War of the Titans

[kongurous]

War of the Titans(first thread found here (http://www.warboards.org/showthread.php?t=10178))

It has been over 800 years since the First Expedition to stop Cronos, King of the Titans. The first failed, and the Titans conquered Greece and began to solidify their power. The Great Items that were needed to kill Hades, Poseidon, and Cronos were taken to Sparta when the expedition failed, and the Spartans sent it to Rome before Sparta was placed under a siege that has lasted for over 800 years. However, during the sacking of Rome by Gaul in 390 BC, the items were stolen and spread throughout Gaul and Germania. Rome, deciding the Titans couldn't get all of them, did not mount a rescue effort.

Rome grew immensely as it historically did. The Roman Empire spreads from Iberia in the West, to Britannia in the North, to Egypt in the South, but is stalemated in Greece. Roman armies are in Macedon, currently sieging Thessalonika, though the War of the Titans, as it was called, has recently fallen against Rome.

The highest authority in the Senate of Rome, the Pontifex Maximus, pro-consul of Italy, and military consul of Rome, Gaius Aurelius Flavius Aetius, appealed the Senate. His plan was to unite the descendants of the original questors, and allow them to gain revenge on Cronos, and bring good, Roman control and civilisation to Greece. The Senate magnanimously agreed and granted Aurelius an army, and the blessings of the Emperor himself were given to Aurelius. As a soldier or mercenary, it is your job to aid Aurelius in his efforts. Do not fail Rome, and Rome will not fail you.

As I rather liked the prospect, I'm recycling the region system. The regions are Italy, Gaul, Carthage, Britain, or Sparta. It works like so;

Italy(Roman soldier): The best swordsmen in the Empire. They are disciplined, strong, and heavily armoured. If they have any weaknesses, it's that they are not the best in 1v1 combat and they're slow.

Gaul: Big, strong, burly men from central Europe. They typically use axes, and disdain armour, but they are also fast and quite insane when enslaved by a bloodlust. They have a deep hatred for Romans, but they also like Roman gold, so they are mostly mercenaries.

Carthage: The best sailors in the Mediterranean. They are also good spearman, and have some of the best fighting skills as the Romans. They have grown used to Roman rule, and they are usually held in high regards in the Roman military.

Britain: From the cold North, hails the Britons. They favour the stealthy forms of combat, rather than being like their southern neighbours, the Gauls. They make some of the best spies and other... seedy agents throughout the Empire, and are found mostly on the frontiers of Rome, helping out the local garrisons in exchange for Roman denarii.

Sparta: The last free Greek city-state. They have been fighting against the Titans for 800 years, and the state of their city displays that. The once-great acropolis is now destroyed and drab. The mighty walls are crumbling and are in a state of severe disrepair. The supplies of the city are running out, the Titans have almost won. The Spartan military has been getting desperate, sending younger and younger men, and even women, into the battlefield. What little weaponry they have is of Roman iron. They eat Roman bread for their paultry breakfast and supper. They rely on Rome for everything. As a result, they aren't the best, but they have determination. They have potential. They may not have much, but they make do. They are the ultimate recyclists, and I would prefer the experienced RPers or those who were in the original be from Sparta. They Spartans are pretty much jacks of all trades, but not that experienced due to being under siege and all their experienced leaders being dead.

All of the regions have some sort of affiliation with the Titans, whether they be deserters or not.

If you were in the first RP(Resurgence of the Titans)you are entitled to be a descendant of your old character. Make how they exist creative, and whatnot. And the in-game year is 156 AD.

Character sheet is as followed:

Name:
Alias:
Age:
Gender:
Region of birth:
Equipment:
Appearance:
Allegiance: (Rome, Titans, Mercenary)
Skills:
Bio:

Now, let's see how far this goes and let's have some fun while we're at it.

Now, my character sheet:

Name: Gaius Aurelius Flavius Aetius(Aurelius)
Alias: Pro-consul, Pontifex
Age: 38
Gender: male
Region of Birth: Roman Empire(Narbo Martius, specifically)
Equipment: lorica segmentata(segmented armor, google-image it), lorica hamata(chainmail)under that, scutum, gladius, two pila, the Eagle of Rome on his chestplate, red-plumed helmet, a red cloak, and a purple sash around his waist, signifying his position as pro-consul.
Appearance: shaved head, 5'2"(what? He's a Roman. They were short. Very short), generally handsome. Has many scars on his face, and a nose that didn't mend correctly.
Skills: Roman discipline, and the Blessing of Mars, which grants his allies greater confidence, fighting ability, and strength.
Bio: Aurelius was born to a rich Roman family in southern Gaul. He frolicked in the natural beauty, and he was kind to his slaves and his family members. His father was the militant consul of Rome, and commanded many military expeditions against the local unruly tribes. That is, until he went with his father on a hunting trip. The Gauls ambushed Aurelius, and the hunting party. His father died fighting, and Aurelius was taken prisoner. He was treated as a packmule, used to pull carriages and other menial tasks, though the local warlord's daughter took pity on him. She smuggled Aurelius extra food and water, and he eventually fell in love with her. Unfortunately, when Aurelius was 17 and had been in the service of the Gauls for ten years, her father found out and out of rage, killed Aurelius's first love. The Roman snapped, broke open the iron doors(via blessing of Mars), and killed every last Gaul in the camp with his bare hands. He also gave the girl who had helped him through his incarceration a proper Roman cremation. Then, Aurelius returned to Rome and enlisted in the Roman army. He assisted in conquering many lands for Rome, and picked up the knowledge of many languages, and noticed his natural connection to Mars. Some say he is Mars in human form. When Aurelius was 32, he ran for the Roman office of military consul, in honor of his father's former position. Aurelius had great military success against the Parthians and rebellions in Gaul and southern Egypt, and ran for the office of Pontifex Maximus. He, obviously, succeeded, and was given the office of Pro-consul of Italy, an honor that made him the Hand of the Empire, the Emperor being the brain. Now, at the age of 38, he commands the Roman forces in Macedon and northern Greece, and is somewhat distraught that the war has turned against him.

*Addition*

The Region system is by no means a system of classes. The Region system allows you to have a certain nationality, and it recommends how they are best used, according to my methods. You can be an Italian thief, for example, but a British thief will have had more experience.

[GiaDragoness]

Mind if I join? I know it's been awhile.

[kongurous]

Mind if I join? I know it's been awhile.

Go ahead. I don't care if you're the most hated or most loved in the forum, I reserve the right to refuse no-one.

[iHawk]

Hmm… well, I will be joining this you have my word. I just need to think up a good character. So expect my char sheet in a week at most.

[kongurous]

Hmm… well, I will be joining this you have my word. I just need to think up a good character. So expect my char sheet in a week at most.

K. I know the Protoss_Honor is joining, and Singo said he would, and so did Tharisfal.

[singo]

Im here...

Name: Sir Cully of Cullys Woode

Alias: Cully

Age: 28

Gender: Male

Region of birth: Britain

Equipment: Two shortswords, an iron sheild and Lorica Hamata (is mail allowed?). Also a leather set of greaves and heavy boots.

Appearance: 5'8 with short dark hair. Cully is reasonably muscular and is not seen without his weapons and armour

Allegiance: Mercenary (Fighting for Rome)

Skills: Apart from his obvious (and very good) warrior abilities not much. But he is quite a fast runner.

Bio: Born in Cully's woode, his ancestral family lands, Cully was a british noble. One day ten years ago, he returned from a several day long hunting trip to find his family stead burning, a large band of outlaws had ambushed his family as they slept and fired the house, cutting down his family as they fled the flames. The Cully's were a warrior family, but they never stood a chance.

Cully tracked the bandits down and killed them all. They had split into smaller groups and gone their seperate ways, and he cut them down group by group. He bought better equipment with the bounty for the heads of some of the more notorious of the bandits.

He stopped using his first name, for reasons never revealed to any other, and went north. The roman garrison on the scottish border hired him as a mercenary and he led several assaults upon the northern enemy. as well as making several last-ditch attempts to halt their incursions, all of which were successful. He caught the attention of the roman commanders and was asked if he wished to go south and join the Army being assembled for a quest of some description in greece. He accepted and was given passage on a ship bound for the war.





That okay?

[kongurous]

Its superb. When P_H makes his character, or its tomorrow, I'll start 'er up.

[kongurous]

*rewind the story about 10 days*

*Senate house, Rome*

"Order! Order!" Aurelius shouted and banged his gavel on a plate of stone. The unruly senators sat, and chatted silently amongst themselves as the Pro-consul took a deep breath and collected his thoughts.

"I have called this emergency meeting to discuss the war in Greece. It has come to my attention that we are slowly losing. I received a message earlier this week detailing that our forces have been cut off. Our forces in Byzantium have been overrun, resulting in the complete destruction of the city, and our forces in Pella are under siege, cutting off Thessalonika. We are in deep need for more soldiers, but without senatorial approval, no such action can be made. So, senators, I ask of you, do you grant me an army?"

A senator stood and shouted, "You are planning more... what is it?"

"I trust you're all familiar with the Legend?"

The senators nodded, they knew what the consul meant. The standing senator said, "You mean to unite the descendants?"

"Yes, Cicero, I do. However, I need an army to do that. Is it granted?" Aurelius said, and awaited an answer.

The senators discussed this, and rather weakly agreed that they would, under the condition that Aurelius's plan be successful. He accepted, and at the end of that week, the army was assembled. Aurelius financed a fleet himself, and set sail for Byzantium.

*currently, in the siege of Pella, July V, AD CLVI(July 5th, AD 156)*

Aurelius sheathed his sword and inserted an ivory whistle into his mouth. He blew a high pitched note, and shouted, "Formation... close!"

The troops, that were set in a checkerboard formation, moved to a square formation. A fresh wave of Titan mercenaries slammed into a thinning line. The general Titan tactic was to throw troops at a Roman formation until it finally ran out of energy and fell apart. This was no different.

A Gaul slammed his hand ax into Aurelius's scutum, who responded by jamming the shield into wear the foot met the ankle, and stabbed his gladius into the man's ribs. The dying Gaul breathed in deeply, and fell against Aurelius's shield as the gladius was extracted.

"Hold formation!" the pro-consul shouted in an attempt to keep order. The soldiers behind the front line held onto the leather straps around each soldier to assist in keeping together.

However, one man's strap snapped and he rushed forward into the mass of mercenaries, losing his helmet. He cut down two and began beating out the gold teeth of the second, as a green-clothed enemy tried to kill the soldier. Aurelius ran forward and placed his gladius into the back of the barbarian's cranium, as the soldier finished beating out the teeth and stood.

"Get back in formation, you drunken bastard!" Aurelius shouted and bashed in the face of an enemy with his shield.

The soldier punched Aurelius across the face, who responded by tripping the helmet-less soldier, and stabbing him in the neck. The Pro-consul pulled back, and ordered a retreat to the gate to Pella.

As they reached the gate, he noticed a calvary force on top of a nearby hill. Aurelius blew his whistle again and said, "Formation testudo!" and the soldiers raised their shields in the formation of the tortoise. This was the signal for the calvary to charge as well.

The lead horseman raised the spear in his hand, and rushed down the hill, as more calvary surged over and slammed into the rear of the enemy. Within minutes, the enemy was broken and fled as the calvary continued to run them down. Aurelius sighed, and ordered the men back to the barracks. They had won the battle, but the regional Titan commander, Oceanus, was determined to force the Romans out.

Aurelius went to the palace-turned-command center, and looked at a map of Greece while he poured himself a cup of wine. The Titans controlled most everything, but at least Pella was still Roman. The Thessalonika siege was going on schedule, so he finished off his wine and went to one of the towers on the city walls. The calvary was still having their fun, and their may be refugees coming, so why waste a perfectly good opportunity to stand watch?

