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It was a hell to register at that forum..But it worked..But then i saw something..VJ Banned? Still a nice update VJ (If you read this)
 
Ah.com's a great forum; I've been lurking there for years. It's nice to know that he's found a new home, so to speak.
 
Fulcrumvale: The Chaotic Era? ;)

Plushie: Well, Romulus would've been found out eventually. Glad you liked it!

alex994: I think Augusta is the term. Boy, Hesta is making a lot of you nervous. :)

VILenin: Yeah, I suspect there will be some 'domestic' elements in coming parts, though I will never lose the political/military part I love the most.

discovery1: I had a feeling Romulus' comeuppance would be enjoyable.

Chief Ragusa: Oh yes, he'll need an heir. Judicial stuff coming up!

Spothisto: A Hesta supporter! Very rare, it seems. :D I like the way you think though...

von Adler: I agree he wouldn't need a biological heir...adoption by merit would be nice, but hereditary is always such a strong impulse in imperial succession. Yeah, I like seeing Remus bogged down by politics and hating it.

TC Pilot: Corbulo, one of Nero's generals...I wanted someone not too easily recognizable and I liked his look.

theycallmetight: That's one thing you learn from this story, there's always a hitch.

Lord E: Strong women make you nervous? :cool: Yes, Romulus needs to be quiet sometimes, doesn't he.

Avernite: Oh yes, the grand shift from rebel to legitimate is tough for anyone.

Deamon: Glad you made it over there and get to read his stuff. Cumbersome, but at least all of the storyline can be enjoyed.
 
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There had been no announcement. There was no need, for the Roman people had already been turning out since daylight to observe the army’s seizure of strategic points across the city. The night march, which saw five columns descend upon the city, became tangled in encounters with garrison defenders, misunderstandings with the rebels and mercenaries, and occasionally just plain getting lost. This meant that only by the morning were the lead units approaching the heart of the city, the Palatine with its civil monuments and imperial palaces. Although not planned, the people poured out with spontaneous curiosity, eager to catch glimpses of the immense force maneuvering on every street. For the most part they were calm and docile, allowing hastily deployed guards to herd them off the roadways. Some, malcontents from the Subura or rowdy types attached to gangs or this aristocrat or that, tried to make trouble until they ran into sharp steel. Many, indeed, were stirred by the sight of such organization, such precision.

For an empire that had suffered so much chaos in the past century, the steady movement of tramping soldiers, with their veteran eyes and fine equipment, was enough to bring any true citizen to appreciation. Ragged cheers broke out and each successive unit found themselves greeted with loud ‘hails’ and growing noise. It was this army’s commander who had brought back the emperor after years of exile, the restoration of imperial rule. And it was this commander for whom the crowds now waited. They were tired. Tired of warfare that had torn the peninsula apart, tired of armies rampaging up and down from Mediolanum to Tarentum, killing off so many and decimating agriculture, buildings, and homes. They longed for a measure of peace to be brought to Italia. The sight of Remus Macrinus’ army was enough to give them such enthusiastic hope.

As of old, it was Selenus who saw the historical implications of Remus’ planned route. He feared that if he told this, however, the commander would quickly change his path. They moved down the Via Flaminia, passing through the gate where Romulus Augustus had been so ignominiously captured. It was simply a short ride from the army’s camp near Veii to the Palatine, where the city fathers, prisoners such as the late emperor and his mother, the Senate and their families, as well as all the hangers-on Remus was able to expel from his headquarters, awaited him. Yet from the moment they passed into the city proper, the noise began. There were not the large crowds that would be expected down the road, yet they made themselves known. At first, Remus paused, shifting his horse sideways briefly, startled. Then, with a rueful smile, he kicked the horse forward, and the march continued.

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Most of the army was already in the city proper, taking no chances. Opponents and dangerous notables were being rounded up. The clergy in the Vaticanus were isolated across the river, still bickering over the election of the newest bishop, Felix having so conveniently perished earlier in the year. He already knew he’d have to shift most of the troops outside the city within days to avoid the dangers of bored soldiers in a rich settlement. The reports of mercenaries involved with the Senatorial rebels had only made him grit his teeth. They would have to go.

