Crossing the Rubicon (IC)

[Kernan]

Crossing the Rubicon

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Italia, 49 BC
Rome is growing. Its enemies, cowering before its mighty Legions as they march across Gaul almost unopposed, are on the verge of being brought to heel. To an uneducated outsider, or a regular pleb, the ruling Triumvirate between Caesar the man who with his five personal legions has subjugated Gaul and beloved by Rome's people, Pompey was one of the greatest military generals Rome had seen to that point and Crassus was rich in gold, bankrolling his allies, was rock solid. However, behind the scenes the ambitions of Pompey and Caesar had threatened to tear the whole thing apart. However Crassus, ever the diplomat, had helped keep the two men from killing eachother. This was helped by Caesar's daughter Julia marriage to Pompey in 59 BC. However, in 54 BC Julia died in childbirth, her baby following suit some days later. This heightened tensions between Caesar and Pompey, suppressed by the marriage. However the tenuous alliance held as Crassus went East to fight the Selucid Empire in 53 BC and was decisively defeated at the Battle of Carrhae, dying in the process. That ended the famed Triumvirate as there were only two men left, both of which were not conservative in their distaste of eachother. Now Pompey, leading the Senate in Rome, has struck at Caesar in Gaul, ordering him back due to his governorship of Gaul being up. Caesar however would not go quietly. He has now crossed the Rubicon River into Italia, something expressly forbidden by the Roman Senate, with his Legions and proclaiming 'Let the die be cast'. Civil War has come to Rome. It is up to you to decide who to support, for you to decide who will win and in the end, decide the fate of the ancient Roman Republic.


You take control of a Roman, be him senator or General, at the outbreak of the First Roman Civil War. Civil war is upon Rome between Gaius Julius Caesar and his Populares faction led by the military and Pompey with his Optimates faction, mostly made up of Senators. Your actions will have a effect on the War and you will decide if the Republic lives or dies on the field of battle. Maybe you can play both sides against each other, gaining power at the expense of both sides. Whatever path you take Rome will be forever changed.

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The Rubicon River, Italia

Caesar stood on the western banks of the Rubicon River. To the East a small handful of feet ahead of him lay the eastern bank of the River and Italia, the breaking of a taboo that has lasted centuries. However as the wind blew at his back, pushing him towards Italy, he could hear Fate calling his name. It was calling him to fulfill his destiny and march on Rome, take what he was deserved. The thoughts of cooperating with Pompey were gone, the man was clearly beyond rhyme and reason with ordering Caesar leave Gaul; the province he took himself. Behind him his men milled about nervously, unsure of what came next. When Rome expanded outside of beloved Italia the Senate disallowed any Roman legions from crossing the Rubicon River back into Italia. It was a rule that had gone unbroken for ages, and now Caesar was about to in the most spectacular fashion. Caesar finally turned to his men to give them a final address as citizens of the Roman Republic.

"Attention!" Caesar shouted. Within a minute the Legions were reformed from their disorganized milling about.

"Romans! Soldiers! Men! For to long the Senate in Rome has grown content on the fruits of your labor. While you were all dying in the mud of Gaul, they were sitting on their asses drinking and whoring! While you were sitting in your tent, in the freezing rain, they were sitting warm and comfy in Rome mocking you with their luxeries! Well I frankly am tired of it! March across the Rubicon! March on Rome! End the rule of the corrupt politicians led by that brat Pompey and bring the will of the people to Rome now and forever!" Caesar proclaimed.

The men cheered in excitement as they made their way across the bridge. The Die was Cast

[Cuprum]

Rome, 49 BC

The consuls directed Pompey to quickly recruit more troops. The Senate, still unprepared, was panicked at Caesar's unexpected speed. Pompey knew that any negotiations would soon leave him inferior to Caesar rather than an equal partner. So, he planned to face him in Corfinum with his two legions and the local garrison leaded by Domitius to end Caesar ambitions there. He ordered the senators and officials to go with him and to seize the public treasury to pay for the troops they needed to recruit and destroy Caesar underlings after their leader is captured. The Senators prefered to hide in their villas while waiting for the end leaving all the job to the consuls.

