Note from Kanuro5: Hello, this my first Total War Fanfic I thought it to be appropriate to combine some themes from Rome Total War 2 and incorporate them in the original game's story line. Just thought I wanted to get that out there. I hope you all enjoy the read!


In 85 B.C. the Roman Republic was at the height of its power. The Republic stretched from the deserts of Africa to the edges of Northern Europe. In the north, the Romans have pushed back the barbarian horde back to the tip of Gallia. With one last Gallic city remaining, the Roman Senate sends their Senatorial army under their Praetor Marcus Maxentius to deliver the final blow to destroy Rome's longest enemy forever.

Introduction

Rome

The day the streets of Rome fall silent is the day that Rome is conquered. Past the noon hour, Rome is as loud as it is magnificent. But no place is as loud as the Grand marketplace. The vendors are shouting their sales, exotic animals from all around the world ranging from birds to monkeys are chirping and screeching into the air, the giggles of a mistress as a cheating husband feels up her stola and kisses upon her neck, cursing and spitting from haggling gone wrong, and the laughs of the mischievous youths playing childish tricks on the old. But amongst the dull and meaningless plebs venturing in the marketplace, there was a unique old man browsing through the wares. He was followed by two armed guards and was escorted by an assistant and a body slave. He was Caius Maxentius, the Co-Consul of the Senate.

"Ah, Polycratis my old friend, what wares do you have for today?" the Consul asked a middle aged Greek vendor with a smile.

"Greetings Consul, I have just what you need . . . here you go." Polycratis handed Consul Maxentius a large jug of wine. "This is sweet white wine imported all the way from Hispania, made with the most exquisite grapes ever squeezed! And best of all, no water has corrupted the flavor! This is the best jug of wine that you'll ever find throughout the entire Republic!"

"Hmm, I will be the judge of that Polycratis. Dismas, cup!" Maxentius ordered his Greek body slave. Dismas pulled out a small cup and handed it over to the Consul. The Consul took the jug and poured a sample of the delectable wine into the cup. He took a drink. Once the cup was empty, the Consul smiled at the Greek vendor.

"Unbelievable! This must have been made by Bacchus himself!" the Consul exclaimed, "Ah my old friend, you name a reasonable price and I will pay f—"

"Consul! Consul!" a young man bellowed as he sprinted through the crowd towards Consul Maxentius. The Consul's guards stopped the young man from approaching the Consul, but upon closer inspection, the man was wearing the color of the Senate and the armor of the auxiliary.

"Wait, let the boy through, he is a messenger. Now boy, be calm and take breath, then explain what troubles you."

"Many thanks . . . I have urgent news . . . from your nephew, Marcus Maxentius." The messenger caught his breath and handed the Consul a worn-out scroll. The Consul initially read the scroll quick and careless until he reached the body of the scroll. He then began reading slower and with each passing sentence—Maxentius' eyes grew larger and his mouth began to drop.

Once finished, the Consul returned his bewildered gaze upon the messenger, seemingly asking him if the news was true. The messenger brought his eyes down to the earth, afraid to answer the shocked Consul. The messenger finally raised his head and locked eyes with the Consul, and shook his head, confirming the tragic news.

"Quickly Olvidius head to as many senators' home as you can and tell them I am calling an emergency meeting now!" the Consul urgently ordered his assistant. "Start with Aedile Appius! I'll the get the others!"

"But Consul, another meeting is not scheduled until—"

"This is an emergency! Get every senator you can now!"


An hour after the Consul was informed; the cold marble floors of the Curia were filled with the onrushing assembling of the Roman senators. The confused and agitated senators took their seats in the straight and parallel line of seats on either side the Curia. As soon as the last senator took his seat, Consul Caius Maxentius held on to his composure and calmly walked through the Curia floor and stood over the Senate behind his podium.

The Consul cleared his throat and shouted into the Senate, "Enough!" Everyone in the Curia fell silent. "This emergency meeting of the Senate is now open!"

"What is this about Caius?" one magistrate asked, "Why have you called for us to meet?"

"Yes Caius, what is this big emergency? And how come we have not shed the blood of a bull to the Gods to begin this meeting?"

"Tell us Caius!"

"Calm yourselves, my brothers!" the Consul said, "I have news that you all may want to hear." The Consul ran his hand through his thin grey hair and exhaled deeply; dragging the anticipation of the rest of the Senate through his every motion. He then stood erect behind his podium and held the scroll he received earlier into the air. "Within the hour, I received this scroll from a young messenger. This scroll bears words from our own Praetor Marcus Maxentius!"

"Ah good old Marcus; how can any news of our young prodigy be grim?" the Aedile asked.

