Roman Legion OOC Forums

=== Villae Maximus Dio, Rome; Martius ===


Augustus Julius Dio, son of the late Emperor Augustus Maximus Dio, held his cup out as a slave poured him some wine. It was a sweet blend from the vineyards of the Dio estate near the Danube River. “I think you’re going to like this brew; it was one of the best tasting we’ve had so far.”


Durus Furminus and Sillius Ramirus Flavus both touched their lips to the cups, sipping back the wine. Only taking a sip, Ramirus watched as Durus gulped back the beverage to quench his thirst. “I have to say young man this is very refreshing. When you bring this batch to market make sure to let me know. But as fine a time as I’m having tasting wine, eating figs and dates, I doubt you asked me to come to just for food and drink.”


“You know your wines; anyone looking to be successful should let you taste it first. Get a true answer on whether there wine is good or not.” Ramirus said, taking another few sips of wine.


Durus laughed “You’re right I do know my wines but you flatter me Ramirus. Don’t get me wrong I don’t mind the flattery it’s a different approach from your father. He would send a request if you declined it he would send Sejanus, and you weren’t heard from after that.”


Ramirus’s and Julius’s eyes meet for a moment. “That was my father’s approach not mine. I drink and eat with my friends. I wouldn’t send my men to throw you in the Tiber.” Ramirus stated.


“Plus, who would benefit if we had you thrown in the Tiber?” Julius said with a smile. He reached forward, grabbing a few dates out of a silver bowl. “The point though is not to make enemies but friends. My associate and I have been discussing a few things and your name came up repeatedly.”


Durus looked surprised. “Really how so?” He asked, wary of what they might say.


Ramirus put his cup on the table. “You’re an excellent jurist. You’re well known throughout the Subura as defending the common man. More importantly you’re a winner. You won more than half your cases last year, that’s very impressive given I heard most of your clients were guilty.”


Durus smiled and took a sip of wine, full of his accomplishments “Well you’re only guilty if the other man can prove it.”


Ramirus smiled at the witty comment. “Your knowledge of law makes you the perfect person to stand for the senate.”


Durus was a little taken a back. He sipped at the wine, unsure how to reply at first. “It would be a great honor but I lack the support and money to run for senate.”


“I will lend you my support,” Ramirus replied.


“And I will lend you my money,” Julius added. “All we need for you to do is continue to support the people, more importantly the Populares. Now my friend Ramirus here has secured an alliance with the Aemilianii clan for support of Africa. Is that going to be an issue for you?”


“No I’ve never met the men you speak of,” Durus said looking from Julius to Ramirus.


Ramirus shook his head and stood walking a little close to the man. “No, are you going to have an issue supporting proposals for Africa or any item we deem fit?”


Durus paused for a moment as the pressure from the staring eyes weighed heavy on him. “...No?”


“Good, then we’ll get you started meeting new contacts and getting your face out there to the people.” Ramirus lowered his cup touching Durus’s. “To a new beginning.”


=== Imperial Palace, The Next Day ===


Julius waited while a slave announced Ramirus Flavus and the man seated himself. "Ramirus are you still hoping to join us in the war in Moesia?"


Ramirus sat, always refreshed by the imperator’s willingness to get straight to the point. "Yes if we don’t deal with Dacia who knows how long it will be before some upstart tribe crosses the Danube in force."


Julius nodded, "Good, we'll have six legions at our disposal to retake the province. Have you given any thought to a strategy?"


Ramirus looked down at the table then back at the emperor. "Moesia will be a hard fight, plains to the east, and mountains to the west. Several rivers, outposts and forts controlled by the Dacians scattered all along the border and interior. We could try and draw the enemy out into the plains but if they’re smart they won’t come." Ramirus paused for a moment, visualizing the hard battles head. "That only means we have to fight them in the mountains leaving us exposed for ambushes. Are you sure we can’t scrap up another two legions for this campaign?"


Julius nodded, "I'm sure we can't. Tell me what you would do in this situation."


"Promise the loyal tribes the land taken from those that sided with Dacia; spread some money around for good guides with knowledge of the ground. Send scouts to locate the Dacian army. If we could push in two columns we could pick off a few of the tribes. That should annoy the Dacians into an attack. Then we find good ground and wipe them out. We’re going to have to defeat one, maybe two Dacian armies and a handful of tribes. We must show no mercy and be absolutely ruthless in our revenge."


Julius nodded, "Militarily you would split our army in two?"


"Yes sir, but only after we have good knowledge of the ground and the location and relative strength of the enemy. If we move as one big force they can track us and attack us, predict our target and attack at will. I’m not saying send one column to the east and the other to the west. That would be madness. I’m implying that we move apart but within distance to still aid each other. Again it would all count on scouts and allies. Do you know if any of the loyal tribes have enough numbers to go into open battle?"


