From Scodra, riders were sent bearing this letter to every major city in Illyricum.

People of Illyria, I bring greetings and salutations from your brothers in Rome!

It pains me to think that the loyal people of Illyria have endangered their friendship with Rome. It concerns me that it is done so lightly and for a specter of a man so flimsy, Rome did not even see fit to send a Consul to challenge him. I am not Consul, and I am not a warrior. I am a man who desires peace above all things, and have done my best to not offend the good people of Illyria as I search for the criminal and liar, Trahale. I ask you, good citizens, will Trahale and his ilk improve your condition better than Rome? Will Trahale treat you better than Rome? When did Illyria ever suffer under the yoke of Roman oppression? What has been done to make certain elements in Illyria turn their back on Roman help? What have we done but build bridges and roads and bring fresh, clean water to the cities of Illyria? What have we done but invest in the Illyrian people, in your business, in your towns, in your trade endeavors? What have we done but drive out invaders, and pirates and enemies? What have we done but protect Illyria with Roman arms and Roman lives? What have we done but bring you into our family, like a brother? The simple reality is that Rome cares about Illyria, and has shown it time and time again. Knowing these things as we all do, it would appear that this rebellion is not based upon Rome’s ill treatment of Illyria. Rather, it would appear to be about one man’s ambition to become King. Well, Illyria is a part of Rome, and Rome will suffer no King.

The Kingdom of Illyria is an egg that has been broken, and no matter how much Trahale and his ilk wish it, it cannot be unbroken. It is simple folly to believe that Rome will forget about our Illyrian brothers. It is stupidity to believe that Rome would allow Trahale to set up a hostile independent nation so close to Italia proper. I do not wish that the people of Illyria should suffer for Trahale’s foolishness. It is my desire to be of use and help to the people of Illyria while I am here. It is my desire to improve Illyria for the Illyrians. None of this, however, can be accomplished while Trahale threatens the peace we have all enjoyed. I would rather my men wield tools and plows than swords, but as long as Trahale and his rebels oppose Rome, my men have no choice but to carry sword, and shield and spear, for we must defend ourselves, the people of Illyria and the Roman Republic. I urge you to cast out any rebels from your city, and post notification that I have placed a bounty upon the head of Trahale. This bounty will be set at 100,000 D, and will include full Roman citizenship and lands enough to enroll the individual responsible for Trahale's capture, in the Knights Census. Any and all information leading to the capture of Trahale and the defeat of his rebels will also be rewarded. I urge you to reject Trahale, for by his hand, he will leave your beautiful Illyria a smoldering, ruined wasteland.



-C. Aemilius Catulus