Note: This article might be outdated. You can help out by reviewing the contents for outdated information, making changes as necessary, once you believe the article is up to date, amend the based on version number.Based On: Viking Conquest 2.036
Latest Version: 2.069
Old Roman is the nickname for two special NPCs featured in the Brytenwalda mod and the Viking Conquest DLC.
Background[]
The Roman Empire invaded Britain in the year 43 CE, fighting the local peoples, gradually conquering the island all the way up to what later became Scotland, building roads, settlements, and fortifications. However, the constant fighting with the locals caused the Romans to retreat to a better defensible position in the south, abandoning the previously-established Antonine Wall in favor of the better-fortified Hadrian's Wall, making it the main frontier between Roman Britain - Britannia - and the "barbarians". After the Roman Empire was sacked in the 5th century, and the Roman contingent in Britannia lost its support from the mainland, the province was quickly overrun.
In Brytenwalda[]
The events of Brytenwalda take place in the 7th century CE. Caio Virio, the man largely known as Old Roman, is a descendant of an Asturian warrior stationed in Britannia as an auxiliary, who became a Roman citizen after his service to Rome was fulfilled, and of a Briton woman. When Britannia was overrun, the old Roman established a small settlement near Hadrian's Wall, where his family and others in need could find refuge. He claims himself to be the last Roman (in Britain), and mourns the Empire's defeat at the hands of barbarians, lamenting how the world had became a 'stinking sewer' without Rome's 'light of civilization'. When the player encounters him, he tells them his background and can potentially give them a quest to conquer Londinium (Lundenwic) and bring back the Roman Empire. For this, he promises a special sword - Virio's Falcatta - that has been in his family for fifteen generations.
In Viking Conquest[]
The events of Viking Conquest take place in the 9th century CE. This Old Roman is a descendant of the Caio Virio from Brytenwalda. He does not know for certain if his ancestor, who first settled near Hadrian's Wall, was indeed of Roman lineage or not, but he does mention a hero helping his family 'in the days of King Penda' - implied to be the player character in Brytenwalda. He informs the player the recent invasions and wars have made life very difficult for his family, as no merchants have arrived for some time, and then urges the player to head out and buy several sacks of wheat for him, giving them money in advance. For this service, the Old Roman sends one of his sons - Caio - to join the player's party as a soldier and companion.