First Battle of Bedriacum
At dawn, the Vitellian and Othonian forces engage in a brutal clash on the muddy plains of Bedriacum. Former comrades now fight as enemies, their war cries mixing with the screams of the dying. The ba
Setting
The plain of Bedriacum near Cremona, a wide expanse of muddy fields under a pale dawn sky. The ground is churned into a morass by thousands of tramping feet and hooves, littered with broken shields, abandoned weapons, and the fallen.
Characters
Legionary Decimus
primary
A grizzled veteran in his late 40s, with a muscular build hardened by decades of campaigning. His face is deeply lined from years under the sun, with a scar running from his left temple to jawline - a memento from the Britannia campaigns. His short-cropped hair is more salt than pepper now, and his dark eyes carry the weight of too many battles fought.
Legionary Marcus
primary
A young Roman legionary in his early 20s, with a lean but muscular build from years of training. His face is smeared with mud and sweat, his short-cropped dark hair plastered to his forehead. His eyes, wide with a mix of fear and determination, are the most striking feature in his otherwise unremarkable face.
Vitellian Tribune
secondary
A middle-aged Roman officer with a muscular build, his face weathered by years of military campaigns. His piercing eyes are framed by a square jaw and close-cropped salt-and-pepper hair. A jagged scar runs diagonally across his left cheekbone, a memento from a previous battle.
Wounded Soldier
secondary
A young legionary, no older than 25, with a wiry build and sun-darkened skin. His face is streaked with mud and blood, his short-cropped hair matted with sweat and grime. A deep wound in his side seeps through his torn tunic, and his left arm hangs uselessly at his side.
Standard Bearer
background
A battle-hardened Vitellian aquilifer in his early 30s, with a muscular build from years of carrying the heavy eagle standard. His face is weathered by sun and wind, with a deep scar running from his left temple to chin—a testament to past battles. His arms are corded with tension as he strains to keep the standard upright.
Dialog
Legionary Decimus
Close ranks, you fools! Or do you wish to greet Pluto before sunset?
Legionary Marcus
Decimus... that’s Caius in their line. We trained together in Pannonia!
Vitellian Tribune
Forward! No mercy for Otho’s dogs! Mars favors the bold!
Legionary Decimus
Aye, and I’ll send you to greet him first, Tribune. Marcus, raise your shield, boy!
Legionary Marcus
By Jupiter’s thunder, why must Romans spill Roman blood?
Vitellian Tribune
Traitors deserve no pity. Legionaries, advance at double pace!
Legionary Decimus
Then let Pluto sort us out. Testudo! Now!