Rise of the Gladiators

[Liah]

Plot

It is 166 AD, the war with Parthia having just ended with triumph by the Romans. Marcus Aurelius is in power, co-ruling over Rome with his adoptive, but sickly, brother Verus, who now commanded troops in the east. Christianity is beginning to grow in Rome but it is persecuted by law. Those who choose to follow the Christians can be punished, sometimes even by death. Though it is not the Christian uprising that is so popular in Rome.

With the return of the soldiers from Parthia, many of the families are setting back into their normal routine. Many though are grieving, having lost brothers, husbands, sons. The one thinig that never fails to bring the Roman's together though is the arena games, the Gladiators. Murmillo against Thraex, Thraex against Hoplomachus - no matter who was fighting the Romans were interested.

Thus, you are about to witness the return of the soldiers, the crowning of the victors and a gladiatorial match to re-enact the battles seen in Parthia. Word on the street is Avidius Cassius, a general in the army, is to be distinguished for his valor and merit.


Characters

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus {Emperor, 45 Years Old, Male}
Avidius Cassius {Army General, 36 Years Old, Male} - Liah
Gladiators

Marcus Aurelius's Children
Annia Aurelia Galeria Faustina {19 Years Old, Female}
Annia Aurelia Galeria Lucilla {18 Years Old, Female} - Liah
Fadilla {7 Years Old, Female}
Annia Cornificia Faustina Minor {6 Years Old, Female}
Lucius Aurelius Commodus Antoninus {5 Years Old, Male}
Marcus Annius Verus Caesar {4 Years Old, Male}

Name in bold is the name they were called by


Quick Info

Gladiator Games // These games tend to show battles that have happened and are for the general amusement of the Roman People. Most fights are to the death, though it is asked of the Emperor whether or not the victor should kill the loser. Animals are sometimes used and generally slaves are used as the enemies.

Murmillo // A class of gladiator. Distinguished by the high crest on their helmets which resembled a fish. Wore a loincloth, belt, greaves, linen arm protector on right arm and carried a shield. Generally carried a gladius (short, straight sword). These were originally enemy outsiders, as they originated and were named after warriors from Gaul, but came to be shown as an example of Roman Legionnaires.

Thraex // Another class of gladiator, though carried a Thracian style rectangular shield, a parmula and a very short sword with a slightly curved blade which was called a sica. The sica was made for the intention of stabbing the unprotected back. Greaves, right arm protector, belt and loin cloth were also used as well as a plumed helmet with a high crest and visor. These gladiators portrayed Greek men, the enemy and were to show the conflicts between Romans and their enemies.

Hoplomachus // Yet another class of gladiator, these men were a parody to the Greek "Hoplite's", who carried heavy weapons and armour. They often had a lance, spear or a gladius (see Murmillo). The shield was heavy and often could be used as a weapon as well.

Marcus Aurelius // {161-180} Philosophic Roman Emperor, he was the last of the Five Good Emperors. In his later years there was a revolt against him by his trusted friend, Avidius Cassius, though this failed.

Gaius Avidius Cassius // Ruled Egypt and Syria in 175, he was integral in Rome's war against Parthia. He was a senator, and close to Marcus Aurelius. He proclaimed himself Roman Emperor in 175 because Marcus's wife Faustina was worried about her husband's poor health and wanted Cassius to be protector since their son was still young. Marcus wasn't dead yet, and even when Cassius discovered this, continued to lead the revolt. He was murdered in July of that same year by a centurion, who sent his head to Marcus. He refused to see it, and ordered it buried.

Centurion // A professional officer in the Roman Army. They commanded a century of 80 men.

Rating // PG-13 for Violence


Please post character biographies in the OOC Thread

[Fenrir]

The day was drawl, boring and trivial. It had been well over a week since in his enslavement and he could not believe that he hadn't some how escaped yet. It was embarrassing to be a slave. It was against everything he was, a Spartan. Spartans were not meant to be slaves so soon an escape would be made. His escape, put some holes and slashes in this roman fools. No one enslaved a Spartan warrior, no one!

