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.

Tomidius Servo finished the last of the executions some four weeks after the end
of the civil war. A single message, in the writing of the Emperor, came to him
requesting he return to Rome. The Emperor Antoninus Maxus was grossly displeased
with the punishments, and stated so in the message.



When Tomidius arrived in Rome, it was to a champions return. Many of the
citizens of Rome approved of his harsh actions, and of his quick reactions and
steadfast determination which had eventually helped win the day, even if his
tactical ability was below that of Marius.



"The Emperor will see you now." A praetorian led Tomidius into the reception
room within the Imperial Palace.



"Tomidius what you did was unspeakable. It was evil. I will not have more
enemies made against me by harsh action."



"We did not make enemies, Emperor, we reduced their numbers." Tomidius laid a
slight grin upon his face.



Antoninus whirled around and came within an inch of Tomidius' face waving his
finger. "You listen to me. You are half the man Marius was and hes gone dont
think for a second it couldn't be you as well. This harsh treatment must end and
a truce and friendship must begin between our people if we are to avert another
terrible internal struggle. The Macedonians are frothing and Hispania and Gaul
are in full revolt AND our generals are doing not a thing to stop it. You claim
you are a man of dicipline, then obey your orders or i will see you stripped of
your precious title and replaced with someone more willing."



Tomidius saluted "Hail Antoninus, Emperor of Rome." and turned and left.



The Emperor now had nobody to council him. He no longer fully trusted Verius
Pollio or Postumus Varro, and Baerana wouldn't be the correct person. Claudius
Servo proved loyal but without helpful insight into politics...Antoninus sat and
thought hard and knew before he even had sat a moment that Tomidius WAS
following orders...but whose?

----------

meanwhile

----------

Turpillius left the Imperial palace with a perplexed look on his face. The
Emperor had given him specific orders to deal with various issues with the
distant Hittite and Palmyran nations. He had long ago withdrawn himself from
Roman politics and civil war, and was displeased with his job. He would have to
convince the Asians into providing troops to fight Marius, as well as forming
trade agreements with them and creating a lasting peace.



His first port of call was to collect his nephew, Hadrius Julius, and his
manservant Raius Carsinius, an aged former Centurion who lost his arm at Second
Sanso. He then collected the ten Praetorians assigned to "guard" him. He was not
sure if His Majesty trusted him. The Emperor had, at the last minute, denied his
request to fight in Gaul and had sent him off to a distant, foreign land where
he had nothing but his reputation to bargain with.



His next port of call was the port of Camia, two miles to the north of Rome,
where the Imperial Navy had holed up. There, he collected 30 Sardinian marines
he had requested from the Governor of his homeland, and boarded the vessels he
would take to Asia. Sighing, he ordered the captain of the trireme leading the
escorts, "We don't have all day. Avante!"



-----



The trip to the toe of Italia was uneventful. However, at that point, things
began to heat up. Macedonian and Dalmatian vessels dominated the seaways. The
captain of the fleet suggested they turn south and attempt to use the Straits of
Carthage as their guidelines. However, Turpillius was adamant...They would break
the dogs, or they would die.



The escort force consisted of 1 trireme, three war galleys, and three scout
vessels. The enemy fleet massing near the Pointe de la Veinti had at least 6
triremes and several war galleys. Turpillius planned with the CoF for many
hours.



"Captain, we will lead them into the rocks at Veinti. Since the war, the port
had declared itself neutral, and thus we can use the rules of war to our
advantage. Once they are in the rocks, the garrison will turn out and bombard
the remnants. We can finish off any retreating vessels."



The captain smiled. So, the legends about the old man were true. A compassionate
genius at war, and an honest and good man in peace. He was pleased to serve
under him.



-----



The battle followed the plan closely. The Roman fleet led the foreign vessels
near to the boundaries of neutrality, then released an unmanned scout vessel
into the area. The impetuous enemy followed, hitting the rocks. Several smaller
vessels and two triremes went down. Then, the fleet of Veinti came out, and sunk
several more vessels, including three triremes. The survivors fled.



Turpillius was ruthless. His ships bombarded the survivors, one trireme and six
war galleys, to surrender. There were but two galleys remaining at the end.
Turpillius was, as ever, a perfect gentleman.



"You fought well for a force with so foolish a commander. He should have known
the Emperor's special envoy would not send a vessel to parlay with a foe who had
previously followed both he and His Majesty silently."



He then sent the two vessels, sans weaponry, on their way.



The Roman casualties numbered 3 men wounded by enemy arrows, 1 wounded by a
fellow oarsman, and 1 seasick. The foreign casualties were too numerous to
count.



-----



News came through within days of Marius Aelius' defeat and surrender at Avignon,
and Turpillius was ordered to travel to Tarentum and then on to Rome. However,
despite this good news, his mind was troubled.



"Raius...Tomidius Servo is no man. He is a murderer. One day, the Gods shall
have their vengeance, I am sure...But for now...Raius, you realize I am the last
Roman of any standing to remember the Republic well?"



"Indeed, General, "Raius replied, using his master's old rank.



"The Emperor does not trust me. He keeps me in a job for reasons I do not
understand...I do not pretend to comprehend them. Perhaps it would be best if I
returned to the farm. I am no politician. The Emperor will not want me in the
army, I suppose."



Turpillius sat on a bench in his cabin. He spoke to his council, consisting of
Raius, his nephew Julius, Captain Adrianus, and the Sardinian marine commander,
Cassius Fabius.



"Gentlemen, we return in ignominy to Rome. You shall all be paid for your
services to me. I shall meet with the Emperor, and discuss my future. I fare you
good day, and a good life. You may leave now. I require thinking time."



The others obligingly left.



And Turpillius sat and thought.



-----



They rode to Rome in silence. Turpillius did not wish to talk, and the rest did
not wish to disturb him. When they arrived, they arrived into a festival
celebrating the greatness of the Emperor, his victory, and all the usual stuff.
Fabius spat hard against the ground.



"I'm sure that money would be better spent helping the people that won it for
him."



The other three councilors gave snickering laughs. Turpillius stayed silent for
a moment, and responded.



"And then they'd become happier, and softer. And then, maybe, next time...We'd
lose."



That silenced them.



"Anyway, gentlemen, goodbye. I must see the Emperor now. I have the greatest
confidence in you all to serve Rome well. Raius, look after Andonia and the
children. Julius, talk to Claudius Servo, he has my instructions. Cassius, form
the honor guard. Captain Adrianus, prepare to transport everyone back to
Sardinia as needs be. Ave!"



He turned away, and trotted down the street, his horse seemingly in the same
mournful mood as he.

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

Postumus Varro, Tomidius Servo, Turpillius Castus