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.

Decenaeus walked quickly through the streets of Rome towards his house. It
wasn't as safe as it used to be in the streets. An economic crisis had quickly
taken control of the city. The Senate, although it had discussed several methods
of re-establishing the economy, had yet to take any decisive action.



Nero Daia, seemingly unaware of the danger they were in, was doing his best to
keep up. "Please hold on, Decenaeus," Nero exclaimed, "this isn't a chariot
race." Hearing this, Decenaeus smiled and turned to his friend, "Yes, I'm sorry
Nero. I often forget I'm not traveling alone." By now the pair had left the
busier streets and were closer to Decenaeus's residence. Decenaeus looked
around, "Nero, I would rather we make haste to my house. We will talk in a
minute." Nero nodded and the pair was off again.



Rome had become interesting in the past few weeks. It was a politician's dream,
as well as a soldier's. Not only had the Emperor himself declared War on
Macedonia, but the Hispanic and Gallic regions were resisting Roman rule. It was
a situation that, under normal situations, Decenaeus would have loved to take
advantage of. However, all was not at peace in the capital. There was still no
relief from the economic crisis that faced the Empire and now, rumors of defeat
in Macedonia would only add fuel to the fire. The people were becoming restless.



The two arrived at Decenaeus's residence in the early evening, the sun had not
yet reached the horizon, but the sky towards the west was already ablaze in
orange. Decenaeus opened the door and invited Nero in. "I want to thank you for
accepting my invitation for dinner tonight Nero," Decenaeus said as he closed
the door behind himself, "I'm sorry it can't be in better circumstances."
Decenaeus hesitated, "I have pressing issues to discuss." Nero gave a friendly
smile, as if he didn't really know what Decenaeus was talking about.



"Of course Decenaeus, but what matter could put you in such a manner as this?".
Decenaeus approached the dinner table, already set with plates and food. Tibo,
one of Decenaeus's servants, filled his glass with wine.



"Have you ever felt like you are being watched, Nero? Have you ever glanced over
you shoulder with the feeling someone has their eyes on you?" Decenaeus's eyes
had taken on a very serious look as he spoke to Nero.



"Well, no Decenaeus, do you feel such things?" Nero responded, puzzled by
Decenaeus's serious tone.



"Rome is not safe for us anymore, Nero." stated Decenaeus. Nero's glance seem to
become even more perplexed. "Not you or me alone, but the politician. It is not
safe to practice politics in Rome right now."



"Surely you jest, Decenaeus!" said Nero as the smile returned to his face. "The
Senate is currently dealing with issues that will save us from this so-called
crisis. The Senate is our salvation and the people know it."



Decenaeus's mood had suddenly grown sour. "You are a Tribune as am I, Nero. You
have heard the people as it is you job to report their opinions to the Senate.
Do you know what they say now?", Decenaeus seemed almost to spit the words out.




Nero's expression reflected the fact that he was becoming very uncomfortable.
"No.", Nero whispered.



Decenaeus continued, "The people are hungry; they are starving, Nero. We, as
higher paid officials do not feel this crisis as they do. Even now, as we enjoy
this meal, the less fortunate are out stealing loafs of bread for their family
because they can not afford it in the marketplace." Nero remained speechless.
"Now the people are becoming restless. Yesterday, I addressed the Senate about a
young man who was pleading to me that I demand that the Senate appoint new
prefectures in the city. That speech fell on deaf ears." Decenaeus paused,
almost sickened by what he had said. "That man feared for his life, as do I
Nero, and the Senate did not even care."



Nero, shocked by what Decenaeus had been telling him, looked as if he was ready
to speak. "The Senate is the will of the people, Decenaeus, I have faith that it
remains the key to governing this Empire. I admit to it's shortcomings in recent
weeks, " Nero's eyes fell from Decenaeus's, "but as a Republican, I remain
steadfast in my loyalty to it."



Decenaeus sighed and took a sip of wine. They finished the remainder of the
first course in silence. It was not until the second course was started did
Decenaeus continue the conversation. "Nero, I chose you to invite tonight
because you seemed like the most receptive to what I have to say. You know as
well as I that the Emperor rules Rome now, not the Senate."



