The Will of the Senate - Senate Deliberations

[QUINTUS]: The five Praetorian armies that the First Consul proposes do not sound excessive. Where they are not in areas where enemy armies have been spotted, they will not require cavalry. But those - like that of Tribune Verginius - on active campaign against enemy field armies need some cavalry, regardless of the cost.

To economise, some of the units in our proposed armies assigned to guard duties could be dispersed for garrison duties. For example, the armies garrisoning Sicily and central Italy could be maintained at well below usual strength provided they could be brought up to full strength within a season by taking men from surrounding settlements (and lowering taxes to keep the people loyal during the emergency). But it is important to have a Tribune or Legate in the area to quickly lead the assembled force to react to urgent threats.

I agree that at least one of the five armies - at the moment the one taking Massilia - should be close to Consular strength. I expect the next First Consul may wish to take the offensive in at least one theatre and this will require a Consular sized force.

My congratulations for this magnificent feat, Senator Verginus! I propose that we build a statue of the noble, brave Senator in city centre, to honour this incredible victory of civilisation over barbarism.

I also propose that Senator Verginus be given command of a full consular Legion, to go on campaign if he wishes, or to even take command of the Legion of Rome herself.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tiberius

I also propose that Senator Verginus be given command of a full consular Legion, to go on campaign if he wishes, or to even take command of the Legion of Rome herself.

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Dont be hasty my son. In time Senator Verginius may become the next consul if he wishes but for now regardless of his heroism he is still under the command of our current consul.

While so many standing armies may seem necessary I am afraid of our treasury. It has been continually shrinking. At one point our treasury would bring in more than 10,000 denari every seasons but now it brings in only half that amount. The economic improvements that many senators wish for in the various settlements will effortlessly cost much much more than this.

This financial quandry leaves us with two options. Either we can continue to expand and thus bring more money into our treasury or we can lower the size of our standing legions to free up some money that would have otherwise been needed to support such large armies.

Indeed I believe that we need only a single legion in northern italy within the alps to defend both the northern and eastern mountain passes. The passes are not far from eachother and an army can march from one to the other in a season. Also with a system of watchtowers and a fort or two we can easily give ourselves enough warning to intercept any threat coming from either of the two passes before it has crossed the Alps.

Massilia will need only a single legion as guard to its single bridge and the western mountain pass. Anything more would be unnecessary and unwieldy.

First of all, may I congratulate Senator Verginius and his army on their glorious victory against the Gauls.

I know Conscript Fathers that I have been one of those who has advocated peace & trade with Gaul, and I still hope that such a conclusion can be reached. However, in the event that Roman steel spilling so much of their blood does not persuade them of the futility of conflict with us, I am becoming more and more convinced of the need to agressively raid their settlements.

Over the course of 1 year, a consular, or two preatorion armies could raid deep into Gaulish territory, capturing settlements along the way. As each settlement is taken we can loot it, pillage it, sell its people into slavery, then raize it to the ground before moving on to the next settlement. In just 1 year we could cripple the ability of the Gauls to make war on us. Once we have secured Masilla, and if we cannot agree a ceasefire with Gaul, I shall propose such a motion in the next assembly that permits it.

As for Ilyria, I agree with aiding them to prevent Macedon from reaching our borders, but Conscript Fathers, what can we do to help them? We cannot give them military aid as that would require us declaring war on Macedon, giving us a fourth war to fight at the same time. And alas, our funds are not enough to give them any financial aid - already we are debating the most cost-effective use of the large army we have created that drains our treasury so. If there is any other form of aid we can give to Ilyria, then I would truly like to hear it Conscript Fathers.

There is nothing we can do for Illyria now except offer them the option to become our protectorate but i would not advise this.

I see nothing wrong with Macedon on our borders. We are not at war with them and I do not think they would be so headstrong as to declare war on us. We are far and removed from its core provinces. If Macedon is so powerhungry then it should look north to Thrace.

Had it been the Greeks arriving on our borders then we would have cause for deep concern.

