Leptis Magna Season 2, Episode 4

Following on from the last episode, we carry onto the next round. My posts are in blue, Marks are in green, and any post-editing commentary are in red. The gladiator rules used are Munera Sine Missione - note that this version may have differences to the current version. Each round will be posted as a weekly episode.

There was much debate as to why Bogud lost. Many thought it was due to his doctore, Pavo, training him in tactics more suited to a secutor, perhaps proving the armchair spectators right. In any event, Senex only won 4 gold from the event. He was quite perplexed at this – maybe it was because the fight was not seen as being serious, up against a slingshot user. Quadratus grumbled “looks like that night at the Domus Solis Ortum did some wonders for you.”

The star of Asiaticus seems to be falling, only earning 2 gold from the event. “Useless buffoon!” screamed Quadratus, “Androcles was right, maybe you are only good for the opening acrobatics!”

There were no games immediately scheduled, and both gladiators had fully recovered. It seemed that Asiaticus was even more out of favour (though he was never in favour). Bion, who won his last bout and full of swagger again, was merciless in his bullying of Asiaticus during communal times. Quadratus seemed to actively encourage this. One breakfast, Bion picked up Asiaticus’s breakfast bowl full of porridge and threw it into the face of Asiaticus. The other gladiators looked on, not wanting to get involved.

It was highly amusing to Quadratus who broke into laughter. Asiaticus has two options – (1) take it and do nothing, or (2) fight (a fist fight).

• If a fist fight is chosen, then use the following rules; (miniatures are not needed for this)
• Roll starting strength for both gladiators as normal, except add 8 to the d6 roll rather than 4 (so strength will be between 9 and 14). For Bion, take the higher die of 2d6 and add it to the 8.
• There is no fatigue.
• Asiaticus throws the first punch.
• To punch, choose a target area (head, groin or body) and roll a dice to see if Bion is defending it (see table below). If he is not, do a number of wounds equal to the area hit;
• A body blow does 1 wound
• A groin hit does 2 wounds
• A head punch does 3 wounds
• If Bion is defending the correct area, the blow does no damage. Then it is Bion’s turn. Decide what area Asiaticus will block, then roll to see what area Bion is attacking;

Die	Bion Attacks	Bion Defends
1	Head	Body
2,3	Groin	Groin
4,5,6	Body	Head

•  The first gladiator to go to zero or less points falls down and loses.

Let me know what happens….

Bion rolled 2 & 4 for his Strength D6, so his starting Strength was 12. Asiaticus rolled 5, so began with a Strength of 13.

For all his plodding unspectacular nature, something was roused in Asiaticus when Bion provoked him by throwing the bowl of porridge at him in front of the other fighters. He landed a blow on Bion's body, and the two of them traded body blows for a few seconds. Meanwhile the chaos around them subsided as Quadratus ordered the other fighters go back off, and to,d the guards not to intervene. The combatants continued their struggle in the middle of a ring of fighters, guards and slaves, cheering them on. Doubtless many bets were laid by the spectators.

It became obvious after a bit that Bion has faster reactions than Asiaticus. After the initial flurry of body blows, Bion got in two quick groin hits on Asiaticus, while blocking Asiaticus's counter punch.

For a while after that the combatants held each other off, with several rounds of blocked blows. Bion blocked two head punches and Asiaticus blocked a body punch.

But then Bion began to assert dominance, and hit Asiaticus with two groin shots and another body shot, while taking fewer hits as he was able to block some of Asiaticus's punches.

In the end Bion punched Asiaticus to the floor and the fight was ended.

Asiaticus lost 15/15 strength, while Bion lost 9/12 strength. Neither fighter landed a successful head shot in the entire fight. Asiaticus was successful with 5 x body hits and 2 x groin hits (total = 9 strength). Bion was successful with 5 x body hits and 4 x groin hits (total = 13 strength).  Tellingly though, Asiaticus was blocked by Bion 3 times (2 head shots, 1 groin shot) whereas Bion was blocked  by Asiaticus only 1 time (body shot).

This is going to be interesting ... not sure I would like to be Asiaticus right now.

NEXT EPISODE

Leptis Magna Season 2, Episode 3

Following on from the last episode, we carry onto the next round. My posts are in blue, Marks are in green, and any post-editing commentary are in red. The gladiator rules used are Munera Sine Missione - note that this version may have differences to the current version. Each round will be posted as a weekly episode.

