Stories Thread

[navarro951]

Part I: Story of Dentatvs

Like all young men of Roma, Manivs Dentatvs started his military and political training at a young age. His father, named Manivs as well, first taught his son what it meant to be a politician. Young Dentatvs was quick to learn to make his words as powerful as the legionary's sword. However, the young man was just a pleb and it would take the utmost heroics to prove himself otherwise...

292 BC

"Senator Caecus, your scheme here is as vile as the rest of you patrician scum!" Dentatvs shouted in the old Curia at a notable senator whom ,it had now been revealed, plotted a scheme to get elected two patricians as Consul. "How dare you stand here and try to take the power from the plebs. As tribune of the plebs I demand this man be cast out! He stands here and speaks of unity, and divides this senate like a venomous snake!"

Blasphemy! Hes Right! The senate trembled from storms of anger. Recount the vote! Recount! I demand veto!

"This man lies! I am a man of the people! How dare he shout this useless tongue toward me...I would...I would never!" Senator Caecus attempts to defend himself now outnumbered by opposition.

"You dare to enter this chamber, and strip the people who matter most in Roma!"

The senate broke out, fists swinging! Scrolls thrown about. Senator Caecus like the rat he was flees the scene...

To be continued...

[navarro951]

Part I Cont.: The Story of Dentatvs

Senator Caecus ran threw the steets, news was quickly spread of his scheme. He headed down a street where plebs scaled across roof tops shouting and throwing old vegetables. Caecus sped up his pace dodging any pleb in his way. He turned left at the end of the street along a narrow passage. There stood a gang of seven plebs beating sticks into their hands and tossing stones up and down, eying the senator. Quickly, Caecus turned round where he was now trapped by another group of brutish plebs. "Get Him!" All at once the men ran toward the senator swinging clubs in hand till the senator was badly injured in a fiddle position, lying the floor. The gang lifted the now unconscious senator and away they carried him to some unknown fate. He was later found on the outskirts of Roma covered in feces, and had been urinated on. He never returned to the city...

Mean While Back in the Curia

"Tribune of Plebs Dentatvs...maybe you should be made Consul. The people, and we senators hold you in the highest respects. What say you good senators?" The senate cheered out in approval. Some pushed Dentatvs on to accept the proposal.

"Good friends, I am honored, but I must decline. My place remains with the legions in the field at the moment. Samnites have been gaining many victories against our troops, and I feel I owe it to the soldiers and people of Roma to fight with them and for them. I bid you all farewell, for now, as I must return to the training grounds and ready myself for battle."

Disheartened, but accepting, the senators applauded Dentatvs as he left the curia in political triumph.

A Year Later in 291...

Dentatvs drilled with his legion. He was a master tactician and a true blade master. During his service he had now become a legate

"1st cohort! Why are you off pace?!? How will you strike fear in the Samnites if you cannot even march in an orderly fashion? Do it again! Forward...March!"

The cohort marched, this time with much improvement. Dentatvs marched as well along the sides of his men. Dux Nero, his commanding officer, oversaw the training from horseback.

"Halt the men Legate!" He roared

"Yes sir! Cohort...halt!" Dux Nero waved Dentatvs over whom quickly sprinted toward the Dux's steed

"Legatus...orders have come in. We deploy for battle in just eight days. Can you have these men ready by then?" The Dux's face was stern. Dentatvs looked back at the men. They were tired from drill, sweating under the rays of the sun, but ready for battle indeed.

"Absolutely sir. Ill shall have their steps in line within the next hour. And their combat training is nearly finished and they have proven to be superb fighters."

The Dux nodded "Very well, finish things up on this end. I must go see if our other legates and tribunes feel as confident as you." They saluted each other in Roman fashion, and Dux Nero rode off.

"Alright men lets go back to our lesson! Now when performing a facing movement..."

To be continued

[Tiberius Claudius Marcellus]

Bellum Interruptus

"I can't believe it! I just can't believe those sods in the Senate. They sent us down here to restore order here in Kalabria and then they order us to stand by until they're finished deliberating. By Iove, I don't understand it!"

Tiberius was visibly livid as he paced in the small room within the tent, trying not to knock over the map table or any of the lanterns placed wherever an opening was available. He looked down at Scipio, resting on a cot.

"We marched these men until they were beyond exhaustion for days upon end and right when we have these scoundrels in our grasp we have our chain yanked. The latest scout report says that the enemy encampment is currently enjoying the local festival - they're probably drunk off their asses! One swift night march by our men and we'd be upon them before dawn when they were just passing out!"

Tiberius punched his fist into his palm and turned his look to Servius,

"Surely, Legatus, you could cite tactical necessity and the sheer dereliction of duty it would be to allow such a target of opportunity to slip away to justify an attack during the Congressional council?"

The Legatus glanced down again at his maps. The dogs were right there and within his grasp! His whole being ached with the thought of being so antagonizingly close to battle, to victory. There was a foreboding, palapable presence in the air of the camp and the men were uneasy. The green soldiers knew that death was close - death for the enemy....and for some of their own number. It was not good to allow such demons play with the minds of men. Sevius looked up at his Lieutenants, his mind inwardly heavy with the decisions before him.

"Prepare your men, we attack at when the sun is highest in the sky."

Tiberius snapped to attention and clasped a fist to his heart. A grin made its way across his face.

"Io Legatus! The men shall be ready within a half-hour."

Tiberius Claudius Marcellus bowed his head, quickly turned around and began to fasten his helmet as he strode out of the command tent.

*************************************************

Servivs Longvs, his cape gently moving in the intermittent breeze, trotted his fine stallion up towards Tribunus Marcellus who was busy overseeing the final packing of what had been the Legio's encampment. Servius had an annoyed expression on his face not lost to Tiberius. He curtly said in his most mocking voice,

"Tribvnvs, I have just received a letter from our friends in Roma, we are ordered to return to Roma for the congressional council. If it were my choice, these rebels would have been dead by now, but we are not prepared to meet the storm of complaints that will surely come if we attack without the permission of the senate. Tell your men to finish packing up, we move out at midday."

Servivs reigned his horse and began to trot away off toward his tent. Those soldiers who were near enough to hear began to grumble their discontent. Soon enough the entire Legio would know of the Curia's wishes. There was not much the command could do to stifle the morale-killing news.

"Those foolish bastards" Servivs muttered, furious about the Senate's decision.

Tiberius called out to his senior,

"Legatus, when we get to Roma, perhaps you could propose an edict or Charter Amendment that would allow sieges and battles to be fought during Congressional sessions - surely that would be best for Roma rather than pull her fighting men home each and every time those old crones wish to gaggle together?"

Longus turned on his horse; but continued moving,

"I've no plans to return to Roma. I will stay with the Army and propose the edict via messengers. I've no intention of letting these dogs get away when we've got them by the throat! You may return to Rome if you would like, but I dont want to have to wait AGAIN to kill these rebels who are too stupid to know when they are defeated."

Tiberius snapped to attention and clasped a fist to his heart. A grin made its way across his face.

"Legatus, my proper place is at your side, with the men of the Legio III Campania. Let the Senatores be damned! I can dispatch messengers just as well....in fact, I've the mind to request a political favor to aid us in the future. I shall continue having the men pack their equipment. We will be more than ready to be on the move before midday. And don't worry about the griping, I shall see to it that the men have a proper knowledge of our current situation - and a healthy support of it too! I shall report back to you when I check with Scipio and his preparations."

The Legatus returned the salute and continued in the direction he had been riding. Such was the life of a soldier, orders and counter-orders, hurry-up-and-wait. It was a hard life; but a good, honest life. He would have his victory yet.

[navarro951]

Part II: The Story of Dentatvs

290 BC

It was the eve of battle. The last Samnites and Sabine army waited across a muddy field. The battlefield was some miles south of what is now the great Roman city of Capua.

Dentatvs had fought many battles now along side his legion,The Latium Conscription, and had finally accepted and won the nomination of Consul. He had just 7,000 men and faced nearly 7,000 Samnites and 4,000 Sabines. But his soldiers were far superior in the art of combat.

The Evening Before Battle in Dentatvs' Tent

A map was laid out across a long table. A much younger, Tribune Blasio, lay out unit markers across the map in a battle formation.

"If I may speak consul..." Blasio requested.

"You may young friend, of course" Dentatvs replied with a smile.

"Well we are obviously outnumbered, but we are not outmatched. The enemy has brought no cavalry to the fight. But we have 300 horsemen unto ourselves." Blasio placed a marker on the map to represent a cavalry unit. Dentatvs nodded, listening to his third in command with much consideration.

