# Spartacus: The Serpents and the Wolf Expansion Set

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2013
- **BGG Rating**: 8.0
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 3-6 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 120-180 min
- **Weight**: 2.63 / 5
- **Designers**: Aaron Dill, John Kovaleski, Sean Sweigart
- **Artists**: Darko Stojanovic, Starz Entertainment
- **Publishers**: Gale Force Nine, LLC, Battlefront Miniatures Ltd, Games Factory Publishing, Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Lavka Games
- **Categories**: Ancient, Expansion for Base-game, Fighting, Miniatures, Movies / TV / Radio theme, Negotiation
- **Mechanics**: Auction / Bidding, Betting and Bluffing, Dice Rolling, Grid Movement, Hand Management, Trading, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
If you love bloody intrigue and want extra factions to pull strings, this expansion gives you all that with flair.Unique house powersTeam combat mechanicNew powerful gladiatorsLearning curve similar to baseLong play timeRECOMMENDED

## Description
Spartacus: The Serpents and the Wolf expands the acclaimed Spartacus: A Game of Blood and Treachery with two fresh houses – the respected praetor Varinius and the arrogant noble Seppius – each reshaping the intrigue engine in a far more treacherous way. Varinius forces his will on the other houses, while Seppius meddles with everyone else's schemes for his own gain. New Schemes and frantic Reactions increase the number of assaults and unexpected alliances among the factions.

The slave auction remains, but the new slaves arrive with distinct skills and talents, bolstering each player's Dominus. Fresh weapons and armor unlock harsher fighting techniques, and powerful new gladiators step into the arena, eager to earn glory and influence. The centerpiece is the Primus, a team combat where two pairs of gladiators clash at once, allowing bitter rivals to fight side‑by‑side or betray each other at the crucial moment.

Negotiation, betting, and bluffing stay at the core, now reinforced by additional trading and hand‑management options. Dice rolling and grid movement continue to dictate tactical positioning. In short, Serpents and the Wolf adds more blood, more betrayal and deeper strategy to the STARZ series without raising the base game’s learning curve, but demanding sharper attention to alliances and timing.

## FAQ
### How many players can join?
3 to 6 players, the same range as the base game.

### What is the typical play time?
Between 120 and 180 minutes, depending on player count and familiarity.

### Do I need the base game to use this expansion?
Yes, The Serpents and the Wolf is an add‑on for Spartacus: A Game of Blood and Treachery.

### What are the main new features?
Two new houses, fresh Schemes and Reactions, new gladiators, weapons, armor, and the team‑combat Primus.

### Does the expansion make the game more complex?
The learning curve stays similar to the base, but strategic depth increases considerably.

## Price Comparison
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