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.

The day when Verius Pollio was at the marketplace, as normal, buying and
selling items, a messenger came up to him and gave him a scroll with the
emperor's seal on it. When Verius saw this he opened the scroll and read it.



"Verius you are to meet me in the palace just after noon. We have important
things to discuss. You must be prompt." ~Antoninus Maxus



When Verius got done reading the scroll he was off to the palace to meet with
the emperor.



At the palace Verius and Antoninus sat down to talk. "Verius, as you can tell
the economy is down at the moment and I would like you to send some diplomats to
the northern countries and to send some to countries across the seas. Do you
think you can handle this task", asked Antoninus.



"I will do it with all my earnest Emperor"



After some conversation regarding the war, Verius left to start work a strategy
to open up the northern buffer countries. Those countries overseas would simply
have to wait.



---------

Meanwhile

---------



Verius was sitting at home when he got a scroll from Noricum saying they would
open trade routes with Rome on the conditions Rome proposed. Noricum would
construct trading facilities open to both Noricum and Roman traders and would
construct facilities for housing and boarding along with the necessary roads for
the carts. Rome would do likewise at a facility in Cisalpine Gaul.



On this news Verius rushed to meet Antoninus. With the opening of this trade
route, Rome had struck one of its first bloodless victories.



"It will take a lot of strain off of the economy" Antoninus agreed, "But it is a
drop in the ocean of leaps that must be made to open up Roman trade and to build
fruitful and lasting alliances with our neighbors."



Verius saluted and would return to continue his efforts...he did not forget to
mention that a satisfactory result in the west would greatly help his efforts.
Antoninus took notice.



---------

Meanwhile

---------



Night had long past fallen on the 9th and 11ths Legion's camp in Cisalpine Gaul
as they finally were ready to go about the task of taking down Hispania. With
news of the long travel by sea to Eastern Hispania to begin the reconquest, the
men were good part in a nervous sleep except for the guards who walked through
the camp and around the perimeter as the camp fires were in large dwindling into
nothing, the moon slowly becoming the only source of light over the camp beyond
the torches at various posts.



The battles of central Narbonesis only 100 miles away. The winter began to thaw
now in March, and by April the whole lot of the two legions would be in
Hispania.



In the tent of General Commodus Lucius Nervae, however, the light of the candles
still burned brightly, and it was of little surprise as Lucius turned his head
to look at the messenger who had already extended his hand with the scroll of
the Emperor's official orders on it.



The scroll unfurled quickly in Lucius' calm hands and his eyes read the orders
twice before he began to speak, "The 9th and 11th legions have been given the
honored assignment of regaining Hispania. Wake the officers immediately and send
them here, we begin at the first light of dawn as the ships are ready for us. "



It had been a long night that stretched far longer then any in his memory, but
the officer's had finally agreed upon an appropriate plan of action and after
hearing the reports of the scouts as they came back to the camps it seemed as
all the plans would be effective. Maximus Disius would command the

9th legion in its tasks, while Commodus Lucius Nervae would oversee the 11th in


their tasks.



Upon arrival in Eastern Hispania on March 17th, 79bc, the areas of a small
enclave were quickly brought under Roman jurisdiction and defensive positions
were set up while a headquarters could be established. Within a week, on March
25th, a Sunday, Lucius Nervae had his entire army excepting 1,200 defenders, who
would maintain the fortifications, march north along the sea and then in 200
miles receive reinforcement after taking a port city. After this, they would cut
west and effectively cut off Hispania from the rebellious Gaul which would
greatly weaken both sides, and greatly help the bogged armies of Turpillius
Castus.



Though the plan was risky and called for thinning of supply lines and a huge
amount of land to be traveled, it was nonetheless brilliant. If it worked, by
the end of the year Gaul and Hispania would be either reconquered or nearly so.



