Hi mate your guy is dumb, but built like a brick shithouse, so he's got potential Going from rank 9-10 takes forever, but worth it. you'll fumble less and hit harder. I know you intend to tank, but when you skill up master of arms, you'll be thankful for it.
Speaking of which, while you're blade skill is high, you shield skill wont be. Your gladiator will actually be better off playing aggressive with a second blade until you get master of arms to rank 8. Bonus of master of arms is that you can use a shield and mace, even though you're trained in blades You could even use a 2H weapon for a bit if it took your fancy :P
My advice for now is as follows:
- get aggressive and swap to 2 blades, and use medium armor. you dont want to go above 45% encumbrance.
- get grim det and blades to 10. then start training master of arms to 8, pick up a shield, and swap to a defensive style.
- get battle hardened to ~8
- get Never say Die to ~8
- go back and finish ranking skills to 10.
It may make for a bit of a slog, and involves playing offensively for a bit, but it will give you better results long term IMO. It will probably help in the arena challenges too.
For defensive strats, i'd suggest defending head or torso and:
1) start of fight 6/6 tank
2) I am very tired 2/2 tank
3) I cannot defend 4/4 slash
4) I am slightly tired 4/4 tank
for offensive strats, try:
1) start of fight 6/6 slash
2) I am very tired 2/2 slash
3) I am moderately tired 4/4 slash
4) I am slightly tired 5/5 slash
Dont worry about where to aim, but keep it consistent, in case you cause an injury, so you can hit it again.
Hope this helps