* Aurelia Mento “The Doctor”, a tall (for a Roman), beautiful and shapely daughter of a minor noble house. One of the only places Roman women could enjoy a certain freedom and pursue a career without breaking any rules or tradition is as a doctor. Aurelia has chosen to do so, she is independent and strong, but kind and caring. Generally happy and loves children and animals. Has elements of "The Ojou", some of the "Princess Classic", but try and score her and you get a bit of this treatment.
* Caius Camillus, “The Soothsayer”, a mediocre and alcoholic soothsayer employed to say sooth and interpret omens. Unfortunately he works best when he is drunk, though that makes it even easier for Lucius to interpret them as he wishes to the savages who does not understand Latin.
* Maion Maienos, “The Cretan Archer”, a Cretan archer turned mercenary, this uncanny looking and swarthy man with only one eye- the other lost in battle- does not speak much except to express pleasure at serving Lucius; mostly after he gets to shoot someone or rewarded for a particular good shot. Not overly bothered by conscience, he is a useful tool for an ambitious Roman.
* Kianki, Gallic wife of Gaius Caecilius, is a beautiful red-blond young woman. What is more, she is also perceptive and intelligent, and quite pleased at her marriage to the sharp Roman merchant. Hoping to not be dumped when back in Rome.
* Tintimabula, Lucius’ Nubian slave girl, superb dancer and very beautiful.
* Aglaia, Lucius’ Greek slave girl, extensively educated, intelligent, well-read, conversant and sharp, and thus very expensive; Lucius has as yet only discovered her good looks and ability in bed.
* Ingihárjáz or “Germanulus” (Little German), son of Gêbáhárjáz the Hêruskoz (Cheruskii). Germanulus is sent with Lucius to form new bonds with the Kêmbroz and make a name for himself in the retinue in a mighty lord. Such a journey serving a great lord, learning much and establishing new bonds (or reasserting existing ones) is traditional amongst German upper class and even some free farmers undertake it. Germanulus is a quiet and perceptive youth, but fears not action. He is but trying to learn as much as he can from his betters.
* Centurion Marcus Sextus Agelastus. A hard 43 year old man from a long line of Centurions with 19 years of service behind him. Turned almost mad when returning from the Gallic Wars to discover his farm burned and family missing. He left service with the legion to search for them and when discovering their deaths he took service as a hired killer. On this mission his conscience got the better of him as he faced his old friend, Dolabra. He is a stern, uncompromising man with a firm belief in the values of Res Publica Romana.
Kêmbroz NPCs
Hrothulf’s ”court”.
* Hrothulf/Hrothwulf/Hrothwulfaz, Duginthiz (King) of all the tribes of the Kêmbroz. A handsome, charismatic and impressive warrior in his late 40-ies and with a sharp mind, Hrothulf was formerly the Hárjánáz /Warlord) of the tribes since his brother Hariuha fell holding the rearguard of the Kêmbroz as they tried to cover the Suebi retreat after the battle with Caesar’s legions. He has led many a campaign and slain many an opponent man-against-man, the only defeat he has seen was against Caesar and the only unresolved campaign the one against the Suiones, Dánoz, Rugii and Langobardi that was prematurely stopped by the council of chiefs of the Suebi before it could split the tribes. He is gracious as a host, generous to friends and followers, warm and caring of his people and loved ones, and keeps his word. The goal he openly states are to consolidate and strengthen the alliance of the Kêmbroz tribes, in time uniting them, and too keep the peace so his people may thrive and his power grow. He makes no secret of the grudge he bears the Dánoz – Suiones and their allies. Ok’az (see below) claims that Hrothulf is secrectly aiming for the leadership of the Suebi as a hole, but has no proof of it. If Hrothulf has a weakness it is doting on his single child, Amalfriede.
