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.

Novembris-Decembris, 83 BC



Marius had called Turpillius to his headquarters.



"Yes, sir?"



The Praetor looked at Turpillius and responded, "The Emperor has ordered us to
prepare to invade Macedonia. I wish you to get your Legion ready."



"Very well, Marius."



They discussed strategy for a few hours, then he took his leave. He left the
villa, mounted up, and left for the XIV Legion's headquarters in Etrusca.



--



He arrived in Etrusca's capital to meet Cappricus Otho, former XIV Legion
Legate, now interim governor of the province.



"Cappricus, old friend, keep Etrusca and Illyrica safe for me...I am to move
with my troops to Northern Dalmatia, and IX Legion is leaving Illyrica, so
you'll have just the militia to hold the two provinces."



The old man nodded.



"Of course, Turpillius, never fear, it shall be done..."



He gave a slight smile, and walked away, strolling towards the Governor's
Palace. He then mounted up, and headed off to the XIV Legion's headquarters just
outside the city.



--



When he got there, they'd already began to prepare to march. His staff,
consisting of old Raius Carsinius, the crippled ex-Centurion (he had lost an
arm, cut of by the EA at the Sanso), his Illyrican servants Emini and Cada, whom
he had brought from the farm up in the Illyrican Highlands, and Hadrius Septimus
Thrax, a Roman political official who would serve as his chief of staff in the
coming campaign.



He called Raius over, and gave a set of brief instructions to the old soldier.



"Raius, you will command the scouts. Go and prepare the forward cavalry. We
march for Northern Dalmatia tomorrow morning, the full legion."



Raius nodded, a little perplexed.



"Why, sir?"



"We are to prepare for an invasion by the Macedons." He knew that was a slight
lie, but it did not matter.



He then gave special instructions to Emini and Cada, and they set off to
Augustinopolis, a port in Illyrica.



----------



Meanwhile the situation in the west had declined to a situation of severe
gravity. Hispania was now completely in rebellion and the city of Rome was in


panic. Gaul had attacked, but failed, to take forts along the boarder it once
held at Aquitania. Tomidius Servo had been ordered to make an immidiate attack
on Hispania first, quelling the rebellion, then to turn north and crush Gaul.




It was easier said then done. The cold autumn was muddy beneath the feet of the
soldiers, and word of an army of 30,000 waited for them in Hispania. Only the
citadels remained under Roman control, the countryside was completely outside of
Roman jurisdiction now.



The tribes of Hispania prayed that Gaul and now Rome's war with Macedonia would
be enough to save them and bring back their autonomy. Tomidius was determined to
crush them and their prayers would do little to stop his onslaught.

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



By Turpillius Castus, additions and editing by Marius Aelius additions by
Tomidius Servo, Postumus Varro, Antoninus Maxus