11-20-2022, 11:59 PM
Some history indicates that some gladiators were sent into the arena blindfolded, sometimes with one arm tied behind them and a small sword, wearing nothing but a loin cloth. Once in the arena a wild animal, usually a lion was sent in and the gladiator had to use all his senses to defeat the attack of the animal, which was always hungry. Your fantasy character might be some combination of a lion with sharp claws and the head of something else. Usually in these contests the animal won the match (maybe a few panels later for you) The gladiator using all his other senses would defend himself - sound, smell, touch of course. Hearing the roar of the crowd as the animal began to attack was the most telling for the gladiator to begin defensive stabbing motions in hopes of connecting with the animal body.