* Háriáwulf/Háriáwulfáz “Rênkoz Mêrjoz” son of Hariuha, Hárjánáz of the tribes of Kêmbroz and appointed Theudonoz (heir) of Hrothulf. Sister-son of Hrothulf and an impressive figure that reminds the well-read and imaginative amongst the southerners of Achileus. He is very handsome, just above average size for a Kêmbroz noble, perfectly proportioned (would be worth a lot in Greece) and radiates competence and fearlessness. He can also be overly proud and full of himself, stubborn and with a terrible anger. It is not difficult to imagine that he would sacrifice anything and anyone in the world to avenge an insult to his house and honour. Apart from that he is noble and will put himself in any danger to spare his friends, people or army- even swallowing his pride if it saves the lives of some fighters, but will then nurture it; revenge can be served cold. He thrives as warlord, but not in peace, it is war, campaigns, battles, glory, new adventures and new sights that interests him, training and supply are a means to that end, but boring in itself. As such he is grateful for the diversion provided by the Romans and will be eager to escort them or join them in Rome as soon as revenge on the Dánoz-Suiones is accomplished. Hrothulf reckons he needs five more years or so to settle down and until then nothing can rein him in. After The Battle of the Vosges Háriáwulf and Hrothulf agreed that the Gauls would likely be conquered by Caesar, so Háriáwulf went south-east instead to serve great warlords there[1]. He is motivated by ambition, thirst for glory and pure lust for the thrill of battle; seeing new places and enjoying new experiences (and women). If he has an Achilles-heel it is that thirst, his pride and an appetite for women. He is somehow faster and more mobile in rough terrain than he should be.
* Erminlindá, widow of Háriuhá and sister of Hrothulf, functioning queen. Despite the lack of a son-heir, Hrothulf has taken no new wife after his died in childbirth of their only child. His sister, Erminlinda thus functions as queen, and raises his daughter while her own has been fostered away and her son is away for war. She is a very beautiful woman in her early forties, but looking younger. She has not entertained lovers, nor remarried, no man could measure up to Hariuha, and though she is a very hard and commanding woman, she has a warm heart. She takes Gytha to her and cares for her even as Háriáwulf goes to exact vengeance on her brothers, and she spends much time talking to Aurelia Mento, Kianki and Aglaia + Tintimabula, if Lucius allows it. Though the two latter does not speak Gallic. Some whisper that she is a witch and has rendered her son invulnerable to weapons, but numerous scars on him puts that to rest.
* Amalfriede, Hrothulf’s only child. At 8 she is a bit spoiled, but well-behaved and quite sweet, really. Just too used to get her way.
* Godahilthjo, the equally beautiful 16 year old daughter of Erminlinda, she looks like all you could dream off in a young German princess. She is however very headstrong and her foster parents spoiled her and was unable to curb and rear her strength. So now back at her home she chafes at the rules of her mother and brother. She verges on the improper behaviour and rebellion until her brother has a talk with her to make it clear for her that he will kill her rather than have his house dishonoured. After that she no longer tries to corner Dolabra and becomes a very proper princess, suddenly growing up in the face of his cold rage and the alternative.
* Thuliz (Wise Man/Priest) Laguthewaz. The old and wise priest and advisor to Hrothulf, he is wise indeed, but also a bit of a windbag. If you believe him everything was better in his time, and they did everything better. This is elucidated in many a long-winded tale. If one sits out the flow of words, he has a lot of information on history, myths, politics, religion and laws of his people. He was born on the Kêmbroz invasion of Gaul and Italy, fought at Vercellae and survived the rout and trek home, so he does have some right to brag.
* Erilaz “Axebiter” (he once took an axe to the mouth in a skirmish with the Herulii), leader of Hrothulf’s hird is a heavyset man just below average size. He is a grizzled and scarred veteran of many a battle and well-suited to keep Hrothulf’s hird on its toes and in line. His sole interests are women, horses and dice, and of course war. His motivation the honour of Hrothulf and the vanquishing of his enemies.
* Arigisáláz the healer. An injury has lamed Arigisáláz, and in order to find something useful with which to contribute, he turned to the study of leechcraft, herbs and healing. A quiet and perceptive man, Arigisáláz has some knowledge that Aurelia Mento does not, but will also be eager to learn (+2 healing skills).
