#gladiator soundwave

[tarnishedspark]

In need of reference images, I did my best to clean up that 1 image of pre-war gladiator Soundwave so u can actually see him past the haze and sun glare. Enjoy.

Colour balance may be more purple-skewed than he should be outside purple Nemesis lighting, but its within his range.

[cozzzynook]

Hot Rod has always had small boobs. When he starts helping Soundwave take care of his cassettes his boobs begin to grow and he starts producing milk.

Omg yes! He goes from having a small perky b cup to having double d’s and he doesn’t know how to handle the heavy weight or steady slow building change!

He’s losing his mind over how big they are and how they don’t go down even after he drains the milk from them.

They just remain big!

Once he tried ignoring the need to milk when he first started noticing it but that idea quickly got tossed out as he was having chest pains and then they started leaking through his chassis when he went to bend down to pick up the cassette twins and he just…burst in tears.

Soundwave had to step in at that point.

Ravage, Rumble and frenzy were all young sparklings that needed milk and even now before the war sparkling milk is lacking in so many nutrients since it wasn’t the brand rich or high class bots could afford.

The sparklings would whine and cry nuzzling against his chassis and the smell of sparklings in need is what kick started his frame to produce milk. As a carrier it was bound to happen but since his spark attached to them and saw them as his own that made the production easier and his frame allowed itself to produce more than what they needed since he suddenly had three sparklings that his frame knew it did not emerge. It decided to produce an abundance of milk filled with nutrients and minerals that made Hot rod large in the bust and almost always leaking.

His instincts were screaming at him to let the sparklings feed straight from the source instead of him just pumping and tossing it to the gardens.

It took a few months but by then he was a double d and the milk spilled out when he bent over and his chassis popped open from the strain and his breasts were out and leaking.

He immediately covered up and burst into tears.

With milk production came increased sensitivity and he hated that last part.

“I’m sorry, i’m sorry,” he apologized, his em field was fluxing and it was making the sparklings fussy as they cried for him and milk.

“Hot rod: cease apologizes. Sit: allow Soundwave to remedy.”

Hot rod wasn’t sure how Soundwave was going to do that but he trusted the mech. Or well, maybe he shouldn’t have, seeing as Soundwave brought all three sparklings to Hot rod and carefully laid them in his arms making him expose his breasts that the sparklings latched onto and suckled.

“Soundwave!”

“Concerns: moot. Sparklings: receiving utmost quality energon and Hot rod no longer will be in pain or worrying of sparklings fuel quality or boundaries. Sparklings: mine and Hot rods.”

The gentle tip of Soundwave’s helm and his soft digits rubbing against Hot rods cheek plating made the teary mech relax against the berth and sigh in relief. This was much easier on his frame than pumping or squeezing the milk out.

And he couldn’t go without kissing Soundwaves palm. The mechs words were tender, soft, and spark touching.

“Hot rod: carrier to Soundwaves cassettes emergence or not. Hot rod: Soundwave’s.”

That last part made him blush furiously but also laugh as he motioned for the mech to lean beside him and touch helms.

“Okay sweet sound. I accept.”

“Was not a request,” Soundwave spoke, making Hot rod laugh.

Soundwave took his visor off and all four optics looked kind, happy and loving as a tiny smile laid on his scarred face plate that Hot rod kissed softly, mindful of any pain.

“Ya know, that sounds like a threat,” Hot rod joked knowing Soundwave was serious but not in a threatening manner. No. Never Soundwave. Not to him.

“Promise,” the mech spoke, his fangs peaking from the side of his permanently open intake from scars received during a gladiator battle.

“My favorite,” Hot rod smiled leaning into the mech, peaking an optic open to watch their sparklings who happily suckled and paid them no mind.

[chico123000]

Primus name this is SO YUMMMY!! I love the position they both are in! Also gladiator soundy need to dominate shocky- Dude I love Wavewave and this freaken art!!!!

They talked about their leader

[tokay-blog]

I needed a distraction x)

Because of these sketches, there was a headcanon about prime Ravage. He's a beast who befriends Soundwave as a kitten (i.e. he's not part of Soundwave like Laserbeak).

