The material below is Open Game Content from Legendary Blades
GLADIATOR’S RESPONSE
Of all the world’s legendary swords, gladiator’s response is perhaps the most famous. It first appeared in the hands of Thara-Sool, a prize fighter from the hinterlands of Kesh, known for his daring maneuvers and flamboyant style. The coliseum was his playground and he reigned undefeated for two decades, finally retiring in style to a seaside villa.
His sword disappeared after his death. Since then it occasionally appears in the hands of men and women with fighting styles similar to those employed by Thara-Sool. Gladiator’s response works best when the wielder attempts dangerous tricks in combat such as disarming an opponent or tumbling past one foe to get to another, and grants bonuses to encourage such action. As a weapon designed for coliseum matches it also inflicts greater damage on animals and strange beasts, since gladiators often pit themselves against such creatures for the crowd’s enjoyment.
The origin of gladiator’s response is unknown. A few surmise a wealthy patron bestowed it upon Thara-Sool so he could win matches more easily and ensure the patron profited from bets he placed upon the fighter. Others say the weapon absorbed a portion of Thara-Sool’s daring and courageous personality after years of accompanying the gladiator into the arena.
REQUIREMENTS
To successfully wield gladiator’s response to its fullest potential, a character must fulfill the following requirements.
Abilities Charisma 13+
Feats Combat Expertise
Skills Acrobatics 4 ranks or Bluff 4 ranks
| Weapon Level | Wielder Minimum Level | Abilities |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | — | +1 short sword |
| 2nd | 4th | Eagle’s splendor (3/day) |
| 3rd | 6th | Showman |
| 4th | 8th | +2 animal bane short sword |
| 5th | 10th | Arena fighter +2 |
| 6th | 12th | Flamboyant maneuvers |
| 7th | 14th | +2 animal bane magical beast bane short sword |
| 8th | 16th | Arena fighter +4 |
| 9th | 18th | Freedom (1/day) |
| 10th | 20th | +3 animal bane magical beast bane short sword |
Arena Fighter (Su) The wielder of gladiator’s response becomes a duelist without peer. When he engages in melee combat and no other allies are within 10 feet of him, he adds a +2 bonus to his attack rolls and AC (but not his flat-footed AC). These bonuses increase to +4 at 8th level.
Eagle’s Splendor (Sp) The wielder may use eagle’s splendor three times per day.
Flamboyant Maneuvers (Su) Gladiator’s response allows the wielder to add his Charisma modifier to his CMB and CMD.
Freedom (Sp) The wielder may use freedom once per day.
Showman (Su) The wielder of gladiator’s response adds his Charisma modifier to all Acrobatics, Climb, Escape Artist, Fly and Ride skill checks.
