Caligula
06-01-2008, 21:35
Well met! This is my first ever AAR. I'm new to this stuff, so if I make a mess of things I apologize ahead of time. I will be playing on H/M as the Romani. This is going to be RP'ed out with political intrigue and of course warfare. I am going to follow a semi-historical expansion using Quintus's Guide as a base. I will be updating this sporadically, maybe a week or two between updates. So without further ado...
Divide et Impera (Divide and Rule)
https://img147.imageshack.us/img147/6813/post5911655768541oo6.png (https://imageshack.us)
The sun slowly rises over the city of Rome and it is the beginning of the new Consular Year, 482 ab urbe condita. The senate convenes it's first meeting at the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus, Cnaeus Blasio is the presiding magistrate. "Senators, I bring before you news from the south, from Rhegion and Taras. As we all know, the Tarentines supported Pyrrhus of Epeiros in that war. That conflict is still fresh in all our minds. Our beloved Manius Dentatus pushed Pyrrhus out of Italia, thus ending the struggle, or so we thought. It appears that Taras has not given up her thirst for war, reports from our allies in Apulia have arrived speaking of Tarnetine aggression. Tarentine raiders are plundering their fields and stealing the livestock armed with weapons and war material from Epeiros. It appears that Pyrrhus has not forgotten Rome. Rhegion is another matter, soldiers we sent to protect the region have plundered the town and killed, or removed it's citizens. There they claimed the city for themselves, an act of total betrayal that cannot go unpunished...". Suddenly from the Senate a shout rang out "Cnaeus!", the speaker was Lucius Cornelius Scipio, a young senator who more than once has accused Cnaeus Blasio for undermining his elections into the higher magistracies, which have, to all but him, been completely unfounded. He walked to the middle of the floor and raised his hands accusingly to Cnaeus. "I as well as the Senate can see where this supposed issue is leading!" spat Scipio. "Do you Lucius? Please, enlighten me and the Senate." responded Blasio. "You Cnaeus are going to beg the senate to give you a Legion to war with the Tarentines, 'To protect the citizens of Rome and her allies', but I ask you Cnaeus is it for Romes glory or for yours?" Lucius with an edge in his voice. Cnaeus smiled and laughed, thrusting a finger at Lucius Scipio. "So you are afraid that I might gain something which you want for yourself! I am not asking the Senate for a legion to command, nor am I seeking glory for my own benefit! If glory is what 'YOU' seek then a legion under your command is doomed to defeat. Lucius you have a grasp of tactics, but your greed and glory seeking will be your undoing. You will lose, and you'll be sacrificing the lives of countless romans in the process." Lucius clenched his hands into fists, a clamor from the senate engulfed the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus as the debate flared.
Manius Dentatus slowly rose from his seat, raising his hands to silence the senate, walked and stood between Cnaeus and Lucius. "This is not a matter of personal objectives, nor should it be for motives of gain. This is about a crisis that has arisen to threaten our very borders, our allies, and those citizens that we vowed to protect. Our allies call out to us for help, and here we stand arguing of petty promotions and greed. The Tarentine and the traitors of Rhegion need to be dealt with. Cnaeus was right to bring this issue to us. I believe his intentions are just and proper." Manius turning to Lucius, rested his hand upon the young senators shoulder, and continued, "Lucius it is well known to many of us, of your abilities. You performed well as Tribune under my Consulship, but this is not the time for personal feelings to get in the way of sound judgement." Lucius turned away, and walked to the feet of the great statue of Jupiter. He had to think quickly, Cnaeus had him against the wall and he knew it, and old Manius wasn't helping matters. He turned and faced the Senate, "I am not seeking glory, my only interest is in the welfare of Rome and her people, long have the Scipii been faithful to this cause. We Scipii have stood as a pillar of strength, when the rest of Rome quivered in fear. We have died for the peace and sanctity of Rome. Senators, I do not belittle the other houses. I am only trying to exude that which my father, and forefathers have done for the Republic. If I seem overzealous in defeating Romes enemies, then what does that say about all previous commanders who have won Triumphs over the years. Cnaeus Blasio has tried to stifle my love for Rome by labeling me as selfish, greedy, and gloryseeking. This I beg you to consider, allow me to show you my abilities, my love for Rome, and I will bring you victory!"
