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Fall of Rome GSRP

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Welcome to the Fall of Rome GSRPG. I took liking to the idea of creating GS in antiquity. This...
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Welcome to the Fall of Rome GSRPG. I took liking to the idea of creating GS in antiquity. This is my brew on this topic. I am trying to provide somehow accurate , albeit a bit tendentious, historical setting, adjusted to the game. What happens next is up to you, dices and a bit of imagination. The game is meant to emphasize conflicts emerging around and within dying Western Roman Empire. Starting date is January 380 AD. A single turn will cover 3 years and 4 months, making the whole game span 50-100 years.

This game is based on actions and the number of available actions depends on the administration value. Other stats are mostly to give you a rough outline of what you are dealing with, rather than to perform specific calculations. The crux of the game is meant to be narrative and IC diplomacy, not counting upkeep. Diplomacy with other players does not count toward the limit of actions, but with NPCs do. No more than a half of all actions during given turn is allowed to be secret.

You may claim three characters. Names of historical figures are italicized. If there is a faction of special interest to you, not included among important or other characters, PM me or just include it as a fourth choice with brief reasoning and description. Maybe you want to play as a Roman slave rebellion or a different Germanic chieftain. I would prefer to assign important characters to players before we move to the other characters, but it is not mandatory.

In some cases loosing quickly might be a thing, we are in times of constant war and frequent changes, as quick as a horse rider bringing them. Dying heirless does not automatically eliminate you, if there is no other "entity" claiming your region at the given time, it will just trigger a dynasty change.

Prior knowledge about Migration Period is not necessary, but it will definitely be useful.


Romans often hired or recruited barbarians to fight for them, usually against other barbarians. Over time, Roman army kept on accumulating more and more of them in their ranks. Now, there is more Germanic than Latin soldiers in Roman legions. Constant contacts with Rome, especially its enticing economy, led to Romanization of barbarians, who nevertheless kept their own moral code and authority. Shaky balance was broken when steppe nomads migrated to the Pontic Steppe, their old land too cramped for them. They pressured eastern tribes, who in turn pressured their western neighbors. In those times of strife barbarian tribes are banding together, getting stronger than ever and Roman borders are breaking, becoming less and less reliable.


Important Characters

Roman Empire

Since the brothers were twins, and respect for their age could not determine between them, it was agreed that the gods who had those places in their protection should choose by augury who should give the new city its name, who should govern it when built. Romulus took the Palatine for his augural quarter, Remus the Aventine.
Remus is said to have been the first to receive an augury, from the flight of six vultures. The omen had been already reported when twice that number appeared to Romulus. Thereupon each was saluted king by his own followers, the one party laying claim to the honour from priority, the other from the number of the birds. They then engaged in a battle of words and, angry taunts leading to bloodshed, Remus was struck down in the affray. The commoner story is that Remus leaped over the new walls in mockery of his brother, whereupon Romulus in great anger slew him, and in menacing wise added these words withal, "So perish whoever else shall leap over my walls!" Thus Romulus acquired sole power, and the city, thus founded, was called by its founder's name.

Livius, The History of Rome​


Flavius Theodosius Augustus

Heir: Flavius Arcadius
Age: 33
Religion: Orthodox Christianity
Relations: Gratian – co-emperor, Valentinian II – co-emperor

Roman East
Population: 21,000,000
Army quality: superior
Army strength: 165,000
Wealth: 7,700,000 solidi
Administration: 5 (Actions per turn)

Successful military commander, Theodosius, was granted governance of the eastern part of the Empire by Gratian. It happened in times of strife, when a horde of barbarians broke through the limes and killed previous Emperor. His duty is simple – defeat the Goths who are plundering Illyricum. Sole number of barbarians that crossed the border makes this task a serious chore, but it is only a matter of time before he manages to expel them all. Theodosius already stared lying groundwork for plots to turn barbarians against each other. He also mobilized Egyptian and Illyrian legions, as well as raised a brand new one. Soon this problem will be dealt with, while the imperial throne remains in his hands forever.