"Yes, tell us all good Caius; what has become of Marcus, has he finally taken that cursed settlement?" asked another senator.

"I shall tell you what Marcus has written to us," the Consul spoke. He opened the scroll and cleared his throat. At first, he was hesitant to read the scroll out loud. It could be seen across the room that small beads of sweat could be seen on the Consul's brow. The Consul took one last look of the anxious senators before finally reverting back to reading the scroll.

"In the words of Praetor Marcus Maxentius: 'Long live the glorious Republic of Rome and long live the Senate that guides her hands. I, Praetor Marcus Maxentius, make my report to the Senate on the conquest of the Gallic settlement of Samarobriva. First, I would like to express my gratitude for giving me control of the Senate's army, more importantly, Rome's five greatest legions; Legio XV, Legio XVI, Legio XVII, Legio XVIII, and Legio XIX. It has been a great honor leading these brave Romans into war for the Republic.

"After placing the settlement under siege, a few Gauls were taken prisoners and informed us the numbers of the Gallic army before they were crucified. The Gallic army numbered 12,000 while our superior army numbers 25,500 legionaries. After a year of the siege, we tore down the walls of Samarobriva and attacked. The battle was long and hard, but my legionaries fought with the strength of Mars and we conquered the city.'" The senators began to cheer and clap for the glorious news. But the Consul was not finished. "'But—'", the Consul continued, effectively silencing the Senate, "'It would seem that we were delivered into a trap.'" The senators began to murmur worriedly to themselves.

"'Some of my spies have reported to me grave news. The barbaric Gallic king Segovax has forged an alliance with the Brittonic and Germanic tribes on the eve of my legions arrival at Samarobriva. Upon taking Samarobriva, we were immediately besieged by both the Brittonic army led by their king Lugotorix the Bloodyhanded; and by the Germanic army led by their king Cunovindus the Butcher. Each of their armies numbered around 8,000 infantry, 1,000 archers, and 2,000 cavalrymen.

"Upon first attempt to break out of the encirclement; we were met with heavy resistance and forced back into the city. I regret to inform the Senate that in the fighting both the Legio XVI and the Legio XIX were completely destroyed. Our casualties numbered around 12,000 dead and climbing. We have repulsed several attacks, but we lost several cohorts in the process. I urgently request that the Senate will send reinforcements. The remaining food in the settlement can supplement the army for six months, but I fear if help is not granted we may be overrun in three months. I will fight on with my men until I can fight no more. May Jupiter and Mars grant us strength. Long live the glorious Republic of Rome and the Senate that guides Her hands.'"

The Consul's hands were still trembling as he rolled the scroll back up and placed it on his podium. He gazed back up to face the senators, but could not meet their eyes; for their heads were fixated on the floor in horror. The silence in the Curia was so vast that a tiny gnat buzzing among the roof sound like a trumpet. Such silence has never before been heard in the walls of the Curia since the news of Hannibal's victory at Cannae.

"Jupiter, help us all," the Aedile said to himself breaking the silence.

"Two . . . two legions completely destroyed . . ."

"This is most dire news indeed."

"Why? Why would there be a three-pact alliance with the barbaric tribes?"

"The three tribes have been fighting long before Rome had a king!"

"How could we be so foolish to give Marcus our armies?!"

"It is not Marcus' fault that all of this happened."

"I agree; Marcus has done much for the Republic."

"Damn the past and open eyes to the present, Septus! He lost two of our legions and is bound to lose the last three! He has brought shame and dishonor to the Senate and to Rome!"

"Hold tongue and open closed ears, fool! Marcus can still be saved! We just need to send more men!"

"Why?! So they can be destroyed just like Marcus'?!"

"I agree!"

"As do I!"

"Well I believe Marcus can be saved!"

The squabble amongst the Senate grew loud and fierce. A third of the Senate voted to save Marcus and the Senate's army, a third voted to leave Marcus to a dishonorable fate, and the last third were indecisive.

But amongst the quarreling of the wrinkly old senators and the middle-aged balding men; there calmly sat one young senator who excused himself from the petty argument. He held the title of Quaestor, the financial supervisor of the Republic, yet this troubling matter fell into his knowledge of expertise.

"ENOUGH!" the young Quaestor screamed at the top of his lungs. The arguing senators quieted down and took a seat.

The Quaestor picked up the bottom of his senatorial toga and calmly walked down the stairs to the Senate floor. He calmly but slowly spun around in a complete circle as if he was try to gauge the size of the Curia. His smile shined confidence and knowledge and his chuckle showed that he had a plan.

The Quaestor had short black hair, brown piercing eyes, and teeth as white as the full moon. He was stocky in complexion and had an impressive frame of six feet and an inch. But aside from his impressive build, his face was riddled with deep scars from constant battle and his left ear was missing from his head. Though recognizable for his scarred face, he has made lasting impressions on many Romans for his knowledge of finance and oratory prowess.