Pompey wrote to the governors of the provinces in the west to send a punitive force to Gallia and stabilize the region by removing Caesar's lieutenants which would surrender after their leader was defeated. Pompey ordered Lucius Domitius to join him. The latter prepared to leave Corfinium with his cohorts. After the prepartions were made Pompey marched with his legions to join Domitius and face Caesar in Corfinum.

[Nea Byzantia]

Royal Palace, Alexandria, Egypt, 49 BC



It was a beautiful sunny afternoon, and Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII was seated in a mezzanine with his regent and mentor, the eunuch Pothinus. The two of them sat across from each other playing the ancient Egyptian strategy game known simply, as "Jackals & Hounds". As they were doing this, they discussed matters of state.

"Pothinus," asked the 13 year old Pharaoh in his adolescent voice, "any news for me today?"

"No, your majesty." replied Pothinus, "All is well within Egypt."

"And outside of Egypt?" asked Ptolemy as he moved his jackal across the board

"That, your majesty, is a very different story." replied Pothinus. He leaned in close to the young lad and spoke in a whisper, as if confiding in him "Rome is tearing itself to pieces, your majesty. Pompey and the Senate are battling the rogue governor of Gaul, a certain Julius Caesar."

"Will it trouble us, Pothinus?" asked the Pharaoh

"No, your majesty." replied Pothinus "Rome is too occupied at the moment with their own internal affairs."

"Good." said Ptolemy definitively "Means they can't come meddle in our affairs."




Pothinus sat there for a moment quietly, thinking out his next move. Then he spoke, "On the subject of our own affairs, your majesty, there is something I must bring to your attention."

"Tell me, Pothinus." commanded Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII

"Its about your sister-wife, your majesty." he looked over his shoulder to make sure no one else was there save their attendants "Cleopatra is up to something, your majesty."

"Of course she is." replied Ptolemy "She's a snake in the grass, my sister-wife. She's always up to something. So we must be up to something as well."

Pothinus smiled, the young lad would make a fine pharaoh one day, when he was older. Assuming he followed Pothinus' advice. "Your majesty is well-spoken." replied Pothinus "Do not weary yourself, your majesty. Don't worry, I'll take care of Cleopatra."

[Kernan]

Italia, 49 BC

As Caesar and his men advanced through the fields of Italy, he was met with praise from the people. While many in this area had not been within 100 leagues of Rome within their entire lives they still lapped up all the information Caesar fed them. Accusations of cowardice, corruption and brutality by Pompey and his allies spread before Caesar's cautiously advancing column like wildfire. Meanwhile Caesar was fighting a war of information, information the plebs were all to happy to provide. If they were to be believed Pompey had already heard of Ceasar's treason and was marching North with a large army. While no accurate numbers were around Caesar guessed, based on the men he lent Pompey some time ago, that he had somewhere in the range of 10,000 - 15,000 men. That left his men drastically outnumbered and put Caesar in a horrid position where he was outnumbered to decisively overcome. If battle were to be met it was obvious to anybody with any sense that it would be the end of him. However, it would take time for Pompey to gather his forces. Caesar brought in a squire and gave him a slip of paper to be delivered to the closest legion he could find in Gaul. If Caesar could remember correctly their might be one based near Massalia. He had him ride the fastest horse he had as time was of the essence. Meanwhile he turned to the people for aid, asking for donations to the cause and for them to misdirect Pompey about Caesar's whereabouts at all turns. While he did not doubt Pompey had allies in the crowd, hopefully they were not to numerous as to hinder him.

[Duestchstien]

Roma, Italia, 49 BC

Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, was a popular politician and populist. He was openly a supporter of Caesar and had many allies in Rome. He had just been elected Praetor and had the ability to decide fates of many people, this gave him many allies in addition to his allies he made while working in lesser senate positions and when he worked at the mint. Seeing the optimates grab control of the treasury he had many bankers freeze all financial assets of the optimate senators that weren't using government banks. He also asked many of his old commanders and friends who were out governing provinces or working in the army, to help Caesar if he needed supplies, troops, or funds on his campaign. His wife, Junia, was a very persuasive public speaker and smart woman, she was able to go in front of crowds and sway them to Caesars side. This meant that large part of Rome ended up becoming friendly to Caesar, not to mention the Populares had almost complete control over the senate since most optimates wouldn't leave their villas, Lepidus used this to portray them as cowards, to scared to leave the comfort of their home to even defend themselves. After Lepidus' many rousing speeches and hard work most of Rome was not only supportive of the Populares but opposed to the optimates.