Some of the Senators nodded in approval, others merely turned and looked at Cnaeus. Clearly the senate was still largely divided. For most of the day the debate raged back and forth, and by nightfall the die was cast.
Nominated by the Senate and elected by the people in the Comitia Centuriata (Popular Assembly), Cnaeus Cornelius Blasio and Cnaeus Cornelius Scipio Asina have been selected as Consuls for the year. Lucius Cornelius Scipio was given charge of the garrison in Etruria under the province Governors command. Manius Curius Dentatus remains in Rome, where he urges the senate to begin a levy to reinforce the consuls legion in Apulia, it is determined that the levies should be raised in Kalabria, one maniple of Hastati, and in Latium, one maniple of principe from the Roman citizenry. Also Manius begins work on paving roads in Latium (Stratae Viae). Taxes are also raised this year to help bolster the treasury with the ensuing war in Kalabria and Brettia.
Lucius fumed, "Again Cnaeus Blasio is elected, always does he mock me!". Caius Fabius Lucinus poured wine from a decanter and handed it to Lucius. Caius was a supporter of Lucius, he used the young Scipii senator for his only politcal agendas. "Lucius, the Senate as usual listens to Manius Dentatus. They view him like Romulus. Your outburst as well hindered your chances at being elected. You must show restraint when dealing with them." Lucius took a long hard drink, and said "Caius, my brother was elected over me. Me! That bungling fool, how everyone forgets his greed, and ambition! The senators call him Asina (Ass), and he still wins a command." Lucius threw his cup against the wall. Caius went and sat, and calmly continued "Yes your brother did get elected, but don't forget he is still a Scipii. Any victories he gains will still bolster your family's name. That is something we can use when the elections come around again. Besides, you won a command. It may not be anything that will win reputation, but it is a step in the right direction. You must remember Lucius, it is like a game, a puzzle. You must take your time, and be sure all the pieces fit before you show your hand." Lucius looked at Caius for a long few seconds, and finally relaxed. He let out a sigh and said "As usual Caius, your right. My only hope is that Blasio gets burned by his own ambition, and then I can step in and add wood to the fire."
Part 2 coming soon...
Divide et Impera (Divide and Rule)
https://img147.imageshack.us/img147/6813/post5911655768541oo6.png (https://imageshack.us)
The sun slowly rises over the city of Rome and it is the beginning of the new Consular Year, 482 ab urbe condita. The senate convenes it's first meeting at the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus, Cnaeus Blasio is the presiding magistrate. "Senators, I bring before you news from the south, from Rhegion and Taras. As we all know, the Tarentines supported Pyrrhus of Epeiros in that war. That conflict is still fresh in all our minds. Our beloved Manius Dentatus pushed Pyrrhus out of Italia, thus ending the struggle, or so we thought. It appears that Taras has not given up her thirst for war, reports from our allies in Apulia have arrived speaking of Tarnetine aggression. Tarentine raiders are plundering their fields and stealing the livestock armed with weapons and war material from Epeiros. It appears that Pyrrhus has not forgotten Rome. Rhegion is another matter, soldiers we sent to protect the region have plundered the town and killed, or removed it's citizens. There they claimed the city for themselves, an act of total betrayal that cannot go unpunished...". Suddenly from the Senate a shout rang out "Cnaeus!", the speaker was Lucius Cornelius Scipio, a young senator who more than once has accused Cnaeus Blasio for undermining his elections into the higher magistracies, which have, to all but him, been completely unfounded. He walked to the middle of the floor and raised his hands accusingly to Cnaeus. "I as well as the Senate can see where this supposed issue is leading!" spat Scipio. "Do you Lucius? Please, enlighten me and the Senate." responded Blasio. "You Cnaeus are going to beg the senate to give you a Legion to war with the Tarentines, 'To protect the citizens of Rome and her allies', but I ask you Cnaeus is it for Romes glory or for yours?" Lucius with an edge in his voice. Cnaeus smiled and laughed, thrusting a finger at Lucius Scipio. "So you are afraid that I might gain something which you want for yourself! I am not asking the Senate for a legion to command, nor am I seeking glory for my own benefit! If glory is what 'YOU' seek then a legion under your command is doomed to defeat. Lucius you have a grasp of tactics, but your greed and glory seeking will be your undoing. You will lose, and you'll be sacrificing the lives of countless romans in the process." Lucius clenched his hands into fists, a clamor from the senate engulfed the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus as the debate flared.
