Skip to content
Two Roman governors talking on a terrace in Anno 117: Pax Romana

Rivals & Characters

The AI governors, the emperors and the traders and quest givers of Anno 117 in the game’s own words: who they are, how hard they play, what an alliance brings, the gods they favour, and what each one sells and asks of you.

The AI governors you can meet, in the game's own words: who they are, how hard they play, what an alliance brings, the gods they favour, their quest, the specialist you win by defeating them and what their sunken ships can leave behind. The emperors of a sandbox game follow below them, then the traders and quest givers: what each one sells, the quests they give and the pop-ups they bring.

Dorian

Easy

The athletic Hellene Dorian is devoted to his training regimen — and to his friends.

An alliance: Dorian's Sparring Partner
  • Street upkeep-15%

Passive trade: every 10 Timber sold also brings 1 Tunics

Dorian's training regimen might have you hopping hurdles, but he is beyond thrilled to make you part of the team.

Likes your Devotion to
Their quest
Gymposium

Comes up when: Dorian is in the game · Baths: at least 1

Biography

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.

Defeating them wins
Dorian, Philos of Philhellenes
Their sunken ships

can leave 221 different specialists and items as flotsam

GUID

Tarragon

Easy

Retired but not expired, the former Praetorian still harbours some of his former strength.

An alliance: Tarragon's Confidant
  • Aqueduct upkeep-15%

Passive trade: every 10 Sails sold also brings 1 Wine

Another sombre vignette slips Tarragon's lips, which only intimate acquaintances like you should hear.

Specialists an alliance boosts
Zeno Salvia, Collegiate of Rex InfernusPlautus Hippius Pedica, Praetorian Guard
Likes your Devotion to
Dislikes your Devotion to
Their quest
Tarragon's Troubles

Comes up when: Tarragon is in the game · Equites: at least 200

Biography

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.

Defeating them wins
Tarragon, Whose Voyages Have Ended
Their sunken ships

can leave 167 different specialists and items as flotsam

GUID

Licia Ma

Easy

Licia knows half the empire's secrets— and keeps them safe from prying ears.

An alliance: Licia's Co-Conspirator
  • Wall upkeep-15%

Passive trade: every 10 Weapons sold also brings 1 Fine Glass

To the untrained ear, Licia may not sound strategic, but you'd know that charming and persuasive voice anywhere.

Specialists an alliance boosts
Gabrias, The Only Honest Woodcutter
Likes your Devotion to
Their quest
The Stuff Of Legends

Comes up when: Licia Ma is in the game

Biography

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...

Defeating them wins
Licia Ma, Trader of Silk and Secrets
Their sunken ships

can leave 167 different specialists and items as flotsam

GUID

Athr Iorgwyn

Medium

Once a puppet king, Athr has cut his strings in the name of vaulting ambition.

An alliance: Athr's Tablemate
  • Wall upkeep-15%

Passive trade: every 10 Armour sold also brings 1 Beer

Athr's most trusted palatines may sit, as equals, at the table with no head. You've earned your place.

Specialists an alliance boosts
Aisling ui Democritus, HermeneuticianTheudan Ingaeuon, Host of Herutaz
Likes your Devotion to
Their quest
Night of the Round

Comes up when: Athr Iorgwyn is in the game · Voada Of The Scathach is in the game

Biography

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?

Defeating them wins
Athr Iorgwyn, Once-And-Former King
Their sunken ships

can leave 219 different specialists and items as flotsam

GUID

Zara Nitu

Medium

An effulgent star-gazer with profound ideas of the universe, and a strong aversion to crowds.

An alliance: Zara's Example
  • Aqueduct upkeep-15%

Passive trade: every 10 Coal sold also brings 1 Handmirrors

The results are clear: After a careful study of your character, Zara has come to a positive conclusion about you.

Likes your Devotion to
Dislikes your Devotion to
Their quest
The Hue from the Heavens

Comes up when: Aqueduct Cistern: at least 1 · Zara Nitu is in the game

Biography

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.

Defeating them wins
Zara Nitu, Queen of Mesopotamia
Their sunken ships

can leave 167 different specialists and items as flotsam

GUID

Concordia

Medium

Concordia is fierce and devout— a traditional Roman with a very particular vision for the empire.

An alliance: Concordia's Zealot
  • Street upkeep-15%

Passive trade: every 10 Rope sold also brings 1 Garum

Concordia's aura of clemency now shrouds you also. Together may you walk in fire.

Specialists an alliance boosts
Iocasta, Breaker of Harmonia's CurseLorana, Herbalist of Fable
Biography

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.

Defeating them wins
Concordia, Ashen Vestal
Their sunken ships

can leave 167 different specialists and items as flotsam

GUID

Neferneru

Hard

Neferneru is an intimidatingly capable governor hailing from Kashta, the land beyond the southern border of Aegyptus.

