Apache vs. Gladiator: Edges

EDGES

 vs 

Weapons

Long Range:

Bow vs. Verutum

This edge is obvious to the point where it’s probably worth not going over, but I’ll touch on it anyway. The bow has a greater range, a greater rate of fire, and is wielded with more skill the Eques’ verutum. The only advantage the Verutum MIGHT have is causing more damage due to its metal head, and even this is very debatable considering how much more velocity the bow will have. Major edge for Apache.

Mid Range:

Apache Spear vs Hasta, Fascina

Another edge that should require little explanation. Either of the gladiator weapons alone outclass the apache spear, and combined it is an overwhelming advantage. The hasta has about the same reach as the Apache spear, and its metal point should cause a lot more damage than the Apache’s flint one. The Fascina, while a little shorter than the Apache spear, has three points instead of one, barbs, and is metal, which altogether creates a weapon devastating enough to make up for a couple inches of reach. When combined with the net, it’s no contest. Major edge gladiator

Short Range:

Tomahawk, War Club vs Gladius, Sica

Finally, a category where there is some debate to be had. Let’s start with the worst of the bunch, the war club. It’s not a bad club, but there is a reason man abandoned clubs for swords and axes thousands of years ago. The only way this weapon can score a kill is via a shot to the head, which will be almost impossible against the gladiator’s thick helmets. Even blows to the limbs will be severely hampered by the ocrea and manicae. The most vulnerable part of the gladiator is the torso, the one area of the body where the war club will struggle greatly to score effective hits. Basically, this matchup comes down to tomahawk vs the gladiator’s swords. Both swords have a bit of reach on the tomahawk in hand to hand, and can be used to stab and slash, as opposed to the strictly chopping tomahawk. They are also more likely to kill with any given hit due to their longer blades, and the apache will not be prepared for the sica’s ability to hook around their shield. The tomahawks biggest advantage is that it can be thrown, giving it much more effective range than the other two weapons. This is the only real advantage of the tomahawk though. The gladius and sica get the edge, because they have a better chance of a kill and are more versatile.

Special Weapons

Knife vs Spatha, Pugio

This is a difficult category, just because of the differences between the weapons. The knife is obviously a step up from the pugio. It is more versatile, is used with more skill, and is longer. A pretty solid advantage altogether. The spatha vs knife is trickier. The Spatha is obviously the superior hand to hand weapon, but the knife can be thrown and the Apache will be carrying a lot more of them. In the end, more for sheer volume than anything else, the Apache get a narrow edge in this category.

Armor

Head

Helmet vs nothing

Not much description needed here. The gladiator has something, the Apache doesn’t. The Apache may get a point or two for keeping their senses uninhibited, and the gladiator’s helmet will not get a perfect score because it impairs the senses so much, but this is a pretty solid edge for the gladiator.

Body

Leather shirt vs Balteus, Gorget

The average Apache is actually very slightly better off than the average gladiator here. Both the balteus and the leather shirt provide minimal resistance, but at least the Apache’s minimal resistance is covering his entire body. What tips this in the Gladiators favor is the gorget. While only one of them will be wearing it, the gorget is so vastly superior in terms of protection that it will still get the gladiators an edge, even though a much narrower one than they would probably like.

Arms

Nothing vs Manicae

Pretty self explanatory. Something is pretty significantly better than nothing. Edge gladiator

Legs

Breechcloths  vs Ocrea, Fascia

Same as above. Gladiator takes it.

Shields

Animal Hide vs Scutum, Parma, Cavalry Shield

The buffalo hide shield of the Apache is light, and remarkably durable for something constructed out hide. With this in mind though, it is just behind the gladiator’s shields in terms of technology, plain and simple. Against just the parma and cavalry shield it may stand a chance, since it covers about the same area, is more mobile, and I don’t think durability will be a huge issue in a 5 on 5 fight. It doesn’t stand up to the scutum however. The scutum is going to render the Apache’s most effective weapon, the bow, almost useless from the front, and the Apache’s don’t really have a weapon that can get around the scutum in hand to hand combat. This gives the gladiators the edge.

Blocking

The Apache are pretty skilled in this area, mostly with the knife. Unfortunately, a 12 inch knife made of bone or stone will have a lot of trouble blocking any of the gladiator’s weapons. It could work against the sica and MAYBE the gladius, but it’s very limited. The gladiator’s swords, while rarely used to block, can do it pretty effectively if the warrior chooses to. The fascina and the net it’s used with will be by far the best blocking tool in the gladiators arsenal, trapping weapons in the tridents prongs and entangling weapons in the net. In the end, the gladiators get the edge, because while the Retiarius is the only one who really blocks much in practice, all the gladiators at least have the ability to, which I think is more than can be said for the Apache with their primitive knives.

Intangibles

Tactics

The Apache’s tactics were extremely successful throughout their history. They are designed to take advantage of their strengths (range and mobility) and only entering hand to hand combat when numbers are on their side will work greatly to their advantage, since one on one, hand to hand is where the gladiators are in the best position. As for the gladiators, their emphasize on closing in is a good thing, considering their weapons, and while it may work well for some of the more lightly armored gladiators, the more heavily armored ones like the Samnite and Provocator will have a lot of trouble chasing the Apache down. This tactic will be effective if it can be implemented, but it unfortunately will not be able to most of the time because of the Apache’s vastly superior mobility. Also, the gladiator’s habit of disabling an opponent rather than killing them will do nothing but hurt them in this fight. Sure, they may be pretty good at it, but the Apache are pretty good at actually killing. The Apache hit and run style and rapid strikes are well suited to their opponent, and while the gladiator’s tactic can be effective, it is much more limited and simplistic. Big edge Apache.

