Rivals

Dorian Manlius Scaevola is the son of a famous Hellenic beauty and a rich senator. Born left-handed, he was unable to join the legion growing up, and some even suspected him of witchcraft. But Dorian never gave up on his strengths. Constant exercise has made him an idol for athletes and a popular reference for statues and vases. He dreams of great bouts in the Amphitheatre, but sees little glory in sending others to war— which is to him a weak excuse for dodging wrestling competitions.

can leave 221 different specialists and items as flotsam

Ithacus Tarragonus Taurus— an Hispanian who's seen it all. A former Praetorian Guard, he distinguished himself under Emperor Lucius' in the campaigns against Parthava, and in lonelier, more distant lands besides. He was promised a cozy retirement in Latium— but returned from war to find his wife and son had deserted him. Now that ship has sailed, Tarragon yearns only to settle in the shade of the olive tree. Cross him, though, and he'll show you how he got those scars.

can leave 167 different specialists and items as flotsam

Licia Ma is the sole daughter of a Serican silk merchant. One of the first to cross the steppe in one piece, her father Li Ma brought her with him to cement his relations with Rome. However, Emperor Lucius, being already married, would not accept a concubine. A seasoned diplomat with the heart of a gourmet, Licia hosts the empire's most coveted banquets. Her charm brings together all those best positioned to help her. Even Emperors are not immune...

can leave 167 different specialists and items as flotsam

Athr Iorgwyn proclaims himself to be the one rightful and true King of Albion. The Empire proclaims him to be a puppet king who has reneged on his promises and treaties. Strings cut, Athr answers now to no-one, and kneels only to his own whims. Iorgwyn hopes to build a legacy that lasts - an eternal city of his own, and an eternal legend. To his followers, he promises glory; to his foes, glorious defeat. Will history remember his name, or only his failures?

can leave 219 different specialists and items as flotsam

Zara Nitu, Queen of Mesopotamia, has been ruling alone since her husband Odathus was kidnapped by Parthavan bandits. As a child, she tormented her tutors with endless questions, but as an adult she has as many answers. Zara denudes the mysteries of the universe with the disciplines of astronomy, mathematics and haruspicy— rooting through sheep's entrails... Her tendency to blurt the truth makes her a terrible diplomat, but also a dependable and unwavering friend.

can leave 167 different specialists and items as flotsam

Having given his fairer daughters away for political influence, Alba Concordia's father shuffled her off to the college of vestal virgins. For years she kept Rome's sacred fires burning, amassing no small amount of wealth inside this prestigious bubble. Now the Marble Lady excises her cities of wastage and excess, championing the low and humble, and devoting herself to divine visions of Rome. Former Vestals like Concordia receive special immunities from Emperors. As such, it may be difficult to oppose her burning crucibles.

can leave 167 different specialists and items as flotsam

Neferneru, the versatile ambassador of the Kandis of Kashta, successfully drove off a Roman incursion at the northern border with Aegyptus. As part of subsequent peace proceedings, Neferneru also impressed with his charisma, and Emperor Lucius offered him a role as Roman Governor— an easy sinecure, Lucius hoped, to keep his enemy close. Those who invite the Kashtan into their domain should expect a challenge. Once opened, the maw of the Kashtan lion is not easily closed.

can leave 167 different specialists and items as flotsam