Rome: Total Roleplaying.

[Conqueror Kenny]

Nero grimaced as the head was cut from the young Gaul's shoulders. His hand dropped to the hilt of the sword expecting some sort of reaction, but seeing none he let it drop again as the boys ran away. A senseless killing is a bad way to start any campaign, particularly one that will no doubt hold as much conflict as this one. A few good cups of wine and a nice bed will ease his worries for sure though. Though Nero knew from his time in Gaul those things will be hard to come across in this land.

 

[curlycrouton]

Glabrio's mind was a whirlwind, a maelstrom. His short temper had once again claimed him, and he had succumbed to it. An observer might see Glabrio as the stronger man, but Glabrio himself thought otherwise, for was he not the man who had obeyed his temper so quickly, like a dog? And yet, this man had objected to Roman rule! How dare he, how dare he question the almighty Emperor!

Glabrio felt the numbing, yet familiar sense of guilt encircle his mind.

"I'll be in the taverna." He grumbled and sloped off to the nearby inn, his thoughts encasing him in a mental bubble, cutting him off from the world around him.

Spoiler: OOP

ElephantGuts, are you planning to join us or to be the antagonist? Or perhaps something else?

 

[Colonel Rosso]

Disgusted with the idiodically performed killing, Gaius Scaurus stepped into a taverna. He scanned the crowd for someone who looked rather rich. Seeing a blond gaul in a fur coat, he sidled up to him and hailed the barkeep. "a round of drinks please, courtesy of Rome" He slipped a gold coin to the tavern keeper and, reveling in the thanks from the barbarians, extends a hand to the rich gaul. " It's Gaius, brother."

 

[ElephantGuts]

Jeremiah watched as the Romans filed into a nearby tavern, as he expected. After a safe interval he also entered, and found that one of the Romans was trying to make amends with the locals and had bought a round of drinks. He picked one up and took a seat at an empty table in the corner. He scanned the room, trying to identify all the Romans and what they were doing. Why steal from just one when you can steal from them all? Now it was just a matter of time.

Spoiler: OOC

Spoiler: OOP

ElephantGuts, are you planning to join us or to be the antagonist? Or perhaps something else?

I was wondering that myself actually. You could force/convince me to join you to help the story flow better, or I could be an antagonist to add interest. Or maybe I remain an outsider but you convince me to help you or something? Up to you, I really don't know or feel strongly either way.

 

[Colonel Rosso]

After buying another round of drinks, I start a conversation with this Gaul. I find out he's the son of a not-that-important jarl from the north of Gaul. He was coming this way to see the sights and go to Hispania. "It's your lucky day boy, I hear Hispania is beautiful this time of year. How do you plan on dealing with the bandits?" "Bandits?" he says "Yes, there are many around the area of Andora. Get yourself a bodyguard. I reccomend Judeans. They have a lot of experience in warfare. I would know - one of them gave me this scar." I show him a scar I got several years ago where a dog bit me. "I thank you for listening to me ramble, so Have another round everyone!" I buy another round of drinks for the bar.

 

[Colonel Rosso]

As the Gauls begin drinking and thanking me, I walk up to Gabrilo. "You imbecile. You Killed that man in broad daylight, in front of Mercury knows how many witnesses. From this day forth, kill in secret, or in the wild." I return to the bar and buy myself a drink of watered down wine.

 

[ElephantGuts]

Jeremiah eyed the group of Romans with increasing frustration. They certainly weren't partying and drinking their asses off. The Roman who had bought the rounds of drinks, the one who seemed most like a drunkard, had just watered down his wine! I can't sit here all night and watch these guys Jeremiah thought with a frown. Maybe there's some other way I can benefit off of them...

 

[curlycrouton]

Glabrio, the sense of guilt he had previously now gone from his mind, was sharply aware of the air of hostility around him. His eyes darted backwards and forwards, his keen gaze scanning for any signs of a threat.

His eyes settled for a moment upon one particular man. He looked Asian or possibly Egyptian by appearance, and was quite obviously planning something.

He's walked on on his own, and hasn't even bought himself a drink.

Glabrio also detected the familiar signs of frustration in his face, even if he was hiding it well. The slightly tensed cheek muscles, the clenched jaw, the thinned eyes, they all pointed to the same thing. Glabrio then spotted what looked to be two purses dangling from his belt.

Two? Why does a man who looks like a servum that works in the gardens carry two purses full of coins, let alone one? A thief, he must be.