This was only the headquarters staff and their cavalry escort, a bare hundred men, yet they were treated as a formal parade as soon as they entered Rome. As with the last time he had captured Rome, this was a military operation. The crowds, however, would not let him go quietly this time. Selenus looked around at the various buildings as they passed: the Mausoleum on the riverbank, the small Odeion, Domitian’s stadium, Agrippa’s old baths, the column of Antoninus Pius, and the small yet elegant Ara Pacis, Augustus’ Altar of Peace. Some of them looked gleaming as part of Romulus’ vast restoration projects. Others, such as the altar, needed much work. It was not the buildings and monuments that mattered, Selenus thought. It was the ground underneath. The Campus Martius. The traditional starting point of the triumphator.

In Republican times, Remus would be riding on an ancient chariot, his face painted red and crowned with a corona triumphalis. Lictors would precede him, their fasces wrapped in laurel. He would pass through the Portia Triumphalis, where he was met by the Senate and escorted to the Capitoline. There he would sacrifice white bulls to Jupiter, followed by a lavish banquet. It was the summit of a commander’s career.

Remus’ entry had none of these accoutrements, yet the effect was precisely the same. He was at the summit. As they passed the crumbling Servian Walls, he suddenly felt alone and looked back to spy his generals giving him distance with wide grins on their faces, their mounts pausing as Remus trotted further away. Perfectly willing to share his scholarly observations with Classicus, Claudius, and Viator, Selenus and the rest had reined in their mounts to give Remus the lead and the cheers for him alone. With a grunt, Remus continued, feeling both embarrassment and a growing pleasure at the adulation being thrust upon him. When he had started this so many years before, it was simply in anger at the ignorance and lack of tradition displayed by Odoacer and his henchmen. He had longed simply to find an emperor and serve him, to serve Rome to the best of his ability. Nepos had gotten himself killed, Glycerius was awash in fatal conspiracy and Romulus, dear young Augustulus who waited for him ahead, had failed him. He hadn’t wanted an absentee emperor in the East either. And if there was no one left to serve, in the end he had to step forward to take the reins. The cheers around him helped soften the growing weight of responsibility.

Where to begin, he thought, even as his right hand instinctively rose in acknowledgment to the crowds, which only made them roar harder. A few of the happier sort pushed against the soldiers, who held them back. Flowers began to rain down on to the road, and Remus wondered if that part hadn’t been hastily organized. Someone hoping to make a favorable impression on him, then. But where to begin? The city needed reorganization. He had plans for Ravenna and Mediolanum. He had to keep the Senate and the Bishop from each other’s throats. He had to deal with the East, bringing them close without sacrificing his independence. He had to keep his foot on the Burgundians and the Franks. And there were campaigns against the Vandals and Visigoths to contemplate. So much to do. Where to begin? He had no political advisors, he knew. Everyone riding behind him were excellent officers, brilliant commanders in their own right. Selenus came closest, yet he had never been in the center of it all either. Rome, the capital, the seat of government, was certain to be a new animal. Who up there on the Palatine could he trust? The thoughts raced forward in such intensity that he regretted that he could not simply enjoy the moment, to bask in the celebrations around him. There was simply too much to do!

As they skirted the Capitoline and passed through the Forum, the crowds grew thicker and temporarily blocked the procession at the Arch of Septimus Severus until order was restored. Exasperated, Remus picked up the pace, wishing to end this parade of sorts and get on with the realities he needed to contend with. It was still slow going, however, and it took almost an hour to limp upward from the Forum to the Palatine, where he was expected at the gates of the Domus Augustiana.

