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.

"You have, without a doubt, heard of these latest rumors?" Gnaeus Sabaco
thrust forward into Postumus' hand some leaked information.

"What is the origin of this information, and what is it regarding?" Postumus
was to the point.

"Postumus, it is from Q. Marcus Agrippa house servants regarding a certain
conversation between Marcus Agrippa and Tiberius Daia. Apparently Tiberius Daia
felt that he should replace you as head of the Republican party. He warns, they
wouldn't want to have to take it by publicly demanding it."

Postumus laughed. "I would like to see him publicly demand it. I am resigning
my position in the Republican party for the Expansionist. However, I will make
note of this information for later when I need an excuse to execute someone.
File it with the others."

Gnaeus Sabaco saluted and placed the scroll into the hands of a Praetorian
for its eventual placement.

------

22 year old Agrippina Livia Servo walks past Postumus Varro impressive city
palace every day. She saw him arrive, finally, from his long stay outside of the
city as Consuli of the military, but she worried her low, though patrician,
birth would prevent her actually meeting him. Agrippina could feel butterflies
in her stomach whenever she looked at him. He is good looking and of course
powerful despite his age drawing very near forty.

Alas he already has a wife, Drusilla. But Drusilla was old and not very
pretty any longer. Rumors also had it that the marriage was one of convenience
rather than love. Their marriage had borne only one son, Decromus, who was now
already twenty years old.

One day Agrippina managed to get especially close to him despite the guards
as Postumus was preparing for his ascension to the imperial throne. Agrippina
smiled and for a fraction of a second Postumus looked right at her. It was not
for very long she knows he has noticed. The following relationship was both
secretive, but known to many in the high ranks. Drusilla now openly worried of
her position and most especially her son Decromus.

---------

Postumus Varro demanded a festival without rival to celebrate both his
upcoming coronation and to please the gods as the war with Macedonia was full in
effect. This was to be no ordinary festival, by any means. More than half of the
temple's funds would be spent on this. Rome would not soon forget what was about
to transpire!

Festival Plan: The Festival will be a 6-day-long affair, with one day
honoring each god in turn. The Emperor-elect has also donated 1,000,000c for
food each day from the central funds.

Day 1: Venus - Being the goddess of love and happiness it is only right that
a festival would start off with her. In her honor, a day-long parade will be
held for the entertainment of all of Rome. In addition, open-air theaters will
be erected and plays will be held throughout the day.

Day 2: Neptune - Being the god of the sea, it is only fair that a feast of
all things from the sea be held. Everything from salmon eggs to every kind of
fish imaginable will be fished for and bought. Romans will certainly be reminded
of the bountiful supply that Neptune has blessed us with!

Day 3: Mars - What better way to honor the god of war but with war! The
gladiator battles will be held on this day, as is only fitting. In combination
with this, an invitation to all provinces will be extended inviting each to
bring forth a champion that will battle to the death with the other provincial
champions. The last living champion will be rewarded with his freedom, 5,000c,
and a considerable amount of prestige to the province that brought him forth.
The finest of Rome's generals will also gather to battle wits and tactics with
each other in a war game championship. The final winner will be granted 10,000c.
Rome's greatest military victories will also be reenacted afterwards.

Day 4: Mercury - The messenger god, always portrayed by his swiftness, can
only be properly honored with a marathon. Beginning at daybreak, there will be
no designated finish line. Rather, the winner will be chosen simply as the
person who has outrun all others. Chariots will accompany the runners to assure
fairness and sportsmanship between the runners, as well as to gather them and
return to Rome when the race is complete. The winner will be granted 10,000c and
a vacation to the place of his choosing.

Day 5: Ceres - The goddess of harvests can only be properly honored by a
feast. The best of the harvest will be searched out and prepared in any manner
of dishes. All range of foods ranging from the lightest of breads to the most
succulent of geese will be prepared for the feast.

Day 6: Jove - To end things properly, it must be the climax. What better
climax than to have a grand chariot race in Jove's honor. Racers from all over
Rome's empire will be invited to participate. The prize for first place will be
50,000c.

Hadrius discussed the festival with Senator Q Marcus Agrippa, and was pleased
to learn that the Senate was considering sponsoring a similar feast. It was
decided that the two would combine funds for one of the greatest celebrations
Rome has ever seen.

