Pathfinder 1E Gladiator Game Suggestions

[GhostShip Blue]

I find myself faced with a gladiator Pathfinder game - the 4 Winds Fantasy gladiator class has been disallowed.

Spellcasters, mounts and conjured critters are all OK though (guess the gladiator would be too simple, huh?).

Anyway, I'd like to hear your suggestions for how to approach this. Specifics are all core races plus kitsune, hobgoblins, nagaji, lizard folk, cat folk, dhampir, duergar, orc, ratfolk and vanara. 5th level, 10,500 gp to spend. Pretty much all 3rd party classes are disallowed. Multiclassing is allowed.

I'm inclined to think a sorcerer with maybe a level of fighter. Primarily buff spells with a showy weapon back up (double chicken saber?). However, that's based on the notion that flash and flair are crucial. Lethality is an equally viable option.

What's everyone think?

 

[Mike Myler]

I had a Sorcerer/Barbarian gladiator some time ago. It was a great time to play him in 3.0 and for Pathfinder there are a plethora of great variants that would go together well (Invulnerable Rager or Spirit Totem stand out to me as quite complimentary). One or two defensive 1st level spells and an offensive spell, along with a bloodline attack, will give you some mobility in your build and offer plenty of show.

Also, Bag of Tricks. Always, always, always Bag of Tricks.

 

[Herobizkit]

If you want strictly non-casting classes, any 2/3 split of Fighter, Rogue, or Monk is amazing, especially if you're gladiatoring with a team.

If you're allowed Base classes, a Battle- or Metal-themed Oracle is a lovely spontaneous Divine caster, as is the Inquisitor (which is great if you will also be having monster-slaying gladiator combat as well as Investigation/Intrigue plots).

Barbarian/Bard is lovely for self and team-buffing.

Nagaji are pretty nice with a +2 Str, +2 Cha build for any of those casters, but Human and Half-Orc make for decent choices too (as always).