slave but was able to save enough points to buy my freedom.” He glances down at Vrax. “Even non-humans have this opportunity.” His gaze shifts to me. “And by law, no owner may deny the right. Though, this new governor seems to want to change even that.”

  So, the kobolds could have earned their freedom? The mystery around why they didn’t just gets deeper and deeper. The Lanista continues his speech about the equity and greatness of the arena and eventually gets to listing all the types of gladiators. He hands us each a scroll with the information written there as well.

  Types of Gladiators:

  Bestiarius (plural Bestiarii): (beast fighters) originally armed with a spear or knife, these gladiators were condemned to fight beasts with a high probability of death. Now, the Bestiarii are highly-trained tamers that specialize in controlling and commanding various types of exotic, imported beasts and monsters.

  Dimachaerus (plural Dimachaeri): Gladiators that use two swords, one in each hand. They are among the least armored of fighters, wearing only sandals, a loin cloth, and a belt.

  Eques (plural Equites): Gladiators that fight on horseback with a spear and gladius, dressed in a full tunic and wearing an armguard. Generally, the Equites only fight other Equites.

  Essedarius (plural Essedarii): Charioteers that fight from the back of a horse-pulled chariot. The Essedarii are equipped with a gladius and a spear. They may also have a dedicated driver.

  Hoplomachus (plural Hoplomachi): They wear a helmet with a stylized griffin on the crest, woolen quilted leg wrappings, and shinguards. They carry a spear with a small round shield. They are often paired against Murmillones, Thraces, or Bestiarii.

  Laquearius (plural Laquearii): Gladiators that use a rope with a noose and a spear or a sword. These gladiators seek to ensnare their opponents before attacking them.

  Murmillo (or Murmillones): Wear a helmet with a stylized fish on the crest as well as an armguard. They carry a gladius and an oblong shield. They are often paired with Hoplomachi, Thraces, or Retiarii.

  Retiarius (plural Retiarii): Carry a trident, a dagger, and a net and wear a larger armguard extending to the shoulder and left side of the chest. They commonly fight murmillones. Occasionally, a metal shoulder shield is added to protect the neck and lower face.

  Sagittarius (plural Saggitarii): Mounted bowman armed with reflex bows capable of propelling an arrow a great distance.

  Scissor (plural Scissores) (carvers): These gladiators use a special short sword with two blades that look like a pair of open scissors without a hinge. They attempt to trap their opponents' weapons between the twin blades in order to disarm them.

  Thraex (plural Thraces): This gladiator is equipped with a broad-rimmed helmet that encloses the entire head, a
small round or square-shaped shield, and two thigh-length greaves. His weapon is a curved sword. They commonly fight murmillones or hoplomachi.

  Veles (plural Velites): Fight on foot with each holding a spear with thong for throwing. They wear a tunic, sandals, and have a small shield.

  Provocator (plural Provocatores) (challengers): The Provocator is the only gladiator class that does not have a standard set of armor or weapons. The variable nature of their role allows for pairing against many types of opponents.

  After we read through the list several times, the Lanista asks us to choose which specialization we’ll pick. I choose Provocator. Ever since I heard about the opportunity to earn an audience with the governor, my mind has been excitedly thinking of ways to accomplish that goal. That’s the next step in our mission to save the kobolds. We need to earn enough points to get a meeting with the governor, and being able to challenge anyone will let me be in the most number of matches. When I inquire about using my ‘slave,’ the fairy, Mary, in the fights, the Lanista has to think about the question. While there is no official role for Mary, she may be used as a kind of advantage if I have the points to add her. Sonya, already a heavy armor fighter, wants to be a Murmillo but is also interested in learning the roles of Laquerii and Retiarii. Sonya is a weapons fanatic and loves learning new fighting styles. Vrax wants to be a Bestiarius. When I ask him why, he tells me, “Spear good weapon to get at tall people.”

  Lanista Lucanus grins at Vrax for the statement and warns me that I may be losing him as a slave if he does well in the arena.

  Vrax’s training consists of initially learning about the different types of animals that have been brought into the arena before. He is given verbal instruction since he can only read Reptilian. He’s shown drawings of creatures and told their names, traits, attack patterns, and weaknesses. He has to memorize each and be able to recite the information on command. He’s also trained in the use of the spear, a new weapon for the kobold. I think it will be a good fit, since he’s kind of small, and it’ll add range to his attacks. Though, I’m not sure if his [Backstab] ability will work with it.

  Sonya, the most martially-proficient fighter I know, takes to her training like a fish to water. She already has the training and discipline to be a threat, and she seems to genuinely love learning the new weapon forms. The restrictions of the Murmillo armor require her to change her fighting style. She uses defensive maneuvers to get into position then focuses on quick burst attacks with her gladius. Because she’s learning the role so well, Lanista Lucanus agrees to also teach her the weapon forms for the trident, net, and the lasso, some of the most exotic weapons I’ve even seen. Seeing her train with the trident makes Aquaman look like a little guppy.