<tag everyone. the RP has now started>

[iHawk]

Name: Thracius
Alias: Scorpion
Age: 19
Gender: Male
Region of birth: Egypt

Equipment: Two iron scimitars (one longer then the other), leather armour, a charming flute and an aincient Spartan Javelin kept wrapped in papyrus kept in his bag (by bag I mean cloth sack, like a primitive shoulder bag)
Appearance: Thracius stands at a very tall 6'3'', is rather thin but very strong. He has long black hair, a short beard peircing green eyes and a greek nose. He wears a dark brown cloak with a hood that can cover his entire face except his eyes.
Allegiance: Mercenary
Skills: Dual sword fighting, desert survival, snake charming, pick pocketing and can speak greek.

Family history: Begining at the first attempt at defeating chronos Thracius' family comes from the spartan soldier Mercandese. After the group was ambushed and defeated Mercandese was one of the lucky ones that escaped. Feeling resposnibility for those that had died and for Sparta's fate he fled to Egypt where he changed his name and started a new life. Eventually he made a family, and he told his only son the truth, and for him to tell his son, and for his son to tell his son so that the story would never die. The family continued to flourish over the near 8 centuries since Mercandese died and the story was passed on to the eldest son of each generation as was commanded until Thracius. All the eldest sons were also given Greek names to carry on their Spartan herritage.

Bio: Thracius was the only son of his father, who was the eldest son of his generation, for this reason alone Thracius was told a tale, a tale of heritage. His father explained why he was named in the Greek fassion, and why he was givven an ancient javelin. He was told about a great hero named Mercandese, a Spartan that helped fight in the first attack on the Titans. Thracius was told that he was chosen to continue his ansestor's original quest, that he would help destroy the titans…

Through his childhood he kept all of this a secret, he went be Hasis to hide his greek blood and enjoyed youth as much as possible away from home. When he was home he was training; Taught to fight with two swords, to speak his ancient language, to tame the wild snakes and to survive in the deserts with not more then the clothes on his back and a blade. He also learned from his friends how to steal without being noticed and how to hide in the sand.

At sixteen he left home on his own to start his own life,he wandered the desert stealing food, money, whatever he needed and made his way to sea, from there he took a boat to greece where he made a living with 'dishonorable' work. He moved to Rome, where the bounty was plentiful and the gaurds over confident. That is where he still resides, resting at day, and stealing at night.

This (http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/weapons10.jpg) is what Thracius' swords look like with one slightly shorter.

[Protoss_Honor]

(ooc) Skippy said i could have 2 chars and he said I am also assitant gm, so here are my chars.

Name Moricus Theclantius II
age: 18
Appearance: the spitting image of his great 43 times grandfather, Moricus Theclantius I, 6'0'' 200 lb, short Black hair, blackish/silver eyes (this trait seems to skip several dozen generations before reapearing, only one other man in the Moricus line had silver eyes, Moricus I's great 21 times grandson Noricius), muscular and tall. He even has a scar on his left cheek like Moricus I.
Equipment: All of Moricus Theclantius I's equipment, except for the xystos. He also has a dagger with Moricus II carved into the hilt.
Skills: general combat training expert with the halberd.
Bio: Born in the remains of the City-State of Sparta to the descendents of the Moricus Theclantius I. His parents named him after Moricus I because of his silver tinted black eyes. He lived a life, not all that different from Moricus I, just a little more advanced, and he lived in the remains of the once great City-State as apposed to living in the actual city-state. Becuase Sparta was in such poor shape, he was only 5 years old, before he was taken to be trained. He was a happy, easy going, yet tough guy and he made several friends in training. He was the biggest, strongest and smartest around, so he was the leader of all the boys. Out of need for more soldiers, all Spartan males only got ten years of training, before they were made soldiers in the Spartan army. He has fought in many battles, with the Spartans uneasy allies, the Romans, against the Titans, and in only 3 years he had won several honors. He rose up in the ranks quickly due to the fact that many PSrtans were killed each battle. He has many many battle wounds and he lost most of his friends, but he has never allowed that to keep him from fighting at his best. His most obvious scar is on his cheek, about 2 inches long and 2 centimeters wide, where, unlike his Ancestors arrow wound, a demons claw barely missed taking his head off.

Name: Sarius Clerestus
age: 17
Appearance: Almost exactly like his brother, only shorter and skinnier, and he doesn't have the sliverish tint in his eyes like his brother, and he doesn't ahve scar either. 5' 9'' 190 lb, black hair black eyes. He is quite muscular, like his brother.
equipment: he has weapons and armor identical to that of his brother, except, his is much much newer. He holds Moricus I's xystos, while his brother holds the halberd. he also has a dagger, with Sarius carved into the hilt.
skills: general combat training expert at the xystos.
Bio: Born in the remains of the City-State of Sparta to the descendents of the Moricus Theclantius I. Like his brother, Sarius was only 5 years old when he was takne to training.Unlike his brother, he was broody and pessimistic and he wasnt as friendly or large as his Brother.The entire time he was there with his brother, he was always having to follow after his brother, and obey his brother. The one year he was in training without his brother, another boy took charge, and Sarius grew resentful and angry. He hated the other boy. Finally, at the age of 15 he was made a soldier in the Spartan army. In the two years he was a soldier, he did okay in the army, but he had few noticable honors. He has anger problems because he was always bossed around, and he isnt the best.



(ooc) I cant be on much until the 12th so Skippy is in charge of my chars for now, but you guys can use them if you need to.




EDIT: PS I forgot to mention, the descendants of Moricus I have kept his weapons and armor in perfect condition, awaiting the day someone or someones would rise and avenge his memory. So Yeah my stuff is just slightly battered and bruised, but still in almost top condition

[singo]

Cully of Cully's Woode
Ship
En route to the Med
----------------------

Cully didnt like ships, and he definately didnt like ships full of seasick soldiers. But that was okay, he presumed neither did anyone else.

It had been several days now and they were nearing Italy, and from there onward to greece. Assuming it didnt fall before he got there. From what he had heard of the war that was a possibility. Still, they were about to dock and then he had a while on land before he had to board yet another leaky wooden tub.

The ship heaved to and the soldiery disembarked. Many of them lookign weak with fatigue. Right, he had a few hours to kill, but first he had to report to his Commander. He might not be roman, but whilst he let them pay him he had to obey their rules.

"Cully! I dont want you wandering off and conviniently missing the boat to greece, I know your type"

"Sir, With all due respect, however much that is, as long as the money keeps coming I will follow orders to both the letter and the spirit. You need not distrust me simply because I fight for coin. After all, you pay your own soldiers do you not?"

"Hmm, dont take that tone with me or I will hang you over the side for the journey to greece!"

"Yessir"

Bloody idiot, how someone like him ever got into what was for the most part, a very professional army was beyond Cully. Still, he had an hour and a half to kill, so he went to a tavern.

Two hours later he was regretting his decision to start drinking immensely.......along with most of the other soldiers he was fighting for a place at the ship's rail

"Uuuurrgggggggghhh"

<OOC: Just a little post until the RP gets started proper>

[iHawk]

Thracius
Rome (Teh big city)
Deffinatly not stealing >_>

Thracius stood in an alley staring up at the stars, seemingly unaware of the man walking up behind him. "You're late." He said still stareing at the sky. "There were gaurds, I had to take a differant path. My price has gone up." Thracius smiled and turned towards the other cloaked man. "Gone up has it? Well, I'm sure I can" He bolted forward, slammed the man against the wall and pressed his shorter scimitar to the man's neck. "Persuade, you to lower it." The man laughed as three more men entered the alley. "You don't think I came alone do you? I'm not that stupid!" "No," Thracius said as he released him and reached for his other sword. "But you are that foolish."

Thracius drew his longer sword and stabbed his shorter one into the man's chest before any of them could react. "Now, you're dead and this," Thracius grabbed a bag from the man's belt. "Is now mine." He pulled the scimitar out letting the body fall to the ground before he turned to the others and said. "Unless you wish the same fate as Darius, I suggest you flee and forget this ever happened. The three men looked amongst themselves and at Thracius before bolting off at great speed. Thracius sheethed his swords and calmly walked away while looking at the contents of the bag. His face lit up and he laughed. "Nice doing buisiness with you Darius." Thracius then dissapeared into the shadows…

(OOC) No it's not magic, he's just good at sneaking around. (OOC)

[kongurous]

Pro-consul Aurelius
Pella
Damn it...
**********

Aurelius was enjoying a second burger as one of the watchmen in the tower he was leaning against shouted, "Vells!!!"

The Vells were a race of dark-skinned beings who had a deep hatred for humanity. They have elven ears, and have blood red eyes. They stand at least a head taller than a Gaul, and are almost exclusively female. They've been brought from the Underworld as a main-stay army for Cronos. The undead army Hades used was no longer an issue, as Hades was sent down the River Styx by Nuccius the Watchman, in the first expedition, so they went with him. They also disdained armour, and had only a big kite shield and curved sword as a defence. Their strength was their speed, which was considerable.

Aurelius jumped to his feet and looked out at the army. A small force, around 340 strong.

"Shouldn't be too hard..." Aurelius thought.

He retrieved his helmet and spun the plume into place. He drew his gladius and rushed down the steps to the city gate, which was being opened for the Romans to match the Titan aggression. A regiment in testudo formation was already marching out, and Aurelius blew his centurion whistle to bring everyone's attention to him.

"Formation close, form up!" He bellowed, and blew his whistle again to signify that his order be carried out. The soldiers scurried and formed a testudo just wide enough to get through the gate. Gallic mercenary archers provided support, though they couldn't pick many of the Vells off, due to the massive shields. Of course, what was a Vell army without calvary? Huge black horses sped over a hill, though the charge was halted by a brave unit of 120 triarii spearmen.

"If any of them survive, they're all getting promotions." He thought, and assumed his position next to the standard bearer behind the testudo.

The formation advanced as the Vells hit it like a ton of bricks and surrounded it. Aurelius cut one of them down almost immediatly, and took a pilum from his shield. He threw it at the enemy standard bearer, though it missed and hit her in the thigh. Still, she dropped the standard and nearly died herself, due to the unique design of the pilum.

Shields clashed and many a face was bashed in by the large iron caps in the middle of the Roman scutums. Aurelius himself favoured bashing, though if it proved unwieldy, he got stabby. The Vells, being disorganised and poorly armoured, were cut down like flies. For every 9 Vells, one Roman died, leaving 37 dead Romans and 340 dead Vells.

Aurelius regrouped his force into a box formation, and had the entire force rallied. They were going to march for the nearest port and await the mercenary forces that were called in. A thief, a Brit, and two Spartans who were somewhat famous were on the list of mercs, and Aurelius planned on meeting all of them personally.
***************************

[end of RP post, now, I'd like to introduce you to the leader of the Vells]

Name: Regnier
Alias: none
Age: 37
Gender: male
Region of birth: Gaul
Equipment: A massive two-handed sword, a black steel iron mask with curved horns, and big, black pauldrons. Has a leather bandolier across his chest with a giant skull in the center, with a big ruby between the eyes of the skull. His belt is black leather, with a skull as a buckle with two long, rectangular strips of cloth going down to the black iron boots on his feet.
Appearance: 7'9", is well-tanned and very fit.
Allegiance: Titan/unaffiliated
Skills: inhumanly powerful, can withstand fire, and absolutely despises Pro-consul Aurelius.
Bio: No-one knows a lot about Regnier. Some say he is a half-ogre, the result of an ogre male raping a human female and creating this devilspawn. Some say he is a pale Vell. But it is established that he despises humanity with every fibre of his being, despite being a human himself. He was originally born in Gaul, and was kidnapped as a child when his village was attacked by Romans. Vells found him, and tried to kill him, but he resisted so much they decided to make him one of their own. As a human, he was at a disadvantage to his taller and leaner counter-parts, but he could take any of them in a fistfight. He grew up with a Vell mentality, and killed anyone who denied him a right simply because he was human. When he became strong enough, he participated in a ceremonial hunting trip that can only one survivor, because everyone is killed, by the instructors or their teammates. On the last night of this trip, the instructors attempt to kill all the children as they sleep. Those can wake up must kill the instructor or be killed themselves, and then a brutal fight to the death insues between the survivors of the instructor attack. Obviously, Regnier won that match, and overthrew the weak king of the Vells, and took his place, and became the youngest Vell king ever, at the age of 17. With a powerful king, the Vells grew in power in their own dimension of existence. In 136 AD, when Regnier had first taken power, he was approached by Cronos and offered super strength and fire immunity if he pledged his support towards the repulsion of the Romans from Greece. Regnier accepted, and thus began this war between Rome and the Vells. One battle, Regnier was matched in fighting ability by a man who was tall for a Roman... the Pro-consul Aurelius. Aurelius almost killed Regnier, before being flung against a tree before the deed could be done. Since then, Regnier has pledged that he will never die until Aurelius goes first.