---------

Meanwhile

---------

Fresh air always did Decenaeus good, he enjoyed being outside again. It had been
many months since the Civil War had ended and the Empire was almost fully
recovered. It was quite safe again to be in the streets of Rome and Decenaeus
liked to take every chance he could to enjoy what the Gods had created for their
subjects. As he arrived home, he was quickly notified by one of his servants
that a scroll, marked with the seal of the Emperor, had arrived at his home
earlier that morning. Decenaeus thanked his servant and quickly unraveled and
read the scroll.



"Senator Decenaeus Aelius,

Your company is requested at the Imperial Palace at noon."



Decenaeus' thoughts raced for minutes. What could it mean? Were the rumors true?
Did the Emperor actually think that Decenaeus was a traitor? His mind ran
circles over all the possibilities. However, Decenaeus was ready to accept his
fate whatever it would be. Knowing that not appearing at the Palace at the
requested time would be a deadly insult to the Emperor, Decenaeus made haste to
his destination.



The noon day sun glared off the armor of a company of guards patrolled the gate
to the Palace. Decenaeus was thankful that he did not arrive too late.
Recognizing the purple on his garb, one guard approached him and said that the
Emperor was waiting for his presence. Apparently the guard had been sent to
escort him to the Emperor through the halls of the Palace. While walking down
long corridors, Decenaeus admired the glamour of the inside of the palace.
Everywhere he looked there was a glint of gold or a colorful mural. Finally,
after walking through a set of enormous oak doors, Decenaeus knew he was in the
personal office of the Emperor.



"Please leave us, Julius.", Antoninus said as he looked up from the many papers
stacked upon his desk. Decenaeus turned his head to see the guard nod and
quickly proceed out of the office. Decenaeus turned his head back to the
Emperor, who had his eyes steadily fixed on Decenaeus. "Greetings, Senator
Aelius." said the Emperor brightly. "Hail Emperor Antoninus Maxus.", Decenaeus
bowed his head slightly as he spoke. Decenaeus felt extremely nervous.



The Emperor broke the silence, "You must have known I've been watching you
Senator. Your actions and ideas have interested me."



Decenaeus felt immediate relief. "Thank you Emperor, praise from you means
everything to me." He said quickly.



The Emperor continued, "However, you could also prove rather dangerous if you
were not loyal to me. No doubt you have heard the rumors of my suspicion of
you."



Decenaeus' stomached tied into a knot. "My life is yours Emperor, I would no
sooner speak a word against you then would I renounce the Gods." Decenaeus was
trying with every fiber of his being to convince the Emperor of his sincerity.



The Emperor paused for a moment and then he broke the silence a second time.
"Kneel Senator, then you will know what I have in store for you."



Decenaeus obeyed. He dropped to one knee and swallowed hard. The seconds seemed
like hours. A drop of sweat formed on his brow as the Emperor finally spoke.



"Rise Decenaeus Aelius, my new Consuli of Internal Development." the Emperor
commanded.



Decenaeus felt his heart jump. He immediately stood up and accepted his
position. "Thank you Emperor, I will be your greatest supporter."



Antoninus seemed to smile, but maybe just for a moment. The Emperor continued.
"You will help me in the war, for you now have great responsibility. I will be
expecting much from you in the future. Do not let me down."



Decenaeus reassured the Emperor, "I will not let you down my Emperor."



The Emperor seemed quite pleased in his decision. "Good, I am very pleased. Now
please do me the favor of letting me be alone."



Decenaeus looked at the papers on the Emperor's desk. For the first time
Decenaeus noticed how tired the Emperor's eyes looked. He complied very hastily,
"Of course, Emperor."



"I will have new orders for you in the morning, Decenaeus. Please leave now."
Said the Emperor as he sat back down at his desk.



Decenaeus was given another escort back out of the Palace. He was once again
returned to the streets of Rome. With new thoughts of hope running circles in
his head, he felt like a huge weight had just been lifted off his heart. The
fresh air never felt so good.





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

Verius Pollio, C. Lucius Nervae, Decenaeus Aelius, Antoninus Maxus, Postumus
Varro, many others