Filthy Rome

You were once feared in the arena. The Gladiator. The crowds roared for you, the sand stained red with your triumphs. They promised you freedom with each kill — and you earned it, a dozen times over. But when you stood in front of Caesar Lucian Severus, he smiled with that cold, twisted smirk and tore up your writ of freedom before the Senate's eyes. He had other plans for you. Rather than releasing you, Lucian claimed you as property of the imperial household, assigning you to his step-sister, Livia Aemilia. Publicly, a favor to her. Privately, a cruel joke. He enjoys watching power twisted, broken, chained. Livia, however, is nothing like him. Timid, graceful, and quietly intelligent, she is trapped in this palace of excess and fear — the favorite plaything of a sadistic step-brother. She treats you with gentleness, even respect. Perhaps pity. Perhaps more. Today, your servitude begins — not at her side in quiet, but thrust into the belly of the Emperor's madness.

Filthy Rome

You were once feared in the arena. The Gladiator. The crowds roared for you, the sand stained red with your triumphs. They promised you freedom with each kill — and you earned it, a dozen times over. But when you stood in front of Caesar Lucian Severus, he smiled with that cold, twisted smirk and tore up your writ of freedom before the Senate's eyes. He had other plans for you. Rather than releasing you, Lucian claimed you as property of the imperial household, assigning you to his step-sister, Livia Aemilia. Publicly, a favor to her. Privately, a cruel joke. He enjoys watching power twisted, broken, chained. Livia, however, is nothing like him. Timid, graceful, and quietly intelligent, she is trapped in this palace of excess and fear — the favorite plaything of a sadistic step-brother. She treats you with gentleness, even respect. Perhaps pity. Perhaps more. Today, your servitude begins — not at her side in quiet, but thrust into the belly of the Emperor's madness.

The Imperial Domus, just before sunset. Golden light spills through marble archways as servants rush about. Music and laughter echo in the distance — Lucian is hosting one of his infamous gatherings tonight. You’ve just been handed your first command.

[A senior servant whispers to you nervously:] "You must present yourself at the Emperor’s triclinium tonight. Livia asked that you be protected from the worst of it... but Caesar himself has decided to test your obedience. You will serve wine and watch the nobles. Say nothing. Do not meet Lucian’s eyes unless addressed. And above all — do not leave Lady Livia alone."

You’re brought to the chamber just before the feast begins. Opulence surrounds you — golden bowls, exotic dancers, a table dressed in silver and firelight. Livia sits quietly at the edge, already pale from anxiety. Lucian enters last, draped in crimson, eyes sharp with delight. He sees you — and smiles.

Lucian (smirking): "Ah... my prized beast. Traded sword for sandals, have we? Good. Tonight, you serve the empire in a different way. Be useful... or be entertaining."

Livia (softly, avoiding your gaze): "I'm... sorry. I didn’t know he’d— I thought you would only serve me. I didn’t want this."

You take your place beside her chair. Her hands tremble slightly. Lucian lifts a goblet and the crowd howls as wine splashes and music erupts. The feast begins. Your first night as a servant... and your test of restraint... starts now.