So I have been playing Rome Total War since last year and I absolutely love it. My passion for the game compelled me to make this story. I will play the game in my own way using the Roman family of Julii and record my timeline here, like a story. Here you go, guys.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

to be here by dusk, brother."

"But he promised that he would be back by noon!"

"Well, Flavius, some things happen."

"Hey," Vibius called Flavius, "we can go to Arretium's gates. It's almost dusk, you know?"

They ran across the busy city, dodging the people walking by. The sun went down as they reached the gate. A cloud of dust arose from the ground because of the hooves of the strong horses. Aulus and his guard had arrived to Arretium.

On top of the rooftop of the house near the city gates were three men, with cloaks covering their faces. They wore black clothing and had scars on their arms. They were jealous. Jealous of the power and prestige the great Aulus Julius had accumulated over the years.

"He's here." One of the men on the rooftop whispered.

"I'm on it."

One of the men dashed across the rooftops, jumping from one to another. With a blade in his hand, I'm sure we know what they were plotting. He was swift and agile, a trained assassin. His cape waved as the wind blew strongly.

"Flavius! Vibius! What a pleasant surprise! Once we go back to the house, I can tell you all about my visit to Rome." Aulus greeted his sons with a smile on his face.

"I'll race you, Vibius!"

"Let's go, brother!"

The two brothers ran towards their house. They bumped into many people as they were coming to see the great Aulus. As they reached their house, Flavius noticed something very suspicious.

"Vibius, look. There's a man cloaked on top of the stable."

"I don't see anything. Maybe you're imagining things."

Their father arrived fast on his horse, leaving a trail of smoke. The cloaked man waited for the chance. The chance to kill the senator.

"Hey, boys. Wait here while I put our horse, Aquila, in the stable."

The senator did not know what was coming. He had his sword ready for danger. He entered the stable and left his strong horse there. This was the time for the assassin to strike. The assassin dropped down from the roof, making a hole.

Soon after that, Flavius and Vibius heard the clashing of swords and the noise of Aquila.

"Wait here, Vibius."

The brave Flavius ran towards the stables. He went in to see a horrible sight. A sight he would never forget. A sight that would haunt him forever.

"Father, no!" The young man watched in horror as his father was mercilessly stabbed. The assassin ran out of the door and left the once famous senator's bloodied body lying on the ground. "Father! I'll call the soldiers. You'll li-"

Vibius saw the man and ran after him. Soon, he caught the merciless assassin and dragged him to the soldiers. He knew this man killed his father. He was filled with rage and sliced the head of the murderer.

"Soldiers, pull Flavius out of the stables." He said as he cried a little.

Aulus was weary, yet he was not old. The wars against the rebels and the enemies of Rome had tested his strength. He sustained much wounds and won many battles. His fame spread across the land and he became known as the Filius Martis, the Son of Mars.

The bloody senator raised his hand and grabbed his son's hand. His grip was tight as he lay bloodied on the ground. "No, Flavius. This day was going to come." He gasped. "I knew it was. I protected Rome, defeated its enemies, and yet I did not protect myself. Rule wisely, my son."

"You'll come through this, father! Don't leave me!" Flavius said as tears fell on his face. Aulus opened his mouth, as he was about to say something, and gasped his last breath. He fell back and let death catch him.

"No, father! No!" Flavius could not hold his tears any longer. He burst out crying in the stables. He grasped his father for one last time. He was depressed on how they did not have so much time together. His father was always in the city of Rome or in the borders of the great empire, vanquishing enemies.

Flavius felt a hand on his shoulder, trying to pull him away from his father. He shrugged it off and kept weeping. Soon, more hands pulled him away from his father's dead body. He was dragged away and he knew this was the last time he could see his father.
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g upon his father’s dead body. Everyone was grieved about this, especially the mother of Flavius. All of Arretium mourned at the death of their powerful leader. The Senate? No, they did not mourn. All they cared about was power and prestige! Aulus was unique among the senate. He was a just and brave man.

Flavius knew his responsibilities. He now was the leader of the lands owned by his father. He was the leader of a great Roman family, the Julii. He sat in his room, praying to the gods on what to do. Praying that maybe his father, Aulus, would send a sign that Flavius would be guided. Just maybe.

Flavius walked around the courtyard, thinking on what would happen next. Would the assassins plot to kill him next? As he approached the villa, a hand touched his shoulder. No, not a soldier’s hand. Flavius turned around and saw a man whom he had known since he was a child.

It was Cassius Augustus, his father’s best friend and most trusted advisor. The two hugged, greeted each other and walked down the road.

“Ah, Cassius, nice to see you!” Flavius wiped the tears from his eyes.

“It’s nice to see you, too, Flavius. You were smaller when we last met! Oh, how much you’ve grown.”

“Why have you come to visit me, old friend?”

“Well, the Senate asked for me to bring you to Rome to speak to them and the other family leaders in the Curia.”