Teamwork/Cohesion

Straightforward. While Apache organization may not rival that of the Romans or Mongols, it’s proven pretty effective in the past, while the gladiators have no experience in group fighting. The Apache’s squad level organization is perfect for this kind of fight, and it nets them a sizable edge.

Morale

The gladiator and the Apache are both almost too varied in this department to judge. The gladiator was in many respects a prisoner, but there was a certain sense of pride and respect in what they did, and a few did volunteer because they loved to fight. The Apache on the other hand, had raids which they treated as commonplace as farming, and they had rarer warfare, which anyone with even a minimal knowledge of the Apache Wars knows entitles an incredible amount of persistence. In an average situation, the difference between an apache and a gladiator would actually be quite minimal, but even the most motivated gladiator probably can’t match an Apache at war, and because of that the Apache get the edge, albeit a narrow one.

Training

The Apache’s formal training is limited, while the majority of the gladiator’s time was devoted to training. The argument could be made that the Apache’s training was a little more practical, since it was largely hands on unlike the simulated fighting the gladiator practiced, but this is not enough to prevent he gladiator from getting the edge here.

Experience

While both warriors have had a good deal of experience, neither has really prepared them for their coming opponent in the slightest. The Apache has never faced an opponent with armor, metal, or swords. The gladiator has most likely never faced an opponent with the Apache’s hit and run tactics and emphasize on ranged warfare. The gladiators experience is also mostly in the amphitheatre, not a traditional battlefield. Both sides have shown a degree of adaptability in their history though, the Apache quickly adapting to the Spanish technology and tactics, and the gladiators surprising successes in the Third Servile War, where Spartacus led them in rebellion, showing a degree of adaptability as well. So if quality of experience is the same, pretty low, then one must look at amount, and here things become clearer. An average gladiator would be considered a veteran if he fought three years in the arena, while an Apache would be fighting his whole life. The Apache gets the edge, because they will possess veterans with more fighting experience than the gladiators can hope to match.

Physical Traits

Both the gladiator and the apache are about the same height, so there will be no major advantage there. The gladiator, due to his constant physical training, will probably be physically stronger and maybe slightly faster in a sprint, even though this will be more than offset by their armor. The apache’s biggest advantage will be their endurance, which is light years ahead of the gladiators. Because of the significant advantage in this area, and some of the gladiator’s advantages being neutralized by their armor, the Apache earn a narrow edge.

Mobility

No explanation needed. Apaches in a walk. 

Gladiator Profile

Finally done! Edges will be next.

A Brief History of the Gladiator

The Gladiator has become as much a symbol of Ancient Rome as the legion and Julius Caesar, if not more so. Rome considered the first gladiators to be a group of slaves forced to fight to the death at the funeral of esteemed aristocrat Junius Brutus Pera in 264 B.C. The popularity of these battles for an audience would increase, until by the time of the late republic these men, the gladiators, had become role models and sex symbols as much as any modern athlete. An example of this was Marcus Attilius, a rookie fighter who became a celebrity after defeating two warriors with over 10 wins to their names in his first two fights.These fights were huge affairs, with bands playing, fans supporting their favorite warriors, and all the aristocracy of Rome in attendance.  The different gladiators were technically based on different warriors from around Europe, but as time went on they became more sterotyped and less based on any real fighter. Fights would usually be between two traditional opponents, such as the Murmillo and Retiurius, but their were exceptions like when the Colosseum of Rome was flooded and a navel battle was fought. 

The Colosseum, also known the the Flavian Amphitheatere, was completed in 80 A.D during the reign of Titus. 

 Women gladiators fought as well, until 200 CE when Alexander Severus outlawed it. Some criticism of the games did arise, for both reasons of morality and taste. Emperor Marcus Aurelius, a philosopher as much as a ruler, considered the games boring, even though that did not stop him from funding them extensively to placate the upper class of Rome who had made the games into an important part of their culture. His son, Commodus, with a drinking, sex-crazed lifestyle about as far removed from his father as possible, took a very different approach toward the games. He participated in many fights, with his opponents all submitting quickly, for understandable reasons. He would also kill exotic animals, once famously threatened the Senate by killing an ostrich in front of them and presenting them with its severed head. So yeah, kinda crazy. 

The Gladiators began fading from prominence in the 4th century, being replaced by theatrical plays as the Roman citizens favorite form of entertainment. They were banned by the Christian Emperor Theodosius in 393, and while they would survive for a while after this, the ban would essentially mark the end of the era of the Roman Gladiator. 

A clarifying point

As I said in the above description, the gladiators were not one group, but rather made up of several different classes of warriors. To try and make this more authentic than Deadliest Warrior’s composite gladiator, I will have 5 different types of gladiator at this fight, reflecting the variety of weapons a gladiator might wield. I’ve tried to mix them up as much as possible, and while this means a few of the most popular types may not make it in I believe this will show the greatest variety. If there’s a type of gladiator that you think is really worth of inclusion that I left out, say something in the comments and if you make a good case I might include them.

The Retiarius, literally meaning net fighter, would go into combat with little armor, but a unique set of weapons. They were one of the later types of gladiator to develop, first appearing in the 1^st century.

The Samnite were based off the warriors of Samnium, and wielded similar equipment and weapons. While very popular in the late republic, they began to fall out of favor in the first century due to Samnium becoming a more established part of the Roman Empire.

The Tharaex’s weapons and fighting style was modeled off the warriors of Thrace. He would usually fight the Murmillo, a warrior who fought with Roman weapons.

One of the lesser known types of gladiators, an Eques is being included mainly because he’s one of the only types of gladiators to bring a long range weapon to the fight. They would open battle on horseback, and after skirmishing with their opponent, would dismount and continue the fight on foot.

The Provocator’s weapons and armor are very loosely based on that of a Roman legionary. They are by far the best armored warrior for the gladiators. 