But for all his skills and knowledge, he is seen as a black sheep amongst the other senators. He holds this disdain for being the only senator and office holder that is from the three main Roman families. The young Quaestor's name is Tiberius Pullius of the Julii family.

"Ah, esteemed and worthy senators," Tiberius said with a laugh, "Why do you all squabble and fight like piglets trying to suckle the teat from their mother? I understand the point of the Senate is to fight and argue to provide a better life for the citizens of Rome. But, although I have one ear, do not be fooled that my hearing is gone for I can hear as well as Diana when her game starts to flee a mile away. This is not about the people of Rome. No, this is for you Senate."

"Cease talking in riddles Tiberius and tell us what you mean!" one of the senators shouted at the Quaestor as other senators shouted in agreement. Tiberius turned his eyes to the ceiling and chuckled loudly.

"What I am trying to say, dear Silvanius, is that the Senate sent a boy without hair upon chin to perform a man's job." Half of the Senate began booing and hissing at the young man. Tiberius extended his hands to calm down the Senate, "Hold tongue and open ears to my words of fact and wisdom . . . for centuries, the Senate has sent the armies of the three great Roman families: the Julii, the Brutii, and the Scipii; to solve problems of the Republic and to fight off foreign enemies and expand Rome's territory.

"But once the three families gained more popularity with the masses; you senators grew jealous in your hearts and began to connive and scheme a way to be loved by the plebs as they love the families. No man here should speak, for you all know it to be true! After 200 years, you send the Senatorial army out to expand Rome's boundaries with the best Senatorial leader you can find, Marcus Maxentius. But it's been a long time since any of you senators have actually seen a battle. If so, you would realize that the Senatorial Army is the Home Guard of Rome; it is Rome's last line of defense if all else fails and must remain in Rome at all times.

"Because of your petty jealously; the great Marcus Maxentius is in mortal danger. But what adds salt to wound is your refusal to aid him. Marcus is drowning in a sea of blood; and instead of extending hand and helping him to dry land; you senators take out your cocks and piss in his mouth. I motion to send help to Marcus. And if you refuse, please keep in mind that once Marcus falls; not one, not two, not three, not four, but five standards of Rome shall be lost. The five gold eagles of the Senate shall be lost forever, and Marcus' head shall ride back to Rome in a wooden box. Such shame the plebs shall give unto the Senate and the plebs will forever worship the ground of the Three Families of Rome."

The senators began to softly murmur amongst each other in agreement with Tiberius' statements. One of the senators stood up and asked Tiberius, "If we do send help, how many should we send?"

"The question is not 'how many', but of whom to send. If we wait to raise another legion, then it would be too late for dear Marcus. We cannot wait to raise a complete legion. We need to use the families for help. And I, Quaestor Tiberius Pullius, vote that the Senate assign the Julii—"

Before another word could be issued off of his tongue, the entirety of the Senate rose up in hostility against Tiberius. Outbursts of curses and shouts rained down on the young Quaestor.

"I knew it! By Jupiter I knew it!" roared Magistrate Calavius at Tiberius. His booming voice effectively silenced the entire Curia as he went into a blood-frenzied tirade, "It is obvious of what you do Tiberius! You obviously want your family, who you're not even related to by blood, to gain favor over the Senate! And I for one will not stand for this! The Julii's ambition for total power is well known! Your leader, Decius Julius, does not have Rome's best interest at heart, only its purse! You sons of curs will use the mob against us to gain power and influence! We should call upon the Roman kings of old, rather than the dishonorable Julii! To what end should we call upon the Julii I ask you Tiberius! To what end?!"

"And I shall tell you dear Magistrate, but I only ask that every man here who hides no falsehood, speak to me now and tell the truth. Tell me, would you send a snake charmer to hunt a lion? Would you send a beekeeper to train gladiators? Would you send a cobbler to construct villas? The answers are apparent for any man blessed with sanity. For years, the Roman families have specialized in destroying certain enemies of Rome. The Brutii are blessed at destroying Greeks, the Scipii are blessed at destroying Carthaginians, and the Julii are blessed at destroying barbarians!

"Must it be said that the Julii was the only family to expand the boundaries of the Republic more than both the Brutii's and Scipii's expansion combine? It was the great Julii family that broke the back of the Spanish barbaric tribes and claimed the region of Hispania for the Republic. So listen well dear senators, I do not deny that I favor the Julii above all others; but I base my choice off the experience the Julii have against the barbarian hordes; thus I ask the Senate to assign the Julii the mission of rescuing Marcus Maxentius."