Senex wins 13 gold from his fight, and is able to gain a skill. Asiaticus wins 7 gold, despite the loss. The host of the games was clearly generous, no doubt someone trying to gain political favour.

The crowd was whipped into a frenzy with the Asiaticus and Sotion fight. This put them in the right mood for the fight between Bion and Murena. The winner gained the right to challenge for the Primus Palus. Bion was the favourite and came out strong against Murena, and for the first half of the fight he dominated Murena. Then something happened, Murena got two strong blows against Bion who never recovered and ended up losing. However, the crowd enjoyed the fight and spared Bion.

In gambling news, Asiaticus received his 12 gold in winnings for picking Bion to lose. The Syrian “bookmaker” (not sure what the latin term is here), when handing over the winnings, remarked “Yours is a strange ludus. You should let me in on the scam – both you and Quadratus betting on your own Bion to lose! Let me know what’s going down next time, and I’ll make it worth your while with gold!”. The bookmaker, whose name is Samasu, left with a wink.

Overall, Senex has 10 gold, and Asiaticus has 30 gold.

It was a sombre mood at the ludus, as results were mixed, some wins, and some losses. “Useless fools!” screamed Quadratus to the gathered ludus, “We’ll have to rent you out to turnip farmers soon!”

Since Bion (and most other gladiators from the ludus are injured) Quadratus approaches Senex in private. He has purchased some special merchandise and needs someone to collect the package, and will pay 2 gold for its safe delivery, along with favourable treatment. Senex will have to travel alone in the evening (with a concealed gladius) through the jostling streets of Leptis Magna to pick up the package from a shady trader in a back alley. “Mind you” warns Quadratus “any funny business and you will live to regret it!”. Does Senex;

1. Refuse the task.
2. Collect the package (a tied up leather pouch containing something soft) and deliver it back to Quadratus as instructed.
3. Collect the package and untie it to see what it is before delivering it back to Quadratus.
4. Once in town, seize the chance for escape and run away.
5. Collect the package and then linger in town a little longer (which is a very rare treat) and with his 10 gold, spend some on wine, women and song!

LOTS of choices here!!

So many choices, so little time ... !

Senex has acquired the "Attack" skill.

He is happy to accept the assignment from Quadratus, not thinking too much about what it could mean. The temptations of a night away from the school however are great, despite Quadratus's threat. So, after uneventfully collecting the package and stowing it securely in a pouch tied to his waist under his tunic, he finds himself outside the "House of the Rising Sun" in the red light district of Leptis. As usual there are several alluring sirens waiting outside to "welcome" passers-by like Senex, (just like the bars at Pattaya) and he doesn't take much persuading to enter...

I'll be interested to see where this is going. I have a theory about what Q is up to. Good that Samasu has reappeared, I had a suspicious thought that he might turn out to be Androcles! Will you be unveiling Macer too?

There are a few characters I want to bring back, but depends on how the story flows. I’ve been trying to focus more on mundane ludus happenings.

Anyway, on with the story…..

Clearly distracted by the House of the Rising Sun or “Domus Solis Ortum” in latin, Senex entered after being coaxed in by the beautiful Flaviana. What happened next is mostly lost to the memory of Senex, except that woke he while up while being dragged by armoured guards of Androcles back to the ludus.  6 gold of his missing (he only has 4 left now), and the leather pouch was untied and emptied.

“Dullard!” screamed Quadratus, “It was a simple task!” “Do you not think I was having you watched? There was nothing of value in the pouch, it was a test! Half rations for the rest of the week!” Senex was thrown into the compound by the laughing guards. Once again Rufus the dog was well fed. Though the pain of Quadratus’s anger, his sore head, and the hunger was somewhat lessened by Senex having some fond memories of Flaviana….

The gladiators were worked hard over the coming weeks as Bion and Asiaticus recovered. The frequency of games were increasing as the empire was in turmoil. It was rumoured that Lucius Clodius Macer, the Legatus of the Legio III Augusta had renounced allegiance to Nero and was marching upon Carthage to seize control of the province. The upcoming games were to be held in honour of Pax, the goddess of peace, in some vain hope that disaster could be forestalled.

Senex is up against Bogud, who has 1 skill.
Asiaticus is up against Kassandros, who has 2 skills.

Special Conditions: During Senex’s fight, shuffle 10 normal playing cards (numbered 1 to 10, ace being a one). Draw one card after Senex rolls for AP. If the 7 card is drawn, reduce Senex’s AP roll by 2, as he is temporarily distracted when he spots Flaviana in the crowd. So this should happen at some random point in the first 10 turns.

