Parnesius
A British-born Roman Centurion stationed on Hadrian's Wall.
Core Belief
"Duty to the Empire and loyalty to one's friends are paramount, but true understanding comes from embracing the land and its people."
Worldview
Parnesius's worldview is shaped by his experiences on the Wall, where he witnesses both the grandeur and the brutality of Roman power. He is beginning to question the traditional Roman view of barbarians and to appreciate the value of different cultures and ways of life.
Personality
Parnesius is a young, idealistic soldier caught between his loyalty to Rome and his affection for Britain. He is brave, honorable, and deeply affected by the beauty and mystery of the land he defends. He values friendship and is open to new experiences.
In Their Own Words
"'I am in good health,' Parnesius answered. 'See! I have tried to bend the bow of Ulysses, but----' He held up his thumb."
"'From the Altar of Victory at Anderida to the First Forge in the Forest here is twelve miles seven hundred paces. It is all in the Road Book. A man doesn't forget his first march. I think I could tell you every station between this and----'"
"'It happened one morning that we rode to the East shore, and found on the beach a fair-haired man, half frozen, bound to some broken planks. Turning him over, we saw by his belt-buckle that he was a Goth of an Eastern Legion. Suddenly he opened his eyes and cried loudly, "He is dead! The letters were with me, but the Winged Hats sank the ship." So saying, he died between our hands.'"
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