"Now, our good Legate Marcus had proposed to keep the cavalry as one solid unit to wing round and break the back of the enemy. But I see another plan. We separate the horse Blasio laid down another piece representing a half of the cavalry and set one on each side of the foot soldier pieces and we wing round squeezing them into a slaughter from our infantry." Blasio displayed this maneuver like a child playing war; knocking over all the pieces on the other side of the map, representing the enemy.

"Indeed a plausible idea. But our cavalry so divided? You think this a wise idea? Should they be vanquished it would leave the flanks of our men open to attack." Dentatvs slid his hand into the side of the infantry pieces.

"Indeed, but not if our best cavalrymen lead them."

Dentatvs' eyes opened widely and he grinned.

"Our best cavalrymen? And who would you say that is?"

"Well sir, you have taught me everything you know about being on horseback. And Legate Marcus, respectfully, has never failed in a charge before. I feel the both of us are up to the challenge." Blasio gulped. Dentatvs looked over to Legatus Marcus who had simply watched with a smile as the young Tribune had been laying our his plan. He looked to Dentatvs and nodded.

"Very well...then the fate of this battle may very well rest on you two. Wine!" A slave brought about three cups of wine and the three men toasted.

"To glory in battle! And the end of this tiring war!"

The cups clashed!

To be continued...

[Tiberius Claudius Marcellus]

Attention to Detail

The running footsteps of the soldiers and the metallic cacophony of their equipment were dying away down the street. That had been close, too close actually. Had it not been for this alleyway and the false wall he had accidentally discovered a week ago during a night of drunken revelry - a pleasure he should not have allowed himself - he would have been caught. The execution would have been swift, but not before the lengthy interrogation process and an all-expense paid stay in the local prison, courtesy of his unwilling Roman hosts would have been over.

Bilquart chastised himself. Yes, the prostitute had taken him to this alcove where she plied her trade; but it was probably she too who had alerted the guards to his presence after he left her a lousy tip. He had gone through too much training and too much personal sacrifice to have made such a mistake as to talk to her of his plans - even if she were intoxicated. As he thought about it now, she probably feigned drunkeness to encourage him to lower his guard so she could rob him. Fortunately, he was not as incapacitated as she had hoped. Bilquart sighed. She would have to be killed. He disliked taking lives, but it was necessary to protect his covert mission. It couldn't be a public death since the guard's suspicions would be confirmed, but die she must. He would probably have to cut off her face so that no one could recognize her - her face and her left foot, the one with the tattoo, he noted. One could never pay too much attention to detail.

Bilquart slowed his breathing and flexed each of the muscles of his well-toned body one at a time to work out the tension of his recent exertion. It was a game he had taught himself to master ennui, exhaustion, and even being exposed to cold temperatures. He had hated that last bit the most of all his training and travels. As far as Bilquart was concerened, Dido chose the most appealing spot in all the world to found a city; everywhere else, save for the impenetrable desert, was just so damned cold! As his eyes adjusted to the darkness of his current hideout he furrowed his heavy brow, as he often did when under stress, and thought of the best route back to where he had been reconnoitering the military garrison and police forces. It was much darker now and he was sure he could remain unseen even with the increased patrols The weather was too cool for the families of Rhegion to be sleeping on their rooftops tonight, so he could have an unprecedented vantage point. Before he began his work anew, he needed something to sate his hunger. No amount of stealth in the world could cover the sounds his belly was making. It irked Bilquart that those soldiers had interrupted his evening meal. Very inconsiderate, these Romans.

Bilquart foze, the dark, coarse hairs on his arms and neck stood on end. Then he heard it again - unmistakable. Roman sentries were entering the alley. They were speaking in hushed tones; but even though Bilquart couldn't understand much Latin the conversation seemed casual. There were two....no, three - the third wasn't speaking, but his footsteps were out of step with the other two. Bilquart tensed and relaxed his muscles and slowly stood up on the balls of his feet, giving himself the necessary stance to spring into action if it were needed. He smoothly drew two daggers from inside his robe and whispered a prayer to Ba'al asking him to guide his blades. Eyeing them through the slimmest of openings in the facade, he saw the soldiers reach the end of the alley and stop. They gave the area a cursory glance and continued their conversation. One of them brought out a flask and took a long draw from it, offering it to his companion when he finished. The second soldier seemed happy with the offer and readily took several gulps from the water skin. The first soldier gave him a friendly punch in the gut, causing the greedy imbiber to spray some of the liquid from his mouth. The third soldier whipped around and tore the flask away, smelling its contents. He exploded in anger at the other two soldiers and emptied the contents of the flask onto the ground. "Spirits, while on duty," thought Bilquart, "how disgustingly unprofessional."

The soldier who had been punched looked down at the ground and made an inaudible acknowledgment while the soldier who owned the flask puffed out his chest and confronted the one who ended their merriment. That affrontery resulted in a solid backhand connecting to the face of the insubordinate soldier sending him reeling backward, nearly crashing into the false wall that separated Bilquart from the Romans. Before the soldier could hit the wall, the one who struck him, obviously the most senior of the three, grabbed him and wheeled about, landing a roundhouse kick into the soldier's kidney, sending him crashing against the side wall of the alley. No sooner had he slumped to the ground, dazed then the senior sentry was on top of him, yanking him to his feet. He then kicked out the legs of the stunned offender and smashed his face into the ground where he had poured out the alcohol, rubbing his face into it. "Outstanding discipline!," thought Bilquart. He sorely wanted to engage this one in combat.

After a few seconds the victor pulled the beaten soldier to his feet and spoke slowly and deliberately, each word spoken with a venom usually reserved for blood enemies and accentuated with a finger jabbed into the soft spot between the offender's chest and neck. When he was sure his point had been made he turned to the silent witness to these events and muttered something that must have been a command to get moving because the young man jumped to and practically knocked the others over in his eagerness to follow orders and be on his way. As the soldiers started to leave down the alley Bilquart's stomach grumbled like it had never before. The senior of the sentries stopped short and whirled about, cocking his head, straining to hear what he thought he had. Bilquart stopped breathing. He was on the verge of escape and it all came crashing down around him. Without warning the soldier who had been beaten for insubordination vomited all over the sandals of the soldier who had re-educated him causing the third, sheepish one to burst into laughter. A swift knee to the gut of the now-sick soldier brought forth more bile, this time covering the assailant's thighs and legs. The laughter continued unchecked even when the disciplinarian glowered at the young sentry. He stormed off without a word down the alley with the other two in tow, patting each other on the back, having got the last laugh.

Bilquart exhaled noisily when they were gone. He had nearly passed out from holding his breath so long. No more reconnoitering tonight. He would leave the city within the hour and live in the hills for a few days, posing as a leper should he be discovered. Once he sent a dispatch to Lilibeo he would return to Rhegion and continue his scouting. As he slid his daggers away he noticed an uneven glint of moonlight along one of the edges. Upon close inspection his blade had a chip in it. How did that happen? Bilquart sighed inwardly, it would be a good three hours once he had made camp before he could sleep, now. It was disgustingly dangerous and undisciplined to go to bed with your weapons in disarray. One could never pay too much attention to detail.

[everyone]

Negotiations:

Consul Cicero scribbled something onto a piece of parchment, handed it to his clerk and rose from his desk. After a short while of deliberation, he wandered out of the Campus Martius, towards the Forum. While there, he was seen conversing with Dux Regulus, and what happened afterwards was unknown, because both had promptly left the scene, after a few minutes.

Slightly morose, he paced back to the Campus Martius and prepared his horse. Cicero was to ride north to a town near Massilia to meet with Carthaginian envoys; concerning the latter nation's recent maneuvers which threatened the City of Massilia, an ally of the Roman Republic.

Two weeks later, near Massilia:
Cicero had been travelling for a fortnight; the negotiations with the Carthaginians are to be held the next day in a nearby town; and Cicero was anxious, on whether he would represent his interests or Rome's or his allies'.

Negotiations were held in a tent, guarded by two large Iberians and nobody was allowed to enter. Representing the city of Kart Hadast was a Senator of theirs, Eshmunazzar. Eshmunazzar was skilled in many languages, so he was able to converse with Cicero fluently.
Cicero's task was to demand that Carthage removes their presence from east of the pyrenees, so as to protect Massilia and more importantly, Rome's trading interests with the Greek colonies of that area.
Eshmunazzar's purpose was mostly similar; he demands that Rome halt all diplomatic ties with Massilia other than trade; and has shown that Carthage is going to back that ultimatum with force, if necessary.

