The Shame of Legio III – a Princeps on trial

The trial of Senatus Publius Laevinius

Gentle men of the Senate of the Republic of Roma, it is my sad duty to officially open this hearing into the events immediately leading upto and the reasons behind the loss of the Republics Legio Eagle at the Ford of Massilia.

It is my unenviable task to decipher the actions of those in command, their troops and to apportion blame thereof, if any blame can be apportioned.

To open the proceedings I have placed a call to the Co-Consuls own Son Manius Aemilius for him to join us here and give is own account of that battle.

Until he arrives I ask which of you Senators stands before me in defence of the noble Laevinius and whom of you stands to accuse him?

(OOC: Waiting on the “who’s playing Manius” question and I would like the current Co-Consuls to keep me posted on their progress in the campaign. I want to time the verdict so that it comes through in time for the mid-term votes)

{Galerius Vatinius}

Accuse? Accuse the man of what! The noble Publius Laevinius lost a battle, a battle against a ferocious Gaul army which outnumbered his depleted legion almost 2 to 1. Surely no man can be expected to be victorious at every battle, every time, especially considering the fact that his most needed tribune was a madman! Let's be rational for just one moment here Senators! Publius Laevinius is now in old age, and was was past his prime for the battle. He has served the mighty Republic for over 20 years, courageously and victoriously, vanquishing many a foe. Need I remind this Senate of Motion 5.1, passed by you very Senators who now stand to accuse him? Let me recite it for you.

Quote:

---

Motion 5.1: This House grants First Consul Lucius Aemilius a triumph. This is on account of his successful conquest of Cisalpine Gaul, Massilia and the island settlements of Melte, Aleria and Caralis with relatively little loss. It notes the generous role of the First Consul in providing opportunities for other members of the Lower House to give battle on Rome's behalf.

---

Remember also the heroic victories of Publius against Meriadoc and Eporedorix just 10 years ago, when he was in his prime. I have gotten my hands on the battle report of the former here. https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...86&postcount=5

He may not be the sharpest gladius in the blacksmith's shop anymore, but he was always good at what he did and gave it his all. If it weren't for him, perhaps many of you fine senators would not be here today! You have disgraced a good Roman, a local hero! With these accusations and this trial, you have disgraced yourselves. If anything, I accuse this Senate of pompous finger pointing atop their high horses and ivory towers! I say drop the case and let the old man retire to Rome and get the dignity and rest he so rightfully deserves.

If there's anyone to blame, it's probably that loony Manius Aemilius! What Legate and legion can be entrusted to the helping hand of a madman? Bring him out here! Let's see what he has to say for himself! Rahrahrahrahrah!...

I myself have fought numerous battle at that exact location, at even greater odds than those facing Legio III on that fatefull day. That bridge could be succesfully held with just four cohorts against any numbers of foes. Something disastrous must have gone wrong.

If it was just his disgracefull defeat at the hands of those barbarians, he would probably come off with just a resignation from active service. The loss of a sacred eagle is quite another matter however. Was I in his place I would probably be considering a 'honourable' end to my life.

I also feel it easy to place blame on my absent son. He is not the one on trial here, Publius is. I am aware of his disreputable reputation, but I would like to hear his version of the story first before arriving at any conclusions.

Senator Galerius Vatinius, I am confused as to why you mention the awarding of a triumph to Lucius Aemilus, when Publius Laevinius is on trial.

{Galerius Vatinius}

Ah, forgive me Senators, my anger gets the best of me sometimes... please do strike that from the court record.

Senators,

The previous nobility and ability of Publius Laevinius is not in question NOR is this hearing to apportion blame about the Loss of the battle in question itself - no - what IS called into question is the Tribunes loss of the Legio's Eagle.

It is understood that it is every Tribunes responsiblity to ensure the safety and continuation of the Legion sequested to him and part of that responsibility is to ensure the retention of the Legio's Eagle so that the Legion, even if utterly decimated, lives on within it.

Without a Legio III Eagle, officially, there is NO Legio III.

That is what is being called into question here and it is the events leading to Publius Laevinius's failure to remove the Eagle standard from Battle when defeat was certain that will be the crux of this investigation and will have a baring on any punishments meated out.

To loose a battle against unsermountable odds is surely acceptable, but to loose the Eagle......that is questionable at the very least.