Weapons

Long Range

Verutum

 

This Roman javelin would be used to skirmish by Eques before they engaged in hand to hand combat. The verutum is short, a little over a yard long, and very light. Not terrible as far as a javelin goes, but it will struggle to compete with the Apache bow.

The Eques is the only person who will be carrying these, and he’ll have just two.

Mid Range

Fascina/Net

More commonly well known as the trident or harpoon, the fascina is the main weapon of the Retiarius. It provided a good deal of reach, about 5 feet 9 inches for those Americans not inclined to translate the centimeters in the above picture, with about 9 inches of that the metal head. The fascina was designed to match the characterization of the Retiarius as a fisherman, as the trident was the symbol of the Sea God Neptune, and was used for spearing fish. One of the most important aspects of the fascina was the net used with it.

A Retiarius using his net against a Secutor, his traditional opponent.

This circular net could be used to entangle, entrap, or trip an opponent, and Retiarius’s entire style of fighting is built around using this in conjunction with the fascina. It had a pretty wide mesh, and was about 3 yards in diameter. It’s ability to disable opponents is going to make the fascina MUCH more effective.

Hasta

This long spear or lance was a weapon used by many types of gladiators, including the Samnite and Provocator on occasion. The spear was used exclusively for thrusting, it was never thrown. Most used in the gladiatorial arena would be a little shorter than the one pictured above, somewhere around 6 feet in length. This weapon was used for a time by the Roman army, but by the early Empire it was only used rarely by auxiliaries. This won’t necessarily be the primary weapon for the Samnite or the Provocator, they are both armed with effective swords, but the reach and damaging potential of this weapon could cause it to have a large effect on the coming fight.

Short Range

Gladius

This weapon is one of the reasons Rome controlled almost all of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East during the height of the gladiators. This was the standard weapon of the Roman legionary, and they used this weapon with brutal efficiency and a simple but effective fighting style. The gladius was also one of the defining weapons of the gladiator, common throughout their history and used by several types, including the Samnite and the Provocator. There’s nothing fancy about it, it’s technique is pretty much limited to a stab around the edge of the gladiator’s shield, but history has without a doubt demonstrated its worth as a weapon.

Sica

A Tharaex wielding his weapon of choice. The curve on this weapon would vary, from the more moderate one here to blades approaching 90 degree angles. 

This curved short sword is the primary weapon of the Thraex. The sica may not be as efficient as the gladius, but its curved blade has the potential to cause some ugly and devastating injuries. The Thraex was one of the more lightly armored gladiators, so the curved blade of the sica helped level the playing field between him and his more heavily armored foes by stabbing around his opponent’s shields. Another way the weapon was utilized was hooking under his opponents helmets, burying the blade into their chin. With the exception of these two strikes however, the sica is primarily a slashing weapon. Its only real disadvantage is that because of the curve and the slashing style it is used with, the sica is pretty easy to block. This weapon, despite being used by only one type of gladiator, has become one of their most iconic weapons. It was also used in warfare in Thrace and Dacia.

A Thraex, on the left, wielding a sica with a more pronounced curve.

Special Weapon

Spatha

This early on, the Spatha would probably have carried less of a point and been pretty exclusively for slashing.

By beginning of the first century, the Spatha had started to appear in the Roman Empire, mostly wielded by Germanic auxiliaries. This sword was more meaningful in the late Roman Empire, when the influence of Germanic tribes caused the Spatha to replace the gladius not only among the Roman legionaries but in the Gladiatorial arena. The gladiators in this fight are from the the early Imperial Age, so only the Eques, armed as a cavalryman, will be carrying one. The weapon has a lot more reach than the gladius, with about a 30 inch blade. 

Pugio


While not a bad dagger by any means, the pugio will not have much of an impact on this fight. Designed primarily for stabbing, the pugio is a pretty effective slasher as well. It is also, unlike the Apache's knives, a weapon of complete last resort for the gladiator, and won't be taken out unless their back is really against the wall. Training with it will also be less than their primary weapons. 








Armor


Head
Helmets


While not quite uniform, there are enough similarities between these helmets that I think they can be covered as one group. These helmets are extremely strong, and if they can regularly turn back strikes from iron swords they should have little problem with the weapons the Apache wields. They covered almost the entire head and even most the neck, only leaving a visor for the gladiator to see from and even this usually provided some protection. They were often decorated with crests or plumes. The gladiators were, after all, entertainers first and foremost. Their are some disadvantages however. The helmet is thick, and while this provides phenomenal protection it will slow the gladiator down. Also, peripheral vision, which will be helpful against the ambush loving Apache, will be almost non-existent.




Torso
Gorget

The average gladiator would enter battle completely bare chested, this being considered more impressive and making for quicker, more entertaining matches. One of the few exceptions to this was the Provocator, who wore a bronze gorget to cover their upper chest. While the length seems to vary, and the example here is one of the shorter ones, they seem to usually cut off somewhere around the nipples. It is constructed from brass and again I can't see any of the Apache weapons piercing it. If all five gladiators had this armor, it could drastically effect the fight, but as it stands the effect will be minimal. 


Balteus

That thing around his waist


The closest thing to torso armor the rest of the gladiators would have is the balteus, a wide leather sword belt.  This was a pretty universal part of gladiator attire, used both to hold swords and daggers and to keep their loincloths on. The bottom line is that it covers a small portion of the gladiator, and doesn't even do a particuarly effective job of that. Minimal benefit if any.


Arms
Manica 


This arm and wrist guard first started being used around 0 A.D, and could be constructed from metal, boiled leather, or just heavy padding. They became really commonplace in the arena during the 2nd century. While also used by the Roman army on occasions, most notably against the Dacians, it was mostly associated with the gladiators, to the point where some speculate that it is not shown on most sculptures of Roman soldiers because of its association with the low-class gladiators. It would protect the gladiators sword arm, usually their right one. 


