Western Empire Resurgent

Hope everyone enjoys have fun!


Anno Domini 408


Constantinus stood before the Senate, silent but ready to take whatever they could throw at him. Paulus stood and quietly walked around him several times not saying a single word wanting him to languish in the unknown. Then when he felt enough time had passed to begin his questioning. He was demanding to know why such a loyal Roman would disobey a direct order from the senate and how he could fail to see the critical nature of the Empire and that it was men like him alone that could save it from destruction not barbarian scum like Stilicho. It was at this point the general broke his silence and told them that it was men like Stilicho that would save the Empire. Paulus warned him about the possible consequences of his actions; he could be executed, imprisoned or worse his family could be put on the chopping block if he did not do as instructed. Constantinus bowed his head knowing that he could not make any more defenses lest he incur the senate’s wrath any further. Paulus asked coldly if they had made themselves clear and the general nodded. He was dismissed to return to the army and hopefully carry out his mission. But as Constantinus was walking down the steps he paused for a moment to revel in the glory that was Rome and was equally amazed about how such an entity could be so foul when you looked beyond the façade. He had no intention of following the senate’s order to execute a Roman general, and a loyal one at that. He didn’t know what to do yet but he would figure something out even if that meant becoming a traitor, his mind was set.

Stilicho and Sarus had been waiting to hear any word as to what had happened with their compatriot, going so far as to send a message to Gerontius, a general in Britannia, to see if he had heard anything but had been met with nothing. Gerontius had heard nothing and the senate was refusing to reply. For all they knew Constantinus was dead although they highly doubted it. In the meantime they had been planning a punitive raid against the Alammani in response to several cross border raids made in the past few months. This was a good opportunity to use their new cavalry and see just how effective the stirrups were against their barbarian opponents. They didn’t want to proceed in the attack until Constantinus had returned but it was increasingly looking as though they would have to launch without him.

The senate was in a precarious position. They had begun opening up markets in Antioch, Jerusalem, Alexandria and even Constantinople and were anxious to see if it led to the profit they were hoping for. The aqueducts were nearly complete in Gaul and new roads were helping connect areas that had in the past been difficult to access. They still had the more pressing problem of the popularity of Stilicho among the people and the army. He was being hailed as a savior of Rome and more popular than ever. To kill him by execution would only turn the people against them, and that was why the economic and infrastructural changes were being made, not only to improve the empire but get the people on their side. Then and only then could they remove Stilicho once and for all. If they could increase the overall wealth and happiness of the citizenry then they would be seen as the saviors of Rome not Stilicho.

When Constantinus finally arrived back in camp the soldiers proceeded to stand and cheer when they saw him enter the camp. He entered Stilicho’s tent and was promptly clapped on the back by both of the other generals who were delighted to see that he was okay. They told him that they had been worried but assured him that he could tell them what happened when he felt he could comfortably. They updated him on the planned raid against the Alamanni and how the cavalry had been trained and equipped with the new stirrups. Constantinus in turn reported how, on his journey to and from Rome he saw the massive urban projects that were being done in an effort to boost urban numbers. From what he had seen it was indeed attracting a lot of attention from farmers in the countryside who saw an opportunity for new places of work and security. He thought the plan could be a resounding success if it was continued and maintained. Stilicho could tell though that something was troubling Constantinus but did not press the issue any further.

The army was on the move down the Rhine and was split into three separate forces under the commands of the three generals respectively. The Alamanni tribe was in a bulge in the Roman frontier and Stilicho had planned to have one force drive up from the center and the two others as flanking forces. The force they commanded was only about 20,000 strong total split between the three. They had left the other portion of the army along the Limes to guard against any intrusions while they were gone.

It was while they were on the march that Constantinus decided it was time to tell Stilicho why he was called to the senate. After explaining everything to him Stilicho waited a moment but told his compatriot that he believed him and that he was glad for the honesty and was glad to serve alongside such a noble man. He even asked if his son Eucheris could accompany Constantinus to learn from him, after all his father was getting older and not as agile as he once was. Constantinus agreed but when he was asked what was he going to do when the senate found out about his failed mission he just told Stilicho that he wasn’t sure yet. It was at this time the groups parted for their winter quarters near their starting positions for the next year’s raid against the Alamanni.

Meanwhile far off in the central European areas the Huns were planning their next big attack. They had dealt the Eastern Roman Empire a heavy blow and were now receiving quite the bit of booty as a result. They reasoned that they could pressure the West into the same deal lest they incur the Huns wrath. A mere 15,000 horseman were going to take on the Western Roman Empire in what they hoped would be a short spring campaign. But for now it was coming time to send his young captive, the boy Flavius Aetius back to his country, just in time to watch it burn.
 
Liked reading the new chapter, Emperor Casey. :) I hope that Flavius Stilicho finally defeats the Alemmani people once and for all, especially with the use of stirrup-equipped/trained cavalry; that the Western Romans make sure that the surviving Alemmani are either sold to slavery (i.e. the surviving Alemmani civilians) or are forced to fight and die alongside Western Roman legions against other barbarians (i.e. the surviving Alemanni warriors) so as to ensure the Alemmani people cease to exist; that Stilicho and his fellow Western Roman generals make some improvements/adjustments to the tactics in using stirrup-equipped/trained cavalry after the battle against the Alemmani in time to deal with the equally stirrup-equipped Hunnish hordes.