[singo]

Cully of Cully's Woode
Docks
Sweet terra firma
---------------

Ye gods that was good, finally, firm ground under his feet. Strange how a member of an island race could be so godawful at travelling on boats. But then, the whole world ran on irony it seemed at times.

Right, now he had to report to...he opened a piece of paper that he had kept in one of his leather pouches...ah, Gaius Aurelius Flavius Aetius, Aurelius for short. Not that it mattered, "Sir" would do perfectly well.

Hmm, his force was supposed to be marching in from the west. He would meet them there.

He walked across the city and lurked by the main gate. It was not long before the column of roman soldiery was in view. From the way they were marching it was clear that they had been in battle, although the force did not look too diminished.

Soon enough they were at the gates, their commander marching at their head next to the standard.

"Sir!" Cully called as he took a step towards Aurelius "Cully of Cully's Woode reporting for duty!"


<Tag Skippy>

[kongurous]

Pro-consul Aurelius
Docks, Pella
The first of our mercs arrives
***********

Aurelius strode at the head, next to the standard bearer, carrying the Legionary Eagle of the Senate in his left hand, and his scutum on his right arm. His small force had reached the gates of the Pellan docks, and a Briton rushed forward to greet him.

"Sir!", the Briton called as he took a step towards Aurelius. "Cully of Cully's Woode reporting for duty!"

Aurelius nodded, as his hands were too occupied to salute.

"Let me think...", Aurelius said, sucking on his teeth in thought. "Ah! You're a mercenary, aren't you? Forgive my ignorance, I've had a lot on my mind recently." the Pro-consul said, and had a servant take the eagle away as he wiped sweat from his forehead.

"Indeed, sir. Just tell me where you need me." Cully answered.

"Well, we aren't going to fighting anything for the next day or so, if everything goes to plan. You have my blessings, and my personal permission to use this port's brothels and taverns as you wish." Aurelius planted his fist against his chest, and extended it towards Cully, the Roman salute, and proceeded into the city.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Regnier
Athens
Planning
*************

Regnier smirked as new human slaves from Scythia arrived. His Vells had operations across the Mediterranean and the Black Sea that included, but not limited to, slave trading, extortion, mercenary work, and mining. Regnier's particular field of expertise was mercenary work, and the Titans paid handsomely, to put it lightly, for a professional force.

He continued on his way from the Athenian port to the former head council chamber on the acropolis, the very one that the Oracle of Delphi and his group had been too about 1000 years earlier. The council chamber is now a planning room for the Titans, and Cronos had picked up the habit of using the chamber as a house. The Vell guards at the gate greeted their King, and waved him in.

The columns were cracked and old, vines or dirt clocked the once bright windows. The once-proud guard were now replaced by half-naked elves. The gold had been stripped from the tops and bottoms of the columns, and the white marble was tarnished and beleagured. It looked as if the building would collapse at any moment... and in the middle of the massive, and unused, meeting place of the former Delian League, was the head titan himself, Cronos.

He was... short, compared to the rather tall Regnier. Cronos stood at 5'8", tall for the Greeks he is overlord of, but short to the rest of Europe. He had black eyes, and a thick brown beard. He wore a purple toga and a gladius at his left side. The man stood, rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, and instantly lit up as the clanking of Regnier's boots approached him.

"Well, hello there, Regnier!" Cronos said jovially, and smiled. This was the only human the Titan-king could stand... and the only one he feared.

"Hi. The Romans have broken the siege of Pella, they've made a thrust for Thessalonika, and I'm losing hundreds of soldiers daily. You need to hurry this war up or I won't be able to support you." Regnier responded, getting to the point quickly.

Cronos chuckled. He was arrogant, of course, but often dangerously so.

"These Romans are flies to our horse, snakes to our mongoose. They will fall eventually."

"And I don't have enough soldiers to outlast them. Give me more time, and I can win a victory for us, but you can't keep pressuring me and my Vells to do the impossible." Regnier boomed menacingly, and turned on his heel and briskly left the room, his boots clanking ominously on the marble floor. He swayed from side to side, cloak flowing, and billows of vapour from his mouth. It wasn't cold, but his breath always appeared as vapour for some reason.

Regnier looked into the permanently grey sky. It looked as if it were about to rain, but since the Titan occupation, it was always like this. Down below in the commons of Athens, trade was being conducted. People were starving, however. This war with the Romans was bad enough, but with lack of supplies, you'd think they would have called a ceasefire by now. Regnier didn't hate Rome per se, he just hated one particular Roman. The Roman named Aurelius... the only man he couldn't kill. Regnier shook every thought of Aurelius from his mind and had an army of 50,000 assembled for an assault north. Thessalonika was an important city, one that Regnier needed, and these pathetic Romans would not stand in his way.

[iHawk]

Thracius
Rome
When in Rome… steal stuff!

When morning came Thracius quickly jumped up with sword in hand as a precaution he always took, as usual there was nothing. He set his sword down and ran his fingers through his hair as he stumbled over to his storage closet (it wasn't big enough to be classified as a room) to get some wine. He ate two loaves of bread, a half-a-bunch of grapes and drank nearly a flask of wine for breakfast. He still needed a place to sell the jewels he 'aquired' last night and the Romans had most probably already found the body.

Thracius threw on his cloak, hid his swords in said cloak and left his small house to wander the city…

(OOC) Tagz everyone… I may not of moved the story along but I did put Thracius in a position to be run into by anyone's character. (OOC)

[kongurous]

OOC: We aren't in Rome, we're in Greece. Pella, specifically.

[iHawk]

(OOC) Ok… then next post I'll have to get Thracius out of Rome. I'll probably just say that the local official are starting to close in on him. (OOC)

[singo]

OOC: What now?

[kongurous]

OOC: What now?

OOC: You post, and let P_H get his intro in tomorrow.

[Protoss_Honor]

Moricus Theclantius II and Sarius Clerestus
SPartan Soldiers
Descendants of Moricus I
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Moricus and Sarius marched side by side down the Pellan docks on their way to meet the Pro-consul. "Brother, I believe that is the ship we are supposed to meet." Moricus said pointing. They walked up to the ship. "Hail, sailor! Is this the ship of Pro-Consul Aurelius?" Moricus called up to a working sailor
"It is."
"Where might I find the Pro-consul?"
"Right behind you." a strange voice said behind their backs.
Moricus and Sarius turned and found themselves facing a Roman and a Briton.
"Hail Pro-consul. I am Moricus Theclantius II. This is my brother Sarius Clerestus. We are the last descendants of Moricus Theclantius I, The Questor."
"Ah, good, we have been awaiting your arrival." The Pro-consul said. He turned to the Briton next to him. "This is Cully of Cully's Wood."
"Greetings." Moricus said in a friendly tone. He elbowed Sarius, who was glaring at Cully and the Pro-consul.
"Oof! Greetings." Sarius said in a bored tone of voice.
"Forgive my brother, he seems to have left his manners at home." Moricus apologized.

(ooc) Tag Skippy and Singo. Skippy, how is this for the opening post? Moricus is fun loving and a soldier, but he does have very good manners, his brother on the other hand, hates everything and everyone it seems. So yeah, post away you two.

(ooc) so what exactly should my intro be about? Moricus and his brother meeting with skippy's char? or what? Where is everyone exactly? I am confused
PS. I am back as of today, but it may take me a few days to get totally caught up with everything, so bare with me please.
EDIT: Okay so, I am supposed to bring my chars to the docks for you to meet? Okay. That I can do.

[kongurous]

OOC: It works just fine, Protoss_Honor. I'll edit in a post once I get caught up in the forum.

Pro-consul Aurelius
Pellan docks
w00rt
**********

Aurelius spotted to the two other soldiers he had planned to meet, and approached them from behind.

"...might I find the Pro-consul?" the taller one said.

"Right behind you." Aurelius said, and chuckled. The men turned, one looked scarred and experienced, the other looked like a pansy who needed a beating.

"Hail Pro-consul. I am Moricus Theclantius II. This is my brother Sarius Clerestus. We are the last descendants of Moricus Theclantius I, The Questor." the tall one, Moricus, said.

"Ah, good, we have been awaiting your arrival." The Pro-consul said. He turned to the Briton next to him. "This is Cully of Cully's Woode."

"Greetings." Moricus said in a friendly tone. He elbowed Sarius, who was glaring at Cully and the Pro-consul.

"Oof! Greetings." Sarius said in a bored tone of voice.

"Forgive my brother, he seems to have left his manners at home." Moricus apologised.

"Indeed. Perhaps a few years in the arena would help his attitude?", Aurelius said, laughed lightly, and composed himself. "Don't answer that. Thank you for arriving on an accurate time table. We need to get to Rome." Aurelius said, and looked at Cully. "You got any qualms with stopping there?"

"What do you mean, sir?" Cully said.

"Well, you're a Briton. I know from experience the Britons don't like the Romans much... at least the Iceni don't." Aurelius said, and began to think.[tag singo for Cully's response].

After a few moments, he looked up and looked at the mercenaries.

"All right, we'll be here the next few days so a few reinforcement units from Rome can arrive, and to get acquited with the current situation in Greece. You're free to anything and everything in Pella, and if you need me, I'll be in the brothel or arena, whichever I find first." Aurelius announced, and started off down a road, the cleets on his sandals clinking on the cobbled streets.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Regnier
En route to Pella
walking is damned slow...
******************

Regnier disdained horses, so he preferred to walk with the infantry corp of his army. The Vells walked in near-perfect formation, due to discipline that was similar to that of Rome's. But they didn't like to think like that, since Rome was proving to be the strongest enemy they have faced yet.

The king sighed, and took out a map... he was nearly 3 hours off Pella. His force was advancing on the same pace as he was, so it would only be a matter of time before Pella was hit. Since the walls were already damaged from siege, a good catapult rock in the right place would spell the end of these vaunted stone barriers. However, the port wasn't barricaded... Cronos, that pompous bastard.

Regnier also wanted this hell-hole because of one man; Aurelius. He was here, in the city... and the city would be the man's grave if Regnier had his way.

[iHawk]

Thracius
Rome
Fleeing

After leaving his home that morning he saw more Roman soldiers on the streets then usual, they must be trying to crack down on law breakers. It was about time he left. He bought some salted meat, some bread and a few flasks of wine before heading down to the docks to call in some favours o get away from this place. He walked down the docks to a small trading ship which looked as if it could fall apart at any moment leaving it's crew beneath the waves. But it was run by the only Captain Thracius could trust so it would have to do. Walking aboard the ship Thracius saw a stout man with black curly hair and a beard to match. "Hail, Drimascus!"