The white tunicas arrayed outside the main entrance told him that the entire Senate was waiting for him, arrange in clusters on either side of the doorway. Legionaries lined both sides of the winding path, drawn up like a guard of honor, stony expressions masking their own excitement. From within the doors’ open maw, he could see the tightly packed audience waiting inside. Romulus, no doubt, would be one of them. With business to conduct, Selenus and the rest rejoined him and together they dismounted. Remus had no conception what ceremony was warranted for such a scene. Was this an Imperator arriving to take up his reign? Was this a general completing his capture of Rome and dealing with the local magistrates? Or was this the first in a series of political games to come?

”Ave Imperator!”, a ragged cheer broke out from the assembled Senators, as if on cue. It was a confused greeting, and many put more emphasis and volume on the words than others, which made Remus smile wryly. It was a awkward expression of support of loyalty, yet an expression nonetheless. It was something to begin with. Inside, the cheer was repeated a bit more raggedly, as if those inside were unsure if they were expected to join in the greeting or not. He contemplated Romulus’ face when he heard someone else being so acclaimed. Did he know realize, at the end, that the power was on Remus’ hilt and not on Romulus’ brow? He walked forward, slowly, determinedly, to give himself time on how he wanted to act and deal with the assembled. His generals trailed behind him, and he noticed Selenus kept close, ready to whisper advice as needed. Not a political advisor, but close enough for these purposes.

One the Senators in front stepped forward, struggling with a mask of serenity, though confident enough in his station. Remus’ mind flashed back to the woman at Veii and thought he spotted enough similarities. Regulus then, he decided, making Selenus’ whisper unnecessary.

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”W-welcome to Rome, Imperator,” the Senator said, bowing. A bit nonplussed at the man’s stutter, Remus looked around to see the Senators emulate the bow, some lower than others, but each in their turn. A slight breeze blew through the procession, providing the only sound in the brief stillness. The sun was moving overhead, illuminating the proceedings with a certain brilliance to suit the occasion. A good omen, then. Few knew what to say to move things along.

Had Selenus just prodded him? Remus cleared his throat and stepped forward, holding up his right palm in greeting. ”I thank you for this assemblage and greeting, Senator Regulus Tiberianus. May our relations always be cordial and fruitful,” he said, thinking of something suitable. At least he had gotten the name right, going by Selenus’ earlier briefing. By the way Regulus closed his eyes and politely smiled, he assumed he had come close enough. And why did he need to, he suddenly thought! He was the conquering general, and these were his new subjects. If ever he was to establish an authoritative bent, it was now.

”I also thank the Senate for their expressions of support for my acclamation, news of which I received during my army’s march here. Those who risked much to aid the capture of Rome will not be forgotten,” he said, glancing pointedly at Regulus. The rebellion was helpful if not decisive, yet he would throw the appropriate morsels the man’s way. He would need allies in the Senate, his memories of Markus’ fate coming to mind. He glanced around, taking in his audience. They were gazing at him with such expectation. There was so many calculating looks, measuring glances. Were they already plotting? Did they know yet how they wanted to use him? Perhaps more words were needed. ”For too long, those in power have wanted the Empire to serve their interests. From now on, you will all be servants of this Empire, so I promise. Serve me, and you will serve the Empire. Remain dedicated and loyal to that, and you will prosper. So I promise.” He thought he detected a crack in several smiles, particular during his emphasis on ‘army’ and ‘support’. It was necessary to remind them of their role, he felt, and then entice them at the end. Close enough, he decided, judging by Regulus and his companions’ reactions. Decius must be the one just behind him, he wondered.

”Ave, Remus Macrinus! Remus Imperator!” Claudius suddenly bellowed from behind him. There was a moment’s pause, and then Regulus answered the call, the Senate swiftly following behind him. From inside, the echo rang. It was done then.
Remus began to walk forward, Regulus quickly stepping down to a position behind him and to his right. He pulled off his plumed helmet and tucked it under his arm as the Senator neared him. Another whisperer, he thought, balancing Selenus out nicely.