Nero paused and looked up from his meal, "That is debatable, Decenaeus."



Decenaeus forced himself to smile, Nero noticed. "As you wish Nero, let's
debate." If Nero could have become more uncomfortable then he already was, he
did. "While I am an Imperialist, I am still aware of the fact the Senate is an
important part of Rome. When it functions properly, the Senate is a means of
relieving tension among the citizens. We, as tribunes, go out among the people
and discover what is making them unhappy. Then we take these problems, report
them to the Senate, and hope for the best. The Imperial Senate is a
peace-keeping tool."



Nero interrupted, "It is a method of government, Decenaeus, not a tool."



Decenaeus looked disappointed. "Regardless," Decenaeus sighed, "I'll get to the
point, Nero. Right now the Senate is not functioning properly, and the people
are getting restless. The Senate has failed them in relieving this economic
crisis that is pounding down on them. I brought you here tonight to tell you to
be more careful. The people will blame us, tribunes, and anyone related to
Senate if they can because their fears and worries are not be dealt with. It is
a dangerous time for anyone in the seat of power, including me, you, the Senate,
the Gods forbid, even the Emperor."



Nero seemed to have calmed down a little and was now more responsive.
"Decenaeus, I believe you worry too much."



Decenaeus remarked, "Please Nero, as a friend, I'm warning you not to allow Rome
to fall into mob rule. Riot at this point is almost unavoidable. The people want
answers or blood, and I do not want it to be my own or yours, or anyone's. If
relief exists now, it will be from the hands of the Emperor, not from the
Senate."



Nero looked outside, it was quite dark now. He turned around, "Decenaeus, I
thank you for a wonderful evening and a delightful dinner. I feel it is time for
me to go." Nero managed to say as politely as he could, despite what he had just
heard.



Decenaeus responded, "As you wish Nero, but heed my advice. It is not safe for
us now, the people don't understand that it is not our fault. They are not
present when we address the Senate. I wish you a safe journey on your way home."



Nero thanked Decenaeus again and turned and walked out of the door. Decenaeus,
overwhelmed with the evening, sat down. "He took that well, Tibo." Decenaeus's
servant was clearing the table. "Far better then I did."



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

meanwhile...

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



Antoninus stood on a large Podium on the steps Empire Palace. A sea of Romans
stood before him. Rows of Praetorian guards stood between Antoninus and quiet
crowd. "I bring you good news citizens of Rome. The rebellion in Hispania has
been crushed. Once again Hispania is firmly under the rule of Rome. We will not
allow are provinces to revolt. Our provinces will learn what it is to be
included in the Empire. We will not treat Hispania as savages, Hispania has much
to offer Rome but the penalty for rebellion is to be occupied and so they shall!
Rome has much more offer to Hispania. In Hispania and across the Empire I have
had started a great road building project. This has created the beginnings of a
network of trade which will allow goods to flow into the city as if from a great
land-locked ocean!"



The people roared.



"The more interest we in show our provinces the more loyalty we will gain from
them. Loyalty is what makes Rome capable of continuing our dominion. It is the
loyalty of all Romans that make this city the greatest in the world, and master
of western Europe." Antoninus boomed in a loud and clear voice like thunder.



"We will have more patrols in this City to keep us all safe. I also want the
senate to do more to help the people of Rome live better. We must end this stale
bread of an economy!"



Again the crowd broke out in cheers. Antoninus waited for the crowd to quietly
down before going on.



"For many years Gaul and Macedonia have troubled Roman lands. Roman armies are
fighting great battles with the Macedonians. Over time we will unquestionably
win. Soon we will walk on Macedonian soil as if it were Roman. From Gaul I bring
you news that again our legions are victories. Soon all of Gaul will be
controlled by Rome. Never again will the people of Rome fear raids and invasions
from the lands of the Gauls." Antoninus folded his arms and saluted the gathered
crowd of some fifty to sixty thousand.



Antoninus left the crowd cheering as walked back into the Palace from his
balcony.



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

meanwhile...