However, Ravage was caught and put on a chain to be a wild beast in the arena. And that was the reason why Soundwave went into gladiators. He was given the condition that he would get his pet if he became the champion of the arena.However it's not a place you can walk away from of your own free will but where fighters fight until they die of exhaustion or are killed in battle.

Ravage was killed before Megatron started his revolution, so it was an additional reason for Soundwave to join the decepticons and despise the autobots.

(Actually on the second sketch it's just a random beast x) With random weapon. And only then did the headcanons already go. So it's not so much Ravage here, but just a hint of him)

And now we remember who Ornstein is transforming into in Part 9 x) (he's a lion, but he's basically a big black cat too)

[vodid]

dysphoria

[zorangezest]

it finally feels like spring!

[pauk-di]

Of all the sketches for Soundwave's appearance, this was certainly the one I liked the most. It's not complete yet, but I came to share it with you guys.

[justdecepticon]

[im-just-echo]

Gladiator Orion AU

Megatron Prime and High Lord Protector Orion short drabble.

The Senate floor was in chaos.

Megatron Prime knew that the Senate floor was a battlefield- but one where words were used, not weapons to do battle. Until now.

He barely had time to react when the mech lunged at him, a hidden blade flashing under the cold Senate lights.

He caught a glimpse of the would-be assassin's optics- wild, desperate- before the weight of another body crashed between them. The impact sent megatron stumbling back against the wall. A sharp vent escaped him, but his focus wasn't on himself. It was on Orion.

Megatron had seen Orion fight before. Had watched him break Mechs in the pits with his bare servos, had seen him silence a entire hall with a single speech. But this- this was different.

Orion Pax had moved with terrifying speed, intercepting the attack before it could land. His servo wrapped around the assassin's wrist crushing the limb until the metal groaned and the blade clattered uselessly to the floor.

The would be assassin's snarled, struggling. "Cybertron will never- "

Orion silenced him with a devastating grab, his servos wrapping around the mechs throat, squeezing tight, a metallic crunch echoed the room and energon began to leak into the pristine floor. The Senate erupted into shocked gasps, but Orion wasn't finished.

"You dare?" Orion whispered as he leaned into the assassin's audials, his voice low and dangerous. "YOU DARE to raise your servo against him, to hurt him in my presence?"

The air cracked as he wrenched the mech off the ground, his servos gripping the mechs midsection. For a moment, there was a horrible pause- realization dawning in the assassin's optics.

The mech- some nameless, self-important senator- managed a weak, static-laced plea before Orion tore him in two.

With a wet, sickening metallic screech, the sound of metal giving way under sheer strength, tore through the chamber, as energon and internal fluids splattered across Orion's frame. The sound of the wet splatter of energon against the polished floor echoing loudly as it dripped off Orion's frame. The two halves of the traitor hit the floor with a heavy, final thud.

Silence.

The Senate was frozen in stunned silence. Even the most outspoken politicians, those who had spent cycles rally against Megatron's leadership, stared in wide-opticed horror.

Megatron himself was venting heavily, pressed against the wall behind Orion. Not from fear. Not at all.

Holy Primus.

His spark thrummed at the sight of Orion, energon-slicked and still seething with protective rage. His optics glow a deep intense blue and his stance was one of absolute certainty. Orion turned to him streaked in fresh energon, his frame heaving with exertion. Megatron was stunned by the raw violence and sheer devotion in his act, and it sent something molten right through his Spark.

"I will not tolerate anyone who thinks they can harm you." Orion declared, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

Megatron almost fragging collapsed.

From his seat, Senator Ratchet groaned, palming his faceplate. "For frag's sake."

Soundwave, who was sitting next to his adopted sire, had allowed his visor to slide into place at some point during the altercation, simply inclined his helm, in something that could have either been approval- or deep disappointment. It was hard to tell.

Megatron swallowed and vented sharply, staring at his High Lord Protector, his Orion. Attempting to compose himself with a voice thick with something far from regal he managed, "My Orion..."

Link to it on AO3

[tarnishedspark]

poorly drawn mental image of the day: gladiator Soundwave making Shockwave carry him around. Its fine, just pretend he's not there.

