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Post by Gandalf on Oct 7, 2021 9:54:35 GMT -5
 Though ostensibly a province, Roman Illyria is populated by client tribes and republics loyal to the Senatus Populesque Romanus, rather than a direct provincial administration. To the north of Roman Illyria lie the lands of several larger tribes, with the Taurisci and Norici being the chief allies of Rome among these. It is into these lands the Boii have migrated, moving south through Pannonia across the Danube. They have made war on and absorbed some of the smaller tribes on their migration, but none of these are allies of Roma. However, the Boii have recently encroached on the lands of the Taurisci confederation in the north-west. The tribes fear that, like the Cimbri, they will rampage through their lands to find a place to settle. The numbers of the Boii are unknown, but they are rumoured to be in the many tens of thousands. Likewise do Rome's clients in the province fear the encroachment of their new Germanic neighbours. Their migration has led to a climate of fear and uncertainty in the province, and it is in the best interests of all that the Boii be settled or removed as soon as possible.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 7, 2021 13:45:43 GMT -5
After the conclusion of Lepidus his reform bills he had made his way into the Roman province of Illyria. Publius by now had been seen in Illyria with Lepidus his two most trusted legions. Reports that had been sent to him during his travels indicated he might need more... It worried Lepidus, he preferred all the men he trusted around him but was smoothed in his mind by the thought of having Publius with him. His men surely were as well. Lepidus would meet him soon enough.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 7, 2021 13:51:31 GMT -5
Publius had already made his way to join the legions, arriving in Illyricum slightly before Lepidus himself. Having concluded his business in Roma, he took the route by horse through Cisalpine Gaul, and true to his word appeared before the Imperator in both his military dress and the golden mural crown that he had won at Burdigala.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 7, 2021 15:33:08 GMT -5
Lepidus greeted Publius"Salve Publius" and eyed him from top to bottom "Must be good to be back in uniform" Lepidus asked as he was offered a goblet of wine by a slave. "Tell me Publius. How are my legions? Have we found what were up against yet?" Lepidus was tired from his travels but the well being of his men were his highest priority.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 7, 2021 16:01:35 GMT -5
"Salve, Commander."
Publius saluted, still wearing his eye patch.
"The men are in fine spirits. Whatever tribe is here, we have not yet heard sight or sound of them."
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 7, 2021 16:30:17 GMT -5
Lepidus rubbed his chin. "Interesting" Lepidus said with wondering tone, not sure what to expect. "Well then I shall rest and find you tomorrow. We shall find them together. Make ready the cavalry we ride at dawn." Lepidus did not know where they were, with how much they were, if they were even in the province or that this was some ploy by the Roman allies to lure Lepidus in a trap.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 7, 2021 16:37:22 GMT -5
A host of fifty thousand Boii are located to the north of Lepidus, along with at least a hundred thousand civilians. They are encamped near to the territory of the Taurisci. Spotting the Roman scouts, they allow them into their encampment for food and water, and request to speak with the Pro-Consul.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 7, 2021 17:45:30 GMT -5
With the scout report in, Lepidus turned a little pale. Those were a lot of people. Lepidus ordered the legions to form near the Boii camp. Far enough not to be noticed but close enough to give Lepidus a safer feeling. He got dressed in his toga and decided to meet with the tribal leaders, hearing their offers.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 7, 2021 18:01:36 GMT -5
Lepidus and his entourage are met by the chieftain of the Boii and his own attendants, all tribal noblemen. As is the custom of their people, they are all clad in colourful trousers.
“Well met, Roman.”
Began their King, a tall and moustachioed man with greying hair. Or at least, that’s what the translator said.
“We come to ask your tribe for passage through their lands. We go to find new lands to settle, with tribes attacking our old home each year.”
Apparently some even more vicious Germans were making their lives a living hell.
“We have no quarrel with those who do not attack us first. We require only passage and provisions to see us safely to new lands.”
Where those lands were was a mystery.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 7, 2021 18:15:14 GMT -5
Lepidus heard and headed the delegation of senators. "Where do you want to settle good King?" Lepidus wondered.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 7, 2021 18:20:54 GMT -5
“We have not decided yet.”
Replied the Chieftain, with some uncertainty.
“We thought of Gaul, on the far side of the Alps. We would go by the way of your lands, if you would give us passage.”
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 7, 2021 18:36:01 GMT -5
Lepidus rubbed his chin, looking at the senators in the diplomatic mission. Lepidus wondered what to do, the chieftain seemed uncertain about what he had to say and it made Lepidus feel unease. Not sure if he could trust the man "Would you settle in Gaul under Roman rule and law?" Lepidus asked sternly.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 7, 2021 18:42:30 GMT -5
“We would settle in lands not ruled by your people, as our own nation.”
Countered the Chief, who was now beginning to frown.
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Post by FieldMarshal Bismarck on Oct 7, 2021 18:52:07 GMT -5
Lepidus frowned back "So you mean to seize our lands is what you are saying?" Lepidus asked politely.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 7, 2021 18:56:08 GMT -5
“No, we would live in lands not ruled by your people, away from your borders. We would not harass or attack you or your people.”
Replied the Chief, wary of offending the Romans
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