Hmm, I had not picked to "test of reliability" scenario, though it is obvious in retrospect.

The day of the Pax Games duly arrived and Senex and Asiaticus took their places in the starting lineup. Here is how it all worked out ...

FIGHT 1: SENEX v BOGUD

Senex rolled 4 for Strength, and has the 'Attack (+1 attack roll) skill, and Bogud rolled 6. However Bogud has the "Stamina" skill so counts 1D6+6, giving him a Strength of 12 against only 8 for Senex. Bogud is well known in the Leptis arena not only because he is a cunning fighter (he has to be, armed only with a slingshot and sword) but also because he is one of the few local North Africans (Numidians) trained as a gladiator. There are plenty of them to be found in the arena, but usually as wild beast hunters at which they excel.

Bogud's prowess was immediately on display. He rapidly approached Senex and let loose a deadly slingshot at six hexes range, causing 4 damage to Senex (taking him to "wounded" status). Another deadly hit in quick succession knocked Senex down and he lost his shield (double 5 special event), although he was able to recover it almost at once.

I turned the "Flaviana" card at about this time, but she was not spotted.

After that though, Bogud's luck or skill, whatever, seemed to desert him. He accumulated some fatigues, although not enough to worry him yet with that Strength score, but then he miscued a shot and tripped himself up (double 3 special event). Senex scored 6AP next move and was able to get in a side hex attack on the floored Bogud - causing 9 wounds, taking him to 1 remaining strength and 2 fatigues (exhausted).

Bogud was able to stand up but Senex had no difficulty causing another 3 wounds, forcing the Numidian to concede. His modified "appeal to the crowd" score was 8, so he was - barely - granted Missio. Crowd opinion is that Bogud stuffed up by staying a little too close to Senex, he should have kept more distance and attacked Senexes flanks. Easy for the armchair experts of course.

SENEX - lost 4/8, Vincit
BOGUD - lost 12/10, Missio

FIGHT 2: ASIATICUS v KASSANDROS

Quadratus had a few choice words for Asiaticus just before his fight, pointing out that after Senexes win the pressure was on him to live up to the same standard and bring gold and glory to the School. Nothing was said about betting though.

Asiaticus entered the arena with a Strength of 7, and the 'Dodge' (+1 defence roll) skill, while Kassandros started with 9, and the 'Reflexes' (+1 AP) and 'Dodge' skills.

Kassandros scored first blood, causing one wound to Asiaticus with his sica. Asiaticus's response was hapless, he lost his sword. Kassandros caused another wound in exploiting this, but Asiaticus kept backing away, preventing more damage at the cost of temporarily abandoning his weapon. After a few moves he was able to make a run for it past Kassandros, and recovered the sword.

The next phase of the game saw many attacks, but little in the way of results as both fighters built up fatigues. In the end though, Kassandros was able to score a big hit on Asiaticus to take his Strength to 0. The crowd was happy to spare him (modified roll 13), as he had both inflicted and suffered wounds today. Looks like another trip to the hospital though. Quadratus won't like this.

ASIATICUS: lost 7/7, Missio
KASSANDROS: lost 1/9, Vincit

It seems my fighters are developing personalities: Senex the unlikely achiever, Asiaticus the perennial uninspiring dull under-achiever. Tune up A in secret and there could be money to be made from mug punters, I reckon.

NEXT EPISODE

Leptis Magna Season 2, Episode 2

Following on from the last episode, we carry onto the next round. My posts are in blue, Marks are in green, and any post-editing commentary are in red. The gladiator rules used are Munera Sine Missione - note that this version may have differences to the current version. Each round will be posted as a weekly episode.

Thanks for that report, both fights seemed to have their moments, especially the second one. Asiaticus is able to pick up a new skill and wins 11 gold. Senex receives 3 gold.

Needless to say, Quadratus was unimpressed the performance. “Priscus was clearly carrying an injury before the fight started” he declared, “to lose his gladius twice proves a wrist facture! And then failing to hit Priscus from the back with wild air swings? My pet dog Rufus could have won that fight!”. Then seething with anger, he looked at the bedridden Senex “What laziness was that in catching your breathe in the middle of the fight?! And then to be knocked down with such a soft blow? Bah!!” Then with a dismissive hand gesture he stormed away yelling “just another useless mouth to feed!”

