Leptis Magna Season 2, Episode 8

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.

I'll give Asiaticus the Attack skill.

Asiaticus noted the discussion between Quadratus and Androcles, but his natural passivity plus his new devotion to Mithras meant he hurried after the others, to the prayer meeting ...

The conversion of Asiaticus to the cult of Mithras is nearly complete. He has heard of a number of initiation ceremonies that must take place, but is not aware of what they might involve. Whenever he asks about the initiation, he just gets greeted with silence and wry smiles from his new found “friends”.

Androcles addressed the gladiators one morning. He announced that the next fight will be the last before the great festival of Liber Pater, where the Legatus will be in attendance. Galba is now the Emperor of Rome, and the Legatus is the most powerful man in Africa. It is not known what happened to the former Emperor Nero, some say he was killed by his own slave, others say that he used his acting skills and disguises to escape Rome and flee to Greece. This upcoming games are dedicated to Mithras!

The order of events are (nothwithstanding last minute alterations);

• Asiaticus to fight Bardelys who has 3 skills
• Senex to fight Mus who has 0 skills

Special Conditions: Senex will be quite distracted in the fight, as he will look in the stands to see if he recognizes anyone from his adventures in the city. 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. If the 10 card is drawn, Senex spots Hannibal in the crowd. Aghast at such a sight, he will skip that turn.

As the games are dedicated to Mithras, Asiaticus gains a prayer ability for these games only. If he rolls a natural 6 for AP, he can choose to skip that turn (pauses to pray) and thereafter gains the ability to ignore any negative AP effect from having fatigues, as he is filled with the bull like stamina of Mithras. This lasts until he rolls a natural 1 for AP. Not only does the effect end on rolling the 1, he gains an additional 2 fatigues at that point.

Both Asiaticus and Senex are beginning to develop a fan base among the arena crowd regulars, although neither is considered by any means a first-rate fighter yet. They are considered "prospects worth watching" and as "in with a chance" to rival the top fighters over the course of the next few Games.

It is also beginning to be noted that fighters from the ludus of Androcles are consistently entering the arena better prepared than their opponents. No one thinks Quadratus is an especially outstanding trainer - what is the secret?

Here is how the day went for our protagonists -

ASIATICUS v BARDELYS

I gave Bardelys the same three skills as Asiaticus (Attack, Dodge, Stamina). He is a sica-armed Thracian but wears heavier than usual armour. They came on with Strengths of 11 (Asiaticus) & 9 (Bardelys).

Asiaticus opened the proceedings with an unsuccessful shield-side attack, and Bardelys, scoring max AP, immediately countered with an identical attack, which Asiaticus parried. After a few more inconclusive exchanges, Bardelys' sica got past Asiaticus's shield and caused 4 wounds. Asiaticus replied with a clever sword thrust that took 4 wounds off Bardelys.

Both fighters then took a breather. Bardelys stepped away from the fray, and Asiaticus did not follow, preferring to stay where he was and recover a bit (shed his one fatigue).

Bardelys then began to try to work around Asiaticus's unshielded flank, but Asiaticus was lucky with AP and surprised Bardelys with an attack on his shieldless side. The potential damage was a staggering 9 wounds but the Thracian dodged and was able to escape the blow. Asiaticus kept up the hassle, and in another similar attack caused Bardelys 4 more wounds. At this point, Asiaticus had 7 Strength remaining, and Bardelys had only 1 Strength, and 1 fatigue.

Bardelys launched an all-out assault, but the effort seemed to over-exert him because (double 3 special event) he was knocked down by Asiaticus's defence. However he recovered and stood up to Asiaticus's flurry of attacks, slowly giving ground as Asiaticus took fatigues. He actually managed a dangerous 5-wound attack at one point but Asiaticus successfully parried. Both fighters were using their Dodge skills effectively to escape lethal damage, but the odds lengthened against Bardelys when he tipped into Exhausted status.

