Roman Invasion of Britain Begins
The Roman fleet has just landed at Richborough, Kent, marking the beginning of the Roman invasion of Britain. Legionaries are establishing a temporary camp under the command of Aulus Plautius, while a
Setting
The sandy shores of Richborough, Kent, where the Roman fleet has just landed. The beach is a mix of pebbles and sand, leading up to grassy dunes and sparse woodland. The Romans are establishing a temporary camp with tents and wooden fortifications.
Characters
Aulus Plautius
primary
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his late 40s with a weathered face marked by years of military campaigns. His dark brown hair is streaked with gray, kept short in traditional Roman military fashion. His piercing brown eyes survey the scene with calculated precision, and a prominent aquiline nose gives him an air of authority. His hands bear the callouses of a lifelong soldier.
Centurion
secondary
A battle-hardened officer in his early 40s, with a muscular build from years of military service. His face is weathered, with a prominent scar running from his left temple to his jawline, a testament to past battles. His short-cropped hair is streaked with gray, and his piercing brown eyes survey the scene with practiced efficiency.
Tribune
secondary
A young man in his early twenties, with a lean but athletic build. His features are sharp and aristocratic, with a clean-shaven face and piercing dark eyes. His short, dark hair is neatly trimmed in the Roman fashion.
Legionary
secondary
A battle-hardened Roman soldier in his late 30s, with a muscular build from years of marching and combat. His face is weathered from exposure to the elements, with a prominent scar running from his left temple to his cheekbone. His short-cropped hair and stubble suggest the practical grooming habits of a career soldier.
British Scout
background
A wiry, sun-weathered warrior in his late twenties, with a lean but muscular build. His face is smeared with woad paint in intricate patterns, and his dark hair is tied back with a leather thong. His keen eyes are narrowed with focus, scanning the Roman forces with a hunter's precision.
Dialog
Aulus Plautius
Centurion, anchor the left flank with the Tenth Cohort. Let the Britons see our discipline before they test our steel.
Centurion
Per disciplinam, Legate! The Tenth will hold like a wall of shields.
Tribune
Legate, the scouts report chariots massing beyond the dunes—shall I order the cavalry to screen our advance?
Aulus Plautius
Patience, Tribune. Let them exhaust themselves on our lines first. Dis Pater favors those who let the enemy make the first mistake.
Centurion
Pickets report movement in the treeline—they’re watching us like wolves eyeing a lamb.
Aulus Plautius
Good. Let them count our numbers and despair. Tribune, signal the reserves to form testudo behind the dunes.
Tribune
At once, Legate! The Britons will learn today why Rome’s eagles cast long shadows.