Battle of Naulochus
The decisive naval battle between Octavian's fleet, commanded by Agrippa, and Sextus Pompey's forces approaches its climax. The fleets have maneuvered into position, and the first clashes begin amidst
Setting
The Tyrrhenian Sea near Naulochus, Sicily, with the coastline visible in the distance. The water is choppy, and the horizon is dotted with warships maneuvering into battle formations.
Characters
Agrippa
primary
A broad-shouldered man in his late 30s with a weathered face marked by years at sea. His dark hair is cropped short in military fashion, and his piercing gray eyes scan the horizon with strategic precision. A faint scar runs along his left cheekbone, a testament to past battles.
Centurion
secondary
A battle-hardened Roman officer in his late 30s, with a muscular build from years of military training. His face bears the weathered tan of Mediterranean campaigns and a diagonal scar across his left cheekbone. Short-cropped dark brown hair shows flecks of gray at the temples, and his piercing hazel eyes constantly scan the horizon.
Marine
secondary
A rugged Roman soldier in his late 20s, with a muscular build from years of rowing and combat. His sun-weathered face bears a recent scar across the left cheekbone, and his short-cropped dark hair is damp with sea spray. His hands are calloused from gripping oars and weapons.
Slave
background
A sinewy man in his late 20s with sunken cheeks and hollow eyes, his body marked by whip scars across his back and shoulders. His muscles are taut from years of forced labor, his hands calloused and blistered from constant rowing.
Sextus Pompey
secondary
A man in his mid-30s with a lean, wiry build hardened by years at sea. His sun-weathered face bears the sharp features of the Pompeii lineage, with deep-set eyes that burn with defiant intensity. A thin scar runs along his left cheekbone, a souvenir from past battles.
Dialog
Agrippa
Signal the liburnians to form the corvus wedge—Neptune favors those who strike first.
Centurion
Marines at the ready! By Mars' cock, keep those oars in rhythm!
Sextus Pompey
Let them come—Agrippa may have his toys, but the sea still answers to Neptune's son!
Agrippa
The harpa will bite deep today. Fortuna rides with us.
Centurion
Testudo formation on the port side—they're closing fast!
Sextus Pompey
Break their line! Ram the flagship and let Pluto sort them out!
Agrippa
Now—unleash the harpax and let the waves run red.