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 Emperor was newly coronated and his position sat heavily with him.
Antoninus Maxus knew that his position could mean the life or death of anyone
including himself.

The power struggle already surged beneath him like so many striking vipers
hungry for that taste of blood in their mouth's. Particularly venomous was
Marius Aelius commander of the East. He was brilliant, confident, and well loved
among the military ranks. However, for the time, Marius seemed confident and
appeased with his position and with serving the Emperor. Postumus Varro was a
different sort. His true intentions never could be discerned. He was always
talking but said nothing. Like the backs of cards, the other side couldn't be
seen and his face gave no clue of what he held. Postumus was the Emperor's
biggest weapon, and biggest worry. Where did Postumus' loyalties lie? For now,
it seemed, with the Emperor. Verius Pollio, the chosen successor... ahh what a
myth. For here lies a man who is too close to the Emperor's age to ever hope to
succeed him should he live a normal life, but Verius' renowned honor and duty
prevent him from thinking of anything of the sort. Verius is well liked and
respected and seems, though not brilliant, quick witted and dutiful. Verius is
nobody to be taken lightly, but his temper is famous for being even and fair.

Amid this whirlwind of figures and political struggle lay many secondary
figures who were beginning to emerge...Tomidius Servo, a brutal and low browed
general in the west. His thirst for bloodshed and disharmony was even now
legendary. Acedus Julianus, a smart and happy politician who adored Postumus,
and Postumus adored him back. Cassius Varro, who carried the name of weight, but
disliked his older brother of eleven months Postumus and mistrusted his other
brother Manlius Varro (his twin) just as much. Decenaeus Dio seemed worthy and
talented but his intentions or direction were unknown. Verius Thrax clung to the
shadows but his face often betrayed his heart. A stalwart republican and
sympathist of Postumus (though he dislikes him) his intentions are direct and
obvious. Balbonus Manus was brutish and thuggish. The Emperor now had little use
for him with the civil war out of the way. Commodus Servo was bright, even
keeled, and honorable. He is respected well by the Emperor, but hated by Marius
Aelius, Postumus Varro, and Claudius Servo who sees him as a rival. Drusilla
Maxus and Pontus Servo seem fair and concerned only with duty and not position.
The Emperor's good feeling towards them are open and obvious.

------

Postumus was called into the Emperor's audience after another outburst between
he and Imperialists. "Postumus, your republican overtones are becoming too
obvious."

Postumus smiled "I cannot help where my heart lay my Emperor"

Antoninus penetrated him with eyes of steel "You rally against the Imperial
method, and I have devised this method. You rally against me"

Postumus shook his head slowly "My Emperor needs no correction, but my rally is
against those who go to far. You are chosen champion of the people...my fight
is not with you".

When Postumus had left, Antoninus spoke at length with Verius Pollio. Pollio
was quick to discredit his potential rival "Varro is dangerous. He is a doer. A
doer can only do bad to those who stand before him"

Antoninus wouldn't hear of it "Postumus saved my life in the civil war"

Verius Pollio showed his quick wit "Had it ever occurred to you, that by saving
your life, you have raised him to Proconsulus of the Senate? You have him as
your secondary heir by his position! Had it occurred to you by discrediting the
Imperialists he's discrediting you and Claudius slowly...and also myself as I am
your heir? I wonder if he is a republican at all...or merely slicing his way
into a position of power"

Antoninus smiled "and shouldn't power be shared by those willing to grasp it?"

Verius gasped "You would allow him to take powers?"

Antoninus smiled "as long as he did it fairly...without any bloodshed or harm
to the state...he is good for me. He keeps me on my toes. He knows he cannot
remove me. He is more your worry than mine Verius. But, since you are my chosen
heir, I will speak again with Postumus and fix his ways"

-------

Upon the second meeting with the Emperor, Postumus apologized, but claimed he
was unaware Verius had such strong feelings. The Emperor explained how Verius
was now his adopted brother and now FAMILY of the Emperor. Antoninus played on
Postumus' sense of honor. "you will be his adopted brother as I make you part
of the Imperial family. And for your honors, my beautiful and lovely friend
Drusilla, of my own blood, you will marry".

Postumus was shocked and was in love with the young and beautiful Aggripina,
but he agreed to the Emperor's demands proving his loyalty.

Postumus complained privately to confidents "The Emperor has grasped me well. I
must marry Drusilla to show my alliance. I will treat her as if she were the
fruit of the gods...I will prove to Antoninus who is his true friend"

------

"Claudius" Antoninus spoke with a boom "I need the senate watched. I want you
to have Verius put his agents on it. I will take no chances with Postumus"

Claudius responded "It shall be done"

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:)

read it and if yer not in it...get in em!