The Severan Conflict

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Legions under Severus Magnus appear outside Rome. The Senate is well aware of Severus' ultimatums, and now it is just a matter of time before the situation is either defused, or the Severans occupy the city.

Severus

Legio IX Primigenia*** - Full Strength
Legio X Gallica*** - Full Strength
Legio XII Ferrata** -Full Strength
Legio I Victrix**** - Full Strength
Legio II Italica** - Full Strength



SPQR

Legio XVI Aquilae - Full Strength
3000 Italic Cavalry
3000 Italic Skirmishers

[Dark Storm]

The Legio Tranquilli, and all men belonging to him, the 500 Cavalry in Sicily, 1000 archers in Sicily and the 1100 Cavalry in Sicily, immediately head back to defend Rome, in case of attack.

[Raglan]

Titus walks the ranks amongst the tenth. He will get to know as many of them as he can before they march.

[Pontifex Maximus]

The grizzled veterans from the 10th hardly even look up from preparing their gear as Titus walks by. Some of the men were brutally scarred, reminders of the recent northern wars. These men had proven themselves in battle, but Titus was clearly a new face. A newly appointed legate perhaps...he would have to earn their respect. Even though the 9th was clearly Severus' favorite, the 10th legion still played a vital role in the force, being one of the most veteran legions among them. One Centurion spoke up-

"Morning, sir. In the ranks we are all friends, brothers, yet your face is new to us. Has General Severus sent you?"

[Raglan]

He has. I am Titus Flavius. I have been appointed Legate for the coming days.

[M D]

Cilo who had been a Legate in the East joined the II. Italica. He had not known these men but had recognised one of the Prefects who he drew close to him. He spoke to each Centurion, learning of the Legion as intimately as he could. He turned to the Prefect,

"They have seen war?"

"Indeed, senator. They are some of the best."

"Good."

He turned to the men and mounted his horse, putting on his helmet,

"Men of Rome, Men of the finest Legion in the Roman State.. The IXth may be the Magnus' favourite, but we all know who the real soldiers are.. You are men of Italy's great plains, growing up in the fields of this nation, tilling the fields until the call came to serve your country. Take up your sword, be heartened and know this is the day that the people shall liberate Rome. For if you find yourself tilling fields once again before this battle is won, you are in Elysium, and the gods shall be shining down on you. Roma Victor!"

He raised his sword, to a cheer.

"Prepare yourself, for we march on the Capital, it shall be saved, and we shall see the true Senators make clean the Senate."

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Centurion grimaced

It is war, then. I've killed plenty a Gaul and German, but never a Roman. I hope the gods give me strength enough to do it, even for Cincinnatus...

[Pontifex Maximus]

The men of the 2nd cheered this new man. Where had Severus found him? The didn't recognize him from Gaul so he must be one of the Senators supporting Magnus. It was heartening to see senatorial support for their cause.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lucius looks at the Prefect (from Major's last post)

I serve where the Republic needs me. The Gods need me along side those who will stand for the rightful principles of the Republic. I do not care how I fight, but I will fight side by side those who will not stand for corruption!

Lucius quickly gets ready. He puts the armor together, grabbing a sword and shield. His armor was that of a Centurion, the only available at the time. Lucius's other armor was currently at home, but this would be enough.

He went to where Severus is.

We should keep the troops in strict order...prevent any looting or harm to the people. It will only increase the support to our cause and give much more ease to the people.

[Pontifex Maximus]

As the massive army continued to move south, Severus' attitude improved slightly. This first stage would be easy. He called his legates and supporters to his side to speak while they rode south at the double-quick.

[M D]

Cilo appeared at his side, atop a brown speckled horse.

[Pontifex Maximus]

I believe you all have your assignments, Cilo with the 2nd, Titus with the 10th, but Lucius has yet to receive an assignment I think. We lack cavalry this time, my friend, else I would put you where you performed well against the Sequani. I will, however, make you legate of the 1st Legion. After all, you lead a number of them to a stunning victory at Bibracte if I remember correctly.

Severus drew his sword and inspected the blade. Not a spot.

Were it that we were facing down only another Gallic horde. I shall take no pleasure in the spilling of Roman blood. Under no circumstances will any be killed, except those that oppose us with arms.

[Dark Storm]

The Consul stood atop the walls, protected by the battlements;

"What is this host i see before me, this army come to desecrate Rome, Rome in all it's splendour to be pulled down, stone by stone."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lucius salutes Severus and finds a spare mount. He rides forth to where the 1st Legion is stationed. They cheer in approval at the sight of the Praetor, Lucius Titus Regulus. He raises a sword and gallops along the front of the legion. Afterwards, Lucius stands by the standards of the 1st, waiting and listening.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Severus called out

So then you have not seen reason, Tranquilus? You have chosen destruction? I must say I did not expect to see you here. Behold! The army that led Rome to victory in Germania and Gallia on so many occasions! Do any dare to oppose them or is the way into the city clear with none but smiling faces to greet a liberator? I hear the plebs jeering behind you and that the Porta Tiberna is wide open!

It is not too late to safe us all this trouble, Tranquilus. Come down and let us take counsel.

[Dark Storm]

"I will take Counsel, Severus. But on ground of my own choosing, halfway between your army and Romes, gates. To ensure no foul play, we shall take counsel as we do in the Curia, whereby only Senators are allowed."

He waits for the reply

[Pontifex Maximus]

Severus nods in agreement and spurs his horse forward. Wearing his full military regalia, Severus makes sure to stay out of range of the walls and stabbing distance from Tranquilus.

You have seen my ultimatum, no?

[Dark Storm]

Gnaeus also, cam out to speak,

"Yes i have seen your ultimatum Severus," Gnaeus sighed, "To think we used to be friends, however you asked to much, and we could not give all, we took the only action we could foresee, and though it has split the republic, it has saved Rome."

[Pontifex Maximus]

Titus approaches from amoungst the tenth he had walked south with.

Severus. Have you given thought to what you will do once we are inside? You should do something to show the people that you are still here for them.

I have. I have drafted a series of reforms that will once again establish order. Once this has been implemented we shall pursue the rebels and destroy any who resist us.

Lucius approaches Titus and glances at him.

It all depends on what is left behind...we will find someway to show the people that we are still here for them. But we must first secure this place before considering what to give or show to the people.

The traitors have not had time enough to do great amounts of damage to the infrastructure. We should find the city mostly abandoned. THose who remained to drag off what they can will certainly be captured. They have little hope of escape if they are still in the city.

Gnaeus also, cam out to speak,

"Yes i have seen your ultimatum Severus," Gnaeus sighed, "To think we used to be friends, however you asked to much, and we could not give all, we took the only action we could foresee, and though it has split the republic, it has saved Rome."

Our friendship ended the moment you defied the senate and attempted to outlaw me. My Mars Ultor I swear this treachery shall be avenged. You have doomed Rome to war, brother against brother, yet I will not relent. As the legitimate seat of power the Republic shall rise from these ashes and the traitors shall be hunted down and put on trial. These trials should have occurred already if not for magisterial corruption. You have squandered all attempts at negotiation and you know this. The people throw themselves firmly in my camp.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lucius then returns to the men of the 1st, watching them prepare for anything. His eyes turned, gazing upon his son-in-law. He sighed lightly and only hoped that Valeria and Caelinus were safe.