Galerius Vatinius! If you continue to besmerch the character of a fellow Senator, in this case the very Son of one of our Co-Consuls I will be forced to remove you from the floor until the hearing is ended. WE do not judge what is sane here.....we will view the FACTS from as many angles as we can THEN we will distribute blame and punishments, that is all!

I trust I have made myself clear in this matter. Now whilst we await the arrival of our first first hand witness I will ask for any accounts of the battle known by individuals, be they rumours, written reports from troops or even testomony by local tribesmen.

(OOC: not wanting to seem like I'm directing the hearing in any particular way, it would be helpful for someone to post an edited version of the battle report but viewed from a different angle - perhaps a native watching or one of the soldiers involved? if none are forthcoming I will do something myself but thought it best to offer it out prior to me putting anything down)

OOC :
You have laid your finger on the problem here. No-one knows 'what happened' as the battle was autoresolved. Publius could have been sick, the Gauls might have swum over the river in the night and suprised them, lighting might have struck the legion during the battle, Manius might have lost his wits during the battle and fled leading to a rout, a Star Destroyer might have slown by and blasted the legion with its turbolasers, antyhing really.

I would suggest that all the witnesses make up their own versions of the events that supposedly took place.

{Galerius Vatinius}

Praetor Curtius, you want the facts? You can't handle the facts! I do not go around throwing names at people, as you think I have done with Manius Aemilius. You defend his sanity, when he is known around the lands as Manius the Mad! Apparently you are the only one in this senate body not aware of his, "habits", shall we say. Well, in that case, let me enlighten you.

The man has been seen on more than one account of painting his bottom purple and wearing goat bladders! If you do not judge that as being insane, I do not think you fit for Praetor to judge anything in this matter! You want facts senator, here are some more for you to digest.

The man cannot keep secrets! He regularly runs around revealing things that ought never be spoken, that he as Tribune to the honorable Publius Laevinius has access to. He constantly drinks and is a useless assesor and financially irregular. To take it a step further, he is extravagant to the point of unsavoriness. The man has a severe gambling problem as well, squandering all the money he has and much more he doesn't. For all we know, he may have sold the eagle to the Gauls himself to get himself out of a gambling debt! He always trumpets his own loyalties, a bit too much to be believable perhaps. The man always ends his sentences in curses and vile oaths, and has been seen sleeping around with his friends' wives. Is this the kind of man whose honor you defend Praetor Curtius?

You threaten me with removal from this court, push the young one around, abuse your powers. Is this what our Republic has degenerated into? I do not care who that madman is related to! I do not care what enemies I make in this Senate. The truth must be spoken and if noone else will do it, you can trust I will at my own expense.

Spurting such unnecessary and inflamatory remarks of someones father on a habitual basis will only find you on the wrong end of their gladius senator Galerius.. *A harsh glare is concentrated on the senator* This proceeding is not to determine the mental state of my father...it is to uncover the mistakes made at Massilia, that they may not be made again.

(OOC - I think it may be a good idea for me to play the role of both Servius and Manius, but only for these proceedings..could make things interesting. Manius, being the nut that he is, may suddenly decide he will only relay information directly to his son, regardless of the fact that everyone else in the room can hear him anyway. :dizzy2: )

On another note..I am awaiting a reply from a friend in Massilia who said his servants had come running to him, desperate in fear, after witnessing a 'gallic bloodbath'.

{Galerius Vatinius}

*stands up defensively, glaring at Servius*
I invite you to do whatever you think you can Servius, son of a madman. The apple does not fall from the tree afterall. I am well aware that these proceedings are to uncover the mistakes made at Masillia, and I believe that mistake was your father's presence there and his appointment by the Senate! This session is about the shame of Legio III, and that is Manius the Mad! I shall stand firmly behind that, whether at the tip of your gladius or at the lighting of your funeral pyre!

*A calm, stern look is held on the barking senator.* I am not like my father Galerius, and it is hypocritical for you to fault him on many things that you have. You too are a self publicist, you too divulge in alchohol, you too are a poor trader, not only these things but you hold idiot savants in your retinue and you hold no faith in the gods, need I even speak of your irrational temper?

