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.

Back in Rome after and still recovering from a spear wound, Cassius Titus
Verus was the leader of the second party of 10 that followed behind Acedus and
Decenaeus. The second party, meant to carry an extra 3 million in gold and
travel to the Galleon through a different route, met with little resistance.



Upon reaching the transport and seeing Acedus's absence, Cassius waited for as
long as he could before leaving for Illyrica and the armed guard.



Upon arriving in Dalmatia, he was greeted with warm and welcoming arms by Marius
Aelius. The three million cestercies was a huge sum. Decenaeus Dio had paved the
way for three million in holdings in the temple of Mars to go east to serve
Marius Aelius.



With the money, Marius not only bought the loyalty of his commanders and
officers with 20,000c each, but he now had negotiating cash for the Macedonians.




---

Marius demanded the Macedonians make peace. The Macedonians agreed to send
several ambassadors to negotiate the settlement. The last two battles had deeply
hurt the Macedonians and their allies as well as Rome. Dacia and Thrace already
accepted an offer by Marius to return to status quo.



When the ambassadors arrived, Marius made stern demands. "You will have peace
with Rome, but you will give it to us as well. In exchange you will retain your
independence with the guarantee that Rome will not attack for no fewer than 10
years. To ensure a lasting peace, trade routes will be established between the
two empires."



"You must let us wet our beaks! After all Rome attacked us!" The ambassadors
seemed unwilling to make peace without some kind of payment for the trouble.
When Marius offered them 1,000,000c in gold and silver, they scoffed. When
Marius put a sword to their neck, the offer seemed quite agreeable and the
treaty was signed.

-----------



No sooner than the ink dried, Marius turned all 7 legions westward towards Rome
with, or without the peace treaty. His dignity and honor has been insulted far
too much. The emperor has gone too far and become tyrannical was the cry...or
excuse. His generals cared little, they knew that in the success of Marius,
great personal wealth and gain was there for them.



A Letter along with 50,000C were sent to Tomidius Servo with the recommendation
that his legions not worry themselves about the troubles in Rome. Tomidius could
be the deciding factor, but for some reason, the normally dishonorable Tomidius
wrote back a burning letter both damning Marius' actions, and pledging to help
the Emperor.

-------



General Maximus Lianus stood atop the hill overlooking his X Legion. The sky was
cloudy, and it smelled as if rain was coming. Maximus looked down and read the
dispatch once more: "Maximus, move your legion to Etrusca at once, will explain
once you arrive. - Marius"



Maximus studied the dispatch, he tried to figure out why he would be withdrawal
from the line.. but it was not his place to question orders. Maximus ordered his
Legion to pack up for the march back.

--------

When the news of the defection of Maximus Lianus came to Tomidius Servo he
became infuriated. He quickly ordered his scribe to draft a letter to the
Emperor. It was his only chance; a message could get to the Emperor via the
Ships in Narbonesis to Ostia much faster than Maximus could march all the way
from Belgica to Etrusca. So the message was sent. Also reacting to the news,
Tomidius called a meeting of all of his Generals. A notable absence was Tacitus
Calidus Disius who could not make it all the way from Hispania. However Brutus
Vitellius and Marcus Servo did show up. Upon their arrival in Tomidius'
makeshift headquarters, they were instantly seized by the 30 Germanic guards
that Tomidius had himself surrounded with at all times. It was hard for him to
remove his Generals, but he would not tolerate any more mutiny. Marcus Servo and
Brutus Vitellius were kept in a metal cage in the tent next to Tomidius' 10
guards were stationed inside the tent at all times.



Tomidius knew that his troops were loyal to the Emperor, even if the Generals
were not. Any general, officer or centurion who kept his men loyal to the
Emperor, would receive a pay raise as well as a general pay raise for the
troops. And those were the words of the Emperor. However, any defector to
Marius' side would be considered a traitor and could be killed on sight by
ANYONE and they would receive a 30c bounty.



Brutus Vitellius and Marcus Servo were cut down in the morning and Tomidius
mocked their death. "That was an easy 60c eh". His men laughed.



Antoninus Maxus read the dispatch from Tomidius without a bit of emotion showing
on his face. He intended on mobilizing the 1st Consular legion, but he was too
late in acting. It was already rumored that Lianus had out maneuvered Tomidius
and the pursuers and had linked up with Marius Aelius 7 legions in Etrusca. Not
only that, but without consent of the Emperor, peace had been made in the east,
and Marius' entire legions were ready to make war.

---------

Maximus Lianus expected great gratitude from Marius, but he did not receive it.
Marius immediately ordered him and the entire army to march upon Ostia. Marius


also decreed that along the way, any former legionnaires wishing to join the
cause will be added to the ranks of the legions. Any volunteers from Dalmatia
and Illyrica will also be added.



Marius Aelius ordered the grain houses and equipment facilities of Etrusca
raided and plundered. His armies grew fat on such good food they never had at
the front. Upon arrival in Etrusca, the city was easily sacked. Marius made a
public outcry to the people:



"Dear people of Rome,It is unfortunate that things have gotten out of control
so. The emperor will fool heartedly make his stand inside the gates of Rome I
fear. I ask that for the safety of all of you, that you flee from the city to
the countryside. Food and shelter will be provided for all who ask in Campania.
No one who flees the city will be called a traitor by me and god willing the
emperor. I have only taken this course of action as a last resort. The emperor
has forced this upon me by his actions."



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Marius Aelius, Postumus Varro, Cassius Titus Verus, Manlius Varro, Maximus
Lianus, Dominus Carus, Tomidius Servo, Brutus Vitellius, Marcus Servo