Julius shook his head, "Not that I've heard. We'll find out more when we arrive at the border. Speaking of which we'll be leaving for Moesia in a week. Will you be travelling with me or on your own?"


"I would be honored to travel with you sire. My guards will travel along side your praetorians. Might I ask a question?”


"Of course."


"What is to be my," Ramirus paused for a second, careful to choose his words before he spoke. "...Role in the army?"


Julius leaned back, "You'll be commanding one of the wings of the army."


Ramirus nodded. "Always a pleasant place to be. Do we head straight for Thracia or do we need to meet the army someplace else?”


"We're assembling the army along the Danube, and then marching as an army to Thracia to meet with Sabaco."


"Ah Sabaco... haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him. I’m sure he'll be happy to see reinforcements and have a full and detailed report of his situation. You know we should push into Dacia’s heartland after we retake Moesia."


Julius smothered a smile, "Perhaps, our numbers may not give us enough to take the offensive against them."


"We should make it a point to engage their army. If we can destroy their main army, moving into Dacia would be a simple thing. We should of course enlist the help of another senator for this campaign." Ramirus said with a smile.


"Which senator is that?"


"Marcus Falentius...he was a legate in Moesia for his entire career. He's an engineer by trade and spent many years building and fixing the same forts and outposts we'll have to assault."


"Why have I never heard of this man?”


"He's an old soldier, not much of a politician but he had to maintain a living after his time in the legions was over. I only know of him because he is best friends with Atrius Sulla. He’s a family friend and the best trainer of men that the empire ever produced. They both served in Moesia for ten years. He would be an asset to us on campaign."


Julius thought, "There are no open leadership positions."


Ramirus shrugged. "Who said he had to have one? I’ll put him on my staff, call him and advisor."


Julius nodded, "If you want. You're in charge of your staff."


Ramirus smiled. "Fair enough I will speak to him tomorrow."


"Good then, is there anything else you'd like to ask me?”


"No sire, but I would like to thank you." Ramirus bowed his head in respect.


"You're welcome Ramirus, I'll see you next week."


Ramirus stood and saluted before leaving


=== New Villae Flavii, Rome; That Night===


Ramirus sat submerged in the warm water of his bath. His head was tilted back and he was deep in thought. This was a far cry from the months on campaign in Phoenicia and Syria. There were hot days of dust and dirt as they marched from one end of Syria to the next looking for good ground. He was away for ten years and had forgotten the luxuries that Rome had to offer.


“Need some company?” Aenoria, his wife for the last eight years. bent down and kissed him on the forehead.


“From you, always.”


She walked around still holding the sheet she used to cover herself with. “What is that?” Ramirus said with a puzzled look on his face.


She stopped looking around her not understanding her husband’s meaning. “What? What are you talking about?”


“That sheet, you act like I haven’t seen you naked before.”


“I know you have my love but I’ve pushed out two children for you, unfortunately I can’t boast to be one of the most beautiful women in Rome anymore.”


Ramirus splashed the water up onto the sheet and in the direction of her face. “It bothers me that you said that. After two children you’re still a beautiful woman with the body of the goddess Venus. I see how some men in the market and forum look at you; they wouldn’t do that if you were a sloppy old hag.”


She giggled, looking at her husband. He smiled as he anxiously waited for her to toss the sheet to one side. “Fine, I still can’t tell you no after all these years.”


“It’s my charm, and I make you laugh. Think of what you’d have to endure if you would have married the other guy,” Ramirus laughed at his own joke.


“My life would have been a bore, I have to say even though you go away on campaign you always make sure when your home we have fun. You’re very attentive to my needs, that’s very uncommon in many marriages.” She slid down till the water reached her neck.


“I do try to be the best husband I can be. Besides you’ve give me two beautiful sons what more could a man ask for?”


“I guess I’ll have to keep you then.” She giggled as her husband’s eyes grew wide.


“You guess?” Ramirus flew across the bath scooping his wife up tickling her. The two laughed and enjoyed the tranquil bath. Ramirus had spent the last year almost at totally at home only going out to solidify alliances and handle senate business.


“Do you love me Aenoria?”


“Of course why do you ask?” She smiled and slashed some water in his face.


Ramirus wipes the water out of his eye. “I leave for Moesia next week.”


Aenoria looked puzzled then smiled, figuring the comment was in jest. “Rome no long controls Moesia, Ramirus. Why would you be going there? Don’t tell me you’re going off on another campaign!” She raised her voice to get her point across.