[cozzzynook]

Wholesome Soundrod idea

What if Soundwave wore a mask and visor because he was embarrassed about having freckles on his face? I bet Roddy has freckles too so he comforts Soundwave by saying its normal to have freckles and that he shouldn't be embarrassed since it makes him look cute.

This is so cute.

It reminds me of a headcanon i saw thats become my own headcanon.

Soundwave having a really bad scar on his face that shows his teeth and pulls at his skin. It looks painful and he’s has four optics. He looks so beautiful.

[moominmanoneandonly]

So it hit me while I was walking my dogs, that's since my version of Soundwave is completely customable , that includes his voice. And, well, wouldn't it be funny if he had this hella high-pitched vocaloid/adult star/gamergirl voice (Shinigami eyes randomly played as I was thinking about it so I guess that type of thing could fit trought I'm not sure). He would use it only towards sponsors (or if he has trouble with police), and his normal voice is like crazy deep. So you can just imagine the contrast it hits once he's on the arena or leaving work. Let's just say he gave quite a few heart attacks this way.

Close ups

[vynxwave]

Share your thoughts on MegaSound? It was one of my first Transformers ships and even though it's not a rarepair or anything it's oddly less popular than I'd expect, and I don't see a lot of analysis of what their relationship is actually like in various canons

I'd love to! Yeah, finding out it's not as popular as I thought was surprising. With Soundwave often depicted as loyal to Megatron, I really would've thought it'd be more popular than it is. You're definitely right about there being a lack of analyses on their relationship, so I think I'll eventually make a post analyzing their relationship in various canons. For this post I'll be going over how I see MegaSound (and from what parts of canon I derive it from) and sharing thoughts about its (lack of) popularity/prevalence.

Here I'll note the basis of canon I ship them from across various continuities where they have a positive relationship*:

Megatron likes monologuing in Soundwave's presence and talking with him (Dreamwave Generation 1 (2002) #4, Megatron Origin #4, IDW Robots in Disguise (2012) #22, Prime). Considering Soundwave's continued steadfast loyalty, I'd reckon he likes hearing him talk/plan.

Soundwave is Megatron's confidant (War Within #2, Prime, IDW Robots in Disguise (2012) #17, IDW 2019)

The both care for each other's continued functioning (Soundwave does so consistently in loyalist depictions, and for Megatron it depends on the continuity/writer but is often true of him too (though, Soundwave doesn't get injured often); [specifics cited later in this post])

Soundwave's loyalty even extends to when Megatron loses his marbles (WFC: Kingdom E03, Galvatron in Sunbow G1 S3E14 & Headmasters E02 & E04), but his loyalty does not extend to Megatron defecting from the Decepticons (IDW Dark Cybertron, EarthSpark) due to Soundwave's loyalty to the Decepticon Cause.

Dreamwave Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #6 Soundwave's character bio written from Megatron's perspective expressing his uncertainty of whether he can risk lending his trust and friendship to Soundwave is one of my favorite things with them.

(*this mostly excludes where Soundwave's characterized as a self-serving opportunist and where Megatron treats him as just another subordinate)

My MegaSound Thoughts

(Preface: Inspiration taken from all over, but classic Decepticon Cause and they're both as evil as typical. I ship them in various canons but here I describe a broad overview of ways I interpret this pairing and what aspects I'm interested in. I tried to avoid citing Soundwave's self-serving opportunistic depictions for the most part, but he often has a lot of character I like in them xD.)

For me their ship is built upon their longstanding mutual trust, respect, and reliability; especially compounded with the fact many of their comrades' loyalty is prone to wavering from time to time (whereas Soundwave has continuously stuck by his side). I also like to focus on Soundwave's staunch loyalty to and belief in Megatron and the Cause he embodies — and, importantly, Megatron's recognition of this.

For Megatron I like to think about what valuing someone in such a way means to a tyrant whose sights are set on control, destruction, and personal power.

I think Soundwave's competence, strength, devotion, skills, and intelligence would all be appealing to Megatron. Soundwave, with said qualities, has made himself indispensable to the Decepticons, and therefore indispensable to Megatron himself.

Perhaps one reason Megatron is drawn to Soundwave would be for the steadfast security he provides (compared to the unreliability/treachery of others).