I do not disagree with the statements that have been made about Macedon. However, I do wish to remind the Senate that they remain allies of the Greeks, with whom we are still at war. I welcome peace and trade with Macedon, but I believe we should be wary of them. The Greeks seem to hold great diplomatic sway over their policies and I would not like to tempt them with any perceived weaknesses.

Peace. Trade. Vigilance.

It is true we should seek to strengthen our borders so as not to appear vulnerable. The Macedonians will most likely expand northwards, the only way I can see us coming into conflict with them is through our own expansion. If we pursue the war against the Greeks onto their mainland then we must be prepared to face the sarissa`s of the heirs of Alexander. They will not stand idly by whilst their southern cousins are under attack. Never forget the arrogant Greeks have always considered us as Barbarians...

I believe Macedon has plans that do not include us. I'm sure that some mad king of theirs will want to replicate their hero Alexander's accomplishments. The factions to the north and east will face the brunt of Macedon's wrath.

Keeping that in mind, I say we should continue to remain on good relations with the Macedonians. At least one of our immediate neighbors shod be our friend.

I agree.

That said, I also agree with Senator Augustus Verginius, that while a friendly hand should be extended to Macedon for now, we should keep permenant garrisons on our eastern fronts and keep an eye out for suspicious movements. It would disgrace the Republic to have ourselves suprised by a mass invasion on an undefended area.

Senators,

I have updated my 'as yet unfished' final report to the senate. It is now autumn 272 BC. Several notable events have happened (and new avatars are available - 3 spies) and Decius Laevinius (Tiberius) has come of age. I interrupt your proceedings, because dire tidings have come to my ears.
Consul Quintus (econ21) is in serious trouble in Sardinia and I would beseech you all to ask the people to sacrifice to the gods that he will prevail over these horrible odds. As he is our best warrior, and not called 'the Victor' for nothing, I have faith he will be victorious, but then again, no man can tempt the fates forever...
https://img363.imageshack.us/img363/...sambush5xq.jpg

For a moment I thoguht noble Quintus was ambushed. However, I know that Romans can stand against such odds.

First Caradog and now Ashtzaph! The two foremost citizens and generals of the Republic spring two ambushes on our enemies within three months of one another, and yet our foes are 'prepared' for both! Conscript fathers, I suspect treachery. There may be enemies amongst us...

*Senator Verginus looks around the room suspiciously, then scribles on a scroll and passes it to a waiting man servant, who rushes out of the forum.*

You are mistaken, Senator, Quintus was trying to ambush the Carthaginian army, he himself wasn't ambushed.

I understand that, my words were, "The two foremost citizens and generals of the Republic spring two ambushes on our enemies..." Do you not find it suspicious that the enemy is so readily prepared for the secret battleplans of our foremost Generals? Do you not also note that the Carthaginians have an entire cohort of Italians with them? We have been betrayed, Senators... betrayed...

Although it is strange that both ambushes would fail, it's hardly time to get paranoid. Perhaps our enemies scout better than you, Senator Verginius?

A malicious senator's voice stagewhispers in the back row of the senate :
Don't you find it suspicious that tribune Augustus Verginus is our only general who let himself be ambushed ? They who talk loudest of treason...

I find that remark appalling. You would only repeat that remark if you thought it was true. Your behaviour as Consul for Rome shocks me! You, who praised Senator Verginius for his brave stand against the Gauls, would accuse him of treason in order to discredit one of your opponents. You are afraid of his fame, so you attempt to discredit him with slanders.

[SENATE SPEAKER]: Gently, good Senator Antio - it was not the First Consul who spoke but some unknown loafer who even now hides behind the backs of more worthy Senators.

Yes, but why would he repeat it in that sinister tone? I apologize to the Consul, for my impertinence, and am willing to be punished for my rashness.

I shall ignore the words spoken so recently against my loyalty. You all know that my loyalty to the Republic has never been questioned. Any fool who believes such lies will surely drown in his own saliva.