* Heruhrábnáz is the large, boisterous and wily leader of the “Gæster/Gáestiz”. A part of the Hird especially used for dangerous missions behind enemy lines, journeying abroad, reconnaissance, etc. he is a braggart and drunkard when not on a mission. But when at a task he is intensely focused and his loyalty and proves cannot be doubted. He is motivated by challenge, otherwise bored, and wish to excel and see Hrothulf and the Kêmbroz grow in power and prestige.
* Brándáfusáz “Heruberondz” is the Duginthiz’ Sword-bearer (basically squire). He is a small, sinewy man with balding reddish-blonde hair. Kind to friends and loyal, he usually makes up for his lack of size by being very belligerent and touchy (even for a German) to strangers, though he will always greet them politely at first.
* Merjakeruz the Skald, is a handsome warrior with quite some skill in reciting sagas, singing and improvising poems. The archetypical Norse Skald his motivations are his own enrichment and glory and ego, and his Kuniz’ (Lord’s) aggrandisement.
* Nántháeburáz is the young and friendly hirdman dicing with Lucius Cornelius. He thinks the strangers a great thing. Most of the Germans are a bit vary of Tintimabula as they think she might be an evil spirit or dangerous witch and Nántháeburáz more than most after not being able to hold his drink when competing with Lucius. Still he will slap a Roman back and be happy, for he likes new people.
Háriáwulf’s followers
* Kveldulfáz the Strong. Kveldulfáz was hirdman and friend of Háriuhá, and is the loyal friend and advisor of Háriuhá’s son Háriáwulfáz. He has seen many a battle and travelled wide with his young Kuniz. An exceptionally large, strong and quite ugly man, who went greyhaired at 20 and bald at 25, many whispers that he is troll-blooded and changes into a great beast at night or when in battle. They whisper, for Kveldulfáz is proud and fierce, and a renowned berserker. He fights with a “Dane”axe, a Kesja and his sword- shield and is a fearsome opponent indeed. Having broken the back of some in a mere friendly wrestling match. Kveldulfáz is based on Starkad and Kveldulf-Skallagrim-Egil, Háriáwulf on Thorolf-Gunnar-Sigurd.
* Jabatiz “Getároz”, is a Getai warrior following Háriáwulf back. He is short, stocky and strong, and not too pretty. But a loyal friend with a ready laugh and sharp wit. Apart from Háriáwulf, he is the only man here to wield a Falx, the Getai elite weapon of choice.
* Sáiwáfugláz the Huntsman, is a silent and somewhat introverted warrior whose skill with the bow and at tracking are both legendary. He prefers to keep to himself and the other men nearest to Háriáwulf and will likely not have spoken to the Romans until the Ting, not even on the bearhunt.
* Sigánduz “Tyrgothoz” Sigánduz is dedicated to Tiwoz/Tyr, and a berserker of sorts. He takes to the foreigners as he can see the potential of an alliance, and it is he who had fun axe-throwing with Lucius.
* Rolláug “Baby-cheek”, is a slender and eager youth and a superb technical warrior. He has a great tendency to forget the greater tactical picture for the individual challenge, but is still young so can learn. He is carefree, nice, soft-spoken and has not “filled out” yet and it is likely that he will always be on the slender side. He is quite nice, fascinated with the exotic women and drank too much in his bout with Lvcvis.
The guests
* Guthmunth Miklá, Haerudi Erloz, a rich, powerful and friendly man and the most independently minded of the Haerudi Erloz in Hrothulf’s network. He is what we Danes call “stor i slaget” and always eager to further his own power.
* Wágnijo Digráz, “The Fat”, and he is, the only really fat German man you have seen. A few others are heavy, but not much overweight. He is friendly and self-indulgent, and he likes a drink and a flutter. He seems like an indolent lazy arse, but he is a cunning warrior and warlord that enemies often underestimate.
* Háriuház, “One Eye”, does not talk much, but seems rather grim; he watches rather than speak, and few things pass him. He has not talked to the Roman guests at all yet and gives the impression of disliking them. This is not so, he simply watches.