”We are h-honored by your ar-rrival, Imperator,” the Senator spoke quickly and quietly, clearly trying to smooth out his voice. Already the Senators were shuffling, arranging themselves to follow Remus into the palace. Those inside were murmuring in turn, positioning themselves on either side of a makeshift aisle. He could almost feel the transition as they went inside, from the open air of the Palatine to the musty, incense-filled odor indoors. Though the receiving room was massive, it was packed with the leading lights of the city and empire. He exhaled briefly, knowing that he was no longer just a soldier. He was now a ruler. But, so help him God, he would never stop being a soldier. Lose that, and he would lose himself. He realized that Regulus was still whispering and he had missed the first of what he was saying.

”----of creating an agenda on your b-behalf, Imperator. There is much to b-be done, of course. I have arranged each supplicant in order of precedence and---“

Remus held up a hand and slowed his walk. Around him, each person they passed bowed, or proclaimed their loyalty or greeted him softly, trying to catch his eye, as if he could possibly know or remember them. There were knowing looks, the substance of which he knew not. There were pleased smiles, most of these feminine, which made him look away. And there were the cocked heads, the courtiers preparing their first maneuvers of Remus’ reign. But his ears were focused on Regulus.

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”All well and good, and I thank you for your initiative. But I will decide whom I see first. Selenus, fetch Romulus. I want him to face me now.”

The Senator bowed and murmured his understanding, backing away slightly. Set the right tone, Remus repeated to himself.

At the far end of the room, cordoned off by grim protectorii and ropes, was the throne itself, the gilded monstrosity that had made Remus blanch the first time he saw it, realizing how much Romulus wished to project his power. He knew he couldn’t stay standing during the proceedings, yet he made a note to use something more practical for future audiences. He was a ruler, not some puffed up merchant. Stepping into the clearing, his boots echoed on the wooden flooring, each thump becoming louder as he paced determinedly to his seat, grateful that he now had distance between him and the assembled crowd. He took a few determined breaths, turned around to face them all, and sat down, placing his helmet awkwardly on the side of the throne. If anything, the site of it, a real helmet and not something ceremonial, would emphasize the military nature of his accession.

Selenus, Claudius, Classicus, and Viator, he beckoned to stand alongside him, each intimidating in their campaign gear. These weren’t political generals. This was the army backing up the new emperor to the hilt. It was a pointed reminder. To soften the impression, he didn’t object as the Senators Regulus and Decius chose to approach and bow, assuming a status that Remus decided he would let them have. Despite the murmurings, it was still very quiet in the room, and he felt as if his slightest gesture echoed prominently. There was no music, no food and drink, no laughter. This was a court of purpose. He wondered if it would stay that way.

Now the murmuring grew louder and Remus looked to see the crowd on his left part, a pair of officers and their beneficiarii leading forward their charges. A bit ragged, yet still wearing the finery in which they had been caught, Romulus Augustus and the Lady Barbaria were led into the cleared partition. Remus positioned himself comfortably on the throne, and proceeded to glare stonily at the once ruler. Set the right tone. Romulus tried to glare back defiantly, but withered quickly. Here was the one who had whipped for so long, mistreating the very person who had given him ultimate power. And now, in the end, the beast had reared its legs and consumed him.

For her part, Lady Barbaria was glancing curiously towards Remus’ side and he wondered at the byplay, noticing that Selenus was shuffling awkwardly. Something there then? By her flaring nostrils, she had been rebuffed however. Eyes flickered everywhere, and Remus could almost hear the unspoken questions amongst the Senators and aristocrats. Each gesture, each word, each glance, would be weighed and measured. He saw Regulus glance to the crowd and spotted his sister, the Lady Hesta. She had wiggled her way to the front then, her family’s influence rising with each moment.

Regulus glanced at Remus, who nodded, giving the Senator the opportunity to begin the audience. Some things had been contemplated before Remus’ arrival, Regulus’ influential role being one of them. The man had, after all, given him one of the Aurelian gates. The Senator stepped forward imperiously, holding his tunica with dignity. ”B-Bow,” he intoned, losing some of the effect in the stutter.