Glabrio stood up, silently motioning for all his companions to leave with him. With looks of mixed comprehension from his group, he motioned to the man he'd been watching, a fatal error, as Glabrio's gaze momentarily met with his. Glabrio now knew he was in danger, and hurried out of the tavern with his party in tow. He left just in time to see the dark figure slip off out the back door.

 

[ElephantGuts]

Shit. This is going terribly Jeremiah though, panting, as he peered down the alley towards the street from the back of the tavern. The Romans were smarter than he expected, their leader had spotted him and immediately recognized a threat. That's what I get for stereotyping the entire population of a massive empire. If this was any other situation, Jeremiah would just slip into the shadows and find another target. But these were Romans. There was much more to gain than from the usual drunken barbarians, this opportunity was too good to pass up. And he didn't like to be defeated. Especially not by Romans. Not again.

But Jeremiah needed a new plan. Yes his quarry were aware and alert, but they had to sleep sometime, didn't they? They couldn't wander the city all night. But how to follow them?

Then an idea struck him. He didn't need to take down the Romans by himself, he just needed to grab whatever valuables they had. Jeremiah rushed back into the tavern and jumped up on a table. All eyes were immediately on him.

"Men of Gaul!" He yelled in an inspiring voice. "Those Roman dogs, sadistic murderers, have just fled from this tavern. Will you let them escape your grasp? They're alone and defenseless out on the streets. Why don't we go show them how Gaul welcomes murderous Roman swine!"

The Gauls were, as usual, easy to rile. All of them were already plenty drunk thanks to the rounds of drink the Roman himself had purchased them. They began yelling in agreement, and almost all of them got up and ran, well, stumbled, out the door. Jeremiah saw through the doorway as they pointed at and began running towards the group of Romans down the street. He slipped out the door and strolled comfortably behind the raging mob as they charged towards the group of doomed Romans.

 

[Kelethor]

"just like old times! gentlemen, I advise we run...Now!" with That, Travian burst through the window and into the street's.

 

[Colonel Rosso]

I run out through the door and into the woods. When the sounds of persuit fade, I realize a diversion would help my comrades escape. I quietly sneak into a house. The women and children had gone to bed, so I kick the logs out of the fireplace and count to ten, making sure the floor catches. I leave the house and yell "FIRE!" After which I run into the woods to hide.

 

[ElephantGuts]

Spoiler: OOC

Um...Fail post. Referring to above, of course. I don't even know where to begin explaining what's wrong with that. Host, could you please do something to fix this?

 

[curlycrouton]

Spoiler: OOP

Spoiler: OOC

Um...Fail post. Referring to above, of course. I don't even know where to begin explaining what's wrong with that. Host, could you please do something to fix this?

Very much agreed. Unfortunately I can't remove it myself, but I'll send him a message.

 

[Conqueror Kenny]

Nero turns at Travian's to see the assembled mob charging at them, screaming for vengeance. Nero turned from the mob and started to run, every step feeling so wrong to the man that had trained so hard to fight through both the highs and the lows. But now was no time to start a battle, a smart man knows when to run, and this was definitely one of those times.

But what could have riled the Gauls so suddenly? Sure they were an aggressive, unsophisticated bunch of barbarians, but if they were going to scream for vengeance why not as soon as first blood was shed? Surely somebody with a hate for Rome had his hand in this; though an enemy of Rome is not hard to find in this land.

He took a brief look at the man he had sworn his allegiance to, wondering how smart that decision was. The same man that was so easily antagonised was supposed to be the one that would lead them to victory in battle? If a single rebellious use can spark such a response from him, how could he keep a clear head in battle? Nero was sure under this man, none of his followers would ever see Rome again.

 

[curlycrouton]

Glabrio fled with his compatriots through the dark alleys of the small port town. Arriving at a junction, he halted for a moment, his head swinging, before running off to the right. He passed a woman and her screaming child, pure hatred in their eyes.

What have I become? A blind, raging fool.

While he was running, he said a small prayer to Mercury.

Mercury, bestow upon me your grace and speed, that I may escape from this charade and begin anew. I have become angry and spiteful. Rescue me from this place and I make an oath to become a new man. Grant me my prayers, O Mercury.

 

[stormcaller]

Spoiler: Ooc

Ooc: sorry that I haven't posted in a while, I'll catch up with the story and edit my post in here

 

[Colonel Rosso]

Gaius looks at the house he set alight. It was burning brightly, but no-one had run out yet- damn. the women and children were still inside, asleep or hiding. If someone died, that would just make things worse. Gaius hesitated for moment and then ran in. Although the fire had reached the second floor, the stairs were fortunately not burning. Gaius ran into a room and found two small children sleeping on matts and a woman on a few straw stuffed pillows. He ran to the woman, slapped her a few times to wake her up and yelled "FIRE!" He picked up one of the children and ran out, hoping the woman understood what he said.

