The very first decision that you’re faced with when starting up the story campaign in Anno 117: Pax Romana is one to do with your choice of protagonist: Marcia Tertia or Marcus Naukratius. It’s a choice that shapes the story you will experience for a good several hours, so it’s worth knowing what each sibling brings to the table before you commit.
Presented below is a clear look at how their stories differ, what remains the same, and how to choose the character that fits your playstyle and curiosity.
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What is Different About Marcus and Marcia?
Brother and sister Marcus and Marcia are on entirely separate story tracks. This is not an aesthetic choice; from the instant you select one, you are in a different narrative trajectory, set in its own version of the world.
A few helpful things to know:
- Because both siblings’ stories take place in two different universes, the sibling that you don’t choose will not appear in your campaign.
- Major events do still occur; however, the settings and characters involved in such events change.
- Both paths start in Latium, but fairly quickly, they take you over to Albion, where much of the narrative is driven by Roman and Celtic tensions.
Think of it as two parallel tales that share themes, but each adds its perspective and flavour.
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Story Focus: Marcia vs Marcus
Here’s a quick side-by-side look at both protagonists, so you may choose the path that best speaks to you.
| Sibling | Marcia Tertia | Marcus Naukratius |
| Title | Eligible daughter of Decimus of the Delta | Ninth son of Decimus of the Delta |
| Background | A quiet, observant young woman from a wealthy household, preparing for an arranged marriage over which she has very little say. | The adventurous youngest son, once a troublemaker who had been forced to work in an imperial granary, before an unexpected summons changed everything. |
| Storyline Theme | Uncover the enigma of her sudden marriage and the secrets shrouding her new husband. | Prove himself worthy of leadership and rise above his reputation as the unruly youngest son. |
| Tone & Mood | The intrigue, veiled motives, and personal discoveries. | Ambition, growth, and proving one’s strength. |
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Which Character Should You Choose?
Since the core gameplay remains mostly the same, it becomes a question of which story you’d want to go through first.
Choose Marcia if you like:
- A more dramatic, character-driven story
- Tales of personal intrigue and secret motives
Choose Marcus if you prefer:
- A straight climb to leadership
- A story about self-achievement and challenging low expectations.
Both eventually take you from the familiar world of Latium into the challenging province of Albion, meaning that with either starting path, you’ll still get the full scope of the campaign.
