Lugduno (Lugdunum) - Gallic Legions Encampment

**Lucius Malfoy** · May 20, 2018, 07:51 PM

The morale of the encampment was below-average... the soldiers of the Gallic Wars still greatly mourned the loss of their benefactor and commander, Gaius Julius Caesar. His body had been laid within his tent, a few days after his demise at the hands of the Gallic rebels. From there, an escort took the body south, by river, Massalia, and then by ship, to his ancestral tombs in the Roman homeland. The mood of the encampment was relatively cold, many legionnaires were unsure of what was to come now as the officers gathered in the tent of Caesar, knowing a decision needed to be made. A decision on who would succeed Caesar, who would lead the army and what would they do? Rumors of political instability in Rome, in light of Pompey and Caesar's simultaneous deaths, made some of the officers wary about what to do.

A decision would be made, on the afternoon of the sixth day since the death of Caesar and the ongoing rebellion in Gaul.

Gallic Legions

**Pontifex Maximus** · May 20, 2018, 09:05 PM

Servius Sulpicius Galba arrives with his beleaguered legion at the camp. He was, as ever, in his armor. He had been in Gaul for five years at this point - a veteran of many battles and campaigns. Galba was devastated at the news of the death of his commander, Caesar. It was a turning point, not even a turning point he was ready to address. The legions would require a replacement commander commensurate to Caesar in order to ensure that Roman gains in the region were not lost. He was prepared to offer himself to this aim, to continue Caesar's reputation. He knew every commander who gathered in the camp, having served with them for some years.

"Hail, comrades. What horrible circumstances have led us here..."

**Gandalfus** · May 20, 2018, 09:35 PM

"Ave, Galba."

Greeted a squat, balding man that Sulpicius would recognise as Scipio, another one of Caesar's officers within the legion. Likewise, he was in his armour, ensuring that he was clean and presentable for the occasion, morbid as it was. They'd been cursed with ill luck, and it was their obligation to try and bring out the most favourable outcome for both himself and for the Gallic campaign that would undoubtedly continue without the death of their commander.

"At least he died bravely, with a sword in his hand, no? A true roman till the last."

**Pontifex Maximus** · May 20, 2018, 10:07 PM

Originally Posted by Gandalfus

"Ave, Galba."

Greeted a squat, balding man that Sulpicius would recognise as Scipio, another one of Caesar's officers within the legion. Likewise, he was in his armour, ensuring that he was clean and presentable for the occasion, morbid as it was. They'd been cursed with ill luck, and it was their obligation to try and bring out the most favourable outcome for both himself and for the Gallic campaign that would undoubtedly continue without the death of their commander.

"At least he died bravely, with a sword in his hand, no? A true roman till the last."

Galba was clearly furious, incensed. "The Imperator was slain by cowardly Gauls, Belgae no less. We should march north with no hesitation and crush them." A tear streamed from his left eye, as he paced back and forth in rage. "We must lead our remaining legions against them, decisively. They must be destroyed." He said in reference to the Gauls. Caesar had died heroically, it was true. It did not absolve the Gauls of their culpability - a people who seemed completely bereft of culture and social customs. "We must acknowledge the fact that it is up to us, now, to counter their movements."

**Lucius Malfoy** · May 21, 2018, 09:10 AM

And yet, Rome will face upheavel.

Lucius Atilius Regulus states from among the officers present. The Roman steps forth, looking at Galba and Sulpicius.

There are already rumors that Pompey is dead... Rome is without leadership as we speak. So our actions must be swift and decisive, otherwise the work of the late Caesar will be for nothing and our Republic will be threatened, not only from the outside, but from within.

It was gonna be no easy task. The XIVth Legion was destroyed and another of their legions was at half strength. The death of Caesar sent shockwaves throughout the Gallic Legions and morale was below average. No one had truly spoken of abandoning the army, but if they lingered here any longer, deserters would begin to trickle out of the camp. The soldiers still needed to be paid too and marching back to Rome will only cost them advantages they have now.

Our only option is to face the Gauls here, where we have fought for years. Rome can wait, for she has no enemies that threaten her like she had with Carthage. But if we let the Gauls shore up and advance, she will most certainly be threatened in no time. And we should not expect reinforcements either... we are likely going to have to face this rebellion on our own.

If the rumors of Pompey were true, Rome would be in chaos in short time. The commanders here would have to rely on each other and their legionnaires to end this rebellion.

**Pontifex Maximus** · May 21, 2018, 03:37 PM

"Pompey Magnus dead?" Galba could barely contain himself, he stood and paced a bit. "The news couldn't be worse - Pompey and Caesar may have had their problems since Julia's death, but he was a man who could have come here to take things into hand." He paced a bit more. "We do have problems here. The Senate cannot be ignored. No doubt they will attempt to send someone to prosecute the war here. I, for one, am not willing to play second fiddle to one of their cronies. They conspired against Caesar constantly, and I would keep our control over things intact. We must decide, among ourselves, who will lead the armies in this war."

Galba knew the legions must be held together, these were times when it did not do to give up such opportunities for command, opportunities to earn loyalty, and rise above the equals in the Senate. Even if he wasn't chosen as the leader, he would still benefit greatly in his support of whoever was.

"We know one another well. Nearly half the strength of Rome is under our command, the Senate will not lightly oppose us. Though I would be loathe to abandon Gaul in order to push the matter...we must be willing to. We must deal with the Senate immediately."

