Paulinus's Grand Tour

Northern Pannonia, Spring 69 AD

A well constructed road cut through the open countryside. Upon it a line of carts rolled along, and marching on either side the rank of legionaries assigned to protect this venture. Up ahead a large villa loomed, built upon the banks of Lake Balaton (Lacus Pelso). It was a respectable structure for the provinces, though nothing like what could be found in Italia proper. As the procession came to a stop, Paulinus extricated himself from the wagon, staggering as he touched the ground; the long journey having wore sore his otherwise young frame.   

Staring out at the administrative center he waited expectantly as a small delegation seemed to be making its way over. 'Hopefully he had beat a march on the others envoys who would surely be scattering about the empire like rats to a corpse.' If not than he would know shortly. 

As the provincial authorities stopped in front of him, Paulinus offered his right hand and gave a respectful greeting. "Salvē, 

Among the other officers and officials of Pannonia's administration and military was Marcus Antonius Primus. A man raised up by Galba to command the Legio III Gallica. Once a member of the Senate, he was expelled during the reign of Nero for attempting to forge a will alongside his confederate, Valerius Fabianus. Banishment from the city had ended his career, both in politics and military, until Servius Sulpicius Galba, raised as the successor of Nero through the support of the Praetorian Guard, brought him out of his political banishment. Antonius wasn't sure why, but it happened and he was given the command of a legion out in the Danubian frontier. Perhaps this was just an additional punishment? Hard to say.

When Gaius Suetonius Paulinus, a supporter of the now reigning emperor, Otho, the executioner of his former benefactor, was heard coming to the region, everyone had a good idea as to why. Marcus Salvius Otho Augustus, as he was today, needed support. He needed men, legions, provinces, and more to stabilize his rule and ensure his claim resounded across the nation. Antonius had been left in an open sea, along with other supporters of Galba, after his demise. The Gallo-Roman came to Sirmium, with others who were just as curious, to see what was going to happen and what this emissary of Otho had to say and offer.

Many of the legates seem hesitant, but not unconvinced.

“Will Caesar reward us for our loyalty?”

One chimed in, a senior Legatus from the XIV legion.

The officers need time to mull the request over, clearly not quite convinced: the legates resolve to return to their camps and gauge the mood of the men.

The III Gallica seem to be won over by Paulinus’ promises (LM, this is for you to deal with) while the XIII Gemina reply with the proposal that an imperial donative to the men would do much to assure their loyalty. From the XIV, there is no answer.

It didn't seem to take much to convince Legio III. Likely for the reasons of promised rewards and perhaps to get off the Pannonian front. Illyria wasn't exactly glamorous considering how it was still relatively untamed. Only sixty years prior had their been an immense revolt, during the reign of Augustus, and yet there were still dangerous tribes across the Danube, such as the Quadi and Marcomanni. As such, Pannonian and Moesian provinces were of vital importance in terms of defense for the Empire's precious trade routes between East and West as well as the rich Greek cities of the Balkans.

The Legate of the Third, Antonius Primus, saw no reason to swim against the desires of his legion. The encampment of the legion was alive with favorable acknowledgement of the offers and, so, a couple days later, Antonius Primus and a few of his centurions and command staff returned to Sirmium, seeking the emissary of Otho. There, Paulinus would hear the decision of the legion under Antonius' command.

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The Third will follow the Imperator in Rome.

Not like he had much of a choice. Antonius would be a fool to simply run away or ignore what his soldiers desired.

Of course though, not all legions should be taken off of the line. Barbarians can be easily swayed by gold and promises just as the legions. We wouldn't want the Empire's heartland being threatened by tribes that threw in their lot with an adversary of the Augustus. What legions does he require for his current situation?

Beyond that, what was the plan for the surrounding provinces from here to the Balkans? Primus wasn't exactly certain of how far Otho's power extended after all.

"I had planned on taking the III Gallica and the XIII Gemina back west. The I Adiuturix should stay here to keep an eye on the XIV Gemina who has insisted on staying neutral thus far." If they wanted to sit on the frontier, that was fine with him. He wouldn't fault these men provided they didn't suddenly throw in with one of the pretenders. "The emperor needs men, but not at the cost of depleting the frontier, lest the aftermath of this war become much worse." Thoughts of rampaging barbarians pouring across the Danube flashed through his mind.  

"I believe his intent was to marshal as many loyal legions to his cause as possible and prepare for the defense of Northern Italia, though I have not received word since my departure." As to the emperors and his remaining generals greater strategy Paulinus knew not.

"Regarding the provinces to the east, those were not part of my orders." The emperor had been rather vague in his instruction. "Though, I do recognize their importance."