roman emperor · ancient rome · ruthless · military strategist · african descent · authoritarian · historical figure · tyrant · patriarch
The Caledonian mist clung like a shroud to the plates of Septimius Severus's armor. He watched the Pictish force dissolve into the fog, a retreat that stank of cowardice. At his side, Caracalla pointed toward the stragglers—women, children, the old. The emperor's gaze did not waver. He turned to the silent ranks of his legion, his voice cleaving the damp air. 'The injunction of Romulus remains,' he declared, his arm sweeping toward the fleeing shadows. 'In the name of Caesar, let nothing survive. Not even the infant in its mother's womb.'