*Servius begins tapping his finger* And for someone feeling as ill as yourself, it is unwise to threaten another with violence. I suggest you take Praetor Curtius's advice, and see to it that your opinion of my father is not again heard amongst the senators. You have far too many skeletons in your closet to try pulling out someone else's.

If I may, Praetor Curtius, I apologise for this...situation, but I am here to seek the truth just as everyone else, if my father is guilty, then so be it, but I will not stand for this fool blindly spouting out propaganda against him until we have heard all sides of the story.

{Galerius Vatinius}

I will not further this personal dispute with you Servius, but I would not talk of temper were I you... or shall I call on those servants you killed in your blind furies? Oh right... they are dead...

I will neither confirm nor deny any "skeletons in my closet" as this trial is not about me and I find it petty you should try and bring things up. The point here is that your father is the one on trial, his skeletons need to be revealed, and I can and will do so if I happen to know where they are. My "opinions", as you call it, are actually a collection of facts, and they will rightly be heard amongst the senators. Do not try to hide the truth Servius, it always comes out in the end. Hah, and knowing your father's talkativeness, it will probably come out of his own mouth! The gods will not help you now.

ORDER! ORDER!

Senators, I will not have this turn into a Gladatorial contest.

I do not actively defend the honour OR reputation of Manius, what I do do is defend a mans Jupiter given right to defend himself and NOT be slandered openly by his peirs!

Such personal verbal attacks are perhaps more at place in the Forum, but they are not to be tolerated here gentlemen.

It is clear that both of you have strong opinions on the personal attributes of Manius; however, I will ask you both to remember that I also have personal views on this matter BUT do not permit them to enter into this hearing.

Whatever our personal views on reputation, previous actions or any of the sort it is not Manius who is to be investigated directly here. Ultimate responsibility, in the laws of the Republic, for the security of the Legio Eagle standard is with that Legio's Tribune and NO underling.

Should it transpire that it was the neglect or other failing of Manius that caused this sorryful episode to occur then he will be dealt with, however, that will not expunge the guilt that the Legio's Tribune will have.

(OOC: See the general OOC discussion for what has been suggested for RPing Manius etc)

Senators present at the hearing,

I have received written testimony from certain parties present on the day. I will be retiring shortly to consider them and see if it is valid to call these persons to the hearing.

Whilst these persons are not of the nobility of those under investigation their first hand accounts will assist me in discovering what happened during and just prior to the battle.

Feel free to continue to put forward support or information. I will read any resulting transcripts by our stenographer whilst I am out of session.

Hearing Adjourned

(OOC: Going off line, will report in tonight and every night until this has been resolved.)

Senators! This is a court of law, not an arena! There are procedures that must be followed and order must be strictly enforced! First a prosecutor must come forward with a complaint against the defendant. He must be given the opportunity to make his case and present whatever evidence he has. Then the defendant or his chosen representative must be given the opportunity to speak on the matter and present further evidence. Throughout the trial, it is entirely inappropriate for anyone to interrupt the proceedings. Unless you are the Praetor, the Prosecutor, the Defense Attorney or a Witness, you should respect court system and remain silent. If you wish to deliberate amongst yourselves at the close of the trial, you are free to do so, but outbursts from every jury member simply cannot be allowed!

The first order of business is to formally recognize the Prosecutor and the Defense Representative. I was planning on speaking for Publius Laevinius myself, but Galerius Vatinius seems to have taken up that role already. I will stand aside and leave the defense to him, if he wishes that formal role. That still leaves a need for a formal complaint by a Prosecutor. One of you (and only one) must step forward to take this position. If you wish to give evidence for or against the defendant, I encourage you to speak privately with the appropriate party about the matter so that you can be called to speak at the proper time.

It is dark and the courtroom is deserted. A stern faced man walks in and looks around, carefully taking in his surroundings. His eyes pass over the public gallery, the desks for the lawyers, the judge's bench and settle on the dock set aside for the accused. A wince of pain strikes the man's face and his eyes take on a faraway look, as if remembering times past.

https://img264.imageshack.us/img264/...ssilia1lp0.jpg

A woman quietly enters the courtroom. She has been following the man. Like him, her hair is grey and like him, the lines on her face seem to have aged her beyond her years. Nonetheless, she moves with elegance and whispers in a calm, gentle voice:

"Publius, come now, it is not time yet. You need to rest, to be strong."

