(+++ The following is a demo of a custom scenario I created again using a simple set of Necromunda (N18) rules. The 12 Gladiator characters are created as Venator champions (variety of the stat sets), maximum 200pts each. Equipment was restricted to close combat weapons, armor and black market chems. One main book skill per gladiator.
The Hounds represent Sumpcroc beasts. Arena size is 24"x18". Deployment 7" apart.
This can be played as single player mode as well, numbering each fighter 1-12 and drawing from a dozen numbered cards to activate. Multiplayer could easily be converted into small co-op squads.
Good easy dice game for a lazy Sunday afternoon).
Somewhere in the cavernous depths of Xothus palace, the Heliodrome fighting pit. Eight figures emerged from the shadows of the blast doors. The roar of the spectator mobs rose like a festering storm in filthy air thick with the stench of cooked meat and strong intoxicants. The cacophony thundered into the pit below.
From a gang plank on the edge of the pit a gnarled animal horn was sounded and a rusted grill raised up, ejecting forth a pack of snarling Hounds of Xothu. It was begun...
Into the center, the alpha beast struck out at speed. The large mutant Volos was blindsided, gored and savaged. The second beast loped along the wall towards Tetsu, the pikeman stuck the creature but was wounded by its sweeping tusks. The veteran knew to defend his back, well enough to parry the serrated teeth of the twin blades of Cytus.
The fighting quickly spilled into the center courtyard between the spike racks. The mutant barbarian Jungir in the depths of chem frenzy rushed forth, spiked and hooked flails swinging for Ithlans throat. The warriors armor held and he countered with a crushing hammer blow, sprawling Jungir into the racks to his end. He swung the heavy maul again, this time shattering the body of the third charging hound.
The swordsman Tyros, a warrior of the bleak thorned forests of Paleon entered the fray, slaying the alpha hound with hacking thrusts that sprayed the arena floor red. He however failed to see the servo claw of the badly mauled Volos close around his throat and was then hurled several feet away.
Tetsu was slain by Cytus who approached the melee raging in the center where the heavy warriors now dueled. The fortunes of Ithlan turned ill as he was struck down by a massive blow from the roaring chain cleaver of the workganger Sarvog in a slash of gore.
Heavy footfall thundered across the arena floor. The lumbering brute Olrik strode forth, his chain axe and spiked knuckleduster wove a bloody path of destruction through Sarvog and Cytus before turning his wrath on a dying Volos, finishing him.
The mono hole of the giant gladiators helm now fixed on the remaining survivor; Tyros. Though badly wounded, the swordsman leveled his blade in challenge to the deafening howls of the crowds. The fighters closed the distance, Olriks chain axe carving sweeping arcs of certain death at the swordsman.
Ignoring his own wounds, the Paleonnian flanked and swept low, feeling the whirling teeth of the chain axe shearing into his scrap shield. Tyros lashed out with viper thrusts of his blade catching Olrik in the chest. The massive warrior collapsed to the floor with a heavy crash.
The mobs howled into the arena with fury for Tyros now stood alone, badly wounded but victorious. The newest champion of the Heliodrome.
(+++ This proved to be a entertaining small scenario for some figs I have converted. The fighters Skill abilities really came into play for each gladiator; parries, dodges, crushing blows really adding to the action.
The victor Tyros won only by the narrowest of margins, having killed a hound and then hurled nearly into a spike rack with a Serious Injury. Remained down for two turns on the brink of death. He then regained consciousness to face Olrik who had just slaughtered three other gladiators.
He parried a blow that would have meant certain death and landed multiple sword wounds through Olriks armor to win. -Ak)
