MUNERA: Familia Gladiatoria

[Gerald]

MUNERA: Familia Gladiatoria is a boardgame for 2-4 players in which you will play the role of a lanista, an ancient world entrepreneur who has decided to invest his wealth in the constitution of a Gymnasium of Gladiators with the aim of making it the most glorious of the Empire. You will recruit trainers, armourers, medics and even prostitutes. You will train free men, slaves, criminals and war prisoners to become gladiators and you will bring them to fight in the arenas throughout Italy. You will manage not only the duels, but the whole life of your gladiators: lead your champions to glory!

In the first round, after a short preparation, the Players take their Gladiators to the arenas for brief introductory Shows: they approach the first challenges of their champions and place their bets on life or death of duelists. After this initial stage, the game takes on its regular sequence. In the first phase, called Forum phase, Players will play aggressive auction for what the market has to offer them: athletes for training and professionals for Gymansium’s management. In the second phase, called Munus phase, the Players play the Spectacles, trying to participate with their best Gladiators. Not all spectacles are equal: some have more money gain, others provide more glory. The Players need to make the best choices!

During the Spectacles, you will fight the duels of Gladiators. Just like a lanista of two thousand years ago, you will manage many duels and you will place bets and tampering to obtain money. Duel by duel, your Gladiators will grow and become stronger and more popular. Which Gym will be able to prevail and become the most glorious of the ancient world?

Familia Gladiatoria is the first in a series of games that aim to recreate the whole cruel and multiform world of Imperial Rome spectacles. The MUNERA series will allow you to live not only the training of Gladiators and their challenges, but also the hunts in the arena and the chariots in the Circus Maximus.

[togashi]

It's Spartacus or Gladiator the board game! I want this

[Talismanic (Mark)]

It looks interesting but I have to see the combat mechanic first. And yes I know you play the Lanista, but still I want to see some Spartacus jumping off a shield for the kill (doubtful if the mechanics can cover that, but still bring on the blood and gore). 

[togashi]

Pre-ordered

[vladsee]

There is an old game from Avalon Hill called Gladiator that is purely man-to-man arena fighting.  If this new game can combine that plus the training and business aspect of the fights, I think it would make a complete gladiatorial experience. 

There are also several games on Spartacus but more of wargame than anything else.  Although he was a slave/gladiator, he was best known for the Slave Revolt he started.   

[togashi]

My order has shipped. Awaiting with bated breath

[togashi]

Picked this up at the post office last Tuesday. Played it twice already. The game is so-so for two players but really shine for 3-4 players. As a note, your gladiators will die like flies. Just ask Zinegata

[Talismanic (Mark)]

May "rule fixes" or additional rules that have come out in a free to download expansion- Ars Dimicandi, na download mo na Doc?

In any case, I want to play this, as I like dice rolling.   

[ysigne]

Sounds interesting... from the description, it seems to be a management game, with a betting system, with rpg elements. I'll need to read up a bit if I'm on the right track 

[togashi]

Yup, in our game with Zinegata and my bro, I have the best gladiator. Yet Zinegata won through careful management.

[maskmanjoe]

Yup, in our game with Zinegata and my bro, I have the best gladiator. Yet Zinegata won through careful management.

Play this in OGM?

[togashi]

Sure, when is it?

[togashi]

Ok, there are some rules that I got wrong. Having played the correct version, the game seems better. Will bring it with me on Tuesday and/or Thursday.

Maybe Wednesday too if someone will give me the schedule in Fort

[Zinegata]

Yep, Munera was a lot of fun. I will attest to the effectiveness of ruthless gymnasium owners who are willing to send out even weak gladiators against strong ones just to get glory points.

Besides, the crowd seems to take pity on gladiators who face the "Champ".

[Talismanic (Mark)]

Got in a 4 player game of Munera which we finally played properly. It's a good game, though I feel that there should be greater reward in terms of glory for successful gladiators. Also, having initiative in getting events is such a huge part of getting a win that I am a little disappointed that players have little control over it. Given the time it takes to play, the "game ends as soon as someone hits X Glory Points" rule/mechanic is unpleasant. I would prefer that the other players get to finish the round and participate in events, and if there is a tie then either have money as a tie-breaker or a last event to determine victory.