I also hope that the Western Romans (now equipped with stirrups for their own cavalry) can give the Huns a real run for their money and a good accounting of themselves in terms using stirrup-equipped cavalry, applying tactics in regards to using and/or fighting against stirrup-equipped cavalry, etc..

Moreover, I hope Flavius Stilicho, Sarus, and Constantius finally deal with the problem of the Western Roman Senate by conducting a really bloody and extensive purge of said Western Roman Senate in the foreseeable future - and possibly set themselves up as a military junta/council who of course are only answerable to Western Roman Emperor Honorius (their controllable puppet Western Roman Emperor ;)) while at the same time continuing the Western Roman Senate's efforts to improve infrastructure and trade throughout the Western Roman Empire.

Lastly, I hope we get to see more of Flavius Aetius very soon, and that I hope that Flavius Aetius becomes a protege to Flavius Stilicho, Constantius, Sarus, and even Gerontius. :cool:

Please write more very soon. Thank you. :)
 
Thank you very much :D I am glad everyone is enjoying this. Every comment is appreciated and I enjoy reading them very much. And yes the senate is very much a stick in the mud but Stilicho cant exactly kill them because then the Senate's fears would be correct wouldn't they? :p
 
Well, Flavius Stilicho and his fellow Western Roman generals don't have to kill all of the members of the Western Roman Senate - just two-thirds of it :D while sufficiently cowing the remaining one-third into submission with such a show of frightening brutality towards the said two-thirds of the Western Roman Senate. For further ideas on how to achieve this please look at a certain section of the The Reign Romulus Augustus ATL for ideas and inspiration :D;) (https://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=278876&page=14). Hope this helps. Please let me know. Thanks again. :)
 
Yes I have been reading that TL and it inspired me to start mine actually :D I will see what Stilicho has up his sleeves but its a secret
 
Sorry for the delayed update I have been busy getting ready for the semester which starts tomorrow. I will do my best to get updates up. This one is smaller than the others but hopefully you all enjoy.


Anno Domini 409


The raid against the Alamanni was going so smoothly that Stilicho was worried they had marched into Roman territory. The reports that he was getting from the other two armies was indicating the same resistance that he was experiencing. There was only the occasional patchwork defense of maybe a few dozen warriors but they were always dealt with quickly and their villages were put to the torch. Thousands were fleeing the advancing Roman forces and any that were caught were sold into slavery. It was coming to the point that Stilicho actually considered the possibility of reincorporating this territory into the Empire. The campaign would be over in no time and they would be able to return back to the comfort of Roman life. But he couldn’t help but still worry about Constantinus and his troubles with the senate. He knew that there demands would not be fulfilled and that their wrath would not be stopped. He just hoped that Constantinus wouldn’t do anything to extreme, but he would not sit idly by as his comrade was destroyed by the senate.

The senate was making preparations of its own for a conflict it saw as coming. It had recalled 3 legions from Spain to Rome itself and even upped the number of body guards for the Senate building. They didn’t know where the threat would come from but felt something was coming their way. There economic plans were going smoothly and wealth was beginning to trickle in from the new Eastern markets they had opened up and the urban sprawls were beginning to grow in Gaul. They were even slightly pleased to see that Stilicho’s raid against the Alamanni was generating some sort of revenue.

With the end of their raid the generals gathered near the Limes once more. There had been actually very little in the ways of combat with the enemy, only the small skirmishes between gathering forces. They had ensured though that no Alamanni threat would be arriving in the future by burning down so many villages and capturing so many prisoners. The barbarian infrastructure had been decimated and the victorious Romans had emerged with booty and few casualties. Despite the jubilant nature of the troops Constantinus knew he would have to face up to what he failed to do. Instead of waiting though he planned to take action. He proposed a bold plan to Stilicho and Sarus; they would eliminate the Senate. His comrades were wary but Stilicho could not defend the Senates actions against him so decided that he would go along with Constantinus’ plan but it must be seen that he had no part of it and that Honorius must stay in power if the plan was to be seen legitimate. Constantinus reassured them that he had the plan figured out and held out two scrolls in his hand.

With the plan set in motion Constantinus departed the camp with 5 of the best legions they had under their command and headed for Rome. The fate of his family and of his comrades depended on his success; if he failed he would see them again at their execution for treason. He had called Gerontius from Britannia to help in his endeavor and the man had quite a crucial role in the plan. He knew a historic moment was about to occur and as he crossed the Rubicon he felt a sense of irony. They path ahead was to be wrought with peril but he felt confident that his soldiers would follow through until the end and that God was on his side. He was marching on Rome for Rome and the People. It was all or nothing, just him and the senate, the score would be settled and it would be until only one remained.
 