The debate was quick. Cicero had been prepared to offer peace and some compromise; but not the compromise of severing ties with Massilia, for Massilia was far too important an ally of Rome. Eshmunazzar delivered that ultimatum and had little compromise. It was little wonder why neither of the Greek cities in that area had approached Carthage for assistance.

Negotiations had failed. War has been declared; and Carthaginian troops, Iberian, Libyan, Phoenician, have been deployed in Iberia and Lilibeo in preparation for battle. What would be the senate's next decision?

(OOC: damn, my narrating and descriptive skills suddenly suck)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______

Event 2: The 1st Punic War.

rules (implemented ingame by gamemaster (navarro951)):

1: War would be declared on Carthage ingame by any means. (While IC Carthage declares war on us)
2: two halfstacks of Carthaginian armies would be spawned in their Iberian cities (done via create_unit, since Carthage has two cities in Iberia, 10 units would be spawned in each); and a halfstack spawned in Lilibeo
3: Decisions on this event would be done in the coming congressional session.
4: Any movement of Legions decided during the congressional session would be implemented via the move_character console command (where possible) to the nearest friendly territory available (e.g. if an edict is for an attack on the carthaginian force in southern gaul, the Legion stated in the edict would be moved along with its commander to Massilia)
5. if there are any objections/suggestions to how this event would be conduted, please post them in the OOC thread, thank you.

PHASE 2:
1: as according to Edict 5.2 from the 260 session (Edict 5.2:Legio I be sent to southern Gaul to secure the province of Volcallra and repel the Carthaginian troops there), Legio I shall be transported to Massilia via move_character console command (somebody else needs to do this because Vista can't open RomeShell).
2: ships (not the cheap type, the real warships) shall be raised in Capua port after a (currently) secret part of the story has been posted
3: the army near Messena (if by then is still there) would have troops added to it via create_unit and move_character across the straits of Messena onto the Italian side.
4: If anyone thinks this is just a plot for me to help Manius Claudius gain power, it is not. there's still a third part which probably everybody would be involved.

[mini]

Time to make a decision


Qvintvs Aemilvs marched over the mudded streets of Dalminion, straight to the pavilion where Caivs Avrelivs had made his HQ after the conquering of the town.
The young man had been brooding about what to do for quite a while now.

Bearing the name of one the Famous Families in Rome - the Aemilia - Qvintvs Aemilvs by rights should have toiled in the wake of some of the notable advocates and orators across the forum during his youngers years. But not so for Qvintvs Aemilvs. Being the younger son of a lesser branch of the family - Regillvs - meant he would not gain such priviliges. The best he could hope for, was an adoption by one of the wealthy families in Rome starving for successors to carry on the line, paying his father enough money to put his older brothers up the cursus honorum.
At first he had daydreamed about such matters, longing to be adopted by the truely great families, permitting him to rise with ease on the cursus honorum.
As the years passed however, the dream faded and Qvintvs Aemilvs became worried about how his life should continue.
He was a fit young man, and as a boy he had taken to the exercises and drills on the campvs martivs as a fish to water. He saw only one way out: the army.

Secretely he enrolled himself in the legions behind his father back, and distinguished himself mightily in the battle for Dalminion, being proclamed man of the hour by none other than Caivs Avrelivs no less.

Sure his career would take flight now, the first few days Qvintvs Aemilvs walked on clouds.
As weeks passed however, reality hit him like a drunken gaul who just caught you raping his wife with your pants down.

For weeks he had toiled in the muddy town, thinking about which cours to steer next.
He had made up his mind now: he would return to Rome with honour, being able to see his tata in the eyes like a man. He would take the letters of recommendations he received crom Caivs Avrelivs and spend some time in Rome to catch up.

He was only 24.. He could afford still to spend a year or two in Rome, and 4 years yet again in the Legions, this time as a Tribunus. And at 30, he would get elected as a Quastor, in his proper year as it should be! He had no doubt about it.

Thus found Qvintvs Aemilvs himself, walking through the door of the pavilion and calling for scribes to write his letter to his general, Caivs Avrelivs.
Yet one of the scribes handed him a letter from the general himself. Deciphering the letter took some time -no one could read letters at a glance - but as soon as he had figured out what it said, he whooped of joy.

The general had asked for him, in person.
All his plans to return to Rome were thrown overboard!

[everyone]

Spring 258,
Liguria Again

Manius Claudius muttered under his breath, "damned place".

Consul Manius was here 8 years ago, when he was still a minor Tribunus under the Command of Consul Cnaeus Cornlius Scipio Asina. And that was also when Consul Asina died in battle against the Ligurians.

He trudged along a dirt path, along with the rest of Legio I Apulia under his command. The same 8 years ago, Consul Asina marched the same legion along the dirt path towards Segesta. However then, Segesta was ruled by a chieftain who was mentally insane; and had believed that the world would end in a great wine-flooding.

along the dirt path are small plots of land, each owned by farmers and their families; slowly being taken over by the Roman colonisers for the agriculture industry. Some farmers, rarely seeing outsiders, stopped their work, or awoken from their siesta, at started gazing in amazement at the greatest fighting force of the known world; the Roman legion. Faces of both the inexperienced and the grizzled fill the ranks, some of them had been serving in the legion for over 15 years; others had just been conscripted from Latium a few months ago.

Regardless of the soldier's backgrounds; they are all headed towards the north. To aid the city of Massilia, an ally of Rome. Heading this expedition is the Consul Manius Claudius.

In a loud, unwavering and piercing voice which had not been heard in Legio I for 8 years, Manius Claudius yelled "pick up the pace!" Both veterans and recruits obeyed the order; the recruits did so out of fear for they had never heard nor seen the stern side of Manius Claudius; the veterans done so from lifted morale, for that order reminds them of the day when Legio I was the most glorious Legion under the command of Consul Asina; and when Manius Claudius was their stern drillmaster.

[everyone]

Spring 259
Shipwreck
(part of event 2)

A storm brews. a small fleet of the finest Punic warships were sailing along the Campanian coast. the fleet in its former greatness had been reduced to a pathetic state after a defeat by pirates. They had been ordered south to Sicily from Corsica to defend the former in case the Senate and People of Rome decides to search for the sanctuary where Ceres resides on the island, in the process capturing it.

The tempest whips up fiercest of winds; the Punic sailors on board the fleet pray to the omnipotent Baal to protect them, but either the deity appears to be deaf, or that they have sinned greatly and therefore he sent the storm to punish them.

The fleet was tossed off course by the storm, and had crashed onto an area of the Campanian coast. Authorities had been informed and people restricted from the area from the fear that the ships may be looted. The crew has been arrested under the pretext of them being spies; for the cities of Rome and Carthage are at war.

Consul Manius Claudius, deciding this to be a major case to examine; rides from his office in the Campus Martius in Rome, south to the site of the wreck....

[Iskander 3.1]

Insightful Decisions

Princeps Prior Sextvs Cornelivs Scapvla stood alongside his principes. The battle had already begun in the center and left flank, but the right, where Sextvs and his men stood, was still relatively quiet.

Being born a patrician of some wealth, Sextvs was able to afford the equipment and training necessary of the princepes. Sextvs could have possibly obtained a promotion earlier in his military career, but he was never one to show off or ask for special treatment. It was only after some Tribvni noticed his intelligence and his grasp of military tactics that they insisted upon his promotion to the rank of Princeps Prior. Sextvs' position was more than merely transmitting the orders from his superiors to the other principes. The men in his legion had begun transitioning from the hasta spear to the gladius, which offered a much greater offensive advantage against other infantry—as long as the men knew how to wield it. Sextvs had not only instructed his men how to use it; his maniple was the first in the entire legion to perfect its use.

The center was holding fine, but the left had begun to be pushed back. Any moment and Sextvs knew that the left Principes would be ordered to advance. But the right was still quiet. Any other commander would have ordered the hastati on the right to advance upon the enemies in the center, but Pvblivs Atilivs was no ordinary commander. He knew that the men in the center would be able to hold the line, and committing the right would leave a gap.

Atilivs was giving orders from behind the lines, where he could see all of the battlefield except for a dense grove of trees on the right. Manivs Clavdivs Cicero was stationed next to the trees, and scouts were placed inside of the woods deter any enemy advance through the trees.

But the scouts must have failed. Without warning, the enemy commander and his mounted troops sprang from the woods and surrounded Cicero. Cicero and his guards, surprised and outnumbered, were locked in mortal combat.