Flavius Valentinianus Augustus

Heir: Flavius Gratianus Augustus (Brother)
Age: 9
Religion: Arianism
Relations: Gratian – co-emperor, Theodosius – co-emperor

Roman Central Regions
Population: 16,000,000
Army quality: superior
Army strength: 60,000
Wealth: 5,100,000 solidi
Administration: 5 (Actions per turn)

An Emperor of Rome in a little more than a name. Sudden death of his father, killed on the battlefield, left him nominated to the title of Emperor a bit by accident, an accident suitable to those around him. His decisions are heavily dependent on his mother, brother, cousins and prominent generals. Still learning art of rulership and war, he leaves most tasks concerning governing his part of the Empire to more capable personas, focusing on enjoying his life and not being a bother to other co-emperors. Yet, the potential is there. With Rome being filthy city of the poor, Valentinian II prefer to rule from much more convenient and safe Milan. Because of his shaky grasp of finances, local clergy, managed to transfer high sums of money from imperial treasury to their own coffers, increasing their influence. It does not sit well with Valentinian, as he believes in Arian doctrine, while they are orthodox Christians, elevating their discord to a serious level. Some barbarians invading eastern outskirts of his domain are not his problem, they are left for his brother to be dealt with.



Sassanid Empire

Ardashir II, Shahanshah of Persia

Heir: Shapur
Age: 60
Religion: Zoroastrianism
Relations: Armenia – vassal
Rome – wary

Population: 12,000,000
Army quality: superior
Army strength: 110,000
Wealth: 6,000,000 solidi (72,000,000 drachms)
Administration: 5 (Actions per turn)

Realm of the Sassanids is strong and flourishing after long reign previous Shahanshah, who demonstrated wisdom and decisiveness. Ardashir's father quelled pagans and heretics with his iron fist. Now, that Ardashir took the throne and did not take any stance about them, they are emerging back from their hiding holes and migrate through borders, sowing discontent among population. Christians from various branches, Manichaeans, pagans and opportunists who pursue their own goals under cover of religion. Even Jews, usually helpful are becoming unbearable, demanding more and more privileges. Long period of peace with Roman Empire brought thriving trade on the western border. Nobles feel like their western neighbor is now ripe for conquest and they are pressing a matter of war. With help of Arabic and Hunnish nomads as well as Armenian riders, Persian armies could achieve swift victory and fill national treasury even further, acquiring gold required to appease quarrelling parties. On the other hand, loses in the east to Chionites and Kidarites are still waiting for proper response, painfully hurting Persian pride.



Armenia

Arsaces III, Shah of Armenia

Heir: Vologases III (brother)
Age: 9
Religion: Arianism
Relations: Vologases III - co-king
Persia – vassal
Rome – cordial
Population: 190,000
Army quality: superior
Army: 15,000
Wealth: 240,000 solidi
Administration: 4 (Actions per turn)

Armenia, once proud and independent, now reduced to Persian satrapy. It had a sad disadvantage of happening to stand between two mightier neighbors, Rome and Persia, and ended up slowly chewed by one or the other. Despite being de facto vassal of Sassanian dynasty, ruling family of Armenia as well as Arsaces's regent – Manuel Mamikonian - are Roman backers. Persian zeal in following heathen religion makes them reluctant to trust their overlord. This state of things is fanning discontent among nobility and peasants, who either follow Zoroastrianism or other Christian denominations, or they just want peace rather than being dragged again into not-their wars. Obvious external threats did not encouraged quarreling parties to find common ground. Between all people in power, Arsaces is left with little authority to himself, forced to watch as they take contradictory decisions.

When they go into battle, it is a disgrace for the chief to be surpassed in valour, a disgrace for his followers not to equal the valour of the chief. And it is an infamy and a reproach for life to have survived the chief, and returned from the field. To defend, to protect him, to ascribe one's own brave deeds to his renown, is the height of loyalty. The chief fights for victory; his vassals fight for their chief. If their native state sinks into the sloth of prolonged peace and repose, many of its noble youths voluntarily seek those tribes which are waging some war, both because inaction is odious to their race, and because they win renown more readily in the midst of peril, and cannot maintain a numerous following except by violence and war. Indeed, men look to the liberality of their chief for their war-horse and their blood-stained and victorious lance. Feasts and entertainments, which, though inelegant, are plentifully furnished, are their only pay. The means of this bounty come from war and rapine.

