The Struggle of Albus Christiana: The Journey

Kick'n It Old School Project: Choose your own adventure style

World Arts Block 3 2021

My name is Albus Christina I am a trader and I trade alongside my buddy Germanus the donkey. I was born a slave and I fought in the colosseum to earn my freedom. I could still hear the crowd chanting as I was handed the Rudis. The future is unwritten, and you the reader must write my own path. Can I rely on you to guide me into the right way?

I started the day by worshiping Neptune, I gave him some olive oil and bread in hopes he doesn't sink my my boat. I head to Syracuse to trade with a silk dealer Jing Tang.

I land in Syracuse I walk around the heat unbearable but I manage. Soon I eventually found Jin Tang. "Hey there Jin I brought the grapes and olive oil." "Sorry, Albus the trip from China to Rome is costing me too much money I need more grapes and olive oil" "What?! I'm not going to profit from this" "Deal or no deal" Jin Tang said

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I drop my spear, and run as quick as I can with the other men.  I was struck with fear, and I wouldn't dare to look back.  

When we got back I found our commander looking at us with the most stern face. He yelled, and scolded us for being cowards for losing our honor. I brought the argument about how we barely started training, and he wants us to fight slaves. He slapped me, and said "You fought in the colosseum and you earned your freedom and you became a Rome legionnaire" "Yet you ran away like women!"

I still can't believe I sold Germanus, my heart is shattered. Who will accompany me now? I wondered if I could go back and go to Eastern Rome, and maybe things could've been different. Now I have more to carry with my arms and now my heart.

I stopped in a bakery to get some bread. Not for me but for Fortuna god of fortune and luck something I really need. "Please Fortuna please give me some luck." I said. I hope my Fortuna will answer my prayers.

I decided to started a new life now making less money than before, but all that's left of here is an endless nightmare&nbsp;

I have gotten used to this farm life, but it's been pretty lonely without my best friend. Did I make the right choice? Should I have not sell Germanus? These questions will haunt me every day until the end of my days. I can still hear him walking around, and neighing, but whenever I check he's never there.

There is only one lesson this chapter, and is that "Friends are more valuable than anything" . I can't believe that it took me this long to understand that! Now I'm only the one to blame for my mistakes, and Germanus. I wonder what happened to Germanus. I hope he didn't get eaten or possibly anything worse. 

As the days pass I look into the meadows as they sore with wind.  One day just one day I get to meet Germanus one last time

Ever since I made that decision not to sell Germanus it has been tough. More offerings get declined, I'm starving, and I'm losing fate. The money I have saved up is slowly depleting, and if I don't do anything soon I'll become homeless.

Do I stay here, and look for attempts to make money or do I come back home where there is nothing, but wasted opportunity?

It is a hard decision to stay here and become a farmer because if I were to do that I would be making way less money than before without my connections. Plus I have probably lost peoples trust by now. I don't know what to expect if I decide to head back to Carthage.

1<a href="bookcreator://page/LILrfvQuT7iWrXAN4-TUpQ">. Head back to Carthage </a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/MhzuMCm9S4mV0VHXxKGpEw">2. Stay here, and attempt to make some money by becoming a farmer</a>

The struggle of Albus Christiana: The Journey

Made By: Justin Nguyen (Red), Augustine Tran (Green), Brian Ayala (Blue), Jalen Nicolau (Black)

In this certain predicament it would be hard for me to sell my donkey. If I sold Germanus my life would be lonely and I also need Germanus for other things too. Like travel or having to carry things.

I have decided to not sell my donkey. It would be really depressing, and sad having to be alone and not with Germanus.

I decided that the best way for me to earn money is to stay in Rome, and find another job. I mean if it ain't broke don't fix it. I search around the city looking for job opportunities or anything to at least to get back on my feet.  I scavenge the city hoping for at least anything to happen, but at last I have nothing.  I'm getting hungry, and so is Germanus.  I do hope I can find something soon

I look deep into my surroundings, and all my options aren't worth it. Most of these jobs are low pay or simply just not suited for me. I can't let this consume my hope however, and I will find something!

<a href="bookcreator://page/7m3k8SWgTjC84YL9k_tXkQ">If you sold Germanus click this</a>

I decided to started a new life now making less money than before, but at least I have my best buddy here with me, and we live happily ever after.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I have gotten used to this farm life. Me and my best bud Germanus wake up at sunrise to water our crop and feed the chicken. once we are done we head into town to go sell our crops and goods. We start to head back to our village after selling a few crops.

I approach the man, and offer him some items like beef, corn, and tin. Surely I can win with this deal, but unexpectedly he declined. I tried to offer him more but there more I offer the more he declined.

I was beginning to give up, but at the last moment he had a proposal. He said that "I'll give you all my silk if you give me that donkey of yours". I stopped, and questioned myself. Am I really going to give up my best friend just for some silk?

