The Senator's Lecture

"It's a great evil, cousin, this so called, compromise."

Senator Vibius Varro muttered under his breath softly as he lifted a small cup, taking the tiniest sip of wine, grown and bottled in his own winery.

Throughout the entire electoral process, the Senator had been frequenting the Palatine Forum and the Imperial Senate a bit less, taking time out from the grand speeches in the forums and the passionate debates in the Imperial Senate to sit and drift in thought, here in the small winery shop that he owned.

It had been a nice surprise to find Quaestor Annius Varro here, requesting to converse with a not too distant cousin, one that held certain office.
"If I ever teach you something Annius, when you become a tribune, and some day a Senator, remember that compromise is the art of selling out your beliefs against those who would muffle it."

He was not terribly old for a Senator, but Vibius had seen better days. Senator Varro was still on the verge of a strong recovery, thanks to the priests at the temples, he had gone from barely able health to that of renewed vigor in the course of a few weeks. However, the recent division and arguments in the Imperial Senate had left the man stressed and weakened. The elections were not going in his favor as well.

Socrates once said, "He who would move the world, must first move himself."
Vibius chuckled softly placing his cup back down on the wooden surface and grinned.
"I say, I shall move the world, and I shall move myself forward, but first I shall move you."

The Quaestor did not laugh, but merely nodded his head as if he were appreciating a great inspirational thought. Whether he was appreciating Socrates or Senator Vibius Varro was up for question.

"You should speak with Consul Varro, Senator. He is one of the most loved in Rome, he seems to have found a great liking to you."

Before the Quaestor had any chance to go on with the rest of his comment, the Senator seemed to already have found a tangent and he was in the midst of opening his mouth again. Annius took that as a cue and stopped himself from further speaking.
"You know Annius, we the Varro family have stood shoulder to shoulder as long as I can remember. Oracle Varro of Mars was the finest prophet and voice of the Gods Rome has ever seen. There were bills proposed on behalf of the Oracle that would have given him and the rest of the Oracles say in the Senate- powerful, that man was. Had Emperor Daia not passed, many swore that Oracle Varro would have become the Emperors Imperial advisor. Senator and head of house Raeus Varro lost the title of Proconsul by a small fraction, and he with Senator Verius Varro commanded the Senate for two terms with a very firm grip."

The story the Senator was telling must've caught Annius' attention, for the Quaestor was leaning in, having abandoned his cup of wine on the wooden table as the Senator had a while back, but now his hands were searching for it again."

"Consul Varro, I, you, whoever the Varro family might have to offer must bring the prestige back into our family name. The only man we're going to have next year seems to be Consul Varro. Watch yourself carefully Annius, and watch the Consul carefully. It seems whenever a Varro rises too quickly in the ranks, the Gods find some reason to strike them down. Oracle Varro of Mars was killed by the pathetic Emperor Manus' cleansing and both Senators were sentenced to death by Emperor Vitellius for accounts forgotten to our family now."

Annius along with any other member of the Varro family knew of these sentences, but if the Senator would not speak, he would not ask. Taking a sip from the cup in his hands, he did not bother to interrupt the Senator's lecture.

"We shall have to watch out for that Antonia, she may have ruined me this term, but we as Varros cannot let the Consul crumble from his position of power. Her finger pointing has placed dirt on pure robes where none have been before. Thankfully it seems I and that nuisance called Antonia has received much of the blame for the bickering in the Senate. Consul Varro is the key to keeping out family's name and integrity Quaestor, remember that Annius."

The Quaestor simply nodded.

-----------------------------
By: Verius Vibius Varro, Augustus Annius Varro


AD 35

Imperator Honorius

In the weeks that had passed since the announcement that the Magister Militum Sarius Honorius Julianus would be Romes next Emperor, much preparation had taken place. Now the time had come for Honorius to officially ascend to the helm of the Roman ship of state. It was the day of his coronation.

The pomp began with a massive procession of deputations from the cities of Italia, the Army and Navy, and the Senate. This was followed by the Legion of Honour, which consisted of a quarter of the men in Consular Legion III. The rest of the troops acted as additional security forces in Rome during the celebrations. The Honour Legion was followed by a procession of Priests from the various gods of Rome and included some Priests who served the gods of subject nations. The streets were packed with cheering citizens who had come to pay homage to their new Emperor. Next to appear were the Guests of Honour. Among them were Otho Vitelius, Valens Verus, Tacitus Sarius Julianus, Acedus Florianus Julianus - a young Centurion of Legion XXXVI Dodona and nephew of Honorius, and other members of the Julianus family. Each of these esteemed Romans rode to the coronation in highly decorated chariots pulled by horses of great beauty. Last of all was Honorius's Imperatorial chariot ornamented with gold and emblazoned with a capital H, drawn by eight white horses, and bearing the Emperor dressed in purple silk and fine linen embroidered with gems and gold. With him was his wife Ula robed in silk and sparkling gems her face glowing in pride and excitement. Many had not ever seen her as she had until now resided with her family in Tuscania. The Emperor's chariot was surrounded by one hundred cavalrymen from Legion III dressed in the most elaborate full armour parade uniforms followed by an equally impressive cohort of the Praetorian Guard. As each group reached the Temple of Jupiter Capitolium they took their places inside. The priests marched up the aisle in formal array and took their places before the grand alter. Honorius took his place on a throne at the right of the altar, on a platform about waist high, with Ula on a smaller throne at his right side. Another throne on Honorius's left was taken by the Praetor Otho Justius Vitelius. A Praetorian Guardsman stood at either end of the platform. The Guests of Honour stood in the central hall of the temple. Finally, when all were inside, twenty men with corni (horns) played a fanfare, signaling the commencement of the ceremony.

One of the Pontifices, arrayed in ceremonial garb, stood before the altar and began to announce the credentials of Honorius, "Sarius Honorius, Head Ancient and Noble House of Julianus, Praetor of Armies, Secondo Legatus of the Empire, Magister Militum of the Legions...", he continued on.

Next, the Priests performed the various religious formalities, chants, and prayers to the Gods of Rome. Then, Honorius presided over the sacrifice of ten bulls. The religious ceremonies proceeded in the solemn traditions of the Roman State Religion.
With the conclusion of the religious ceremonies, the entire group of high officials and dignitaries processed outside to the grand staircase. Consuls Publius Varro and Lucius Agrippa stepped stood before the Emperor-elect. Lucius took a gold laurel crown and held it over the head of the Emperor, as Publius announced, "Hail Sarius Honorius Julianus, Imperator, Princeps Senatus, holder of Tribunician Power for Life- by Decree of the Senate and People of Rome!" Lucius placed the laurel crown firmly on the head of the new Emperor. The people cheered "Hail Honorius! Hail!" As the crowds chanted, Honorius placed laurels on the head of Justius Vitellius.

Then, raising his hand for quiet, he gave his first speech as Romes new Emperor. " Honoured guests, Consuls, Senators, Military leaders, Priests and all Citizens of Rome. Today marks the beginning of a new time of prosperity for Rome. I have served you for forty eight years as a humble servant. This will not change. My interest is the Roman people. It is my belief that no Roman should be without a home, a job, food and the protection they deserve. This is the right of every Roman. I vow to put every effort into making this Empire the jewel and envy of the world. It is my aim to bring greater favour by the Gods to Rome. I will not tolerate those who sit back and earn a fortune at the expense of the citizens of Rome, whether they be found in the Senate or temples of Rome. I will ensure that Rome is protected from its enemies and all who dare oppose our mighty civilisation. Now my friends," Honorius continued with a smile " it is my delight to name Otho Justius Vitellius as my chosen successor ." More cheering and clapping began. Many Romans were that Rome had gained a new and promising Emperor and Prima without any rebellion or loss of life. Honorius went on, "Now dear Romans join with me in the next two days of festivals and celebrations ." And so it was that the throne of Rome was for the second time taken up by a member of the house of Julianus.

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By: Sarius Honorius Julianus, Acedus Florianus Julianus
Editted by GMs

AD 32

Thunder in the East II

===================
Preparation for War
===================


The death of Emperor Tiberius would not, as it turned out, significantly slow the Roman invasion plans for Thracia. Praetor O. Justius Vitellius had been vehement, "The invasion goes on Dio. Don't let this slow you. I support Sarius Honorius and I know you do to; there isn't a military man in Rome who doesn't respect the man. I'm returning to Rome, but you know the plan. Execute it!"

Now some months later, Legio XIX was preparing to invade Thracia. They had landed yesterday on the southern coast of Macedonia, just west of the Thracian boarder. The XXXVI had been there to greet them. Generals Rufus Actius Dio and N Publius Crassus were in Crassus's tent, looking at maps.

"Actius, I see how the first stage of the campaign is dictated by the course of the Hebrus River and the position of the Rhodope Mountains. The Rhodope range runs west to east parallel to the southern coast. The Hebrus has its source in western Thracia, north of the Rhodopes; it flow eastward past the Rhodopes and then turns south into the Mediterranean Sea. There's a big city, Philippopolus up north near the source of the river; it's bound to be held by the Asians."

"But Actius, I still don't see how this plan will work. I understand that our two armies will sweep the coast eastward to the mouth of the Hebrus River. I also understand that the VII and XV will be north of us over the Rhodope Mountains pushing the Asians eastward along the river. Won't the Asians just flee eastward toward Byzantium and make a stand there?"

"Yes indeed, Publius, that's what Praetor Vitellius thinks and I agree. Their idea will be to mount a defense on the ridges west of Byzantium. But we won't let them."

"How do we stop them, Actius?"

"My XIXth will drive east with your XXXVIth until we reach the mouth of the Hebrus, then while you turn north on the West Bank of the river, I'm to cross the river and quick march eastward and get between the Asians and Byzantium. The XIX will take those ridges and cut off the Asian retreat."

"Ah, Actius, now that makes sense. Then I'll join up with the VIIth and XVth and we'll drive them into your elevated position. Not bad, it should work. But Actius, your timing will be important. You don't want to get onto those ridges too far ahead of our arrival or you could be trapped between the Asian army and the Asians in Byzantium."

"Yes, Publius, you're right. Timing will be important; but these Asians don't really want to fight anymore. Praetor Vitellius thinks they'll run if they can. They have a new King and would like to be friendly with Rome. Their problem is that Rome wants to take Asia; we'd rather destroy their army here where it cannot be so easily supported.


=====================
On the Southern Coast
=====================


The eastward sweep of the coast had gone as expected. Resistance had been light, the Asians made no attempt to resist at the border. Evening was approaching and Dio's XIX was stretched out on the coast, ahead of the XXXVI. They were approaching the mouth of the Hebrus, and Dio expected resistance soon. The Asians would probably have some protection for the mouth of the river. It was their shipping link to the interior. This was a dangerous time in the campaign; the XIXth could not afford a delay.

The vanguard had just chosen a site for the evening's fortified camp. They were busy digging the perimeter ditch. The rest of the legion would complete the camp as they marched into it. Each man carried two large stakes that were used to form the perimeter wall just inside the ditch. Any enemy attacking the camp would be faced with crossing the ditch while being fired upon from behind the wall.

Later that evening the legion was safely behind the stockade walls. Dio and his officers were listening to the scouting reports.

"The Asians have a fortified post just two day's march ahead. It's on our side of the Hebrus and it guards the mouth of the river. I would say they have roughly 7,000 men and several triremes beached there to give their force some naval coverage sir."

"What do the fortifications look like scout?" asked one of the officers.

"Their walls look solid sir, nearly as good as our own stockades, except they haven't dug as deep a Velum, as we would, around them."

"Scout," said Dio, "How many ships could you see? How many men could they evacuate quickly?"

"I saw three triremes sir; they could probably load 100 infantrymen on each. There might have been one or two more, sir; I couldn't see everything."

Dio looked at his officers and raised an eyebrow. None of them had any more questions so he turned to the scout himself. "I'm going to write a message for General Crassus of the XXXVIth Legion. He's just a day behind us on the shore. You go get some food and take a short rest. Then you will ride back to Crassus and deliver my message."