Bion

There were mutterings that both gladiators seemed underdone for the fight (rolling low strength), and that Androcles was not happy with this. Quadratus was said to have left his meeting with Androcles in an agitated state. This may be the reason Asiaticus has now been paired with the skilled Bion as his new training partner. Bion is the favourite of Quadratus and always receives special treatment. While Senex is still recovering, there was a particularly brutal training session held where Quadratus (with the large mongrel dog Rufus at his side) was egging on Bion in a mock fight with Asiaticus. Even though blunt weapons are used, Bion inflicts a wound on Asiaticus, much to the joy of Quadratus who clapping with glee exclaims “see, that’s how real gladiators fight! No wrist wounds this time! Ha ha ha ha..” Distracted, Bion looks at Quadratus, laughing as well.

Asiaticus sees an opportunity, he can either (1) lunge forward and strike at the distracted Bion, causing a wound, (2) hurl his wooden sword at Quadratus, or (3) just stand up and resume training.

OK, a hard set of choices. My conception of Asiaticus is that he is an older man, possible aged around 30, so a long time survivor, not only in the arena but in the "politics" of the school. This could argue for a cautious response to Quadratus' bullying, but on the other hand Asiaticus would be totally aware that to let this incident pass would give Quadratus and Bion the go-ahead to step up the level of future bullying.

So, after all that ... Asiaticus takes a shot at Bion and causes a wound.

Asiaticus, sensing the opportunity leapt forward at Bion, who surprisingly reacted quite fast so that the sword of Asiaticus only grazed his flank* as he flew past. Spinning around, Bion was ready to club his sword into the back of Asiaticus, but was stopped as a loud voice was heard. Androcles was standing on the balcony overlooking the training grounds. “Stop this at once!” he yelled. “What are we running here Quadratus? A school for gladiators or a school for praegenarii? Everyone dismissed!” At this, all gladiators returned to their rooms as Androcles and Quadratus spoke. Bion cast some menacing looks at Asiaticus as they left.

For a couple of days after the incident, Quadratus placed Asiaticus on half rations, giving the extra food to rufus. As the weeks passed, Senex eventually returned to training, fully recovered.

The depressing mood in the ludus was lifted by the news of some games coming up. It seems the populace needs some distraction as there was general unrest in the province.

Senex is matched against Titan, who has 1 skill

Asiacticus is matched against Sotion, who has 2 skills (bear in mind Asiaticus has gained a skill)

Quadratus didn’t make any disparaging comments this time as he was quite pleased that Bion had been chosen for the final fight in the games. “If Bion wins” he proudly announced, “he will be able to challenge for the Primus Palus!”. In addition to your gladiators fights, you have the chance to bet on Bion’s fight, the odds are: if he wins, you get back double (so if you bet 1 gold, you get back two gold), if he loses, you get back triple (get back 3 gold for 1 gold bet). Let me know if either gladiator wants to bet on Bion winning or losing as well.

* I rolled a 1 for the attack ….

Hmm, I see a showdown coming in the future if Asiaticus and Bion both continue to survive.

• I will give Asiaticus the defensive "Dodge" skill, this seems to suit his character better, as a cautious unspectacular survivor-type.
• Asiaticus will also bet 4 of his accumulated gold, on Bion losing.

And now for the fights: one was over almost before it began, the other seemed to be over but was just beginning! Read on ...

FIGHT 1: SENEX v TITAN

There won't be any further complaints from Androcles about underdone gladiators, as Senex scored a '6' and Titan scored '1' on their strength rolls! Just why Titan was presented in the arena with such poor preparation is a mystery. Perhaps his trainer thought his sheer size and aggression (with the "Attack" skill) would be enough.

It was all over in a flash, even before the crowd had finished buying peanuts (or possibly turnips) from the vendors moving along the rows. Senex and Titan closed, jockeying for position a little. Senex was able to take advantage of two successive poor AP dice by Titan to launch an attack on his unshielded flank. The dice roll was a double 6 special event and Titan suffered 8 wounds killing him outright.

Senex (L) hits Titan (R) with a killer blow, at the first exchange of the fight.

There was a stunned silence from the crowd when they realised what had happened, then growing applause.

SENEX: lost 0/10, Vincit
TITAN: lost 8/5, Peruit

FIGHT 2: ASIATICUS v SOTION

You have to hand it to Quadratus, he knows how to prepare a fighter for the arena when he is motivated! This time Asiaticus scored '4' on his Strength dice. So both Androcles fighters with above average Strength today.

