Editing Crixus (Blood and Sand) (section)

===Gods of the Arena===
'''Enslavement and Initial Training:''' Crixus begins his journey as a slave under Tullius, tasked with carrying stones for the new arena, overseen by the brutal Appius. During a fight with another slave, Batiatus intervenes, buying Crixus for fifty denarii, a sum well above a slave's typical worth, hoping to gain favor with Tullius.

Upon arriving at Batiatus' ludus, Crixus is placed in a cell with Ashur, Dagan, and Indus. While Dagan mocks Crixus for his small stature, Ashur offers him a warmer welcome. Ashur recounts how he and the other recruits have survived, explaining that their training culminates in a final test to earn the mark of the Brotherhood. Crixus reveals he started the fight to catch Batiatus' attention and prove his potential as a gladiator.

Despite initial taunts and hazing from gladiators like Auctus and Barca, Crixus forms a friendship with Ashur. However, during training, Crixus is frequently bested by his peers until Batiatus assigns Oenomaus to train him in gladiatorial combat, emphasizing the importance of never lowering his guard.

'''Rise to Prominence:''' As Crixus' skills improve, he manages to land a strike on Oenomaus during training. He seeks advice from Gannicus on how to become a champion, and Gannicus advises him to never lose. In a demonstration for Varis, Crixus battles Gannicus and, despite being outmatched, impresses Gaia enough for her to spare his life.

Oenomaus, now Doctore, arranges a fight between Barca and Crixus, which Crixus loses. Gannicus later advises Crixus on how to counter Barca's spear technique. Eventually, Crixus is chosen to fight Auctus in the old arena. Initially at a disadvantage, Crixus gains the upper hand and kills Auctus, earning the mark of the Brotherhood and the respect of Barca, despite his loss of Auctus.

'''Becoming a Gladiator:''' Following Auctus' death, Crixus garners respect within the Brotherhood and ceases to be insulted by Barca. He shares his tragic past with Barca, fostering a deeper bond. Crixus continues his training, growing more skilled and successful in the Ludus rankings.

When summoned by Lucretia, Crixus is tasked with impregnating her to produce an heir for Batiatus. Despite his discomfort, he complies, maintaining his role as a gladiator. Lucretia also orders his long hair and beard to be shorn, leading to his clean-shaven, buzz-cut appearance.

'''Conflict and Championhood:''' In the Primus, Batiatus' gladiators face Solonius' men in a team melee. Despite being outnumbered, Crixus seeks a battle with Gannicus. During the fight, Crixus cripples Ashur to confront Gannicus alone. However, Gannicus, concerned for Crixus' safety, throws him out of the ring, preventing him from becoming Champion. Gannicus wins the fight and is granted his freedom.

At Gannicus' farewell, Crixus laments their missed match but is encouraged by Gannicus to win his freedom and find him. Gannicus gifts Crixus the necklace of champions, urging him to wear it with honor. Ashur, now crippled and scarred, harbors a lasting grudge against Crixus.