Sextvs and his men were the closest, but he knew that a gladius was useless against cavalry, and there was too much of a risk of hitting his own men if he threw pila. The pilum wasn't of much use as a non-missile weapon either, being designed to break upon impact (so that an enemy could not throw it back)...but Sextvs had another idea for how to use the javelin. He ordered his men to level their pila like spears and began a charge towards the cavalry. Making as much noise as possible, they finally got the attention of the enemy. His bluff worked. Seeing the men running towards them with what looked like sharp, deadly spears, the cavalry turned and fled. They stopped a hundred meters away to reform, but by then the other soldiers had seen their commander turn tail and thought that the battle was lost. The commander tried to reform his troops, but there was too much confusion and Atilivs ordered a quick advance to take advantage of the situation. The battle was over some minutes later.

Sextvs received much praise from his fellow soldiers and superiors during the celebration that evening. Atilivs spoke to Sextvs:
“You have performed well, Princeps Prior Sextvs Cornelivs Scapvla. Your quick and insightful decision is what led to our swift victory. You deserve nothing less than a promotion to Tribvnvs Militvm. Tomorrow you will ride back to Roma with news of our victory. Go to the Campvs Martivs. There you will be given bodyguard cavalry and a spear carrier to accompany you. I request that you then return to Legio I. This army needs men of your intelligence and bravery.”
It was then that Cicero spoke:
“I owe you my life. I would be honored to adopt you into my family. Enjoy a few days of rest at my estate while you are back in Roma!”

Sextvs drank with his men that night, and the next morning he was away to Roma.

[Iskander 3.1]

An Admonition

Sextvs Cornelivs Scapvla and Exomnivs entered the Circvs in silence. The racecourse was little more than a long dirt track with benches of questionable construction on either side for spectators. Finding a seat, Sextvs Cornelivs thought long and hard before speaking. Exomnivs knew that he may be in trouble, and decided that speaking first would only exacerbate things.

Indeed, Sextvs Cornelivs had been quite busy. Consul Manivs Clavdivs Cicero had been kind enough to grant him a month's leave to witness the birth of his first child, but with many goings on going on, Scapvla had little time to rest. He had a wife to care for, a war to fight, and a little problem to take care of involving his representative.

After some time, Scapvla finally spoke. “Exomnivs, I am a man of importance, and I must put great thought into who I chose for which position. I chose Cacophonvs as my spear carrier because he is strong, obedient to a fault, and quite dumb. I tried sharing wine with him once and all he did was smile like the fool he is before vomiting in the tent. And it is impossible to hold a conversation with him because the more he talks, the more he drools, and then I get distracted and start to sound as stupid as him. But as my spear carrier, he is irreplaceable.

“I chose Minervina for my wife because of her health and her social standing. The marriage left me off wealthier than when I was a bachelor. She just gave birth to a healthy, beautiful daughter whom we have named Vstina. And she is healthy enough that I may still spend years away from Roma and rely on her to bear more healthy children when I return. Additionally, she turns a blind eye towards my adulterous tendencies. She is everything an officer could ask for, and more.

“And finally, I come to you. During my brief stay in Roma following my promotion I spent some time at the Academy looking for the right person to represent me. I chose you for two reasons. You are quite intelligent, and your youthful enthusiasm matches mine. I could have chosen an older, wiser man, but I knew that he would not have properly represented me. And yet now I am hearing stories that are making me look foolish for choosing you. You are changing your mind more often than you change your toga. You are insulting Senators, including my fellow officer in Legio I. You are letting your emotions carry you away, and confusing facts with paranoid speculation. Even Tiberivs Clavdivs Marcellvs, a wise man who wishes to have an ally in you, seems to be getting frustrated with your foolishness.”

“But Cotta...” interrupted Exomnivs.

“Tiberivs Clavdivs is keeping a watchful eye on Praetor Cotta, and is not afraid to speak when the Praetor's ambitions threaten the stability of the Republic. Cotta could declare himself king in Ambrakia and with our legions already fighting the Carthaginians it would put Roma in a delicate place. But then again, Cotta could do what any other Roman general would do: place the territories he conquers in the hands of Roman administrators.

“Ambrakia must fall. The security of Roma demands it. Cotta's true loyalties will be shown by his actions AFTER he takes the city, and not a moment before. You made a bold claim much to soon, dear Exomnivs. Peace with the Epirites must happen right AFTER the city is taken. If Cotta does not wish for peace AFTER he takes the city, then your claims would have merit. But you are making allegations against a man who is still doing what is best for the Republic.

“Imagine if another Senator made the same charge against Cicero. By your logic, the taking of Tolosa would be enough to level accusations against him as wanting to become King of Volcallra.

“Exomnivs, my loyalties are as follows. The Republic first, Legio I second, and other Roman individuals third. I expect you to act in a similar manner if you are to continue representing me. No insulting my fellow officers, and certainly no mention of me sleeping with Sextvs Cornelivs Svlla's wife. Do I make myself clear?”

“Quite clear, Legatvs,” replied Exomnivs, afraid to refer to Scapvlla by name.

“Good. Then let us enjoy this race. With the Congressional Council beginning in a few weeks, we must enjoy every bit of leisure that we can.”

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

On war and peace, and the abomination it brings with it:

"I dont hate any of them you know...." Sextvs began, one hand propping up his head as he spoke to Lvcivs.

Lvcivs raised an eyebrow "why would you, we both know that the senate is all one great game, and being angry about a game is just insane." he coughed and continued, "you are just the newest player, a man thrown into something he has not yet mastered, your on your way though Sextvs, from what you tell me your learning fast. That is all your family could hope for, you are here for a reason, to help the republic. And to do that you must learn both to fight, and to Dance; the subtle dance of politics." Lvcivs smiled and took a drink from his mug froth splashing across his white beard.

Sextvs smiled back "I am sure that I have an advantage from being taught politics by the great Lvcivs!" " I will do what I must for myself and for the republic, whatever it takes to keep it all safe I am willing to do... it just seems so pointless, so idiotic, we weave around each other saying one thing while we really mean another. We blame others for lies while we ourselves lie about whatever we must... its so hypercritical. I can weave tales till my tongue swirls but none of that gives me as much satisfaction as ending the republics threat with a blade not words."

Sextvs laughs " for that I admire Caivs, He is willing to simply forget about the words, to forget about that dance all to do what he thinks is right.” Sextvs laughs all the harder “and for that very reason I must argue and condemn him. “ Sextvs smile disappears “perhaps in the end we need the words, the talk. That is what this republic is about after all…. I guess perhaps I am the biggest hypocrite of them all; I whine about the talk and yet believe we would not exist without it. Its pathetic.” Sextvs then stands walking towards the door “and finnally, to answer why I am here, Lvcivs I want to apologize for the spies I know you know I have on you, call it common practice, I keep them on everyone I take an interest in.”
Lvcivs smirks “even your best friends.”
Sextvs smiles “especially my friends. Now if you will excuse me I am heading into the city, perhaps to run into Sextvs Cornelivs Scapvla, maybe to talk about our days in Legio I, or maybe to talk politics and friendship.”
Sextus face glowers “or maybe, if I deem it necessary, to talk about my wife…”
Lvcivs burst out laughing, “do you always keep spies on your loved ones.”
“Especially on my loved ones. I may hate the dance, but that does not mean I am going to be one upped in it. I will take war any day, but perhaps peace is just as interesting.

[/Bean\]

In the Curia, Caivs Avrelivs sat silently through the speeches, did not join in with the cheers or shouts aimed at the Senators. He simply sat, twidling the folds of his toga between his fingers, lost in his own melencholy.

Avlvs Aemilivs, among others, still fought for his right to lead me to war. But he no longer felt up to the arguing, the constant toing and froing of the Senators around him. He hated this hall, the constant debates and acusations. Politics, he was realising, was simply not his game anymore. He wasn't up to it.

He had been away from the Legion for less than three weeks, but he already craved it's companionship once more. He couldn't stand the city, the high rise blocks and crowded streets, the backstabbings in the dark and the calls for his resignation. They doubted his loyalty, did they? Well, let them. He'd had enough. He wanted nothing more than to return to his legion, his companions in arms, his brothers. He was a soldier through and through, a soldier playing at politics. For that was the truth of it; one could only be a soldier for so long before he was cast into the nest of vipers that was Roma. The Legion was not like that. A man made his own way through the marches, the battles, and the losses. He'd seen many good men die under his command, but many more lived on, in a safer and happier society. Life was simple on campaign: you followed your orders, defended your mates, and killed the enemy. That was it, that was all that was needed. Not like in Roma.