"Hail Thracius, what are you doing here? Last I heard you were out of the sailing buisiness." "Aye, but I need to call in a favour, the Romans are cracking down hard on lawbreakers now. So I need to get out." "Well, I can get you out, if you'll pay." "What!? Don't you remember the 'incident' with the Roman Ship inspector? Who dealt with him and 'convinced' him into leaving you alone?" "Uhh…" "And who got you out of prison when you were caught smuggling armour to Sparta!?" "Uhh…" "And who-

"ALRIGHT!!" Drimascus boomed raising his arms. "I'll take ya for free… but I'm taking supplies to Pella. Less then leagle supplies, so I'm droppin you off there too! If we get caught, you better have a good plan to get out." Thracius smiled and asked. "Don't I always?"…

(OOC) Tag everyone, now I'm on a boat bound for Pella. And you guys are leaving Pella for Rome xD Won't this be interesting if/when we cross paths. (OOC)

[singo]

Cully Of Cullys Woode
Docks
We dont like anyone...
--------------------

"Well, you're a Briton. I know from experience the Britons don't like the Romans much... at least the Iceni don't."

"Sir, We dont much like anyone, living in a land where it pisses down perpetually and you freeze your nuts off in the winter will do that to a race"

"Ah, well, All right, we'll be here the next few days so a few reinforcement units from Rome can arrive, and to get acquited with the current situation in Greece. You're free to anything and everything in Pella, and if you need me, I'll be in the brothel or arena, whichever I find first." Aurelius said as he walked off.

"So, two other hired swords employed to do something big for rome....Either of you have any idea about specifics?" Cully asked the two spartans.

<Taggy mc Tag>

[Protoss_Honor]

Moricus Theclantius II and Sarius Clerestus
Spartan Soldiers
Last descendants of Moricus I
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So, two other hired swords employed to do something big for rome....Either of you have any idea about specifics?" Cully asked.
"I know naught, my fine Briton friend." Moricus said, using his most polite manner to counteract the rudeness of his brother.
"Oh, okay." Cully said, slightly taken aback by Moricus' very polite words.
"May I inquire as to what you are planning to do until we sail for Rome?"
<Tag Singo>
"I myself was planning to do some training to keep in shape, then I would inquire around and see if there was anywhere I could find an opponent to spar with. After that, I thought of going to the baths to relax. I have heard many good stories of the Roman baths."
"Ah, and what were you planning to do?" Cully asked Sarius.
Sarius promptly sealed his lips, folded his arms across his chest and turned his head away from Cully.
Moricus raised a hand and smacked him on the back of the head. "Again, pardon my brother, he seems to have a problem being polite to people. As for an answer to your question, he usually finds a bar, a drink, a game to lose all his money, and a fight. And I always end up paying for the damage. Although, if he cant find a bar, he usually stands in dark alleys and broods."


(ooc) Tag you again Singo, my fine British friend. Wot, Wot, old chap?

[kongurous]

Pro-consul Aurelius
Pellan docks, arena
cheerin' on da gladiatas!!!
************

"Kill him! Kill him! Kill him!" Aurelius and the rest of the crowd in the small arena shouted. The arena could seat about 5,000 people, and there were 2 gladiators. One was a retiarius, or fisherman. He had a trident, and a fishing net as equipment, had no helmet, and had a protective sleeve of heavy linen held onto his left arm with leather straps, and the other gladiator was a hoplomachus, or heavily-armed gladiator. He had a Corinthian-style helmet, a small round shield, and a gladius. The hoplomachus was on the ground, his helmet off and his sword flung away. The retiarius stood above the defeated gladiator, looking to the crowd as to whether he should kill his opponent or not. Ultimately, it was the mediator's decision, who answered with shoving his thumb to his throat, the signal to kill the defeated gladiator. The retiarius raised his trident, and brought it down into the chest of the hoplomachus, blood gushing out from the wound and sprinkling the ground.


Aurelius was enjoying a cup of wine when a catapult rock sailed through a wall of the arena and landed in the battlepit. Aurelius jumped into the street through the hole in the arena, ran for the wall, and stood on a parapet looking out on a force of 50,000 Vells. Aurelius also spotted him...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Regnier
Sieging Pella
AURELIUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(like KHAN!!!!!!! except this isn't Star Trek, nor is it James T. Kirk)
*****************

Regnier's heart pounded as boulders were flung from his catapults into the walls of Pella, and over them. He dug his sword into the dirt and observed the siege as it played out. His sight was a bit restricted by his helmet, though he was not sweating... that is, until he saw him... Pro-consul Pontifex Maximus Gaius Aurelius Flavius Aetius, the man Regnier hated the most.

"AURELIUS!!!!!!" he shouted, and rushed towards the docks but the iron port cullis was shut before Regnier could get in.

"You think your iron will stop me!?!" Regnier bellowed, tore down the gate, and beheaded the 5 Romans behind it. Regnier saw Aurelius and a few others board a ship and sail off. Enraged, Regnier sliced open another Roman who was at a small fishing boat, and stole the boat and sailed off in pursuit of Aurelius.

Either Aurelius would die, or Regnier would die trying, but either way, Aurelius would get hurt. But Regnier was determined... and determination is what brought him this far, and it wouldn't fail him. He was certain.

[tag everyone, tell what happened before Aurelius found you and made you burn rubber to the ship and flee. Lt.Hawk will meet us on the way *wink wink*]

[singo]

Cully Of Cullys Woode
Talking to the Spartans
How about a nice cup of tea?
------------------

"May I inquire as to what you are planning to do until we sail for Rome?" Asked the polite one, Moricus.

"Myself? I cant say I have any specific ideas, probably just wander around and, no, just wander around." He replied.

They talked for a while more and then parted, they had a good few hours yet.


As it happened Cully ended up sitting on the harbour wall with a piece of twine, a sharp hook made from bone and a bit of bread, whileing away the time fishing "with an angle". (Angling, but it wont be called that until the 1300's when someone writes "A treatise on fysshing wyth an angle")

He caught smeg all.

<taggy tag tag>

[iHawk]

Thracius
On a boat
Headin' towards Pella

Thracius was sitting on th boat talking to Drimascus about "The good times", back when Thracius had just arived in rome and crime was small, but those two made enough trouble between them to keep the entire city busy. Theft, murder, anything that gave them an edge without too much work. They were drinking some wine and singing old songs like the good friends they were. They had been on the sea for a day now, so they were still about a week out of Pella. But there were no other ships in veiw and they were relaxing. "So," Drimascus started after they finished another song. "You never did tell me why you have a greek name when you spent your entire life in Egypt."

Thracius stopped drinking his wine and said. "No, I guess I didn't, did I?" He looked suddenly very serious as he said. "But right now, I think…… that I'm too drunk to remember." they both stared laughing again as their boeat headed towards Pella.

(OOC) While you guys are running from the forces of Evil I'm relaxin' and having a great time :D (OOC)

[BIGDB]

An almost perfect time for me to jump in here... My character isn't related to my old one, but he is a lot like him. I don't have all the details worked out yet (Sorry skip! I am joining though!!:) ) but he is in the works... I think this is a good time for his introduction anyway... Big fight and all. Maybe I could be the guy with the fishing stuff? Maybe... Probably not, we'll see. I'll edit this tomorrow with the character sheet and intro post.

[kongurous]

OOC: Go ahead, be a retiarius. Once/if Aurelius dies, his replacement will probably be one, they fascinate me the most out of any gladiator type.

[Protoss_Honor]

Moricus Theclantius II and Sarius Clerestus
Spartan Soldiers
Last Descendants of Moricus I
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Moricus walked to the barracks to get some traning done. He entered and saw several other well built soldiers from all over Rome doing the same thing. "Greetings." he said as he walked over to the training area and drew his sword. He had been training quite rigerously for about half an hour, when he heard several explosions. He and the other men ran out of the barracks to see what the problem was. He saw a giant boulder go flying over his head and crash into a building.
"What is going on?" he thought to himself as he ran through the scream crowds and debris, searching for his brother. He found Sarius in the streets, fighting throught the crowd.
"Are you alright brother?" Moricus asked.
His brother kept on pushing throught the crowd, without looking at Moricus and grunted once.
"That is pleasing to hear." Moricus said, having a complete understanding of his brothers preferred mode of comunication. "We had best get to the boat as quickly as possible."
Sarius grunted again, intent on getting out of a town in the proccess of being destroyed.
"There is the docks over there to the right." Moricus pointed and grabbed his brothers arm, leading him through the crowd toward the docks. The arrived at the docks and saw sailors climbing all over the boat in an attempt to get it ready for launch as soon as possible. Moricus and Sarius boarded it and Moricus grabbed a passing sailor. "Have any of the others arrived yet?" he asked the frightened man. The sailor shrugged his shoulders and broke Moricus' grip and got back to work. "I guess we should await the arrival of the others. It would be suicide to go back into that crowd." Moricus commented to his brother. Sarius nodded his head in agreement then went over to the other side of the ship and looked at the ocean. Moricus turned his gaze back toward the city and saw several more boulders hit the city walls and send debris crashing down. People were running everywhere screaming. The town was in chaos, and Moricus was helpless to do anything. The feeling made him angry inside.



(ooc) come one peoples! post already! lets go! lets go!

[BIGDB]

Name: Zeffrenious Simarion
Alias: Zeff
Age: Mid Thirties
Gender: Male
Region of birth: Rome
Equipment: At the moment, Trident and a fishing net…. Also some padding on his arm.
Appearance: It’s the hot new “Gruff seafarer” look…
Allegiance: Rome
Skills: Catching fish, beating the hell out of people.
Bio: Fisherman by trade, gladiator by law… He’s been fishing since he was seven, and learning to fight since he was in his early thirties. Zeff had a decent life and made a decent living up until his late teen years when he joined a small coup against the Roman Government, and that was the end of that. He got sold to some guy as a slave, that in turn sold him to another man and so on, until the towns folk got rid of selling him off to each other… He ultimately wound up in the fighting arena, and took up fighting for a living… Literally. He’s one of the most successful gladiators to date, being in the game for three years now… He’s been looking for a way out the whole time, and as a result has gone almost mad when it comes to his fighting methods. He’s either hoping to scare everyone away, or die trying.

(OOC: Good? Bad? Continue? Hold up?)

[kongurous]

OOC: Its just fine, BIGDB.

[singo]

Cully of Cully's Woode
Docks
Oh I say!
------------------

Cully heard a crash behind him. It appeared the armies of the titans were laying siege to the city

"I say! Thats rather a bugger....Hmm, better sod off I suppose..."

He walked swiftly over to the ship that was supposed to be taking the group to Rome, the two Spartans were already on board.

"Hello there, it seems some rather irate buggers are knocking on the gates with seige weapons and suchlike, Is everyone else ready to go or are we still waiting?

"Still waiting I am afraid" said Moricus

"Ah, this could be too close for comfort...." said Cully

[kongurous]

OOC: Yeah... keep this goin', I'll post later when I get off work...

Pro-consul Aurelius
Pella
In a flashback
**************

<rewind about about 30 minutes>

Aurelius's cleets clacked as his full weight hit one stone on the cobbled street. The stone sank a bit, and Aurelius sped off to the wall. He pushed panicked citizens out of his way, and even tackled a man who refused to move, and got to the gatehouse. He rushed up the circular staircase to the top of the tower and looked out from a crenelation that came up to the Roman's neck.

He saw... about 45,000-50,000 troops. They, as always, were scantily clad, but they had swords. Long, curved swords that could decapitate you in an instant. Aurelius moved to a different crenelation as a rock slammed into the portion of wall he was on, and he jumped off just as it crumbled and fell apart into a group of people. Aurelius cringed as he heard their dying yelps.

But his attention wasn't fixed on the dead, it was fixed on him... the one man the Vells could accept, and the only man who could threaten a city, just with the sound of his name. Standing at a whopping 7 foot, 9 inches with a huge obsidian-black sword, was the Gallic king of the Vells... Regnier. Regnier apparently noticed Aurelius at the same time, and started off towards the crumbled wall. Aurelius's heart skipped a beat, and the pro-consul jumped off the wall into the streets. Being the Pontifex, he took no damage, courtest of the Gods. He ran as if Pluto was at his heels towards the dock.

