ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀʀᴇɴᴀ

[starbinds]

Crixus: “It is not the brand that concerns me. It is becoming champion.”

[Spartacus Watch Party ► Missio]

[eddiemoonson]

0.01 | Past Transgressions

[arenadeus]

@talesspin​ ( Saxa ) said ‘ I thought I would never see you again ‘ - More Prompts For Your Feels ( always accepting )

He had been quick to wrap his arms around Saxa’s waist as she came to greet him, holding her close , with the bottom of his chin rested against the crown of her head. A feeling of relief washed over him, knowing now that she too was safe. In truth, Gannicus had thought the same. Their separation had offered no semblance to an event which could be proceeded by a happy ending, yet somehow he had survived. Whether that was to the gods intervention or his own stubbornness, it could not be said. But he relished this moment now shared between them, knowing that she stood absent significant injury.   ❛ Nor I you, and yet I return to your arms, ❜ Gannicus mused, as he slowly began to create some distance between them. He pulled himself backwards and allowed for his hands to rest of the small of her back. His expression was gentle, as too the smile that then tugged at both corners of his lips, yet it no less lacked hint of his characteristically charming demeanour.  

[arenadeus]

@odinsbane​ ( semi-plotted starter )

❛ I desire no fucking lecture, ❜ he groaned, already beginning to wish the other would relent in his pursuit to implore Gannicus’ morals. It was true, even after taking countless roman lives and branding himself an enemy of the republic, Gannicus still did not hold Spartacus’ cause as his own. Instead, he saw himself more akin to a vessel, carrying within it the memory of someone who did hold it to heart; and for him, that was enough. Yet there were those, not excluding Fenrir, who continued to proposition a place of significance by Spartacus’ side. He would hear none of it. ❛ - had it been so, words of invitation would have befallen Spartacus’ ears. I but wish a moment of peace in the company of a friend. ❜

[arenadeus]

small thing, but when Gannicus is speaking feel free to assume he is speaking in Latin ( because realistically that would be his only shared language with the other gladiators/their companions ). He would probably only ever speak in his native tongue when alone with Crixus, or any other Gaul, as not to be rude towards anyone who might not understand them otherwise. 

[arenadeus]

@talesspin​ ( Spartacus ) said ‘ Don’t look at me like that ‘ - More Prompts For Your Feels ( always accepting ) 

At first Gannicus had considered saying nothing , for surely there would be a better time than when Spartacus still stood enthralled in heat of battle just won. but alas, his mind provoked different response as the Gaul stood from lifeless corpse ( a kill he had proudly claimed as his own ). ❛ I do not stand to judge, ❜ he said calmly, despite previous expression betraying the sense of concern he had felt upon witnessing Spartacus butcher his opponent. Certainly, there was no shame in taking a life, especially when one’s own was in direct line of danger. But even as Gladiators they had been taught how to kill effectively as to warrant little suffering ( a skill gladly learnt when hand was forced to end the life of one’s own in the arena ).  Yet what Spartacus had just committed was far from any training Oenomaus had offered to teach, and though Gannicus held no love for the Romans, he did not hold personal grudge against a soldier but following command. After all, a life time ago would they have not done the same? ❛ I but wonder whose face you saw upon unsuspecting roman? ❜ The tip of his gladius then pointed towards the dead body, hardly recognisable now that the blood drained down the soldier’s face. Though it was clear, he could not have been any older than Nasir. 

[leneemusing]

