600 AD
The Roman Empire is ruled by Maurice (Emperor 13.Aug.582 - 27.Nov.602). He is the senior co-ruler with his son Theodosius. He is coasting off of his victories against the Sassinid Sultanates in and around Syria. In the west though, the ongoing aggression by the Lombards, despite their losses to the Romans. That is what the Byzantiums call themselves. He has dissolved the Civil and Military channels of power into a military/paramilitary structure of Duxi (warlords) and Exarches (military-governors).
The Exarchate of Ravenna (exarchus Italiae)
Venice
Consisting of municipalities like Venice, Opitgero, and Adria, the Veniti, and others, still harbors plenty of degenerates to keep a level of lawlessness and banditry alive. This is despite the efforts of leaders from Constantinople.
Venice- though still noted for it being mostly swamps, bogs, and bayous it is becoming a duchy of note.
Ravenna
The one time hinterlands of Rome and its Roman elites, it is now the middle ground between Constantinople and Rome. This is where the Latins start to make the Greek-speakers from those Byzantium realms speak proper Latin. Notable cities at this time are Mutina, Cremona, Ravenna, Remix, and Pesaro.
Cremona
Called “Cataulado” by the “Byzantines,” the Romans who hailed from or looked to Constantinople as the center of the things. It is around this area where our campaign begins.
Liguria
With its seat of Genoa, these Romans are more prone to speaking Latin rather than that new-fangled Greek crap coming out of the east. Didn’t Pompeii burn Corinth to the ground way back when already? Why does anyone speak Greek anymore? Oh the Germans. Oops. Hey Constantinople, they can use a bit of help!
The Duchy of Rome
What with such fine cities Perisio and Reate, Rome is only an equal among equals– okay big bullcrap.
Rome
Gregory I is the Bishop of Rome (the Pope). It is said he did not ever learn Greek, but that is probably not true, as he worked in the embassy between Rome in the Byzantine capital for six years. He is called “pro-barbarian” by his critics, as he states that the Visigoths, Franks, and even the Lombards were practising religion, Christianity, as he thought it should be. That is unlike the Donatist of North Africa and the churches of Constantinople.
The Lombard Lands
Despite recent setbacks in the Italian peninsula, the House Lombard are still the main players along its territories. Even the Bishop of Rome, Gergor, agrees. Just have to handle these Greek-Peakers and then those pesky Francs.