When all was said and done, the festival got off without a hitch. It was
fabulous and more than 1,000,000 citizens of the city fully participated. The
bill of some twelve million cestercies was eaten by the treasury without too
much trouble.

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

Lacrino Hadrius Castus was uncertain how to respond to the news of the late
Emperor's death. Moreover, the public statement from Postumus both promising and
warning great changes for Rome nearly had him wearing holes through the floor of
his apartment with his pacing.

Of course, the death of the Antonius was terrible news to all of Rome, but
everyone seemed to be taking into stride quite well. Hadrius had never known the
previous Emperor very well, so the death was certainly not a personal matter. He
was somewhat regretful, however, since the man would not live to see his order
for Hadrius to plan and implement a festival in honor of the gods come to
fruition, but that was in the hands of the Senate now anyway. Most troubling to
the priest was what Postumus planned to do with the priesthood. The execution of
the Oracles had shaken Hadrius horribly. He knew that Antonius had been
extremely upset about the lack of activity from the entire priesthood, but not
to such and extent. Hadrius had tried to breathe some life into his companions,
but it seemed that nothing he did made any difference. There had even been
mutters of removing the lot of them. The idea of losing his job, if not his
head, chilled Hadrius to the bone. However, with a new Emperor, things could be
different. He did not know what Postumus planned to do with the priesthood, and
Hadrius was determined to find out where he and his fellow priests stood with
him before going further.

As to the festival he suggested to the Senate, it seemed that the cost of it
would amount to much more than he had originally planned. They were all,
including himself, quite staggered by the estimated cost. He needed to get a
breakdown of the costs involved so that he could offer his advice on what should
be done now. Hadrius set out to find a Tribune to help him with his problems.

The real reason for such an approval for such a full blown celebration was
that Postumus kept Rome very busy while his agents in the military arrested and
tried all of the Generals and Praetors. More than half were put to death. On the
seventh day, Postumus had the priests and oracles burned and killed for their
failure to please the gods. It was becoming clear that even through the farce of
the festival, and it was a most fabulous festival, that a true and deep vicious
evil was taking root in Rome and it would seek out all that would impede it and
Rome's glory and destroy it. Not everyone in Rome was against it...that was even
more worrisome to those who were still alive. Hadrius Castus was another good
man who would fall for the failings of the majority to which he was not a part.
Postumus' examples were becoming legendary and he had not yet secured the
Emperorship...though no Senate in the world would dare deny him.

________________________________________________________________

Q. Marcus Agrippa, F. Tiberius Daia, Postumus Varro, Gaius Antoninus
Julianus, Acedus Marius Julianus, Aggripina Livia Servo, L. Hadrius Castus

THE VIPERS NEST PART 2
-----------

As the rider rides in from the dark Winter night, slowly walks in the tent,
and salutes. The General slowly gets up and salutes the officer back. The
officer pulls something from his pack and begins o speak. "Sir a scroll from
Rome, urgent news"

"Urgent news Officer? What has happened now, another war?"

"No sir........ Our Emperor Maxus is Dead"

"Dead... life is short, and Maxus was a dear friend, may the gods treat him
well, thank you officer for the information, I shall announce to the men
tomorrow"

"Sir there is one more thing, might I read it to you, or would you like to to
see it?"

"Very well read it as the night only gets Shorter"

"Sir, the emperor has moved you too a new post, you will be sent to Campania,
you shall be there helping strengthen Caronnia"

"Moving post why is this?"

"Well sir more then half of the Generals were executed, reasons to be unknown
at present, as I was sent right away to dispatch this, I'm suire you will find
out soon enough, but the Emperor wanetd his Veteran Generals Commanding his
better Legions"

"Well I shall be riding out in the morning, to Campania it is, I shall get my
horse ready"

"Yes sir"

The Officer salutes, and exits the Tent. General Julius Maximus Verus, sits
back down and looks off into a distance as the scene fades out.

---------

Gnaeus reported to the to-be-coroneted Postumus early in the morning and
without being announced, burst in and thrust a scroll into Postumus waiting
hand.

"It was in the our late Emperor's pile of legion messages...reports from his
generals and such." Gnaeus stated the information with a gravely serious tone.

"It seemed he never got to read it. Its marked the week before he died."

Postumus nodded and unfurled the scroll.

