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.

Two men were talking together in secret. They both seemed of high rank and
good character. Nobody took real notice of the impromptu meeting.

One man spoke, "I am reporting for duty".

The other man smiled. "We have a very important job for you. You've probably
seen that girl Astria Antonia Maxus strutting about town. She must be
eliminated."

"What has she done?"

"We must start small and work our way up. Soon people will learn to FEAR the
Black Faction. But let us take small steps shall we...and don't forget your
place. It is not one for you to question me."

He understood what his master was speaking of "I will go at once and properly
plan this."

About a week later, after much planning, the deed was ready to be carried
out. First the man went to the house of young Antonia. She was very pretty but
he reminded himself what he was setting out to do. he loved the Black Faction
and didn't want to see it fail. The man knocked on the door. Antonia had no
slaves so she answered it herself. she recognized him as being a fellow
official.

"Hail" said the man "I wish to speak of some issues with you." he smiled
charmingly.

Antonia smiled back. Once in the house, they sat down and began to talk. When
offered a drink, the man admitted that he was thirsty. Antonia went to fetch
some sweet dessert wine for the two of them on such a bitter spring morning. The
man followed her and offered to help. As Antonia bent down to climb into the
wine cellar, the man furnished a knife, and cut her throat. He stabbed again and
again before dumping her body into the cellar. He then took off his bloody tunic
and threw it in the cellar as well. Knowing full well he had to wear an official
tunic to be recognized, he set the house ablaze, along with the tunic. Fetch a
tunic from his haversack, the man slipped back out onto the street and hurried
home as if all was normal. The fire burned all traces of tunic, but it was put
out rather quickly. A small illegible seal, in black, was scribbled on the stone
near Antonia's body. The next day a rumor began to spread through Rome: THE
BLACK FACTION HAS STRUCK!

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