To all my readers, the loyal citizens of Rome,
First, I want to express my deepest gratitude. To the readers who have gathered here, however few in number, your presence means everything to me.
Reading your insightful comments, suggestions, and constructive feedback has breathed new life into these old bones, much like the spirit that returned to the weary defenders of Ravenna. A special thank you to those who have taken the time to share their thoughts and advice. Your words have helped sharpen my pen and shape this history.
Because of your support, I have made a significant decision regarding the future of When Rome Stood Firm.
I have decided NOT to apply for a contract with Webnovel for this story.
Usually, stories on this platform eventually become "locked" behind a paywall (Spirit Stones) once contracted. However, I believe that history belongs to everyone. I want the journey of Romulus and the Emperors of the Romulus Dynasty to remain accessible to every single reader, regardless of their ability to pay.
There will be no locked chapters. The story will remain free and open to the public until the very end.
However, writing this historical archive takes a tremendous amount of time, research, and effort. To sustain this journey and keep the ink flowing, I will soon be launching a Patreon page for those who wish to support me voluntarily.
What will be on the Patreon?
I want to be clear. I will NOT be selling "Advanced Chapters." I believe in equality for my readers, everyone should experience the story unfolding at the same time.
Instead, the Patreon will serve as a vault for Exclusive Supplementary Content for the true history enthusiasts, such as:
1. Visual Illustrations: Character art and scene depictions.
2. Tactical Maps: Detailed layouts of the battles (like the marshes of Ravenna).
3. Historical Artifacts: "Handwritten" diary entries from Spurius, tactical logs from Vitus, medical scrolls regarding the Emperor, private journals of the Emperors who followed, and much more.
4. Grand Historical Records: Detailed chronicles of major events that changed the world, accounts of great wars, and the shifting tides of history throughout the eras.
5. Author's Notes: Deep dives into the real history behind the fiction (Fact vs. Fiction).
A Glimpse into the Future (Spoiler Alert):
The saga of the Romulus Dynasty will not end in a single lifetime. This story spans a vast timeline, covering hundreds, perhaps even thousands of years.
Because the scope of this history is so immense, supplementary content is essential. The Patreon will allow you to dive deeper, understand the changing eras, and truly immerse yourself in the world of this story as it evolves through the ages.
This page will launch in the near future. If you enjoy this story and wish to help me continue writing it without corporate paywalls, your support there would mean the world to me.
But if you cannot support financially, do not worry. Your comments, power stones, and readership are already a mighty tribute to Rome.
Prepare yourselves. Chapter 9 is coming.
For Rome.
The Author.