[Cuprum]

Pisaurum, Italia, 49 BC



The road was sodden and wet. The march from Rome had taken its toll on the men, the endless rain dampening spirits as much as boots.

"Curse this bloody rain", spat Pompey, swinging his dripping cloak up and over his shoulder. What little protection the cloak offered from the wind was no respite from the deep seeping wetness of it. At least it keeps my sword arm free, he thought, readjusting the scabbard on his hip.

He looked around him, fourteen four hundred thousand battle-hardened men at his command. His loyal subordinate, Domitius, lead half of the host marching the road. A column of horses galloped past, breaking Domitius from his thoughts. Pompey's men. For a brief second, he spotted him riding at the head of the column. The great lord of the East. It was a true defender of the republic that chose to lead head-first into the battle, he thought, It brings the men courage.

Night was falling quickly by the time the train set up camp. To the north Ariminum, the first city before reaching the Rubicon, Pompey believed that Caesar would be there due to his lack of men, hiding inside that petty city and using his citizens as hostages won't stop Pompey from destroying him with his mighty army. As darkness crept in so too did silence, an eerie quiet hung over the spitting fires as men ate quickly and sharpened their blades. Domitius made his way with haste to Pompey's tent, himself and the other lords had been summoned to discuss the imminent battle.

Am I ready? he thought, this will be my first battle against my former friend and kinsman without my dead wife looking after me. He laughed desperately and finished out loud "Tomorrow this will end! I hope that coward doesn't escape to Egypt after he is defeated."

Roma, Italia, 50 BC - 49 BC

The consul Gaius Marcellus Mino took matters into his own hands and led a coup, without the backing of the Senate and directed against Caesar, aiming to put control of an army into the hands of Pompeius. Lentulus, as consul-elect certainly joined with him in this, possibly Gaius Marcellus Major too. Neither the Claudii Marcelli or Lentulus were particular adherents of Pompeius, a powerful magnate and general, but saw him as a tool to use against Caesar.

On the Kalends 1 January 49, Marcellus and Lentulus entered office, and were presented at once with letters from Caesar, the tenor of which was claimed to be a declaration of war: Caesar was to resign his command or be declared a public enemy. After a week of angry exchanges, on 7 January 49 BCE, the senate under Lentulus and Marcellus passed the "final decree" (senatus consultum ultimum). On 10 January, Caesar famously crossed the Rubicon, starting the Civil War. Initially Marcellus remained in Rome, the consuls opposing any accommodation with Caesar, maintaining an anti-Caesarian hysteria, and pressuring Pompeius' to cross Italy and raise troops.

After noticing Lepidus intentions which were expected since his father also comitted treason in the past, the two consuls vetoed all his policies and declared him public enemy of the Republic with the support of the Senate. They sent the Triumviri Nocturni to Lepidus house with orders of putting him under custody for a trial while the city garrison closed the doors of the city to stop any kind of escape.

Hispania Citerior, 49 BC

Lucius Afranius, Marcus Petreius and Marcus Terentius Varro were refining their plans and completing their preparations to secure the optimates power in Hispania and subjugate Caesar troops in Gallia after receiving Pompey's letter which arrived two weeks after Caesar crossed the Rubicon. Afranius, left in charge of the detachment at Ilerda, attempted to hold discipline after news of the civil war. He ordered the captains of the transports and the other ships to have their boats ready to transport the troops to the North.

They were able to seize the Pyrenees passes from the Populist and march into Gallia. Near the border, the Pompeians made camp on a hill to secure their line of supplies.