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Romulus shook his head. ”Never,” he barked. His mother said nothing, though didn’t move.

Remus could tell where this would lead and he certainly didn’t want to give the fallen ruler a chance to look noble. Nor, he admitted privately, did he want stuttering to inaugurate his first decisive audience. ”I will not bandy words with you, Romulus” Remus said sharply, taking over. ”You were caught in flight at the Porta Flaminia, disguised as a priest, your mother as well. You were abandoning your charge, such as it was.”

”I will not----“

”SILENCE!” Remus roared, using his best command voice to bludgeon away the young man’s protests. Even as he observed the stunned faces around him, he felt a growing pleasure, having wanted to do this for such a long time.

”You were young and weak when I rescued you from Campania. Yet you chose to forgo those who gave you strength in favor of the greedy who made you rot. And in so doing, you let the Empire rot.” His eyes squinted, as the poisonous anger seeped out of him, coming out in controlled precision as he barked out each syllable.

”I would have gladly served an emperor who served the Empire. You failed this charge. You failed me, Romulus.”

Romulus still smarted, his breath coming in heaves, his eyes alight with a wish to shout back, but Remus continued to press his advantage. As in battle, you never ceded the initiative once taken.

”You and your mother have consorted with vipers and have stained the name of Rome. However,” he said thoughtfully, his tone becoming quieter, less vivid. ”I am not without mercy.”

Many looked on in surprise, as most were expecting execution. Remus, however, had decided to heed Selenus’ words and not start his reign with blood. Rome had been founded on the death of Remus at Romulus’ hands, Selenus had intoned, asking that this beginning not see the reverse. ”Having failed me, I will place you back in the cage where I found you. You and your mother, and all those who wish to join you, I will plant back on that rock in Campania, and you may enjoy the comforts of Lucullus’ villa once more.”

Romulus started to smile in relief but froze when Remus resumed in a sharper voice, leaning forward. ”I will give you a warning so my intentions are clear. I am not to be trifled with! Set one foot out of bounds and the sword will fall before the night comes. That goes for you and your supporters,” he said, his eyes taking in Barbaria and maintaining his hard expression. He had no compunctions about killing a woman who chose to stand in his way.

There was a short pause, and Romulus opened his mouth to say something, but Remus beckoned to one of the officers. ”Take them away. I want them in Campania in three days.” And so ended the first and hardest audience in his reign. At least he had avoided the melodrama, and hopefully struck the right tone.

It came much easier after that, having saved most of his venom for Romulus. There were other captured notables to be dealt with, one by one, most of them being stripped of titles, their estates confiscated, and occasionally, shown greater mercy.

”I’m told that you served Romulus ably, in good faith, Genucius.”

The man said nothing, paling somewhat and feeling exposed. His ease of manner and confident smile were long done, those familiar with him could easily discern. He had lost weight, looking gaunt in his soiled tunica. Some of his rivals in the Senate relished in his displeasure, delighted in seeing the imperial crony dressed down.

”I believe, in the end, that you served a dishonest master honorably. For that, most of the blame will not fall on you,” Remus said, glancing at Selenus, who nodded slightly. ”You will be stripped of your leadership, yet nothing more will be done for the present, provided you serve me as honorably…Senator Genucius.” From Decius’ expression, Remus’ meddling in just who was or was not a Senator was not expected, though the man was hardly in a position to change things. This was political theater at its uttermost.

There were pauses, of course, for refreshment or waiting on this or that summons, all of which served to drag out the proceedings and made Remus long for some exercise. He knew he would have to devote the time to keeping himself in fighting trim if rulers were confined to seats all day. Around him, the knots of people whispered to each other, commenting on each audience as it proceeded. Even his own generals and advisors couldn’t help but succumb to the lure of influence. Between audiences, Remus spotted Senator Regulus drawing Selenus aside into deep conversation down a torchlit alcove, no doubt striking deals already in their new imperator’s name. Would he ever be aware of all that went on around him? Certainly not, came the obvious answer.

