The Congregation of Six Legates

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Congregation of the Six Legates

Maximinius called for the six Legates of the legions that declared their loyalties to him to Massalia for a summit. With Maximinius was his trusted military advisor, Licinius Albinus, a retired legate of Legio XVI Gallica and IX Rapax. The Proconsul stroked his chin slightly, pondering on this situation. He had a considerable force to do anything he wanted. His eyes calmly gazed southward towards the Roman homeland, wondering what the Senate was thinking...but then a lustful gaze turned north, looking towards the untamed Gallic lands. He remained there, awaiting for the Legates to arrive.

It was rather curious that these legions would declare their loyalty to him, among many other Romans of greater abilities. But what the Proconsul notices was that these legions had personally served him during the last Gallic War. Perhaps they wanted another war against the wild Gauls. More glory to give their proven and able commander.

OOC: I would like a mod to be present to play a prominent legate. I encourage other players to roleplay other legates as well. But remember, these legions DECLARED their loyalty to Maximinius...so none of the Legates will be against his words nor actions, whatever they may be...they may question decisions because they may want things explained. So please, keep to the view and attitude that these Legates are loyal to Maximinius and have openly declared it.

However, I don't plan anything radical against the Republic.

BUT I do want some creative reasons from each legion as to why they declared their loyalty to Maximinius

[Rhapture]

Sextus Lepidus, legate of the Legio II Alaudae spoke up.

"Proconsul Regulus, you may be wondering why the Alaudae Legion is here now, declaring loyalty to you. The legionaries under my command are men of action, and of late there has been no action in Spain. Our Commander led a foraying party one day and never returned. The Senate then promptly forgot about us for 3 years. The men were nearly ready to just leave and deseert, when an idea came around to go to a commander who knew what it was to lead. So the senior centurions choose you based on your success in Gaul a few years back.

It was not an easy journey through Spain, no roads, much of it still hostile to us, to get back to Romanized lands. We are not at full strength, we lost perhaps 200 men from hunger raid or desertion. But I believe those can easily be replaced. Weapons are still in good condition, armor almost as good, but shoes are a problem for half the men. Yet they are still in good spirits, the journey seemed to form a stronger bond among them, and if you lead them they will do all that you ask. They may be underfed, but they just need direction and an objective. They are also ready to be soldiers again. They want action like I said, and battle will show you their worth. Put them in the middle and they will do you proud, Proconsul.

The Legio II Alaudae is yours Regulus, you have their loyalty now as long as you lead them properly.

Lepidus salutes Regulus then steps back.

[Okmin]

Fabius of Legio XIII Classica stepped forward next. The legate of Legio VI Ferrata nods to him.

"Ave, proconsul. I will speak for my legion Classica and the Sixth Ferrata. You probably wonder why we in Greece are also loyal to you, when everyone else here comes from Iberia and has such obvious reasons. Our war with Cotys is over, but we sat waiting outside a single city for almost two years since Proconsul Lucullus disappeared. He gave us, his soldiers, no reason or notice before he left, but we continued the siege ourselves in the hope that the Senate would send someone to finish the war. The leaders of our Republic are becoming -- forgive me if I am out of line, but it seems like this to us in the far-off provinces -- lazy and oblivious to things happening too far outside the walls of Rome. We had plenty of time to think and talk about our situation during the siege, and the centurions came to me and said the men want strong leadership. We need an imperator who will not abandon us. Consul Aquila was a good commander, at least he lead us to victory, but you are more renowned and the centurions chose you. It seems our comrades in Spain agree.

The men of the Legio XIII Classica and VI Ferrata are yours to command, proconsul."

The legate salutes.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sextus and Fabius, your words are valued and gracious.

Maximinius looks at the two then at Licinius who stands to the side as the Proconsul stands.

I will assure your legions and your minds that I seek no actions against the Republic. I may be ambitious, but only if it benefits the Republic as a whole. I cannot let the people see me as a traitor...I could not bare to do such a thing as turning my hand against my beloved home and Republic.

[Okmin]

A courier arrives on horseback. "A letter for Pronconsul Maximinus Atilius Regullus from Consul Gaius Marius Aquila!"

He hands the paper to the proconsul.

Regullus,

The Senate is obviously concerned that six legions have declared their loyalty to you above Rome. Marcus Domiuts, Valerius' man in Rome, wants you to deny them and send them back to their posts. As consul, I must agree with him in the interests of the Republic. The legions should not be loyal to any one man, and what would happen if other legions got word of this?

And yet as a commander, I can see this presents you a unique opportunity. The bureaucracies of state can be quite inefficient and annoying... Well, I know you know what I'm talking about. The chance to act without waiting on the Senate's word is tempting. I trust you will do the right thing.

In the meantime, it is important for the Senate to know what the legions' reasons for this unprecedented action are. I ask that you send a response as soon as possible.

Aquila

[Rhapture]

A Letter arrives from Proconsul Valerius

Proconsul Regulus

Maximinus,

I have heard that six legions have pledged their loyalty to you over Rome, including two in the province of Greece where I have just arrived. You know I have always stood behind you, supporting you in any way that I could. While I do not deny you this remarkable honor, I do find the fact of the legions deserting Rome to be against the very foundations of Roman ideals. As I know you have the very best intentions for Rome and your family, I am not worried that you will 'do' anything that goes against your dicnitas and auctoritas.
However I do believe the legions that swore allegiance should not go unpunished. We cannot let this incident set precedence. I will not make any recommendations, but I believe you should let the legions know that while you appreciate this honor and gift, and that you will lead them, what they did is not to be repeated.

Yours respectfully always,
Quintus Valerius

[Okmin]

A breathless messenger hands Regullus a slightly crumpled letter.

Regullus,

Apologies for the bad handwriting, but I have to write quickly. Rome is in need of reforms, which we have privately talk about before. I'm sure Tuccius agrees. This situation with the legion is an opening for us. I will be putting these things into action soon. I imagine the Senate will be a bit chaotic at first, but no one will question a legitimately elected dictator. Stay with the legions. We may need them.

Aquila

[Lucius Malfoy]

Maximinius strokes his beard slightly and looks at all the legates assembled before him...all six legions that had declared loyalty to him. He stands up to speak.

Legates, I ask that you all return to your duties. Protecting Greece and the newly conquered Thracian provinces...or ending the war in Hispania. Please, return to keeping Rome and the Republic safe. Though I am happy that your legions are loyal to me and that you would openly declare it...it has left me in a very fragile position with the Senate. I cannot let them think that I would dare turn my hand against the Republic.

Maximinius then smiles at them.

Perhaps when I decide to take control of more Gallic land, I will ask the Senate to have you six legions assigned to my command...so that you may have your glorious battles and wars to satisfy your legionnaire's desire for conquest.