Ambrose's mind ran through escape routes as he looked at the walls that were his prison. Sure he was outside in a well decorated courtyard but still he wasn't fooled. To try to leave and he would be stopped. A sword was needed though he doubted he would get one unless he could corner a lone roman and catch him off guard. It was unlikely cause they were always in pairs. Smart ones they were.

Sighing in despair, he looked around at the slaves. Ambrose didn't care if he was technically one also, he refused to accept the chains. Anyone who did was a slave and he was no slave.

[Liah]

Sigh. Lucilla frowned, tossing her head in front of the large mirror that stood above her wash basin. It was rare that she got this much time in the latrinae due to her rather frustrating older sister. Thus she was relishing in the peace and time she was able to spend vainly before the reflective glass, perfecting her appearance. Her brown locks hung loosely around her shoulders, though she half thought to tie them She pulled a small bone comb through her hair, finally tying up some of her hair and pinning it with a decorated hair pin.

She had taken her sister, Faustina's make up, and applied a bit of the chalk powder to her face, making her look much paller than she really was. Finally she outlined her eyes with a black, oily mixture - soot and olive oil - and latched a small silver chain around her neck, a small amethyst pendant hanging down her chest. Finally contented with her appearance, she left the latrinae and made her way across the villa, stopping once in the kitchen to pick up a small loaf of grainy bread dipped in olive oil.

"Lucilla!" She turned her head slightly, seeing her father standing in an archway looking at her. She swallowed her mouthful of bread and walked towards him, her steps light and her posture perfect. He seemed upset, hopefully with one of the younger siblings. She smiled softly, her expression reserved.

"Where are you going?" Ugh. Lucilla tried not to show her frustration on her face, holding her hands at her sides and looking at him. He didn't seem very impressed with her latest escape plan from their villa. He continued to speak as she remained silent, going on about something to do with her needing to respect him more and maintain the reputation of the house. Most of it went in one ear and out the other. Finally he neared his close.

"If you're going into market pick up some of Gnaeus's olives, your mother's been asking for them. Oh, and take Verus with you," with that he turned around, not giving her time to respond and calling for her youngest brother. If looks could kill Lucilla's would have stopped Marcus Aurelius in his tracks, but they couldn't, and soon the boisterous form of her youngest, four year old brother, Verus bounced into view.

"Oh Lucilla, we're going to have the grandest time, just you and me! Commodus will be so jealous!" he reached out and grabbed her hand, and as pissed off as Lucilla was, the smiling form of Verus brought a small smile to her face. With that, she set off into town with the small boy, stopping as he willed. So bloody curious. Lucilla finally stooped down and picked up the young boy, holding him against her hip and wandering through the streets.

It wasn't soon after they had began walking that Verus wanted to stop at the prison. "Ohhh! Lets go see the bad guys, Lucilla! They're always so neat. Maybe we'll see a nice big strong one for the games?" Lucilla sighed, smiling slightly. The one place she hated, but, to entertain her brother she stepped into the dark archway. The air suddenly became a bit colder, and Lucilla hugged Verus to her chest. The corridor was lit scarcely by small oil burning lamps. One of the guards rose to greet her, and upon seeing who it was nodded low and stepped aside, smiling at the young boy. That always happened when you were carrying to future Roman Emperor in your arms. Verus was positively beaming, staring in the cells of the prisoners and slaves. Lucilla couldn't really tell why this was so interesting. He tried to wriggle from her arms, but Lucilla held him tight.

Finally they stopped at the last cell and Verus looked in, seeing a rather large man. He slid out of her arms and went up to the bars and stared at him. "Verus, get yourself back here," Lucilla spoke sternly, swearing slightly, and picking up the boy again. He turned around and tugged on her clothing. "Looky Cilla! Looky! He's so big and he looks strong. Maybe dad would like him? I think he'd be good in the arena. I bet he could take on anyone!" Lucilla rolled her eyes, and began to walk out of the prison.

"Enough Verus, we're going," Verus began to protest, but Lucilla ignored him, until he looked up at her and wailed. Lucilla swore again and stared at the little boy, sighing and walking back over towards the cell with the Spartan prisoner. She set Verus down and he peered in, as she leaned against the wall, looking rather unamused.

"Hi in there!" Verus called happily.

[Liah]

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[Liah]

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