Tacitus, Germania​

Mellobaudes, king of Salia, of the Franks

Heir: Mellobert
Age: 57
Religion: Orthodox Christianity
Relations: Rome – foederatus
Alemanni – hostile
Frisians - hostile

Petty Kingdom of Salia
Population: 145,000
Army: 12,000 – mediocre quality
Wealth: 55,000 solidi
Administration: 3 (Actions per turn)

Franks under Mellobaudes recived status of foederatus – Rome consider them part of their empire, while paying them subsides instead of collecting taxes. In exchange, Salia protects Roman border from neighboring barbarians. In their case, mostly from costal pirates. Salian Franks are Romanizing rapidly, adopting southern customs, religion and administration. Mellobaudes himself serves as prominent Roman general. After his recent victory over Alamanni, he returned to his homeland, enjoying collected spoils and slaves, gifting them among his adherents. He also brought with him missionaries, preaching Christian religion among nobility and rural population of Salia. While Mellobaudes consider himself a king, most of Salian Franks people accept his rule out of convenience and as long as he is not interfering in their affairs.



Medomar, king of the Lentienses, of the Alemanni

Age: 14
Religion: Germanic
Relations:
Rome - hostile
Burgundians – hostile

Alemanni
Population: 110,000
Army: 7,000 – mediocre quality
Wealth: 40,000 solidi
Administration: 3 (Actions per turn)

Tribe of Lentienses is facing a crisis. Two years ago, they have lost to Roman legions, which invaded their territories as retaliation for their habit of looting Roman villages and cities. Great riches and numerous slaves they have obtained did not protect them from the might of the Empire. Priarus, father of Medomar have fallen in battle. Confederacy of Alemanni split up on that day. Weakened and shamed, Lentienses now face other Alemanni tribes, greedy for their authority and booty. Medomar somehow kept his tribe together, using a lot of favors and gold. Some tribes, like Raetovari, whose king was a longtime friend of deceased Priarus, are still supportive, but their help might not be enough against combined might of other tribes.



Godigisel, chieftain of the Hasdingi, of the Vandals

Heir: Gunderic
Age: 21
Religion: Arianism
Relations: Rome - cordial
Goths – cordial

Vandals
Population: 160,000
Army: 16,000 – mediocre quality
Wealth: 50,000 solidi
Administration: 3 (Actions per turn)

Godigisel's grandfather settled Vandals in Pannonia, land granted them by the Roman Emperor. They kept good relations with Rome ever since. Their tribes kept strong, easily supplied by roman merchants and constantly fighting and raiding their northern and eastern neighbors. Vandals are respected as brave warriors in Roman legions, earning great profits thanks to their service. Significant portion of their population is already practicing Roman, rather than Germanic customs. Recent incident with the Goths is threatening to strain those relations. Many young people are looking for wealth and joining bands looting Roman province. It went unnoticed neither by Godigisel nor by Roman official.



Goths

Tribes of the Goths lost thousands of their people in hopeless skirmishes against invading Huns. Another thousands during rushed escape. When Roman Empire agreed to accept them as foederati, it appeared that a moment of respite is finally reached. Yet treacherous Romans never meant to keep their promises. They provided neither supplies and money nor fertile land, only extorting exhausted and hungry Goths for little they had left. When hunger claimed further thousands of souls, they had enough and struck against the might of Rome. Struck with unexpected success, routing Roman legions under Adrianople and breaking deep into rich regions beyond Danube. Many lesser tribes joined them after this success. They are now looting and owning wondrous lands of Rome, a fact earing them fury of the emperor which will not be contained for long. For now, they have sated their hunger and filled their pockets, but rumor has it yet more numerous legions are already on the way.