Sotion is a Retiarius with an unusual fighting style. He does not carry a net, so he can use the 'armour penetration' capability of the trident, used two-handed. He is a dangerous opponent, with the 'Reflexes' and 'Stamina' skills. Because of this latter skill his final Strength score was '10' (v '8' for Asiaticus).

The two fighters didn't waste any time, and it was Asiaticus who did the initial attacking, but to no effect. Then Sotion pulled one of his trademark moves: scoring 6AP he stepped back from Asiaticus and attacked two-handed with his trident. Asiaticus failed to save and took 4 wounds taking him to "wounded" status (the armour penetration effect was cancelled by his Dodge skill).

Asiaticus fought on, doggedly continuing to take the fight to Sotion but succeeding only in building up his fatigue. Sotion struck again, taking Asiaticus down to only one Strength, with three fatigues. It seemed to be all over, punters in the crowd even started settling their bets.

But it wasn't over at all. Sotion may have been under orders from a match-fixer who has wagered on the final blow being struck from behind, or something, who can say for sure. All we know is, he stepped back from Asiaticus and began to circle around him, as if to get into his rear. *** Asiaticus stayed still, shedding fatigues, most likely awaiting the final blow and too weak to resist.

Then, in a twinkling, a poor AP roll for Sotion was followed by a good roll for the no-longer-fatigued Asiaticus. Now it was Sotion being attacked from a flank, and taking 6 wounds. He retaliated with another trident thrust, but this time Asiaticus parried it. Fights broke out in the crowd as those who had paid out their losses on Asiaticus wanted their money back! He followed up Sotion and inflicted another 2 wounds. Remaining Strength at this point was Asiaticus 1, Sotion 2 and 1 fatigue.

Initiative passed back to Sotion, but his flurry of attacks no longer had the same results, and his fatigues now exceeded his Strength. Asiaticus took Sotion down to only one Strength with a shield-bash. Sotion hit back with a serious trident thrust but Asiaticus parried, then another which hit, taking Asiaticus to 0 Strength.

Asiaticus fell, but the crowd demanded he be spared after such a thrilling comeback. Sotion was the winner, but is badly wounded and exhausted, so hardly able to savour the moment. Both had to be carried out of the arena on stretchers.

ASIATICUS: lost 8/8, Missio
SOTION: lost 9/10, Vincit

*** This was a bit of a fiddle of course, to save Asiaticus, but I don't think it was totally unreasonable. I diced to see if it could happen, allowing it only if a 1 or 2 was rolled. The result was a 2.

I wonder what Quadratus will have to say about todays action?

NEXT EPISODE

Leptis Magna Season 2, Episode 1

Introduction
Munera Sine Missione are a fast playing set of gladiator rules that can throw up a surprising amount of narrative. A major advantage is that they can be easily played solo.

This is part of a series of campaigns that myself and Mark Stevens played by email. It was run as a "solo" campaign with a GM; one player plays out the arena fights, whereas the GM controls the storyline between fights. The idea was that the "in-between" events were a set of multiple choices (or played out as a skirmish using the Song of Shadows and Dust rules), and that it should not be too dangerous for the gladiator.

The first campaign we played was Leptis Magna, the second Antioch, and for the third, the Leptis Magna storyline was re-visited and continued with a new pair of gladiators. I was the "games master", and Mark was the "player" using his miniatures and conducting the fights.  It was played to a conclusion in about 2 months between July and September 2016; all communication was via email.

Setting
The campaign is set in Leptis Magna, in the province of Africa in the last years of Nero's reign. From Marks collection of gladitors, he chose;

SENEX - Thracian; (sword but gladius not sica), small shield, light armour.
ASIATICUS - Secutor; sword, large shield, light armour incl no helmet.

Below are the emails that passed back and forth - my entries are in blue, Marks are in green. Any post edit comments are in red. I will post the whole campaign, round by round, on a weekly basis.

Campaign Rules
For the Lanista to make a reasonable return on a gladiator, the gladiator needs to repay an amount of 100 gold aureus to the Lanista. This is repaid from a gladiators share of the winnings. Extra money can be earned in side activities. Depending on how the story goes, the Lanista might also sell the gladiator to another Familia. Or the gladiator could win the rudis and be freed! This becomes most likely if a gladiator makes it in gaining five skills.

Campaign Background

It is said that mystics predict Leptis Magna will one day be a great city, and a son from it will rise to become emperor. But this is not the situation today. The hapless magistrate, Lucius Septimus Geta, presides over a city torn by hatred and rebellion.