The day ground on, and the backlog of necessary business was steadily being completed, agonizing as it was becoming. More punishment was handed out, followed by delegations from the local blocs of power in Rome, beginning with a pair of clergymen, who appraised him serenely.

”I will not interfere with this election, fathers. You may bring this word to the Vaticanus. The late Felix was forthright the last time I entered Rome. And the new Bishop, whomever he will be, will be welcome at my coronation,” he said quietly. His experience with the bishops in Gaul had made him suspicious of the clergy, yet neither did he want to antagonize them for no good reason. The Senators could use a good balance and seeing how they wriggled at the priests’ polite reception was confirmation enough. ”No,” he said in response to one of the priest’s whispered queries. ”not in any official capacity. He may simply relax and enjoy himself at the ceremony.” Not too polite then. God had crowned him through the army, not his priests or the Senate. The right tone.

After the local audiences, he began dealing with those foreign visitors who were caught up in the city during his army’s arrival. Naturally, Annaeus would be first.

”You may tell Emperor Anastasius that I wish for fraternity between us, as Roman brothers. In these times, the Empire needs all its servants.” It was a compromise of sorts implying equality with his use of ‘brothers’ yet using the singular ‘Empire’, indicating he was not above linking arms with his counterpart in Constantinople. The days of the shadow emperors were gone, requiring a new relationship.

By now he was feeling the first tendrils of exhaustion. He couldn’t see outside the palace, though the outside light was fading. Perhaps the stale air in the room was getting to him. Most of the necessary work was done, dealing with the remnants of the old government, setting his authority over the city with kind firmness. He grunted and beckoned to Regulus, who walked over. ”What’s next?”

Smiling, Regulus, pointed out the crowds. ”Your n-new subjects want to greet you, I-Imperator. All of them,” he said with perhaps a bit too much relish. Remus knew that this referred to the aristocrats in the room, but he already counted several hundred of them.

Remus’ expression became pained. ”Get me a meal first, and I need to stretch my legs. This throne, this room even, is so confining,” he said quietly, laughing a little for the first time that day.

Regulus nodded, glancing over at the crowd again. ”I believe the n-next audiences will be fathers begging the Imperator to m-marry their daughters? Rome has many beautiful women,” he said with a knowing smirk, which translated even through his tortured speaking.

Coughing, Remus stood and looked awkward as he surveyed the crowd. Annaeus had all but thrown the princess at him, reminding him of earlier proposals to marry Romulus off to Titia. And now Remus was the mark. He wasn’t sure he wanted to bind himself so tightly to Constantinople, though the legitimacy afforded was enticing. Did he have to marry at all?

”N-Naturally, an Imperator needs an heir,” Regulus said quietly, which made Remus wondered if he had spoken aloud. He allowed himself to be led away from the throne, contemplating the many tasks he still had yet to do. As they passed the first rows of onlookers, who bowed and murmured their greetings, Regulus suddenly stepped a bit closer. ”Did you know that my s-sister is unmarried, Imperator?”
 
Remus seems too have picke dup the nuances of political language quickly enough. Since he seems to be in no rush to get married I can see him using the prospect of marriage as a tool, a carrot to be dangled at appropriate moments to encourage cooperation. Judging by his thought son what needs to be done, namely dealing with all the various barbarian tribes, as well as the reality of the empire's position, I doubt the citizens will enjoy a Pax Macrinorum any time soon. But maybe Remus can lay the foundation.
 
Ah, so Remus will not follow in the foot-steps of the Five Good ones and will instead attempt to establish a dynasty? I do suppose, if he is a well enough father, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, and a formal law of succession would do tons and tons of good for the Western Empire, but the later history of the Eastern Empire has shown us what can happen when the Empire is lain prostrate to the whims of familial relations.

Regardless, excellent stuff. Yours is one of the few AARs I follow faithfully anymore and perhaps the only one which I gleefully anticipate more updates thereof. May your two years see many more beyond!
 