Legs
Fascia

The leg binding on these men


The fascia was pretty basic, just padding on the legs of a gladiator. Cloth padding or leather could be used. They covered the legs from the knees down. The Eques and maybe the Retiarius will have this. It's not going to provide great protection, but its better than nothing.


Ocrea


These greaves would be constructed of metal or boiled leather. The Samnite will have one of these on his left leg, and the Tharaex and Provocator will both have two. 

It won't let me copy and paste i the imaget, but here is a good picture of a pair of ocrea in good condition. 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40041121@N08/5161994896/


Shields

The symbol would have been different, but otherwise this is pretty much the shield a few of the gladiators will bring to the fight.


While most gladiators carried shields, the form and function of them varied significantly. Most gladiators, including the Provocator and Samnite, will have used a scutum, the standard shield of the Roman army. While a little unwieldly in one on one combat, it covers almost all the gladiators body and is designed to be extremely durable. The Apache will struggle a lot to attack these two head on. The Eques will have a small, round cavalry shield with an iron boss. Pretty helpful for hand to hand combat, and will provide some protection from missiles. Lastly, the Tharaex used the parma, a metal shield, usually round but occasionally square. Decent sized, but not nearly as all encompassing as the scutum. 

A parma shield

Blocking
The three types of swords can all be used for this, even though only the spatha was really designed with this in mind. The Retiarius will probably be the best at blocking, as the fascina can catch an opponents weapons in its prongs and the net can block pretty much anything the Apache uses. With the exception of the Retiarius however, while these warriors may have weapons that can block effectively, it is simply not a huge part of their fighting style. They can do it if pressed, but the shield is relied on a lot more on defense. 








Intangibles

Tactics

The tactics of the Gladiator was defined by the conditions of their battles, one on one. Their weapons were more or less all hand to hand, and they will try to close in and fight in this familiar territory as soon as possible. Even the Eques with his verutum was trained to expend this quickly before beginning the more exciting close quarters combat. When here, most of the gladiators except for the trident wielding Retiarius will close in to the point where the Apache’s mid range, and maybe even close range weapons will be ineffective. The gladius and sica are both short weapons that can be used to stab and need almost no room to maneuver. Roman painting of gladiatorial combat show them getting right in each other’s face, to the point where some of them are clinching like boxers, and this same style of combat will most likely be used here. Specific tactics will vary between types of gladiators, but overall this emphasize on quickly closing in should be consistent, especially considering the unarmored, long range focused warrior they will be fighting. Beyond this though, the gladiator does not have much in the way of tactics. Battles for gladiators were straight up, head to head affairs and this is what they will have prepared for. The gladiator is also used to a type of combat emphasizing entertainment and not usually going for immediate kills, instead injuring and forcing an opponent to submit. This was considered a great skill for a gladiator to have, since a gladiator was a large of investment of money, and some gladiators could force a submission without even inflicting injury.

Teamwork/Cohesion

There will be almost none. While there was a degree of camaraderie between these men who found themselves in the same profession, gladiator combat was almost without exception a solo battle. The gladiators will at best be able to coordinate a few attacks, but there will be no real leadership and no complex maneuvers. Their style of combat has just not prepared them to do this.

           Morale

           

            This would vary from warrior to warrior. Gladiators were generally looked down upon in society, and when it came down to it they were slaves. There is a reason Spartacus decided to rise up. On the other hand, they were loved. Citizens of Rome idealized them, and there was a great deal of glory to be hand in victory in the colosseum.  They emperor himself would lead their processions before a battle. This difference in opinion was reconciled by focusing on the deeds and ideals of the gladiator, but less the men themselves. This mixed opinion meant the gladiators themselves would have mixed opinions on how ideal their situation was. Some would take joy in combat and glory, but some were very discontented. 

            Also, the gladiator is used to being in a situation where retreat is not an option, more so than really any other warrior.  The flip side of this is that while they could not retreat the gladiator is used to being able to surrender. When he thought he could fight no more, the gladiator would hold up one finger to admit defeat. This, of course, will not happen in this battle. The gladiator will not flee, but he is not used to fighting to the death.

Training

When one began as a gladiator, he would be sent to a special school for training. This were originally run by citizens, but were taken over by the government to prevent private armies from being built up and individuals from becoming too popular. Here it would be determined what weapons he was best suited for, and he would be taught how to use them in the context of a gladiator battle. They were taught not only combat skills but the mindset of being a professional warrior and had extensive physical conditioning. He would be trained by professionals, and constantly assessed by doctors. The training itself would usually only be with wooden mockups of weapons, but these were twice the weight of the real weapon to make things easier when it actually came to combat. The gladiator would be drilled on only his style of fighting.  Since actual matches weren’t all that common, training took up a lot of the gladiators life.  

Experience

As I’ve said several times, gladiator combat was all one on one, and a gladiator would only ever fight one or two other types of gladiator. While this experience is valuable, it is extremely limited. A gladiator would usually only fight for 3-5 years usually before being freed. A few may have served in the Roman army, or the army of one of Rome’s enemies. Some matches were fought to the death, but these were rare, so experience in a situation where your actually trying to kill your enemy will also be limited.

Physical Traits

The average Roman in the 1^st century was about 5 foot 7 inches tall, with obviously some variation. Most gladiators would be about this height, with the exception of some with Gallic or other Celtic origins from the various far reaches of the Empire that could be up to six inches taller.  The gladiators themselves would be in great physical condition. They had a good diet, and a lot of their training was just building physical strength and speed. The one area they may be behind most warriors in is endurance, where their matches are incredibly brief when compared to the pitched battles and long campaigns most warriors partake in.  