It wasn't as if he was unprepared for it; the days and nights Caivs Avrelivs had spent hiding during the tutoring lessons in Capua had taught him of politics, and the patronage of some of the older Senators had helped him through the first few years. But experience had taught him naught but one thing: he was not built for politics.

Caivs Avrleivs knew that, if he lost the Second, he would be finished. There was nothing left for him after that. A comfy retirement at best, maybe a few formal speeches at gatherings. But there would be no more fire, no more will to be the best that he could be. And he knew he was the best that he could be. The loyalty and devotion of the men under his command showed that. But that was never enough.

Caivs Avrelivs took a swig from a water skin-he never drank wine-and continued to count down the hours until the votings began.

[SwissBarbar]

Battle of Epeiros

Winter 257 BC

Avlvs Aemilivs, Qvintvs Aemilivs and Caivs Avrelivs traveled together to Illyria and then separated. While C. Avrelivs went to Epidamnos, the Aemilii headed southwards towards Legio II. They arrived just when winter 257 BC ended. Avlvs Aemilivs took over the commanding position of Legio II, with whose men he had fought for more than 8 years now.

After marching on enemy turf for several days, dispatch riders from his scouts reported a hostile army to be deploying only a few miles away. Avlvs Aemilivs ordered his commanders to strike camp at the next possible spot. He wanted his men to rest before battle.

In the evening A. Aemilivs summoned his commanders, among them his cousins Caivs and Qvintvs Aemilivs, in his tent to discuss the strategy. The enemy was deploying on the main street, that led from the city of Ambrakia to its great harbour, and passed horizontal to the marching direction of Legio II. The street led through a forest, and therefore was tree-lined on both sides. Avlvs Aemilivs intended to lead his men around the enemy army. There was a wood glade in the east, which led to the street. There he could turn west, and approach the enemy up the street.

The way to march was a bit further than the direct one, but the ground was much more easy to march on, since the men would not have to go through the thicket. Furthermore they could keep formation, when approaching the enemy and last but not least, the enemy most likely would not expect this strategy.

Legio II was composed of 9170 soldiers, including the personal cavalry of its commanders. Avlvs entrusted Qvintvs Aemilivs with the command over the reserve troops, which consisted of 1'640 Triarii and 600 Accensi. He had the order to march slightly behind the main force, led by Avlvs himself, and guard the flanks. Should the enemy push back the first battle line, he should drive them back with the Accensi. If the situation was desperate, he shoud bring in the Triarii to cover the retreat and reorganisation of the army.

The command over the cavalry was given to Caivs Aemilivs. The 500 Eqvites Romani and 270 Eqvites Singvlares were meant to hide in the forest on the northern side of the street and surprise the enemy.

In the morning of the next day, the army started to march. As he had suspected, the enemy did not expect the Legion to march around his flanks and approach up the street. But also the enemies had their spies and scouts, so though they had no time to cut the way, they still could regroup and face the Romans. The hostile army was composed of 1150 Hoplitai Haploi and 270 Iphikratous Hoplitai, who hid in the wood. The core of the enemy army was a strong force of 1220 Chaeonion Agema, which was the elite of what Epeiros could field. Their flanks were protected by 820 Thureophoroi 340 Celtic Enoci Curoas and 500 Hippeis. 1200 Akontistai acted as skirmishers. Furthermore the city guard of Ambrakia had joined the hostile force, led by the heir to the kingdom of Epeiros himself. He had brought with him 620 heavy cavalrymen, his Somatophylakes, which means "bodyguards" in Greek. Each and every Somatophylax was a battle-tested and fearsome warrior, mounted on the best breed that was available to the entire kingdom. 800 Illyrioi Paraktioi and 600 Toxotai reinforced the troops. All in all the enemy could field 7'530 men, 1840 of it elite infantry or cavalry. Therefore the army, despite of being smaller in number, could rival the Roman Legion.

Avlvs let array his core in traditional manner. Leves in front to skirmish, Hastati in the first battle line, Principes in the second and the Roarii at the flank. When the men got near the enemy, the hostile general ordered his archers to take down the Leves. Avlvs had reckoned with something like that and had stationed his Leves not so far from the first line as usual, and in lose formation. Nonetheless the enemy archers were quite skilled fellows and managed to kill one or two hundred of them before they could retreat.

But then the enemy made his first mistake. Since Avlvs had stationed his cavalry in the wood and his Trairii marched in compact formation slightly behind the Principes, his Legion looked much smaller than it actually was. The enemy general decided to break the small force in front of him with a single brutal attack of his superior cavalry. When over 1100 horses thundered towards his army, Avlvs quick-thinking let his lighter infantry retreat, while his commanders had the presence of mind to react correctly. Qvintvs sent his Triarii forward. Though they usually only joined battle in desperate situations, he knew that no one could stop cavalry better than these guys. Caivs Aemilivs rode with his cavalry along the edge of the forest, covered by the trees.

The Somatophylakes crashed into the spears of the Triarii, just after many of their horses had been pierced by the Pila of the Hastati behind the Triarii. Caivs Aemilivs attacked with his cavalry the Hippeis who rode behind the Somatophylakes and wore them down.

Caivs Aemilivs fighting the Hippeis

The enemy general fought bravely, but could not avoid to be killed. He fell to the spear of a Triarius. The few survivors fled into the woods. Killing the hostile general was a better start of this battle, than Avlvs ever had imagined. Still the fearsome Somatophylakes had caused many casualties.

Avlvs used the time, in which the enemy army did not move due to the shock, which the death of their leader had caused, to regroup his force and let subserve the wounded. Then the army marched towards the enemy and arrayed on the northern side of the street. The Triarii, which the enemy infantry not yet had seen, and the cavalry hid in the forest. The enemy arrayed on the southern side of the street and also had hidden units in the forest.

The enemy let his heavy Phalanx march, a quite fearsome sight. But this spectacle was only a trick to take the Roman's mind off the Hoplitai Haploi and the Iphikratous Hoplitai, who tried to outflank the Roman Legion. But Qvintvs Avrelivs took notice of them in the nick of time and ordered his reserve and Caivs' cavalry to attack. Driving them back, he personally killed many enemies and thereby saved the Roman army from being attacked from the flank.

Qvintvs Aemilivs killing one of the heavy Iphikratous Hoplitai

Again Avlvs let his troops array in the same formation as before.

Now the enemy came out of the woods and advanced towards Avlvs' formation. Facing the forest of spears of the enemy elite Phalanx, some of the Roman infantrymen in the first battle line shouted "Oh my god, we cannot break through, retreat." Many started to shout "Retreat!", and moved back. Some even started to run into the forest. Avlvs laughed. Apparently his soldiers not only were great fighters but also terrific actors. Of course they were no cowards but were ordered to fake a retreat. The Phalanx advanced to the edge of the forest, but could not go further without giving up its formation. No Phalanx could move among trees. But the eager and undisciplined Celts and Illyrians chased the seemingly routing Romans. They entered the wood, but except for their death cries, nothing of them left the forest ever again. Its flanks unprotected, the enemy elite-phalax was not as fearsome as before anymore. Outmaneuvered by the more flexible Roman troops, they got driven into the woods and surprised by the Caivs Aemilivs and his cavalry. None of the Chaeonion Agema survived, the pride of the enemy's army was broken

When the Phalanx fell, the rest of the enemies routed. Many of them were hunted down. 730 enemies survived the battle, 6'800 would never see home again. Legio II lost exactly 1'000 men, a quite small amount of casualties, if one considers that they had to fight 1220 elite Phalangitai and 620 elite horsemen. Another 700 wounded could be saved from death and garble.

It should be pointed out, that out of the 1000 dead and crippled soldiers, 290 were Leves who fell to the arrows of the Toxotai. No other unit did suffer from so many casualties. One unit of Hastati had suffered from many injured soldiers, but 330 could be saved by the excellent army doctors of Legio II.

After this victory, Avlvs let his army rest. The tired infantry could not move further. But the cavalry was able to ride to Ambrakia. The undefended city had no choice but to open its doors and surrender to the victorious Romans.

Avlvs Aemilivs wrote a letter to Rome, to let it be known that the will of the senate has been carried out.

[Iskander 3.1]

An Affair

Sextvs Cornelivs Svlla's residence, a few days after the council session, before Sextvs Cornelivs Scapvla returns to Legio I

"It's really nothing special. I'll just be keeping the men in shape for a few seasons while the Senate decides who our new commander will be. I won't be leading them in glory to battle. And your husband will be right by my side the whole time."
"You are quite modest for someone who isn't wearing anything!" replied Dionysia.
"My lady, I could use some more wine. Perhaps I should fetch some?"
"Nonsense. I'll have my servant bring some."
"But we will be seen together!"
"And Florivs is illiterate and has had his tongue removed. Such is the irony of one who will know all my secrets. FLORIVS!!!"