The end-game was quite long and drawn-out, with Asiaticus following his usual dogged "pursue and bustle" strategy, but never quite getting through Bardelys' guard; and Bardelys grimly resisting and occasionally making a potentially fatal hit which Asiaticus was always able to deflect. But finally Asiaticus made the breakthrough, with a lethal thrust that took Bardelys to -3 Strength, a mortal wound.

Asiaticus: lost 4/11 Strength, Vincit
Bardelys: lost 12/9 Strength, Peruit

Asiaticus never rolled a 6AP so the Mithras effect never occurred. It would not have helped anyway
as Asiaticus was at no point particularly close to being Exhausted. Naturally however he believes all his new-found success is due to the protection of the God.

SENEX v MUS

There seems to be something amiss with the big men among Leptis gladiators this season. Remember the disappointment of Titan a few Games ago, who was easily beaten by Senex. Now Senex faces another giant of a man, the Samnite called "Mus" (mouse, it is meant to be ironic) who is fielded with a Strength of only 6, whereas Senex is pumped with a Strength of 10. Strange days indeed, think the more discerning spectators.

Despite his heavier status Mus gets all the good AP early in the game, and Senex has to look lively to avoid being caught at a disadvantage. He decides to play a mobile game using his "+1AP" advantage to try and get in some side or rear attacks on Mus. This fails spectacularly as Mus strikes first causing Senex to lose his sword. Deft footwork and good defence enable Senex to avoid worse damage, but how to recover the sword? A game of cat-and mouse ensues with Mus chasing Senex but always careful to be between Senex and the lost weapon. At last the right AP combination (low for Mus followed by high for Senex) enables him to make a run for it and get to the sword.

But Mus is right behind him and causes 4 wounds in a rear attack before Senex can pick up the sword and get back into action. He grabs it and keeps running to put distance between Mus and himself. Spectators close enough can see him darting anxious glances into the stands as if expecting to see something. But what? Then Senex gives a sort of shudder, as if he sees a terrible sight, and stands for a moment without moving (draws the Hannibal card). Then he seems to recover, smiles and waves (Flaviana card, both cards were together at the bottom of the pack). It is noted that these strange behaviours happened after he had been looking towards the seating bloc reserved for the lowest of the plebs.

Luckily while this mysterious behaviour is happening (and being noted by Quadratus and Androcles among others, although they are as mystified as anyone) Mus has slowed down (some average AP at last) so Senex has time to gather his wits and plan a new attack. He has lost 4/10 Strength and is lucky it is not a lot more, whereas Mus is unharmed. Mus may be a rookie but he obviously cannot be taken lightly.

Senex announces he is back in the fight with an attack on Mus' unshielded side, but his thrust is parried. Mus counter attacks but also fails, and several rounds of unsuccessful attacks follow. Then Senex makes the breakthrough, with a "double 6 special event result. Mus takes 2D6=5 wounds, and is reduced to 1 Strength & 2 fatigues = exhausted status. He recovers well and even manages to mount some potentially dangerous attacks on Senex, but all are unsuccessful and only increase his exhaustion level.

Mus is able to hold off Senex for a few moves, but with exhaustion eventually building up to -3AP each turn it cannot last. Eventually Senex gets through with a lethal 5 wound attack, killing Mus outright.

Senex: lost 4/10 Strength, Vincit
Mus: lost 10/6 Strength, Peruit

Perhaps Senex will develop a reputation as a "giant killer" - unless of course both fights were arranged beforehand?

But either way, it has been a good day for the ludus of Androcles!

NEXT EPISODE

Leptis Magna Season 2, Episode 7

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.


For no discernible reason Senex and Asiaticus found the order of their fights reversed for these games. Asiaticus and Hanno came on in the morning after the usual executions, acrobats etc; while Senex and Felix did not make an appearance until nearly the day's end.