Though, with Megatron being surrounded by the infighting/treachery of Decepticons, I think it would be natural for him to sometimes be uncertain of whether his closeness with Soundwave is as safe/secure as it seems (inspired by Dreamwave More Than Meets The Eye #6's Soundwave bio written from Megatron's perspective) due to how much sensitive information and vulnerability Soundwave's been trusted with. But any such feared betrayal would not come to pass, because Soundwave sides with him, including in his times of need.

All I've written so far assumes a wishy-washy loyalty in Megatron's other followers; for where he has other loyalists, perhaps Soundwave is just one of his oldest followers (Sunbow G1 "War Dawn", Dreamwave G1 (2004) #10, IDW 2019, Prime S1E26) and his loyalty is ultimately tried and true.

Time and time again, Soundwave is shown to care about Megatron's continued functioning/well-being (Sunbow G1 "MTMTE, Part 3" [Soundwave warning Megatron of Starscream's attack], Transformers: The Movie, War Within #6, Prime, All Hail Megatron #13, Fall of Cybertron [saddened at Megatron's death & later rebuilds him], Retribution ["And if it turned out he couldn’t save Megatron, Soundwave knew what his duty demanded. / Vengeance on everybody involved."], Transformers vs. The Terminator #2 [Soundwave repairs Megatron's optic], WFC: Kingdom E03).

In cases where Soundwave has been injured/killed, this has often been true of Megatron too (Transformers (2009) #17 [this & AHM #13 were both written by Costa — making this mutual care of each other's continued functioning intentional, I presume], Prime S2E14, Headmasters E02 & E04 if including Galvatron, WFC: Kingdom E03 [where Dinobot downs Soundwave then Megatron comes swinging]).

For Soundwave I first want to detail the basis of his character as I think it's important to recognize his beliefs and personality. His personality and how much is shown ultimately depends on the continuity and writer; and varies depending on if the writer favors the Marvel UK G1 Soundwave (self-serving opportunist) or the Sunbow G1 Soundwave (loyalist) depiction.

Soundwave believes himself to be superior to others (to other lifeforms, to Autobots, and even to fellow Decepticons) and it's not just a cool line, but an actual sentiment/belief he holds (Transformers: The Movie, Spotlight: Soundwave, Revolutionaries #3, Skybound Transformers #7, Animated S1E10 Sound and Fury), and it is continuously embodied in his actions and loyalty to the Decepticon Cause (conquest & domination). Following this, Megatron's ideals of Decepticon superiority must appeal to Soundwave greatly — as a result, their vision of the future and values are quite similar.

Soundwave has (well, if the continuity depicts it) a negative reputation among other Decepticons, with others actually being aware of his monitoring and subsequent reporting to Megatron (Prime S1E13 [among other episodes], implied in Robots in Disguise (2012) #11... I think, Earth Wars: Sea Phantom: "[...] The walls have audio receptors, if you know what I mean." / Coelagon: "Yeah, Soundwave has the place wired for sound.", Sunbow G1 "Countdown to Extinction" & "The Golden Lagoon"). Instead of such a reputation being a negative for Soundwave, it is something he has intentionally fostered for indirect power and control over the other Decepticons; and by doing this he's made Megatron hold him in high esteem (Prime, Dreamwave More Than Meets the Eye #6 [Soundwave's Bio], All Hail Megatron #10) and positioned himself securely in the Decepticon's upper ranks.

In line with his beliefs of superiority, Soundwave personality-wise is quite confident and secure. This is also true of his standing with Megatron (for reasons described above).

Following Soundwave's colder depictions, perhaps one of the bots he finds himself the most "warm" to or emotionally responsive to is Megatron, even if he may not express this the same way most others might (but I'd think Megatron would understand it, due to his perceptiveness and having known him a long time).

With Soundwave generally not being much of a conversationalist, I'd think Megatron easily makes up for this with all his talking and monologuing (they are so [eloquent] yapper x listener to me). Given Soundwave's continued loyalty, I'd like to think he quite likes hearing Megatron's voice and his ideas/plans; for Megatron I'd like to think he enjoys an intelligent and receptive audience and finds it in Soundwave (who gets to hear his words/plans unfiltered from the manipulative rhetoric he gives others), and likes Soundwave's encouragement and amoral pragmatism. As Megatron's confidant, Soundwave gets to hear him at his most honest (Dreamwave War Within #2, IDW Primacy #4, Prime).

