Return to Blood on the Sands

Today saw us return to the arena to fight our first bouts of Blood on the Sand for 2024 and what better time to start a campaign? The 4 of us rolled up our fighters and we got directly to the first Munus...and right into a heatwave to test our fatigue management.

Sapor the Murmillo (House Alanus) faced off against Tullus the Provcateur (House of Frankiatus) and showed his Tier 1 quality. After a number of rounds exchanging blows in the sweltering heat, Tullus appealed and the crowd were entertained.

Meanwhile, Suran the Threax (Ludus of Paulus Rufus) went up against Atellus the Murmillo (of novice Lanista Reillus) and quickly found himself on the defensive. 2 quick flesh wounds to the head saw Suran incapacitated and at the mercy of the crowd. The editor was merciful and the new Lanista exultant! However, Suran's medicae agree that the open wound on his scalp will likely impact him in his next match.

The second round of bouts saw some excitement as the long afternoon heat continued. The Provocateurs of House Alanius (Caratacus) and Paulus Rufus (Cestus) squared off and dove quickly into action; Caratacus scoring a quick flesh wound on Cestus before being neatly disarmed in return. Caratacus appealed to the crowd and was ultimately spared by the Editor for their displays of martial skill.

Meanwhile, Sinister the Hoplomacus (Lanista Reillus) found Corvis the Murmillo (Lanista Frankiatus) a challenging opponent. Sinister's spear thrusts were nothing to the nimble Corvis, who was similarly unsuccessful in his attempts to draw blood. After an exhausting dance around the arena in the heat, Sinister appealed to the crowd and but the Editor was less than amused, perhapos the heat had gotten to him too. Iugula! was the verdict and all Sinister won was a place in necropolis outside the city. 

A great way to start the 2024 Gladiatorial season, with a new player introduced to BotS and our first campaign underway. 

The first Munus saw 1 Victory by disablement, 2 by Missio and 1 fighter put to death. The additional context of developing one's fighters made a big difference to the immersive experience, and the decision of when to push your luck in the arena...and when not to!

Thanks to my fellow Lanistae for another cracking afternoon of gladiator fun!