Both of our fighters went into the arena with their private thoughts. Asiaticus, now a thorough devotee of Mithras, seemed calm and confident. Senex seemed a bit distracted, Flaviana and her "sisters" were on his mind. Also he could not help wondering what would happen if Hannibal the pit fighter ever entered the arena. Senex had described what he had seen to the other fighters in the ludus, but it was generally held that he was exaggerating and that any trained gladiator would easily beat any mere street brawler.

Anyway, here is how it went down. One thing becoming apparent is that, regardless of Quadratus's training methods, he is getting results in terms of well prepared fighters who have better Strength generally than their opponents.

ASIATICUS v HANNO

Asiaticus has the Stamina and Dodge skills, and came on with a Strength of 10. Hanno has the Stamina, Reflexes, and Dodge skills, a dangerous opponent who could move like greased lightning, and a Strength of 8.

Hanno used his speed to close quickly with Asiaticus, although he was unable to get onto a flank despite trying. However, his first cast of the net succeeded in entangling Asiaticus, who was initially unable to break free. Hanno followed up with an unsuccessful trident attack, following which Asiaticus broke free of the net.

Hanno again used his speed, accepting the fatigue that came with the exertion, and attempted a trident attack on Asiaticus's shielded side. The unmodified result was a "defender knocked down, lose shield" double 5 special event, but Asiaticus felt the hand of Mithras turn the blow aside,  as his D6 roll changed from "5" to "1" and he then dodged successfully.

The Hand of God: Mithras guides Hanno's trident away from Asiaticus, saving him from a seemingly-certain five wounds. Hanno's abandoned net lies in front of Asiaticus.

The Hand of God: Mithras guides Hanno's trident away from Asiaticus, saving him from a seemingly-certain five wounds. Hanno's abandoned net lies in front of Asiaticus.

Asiaticus countered with a double attack, driving Hanno back two hexes (push backs for unsuccessful sword and shield bash attacks). Some indecisive exchanges followed, potentially worse for Hanno who was building up fatigue more quickly due to early exertions (using >6 AP). Both began to suffer a few wounds also.

Asiaticus was able to stay in touch with Hanno due to a run of good AP,  and he knocked Hanno down in a special event result. Hanno was able to get back up again, but Asiaticus inflicted more wounds, taking Hanno almost to the point of exhaustion. Asiaticus then knocked him down again, in a "double 2" special event, and forced Hanno to submit by standing over him.

Hanno's modified appeal score was 11 and he was granted Missio. Asiaticus left the arena a fervent believer in the power of Mithras.

Asiaticus: lost 2/10, Vincit
Hanno: lost 3/8, Missio

SENEX v FELIX

Senex has the Attack and Stamina skills, and entered the arena with a Strength of 12. Felix has the Attack and Dodge skills and started with a Strength of 10. The experts in the crowd, and the hard men from the various Schools looking on, could quickly see this would be a fight between two gladiators in top form.

Felix came out quite slowly, due to a run of poor AP, and Senex crossed most of the arena to reach him. He moved more cautiously on approach in case the slow movement was a ruse of some kind. Ruse or not it did not seem to work and Senex pounced on Felix's left side, causing 1 wound. Felix then showed his true capabilities. With a high AP score he turned the tables and attacked Senex's shielded flank, causing 7 wounds and taking Senex immediately to "wounded" status.

Senex counterattacked inflicting another wound on Felix, but many in the crowd wondered if maybe the damage had already been done. Felix continued a flurry of double attacks, taking Senex to only 3 Strength, but events showed that although he was "down" he was certainly not "out". He knocked Felix down with a "double 5" special event, and when Felix got up, did exactly the same thing again! Felix got up a second time, but this time Senex skipped around to his rear and caused 4 wounds, taking Felix to "wounded" status also. The crowd were enthralled by this display of courage and expertise by both fighters.

