A note
to all: Remember that this scenario is the START of the event... it will expand and grow through the letters on the
yahoo group as we approach the event and then onsite. Please do not assume that because your group is not mentioned
here that you will have no place at the event... Just keep up with the current events and see how it plays out...
AD43 2012 Scenario Starter:
Suetonius Paulinus has arrived in Britain as the new Governor of
the province. Paulinus has been sent with unique and secret orders by the Emporer Nero. Rome needs money!
The Lead and silver mines near Anavio have the potential of bailing out the Imperial Treasury, but are threatened by the Deangli,
The Setantii, the guerilla tactics of the Cornovii, hit and run raids of the Ordovices, and the rogue King of the Brigantes
Venutius, who is currently exiled (the Brigantes are ruled by Queen Cartamandua), but could turn up at any time. Using
the Druids on the Isle of Anglesey as an excuse, Paulinus is to move against the religion to destroy it, and
in the process, secure the mines for Rome and, as a bonus, provide slaves for them as well. Liaison with Queen Cartamandua
of the Brigantes has brought new agreements over the mines, which are even richer than expected, as long as she is protected
from her exiled King!
Legio XIV under Legatus Vettius Valens, and Elements of Legio XX
under Legatus T. Poponius Mamilianus from the largest military base in Britain in the West near Wroxeter, stand
ready to go to war against the Druids. Legio IX, stationed in the north east at Lincoln, under Legatus Quintus
Petillius Cerialis will hold the line in Eastern Britain during the campaign with assistance frmm Legio II, stationed in the
south west at Gloucester, under the Camp Prefect Paenus Postumus (the Legatus og Leg II died only a few weeks ago.)
Postumus is an old soldier, and of all his legions, Paulinus looks on this one as the most unreliable because of its current
commander. A new Legate has been requested, but it will be months before he arrives, and Paulinus cannot wait.
Moving west with half the legions in Britain invites disaster, and
must be done carefully. Paulinus sets his spymaster Valerius Celcus and census officer Aurelius Bassus to
ascertain the loyalty of the tribes that will be in his rear. The Coritani are an old tribe, and their loyalty seems
firm. The Atrebates under king Eppaticus are also loyal friends, and as a bonus King Eppaticus reigns as president of
the native council from Silchester. The Catevelluani are also likely trusted, though their control over all their outliers
is suspect. The Trinovantes are far less certain. And edict from Rome will soon arrive demanding repayments of
loans and even grants made by Divine Augustus, and the Trinovantes could be a problem. They have been squeezed by Roman
Procurators for years because of their location, and anger may seeth beneath the surface... but the spies sent to find rebellion
disappear...
The Iceni likely remember their last thrashing by the Legions some
years earlier. Led by King Prasutagus, they will remain loyal. Indeed, as long as he sits on the throne he holds
all the Britons in the east in check. He is an old man, and his will divides his kingdom between his Queen Boducia,
who is a known Druid sympathizer and who is hostile to all things Roman, and Caesar Nero. Nero has secretely determined
that this will not be allowed, but it is an issue to be dealt with after the druids are destroyed, the mines are secured,
and the Trinovantes' loans and grants have been repaid.
Procurator Decianus Catus, a vain and greedy man, will
be charged with collecting the revenues from the Trinovantes when the authorization letter arrives from Caesar, some time
after Paulinus has secured the isle of Anglesey and the West... He answers only to Caesar, and relations with
Paulinus and the Army are strained to say the least. Because of this he employs several centuries of disreputable "guards"
for his ventures and collections.
As long as Prasutagus remains healthy, the plan will result in the
increased long term revenue Nero needs for Rome, slaves for the mines, and immediate money to fill the coffers of
Rome once again. Finally the province will pay for itself...
... As long as King Prasutagus of the Iceni remains healthy...