**Gandalfus** · May 21, 2018, 04:36 PM

"More ill news, then."

Scipio wasn't a friend of Pompey Magnus, but the man had commanded great influence and respect for his campaigns in the east. Of all the senate, only he could be considered Caesar's equal. And now he was gone, though that presented an opportunity for someone to fill the void.

"I fear Galba is right. Without Pompey, there is nothing preventing the senate from undoing all our work here."

He didn't know where this path would lead. They were on a dangerous road, one trodden previously by men such as Marius and Sulla. He looked over to Regulus.

"Whilst we our not the enemy of Rome, there are those in the senate that see us as such. Whilst we fight the Gauls here they would plant a knife in our backs, and Caesar's work will be undone."

**Lucius Malfoy** · May 21, 2018, 04:42 PM

Indeed they will. With Caesar dead, certainly those who supported him in Rome may be persuaded to defect and join those who opposed Caesar at every turn.

Lucius looks down at the table, tapping his finger lightly on the table. There was much at risk here; the prosecute the war into the Gaul was a priority, but the Senate would certainly seek to displace those in command with one of their own. That, in itself, could result in a massive blunder or be of great benefit to the Senate's reputation and control over the Gallic Legions. To defy them and their will could result in many issues for all those present.

For now, we should continue with our war in Gaul. Certainly that is the Senate's will. As long as we do our job correctly, efficiently, and bring forth victories, they cannot dislodge us without causing the soldiers to become uneasy. In the mean time, we need people in Rome, friends and family, to keep an eye out for us. Ensure that we still have support from afar as Caesar had. As long as the Senate remains divided, then we won't have to worry.

Lucius looks at Galba and Scipio.

Among us three, who will command the Gallic Legions though?

The real question being: who will ascend as Caesar's successor?

**chesser2538** · May 21, 2018, 09:58 PM

A voice arose from among those present, breaking the silence, Its source a large figure of a man dressed in recently cleaned armor that was nicely ornamented with silver inlays and draped by crimson red. "What we need is decisiveness, a leader that can deliver us a clear course for victory, as well as bring renewed inspiration to the legions" The speaker being that of Gaius Veturia Calvinus; one of Caesars trusted Lieutenants, a man who had served with the army since the start of the campaign. "What we have faced this past winter is but a small taste of what we are in for if we do not respond with swift retaliation. We have lost a legion, and with it it's standard..." pausing for a moment "Caesar was the back of this army, as well as its spirit, with him gone the men will be looking for guidance, but even more so they will be looking for retribution."

"To lead these men we need a man of the people, someone well known and of considerable skill." cracking a deft smile "Whomever that may be" he gives a sweeping look at the other men"

**Pontifex Maximus** · May 23, 2018, 09:00 AM

"We need immediate legitimacy. For that we must go to the Senate, we can only hope that they will consider the matter of Caesar done with his death, and that their blood lust will not extend to this whole campaign. While the winter remains, I propose we send a delegation to Rome to confer with the Senate and achieve some sort of command for those of us on the spot." Galba stopped his pacing and turned towards the assembled men. "We should decide amongst ourselves now who these men will be. A new leader for Gaul and a new second-in-command. They will require magisterial authority when they return. Who among us has the strongest connections in Rome? As for me, I have my housing blocs which lend me some support among the people. I am also of Senatorial rank, though I have never help imperium."

**Gandalfus** · May 24, 2018, 01:08 PM

"I am in the same ship as you, it seems. Caesar was the one who was connected. I feel we shall struggle to find a man who rivals his network of political allies."

But they would have to make do. If they appointed their own commander, they could effectively present the Senate with a fait accompli. They would have no choice but to ratify it, or else risk the legions crossing into Italy.

"We are the best option."

He offered a sideways gland to Regulus and Calvinus. Would either of them be bold enough to make the first step?

**Lucius Malfoy** · May 26, 2018, 08:16 PM

Lucius waited a moment, contemplating what to do. Now that a decision was coming down, the Roman stands up from his seat and gestures to himself.

I offer myself as commander of the Gallic Legions. I believe I am more than capable, but if another steps forth to challenge my nomination, I will gladly hear their arguments.

**Pontifex Maximus** · May 27, 2018, 11:19 AM

Galba shrugged. "I have no objections. Not all of us will be able to remain in Gaul, I think. We must rebuild support in the Senate as well. Perhaps command, as it occurs, can be handed off year to year or season to season in order to shore up support and maistracies in Rome. The Senate is still the key to legitimate power, and we should not cede that ground lightly."

**Lucius Malfoy** · May 28, 2018, 01:35 PM

This I find agreeable, Galba. For certainly as our fame rises, we must return to Rome to let the public shower us and to become magnets for support within the Senate.

Just as Caesar sent gifts to Rome from his Gallic campaigns. The people no longer cheered for him, but mourned the loss of such a great Roman.

I believe a good system is to appoint a second-in-command. Once a certain time is up, the Gallic commander will return to Rome and allow the second-in-command to take over as the new commander. A means of moving ourselves between Rome and Gaul in good order.

**Gandalfus** · May 29, 2018, 10:07 AM

"I'll support you, too, Lucius."

Scipio was simply glad the matter had been resolved without conflict. They didn't need any more blood spilled.

"I'm better in the field, but if you feel I shall serve better in Rome, then Rome is where I shall go."