  My training is much broader and focuses on learning the possible moves of every type of gladiator--at least initially. During the first week of training, I do general strength and constitution training. Then that moves into watching all the other gladiators move and fight. Lanista Lucanus explains that I need to be familiar with the basic patterns of each gladiator class and start thinking of ways to counter their strengths and exploit their weaknesses. Because the Provocator specialization may be challenged by anyone, I have to be prepared to fight everyone. In addition to this kind of abstract visualization training, I’m also trained in several types of gladiator weapons. The gladius is a standard weapon for many gladiators and serves a purpose somewhere between a longsword and a knife. Its range isn’t great, but it’s faster than a longer sword. Additionally, since I already have experience with the spear, I’m shown how to use a pilum. It’s a kind of a lightweight specialized javelin whose metal shaft is meant to bend upon impact so it cannot be thrown back. According to Lucanus, it’s used in the arena to force a shield-wielder to either discard his shield or take precious time to remove the object embedded in it. Unlike Sonya, I find the trident and net combination a bit unwieldy and constantly get one of the side prongs caught on stuff and trip over my own net. I feel the same about the lasso and am surprised any cowboy on my world never accidentally strangled himself trying to use it.

  Because the Provocator can use any of the armors of the other types of gladiators, it takes me a while to figure out which sets I’m comfortable with. I have skills in shield, but find I only really like the small shields of the Hoplomachi. The larger tower shields of the other specializations are just too unwieldy for me. The Murmillo’s use of an armguard that provides protection along the rights side of the body still gives me the flexibility to swing a weapon. I eventually settle on adding shin guards and a helmet. Unfortunately, none of the traditional gladiator specializations use chest protection or any kind of body armor, so I have to go bare chested. I kind of feel like a stripper showing off so much skin. But that might be part of the entertainment appeal. Sonya tells me later that the outfit looks great on me, and that helps me feel less self-conscience.

  Still, even though I’ve chosen my weapons and armor, I have to work hard on figuring out a particular fighting style. I’ve lamented before about how much health, stamina, and mana I lost when I became an artificer, but I still love the class. After all, what other class would have helped me defeat Ranut, the dungeon who fancied himself a god? Without artificing and its [Design Mode], I would have never figured out how to combine [Crystal Programing] with spellwriting in such a creative way.

  No, I need to figure out some way to combine what I can do with fighting in a practical manner. I know that my health pool is too small for me to make an effective tank, especially after seeing a true representative of that role like Sonya, who has something like three times the amount of health I do. I was never a major damage dealer, even before I chose my class, though I could dish out some magical pain. But now, with my smaller mana pool, I can only cast a few spells before I have to rest and regenerate my mana, which brings me to the only major advantage my class gives me over everyone else: my mana regeneration rate. Had I planned my build in advance, I could have devoted my stat points to wisdom, and I’d be rolling in mana regeneration. As it is, I regenerate eight mana points per minute, which is still great compared to the one or two per minute most casters have. But it’s not enough to maintain a steady flow of magical damage or healing in a fight--at least not without taking the time to sit and meditate in the middle of a battle.

  When I ask the Lanista about my problems, he patiently listens to each one that I list. At the end, he nods, agreeing with my observations. “Yes. From what you’ve told me, you’ve spread your stat points out quite broadly. You are focusing on all the things you are not. You are not a tank. You are not a damage dealer. You are not a mage. I encourage you to focus instead on all the things you can do well.” While I ponder his words, he continues, “Also, visit the market and talk to some skill and ability trainers. They may be able to teach you something that will help you develop your own style.”

  While I think on the Lanista’s words, I still have to train.

  Which brings me to my particular type of training hell: sparring. While I enjoy the intellectual exercise of visualizing each type of gladiator and picking apart their strengths and weaknesses, actually using those facts in battle is challenging. The Lanista has me spar with every other person training in the compound. I get beaten with spears, wooden swords, shields, nets, lassos, tridents, and even giant wooden scissors. I spar until I pass out, then water is splashed on me, and I spar some more. Eventually, it takes longer for me to get beat up. Then, after much more sparring, I even start to truly put the lessons I’ve been taught into practice.

  In my mind, I start to classify the various gladiators into categories. Heavy armor users with shields have limited vision and movement speed: they’re the turtles. The best way to beat a turtle is to flip it on its back and attack its unprotected sides. Then there’s the fast, low-armor fighter. They rely on speed, maneuverability, and the unique aspect of their weapons. As long as I’m aware of how their weapons can be used, I can outlast them with heavier armor, or becau
se I’m not limited to just one armor set, I can add a shield and combine it with the ranged attacks of the throwing spear. The only gladiators that I have real trouble with are the mounted ones. They have a unique advantage of being fast and powerful. I can see why cavalry units are feared on the battlefield. A mounted archer in particular is a terror. He has range and the ability to quickly ride away if you get too close. However, Lanista Lucanus assures me that it’s unlikely I’ll fight them, as most arenas don’t make good places for riders to fight because they’re just too small for building speed up.

  Eventually, the Lanista sets me up to practice against Sonya. Whether he knows that we are together or not, it doesn’t matter. She’s just better at fighting. I learned the first time the two of us sparred to never hold back. She was using the gear for the Retiarius, the light armor, trident, and net. I was still getting familiar with using the pilum, so I had that as my primary weapon combined with a gladius as my secondary weapon. I was as lightly armored as she was, but she came at me hard. She began with a charge attack, but I’d become used to that maneuver from sparing with Agrippa and instantly rolled out of the way and threw my javelin at her. It embedded in her right thigh, and she went down. I was so surprised the move worked that I dropped the next spear I was readying to throw and rushed up to her, concerned that I’d injured her. She however, had no such concern in the context of this fight. She let me come and bend over to help her, then swept my feet out from under me, tossed her net, and beat me senseless. I woke up shortly after when a cold bucket of water was thrown on me.