* Okáz “Greycloak” (AKA Ráswulf), is a seemingly unremarkable man in all ways, just below average height and of normal build with typical apparel of a German chief, Lvcivs would likely not have noticed him at all, had he not talked to them. There he evidenced the scheming mind very atypical of his countrymen that has made him a very influential man; who knows all and who many believe to be their friend, but who is nobody’s friend but his own. He is, however, very devoted to his young, headstrong and bright wife who is the daughter of Háriuház, distant relation of Hrothulf and devoted to both.
* Álágunthjo, is a wealthy and influential widow, strong and bright enough to retain power after her husband’s demise in the battle of the Vosges. Officially she cannot retain her husband’s place on Hrothulf’s council, but unofficially her voice is heard just as much as the other chiefs’ and Hrothulf revels in upsetting tradition and using this valuable resource. In contrast to Erminlindá a string of mostly younger lovers has kept her entertained in her widowhood, but their hopes of marrying into her wealth has all proved vain. At the moment she has her eyes on Lvcivs, but he has proven resistant to her advances.
* 31 other “redshirt” Erloz join Hrothulf and Háriáwulf as they ride to the Ting. Another 62 from the remaining tribes (most from the Eudosii, Haerudii, Cimbrii and Teutones, but the powerful Erloz, Hlêwágástiz, of the Anglii chooses to side with Hrothulf there and Snáurri, Erloz of the Varinii, promises neutrality).
Other German NPCs
* Gythá “laugikonur”, 26, is the fair-ish and bright daughter of Erloz Leubáweniz, a powerful and independent Erloz in the southern part of the Haerudoz’ lands, and thus with friends amongst the Angloz. Leubáweniz died (like so many others) fighting Caesar, and his sons, now out of majority, rule. Gythá is not in agreance with their boisterous and disloyal ways and friendship with Gloáugiz (see below), but no one listened to her. Consequently she languished in the sense of foreboding from the rebellious ways. As the Romans arrived and escaped she saw it as her chance to get away with them and helped their escape. She now lives at the court of Hrothulf while Erminlindá cares for her and looks for a suitable husband. She is kind and an accomplished healer.
* Hludáz, a strong Avionii Karloz gifted by Lvcivs Cornelivs for his wrestling skill and thus grateful to him. Hludáz is a simple man of modest means, and a very decent and honourable one too. He wants nothing more than to tend his farm in peace, but is amongst those sworn to follow his Dugunthiz in the following of his local Erloz and as such will muster if necessary.
* Dágámerjáz is a young happy-go-lucky Varinoz eager to make a name for himself, who got lucky and bested Caivs Cominvs armwrestling. Thus earning the pleasure of joining Lvcivs’ slave-girls mudwrestling. This he will never forget and feels that Lvcivs is a great man that he owes a favour.
* Frithuz was a powerful and rich Erloz in the area S of what is today called Ringkøbing Fjord. He was lured into betraying his allegiance by promises of wealth and power from Marcvs Nepos and Gloáugiz, hosting the former and aiding him in the fatal attack on the heroic Lvcivs Cornelivs and friends. A proud, ambitious and not-too-bright warrior, Frithuz paid the price for his ambition.
* Gloáugiz was the young and powerful nephew of Háuház (the former Dugunthiz of the Angloz and Kêmbroz), and rightfully believed that he should have inherited at least the position as Hárjánáz/Horjornoz (Warlord). This perceived slight from Hrothulf and the Ting made him decide to gain friends amongst the Langobardoz (his widow is one), and to scheme with Marcvs Nepos when the latter arrived. He was none too happy as he discovered that Nepos had dishonourably kidnapped Amálfriede, and forced him to confront Háriáwulf before he was ready and with a strong alliance behind him. Ever-courageous, though, he attacked to delay the pursuit of Nepos and allowed him to escape to Frithuz, and thus met his end in honourable single combat; “Few bind the wounds which Háriáwulf gave”. His widow, Wiliswinthájo will be returned to the Langobaroz in good time.