more prompts for your feels

“  what am i supposed to do when i can’t even trust my own mind?  ”  “  i have to believe death is the end. because all that waits for me in the afterlife is a debt of sin i don’t think could ever be paid off.  ” “  what do you see when you look into my eyes?  ”   “  it doesn’t always have to be you, you know?  your shoulders aren’t the only ones that can bear the weight of the world.  ”   “  i don’t think hearts break. shattered things can only be broken once. but torn things can be mended again and again until it’s all scars and stitching.  ” “  i can’t remember what it’s like to be truly wanted.  ” “  every time you look at me i feel invisible.  ” “  loneliness is a slow and cruel poison.  ” “  i’m afraid that if i let you see every side of me, you should shrink back in fear or disgust.  ” “  for once in your life, what is it that you want.  ” “  i’ve been wrapped in my sorrow for so long, i’m afraid i’ll feel too cold without it.  ” “  i just want to see you smile again.  ” “  can’t you stop running for one second?  ” “  i’ll be here. when you’re ready to talk.  ” “  being strong doesn’t mean never asking for help or admitting you’re in pain.  ” “  don’t shut me out. please.  ” “  don’t look at me like that.  ” “  the world isn’t made up of heroes and monsters. just broken people balancing between the two.  ” “  i just wanted to do something good for once.  ” “  why can’t you tell me what’s wrong?  ” “  just trust me. please.  ” “  why can’t you let me in? what are you so afraid of?  ” “   you’re so worried about losing me/them you’re missing everything in front of you.  ”   “  i’m not leaving you.  ” “  you’re not alone. i’m here.  ” “  you see everyone so clearly except yourself.  ” “  don’t you understand? i love you. and nothing you’ve done, no matter how much of a monster you think you are, is gonna change that.  ” “  i find broken things interesting. maybe that’s why i like you so much.  ” “  i want to be whatever it is you think i am.  ” “  you see the good in everything. that’s why i like it when you look at me.  ” “  i’ll still be here when you wake.  ” “  i promise i’ll never hurt you again.  ” “  as long as i have you, the rest doesn’t matter.  ” “  what did they do to you?  ” “  i’m not sure i should leave you alone.  ” “  i won’t hate you. i know you think that’s what you deserve but it’s not.  ” “  i want to love the parts of you that you hate.  ” “  i’m scared of what you’re becoming.  ” “  i’m sorry, i’m not what you think i am.  ” “  you’ll always have a home with me.  ” “  what happened to you?  ” “  i thought i’d never see you again.  ” “  you’re such a fucking coward.  ” “  i envy anyone who has the privilege of being loved by you.  ” “  you scared me.  ” “  please, don’t ever give up on me.  ” “  i’m not giving up on you. not ever.  ” “  i know you love me. but it’s not the way i want to be loved.  ”

[lukearnold]

Spartacus Watch Party ★ Missio 

“ What would really happen? If you had to face each other, sine missione? No quarter given, no mercy shown? ”

[kniveslookbooks]

there’s nothing more satisfying than the sound of hitting someone solid in the fucking jaw.

[arenadeus]

Aegishjalmur & Gannicus: My Ted Talk.

Alright, so Gannicus’  Aegishjalmur tattoo really irks me. Not because I have anything against the symbol itself, but mostly because it just DOESN’T MAKE ANY SENSE FOR GANNICUS TO HAVE IT TATTOOED ON HIS ARM.

(1) He self-identifies as a Gaul. It would have made more sense for one of the shows actual Germanic characters to have it (i.e. Saxa or Agron), but not Gannicus. (2) I know there are ways to explain him having it, like if he were to have come from what will later be known as Gallia Belgica (North-eastern part of Gaul, in what is today primarily France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, along with parts of the Netherlands and Germany,) but even this is super assumptive, and again, he identifies as a Gaul which is a celtic cultural group not a germanic one.  (3) to actually (somewhat) disprove the point above, Gannicus in Gods of the Arena mentions familiarity with fighting the Arverni, a celtic group that hails from Gallia Aquitania ( present-day southwest France). This would imply that Gannicus’ own tribe fought against the Arverni, meaning they would have also been subject to living in Aquitania.  (4) With that in mind, I wouldn’t make sense for his character to tattoo a symbol on his body that doesn’t hold any cultural significance to him. And I understand the shows costume department probably wanted to link the meaning of Aegishjalmur as somehow symbolic to Gannicus’ character development, but i personally can’t get on board with it. 

For this reason I’m pretending that Gannicus’ tattoo is actually a depiction of Taranis’ Wheel. The wheel is an incredibly valued/important symbol to the Celts, especially in Gaul, and is found across both the Celtic and Germanic regions in grave and ritual sites, as well as having been worn as an amulet. For me personally, this just makes more sense. But feel free to disagree with me <3 

[arenadeus]

Hi so I’ve been listening to this while doing replies and now I need a centurion AU where Gannicus’ is a member of Etain’s band and hunting down Romans. 

[anneboleyns]

[arenadeus]

abhailiu​:

         Despite having spent most of her adult life at sea, Anne had always hated the rain. It was cold and wet, and more often than not the brutality of the sea could be accredited to the storm they find themselves caught in. This evening, Anne has found somewhere warm and with the remnants of her ship splintered and broken on land, she finds herself stranded. Mostly alone, for that fact. 

         “That makes one of us,” she replies with a small wrinkle of her nose. As far as she was aware, none of her crew had made it. It was a harrowing thing to consider, but no matter how much she wished to, she hadn’t been able to linger by the rocks. People weren’t joking when they said that the sea had a habit of swallowing all. “Though I doubt y’have gotten as far y’have without a few tales to share, hm?” 