The man turns to her, his previously inscrutable face softens and reveals a myriad of emotions: love, regret, fear and fatigue. He nods and his shoulders stoop as he moves out the room, as if carrying a heavy burden.

{Galerius Vatinius}

Senators, I am honored to be offered the position of Publius Leavinius' and... Manius Aemilius' defense representative, however I do not think I would be able to serve this matter in a way deemed satisfactory. I have publicly stated my mistrust of Senator Manius Aemilius and believe he may have implications in this case . I could not, I should think, put everything aside and agree to defend him a matter I feel so strongly about. Perhaps if I were older, wiser and more experienced... however I am but a young man and believe strongly in my convictions. I do not think Senator Servius would have me as his father's defense representative after our differences. I would not do this Republic justice.

However, if desired by this body, I could represent only Senator Leavinius to the best of my abilities... if he would have me. Perhaps Senator Verginius could take the task of defending Manius. I leave it to Praetor Curtius and Senator Verginius.

A note reaches the court from the "on battlefield" commander, Publius Pansa.

"Ahh Senators.. And woe me Senators..

The news of the trial reachs me here, - at Chalikpeda - faster than you may think. I get news of accustions of the great general, Publius Leavinius, in a trial opened by my request.. And that's what woes me. Wrong it is Senators, wrong it is to accuse our faithfuls of wasting their glory. For great men like Punlius Leavinius tend not to lose battles, tend not to lose honur, tend not to waste Roman lives.. And for that, read the following carefully, Senators. Cutting it short, investigate in the water of the river.. For I believe it was mixed with something prior to the battle.. Sadly, I can write no more and prove nothing. I'm in a newly conquered city, and the population is due to a rebellion any time, for they're raged by the recent slavery events.

At all costs, Senators. The water, check the water!

Yours loyally, Publius Pansa."

This trial was begun to discover where the fault lies in the loss of the Republican Eagle of Legio III Sicilia Aemilia. The defeat of the Legion by our oldest enemies, the Gauls, was a severe blow to the Republic. With the loss of the Eagle, the physical embodiment of the magnificence of Rome, to a barbaric horde, the Republic's honor has been horribly stained. An investigation into this matter must be held for the good of all citizens and those responsible for this crime must be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

In the Senate, I volunteered to defend my father-in-law as I believed such a service was in the best interests of the Republic. It now seems that there is adequate defense, but that the Republic lacks an accuser. As is usual and proper, a man's friends and family rally to his cause, even at the expense of the Republic. If we abandon the prosecution of Publius Laevinus, we may as well restore the Etruscan Kings to power. The Republic is important above all citizens, be they patrician or plebian!

As such, I hereby accuse Publius Laevinus, commander of Legio III Sicilia Aemilia, of criminal negligence during the defense of the Massilia ford against the Gauls under Drustan of Decetia. He has failed in his duties as a commander of a Legion of Rome. He has disgraced himself, his Legion and the entire Republic with his conduct. He has weakened the entire Alpine frontier and made all of Italy vulnerable to barbarian invasion. Publius Laevinus is guilty of crimes which are the equivalent of treason. As a private Roman citizen before this court, I will provide evidence to substantiate my allegations and I demand that punishment be swift and harsh when his guilt is inevitably determined.

Senators,

The Accusations are clear and concise. I have now heard statements from three persons whom were present at the time of the battle but I will not have them take the stand until we have heard from the those people who's actions, or inactions, lead to this disaster.

*Decius, turns to an aide to his right and they exchange a short sentence. The aide, a shifty & furtive looking character, hurriedly leaves*

There are many ways to garner the truth in this matter and I intend to use ALL of them to find out what occured.

Now, I ask, save Senator Publius Laevinus and Manius themselves, whom will speak on their behalves? For I will call them to answer the accusations put forth.

I shall speak in defense of both Publius Laevinius and my son Manius, if it pleases the court.

I will speak in defence of my father, Manius Aemilius.

{Galerius Vatinius}

Senators, I have been appointed defense counsil for Publius Leavinius and willingly accept. However, I will have nothing to do with Manius Aemilius and reserve the right to testify against him if necessary. I now yield the floor to the prosecutor.