Armed gangs roam the streets where no one is safe. Just recently, a lanista named Mettius Ulpius Noctua was murdered by such a foul gang. It is said that in the same night another lanista, Servius Albius Macer mysteriously left the city to join with his powerful relative, Lucius Clodius Macer, Legatus of the Legio III Augusta. Some say he was fed up with the lawlessness, others say he went to the protection of the legion as the Magistrate was going to move against him. With Vespasian no longer governor, having been sent to Judea to quell a rebellion, the power in Africa is now held by the Legatus.

With so many gladiators up for sale, a number of astute purchases were made by Androcles, said to be from Corinth. He is a recent arrival who has decided to set up a ludus in Leptis Magna, occupying the former training grounds of Macer, which were declared forfeit by the Magistrate.

Such is that fate of Senex and Asiaticus that they were brought to Leptis Magna by Noctua, and now find themselves the property of Androcles. Both gladiators can buy their freedom if they earn enough money, and it is rumoured that some have done this. Or they can win freedom with the wooden rudis.

Other veteran gladiators become well paid trainers. Such is the doctore of the Androcles’ ludus, Quadratus, who is a violent man, and veteran of the arena. With an evil grin, he calls both Senex and Asiaticus out. “My lovelies” he says, “why you were selected over better gladiators in this ludus is unknown to me. But you are up against skilled fighters. I doubt I will see you back here…”

Senex is to fight Corax, who has 1 skill.
Asiaticus is to fight Priscus, who has two skills.

The photo below shows the starting lineup. Notable that three of the four fighters got Strength scores of '2', the exception being Corax who scored '5'. I will admit I made my gladiators use blue MOAB dice and the opponents use the dreaded white MOAB dice in the hope of improving my chances. How that worked out, you can read below!

FIGHT 1: SENEX v CORAX

This was the first pairing to take to the arena. I gave Corax the "Attack" skill as you can see. However as the fight developed it was Senex who did most of the attacking, causing some damage but with little real effect except to build up his fatigue. Corax cleverly kept parrying and retreating, waiting for the right moment while preventing any chance for Senex to work around a flank. Eventually Senex scored a 'double 5' special event and Corax lost his shield. At this point Senex stood on the shield and let most of his accumulated fatigues dissapate. He took one risk too many though, as Corax achieved a long awaited '6' AP score and was able to attack Senex's unshielded side. The modified attack ended up as potentially 6 damage and Senex failed to save. However he scored well on his appeal to the crowd, having both caused and suffered wounds, and was granted Missio.
Quadratus, fuming on the sidelines, was heard to mutter about these utterly hopeless new fighters he was expected to train, and that the sooner they became lion food the better.

Senex: lost 6/6, Missio
Corax: lost 4/9, Vincit

FIGHT 2: ASIATICUS v PRISCUS

It was obvious from the start of this fight that Priscus was a show-off (having the Popularity and Dodge skills), what with the fancy armour and not carrying a shield, but he also went straight into action while Asiaticus advanced more cautiously. The crowd expected pizzazz from Priscus and he delivered!

Initial clashes were indecisive, but then Priscus, showing off a clever move, lost his sword. Over the next several moves he engaged Asiaticus in a clever cat and mouse game, tempting Asiaticus to move away from the weapon in the hope of striking a lethal blow, but then parrying and edging around to reclaim the weapon. This included surviving three attacks by Asiaticus on his rear hex! That Dodge skill really paid off. The crowd was on its feet going wild for the favourite, and then ... he lost the sword again.

Asiaticus kept doggedly following Priscus and attacking, unspectacularly but relentlessly, eventually taking him down to 'exhausted' status with only a single strength point left. Priscus never was able to repeat his earlier brilliance and retrieve his sword after the second loss. In the end a short run of poor AP dice meant Asiaticus could complete the job. Another attack from the rear succeeded this time, with a massive +7 modified score, killing Priscus outright with no chance to test his Popularity skill.

Asiaticus: lost 0/6, Vincit
Priscus: lost 12/6, Peruit

The comments of Quadratus about this success do not seem to have been recorded ...

NEXT EPISODE

Antioch Season 1, Episode 9 (Finale)

Following on from the last episode, we carry onto the next round. Mark's posts are in blue, mine are in green, and any post-editing commentary are in red. The gladiator rules used are Munera Sine Missione. Each round will be posted as a weekly episode.

