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.

"Turpillius, good to see you again old man. It has been far too long," Marius
yells across the Florantine plaza.



"Marius, I was beginning to think I wouldn't see you while I was in Rome. I've
been cooked up in the garrison and on the Florantine for a about a week now. How
have you been my old friend?" The two men embrace and walk together down the
square.



"I haven't been too bad, considering all that's gone on the last couple years.
At least the reconstruction of the city is progressing nicely. I think they
finally got the stench of blood scrubbed out of the roads."



"Yes, and most of the businesses on the marketplace have been reconstructed as
well."



Marius's stomach rumbles, "Perhaps it's time for some dinner, would you like to
join me? I know a pretty good place just up the street."



"Of course I will, you know me, I'm always up for a good meal."



"You know, the emperor finally gave me his orders, I'm to set out in the morning
with 6 legions for the east."



"Already? I only just saw you and you have to head out in the morning?"



"Yeah, I've been in Rome far too long, my bones ache for a good field tent, I
grow tired of these luxuries. I hear you've been given command of the V legion
under Tomidius Servo?"



"Yes, I think I'm supposed to be going to Gaul. I don't like it, I know nothing
about the western empire, never even been there."



"Well we shall have to remedy that then won't we?" Marius smiles over at
Turpillius. "Just be ready in the morning to move out in case you need to."



"Marius, for you I could be ready in five minutes. So where is this place you
speak of anyways?"



"It's just around the corner, ah there it is. They have excellent fish here."
The two men sat down at the counter and order their fish. A few minutes later it
was brought out and the two men began eating. Just then Decenaeus Dio walked
past. "Hey Decenaeus, over here. How is my favorite priest? Well I trust?"



"Mars has looked favorably upon me. I see he's looked more favorably upon you
Marius. How have you been?"



"I have been well. Decenaeus, this is my good friend Turpillius Castus,
Turpillius, Decenaeus Dio."



"I have heard something about you. So you have decided to dedicate your life to
Mars?" Turpillius says greeting the man as he shakes hands.



"Yes, not that I like to brag, but I've sold all but my house and gave to him."



"Oh yeah, Decenaeus, we leave in the morning, we're going to the east. You are
still coming right?" Marius asked.



"Yes, your army must have the blessing of Mars must it not?



"That it must, we were just finishing up here then I was thinking we catch the
last race up at the Circus, what do you say?"



"Sounds good to me, it's been so long since I've seen a chariot race,"
Turpillius returned.



"I'm always up for watching a good race as well," Decenaeus answered as well.



"Great well, shall we gentlemen?"

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

The three men, all cheering for the chariot sponsored by Mars, watched the race
intently. Mars led with one lap left and all seem well, until the chariot
sponsored by Jove came along side and rammed Mars into the wall causing the left
wheel to come off. Jove got ahead, but drove too deep into the last turn. Ceres
took the oportunity, held the inside of the track and drove past Jove to take
the win. Marius came out of the race 20k c poorer but in better spirits none the
less. The three then bid farewell for the night vowing to meet again in the
morning.

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

The next morning Marius sat upon his horse overseeing final preparations before
they would depart. The six legions under his command were finishing final
preparations. Turpillius came riding up at a full gallop and saluted, "So am I
coming sir?"



Marius smiled, the older man looked hopeful and eager, desperately wanting to
return to the east rather than the wretched west. "Go see to the VI legion
General." Marius returned his salute and turned to Decenaeus as Turpillius
galloped off, "So are you ready to live as soldiers do Priest?"



Decenaeus smiled, "All for the glory of Mars."



"Well at least you are wearing the clothes I bought you rather than those rags
you were wearing. Now you actually look like a Priest rather than a bum."

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

The six Legions under Marius set out at dawn on the 15th of Quintillus. The
legions were just replenished and numbered 60,000 strong. The column stretched
on for as far as the eye could see. The 5 generals under Marius's command,
Augustus Agrippa, Dominus Carus, Maximus Carus, Maximus Disius, and Turpillius
Castus, each saw to their legion with Augustus having two legions. These men
Marius hand picked, with the emperor's approval of course, and trusted to do the
job. And some day Marius would again get his revenge against the Macedonians.