Revolt of the Praetorians

In 96 AD, Emperor Domitian rules with paranoia, quashing dissent and keeping the populace in fear. His few loyalists—Artamne, Elpidion, Soterus, palace guards, and the Praetorian Guard under Valerius Rufus—watch for signs of treason. Anyone who dares speak against him is imprisoned or executed.

Valerius, while appearing loyal, harbors deep resentment toward Domitian. He adopts a masked, Red Wolf identity to operate from the shadows and resist the tyrant's rule.

Artamne persuades Domitian to hold a sacrificial celebration in the Imperial Palace to exploit patrician daughters. The plan forces Lucilla and other patrician girls to attend and fall prey to the Emperor's lust. The move sharpens the oppression and sets Valerius on a collision course with the throne.

Valerius intervenes to prevent the exploitation during the celebration. He foils the Emperor's scheme and, in the process, hides his Red Wolf mask in a secret cache in the palace garden.

Afterward, Elpidion spots the hidden mask and declares that he hates Domitian and wants to join the rebellion. He also hints at a plan to arrest and execute patricians seen as traitors, underscoring the urgency of their united resistance.

Valerius arranges for Lucilla, the other girls, and the fugitives he has rescued to flee to Lucillius' country estate. They escape the Palace and seek sanctuary with the old patrician, consolidating the resistance in a safer location.

Returning to his quarters, Valerius is confronted by Elpidion, who reveals his intention to join the Red Wolf cause. He hints at a plan to arrest and execute patricians deemed traitors, underscoring the urgency of their united resistance.

The fugitives decide to organize an armed resistance movement. Valerius kidnaps Artamne as a hostage to secure the rebels' leverage and momentum for their coming assault.

Artamne uses a guard to gain release and returns to Domitian, revealing the rebels' hideout. Her betrayal enables Domitian to strike at the rebellion with knowledge of their location.

Domitian dispatches Soterus and his gladiators to crush the rebels. Valerius clashes with them, is wounded in the arm, and Lucilla is captured. The pursuit also exposes the Red Wolf's true identity to the palace guards.

Valerius manages to temporarily hide his secret by placing the mask on a dead friend, but Soterus notices the injury and exposes his identity. He is captured, and Lucilla is also seized as they are condemned to death.

In the dungeons, Sejanus reveals that the Praetorian Guards share resentment toward Domitian and desire to overthrow him. He proposes contacting the rebels and coordinating an overthrow from within the guard.

Valerius sends Sejanus to reach the fugitive rebels; a group of traveling artists gathers to storm the palace and free Valerius and Lucilla during their scheduled execution. The plan hinges on a night assault that could topple the tyrant.

With Elpidion's aid, the rebels breach the palace through the dungeons and seize the Emperor and his retinue by surprise. Artamne and Soterus are killed in the ensuing struggle, and the loyal guards are overwhelmed. The rebels quickly establish control and free the prisoners.

Valerius tracks Domitian to the throne room, with Lucilla as hostage. In a final duel, Valerius kills Domitian, ending his tyranny and securing a new hope for Rome.