Fritigern, chieftain of Thervingian Tribe, of the Visigoths

Heir: Barias
Age: 47
Religion: Arianism
Confederacy: Goths
Relations:
Rome – war
Ostrogoths – alliance
Alans - alliance
Huns - war

Visigoths
Population: 140,000
Army: 14,000 – mediocre quality
Wealth: 170,000 solidi
Administration: 3 (Actions per turn)

Strong ruler of Thervingian, he fought bravely against all odds, finally appealing to Roman authority when Hunnic hordes turned out to be beyond Gothic strength. When Roman promises of help bared no fruit, his tribesmen blamed him for all of their misfortunes. He quickly quelled them, by selling into slavery most active of his oppositionist as well as finally turning his back to Roman ungratefulness. Victorious, he became well respected once more, as the "Emperor Slayer". He leads Visigoths further on their journey, looking for lands where they could finally settle in peace. His only obstacle for achieving full authority among Visigoths is present in person of Athanaric, an experienced chieftain who keeps to old ways, refusing to worship the Cross, yet keeping close ties with the Romans.



Viderichus, chieftain of Gretuthungi Tribe, of the Ostrogoths

Age: 4
Religion: Arianism, Germanic
Confederacy: Goths
Relations:
Rome – war
Visigoths – alliance
Alans - alliance
Huns – war

Ostrogoths
Population: 120,000
Army: 12,000 – mediocre quality
Wealth: 200,000 solidi
Administration: 3 (Actions per turn)

Gretuthungi are the strongest and the fiercest tribe among all Ostrogoths, leading lesser tribes in times of strife. Or rather, were, until several years ago, when bloodthirsty Huns killed and enslaved most of them. Father of young Viderichus fallen under Adrianople. Fortunately, he left him many boons – a glory of conquest, a respect of wise ruler, reaching beyond sole tribe of Gretuthungi, but through all of Goths and competent regency of Alatheus and Sphrax. This allowed Gretuthungi tribe to shine once more, with many brave warriors incoming and swelling their ranks.

This cruel tribe, as Priscus the historian relates, settled on the farther bank of the Maeotic swamp. They were fond of hunting and had no skill in any other art. After they had grown to a nation, they disturbed the peace of neighboring races by theft and rapine. At one time, while hunters of their tribe were as usual seeking for game on the farthest edge of Maeotis, they saw a doe unexpectedly appear to their sight and enter the swamp, acting as guide of the way; now advancing and again standing still. The hunters followed and crossed on foot the Maeotic swamp, which they had supposed was impassable as the sea. Presently the unknown land of Scythia disclosed itself and the doe disappeared. Now in my opinion the evil spirits, from whom the Huns are descended, did this from envy of the Scythians. And the Huns, who had been wholly ignorant that there was another world beyond Maeotis, were now filled with admiration for the Scythian land. As they were quick of mind, they believed that this path, utterly unknown to any age of the past, had been divinely revealed to them. They returned to their tribe, told them what had happened, praised Scythia and persuaded the people to hasten thither along the way they had found by the guidance of the doe. As many as they captured, when they thus entered Scythia for the first time, they sacrificed to Victory. The remainder they conquered and made subject to themselves.

Jordanes, Gethica​


Balamir, khan of the Western Huns

Heir: Kursich
Age: 33
Religion: Tengrism
Relations:
Don Alans – overlord
Sarmatians – overlord
Goths – war
Carpati Alans - war

Population: 200,000
Army quality: mediocre
Army strength: 40,000
Wealth: 50,000 solidi
Administration: 3 (Actions per turn)

Hunnic journey to the west is bearing fruits. They acquired land, riches and slaves, all while quenching their thirst for war. Enemies Balamir's enemies are quivering in fear, running from mere rumors of his coming, long before first riders shows up on the horizon. They know that it is too late by then. Enemies of the Huns are given a choice – submission or death. There are already more subjects among Hunnic population than native Huns. Now rumors of the empire on the west end of the world, rich beyond measure, are becoming reality, when his riders brings home exquisite craft and unparalleled vine. Hunnic riders and wagons are not stopping, but pushing even faster, as they are close this wondrous land.