"Just half a mile left!" Aurelius said to himself, and willed his legs to carry him further. He saw that Moricus, Sarius, and Cully were already on the Pro-consul's personal quinquireme(a trireme, with 5 banks of oars instead of 3).

"Damn you, you beat me!" Aurelius said, panting and smiled. He looked at the taskmaster, and said, "Set out, to Sparta. Double time!"

The taskmaster, an Egyptian, nodded and rushed below decks with his beating drum. Beating out a consistant tune, the oars raised and shoved off into the sea at a slow rate, but picked up speed. Aurelius looked out from the deck, and saw Regnier kill three guards in one swipe. As blood sprayed the Gaul's chest, he clenched his fist and shook it at Aurelius.

"I'll get you, Aurelius!!! And when I do, I'll tear you limb from limb!!!!!" the tall man shouted in rage, and knocked a fisherman into the sea and took his fishing boat. The wind was in Regnier's favour, but the Vell-king couldn't catch up with a boat that had 150 slaves oaring at a good rate. The pro-consul's ship continued south, and so did Regnier. Aurelius couldn't see his face, but he could tell that Regnier meant business... and that made the pro-consul's blood run cold.

[Protoss_Honor]

Moricus Theclantius II and Sarius Clerestus
Spartan Soldiers
Last Descendants of Moricus I
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The first day out at sea, Moricus takes a tour of the ship. Upon entering the cargo room, he sees a flash of movement in a corner. Unsheathing his halberd, he slowly walked toward the corner, halberd in a ready stance. "Slowly step out here, or I will kill you." Moricus threatened, he voice having dropped all the cheerfulness and manners, completely business. "Come out, I said!" he said louder as he got closer. He was right at the edge of the corner, and he drew his halberd back, ready to chop it forward and he jumped around the corner and swung his halberd, stopping an inch from slicing the hidden person head in half.

"Who are you?" Moricus demanded.

"I am Zeffrenious Simarion. I am a retiarius."

"A gladiator. Do you not know that it is the death penalty for escaped gladiators?"

"I do."

"Then why in the name of Jupiter are you stowing away aboard this ship?"

<Tag BigDB>

After Zeffrenious told his story, Moricus led him by halberd point up to the deck and took him to Aurelius> "Hail, Pro-Consul, I have found this retiarius stowing away in the cargo hold. What is do you want to do with him?"

"As of right now, he is hereby pardoned upon my status as Pontifex Maximus."

"At your will." Moricus said giving a slight bow of his head and sheathing his halberd. "Is Regnier still following us?"

"Yes he is." Aurelius answered.

"Hmm, I guess our only chance is to out sail-him."

"It seems so."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Six days later, Moricus stood at the bow of the ship, watching as Sparta came into view. Several days ago Regnier gave up chasing them, and it had been calm sailing ever since. But now, Moricus was happy, "Ah, it is good to be home. No matter how bad in shape it is." He thought to himself as he watched it loom closer and closer. The filthy stone and brick rubble of what had once been a wall and buildings, covered the area. Moricus spotted several spots where he played and trained as a child and young man. All that was left of Moricus I's Sparta was rubble and debris. It was a dirty, old, beat up, defeated, pile of stone and Brick, but it was home. As they sailed into the remains of the harbor, Moricus spotted a few very old and very young people milling around. There were very few people living in Sparta, most of the population died during the Titan siege, and the survivors either traveled to other towns to live, or died of starvation and other causes from lack of fuel and provisions and other necessary items.

A short black haired man dressed in red came walking toward the ship. "Greetings! I am the dock master! Who are you?"

"Hail! I am Moricus Theclantius II. I introduce to you, Gaius Aurelius Flavius Aetius, Ponfitex Maximus and Militant Pro-Consul of Italy and militant consul of Rome. He requests permission to dock."

"Of course, of course." the dock master said and bowed, "Anything for the Pro-consul. Umm, there is the small sum of 50 denarii to dock though, might Pro-consul."

Moricus climbed down the ramp, and handed the dock master a small bag of coins. "I believe you will find it is all in there." Moricus commented as he stepped aside for Aurelius as he descended the ramp. He was followed by Sarius and Zeff and Cully. Aurelius looked at Moricus, "Where is the town center?"

"This way Pro-Consul."

The group followed Moricus as he led them to the center of the town.

[iHawk]

Thracius
On a boat
The begining of the end

Thracius and Drimascus had just recently passed by Sparta when they saw another boat approaching at a fair speed. Grabbing a spyglass Thracius looked over the boat, it seemed to only be manned by one man, if you could call him a man. He was at least 7 maybe 8 feet tall, quite muscular and was wearing black armour that screamed death. "Drimascus! Come here a moment." Drimascus wanderedd up and took the spyglass looking at the boat. "Thracius, do you know who that is?!" "No, enlighten me." "That can only be Regnier, it matches the legond perfectly. A Massive half-ogre wearing black armour and weilding a large two handed sword that can easily cleave a man in two. I think it would be best for us to get out of here."

Thracius's eye's lit up for a moment, he had a plan. "Reignier is the leader of the Vells, correct?" "Yes, but what does that matter!? WE HAVE TO LEAVE!" "The Vells are trying to destroy the Romans and Greek." "Exactly why we need to avoid him!" "No no no my friend." Thracius said turning to Drimascus with a strange look in his eye. "That's why you need to avoid him. I am Egyptian, and as you know am not in good favour with the Romans. As for you, you are Greek, and probably don't stand much of a chance if he tries to kill you. So I suggest you get off the boat." It's my boat!" Drimascus said raising his fists. "Wrong," Thracius replied darkly while drawing a sword. "It was your boat."

He stabbed Drimascus in the gut and threw him over the side saying "Goodbye old friend, I'll meet you in Hades." With that over Thracius set his plan into motion, steering towards Reignier's boat he smiled knowing that the man on that ship was his ticket to get back at Rome…

(OOC) How's that skip? Anything that needs editing? If not then Tag. (OOC)

[kongurous]

OOC: Perfect.

Regnier
the sea
new recruits, w00rt
*****************

Regnier, getting a bit fed up at being beaten in speed by his rival, decided to hit shore and hoof some of the journey. He found a fording point, stepped out of his boat, and picked up and secured it on his back. After making sure it wouldn't fall, he started off in a fast run. It took a few hours, but he could see Sparta from his hilltop. He ran back down to the sea, and set the sails... until, of course, he saw another, non-Roman, ship. He changed course to intercept, and was there within 30 minutes.

"I see part of your cargo is out." Regnier called.

"You see well, despite your helm!" the other, well-tanned man replied.

Regnier stood, and jumped from his boat to other man's craft.

"What is your name, human?" Regnier said, brandishing his sword.

"Thracius, your highness. To some, I'm a thief, but I prefer to be called Egyptian." the other man said, and smirked.

"Indeed, Egyptian. Hmm... you seem well enough. I'm hereby recruiting you into the Vell army. If you have any objections, voice them and I will kill you." Regnier threatened, and sat at the starboard.

"I accept your conscription... and I know my way around Sparta, though you'd stick out like a sore thumb, Regnier." Thracius said.

"Then I'll rectify that problem, by killing anyone who looks at me funny. Now, I know Aurelius is in the city, and he WILL die." Regnier said with a burning determination, and changed the boat's course to dock. Regnier had a new recruit... one that could help him kill Cronos, when the time came.

[singo]

Cully of Cully's Woode
Rome?, Sparta?, wherever, I'm not the one doing the driving...
Ah...
----------------------


"So, we are being chased by a seven foot tall inhumanly strong monstrosity whose only desire is to eviscerate you and hang your insides from a tall building?" Cully asked Aurelius

"Pretty much yes, is that a problem?"

"No, Was just wondering...."

"Now, I am expecting you all want to know why the hell you have been recruited?"

There was a chorus of ayes and yes's, and even a "We do".

"Well....."

<Tag skippy, I left it open ended so you can say "I'm not bloody telling you yet" if you want to>

[kongurous]

Pro-consul Aurelius
Sparta
Thank you, singo
**************


"So, we are being chased by a seven foot tall inhumanly strong monstrosity whose only desire is to eviscerate you and hang your insides from a tall building?" Cully asked Aurelius

"Pretty much yes, is that a problem?" Aurelius answered.

"No, Was just wondering...." Cully said.

"Now, I am expecting you all want to know why the hell you have been recruited?" Aurelius said, smirking.

There was a chorus of ayes and yes's, and even a "We do".

"Well.... I'm not bloody telling you yet!", Aurelius proclaimed, and laughed deeply. He looked back at the city... the devestation almost hurt. A pair of Roman soldiers were distributing food, while two others that were supposed to be on patrol were giving their daily rations to children. Aurelius shook his head, and turned back to the group.

"I'll tell you later, when we can meet with the Roman senate. Until then, you'll just have to wait, or until I get bored. And... oh. Holy. Fuck." Aurelius said, as Regnier smashed through a wall and gutted two Romans. He was followed by another well-tanned man, just sufficiently shorter and not as tall.

"I've found you, Aurelius. And now, I can finally kill you!" Regnier shouted, and swung his sword at the Pro-consul, who responded with raising his shield and drawing his gladius.

Regnier's sword easily smashed through the Roman's scutum, and nearly lopped off his head, had he not ducked. Aurelius jabbed at Regnier's ribs, a futile attempt as the Vell-king backed out of the way, span, and slammed Aurelius into a wall. The pro-consul grunted.

"You fight like a German whore!" Aurelius said with his half-scutum, and chuckled as blood slowly crept from the side of his mouth. Regnier grunted, and charged Aurelius again, but the Roman was ready. He jumped, pushed Aurelius into the ground with his feet, and slammed his gladius into the Gaul's lower back. Regnier let out an ear-piercing bellow as he jumped to his feet, grabbed Aurelius, and gave the Roman a hearty throw into a nearby wall.

Aurelius stood again, disoriented.

"Everyone, RUN!!! I'll stay back and fight Regnier, the rest of you, get on the ship. Set off to Rome, I'll meet you there!" Aurelius said, picked up a rather large sword laying nearby, and engaged Regnier in an attempt to give his companions enough time to flee.

[Protoss_Honor]

Moricus Theclantius II and Sarius Clerestus
Spartan Soldiers
Defending the Pro-consul.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As everyone else runs to the ship, Moricus decides to do his duty and protect the Pro-Consul. With a roar Moricus swings his halberd at Regnier, causing the Vell to turn and swing at him. Moricus Duks and the plume of his helmet gets chopped off. Aurelius takes the time to swing his weapon at Regnier, which makes him turn and attack him. Before Moricus can attack Regnier again, the tanned man with him, jumps at Moricus, swords drawn. Moricus raises his shield and blocks the first blows. Then he thrusts his halberd spear head at the tanned one. "Don't fight me. You will not win." he warns.
"Yeah right." the man replies as he swings at Moricus again. Moricus blocks it with his shield, then swings his halberd, and slices the mans breastplate. "I told you." Moricus said as he turned to deliver another blow. He was not fast enough in either blocking or swinging, and one of his opponents swords found an unguarded place on his arm, cutting a gash into it.
"What were you saying?" the tanned one taunted.
"I was saying that you will not win!" Moricus thrust his spear head forward, and cut through the armor on the fighters left side, giving him a long gash. As they continued their assult on one another, each giving as good as he got, Aurelius and Regnier were also fighting their battle, only Regnier was clearly getting the upper hand. "I cannot last much longer. I have to get Moricus out of here." he lashed out with his gladius and knicked Regniers armor, not doing much damage. "Moricus! Get out of here!"
"I will not abondon an ally in battle!" Moricus shouted back as he blocked another blow by his opponent.
"I order you to go! I am Pro-consul! Do as I say!"
Suddenly, as Moricus was giving more focus to Aurelius then his battle, the tanned one got a lucky hit in and numbed Moricus' shield arm. "Curse you to Hades!" Moricus said as he got his full attention back to his battle. He swung his halberd, and knocked one of the swords from his opponents hand. "Now this battle is even." Moricus says as he swings his halberd at his opponents head, trying to decapacitate him, but the man used his remaining sword to deflect the blow, and only the flat side of the axe head struck his head, knocking him senseless. "I told you, you would not win." Moricus says to the prone figure as he turns to Aurelius and Regnier. "I cannot be of much help with only one good arm." Moricus thought to himself. "Though it is the way of a Spartan to die in battle. I must do my best and die honorably." He lunges at Regnier, but his halberd is knocked from him by one of Regniers elbows. Moricus grabs his sword and runs at Regnier, and strikes him in the back. It does not do much damage to the Vell Kings armor, but it does distract him. He turns around and strikes Moricus in the leg, causing him to fall down, one leg useless. "Moricus! Get out of here!" Aurelius yells as he swings at Regnier, causing him to turn back to him and ignore Moricus. Moricus grabs his sword and sheths it, then he crawls over to his halberd, and uses it to push him up. He uses it like a crutch, supporting him as he only has one usable leg. He hobbles away from the battle as quickly as possible, knowing all he can do is die. After several long minutes, he reaches the dock and hails his companions. "Hail! I require assitance! Please help!" They come running down and help him walk aboard. "What happened to Aurelius?" one of them asked.
"Sadly, I do not know, I was wounded in the leg and I had to come back here as quickly as possibly, for the Pro-Consul ordered me to. I believe we should wait and see what the outcome of the battle is, before we do anything."



