Roman invasion of Britain begins
The Roman invasion fleet, led by Aulus Plautius, has just landed at Richborough. Legionaries disembark in disciplined ranks, securing the beachhead while scouts survey the eerily abandoned Celtic sett
Setting
The southeastern coast of Britain at Richborough (Rutupiae), where the Roman invasion fleet has just landed. The shoreline is a mix of pebbles and coarse sand, with grassy dunes rising beyond. The immediate area is scattered with small wooden structures belonging to the local Celtic inhabitants, now abandoned as the native Britons have fled or hidden.
Characters
Aulus Plautius
primary
A middle-aged Roman general in his late 40s, with a muscular build from years of military campaigns. His face is weathered with deep-set eyes that betray both strategic calculation and the weight of command. A prominent Roman nose and close-cropped salt-and-pepper hair frame his stern features. His hands bear the scars of battle, and he sits his horse with the ease of a lifelong equestrian.
Centurion
secondary
A battle-hardened Roman officer in his early 40s, with a muscular build and weathered features. His face bears a faded scar across his left cheek, likely from a past campaign. His short-cropped dark hair is streaked with gray at the temples, and his sun-tanned skin suggests years of outdoor service. His piercing brown eyes scan the beach with practiced efficiency.
Legionary
secondary
A stocky Roman soldier in his late 20s, with close-cropped black hair and a weathered face marked by a recent scar across his left cheekbone. His olive skin is slick with sea spray and sweat, and his forearms bear the corded muscles of a career soldier. His dark brown eyes constantly scan the tree line with practiced vigilance.
Celtic Scout
background
A wiry Briton in his late twenties, with sun-darkened skin and unkempt reddish-brown hair tied back with a leather thong. His sharp green eyes scan the invaders intently from beneath furrowed brows. A faded blue woad tattoo of interconnected spirals marks his right forearm—a remnant of tribal rites.
Dialog
Aulus Plautius
By Jupiter's will, we have landed. Centurion, form the cohorts into testudo and secure this beachhead.
Centurion
At once, General. You there! Lock shields and advance slowly. I want no surprises from those dunes.
Legionary
Centurio, movement in the grass! Could be Britons... or worse, chariots.
Aulus Plautius
Disciplina and order, men. The gods favor the prepared. Signal the reserves to land.
Centurion
Sound the cornu! Let’s show these savages what Roman steel looks like.
Legionary
Mars protect us... those aren’t just warriors. They’ve got painted faces and long blades.
Aulus Plautius
Stand firm, legionaries. Today, we carve Rome’s destiny into this barbarian land.