GM NOTE: This scenario reflects the game style, ranks, and practices of the "Old Roman Legion" and may not accurately represent the history of the current game's storyline. Consult with a GM before referencing any component of this scenario.

In Rome, the war was also raging. Now with the Emperor demanding war against
Macedonia, and now Tomidius making plans for war against Hispania and Gaul, the
Empire was now, almost overnight, stepped in a deep and frightening war. The
drums of battle beat with a loud cry on the battlefield, but also in Rome.



Riots had claimed the lives of several praefectures and many citizens. Claudius
Servo had seen the failure of the Praefectury, and to protect the senate and the
Emperor he ordered the Praetorians onto the streets to stop the riots.

-----

The Emperor was highly nervous and one man, Postumus Varro, plotted to make the
most of this situation. "I have always kept my mouth shut, that is how I am
where I am" Postumus replied. "I keep my feelings to myself and I have learned
to heed the word of the Emperor and respect it".



Cassius Varro sneered "I am also loyal...but different than you. You and your
democratic friends of the Republic"



Postumus smiled "we have never seen eye to eye, but i am no democracy
fanatic...blame the blues for that. I live for the republic...perhaps a sharing
of the power"



Cassius Varro engaged in a more serious conversation after several hours of
argument. "You know, my brother, we could rule together."



Postumus was shocked "The Emperor is my god, i serve only him"



Cassius was quick "Then you contradict yourself"



There was a pause "I am wise enough to settle dispute with diplomacy, not
bloodshed" Postumus carefully planned his reply.



Cassius again provoked "We could rule together though, we don't need Antoninus"



Postumus demanded that Cassius leave "You disgust me with this conversation.
Leave me and let us continue to politely disagree"



Cassius turned to leave with only one remark "You have done well Postumus"

---------

Postumus was infuriated that his own brother would try to incriminate him. He
found one of his 100 house slaves who had overheard the conversation and
pretended to act as though Cassius REALLY meant it!



"Gretans" Postumus went running "did you hear that! A plot against the Emperor!
We must act"



Gretans was speechless to be approached by the Proconsulus. But he had overheard
and was willing to help.

--------

Antoninus was finished hearing Gretans. Marius Aelius also spoke of having been
approached and backed up Postumus story in his scrolls.



Antoninus shook his head. "I would be dead if it was Verius looking out for
me..."



Postumus smiled "We have a deal then. I will become the Economic Consulus".



Antoninus agreed.



Postumus continued "And the price for that information, is heirship"



Antoninus commented "Quite a price. I will have to agree. Verius would be better
served as a Consulus". Antoninus thought for a minute "I fear you Postumus"



Postumus knew the gravity of the comment "Don't my Emperor, my heart is always
yours. My father, Antoninus Varro, adopted you, and he did so wisely. Your blood
is part Varro through him. And you are as my father, as I am without one".



Antoninus called for Claudius Servo. "Bring me Cassius Varro. Also bring me
Antoninus Flavus"



Claudius nodded and made haste.



Postumus was shocked "Antoninus Flavus?"



Antoninus smiled "He is too ambitious for his own good..."

---------

Claudius had arrested and thrown Julius Verus (conspiracy), Antoninus Flavus
(conspiracy), and Cassius Varro (treasonable utterances) into prison. The three
demanded to see the Emperor...or even a Tribune. They were denied.



Claudius had Scipio Servanus offer the dagger to the three "It will save you all
from the disgrace of execution".



The three accepted and did what had to be done. Postumus came at the last
moment, before Cassius plunged the dagger. "You. You betrayed me. You knew I was
innocent"



Postumus frowned "But you should have known I was as well. You would have done
the same to me"



Cassius face was strong. "Then I lose."



Postumus was solemn "Goodbye brother".

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