Mobility

This depends on the gladiator. The Provocator was painfully slow, while the Retiarius was known for his quickness in battle, with everyone else falling in between. While some of these faster gladiators like the Retiarius or the Tharaex, may be quick in hand to hand combat or able to close the gap between them and the Apache quickly, there will not be a lot of fancy repositioning or flanking attacks as this is just not how the gladiators approach combat, so even this limited mobility will not be used to its full potential.  

Prologue

A Border Settlement in the Cahultecum Yanaguna Province (by modern day El Paso, Texas)

Otho kept his shoulders hunched and his scutum up. He could barely see the eyes of the other man, who was currently peeking over the edge of his shield and had his face covered by his helmets visor. Otho took a deep breath. He had done what he was about to do dozens of times. He slammed his shield forward, sending the other man stumbling back. He kept his footing, but that was all Otho needed was an opening. He stabbed his gladius around the small gap now present around his opponents left leg. His opponent tried to back pedal again. Otho punched at him again with the scutum, and this time his off balance enemy fell to the ground. His opponent tried to bring his gladius up in time to block Otho’s next strike, but he was much too slow. Otho’s sword stabbed down faster than a serpent, and stopped mere inches from the other combatant’s throat. Otho allowed himself a smile, invisible under his helmet. Had this been a true battle, with cold steel instead of the wooden toys, Otho’s enemy would surely be shown little mercy by the crowd for such a brief struggle. As it stood though, the man lying cowed at Otho’s feet had only the minimum of training, just enough to put up a fight. Otho had been fighting ever since he had volunteered five years ago. He would be young by any other professions standards, but at 27 he was as old as any gladiator had business being. He sighed. Turning away from his defeated foe, he pulled his helmet off, wiping his brow with the back of his hand. The helmet was stifling, and the sun of Cahultecum Yanaguna was unrelenting. Otho was not particularly handsome, nor tall, be he carried himself with a certain pride not all in his position did, and the rippling muscles covering his body did much to command respect as well. 

Ever since he had crossed the great ocean a year ago, Otho had thought that that it was very fitting that he fought as the Samnite. Just as his career was nearing its end so was his profession. When his owner had sold him to a wealthy aristocrat in the Cahultecum Tanaguna Province, he had been one of the last of his kind left in Rome. Fight organizers had loathed  using him, for fear of offending natives of Samnium that were at this point as much a part of the Empire as citizens from the City of Rome. No matter how often he won, and he did win often, he could not become the icon that so many gladiators before him were. He had received a second life here in what was being called the New World, where people in general were rare, let alone Samnites. “Last of a breed” he mumbled as he began walking out of the court.

“Otho!” Trigeminus, another gladiator, came jogging into the other side of the courtyard just then, with an infectious grin plastered on his face. He was wearing a simple tunic and the pants of an Eques, without any weapons or armor. Trigeminus was short, had an ugly scar marring his face, and not the greatest fighter in the arena, but that did not stop him from taking a positive approach toward most things in life. “By Jupiter man, take it easy on poor Balbus.” He said, nodding toward the glorified punching bag only now struggling to his feet. Otho shrugged “If I take it easy on him then he’s not doing his job. I’m only being fair.” Trigeminus chuckled. “A convenient way to look at it, no doubt.” The two men were the only volunteers in the service of Tiberius Avitus Florianus, and had bonded over this, if little else. Their backgrounds were radically different, Otho’s family was poor and he wished to escape his life, and the only reason Trigeminus was fighting was that he was the third and youngest son in his rich family, and was tired of being an afterthought. This still gave them more in common than the criminals and prisoners of war that made up the rest of Florianus’ gladiators. “So you hear the news?” Trigemoinus asked, leaning against a nearby pillar.

 “No, what?”

“We’re headed north.” 

Otho groaned. He and the other gladiators had been rushed to every corner of Cahultecum Yanaguna to try and give it a reputation an entertaining place to be, somewhere Romans from the increasingly crowded peninsula would be eager to immigrate to. Would this be enough to counteract the lack of infrastructure and hostile tribes to the west as a potential draw to settlers? Otho had his doubts, but he didn’t make policy. “So we all shipping out?” He asked.

“No” Trigemoinus said. “Just a couple. You and me, think we’re bringing the barbarian too. A few others.” Otho allowed himself a smile, if only a small one. “Any new competition for you?” As an Eques, who only fought other Eques, Trigemoinus had some trouble finding opponents in the New World. His smile showed that this wouldn’t be the case here. “I hear he;s fresh off the boat. Should be fun.” Only Trigemoinus would describe what he did as fun. Even the volunteer Otho saw it as a job that he was good at, nothing more, and the prisoners for the most part saw it as what it was for them: a sentence. “When do we leave?” He said, the tiredness he would feel on the trip already manifesting itself in his voice. “Three days.” 

“In Pluto's name… and how far?” 

He shrugged "We're going to Urbs Scipae... about 30 miles I think." Otho ran his hand over his face. "This isn't close to what I signed up for."

“All in the game, my friend, all in the game. Now if you’ll excuse me.” Trigemoinus said, accompanied with a mock bow, “I want to get some riding in before lunch. See you later.” “See you.” Otho responded glumly. 

With a final sigh, Otho trudged inside. At least he wasn’t relocating, only essential possessions would have to be taken. He steeled himself mentally. A few days travel, another fight he knew he could win, and the trip back. 

Nothing special. 