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



Commodus Servo took great joy in passing more issues. It seemed to not concern
him, or he was not aware, of just how incredibly short sighted the recent laws
passed on to the Emperor were.



There was a growing discontentment with Antoninus' reign and his seeming to
please Rome at the one moment, and quickly slap it in the next. His removal of
Verius Pollio was still not understood. Furthermore, neither was his emplacement
of a Republican to heirship and adoption. Yet more incredible was the fact a
sitting Proconsulus had been promoted up the ladder and a lesser, less
experienced man had taken his place. Was this purposeful? What was the intent?
Many believed the ultimate goal was by passing the horrific laws by Commodus
Servo, he would ruin the Senate's image and easily get away with removing it
completely and not reinstating it as before.



The only question in many peoples minds was if Commodus Servo had willingly
helped the Emperor. He had everything to gain, he received Proconsulus status, a
hugely honorable position, and had seemed indifferent in his duties and in his
work, easily swayed by one suggestion after another by all of the Senators
demanding their positions be listened to.



Commodus Servo was found mutilated and hacked to death with clubs and swords at
his home on Avatine Hill. The seal "SPQR" had been branded into his face perhaps
as a reminder to the Senate whom they really served

----

The rising sun woke Decenaeus from his bed. Memories of the previous evening
flashed into his head. He had confronted Nero Daia, another tribune, of the
dangers that Decenaeus thought all politicians now faced. Nero seemed to have
taken heed to the warning, but the manner in which he left had suggested
otherwise. After he had completed breakfast, Decenaeus decided he would see to
it that Nero took his message in the manner he intended.



As he stepped outside, Decenaeus took his usual precautions of walking around
alone. He quickly made his way in the direction of Nero's apartment. En route,
he noticed there almost seemed to be less people in the streets then usual. As
he drew closer to his destination, he became aware that something was most
definitely wrong. People seemed to be crowding ahead of him. Hundreds of
citizens, clothed in rags, were all gathered around in the street, blocking the
way. Others towards the outside of the circle seemed to be fighting their way
in, demanding to see what was in the center of the crowd. Decenaeus suddenly
felt very unsafe, as if his worst fears were becoming real. He did not want to
know what the people were crowding around.



Slowly, Decenaeus turned around and made his way back home. He tried to hide
himself from the masses but the cleanliness of his garb set him apart from his
surroundings. He was reaching the edge of the crowd and could see clear street
only a few feet in front of him. Once he had reached the outside, he saw
something that reassured him but also confirmed something he was dreading.
Guards, heavily armed and in great numbers, were coming full speed at the mob.
Decenaeus quickly got out of their way and raced towards the safety of his home.
Upon arrival, he locked himself inside and stayed there for a good portion of
the morning.



It was not until just before noon that he emerged from his dwelling. He was
relieved to see that the streets had returned to their normal state, although
their did seem to be an increased amount of guards for this area. However, in
his current state, Decenaeus saw this as a welcome addition. Curious as to what
had actually occurred earlier that morning, Decenaeus approached a nearby guard.
Decenaeus tried his hardest to not lose his composure, "Hail sir, could you by
chance tell me what has caused this increase in guards?"



The guard looked Decenaeus over, debating whether or not he should acknowledge
the fact that he had just been asked a question. His response seemed to prove
that Decenaeus had passed the guards test, "A mob murdered a Tribune not 500
feet from where we stand now. And Commodus Servo has been found murdered"

Decenaeus felt his stomach sink down to his feet. "We are under the Emperor's


orders to maintain peace in this area."



Decenaeus stared off in the direction in which he had seen the crowd earlier
that morning. His mind was racing over the possibilities. Bringing himself back
to reality, he spoke again to the guard. "Do you by chance know the identity of
the tribune murdered?" The guard hesitated for a moment, wondering why he was
wasting his time speaking to this man, "Yes, Publius Sextus Agrippa. Now move
along." Decenaeus thanked him for his assistance to which the guard shruged. He
walked back towards his residence, stunned. A tribune had been murdered, a man
no different then himself. He tried to remember why he had even gone out that
morning, this day had been just too much for him. Nero Daia flashed back into
his mind. Decenaeus could think of nothing else and raced off to speak with him



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

meanwhile...

