Beware the Ides of November!

Kalends, November 218 AD

Well it seemed like a plan. Just goes to show - don't make business decisions after several pots of un-watered Falernian red.
Proximo's boys had performed reasonably well at last month's events; well enough to think of entering the big festival at Rome. It was November and the Ludi Plebeii was coming up. What could possibly go wrong? Or was that just the wine talking?
After his recent successes, Proximo now had some coin and could choose between some Ludus upgrades or perhaps entering the festival; he chose the latter.
Reviewing his gladiators, Proximo wasn't entirely happy with Androcles; the hoplomachus had lost his last bout and obviously needed more experience. Ostentatio was his most experienced fighter but Proximo had a hunch that he had been lucky in his last fight.
That left Symeon; the retiarius had shown real promise and was Proximo's choice for the festival.
Not wanting to have two of his boys idle, he would also enter Androcles and Ostentatio into the local and regional events.

Nones, November 218 AD - the local event

For the first event of the month Proximo selected Androcles to represent the ludus. When the lots were drawn, he was to face Obsequious the Secutor from the rival ludus of Gannicus Anthrax.

The contestants line up -Secutor versus Hoplomachus

As the bout began, Androcles instantly stole the initiative and moved towards his opponent. Then, feeling cocky, he played to the crowd - who were having none of it! In response Obsequious also played to the crowd - successfully. With the applause of the crowd echoing around the arena the secutor move to attack. There followed a flurry of sword attacks in which Androcles took several wounds. He desperately tried to disengage to put some distance between him and the secutor but was only wounded in the process. Eventually the hoplomachus broke free to use his longer weapon to advantage.

The hoplomachus attacks from distance

Unfortunately, this was only a brief respite as Obsequious closed the gap once more. Further close fighting was to follow with both gladiators receiving wounds and fatigue.

Both contestants begin to tire

Round 6 and Androcles was now down to 1 vitality point. He managed to increase his distance and put in another long attack. Equal scores! The hoplomachus now used the 'long' bonus to get his opponent to re-roll his highest dice. And the result was.........HIGHER! Oh dear another and final hit on Androcles.

A fateful mistake by the hoplomachus

Now the moment of truth, what will be the editor 's decision?  And it's a thumbs up! Androcles rises to his feet to thunderous applause (bonus experience points). Apparently the audience like him - or do they perhaps just like seeing him beaten up?

Not a great result but there's always the regionals.

Ides, November 218 AD - the Capuan regional event

Not to be deterred, Proximo paid 5 coin to put Ostentatio into the Capuan November event.

Once again the lots were drawn and Ostentatio was to take part in the Public Executions. Notorious criminals Dicius and Domius were to be sent to the arena today. Fellow Chuckle gang members, Bazzius and Paulius, had met their end last month and now it was their turn. Last months executions had been easy but still - these bouts are to the death.

Dicius and Domius seemed unusually confidant for condemned men and Domius did not hesitate to advance straight towards the Thraex. He then stopped and tried to intimidate Ostentatio - and succeeded! (a 10). Ostentatio was obviously discombobulated by the audacity and as a result was temporarily down to one action. Charging into combat he made a clean cut on the unarmoured Noxii - who rolled 10 for the save!

Domius was now joined by Dicius who put in a critical blow on to the Thraex - another 10!

Mobbed by Noxii, the dice gods forsake the unfortunate Thraex

With a sustained Dice Pool of only 2 and minus one for facing multiple opponents, Ostentatio couldn't risk going toe to toe. Miraculously, needing to pass two tests to disengage from both opponents, he managed to break free. Then charged in against Domius, where his charge profile would have the advantage - in theory. Yes you guessed it, another critical hit from Domius (another 10). Dicius then moved in for the kill and the Thraex was outnumbered once again.

Domius puts up an unexpected fight

To add insult to injury Dicius put in his attack and - another 10. The Thraex was down to 0 vitality and as these bouts are to the death - it's goodbye to Ostentatio Θ

Death of a Thraex

A severe set back for the Ludus Proximo. After such a reversal in fortune Proximo wisely elected to skip the festival in Rome after all. Question is - can he afford another gladiator?