===================
Mouth of the Hebrus
===================


Two days later General Crassus and the XXXVI were at the mouth of the Hebrus. He stood gazing at the Asian fortification on the river. He knew that Dio and the XIXth were headed up the Hebrus, but the Asian commander did not know it.

Nine cohorts of the XXXVI were encircling the fort. Based on Dio's information Crassus had already sent his own first cohort upriver to cross and guard the east bank.

"Spread out and let yourself be seen. Fly this banner that General Dio gave us." Crasus had told his Primus Pilus. "I want them to think the XIXth is over there not just one of our own cohorts."

O. Justius Vitellius' doctrine was clear on matters like this. You did not fight a pitched battle when a siege would do the job. Soldiers were too valuable. The cost and time to train them would not be thrown away lightly. Crassus could take nearly two thirds of the Asians with no battle at all. If this little deception worked, he might even do it quickly.

Inside the fort, the Asian commander watched the Roman deployments closely. Yesterday he had seen the XIXth legion march past in the hills beyond his fort; he had hoped that the Romans would pass him by. Now one of his trireme captains had seen the flags of the XIX on the east bank. There were Romans seemingly everywhere. He could not now easily ferry his men across the River. Damn that Alujah for delivering them to this fate, it would have been infinately more desirable If only he had been assassinated sooner. King Pontus was a man action, but even such a dynamic leader needed time to remedy years of complacent inactivity

Here, the Asians had four triremes to defend the shipping lanes of the Hebrus, in addition to about 7,000 soldiers. These were men who were trained well enough, but equipped in the manner of the Medes and Persians of old. Namely they were "light", not "heavy" infantry like the Romans. The defences were essential to allow his men to fight without being simply slaughtered like cattle. those defences, would allow the garrison to buy King Pontus time to prepare the main army.

This was now taking shape on the other side of the Bosphurus, that would be the real core of the Asian efforts to resist the Roman advance. He had received confirmation by dispatch, that King Pontus was even creating "legions" of his own. They would be drawn from the land of the Galatians. So those Celts would now provide not just their cavalry, but Heavy Infantry, that it was expected would be equipped to a level comparable to that of the Romans themselves.

of course the majority of his heavy troops would be "Macedonians", along with the untold numbers of lighter troops that Asian commanders had marched to victory with, for generations past!

====================

By Rufus Actius Dio and O Justius Vitellius


AD 32

Imperial Perspectives

Rome entered a period of relative calm following the ascension of Emperor Sarius Honorius Julianus. As a distant relative of the revered Emperor Gaius Julianus, Honorius was second man of his esteemed Patrician House to hold the Imperial title. As a leader with extensive military and internal security experience, the new Imperator’s reign seemed secure and destined for great things. His legitimacy was confirmed by a traditional decree of the Senate. Now, the Senate and People of Rome prepared for the formal ceremonies accompanying the coronation.

Despite the general optimism, there were some unfavorable omens. The economy suffered a noticeable decline during the interim between reigns, and it was only slowly recovering. The Praetorian Guards were angry that no bonus had been paid, and the legions also expected a share. In the east, war continued to loom on the horizon. The young, impetuous King Alujah of Asia had been replaced by his experienced and pragmatic uncle, Pontus. Prima Legatus Justius Vitellius and his deputy Actius Dio were charged with destroying or neutralizing the Asian threat. The task would not be easy.

Following the Egyptian King’s acceptance of Emperor Tiberius’ intentionally one-sided trade agreement, Egyptian shipping disappeared from Roman waters. However, the Prefects of the Empire’s port-cities noticed that the total volume of trade remained nearly identical. Papyrus, trade goods, and grain from Aegyptus continued to flow into the Roman Empire by way of Greek and Assyrian vessels. A number of customs authorities suspected the registration of various ships, but there was so little proof. And so the trade continued as usual.
Some Romans longed for glorious conquests under the new Emperor. Some hoped for nothing more than a sound economy. The poor of Rome called for "bread and circuses". Decisions, decisions...

"May the gods smile upon Imperator Sarius Honorius Julianus, Princeps Romanus"

-------------------------
By: GM (QMA)

AD 32

Prison Escape

**Imperial Prison, Rome**

Trunicus Agrippa leaned on the bars mulling over the events of the past few months and the events that led to his imprisonment. His thoughts continuously on two particular people. Trunicus had for months wanted to get out of prison, and after a year he was worse. Then there had been the terrible news that the emperor had been assassinated. The young man greived at this terrible deed, but he also saw opportunity for himself. Most of the Praetorians had been summoned by the Secundo to enforce "order" in the City and its environs. Consequently the numbers of guards had been greatly reduced in the last few days. Here was the chance that Trunicus Agrippa sought!

A Praetorian called Lucian approached the bars of Trunicus’ cell. Lucian had been a childhood friend of Trunicus and had been able to get Trunicus some of his personal belongings into his cell. But now Trunicus wanted more.
(Trunicus) “Lucian!!!!” Trunicus whispered
(Lucian) Lucian approached the bars and looked at Trunicus “Trunicus what do
you want?”
(Trunicus) “I need you to do one last favour for me, when the last guard goes could you leave my cell unlocked”
(Lucian) Lucian looked at Trunicus with a raised eyebrow “You are asking me
to allow you to escape?”
(Trunicus)”Something along those lines, Lucian”
(Lucian) Looking at the ground “Trunicus I cannot, if I am found out I will be executed for sure”
(Trunicus) “Look at me Lucian, how can it be that I am imprisoned, for a meagre crime of which I notice that there are no philanderers in here just thieves and murderers. How can it be I am imprisoned for serving the Emperor to the end with out question even when I know he used me to his own personal gain?”

Lucian stood there for a few minutes mulling over the request made by Trunicus. It was a big request and one that Lucian was ready to make for an old friend. “I will do this for the friend of my youth, Trunicus, but this is the last time that I want to see you do you understand me” Trunicus nodded
"You will though give me 5,000 in gold to do this. I want it in my hand before I do this for you!
Trunicus grimmaced, then nodded silently.

**Night fall**

Having been paid in full, Lucian did the night rounds of the cells. His duty was to ensure they were locked. He looked into Trunicus’ cell to see his friend for the last time. He put his key in slowly into the door and slowly turned the lock. Lucian sighed and walked off to his post where he sat there with his eyes closed in complete contradiction to his orders. Of which he knew he could be killed for if he was caught asleep. Trunicus acted as if he was asleep too. Suddenly opened his eyes. The time to go was now.

Darkness had come over Rome shadows were the masters of the streets where
the black to hide anything in its wake. Trunicus sat up in his cell, listening to ensure that all the other prisoners were asleep. He crouched and went to the
door, slowly and surely opening it. The door made a slight creek, alerting Lucian. Seeing Trunicus head fertively look out the small cell door, Lucian closed his eyes again. At the end of the corridor that the cells all faced on to, was the door that led to freedom. Through there, was another longer passge, which lead to the sewers of Rome.
Trunicus knew that no guards patrolled down there and this would be his best place to go and get out of Rome. Trunicus went into the sewers almost being consumed by the noxious fumes. Until he could take it no longer he went up to a
drain cover to gather some air. He then returned to the sewer and continued North along the sewer. Eventually, far from the prison, he pushed the cover away and climbed out in to a small side street. He glanced left and right, then Trunicus headed home.

**Trunicus Arrives Home**

After hours of travelling on the outskirts of Rome he reached his home the sun was just beginning to rise. Trunicus rushed in to his small home and began to fumble through his home looking for two specific objects.
These being his father’s sword and armour. These two pieces of material were now Trunicus’. His father Castor Augustus Servo sent these items to Trunicus before his death. Trunicus donned his armour and sheathed his sword on the right hand side of his body. Trunicus placed a black cloak over himself and then began the long arduous journey by horseback towards Praetor O. Justius Vitellius and to join him on his march towards the capital. Trunicus had decided instead of taking the route south towards the heel of Italia he would go north to confuse any
pursuers, knowing that usually criminals would try and get the quickest way out of the country. Trunicus Agrippa would try to evade any pusuit by doing the unusual. Thus, the journey to Praetor O. Justius Vitellius had begun.


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By: Augustus Trunicus Agrippa and Otho Justius Vitellius


AD 31

Outrage

Inside his luxurious field headquarters in Macedonia, essentially a villa that the Romans had seized and turned in to a residence suitable for a Praetor, Praetor Otho Justius Vitellius sat reflectively. A cup of watered wine on the desk in front of him, as he studied maps and diagrams for the Invasion of Thracia that both he, Emperor Tiberius, and Praetor Valens Verus had forged.
On the shelves of his office sat many books. History, philosophy, literature. His father, Otho Vitellius had insisted that his son have more advantages than he, and had spared no expense in a lavish education for his only child. Justius was therefore more bookish than a typical Praetor, if there even was such a thing. He started to see his father’s wisdom in this insistence, though, now that he was spending so much time in the provinces, and negotiating on behalf of Imperial Rome.
The planned invasion would launch within two months. All preparations would be in place by then. Negotiations had gone well with the Greeks, and First Magistrate Theodosis had given a pledge of cooperation between the Aegean fleet and the growing naval forces of Rome itself. Tomorrow, Justius would move to his field camp, and then Asian encroachment in the region would end swiftly. Decidedly end. Emperor Tiberius’ long sought, long dreamt expansion of the Empire, delayed annoyingly by a feeble and poorly conceived second civil war against his authority, would at last begin. Justius was happy to play a part in seeing his father in law’s dreams become a reality. Focusing on battle also helped Justius deal with the anguish of the recent loss of his beloved wife Lora. The mutual pain that both he and Tiberius felt had brought the two men even closer.
What no one except the Emperor and Justius knew, was that Tiberius had recently told Justius of his desire to name his son in law as Prima Legatus and his successor. Justius was still grappling with the ramifications of that stunning announcement. His father in law had wished to make the announcement at once – but Justius thought it premature. He had never coveted power – all his life he only sought to do his duty, to Rome, to his wife, to his children, and the Vitellius name – his father would have said ‘as a proper Roman man would’ He chuckled to himself while thinking about it. Now he was being thrust into the center of power of the mightiest Empire the world had ever known. Tiberius planned to name him Prima once the conquest of Thracia and that of Aegyptus was complete. He would do his duty, as he had always done. He was not a man to worry or fret needlessly.