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



Marius had receive a rather disturbing letter from an unknown source. It
informed him that all was not right in Rome, and there might soon be open
rebellion against the Emperor's latest laws that were passed. Marius himself was
outraged that such undeveloped provinces were given citizenship. Marius called
together his generals knowing the war must end soon or else he would be in no
position to protect the emperor, or have any say in the power struggle that may
soon appear.



"Gentlemen, I'm sure most of you by now have heard of the laws the emperor both
passed and repealed."



"It's an outrage he would grant citizenship to those provinces! They are
barbarians!" yelled young Dominus Carus.



"True, but we have a task still at hand. The Macedonians still face us out
there, they could see our political troubles as an opportunity to seize Dalmatia
and Illyrica once again. Hence I will not leave this army until the Macedonians
are defeated, and neither will any of you. I know you're all here because you
want to further your political careers, so then join me, let us destroy the
Macedonians and open a new province for the Empire! Then... perhaps... we may
have to join in the struggles going on in Rome." The room was bright with hope,
hope of what might become of them once the Macedonians were defeated.



Dominus again rose to speak, "Marius, I believe I speak for all here when I say:
Let's give 'em HELL!" The room broke out in cheers, Marius smiled, Antoninus had
given him the means to get his generals motivated and on his side.



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

meanwhile...

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



Antoninus held conference with Postumus Varro and Verius Pollio regarding the
vicious and angry response to the proposed measures that citizenship be extended
to many undeserving Roman provinces, and also the deeply angering notion of
taking of funds from wealthy Romans.



To make matters worse, Antoninus had repealed back the original decrees which
made him seem weak and vulnerable to his enemies. Postumus Varro was perhaps one
of only a few people left whom would defend him.



"You must take matters into your own hands Emperor!" Postumus begged the Emperor
to make serious and decisive movement.



Verius Pollio nodded in agreement. "The wolves are at the gate, but as long as
Claudius Servo is loyal you rule in Rome."



Antoninus had aged centuries in the last three years and after a good bit of
silence, he spoke. "I am going to place the blame on the senate and the people
for not talking to THEIR senate. I will call for elections as the people can
just elect who they want without killing everyone. I will place blame on Marcus
Dio for his rumors and the way it has hurt the way the people think of the
senate and me. There will be a purge. Those whom have been my enemies shall
suffer the taste of their disloyalty and know my wrath!!!"



Antoninus stood up and walked to leave the room, as he bumped a scroll off a
table, a servant stooped to pick it up. In his rage with the senate, the sight
of the Gallic slave enraged him further. Antoninus, in an instant, snatched the
short sword from Claudius Servo's scabbard and plunged it hilt deep into the
slaves chest. The room filled with gasps and moans as advisors, servants,
slaves, and Claudius Servo, Postumus Varro, and Verius Pollio were aghast with
shock. Antoninus pulled the sword out as blood spewed forth unto the cold marble
floor.



Antoninus grabbed Verius Pollio by the neck and held the sword in his face
"Should Rome wish to play with me...THERE WILL BE CONSEQUENCES! I KILLED
PERTINAX VENO AND THE ENTIRE SENATE AND THEY WERE TWICE THE MAN YOU ARE VERIUS.
SHOULD YOU TALK NEGATIVELY ABOUT ME AGAIN, YOU WILL SURELY DIE FOR YOUR
INSOLENCE!" Antoninus threw the sword to the floor and spat upon the dead boy.
"That goes for anyone in Rome whom would betray me...know my wrath!"



Antoninus left the room to the complete silence of his actions and words.
Claudius looked at Verius Pollio and smiled. Verius looked at Postumus Varro
whose mouth was open with shock. "I know you too well Postumus!" Verius stormed
out.

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

Decanaeus Aelius, Postumus Varro, Marius Aelius, Verius Pollio, Antoninus Maxus,
Gnaeus Sabaco, Tomidius Servo, Nero Daia, Dominus Carus, and others for input
and responses to scenario and situation