❛ more than a few, ❜ he remarked, though a semblance of solemn marred his tone despite his expression suggesting otherwise. There were a great deal of tales Gannicus could share, though all linked to memories he could not claim to be proud of. His exploits in the arena had become legendary, though something festered beneath his breast which caused him pause at being proud of them, ❛ you stand familiar with the games? ❜

 The question had been posed casually, as Gannicus held his cup of wine to his lips, embracing what refreshment it offered and subtle dulling of keen mind.  He could not tell from looks alone whether she had ever partaken in the fury of the crowd. However, although she stood no frequent resident to Capua, the Romans were not ones to bound their greatest pleasures to one place. 

[arenadeus]

becomelions​:

Leaning over the makeshift table, studying the maps laid out upon it that marked the location of known Roman camps while keeping their’s secret. Eyes scanned over it for several minutes before Gannicus burst in with hands gripping wine jar tightly, nearly swinging it in with his walk. He couldn’t even get a word in before he continued on with his complaint of his lack of celebration. “I rest when mind is at ease, Gannicus.” He countered when he felt the other was done. “Do you wish to break words under influence of wine, you speak as if looking for a fight.” 

Gannicus only took mild offense to the nature of the other’s tone, but was far from evident in heeding their warning. Instead the Gaul pushed pursuit, falling in to one of the empty cots and lent back as far as it would allow. In truth, the wine had not been as watered down as much as it should have, so the Gaul’s vision in turn seemed to dance across the room. Yet Gannicus remained aware of his surrounds, and presented the jar in attempt to coax his friend to join him. ❛ only if it would see you absent this place, buried as you are, neck deep in fucking maps. ❜ a pause, as his tone presented itself on more serious note, ❛ -- you do not afford yourself luxury of celebration. There are those who stand concerned, and I among their number.  ❜

[arenadeus]

@immortalmuses​ ( for Agron ) ///  ♥

They had never truly shared a strong bond, yet Gannicus took no pleasure in seeing Agron in current state. They have taken all from me. Those words had echoed in Gannicus’ mind since he first heard them part the other’s lips. Had their fates been reversed, Agron showed greater strength than perhaps even Gannicus would have afforded himself. ❛ There is still honour yet, in guiding those onto path of refuge. ❜ his voice came from behind, absent warning to his presence. 

Uncharacteristically, his tone was not marred by sarcastic tune. Instead, it bore semblance to an attempt at understanding; that feeling of guilt, being unable to protect the ones dearest to heart. ❛ - we engage crassus but pompey remains. Should efforts fail, he will press advantage towards the mountains. They will look to you when such time comes. ❜ 

[arenadeus]

CHARACTER SHEET [ RELIGION ]

GENERAL INFORMATION [ part 1 / ? ]:

Religious beliefs: Pagan Pantheon: Gallic / Celtic Gaul Patron Deity [ If one ]: Teutates  / Rudianos [ verse dependent ] Number of years practicing: His entire life ( on and off )

Is your character self-taught or trained? Gannicus was taught by his family and through the teachings of the druids. However, his primary teacher was his father. Would your character consider passing their religion onto their children? He’s never been one to preach his beliefs to anyone, and would not condemn his children (if he had any) should they wish to believe in something else or nothing at all. Gannicus sees religion a something that is individual to each person, and should not be forced on to others. Would they teach it to someone unrelated to them? No. Firstly, he would not consider it his place to pass on those traditions to someone who is unrelated to him. Secondly, Gannicus has a very difficult relationship with his beliefs, often to the point where people percieve him as not believing in anything at all. This isn’t the case, but because of that he doesn’t think himself sufficient to teach it. Have they ever questioned their faith? Yes. All the time. Every minute. But there’s something about growing up believing in something/someone that never quite left him, no matter how hard he tried. Gannicus has questioned his faith a million times but he’s never denounced it properly and he never will.  How often do they pray / participate in ritual? Hardly ever. His chosen gods are worshiped through sacrifice, often human, and so if he ever does its usually in the arena or when he fights against the romans. As for prayer, Gannicus is pretty silent on that front.  Who do they pray to most often? In his youth, Gannicus was taught to favour Teutates on the  grounds that he is the protector deity of the Gauls. However, during his involvement in the third servile war, he turned more to worshiping Rudianos.

Would they ever consider conversion? No. 

[anneboleyns]