-----------

His reverie was interrupted by a sudden, insistent knock on his study door. Without waiting for permission, General Rufus Actius Dio entered, his usually stolid face wearing a visible expression of shock and dismay.
“Justius!” the General exclaimed before Justius could even acknowledge him. “News from Rome – terrible, terrible news - a courier just arrived – I had to bring it to you personally”
“Gods, Actius! What is it? What’s wrong?!!”
“Emperor Tiberius… is dead!!!!”
“What???!!! HOW???”
“Murdered, Justius… assassinated.”
The Praetor’s reaction was merely to bury his face in his hands, his body wracked by a few silent soundless sobs. Actius knew that Justius still suffered from the loss of Lora and now this too. For a minute that seemed like an eternity, Justius remained quiet, face hidden from view. Actius wondered if he should leave. No man would wish another to see another cry. It was terribly uncomfortable, and then it ended.
Justius slowly raised his head. His eyes glistened, his expression weak. Then, like a wave crashing on a beach, his expression changed. In the years to come, Actius would always remember the moment. A steely look he’d never seen came across his Praetor’s face a clenching of teeth, slightly feral and savage. His eyes glinted with sparks of barely concealed fury.
“How did this come to pass? Who was the traitor or traitors?”
Actius explained it all. A letter from Secondo Verus told of the assassination, the mad treachery of A. Maximus Terpus on the day of his wedding, and how the man had been brought to his end by the quick actions of a Praetorian named H. Valens Vitellius.
“Terpus!” Justius hissed. “The fool! What did he think to gain from such insanity? It doesn’t even make sense. Someone shall pay for this, Actius. It has to be more than just Terpus involved.”
There are MANY things to be done, Actius, and time is of the essence. This news is already almost a week old! Here are the things I see happening now, and what WE must do immediately. We shall waste no more moments on grief, or futile rage. Action shall be the balm to soothe my soul’s turmoil. Please, get a scribe to take some notes”

It only took a minute for Dio to bring a scribe into the office. What followed was more of a lecture than a discussion.
“With no Prima officially named, no doubt ambitious aristocrats with no real claim, might see a crown for themselves in the near future. Honorius Julianus is the senior military leader in Rome, he is respected by the entire Army and can command its loyalty to him personnally should he desire it. By rights HE should take the throne, in my opinion. But I know he is somewhere in Tuscany. I don’t even know if Verus has sent word to him. We must send a courier to Honorius! Telling him he was my sword at his disposal. He must take the Throne and quickly! And Honorius must be told that I am to be named Prima as the Emperor had wanted after this Thracia business.” Actius tried to interrupt, but Justius waved him off. “Please, my friend, no interruptions. There’s no time. I’ll tell you more of it after we’ve made our first moves.
“We must dispatch messengers to every legion under the Emperor’s command here in the East, and ask for their vow of allegiance to the Imperial Flag that I, as a member of the Imperial Family, really the only member until Honorius takes the throne, will now command. We must also make explicitly clear to those generals that my intent is not a revolution, usurpation, or Civil War. Simply to support fully EMPEROR Honorius and Secondo Verus!”
“Additionally, we need to extract elements from all these legions – the finest men of all – preferably picked from the calvary units in each legion, since I can move the fastest with them. I plan to return to Rome, with my own elite legion, a LARGE legion, to make certain that no further treachery unfolds there. Valens wants me to stay here, he worries about a possible invasion. Well, the only ones with a worry are the Asians who dare to soil Thracia. He must see that I cannot obey his wish. He may be underestimating his political adversaries. Send a courier to him – tell him that I am returning as his ally and as a loyal Roman.”
Before Rufus Actius Dio had a chance to respond , The Praetor contined. “Then, politely send for First Magistrate Theodosis. I need his assistance again. I know his fleet has moved northwards in the Aegean, towards the waters bounding Thracia. However, I need to negotiate passage to the coast of Campania. We can use merchant vessels to make the crossing. But I want those elements in place before we arrive at the ports. The minium of delay is essential. The shipping can be concentrated, as the troops are moved to the ports." R. Actius Dio knodded.
_____________

30 DAYS LATER
A weary, but resolute Praetor Justius Vitellius stood in the port city of Naupauctus, gateway to the Gulf of Calydon and the Ionian Sea. He’d only slept here and there in the last month. There had been so much to do, so many negotiations, so many elements to draw together. Much had unfolded as he’d planned. He mused that he could rest and recuperate over the couple days of sea travel. As he watched, his proud force moved past his review, and onto the waiting merchant ships that crowded the docks. These ships, were those that Theodosis had assembled. The troops hailed their Praetor as they passed. He was forced to trim a few thousand men – there were not enough vessels available for such an undertaking. Those men were returned to their units, and would fight in Thracia. However, 5000 legionaries and an equal number of the finest auxiliary cavalry, and archers, would return to Rome with him. They would surrender their lives, if need be, to make certain that Imperial Rome would continue. They would cross as a fleet, and land on the Eastern coast of Italia as a single force.
First Magistrate Theodosis and R. Actius Dio both flanked the Praetor. Justius had taken great pains over the last few weeks to make certain that Theodosis understood how strong Rome’s presence remained in the region. He doubted that Theodosis planned deceit, but he would realize that this powerful force would and could quickly return if need be. Theodosis was also cognizant of the mighty legions already in place within the provinces.
There had been a good deal of mutual mistrust, and old animosity, between Greeks and Romans. However, Justius had tried through his conversations with Theodosis to make it clear that his own mother was a Greek, and that his heritage was both that of Rome and Greece. Justius wished only prosperity for both Romans and Greeks. He thought that Theodosis was beginning to understand that he meant exactly what he said, unlike other Romans he might have dealt with in the past.
Justius turned and faced Theodosis. He smiled and clapped his hand heartily on the magistrate’s robed shoulder. “Excellent! You’ve done well, friend Theodosis. As we’ve agreed, I’ll make certain you’re richly rewarded for your efforts on Rome’s behalf. I am glad we can continue to work well together for the betterment of all. I am in your debt.”
Theodosis looked startled for a moment, put off by a soldier’s common familiarity, then his expression eased. He took Justius’ gesture for what it was, and accepted it and chuckled a bit.
“Of course, Praetor. Likewise, it is good to work with you.” Theodosis was surprised at by the sincerity of his own words. They were indeed a good partnership, this Justius and he. As an aristocrat, Theodosis knew Justius was not some illiterate lout with a sword, but a highly educated, intelligent man, who possessed a great knowledge on many subjects, not just warfare. There was no guile in Justius’ words when he spoke of his love for Crete, and for many facets of life in Greece – the Praetor owned a magnificent villa there. Against his better judgment, he was beginning to like this Roman.
“Excellent! I shall hopefully return soon." Justius smiled at the Magistrate, then turned his gaze to his general. "Actius, continue on with our plans. You have my confidence and my faith”
“Of course, Justius! May the gods be with you!” Replied Actius and offered a cisp military salute.

Justius nodded. “And may they be with you both. Farewell!” With that, Justius turned and followed the rest of his men to the wharves.

----------------------------------
By: Otho Justius Vitellius

AD 31

Inspections and News

As part of his ongoing inspection tour, the Magister Militum himself had arrived about an hour before, as he inspected the Cohorts of the legion one after another. S Honorious Julianus felt that Legio XXXIX was no where near where it should be, but was doing well for the limited amount of time that it had been formed. Granted they were all young men enlisted to serve into this new Legion. Most of the unit was nothing more than 17-19 year old men from all over Italia and Cisalpine Gaul (now it had been extended Citizen status). Valens did not think that a good excuse for the poor performance of standard drill evolutions. Only about a forth of the unit had any type of experience and that was light field duty, for they had been drafted from more seasoned legions to help the with the formation of these new legions, there were several raised at the same time.

The equipment had been supplied in exactly the proscribed manner from the Imperial armories at Capua. They had been issued with the standard mail shirts, of a uniform quality that the government owned armory was designed to provide. The unusual thing about the recruit's equipment, apart from it being so uniform in type, was that the troops had all been issue with the "Italic" style. This was the very latest pattern and apart from the Praetorian Guard, was still rare indeed in most of the Army.
Honorious shook his head and cursed to himself again before walking over to the cohort to his front. Using the Centurions, again, the Magister Militatium demonstrated the proper way to form a tortoise formation. He quickly saw that the recruits had grasped the initial cohesion, yet lacked the ability to move together correctly without breaking formation. This was an important point and one he made a note of, so that he could press the legion's general to address the matter.
“Again…” he ordered moving away. “…remember what I said.”
They did as ordered, and almost achieved a success. Valens was getting frustrated, but he looked back up and smiled and shouted to the recruits, “Better.”
Turning away from the Cohort he said in a conversational tone. “Good work on your troops Officer!" Honorious said with a bright smile. "If they keep this up they might be fully trained in a few more weeks.” He said confidently.
The young officer beamed in pride and Saluted the retreating back of the Army's professional head.

A Centurion came running over. Valens, Behind him ran a messenger who had obviously been on the road for some time and had not slowed his progress for rest. Turning to face them, they exchanged salutes before the Centurion almost shouted “My Lord. I bring urgent news”. He handed Honorious a message which he quickly snatched and opened, then began to read. Honorious' face turned pale, betraying the terrible event which he was discovering as he read. Looking up at the Officer, who had stayed close to see what this message could mean, the Magister Militatium said simply. “Officer, inform the other men of rank in your legion, that the honorable Emperor Tiberius has been assassinated.”
Honorious turned to his aid and shouted the order, “ Call up the escort, we must make for Rome immediately”.
The legion's various officers, gathering rapidly as the news of the assassination spread. They were only just fast enough, to watch the Magister Militatium leave with his escort, heading for the camps gate that was the best one for Rome.
Only after seeing him pass from view did the young officer turn around and make his way toward the men under his direct command. He had to task of telling them of the death of the man who many believed to be a god !
“Ok, lets get this right.” He said to himself.

----------------------------------------
By: Hadrius Valens Vitellius & Sarius Honorius Julianus.

AD 31

Imperial Betrayal II

Secondo Valans Verus immediately took the widow, Senator Vitellius into his protection, as well as the rest of the Imperial Family that resided in Rome. The Entire Praetorian guard was alerted for possible action. The Secundo also dispatched a messenger to the General of Legion I(c) in Campania.
“General, our Emperor has been slain by Praetor Terpus, there will be unrest in Rome. You are to move your troops to the southern limits of Rome, and prepare for battle. Your duties are to ensure than no forces, enemy or roman get within 10 miles of the southern borders of the city. Stop them at any cost. If roman legions try to enter rome they are considered traitors.
S. Valens Verus
Secondo”

--------
Similar messages were sent to the Generals of Legion III(c), ordered to protect the eastern border of Rome and Legion IV (c), ordered to protect the northern border of Rome. Legion XII Classis was ordered to patrol the waters of the western border and guard from any movement. If all the Generals sent messages back that they understood their orders, then would comply with those orders. Rome was going to be a huge guarded fortress.



All of Rome was closed off and a Curfew seemed in the offing. The Urban Cohorts went from house to house, ensuring all Romans stayed in their dwellings until informed otherwise. The Praetorian Guard took their posts to protect Rome itself. No Roman would be able to move, the city was in lock down. All Senators and Tribunes, for their own safety were taken to their homes if they lived within the city and provided with guards. If they lived out side the city walls, they were taken to the Senate and protected.
Secondo Verus also sent message via fast galley, to Praetor O. Justius Vitellius,
“My Dear Friend, I sadly inform you that our beloved Emperor has been slain by Praetor Terpus and a small band of traitors. Please do not leave your post in haste. It is imperative that you maintain a military presence in Macedonia to hinder the Asians from attacking Rome in this time of dispare. I promise you, I will get to the bottom of this and vengence will be certain.
Your friend,
Valens”

--------------------
By: Sextus Valens Verus

AD 31

Imperial Betrayal

The group that were allowed in to the palace, from the great procession that had come to the Imperial Palace, were searched for weapons by the Praetorian Guards at the gate. The people who were honored enough to enter the Palace and witness the ceremony beheld a large podium upon which the Emperor's throne sat. It was set nearly 10 feet high, so that the Emperor could survey all and at the same time make it impossible for a person to reach him without assistance. A guest had to ascend several steps to reach the top the podium and access reach the throne itself.
The entrance to these stairs was heavily guarded. He sat on his throne with his bodyguards and the Secondo, who had been leaving briefly to inspect his troops to the east, but was re-called by the Emperor. In his note, he had made it clear to Secondo Valens that at no time was he to leave Rome unless it was with him.
When the wedding party arrived they knelt before the Emperor. The Emperor smiled and ordered the beginning of the official religious ceremony. Outside some thousands of Romans waited patiently. The young priest Marcellus Decendus Varro was naturally nervous when he started to pray to the Gods: "Almighty gods, we thank thee for the gift of love to these two, and we rejoice on this glad occasion, when these two have come before the altar to be joined in this sacred ceremony. We bow in thy presence to ask thy blessing upon their marriage and upon the home which they shall establish."
The Emperor himself, all the guests and the crowd outside applauded, while the sounds of the trumpets and drums echoed in the Imperial Palace. Then Consul Crassus Dio and Senator Lucius Agrippa requested permission of the Emperor to speak. The Emperor nodded his head affirmatively. The Consul Crassus Dio was the first to speak. Then was the turn of the Senator Lucius Agrippa to spoke. With the formalities of the ceremony complete, the Emperor rose to leave the great room.
The Emperor escorted by the Secondo and their collective lictors, moved towards the exit. This was not far from Maximus. Maximus knelt before him as they approached, keeping his head bowed until he speak in a loud clear voice.
MAXIMUS: Hail Emperor, may I serve?
TIBERIUS: Arise Warrior of Rome. You have brought much glory to the Empire.
Maximus stood up before the Emperor and the Emperor extended his hand. As Maximus took it the plan sprang into action. His fifteen loyal men immediately jumped forward to form a small screen around Maximus.
As this occurred Maximus clasping the Emperor's hand in his own right one, pulled him in close. With his left hand, the Praetor pulled out a dagger and jabbed it expertly into the Emperor's throat. Blood fountainhead out the massive wound to the jugular. In that wave of blood, the longest and arguably most successful reign of the Empire, came to an Infamous end. dellusion, had defeated Grandeur, or so it seemed.
As the Emperor collapsed a woman broke the amazed silence and screamed. It was A. Antonia Vitellius, he face a mask of horror. The most idyllic of days for any woman, Roman or Barbarian, had been destroyed by the Hubris of A. Maximus Terpus.


