Patrons (CGH)

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On Athas, most gladiators are slaves, although there are a few freemen and volunteers among the ranks. However, without owners to sponsor them, the few freemen tend to be constantly outclassed by their opponents, and at a severe disadvantage in the ring. This is where the patrons enter the picture.
The patrons offer training and housing in return for no less than 50% of the free gladiator s earnings and the companionship of the gladiator. Airy other terms must be agreed upon by the two involved, but the gladiator should be warned that the rich folk can get out of most of their deals by wagging a purse in front of a templar, and the gladiator will be able to do nothing thereafter.
Since most gladiators reach their prospective clients before the clients have a chance to obtain great funds on their own, they can find little harm in receiving patronage. The patron and the gladiator both profit from the arrangement, for the gladiator finally has access to the training slave gladiators use regularly.
The patron, on the other hand, can help the gladiator along on his path to glory and claim a key role in doing so. Also, because of the agreement they had before the patron began aiding the gladiator, the patron can associate himself with the gladiator, thus associating himself with success in the eyes of his comrades.
There are many different kinds of patrons, but the following list includes several sample types:
* The Lazy, Poor Patron: This is someone who had a small bit of cash, enough to sponsor the gladiator for a time, hoping the gladiator would hit it big. Although he takes no part in promoting the interests of the gladiator, he is eager to take the credit for the gladiator's success. They rarely stay with the gladiator for long; most of the arena warriors get rid of these fellows in one way or another after a few weeks.
* The Energetic, Poor Patron: This sort of patron, while just as poor as the previous example, is willing to publicize her client around the city, if necessary by dragging people to events in which the gladiator appears. She not only wants to profit from the gladiator, she wants to make it an acquaintance of mutual benefit. She will approach complete strangers and speak to them about the potential of her gladiator. She and the PC can form a long, fruitful relationship, both gaining from the other.
* The Lazy, Rich Patron: This sort of patron is the sort who the Lazy, Poor Patron emulates. She is either independently wealthy, or got lucky with a few of her choices for patronage long ago, and continues to capitalize on that success. It is very hard to get rid of such a patron, but the gladiator would be best served by doing so if he ever wants to see credit for his victories.
* The Energetic, Rich Patron: This is, ideally, the logical outgrowth of the Energetic, Poor Patron, someone whose verve has captured success for them. In practice, it is generally someone who was wealthy enough before he began patronage to support himself, a young noble who is looking to have a few larks in a way different from that of his peers. He will promote the gladiator among his friends, showing off his new toy for their amusement. Once the thrill of that has gotten old, he discards the gladiator to the streets.