* Sáligástiz, Hludáz and Rolláug, sons of Erloz Leubáweniz and brothers of Gythá. These three unruly, spoiled and boisterous brothers all three substitutes large egos, strength and self-confidence (and promotion) for intelligence. Barbarians are rude, loudmouthed and selfcentered, but these are extreme. They envy Háriáwulf his accomplishments and fame, and loudly proclaim their intensions to lay him low. It was thus the chance they had waited for when Gloáugiz and Frithuz arrived with news of new powerful friends and as Lvcivs and friends turned up they sent a message inquiring Frithuz what to do. Marcvs Nepos abducted Amálfriede while the hired thugs left with Frithuz attacked the ship and the brothers tried their best to delay the Roman guests as instructed- not knowing why. The rest is history.
S. German, Celto-German, Belgae and Wolhõm (Gallic) NPCs
* Captain Cassiovaldus, the solid, dependable and almost fearless captain of a trading ship based in S. Britannia who sailed the Romans to Cimbrii Chersonesoz. While they guest the Dugunthiz, Captain Cassiovaldus oversees the repairs of his ship performed by 50 craftsmen, fishermen, hired labourers owing work and thralls. He misses his wife and child and is somewhat intimidated by being amongst the fearsome Kêmbroz, but has traded with Germans further south before and the profit to be made from Lvcivs Cornelivs proposition warms his heart.
* Virodomarus is a subchief of the Menapii King, Dumnorix and rules from Boridunum; an Oppidum with app 2000 inhabitants and much trade with the Belgae in Britain. Virodomarus is a typical Gallic/Belgae chieftain; large and imposing (almost the size of an average German!). He seems to have lost some of his edge though, but is still able to rule his tribe. Especially after Lvcivs sorts (most) of his problems with rebels and blood-sucking, blackmailing Roman Publicanii. Secret bi-sexual!
* Erasnactos, former son-in-law of Virodomarus, is a tall and slender young man of great beauty whose black hair hints at Roman or Greek blood somewhere back amongst his ancestors. He is verging on the effiminate. After Lvcivs revealed his connection with, but also whipping up of by helping Marcus Spurius Blaesio, the rebels in the area, he flees and is outlawed. His marriage voided and Kianki married instead to Caivs Caecilivs Rvfvs. Much to her pleasure as Erasnactos is in fact not very nice, but homosexual.
* Dumnorix, Menapii King, friendly with Lvcivs, friend of Caesar.
* Morbo, well-to-do Menapii farmer and fisherman, veteran of Caesar’s army now in rebellion against Virodomarus as Marcus Spurius Blaesio’s heavy taxation ruining him.
* Alu-Sikijáz King of the Batavoz/Batavii, a great and imposing warrior indeed, and a firm friend and ally of Caesar. King Alu-Sikijáz is an impressive and charismatic warrior past his prime fighting condition at 40- 50-ish, but a man people will follow and probably still a dangerous opponent at 6’6’’ (Roman feet and inches, 192.6 cm) with a still-beautiful wife and several sons not yet grown.
* Ánsuhárjáz, Hárjánáz (Warlord) of the Batavii. Basically a younger, stockier and jolly-er version of his older brother Alu-Sikijáz. Ánsuhárjáz likes nothing as much as a good feast and a good woman, nothing except a good battle that is, and he has proven countless times to be a cunning commander.
* Gêbáhárjáz, Hêruskoz/Cheruscii magnate and father of Ingihárjáz. The Heruskoz does not have a King, instead four families are the leading ones in the tribe and consists nine of the leading 13 chieftains in the tribe. Other magnates are usually allied to the leading four families in shifting alliances, but even within the family there are power struggles as its leading men strive to surpass one another in splendour, feats of arms and power so as to become the leader of the entire family and alliance. As you can probably deduce, this leads to a society with little peace and tranquillity, but also to a society of magnates and their warriors being combat-ready veterans.
Other NPCs
* Marcvs Antonivs, needs more be said?