A few days later Athenodorus himself came to the ludus, to meet Ahenobarbus and the gladiators including GALLUS who had achieved the great feat. Athenodorus personally gave generous gifts to all concerned to show his appreciation and bestow honour on the house of Ahenobarbus. GALLUS made a further 8 aureus out of this, taking his accumulated total to 35.

In a one on one meeting, Athenodorus advised Ahenobarbus that there would be private games at the villa of the Governor (Mucianus) in two days, and 'requested' that GALLUS be available to fight a new gladiator the Governor had imported from Capua. Ahenobarbus was naturally 'honoured' to accept.

This fight in a small private indoor arena will pit GALLUS (Secutor, skills: dodge, attack, crowd pleaser, reflexes) against PAVIO (Samnite, skills: attack, dodge, reflexes, stamina, veteran) the Governor's new favourite.

Athenodorus also commented that Pericles was going to be crucified in a few days, which was a pity in some ways because he would probably have made a good gladiator. But he was such a notorious gangster it was better to make a public example of him. Of course the capture of Pericles "by Athenodorus" (who as City Aedile was not responsible for law and order) was a huge boost to his reputation, after the responsible authorities had been "trying" without success for years. Many believed they hadn't been trying too hard because Pericles was protected by powerful friends who used his muscle for their own nefarious schemes. So Athenodorus might make enemies as well as friends by this.

What is it with ancient Rome? There are never any fairytale endings.

THE FIGHT

Despite their good stamina, both gladiators took to the fight with average strength, Gallus at 7, Pavio at 8. Gallus was certainly the better fighter, he attacked the shielded flank of Pavio. Pavio saved. Gallus attacked the unshielded flank of Pavio. Pavio saved. Pavio attacked, and failed every time, getting to 4 fatigues. Gallus attacked, a double 4, and Pavio was knocked down. The crowd, however, was still not impressed, and didn’t give out any favours. Neither had any wounds, and Gallus was looking the better, but the goddess Fortuna had other plans. Pavio rolled a 1 for AP. With the reflex skill, this was a reroll. Pavio rolled a 6. Pavio stood up and attacked. A double 2. Gallus was down. Gallus rolled a 7 on appeal. -2 for being unwounded, and -1 for not inflicting any. Thumbs down, the end……..

Ah well, he went out on a high!

Yes, it was a good campaign. It was interesting how we both had different slants on each game, I was more so on the rivalry with another lanista, yours was more on a street gang. Both campaigns finished with the main antagonists dying on or about the same time the protagonists did, so the story arcs had some completion to them.

It was a somewhat quick ending, but that is the nature of this, it can end at any moment. In any event, a steadily growing sidecast is developing to give continuity. The next campaign returns to Leptis Magna, for season 2, with new gladiators to face the challenges...

Antioch Season 1, Episode 8

Following on from the last episode, we carry onto the next round. Mark's posts are in blue, mine are in green, and any post-editing commentary are in red. The gladiator rules used are Munera Sine Missione. Each round will be posted as a weekly episode.

A win is a win, and GALLUS has now accumulated six arena victories, a very good record by any standard. Most gladiators would consider themselves lucky with three career victories, and still being alive! He is now the top fighter in the Ahenobarbus ludus, and receives special favours (better food, special attention from the female slaves etc). Ahenobarbus finds himself keeping half an eye on his attractive wife Lucia, in case there is any funny business going on. She likes to ogle the fighters training, from a balcony, concealed behind a screen. However his slave informers report nothing is happening on that front. At the moment, anyway.

GALLUS pocketed a further five aureus for the win over USSUR, taking his total to 27. If he continues to be lucky he can look forward to freedom and financial security, very rare for a gladiator.

But meantime, day to day business continues. GALLUS, Ahenobarbus himself, and CRISPUS, another experienced and trusted fighter, have to escort a large sum of money from the ludus to Athenodorus's house. It is several month's takings from his shadowy dealings as Aedile, and secrecy is paramount, so he insists the movement is done late at night. The bags of gold are carried in discreet backpacks by two unarmed civilian slaves.

The three men, all in civilian clothes but carrying concealed swords, and light armour under their tunics, set off through the poorly lit quiet streets escorting the two porters. About two blocks from their destination (a side door into Athenodorus's villa), they encounter a Night Watch patrol, four men under a sergeant. They are allowed to pass after being briefly stopped. Ahenobarbus does all the talking, and a small sum of money changes hands.