(ooc) tag all

[singo]

Cully of Cully's Woode
Docks
Wait?
--------------------------

"I believe we should wait and see what the outcome of the battle is, before we do anything."

"Erm...the huge vell that can rip apart town gates with his bare hands? I think the outcome of the battle is rather a foregone conclusion." said Cully "Not wanting to appear a coward, but I really do think that we should get aboard and wait a few yards offshore, that way we can pick up aurelius in a hurry or bugger off if the big guy is the victor."

"You bloody coward!" roared the Spartan, "have you no honour?"

"I have plenty of honour, I ALSO have some small amount of self-preservation instinct, and waiting on a chance this slim isnt honourable."

"We stay, and die if need be"

"Dioes this ship have any weapons?"

[iHawk]

(OOC) Being evil is all too much fun :devil: Although I don't think you give Thracius enough credit.(OOC)

Thracius
Sparta
Possum anyone?

After Reinier had smashed through a wall and quite violently killed to Spartans Thracius drew his swords and threw off his cloak as to not hinder him in battle. He walked through the hole and watched his new ally attack the Pro-Consul while another Spartan tried to assist him. Oh no you don't He thought rushing the man. He exchanged blows with the Spartan getting a hit or two in while taking a few himself before the man tried to decapitate him. He shot his sword (the other had been knocked from his hand) upwards to deflect the halberd, but ony succeded in turning the blade so that he was hit by the blunt end.

As he fell to the ground he weighed his options and figured that since he was fighting a stupid warrior (AKA a man of honor) if he pretended to be dead, or knocked out he would survive to kill the man another day. And it worked. Once the man had left Thracius jumped to his feet, calmly retrieved his swords and cloak before watching Reignier slowly beat the Pro-Consul into oblivion. He walked up close enough to see the Romans face and laughed slightly. "It would seem Reignier, that Rome's finest just doesn't cut it."…

(OOC) Tag skippy for either Aurelius's death or grand escape. (OOC)

[kongurous]

Pro-consul Aurelius
Sparta
Having the shit beaten out of him
*****************

Aurelius, needless to say, was being annihilated by Regnier. Still, he was determined to buy his companions enough time, even if it killed him.

"Had enough yet, Roman? Have you felt the pain you and your soldiers have placed upon me and my people?" Regnier said tauntingly.

"You brought it upon yourself," Aurelius said, dodging Regnier's sword and wiping blood out of his eyes. "You agreeed to help Cronos, and brought Rome's wrath upon your heathenistic army." Aurelius punctuated his statement with slicing a gash across Regnier's chest. Regnier shouted again and rage and punched Aurelius into the ground as Thracius stood over his body and Regnier was contemplating what to do.

"It would seem Regnier, that Rome's finest just doesn't cut it." Thracius said, and laughed.

"Not so, Egyptian. I had plans for you, but apparently, the monstrosity got to you first." Aurelius said, chuckled weakly, and threw down a smoke bomb as he stood. Aurelius then beat a path to the boat and ordered it set off as the entire Roman and Greek garrison bore down on Regnier and Thracius. Then, the Pro-consul retreated to the infirmary of the ship, limping heavily and drenched in blood, both his own and Regnier's.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Regnier
Sparta
Damn you, Aurelius
****************

Regnier was obviously disoriented as the smoke engulfed him and he felt cold steel against his skin. As the screen cleared, he saw oval Roman shields mixed in with round Greek hoplons, as both xystos and pilum were pointed at him.

"Drop your weapons, you bastards, and you'll get to live." one of the Romans said, and shoved his spear to Regnier's neck for added effect. Regnier sighed, dropped his sword, and raised his arms in mock-surrender. Fighting was a bad idea, might as well live to continue. Besides, he'd probably be placed in the arena after this... maybe even the Flavian Amphitheatre.

"Thracius, better do as they advise. Better to be prisoner and live, then die foolishly." Regnier said to his compassionately-nicknamed "Litte buddy", and began to plan his escape from the Romans.

[iHawk]

Thracius
Sparta
You call this a prison? HAHAHAHAHAH

Thracius and Reignier had been tossed into prison after a sneak attack and Reignier started planning an escape in his head. Thracius however looked around their cell, tapped on a few walls and was content that he could escape. When there were no gaurds around he said to Reignier. "Have no worries, I've sleep-walked out of better prisons then this. When you say the time's right I'll get us out of here. We'll need to find our equipment though, that might be a tad harder. But we have the favour of at least a God."

(OOC) Short post, but just get Reignier to reply to Thracius after some of the other players have posted so that we can get back to hunting your other character :D (OOC)

[kongurous]

**Meanwhile, in Athens**

Cronos chuckled as he peered into what was occuring in Sparta. Regnier was injured and incarcerated, and the pro-consul of Italy was out of the war for a good while, and it also appeared all Roman forces currently in Greece and Macedon were being recalled indefinitely.

"Today... is a good day." he said to himself, and sat in an old marble seat, the one that used to belong to the Athenian head-councilman, and began to rub his chin in thought. As he pulled at his beard, he began to think. He was the God of Time, after all, what he could do to them was almost unimaginable. He could send them back to the time of the dinosaurs, or he could fling them 1500 years into the future! He thought deeply... until he decided on what to do.

What he planned to do was let Regnier chase Aurelius, let Regnier do as he wished, and Cronos would sit back and subtly try to mess with Regnier and Aurelius. Sometimes bring them close, sometimes seperate them. He would have so much fun!!! He decided to continue to observe them. He'd let the game of Cat and Mouse continue for awhile, before deciding when and where to send them. Just as he decided, the air around the Time God swirled with a purple energy, crackled, and Cronos disappeared to a new location and a new time period. He needed to research what to do, to allow the most interesting events to occur. Then, he could finally beat some sense into the Roman skulls.

"Those midgets across the sea need to realise that they may rule most of Europe, but not Greece, and they never will." he thought to himself, as he appeared in a new land, and a new period.

[singo]

Cully of Cully's Woode
Boat
We are leaving now?
----------------------

The pro-consul staggered towards the ship, covered with blood.

"I assume that not ALL of that is his on account of the fact he is still upright" said Cully

"Well done, remarkable powers of deduction there" said Moricus

"Hey, given the way the whole world is starting to go tits-up I think I will keep checking the things I AM sure of" replied Cully, but he was smiling as he did so.


The consul was staggering up the gangplank and the group helped him up onto deck.

"Did you win?" asked Cully?

"Well, in a manner of speaking..." answered the pro-consul

"Good enough, lets get the ships sawbones to get to work on some of these." stated Moricus

"Less talk, more healing" said the pro-consul, still smiling faintly.

[kongurous]

*in Athens*

Cronos appeared in the council chamber in a flash of purple light. He had just visited a land called Nipon by the natives. The year, he had learned from European travelers, was 1534 and this "Nipon" was in a large civil war.

"Perfect time to send them... though perhaps I should do more research." Cronos said in thought, and evaporated again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Regnier
Sparta
On the road again!
****************

Regnier looked at the thief he shared his cell with, with a look of disgust.

"Look, human, my plan isn't to escape from here. I want to get to Rome, because I know Aurelius is on his way there, and if you fuck it up on the way, I will personally disembowel you and use your skull as a cup." Regnier threatened, just as 4 Romans came to the cell and unlocked the door.

"Alright, the prison ship is here. Both of you, let's keep this civil. There are more of us than there are of you." the lead guard said, and put iron shackles around Regnier's and Thracius's wrist and knocked Thracius out. Regnier went willingly and sat in a cell seperate from Thracius and quickly fell asleep as the ship went underway. He heard the guards talking about Rome, so that meant they should be heading for the Eternal City... or they missed their wives. Either way, he'd get to Rome eventually. Even if he had to walk through the gates himself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pro-consul Aurelius
About to Rome
Pain and hurt.
********************

Aurelius walked shakily into the infirmary as the doctors immediatly found him a bed and cleaned the area. They laid him down, washed the blood off to the dismay of Aurelius, and began to clean his wounds. After a few hours, they came across a bashed-in piece of skull.

"Get the tools, boy." the doctor said to his slave, who rushed off and came back with a pepper-shaker lookin' object with a serrated end. The doctor placed the object on the section of Aurelius's skull, and got a string. After securing the string to the end of the instrument, the doctor began to move the string back and forth, which made the instrument cut into Aurelius's skull. After he stopped feeling resistance, the doctor stopped and took the instrument off the pro-consul's head. He took a pair of tweazers, and pulled out a few shards of metal and parts of Aurelius's skull, and took a round metal plate and a small hammer and hammered the plate over the incission into Aurelius's head. The doctor then bandaged the Pro-consul's wounds, and began to pray to Zeus and various other gods for Aurelius's safety.

A few days later, Aurelius woke up with an immense pain in his head and a thirst for wine. After grabbing a jug and chugging it all, he went on deck and approached Cully.

"How far until Rome?" Aurelius asked.

"Good to see you up, sir. And we're outside Rome's port now." Cully replied, and Aurelius turned around and saw her... Rome, the Eternal City of the Seven Hills. Aurelius smiled with glee and yelped loudly. This was ROME!!! His home!!! Aurelius rushed below decks again and put on all his armour and donned his weapons and looked like a centurion ready for battle. He wanted to look nice for his return, and this was perfect.

"When we get to Rome, you're free to whatever pleases you. The taverns, the brothels, the arena, the races, take your pick. I'm going to the Senate, and then I'll be at the races if you need me. I've got a lot of money running on a man with a lucky horse!" Aurelius shouted, and watched as the city came ever closer.

[iHawk]

(OOC) Knocking out Thracius was a good call for the Gaurds =D He's probably notorious for escaping xD I'll either post later tonight or tomorrow. (OOC)

[Protoss_Honor]

Moricus Theclantius II and Sarius Clerestus
Spartan Soldiers
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Moricus stood next to Aurelius and watched as they sail into the Great city of Rome.
"When we get to Rome, you're free to whatever pleases you. The taverns, the brothels, the arena, the races, take your pick. I'm going to the Senate, and then I'll be at the races if you need me. I've got a lot of money running on a man with a lucky horse!" Aurelius said enthusiasctiacally.
Moricus could tell he was excited to be in Rome. “Nice to be home, isn’t it?” he said, with a smile on his face.
“It is at that my friend.” Aurelius replied.
“Rome is such a great city, but in no way can it compare to the rubble heap that is Sparta.”
“Are you kidding!” Aurelius exclaimed.
“Of course not, Sparta is the best city in the world. It may be a little run down and crumbled in some places, but it is still home.”
“A little run down! All that’s left of Sparta is a couple tons of rock!”
“Well, it is slowly being rebuilt, and one day, it shall be restored to its former glory. Ah, we have landed.”
When Aurelius realized that the ship was docked, he jumped on the ramp and ran down it, with dignity of course. Moricus and the rest of the group followed him at a slower pace.