Failed Protection



The blood curdling scream reverberated throughout the chamber. Senator Agrippa Antonia Vitellius clutched her chest with her right hand, her normal, elegant and peaceful face contorted to the exact opposite counternance. Before her, her eyes beheld her husband of only several minutes, Praetor Antonius Maximus Terpus, thrusting a dagger into her distant uncle Emperor Augustus Tiberius Vitellius. Tiberius’ eyes widened in shock and pain. The man whom won Rome a tremendous victory, whom Tiberius had given a triumph of such grandeur it surpassed any in living memory, had betrayed him. Maximus’ eyes were determined and unflinching, even in the wake of his wife’s screams. He was ending the reign of a man who was superior to him in so many ways, that he had been incappable of comprehending his own inability to replace him, as he had hoped.

The Secondo Legatus, Sextus Valens Verus, stepped back ever so slightly shielding himself even though he was not in danger at that moment.. Immediately the fifteen soldiers who accompanied Maximus, adorned in ornamental parade armor pulled out the daggers they had slipped in to the Palace, and moved in to surround Maximus with a wall of protectors. The plan called for them to deal with the Emperor’s lictor body guards but also of the Secondo’s. They were in no way able to intercept the Secundo, his Lictors reacting to the threat moved in and bundled him behind them, as they drew their weapons.

Both Lictor groups, arrayed behind the Emperor and Secundo, however only sported their purple tunics and toga’s. None had armor of any kind, yet that would not deter them. They at the very least still had a sword each. All of this was happening in a matter of moments. Maximus and his men had the element of surprise, but what they sorely lacked was numbers and equipment. This doomed their hopes of escape to total oblivion.Maximus surmised he and his men could deal with the un-armored lictors, hoping to take weapons from them and cut his way out. This though had relied on the additional troops who had been prevented from entering the Palace by the Praetorian Guards earlier.

In all fairness they may have very well succeeded, had it not been for the large numbers of Praetorian Guards, who were also on duty in a ddition to the Lictors. Even at such an auspicious event, Tiberius had been in the habit of demanding massive protection for himself for many years.

A nobody in Rome, a foreigner from Africa born of Roman blood Officer Hadrius Valens Vitellius had been in attendance with the some twenty odd Praetorians, in "close attendance" to the sovereign. No one cared to speak to him and no one seemed to acknowledge his existence. Yet he was a very important person at this particular moment in Rome's history. Before the ceremony he would have been seen leaving the chamber and speaking with several Praetorians in the vestibule outside. That is if anyone had noticed. He was also wearing an overly concealing togger and no one cared to see. He was in fact a Praetorian, but not under the Secondo. He answered to and only to, Tiberius and had his own little band of men. Now at this crucial post within the chamber hall, when the legionaries of Maximus bore down on an off balance Praetorian Guard Valens in his own shook threw off his white cloak, which several none PG lictors wore and exposing his Praetorian Armor and yelled, “Praetorians, defend your Emperor!”

He need not even have spoken, for the eight Praetorian Guardsmen Valens commanded, burst in to the chamber room. Unlike their contemporaries already inside, they not only were fully armed with gladius and pilum, but fully clad in armor and held a shield.

The melee that followed was a bloody affair. As Maximus stood over his Emperor’s body, his feet in a collecting pool of his blood, he tried to calm everyone by spewing forth words of caution and reasoning. Valens had unsheathed his gladius and dashed towards Maximus, who was trying to make some sort of speech in the pandemonium. The Secondo was rallying his men by the time several of Maximus’ soldiers fell upon them. Maximus ceased his speech and turned to his horrified and frightened wife, trying, perhaps, to say something to her. Seeing himself surrounded by his men, he surmised he had a few moments to at least try to help his poor wife.

Valens seeing his chance flipped his gladius round and held it firmly with the blade pointing downward. Side-stepping one of Maximus' men, he brought up the hilt of his weapon into the lower jaw of the assailant, sending him reeling, headlong backward. Valens then ran over to the side of Maximus and bringing his arms up in an arc across the right side of his body brought them back down to bear. As Maximus stared into his wife’s eyes, Valens' gladius pierced the thin ornamental armor which Maximus wore and drove deep into his left flank. Valens drove the blade far enough into his Emperor’s traitor that only a few inches of steel could still be seen. Waiting but a mere moment, he extracted his blade from Maximus’ side. So rapidly did he do this that it caused the bloodied gladius to fling a cup full of blood outward. Innocent Antonia, having just witnessed her uncle’s death and now seeing her husband slaughter in front of her was sprayed with his blood across her face and neck for a second time.

The crimson blood covered her eyes and entered her open mouth. A petrified and scarred Antonia, covered in the still hot blood of her husband, opened her mouth to scream, but nothing came out. She was too, frozen, too horrified. All she could do was stare at the eyes she fell had fallen in love with as they slowly glazed over and Maximus’ body collapsed to the floor, gripping Antonia as he fell, pulling her with him. Several other bodies had littered the floor already. Most of them the unarmored lictors, but that was about to change.

One of Valens’ Praetorians, seeing a lictor being double-teamed by Maximus' men, moved to interfere and save his comrade. He took his shield and sent the sliver and gold weaved front crashing into the back of one of the traitors. The legionnaire was thrown forward, his momentum carrying him into the hard marble floor with a heavy thud, dislocating his shoulder upon contact. The Praetorian then drew his gladius and plunged it straight into the legionaries’ chest killing him instantly. Another fully equipped Praetorian fell upon the legionnaire with the dislocated shoulder. The legionnaire, his face in a look of fear threw up his good arm and pleaded with the Praetorian. The Praetorian replied by taking the bottom of his shield and slamming it into the face of the wounded legionnaire. The heavy shield, its sides lined with silver and gold, crushed the traitors face, first destroying his nose and then his jaw before it finally came to rest into the marble floor with a large ‘CLANG’ sound. Blood splattered upward onto the shield and partial obstructed the large Scorpio insignia which covered the center of the shield.

A single legionary was brought to bay, and fell to the ground, badly wounded by a new group of Praetorian Guards, who had now also charged in to the room. Valens bent to his knees and looked coldly into the traitor’s eyes and demanded darkly, “Who else was part of this assassination? Who else was in league with Terpus!”

The legionary, covered slightly in his own blood from a cut just stared blankly back not answering, a defiant look in his eyes. Valens calmly stood up and went behind the legionary, forcibly grabbed his jaw and pulling his head back cut the man’s throat. Blood fell to the marble floor as the legionary recoiled into himself clutching his neck and gasping for his terminal breathe.Valens then went to the front of another prisoner and demanded the same information.

The younger looking legionary just shook his head frantically, his eyes wide with fear, repeating, “I don’t know! I don’t know! Please don’t execute me!”

“Liar!!” screamed Valens as he systematically repeated the same thing as before. This time though the victim twitched and convulsed as he tried to breathe. He did this for another five minutes before finally dying. Yet as he still twitched, Valens asked the same thing of the last prisoner, whom he was no legionary but a more senior officer. Before Valens complete his execution the Secondo only noticing after the second prisoner had been killed rushed over and stopped Valens.

“Officer,” he began in a rage. “…what are you doing!?”

“Trying to find answers, I know this is not just Terpus acting alone.” He replied in a voice that should not be spoken from a lowly officer to a Legati.

“Just who are you anyway? You are not one of my Praetorians, neither are of these!” he demanded motioning toward Valens eight men.

“I am a Praetorian my lord, except I served the Emperor himself in case he could not trust his lieutenants.” Valens informed him, pointing out that Tiberius questioned the Secondo’s loyalty.

------------------------------------

By: A. Antonia Vitellius, A. Maximus Terpus, H. Valens Vitellius
Players co-operation: A. Tiberius Vitellius (Emperor), Crassus Dio
(Consul), Lucius Agrippa (Senator), A. Tiberius Julianus (General), R. Actius Dio (General), P. Nero Terpus (General), V. Tiberius Julianus (Officer), M. Decendus Varro (priest) , S. Iona Julianus (priestess).


AD 31

Echos of Scipio Maxus

It was a wonderful sunny day in Rome. The Forum, the heart of the Roman Empire looked so big, that people had come to wonder, if the gods had anything to with it’s construction. Small-scale merchants put out their products, preparing for another great day in Rome.

This is what Rufus enjoyed, the smell of fresh baked bread, and feeling the rising sun on his face..

‘Do you smell it, Cato?’

‘What smell ?’

‘The smell of a city that’s awaking in the early morning...’

‘Rufus, you are still that same old dreamer as you were as a kid’

‘Old? You calling me old Cato.. You are just one year younger than me. Haha!’



The two men walked down the Forum. Cato was a young man, he was a member of the Verus family. One of the most respectable families, they had been in Rome since it had been founded by Romulus and Remus. Cato was a centurion in the legions, so he didn’t have to be with his family and become a politician. That was also the reason why he and his father never talked to each other. His father wanted him to be a great politician, but Cato didn’t really have any interest in politics. Cato was caste in the mold of a more an adventurous person, than a good speaker and politician.



Rufus had met him when they joined the Legions. They both enlisted the same day. Not as unusual as it would seem, because the young nobles of Rome would gather at the Campus Martius on a specific day to begin their military service. Rufus had been lucky, and was promoted to Officer shortly after enlisting with the Eagles. Perhaps his superiors saw a leader in him, perhaps they were short of Officers.



‘Hey let’s get some bread, Rufus, I know just the place to buy some of the best Bread in Rome’

‘Alright, although the best bread is baked by the hands of Aurelianus...haha..’

‘That’s so not true..’

‘He does... really.. well let’s get us some bread from both merchants’

‘Okay, but I doubt that your Aurelianus can compete to Severellius’

‘We’ll see...’



Rufus grinned when he gave Cato a piece of Aurelianus’ bread.

Cato: ‘It’s good, very good..

Rufus: I told..

Cato: But not that good



‘Alright Cato, show me your bakery...’



Severellius: 2 denarii please..



Cato got his little leather purse, and took 2 denarii.

‘Here you go Severellius..’

The moment Cato handed over the 2 coins, a young man shot forward out of the passers by and stole his leather purse.

‘What the... HEY YOU STOP THAT’S MINE, THIEF !!’

Rufus and Cato ran as fast as they could after the fast disappearing thief. The thief apparently knew exactly where to run, for he never seemed to waver as he turned off main streets and in to by-ways and alleys. Rufus stumbled over a rock, and nearly fell as he twisted his knee badly.

Cato looked back, and was returning to help Rufus getting up..

‘GO CATO, CATCH THAT BASTARD’

Cato turned around again and ran after the thief again, throwing his head back to make up the ground he had lost.

Rufus could feel that his knee was already tender and would be more so in a few minutes, if experience was anything to go by. As Rufus pause, he took up the hue and cry. ‘GUARDS, GUARDS!’ His strong voice carried well. In Just a few moments, five soldiers of the Urban Cohorts, who were on regular patrol, arrived to investigate Rufus' calls.

