Overview

Gladiator is a detailed man-to-man hex-based wargame simulating gladiatorial combat in a Roman arena. Originally published by Battleline in 1979 as part of the Circus Maximus boxed set, it was later published separately by Avalon Hill in 1981. Each player creates a gladiator by allocating points across training, strength, agility, constitution, combat skills, and armor. Gladiators then fight in the arena using a hex grid map with tactical movement and combat. The basic game features secutors (sword and shield), while the advanced game adds retiarii (net and trident).

Components

• 1 hex grid map (16” x 11”, representing the arena)
• 12 gladiator counters with plastic stands
• Gladiator record sheets (for tracking stats and damage)
• Dice
• Rules booklet

Setup

1. Place the hex grid arena map between the two players.
2. Each player creates their gladiator using a pool of points:
   • Allocate points to: Training, Strength, Agility, Constitution, Combat capabilities, and Armor
   • In the basic game, all gladiators are secutors (armed with gladius sword and scutum shield)
   • In the advanced game, retiarii (armed with net and trident) are also available
3. Record allocations on the gladiator record sheet.
4. Place gladiator counters on starting positions in the arena.

Turn Structure

Players alternate turns. Each turn:

1. Movement Phase

Move your gladiator on the hex grid. Movement allowance depends on agility and encumbrance (armor weight). Each hex costs 1 movement point; turning costs vary.

2. Combat Phase

If adjacent to an opponent, you may attack:

• Declare attack type (thrust, swing, etc.)
• Resolve attack: Compare attack value (based on weapon skill + training + dice roll) against defense value (based on agility + shield + armor + dice roll).
• If the attack hits, determine damage location (body part) and severity.

3. Record Damage

Track wounds and fatigue on the record sheet. Wounds reduce capabilities; accumulated damage can incapacitate or kill a gladiator.

Actions

Attack Types

• Thrust: Sword thrust at specific body area. Moderate damage, moderate difficulty.
• Swing: Wide sword swing. Higher damage potential, easier to defend.
• Net Throw (Advanced): Retiarius throws net to entangle opponent. Entangled gladiators suffer movement and combat penalties.
• Trident Attack (Advanced): Long-reach attack unique to retiarii.

Defense

• Active defense: Using shield to block (requires facing toward attacker)
• Dodge: Spend movement points to evade
• Armor: Passive damage reduction based on armor type and hit location

Special Maneuvers

• Shield bash: Push opponent back
• Disarm: Attempt to knock weapon from opponent’s hand
• Feint: Mislead opponent about attack direction

Fatigue

Gladiators accumulate fatigue from movement and combat. High fatigue reduces combat effectiveness. Rest (not attacking) reduces fatigue.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

Win: Defeat (kill or incapacitate) your opponent’s gladiator in the arena.

Campaign Mode: When combined with Circus Maximus, gladiators can survive multiple fights, gaining experience and fame.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

Gladiator Types (Advanced)

| Type | Weapons | Armor | Style | |——|———|——-|——-| | Secutor | Gladius (sword), Scutum (large shield) | Heavy | Close combat, defensive | | Retiarius | Trident, Net | Light/none | Ranged, mobility |

Point Allocation

Gladiator creation is the game’s core strategic decision before combat begins. A balanced gladiator is versatile; a specialized one is powerful in certain situations but vulnerable in others.

Net Mechanics (Advanced)

The retiarius can throw the net to entangle the secutor. An entangled gladiator must spend turns freeing themselves, during which the retiarius attacks with the trident.

Hex Facing

Gladiators have a facing direction on the hex grid. Attacks from the side or rear are harder to defend. Managing facing is tactically important.

Constitution and Endurance

Constitution determines how much damage a gladiator can absorb. Low constitution gladiators are glass cannons; high constitution fighters can outlast opponents.

Player Reference

Turn: Movement -> Combat -> Record damage

Gladiator Stats: Training, Strength, Agility, Constitution, Combat, Armor

Combat: Attack value vs. Defense value. Hit -> Determine location -> Apply damage.

Key Numbers: | Item | Value | |——|——-| | Players | 2 | | Map | 16” x 11” hex grid | | Gladiator counters | 12 | | Basic gladiator type | Secutor (sword + shield) | | Advanced gladiator type | Retiarius (net + trident) |