Florivs brings some wine, and then leaves. Scapvla and Dionysia drink.

"Well I am quite proud of you, even if your own beloved does not seem to care. And please be sure to look after my Sextvs Cornelilvs Svlla for me."
"Do you ever get confused, with us both sharing names?" joked Scapvla.
"I'm just not going to answer that!" she said, hitting him playfully. "But I'm sure you two will be great leading together. Everyone talks about how you are such good friends and comrades. What could you possibly have to quarrel about?"
"You mean, besides the obvious?"

[navarro951]

Part III: The Story of Dentatvs

290 BC

Midday, the battlefield in Campania.

"Alright men this is it, lets finish this and go home!" a centurion shouted. The Latium Conscription span out in a beautiful show of Roman tactics. A fine rank of Hastati to the front, Principes had formed from two sides in to create the second rank; and the mighty veteran triarii formed the backbone of the rear. Some rorarii had been brought up as reserve. The battle field was wet, muddy, making most of the legionaries' feet sink into the soft Earth.

"Look how many men came to die today!" a lone legionary encouraged. The ranks who could hear him laughed out and cheered. Behind his units, Consul Dentatvs stood watch over his men, grinning and admiring at how prepared they were to fight and die for the Res Publica. He turned to the left and in the distance, young Cornelius Blasio nodded to him, he then turned to the right and caught Legate Marcus' eye as well. He motioned, and both equites units rode off to take their flanking position. He then faced forward and eyed his enemy who outnumbered him in one massive, ten man thick, line. Dentatvs placed his general's helmet on, raised his hand, and motioned for a full assault.

The sounds of horns rang out. First from the left flank, then the middle, and finishing in a perfect chorus. One by one, each centurion roared out, "Forward!...Forward!...Fooorward!". A perfectly on step march let loose.

Ahead of the legion, there was a small hill the samnites and sabines had positioned themselves atop. The enemy hollered out in a show of defiance. When the legion was less than one-hundred yards from the samnites, who took the front line, they were fired upon by arrows from the rear. Good training had prepared them; the first line dropped to a knee, the second followed by covering his fellow legionary with his shield. Only one arrow made it through finding a place in a centurions neck; he died almost immediately. Seventy or so yards from the enemies front line Dentatvs' legion let out with a terrifyingly accurate javelin through.

"Charge!" the senior century ordered.

Each unit clashed one by one into the samnite line scoring kill after kill. A whistle was blown, and the second line took of the hastati took over; more show of Roman tactician genius. MORE TO COME, THIS PART IS BIG.

[Iskander 3.1]

An Argument


“Steady...steady...keep marching...and...THROW!!!” commanded Sextvs Cornelivs Svlla.

The pila were tossed across the field towards an enemy that resembled a group of straw bales, landing with a series of “thuds.” Sextvs Cornelivs Scapvla, the temporary legion commander, observed the drill with satisfaction. The two Legati were ordered to keep the men in shape while awaiting the arrival of a new commander, and Scapvla wished to make a good impression.

Svlla shouted, “Draw gladii! Ready...CHARGE!!!”

The men ran through the snow. They then began thrusting their swords into the straw.

Scapvla ran up to Svlla. “No no no! What in the name of Orcvs are you doing?”

“Training. Just like you asked. Do you mind?”

“I mind that you're using a gladivs like a hasta.”

“And how are the men supposed to use it?”

“A Gladivs Hispaniensis is meant to be swung. That's how the Iberians use it, and that's how I've trained my men.”

Svlla was becoming frustrated. “You realize that my men had a higher kill ratio than yours when we took Tolosa?”

Scapvla thought for a moment. “Your men were facing peasants. Mine were up against true warriors.”

“Peasants? Armed with spear and shield?”

“The equipment does not make the soldier. It's in how he uses it...which brings us full circle.”

“Sextvs Cornelivs, you've forced me to spend all afternoon training these men in the snow,” said Svlla. “It's cold, they're tired, and right now they don't give a care about how they use their gladii. I'm following your orders entirely under protest. Cicero never had us train this much in winter. You're flaunting your generalship, however brief it may be.”

The only thing that kept Scapvla from losing the argument was the approach of a messenger.

“Legati Sextvs Cornelivs Scapvla and Sextvs Cornelivs Svlla! The honorable Dux Pvblivs Atilivs Regvlvs has been chosen to lead Legio I Apvla! He is on his way now and expects you two to be ready for him.”

“Well, Sextvs Cornelivs, you heard the man,” said Scapvla, taking the opportunity to get in the final word.

[/Bean\]

As the jingle of the harness' and equipment echoed loudly down the deserted streets of Ambrakia, Caivs Avrelivs could only look on in hope and frustration from the balcony of the Propraetor's residence, overlooking the tight, twisting streets between the ever rising shops, houses and market squares. The flicker of flame as the torches moved down the street cast huge shadows of the Roman and Italian men of the garrison, as they swept the Greek quarter for signs of the hunted agent.

Caivs Avrelivs (or rather one of his officials, who then relayed the information to him) received word from one of the many informants in the city that somewhere in the Greek Quarter someone was sheltering a spy, of whom had entered the city disguised in a cart of hay several days ago. According to the informant, who Caivs Avrelivs only half trusted for relevant or practical information, the spy was to search for weaknesses in the Roman defense of the city. They had all heard the reports of the Epirite forces massing in Makedonia, preparing to counter attack in the absense of the Legio II, whose security Caivs Avrelivs was already beginning to miss. And now spies? At least it was a break from all that paperwork awaiting his seal every morning, thought Caivs Avrelivs.

Now, as he watched the noisy and quite useless search going on below him, he sighed and shook his head in frustration. A man who no longer had the use of his ears could still have heard his men advancing through the maze of streets, let alone an agent of the Greeks. He signalled for one of the slaves in the room behind him, who obediantly stepped forward.

"Take this message to Centurian Valerivs, Stephanos: Cease this pathetic imitation of the Festival of Promethius, of which this escapade with the torches seems to represent, immediately. If no sign of the target had been noted, you may begin to tackle the population. Do it swiftly and effictively, but keep all exit routes secure. The man is not to escape." He turned his head to look at the young boy behind him. "Got all that?" The boy nodded, and scurried off out of the room.

Caivs Avrelivs turned back to looking out over the dark rooftops below him. Amidst the shadows and the flickers of light from the torches, he thought he saw a flash of movement out of the corner of his eye. Frowning, he turned to sweep his gaze along the houses lining the city walls, those most cast in the shadow of the night. Squinting, he could see nothing new amidst the shadows, except for the slow march of a single guard atop the section of wall.

That must have been what he'd seen. He'd stay for a while longer, before retiring for the night. He was exhausted, having rested barely six hours in the last three days. It had been a busy period. He knew he took on more work than he needed to, what with the bustle of scribes, officials and other overly helpful minions around him, constantly reminding him he needed rest and that they could handle everything here. But Caivs Avrelivs had always been a man who needed a firsthand experience of everything. It was not exactly that he did not trust these men, but rather that he did not trust himself to be satisfied with their provided information. He needed to do everything himself, for little other reason than he thought everything needed to be done properly. And what better way to prove everything was OK for you than for you to do it? But maybe he needed to ease off a bit. His wife was growing used to having him around for more than a few days, but was still neglected by him. His son, Titvs, was growing tall and strong-it was time, as his father, that Caivs Avrelivs begin to take him away from the care of his mother, and in to the company of men. His two daughters as well needed the presence of their father, if they were to become useful Romans.

Now, as he watched, the guard had reached the tower on the far end of the wall, and had disappeared inside, no doubt to grab a cup of heated wine before returning outside to the cold. Giving the houses below him one last glance, Caivs Avrelivs began to turn, meaning to go to bed. However, something made him glance once more to the houses below the wall. He could swear there was something, or someone, moving down there, yet without a torch, and seemingly on their own. It was only the briefest of glimpses; the shadow moved quickly and silently, but Caivs Avrelivs was certain of it's existence moments later, when a figure leapt onto the tiled roofing of one of the buildings, and began scrabbling for a handhold on the edge of the wall.

Sweeping his gaze back over the city, Caivs Avrelivs saw that one patrol was moving in the direction of the wall, though it was obvious they knew not of the attempted escapee. However, the latter knew of the former's approach, and sacrificed his hold on the ledge of the wall, dropping down flat onto the roof amidst the shadows. Caivs Avrelivs watched helplessly from afar as the patrol passed the house without noticing the man lying across it's roof. Caivs Avrelivs clenched his fist in frustration, only to pause as a voice called out to the patrol in Latin. The guard from the wall had exited the tower and was calling to the men below him. Too far to decipher the words, Caivs Avrelivs could merely mutter under his breath:

"Look down, you fool! Just look down!"

