User blog comment:Duncan322/Spartan vs Gladiator/@comment-3189283-20160205163934

Let's see shall we

Close Range 

The Xiphos wins out here for a two main reasons. Firstly is that the Xiphos is more lethal than the Cestus and easily to wield than the Scissor which is restricted to a clumsy stabbing motion ( I guess you could slash with it but it would be difficult and unrewarding). Secondly the Spartan's armour will render the Scissor even less effective than it already is and we can pretty much discount the cestus because it won't do jack shit against a spartan shield or helmet.

Edge: Spartan 

Mid Range 

The Dory was the primary weapon of the Spartan Soldier and when used in conjuction with the Aspis it easily allows the Spartan to keep an opponent at bay. The Trident was probably the most iconic weapon of the Gladiator and serves a simular purpose in battle as the Dory but it loses out because it's significantly shorter and I highly doubt it will be able to pierce the Aspis. The Net could come in handy to tangle up the Spartan but once again the Aspis could block it and I requires good timing in order for it to have the desired effect.

Edge: Spartan 

Long Range 

Ugh. The Javelin vs the Sling. Do I have to pick a winner, they both suck. The Sling is pathetically underpowered even against unarmoured opponents (excluding headshots) and against the armour of the Spartan it'll be less effective than if the Gladiator just tried to tickle his opponent. The Javelin has more killing potentional but it's also a great deal less accurate. Ultimately they are both useless so I'm not giving either the edge.

Edge: Neither (I can't even call it even) 

Special 

Finally the Gladiator actually brings a weapon that can do some damage to the Spartan and the length and metallurgy superiority over the Xiphos give him a distinct edge in close quarters weaponry. Unfortunately he has to contend with the Aspis a solid wall of bronze which can deflect or block pretty much anything the Gladiator can bring to the fight. Not only does it act as fantastic defensive cover but it can also be used offensively to deal some serious blunt force damage.

Edge: Spartan 

Final Verdict 

An easy victory for the Spartan. The Gladiator is completely outclassed in pretty much every area (except ranged weapons where they both fail) and despite having the better close quarters option with the Sica this is heavily negated by the sheer defensive power of the Aspis. The Gladiator is lightly armoured even with his minor armour it still leaves most of his torso open to and easy blow whereas the Spartan's armour covers most of his body and any part it doesn't can be covered by his shield. The Spartan is a warrior through and through and has been trained extensively and rigorously in the art of combat and this gives him a much greater combat experiance and training advantage over the Gladiator, who would have likely been an untrained prisoner whose been given some weapons and told to fight.

Spartan: 4,800

Gladiator: 200