Rufus Quintus Livius was elected Consul by the senate in 5870. Against the senate’s wishes, he took the name of Cajus (pronounced Kai-us) Tigius believing that continuity was important to the empire. Although not proven, Cajus claimed to have been adopted by Awrelius on his deathbed.

Cajus and others resented Awrelius’ decision to trade with the Ogdans instead of conquer them. In particular, Cajus was envious of their superior steel. He dreamed of expanding the empire to her former glory, however the economic crisis at home kept him busy with matters of state.

Those in the border provinces (where magic could be used) some began to create their own gold and silver coins. Indistinguishable from real coins, merchants discovered that their coins reverted to lead once they crossed the Awrelian Demarcation. With the effect of introducing more coins into the economy and a lack of confidence in gold and silver coin, inflation grew out of control. To curb this, Cajus began to make coins of silver and gold with pieces of nihilite. Although difficult and costly to produce, they could not be magically duplicated, thus restoring some confidence in currency. With the unintentional effect of requiring less gold and silver to make coin, Cajus was able to produce enough coin to bring inflation under control.

With a trustworthy coin, inflation could be controlled, but the recession would not end until there was either enough gold and silver to make coins for everyone, or the dole would have to be reduced. Cajus did both. Unable to get much more gold from old mines, he looked to the east where border provinces stayed afloat thanks to Hesberian trade. He discovered that in some eastern provinces, local rulers had not figured out a way to make trustworthy, magic-proof coins. Taking advantage of their inflation and governmental chaos, Cajus struck boldly to retake eastern lands in 5881. He was easily able to take Gursova and Bithynia. Being cautious, as was his predecessor, he focused on maintaining the two gold-rich provinces. Bringing troops from the southeastern border, Cajus held these territories and they are still part of the Hesberian Empire.

Cajus perished during his second campaign east in 5883. Unwilling to fight without their general and consul, the Hesberian armies did not press, but instead withdrew to established boundaries. Cajus was 47. He represented the second of the two main consuls that stablized the empire after the cataclysm. Awrelias spent tumulous years stablizing society and the new social order. Cajus stablized the economy and the military.