Emperor, forgive me bothering you with this again, however I have had no word
on what (if anything) you wish me to do about this. Although G. Antoninus Servo
is a brother General, he is trying to incite insurrection against yourself... I
ask again, what would you have me do? I beg you to look at it again..."Postumus
put his finger to his lips demanding quiet. "Well let us see what is says
then...it appears to be a letter from G. Antoninus Servo to C. Gaius Julianus
that Gaius is reporting to our late Emperor.

----

I need you help if you don't wish to help don't tell anyone because if I can
not get your help it will never work. General, Rome is dying, the emperor is
neglecting the military the senate is taking over the military by ignoring us, I
ask your help is staging a rebellion within the military. I you help I will give
you the post of Prima Legatus, but like i said if you don't help this never
happened and this conversation never took place. But I ask that you help, Rome
is dead and I want to breath new life in to it and no body seems to listen to my
cries for help. If you help I have the legions of the south, if you help I will
have 2 more legions.

For the glory of Rome

G. Antoninus Servo

Please Emperor you must act on this!

C. Gaius Julianus

General Legion XXVI.

-----

Postumus looked to Gnaeus Sabaco. This is highly honorable of Gaius Julianus.
Make sure he is properly awarded for his loyalty to our late Emperor. Send note
to the officers of Antoninus Servo's legion that he is to be arrested at once
and executed.

Gnaeus shook his head..."Aren't the soldiers of his legion far more loyal to
him than our new regime?"

Postumus smiled "I moved all of my generals to new commands didn't I."

Gnaeus smiled. "I will make it so my Emperor."

Postumus frowned "not Emperor yet...let us hope the senate moves on this
issue soon."

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

Decenaeus sat and stared thoughtfully out of his office window mulling over
ideas in his head. Quill and ink unused and gathering dust, an Internal
Development bill had not passed by his eyes for years. The attention of the
Senate was forever focused on issues that did not require his approval.
Decenaeus, by no fault of his own, felt he was Consulus by title only for he had
no business to conduct that would remind him of his authority. Of course he
continued to receive his salary, but he no longer felt the satisfaction that
came from being rewarded for a job well done.

In that respect, Decenaeus had grown quite wealthy in past years. With little
else to occupy his time but the Marketplace, he had come across quite a
respectable sum of money through his investments.

However, despite recent inactivity in his occupation, Rome continued to be a
place of much activity. The streets were still filled to capacity with citizens
of all kind and the forum was always crowded with opinions. While partial to
staying uninvolved in military, it was becoming exceedingly difficult not to
take part in discussion of such matters.

Decenaeus sighed and focused his attention of what his actions would be in
the next few months. The Emperor Antoninus Maxus was dead and Postumus Varro had
of course ascended to the throne and rightfully fulfilled his duties as Prima
Legatus. He knew it was only a matter of time before Decenaeus would be escorted
out of his position as Consulus of Internal Development. As the late Emperor's
fate had been unforeseen to himself, Decenaeus took the opportunity now to do
his best to reassure Postumus that he was still able and adept at performing his
task as Consulus. He only hoped that recent inactivity in the office of Internal
Development had not persuaded Postumus otherwise.

Decenaeus began writing:

"Hail Emperor Postumus Varro,

I commend you and your late father for establishing a system of peaceful
transition of power. Your combined efforts have assured that there will be no
internal conflicts in a time of such external ones. I mourn for the loss of your
father and extend my condolences to you and your family. The loyalty I possess
to the memory of your father and his wishes is without bound and therefore would
wish to inform you that my loyalties of course extend to his Prima Legatus. I am
and will always be in your service.

I know by simple elements of administration I will shortly be removed from
office. As your father's faithful servant in this position, it would give me no
greater joy then to continue my service as Consulus of Internal Development for
your Imperial Council. Consider my services and respond to me at my residence on
Avatine Hill, as you know I will shortly be escorted from my office. I obey and
willfully oblige any decision that you make.

Yours in service,

Decenaeus Aelius"

Confident in his writing, Decenaeus rolled and affixed his seal upon the
scroll. Staring out of his window once again, he enjoyed the view of the setting
sun from his office for these last few moments. He almost didn't hear the
Imperial escorts enter...

"Decenaeus" The Prefect spoke up "The Emperor wishes you to receive these
orders immediately."

