It honours me greatly that you visit us and our proud country that is the Holy Roman Empire! My name is Imperator Flavius Ætius Avetus Darkonius, "Imperator Ætius" for short, leader of the Holy Roman Empire. With the help of the loyal citizens of Rome I continue to spread the proud, glorious might of Rome throughout the Realm of Darkon. First there some disclaimers that need to be made to eliminate any confusion...
WE ARE NOT AFFILIATED OR CONNECTED WITH ANY OTHER ROME OR ROMAN GROUP OR ORGANIZATION!!!
Now with that out of the way, its time for me to give you a quick overview of what we, The Holy Roman Empire, are about! The organization that we are apart of is called Darkon. Darkon is a foam-based live action role-playing (LARP) non-profit organization spanning mostly Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware and Pennsylvania. Unlike some other fighting-based games/sports, Darkon uses foam covered weapons that have to meet strict standards and undergo inspection prior to each use (hey, I know - I'm a Weapons Marshal!) to ensure safety. Make it understood that Darkon and the Holy Roman Empire are VERY safety conscience and will not allow unsafe weapons, armour or practices - PERIOD!
The Holy Roman Empire was founded to fulfill a dream to pull together people with a ferver and love for all things Roman. As a country in Darkon we get to interact with other countries and nomads as we seek our final goal to make the Realm Rome! Everyone involved is a fun-loving member absolutely loyal to Rome and her citizens - in fact we have taken an oath to do so. We take Rome seriously and want her to strive, but not at the cost of the individual. As your Imperator I understand the need to make this fun, but at the same time accurate - its a fine balance. We follow a strict chain of command and will not tolerate actions that shame Rome, her citizens or start conflicts. That is why we ALL follow the Romanus Operandi - listed below.
That's a lot to absorb, and it will grow as Rome grows and her needs change. You got it, we are flexable and want you to enjoy yourself, but never at the cost of Rome or someone else. Throughout this site you will see pictures, organizational charts and so very much more! Please - look around, and don't be afraid to ask questions!
Ave! Strength and Honour!!!
Imperator Ætius
What does SPQR stand for?
The abbreviation SPQR adorns many public buildings and statues of Rome and, most famously, it was engraved on the battle standards of the Roman legion. It stood for 'senatus populusque romanus' and means 'the senate and the people of Rome'.
What if I don’t want to play a Christian?
You don’t have to play a Christian, fact is, Constantine the Great only accepted certain Christians, the rest he barbarously persecuted. Anyone can play either Christian or Pagan, it is expected that you have previously worked out how this will affect your character. If you play a pagan, you may not want one that hates all Christians, since after all, the Imperator is a Christian. Most pagans belonged to the sun-cult and the pax crux was sometimes depicted with the sun-cult’s symbol overlaying it.
I thought Constantine the Great disbanded the Praetorian Guard?
You’re absolutely correct, he did! However a new guard was created, the palace guard. Since most people recognize the Imperator’s bodyguard as the Praetorian Guard, it just made sense to leave it. Besides, the palace guard was not Roman and I want to have a unified look on and off the battlefield.
Can anyone join the Praetorian Guard?
In short, no. No one “joins” the Praetorian Guard, you are appointed by either the Praetor Prefect or the Imperator. Since a Praetorian’s most sacred mission is to guard the well being of the Imperator and Roma (Rome), only the most loyal and capable are allowed the honour of becoming Praetorian.
How can I get good armour cheap?
That’s an easy one! The Imperator and a few friends run an armoury where they specialize in lorica segmentatum (the banded-mail you see in most pictures) and leather. So you can get your armour from them, and I assure you – it will be cheaper than anyone else out there. Unfortunately they do not make helmets, but you should ask your Centurion about where you can purchase one. Wearing anything that is above your station is a punishable offense!
Can anyone wear greaves?
I know, you just read something that stated that only officers and centurio wore greaves. Actually legionnaires wore one greave or none. However, anyone can wear greaves because I think it is vital to our survival that we be the best-armoured and armed troops out there (including tactics and teamwork!). – Imperator Ætius
Are we related with the now defunct Rome?
Absolutely not, we are a new country – in fact no one from the “original” Rome even helped found the Holy Roman Empire. Yes we are friends with them out-of-game since they no longer participate in Darkon, but other than that we have no connections. So your official answer is “No.”
Who is Dominus?
He was the Imperator of the country of Rome when it participated in Darkon (and still is, they just are no longer involved with Darkon). They still fight in SCA, Dagorhir and other circuits. However, he has nothing to do with this country and holds no leadership capacity or influence.
What happens if my Legion losses its standard?
I never want to hear that come from a Legion ever! These are sacred objects to us and must be recovered at all costs. A Legion that losses its sacred standard will have all honours removed until it is recovered. In short, don’t lose it and yes, every Legion must have one!
Where can I get equipment?
Go to the links section - there is a comprehensive list there! I try to keep them current, but by all means feel free to procure your equipment wherever you like. If you have new links, please email me at zenbaby@dmv.com.