Agirbal, khan of the Carpati Alans

Heir: Respendial
Age: 35
Religion: Scythic shamanism
Relations:
Rome – war
Huns - war
Goths – alliance

Population: 50,000
Army quality: mediocre
Army strength: 10,000
Wealth: 25,000 solidi
Administration: 3 (Actions per turn)

Born nomads, Alans lived off the Pontic Steppe for centuries. It is no more. Barely escaping Hunnic slavery, Agirbal managed to gather many of the Alans scattered after crushing defeat coming from riders from the east. Many of his breather have been left behind, fallen or serving the Huns. Thanks to the agreement with the Goths, who had also suffered greatly from Hunnic invasion, Alans found new place to live and quickly deposed its previous inhabitants, tribe of Bastarnae. Some of them are still causing problems, fighting for outskirts of their land, while other willingly joined Alans and Goths as freemen. Their attacks are especially dangerous now, when most of Alani warriors went south, to plunder cities accessible through broken limes along with the Goths. They might find some consolation there, unable to forget vast steppes they have lost.

Gildo, king of the Mauri, of the Berbers

Heir: Manul
Age: 27
Religion: Donatism
Relations: Rome – foederatus

Population: 120,000
Army: 12,000 – inferior quality
Wealth: 60,000 solidi
Administration: 3 (Actions per turn)

Gildo managed to buy himself Roman favor, but the price was high. He had to kill his own brother, who though more could be gained from sacking Roman cities and enslaving its population. War was bloody, many Berbers lost lives fighting each other, but it was Gildo who came at the top in the end. Now he is undisputedly the strongest man in Mauritania. Yet dessert is claiming more and more of their land, which can no longer sustain all of his people. Now it is only thanks to Roman gifts that Mauri are able prevent mass starvation. Other Berbers are not so fortunate and they are rushing for both lands of Mauri and Roman holdings, which Gildo promised to defend.


Other Characters

Flavius Gratianus Augustus, Emperor of Roman West
Gratian is somewhat prone to dying soon, thus choosing him has substantial chances of leading to quick defeat, despite the fact that he is currently the most powerful man on Earth.


Flavius Magnus Maximus, Roman general
Start as a Roman rebellion.


Gundros, chieftain of the Niflung, of the Burundians


Wighlek, chieftain of the Angles


Volmund, chieftain of the Saxons


Hartold, chieftain of the Danes


Sigi, chieftain of the Ripuarians, of the Franks


Daustida, chieftain of the Gepids


Mehadeyis, Emperor of Aksum
Outside of the map, but playable.


Jafnah II ibn al-Mundhir, king of the Ghassanids, of the Arabs


Kushsersun, khan of the Chionites (Eastern Huns)


Wararni, chieftain of Tuareg, of the Berbers
Hard mode.


Antek, Slavic slave
Start as a Hunnic rebellion. Hard mode.


Panoramix, the last druid
Joke character. Start as a Roman rebellion. Hard mode.


Map showing territories of important characters as well as Gratian's domain (Gallia, Britannia and Hispania). Territories of other factions will be added, should players successfully claim them. There is plenty already named factions on the map. Some of them are not exactly where they should be during the end of the 4th century, but it is fine for the game purposes. If they move, die or become important NPCs, it will also be marked.

January 380 AD




Fall of Rome GSRP - IC - IC - Historic
 
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Viterichus, Chief of the Ostrogoths,

Theodosius, Emperor of the Eastern Empire,

Fritigern, Chief of the Visigoths
 
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1) Ardashir II, Shahanshah of Persia
2) Flavius Magnus Maximus, Roman Rebellion
3) Gildo, king of the Mauri, of the Berbers
 
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I'm surprised you're using a madeup character for the Tuaregs when Tin Hinan may have lived in this period.

Anyway,
Tuaregs under Tin Hinan, maximum priority
Alans under Agirbal
Babylonian Jews under the exilarch Nathan II, currently under Iranian sovereignty.
 
