Editing Crixus (Blood and Sand) (section)

===Blood and Sand===
As Spartacus arrives at the ludus, Crixus holds the prestigious title of Champion of Capua and stands as the top gladiator in the house of Batiatus. His prowess and reputation make him the de facto leader among the gladiators, second only to Doctore in authority. He is also closely allied with Barca, another prominent gladiator.

'''Initial Rivalry with Spartacus:''' From the outset, Crixus clashes with Spartacus, disliking the Thracian’s pride and disdain for the gladiatorial life. Their rivalry intensifies when Spartacus, during his final test as a trainee, defeats Crixus by exploiting a slip caused by Spartacus' keepsake from his wife. This victory marks the first time Crixus is bested, setting the stage for ongoing tension and competition between them.

When Spartacus maneuvers to avoid fighting his friend Varro, Crixus and Spartacus are pitted against each other in the arena once more. This time, Crixus dominates but refrains from delivering a fatal blow when Spartacus surrenders. This encounter further fuels their rivalry and mutual determination to prove themselves superior.

'''Relationship with Lucretia and Naevia:''' Crixus becomes Lucretia's favored gladiator and lover, a secret affair that she keeps hidden from her husband, Batiatus. Through these encounters, Crixus meets Naevia, Lucretia’s personal servant. Struck by Naevia's beauty, Crixus gives her a necklace to express his feelings. However, Naevia returns it, fearing Lucretia's wrath if she were seen wearing it. Misunderstanding her actions, Crixus presents the necklace to Lucretia instead, angering Naevia. Despite this rocky start, Crixus and Naevia grow closer, and she eventually steals a key to allow them to meet in secret at night.

'''Battle Against [[Theokoles]]:''' Crixus’ next significant challenge is his battle alongside Spartacus against Theokoles, an undefeated giant. Initially, their cooperation is strained, but they eventually unite under a shared motivation to fight for their respective loved ones. They manage to bring down Theokoles together, but he rises again, and their teamwork falters. Crixus is severely wounded, leaving Spartacus to land the final blow and claim the title of Champion of Capua.

'''Recovery and Relegation:''' Crixus’ recovery from his injuries is long and difficult. During this time, he struggles with feelings of uselessness and the fear of losing his status. Naevia remains his steadfast supporter, encouraging him through his convalescence. At one point, Batiatus considers selling Crixus, but the thought of leaving Naevia and the ludus drives Crixus to prove his worth by passionately pleasing Lucretia, as Naevia suggests. When Spartacus is attacked by Segovax, Crixus intervenes, saving his life and cementing his place in the ludus despite their differences.

'''Restoring Honor:''' As Crixus returns to active training, he seeks to reclaim his honor in the arena. He finds redemption and regains his former glory by defeating the renowned gladiator Pericles. Meanwhile, Ashur, harboring a deep grudge against Crixus for their past conflict, discovers Crixus and Naevia’s secret relationship. In revenge, Ashur demands Naevia for his own pleasure from Batiatus. When Crixus learns of this, he violently attacks Ashur in front of Legatus Gaius Glaber and other spectators, leading to severe punishment. Batiatus orders Crixus to be publicly whipped by Doctore, and Naevia is expelled from the villa, sent away to an unknown location.

'''Joining the Rebellion:''' Batiatus arranges a deadly match between Crixus and Spartacus to celebrate securing Glaber’s patronage. During his imprisonment, Doctore visits Crixus, promising to help him find Naevia if he becomes lanista. Batiatus, wanting Crixus to lose, poisons his food to weaken him. Before the fight, Spartacus tries to convince Crixus to join a rebellion against Batiatus. They strike a bargain: if Spartacus wins, he will find and free Naevia; if Crixus wins, he will one day kill Batiatus.

As the fight commences, Spartacus informs Crixus of the poison, and when Crixus feels its effects, he realizes the truth of Spartacus’ words. This betrayal pushes him to ally with Spartacus. During the fight, Spartacus uses Crixus' shield to launch himself into the balcony where the Romans are seated. As Spartacus is intercepted by Oenomaus, Crixus cuts the whip restraining Spartacus, allowing him to join the fight and kill the guards. Crixus then rallies the gladiators with a cry to "KILL THEM ALL!!" and they charge at the Roman soldiers.

'''The Revolt:''' Amid the chaos, Crixus explains to Oenomaus the treachery of Batiatus, revealing the murder of Spartacus’ wife and the poisoning. Disillusioned, Oenomaus joins their cause. Crixus leads the gladiators through the villa, confronting Lucretia and demanding Naevia’s location. When Lucretia claims she is carrying his child, Crixus, horrified at the thought of the child being raised by her, stabs her in the stomach, leaving her for dead. He witnesses Spartacus’ final confrontation with Batiatus and watches as Spartacus kills him.

Inspired by Spartacus’ resolve to exact revenge on Rome, Crixus leaves the ludus with the other gladiators, ready to bring retribution to their oppressors.