Decenaeus opened the scroll, and with the level of executions and upheaval in
Rome, he was prepared for the worst. Upon reading the letter he sighed in
relief. The Prefect spoke again "We are to wish you congratulations on the
restoration of your old position. May the gods go with you." Decenaeus let out a
strained, if not completely relieved sigh.

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

C. Gaius Julianus, Gnaeus Sabaco, Postumus Varro, G. Antoninus Servo,
Decenaeus Aelius, Maximus Julius Verus

THE VIPERS NEST PART 3
-----------

T. Jasinus Verus laid back on his couch and looked up at the ceiling of his
apartment. He was glad that the new Emperor had called for a review of the
provinces. It would give him a chance to visit his uncle, General M. Julius
Verus, and spend some much needed time with his wife, Aggripina Livia Servo.

“Livia, can you come here for a moment?” Jasinus called to his wife. Livia
walked into the room looking as stunning as she did the first time Jasinus set
eyes on her. They had known each other from when they were little kids and over
the years had fallen in love with each other. But, it had been hard lately
because Jasinus had been putting so much effort into his political career that
they hadn’t had a lot of time to spend together.

“Yes my love?” she replied.

“We are going on a trip to Campania for a few weeks. I have been sent on
assignment to find out more about the province and to look into creating more
jobs in the area. They say it’s beautiful in that area this time of year, so we
should have a wonderful time.” Jasinus rose from the couch and took her by the
hands. “I know that I have been neglecting my job as a new husband lately, and I
want to make that up to you. This time together will give us a chance to
rekindle our love for one another.”

Livia lowered her head for a moment and then looked into his eyes. “Yes,
there is much that we need to discuss.”

“Then go pack and I’ll send word to prepare for our departure.” Jasinus
kissed her on the head and watched as she exited the room.

Jasinus slowly walked over to his desk and began to think. “Rome is in a
state of turmoil right now. Postumus is the rightful Emperor and I will respect
him because of that, but he is killing people left and right, and one of them
happened to be my uncle Sextus. The Verus family has always been influential,
but now it is time for us to make a name for ourselves. This trip will give me a
chance to speak to my uncle about our next move.” Jasinus began to write a
letter to his uncle letting him know that he was on his way.

--------

It said sealed letter, but it was among Antoninus Maxus' most guarded
documents. Gnaeus had spend hours reading a faction of the scrolls and notes
there within. It was full of secrets and things the public need never know. It
was a dull, but important job. For only he and the Postumus would ever know all
the secrets the late Emperor had been holding. As Postumus walked in, Gnaeus
handed him a small pile of papers.

"The top one is every interesting and best you read now." Gnaeus spoke
coolly. Postumus unrolled and read the scroll...though the scroll had never been
sent.

Dearest Senate,

It comes as a great worry to me now the immense power and influence that
Postumus Varro seems to have achieved, though he is not yet an Emperor. By the
day Tomidius seems more to serve him than myself and I fear that the time of my
death is fast approaching. There will no doubt be a terrible price to pay once
Postumus becomes Emperor should you defy him. I have always attempted to
negotiate with the Senate and to have a due process that honors Rome's senate. I
sense in Postumus a deep hated of this and of his perceived laziness by you. You
must win him to believe in the level of good fellowship we have enjoyed. He will
no doubt be my successor...whatever you might do about it. May the gods watch
over you, Julius Aetus Antoninus Maxus, Emperor

"Why that weakling no good half wit! I should have put him down when Marius
rallied the armies! To negotiate with the senate, me the Emperor! This is near
blasphemy. Rome is in my hands now and i will deal out the justice fairly in my
own righteous judgment and may the gods help those who wish to slam fists!"
Postumus was outraged, needless to say, with the letter.

----------

"Sir I will have you in chains". B. Augustus Julianus stormed into General

Servo's tent with obvious intention.

Legion VIII was one named in the conspiracy against the Emperor. Though Servo
complained and protested, bitterly, there was no hope for him. "Will you offer
me the dagger Augustus, so that I might die with honor...I have always been a
friend to you."

Augustus motioned to his men..."He is loyal". The men began to disperse.

G. Antoninus Servo was outraged "You thought I would not be?!"

Augustus replied "We cannot be too sure Antoninus, traitors are
everywhere...but soon if we remain diligent, they will not be".

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

T. Jasinus Verus, T. Marcellus Servo, Postumus Varro, B. Augustus Julianus,
G. Antoninus Servo