“What would you have me do Aenoria? The emperor has asked me to come on campaign with him do I tell him no? This is a chance to regain my honor.”


“OUR honor Ramirus OUR honor. We are a family and we must all work together to take us back to a place of prominence. We can feed the people, work on more jobs, hold games, a hundred different things to regain honor.”


Ramirus stood up and stalked put of the bath. A slave ran up to wrap a towel around him. “You go feed the people and hold games. You can get the money from Isaiah, but I’m a soldier. You knew that when you married me. I fight so my sons Vipsanius and Tarquinius won’t have the shame of dishonor over their heads as they grow up. I’ll do my duty for Rome.”


“Your duty for Rome? What about your duty to this family to me!” She shouted as he prepared to leave.


“I’m not going to argue with you Aenoria, I’ll see you at the party.” Ramirus dried his hands and stormed out.


=== Elsewhere in Rome, Two weeks Later; Aprilis ===


Ramirus stood with his arms out wide. He slowly paced in a circle staring at his opponent in the eyes. He was an experienced Greek wrestler brought in by Ramirus to test his skills. The two clinched and tussled, with the Greek quickly tossing him to the ground and putting him in a head lock. The Greek tightened his grip as Ramirus began to wiggle out of the hold. He slid out quickly moving up to apply a hold on the Greek. The two wrestled around posturing for an opening but it was Ramirus who struck first applying his on hold around the Greeks neck. Ramirus knew better then to waste this opportunity and squeezed till his arms shook. It was only a matter of moments before the Greek tapped out surrendering, or because he was uncomfortable with the erection Ramirus was sporting.


Ramirus released his grip and rolled over on the floor, exhausted. Baldric stood over him and dropped a rag on his chest. “You did well, that was a good hold. I’ll show you another in a moment but right now you have a guest.”


Ramirus wiped his face and chest off as he followed his guard to the Atrium. Baldric opened the double doors then stood to one side as Ramirus walked in seeing Valentinianus Umbonus sitting waiting.


“So what brings you here my friend?” Ramirus said as he tossed his rag to a slave.


“I’m wondering why your still here? You were supposed to leave on campaign last week.” Valentinianus questioned.


Ramirus picked up two cups of honey water, handing one to Valentinianus. “Well I can’t move without our emperor. We talked two weeks ago, he said we were suppose to head to Moesia and then… nothing. I’ve sent envoys to the palace but his only response has been he’s busy planning and making preparations.”


“What else?”


“What do you mean ‘what else’ that’s it! I saw him a few days ago after the senate met, I asked him to at least send me to the men I am to command. He paused for a moment then said he’d write the orders. But no orders have come so...” Ramirus stated.


“What is he waiting for? Moesia is a blot on Rome’s honor and he sits and does nothing. I hear clammer in the streets that he doesn’t... he might have united the empire again but does nothing for the people or fights any wars in her honor,” Valentinianus preached.


“Again what would you have me do? You think I like sitting here waiting day after day for him? You don’t think my clients come to me and ask me to speak to the emperor and see when he will make a public appearance or when he’s going to deal with Moesia? Every day that goes buy Dacia makes her position stronger and six legions won’t be enough to fend them off.”


“Your right he should just send you to deal with Moesia.”


Ramirus took a sip of the honey water. “Well what he should do and what he does are two different things. I figure he just doesn’t trust me, that I might turn the hearts and minds of six legions I’ve never served with before.”


Valentinianus laughed at the comment knowing Ramirus and his fancy for humor. There was a loud banging at the door that echoed through the house. A few guard snapped into action as they always accompanied the slaves to the door. A few moments later one of the guards rushed back in the atrium. “The Imperial Guard, sir.”


Ramirus and Valentinianus walked to the door flanked by Ramirus’s guards. The Emperor’s personal guard stood in the doorway. One was holding a scroll. He held out his hand with the scroll in it. “This is for Sillius Ramirus Flavus from Emperor Aelianus Julianus Vitellius.”


Ramirus took the scroll, breaking the seal and reading its contents. He shook his head as he read the words and on the page and signed by the Roman Emperor.


“What…what is it?” Valentinianus asked, peeking over Ramirus’s shoulder.


“Now the Emperor wants to go to Hispania.” Ramirus handed the scroll to Valentinianus and began to walk away. “Freigoths gone mad, apparently.”


“Wait, this is a joke. There must be some mistake- isn’t there 30,000 men on their way to Hispania to deal with the Goths as we speak?”


Ramirus didn’t bother to turn around, just shouted as he walked away growing in anger. “YUP!”



Written By: Sillius Ramirus Flavus with RP from Aelianus Julius Vitellius
Edited By: Ferus Juventas
137 AD