Gangs of Rome: The Lions of Bacchus Preview

Ende Juli kommt ein trinkfestes Trio für Gangs of Rome.

THE LIONS OF BACCHUS

The Lions of Bacchus are a colourful and dangerous bunch. They are a force to be reckoned with in the Subura and play an important role in keeping the peace at the Circus Maximus.

Led by Audax, a man who has never been seen sober since the night before his first kill. He is a skilled warrior and strategist, and his followers deeply respect him.

Audax’s right-hand man is Silenus, a carouser and lover who is almost as famous for his exploits in the bedroom as he is for his prowess on the streets. He is charismatic and charming but can also be ruthless and dangerous when necessary.

Bibulus the Great is the most beloved of the Lions. He is a fighter who plays to the crowd and delights in spilling blood, both his and his enemies. He is a towering figure of a man with a loud, joyous laugh. But beneath his cheery exterior is a fierce warrior who is not afraid to die for his cause.

The relief of Bacchus is a small shrine to the Roman god of wine and revelry and from where they take their name. It is situated in an Aventine suburb bordering the Circus Maximus, and the Lions of Bacchus venerate it. It is said that those beloved of Bacchus who pray before the relief will enjoy the deity’s protection. The relief depicts the face of Bacchus as a handsome young man crowned with grapes and holding a cup of wine.

On race days, the Circus Maximus is a hive of activity. The crowds stream in from all over Rome to watch the races and place bets on their favourite teams. The Lions of Bacchus play a key role in keeping the peace at the Circus Maximus. They patrol the stands and surrounding streets, watching out for troublemakers, protecting the spectators, and sampling as much wine as possible.

The Lions of Bacchus are unafraid to use violence to achieve their goals. They are known for their ruthlessness and their willingness to kill. Despite their reputation for violence, they are not just mindless brutes.

Like the god they venerate, they are also fiercely loyal to wine.

These are the Lions of Bacchus, and they are roaring drunk.

sculpts: Paul Hicks
painting: Steve Beckett

To be released: end of July 2024