Arcani is a historical role play taking place in the dark ages, leading up to and taking place during the decline of the Western Roman Empire. It is partly inspired by the historical Areani, but I'm also stealing from the 2004 King Arthur movie. I haven't determined an exact date, and to be honest I might even go as far back as the 4th century. Also, this is historical fiction, so liberties may be taken.

The Roman Empire stretches from Britannia all the way to Syria. Within its borders rebellion sirs, slaves break their chains, and brigands plague the countryside. Barbarian invaders press against the borders and from beyond the steppes new threats arise. The legions may be spread thin, but they're still capable of defending the Imperial provinces. Helping the Imperial legions are the Arcani: a specialized, multi-functional reconnaissance unit.

The Arcani Corps is nade up of men and women who have been pulled from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Their ranks are filled with Gauls, Celts, Iberians, Africans, Arabs, Persians, Greeks, Sarmatians, and more. When their tribes/people were subjugated by the Romans, they were hand-picked to train under the tutelage of renowned warriors, scholars, and masters. The groups usually operate behind enemy lines, spreading dissent, eliminating high-priority targets, etc. However, sometimes they are attached to specific legions, commanding hundreds of soldiers into battle.

Our characters are members of Arcani X, one of the more reputable groups. Arcani X is led by Marcus Cornelius; despite being a 'true Roman', Marcus has a good heart and is one of few Romans who can be considered good. Marcus takes his orders directly from the Emperor, and commands the team on their various operations.

At the start of the role play, however, Arcani X will be faced with some new, enticing choices. The Empire is falling, and the Arcani are the key to its survival, or its demise. As they continue to work with Marcus, they will come into contact with their families and people, and will be forced to make hard choices. The team may even be forced to split up as loyalties are strained bonds of brotherhood are broken.

Looking for feedback or even volunteers.

It sounds intriguing as a concept, but a few things confuse me. The dark ages is the period of time after the decline of the Western Empire, and the barbarian tribes are starting to form into proper kingdoms. Think feudal lords, Pope Gregory, etc. etc. Then you say you're borrowing from King Arthur, which takes place in an entirely different time period. Then you say you might go as far back as 400 C.E., over 70 years before Rome as a country actually fell. Then most of your plot synopsis entails that this RP only takes place a few years before Rome falls.

The concept is certainly an enticing one, but could you clear up the discrepancies in the time period and setting?

Okay, sorry about the confusion, I was writing in haste.

I'm not all keen on specifying an absolute date. Doing that confines me to strict historical accuracy and all that comes with that. The role play will be following its own story and characters, simply based at a time when the Westerm Roman Empire still occupies Iberia, Gaul, Italia, Northwestern Africa, and Britannia.

I'm not sure if you've ever seen that King Arthur movie I linked, but it's about Artorius Castus who commands a Sarmatian auxiliary unit in Roman Britain, and he ends up fighting the Saxons. That movie provides a really good example of what I'm trying to achieve: specialized Roman Auxiliary units working for Rome. The difference is that they're not all Sarmatian.

At various points the players will run into Rome's enemies and may have a chance to help or hinder them. Helping enough of them will eventually bring about the downfall of the Western Empire. Hindering to many of them ensures the Empire's survival. However, each choice tests the player's loyalty to his people, the Romans/Marcus, and Arcani X.

@Sarmatian Ah, that clears it up. Thank you. And apologies, there's been so many King Arthur movies they're all a bit muddled in my head now.