‘Don’t just stand there, they went true that little street. ‘ Rufus shouted at the bemused patrolmen, pointing down the alley. They immediately began to continue the chase themselves.

Rufus and the other 5 men heard a loud scream as they ran the way that Cato had disappeared. At the moment he turned around the corner they saw Cato falling down.

‘Cato? CATO !!!!’

Rufus kneeled down ‘Cato answer me, Cato please...’

The guards spread out, and the commander looked back and saw Cato was drenched in his own blood.

Suddenly the men heard a small noise, a bird had been scared away by something, or someone...

Rufus and two men from the Urban Cohort patrol slowly walked down the ally. They saw an object lying on the ground in the distance. Rufus ran as fast as he could, blinded by anger he didn’t notice his knee was already aching horribly now. The object that Rufus saw, clearly it was the blood drenched cloak of the thief. Suddenly the thief bolted from the dark corner that he had sought to hide in. Desperate to escape, the thief stumbled over his own feet. As the pursuers arrived, the thief was already up and had drawn his dagger to fed off his pursuers. Pushing the unarmed Rufus aside, the commander of the patrol drew his gladius and advanced on the criminal before him. The Urban Cohort soldier, rapidly demonstrated he was skilled in handling his gladius, as he began to fight with the thief.



The Urban Cohort soldier, armed with a sword, made short work of the attacker. Stabbed viciously, the criminal fell to the ground mortally wounded in the stomach. Rufus stepped forward and knelt next to the dying man and asked him simply, to identify himself.

‘My name is Marcus Maxus, I’m your cousin... ’

Rufus: Marcus ? Son of Scipio ?!

Thief: Yes!

A patrolman looked down at the corpse looked at the corpse and asked as he shoved it with his sandal, . ‘So who was he ?’

‘A fainted memory’ Rufus whispered ‘nothing more than a faint memory’



Rufus went quickly to their domus, then informed Cato's family about what had happened that morning. Cato's father knelt down and wept in unimaginable sorrow for his son, who was killed on that still idyllic morning. Cato was placed on a funeral pyre, just outside Rome, on a calm peaceful piece of land that was owned by the Verus family. Close by was a mausoleum where every member's remains were interred as an old tradition.



The next morning Rufus wrote a small letter to the Imperator. Although the note would be read by a minor Imperial secretary, mislaid and then lost, along with the fine golden signet ring Rufus had enclosed in his scrolled note. All this, long before it reached its intended recipient



*****

Avé Imperator.



It is with deep sorrow in my heart that I inform you about the death of one of your soldiers. Yesterday morning, Cato, from the house of Verus, was killed by no one less than some one claiming the name of Scipio Maxus’ son, Marcus. Marcus had stolen his money on the Forum. Cato chased him, so did I , but I fell down. By the time I got to centurion Cato, he was already dead. I immediately hunted Marcus down and killed him in a man-to-man swordfight. While we were fighting he told me he was Scipio’s son and was about to start a new revolt, as his father had did before.



I gave the messenger who bore this message, the Ring of Scipio Maxus. Marcus was wearing it around his finger. I hope that I have cleared the name of the Maxus Family with this gesture.



Sincerely,

A. Rufus Maxus,

Officer IVth Legion

---------------------------------
By: Antoninus Rufus Maxus


AD 31

Training Day II

A strong, stout Roman stood at the front of a short line of centurions, who in turn stood in front of an even larger column Legionaries from Legion X. He made a swift motion, which was replicated by the centurions, followed by a quick 'about face'. The entire line then staggered to the right, not quite as synchronized as he would have liked. He stroked his stubbly, bristled and graying beard and looked down, and then back up his troops. He walked down the strictly lined path, carefully examining the two lines he passed in between.

"What," he shouted, "was that? You are trained Legionnaires of the Roman Army, you are supposed to move as one, think as one, be as one. But yet you don't cease to screw up over a trivial drill maneuver..."
"Let them alone, we both know the Pax has softened the military." Said the General, who was in charge of overseeing the training, with a detectable amount of spite in his voice

Officer Pollio, the strong stout Roman in question, looked over his shoulder to observe the General, but did not stop his steady litany of commands as he marched down the column of soldiers. He arrived at the other end of a century and looked at the following century, in which the Centurion was conspicuously absent. He called over for his clerk.
"Yes Officer Pollio?" he said, saluting him
"Why do we have an open space there, Tacitus?" he asked in the exasperated tone, of a man who knows he will not like the answer he knows he will receive.
"Well, I believe he was reassigned, and I have a letter here from Praetor Terpus that I was going to give you after you had finished drilling the Cohort."

Pollio paused a moment, then drew in his breath and with a hand outstretched, said the following. "Let me see it, this letter that denies me the use of one of my better Centurions."
Tactius handed him the letter, and he promptly opened and read it. Apparently, he was being sent a centurion from Legion XXIX. He wasn't here though.

"I see," pondered Officer Pollio "Very well, lets hope he shows up soon. I don't like a gap in my line."
Tacitus nodded, took the letter from him and walked away, embarrassingly stumbling over a rock, but a moment later he regained his composure.
"Very well then, let us continue." Pollio stroked his short beard again, in a manner that his Legionaries mimicked when he was safely out of sight. Then looked to his right, sure enough the Centurion he had been awaiting arrived on horse back. He dropped off his steed and approached the Officer.
"Hail!" he reported, delivering a crisp military salute.
"Hail, I take you are Centurion Ecellius?" Pollio replied, returning the salute
"Yes sir, where would you have me?"
Tetricus made a motion to the gap in front of one of the Prior centuries of legion X. He delivered another crisp salute and turned to walk to the line. Once he had arrived at the line, Officer Pollio believed it fit to continue drilling the Cohort.

--

It didn't take long after the arrival of Centurion Julianus for there to be marked progress in the maneuvers of the legion. General Abraxus oversaw the training from his command tent, on a hill above the Rhaetian countryside. He watched for an hour or so, as Officer Pollio drilled the Cohort under his command. Impressed with their progress, he decided to send an update of the Legion's status to his Praetor. He turned about and sat at his desk, pulling a piece of parchment from a drawer and dipping his quill in the inkwell.
---
Ave Praetor Terpus!
I've been overseeing the recent training of part of my Legion, Legion X, by the Officer T. Romulus Pollio. I think there has been a great improvement in not only the experience and poise of the troops, but also the morale (the upcoming campaign has really motivated them, the Pax is nice and all... but it is rather boring for a soldier). There was a gap in the line, and he was concerned, but it seems that you sent a Centurion on loan. The Centurion was very professional, and I give him my praise. Oh yes, I congratulate you on your triumph, 'tis a wonderful occasion that I wish I could have attended. News of the Emperors daughter has reached me, and I am deeply saddened. Please send him my, and my legion's, deepest
sympathies.
General Abraxus
Legion X
SPQR

---

He folded the letter up and tied a thin red string about it, and then placed it in his pocket. He opened the tent flap and approached the post tent. There was a small tremor as thousands of Romans turned about. Sometimes going around in a circle, other times walking a short distance and turning. In an instant, the soldiers dropped down and jumped back up, doing calisthenics. He arrived at the post tent and returned the salutes of the officers working there.
"Take this to Praetor Terpus, in Rome." he ordered, handing one of the Officers his letter.
The recipient of the letter nodded, saluted him again, and turned to put it in a bag of letters.
"This will all go out tonight, he should receive it quite soon." chimed the officer placing the letter in the pack.
The General nodded, and left the tent. He stood watching the Legion for a moment, then turned on his heel and walked back to the relative comfort of his command tent.

---
Several days later a letter arrived from the Praetor for the General. He smiled wide when he read it, and promptly showed it to his Chief of Staff, Officer Pollio. Romulus sat at his desk and read it aloud:

---
I am glad to hear that the training of Legion X is going quite well. I'm still here in Rome, but look forward to returning to the troops once I have married. Tell the men that the training is not in vain. The Pax will be over soon, and when I return it will be time to mobilize for Germania. Keep up the training.
A. Maximus Terpus
Praetor
---

"This is great!" exclaimed Officer Pollio
"Ha, yes it is, finally the end of the Pax is upon us. I can not wait to see the field of battle again, hear the clashing of the shields, the screams of the barbarian tribes. This will be a glorious war for the Empire, for the Emperor." General Abraxus rambled
"Shall I address the Legion?" asked the Officer, who was really quite a deal older than the General, who took advice almost as an order, rather than a hint.
"Yes, I am sure they will be excited as well, tell the men that they have double rations of wine tonight, in celebration of the good news."
Pollio nodded and stood up, saluting the General. He took his leave from his tent and stood at the hill that overlooked the Legion's training grounds and quarters. He called out for their attention, and briefed them of the campaign, and of the general's order for double rations. The Legionaries roared in excitement (though it is not measurable which they liked more, double rations or the campaigning), and a small roar of chatter among the Legionnaires broke out. A wide grin spread across the Officer's stubbled visage, and he turned and walked back to his tent.


-----------------------------------------------------------

By: Tetricus Romulus Pollio (Reply letter by A. Maximus Terpus),
assistance with ideas and such from A. Maximus Terpus and Rufus Actius Dio


31 AD

Publius and the Poor

Antonius Cajus awoke and stretched, scratching at his new flea bites. He stood up and pondered his surroundings. A gloomy back alley lit by what little sunlight penetrated through the looming, decrepit, buildings. With a frown he turned to the rest of his family; his wife and his 3 children, all lying in the dirt and filth. A tear trickled down his cheek. He turned away so that his family wouldn't see his shame. "Feed the children what's left, I'm going to the docks to see if there is some work today."

He went quickly; before his wife could give him some of the little food he had been able to buy yesterday. His children were starving and he could miss a couple of meals. Arriving at the docks he fell into line with his fellow laborers, all of them hoping they would be chosen to work today. Some of the men were skin and bones and he knew they would not be picked. The haunted look in their eyes showed they also knew this; he figured he wouldn't be seeing them too much longer. It was an all too common sight, too weak to work they died or went to jail for stealing bread so their children might live another day. It was a sad life but one did what one must to stay alive and provide for family. Antonius heard mutterings in the line as one man fell, but soon another had taken his place. He sighed. "Hail Antonius. Good to see you again." A tall man stepped up to him, he nodded. "And you my friend. How have you been?"

The man scowled. "I lost another small one yesterday. My wife waited in line all day at the local Prefecture Office, but the bread ran out. There's simply not enough bread for all of us." A look of desperation crossed his face. "I think those damned officials steal some of the grain so they can sell it on the black market. I swear, if I get my hands on one of those corrupt bustards, I'll slit him open and use his innards to feed the dogs." He clenched his fists as he shook them in silent rage. "And these wealthy senators just sit on their cushions in their marble halls and do nothing!"

Antonius put his hand on the shoulder of his friend. "That is not entirely true. The senate is trying to do things for us. I heard from a friend who is a subcurator in the senate building that someone named Flavius Publius Varro is trying to get some cheap housing for us." Wistfully he added. "A real apartment, can you imagine?"

The tall man scowled again, a look that seemed all too common on his face. "Aye, I heard good things about him, but I'll believe it when I see it. The Senate has promised things before. So what if they give us free bread, free apartments? It helps but it isn't a job. The rich men have done well under Emperor Tiberius and the current Senate. But never us."

Antonius shrugged. "You want a job, my friend. Maybe, if conditions continue to improve, those rich man will hire us."

The tall man laughed bitterly. "Really, do you think it matters, what the high-and-mighty do? No matter how wealthy Rome becomes, no matter how generous the Emperor and Senate, we will always be like this."

A shout went up as the dock master approached. "I'm sorry men, no work
today we have all we need." The men slowly left the docks, a look of despair on their faces.

From a dark alleyway a man dressed in a cloak that hid his features watched as the dejected men left the docks and went elsewhere in search of work. He sighed and turned to his companion. "Well Decendus there you have it. These men are a part of our glorious empire." The words echoed in the dim alley, their sarcastic bite almost enough to chip at the old stone walls. "We must do something, but as long as there are men who profit from these poor fellows misery there will always be resistance. I just hope my housing proposal makes it. It's not much but its better then nothing." Publius sighed. "Well let's get back; there is nothing we can do here."

