Ultima Online History

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Part 2 - Hostile Lands

Maximus' Journal...

... it has been three months since we landed on this strange land. Never have I ever encountered a land such as this, and I have travelled from the sands of Cartha, to the fields of Hispania, to the vineyards of Gaul, the hills of Goth, and of course, our capital in Rome. And a strange land indeed, for we have travelled wonderous lands, fought strange brigands, and encountered creatures both known and unknown. Perhaps the strangest of all was encountering a native claiming to be descended from the Romans of our world. Whether he was or not, we were not able to discern it.

His initial offer to help found a new roman empire, using our legion as the army of conquest, was refused. We have had no contact with Rome since our landing, and to have created a new roman empire without orders would have meant a sentence of death for rebellion. It is for that reason that we have built our fortress on the shores that we have landed on, and settled in, instead of setting up a governorship under my rule, as appealing as it is.

However, one problem seems to be growing and it is the steady loss of men, to plague, skirmishs with brigands, and the strange creatures. To remedy it, I have authorized the recruiting of some of some natives into our centuries. Strange indeed are those we have recruited, including Kheteris, an elven archer, and Mishell, a cleric of sorts of this land, blessed with some ability to heal without bandages. She claims it is a skill they call magery here in this land. Perhaps it is, as it appears that some are gifted with it's applications, such as Redemption, the centurion of the first century of the first cohort. I have begun delving into this strange art, to see if even a crusty old warrior as I could learn it.

On a happier note, I have been pleased to find that not all natives are brigands. Those we have recruited, as well as those from the nearby surrounding towns have convinced me that there is some sort of law and order in this land, albeit who the true rulers are remains to be seen, as many in this strange land bear no allegience to any ruler, although it would appear this is because of the flight of the original ruler of this land, one called Lord British (it is a strange name, strange as the city of Britain, for it bears some semblance to the lands of Briton, the home of the celtic warriors).

We know not of when or how to return to our world, but we are learning to adapt, some better than others. Some, however, have chosen to end their lives in moments of despair. I cannot fault them, for even I wonder how my wife and child fares, and wonder if I shall ever set eyes upon them. But I cannot show the slightest fear, for my men depend on me to give them strength. I am a lucky man to have strong officers like Heathcliff, Redemption, and Mishell to assist me in our training and growth.

However... I wonder... there are rumors of forces gathering, both forces of good and forces of darkness. I cannot but wonder how we will fare, and whether or not our legion shall be drawn into this conflict. We can only hope, and pray that our god Jupiter delivers us from this land, but if it is fate that we remain here, may Mars give us strength and guide our swords, that we may slew our enemies and bring glory to Rome.