[Kernan]

Caesar stood outside Ariminum and contemplated his next move. Rumor had it that Pompey was in the area with a large army, but the count was more precise. A farmer reported 10,000 troops led by Pompey marching through his fields. The count was likely probably larger, but could not be much as much of Italia's legions were on the borders, it would take time for them to consolidate and prepare to march. Caesar guessed the number to be more in the area of 15,000 men but the number made no real difference, it was still five times his. Caesar was a military genius with no parallel but it would take a miracle for him to survive that battle. He already had in secret a ship prepared in Genua to take him to Egypt should things go south. Caesar doubted that Cleopatra, or whoever her brother was he could never remember, would be fanatical to help him. However both were quick to take advantage of any opportunity. Caesar shook his head at the thought, defeat was not an option, not now.

Suddenly a rider emerged from behind him, his horse panting from exertion "Caesar! Pompey has been spotted, heading this way!" he said. Caesar turned his own horse to see the man was a pleb of the lowest order, his clothes no more than rags and his face thin with malnutrition. The horse was probably his most valuable possession.


"Thank you sir! What is your name?" Caesar asked

"Lucius, Lucius Netorius." the man said, straightening as he spoke.

"Well Lucius, I will not forget the aid you gave today. When I win this war you shall expect to be repaid greatly." Caesar said with a smile. Lucius returned the smile and rode off as Caesar dug his heels into his horse, galloping to his camp some ways outside town. When he got there his men were all gathered around a large fire having a good time.

"Men! Pack your things! We march North in five minuets!" Caesar declared. And so it was done.

[Britanania]

Alexandria, Kingdom of Egypt. 23 January 49 BC

Egypt, land of the Pharaohs, of the Pyramids of Giza, and perhaps most importantly the land where Alexander the Great's body rested for termite. For the past three the Ptolemy Dynasty ruled over a land so ancient its history stretched back before Europe even exited the stone age. For thirty centuries live of the people of the Nile was largely the same, despite changes in dynasties and even the origins of the ruling family. For her part, Cleopatra Philopator was the first Pharaoh in hundreds of years to speak or read Egyptian, and she was determined that the past glory of Egypt would also be its future....

And now, the young Queen learned, Rome again was poised to disrupt her hold on power in Egypt. She read the intelligence report quickly and frowned before handing the document back.

"So Rome's overgrown strongmen are at it again; Charmian what are your thoughts?" The Queen's Maid of Honour stepped forward and bowed.

"When Cyclopes move, the world trembles, Your Majesty. It is best for Egypt to stay out of their way." Cleopatra nodded and reclined again on her seat.

"Mardian, Gnaeus Pompeius was instrumental in restoring my father's throne, but they say this Gaius Julius conquered the whole of Gaul. Who should Egypt side with?" The powdered eunuch similarly bowed before he spoke.

"Egypt should look after herself," the eunuch replied in his high voice. "After all, as mighty as Isis is, Set is perhaps mightier still. Let the Romans destroy themselves and let us take care of our own house before we chose a winner." Cleopatra considered her counsellors words and waved them away.

"We will discuss these matters further," she decided. "We need time to think"

[Cuprum]

Pompey's tent was a monstrous thing of crimson canvas and gold fringe. There was room enough inside for a large wooden table, and around it sat his commanders, planning their next move. It had begun to rain lightly, and the sound of the water droplets hitting the roof of the tent was steady and somewhat peaceful. Candles cut through the darkness and food was served, though no one really seemed to be interested in the butter cooked pearl onions or duck. A few men poked at their plates, but most were concentrated on the discussion.

''Give me a some ink, I'll write a letter to that fool and end this madness before the Parthian invasion starts.''

I wrote this proposal to solve our differences and reach peace once and for all:

(a) The state of war between the factions is terminated as from the date on which the present Treaty comes into force. All the actors involved will be forgiven by the will of the Roman people

(b) The Senate will extend citizen rights to non-Roman Italians and they will allow an agrarian reform that will benefit the legions in Gallia.

(c) Caesar will no longer rule any roman province but he won't be executed, his bounty from Gallia won't be expropiated and he will be obligated to lead an expedition against the growing Parthian power with the purpose of restoring roman supremacy in the east.