Apache profile

A Brief History of the Apache

The Apache are not one people, but rather a label applied to a group of tribes the inhabit the Southwestern United States. There is much debate as to their origins, and while it is generally accepted that they arrived long after the Pueblo people that also inhabit the Southwest, from where and when the Apache migration occurred is unknown. Some speculate that they migrated from the Great Plains, others say they came from the Pacific Northwest. They are first mentioned by name in 1598 by the Spanish, even though they likely resided in the Southwest earlier than that. It was the Spanish first who coined the term Apache, believed to come from a Pueblo word for enemy. As this would imply, the Apache were not a people who shied  away from warfare, and their raids against their neighbors earned them a fearsome reputation.  An American general is said to have grudgingly labeled the Apache as "The Tigers of the Human Species". Conflict was constant between the Apache and Spanish settlements, and this extended to the Mexicans after they gained their independence. The most famous Apache struggle however has to be the Apache Wars, a series of conflicts fought between the United States government and the Apache people in the latter half of the 19th century. While the conflicts began as skirmishes between American settlers and Apache, it soon turned into a battle for existence as the American government attempted to remove the unruly Apache and relocate them in reservations as they had done to tribes in the East. It was in this struggle that one of history's most famed heroes emerged.

Sure doesn't look like a man who could terrorize

 the Southwest for nearly 30 years

Following the death of his family at the hands of the Mexican army in 1858, Geronimo became one of the most successful war chiefs the Apache ever had, battling both the Mexican and American armies. He was captured and sent to a reservation in 1880, but left two years later to continue the struggle. But by now the writing was on the wall. Between 1880 and 1885 coordinated efforts between the United States and Mexico had effectively brought the remaining free Apches to their knees. The 40 year conflict finally ended in 1886 when 5,000 American troops forced the famous Geronimo and his band of 30 Apaches to surrender in Arizona. He and his followers were sent in exile to Florida, where Geronimo lived out the rest of his days. While the war was lost by the Apache, their reputation in history had been cemented. Today, the Apache live mostly on reservations in the Southwest, and are one of the largest surviving Native American tribes, numbering about 65,000. 

Weapons


Long Range

The Apache Bow

This weapon was a staple of Apache warfare. This is going to be one the the weapons the Apaches have the most skill with, as it is also used in everyday life for hunting. Supposedly, an Apache could fire his bow fast enough to have 7 arrows in flight at any one time. There would have been little to no recurve in these bows, and its going to be a lot weaker and have a lot less range than its counterparts in the old world. They were small, as you can see above, and sacrificed a lot of power because of that. They were usually made out of mulberry, a strong but flexible wood, with arrows made out of reeds or harder woods. It was fired horizontally when range was needed, and vertically for closer, more accurate shots.  I have found one or two sources claiming the Apache would sometimes poison their arrows as well, further increasing their effectiveness. 


While far from the most deadly of bows, all the Apache will have one and be very good with it. Against the Gladiators almost complete lack of ranged attack, this could be the difference in this fight. 


Mid-Range
Apache Spear

Not the best picture, but unfortunately there don't seem to be many on the internet. Does give you a good idea of the size of the spear.


Unfortunately for the Apache, this weapon is not that common, and only one or two members of their squad will probably be carrying one. As with all weapons the Apache have in this fight, this was not constructed with metal, instead having a flint tip. This will do fine against skin, but won't provide much penetration against an armored foe. They will fight with as much skill with the spear as they would with the bow, since both were used for hunting,  but usually only the most skilled and fastest warriors would carry one, which could be a problem considering this is their only real mid range weapon. This weapon would become somewhat more common after horses were introduced, but unfortunately for the Apache that doesn't fit into this time frame.

This weapons effectiveness is going to be pretty limited, both by its design and its rarity. It's not that long as far as spears go and the bone or stone tip will be susceptible to breaking.


Short Range
War Club


Unlike the previous two weapons, this was not used for hunting: the War Club is designed solely for war. It was usually the close quarters weapon of choice for the Apache, and while it may not be the most advanced weapon, it could be constructed pretty easily if need be. It was pretty much just a rock, covered in rawhide, tied to a stick.

While this weapon has the potential to be pretty devastating, the only way its going to earn a kill is via a shot to the skull, which may be difficult considering many of the gladiators are bringing helmets to this fight. It may have to be used more as a disabler against limbs. Altogether, not an especially dangerous or effective weapon.


This is an example of a more hastily made war club as opposed to the first one pictured. The differences in the quality of construction is apparent, and while this one will still cause a lot of damage, it seems like it would be much more unwieldy and break easier. 


Tomahawk

The only difference between this and what will be wielded by the Apache is the materials. The tomahawks in this fight will be made of stone. 

The classic and widespread Native American weapon. Its not quite as common as the war club, but is very versatile and will cause a lot of damage. As shown in Deadliest Warrior, it can be thrown effectively as well as used in close quarters. It's reach isn't great, most were around 18 inches, but its enough to compete with what their opponents have. It was actually developed post-contact, but due to its simple design and iconic status I'm keeping it in. Definitely a potential game changer for team Apache.



Special Weapons
Knives

Once again, in the time frame I'm looking at the blade would probably be bone or flint.


One of the hardest weapons to judge the effectiveness of. While the weapon itself is not wildly impressive, its versatility and the skill it is wielded with is. They can be thrown pretty accurately, and the Apaches would have a lot of skill fighting hand to hand with it, which may make up to a degree for the shortcoming of the weapon itself. They were long as far as knives go, usually around 12 inches with half of that blade, but still not long enough to compete with some of the blades the Gladiator is bringing.  It was also one of the most common weapons carried by the Apache, all of them will have at least one on their person.




Armor


Head

They got nothing here. At most, the Apache have a headband or bandanna, which will obviously do nothing. I suppose their senses will be less impaired, but their really nor bringing anything to the table.

Torso
Leather Shirt

Depending on the geographic location of the Apache, these shirts would be made of either buffalo or deer hide. Either way, again the Apache will have minimal protection. Best case scenario, this shirt will protect from grazing strikes. Some Apache would begin to wear leather breastplates modeled off the Spanish in the 1600s, but that falls outside of this time period. The mobility it allows will be factored in as one of the Intangibles.

Arms
Nothing
Not much to say here. The Apaches relied on their reflexes here as they did for most of their defenses.