SENATE SPEAKER: This trial has now been properly constituted: Augustus Verginius has been appointed prosecutor; Galerius Vatinius has been appointed as defence lawyer for Publius Laevinius; and Servius Aemilius will be defence lawyer for Manius Aemilius.

I believe the praetor, Decius Curtius, has indicated that he would like to first hear testimony from Manius Aemilius, so I would ask the various parties to wait for that testimony. The prosecution and the defence may then cross examine the witness.

Servius sits, a look of slight concern across his face as it seems his father has been a bit late..but perhaps his concerns are ill founded. The sound of a very vocal argument resounds through the halls outside the court before the doors creek open, the legionnairres opening them for none other than Manius Aemilius.

"Do not lecture mmeee on how the senate feels! I am part of the senate! Hoot!" Manius screams at the startled legionnairres, who quickly close the door. "And clean up that mess!"

This scene may not have been such a sudden worry to Servius if it had been anybody but his father...but lo and behold, Manius now sat, backwards, atop a donkey, waving a butter knife angrily at the door, which, in his frustration, finds itself flying towards the closed court doors before he dismounts. "Away steed." Manius says, but the donkey just huffs and stands there. His son finds it hard to say anything, simply sitting there, face buried in the palm of one hand, pointing towards the dock for the accused.

Their is a wry grin on the accused one's face..as if he had struck some great victory and was being wrongfully accused. "I suppose you all want me to start then?" Manius says...and his version of oration begins.

"It was midday, me and my men were taking a swim in the river, when the Gauls could be seen coming about in the distance, at first I ignored them, but the rest of the men seemed a bit edgy, so I *hoot!*ed them to bear arms immediately. Unforetunatly, the Gauls noticed us, undoubtadly drawn to my Bathing Legion. Yes..we were a glorious sight, like geese in a pond..yes. Too bad the presence of roman women could not have been felt as well, their armaments perhaps may have turned the Gauls away. But we had armor by the time they arrived at the ford..I don't remember where I found mine, but it fit kind of funny and I don't think I found it in my tent. Blasted legionnairres should keep their hands off other people's armor! But my spear was in the owl where I left it. *hoot!*

By the time everybody was ready half of those blasted Gauls were already taking a swim in our river, armor on and all, I couldn't believe they could put forth such nerve, swimming in our river before they even fought for it! So I ordered a full out charge! The half of the gallic army that was swimming in the river came out to meet us in battle. The infantry held them at bay and my glorious cavalry and I took the charge home! Planted a spear point straight in one of their arse's I did! *hooot!* But before we could run the last of the buggers down the rest of them were back in the river! I ordered the second charge into the manbeasts and I spotted their bug eyed general! So my men and I took charge, assailing his bodyguard left and right with our pointy sticks. We were winning the day until these ungodly beasts rose from the ground behind us, covered in weeds and mud, and dripping wet, their stench scared the horses and as they charged into our rear our mighty steeds took flight. Stayed and fought them I would! I would if I could! *HOOT!* If I could then I would were it not for those who should but could not could! *HOOOT!* It was all his fault! That dammmned beast. *Manius points to the donkey in the center of the court, stands up and makes foul gestures and farty noises at the beast then produces a block of wood from his garb and clocks the beast in the head with it, prompting a rauckus display from the animal before it goes off and sits in the corner.* Running from the stinky twig men! Dare call yourself a might steed...and to think, I almost appointed you my second in command! *Still waving angry fingers at the donkey...he stops for a few seconds, breathes, and sits back down and crosses his arms in a huff, like an angry child.

Then that wry grin returns, that sinister 'I saved the day were it not for you' smile.* The gauls dealt with the swampmen in turn...and then came once again for us. We fought the beasts again but something whacked me in the head and I fell off my horse, next thing I know, when I opened my eyes everybody was gone..that damned PIGMAN *hoot!*, THAT FOOL *hoot!!*, THAT WORTHLESS EXCUSE FOR ROMAN *ho-hoot!*, Publius Laevinius, NEVER *hoot!* showed his face on the battlefield at all! He left my Bathing Legion to die at the hands of that horde! I may as well have killed him in his sleep and assumed control of his Lazy Legion myself! The combined might of a Lazy-Bathing Legion could have been victorious under my command...*HOot!* But no..noo. Nay shall I be given such honor. No..give it to the pigman instead. Leave Manius out by himself in the water. Now..why don't you give me back my legion, whereever you took it, because I know you all took it..when I woke up it was gone, I want it back! And I want a medal too! And where the HELL did you all take my triarii?!?! They had the legionnairry owl! I WANT MY FANCY OWL BACK! *With that Manius slams his fist on the table, crosses his arms, and refuses to say another word without being questioned, other than the occasional hoot.

