The tradition of gladiatorial combat is strong throughout Avendar, and the spectacle of arena combat has become a formidable art in its own right. A properly trained gladiator is versed in a variety of weapons, and showy - but undeniably effective - techniques to put them to good use. Gladiatorial combat has spread from the far south of Ashta Harrud into many cultures of Avendar, some of them more self-determined than others.
Trained for the arena-fighting that is common throughout Avendar, gladiators transform the gruesome structure into a spectacle of showmanship. Arising from the slave culture of Ashta Harrud, gladiatorial combat grew in popularity as word spread along northern trade routes. With the emergence of the shuddeni among the lineages of Avendar, gladiatorial bouts have become both more humane and less. Cities such as Earendam the Grand have outlawed the use of slaves and brought a measure of self-determination to the practice. Meanwhile, its brutality has simultaneously increased with the growing number of chaja and introduction of overworlders into the high-risk arenas of Yithoul.
The srryn reverence for Fenthiran ideals outweighs the indignity of competing for the entertainment of warmbloods in Earendam. Harrudim gladiators are nearly exclusively human, whereas the shuddeni favor making their chaja subordinates fight for pleasure. The massive size of the alatharya frequently make them a fan-favorite, their lineage's proclivity for both resilience and force giving them notable advantages.
Dolgrael is a favored deity among gladiators, as their lifestyle puts them frequently against the odds in battle. The arena calls to no one faith or resonance, and gladiators often pray to whatever god they feel most likely to grant them victory. However, such prayers are a privilege paid for in blood.
Gladiators are trained in a variety of weapons, as well as techniques to put them to good use-- a lesson hard-learned from the restrictions of the arena. The spear, the sword, and the flail are often weapons of choice for a skilled gladiator, as each carries unique, tactical advantages.