Winter on the Danube AD 167
AD 167, Noricum. The legions returning from the East have brought a plague, and across the river the Marcomanni are preparing to cross the frozen Danube. You are the head of a senatorial family who has inherited an estate on the frontier.
Historical background
In the 160s, when Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus ruled together, the army returning from the Parthian war (161–166) spread the "Antonine Plague" across the empire. Probably smallpox, it swept through legions and cities and thinned the frontier defences — and through that gap Germanic peoples north of the Danube such as the Marcomanni, Quadi and Langobardi began to cross the border.
Around 170 the tribes crossed the Alps, besieged Aquileia in northern Italy and burned Opitergium. To pay for the war Marcus auctioned palace treasures in the Forum of Trajan. The emperor spent years in camps on the Danube front such as Carnuntum, where he wrote part of his Meditations; the "Rain Miracle" that saved a thirsty legion in the land of the Quadi and the fighting with the Sarmatian Iazyges belong to this war too. Marcus died on campaign in 180, and his son Commodus made peace.
Who you are
You begin as the 32-year-old head of a senatorial family who has just inherited your father's frontier estate in Noricum. From the start you have land, Wit and plenty of gold — but the enemy is only a river away. The Greek physician Theodoros, the equestrian procurator Aper and Marbod, a boy sent from across the river as a hostage, are the people of this life.
The current of history: Marcomannic Wars
With the invitation "Spears across the river" the long war on the Danube frontier begins. Choices await at every stage: the siege of Aquileia, rain in the land of the Quadi, the Iazyges horsemen and spring at Vindobona.
Sides you can take
- The emperor's legions Give your body and your estate to the emperor’s campaigns. Distinction wins the trust of the court.
- Frontier village Concentrate on protecting your land and people. The goal is to survive between plague and plunder.
- Tribe across the river Trade with or ally yourself to the tribes beyond the river. Dangerous, but it opens the world outside Rome.
Tips
Questions and answers
How close is this scenario to real history?
The Antonine Plague around 167, the Marcomanni crossing the Danube, the siege of Aquileia, the auction in the Forum of Trajan, Marcus Aurelius and Commodus are all historical. The starting map, realms, real historical figures and the major events of the current of history follow actual history. You and the companions, rivals and loves around you are fictional people who could have lived then, and once you start, history may diverge according to your choices and those of the AI rulers.
What station do I start in?
You start as a lord: the 32-year-old head of a senatorial family with an estate in Noricum (Austria on the game map), having inherited your father's land, inside the Roman Empire.
Is it free? Can I play right away?
Yes. Crown & Plough is a free browser game with no account and nothing to install. The "Start in this scene" button on this page opens the scenario's intro screen directly, and progress is saved automatically in your browser. It works on phones too.