[singo]

Cully Of Cully's Woode.
Docks
Drinking or fishing or whoring? such a pity you can only do 2 of them at once....
---------------------------------

And we all know which is most important. Cully went to the enarest tavern and ordered a large jug of wine. Then he wandered back down to the dockside.

"You there, bread merchant, I wish to purchase your cheapest loaf"

"You what? come on, no one talks like that outside of the theatre...."

"I say, there is no need for that"

"Here..."

After some engotiating they settled on a price that wasnt extortionatly high and cully sat on the dock wall, he removed his twine, stick and bone hooks and set about casting bread upon the waters.

With his bait safely floating in a sufficently fishy-looking spot he reached for the jug.

[kongurous]

Pro-consul Aurelius
Rome
To the Senate!
**************

Aurelius's cleated heels clacked on the cobbled streets as he proceeded into the forum. Merchants selling their wares and commonfolk waved and greeted their pro-consul, who looked rather regal in his centurion-esque armour. He walked slowly up the steps of the Senatorium. About half-way up, he stopped, and looked back at the city.

It was alive with motion. The chattering of wives at the wash, the men shopping and doing business, the priests going about their daily rituals as the fire was lit in Jupiter's honour in the distance. The priest of Saturn went to the top of one of Rome's seven hills, and placed a golden sphere into a small alcove of a large, marble stone, indicating the date was July IXX(July 19). The merchants in the forum down below shamelessly promoted their stock and haggled for a better price with the citizens. Men and women both flocked to the many boards where imperial decrees were listed. In the most recent, the headline was that Emperor Antoninus Pius had placed a limit on how many times a gladiator could fight in the arena. It was lowered from 6 times to 3. Aurelius sighed happily, he was joyful to be home, and it had been at least 3 years since he last saw his family. He continued up the steps into the Senate room, and under much commotion, he banged his Consular gavel and brought order to the noisy room.

"Senators, senators! Calm yourself! I, the Pro-consul of Italia, militant consul of Rome, and Pontifex Maximus of the Imperial court, Gaius Aurelius Flavius Aetius have returned. The campaign in Greece is... rancid, to put it lightly. Pella has fallen, and I have been assaulted by Regnier himself. The siege force attacking Thessalonika is cut off. I propose we send a fleet over there and bring the army home. It has no hope there, and my personal funding is running out." Aurelius said, and looked to the mediator.

The aged man nodded, and said in a raspy and strained voice, "Consul Aurelius wishes to pass a motion in the senate. The motion in particular suggests we remove all militant forces in Graecus. All in favour, let it known."

The senators thought for a moment... and unanimously agreed. The scribe immediatly began scribbling(no shit, eh?)down an Imperial decree to send to the Emperor and see if he agrees.

"That is all I have to say right now. Continue on with your business, senators, and I am very glad to be back in Rome." Aurelius said, saluted the senate, and left the building. He ran down the steps in a a blur and proceeded at a full running speed to the Circus Maximus. He arrived, panting, as the ticket master took notice.

"Hello, dear pro-consul. You have a ticket, I hope?" the man said.

"Indeed I do, sir." Aurelius said, waving a piece of pottery with "X CXXXIV" on it. The ticket master took it, and directed Aurelius to the special seat, where the Emperor and the Empress themselves were. The pro-consul rushed to the seats, and stood next to the emperor.

"Mars' blessing to you, imperator" Aurelius said, bowing.

"Rise, my friend." Antoninus said, and offered Aurelius a seat, which was graciously accepted. "How were things in Greece?"

"Horrible, sir. The Titans are getting audacious... and Regnier himself is becoming bold. He attacked me in Sparta and was imprisoned. I don't know where he is now." Aurelius answered.

Antoninus stroked his chin while his companion stood and cheered on the man in a violet chariot who was a slave for Aurelius. The Empress watched on, bored, and amazed how men could find it so entertaining. She sighed, went into deep thought.

"So... Aurelius, what do you suggest?" Antoninus asked.

"You'll receive a decree when you get back to your palace", Aurelius said, clapping as his racer made it into the 3rd cycle and was easily in the lead. "It's asking for all the troops currently in Greece to be recalled to Illyria refitting and to be given fresh troops. And, as you know, my term as Pro-consul, Pontifex Maximus, and militant consul ends in 12 days." Aurelius said, and sighed. The crowd cheered in delight as Aurelius's racer completed in first place, winning his owner a grand total of 10,000 denarii.

Antoninus thought for a moment and sighed. He couldn't legally increase his friend's terms in office for either position, the least he could do is let his last motion as Pontifex Maximus be put into effect.

"Alright, Aurelius, you win. The decree you proposed will be in effect tomorrow. All warships in the immediate vicinity of the Tiber River will be assembled and be sent over. Oceanus will have his win... but you better have a good plan. You're still the general of a rather sizable force, and you're still in my service." Antoninus said, and stood. "Patricia, we're leaving."

The Empress's expression was turned from boredom to relief as the couple left the circus maximus. Aurelius stayed behind to continue watching the races, he absolutely loved the spectacle.

[Protoss_Honor]

Theclantius II and Sarius Clerestus
Spartan soldiers
OOOOHHHH!!!! ROOOME!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Moricus and Sarius walked down the roads of Rome, looking for something interesting to do. "Brothel, bar, baths, another brothel, another bar, another baths, shop, shop, shop, more shops, more brothels and baths and bars, more more shops. Hmm, not a lot to do around here is there?" Moricus said, turning to his brother.
Sarius grunted his agreement, without even looking at Moricus.
"Ah, very good, a barracks. Let us go train. Shall we?"
"Drop the act Moricus, no one is here to be amazed by your manners." Sarius said, speaking for the first time since this quest began!
"Very well. I shall behave like you." he hunched his shoulders, and scrunched his face in an almost barbaric look. "We go barracks, train. Now!"
"You sound like a deranged Briton." Sarius said, his scowl deepening.
"Fine, we will go train in the barracks." Without waiting for a response, he grabbed his brothers arm, and pulled him toward the barracks. Sarius got a look of resignation on his face, and allowed himself to be dragged into the barracks. There was just no arguing with Moricus sometimes. When he had pulled his brother into the training area of the barracks, he left go of his arm and said, "Go train, or I will throw you in the ocean, armor and all."
Sarius grunted.
"Good. Now go." Moricus walked away and started training.
"I hate him." Sarius thought to himself, as he drew his sword and started training. After about an hour of training. Moricus walked over to Sarius. "Let us go now."
"Finally." Sarius said happily.
"Shall we go to a bar?"
"Good."
"Let's go." They walked out of the barracks, and back onto the city road. "Which bar shall we go to?"
Sarius grunted.
"Very well, let's go to that one." Moricus pointed and started walking. Sarius followed him, and a slower pace.
Moricus entered the bar, and walked over to the bartender. He ordered his drink and sat down to drink. He watched a really big, burly man start to leave the bar, just as Sarius started to walk in. "Oh no." Moricus groaned to himself, "Not again. Not in Rome."
"Look out Spartan." the big man said as he brushed past Sarius, rudely.
"Hey! Watch where you are going!" Sarius said angrily as he grabbed at the man. He turned the man around forcefully. The man grabbed Sarius' hand and pushed him away. "Don't touch me Spartan."
Sarius regained his balance, turned to the man and said, "You will regret pushing me, you oaf." he ran at the man, and punched him in the stomach, hard. The man doubled over in pain as the air rushed out of his lungs. Moricus jumped to his feet and hurriedly walked toward the two men. Sarius struck the man's face with his knee, and pushed him away. The man regained his balance, and was bout to hit Sarius, when Moricus intervened. He stood between the two fighters, his arms held out, preventing them from reaching each other. "Hold it! Stop fighting! Sarius, go sit down!"
"Yeah Sarius, go sit down." the man taunted.
Sarius lunged at the man, but Moricus held him back. "You barbarian scum! You infidel! I shall kill you!" he shouted angrily. The man grabbed Moricus, and threw him away from Sarius, then he lunged at Sarius and grabbed his throat. Sarius thrust his arms between the man's and pushed them apart. Then he quickly hit him in the chest, and in the face. He pushed the man against the wall, and knocked the back of his head against the wall, repeatedly. Moricus ran over and pulled Sarius off the man, and tried to calm him down. The man recovered, grabbed Sarius, and threw him into some tables.
'Stop it! Both of you! Stop it!" the bartender yelled, from the crowd gathered around the two fighting men. "Stop it! I will have both of you thrown in prison!"
"Sarius! Stop this foolishness at once!" Moricus shouted as he tried to intervene between the two fighters again. He got pushed away, and fell into the crowd. He quickly got up, and happened to glance to the door, two city guards were coming to see what all the commotion was about. "Oh no." Moricus groaned aloud. He went over again, and tried unsuccessfully to pull Sarius off of the big man. "Brother, you are going to get thrown in prison again." suddenly, Moricus was pulled away from Sarius, by a very strong grip. The other guard pulled Sarius and the big man apart, he held Sarius in a strong grip and pushed the other man against the wall, and held him there. "Stop this fighting at once." the guard commanded.
"That one was not fighting," the bartender pointed at Moricus, "it was these two ruffians."
The guard holding Sarius and his opponent signaled with his head, and the guard holding Moricus let him go. "Thank you kindly sir." Moricus said to the bartender. The second guard grabbed Sarius, and the first guard grabbed the big man, and they pushed through the crowd and went out the door. Moricus rushed to catch up with them. "Are you taking them to prison?" Moricus asked.
"That is correct." the first guard said.
"May I accompany you? He is my brother." Moricus asked, pointing at Sarius.
"Very well." the guard said. They walked to the prison, and Sarius and the big man were put in with other criminals. "I shall ask Aurelius to attempt to free you." Moricus said. Sarius just stood there and stared angrily. Moricus turned, and left and walked towards the Circus Maximas, hoping to find Aurelius there.
"Excuse me sir? Do you have a ticket?"
"Huh?" Moricus asked? turning to see who addressed him. It was a Roman ticket taker.
"I say again, do you have ticket?"
"No. I must see the Pro-Consul immediately. Is he here? I am a friend of his."
"How am I to know that what you say is true?"
"Ask him."
"I cannot. I must stay here."
"Fine, fine whatever." Moricus turns and walks away. He quickly hides out of site by the enterance, and waits until the ticket taker is busy, and sneaks by him. He quickly rushes to the stands, and hides and two guards pass by. He comes out of hiding, and looks over, and sees Aurelius sitting in the emperors box. He walks down stands towards the Emperor's box. When he gets near it, he is stopped by two guards. "No one is aloud past here except by the Emperor's orders."
"I must speak to the Pro-Consul."
"Who are you to speak to the Pro-Consul?"
"I am a friend of his."
"And I am supposed to believe that?"
"Well, yes. But if you don't that is okay, because, I can do this." Moricus drew in a deep breath and shouted, "PRO-CONSUL AURELIUS!"
Aurelius looked up, and saw Moricus. "Let him go guards, he is with me."
"See? I told you." Moricus said as he brushed past the guards and rushed to Aurelius. "Pro-Consul, my foolish brother has been in a fight, and he was taken to prison. I need your help to get him out."
"Very well, let us go." Aurelius said and stood up. They walked to the enterance and out of the Circus Maximus. The ticket taker stood stunned as he saw Moricus. "Wha? But? How did you get in there?" he asked amazed.
"Easy, you have very poor security." Moricus and Aurelius were gone before the ticket taker could respond. They arrived at the prison, and Aurelius went to talk with the Commander of the guards. A few minutes later, Sarius was set free.
"Say thank you to the Pro-Consul, for sepnding his time to get you out of jail for your stupidity." Moricus said angrily.
Sarius just grunted.
"I said, say thank you!" Moricus whacked him over the head, with the top of his shield.
"Thank you Pro-Consul."
"It spoke! Amazing!" Aurleius pretended to be amazed. Suddenle, he turned serious again, "If this ever happens again, I will have you sentanced to become a gladiator."
"If it happens again, I will kill him. he is a disgrace to the Moricus lineage." Moricus said, just as angrily.
Sarius just stood and glared at them both, even more angry.

