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.

"I forbid you from going to the Palace in that matter!" the voice of Marcus'
father echoed through the Dio's villa.



"Father!" said Marcus firmly to his father- "I am a member of the Republican
Party, and a damn proud one! It is time I talk to the Emperor about Rome!"



"Talk to him about Rome as much as you'd like, but talk to him about Imperial
Rome, not Republican Rome. As Postumus, you must change your political stance to
one that both heralds the Senate and the tribunes, but one that accepts a sole
ruler for life."



Marcus Dio frowned. "Postumus is the Emperor's clown, his true feelings will
never be known. The Emperor is still young, and new at his position. You cannot
anticipate his feelings when you mention the Republic to him as it was before
the Civil War!" Marcus' father tried to tell Marcus, but Marcus was already on
his way to the palace.



Marcus arrived at the palace, and was begrudgingly seen by the Emperor who
loathed uninvited visits. "Yes Quaestor, what is it? I am as busy as the bees
gathering their honey. My time is short for trivial matters" The Emperor was
very firm and continued reading and doing tasks from his desk while Marcus spoke
to him.



"My dear Emperor, I have come to talk to you about the state of Rome" answered
Marcus, and waited to see what will the Emperor's reaction be.



"And what about the state of Rome? I am Rome. My state is Rome's state"
commented the Emperor. "After the Senate so spineless conspired against me, it
is only right that I be charged with Rome's leadership".



Marcus was amazed by the answer. As a Republican, he never would have dreamed of
hearing such talk. Not even Pertinax went so far.



"Are you indeed Rome?" asked Marcus, half-laughing.



Antoninus looked up and was clearly now insulted even though it had been by
accident. "When Rome is sad, I am sad. When Rome is happy, I am happy. When Rome
is angry, I am angry. All things done to Rome are done to me. I protect Rome as
her father and keeper. Does that not make me Rome?"



Marcus smiled in a cunning way, then and said "You claim you are Rome, yet you
only see and talk to the elite of Rome. I am a member of the Republican Party. I
believe that the Senate is Rome, not the Emperor. The Senate is made out of
elected people. Elected for the people..." Marcus Dio was cut severely short.




"How DARE you speak to me this way!" Antoninus was notoriously fair, but his
temper was quick to trigger and in anger, his decisions were hasty. "I am the
Emperor. I am the servant and the master of Rome. My mood is set by the mood of
Rome and I set Rome mood. If people are hungry, I look for food. If people hurt
Rome, I hurt them. It is not your place to question my rule. I listen and
respect the Senate. Is not Postumus Varro...a republican...my heir?"



"But you, you gained your power by force, not by the people's will. I do believe
you are but a dictator...".



The Emperor looked stunned that anyone gathered that much courage to talk to him
that way.



Marcus continued "And when this 'Rome' of yours starves, do you starve as well?"
commented Marcus. The Emperor was about to answer, but one of his advisors
hinted him not to. "And if you claim you are both Rome's master and Rome's
servant..." continued Marcus- "Don't you end up serving your own will instead of
Rome's?"



Again, the Emperor looked stunned.



At this point Marcus stopped, as if getting to his senses, looked at the
Emperor, and said- "If I am risking death by speaking that way to the Emperor,
then so be it. But someone has to say it. You have plunged us into war with the
east and you have done little to speak to the people who make up Rome, the Rome
you speak of which is yours."



Antoninus stood up "DO YOU EXPECT ME TO MINGLE IN THE STREETS!? This talk is
clearly treasonable and shows very poor judgment. I am no tyrant but I will
not be talked to as a common dictator and lawless brigand. Hold your tongue
Marcus when you speak to me...hold it well and remember the respect you had
better pay me or you will suffer hideously for it."



Marcus nodded and saluted "Emperor I mean you no disrespect, I merely voice the
will of the people. I represent many who are fearful of this reign and its
significance, we look for words which will satisfy our conscience."



The Emperor nodded "Indeed. Judge me by my actions. Should I become a tyrant and
dictator, call me such and strike me down. My reign will be one of tolerance,
but justice. Go in peace and remember what has been said between us."



Marius Dio left, and upon leaving the Palace, he vomited into the streets
realizing he had played with his own life, and only by the Emperor being
reasonable and just had he survived. When word got out of Marcus Dio's
astounding courage, even Verius Pollio, an ardent supporter of the Emperor,
mentioned his deeds with astonishment.



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Marcus Dio, input by Antoninus Maxus