* Quintus Fufius Calenus, current Consul. As tribune of the plebs in 693 Ab urbe condita (61 BC), he was chiefly instrumental in securing the acquittal of the notorious Publius Clodius when charged with having profaned the mysteries of Bona Dea. As a praetor 695 Ab urbe condita he brought forward a law that the senators, knights, and tribuni aerarii, who composed the judices, should vote separately, so that it might be known how they gave their votes, much to the dismay of many. He fought under Caesar in Gaul and Iberia, but failed in his task of bringing reinforcements from Italy to Greece last year to strengthen Caesar’s outnumbered armies. Most of the ships were captured by Bibulus and Calenus escaped only with difficulty. Caesar’a clemencia is large though and this year Calenus serves as consul because of and to further, his influence.
* Pvblivs Vatinivs, current Consul. A pro-Caesarian with a well-earned reputation for corruption, embezzlement and a lack of scruples, he is a willing tool in Caesar’s hands and is furthering his master’s wishes as Consul.
* Gnaeus Domitius Calvinus, another staunch supporter of Caesar, and another who is surrounded by scandal. This one in connection with his election to Consul 6 years ago. Lvcivs never really liked this amateur upstart, who proved his incompetence last year by loosing his entire army to Pharnaces of the Bosphoran kingdom. That should teach him, and show Caesar who it is best to reward with command and honour.
* Publius Ventidius Bassus, despite being a Plebs, the son of a prisoner from Picenum from the Socii War who has worked himself up through the grades from muleteer, this man is of an entirely different mould than the others. A natural commander and military mind to whom the most difficult tasks seems easy; Pvblivs Ventidivs is a favourite of Caesar and slated for great things if they continue to cooperate, but he has already incurred the silent envy of Marcvs Antonivs.
* Publius Licinius Crassus, friend of Lvcivs, another military talent and favourite of Caesar, this one a fine patrician, who unfortunately died with his father at Carrhae.
* Marcus Nepos, aka “Sextus” aka “Rasmvsivs”, neither is probably his real name. Another Roman, possibly noble, but not likely as Lvcivs have never heard of him. Like a bad Denarius, this nefarious and slippery character turns up everywhere to cause you trouble. Apparently with a larger budget than you, he seems able to hire thugs at will with which to waylay you and no evil is too low for him to stoop to. After his defeat in Ringkøbing Fjord and outlawry, he should be running, but you never know…
* Lvcivs Decimvs, Client of Lvcivs Cornelivs and leader of the “Crossroad Brotherhood” of Subura Maior and Vicus Patricii, a gang of criminals, smugglers, extortionists, muggers, racketeers, hired killers, etc., etc… small, ugly and bowlegged, Lvcivs Decimvs combines an affable manner with a scary reputation. Perhaps because he is so matter-of-fact and off-hand about the people he has killed. In a bit of a pinch after the attack on Clodia Metellii’s villa, Lvcivs Decimvs had to seek a patron as protector, a patron he could provide with something that Patron would want. He is now a faithful client of Lvcivs. Loyal as much as a hired thug can, for he is most loyal to his gang. He likes wine and raw onions, of which his breath perpetually smells.
* Marcus Junius Brutus, Lvcivs never really liked that pompeous arse- probably because he believes that his family is finer than the Conelii Scipiones. But Brutus is probably Propraetor in Gaul while Lvcivs is in Germany and will have to be dealt with on the way home.
* Gaius Popillius Laenas has likely been kept from politics by his extreme stutter, quite unfortunate for he is a descendant of the Gaius Popillius Laenas. Instead he has devoted himself to becoming a scholar and as such has helped his friend Caivs Caecilivs Rvfvs obtaining information on Germania, and will be very curious when Caivs Caecilivs returns.
* Juba, drowned, full of arrows Ringkøbing Fjord. A Numidian minor chief and hired killer of quite some skill, juba served as Marcvs Nepos’ right hand man, knifeman and performer of violent dirty deeds. Cunning and ruthless, with ni scruples whatsoever, Juba served perfectly in that capacity.
[1] This journey took him to the Gutoni (Goths), Lugii, the Taurisci under King Voccio (Father in law to Ariovistus), Scordiscii and lastly Burebista of the Getai (Dacians). It was with the latter he helped conquer the last independent Polies and enjoyed Greek women and wisdom, everywhere he went he was hailed as the greatest of warriors.
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