Felix may have been concussed by his two falls. He scored low AP and was not able to turn to face Senex, who pressed a side attack to cause 2 more wounds, then dodged Felix's belated fight back. Both fighters now had only 3 Strength left, and Felix had 1 fatigue.
At this point Senex scored a third "double 5" knockdown of Felix, once again Felix staggered to his feet, while Senex inflicted another wound. Felix's attack was parried and he acquired a 2nd fatigue, he was now on the brink of exhaustion.

Senex changed tactics at this point. He stepped away from Felix and began to try and work to a flank. At first this seemed to be a terrible error, as Felix came to life with a high AP roll and attacked Senex's shielded side. But Senex parried and the resulting extra fatigue tipped Felix into exhaustion. This got worse as Felix desperately tried to keep in touch with Senex in the hope of a single good strike (all it would take to win).

As the more discerning spectators had predicted, in a fight between two fighters so closely matched, it was a small thing that brought on the final result. Senex made an unforced error in movement and Felix, exerting every remaining ounce of Strength, was just barely able to launch one more attack. It was a "double 2" so Senex was floored and forced to submit.

Felix corners Senex in a last-gasp effort and wins the fight, against the odds, after a heroic performance by both fighters.

Felix corners Senex in a last-gasp effort and wins the fight, against the odds, after a heroic performance by both fighters.

Senex's modified appeal roll was 9, so he was granted Missio but by a surprisingly small margin considering the quality of the fight. Perhaps the voting was influenced by the many who had lost money on the result.

Senex: lost 9/12, Missio
Felix: lost 8/10, Vincit

Interesting that both fights ended with "double 2" special events [defender floored, must submit if the attacker can end his move adjacent]. Maybe this is a special move Quadratus is training his gladiators to use?

Admin stuff: Asiaticus wins 13 gold, and gains an extra skill. His total gold is 50. Senex wins 9 gold, with total gold of 25.

Asiaticus has come a long way from his low point. Religion has been good for him both in and away from the arena. Now that he is no longer alone, and part of the Mithras “brotherhood” within the ludus, the bullying from Quadratus and Bion has dissipated, apart from an occasional menacing stare from Bion. Senex on the other hand, seems to be distracted by other things. Androcles doesn’t know what to make of both gladiators at this stage, at times they show brilliance, and at other times only disappointment.

Senex was quit heavily wounded from his bout, and therefore spent most of his time in recovery. As punishment for his loss, he did not get the privilege of going into the city.

While Senex was recovering, a training session was just completing. Asiaticus was called away by his fellow Mithras brothers to attend a prayer session in a room in the ludus that was an impromptu shrine (a “Mithraeum”). Asiaticus started to follow, but he noticed that Bion and Quadratus were having an animated discussion of some sort away from the other gladiators. Does Asiaticus (1) go to the prayer meeting, or (2), attempt to sneak up to Bion and Quadratus and listen in, while hiding behind a wall?

NEXT EPISODE

Leptis Magna Season 2, Episode 6

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.

First, administrative stuff… Senex wins 15 gold (a huge windfall), Asiaticus win 10 gold. Overall, Senex has 23 gold, Asiaticus 42 gold. Senex does not get a new skill as he was against a weaker opponent, Asiaticus does gain a new skill. So both are on 2 skills.

Prior to the fight, Asiaticus was in the depths of despair. While looking through the grill onto the arena waiting for the inevitable, a large guard, who was a complete stranger, handed Asiaticus a small idol of Mithras. “Mithras rewards those who believe” he said. Asiaticus had heard other gladiators speak of Mithras, so he tucked it into his belt and put his faith in the idol. When Corax floored Asiaticus, he pleaded to Mithras for a miracle. As if by magic, some unseen force blocked the double attack by Corax. When Asiaticus was leaving the arena to the applause of the crowd, asked for a sign that this was the work of Mithras. Thereupon he saw the flock of birds. He now believed.

After the fights, Androcles arrived with Quadratus to meet the gladiators. Androcles was beaming with joy. “Who would have thought” he said, “that we would be seeing so much success today! Tell me Quadratus, what is the secret here?” Quadratus explained that after Senex lost his first fight, he arranged for Senex to visit the Domus Solis Ortum to lift his spirits, and he placed Asiaticus on a special training regimen so that he could gain confidence and belief in himself. “Excellent” exclaimed Androcles, “Quadratus, you could have trained the warriors in Olympus!”