I agree, Remus is much too soon in power to choose a wife. He has to tread warily with respect of the Eastern Emperor. He has merely deferred the day he executes Romulus. Still he's placed himself in the moral right and Romulus will serve as a useful lightening rod to pull all Remus' enemies around - and then despatch.

It's comforting to see just how quickly Remus and Selenus have fallen into their old friendship. They aren't the same men, now, though and that might cause readjustments.

Edit:[He has been acclaimed as Imperator by the army, senate and people. Only the Church has yet to commit. The fact that Viator, as representative of the faction that the East recognizes as Emperor, acclaims Remus ought to carry weight with Anastasius.

VJ's going to have a field day with the political intrigue that's about to grip Rome.]
 
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If I were Remus, I would be wary of letting Romulus live, hasn't that mistake already been made by someone else?

AFAIK, Remus Macrinus is the only man in history to conquer Rome twice, not a small feat for the former Decurio.
 
Remus marrying anyone now would be (IMHO) a monumentally bad idea. The last thing he needs is a wife with loyalty to herself first, her family second and the empire not at all.
 
Marrying now would be dangerous; he should wait until he's had a firmer grip on power before marrying anyone so he won't antagonize any factions before he's strong enough to crush them all. It was a bit surprising to see how Regulus was so blunt.

Remus' first day in Rome as Imperator has started out well, very well. Let's just hope it stays that way.
 
I am the only one to see Hesta as the ideal wife of Remus? She's not in the pocket of her family, nor any other faction. She's independent, intelligent, skilled and ruthless enough to gain Remus' respect, if not love.

A love story feels very unreman, then again, Remus becoming Emperor also feels very unreman, so anything might happen.

I think in the end, Hesta will have to bring something more than her body into the deal to actually intrigue Remus. A political partnership, perhaps, with certain benefits. The problem is that Remus would take a great risk with giving Hesta that amount of power. She would have to prove her loyalty and dedication to his cause before he would risk such a thing, IMHO. And how would she do this? She is probably smart enough to know that an outright seduction attempt will do her little good, Remus is disciplined, and we have not seen him as failing to resist temptation before. Then again, will he know that Hesta is a person best kept on your side rather than the enemy side?

Looking forward to the next update.
 
I think Remus made a horrible mistake....One should NEVER leave an enemy behind him....Romulus is going to try something sneaky and underhanded. I am certain of it. Remus should have killed him...and everyone who supported him in the end. It will come back to haunt him.
 
Without Remus and Varic, Romulus really is nothing. Now that the Imperial faction of the senate has been cowed and has recieved mercy from Remus, they will not risk anything either. Romulus is powerless on his own and his mother is past her prime. He might become a focal point for dissidence against Remus, sure, but the Eastern Emperor, an ambitions General, the Bishop of Rome, a Senator, all can fill that role. Remus own rule is way more dangerous than Romulus can ever be on his own, I think.

I think and hope this is the last we heard of Romulus Augustus, twice the Emperor of Rome.
 
Amric said:
I think Remus made a horrible mistake....One should NEVER leave an enemy behind him....Romulus is going to try something sneaky and underhanded. I am certain of it. Remus should have killed him...and everyone who supported him in the end. It will come back to haunt him.

He cannot possibly hope to kill all who, in some fashion, supported Romulus.

He can't in any way hope to kill all his enemies.

Best to have (some of) them gather where he can keep an eye on them.


Also, I think a marriage with the east might be a good idea. Having a friend in Constantinople can never hurt.
 
I suppose it's also important to remember, this is back during the hey-day of Caesaro-Papism, the Bishop of Rome can protest things he does but ultimately has little power to pursue him with. A marriage with Constantinople and then another to someone closer to home at a later point isn't entirely out of the question.
 
very nice update ...sorry about my lack of any insightful comment - I just think its a great story ! :)
 
Remus makes his triumphant entry into Rome, like the conquering generals of the Republic and like Caesar and Octavian before him he enters in the way that a new ruler and emperor should.
The realities of politics are quickly growing on him it seems, and I think it seems like Remus is much more into the political world now than he was the last time he was in the political world of Rome. Leaving Romulus alive might show that he is not one that rules through blood and murder, but it might also come back to hunt him as Romulus will forever remain as a rally point for all of Remus’s enemies, but as long as he keeps his promise and keep them under control I am certain Remus will be able to win from this.

