A weary, ragged-looking messenger storms into the council chambers. Covered with sand, dust and sweat, he looks as though he has been traveling for days without rest. As he takes a short moment to catch his breath, the looks on the faces of the council members turn from bewilderment into annoyance, but before anyone can comment on the messenger's lack of etiquette, he brings out his papyrus scroll and proclaims:

"My lords, a message from my master, Timon Arrhidaeos."

While unrolling the scroll he wipes the sweat from his forehead and begins to read:

"Honourable members of the council and representatives, a terrible disaster is upon us! Rebellious armies are mustering in Heptanomis! Not a year has past since our crown prince has taken his army to Anatolia and already these revolting peasants are revolting. These thiefs, brigands, rebels and traitors are terrorising the very heart of our empire, robbing innocent traders, raiding estates and plundering our communities. What's worse is that our cities along the Nile have been left completely defenseless! We must act to stop these criminals immediately, either by raising a new army or by recalling the crown prince."

A jar of cool water is passed to the exhausted messenger. He takes a large gulp and continues:

"Additionally, a number of Jews have taken up arms against us in the state of Ioudaia. They pose no real threat to our security in the region, but trade proceeds are down by 50%! As I am currently residing in Hierosolyma, I will make it my task to hunt down each and every rebel in this state. Unless, of course, his majesty, whose army is camped in nearby Syria, wishes to intervene instead. If not, then I will raise an army with my own private funds to deal with the rebels. I ask only that I be allowed to make use of the division of pantodapoi currently stationed in Hierosolyma to complement my own forces. I await your reply."