Choice#2 <a href="bookcreator://page/JBemlharRDqKp4BcybulvA">1. Sell your donkey to the silk seller</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/S4zudyKmRYyInFnQCzRoTw">2. Don't sell your donkey</a>

I am now vastly poor but I can still maintain myself. Besides these obstacle me and my donkey live a happy life selling goods.

I let money get to me I forgot that the most valuable thing that I was searching for was right beside me the whole time. My best friend Germanus.

I decide to head to Eastern Rome near the Silk Road in hopes to find something to trade

Moments later I arrive in the designated area. I can hear the Tiber River flow through the stream as I stroll around. 

I could see merchants selling items such as Vermilion a tool used for Rangoli. According to my knowledge Vermilion is an red pigment made from mercury sulfide. It's mostly used for art, religion, and celebration.

After I'm done wandering around I notice a merchant with quite the heavy amount of silk.  I quickly paid attention, and realize that I can make some money, and have another chance of redemption!

I stood there, and knew I can't go back.  It was death either choice I picked whether it be the commander or the slaves, and that I must keep fighting. I charge in killing any slave I could find. Right as I knew it I stood still. I couldn't move, speak, or do anything. I looked behind me, and a slave had stabbed me.

The spear that he used  punctured my lung area, and it became hard to breathe, and concentrate my surroundings 

 As I lay on the floor struggling to breathe I can only remember the gladiatorial days where I fought for my freedom, and fought viciously. I smiled, and at least I knew I died for cause

I have waited long enough. I head to a tavern it was the closest thing I saw. I got some fish and meat with some garum, I ate every single thing on that plate. After I was done I saw a group of people playing a game of Brigands. The temptation was strong but getting a job was stronger.

At least I was able to get some grub and finally, the hunger was gone. I still have some money left maybe I could become a farmer, but living with pigs doesn't seem like good idea. I also had enough to become a roman legionnaire, but I have heard of the harsh training and wars.

<a href="bookcreator://page/shtQLa3pRDWFNDn9grcUvA">1. Become a soldier </a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/AfFog4DVQaWOfxUUHIY9GQ">2. Become a farmer</a>

As as soon as he said that he beat me to death

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As I lay on the floor struggling to breathe I can only remember the gladiatorial days where I fought for my freedom, and fought viciously. Now I'm just a useless nobody

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I stand there with a blank face. "Are you serious?" I exclaimed. Jin Tang mocked me, and walked off just as if our business was nothing to him. "That greedy no good for nothing selfish person!" I yelled at myself.

Well there's no point of being mad now. My main source is money gone I'm bound to become bankrupt at any moment now. Well I mean this isn't the end of the world, and surely I the great Albus can get back on my feet.

I thought to myself strategizing thinking about another way to earn some money, and eventually, I came up with two options. <a href="bookcreator://page/AfFog4DVQaWOfxUUHIY9GQ">1. Stay in Rome, and potentially find another job</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/eYBt9qhPToyWDhkOzf14bQ">2. Head to Eastern Rome, and trade near the Silk Road</a>

After searching for hours I could not find anyone willing to give me a job. Everyone either doesn't need help or does not trust me after the incident with Jin Tang. Germanus is starting to not become well and I don't know how to resolve this.

I am starting to think it will be a good idea to sell my donkey. It will benefit both Germanus and I. If I sell Germanus I will have enough money to be able to get back onto my feet and support myself. It would benefit Germanus too I just need to find someone who would take good care of him since he is sick. I hope Germanus will be alright.

(If you have already sold Germanus please do not pick option 1)

<a href="bookcreator://page/JBemlharRDqKp4BcybulvA">2. Or keep/don't sell Germanus</a>

Choice#2 <a href="bookcreator://page/7m3k8SWgTjC84YL9k_tXkQ">1. Sell Germanus for some money</a>

I decide to become a soldier since if I retire I can own land or get extra money.  I enlist my name to join the military, and my training starts.  

Training in the military is hard work, and labor.  We have to learn how to use our weapons, spar with other soldiers, march day till night, and obey our commanders.  Apparently our training lasts four months, and I don't think my body can handle four months! 

As soon as finally start to rest my commander Marcellinus reports everyone to meet in the front lines.   He announces that there is a slave riot going on near our area, and it is our job to eliminate them.  Is this guy serious?  We barely started our training, and he wants us to fight?   

Of course I couldn't say anything, because we were taught to obey every command of our commander. He gets me, and few other men to head on over there to deal with the cause. I couldn't believe this, and I asked my teammates for their take on this, but was only left with silence. As we march over there one of the slaves spots us, and stabs one of the men I was with. I was filled with shocked, and quickly stabbed the man with my spear in sheer panic. The other men ran off like cowards, and I was the only one left at the scene. I didn't know what to do, and only one question came into mind.

<a href="bookcreator://page/4PmPLf98T8WYSY6RCWePgg">1. Retreat with the other cowardly men</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/boLPgV_KSZ2yobyGg8w5Ag">2. Stay here, and fight the slaves</a>

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