Glory on the Sands - (Gladiator-centric, gratuitous sex and violence expected)

Started by Deamonbane, December 16, 2018, 01:06:38 PM

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Deamonbane




"What is beneath your feet?"

"Sacred ground, watered with tears of blood."

"Your tears. Your blood. Your pathetic lives forged into something of worth. Listen, learn, and perhaps live. As Gladiators!"




Rome is at it's pinnacle. The Republic is seeing expansion all around, pushing the boundaries of conquest around the Mediterranean, stretching east, south and north in wars of conquest. The fruit of this conquest is sent back to the republic, in the form of the spoils of war. Gold, jewels, food, and slaves. The latter of whom are relied upon for everything from construction, basic service and entertainment.

Of the entertainers, one kind rise above all others. The greatest warriors of the foreign, barbarian lands are brought back to Rome to display their talents before a grander stage. Thousands fill the massive arenas built for the entertainment of the masses that have swollen the massive capital city at the center of the growing empire. Whether by sponsorship of some politician looking for a boost to his campaign or a festival of tradition, the people's appetite for the violence seems to have no end.

One man has made his fortune in the practice. The name Gracchus has been associated with wealth and position for many generations, and Titus looks to improve that position further. He has shown that he has a talent for business. His ludus produces some of the most clamored-for fighters in the republic, and his skills in picking and training the finest gladiators as well as applying his silver tongue to the task of having them present in all the games of worth across the city have made him the clear successor to his father's fortune. Once inherited, the land holdings and taking the name of pater familias to the whole of his family's holdings.

One thing is clear: His ambitions soar far above that a simple lannista, and the beginning of that ambition lays on the shoulders of his fighters, to claim the title that none in the house of Gracchus have held before, that of Champion of Rome.



The Basics:

A fairly clear-cut game, based on the Starz Spartacus series. There will be a focus on the Gracchus family, their slaves, and their gladiators. For now, this won't be a slave-rebellion game, though that can be worked into later along the line. For now, the game will be focused on the playing out and portraying the intrigue, lifestyle, pleasures, and sufferings of 'typical' Ancient Roman people, slaves, and gladiators. The game will contain scenes of training, plotting, planning and with a focus on the fighting and the smut. There will be planned group events to move the story along from time to time, but I won't be looking to keep things tied down. Just make sure to keep your character's timelines sorted.

This will be a heavily dramatized and altered version of the late republic. Basic rules will need to be adhered to, but not too closely. Nothing beyond reason. The idea is to have fun, with minimal homework.

The Combat:

Before you read any further, one thing needs to be made clear. Having a character lose a match does not necessarily mean that said character has to die. In fact about 90% of the time a losing character will be allowed to fight another day, the only times this is not true are when the story calls for it and the character's player agrees to it. (Or if a player abandons the game and a character needs to be smoothly written out.)

All other aspects of the game will be freeform, what our characters do/how they do it/etc is entirely up to the players' and the GM's creative abilities. The only non-freeform portion of the game will be the gladiatorial matches themselves. These will be what is call "limited freeform" which is something I like to feel manages to take the risk/unpredictability of using a system to determine combat results without hampering creativity. This is achieved by creating a VERY simple system that is easy to get started with and requires no interaction from the players after character creation.

The System
For now, I'm leaning towards something simple. Basic stats will be assigned to a character in the character sheet (Health, defense, attack), with rolls alternating at attack and defense to take away from the health until one or the other runs out. At the end of the fight, the winner will be able to pick up one more point to add to their stats as they'd like. The rolls would all happen before the fight, and the writers involved will write out the results as they like. Either way, to retain the suspense for the rest of the players, the determination of the fight victor should be kept to PMs.

Gladiators of differing levels of skill will start out with different stats. The House Champion, for instance, would have higher stats than a regular gladiator, who would in turn have higher stats than the trainees.

The exception would be that if there are two player gladiators have a predetermined result in mind, in which case... have at it.

That said, this is still a work in progress, open to change and open to suggestions!

The Roles:

A basic layout of the roles that I'm looking for. Keeping to this list isn't required by any means, but keeping your character involved in the story would require them to be close to the Ludus, somehow.

