Roman Expedition into Caledonia under Lollius Urbicus
Lollius Urbicus oversees the final fortifications of Rough Castle, a key outpost on the Antonine Wall. A scout arrives with urgent news of Caledonian forces gathering in the nearby hills, prompting a
Setting
Rough Castle, a Roman fort along the Antonine Wall in Caledonia (modern Scotland). The fort is situated on a high ridge, offering a commanding view of the surrounding terrain. The immediate surroundings include the newly constructed turf and timber ramparts of the Antonine Wall, a military road leading to the fort's gate, and a cleared area for military drills.
Characters
Lollius Urbicus
primary
A middle-aged Roman aristocrat with a lean, athletic build from years of military campaigns. His face bears the weathering of northern climates, with sharp gray eyes that miss little. Dark hair streaked with silver is kept short in military fashion, and his clean-shaven face shows a recently healed scar along the jawline from Caledonian skirmishes.
Centurion
secondary
A battle-hardened Roman officer in his late 30s, with a muscular build and a face deeply tanned from years of campaign. His short-cropped black hair is streaked with gray, and his brown eyes are sharp with military acumen. A diagonal scar runs from his left temple to his jawline, a testament to previous combat. His hands are calloused from wielding a gladius.
Scout
secondary
A wiry man in his late twenties with sun-darkened skin and keen, darting eyes. His face bears faint tribal markings of the local Brittonic people, partially obscured by dirt and sweat. His lean frame shows the endurance of one accustomed to moving swiftly through rough terrain.
Legionary
background
A Roman soldier in his late twenties, with a lean but muscular build from years of military training. His face is weathered from exposure to the elements, with a short-cropped beard and close-cut hair in military fashion. His eyes are sharp and constantly scanning, reflecting his alertness.
Dialog
Scout
Dominus, war bands gather beyond the third mile marker—two score, perhaps more, armed with spears and shields.
Lollius Urbicus
Since they avoid open battle like wolves skirting fire, we shall tighten the northern pickets—double the watch until the moon wanes.
Centurion
By Mars, I'll have the men reinforce the gate with sharpened stakes. These savages love a night attack.
Lollius Urbicus
Optime. And ensure the auxiliaries rotate with legionaries—their local tongues may catch whispers we'd miss.
Scout
They move like mist through the birch groves, Domine. I... I could return before dusk to track their path.