I think Remus should wait, not chose a wife at once, he needs to get used to the realities of Rome and her backstabbing politics first, but judging from both Mett and VJ’s posts I think that Hesta is the one with the highest chance of becoming empress. I only hope Remus can keep her under control…

Mettermrck said:
Lord E: Strong women make you nervous? :cool: Yes, Romulus needs to be quiet sometimes, doesn't he.
I guess we can say that they sometimes make me a little nervous yes…;)
 
Amric said:
I think Remus made a horrible mistake....One should NEVER leave an enemy behind him....Romulus is going to try something sneaky and underhanded. I am certain of it. Remus should have killed him...and everyone who supported him in the end. It will come back to haunt him.

Maybe something unfortunate can happen? Say the old Emperor is ambushed by bandits on his way to the villa, or it might burn down with him inside. Or he could choke on an olive.

Or more likely he will sit around surrounded by Remus' men until one day he tries something stupid and is killed.

Great update Met. Good that Remus is adapting to politics so fast.
 
Sorry, gents, I had forgotten to indicate at the end of that last post that that is it for Part II! Now that Remus has taken power. VJ and I will taking a short break (nothing new, I know) to go over plot ideas, organize, etc. Part III will launch into the aftermath of these events, with perhaps a slight time jump.

VILenin: I agree, Remus and 'Pax' don't mix. :) Expect conflict, that's a given.

Plushie: Hard to say, it depends on Remus' motivations. I think he's partly motivated just to silence everyone around who will keep harping on the subject. Yes, I hope to delve into western caesaro-papism!

Chief Ragusa: I think from a perspective of being nice to the East, a quick marriage would have its drawbacks, though I'm also sure Remus views an Eastern marriage as a tie he might be wary of. We'll see how it plays out. Oh yes, there's plenty of politics for VJ to play with. Good point about Viator, I hope not to ignore him in the coming plotline. The new Pope, Gelasius, will hopefully be more involved in the story than the previous ones now that Remus is at the heart of imperial politics in the West.

theycallmetight: I can see Remus not minding if something unfortunate happened to Romulus but for the moment, he has to be seen being publicly merciful. We'll see how it plays out!

Fulcrumvale: True, and I know Remus has zilch experience with romance and arranged marriages. It depends on who he goes for...plus Remus' own political inexperience could lead him into something others might advise him not to.

alex994: Indeed...there's also the consideration that Remus is in his 'honeymoon' period...if the marriage is truly that important, then striking now might catch potential opponents off-balance...but yes, it would be a hasty move too, certainly not making everyone happy.

von Adler: Good points, her selection would definitely antagonize the East somewhat while making some of the other local factions annoyed that their own daughters were passed over Some soothing would definitely be in order.

Avernite: A lot to be said for an eastern marriage, and some against it...it depends on the course Remus wants to strike.

boehm: I appreciate anyone's compliments, so I'm grateful you're reading along, sir! :)

Lord E: The more I study this question, the more I think waiting has its merits, but it wouldn't be a story if my characters don't do ill-advised things, or stuff I myself wouldn't do. There are lots of plusses and minuses at stake. I'll try to keep the strong women away from Norway...;)

discovery1: Oh yes, something accidental could always befall Romulus in the future, though if it's too obvious, it could bounce back and hurt Remus. Luckily for him, the East never saw Romulus as truly legitimate anyhow.

Thanks, all! We'll resume soon and I very appreciate of everyone's indepth comments. They really make me think and help me think about how I want the story to flow. :)
 
Well you've certainly earned a break. Hopefully you and VJ both can take some time for renewal and then cook up more of this great story. Among other things, I'm curious to see how the Legions end up in Britain again.