Gracchus Family
Pater Familias: Titus Gracchus, by Deamonbane
Wife:
Son: Sextus Gracchus, by Vin26m. Open to Multiple Characters.
Daughter: Aurelia Gracchus, by Wicked Emi. Open to multiple characters.
More to be added, if someone wants to play some other role in the family.

House Slaves:
Head of House: Reserved by Riptide.
Medicus: Junia by Amelita
Blacksmith: Used for the crafting of various weapons and items required by the Dominus.
Looking for 3-4 more, of varying roles.

Gladiators
Doctore: Connal by Aiden
House Champion: Fausta by Sweets
Gladiators:
Aeneas, by Deamonbane
Cormac, by Vin26m
Looking for 3-4 more. Men and women who have proven themselves in the Test, and bear the mark of the house, and are available for selection in the city's various combat venues.
Gladiator trainees:
Looking for 3-4 characters. Recent acquisitions that have yet to prove themselves in the Test and do not bear the mark of the house.

Open to more roles, and keeping a limit on three characters per player. There is also a restriction of one character in each role per character (Someone can have one family member, one house slave and one gladiator, for instance.). Not set in stone, but a general rule of thumb.




If you have any questions/comments please feel free to post them (as well as characters if you'd like to play).
Angry Sex: Because it's Impolite to say," You pissed me off so much I wanna fuck your brains out..."

Deamonbane

Locations:

The Gracchus Villa



A sign of classy opulence to show the wealth of his family and the fortune in his endeavors without overly throwing it in the face of those that he might rely on to vote later, The Graccus family villa is a pleasant and hospitable place to live, with ample quarters for family and visitors alike. Room for festivities and displays of the prowess of the Gracchus gladiators, elegantly dressed up the the latest of fashion, art and beauty.

The Ludus



A small building narrowly connected to the villa, allowing for Graccus to keep watch over the training and housing of his gladiators. There are cells for them to be kept in underneath the balcony, along with a variety of training equipment and weapons. Each cell is kept under lock and key at night, with few exceptions, and access to the villa itself it kept restricted by heavy doors of well-crafted steel. The sands outside are meant to emulate that of the Arena.

The Arena



A massive construction to commemorate the sacrifices conducted within. Seating for thousands is provided as they are given spectacle of blood sports. Space for all sorts of events is made out, be it chariot racing, parades or battle recreations. The main draw, of course, are the storied contests between the gladiators provided by the storied ludi of the city of Rome. Life or death is granted by the editor of the games, and the crowd, barring the rare occasion of a declaration of 'Sine Missione', battles contested to the death.

The Pits



A place of blood and misery, the Pits are an underground fighting ring that many curse as lacking in the sportsmanship, rules and honor of combat in the arena. These same honorable folk are the ones that place coin in wager on these miserable fights. As they lack the draw of the arena, the editors of these fights are forced to come up with altered rules to entertain their more blood-thirsty crowd. It is a place where a great deal of money can be made if one survives, and is often used by Lannistae to show off their lesser-known fighters, in the hopes of them gaining attraction and brought up to fight in the Arena.



Character Sheets:

We'll be keeping these as simple as possible, with different sheets for gladiators, which include stats and the like.

Character Sheet Template

[center][font=georgia][size=12pt]Character Name[/size][/font][/center]

[float=right][img height=400 padding=10][/img][/float]

[b]Name:[/b]  Your Character's Name (titles included, if applicable)

[b]Age:[/b]  The age of your Character

[b]Occupation:[/b]  What does your character do for a living?

[b]Personality:[/b]  A short description of your character's personality.  Can be as short as five words, or a small paragraph.

[b]Appearance:[/b] A short description of your character's appearance.  Small paragraph, or a small listing of stats/features (i.e. height, weight/body type, piercings, etc).

[b]Face Claim:[/b]  Your character's face claim (if any)

[b]Short Biography:[/b]  A short biography on your character.  A small paragraph, or four bullet point minimum.

[b]Sexuality:[/b]  Your character's sexuality, or their preference, as well as their sexual interests.

[b]Other Info:[/b]  Anything you think might be important to be known about your character.