(d) Mark Anthony will lead an expedition against the Iberii to expand Roman rule in Hispania. If his expedition is succesful, he will be pardoned by the Roman people.

(e) To achieve eternal peace Gaius Octavius will marry Pompeia Magna and Octavia the younger will marry Gnaeus Pompeius the younger.

(f) Lepidus will avoid prison and execution but he will be sent to Britannia to expand the list of Roman client states.


In faith whereof the undersigned Plenipotentiaries have signed the present Protocol.

[Nea Byzantia]

Royal Palace, Ctesiphon, Parthian Empire, 49 BC



King Orodes II strode into the throne room and took a seat on his royal throne. Standing before him were his various generals and of course, his magi.

"I hear the Romans have begun to fight amongst themselves." stated King Orodes as he took a seat upon his throne. "Is that so?"

"O King, it is so." replied his general, Artaphernes.

"Ahura-Mazda is shining down his glory upin us." said the king "We have a chance to extend our empire. Go out and muster me an army of 70,000 men, plus cavalry and war elephants, and send orders commanding my vassals to do the same. Our forces are all to be gathered at Nineveh in 3 months."

"As you command, O King." replied the commanders.

[Nea Byzantia]

Summer Palace, Babylon, Parthian Empire, 49 BC



A continuous stream of Parthian troops, cavalry and war elephants were making their way to Nineveh. King Orodes II gathered with his inner circle of nobles and friends at Babylon. There, in the gardens of the Summer Palace, Orodes and his friends feasted and drank. The King had commanded that the Empire be run by a council of magi and eunuchs in his absence. In the meantime, he and his friends at Babylon did not refuse themselves anything they desired. After all, fate was fickle and the fortunes of life change. In 3 months, his army of 70,000 men plus the troops of his clients and vassals would descend into the Roman East.

[Cuprum]

The war in Parthia resulted from political arrangements intended to be mutually beneficial for Rome. The leaders of the Senateaimed to expand their faction's power through traditional means: military commands, placing political allies in office, and advancing legislation to promote their interests. Pressure in various forms was brought to bear on the elections: money, influence through patronage and friendship, and the force of a thousand troopers brought from Gaul. The faction secured the consulship and most, though not all, of the other offices sought.

The campaign was carefully planned in advance: ten legions were concentrated in the Eastern theater; since Caesar invasion of Gallia, the correspondence witnesses to the fact that provincial authorities in Bithynia had to organize supplies for passing troops, and local city councils and their individual members had to shoulder part of the increased expenses by supplying troops themselves. The intended campaign, therefore, was immensely costly from its very beginning.

The purpose of the Invasion was to enrich the public treasury and recover Crassus banners. Another factor in the decision to invade Parthia was the expected ease of the campaign. The Roman legions had easily crushed the numerically superior armies of other eastern powers such as Pontus and Armenia, and Rome expected Parthia to be an easy target.

Pompey arrived in Syria and immediately set about using his immense wealth to raise an army. He assembled a force of seven legions (about 35,000 heavy infantry). In addition he had about 4,000 light infantry, and 4,000 cavalry, including the 1,000 Gallic cavalry he had brought with him. With the aid of Hellenic settlements in Syria and support of about 6,000 cavalry from Artavasdes, the Armenian king, Crassus marched on Parthia. Artavasdes advised him to take a route through Armenia to avoid the desert and offered him reinforcements of 16,000 cavalry and 30,000 infantry. He accepted the offer and decided to take the direct route through Mesopotamia, and capture the great cities in the region.

Pompey marched first on Armenia, receiving in passing the acknowledgement of Roman hegemony by various tribes in the Caucasus and on the Eastern coast of the Black Sea – a process that kept him busy until the end of the Ides of March. At the same time, a Roman column under the legate Lusius Quietus crossed the Araxes river from Armenia into Media Atropatene and the land of the Mardians.

Pompey launched a Mesopotamian campaign, marching down towards the Taurus mountains in order to consolidate territory between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. He placed permanent garrisons along the way to secure the territory. While He moved from west to east, Lusius Quietus moved with his army from the Caspian Sea towards the west, both armies performing a successful pincer movement,