But the guard and the patrol had finished, and the latter began to move away once more. The guard seemed to laugh at their backs, and was about to turn to go himself, when somethign made him pause, and bend down to squint at the rooftop below him. Suddenly, he jerked up, and Caivs Avrelivs heard his alarm call cut short as some sort of weapon was jabbed into his throat from below. Falling from the wall, his body crashed noisily onto the clay tiles of the rooftop below, and Caivs Avrelivs saw several torches begin to move quickly towards the commotion. He also saw the figure grab hold of the wall, and launch himself up onto the ledge. Unwrapping some rope from his belt, he bent to quickly tie a knot around a protruding part of the wall, just as the first patrol rushed round the corner and into the street. Rope in hand, the agent leapt over the wall, as the cries for alarm echoed throught the city.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

I hate winter……

Sextvs stood barking orders with a deep scowl on his face, the men grabbed their pilla and through, charged “slashed” and resets the whole thing over again. A man stood next to him in the garb of an officer watching the mens drilling.
“if this isn’t Scapula being vindictive then I don’t know what the meaning of the word is. Double drills until your troops get it right he says we already have it right. My unit has consistently performed as good, if not better than Scapula’s and I will be damned if all of those battles we were fighting peasants!” Sextvs grumbled, his anger seething through.
The officer spoke up “you know if someone had told me that the two tribune of our legion would turn on each other I would have said hell no! Sextvs and Sextvs are far too friendly to fight like that. I guess I was wrong. I would assume you would meet the challenge he is putting before you, because like it or not Scapula is the temporary commander until Pvblivs Atilivs gets here.”
Sextvs looked at the officer “things change, being in close contact with someone (and someone’s family Sextvs whispered) does that. Caracalla can you finish up, I need a drink.” He turned around and began trudging up towards the city.
Caracalla snapped his fingers and looked up “Sextvs if you are going in the city grab some real food for me, I can’t take what they are serving us anymore. And grab one of the dolls at the market, I promised I would bring my daughter back something.”
Sextvs looked back “sure whatever.”
He walked down the winding streets of Tolosa until he reached a large building where he entered and was brought to Lvcivs.
“I can’t believe you rented a villa in this city. The army camp is right outside the walls, yet you spend a huge amount of money to temporarily own this place.”
Lvcivs shrugged “I am an old man; I need a bit of comfort in my old age, what’s so wrong with that.” He leaned back and grinned “but that’s not why you are here, you wouldn’t come here unless you needed to talk about something, about either politics or something only I know about you. Ergo you are here about your wife.”
Sextvs glowers “your mental acuity astounds me.” He sighs, “But yes that’s why I am here, I assume you heard about Scapula being temporary commander.”
“Yes I did hear that, and It was quite humorous, I can only imagine your reaction.”
Sextvs sighs “well he running my men to the ground with drills. I assumed I could deal with the fact he is cheating with my wife. But I can’t, I am not sure if it’s from love or pride. In the end I don’t think it will matter, they are both so similar. I can’t stand Scapula anymore; eventually I am going to do something stupid.”
“ Sextvs its not about if you will do something stupid, its when. This is a political tool, use it that way. He is sleeping with your wife, you know that and can’t change it. What you can change is his political career. This could hurt him, or not, it all depends about when you pull it out.” Lvcivs leaned forward and pointed towards the door “your men need you, go out there with them.”
Sextvs nodded and started walking out of the city. He was half way to camp when he realized he had forgotten Caracalla request. He grumbled and turned around. He had a lot to think about. Snowflakes began falling, dampening Sextvs’ cloak, he batted angrily at them and sighed, “I hate winter.”
(the actual proper way to use a Gladius is irrelevent to the story.)

[Iskander 3.1]

(OOC: I'm aware how the Romans used the gladius, I just needed a "McGuffin" of sorts to get an argument going)

[SwissBarbar]

Surprise for Caivs Avrelivs
(OOC: hope you don't mind ^^)

It was a warm night in late spring 255 BC, when a young slave awoke Caivs Avrelivs from his sleep.

"What is it?", Caivs Avrelivs asked quite grumpy.
"A messenger is here, with an urgent message from Rome, my Lord", the slave humbly answered.

Caivs Avrelivs mumbled something and got up. After putting his clothes on, he went to the hall of the Propraetor's residence, where the messenger waited. Caivs could swear, that he knew him, but the hood he wore tarnished his face, an effect even stronger in the flickering light of candles and torches.

"Who are you, and what do you want at a late hour like this?", Caivs asked. He tried to sound angry, but his voice turned into a curious inflection.
"I must show you something important, follow me", the messenger answered, turned around and went out the door.
"What? Hey...!". It was outrageous, this fellow showed no respect! But still Caivs Avrelivs was wondering, what this guy wanted to show him, and decided to follow him. He had no time to assemble all of his bodyguards, but one half of the ones, that protected the residence followed.

About half an hour they rode along the main street that led from Ambrakia to its harbour, and then turned left into the woods. Though the bodyguards begged Caivs Avrelivs to turn around, for it was quite dangerous, he followed the messenger, who was riding at a gallop 100 meters in front of them.

The sun already rose, but they still were riding. Then - immediately - the messenger turned left and was gone, like fallen off the face of the earth.

"Where is he!", one of the bodyguards yelled.
"It might be a trap, careful men!", another one said.

Then they heard a noise in the distance. It must have come from just beyond the hill in front of them. Caivs and his bodyguards rode uphill, and the noise got louder. Men yelled, metal jangled and horses neighed.

"My Lord, let's turn and go, this sounds as if it was the Epeirote army one of our spies had discovered.", one of the bodyguards said.
"No, it can't be. They would've marched too far in this short time. Let's see what it is...", Caivs answered.
They reached the top of the hill and stared down at the valley. With an open mouth Caivs stared at the army in front of him. A marching column of 2 miles and another 2 miles of impedimenta walked in procession.

Caivs could not believe his eyes.
"But this is... this is...", he said in disbelief.
"Yes it is.", a voice said, coming from the woods behind him.
Caivs turned around and stared into the broadly grinning face of Avlvs Aemilivs. He was the messenger!
"Your brothers have come back, my friend.", he said, and of course meant all of the men of Legio II, who had come with him to Epeiros.

For a few seconds Caivs said nothing, stared to the army, to Avlvs and to the army again. Then he started to laugh.
"Bastard!", he said, and shook his friends hand, still laughing.
Avlvs laughed too. They rode towards the army, and when the nearest soldiers recognised their old commander, they started to cheer. Soon the information had reached even the men marching more than 1 mile further in the west. To Caivs it must've been a quite touching moment, when 7'000 men cheered and greeted him, but the hardboiled soldier did carry it off well.

Legio II had returned to where it belonged. Its men had died conquering these green lands, small hills and beautiful rivers. Years they had fought in Illyria and Epeiros, and to some, these lands were more home than the small villages in Italy, whence they had come from, ever were. Now they were back again, and many a man presumably thought

"Ubi bene, ibi patria! - Where I feel well, there is my home!"

(OOC: Pictures not made ingame)

[/Bean\]

"...and then he fell flat on his arse!" Avlvs Aemilivs finished, and the occupants of the dining table roared with laughter once more, slamming their cups or their fists down on the table, wine sloshing across the room.

Avlvs Aemilivs Mamercvs, Qvintvs Aemilivs Avlrelivs Regillis, Caivs Avrelivs Cotta, Titvs Avrelivs Cotta, Antonivs Ovidius Martinvs (the Prefect of the Second) and other officers of the Legio II sat in various states of decency, while jugs of wine, platters of food and the general mess of a raucous meal lay strewn across the table. Qvintvs Aemilivs was by far the furthest gone, while Caivs Avrelivs had insisted that the young Titvs' wine was well watered each time. Antonivs Ovidivs had had by far the most jugs, yet he sat as tall and solid as an Ox; the man had the stomach to match at least! Several slaves stood silent around the edge of the room, ready for instructions; but generally they were ignored.

The men were celebrating the retreat of the Epirite forces that had been preparing to attack Ambrakia once the Winter had lifted. However, what with the arrival of the Legio II back on the shores of Greece and the mutiny of many of the dissatisfied mercenaries from the army, the remaining Epirites had turned back to warmer and safer surroundings within Makedonia. However, the party was about to be interrupted.