Example
Titus Gracchus


Name:  Titus Flavius Gracchus, Pater Familias

Age:  43

Occupation:  Lannista and business owner

Personality:  Gracchus is a greedy man, above all else. He wants to be admired and adored, and longs for the comforts and position of political office. For now though, he is one of the most successful lannistas of the city, with his gladiators in high demand. He loves his family dearly, and treats his slaves with care, though is not known for sparing the rod when required. He is not a delicate man, speaking his mind openly and with whomever he pleases, placing honor and courage as the highest traits to be attained by any man or woman.

Appearance: He is marked by a couple of scars on his arms and chest, reminders of his time campaigning in Gaul. He is a tall man at six feet four inches, standing lean and not lacking in power. Dark hair contraast his striking blue eyes, making him not unattractive, while still lacking in some qualities to keep him from being considered classically handsome.

Face Claim: Simon Merrells

Short Biography:

  • Born to the honorable name of Gracchus. He was a middle child, and was thus forced to contest for position in the eyes of his honorable father.
  • Sent off at a young age to serve in the Roman Army, he rose to the position of Tribune before retiring. He invested his own money into founding a ludus, and using the gladiator slaves that he acquired while still in Gaul, made a name for himself as an able business manager as well as a strong leader.
  • Titus made many friends while serving in the army, and a handful of them have been pressing him to leave the running of a ludus to someone he trusted. He turned away from such desires, leaving the politics to his elder brothers
  • However, when his father died, leaving no clear heir to the man's rather expansive estate, he decided that he might just contest his elder siblings, not only for the wealth, but for position as well

Sexuality:  Bisexual

Other Info:  N/A


Character Sheet Template - Gladiators

[center][font=georgia][size=12pt]Character Name[/size][/font][/center]

[float=right][img height=400 padding=10][/img][/float]

[b]Name:[/b]  Your Character's Name (titles included, if applicable)

[b]Gladiator Style:[/b] Select from list below. If non-othodoxam, please specify the weapons and styles used.

[b]Age:[/b]  The age of your Character

[b]Personality:[/b]  A short description of your character's personality.  Can be as short as five words, or a small paragraph.

[b]Appearance:[/b] A short description of your character's appearance.  Small paragraph, or a small listing of stats/features (i.e. height, weight/body type, piercings, etc).

[b]Face Claim:[/b]  Your character's face claim (if any)

[b]Short Biography:[/b]  A short biography on your character.  A small paragraph, or four bullet point minimum.

[b]Sexuality:[/b]  Your character's sexuality, or their preference, as well as their sexual interests.

[b]Stats:[/b] Each has a max value of 20. House champion has 36 points to spend. Gladiators have 30. Trainees start with 15, with 10 to be awarded for passing the Test.
[i]Attack:[/i]
[i]Defense:[/i]
[i]Health:[/i]

[b]Other Info:[/b]  Anything you think might be important to be known about your character.


Example
Aeneas the Greek


Name: Aeneas the Greek

Gladiator Style: Thraex

Age:  25

Personality:  Once a violent and unpredictable man, Aeneas has since learned to channel his aggressive nature against those that he is actually encouraged to fight. His humor is dry and sarcastic, usually at the expense of those around him, while he wears his weaknesses like an armor, openly owning to them. Any who know him well enough to reach under the loud abrasive surface find him to be quiet, intelligent, if a little angry.

Appearance: Aeneas is built lean and hard, standing at six feet even. His power comes from his speed and balance instead of brute strength. He has no tattos, but the scars that he bears are numerous, and as varied as their origins. His brown hair and beard are kept short. His eyes are slightly darker.

Face Claim:  Daniel Feuerriegel

Short Biography:

  • Hails from Greece, being born with a different name to a small farming family in Thebes.
  • Of a headstrong nature, he joined a small rebellion that grew to the point of destroying the local Roman legion and killing a governor. It was quickly quelled, however, and he was sent back to Rome a Slave.
  • Acquired for his skill as a warrior, and trained in a gladiator's ways. His true name was lost and changed when he reenacted the battle of Troy for a festival, of which he was the only survivor.
  • Is now known as Aeneas by the people of Rome, growing in popularity.