 

[ElephantGuts]

Jeremiah raced through alleys and darted across streets, trying to shadow the Roman leader. Again, he had misjudged them. Instead of staying in the street and fighting like foolhardy bastards, they had fled. The opposite of what he had hoped for.

Jeremiah wondered what the hell he was doing as he caught another glimpse of the Roman leader as he ran down a road. At this point it was ridiculous to still be pursuing them, it couldn't be worth the trouble. So why did he feel so compelled to follow them? The word destiny entered his mind, but he chased it away. He didn't believe in destiny. More like boredom he thought. Boredom and curiosity. Why were they here anyway?

Jeremiah was slowly gaining on the Roman, he was more used to darting through this town's tight alleys. He became concerned that his target would hear his heavy breathing and know he was being followed, but there was nothing to do about that. He gripped his dagger tighter in his hand, and wondered what he would do if he finally caught this guy.

 

[curlycrouton]

Glabrio was slowing, he could feel it. His reluctance to remove his armour was now getting the better of him. He kept moving as fast as was possible, his hand gripping his sword ever tighter. His breathing was like a tornado in his lungs, his heartbeat a tribal rhythm.

I can't keep moving. I've got to stop....

Glabrio slowed and finally ground to a halt, like a war-elephant being slain. He turned to face his attackers but only caught a glimpse as a shadow flew out of the air and tumbled on top of him. Glabrio was overpowered, but angry. As his assailant launched blow after blow into his jaw, Glabrio tried desperately to reach his sword hilt.

Got it.

He swung blindly at his attacker with his one free arm, striking him on the head with the butt. As Glabrio pulled out of the grasp which he'd been in, he noticed a flash of silver in his attacker's hands.

He had a dagger.....Why didn't he kill me when he had the chance?

Glabrio lunged, but this mysterious enemy parried the blow. Glabrio swung once again, catching him on his lower leg. His assailant tumbled to the ground. Glabrio took his chance and raised his sword to strike, power coursing through his veins.

Thunk.

A rock had hit Glabrio directly in the back of his head, thrown from a leering, grubby man. Now the attacker took his chance and enclosed Glabrio in an unbreakable vice. Glabrio let out one final call of help to the Gods.

"I fear not the pain of death, nor the dishonour, but only the wrath of the Gods. Save me from this place, or grant me entry to paradise, but pray, do not condemn me, for I have been faithful.....I have been faithful."

Glabrio's attacker now seemed shocked.

"You speak of Gods? You speak of honour? What is this? I had all you Romans down as wine-swilling, brutal thugs, which by my experience, most of you are. But you.....you appear different."

"What business of yours is the strength of my character, barbarian?" Suddenly, the figure threw back his hood.

"I am no barbarian, Roman. I am of the great realm of Judea!" The pair suddenly remembered their surroundings, and decided it may be better to converse elsewhere. They pulled apart and fled the scene to a nearby farmhouse.

"I have let you live Roman....make it worth my while."

"Pah, you did not let me live, I was merely waiting to launch my surprise attack." Unexpectedly, a smile appeared on the Judean face, and a hand was extended.

"Jeremiah. My name is Jeremiah."

"Oh is it? And I wish to know because?"

"Because...."Jeremiah paused. "Because I will accompany you on whatever adventure you may be on!"

"Never, I....I couldn't allow it. Besides we are merely here on....financial duties." Glabrio looked defensive now.

"Financial duties!? Do not mock me with such trickery. These men with you are not tax-collectors or money-counters. And I doubt you would need a sword to count coins, Roman."

"Glabrio."

"Sorry?"

"That's my name, Judean, and you'd do well to remember it."

"Ahh, he tells me his name. I will join you, whether you like it or not. I have been looking for something to fill the time. This seems perfect. We will meet here at dawn, OK?"

Glabrio protested "No! I..."

"Nonsense! Here at dawn. Farewell Romans". And with that, Jeremiah left.

Glabrio spoke to his troops, with an air of glee.
"Ha! What audacity! As if I would take time to meet him!"

His thoughts however, said the opposite.

I'll slip out without them knowing. His skill will be tested, and we'll see if this Jeremiah is really worth my time....

 

[Colonel Rosso]

"Oh... a Judean." said gaius "They're all religious fanatics. kill him or leave him, I care not, but I do not think we should accompany him"