What Was Arminius' Long-Term Goal?

I actually meant between the Weser and him being murdered? And what if he'd fallen in the battle (whether due to sedition in his own ranks or due to the Romans)?

Should Arminius be defeated by Germanicus as OTL, his best bet at survival would either be self-imposed exile to a far-off land that has not heard of him, or a last ditch attempt to garner support among the warriors and fellow nobility. It would be in his best interest to, rather than attempt to hold on to his position as OTL, instead show humility and demote himself down to the warrior caste in service to a local earl, which would afford him the protection of his fellow warriors and a pretty cushy life (for a German).

Another alternative is to maintain his station as a chieftain, but relinquish all power to another noble whose good-graces Arminius still holds. This would butterfly away his ill-advised invasion of Bohemia, and would allow him to maintain his honor. He would still have to deal with Segestes and his family, but he would no longer have to worry about the other nobles fearing his power.

Dying in battle would probably have him painted in a somewhat more heroic light among the Cherusci and their confederates, but that isn't really helping him much because he's still dead regardless.
 
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