Sexuality:  Heterosexual

Stats:
Attack: 13
Defense: 7
Health: 10

Other Info: Hold his true name a secret, even before he was given one by the crowd of the Arena.

Please PM me the sheets. Feel free to post them in the interest check too!



Important info

Gladiator Types

Note that these styles aren't set in stone. They may be called upon to change their style for a particular event, or the gladiator may decide to change it to increase their own popularity.

Cestus

Cestus: Armed with plated/spiked gloves and boots. As well as metal gauntlets and shin guards. Wearing little to no armor the cestus style relies on natural strength and speed. In order to have success on the sand a cestus must focus on closing the distance with their opponent as quickly as possible, getting within the opponent's guard and using the shorter distance and time it takes to deliver a punch then the swing of a sword to their advantage. This style's strengths lie in offense at extremely close quarters where speed and raw power can make all the difference, and weapon type becomes less important.

Cestus gladiators rarely wear any form of armoring for their chests or heads and are expected to rely on their own skill and speed for defense from an enemy's attacks. Very popular in the pits, less so in the Arena.


Dimachaerus
Armed with two swords and also lightly armored. The dimachaerus style focuses on skilled use of the blade for both offense and defense. A dimachaerus must learn to know when attack, when to defend, when to advance and when to fall back. A skilled dimichareus is a master at knowing where to move and when to move there, as well as at countering an enemy's mistake to the fullest advantage.

For protection Dimachaerus gladiators often wear a Manica on one arm and can also wear a small chest plate. These items emphasize the style's reliance on the reaction speed and skill of the fighter in order to be made useful.


Hoplomachus
Armed with a one handed spear, a short sword, and a small circular shield in what is considered the 'Greek fashion" gladiators who fight in the Hoplomachus style are considered to be heavily armed and heavily armored. They are trained to advance cautiously, taking full advantage of the superior range their spear provides in order to force their opponent on the defensive. The best hoplomachi learn to instantly recognize when the time comes to abandon their spear and switch to their short sword.

They wear helmets, grieves, a manica, an occasionally a small chest plate for protection, making them one of the best protected gladiator fighting styles, though all this armor often comes at the cost of speed.


Laqueraius
Armed with only a lasso and sword, to the observer with little knowledge of the gladiatorial arts the laqueraius may appear disadvantaged against other styles. However much like the retiarius the laqueraius is trained and equipped to strip their enemy of his advantages and delver a killing blow to an opponent who eventually finds themselves with no weapon or defense against the laqueraius's blade. The style is focused on maintaining proper distance with their opponent and using the lasso to either disarm or trip their opponent, thus opening the path for the laqueraius to charge in with their sword and claim victory.

In keeping with the style's focus on movement and the laqueraius often only wears a manica for protection.

Lorarium
Armed with a whip, short sword, and small shield. The style of the lorarium is similar to a highly aggressive laqueraius. However where a laqueraius uses their lasso to entangle their opponent the lorarium uses their whip to throw the enemy onto the defensive, forcing them behind their shield or to attempt to block the whip with their blade as the lorarium advances in order to finish the battle with their own blade. A skilled lorarium will attempt to force their enemy to block or grasp at the whip in order to disarm their enemy or force him off balance with a quick pull of the whip once it has been caught.

For protection the lorarium must rely on their shield and speed, as this style often wears little to no armor.

Murmillo
Armed with a sword and large square shield in 'legionary fashion' the murmillo is equally effective on defense as on offense. A murmillo can advance slowly behind their shield or charge in to close the distance quickly, as the situation calls. A skilled murmillo knows that their greatest strength lies in their ability to switch from offense to defense at a moments notice in order to blunt an enemy's attack or take advantage of a weak defense.

In addition to a shield murmillo gladiators wear a manica on their sword arm, large protective helmets, and a grieve on their forward leg.


Retiarius
Armed with a net, trident, and dagger the retarius is a style which focuses on forcing their opponent to the ground in disarray in order to delver the killing blow. Their greatest asset is the net and its ability, when used well, to entangle, hinder, and trip the retarius's opponent. The combination of net and trident allows the retarius to be most effective at long and moderate ranges while the dagger allows them to avoid being totally defenseless in close quarters.