Around a couple more corners and into the alley leading to the side door. And then: in front of them is the unmistakable form of Pericles, with two of his street thug henchmen. And behind the party another two henchmen step out of the shadows. Someone has betrayed them it seems.

What will Ahenobarbus do:
(1) Start talking to Pericles with the aim of bluffing his way through?
(2) Shout for help, to alert the Watch, Athenodorus's men, and awaken local residents?
(3) Attack Pericles and his gang (while defending the porters and their money)?
(4) Back away with his men and try to get out of there?

A tough one. That damn Pericles and his band of thugs! Ahenobarbus, a man of action, and so close to home, attacks – picking option 3. He hopes to take out Pericles first…..

The short and bloody dust-up in M&M street* was under way. CRISPUS charged one of the henchmen in front of the party and knocked him down. Then Ahenobarbus followed up and killed the man. Meanwhile GALLUS pushed the two porters up against a side wall and stood between them and the two henchmen of Pericles who were in the rear.

* Named for the large block of flats running along one side of the street. See photo which shows the moment just before Ahenobarbus reacted. The various boxes and tins represent buildings.

The other henchman of Pericles moved into contact with Ahenobarbus and was knocked down. Pericles himself then attacked and knocked down Ahenobarbus. Men were falling like ninepins! One of the rear henchmen tried to move past GALLUS to bring help, but panicked (turnover) and did nothing.

Ahenobarbus stood up and counter attacked with the support of CRISPUS, and Pericles was forced back. CRISPUS also despatched the fallen henchman, so Pericles had now lost both the men with him, leaving only the two at the rear of the party. GALLUS stayed where he was defending the porters.

Pericles managed to get up again and shouted (group order) to his remaining men to attack GALLUS and seize the porters. They only got one action so moved into contact with GALLUS but could not attack.

GALLUS fought valiantly against the two henchman but was slowly forced back. Luckily the two porters had enough sense to edge along the wall to keep out of the way. Ahenobarbus attacked Pericles again, and again knocked him down. This time there was no mistake, as CRISPUS at once jumped on the fallen gangster and captured him. The other two henchmen then ran away (I did not bother about free hacks).

The little party then reassembled, and reached Athenodorus's house in high spirits, bringing not only the gold but also one of Antioch's most notorious gangsters as a prisoner!

NEXT EPISODE

Antioch Season 1, Episode 7

Following on from the last episode, we carry onto the next round. Mark's posts are in blue, mine are in green, and any post-editing commentary is in red. The gladiator rules used are Munera Sine Missione. Each round will be posted as a weekly episode.

Athenodorus was not exactly happy with the result of the rumble at the market, but after reprimanding Ahenobarbus he privately mused that it could have been worse. The fact that most of the Pericles Gang escaped made it look like just another street brawl, whereas if they had all been disappeared or killed it would have looked suspicious. And the captured henchman was singing like a canary in one of the cellars.

However, as a sign of the patron's displeasure GALLUS ended up with only 2 aureus in hand, taking his accumulated total to 22.

Meanwhile, back at the ludus, preparations are going ahead for an unscheduled set of games. A prominent ex-Governor, Valerius Flaccus, has died back in Rome, and in his will he bequeathed funds for some one-time memorial games at Antioch (fondly believing the people there loved him). At these Flaccan funeral games GALLUS (Secutor, skills: Dodge, Attack, Crowd pleaser, +1 other not yet advised, please let me know) will be pitched against USSUR (Laquearius, skills: Celebrity, Dodge, Reflexes, Stamina) who used to belong to Ahenobarbus but was sold last year to raise some needed cash.

THE FIGHT

Gallus took reflexes as the next skill. This was a truly weird fight. Ussur started poorly and had his spear broken at the start of the fight. Despite this handicap, Ussur had extreme good luck in armour saves, surviving  a 5 damage hit (rolling 1) and a 3 damage hit (rolling 1 again). Gallus got tired, and Ussur got exhausted, a very long fight with 1 damage hits and wearing down. Ussur then lost his lasso and had to resort to improvised attacks, but was able to recover the lasso. Eventually, Ussur was brought below 0 strength, despite his remarkable saving ability. Ussur, being a celebrity, ended up on 10 on the appeal table so survived.

GALLUS Lost 3 from 8 strength. WIN
USSUR Lost 12 from 9 strength. SURVIVED APPEAL

Gallus, despite winning, was not that convincing, but at the same time, never looked in too much trouble, so a strange fight.


NEXT EPISODE