Legs
Breechcloth

Same material as the shirt, probably a little thinner if anything. Very often, they would just have a breechcloth, so the Apache's legs probably won't have even this minimal protection.

Shield
Animal Hide Shield

Finally, an armor category where the Apache have something. This shield would be made out of rawhide, again depending on where the Apache lived in the Southwest. If they were closer to the Great Plains, buffalo hide will have been available, otherwise they would have had to make do with thinner skinned animals, most likely deer. The shield is convex, and pretty small by the standards of shields: The one pictured here and in the Natural History museum has a diameter of only 2 feet. The toughest hide available would have been buffalo, so that's probably what I'll give this squad of Apache. The neck skin of of the buffalo, the part the shield is going to be made of, is extremely tough. While it may pale in comparison to a metal or even most wooden shields, the Apache shield will be pretty much as tough as a hide shield can be.

Blocking
The Apache's have some skill in this area, but their very limited by their weapons. The knife and tomahawk can both be used to parry blows, but questions of their durability will arise when going up against the Gladiator's iron weapons. The War Club just isn't designed for parrying. The Apache's natural quickness and knife fighting techniques will be a boon here.


Intangibles

Tactics

Apache tactics are, rightfully, famous. When fighting the more numerous and better armed armies of Mexico and the United States, they used extensive guerilla tactics and lightning fast raids to bloody their opponents with minimal risk to themselves. After these hit and run assaults, they were also incredibly difficult to then follow and hunt down. Knowledge of their terrain was a major advantage of theirs, and they were known to simply disappear at times. When fighting was underway, they were very aggressive. Unless desperate, they never started a fight without superior numbers, and they would quickly try to overwhelm their enemy before fading back into the wilderness. Unless these superior numbers were on their side, fighting would never get hand to hand. Their population was often smaller than that of their opponents, and as such they were always careful to keep their own losses to a minimum.

Teamwork/Cohesion

Most Apache culture centered around the family, and loyalty would naturally go to them first. In times of war, however, the leaders of these families would meet and choose a war chief. It was not an absolute decision, and those who disagreed were free to follow who they choose, but a system of command was in place. They did have unofficial “squadleaders” on raids, which will suit the scale of this fight nicely. While not organized in the sense of formations and other "official" forms of organization, they successfully executed some pretty complicated ambushes and assaults in their history, which says something for how well they operate in tandem. 

Morale

The distinction between the two kinds of combat an Apache an Apache might find himself in is important here. The most common situation is a raid. Raids are as much a part of Apache existence as farming was for other cultures. For them, raids were a form of sustenance, a way to survive. Even when the Apache had the resources they needed, raids would be done just to intimidate their neighbors. The other, rarer form of combat the Apache would take part in is full scale war, like during the Apache Wars. Here it was about actively driving other people away, and preserving their independence as a people. While the Apache will obviously be more motivated on a full scale war, raids were very important to their existence as well, and the Apache will fight fiercely in all situations. While not a culture where martial prowess was the main judge of success, like that of Sparta or the Rajputs, a great deal of pride was involved in military successes, and the raids especially were a part of their culture. The Apaches willingness to retreat should not be confused with a willingness to lose.

Training

Formally, not a ton. They will have been taught by the older members of their family the basics of how to hunt and how to raid. There was no formal schooling, things like tactics and strategies will have been passed on simply through word of mouth. The only two weapons that would have any real training behind them would be the bow and knife. Everything else will have been learned on the job.

Experience

The Apache are used to small scale warfare. They were in a condition of more or less perpetual hostility with their neighbors, and as such will have had plenty of experience fighting. Hunting also gave them a lot of experience, even though this would be pretty exclusively with the bow and arrow and against an opponent that does not fight back. The opponents that they did fight were other tribes such as the Pueblo and Yavapai, and as such would probably be armed and armored similarly to the Apache themselves. The most deadly enemy these Apache will be used to fighting are other Apache. The Apache will not be used to armored opponents or steel weapons. It is worth pointing out though, that when the Spanish arrived the Apache wasted little time adapting to their new foe, and proved a deadly opponent even without prior experience  with them.

Physical traits

The average Apache male is in between 65-67 inches, a bit on the short side. They live a nomadic lifestyle, the hardships of which alone should give them a pretty good degree of strength, even though more on the wiry side due to limited food. Apache endurance is legendary.  The effectiveness of their guerilla tactics was largely built off of their ability to relocate quickly after an attack and operate over long distances. They were supposedly able to run for days without tiring, and while this may be an exaggeration, exhaustion should not be a problem for them in this fight.

Mobility

Not enough can be said to praise the Apache here. This was arguably their biggest advantage over the better armed forces they faced later in their existence. Their style of battle is largely built around their ability to attack and retreat quickly. Their armor and weapons are going to have pretty much no encumbrance as well. Don’t be surprised about a perfect score here. 

Prologue

Modern-day Luna County, New Mexico, 77 A.D

“Roman” Bindusar said it slowly, enunciating every sound, then shook his head. “An odd name”

“For an odd people” Askadodilges said, nodding his head in agreement. Ten men, all heads of their families, sat in a circle in Askadodilges’s hogan. It was lit only by a beam of light through the entrance, dimly illuminating the room and casting most of the men in shadow. The sun outside was oppressive, as it always was here, but inside the temperature was pleasantly cool. A meeting of this many leaders would only occur if a decision of great importance was to be made. Between these men and their allies, hundreds, if not thousands, of Apache could be mobilized. Most were local, either Chiricahua or Mescalero, but chiefs from as far away as the Jicarilla tribes were present as well. They had gathered to decide if the time had come for the Apache to go to war.