The retiarius wears a manica for protection when attacked.


Scissor
Armed with a sword and a specialized weapon unique to the scissor fighting style. An effective scissor must make use of their specialized weapon, taking advantage of it's hooked blade to tie up the weapon of their opponent while the design of its grip insures that the scissor will not be the one who is disarmed by such a situation. Scissors are trained to trust and block with their scissor blade while reserving the sword to parry a well placed strike by the enemy or deliver well placed strikes of their own when they have successfully tied up their enemy's primary weapon.

To accommodate the style's reliance on being attacked before being fully effective the scissor is heavily armored, often wearing a manica on the arm not protected by his weapon, a helmet, a and chest plate.


Thraex
Armed with a small shield and curved Thracian sword. The thraex style has much in common with the murmillo, but focuses on further balancing speed as well as attack and defense. The key to a successful career as a thraex is to know which opponents must be met with defense, aggression, or evasion. As the thraex style is equally suited to any such attempt.

Like the murmillo the thraex also wears a large protective helmet, a grieve on their foreleg, and a manica on their sword arm to aid in the use of their shield for defense.

Velites
Armed with three throwing spears, a short sword, and shield. With similar weapons to a legionary skirmisher the velites style is meant to use its ability to attack from range to its advantage, throwing its spears at the opponent in order to injure or weaken them before closing in for use of their sword and shield. The velites focuses on quick movement and accurate tosses of the spear.

In keeping with its light style the velites wears only a light helmet, which many gladiators choose not to wear at all for what little defensive ability it provides.


Magistri Belua
Armed with a short sword and assisted by trained animals, a magistri belua is considered quite exotic and is often a rare sight within the games. The key to the magistri's success is proper training of what ever beast they will take into the area and knowing how to exploit the distraction said beast provides in order to advance and delver the finishing blow with their blade. The most common animals used by a magistri are dogs, and birds of prey, but other more exotic animals have also been known to be used.

The magistri belua makes use of only a helmet for protection.


Non Orthodoxam
Armed with their own native/cultural weaponry. Those gladiators classified as Non Orthodoxam are warriors who's native fighting style is considered interesting or exotic enough to warrant being displayed in the games. They can be anything from marauding celts, to numidian spearmen.

FAQ

Where will the game be placed on E?
Considering the content, it will be placed in extreme small groups. Extreme content isn't a requirement, of course, but I would like to keep that particular door open.

What are the rules of the game? To keep things simple, leave drama at the door, no characters younger than 18, and in general just be respectful of your fellow players. While time will be fluid in the game, you will expected to keep track of the time and place that your characters are in scenes for, and please leave calenders open for GM events. We will be using tags in this game to help with that and other items. As always REAL LIFE COMES FIRST. There will some time constraint for GM events, especially fights, but other than that, post as quickly or slowly as you please. If there are any other rules that you want to be added, please don't hesitate to ask.

Will the setting be historical? We will be following a heavily dramatized version of the late Roman republic, but so long as it's within reason, have at it! I do maintain the right to veto ideas, though. Hashtag GM powers!

What about images/faceclaims? Nothing too restrictive, though E rules obviously apply. Facelaims are not required, though they are helpful. I'd ask for no anime images for characters, and to avoid overly modern images. Other than that, have at it. Oh, and we'll be respecting faceclaims by the different players as well.
WIP
Angry Sex: Because it's Impolite to say," You pissed me off so much I wanna fuck your brains out..."

Amelita



RP Etiquette ~ Tumblr ~ Mumbler
~ There is nothing to writing; all you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed ~
Ons & Offs ~ Post Tracker ~ Ladies in Red

Deamonbane

Angry Sex: Because it's Impolite to say," You pissed me off so much I wanna fuck your brains out..."

sweets


GnothiSeauton

If I can't have you, my love...  I'll destroy you
~World Building Workshop ~ Current Ideas and Requests  ~
~ Preferences ~ Status  ~ Nightmares and Inspirations~
~Gnothi's Stories Without Homes~
A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies... The man who never reads lives only one.

Seeking New Stories


Deamonbane

Gnothi! Sweets! Thanks for the interest!