As a reward, Senex is allowed another visit to the seedy parts of town again.  This time around he gets to see some lawless pit fighting. There are no rules, no concept of matched pairs, and the crowd never grants mercy…

Fighting is Hannibal, who famously wears the face of his most recent opponent as a mask, and uses a vile pick hammer. His opponent (pictured above) is Lenoidas, a specialist cestus fighter. Senex can bet up to 5 gold on the winner. If he bets on Hannibal (the favourite), he will win back an amount equal to his bet, if he bets on Leonidas, he will win back 5 times what he bets. Does Senex place a bet? If so, for who and how much (maximum 5 gold)?

In the meantime, the ludus is visted by a mystic of Mithras. Religious people are allowed to enter from time to time. For 5 gold, he will bring good fortune to Asiaticus’s next fight. If he pays the money, roll 2d6 and record the result. Asiaticus will be able to replace ANY ONE of his own dice rolls in his next fight with ONE of the 2 fortune results.

Asiaticus duly paid his 5 gold for the protection of Mithras, and rolled 2D6 : would you believe, 1 and 1. This mystic may be a fraud, I think. Mind you, still potentially useful to escape from a tricky "special event" problem.

Senex will place 5 gold on Leonidas to win. 

In the pit fight, Hannibal, who is scarcley human, was just too fast, with Leonidas taking fatal blows from the gruesome bipennis. “Hannibal is an uncontrolled lunatic!” thought Senex, and was thankful that he is a gladiator rather than a kill or be killed pit fighter.

Senex loses the bet and the 5 gold. He does however, round out the night in a wild party at the Domus Solis Ortum, spending another 2gp. Senex is starting to gain a reputation in the ludus for his wild and spendthrift ways.

Asiaticus is seemingly going the opposite way, devoting more time to the understanding of Mithras, and bonding with other gladiators who are members of the cult. The prophecy given to Asiaticus by the Mystic is not all that bad, a 1 can always be used for a turning a failed armour save to a successful block. That may have been the vision ….

The next games were announced as one of the qualifying events for the upcoming festival of Liber Pater. The match ups are;

Senex is up against Felix (has 2 skills)Asiaticus (armed with his prophetic dice roll of 1) is up against Hanno (has 3 skills)

The crowd is eagerly anticipating these matches. Betting money favours Senex over Felix, but the money favours Hanno over Asiaticus, as Hanno is seen as a good exponent of the net and trident.

NEXT EPISODE

Leptis Magna Season 2, Episode 5

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.

Bion

It is not well known, but Bion gained streetfighting skills in the rough backstreets of Athens as a young lad. He was forced into becoming a gladiator to pay off gambling debts. He was told that he could make a good cestus fighter, but Bion preferred to don the national hoplomachus style of his countrymen. Bion is also considered to be an astute gambler; the gossip in the ludus is that he has already paid off his debts from a number of windfalls but chooses to fight on voluntarily.

Observers of the breakfast fight judged that Bion tricked Asiaticus into defending high while Bion hit low. A trait learned from Bion's old streetfighting days.

However, this was all academic to Asiaticus, whose life became even more miserable. As punishment for his poor performances, he was given the duty to clean out Rufus's kennel daily, which was work normally done by household slaves.

Time passes...

Finally another set of games were announced. They are held to honour the war dead of Legio III Augusta, as it is now the fashion to respect the authority of the Legatus. The match ups are;

Senex (who has 2 skills) vs Botanicus (has 1 skill)Asiaticus (who has 1 skill) vs Corax (who has 2 skills – one of them is attack)

It was thought by Androcles that the match up with Senex was odd, being pitted against a lesser gladiator. “Must be some strange things going on” he murmured.

