Generations and kings passed (Rex Romulus IV - VI Requiescant in pace), when one day the people of Rome were visited from where they expected it last: The sea. It seems another people has developed ways to brace the waves, and constructed something akin to a raft, but much bigger and with walls, all made out of wood except for a big blanket span across a log which stood in the middle of this contraption. With this invention they came all the way here from a far away land and set foot in our town. Rex Romulus VII had the strangers immediately brought to his palace, so that he may learn of their origin and the adventures they no doubt experienced on their long journey. Despite initial misunderstandings due to the different language of these foreigners His Majesty became quick friends with them and hosted a feast in their honor. After a few days stay they departed again to continue in their travels, and both parties had gotten a good impression of the other. Surely the Romans shall once become good friends with this seafaring people!
Inspired by this sudden influx of knowledge a wealth of new inventions was created over the following years, among them the bow and arrow, the war axe, the cultivation of wine and systematic excavation of stones. The king also ordered the construction of a dozen chariots which are to be drawn by donkeys, goats, sheep and slaves, with mixed success. Trade with our Etruscan neighbors flourished during this period.
However not all is well with the world, as the worst fears of our hunters were confirmed: The Vandals indeed attacked our friends, the Illyrians. Of course they could not just sit idly by while their generous hosts were slaughtered, so they decided to battle along side them. Messengers were exchanged between Skadar and Rome and the King supported their choice, stating that that our people will stand by their side in this time of war. The Vandals, in their foolishness, let themselves be encircled in a valley by our own warriors and the city of Skadar, surrounded by all other sides by mountains and the even more impassable sea. They could not flee, but they also could not attack either the city itself our out hunters and survive it, thus they opted to fortify themselves, followed by numerous exchanges of arrows and spears on both sides.
Unfortunately not all were happy with the king's rule, or even the rule of kings in general. The belief in several gods became rampant, and with it the belief that there should be several rulers as well. Revolt was in the air, and some dissidents refused to pay His Majesty their loyalty. Rex Romulus IX (RR before him RIP blabla) was still a young man when he was crowned, inexperienced and with no idea how to deal with a revolting populus. One day he went on a walk by himself in the countryside, with no guards, to get a clear head. He never told anyone what exactly happened that fateful day, except that he visited a sacred place and had a vision. He said that the gods ordered him to study the stars, which are their home, and erect an oracle in their honor, so that he and his subject may be guided on the outcome of future events. Once he returned from his break he immediately ordered those still loyal to the crown to do so, but only time will tell if once the oracle is finished law and order will indeed return to Rome...