“They are more similar to the Pueblo than us.” Askadodilges continued. “They are forming great towns, with huge buildings. They draw even more food from the ground than the Pueblo.” Another chief cut in “If I may.” Askadodilges nodded. “My family lives only a few miles from one of their new towns. We’ve raided them twice, nothing large mind you, but what we’ve brought back… let’s just say it reflects what they have managed to bring from the ground. As they live like the Pueblo, so they are weak like the Pueblo. I see no reason to go to war against such an easy source of resources.” Several of the chiefs murmured in agreement. Askadodilges slowly shook his head, and the hogan went silent. Despite his short stature, and his face beginning to show the lines of age, he still radiated the same power and demanded the same respect he had 10 years ago. His arms still showed the wiry muscles of a man much younger than him, and his eyes showed an intense intelligence. His success as a leader, both in war and in peace was unsurpassed by any other man in the hogan. “I thought the same as you. An entirely logical way to look at it. But then, I heard a story, from one I trust. It would seem my mother-in-laws family, some of them went on a raid.” he paused, trying to decide how to express in words what his nephew, who had been there, had so struggled to. “They had warriors there. Good, steady warriors. Their knives were made of a very strong rock, and their clothing as well.” Here he got the confused reaction he had expected. “A man cannot wear rock.” One of the chiefs, a man with an irritating habit of stating the obvious, noted. “I know.” Akadodilges replied, forcing his voice to show patience his mind did not share. “Yet it turned back the arrows of the raiding party. It you can come up with a better explanation, than please do.” “Hide?” Natchinilkkisn, one of the younger chiefs, guessed. Akadodilges shook his head doubtfully. “If it is hide, it is of a creature far stronger than the buffalo. From ten yards, the arrows were not just stopped, but were broken.”

An uneasy silence lay over the hogan like a heavy blanket. All that could be heard was the distant sound of men’s voices hundreds of yards away in the rest of the encampment, and the wind blowing through the sands outside. Throughout their lives, and that of their fathers, and that of their fathers, things had changed little in the life of the Inde. They all realized that may well be over. The chief who had earlier spoke of raiding the Romans reached for the tomahawk lying by his feet, and removed twp of the beads. “This.” He said simply. The chiefs peered in curiously, and soon realized these were not normal stone beads, or even the rarer ones made of shells. They were small hoops, each only a few centimeters long. They were as yellow as sunlight, and glimmered like it as well. “From the Romans?” asked Askadodilges. The other man nodded solemnly “A women had them in her ears.” Askadodilges examined them closely. There was a pattern of small dots and lines, far more intricate than anything else so small he had ever seen. He tapped it. Hard. Very hard. Much sturdier then any rock that thin should have been. The other men in the Hogan exchanged uneasy glances at yet another new element being introduced, and Askadodilges decided it was time to take the situation back under his control.

“These men are dangerous” he said. “We are lucky that now they are still few in number. We must strike them now, when numbers are on our side.” Reluctant, nervous nods, were had around the room. Bindusar spoke up again “We don’t know what we’re up against. Your description, these are not like any warriors we have faced before. If our weapons cannot hurt them…” his voice trailed off, his fears not needing to be spoken to be known. Askadodilges nodded slowly. “Agreed. We need to know more about them if this attack is to work.” He paused for effect. He had this planned for a while, but let them think it was a group decision. “We’ll put together a scouting party, 4, 5 warriors, and see what is going on. I will go. Any other volunteers?” 

Natchinikkisn and Bindusar, the two youngest men there, both volunteered quickly, and a not present son and younger brother were volunteered as well, with their family members assuring Askadodilges of their martial prowess. One of these men spoke up. “Are we all in agreement that Akadodliges is to lead this expedition?”Akadodilges let out a quiet sigh of relief. He was afraid he may have to nominate himself, an embarrassing notion. Before he could speak, however, another voice cut in. “I would like to be considered.” All eyes in the tent turned to Natchinikkisn. “Foolish child” Akadodilges thought to himself, but he said nothing. Natchinikkisn was promising, no doubt, his brilliant raid against the Yavapai a year ago was already the stuff of legends, and he cut a physically imposing figure, standing a few inches taller than any other man in the hogan, and with more colorful beads and dye on his clothing than any of them as well. Still, he lacked the experience and reputation of Akadodilges, and it showed. After ten minutes of discussion, mostly consisting of everyone agreeing with each other, the other chiefs present decided Akadodilges would lead. Natchinikkisn looked like he had bit into something sour. Ignoring this, Akadodilges announced to the assembled group “We will leave in two days. Begin preparing your warriors for war now. Remember, the faster we strike, the less ready for us they will be.” All the assembled leaders nodded: this was as true to them as any religion.

The chiefs began filing out of the hogan. “Natchinikkisn, stay.” Akadodilges thought he saw a hint of fear in Natchinikkisn’s eyes. “Good.” Akadodilges thought to himself “I am a man to be feared. Maybe he is not a complete fool.” The young man sat back down. “I am a skilled warrior. You know this. It would be foolish to leave me behind.” Natchinikkisn said matter of factly. Akadodilges sat in stunned silence for a second. He had expected embarrassment and apology, not defiance. After a few moments, he laughed. Natchinikkisn looked confused. “You are truly an arrogant man.” Natchinikkisn’s eyes hardened. Akadodilges raised his hand “That is not necessarily a bad thing. Confidence comes with arrogance. A leader, and a warrior, must be confident. I just called you back to be sure I could trust you to follow me without question. You know can always organize your own party if you wish.” To Akadodilges’ relief, Natchinikkisn shook his head. “No. Your’s is the party that the people will care about, that has the best chance of getting something done. I will go with you, and I will follow you. ” It wasn’t the ringing endorsement he had hoped for, but Akadodilges had not expected one. “Good” he said “Get prepared. I’ll see you in a few days.” Natchinikkisn nodded and walked out.

Akadodilges waited a few minutes than left too. He needed to talk to the other three warriors who were going. They must be ready, for before long the Apache would be going to war.