So the much awaited showdown between the Western Roman generals and the Western Roman Senate is coming to a head. Can't wait to see it happen. As always, please keep up the good work. Thanks. :)
 
I hope everyone enjoys this part after all it was everyone who cried for action to be taken. Enjoy :D


Anno Domini 410

Constantinus split the army and positioned them around the city of Rome. Several other legions had been placed in the vicinity as well however this was not unusual given the potential threat to Italia and her cities as of late. The legions under his command would be able to deal with them though should they put up any fight. He personally led a group of 100 of the best soldiers of the army to the final objective of this plan. As they marched through the streets people began to follow behind wanting to see where the famed general was heading.

The senate was in session and even a few of the emperor’s advisors were present including Olympius who was discussing with Paullus what he would do after Stilicho was dead. It was then that they heard something outside of the room, the sound of marching sandals coming up the steps. Then Constantinus opened the doors to the senate and the legionnaires proceeded to surround the group of senators. Astonished at the suddenness of the action the group rose up in alarm and headed for Constantinus in protest. The soldiers blocked their path to him however and they all locked shields, effectively blocking any hope for escape the senators had. They were furious at such a blatant act of treachery and violence to which Constantinus responded that he had orders from the Emperor Honorius himself to arrest them for treason. If they resisted they would be killed with the utmost efficiency.

It was about the same time in Ravenna that Gerontius burst into Honorius’ chambers where the emperor and his advisors were discussing relations with the east. The general knelt at his ruler’s feet and told him that they had uncovered a plot by the senate to overthrow him and that Constantinus was going to arrest them as they spoke. The Emperor was astonished by this revelation and asked where Stilicho was, and he was told that the general was in Gaul still. Gerontius requested the Emperor and his staff be relocated to a safer section of the city until it was confirmed that the threat had been resolved. They agreed to this and even the advisors were surprised to hear that Stilicho had no in this operation and it may on some level pleased them.

In Rome, Constantinus stood before the members of the senate and told them he would let the public decide their fate, although he knew he would pursue the same course of action no matter how they felt. The senators were dragged outside so the huge crowd that had gathered could see them. Constantinus addressed the people and told them how the senate had plotted to kill him and his fellow generals, which was met with a furious cry of shouts and anger, and then he told them how they planned to execute the Emperor himself. The people were furious and demanded the traitors be brought to justice immediately. Constantinus was pleased by this and brought Olympius and Paullus to the front of the group as they were the ringleaders of the group. Without saying a word to the man he ordered Olympius executed to which a joyful soldier stepped up and promptly beheaded him in one swift blow. Then Constantius looked at Paullus, the man who had threatened his family’s life there at his will. He asked why he should spare the man’s life to which Paullus threatened the people would never allow it. With this Constantinus pulled Paullus to his feet plunged a dagger into his heart and watched as he slumped and died on the ground gasping for air. In the next hour about half of the members of the senate were executed and the other half being “pardoned” to continue their work in the senate. In reality it was to keep the legitimacy of their actions as well as to maintain a civil body that would manage the same affairs. The people cheered Constantinus as a merciful hero who had saved Rome.

The army outside of the walls did not resist Constantinus and swore loyalty only to the Emperor in Ravenna which suited the general perfectly well. His comrades were elated to hear the news of his success. The Emperor likewise was joyful to hear that the men who planned to kill him were executed themselves and thought that he should allow the generals to have a greater influence in his court. New members would be elected to the senate that were sympathetic to the generals and would not try to depose them as if they were nothing but filth. The plan went without fault, and for now Constantinus would remain in Rome to ensure that it continued that way.

During a round of celebrations Stilicho was met in the camp by Flavius Aetius who had been recently freed by his Hunnic captors. Stilicho planned to guide the young man into a path as a Roman General that could one day replace him when he was no longer fit to command. The boy told him that the Huns were on the move and planned to take Roman land for themselves. Stilicho knew nothing could be done now as winter was beginning to set in but he would send word to Rome that he needed as many soldiers as he could get. The wrath of God was going to come crashing down on them and Stilicho would be right in the middle of it.
 
Well done Emperor Casey, I approve your version on how the recalcitrant Western Roman Senate should be dealt with. :) I also hope that Flavius Stilicho defeats the Hunnic horde - perhaps by surprising them by attacking said Huns during the winter (if that is possible to begin with). I also hope that Constantius would later return to Britannia to reinforce and perhaps even invade, conquer, and annex Caldeonia/Alba (i.e. Scotland) and Hibernia (Ireland) and perhaps even depopulate the native populations by constantly raiding and burning their villages, killing many natives as much as possible, and selling the survivors as slaves throughout the Western Roman Empire and beyond it. As always, please keep up the good work. Thanks. :)
 
Thank you :D although that would be interesting there aren't much resources in those areas to warrant attacking and incorporating them and plus the Empire is still in a strenuous situation in regards to wealth and the border situation. Keep the comments coming everyone!
 

Deleted member 67076

If its not too much, can we get a map of the campaigns?
 
Yes I can but I am not the best with maps yet so be nice :p that will be the next post along with some other factual information
 
Top