In his house Publius sat down and poured himself a glass of wine,
slowly swirling it in the glass he thought of the men he had seen. "Here I sit, drinking fine wines, surrounded by luxury, whilst those poor people suffer." He mused. Decendus Varro, priest of Mercury and nephew of Publius, relaxed and sipped his wine. "Don't be too hard on yourself Publius. You worked hard to get here and now you can do something for those men and their families. They don't mind that you have it easy, as long as they know you work for them and not for yourself." Publius looked up and smiled. "Yes, I suppose you're right. Let's hope the Senate thinks as you do. Though on that account I am not worried, this senate is full of fine individuals who all work as hard or harder as I do. Together we will help these people." He chuckled. "With a little help from the Gods of course." Decendus shook his head at his cousin's irreverent attitude. But he knew Publius revered the Gods so he said nothing.

---------------------------
By: Flavius Publius Varro

AD 31

Mare Nostrum II

The waters settle and the battle with the raiders concluded. Officer Verius Tiberius Julianus began to inspect the cargo ship his trireme had engaged in combat. Upon inspecting the raided ships, Tiberius discovered a cowering Aegyptian youth hiding behind earthen vessels below decks. Tiberius surveyed the youth and determined he must have been one of the ship's original crew, for his dress was fine and hygiene well kept for a boy at sea. Like all educated Romans, Tiberius knew enough Greek to ask the boy several questions. He was most interested in determining if the boy would be a threat and if he had knowledge of further pirate activity. As he concluded his questioning, he ordered the men to take the boy to Praetor Sextus Valens Verus for further questioning. He then went to his tent to write a brief note to accompany the boy:

"Praetor Verus,
Upon inspection of one of the plundered ships I discovered this boy who claims to be the son of this merchant fleet's captain. When the battle began his father hid him below deck so as not to be harmed. When I questioned him about the preceding happenings, he said the morning before last the merchants had discovered a fleet of no less than 40 vessels traveling northward on their horizon. The merchant ships swiftly attempted to sail away from the large fleet to avoid detection. However, by this morning, a small portion of that pirate fleet followed and attacked them. These are the men who murdered the sailors and whom we engaged in combat. From my knowledge of the boy, he appears to be speaking the truth and his words require immediate action.
Officer Verius Tiberius Julianus
Commander of Trireme Maximus"

The officer then dispatched a small boat to row to the Praetor's Flag Ship. Once onboard the message was given to Praetor S. Valens Verus. Upon reading the scroll Valens directed one of his ships to transport the youth back to Rome, coming from an obvious wealthy Aegyptian Family, this boy just may be a pawn for the Emperor's dealings with Aegyptus. The Praetor then sent orders to Officer V. Tiberius Julianus to take a group consisting of the Trireme Maximus and twenty Cypriot Trireme back to Crete, regroup with the twenty Cypriot Trireme already headed to Crete, then make a mass sweep all forty-one warships of the waters east of Cyprus to the shores of the eastern Mediterranean, destroying any and every pirate vessel encountered.

***Onboard the Trireme Maximus***

As the sun set low and red on the horizon and the decks still tinged red by the blood spilt, the patrolling fleet of Roman and Cypriot warships moved toward the shore. The Triremes and galley-line warships were beached for the night, according to typical practice.

In his tent on the shore, Verius Tiberius Julianus sat in the dim lamplight writing in his small journal. Today his entry was concerned with the day's engagement:

"Though we search the sea for piracy, we have yet to see the great pirate fleets of story tales. The tales of home speak of massive fleets destroying Asian and Aegyptian Armadas. These fleets consisted of dozens of ships, sometimes carrying great treasures. In our search, we have found one young boy who has successfully avoided the grasps of this formidable nemesis. However, his words were not comforting. He has seen these great foes who plague the Cilician coast attacking from their hidden strongholds. Their numbers are vast and their ships well equipped. His words, however, required more skilled evaluation.

Today, we have only seen a taste of what is to come, a small group of bandits who had little expectation of a clash with the great Roman Naval initiative to purge the sea of their kind. Though our forces had the advantage, this was a great victory towards our control of the great sea. Though the battle was clearly one-sided, it was my first opportunity to see the men in action. They have done well today, proving themselves not only capable in the face of combat but superior to the majority of the flotilla. Their abilities at rowing are surpassed by few other ships. Even the Cypriot commanders have since committed on the veteran-like skill, but they are equally masterful in their swordsmanship having decimated the foe cutting them down like dry stalks of wheat. I only wish my men will be able to continue to show their honor, courage, and ability in the future battles for Roman supremacy of Mare Nostrum."

The sky and been twilight for some time now, when a flash of lightning lit the sky. A storm was fast approaching.

***Onboard the Flag Ship***

In the morning, Praetor Valens departed with his fleet to the shores of Thracia. He had great confidence in the abilities of Officer V. Tiberius Julianus to command. Now, he waited to see if it would pay off. For eight days, Valens and his vessels sailed along the cost of Asia Minor. On several occasions they encountered small pirate flotillas; on every occasion, the criminals were brought to justice. The Romans recovered some items from the pirate ships: ebony, ivory carvings, glass, textiles, spices, Aeqyptus linen. Then on the eighth day, after an hour long battle at see with nine pirate vessels (mostly manned by Assyrians) they recovered a small group of Asian merchant vessels that had been raided by the pirates. Valens embarked on the largest ships and saw gold, armor, weapons, and shield. Clearly, this vessel had been sailing under the standard of the Asian Kingdom! Valens ordered his Trireme Commanders to follow him... It was time to return to Rome and inform the Emperor.

-----------------------------------
By: Verius Tiberius Julianus and Sextus Valens Verus
AD 31

Thunder in the East

-----------------------------------
Imperial Palace, Rome
-----------------------------------

Word of the slaughter of Senator Vitellius and her unborn child reached the ears of the Emperor, who sat in his study, only recently having emerged from his period of mourning. Tiberius knew that Cassandra was having an affair and guessed that Agrippa found out, as well. He had to find some way to turn this event to his advantage; put his own Imperial spin on the matter. He sent a scroll to King Alujah, whose forces were still in Thracia.

"King Alujah,

Your whore, Cassandra, has been slaughtered, as has your barbarian seed! If your forces remain in Thracia one moment longer, her end will appear a blissful, merciful event compared to what I shall do to you!

Tiberius, Imperator of Rome"

The Emperor smiled as the messenger left. He was ready to expand. He had more worlds to conquer! He thought hard about how to deal with Agrippa.

-----------------------------------
Nicomedia, Asia
-----------------------------------

The Royal caravan arrived in Nicomedia around midday. The gates were opened, and King Alujah passed into his nation’s northern adminastrative centre, with his small entourage. His principal military commander, General Hasifine, followed closely behind. Unbeknownst to the monarch, the General was in a very bad mood. Hasifine had urged his young master to withdraw the main Asian army from Thrace, before it was too late. But Alujah refused. Instead, he planned on raising a second army back in Asia combat the Assyrians. "This arrogant fool of a king wants war on two fronts," Hasifine muttered to himself. "He is sentencing his kingdom to death!"

As Alujah strode into his palace, a steward approached him and declared, "Your Majesty! Welcome. Lord Pontus of your eminent family arrived yesterday. He is waiting in the Southern Hall." Pontus was the brother of the late King Charios and the uncle of Alujah. Alujah suppressed a groan, nodded to the steward, and made his way to his private chamber. "Uncle Pontus is such a patronizing old... old..." he didn’t finish the sentence. "Well, there is plenty of time in the day! I will see my uncle later. General, why don’t you go keep him company?" The young king grinned. General Hasifine bowed and moved, quickly, to obey.

Minutes later, in the Souther Hall, Hasifine and Pontus exchanged friendly greetings. "General, I have not seen you in months! We have much to discuss."

-----------------------------------
Nicomedia, the next day...
-----------------------------------

Alujah slept until nearly midday. Finally, he rose. "I suppose I ought to see uncle," he muttered, as his servants prepared his robes. They finished their work, and the King proceeded into the Central Hall. He saw Pontus and Hasifine, waiting for him.

"Your Majesty! It is an honor to see you," declared Pontus, bowing. Alujah was surprised and pleased by this gesture. In the past, Pontus had always treated the young monarch as a nephew, not a king. Perhaps his attitude was changing!

"It is good to see you, uncle," Alujah declared. "Come! Today I go hunting. General, uncle, I want you to join me." The king smiled. Pontus was a portly man of 53 years, and hunting was not his best enterprise. But the Royal uncle didn’t raise any objections; he only bowed obediently.

After four hours, the small hunting party returned to the palace. Hasifine caught several quail, while Pontus (not surprisingly) caught nothing. Alujah, of course, returned with the greatest prizes- a wild boar. Surprisingly, Pontus was in a good mood. He turned to his nephew. "Excellent, Your Majesty! Very well done, indeed! Your hunting skills rival those of your great father. Perhaps they exceed...."

"Trust me, uncle. I could kill several boars in that amount of time, without the burden of guests," exclaimed Alujah.

"Well, then, you clearly exceed your father!" added Pontus.

Alujah was pleased to hear his uncle’s compliment. Despite his arrogance and vanity, the young king still admired his illustrious father. Pontus had never complimented anyone... not until today that is.

Now, General Hasifine spoke. "Come, Your Majesty. We shall must discuss the military situation. Now, our armies in Thracia..."

Pontus, almost if on cue, cut him off. "No, no. Not now. We just returned from a grand hunt! Let’s celebrate. It is time to celebrate the glory of our kingdom, and its king!"

He led Alujah and the General into a small, ornate room called the "peacock chamber". He ordered the servants to depart, and then he produced a jug of wine and three goblets.

Alujah smiled as his uncle filled the cups. He sat down on a luxurious, cushioned seat and took a goblet. Pontus and Hasifine did likewise. The King’s uncle raised his glass and declared, "Cheers, to the King! May he lead us to victory over all our foes!"

Alujah, never a man to sip wine, took several gulps. Ah... so refreshing! He began to speak to his two companions. "Now I think it is time that I tell you of my military plans. You see, I feel that we can crush the Assyrians in a quick battle and then turn our full strength on Rome. The Seleucids are cowardly, and their king is an old man! My forces have me at their head. Surely, we cannot fail! I will attack aggressively, quickly. How long will it take to raise an army of 30,000, General?"

The General rubbed his chin. "Perhaps two months, under ordinary circumstances. But I am certain that you will inspire a frenzy of patriotism in your people. With your leadership... two weeks."

Alujah was delighted. The General was always criticizing his strategic plans. But not anymore! "The gods will grant me victory. You shall see! I am, after all, the divine king. The King of Kings!" Alujah’s ego was at an all-time high. He glaced across the table at Hasifine and Pontus. The two men were smiling, but their expressions were stiff and rigid. Alujah thought, with some amusement, that they resembled the masked actors of Greek drama. He continued to gaze at the faces of the two men. Suddenly, the smile on his own face turned into an expression of shock- and then horror. A thought spun through his mind.

He opened his mouth to speak, "General.... Uncle.... why aren’t you drinking any wine?"

-----------------------------------
Nicomedia, three hours later
-----------------------------------

Pontus XIII sat on the mammoth gold throne, wearing the crown of the Kings of Asia. Messengers had been dispatched to all corners of the kingdom, announcing the unfortunate deaths of Alujah, his six young children, and two pregnant concubines. All fatalities had been accidental, of course. The official dispatch didn’t bother to mention any additional details.

King Pontus dictated a letter to his scribe.

