Editing Crixus (Blood and Sand) (section)

===War of the Damned===
In "War of the Damned," Crixus remains a pivotal character in the rebellion led by Spartacus against the Roman Republic. His journey throughout the final season is one of intense battles, personal vendettas, and deep loyalty to his love, Naevia. His actions are driven by a combination of revenge against the Romans and a fierce desire for freedom.

====Commanding in Battle====
Crixus continues to serve as one of Spartacus' most trusted generals. Alongside Spartacus and Gannicus, he takes a proactive role in leading the rebel forces. After defeating the forces of Cossinius and Furius, Crixus discovers that Marcus Crassus is assembling a formidable force of 10,000 soldiers to crush the rebellion. In a strategic move, Spartacus, Crixus, and Gannicus infiltrate a Roman villa, dispatching Cossinius and Furius in a swift and brutal raid, showcasing their prowess and unity as leaders.

With winter approaching, the rebels set their sights on the city of Sinuessa. Crixus, hardened by his experiences and driven by a deep-seated hatred for the Romans, takes a particularly ruthless approach. During the conquest, he opposes Spartacus' more merciful stance towards Roman civilians. This conflict is epitomized when Crixus forces two Roman captives to fight to the death for a piece of bread, a stark display of his hardened perspective on their cause.

====Tensions and Loyalty====
As the rebellion grows, so do internal tensions. Crixus' mistrust of the Cilician Pirates, who have aligned with Spartacus, creates friction. He doubts their loyalty and fears they may betray the rebels. This suspicion is exacerbated by Naevia’s increasing hatred for all things Roman, which influences Crixus' actions. Her deepening anger leads her to kill Attius, a blacksmith friend of Gannicus, under the mistaken belief that he is aiding the Romans. This act drives a wedge between Crixus and Spartacus, as well as other members of the rebellion.

Crixus' relationship with Naevia is a central part of his character arc. He trains her to be a warrior, and together they share a bond forged in the fires of their mutual struggle and love. However, Naevia's trauma and bitterness towards the Romans sometimes push Crixus towards more extreme actions, highlighting the personal toll the rebellion has taken on them both.

====The Breaking Point====
The increasing divergence in strategies between Spartacus and Crixus reaches a critical point. Crixus is impatient with Spartacus' more cautious and strategic approach. He becomes frustrated with Spartacus' decisions, especially when Spartacus plans to negotiate and seek alliances rather than directly confront the Roman forces. This culminates in a confrontation where Crixus incites the massacre of Roman prisoners, including Laeta, who had been promised safety by Spartacus. Spartacus intervenes, chastising Crixus and accusing him of forgetting the rebellion's true cause. This moment starkly illustrates the deepening rift between them.

Crixus' determination to take bold, decisive action leads him to propose a daring plan: march on Rome itself. Believing that attacking the heart of the Roman Republic will cripple their enemy and inspire their followers, Crixus decides to split from Spartacus. Before leaving, he shares a poignant farewell with Spartacus, acknowledging their brotherhood and the different paths they have chosen.

====The Final Campaign and Death====
Crixus' march towards Rome is marked by fierce battles and strategic ingenuity. He devises a plan to use fireballs—giant balls of twine soaked in oil and set alight—to disrupt Roman formations. At the gates of Rome, Crixus gives a rousing speech to his followers, invoking the spirit of their past victories and urging them to fight with the same ferocity. His battle cry, a variation of his gladiatorial shout "Shall I begin?", now becomes "Shall we begin?", rallying his men for the impending fight.

The initial assault is successful, with Crixus and his army breaking through the Roman lines using their fiery projectiles. They manage to sow chaos and panic among the Roman troops. Crixus personally slays many soldiers, including Arrius, by driving a sword through his face. However, their victory is short-lived as Crassus and his larger, more disciplined army arrive on the scene.

In a desperate and brutal final stand, Crixus realizes they are outnumbered and overpowered. Despite ordering his forces to retreat to higher ground, he is filled with rage and determination to strike a final blow against the Romans. Spotting Crassus, Crixus seizes a spear with the intent to kill him, but is intercepted by Caesar. The two engage in a fierce duel, during which Crixus is initially wounded. Naevia intervenes, giving Crixus a moment to recover and continue fighting.

Crixus regains the upper hand against Caesar but is ultimately struck down by Tiberius, who impales him from behind with a spear. Mortally wounded, Crixus falls to his knees, surrounded by Roman soldiers. Tiberius suggests crucifixion, but Crassus orders his beheading to send a message to Spartacus. In his final moments, Crixus locks eyes with Naevia, sharing a silent, heartbreaking farewell. His execution, reflected in Naevia's tear-filled eyes, marks the tragic end of the once-great gladiator and rebel leader.

====Aftermath====
Naevia, bearing the weight of her grief, returns to the rebel camp with Crixus' severed head, a grim warning from Crassus. The sight of their fallen comrade’s head deeply affects the rebels, intensifying their resolve to continue the fight. Spartacus, honoring his fallen friend, holds a gladiatorial-style tribute where the rebels fight captured Romans, echoing the brutal games of their past.

In a poignant funeral ceremony, Crixus' head is placed atop his signature red octopus shield, alongside the necklace Gannicus had given him. The rebels chant his name as his pyre is set alight, with Spartacus leading them in a final tribute to Crixus. Spartacus’ emotional cry to "Split heaven with the sound of his name" underscores the deep impact Crixus had on the rebellion and his enduring legacy as a symbol of their struggle for freedom.