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Post by Magnate Lucius on Sept 13, 2021 12:17:52 GMT -5
Listening to the message sent, the Propraetor of Sicilia departed northward, by water and landed at Napoli. Rumors were abound of severe violence in Rome and that many of his Patrician colleagues had fled. It was unknown to many fates of those that Gaius had called friend and ally though. Landing at Napoli, the Roman knew what was to happen. However, for the sake of the Republic, he knew what had to be done. To bring a legion upon Italian soil was sacrilegious, but the gods would forgive him as Atellus sought to save Rome and the Republic from the rumored opposition in the city. Gaius Fabius Maximus Atellus - +2 Resilience, +3 Dignitas, +3 Command Armed Forces - presently at Napoli Legio VIII Sicilia - 5,000 men Allied Italian Cavalry - 400 men
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Sept 13, 2021 12:19:04 GMT -5
Upon landing, Atellus sends a rider to Legio V Cremona, hoping to gain their support as they had previous served under his command. Gaius suspected they were north of Capua and possibly nearing Rome. If anything, the Roman hoped to learn of what was occurring.
Additionally, messages were sent forth into the southern Italian countryside around Napoli. Atellus sought the aid of Italian allies and hoped to bolster his forces in case Legio V turned against him and joined the enemy if the rumors were true.
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Post by Gandalf on Sept 13, 2021 12:35:36 GMT -5
The Legio V Cremona appears to be unwilling to commit, citing no direct orders from either the Consuls or the Roman Senate. They question Atellus’ intentions to canvass for their loyalty and appear to stubbornly remain encamped somewhere north of Capua.
Around four hundred allied horsemen are levied to assist Atellus at short notice, primarily drawn from around Samnium.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Sept 13, 2021 14:29:56 GMT -5
Atellus curses quietly under his breath. He'd have to move quickly to head north. Rome had to be secure with or without Legio V. With that done, once the men were assembled, Gaius would order their departure north in the morning. Giving them a day of rest after the long voyage and to better ensure they knew what was going on in Rome by speaking with the locals.
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Post by sforza on Sept 13, 2021 16:35:18 GMT -5
Riders come from Rome explaining that consul Mugillanus has fled from the city and has abandoned the city. The senate was assembled and elected Gaius Valerius Flaccus as Consul suffectus. They also inform that Gaius Appuleius Decianus was made Legate of the Legio VIII. The consul and senate has ordered the arrest of Mugillanus for his conduct. Legio V is to be temporarily allowed to patrol the streets of Rome. The forbidden carrying of weapons in the polerium is temporarily suspended. The riders also inform that Saturninus is planning to establish Colonia for those who have served in the Sicilian revolt upon their retirement.
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Post by Gandalf on Sept 13, 2021 16:41:19 GMT -5
Quintus Metellus Pius’ reaches Neapolis a few hours after dark, the ship guided by the signal fire of the lighthouse into the docks. It was one of the few allowed to leave Ostia, as fortune would have it, his escape ironically sanctioned by the hand of the Tyrant Saturninus himself. Changing from his travelling tunic into the proper and forthright Toga of his office, he found the house of one of his clients within the city. The man, an old provincial client of the Metelli, provided Pius with enough coin to pay back those who had delivered him hence.
At dawn, Metellus would approach the camp of Atellus on horseback, accompanied by some borrowed slaves. He immediately requested to see the Praetor.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Sept 14, 2021 11:57:42 GMT -5
At dawn, Metellus would approach the camp of Atellus on horseback, accompanied by some borrowed slaves. He immediately requested to see the Praetor. With Metellus' arrival, Gaius immediately sees him, setting down everything else to do so. Metellus! What is going on?The Roman requests as he had heard nothing but rumors. I have heard of chaos and violence in Rome, but no one can give me a definite answer.
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Post by Gandalf on Sept 14, 2021 12:03:06 GMT -5
”Saturninus has seized the city and driven his rivals from the Senate. We must march to restore order at once.”
Metellus barked for a slave to fetch him armour and a weapon as he dismounted from his horse. Dark circles lingered under his weathered eyes, albeit they were burning with a fierce determination.
”He took me hostage in his house, intending no doubt to have me killed while sending me into exile. Fortunately his lapdogs have a love of money greater than fear for their master. Consul Crassus has been besieged on the Capitoline.”
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Sept 14, 2021 13:01:13 GMT -5
Legio V is north of us, but refused my request for their aid...
Atellus sighs as he orders a slave to get Metellus food and drink. The Roman is brought into the Propraetor's command tent.
For safe measure, considering the rumors, I managed to get four hundred allied cavalry, but only Legio VIII follows me. Legio V stands between us and, if they fight for Saturninus, we will be at a disadvantage.
The Roman sighs some.
Is there any other support we can call upon?
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Post by Gandalf on Sept 14, 2021 14:23:56 GMT -5
”We must ride for them immediately. The strength of the legion will surely sway them to fight for the right cause.”
Metellus’ slaves were fastening a poorly-fitted breastplate over his torso, being in the process of dressing him out of his toga and into military gear.
”We have Lepidus, who will surely not stand for such an armed coup. Though I am unwilling to put our lives in the hands of one man unless absolutely necessary. The fate of our republic is at stake.”
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