World
including key locations and national factions
including key locations and national factions
The Romans conquered vast swathes of Europe, their maroon and gold banners hung where once the green trees swayed. Their far-reaching roads connected places unseen before, and every street in every city was punctuated with great monuments to their achievements. They were a people of advancement and prosperity, introducing their language, laws, and governance to those they dominated.
1. Rome
2. Barbarian Tribes
3. Egyptian Kingdoms
4. Pirates and Corsairs
5. Norse Raiders
6. Greek City-States
7. Eastern Empires
8. Further East
9. ELSEWHERE
2. Barbarian Tribes
3. Egyptian Kingdoms
4. Pirates and Corsairs
5. Norse Raiders
6. Greek City-States
7. Eastern Empires
8. Further East
9. ELSEWHERE
Rome, the Eternal City
The Palatine Hill:
The sky here is a deep blue with wispy feather clouds, while the hills soar, peaked with magnificent palaces, lush gardens, and opulent villas. Decadent Roman life is on display for all to see, displaying the luxury and power of the ruling class. Large, open parks and lavish walled estates make up this neighbourhood. The villas here are named after the noble families that live inside them. Decadent gardens overflow with foliage and blossoms, perfuming the air of the district with a sweet scent. Lush grasses and ancient trees line alleyways carved between the palatial homes.
The Roman Forum:
The heart of ancient Rome, the Forum is a bustling center of commerce, politics, and social life. It features grand temples, public squares, and government buildings, creating a vibrant atmosphere where your characters can witness the city's power dynamics and engage in political intrigue.
The Subura:
Here in this district it was a maze of narrow streets and crowded tenements, home to the common people. Despite the warmth of the day, old women leaned out of windows and balconies gossiping with neighbours below; others sat behind locked double doors, admiring their grandchildren or just soaking in the warm light from a lamp. Red clay pots hanging on strings caught water from above so that it streamed down and collected in small basins where children could scoop up a drink without being seen by any adult authority figure. The heat had driven all inside long ago.
Beyond their walls, industry hummed: fullers pounded rugs against stone floors outside, metalworking hammered on anvils like a wave beating the shore, while blacksmiths hoarded under canvas tents soldered, sewed, hammered their wares into shape.
It's home to the common people, labourers, and a hive of activity, offering a stark contrast to the grandeur of the Palatine Hill.
Here, your characters can find markets, taverns, and the everyday struggles of the Roman working class.
The Colosseum and Circus Maximus:
These iconic locations are where grand spectacles unfold. The Colosseum is the stage for gladiatorial combat, while the Circus Maximus hosts exhilarating chariot races.
Your characters can participate in these events or witness them as spectators, soaking in the excitement and entertainment of ancient Rome.
The Baths of Caracalla:
These expansive public baths offer a place for relaxation and socialising. Elaborate mosaics stretched across the floors and walls; each mosaic depicted a different scene from nature.
The warm sulfurous water churn up from the depths of the earths, encased in a private thermal bath carved into the rock. The marble benches around the perimeter of the pool held dark eyes glittering in candlelight as shadows danced across their flesh.
Three steps led out to a sunken coliseum full of bathtubs, where they could engage in conversation with other bathers and survey the landscape for enemies or allies. Beyond the shallow stairs, an archway carved with flowers and leaves leads to another tiled room where servants could be found brushing long hair or teasing a toddler with small bronze statues.
Your characters can visit these thermal baths, engage in conversations with other characters, and uncover valuable information while enjoying the Roman bathing culture.
Barbarian Tribes
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Beyond the borders of the Roman Empire, you may encounter fierce barbarian tribes that hail from the far reaches of Europe, such as the Gauls, Germanic tribes, or the Celtic clans. These tribes have their own unique cultures, traditions, and combat styles, often clashing with Roman forces or seeking alliances for mutual benefit.
You can also create characters from this realm.
Egyptian Kingdoms
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The ancient land of Egypt provides a fascinating backdrop for encounters. Characters might engage with the Ptolemaic Kingdom, the last remaining remnant of the great pharaohs, or navigate the intrigues of powerful priesthoods and secret societies
You can also create characters from this realm.
