Roman Legionary

Roman Military. The capital of the Roman empire may be thousands of miles away, on the other side of the Great Sea, but the great empire's strength is felt around the world. Roman controlled highways and trade routes make passage safer and faster than ever, so long as smaller nations pledge fealty to Tiberius Caesar Augustus (LN Noble), the emperor over the sea.

Rome is known for its swift and vicious punishments for crimes, and Roman roads like the Via Maris are littered with the crucified bodies of criminals, left as a message to those considering breaking the law. This approach to law and order is apparently effective, as the Roman empire has the lowest crime rate in the world.

Rome takes a much more hands-on approach to politics than Parthia. While some "kings" are allowed to keep their thrones, the real power in a Roman-occupied city lies with the "proconsul," who represents the emperor's interests in the kingdom. Cities in the west teem with Roman Legionaries, and travelers who frequent the region know better than to step out of line in their presence.

Soldiers who serve in the Roman military are promised a parcel of land upon their retirement, where they live a simple life of peace. Soldiers look forward to this retirement, especially in the less desirable outposts on the fringes of the empire where life is much less comfortable and more unpredictable. Outposts in Judea, for example, see regular uprisings led by the Zealots or the Sicarii, and territories to the east of Damascus and the League of Ten Cities are constantly on the alert for incursions from Parthian forces.

The Roman Legionary is the heavy infantryman of the Roman army, heralded by many as the most efficient combat soldier in the world. The legionaries are usually the first line of defense against foreign invasions and the first wave of troops sent into battle. Legionaries were highly trained and outfitted with the latest technology in weapons and armor. Their body armor, called the Lorica Segmentata, was made of forged iron strips plated with steel, and their shields were rectangular and much larger than the round shields used in the Greek phalanx. In short, Legionaries were not to be underestimated in combat scenarios and used both their advanced tactics and superior weaponry to their advantage whenever possible.

As the Roman empire continues to expand in all directions, legionaries units are move with it. These unstoppable infantry units are responsible not only for conquering foreign territories, but for holding them and keeping the peace long after the front lines of the empire continue their expansion. Once a kingdom has been occupied by Rome, Legionaries serve as the local law enforcement, suppressing any potential uprisings, punishing criminal offenses under the guidance of the Centurion, and generally keeping the peace. Legionaries would often also take part in building projects as Rome sought to spread its culture to new kingdoms, often building a circus arena or aqueduct in the larger cities. For some, these assignments were very comfortable and offered all the amenities of Roman life. On the other hand, outposts in the east posed a constant threat of violence, and encampments in the north were cold and unforgiving. To be a legionary is to be prepared for anything.

Legionaries are drafted primarily from citizens within the heart of the Roman empire whose allegiance lies unwaveringly with Rome. They enlist in the legion for a term of 25 years, after which they receive their retirement and promised parcel of land. Although legionaries may complain about their outposts and express a desire to return to their "home" in Rome, many legionaries end up asking for their parcel of land not far from the location they spent their years of service, having grown accustomed to the way of life in these once foreign lands.

Medium humanoid, any alignment

Armor Class 18

Hit Points 10

Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
12 (+1)	12 (+1)	10 (+0)	10 (+0)	10 (+0)	10 (+0)

Skills Intimidation +2

Senses Passive Perception 10

Languages Latin

Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)

Features

Pack Tactics. A legionary has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of its allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally is not incapacitated.

Actions

Multiattack. The Legionary makes two melee attacks or one ranged attack.

Pilum (Spear). Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 1) piercing damage.

Pilum (Spear). Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 1) piercing damage.

Bible5e custom monster. Its specific traits supplement the current rules. See Using Bible5e Monsters.