Manius Dentatus slowly rose from his seat, raising his hands to silence the senate, walked and stood between Cnaeus and Lucius. "This is not a matter of personal objectives, nor should it be for motives of gain. This is about a crisis that has arisen to threaten our very borders, our allies, and those citizens that we vowed to protect. Our allies call out to us for help, and here we stand arguing of petty promotions and greed. The Tarentine and the traitors of Rhegion need to be dealt with. Cnaeus was right to bring this issue to us. I believe his intentions are just and proper." Manius turning to Lucius, rested his hand upon the young senators shoulder, and continued, "Lucius it is well known to many of us, of your abilities. You performed well as Tribune under my Consulship, but this is not the time for personal feelings to get in the way of sound judgement." Lucius turned away, and walked to the feet of the great statue of Jupiter. He had to think quickly, Cnaeus had him against the wall and he knew it, and old Manius wasn't helping matters. He turned and faced the Senate, "I am not seeking glory, my only interest is in the welfare of Rome and her people, long have the Scipii been faithful to this cause. We Scipii have stood as a pillar of strength, when the rest of Rome quivered in fear. We have died for the peace and sanctity of Rome. Senators, I do not belittle the other houses. I am only trying to exude that which my father, and forefathers have done for the Republic. If I seem overzealous in defeating Romes enemies, then what does that say about all previous commanders who have won Triumphs over the years. Cnaeus Blasio has tried to stifle my love for Rome by labeling me as selfish, greedy, and gloryseeking. This I beg you to consider, allow me to show you my abilities, my love for Rome, and I will bring you victory!"
Some of the Senators nodded in approval, others merely turned and looked at Cnaeus. Clearly the senate was still largely divided. For most of the day the debate raged back and forth, and by nightfall the die was cast.
Nominated by the Senate and elected by the people in the Comitia Centuriata (Popular Assembly), Cnaeus Cornelius Blasio and Cnaeus Cornelius Scipio Asina have been selected as Consuls for the year. Lucius Cornelius Scipio was given charge of the garrison in Etruria under the province Governors command. Manius Curius Dentatus remains in Rome, where he urges the senate to begin a levy to reinforce the consuls legion in Apulia, it is determined that the levies should be raised in Kalabria, one maniple of Hastati, and in Latium, one maniple of principe from the Roman citizenry. Also Manius begins work on paving roads in Latium (Stratae Viae). Taxes are also raised this year to help bolster the treasury with the ensuing war in Kalabria and Brettia.
Lucius fumed, "Again Cnaeus Blasio is elected, always does he mock me!". Caius Fabius Lucinus poured wine from a decanter and handed it to Lucius. Caius was a supporter of Lucius, he used the young Scipii senator for his only politcal agendas. "Lucius, the Senate as usual listens to Manius Dentatus. They view him like Romulus. Your outburst as well hindered your chances at being elected. You must show restraint when dealing with them." Lucius took a long hard drink, and said "Caius, my brother was elected over me. Me! That bungling fool, how everyone forgets his greed, and ambition! The senators call him Asina (Ass), and he still wins a command." Lucius threw his cup against the wall. Caius went and sat, and calmly continued "Yes your brother did get elected, but don't forget he is still a Scipii. Any victories he gains will still bolster your family's name. That is something we can use when the elections come around again. Besides, you won a command. It may not be anything that will win reputation, but it is a step in the right direction. You must remember Lucius, it is like a game, a puzzle. You must take your time, and be sure all the pieces fit before you show your hand." Lucius looked at Caius for a long few seconds, and finally relaxed. He let out a sigh and said "As usual Caius, your right. My only hope is that Blasio gets burned by his own ambition, and then I can step in and add wood to the fire."
Part 2 coming soon...