Sons of Mars: Ludia Consualia

Lurio Gallus, governor of the province of Lusitania, hopes to be summoned back to Rome to take his late father's place in the Senate. Lurio is a great patron and admirer of gladiatorial combat. Although he has already wagered considerable sums of his fortune due to his addiction to gambling, he maintains a small ludus. His goal is to be able to compete with the great schools in Rome, but there is still a long way to go.
Today, in the capital of the province, Salamantica, the Ludia Consualia are celebrated, games in honor of Consus. Decorated oxen pulled the market carts to the town squares already in the morning hours and in the alleys it is like in a beehive. The stands of the small arena of Salamantica have more than filled up shortly before noon and the people are crowded around the walls of the arena to catch a glimpse of the muscle-bound, oiled fighters.
Then, drumbeats heard from afar announce the start of the festivities and the gladiators, who will fight for victory today in honor of Consu, kick up sand and dust as they enter the arena and raise their arms to salute the governor. The spectators cheer.

After nine months of pandemic break, we were finally able to get back into wargaming fully vaccinated. Sons of Mars was a very thankful and clear start. The rules are easy to learn and the gameplay is fast and action-packed.

After two matches, we parted with one hard-fought victory point each. So the evening ended in a draw, which would certainly have been in keeping with Consu's spirit.