Corax had previously defeated Senex, so it was widely thought he will easily dispose of Asiaticus. Asiaticus didn’t know what to think, if he lost again, would Androcles lose patience with him?

The pre-fight entertainment included convicted criminals being killed. Greek tragedies were the order of the day, and one poor sod recreated the flight of Icarus and was hurled across the arena from a catapult before falling to a gruesome death. Asiaticus, upon seeing the spectacle, mused that there are others in a far worse position than him…

Yes, no-one would want to be in Asiaticus's sandals at the moment. And yet somehow he survives, although he has seen many "better" fighters perish. The Gods can move in mysterious ways.


Anyway, the day of the new Games dawned and once again it turned out that Senex and his opponent were to go on in the morning session, with Asiaticus's bout just after the lunch break.

Here is how it all transpired.

FIGHT 1: SENEX v BOTANICUS

Senex has the Attack and Stamina skills, Botanicus has the Popularity skill (there's maybe a back story there if needed). Senex entered the arena with a Strength score of 12 while Botanicus came in with only 5! (A 6-1 dice roll split + Senexes stamina advantage). Androcles and Quadratus were feeling confident about this one, as they had been tipped off by a source in the other ludus that Botanicus had diarrhoea. Why was he not 'scratched' from the lineup then?

The two fighters got straight down to it, Botanicus not showing any obvious signs of illness. First blood to Senex causing one wound. Botanicus struck back, a wound to Senex followed by a shield bash that put him on the ground. Senex got up, and the fight continued with several rounds of indecisive sparring and a few fatigues building up.

Then Senex scored a quick hit that took Botanicus down to 0 Strength and it was all over. He rolled a modified 11 for his appeal so was granted Missio.

Senex: lost 2/12, Vincit
Botanicus: lost 5/5, Missio

The crowd digested this one sided result over lunch, with their turnips, and the more they thought about it the less they liked it. Something was obviously not right. The losing punters felt especially aggrieved.

Settling back onto the benches after lunch, they wondered if the first afternoon fight had also somehow been "arranged". Asiaticus was a known loser, and his opponent Corax was considered superior on all points, so no one expected much of a spectacle.

FIGHT 2: ASIATICUS v CORAX

Hmm. Asiaticus, with the Dodge skill, rolled high and came on with a Strength of 10. Obviously that regime of kennel cleaning has toughened him up. Or a realisation that this is probably a "do or die" moment for him. Corax, the cool professional, came in with a Strength of 8 and the Attack and Dodge skills.

They looked evenly matched at first, even rolling identical AP dice in the first few rounds. Corax struck first, two wounds to Asiaticus's shielded side. He hit back immediately with an identical result on Corax's shielded side. The fight then moved into another phase, with Asiaticus trying to bustle Corax, and Corax trying to step back to use his long spear. The only result was fatigue building up on both sides, tho Asiaticus was unlucky to fail in an attack on Corax's unshielded side.   

Corax achieved a "double 4" special event to floor Asiaticus but could not take advantage. He tried a big double attack but only succeeded in building 2 more fatigues, one for the spear failure and one for the bash failure. More inconclusive sparring then resumed.

Then Asiaticus made a big score, taking 4 wounds off Corax in an attack on his unshielded side. Corax was now down to only 2 Strength, with 4 fatigues (exhausted). Asiaticus was at 8 Strength and 4 fatigues. Corax's response was a "double 1" special event, losing his spear which fell in the hex separating the two fighters. Asiaticus moved up to prevent Corax retrieving the spear, and delivered another 4 wounds, taking Corax to -2 and submission.

Corax rolled a modified 6 for his appeal, so Asiaticus completed a successful day at the office by dispatching his badly wounded opponent.

On his way out of the arena, he glanced up at the sky. A flight of birds passed overhead in an auspicious formation. Was his luck changing?

Asiaticus: lost 2/10, Vincit
Corax: lost 10/8, Peruit

NEXT EPISODE

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