I like to think about how them both being evil impacts what activities they find enjoyable. Moments in various canons that come to mind: All Hail Megatron #1 (where Megatron's like "Soundwave, if you will?" then >:D when Soundwave diverts the missiles), Prime S2E22 ("You should have seen Optimus Prime's face when his precious Star Saber shattered like glass [...]"), and Retribution Ch. 9 (where Soundwave really wants to show Megatron a playback of him and Ravage interrogating/torturing Decepticon traitor Axer for information that Megatron wanted). Could sharing the joy of violence be an evil love language xD?

For angst I think there's a lot of potential based in EarthSpark or Headmasters (the same is true of IDW 2005, though I won't be expanding on it here).

For EarthSpark there's S1E08 0:24 & 2:30 plus a sentence from the guidebook: "Soundwave believes that anyone who defects from the Decepticons is a traitor, and he considers Megatron the worst traitor of all!" Based on their interactions and dialogue (S1E08 Decoy "Don't make this personal, Soundwave." "It already is."), it's apparent that they used to be close before Megatron switched sides; and Soundwave's feelings impact Megatron a lot! Soundwave's recording calling out his hypocrisy invokes such a rage in him; and Soundwave calling him a traitor disheartens him, making him lower his cannon (and he would've been blasted had Optimus not intervened)!

For Headmasters Soundwave/Soundblaster would witness how much Galvatron differs from Megatron — how insane he's become, but also how distant he's become from him. (The Headmasters E04 & E10)

In general, I think there could be angst found in Megatron's favorite trope: getting put out of commission for a duration of time. Or, that trope could be bestowed upon Soundwave for a change xD (like in Transformers (2009) #17). Exploring the consequences of Megatron's hubris or lust for power could be fun too.

Favorite Moments in Various Canons

Dreamwave More Than Meets The Eye #6 Soundwave's bio:

[From the Datatracks of Megatron, Decepticon Leader] What is more valuable to a commander, loyalty or reliability? Loyalty is a luxury, but reliability is a necessity for effective military operations. Soundwave exemplifies the latter while projecting as much as the former as realistically possible. He is an indispensable lieutenant and a fierce warrior, with seemingly unshakeable loyalty to me and our cause. When I enter into combat with Soundwave beside me, I am assured that he will perform his role unerringly. I am, however, well aware of his blackmailing of other Decepticons and the fearsome retribution he takes on any who attempt cross him, safe in the knowledge that he is virtually untouchable in his current position. His flaunting of his role have caused many to turn against him, which has only strengthened his need for my favor and implicit protection. Thus far, Soundwave has been utterly faithful to my commands and risked his own life on my behalf several times. But is he only biding his time until his own power base is secure enough? Many great commanders have been undone by trust and friendship in the past… can I afford to extend these to even my most capable solider?

Dreamwave War Within #6 & Generation 1 (2004) #10 (Also, throughout Dreamwave's run Soundwave is actually visibly by Megatron's side, which I think is a pretty neat detail)

All Hail Megatron #13 & Transformers (2007) #17

I enjoyed their dynamic in IDW 2019 because of how visibly instrumental Soundwave is to the Decepticon's rise, and his subsequent importance to Megatron. (#5) (#16) (#26)

Soundwave's sheer nonchalance at getting yelled at/scolded by Megatron who was breaking things in rage (#11) was so funny to me... Soundwave knows he's too important.

In Fall of Cybertron (37:15) Soundwave reaches out sadly to Megatron's hand sticking out from beneath rubble (thanks to Megatron's hubris getting himself scrapped)

In WFC: Kingdom E03 Soundwave is concerned about Megatron and tries to caution/advise him, but it goes unheeded.