An alliance: Neferneru's Muse
  • Land tax-15%

Passive trade: every 10 Horses sold also brings 1 Chariots

Identified as a worthy ambassador of Rome, you have somehow earned Nefeneru's amusement. Do not lose it!

Specialists an alliance boosts
Hlidaskelfo, Sedentary Seer of Quintessence
Likes your Devotion to
Their quest
Transgress to Impress

Comes up when: Neferneru is in the game

Biography

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.

Defeating them wins
Neferneru, Lion In Waiting
Their sunken ships

can leave 167 different specialists and items as flotsam

GUID

Decimus

Hard

Patriarch of the Naukratius family and bloodhound of Empire.

Their quest
Carve Out A Peace

Comes up when: Decimus is in the game

Their quest
Decimatio

Comes up when: Decimus is in the game · You have met Decimus

Their quest
Pandora's Amphora

Comes up when: You have met Diana · Decimus is in the game

Biography

Decimus Naukratius Nerva, tyrant of Aegyptus, inspires terror in the hearts of Nilotes and his much-decimated retinue of free Greeks. He has fathered a small army of sons and raised them to serve the empire. Like many of his contemporaries, he seeks to carve out a piece of eternity for himself: to be remembered, no matter the cost.

Defeating them wins
Decimus, Deposed Tyrannus of the Delta
GUID

The emperors

Gnaeus Firmius Calidus

Emperor
Biography

Emperor Calidus was born and made in the military camp. Hell-bent on change, he is a champion of ordinary Romans everywhere. Calidus rose to power after the death of Emperor Lucius. He is determined to restore the empire's finances, by any means necessary. Although ruthless, tough and pragmatic, he is also gregarious, down-to-earth, and honest. He will judge you on the basis of your loyalty as a governor, and come down hard on those who step out of line.

Likes decisions that are
PopulistRuthlessMilitaristFrugalReformerLoyalist
Dislikes decisions that are
PacifistExcessiveLunaticRebellious

The Decisions page names the trait of each option.

Likes your Devotion to
Dislikes your Devotion to
Your reputation with them
  • Threat-100 to -65

    Amphitheatre cannot host Grand & Naumachia games · Trade Embargo with all Traders · Honoured Guests will no longer visit

  • Troublemaker-64 to -30

    Amphitheatre cannot host Naumachia · Trade Embargo with all Emperor Representantives

  • Neutral-29 to 35

    Can Re-roll Items at Traders

  • Supporter36 to 84

    Can Re-roll Items at Traders · Can Re-roll Items from a specific niche at Traders · 15% Better prices for Goods with all Emperor Representatives · 20% Better prices for Items with all Emperor Representatives

  • Favourite85 to 100

    Can Re-roll Items at Traders · Can Re-roll Items from a specific niche at Traders · Can Re-roll Items with a specific rarity at Traders · 15% Better prices for Goods with all Traders · 20% Better prices for Items with all Traders

GUID

Julia Augusta

Emperor
Biography

Julia Augusta, once loving wife to Emperor Lucius, has, against all odds, become a reigning Empress in her own right. Calm and pleasant, Julia negotiates with none of her late husband's bad temper. Seeking to strengthen diplomatic ties with client kingdoms on the outer edges of empire, she sees war as a last resort. As the daughter of the regal Emperor Servius, she is indifferent to the fate of the downtrodden masses, aiming instead to protect the lifestyles of the elite at their expense. Under Pax Romana she hopes to turn the Eternal City into a beacon of devotion and culture.

Likes decisions that are
PacifistBenevolentExcessiveTraditionalistPiousLoyalist
Dislikes decisions that are
RuthlessMilitaristFrugalLunaticRebellious

The Decisions page names the trait of each option.

Likes your Devotion to
Dislikes your Devotion to
Your reputation with them
  • Threat-100 to -65

    Amphitheatre cannot host Grand & Naumachia games · Trade Embargo with all Traders · Honoured Guests will no longer visit

  • Troublemaker-64 to -30

    Amphitheatre cannot host Naumachia · Trade Embargo with all Emperor Representantives

  • Neutral-29 to 35

    Can Re-roll Items at Traders

  • Supporter36 to 84

    Can Re-roll Items at Traders · Can Re-roll Items from a specific niche at Traders · 15% Better prices for Goods with all Emperor Representatives · 20% Better prices for Items with all Emperor Representatives

  • Favourite85 to 100

    Can Re-roll Items at Traders · Can Re-roll Items from a specific niche at Traders · Can Re-roll Items with a specific rarity at Traders · 15% Better prices for Goods with all Traders · 20% Better prices for Items with all Traders

GUID

Traders and quest givers

Ben-Baalion

GUID

Epistrategos Heron

GUID