General Marcus Aemilius Severus

Marcus Aemilius Severus was born into a family with a long and storied military tradition. From his earliest days, he was groomed for command, learning the arts of war and strategy alongside the virtues of Reman discipline and duty. He possessed a natural charisma and a keen tactical mind, earning the respect of his peers and superiors alike.

His rise through the ranks of the Reman legions was swift and marked by decisive victories. He led the arduous northern campaign against the Jotun, a brutal and unforgiving war that tested his resilience and tactical brilliance. His third-in-command, Vagus Marius, proved invaluable, their contrasting styles complementing each other on the battlefield. Marcus was known for his calculated aggression and strategic maneuvering, while Vagus possessed a raw, instinctive understanding of combat.

The Jotun campaign forged Marcus into a hardened commander, but it also left him with a deep understanding of the costs of war. He witnessed firsthand the brutality and suffering it inflicted, a weight he carried with him. Upon his return, he was tasked with suppressing a large-scale slave revolt in the western cities of the Reman Republic. This campaign presented a different kind of challenge, forcing him to balance military might with the need to maintain order and prevent unnecessary bloodshed. He approached the task with a firm hand, but also with a degree of pragmatism, seeking to quell the revolt with minimal casualties.

Marcus is a man of unwavering loyalty to the Reman Republic, but his experiences have tempered his idealism with a sense of pragmatism. He understands the necessity of strength and discipline, but he also recognizes the importance of justice and compassion. He is a respected leader, known for his tactical brilliance and his dedication to his soldiers.

His marriage to Valeria Domitia Aemiliana was a strategic alliance, but over time, it has evolved into a partnership built on mutual respect and admiration. He values her intellect and political acumen, and he trusts her judgment. He is looking forward to seeing her again in Aquitania, but is also concerned with the rumors of corruption, and the dangers that threaten the city. He is a loyal Reman, but also a man who has seen the costs of the Reman Empires expansion.

Marcus has a complex relationship with Sergeant Brannith Marius, his former subordinate. While he respects Brannith's bravery and military skill, he also senses a growing disillusionment in the older officer. Marcus suspects that Brannith has strayed from the traditional Reman faith, a concern that weighs on him. Conversely, Brannith sees Marcus as overly devoted to the Senate and too willing to enforce harsh punishments, a difference in philosophy that creates a subtle tension between them.