The anger among the senators quickly subsided. The senators began exchanging blank glances with each other, and slowly they began sitting down in their seats. Even Magistrate Calavius, the man who cursed Tiberius, looked around at the seating Senate and meekly took his seat.

"Now for the next matter," Tiberius continued with a confident smile, "Is who to send? Unfortunately for the Senate, the Julii are overextended amongst their territory and there are no sizeable legions that can match the Senatorial Army which could be raised in time. But there is one man who I know that can save Marcus. He is the governor of Alesia, the Hero of the Lucretian Bridge, the Conqueror of the North and the West, General of the famed Legio XXVIII, the Heir of the Julii family, Lucius Julius the Mighty!"

"Lucius the Mighty?" Consul Maxentius asked, finally speaking up, "Oh Tiberius, you indeed are wise beyond your years for you have picked a man that exemplifies the true characters of Roman virtue. He is a true Roman, but he only has one legion. How can 5,000 men fight off over 10,000 barbarians?"

"But behold, Lucius doesn't not command an ordinary legion; he controls the legendary Twenty-Eighth. Lucius' has commanded his personal legion for more than 20 years. The Twenty-Eighth have put down revolt after revolt, slain countless Barbaric kings and princes, and have saved mainland Italia from the Gallic invasion by the Gallic king Agracingetorix at Lucretian Bridge seven long years ago. It was at Lucretian Bridge that Lucius' 5000 legionnaires held the bridge from three continuous days of assault from the Gallic horde which numbered in the tens of thousands! It was at that battle that I, Tiberius Pullius, was Lucius' tribune at that time, and the both of us slayed around 30 barbarians on the bridge by ourselves. I lost my precious left ear in the battle; but if it wasn't for Lucius' legendary skill of command; I would have lost my head. And it was from Lucius' recommendation himself that I was formally adopted into the Julii family for my exploits of bravery!

"But let it be known that every legionary present at the battle had hearts of lions on that bridge and their spirits have never waned throughout the years. The Legio XXVIII is stationed at Alesia as we speak, and Alesia itself is only two months away from Samarobriva. Thus, we must place our hope in the hands of Lucius Julius and his brave Twenty-Eighth that they can save Marcus from complete annihilation!"

The end of Tiberius' speech fueled the passion for the Republic inside the senators' hearts. They stood to their feet and began applauding the young Quaestor and soon they began chanting for a majority vote to mobilize Lucius' legion.

"Still your tongues and take ear!" Consul Maxentius asked of the Senate. He stood erect behind his marble podium and cleared his throat, "In the motion for the mobilization of the Legio XXVIII of Alesia to reinforce the settlement of Samarobriva; all in favor of the motion, raise thy hand." Every hand in the Curia went into the air.

"Granted. By unanimous vote, the Legio XXVIII shall be mobilized at once and the Julii shall send Lucius Julius to rescue Praetor Marcus Maxentius by any means necessary. As Co-Consul and seen in the eyes of Jupiter, this emergency meeting in the Senate is adjourned. This will be followed by the sacrifice of ten great bulls! Long live the Glorious Republic of Rome and long live the Senate that guides Her hands."

The room once again was filled with the sounds of gossip and rumors as the senators rushed off to the offering chambers. But only Tiberius stayed behind. He slowly took his steps throughout the empty Curia and looked up to the heavens.

I am terribly sorry, my old friend, Tiberius thought to himself, I understand that I have placed a heavy burden on you. But I hope that you will understand that I gave you this mission because you are the only one in the Republic that can do it. I thank the Gods every day that you saved me on that damn bridge all those years ago, Tiberius reflected as he felt the stubble that used to be his left ear, I believed in you then, just like I believe in you now. I know that you can save Marcus; because if you can't, then who could . . . May Mars guide your steel and may Minerva grant you wisdom in these troubling times; and may Jupiter watch over us all. "Long live the glorious Republic of Rome . . . and long live the Julii that grants Rome Her strength."


And so it begins...

02/01/16: Because I receive PMs and reviews about this, let me make it clear...for those of you not clear, this fanfic is completely FICTIONAL, meaning it will not be following the events of Ancient Rome in the real world. If you want to think of this, think of it like an alternate universe, that's what the Total War games are in a nutshell. Alternate Universes of history in which you decide who rules. This seems fairly obvious to some, but I receive many PMs and reviews about how something is historically inaccurate "around the year 85 BC". I'm trying to keep it as historically accurate as possible without delving in too much what happened in the real Ancient Rome. Though there may be a possibility of certain historical characters showing up, it will not be many. And I must say, Gaius Julius Caesar does NOT exist within this story, though he was alive during this time, in this story he does not exist.

Now that that's over, thank you your reading!

-Kanuro5