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Post by pontifex on Jun 13, 2022 19:34:31 GMT -5
"Fuck the Germanics." Valens retorted. "They will respond to violence or gold, but an investment in either would be wasted. Give them gold to keep them quiet until we have dealt with Otho. Once Otho has been fucked, we shall return north and destroy them."
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Post by sforza on Jun 14, 2022 4:45:38 GMT -5
A letter arrives to Vitellius, bearing the mark of the Urban Prefect of Rome.
"Noble Caesar,
This Otho is after my life, i can no longer be safe for much longer under his reign! If you win the next battle against Otho or at least hold him at bay, i will close the gates of Rome to him and bring the city under your control with the vigiles and Cohortes. The only thing i ask in return is to be named Praetorian prefect when you reach the city, in addition to my current post.
Signed, Titus Flavius Sabinus"
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Post by Royal Joker on Jun 15, 2022 13:37:15 GMT -5
Following the advice of his lieutenants, Vitellius sends an envoy to the known local leaders of the Batavi. As the soon-to-be emperor, he promises that the grievances of the noble and loyal Batavi will be properly heard and addressed by the powers in Rome, if they agree to not raise their arms against the empire. Aulus Vitellius also promises, should the brave warriors of the tribe join his cause to bring order back to Rome, that the elite Germanic bodyguard of Emperor Nero, the Numerus Batavorum, will be restored to its old glories and privileges.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 16, 2022 12:20:16 GMT -5
The Batavi agree for the time being to cease their hostilities, but they demand that their rights be respected and their people be unmolested. They send a Numerus of a thousand horsemen to assist Vitellius.
However, the men do not by and large like the Germans. They make their discontent known to their commanding officers quite vociferously.
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Post by sforza on Jun 17, 2022 16:34:16 GMT -5
A message reached Vitellius that Caecina has successfully convinced Africa to stop its grain supplies to Rome and that Otho's rabble will soon starve.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 18, 2022 3:22:57 GMT -5
Verus summons a war council of Vitellius’ generals, assembling them within the emperor’s tent. The Spanish legate was armed and armoured, today, and accompanied by several of his own senior centurions.
”Gentlemen. I have received troubling reports from amidst the ranks, of which I am sure you have heard the same. Our men grow restless for plunder and bloodthirst, for they dislike sitting here staring at an enemy from such a near distance.”
Marcus grimaced as he gestured to a map.
”I shall speak frankly now. Regardless of what Caesar wishes, if we do not march within the next few days there shall be a mutiny. And it will be our heads on pikes this time rather than whichever poor fool suffered the last. The enemy lies merely a few paces away. I say, let us give them battle. Let our veterans carry the day.”
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Post by Royal Joker on Jun 18, 2022 17:18:31 GMT -5
Vitellius listened intently to the words of Marcus Verus before waving his hand half-assertively. How anxious these military men were, so bloodthirsty for battle. And here their Emperor had enjoyed the delicacies of food and flesh of Mediolanum before the final push.
"Worry not, noble Verus. The salvation of Rome is at hand. Let us march to smash the traitorous Otho against the Po River. Since you have shown such eagerness for battle, Verus, I appoint the leader of my vanguard."
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