Gaius Philippus was a centurion in a legion of the Roman army belonging to Julius Caesar. Taking part in the conquest of Gaul, Philippus was transported to the Empire of Videssos along with his commander, Marcus Scaurus, his cohort and two others, and a Gaul named Viridovix in a strange magical event. Prior to his transport to Videssos, Philippus served in the Roman legions for decades, unapologetically fighting for the Marians in the civil wars of Marius and Sulla.