Pirates and Corsairs
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The Mediterranean Sea is teeming with pirates and corsairs, who are a constant threat to maritime trade and Roman interests. You may might encounter pirate crews from diverse backgrounds, such as Cilician pirates or Illyrian raiders.
You can also create characters from this realm.
Norse Raiders
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Whilst Vikings were not historically present in the Roman Empire during the classical period, we have created an alternative faction called Norse Raiders to fill this niche.
The Norse Raiders are a seafaring culture inspired by the Viking explorers and warriors of the North. These fierce and skilled warriors are known for their mastery of naval warfare, plundering coastal settlements, and their distinct Norse mythology. sails from the colder northern regions, venturing into the Mediterranean Sea.
They are driven by a desire for wealth, glory, and adventure, as well as a deep reverence for their gods. They can be encountered or played as raiders, seeking to pillage Roman coastal towns and trade routes, or as traders and mercenaries willing to form alliances for mutual benefit.
You can also create characters from this realm.
Greek City-States
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Greek city-states, while not as dominant as in their heyday, still retain their unique identities and influence. Characters might encounter the likes of Athens, Sparta, or Corinth, each with its own political rivalries, philosophies, and military prowess
You can also create characters from this realm.
Eastern Empires
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Characters may come across powerful Eastern empires, such as the Parthians or the Sassanids. These empires, located in present-day Iran and surrounding regions, possess advanced military tactics, exotic weaponry, and rich cultural traditions. Engaging with them could involve diplomacy, espionage, or engaging in conflicts influenced by the complex power dynamics of the East.
You can also create characters from this realm.
Further East
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If characters should venture further into the East, they may encounter fascinating Eastern cultures, such as the Silk Road traders, nomadic tribes like the Xiongnu.
You can also create characters from this realm.
ELSEWHERE
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The Romans had conquered vast swathes of Europe, their maroon and gold banners hung where once the green trees swayed. Their far-reaching roads connected places unseen before, and every street in every city was punctuated with great monuments to their achievements. They were a people of advancement and prosperity, introducing their language, laws, and governance to those they dominated.
France
In 1 AD, the region that is now modern-day France was part of the Roman Empire and known as Gaul. Gaul was inhabited by Celtic tribes, and its major cities included Lugdunum (Lyon), Aquae Sextiae (Aix-en-Provence), and Lutetia Parisiorum (Paris). Roman influence brought significant changes to Gaul, including the construction of roads, urbanisation, and the spread of Roman culture and language.
Russia:
Russia was primarily inhabited by various indigenous tribes and cultures. The specific region that corresponds to present-day Russia was home to several tribes, including the Scythians, Sarmatians, and various Baltic and Slavic tribes. The region had limited contact with the Roman Empire, primarily through trade and occasional military conflicts. The Romans referred to the region as "Sarmatia" or "Scythia" and had some knowledge of the tribes and their way of life, but direct Roman influence and control were limited.
The people of ancient Russia during this time were primarily engaged in hunting, herding, and agriculture, with a decentralised tribal structure. They had their own distinct cultures, languages, and social structures. The tribes often had a warrior-based society and engaged in frequent conflicts with neighbouring tribes.
Greece
Greece was the heartland of ancient Greek civilisation, known for its rich history, cultural achievements, and city-states like Athens, Sparta, and Corinth. In 1 AD, Greece was under Roman rule, but Greek culture and traditions still flourished. It was a center for philosophy, arts, and literature, and the Olympic Games were held in Olympia. Greek cities were known for their architectural wonders, such as the Parthenon in Athens.
Romania:
The territory of present-day Romania was part of the Roman Empire and known as Dacia. It was inhabited by the Dacian people, an Indo-European tribe. The Romans conquered Dacia in the early 2nd century AD, and it became a Roman province. The region was known for its rich resources, including gold and silver mines, and its strategic location along the Danube River.
You can also create characters from these realms.