The Transformers (2003) PS2 Japan: nearly every time Soundwave and Megatron talk... ["Lord Megatron, I'm glad you're unharmed!], ["This is how a subordinate should behave!"], ["No, don't apologize. You are not to blame"], ["..."], ["high price"], [deferring to Soundwave's judgement]

I haven't actually watched Robots in Disguise (2015), but its portrayal of Soundwave's devoutness is pretty cool... specifically in S3E21 Collateral Damage what he says at the timestamp 5:49:

Soundwave: "[...] when [the transgalactic beacon generator is] activated at the highest point in the city it would transmit a signal strong enough to summon Megatron back to Earth." Sideswipe: "[...] but that much radiation won't just call Megatron it'll—" Soundwave: "—devastate the city, then spread to eradicate all life on Earth. Incidental collateral damage."

I don't know how to describe how much I love the coldness/callousness in his inconsideration for an entire planet, all for the sole purpose of getting Megatron back.

(Lack of) Popularity

I've thought about the reasons for the ship's lack of popularity/prevalence. The one that jumps out the most to me is that there's a lack of in-depth exploration into their relationship in canon despite their constant proximity and importance to each other — as in, plots hardly ever test/strain/strengthen their relationship (to elaborate, there's rarely tension between them, and when there is it's minor and carries no meaningful weight).

Well, IDW 2005 did do some things with their relationship, but it didn't feel as in-depth as other relationships because their backstory together (which occurred in phase 1 with Soundwave's self-serving opportunistic characterization) was recontextualized/retconned for phase 2's Decepticon Cause of equality origin and was there to ultimately serve their subsequent (and separate) becoming betterish arcs relevant to that origin, and then they never got a proper reconciliation together; post-Dark Cybertron Soundwave continued to keep Megatron in mind, whereas Megatron (iirc) doesn't ever think about him in any noteworthy way. (Elaboration/analysis of this will be in whenever I make that analysis post, although trying to analyze IDW 2005 is kind of a headache for me.)

Rarely does Megatron communicate how he feels about Soundwave to him beyond his usefulness/function (e.g. Megatron praising Soundwave in Prime and Sunbow G1). There's IDW Robots in Disguise (2012) #22 ("Ours, Soundwave. The world shall be ours." is a cool line that expresses Megatron wanting to conquer Cybertron with Soundwave, but this scene is a retcon & flashback — it only serves phase 2 Soundwave's arc in the present).

That's not to say Megatron never expresses any thoughts/feelings about Soundwave, of course (various episodes of Prime, Headmasters E02 ["Soundwave! NGHAAAHHHHH" — Galvatron after witnessing him explode], probably some moments from The Transformers (2003) PS2 Japan).

The most explicit of Megatron recognizing Soundwave's importance to him I can think of off of the top of my head is Primacy #2.

Obviously with this post, I think a lot about their relationship can be inferred from the way they interact and talk regardless of how much or little Megatron directly expresses to him. (With this post being for the purpose of shipping, all I mention here is through a shipping potential lens xD).

Perhaps another reason for this ship's lack of popularity, related to the first, is maybe Soundwave is broadly thought of as just a loyalist without knowledge of his other qualities and so people don't think it's interesting? (I could say more on this, but I'll end this post here.)

[cattimofei2019]

[spacemothsota]

Gladiators of Kaon

Let's admit it, we like Kaon? I like that it is in this city of "vice and sin" that gladiator fights have been preserved. Regardless of the iteration of Transformers, it is known that the main "stage" of gladiators was Kaon. (Perhaps I will write about my view of this city later, because one of my OC characters directly works there).

I love the gladiator theme, but to be honest, I would like to somehow… Expand it? Classify it? Sorry, but the term "Gladiator" is so elastic and it seems to me that there is some limitation in what type of bots most often become it. So here are my ideas of what gladiators could be in Kaon. All this is very much a reference to Roman gladiators and is assumed by me for the features of certain frames.

Bestiary (bestiarius)

Bestiary (bestiarius) - gladiator bots of any weight category, who are trained to fight with various animals. In fact, this class of gladiators has no weight restrictions, since their battles can be with both medium and large animals. The opponents can be both Cybertronian representatives of the fauna like turbofoxes, and alien specimens brought from other planets. All gladiators can perform in this class, but if the animal is medium in size, this is not considered very honorable. Very often, Bestiary can perform at the beginning or in the middle of gladiator shows, so that the audience does not lose interest in what is happening. They also traditionally do not have very many weapons, it can be a spear or a sword. Shields are also rejected for the sake of spectacle.