"To the Roman called Tiberius,

I must sadly inform you that my dear nephew and his children have joined the gods. On a brighter note, I am pleased to learn that you killed his whore Cassandra. As a typical Roman woman of high birth, she could scarcely resist the allure of an Asian man. Tiberius, the gods have charged you with the divine duty of cleaning the whores from Rome. Hurry, for you have much work to do, and there is so little time in a life, as my poor departed nephew had some opportunity to understand! Your killing of my grand-nephew was unfortunate, but it did have the beneficial side-effect of placing the crown on my head. For this service, dear Roman, I am forever grateful. May you live a long and blissful life under the guiding hand of Aphrodite, and may Ares grant you success in your campaign against Roman harlotry.

Pontus XIII Rex"

--------------------------
By: Quinarius Mardraeus Agrippa (GM), Augustus Tiberius Vitellius
AD 31

Senatorial Blood

Agrippa Vitellius arrived in Rome after being appointed the Secondo. He would finally be able to see his wife. He had not heard about the results of her trip to the east, and he was worried about her. Cassandra was, after all, the most beautiful woman in Rome. He was very anxious as he opened the door. His wife greeted him with beautiful open arms. After a week of "catching up", Agrippa went to start his new job as the protector of Rome. He felt his stomach churn as he thought, "I am the second-most powerful man in the world."

Only a short time into his tenure as Praetorian Guard commander, Agrippa heard a horrible story. His wife, Cassandra, was pregnant... with the child of the Asian King! "It can't be true" he thought. The Secondo left the Praetorian Camp as soon as possible and hurried home. He looked at her carefully, and saw that it was true. He was amazed that he hadn't noticed earlier!

"Why has my wife turned into a prostitute!" he shouted.

I thought it would convince him to leave. I was doing this for Rome," she said, crying. "I hated it! I don't want an Asian Bastard!"

"Your actions weren't diplomacy, Cass! You were a prostitute!" Agrippa almost drew his spatha, but then remembered the Emperor. Tiberius might want the child to live. Agrippa realized the possible strategic advantage of having the child of a foreign king. He decided to consult with the Emperor next week during their appointed meeting.

The week passed, and Agrippa waited. But on the day of the meeting, all of Rome heard about Lora Vitellius's death. The Emperor refused to see anyone. As a result, Agrippa couldn't ask about the baby. The Secondo was frustrated. The days passed, and still the Emperor refused to grant an audience for discussion. Agrippa was angry. He needed an answer! The Emperor emerged from his seclusion to attend the execution of King Caros, but Tiberius had not presented a chance to discuss private matters. To top it off, Agrippa had been hearing rumors for these many months that Cassandra had been unfaithful with another man. He didn't totally believe them, but the thought continued to nag at his mind. Was it true? She had a child with an Asian... so why wouldn't this rumor have been true?

Agrippa bolted to his house. Thoughts raced through his head. "I was betrayed by my wife and my friend!" He had never been enraged like this before! He busted in the house with his spatha at his side and rushed into the family's private chambers. He bellowed, "Trunicus!?".

A scream alerted the household slaves, who rushed to the hall before the chamber. They didn't dare to enter. A few minutes later, they watched with horror as their master rushed out of the chamber with blood on his hands, on his tunic, and smeared across his face. When they entered the room, they found Cassandra dead. Her body was mutilated, especially her lower torso. One young maidservant fainted, and an older woman screamed.

Agrippa rush onto the city streets, seeking to kill Trunicus. His search was not successful, so he went to the Praetorian Camp and ordered the Tribune's arrest. By the time Trunicus was brought to the prison, Agrippa's rage had decreased. There would be no more blood shed today. He had other plans for the prisoner.

---------------------------

The next day, the assembled Senators were shocked to hear of Cassandra's death. Rumors spread quickly through Rome...

---------------------------
By: Augustus Agrippa Vitellius.
Consultation with Tiberius Vitellius, edited by GMs
AD 30


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Triumph of Maximus Terpus

(Maximus sat in his command tent in Belgica looking over his new assignments. The Legions of Rome had again been re-arranged he was receiving a few Legions, he had not worked with before. He was now in command of Legion XXXIII stationed in Western Belgica, Legion XX
stationed in Southern Belgica, Legion XXIX in Western Rhaetia, Legion X in Eastern Rhaetia and of course his prized possession of Legion XXXIV in Central Belgica. These Legions surrounded Germania, which Maximus assumed would soon be his duty to claim for Rome. Maximus had also been given the one of the newly created fleets Classis Marsillia. Although it had no ships as of yet, he looked forward to developing and training the new fleet in amphibious tactics. Suddenly Lucius came in to the tent and interrupted the Praetor.)

MAXIMUS: What is it Lucius?

LUCIUS: Praetor, a rider from Rome, bearing the seal of the Emperor himself.

MAXIMUS: Send him in immediately.

LUCIUS: Yes Praetor.

(The Rider enters the tent)

RIDER: Hail Praetor! I bring word from the Emperor!

MAXIMUS: Hail Rider. Long Live the Emperor!

(Maximus pounds his chest with his right fist, signifying his heart serves Rome and the Emperor. The Rider then hands the correspondence to the Praetor. Maximus immediately begins reading the letter, and then looks towards Lucius, somewhat in shock. He then looks back to the Rider.)

MAXIMUS: Rider tell the Emperor we will be on our way. Help yourself to any supplies you may need and you are dismissed.

RIDER: Yes Praetor.

(The Rider leaves the tent and Maximus again looks back to Lucius.)

MAXIMUS: Lucius, We're going to Rome. The Emperor wishes to hold a Parade to honor our victory in Hispania.

LUCIUS: That is wonderful news Praetor.

MAXIMUS: Get me General Julius Augustus Daia and Officer Marcus Jasinus Verus immediately.
LUCIUS: Yes Praetor.

(With that Lucius immediately ran out of the tent to find the General and the Officer. With that Maximus sat down and began to write a letter to his dear friend the Senator Antonia Vitellius.)

LETTER:

Dear Senator Antonia Vitellius,

It has been a long time since we have seen each other my friend, but I have good news. I have been called to Rome by the Emperor for a Parade to honor the Roman Victory in Hispania. I will be arriving soon and hope that we can see each other.

A. Maximus Terpus
Praetor

(Maximus immediately called in a messenger and sent him to Rome with the letter for his dear friend. Soon after that Lucius returned with the General Daia and the Officer Verus.)

DAIA: Hail Praetor!

VERUS: Hail Praetor!

MAXIMUS: Hail! Gentlemen I have just received a rider from Rome. Our efforts in Hispania are to be honored by a Parade in Rome. We will be leaving for Rome tomorrow, but we need to pick out a few hundred of our top men to march in the Parade. I will expect your recommendations by
nightfall so that they can be informed and prepared to march tomorrow.

DAIA: Understood Praetor, I would propose that we select mostly veteran Centurions, especially those that have served on multiple campaigns.

MAXIMUS: I concur General. Also pick only a few officers, since most of them will have to stay behind in order to run the camp while we are gone.

VERUS: Shall we consider Cavalry in this selection?

MAXIMUS: Yes Officer. Make a small cavalry unit that will march in the parade as well.

VERUS: Yes Praetor.

MAXIMUS: Also, while we are in Rome Gentlemen you will have free time to take care of personal affairs and anything else you need to pursue. So send necessary messages to let family know you will be in town.

DAIA: Understood Praetor.
MAXIMUS: You are both dismissed. Try to get me the list of men as soon as possible.

(The General and Officer left the tent and the Praetor to his thoughts. It had been sometime since Maximus had been to Rome. So long he couldn't even remember. His ex-wife had mostly visited him in the field and then returned to Rome when she was pregnant. His sons had all visited him in the field but lived in Rome. They ran the family businesses, the bakeries, wineries, jewelers, etc for him. Maximus looked forward to visiting with his family in their element, and meeting some of there friends. He also looked forward to seeing the young and beautiful Antonia Vitellius. He had not seen her in almost 10 years, ever since he convinced her to go to Rome and take up politics. Maximus' thoughts were interrupted when Lucius again entered his tent.)

LUCIUS: Praetor, the General Daia has returned.

MAXIMUS: Send him in.

(General Daia enters the tent and presented himself before the Praetor, handing him a list.)

DAIA: Praetor the list of recommendations you requested.

MAXIMUS: Excellent General. I will trust the judgement of yourself and Officer Verus, inform the men that they will be leaving for Rome tomorrow.

DAIA: Yes Praetor.

MAXIMUS: Also assemble the Men, I wish to address the Legion.

DAIA: Immediately Praetor.

MAXIMUS: That is All General, Dismissed.

(With that the General Daia went off to begin informing those men that would be going to Rome for the Parade. He then began to assemble the Legion XXXIV in an inspection formation, so that they may be addressed by the Praetor Terpus. The General then found Officer Verus and they reported back to the Praetor.)

DAIA: Praetor the men are Assembled.

MAXIMUS: Excellent General. Then we go to Address them.

(The Praetor Maximus Terpus, escorted by the General Augustus Daia on his Right and the Officer Jasinus Verus on his left. He approached a makeshift stage that had been set up with a podium from which he could address his men. The General and Officer took their positions on either side of Maximus, just a few feet behind him as the Praetor walked up to the podium.)
MAXIMUS: Hail Legion XXXIV!

ALL: Hail Praetor!

MAXIMUS: Men I have assembled you this day in order to convey to you my happiness with your performance and success over the past few years, especially in putting down the Rebellion in Northern Hispania.

(The Men cheered)

MAXIMUS: Also men I have received this day word from Rome. The Emperor himself personally wishes to send his congratulations and thanks to the men
of Legion XXXIV. He says you have served the Empire well.

(The Men drowned Maximus out with their cheers, until he raised his hand to quiet them.)

MAXIMUS: The Emperor has even requested the presence of Myself and the General Daia in Rome for a parade that will honor the Legion and its accomplishments.

(Cheers again began)

MAXIMUS: I ask you men will you allow me to go to Rome on your behalf and receive these honors from the Emperor and the Empire for you?

ALL (chanting): Maximus, Maximus, Maximus!

(Maximus again quited them down by raising his hand.)

MAXIMUS: I accept. Tomorrow men I leave for Rome to accept the honors that the Emperor and the Empire will bestow upon you.

(The Chant began again and Maximus raised his sword above his head, fully extending his arm. The Legion exploded with cheers. No man could even hear his own thoughts. The Praetor then lowered his sword and left the stage with the General Daia and Officer Verus following closely behind.)

***Preparing the Parade***

A. Agrippa Vitellius had only a short time before been named the Secondo and was glad to hear that his Praetor at the time would be honored. It was great to finally have the Hispanic rebels defeated. He was looking for this Parade because he had been instrumental in the success of the legions in Hispania. First thing to do was to secure the parade route with the PG and make sure the emperor was safe wherever he went.

(Maximus led the small contingent of men selected to march in the parade to just outside Rome. They prepared an encampment, but did not worry much about defenses since afterall they were in the safest place in the empire. A few guard stations were set up and rotations were set up. Then
Praetor Terpus went into the city to meet with the Emperor. As he walked through the streets many people cheered him, others begged for money. He eventually made his way to the Imperial Palace. When he entered the Audience Hall he saluted the Emperor.)

When Maximus went to meet the emperor, Agrippa was there with the elite bodyguards of the emperor. Agrippa was very embarrassed when he had to frisk Maximus but he had his orders that nobody got near the emperor without this. The emperor was grieved about his daughter who died the week before.

"I must do the same for all, Maximus. You are a great warrior but even my loved ones will be searched," said Tiberius. He seemed very somber to Praetor Terpus, who had heard about Lora's death. Emperor Tiberius promised to honor the Praetor, though, and he kept his promises even while mourning. Maximus deserved it.

MAXIMUS: Hail Emperor Tiberius! Your servant Pretor A. Maximus Terpus submitting before you for your orders.

TIBERIUS: Rise Maximus, Rise. You have served Rome well. I have brought you here as you know to participate in a parade honoring yourself and your legions for their great victory in Hispania.

MAXIMUS: I know, Emperor.

TIBERIUS: I have planned out the following route for you. You will enter the city and proceed down past the Imperial Palace to the Senate House, before turning to march past the temples of Jove and Mars. Finally you will march into the Arena.