[kongurous]

Regnier
Rome
To the arena!
**********

As Aurelius was having fun freeing Sarius just across the way from the Flavian Amphitheatre, or more famously known, the Colosseum, Regnier was being made into a gladiator. He had already been taken into a gladiator school, despite having been in Rome for a total of 3 days, and he had not taken off his helmet since. Yes, that means he hasn't eaten or drank in 72 hours. He didn't feel like revealing himself to these... midgets, so he decided to suffer the small discomfort. He sweat a lot, anyway, which provided some hydration, as well as his own saliva.

"You, the big bloke", a Briton-auxilary man shouted. Regnier looked up at the man. "You're up next. Get your sword." the Briton turned and walked out into the sun.

Regnier grabbed his sword and grabbed a large jug of water. Making sure no-one was looking, he exposed his mouth and chugged it all. It was... refreshing, compared to his saliva and sweat, and he was ready to kill. He strode out proudly into the middle of the arena, to the cries and cheers of the crowd.

"Regnier! Regnier! Regnier!" they chanted, as a Gaul entered the arena opposite of the arena. This particular Gaul was 6'3"... small, compared to his opponent. Regnier could see the other man's knees shaking in fear, and this, he saw, was his time to strike. Regnier charged forward at the speed of light, leaving behind a purple trail outlining his image, and sliced through the other Gaul's body.

He didn't even have time to react. The other man shook... and looked down. Right before his eyes, he saw Regnier's purple wake slice through his midsection and then he crumbled to the ground as his body exploded in a bloody gush. Regnier turned, cracked the tendons in his neck, and looked to the crowd.

"Is this all you have!?! Is this all you can offer to me? I want a real challenge! Show me your strongest fighter, and I will show you a real fight!" Regnier shouted, and looked to the emperor's box, who was occupied by who else, the emperor and empress.

Regnier smirked, crouched, and sprang into the air, coming to a crash in the emperor's box. Antoninus stood in protest, but was greeted with a slash to the throat with such intensity that his body spun out of the box and into the arena. Regnier quickly dispatched the two guards, grabbed the empress, and once again leaped into the air. Just then, he noticed... him.

Aurelius, concerned as to why squeals of fright were coming from the arena, had charged into the arena floor and was checking the emperor's body.

"Safe travels to Elysium, imperator." Aurelius said, and to his amazement, Antoninus moved.

"Aurelius... my friend. Keep this", Antoninus said shakily, coughing up blood through the slice in his neck. He handed Aurelius a piece of parchment that was wrapped around a sword.

Aurelius looked at the parchment, reading the following: "Whomsoever holds this sword will be granted the power of Apollo's Flame. Only those pure of heart and devotion to the Gods may wield this sword, for this is the key to defeating Cronos. Seek out the other items, hidden in Gaul. You may want to stop in Narbo for assistance, mercenaries flock to that city almost daily. And if you're reading this, I'm dead or dying, and I hereby name YOU, Aurelius, my imperial heir. Go out, and kill Cronos, and the crown will be yours. And take care of Patricia for me. Signed, T. Aurelius Fulvus Boionius Arrius Antoninus, Imperator of Rome."

Aurelius took the sword in his hand. It's blade had a bright red sheen about it, and had a flame on the hilt. It's grip was ivory and fitted to Aurelius's hand, making it fit like a good glove. It felt warm... like fire. The Flame of Apollo, this sword was. The only item to be in Rome's possession. Aurelius shoved his gladius into the dirt, and stood in battle formation, ready for Regnier, and he was eager to test out his new sword.

Regnier placed his cargo in the stands, and jumped down to meet Aurelius. The Roman smirked as Regnier charged, and dropped below Regnier's sword swipe and greeted Regnier's rips with a firey sword. The Gaul bellowed in immense pain and pulled the sword out of his side, clutching it as it bled freely. Blood stained the sand and Aurelius stood triumphant over his opponent. He had a weapon capable of killing Regnier... but first, he had to fulfill the emperor's last wishes. The empress was rushing into the street, trying to escape Regnier until she was stopped by Aurelius.

"You're coming with us to Narbo. Antoninus wanted me to take care of you, you'll be safe there." Aurelius said, holding her arm in a vice grip.

"I refuse your offer! I am the empress, I will not travel like a lowly plebeian!" Patricia shouted in Aurelius's face, her hair riled and her "royal" Roman accent changing back into a Celtic language.

She was a Briton, Aurelius realised. "Look, your highness, I don't like it either, but I want to make sure you're safe. And I'm not offering you anything, I'm commanding that you come with me." the Pro-consul turned, still gripping the woman's arm, and proceeded in a speed-walk to the dock. As he passed Cully, Moricus, and Sarius, he said off-handedly, "Coming or not?"

[TAGZ0RZ]

[Protoss_Honor]

Moricus Theclantius II and Sarius Clerestus
Spartan Soldiers
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Well, I have sworn to follow you Pro-Consul, I am coming. And so is Sarius, though he won't admit to pledging to follow you. And, it is our duty as soldiers to protect the Empress. We are coming." With that, Moricus and Sarius went with Aurelius, forming a sort of human shield around the Empress.
"Get away from me you Spartan oafs."
"The Empress is a barbarian!?" Moricus exclaimed astoundedly at her accent.

[singo]

Cully Of Cully's Woode
Docks
Whats the rush?
------------------------

"You coming" asked the pro-consul.

"What is the hurry? and did you just kidnap the Emperor's wife?"

"Only technically dont worry, Its all for a good reason..."

"I really hope you are going to explain that reason when we get back to the ship.." said Cully as he follewed bemused

[iHawk]

Thracius
Rome
fun fun fun

Like Reignier Thracius was turned into a gladiator under his crime name 'Scorpion'. He watched Reinier's quik victory and his leap into the stands for a hostage. Thracius wasted little time stealing two swords from gaurds and killing them while they were unarmed. "Hell in Rome and I have two swords. Fun fun fun." Thracius freed all of the other Gladiators and with their help raided the colloseum's armoury. He got his things back and headed back to find Regnier.

He arrived back at the arena to see Aurelius stabbing Regnier with a fancy lookin' sword. "That doesn't look good."

"No it doesn't." said a gruff voice behind him, spinning around Thracius saw three gaurds all with swords drawn. "But we suggest that you put down your swords and come quietly." Thracius grinned slightly as he drew his swords raising one above his head pointing forwards while the other was in front. "I suggest you and your men run away before I repaint these walls with your blood."

The gaurd laughed before ordering his men to attack. Thracius didn't so much move quickly as he moved with great grace, he stepped forward bringing his above sword down into the first man's face while blocking the second mans sword with his forward blade. He took another step forward as he drew his sword from the mans head to block another sword while the sword that was already in contact with a gaurds sword found it's place in the man's throat.

The last gaurd swung at Thracius leaving little time to duck down while leaning to one side. He stood back up swinging his swords at the gaurd only hitting his shield and sword. Thracius jumped back towards the Arena and crouched down a bit into a defencive position. The Gaurd came again with his shield forward and his sword swinging, again Thracius dodged the sword but couldn't make a hit. Damn, he's far more skilled then his underlings. Deciding that retreating would offer the most time to devise a new plan Thracius ran out into the actual Arena grabbing a handful of sand while he pretended to trip.

The gaurd ran up and swund but this time Thracius blocked and threw the sand into the man's eyes causing him to reach his hands to his face for a moment. Having all the time he now needed Thracius ducked down and hamstringed the gaurd letting him fall down and bleed to death. Thracius laughed seeing that he was now covered head to toe in blood, sheathing his swords and went to get Regnier. "Come on Reignier! I think it'd be best to leave before more romans come!"

(OOC) Tag. I haven't posted in a while so I needed violence. (OOC)

[kongurous]

Pro-consul Aurelius
Rome
To the port!
*************

Aurelius, still holding the empress in a vice grip, burnt a warpath down to the port. After finding his person quinquireme, he ran onboard, to the confusion of the crew.

"Uhm... sir?" the taskmaster stammered, in awe of the empress.

"Yes, Platus?" Aurelius replied.

"Is that... the empress?" Platus asked.

"Yes, yes it is. Facilitate her every need. Note I said need, not desire, so if she tells you to dance around in a circle, you better ask me first." the pro-consul said, and went below decks.

"Where are you taking me?" the woman screamed.

"To my room, of course." Aurelius answered and chuckled. "No, I'm not doing that. Just insurance that you don't do anything stupid."

The pro-consul pushed the empress into his room, and locked the door, and hid the key.

Aurelius went back above decks, and ordered they shove off immediatly. The taskmaster once again ran down to the slave decks and began beating out a steady beat and slowly, but surely, the massive ship moved into the sea.

"Plot a course to Narbo. I feel like goin' home." Aurelius said, and retreated down to the armoury, which was turned into an armoury/study for Aurelius to plan, read, and decide upon things. He only had 12 days left in office, yes, but he planned on having at least the second item by then. He already had one of them, and four were left out there in the wilderness... somewhere.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Regnier
Rome
Grr....
*****

Regnier stood shakily as Thracius helped him up.

"Come on Regnier! I think it'd be best to leave before more Romans come!" the Egyptian said.

Regnier grunted in agreement and placed a healing salve on his wound, stopping the bleeding and cleaning the wound. Regnier picked up his sword and slowly walked out of the arena. No-one opposed the man, who was like a giant straight out of a story. The entire colosseum was silent, some of them looking at the emperor's body as it was born away by soldiers, the rest looking at Regnier, and the comparatively pint-sized Egyptian man next to him.

As Thracius and Regnier left the Colosseum, they faced an entire city, that was presumably hostile towards them.

"Well, Thracius, what do you recommend we do?" Regnier asked, and looked down at his companion.

[iHawk]

Thracius
Rome
Boats are good

… that wouldn't work, I guess we'll have to… "Well, Thracius, what do you recommend we do?" The voice broke Thracius' train of thought and he snapped to attention. "Well…" He began as they entered the city.

"I'd say our best bet is to escape to the docks and steal a ship. From there we could hit any sea-side city. Or, we could stop Aurelius from aquiring all of the sacred items. From what my father told me the original questors were after the flame of apollo, the helmet of Hades, Possidon's trident, Zues's lightning and… I can't remember the last item. But if we can talk to Chronos he migt know where these items are, then we could take tem before Aurelius gets them and use them to kill him." Thracius said the last of his sentence with a malicious grin.

"As for actually getting to the docks, I don't think any civilians will try to stop us, and the soldiers are probably tryinng to help the emperor or at least round up the gladiators that 'mysteriously' escaped."

(OOC) Tagz skip and I actually can't remember the last item >_< (OOC)

[Tharisfal]

First i want to apologize for joining so late, but better late then never.
So here's my char:

name:Silvius Glectus
alias: Dav
age: 31
region of birth: Italy

epuipment:
Weapon: short gladius
armor: for the chest a hard leather, for the feet normal boots, a medium size round bronze shield and for the head a iron greek helm.


appearance:
Silvius has long brown hair, green eyes, a short beard, 1.82m, 87 kilos.

skills:
good swordsman, average horseman, has a talent for finding weaknesses(critical strik