“I must refuse, Cassius. I am not ready for this! I’m only a young man!”

“You are ready. More ready than you think. You see, your father was in Gaul before his visit to Rome. He defeated a Gallic general in a skirmish. The Gauls sent the assassins to kill your father. We caught a Gallic spy and he told us that information. You must continue the war, Flavius.”

“Is that so?” Flavius thought about what he would do.

Flavius broke the silence and said, “I will lead our family to war. We will leave tomorrow.”

Cassius nodded and went on his way. The new leader of the Julii marched back to his villa and prayed to the gods to spare him from assassination. Vibius waited outside their villa for his brother. In the distance, Flavius saw Vibius and ran towards him, excited to tell him the news.

“Ah, Vibius, I have some news. I will lead our family to war. I will meet the Senate tomorrow in Rome. Protect mother and our cities, Arretium and Arimium for me, would you?”

“Wow, that’s good news! Of course, I will brother.”

The next day, Flavius woke up and called his escort. A man named Atticus Manlianus escorted the leader of the mighty Julii. Atticus was a brave man who served in the army under Aulus, Flavius’s father.

They rode towards Rome, swords in their hands. Towards the great city of the powerful empire they rode, to decide the destiny of Flavius. It was a long ride on horseback and it took them from sunrise to noon to reach the great city. They finally reached the Roman Empire’s beautiful city.

“We are here now, my liege.”

“Thank you for escorting me, soldier. Find an inn where we could stay. I will meet you at Roma’s gates.”

The young man walked towards the Curia. The Curia, the place where the Roman Senate met. Flavius was nervous but excited. His fate was going to be decided in that establishment.

Finally, the Julian leader entered the Curia. It was a building, like a Forum, filled with “old men”, as Flavius described the Senators, and plebeians. He entered in the middle of an argument. An argument between the leader of the Scipii family and the aggressive leader of the Brutii family echoed in the room. An argument about who was more supreme and who was more inferior.

Tiberius Brutii started the argument between the two.

“We Brutii overthrew King Tarquinii! We started the Republic! We are superior!”

“Without us Scipii, you would be nothing! We are richer than you! We are superior!”

The Consul stood up from his seat, annoyed by the bickering of these two brave leaders.

“Would you stop it, you two? Sit down. You and your families both contributed to the greatness of Rome herself!”

The whole Senate applauded at the brave Consul. Flavius sat down on his seat, a warm and comfortable seat. It brought him great relief from the very long journey he had endured.

“Ah, Flavius, we’re glad you could make it. Well, gentlemen, shall we start?” Consul Cornelius Rulianus formally started the meeting.

“Welcome, fellow Romans, to the Curia. We have all gathered here to decide on whether we should go to war with the barbarians up North. Unfortunately, Senator Aulus, has died. He was assassinated by a Gallic tribe on his way back to his villa in Arretium. Fortunately for us, his son, Flavius Julius, is here to take his place in the war against those barbarians.”

The crowd started to discuss about the matter. Whispering and talking was heard in that huge building. Flavius looked at Tiberius, the leader of the Brutii. He was an unscrupulous politician, known for his corruption and desire for glory.

For a time, the people were silent. The arrogant Tiberius Brutii broke the silence.

“My fellow Romans, Gloria ut Roma! Would we risk our lives against those barbarians? Roma Invictus! It shall stay that way forever. Aulus Julius was a man who gained Rome some territories. He brought glory to himself, not to Rome. He led to his downfall. We can do nothing about that. Those barbarians will never conquer Rome! Aulus was stupid enough to lose his guard! His son over here is more than likely to commit the same mistake.”

“Stop right there!” Flavius had enough of this nonsense. He would not let his father be disgraced by this hypocrite!

“My father was a just ruler, unlike you. He actually cared for the poor, unlike you. You stole from the poor by getting more tax than they can pay. You take their wives, their children, and make them slaves! You tell me that my father is an unscrupulous lawman? Look at yourself first before you judge him! Res, non verba! My father’s actions are more powerful than your lies. Leave my father alone! Resquiescat in pace! Radix malorum est cupiditas. You are evil and only desire for power and prestige. Shame on you! Now, fellow Romans, I shall bring glory to Rome. Let me lead the war campaign and extend Rome’s territories farther North. We do not need unwashed barbarians at our gates!”

The people went into an uproar and chanted “Roma Surrectum!”

“It is decided, then,” said the Consul, “Flavius will lead the forces of the Julii up North. May the gods bless you all! Roma Surrectum and Gloria ut Roma!”

And on that day, the destiny of Flavius was decided. He would lead the Roman forces against the barbaric Gauls.
[/spoiler]



lavius away from the arrow that was shot out of nowhere. An assassination attempt to kill Flavius, but by who? The assassin jumped from the roof of the house and into the thick green forest.