MAXIMUS: I see. Will you be marching with us Emperor?

TIBERIUS: No, Maximus. This is to be your time to shine. I will be waiting for you in the arena, where you will present me with this Rebel King Caros. From there I will execute him before the masses.

MAXIMUS: Understood Emperor.

TIBERIUS: Maximus unless you have any questions for me, you are dismissed.

MAXIMUS: No Emperor. I will see you tomorrow.

TIBERIUS: Yes, see you tomorrow.

(With that Maximus returned to the encampment of his men just outside the city limits. He thought on his way of how long this route was, the Emperor certainly was giving him a grand parade. When he arrived at his tent he immediately sent Lucius to get General Daia and Officer Verus so that he could pass the plan on to them.)

DAIA: Hail Praetor!

VERUS: Hail Praetor!

MAXIMUS: Hail!

(Maximus began to outline the parade to the men, just as the Emperor had outlined to him. He paused however when he got to the part about the temples.)

MAXIMUS: Here we will stop at the Temple of Jove. All three of us will then kiss the Statue of Jove on the feet. Then we will proceed to the Temple of Mars and do the same. We must show our love and thanks to the gods that have guided us in our lives.

DAIA: Excellent plan General.

(Maximus then continued on sharing the plan with the the General and the Officer. Once he had finished he dismissed them and he prepared to sleep for the night. After all, tomorrow would be a big day.)

***The Parade***

(Maximus positioned himself at the head of the Parade followed closely by General Augustus Daia and Officer Jasinus Verus. Behind them came the Cavalry, followed by the Legionnaires and in the end came a King Caros, guarded by a small troop of Praetorians. As they kicked off the parade people had already started to line the streets and cheered as Maximus and his men walked by. Everyone jeered King Caros when he passed them and some even threw old food at the King. The Procession proceeded past many of the most important and historic buildings of Rome. When they reached the Temple of Jove the procession halted and Maximus followed by General Daia and
Officer Verus went and knelt before the Statue of Jove, said a prayer and then kissed the feet of the statue. They then proceeded on to the Temple of Mars and did the same. After kissing the feet of Mars, Maximus pulled out King Caros' sword and placed it at the feet of the statue as an offering.

The procession then marched on and into the Arena where the Emperor awaited them. The Cavalry men and Legionnaires stood in formation in the arena as the people crowded in and cheered for them. Maximus stood at the front of the formation with General Daia on his right and Officer Verus to his left. The Emperor apporached and stood before them and the crowd quieted down.)

TIBERIUS: Praetor A. Maximus Terpus. Report in from Hispania.

MAXIMUS: Hail Emperor. The Legions under my command destroyed the Rebel Army of King Caros, and restored order to the Province of Hispania.

(The People cheered)

MAXIMUS: Also I have brought a gift for yourself and the people of Rome.

(He threw King Caros at the Emperor's feet)

MAXIMUS: The Man who would dare call himself King and defy an Emperor.

(The crowd began to chant Kill Him, Kill Him.)

In the arena, Agrippa stood next to the emperor as they watched the Parade come in. He stood proudly when they brought in King Caros, who was badly beaten. Agrippa had fought valiantly and knew the emperor would recognize him in front of everyone. The emperor went from his seat into the middle of the arena, surrounded by his bodyguards and the Secondo. Nobody could get within 5 feet of the emperor. King Caros rose when Agrippa was near. He couldn't see him because Agrippa blinded him, but he could smell the man who defeated the valiant king. He smiled and Agrippa smiled back and said, "You are a valiant warrior!" Caros sat back down saying nothing.

Tiberius saw the proud look on Agrippa's face and after Agrippa had spoken to the fallen king, Tiberius whispered to him, "You are responsible for the King's direct defeat, but Maximus destroyed his armies. You were great in the fight and were important in the destruction of the rebels, but this time belongs to Maximus. Your time will come."

TIBERIUS: Caros, you are hereby sentenced to death.

(The Emperor pulled out a rope and strangled Caros himself in the center of the arena. The People cheered for Tiberius. Once Caros lay dead on the arena floor his body was dragged from the Arena and put on display for the people of Rome.)

TIBERIUS: Maximus Terpus, Rome thanks you and welcomes you back from your journey.

MAXIMUS: Thank you Emperor. I hople to serve you well in the future.

(With that the Ceremony was over and everyone went their separate ways.)

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By: Antonius Maximus Terpus, Augustus Agrippa Vitellius, Augustus Tiberius Vitellius, Julius Augustus Daia, Marcus Jasinus Verus (let me know if I missed anyone)
AD 30



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Trade with Egypt

Tribune Trunicus Agrippa and Quaestors Mucius Varro stood outside the Senatorial building after their meeting with the Emperor. Both men were highly excited about their new mission. The two Romans had been given the opportunity to go to Egypt to negotiate a trade agreement. Trunicus had been doing some swatting up on the Egyptian Ptolemaic dynasty and the new king; King Syphax was relatively young and new to the Egyptian throne; maybe Trunicus and Mucius could use this to their advantage. The hot Roman day greeted the two Quaestors as they left the Senatorial building. They were to leave for Egypt tomorrow morning. Accompanying them would be several business advisors who would be there for advice and which brought a selection of goods of which to show King Syphax what was on offer while also being accompanied by a small contingent of Legionnaires.

**The Day After**

Both Quaestors both met again outside the senatorial building with Mucius having a scowl on his face.

(Trunicus) "What is wrong Mucius you look a bit nervous?"

(Mucius) "Yes I am a bit, this is my first assignment I don't want to let people down"

(Trunicus) "Don't worry Mucius I have done this sort of thing before just follow my lead" Trunicus said while slapping Mucius on the back.

(Mucius) "Thank you Trunicus." He said while smiling with some of the nervousness being removed from the young Quaestor's voice.

(Trunicus) "Well Mucius I better inform you of our journey…we will be travelling from here to the Sicilian harbour of Syracuse. From there we will go to the South Numidian portal city of Hippo Regis. Then straight to Alexandria, where we will camp outside of the city and conduct the talks with Egyptian king; King Syphax…Do you understand Mucius"

(Mucius) "Yes I do, quite a long journey I see."

Over a period of time the rest of the party arrived and gathered all preparing to leave to go to Syracuse. The party departed Rome at an average pace. With Trunicus and Mucius both looking over their shoulders towards Rome and their homes, which they knew, they would not see for a few months. Their new destination was Alexandria.

**After a months journey**

The party arrived on the outskirts of Alexandria tired and weary after their long journey and yet still the heat of the Egyptian sun beated down on them, as if an unnatural being was controlling the sun and directing it towards the group of Romans outside of the gate. The group halted and made camp outside of the city. Trunicus and Mucius left to go to announce their arrival to King Syphax. Trunicus informed Mucius that he would speak personally to the King and must be careful what he says. At the gates of the palace, they were greeted by an official named Imetti, who escorted the pair to the King. The pair entered the Egyptian king's throne room. The room, like the palace, formed an interesting hybrid of classical Greek and Egyptian architecture. This mix was an appropriate symbol of the Ptolemy dynasty: Macedonian-Greeks ruling over the ancient Egyptian civilization. As the pair of Romans entered the throne room, a voice signaled their arrival.

(Egyptian Palace Official) "Sire and members of the court, I am pleased to announce the arrival of Duvius Mucius Varro and Augustus Trunicus Agrippa from Rome!!" The voice sounded.

(King Syphax) "Why does Rome send a delegation to my great and peaceful kingdom? What do you desire? An alliance, trade? Speak"

Mucius looked back at Trunicus and whispered, "Are you sure about this?"

Trunicus' face said it all.

Mucius faced the Egyptian king… "Hail King Syphax Ptolemy of the Egyptian Empire we come to your magnificent city to propose a trade agreement…I…"

(King Syphax) "Trade, hmmmmm trade yes trade benefits us all, who is the leader of this delegation" Syphax looked at the two Romans.

(Trunicus) He stepped forward and announced, "I am your Majesty, I come to you to hopefully put forward a proposal that would benefit us all."

(King Syphax) "It is too late in the day for such talk return tomorrow and we will discuss what you have to offer me." With that Trunicus turned and headed for the exit, and back to his diplomatic residence to discuss the plan for the negotiating.

As the day for the talks arrived, there was an air of apprehension around the camp. The businessmen, Tribune, and Quaestor alike dressed smartly to be greeted by the Egyptian king. The Roman equite tradesmen had brought with them examples of there products to show the king. With a deep breath Trunicus, Mucius and the other attendees left for the Egyptian court, in eager anticipation. Arriving at the court in time.

(Egyptian Court Official) "I will now announce the arrival of the Roman Trade Delegation!"

(King Syphax) "Welcome Romans…let me hear your proposal," He said with anticipation.

(Trunicus) "For years Rome and Egypt have been friends and now Rome's Emperor, Emperor Tiberius Vitellius wishes to propose a trade agreement, we wish to offer you, Marble, Athenian Oil, Wood, Silver as part of a trade agreement what can you offer us in return."

(King Syphax) "It is true that our friendship goes back a long time, and Aegyptus is proud to call Rome a friend. Indeed, trade has already existed between our nations for many generations. We offer many fine products, such as papyrus, slaves, ivory and wheat. But the most important issue at stake here regards the protection of our merchant ships from the pirate infested waters."

(Trunicus) "I am not authorized to discuss such matters, but one thing that we would like to trade for is wild beasts" He says looking up towards the king then bowing his head.

(King Syphax) "Ah, elephants and lions I presume, for your games. I have heard much of these games, perhaps one day I could see one of them, in your glorious arena. But my Roman friend, what are you authorised to discuss?" He says perplexed.

(Trunicus) "Trade agreements your majesty, I cannot discuss anything militaristic"

(King Syphax) "Well, part of a trade agreement is the protection of the merchant fleet. A very important fact even. And I have heard that your emperor has commissioned a rather large fleet. Could you describe this fleet?"

(Trunicus) "Sire, perhaps that can be discussed at a later point in time"

(King Syphax) "Of course, you are correct. Well, as for normal trade, I see no objections to signing a trade agreement between our nations as long as prices are fair and our merchants can set up shops in Rome and other cities without prejudice. Your merchants shall be treated likewise of course. But trade between our lands has existed for a long time." Trunicus smiled "As a gesture of goodwill I present you with these examples of Roman goods" (The Roman businessmen step forward each presenting an example).

(King Syphax) "Ah, very nice. You have outdone yourselves. I am pleased with this presentation of Roman goods, although I am quite familiar with them. Perhaps we could reconvene tomorrow and I will have some of my own merchants present so you can go over details. Or if you wish we could sign a general agreement right now, and save the details for later. But, only after some entertainment."

The King smiled and nodded to a steward. The steward pounded his staff on the floor. Within moments, a retinue of dancing girls appeared...

-----------------------------*

The delegation returned on the second day and the final arrangements were made. Rome and Egypt would trade all items presented with each Empire presenting a merchants fee being 10% of Merchant earnings, to be given over to the ruling state of which they come from. The second day of negotiations ended and the delegation once again went on its travels back to Rome and home Trunicus and Mucius had been looking forward to this for a while. They headed home.

**Return to Rome**

The two men entered the Imperial palace and announced their success to the Emperor. The Emperor smiled. Tiberius Vitellius was ready to begin his intricate, long-stewing plan to bring Aegyptus, and all of its wealth, into the Roman Empire. "Poor Tribune and Quaestor", thought Tiberius. "They think in such limited quantities. Let's see my ‘friend' Syphax swallow this!" Emperor Tiberius changed the terms of the agreement, knowing that the young king was in awe of him. Rome's merchant fees would be 33% for the privelege of trading with Rome! The tone was such that if Syphax did not accept, it would be a "slap in the face" of the Emperor. Tiberius assumed that this would not happen...

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By: Augustus Tiberius Vitellius, Augustus Trunicus Agrippa, Flavius Publius Varro
AD 30


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