[SENATE SPEAKER]: {nervous cough} Now that we have heard testimony from Manius, I believe the prosecutor, Augustus Verginius, should prepare any cross-examination questions for the witness ...{soto voce}... and Jupiter help him.

I have but one question for Senator Manius Aemilius, and that will come at the end of my statement. His testimony is entirely in accordance with my allegations and I shall delve into his roll in this matter further when I present my case in full. Regardless, this man is not the subject of my accusations. His son defends him purely out of regard for the stain his father would inflict upon his own name. That is a trial that I fear he must rightly conduct in the court of public opinion, but it has no place in my accusations on behalf of the Republic.

With regards to Manius Aemilius, there are but two important facts, neither of them in dispute. First, he is mad. I do not believe that this was ever in doubt, but it has been shown here today as clearly as ever. Second, he was merely a Tribune in Legio III Sicilia Aemilia at the time of the defeat at the Massilia Ford and he was not formally responsible for command of the Legion.

So, with that in mind, I ask the Senator to answer one single question:

Did you, at any time prior to or during the battle, disobey an order from Publius Laevinus?

{Galerius Vatinius}

Objection! Senator Verginius, by your own admission, you have stated that Manius Aemilius is indeed mad. Now you ask him if he has disobeyed orders? Do you truly think a true and good answer will come of this? Something to base a case on? That's rubbish! You overlook the most important fact of this man's hooting tirade. Stenographer, may I have a look? ...Ah, yes.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Manius Aemilius

Blasted legionnairres should keep their hands off other people's armor! But my spear was in the owl where I left it. *hoot!*

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Manius Aemilius

They had the legionnairry owl! I WANT MY FANCY OWL BACK!

---

As you can see Senators, the man refers to our eagle as the "owl", and were it by any circumstance other than his madness, he would have been crucified. However, the point here is that he clearly mentioned that he had his spear lodged in the legionary eagle before the battle! If this is about the honor of Rome, and the pride of the legion and it's eagle, I believe you can clearly see what we are dealing with here.

*Manius glares at the prosecutor, a kind of fire in his eyes that insinuates had the man asked him such a question in a place much darker and behind a building, he might not come out of the alley.*

"I do not, not obey! Never have I not obeyed..just because the pigman tells me to do things that don't make sense, doesn't mean I don't do them..no. The pigman tells me to guard the river ford...so I guard the river ford. Go take a see, go take a visit, take a vacation to sunny Massilia, only 300 denarrii and a kick in the bum said the man who drank much rum which upset his tum tum tum *HOOT!*. Have a walk around the ford..senator..our tents still sit there..abandoned because you took my legion. Because the pigman never showed up.. I always obeyed pigman's orders before the battle.. But how do I obey him in battle, if he is not actually there? He was probably off rolling in the mud. Not once did his banner fly near that fight *hoot!*."

*Manius's attention then turns to the rather vocal young senator.* "Not in the fancy owl! Dimwit..you never put the spear in the fancy owl! You pray to the fancy owl! The fancy owl *hoot*s victory..The fancy owl is for worship..it is a icon from the gods, given to the senate, then given to the Bathing Legion from Mars himself. Spear goes in the other owl.."

Servius, then, as his father quiets down, speaks briefly to settle some confusion. "If I may, senators...I had visited my father's encampment outside of Massillia once, not too long before the actual battle in question occurred, and there are, indeed, thirteen seperate objects to which the legion referred to as "the owl". And the legionairy eagle was not, the owl my father had a tendency to embed his spear in. And Senator Verginius..if I may, I defend my father not because of the potential stain this issue may have on my name or my grandfather's name, but because, by no fault of his or my own, whether I do so wish it were so or not, he is my father. And I will not abandon my family in its time of need."

[SENATE SPEAKER]: Has Galerius Vatinius any questions for Manius Aemilius? After those are concluded, the prosecutor has indicated a desire to make his case in full before any further witnesses are produced by the court.