As Caivs Avrelivs called for another round of wine from one of the slaves, a distant challange could be heard from the entrance to the Propraetor's residence, and presently running footsteps rushing up the staircase to the room of which the men of the Second were seated. Avlvs Aemilivs was about to continue his tale, when three sharp knocks resounded loudly through the room. Avlvs Aemilivs stopped, and looked to the host uncertainly. Caivs Avrelivs frowned.

"A man cannot have one night to drink, can he?" he sighed. Pursing his lips, he nodded to the slave nearest the door. "Admit the man, Admes."

The young Greek complied, opening the heavy wooden and poking his head round to seek the source of the interruption. The men caught a glimpse of the shield of one of the guards from downstairs, and heard one other voice talking to Admes, but could see nothing more than the man's legs. Presently, the man shouldered his way past the Greek, and strode into the room. The guard attempted to hustle after him, but ended up stumbing over the prostrated body of Admes, and sent himself sprawling as well. In any other situation, both men would have been severly punished, but the room's occupants found it so funny that a new round of raucous laughter shook the table.

The unnamed visitor took one look at the rowdy group, and cleared his throat loudly. When receiving no response, he simply shouted over the din.

"I have an urgent message from Roma, for the Praetor Caivs Avrelivs Cotta, Legatvs Avlvs Aemilivs Mamercvs and Plebian Tribune Qvintvs Aemilivs Avlrelivs Regillis." The laughter quietened down slightly. Caivs Avrelivs spoke.

"Please tell me the old fools in the Senate have not lost one of their lovely rings again, and that I have stolen it, that I may melt it down to create hordes of undead soldiers from which I shall attain the Throne of the Gods, and rule over all the world from Heaven," Caivs Avrelivs said in a mock horror voice, which his companions sniggered with drunken laughter. The messenger looked not in the least bit amused, as he looked on.

"Legatvs Tiberivs Clavdivs Marcellvs is dead," he said bluntly. The humour quickly left the table, and the laughter hollowed. Caivs Avrelivs stared at the messenger, frowning.

"You speak the truth, indeed," he said. The messenger nodded. Caivs Avrelivs fell silent, lost in thought. Avlvs Aemilivs spoke up.

"When was this? How did this happen? Has the Third been defeated in Sicilia?"

"The Legate died of severe head injuries after being thrown from his horse a couple of weeks ago," the messenger replied. "The Third is still in Sicilia, and remains undefeated." Qvintvs Aemilivs and Avlvs Aemilivs looked at each other.

"This is good news, surely, Caivs," Avlvs Aemilivs said to his friend. "The man was nothing but a constant thorn in our side since the Second was created. It will do the Republic no harm to see the demise of this certain Legate." Qvintvs Aemilivs shifted uncomfortably in the silence that followed, while all looked to the Praetor. But Caivs Avrelivs simply sat, staring into space. Finally, the young Titvs spoke.

"It is never good to see Romans killed, no matter what side of the political fence they stand. I have not had the experience of you men concerning Tiberivs Clavdivs Marcellvs, but I have never been led to believe he is a friend of this family. I have heard him speak in the Curia and the Forum, and he did indeed pocess an uncanny skill of rhetoric and charisma." He turned to Avlvs Aemilivs. "Avlvs Aemilivs, I must regret to express my direct disagreement at you, but I must attempt to persuade you against condemningthe shadow of this man. His soul has passed out of this world; only his memory remains. Let us not dishonour it with such harsh words. Let his actions and speeches speak for themselves."

Avlvs Aemilivs looked on at Titvs Avrelivs.

"Though young you are, Titvs, you already pocess the mind and charity of your father, I see. You are wise and strong-willed, with a good sense of justice and self belief. It is with regret that I remind myself I spoke such words, and for that I do apologise. Caivs, what say you of Tiberivs Marcellvs' departure? You cannot deny it will be good for your political career, what with the supposed head of our rival family deceased."

Caivs Avrelivs continued to sit in silence. Presently, however, he seemed to make up his mind. He turned to the messenger.

"Thank you. You may stay for the night, before returning my answer back to the Senate: Message received and understood." He looked as if he was going to say more, but seemed to decide against it, simply nodding to the messenger, who took his leave.

Caivs Avrelivs stoof up from the table, and walked slowly away to the balcony outside the room. The remaining guests sat uncomfortably in various states of mood. Soon, however, the Prefect Antonivs Ovidius Martinvs stood, bid his fellows goodnight, and left, followed by most of his officers. Titvs left the room soon after, bidding his step-brother and Avlvs Aemilivs good night. Qvintvs Aemilivs sat brooding over some wine, while Avlvs sat frowning at nothing in particular. After about a minute, he stood quietly, and joined his friend outside.

Caivs Avrelivs heard him coming, but decided against moving. His friend joined him, and together they looked out over the city spread below them, torches casting shadows below, while the expanse of the heavans shone above them. Caivs Avrelivs searched out the spots of twinkling light in the night sky, until he found one of the brightest.

"There!" he said, pointing. "There shines our friend Tiberivs Clavdivs Marcellvs." Avlvs looked where he was pointing, and then at his friend.

"I would hardly describe him as a friend, Caivs. Nor would I expect such a match of words coming from your lips during his existance on this world."

Caivs smiled, nodding.

"True enough, my friend. I will not deny I hated his time on this earth every second of my life since he entered the Curia that day so many years ago. But don't you see, Avlvs? That's just it." His companion looked blank. Caivs Avrelivs laughed. "Perhaps one day, Avlvs, you too will experience how I feel now. But for now, we must think of what his demise means for us. A bit of a break for me, I should hope, though no doubt his minions will attempt to recreate his pesistant meddling. It is not yet time for us to return to Roma. But when we do, it will be a different city from the one we left, that I am sure of."

Avlvs Aemilivs simply nodded, staring out over the city. Soon, Caivs Avrelivs bid his friend goodnight, and left Avlvs stood on the balcony alone. It would certainly be different, thought Avlvs. Perhaps his friend would change too; it was apparant that he already was changing anyway. Avlvs Aemilivs looked once more at the bright star Caivs Avrelivs had pointed out, thoughtful.

"I for one do hope you are, and stay, dead, Tiberivs Clavdivs Marcellvs." But Avlvs could bring himself to smile or feel bitter or happiness at his rival's death. Shaking his head slowly, and shivering slightly in the cool night air, he too returned to the warmth of the residence.

OOC:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Sorry I completely forgot to add this part: If anyone of the characters involved would like to alter their parts, feel free to PM me. i will change it if necessary and when I am avaliable.

[SwissBarbar]

OOC1:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Great story, bean Though I'm a bit surprised about the role of Avlvs in this conversation, since not only he's the most philosophic, sharp and judiciously speaking of the characters in this story, but also always respected TCM the most of them all, though he always was aware of the fact, that they were enemies ;-) But that's ok. Must've been the wine *G*

OOC2:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I just invent the name of TCM's wife ^^

Letter

When Avlvs Aemilivs awoke the next morning, he had headache due to the wine he had drunk. He got up and put his clothes on. On his way to breakfast he remembered the messenger from last evening. He remembered his conversation with Caivs Avrelivs and regretted what he had said. Though he had been a political enemy of Tiberivs Clavidvs, he thought one should never speek bad a dead man, especially a senator of Roma.

He decided to write a letter to Tullia, widow of T. Clavidvs.

Dear Tullia

My name is Avlvs Aemilivs Mamercvs, son of Lvcivs Aemilivs
and senator of Roma. Your husband was one of my most
intense political enemies. How many times have we disputed
over matters concerning Roma. We did not often agree, actually.

Nonetheless I always believed, that he wanted nothing but
the best for the Roman Republic, which he loved as every
true Roman should. It was only the way, how to achieve
that, in which we did not agree for so, so many times.

I must confess, that when I learnt of his death, I first felt
relieved, for which I am ashamed. Actually it speaks for him
and proves that he was quite a tough adversary in the
Senate. Please accept my apologies and my most sincere
condolences.

May you come through the sorrow the death of your
husband must have caused.


Respectfully

Avlvs Aemilivs Mamercvs

He gave this letter to a messenger, who would carry it to Roma, and then finally could enjoy his breakfast, consisting of flatbread, Moretum, an egg and some fruit. Then he went to the garden of the Propraetor's residence, where it was quited and peaceful. There he could calmly study the latest reports of Qvintvs Aemilivs, who guarded the southern borderline of the region Epeiros with his cavalry, well knowing that in the afternoon he would join his troops in the eastern camp again.