I'll be putting up Character sheet and scenario info shortly! Stay tuned!
Angry Sex: Because it's Impolite to say," You pissed me off so much I wanna fuck your brains out..."

RipTide


Posting Rate = 1-2 posts/story/week

What Does a Siren Crave? === What Does a Siren Prefer?

Deamonbane

Angry Sex: Because it's Impolite to say," You pissed me off so much I wanna fuck your brains out..."

Amarlo


Seduce my mind and my body will follow.
Amarlo's O&Os
Absences and Apologies

Wicked Emi


RipTide

I may call dibs on the Head of House and/or a daughter if there's room for multiple.

Posting Rate = 1-2 posts/story/week

What Does a Siren Crave? === What Does a Siren Prefer?

Aiden

Doctore checking in, deciding between Russel Crow (Gladiator) and Michael Michael Fassbender (Centurion) for face claim.

Amelita

Jenna Lind will be my faceclaim.
I'm assuming Medicus needs to be male, so I'm adding a lovely pretty house slave to the mix.
I think.
Unless the Medicus can be female xD


RP Etiquette ~ Tumblr ~ Mumbler
~ There is nothing to writing; all you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed ~
Ons & Offs ~ Post Tracker ~ Ladies in Red


Deamonbane

The medicus can absolutely be a woman.

I'll mark the characters down as reserved. I'll try to get some character sheets up tonight :)

Edit: Oh, and multiples are allowed, and encouraged!
Angry Sex: Because it's Impolite to say," You pissed me off so much I wanna fuck your brains out..."

stormwyrm

Interesting. Is Titus Gracchus supposed to be in some way related to the historical Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus? The grandsons of Scipio Africanus, they distinguished themselves in the Third Punic War, and around the late 2nd century BC they tried to introduce reforms that would confiscate some lands from the aristocracy and give them to the urban poor, among other populist measures. They were both assassinated for their efforts. Might be an interesting wrinkle if it happens in that time period, with Titus's rabble-rousing relatives causing trouble in the background. It's about fifty years before Spartacus's time though.

In any case I might be interested to play some gladiator if I have the time...
If there is such a phenomenon as absolute evil, it consists in treating another human being as a thing.
O/OA/A, Requests

Amelita

Quote from: Deamonbane on December 20, 2018, 11:04:11 AM
The medicus can absolutely be a woman.

I'll mark the characters down as reserved. I'll try to get some character sheets up tonight :)

Edit: Oh, and multiples are allowed, and encouraged!

Yay! Medicus it is ^^


RP Etiquette ~ Tumblr ~ Mumbler
~ There is nothing to writing; all you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed ~
Ons & Offs ~ Post Tracker ~ Ladies in Red

Wicked Emi


Deamonbane

Quote from: stormwyrm on December 20, 2018, 11:23:11 AM
Interesting. Is Titus Gracchus supposed to be in some way related to the historical Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus? The grandsons of Scipio Africanus, they distinguished themselves in the Third Punic War, and around the late 2nd century BC they tried to introduce reforms that would confiscate some lands from the aristocracy and give them to the urban poor, among other populist measures. They were both assassinated for their efforts. Might be an interesting wrinkle if it happens in that time period, with Titus's rabble-rousing relatives causing trouble in the background. It's about fifty years before Spartacus's time though.

In any case I might be interested to play some gladiator if I have the time...
That connection was what I was going for, but again, this isn't going to be that centered on historical accuracy. If you would like to include that history into your character/s, that's awesome and I'll try to keep up as much as possible, but it's absolutely not required.
Angry Sex: Because it's Impolite to say," You pissed me off so much I wanna fuck your brains out..."

Amarlo


Seduce my mind and my body will follow.
Amarlo's O&Os
Absences and Apologies

Deamonbane

Of course :) I imagine that they would be working close with the house medicus?
Angry Sex: Because it's Impolite to say," You pissed me off so much I wanna fuck your brains out..."

Amarlo


Seduce my mind and my body will follow.
Amarlo's O&Os
Absences and Apologies

Deamonbane



Character sheets and other important info have been added to the second post of this thread!
Angry Sex: Because it's Impolite to say," You pissed me off so much I wanna fuck your brains out..."