Vibius lay there on the cold, hard ground. The arrow pierced his chest, blood quickly flowing out. Flavius ran towards the dying body of his beloved brother. "Dear gods, why?" Flavius shouted in disbelief.

"Vibius!" Flavius clasped Vibius's hand, fearing it may be the last time he would see his brother.

"Be strong, brother." Vibius coughed up blood. "I will meet father again. Go. Go before the assassin kills you, too."

"No, Vibius! You will live! I swear to the gods, you will live! Don't leave me!" Tears fell down from Flavius's eyes as he saw his brother's body. He lost his father and now his brother is going to suffer the same fate.

Vibius gasped his last breath, his hand felt cold. Flavius knew his brother lived no more. He hugged his brother one last time and carried Vibius's corpse on his back. He cried and sobbed as he trudged back to his villa.

The soldiers saw the Julian leader and ran towards him. They carried his brother's corpse for him. Flavius wiped the tears from his eyes as he walked towards his home. He lost two family members already. Would he lose his life next?

The next day, Vibius was buried. The whole city was there, mourning at the loss of another member of the great Julii family. Flavius tried to stay strong, as his brother told him. He kept fighting his tears.

Flavius was depressed, but then, he saw her there. Standing in the crowd was a beautiful woman. She was more graceful than the other women, unique from the others. Her name was Faustina Axilla. Flavius had wanted to marry this woman since they studied together under a great philosopher.

She approached Flavius sitting on the lush, green hill by the burial site. Flavius saw her coming and he wiped his tears. Faustina sat beside Flavius and hugged him, trying to lessen his grief. Flavius blushed at her actions and smiled.

“I’m sorry that this happened to you. Your brother was an honorable man, and so was your father.”

“If the gods willed it, then so be it.”

Flavius smiled at Faustina and Faustina smiled back at him. Flavius touched her hair and said, “Faustina, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Your eyes are more beautiful than the stars. When I see your face, I would not change a thing. Your beauty lessens my sadness. I love you.”

“Things are happening so fast! Flavius, I have something to tell you. I had liked you since we studied together. You are braver than a lion, stronger than a tiger. I love you too, Flavius.”

Flavius and Faustina were in love. Eventually, they got married. It was a grand celebration. Flavius’s mother and Faustina’s parents blessed the marriage. They vowed to love each other forever. Flavius said he would love Faustina even after their death. Faustina said he would love Flavius no matter what.

The towns of Arretium and Arminium rejoiced for their ruler now had a partner. A partner that would help him in times of triumph and trial, and would help him manage his lands. A few months after the wedding, they had three children. Lucius Julius, the eldest son, Quintus Julius, and Vibius Julius, the youngest son and named after Flavius’s brother.

These three brothers grew up and helped their father in his conquest to exterminate the Gauls. When they were old enough to lead an army, it was just in time for war. The soldiers had been trained and the army was ready.
[/spoiler]


great and charismatic Flavius walked out to meet the messenger, the messenger that would bring the orders of war from the Senate. Of course, the Senate knew nothing about war. No, not a single thing. They wanted to bring glory to Rome. And bringing glory to Rome means having more power from the people. More influence, more authority.

The servants bowed at the presence of the son of Senator Aulus. The messenger bowed and gave the majestic leader a scroll, a message from the Senate. "Praetorians, escort this loyal servant of Rome to our great city's gates."

He opened the scroll as his guards escorted the messenger.

Greetings from Rome, young Flavius. I am Consul Marcus Antonius, warrior of Jupiter. I suggest you take the rebel city of Segesta. Those runaway slaves need their punishment, their end by your bla

It's interesting thus far, but this entry is pretty darn short. As for errors, there were only a few, one of which is probably more preference than an actual error. Now, the first error was that you said that his father's body was a corpse. This is not accurate, as he then proceeds to speak to his son, showing he was still alive. In replacement of corpse, you could probably use "still body." A corpse is completely dead. He was simply dying. Next is the lack of clarity on what's been going on. Yes, it speaks of wars, yet it says Aulus wasn't young. This brings to question how he gave so much attention to his son, and achieved senator status, despite being a soldier.

Next, I have to wonder at the speed of the response of the soldiers. His father was just murdered by an assassin in front of him (an assassin who apparently leaves witnesses behind), and as soon as the assassin is gone and the last words are said, they burst in en masse. Were they waiting for dramatic flair? Were they expecting something inappropriate to go down and were eavesdropping? Some serious lack of clarity.

Finally, and this is the preference thing, you have the same character give dialogue in two consecutive paragraphs. I find that if it's the same character, the dialogue can stay in the same paragraph until a/some significant event(s) happen, or there's a long enough gap (which should still be filled with something else). Of course, as stated, this is just preference, so it shouldn't be taken to heart.

So, I guess the last thing I need to say is that I hope you expand on this more, which I assume you will since you have a Table of Contents and it says prologue.

ADDED CHAPTER ONE AND CHAPTER 1.5 :D. Thanks Azure, for the CC.