One of the more difficult opponents were considered to be warrior insecticons, who possess intelligence and are capable of giving a worthy rebuff. (Insecticons were not considered full-fledged bots and were treated as available game for baiting, since there were many hives under the surface of Cybertron. At some point, this was even encouraged by the government, since it helped reduce the number of insecticons).

There is a separate class of Bestiaries (Venators?), who fight with the help of their cyberbeasts, as a rule, they are engaged in baiting insecticons and large representatives of alien and Cybertronian fauna (in such cases, they have several opponents).

Representatives: I think Soundwave could be a gladiator who, at the beginning of his career, belonged to the Bestiary class (and the presence of Ravage, Laserbeak and Buzzsaw positioned him as a professional).

Essedarius

Essedarius - Lightweight bots, mostly racing altforms (racing cars, motorcycles, sometimes small seekers). Essedarius are gladiators who fight using a combination of speed, agility, and precision. Fights usually resemble races, where opponents can circle each other. Essedarius are usually more about showing off their reaction and cunning. Fights can be short but spectacular, or they can last for hours, where both opponents prove themselves not only as skilled fighters with a tactical mindset, but also as hardy athletes. The main weapons are spears, energy bows, combat staffs, or blasters. Swords can also be used, but light options like needles (like nails from Hollow Knight) or rapiers are preferable. This class rejects the presence of a shield, as it slows down too much.

Essedarius are one of the few gladiator classes that are allowed to use blasters (blasters are not used in regular fights because the whole point of the fight is lost and spectators may not have time to enjoy the spectacle).

Essedarius are a class of gladiators for whom the arena is changed (gentle slopes, sharp turns, labyrinths). They are also quite popular with racers and aristocrats, as they are considered less bloody due to pinpoint and preemptive attacks.

There is a certain type of fight when Essedarius consume fuel for other types of bots instead of the usual racing energon. To avoid overloads and premature failure of fuel systems, the arena is grounded, which helps gladiators fight (think of it as a pill that gives various effects).

Representatives: Stunticons (Breakdown, Dead End, Wildrider, Drag Strip), etc.

Laquearius

Laquearius - gladiators of flying altforms fighting in the air. Laquearius - seekers, helicopters and reconnaissance air bots. The fights of these gladiators most often resemble complex acrobatic performances. The arena is specially redesigned for them so that they do not step on the ground. If one of the fighters steps on the ground, he is considered a loser, so the fights are about balance, good orientation in space and flying skills. The main weapons of the laquearius are an energy lasso, daggers, sharp swords or sabers. Despite no less ferocity in battles than other gladiators, no laquearius injures the wings of his opponent. This is a kind of taboo. Anyone who covets the wings (blades) of another can simply lose respect and reputation among other fighters (a demotion in status is also guaranteed).

The second type of fighters for whom the arena is specially changed. Gladiators practically do not touch the ground during the fight and use the walls of the arena, ropes and beams in order not to fall.

Sometimes the arena is deliberately limited, which makes it resemble a bird cage, this is done to deliberately bring the opponents closer together. This makes the Laquearius act more quickly, decisively and provocatively. (If you watched the classic Mad Max "Under the Thunderdome", then you can imagine how the arena chants "Thunderdome!" during the fight of the Laquearius)

Representatives: Starsream, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Vortex, etc.

Myrmillo

Myrmillo - all non-specialized standard gladiators, they can be either light or medium weight (anything from a regular machine to some highly specialized bot). These are the most standard gladiators. In fact, most fighters who do not have any type or have just stepped into the arena are myrmillo. They are agile, fast and usually hardy. If a myrmillo has some outstanding features, then after several fights he will most likely be given a type. However, if the fighter is satisfied with everything, then he can stay at this rank, which frees him from a narrow choice of weapons and performance time. The weapons are very diverse - electric batons, tridents, nets, swords, shields, etc. Myrmillo tend to use dirty tricks in battle to gain a tactical advantage (they do not stoop very low, but they are quite insidious).