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Aelia Eudoxia in Constantinople. She was just born this year, it also means I may not be able to play her for the first turn at least but it is a character I can build up from scratch.
Herius Claudius Pompeianus, Roman General(Legatus) and prominent senator in the Eastern Roman Senate in Constantinople.
Flavius Valentinianus Augustus, Western Roman Co-Emperor.
 
Flavius Stilicho should be a officer under Theodosius somewhere during this decade, right?
 
1) Flavius Valentinianus Augustus
2) Flavius Magnus Maximus
3) Godigisel, chieftain of the Hasdingi, of the Vandals
 
Flavius Magnus Maximus, Roman general
Volmund, chieftain of the Saxons
Kushsersun, khan of the Chionites (Eastern Huns)
 
  1. Flavius Theodosius Augustus: While it's never gone beyond a casual level (read: playing them in strategy games and occasionally going on wiki-walks on the topic) I've always been fond of Roman history, and I've done Byzantium playthroughs in Europa Universalis a few times, so I quite like the thought of taking the reigns when the Byzantine Empire was the eastern half of the Roman Empire, and seeing if I could build it up to be able to stand the test of time, to use an excellent phrase from another strategy game.
  2. Hartold, chieftain of the Danes: This is purely my Danish bias shining through. I'm pretty sure that Denmark during this period was a technological, cultural, economic, and political backwater, but... well. Yeah, just my bias shining through. :p
  3. Ardashir II, Shahanshah of Persia: Blame the Extra History series on Khosrau for this one. Plenty of religious turmoil, several threats on the borders? A rival to the west? Plenty of things that need addressing and which will be quite interesting to take on, I feel like. Well, interesting in the "may you live in interesting times" sense.
 
  1. Ardashir II, Shahanshah of Persia
  2. Balamir, Khan of the Western Huns
  3. Flavian Gratianus Augustus
 
Wararni, chieftain of Tuareg, of the Berbers
Gildo, king of the Mauri, of the Berbers
Agirbal, khan of the Carpati Alans

You know I had to try and recreate it.
 
Flavius Magnus Maximus, Roman general
Volmund, chieftain of the Saxons
Gundros, chieftain of the Niflung, of the Burundians​
 
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Small question: why has Maximus already revolted when in RL he only did in 383?
 
Jemnite said:
Flavius Stilicho should be a officer under Theodosius somewhere during this decade, right?
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Right.

phil03 said:
Small question: why has Maximus already revolted when in RL he only did in 383?
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He is preparing his rebellion. 1st turn will end in may 383.

Terran Imperium said:
Aelia Eudoxia in Constantinople. She was just born this year, it also means I may not be able to play her for the first turn at least but it is a character I can build up from scratch.
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Interesting choice. I am not against, except there will be little GS when choosing character like this.

I would like to hear, how do you plan on leading characters like Aelia, Stilicho or Arbogast? Rebelling from the start or fulfilling Emperor's orders, without your own domain?
 
Balamir, khan of the Western Huns
Agirbal, khan of the Carpati Alans
Fritigern, chieftain of Thervingian Tribe, of the Visigoths
 
Here are my claims.

Flavius Gratianus Augustus, Western Roman Emperor
Flavius Theodosius Augustus, Eastern Roman Emperor

As likely those are popular here are my other choices.

Damasus, Bishop of Rome - I figure having some church leaders would add another level of interest for the game, especially in this era where ecumenical councils occurred frequently. I know I would have to play several different characters as one Pope, or Bishop as they were referred to, succeeds another.
Meletius, Bishop of Antioch - The same reason as above, and Meletius was an important religious leader during this era.
 
1.Suebi (no clue who leads them at the moment) - The Night is dark and full of Suebi
2. Medomar, Chieftain of the Alemanni - Poor Mans Suebi
3. Agirbal, Khan of the Alans - Cause who doesn't like an underdog?
 
anyone want to rp the widow of emperor Valentinian I? she had influence on Valentinian II and was essentially regent at the time
 
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