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Post by Royal Joker on Jun 12, 2022 13:04:00 GMT -5
Mare nostrum, the Romans call the Mediterranean Sea. "Our sea" - a rather self-aggrandizing yet mostly truthful description. While Roman roads were rather impressive, the sea routes were the true chains that kept the empire together. The finest stallion could not compare to the speed at which a ship traversed the world.
Tiberius Julius Alexander smiled contentedly when he spotted the city's lighthouse stretch towards the heavens, greeting its old son welcome. Some of his countrymen may scorn him for such thoughts, but Alexandria was his home, not Jerusalem. He had fought and bled for her, done all in his power to keep her prosperity intact.
Despite his relief to finally be home, the Prefect of Egypt would not be restive. His unspoken pledge to Vespasian would have to be supported with action. Once docked in the harbor, Alexander made his way home. His secretary was there to greet him with a handful of scrolls of differing degrees of importance.
Once the most urgent issues and petitions had been dealt with, the prefect set out with his closest advisers and bodyguards to the city garrison. The III Cyrenaica and the XXII Deiotariana he knew very well, having commanded the subjugation of the Jewish riots just a few years back. Yet he did not know where the centurions and soldiers stood on the current anarchy that was engulfing the western parts of the empire. Would they stand aside, or side with Otho or Vitellius? Only the Lord could know.
Once arrived at camp, Alexander called on the legates and centurions of the two legions for an emergency military council. They held the keys to the legions' loyalties, he needed them on his side.
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Post by sforza on Jun 12, 2022 16:20:15 GMT -5
The legates of the III and XXII legion would indeed arrive to the military council, eager to hear what the Egyptian prefect has in mind.
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Post by Royal Joker on Jun 13, 2022 14:45:20 GMT -5
The legates of the III and XXII legion would indeed arrive to the military council, eager to hear what the Egyptian prefect has in mind. Alexander gathered the men before a table displaying a great map of Rome, stretching from the unexplored frontiers of Britannia and Germania, to the inhospitable deserts of Africa and Arabia. Three pieces had been placed upon it - one in Rome itself, one in Germania, and the last one in Judea. He looked to the officers with a serious glare. "Men of the III and XXII... it is good to see you all again. My visit to Judea was brief, but concerning. For three years, we have fought to end the rebellious Zealots in their campaign to end Roman governance in the East, and bring chaos and anarchy to this land. I will not stand for it, and I know neither will you. But while you, brave Roman soldiers, fight for the good of the Senate and the People of Rome, what happens in the great city itself?"He stared at the map, focusing on the city of Rome itself. "Emperor Nero overthrown and forced to kill himself. Emperor Galba murdered by his own subordinate. Now, the usurper Otho is challenged by some unknown upstart on the Rhine. Tell me, are these men truly worthy of governing Rome? Do they carry the favor of the gods, or the love of the people?"He slammed his hand against the table and growled. "What do they know of the blood, sweat, and tears that you've spilt to protect the farthest corners of the empire, to make sure the city of Rome is fed with the grain of Egypt? The marches and battles across harsh landscapes and towns, against religious fanatics willing to die for their faith?"Alexander looked around the room to gauge the reaction of the legates and centurions. "Otho and Vitellius? Let Hades have them for all I care! These greedy men who would let Rome burn to achieve their ambitions. I will not spill your blood nor my own for them. I will only serve a true man of Rome, who upholds her ideals and fights to protect her from evil. Titus Flavius Vespasianus has proven himself time and again to be that man. Soldiers of the III and XXII... will you stand with me?"
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Post by sforza on Jun 14, 2022 3:24:48 GMT -5
Legio III Cyrenaica
10/20 base chance
+2 as Egyptian prefect
+1 historical tendencies
+2 dignitas
15/20 chance with 1-5 refusal and 6-7 yes but with conditions.
Roll:4
Legio XXIII Deiotariana
10/20 base chance
+2 as Egyptian prefect
+2 Dignitas
14/20 chance with 1-6 refusal and 7-8 with conditions.
Roll:5
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The legates explain to Tiberius that they can not leave their frontier empty against the enemies of Rome and that they therefore can not move their legions to support Vespasian. They have no desire to be involves in a potential civil war for now.
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Post by Royal Joker on Jun 15, 2022 13:21:48 GMT -5
Alexander nods understandingly at the refusal of the legions, but as he takes his leave and returns to his residence his mind continues to work. It is a misstep, but not a major one. While the legions of Egypt may not currently side with Vespasian, they still have time to... change their minds. The sun and moon will constantly rise and fall, but the tides below shift back and forth. Alexandria is his rock to rule in the roaring sea, and the Lord his guiding light to safer shores. He will find another way.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 21, 2022 12:57:25 GMT -5
With due pomp and ceremony, Titus Flavius Vespasianus, de facto Caesar of the East, arrives in Alexandria to meet with the garrisoned legions and to secure the wealthiest province of the Empire for himself.
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Post by sforza on Jun 21, 2022 14:13:23 GMT -5
The legates decide to meet with Vespasian warily, after a lengthy debate between the two.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 22, 2022 16:28:03 GMT -5
"To put it simply, gentlemen. I command Syria and the Judean legions, veterans of many a campaign. I shall soon command Greece and Asia. I am close, and the other legions are far. I shall reward you and your men for your loyalty should you join me in avenging the fallen Galba."
Said Vespasian, simply. The old legate was no orator.
"Join me now, or join me after I have crushed the pretenders in the west. But I might not be so generous."
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Post by sforza on Jun 22, 2022 17:09:16 GMT -5
Legio III Cyrenaica
-1 refused before
+2 dignitas
+2 intimidation of eastern legions
+1 historical tendencies
Range: 1-6 failure, 6-7 yes but with promise of fixed donative, 8-20 unconditional acceptance
Roll: 9
Legio XXIII Deiotariana
-1 refused before
+2 dignitas
+2 intimidation
Range 1-5 failure, 6 failure but potential to join later if Vespy has success, 7 conditional acceptance and 8-20 unconditional acceptance
Roll: 6
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Legio III Cyrenaica eventually yields to the cause of Vespasian but Legio XXIII will remain neutral for now, however the legate will declare for Vespasian if he proves himself successful in battle against Otho.
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