The most famous myrmillo was Arcee, who fought in a duet with Galvatron (he belonged to the type of gladiators called Crupelaris). She was famous for her ferocity and mastery of two swords.

Myrmillo perform last during days of mourning, as a kind of symbol of a new beginning (it was a symbol that although life was suspended, it was not frozen forever. Young fighters were a symbol of the flourishing culture of gladiatorialism and in the best days there were quite a lot of them)

Sunstreaker and Sideswipe are the only myrmillos who performed in a duet.

Bots who already had a main profession could become myrmillos. Among the police of Kaon, this was a good option to relieve tension and show their strength, so that gladiators would know that they should not be messed with again.

Representatives: Barricade, Arcee, Sunstreaker, Sideswipe, etc.

Provocator

Provocator - gladiators of small altforms, various minicons. This class of fighters is extremely small (phphph, sorry) in terms of its numbers, since not many minicons have a strong enough body and good load capacity for full-fledged battles. Provocators often act as a duet, where one fighter acts as a distraction and the second as the main attacking force. Especially experienced provocators act solo using weapons like hammers in order to increase the damage inflicted on the enemy. Despite the fact that at first glance they may not seem like the most terrible opponents, they should not be underestimated. This type of gladiators does not have a primary weapon, many prefer to fight with the built-in modifications they have, such as enhanced hydraulics in the servo. Many consider fights with these fighters to be the most brutal due to the "tearing" of the enemy into pieces.

Sometimes provocateurs can act as support for other types of gladiators in team fights or two-on-two fights.

The name of this type of gladiators, historically, came from their daring behavior characteristic of them, it was in response to their not very impressive appearance for other opponents.

The threat of being bitten on the "ankles" is not a threat but a real attack in which the enemy will most likely be left without peds and the medic will have to weld them back.

Representatives: Rumble and Frenzy ("Terror Twins"/"Nightmare Twins")

Crupelarius

Crupelarius - heavyweight gladiators (armored trucks, tanks, shuttles, etc.). Some conventionally call these big guys the real "kings" of the arena, but only smart enough fighters reach the heights of their careers. Tactical mind and cruel nature put many of them at the top among other gladiators (Galvatron and Megatron). Due to their large size, strength and dense armor, they are difficult opponents, but can be slow or clumsy. These are most often close combat fighters, the fight between two crupellarius is like a clash of titans. The main weapons are swords, hammers, maces and shields. In fact, anything that can get under the servo can eventually turn into a weapon, so the fighters are not limited in how exactly to deal with each other (it can be a beam from a broken arena, torn out reinforcement or even a piece that comes to hand). Often, for greater spectacle, the Crupelarius during a fight tries to disarm his opponent in order to test his ability to regain control of the weapon or to fight back without a weapon.

Among the Crupelarius, there are fighters who engage in pure unarmed combat. This can be quite spectacular and mostly resembles fights without rules or a lucha libre show (in the second case, it requires a bit of acting skills from the gladiator).

The Crupelarius is not the most numerous class, so they often participate in inter-type battles. They work well in a duet with other types of gladiators in two-on-two fights.

The Crupelarius do not like to use guns and blasters, although this is not prohibited for them. Many believe that this will simply make the fight insufficiently spectacular (it is more interesting to see an armored one torn apart with the help of other weapons).

The Impactor was the only Crupelarius who used a harpoon-like weapon in combat.

Representatives: Megatron, Impactor, Overlord, Motormaster, Brawl, etc.

I just realized that I will probably do a part 2, because there is a lot of information and my personal ideas for the gladiatorial culture in Kaon. Some kind of my second magnum opus, to be honest. I will try to post a part 2 as soon as possible, in which I will talk about other things concerning the gladiatorial arenas, like traditions and festivals.

[pauk-di]

is soundwave a gladiator as well (been rewatching tfp a lot) or is he something else, does he know megs and op?

Soundwave is of the surveillance caste, meaning he uses his cassette tapes to monitor Kaon on orders from the city's politicians and authorities.

Yes, he does! Soundwave knows Optimus from their fights obviously, but he has never interacted with him directly.

As for Megs, Soundwave was one of the main reasons why Megatron rebelled.