This is a time for celebration, my friends. The immense success brought about by Senator Quintus is unparalleled in the history of Rome. Romulus himself would never have dreamed of such a victory! I know that this is not yet the time for legislative motions, yet I wish to make it known now that come next election I shall propose the following:

Motion: In honor of the great victory of Senator Quintus over the Carthaginians, upon annexation Caralis shall be renamed Quintarium.

I disagree. The Carthaginians are honourable foes. We ought not rename a Quintus, although he deserves reward.

Ah, finally out of that blasted academy. Back to business...

I believe that Senator Quintus has served the republic more than any other individual, and so should be awarded whichever position he pleases, be it Governor of Rome herself or commander of a Legion. If settling in Caralis is his wish, I believe we should allow him to rename it to whatever he pleases. He is an old man, and deserves rest. If any of you senators have an objection, do not forget that this man has served the Republic for more years and more loyally than any of you.

Back to the Gladiators...

May I also pass on my congratulations to Senator Quintus for his heroic victory.

However Conscript Fathers, I note with a mixture of alarm and satisfaction that there are 2 large Carthaginian armies on Sardinia. This presents a great opportunity for us! If Senator Quintus can defeat these 2 armies, he will strike a powerful blow against Carthage. We must endevour to reinforce his army as soon as possible so that he may engage and defeat the enemy.

My faith in the consul Quintus (econ21) was well justified by this amazing victory. My congratulations to him and tribune Titus Vatinius (Tricky_Lady) or this victory. There is a lull in the fighting in Cispine Gaul at the moment, but our forces are stretched everywhere. I will try to reinforce consul Quintus as soon as is possible, but in the meantime he will have to return to Corsica, as his present position is very dangerous.

OOC :
econ21, could you edit the first picture in the post ? Just cut out the cartheginian army details. Can shift157's post be moved from the first consul reports as well to antoher thread ? The 'treason' comment was of course a joke, but I might have made it more explicit that it was not me who said that.

Senators, Might I be the first to truly congratulate my son Decius on his completion of his primary schooling and his full induction into the Senate. He is a strong young man and very sharp. I trust that we will find him room in the academy as soon as possible so that he can become a true roman man worthy of the command and honor he is surely destined for.

Congratulations my son. You have made me proud. I hope that you will continue to act as a guide and mentor toward your younger brother and, in time, all of Rome.

I am proud to announce that I have formally adopted Luca Mamilius as my son. As you will all remember, he was the one who saved my life in the Battle of Bononia. He is currently serving as Tribune with me in Legio I Italia. Consul, I request, if possible, that he remain with that Legion for as long as I do. He is a close friend and companion and I would like to have him at my side as an advisor and a pupil.

The first consul reports have been updated to spring 271 BC. Legate Publius Laevinus (Shifty157) and the Legio III Sicilia Aemilia are assaulting Massilia at the moment.

Tribune Augustus Verginius (TinCow), you are currently setting your affairs in order after ten years of devoted military service (in order to become promoted to legate) while Luca Marnilius (Marcus Camillus), seeing that you had your hands full the coming time, has accompanied Publius Laevinius on his march to Massilia. He will return to your company after that campaign.

I would also like to congratulate Amulius Coruncanius (Mount Suribachi) and his wife Tullia with the birth of their daughter Tranquilina.

EDIT :
The first consul reports have been updated to autumn 271 BC. Legate Publius Laevinus (Shifty157) and the Legio III Sicilia Aemilia are defending the river crossing at Massilia against a vast horde at the moment. I hope your prayers are with them. We have also lost our first town, Aleria, to a suprise attack by Carthage.
https://img105.imageshack.us/img105/...dbridge8bu.jpg
legate Publius Laevinus and the Legio III Sicilia Aemilia face the hordes of Gaul

We must pull Quintus out of Sardinia. Otherwise, he could be trapped by three Carthaginian armies, and against such odds not even he could prevail.

OOC: DDW, perhaps you could speed things up a bit, I fear that people may lose interest if a consulship drags on too long. Also, can you post a screenshot of the positions of all our armies and provinces on the campaign map?

Good luck Legate Publius Laevinus, I'm sure you will make Rome proud. Just keep an eye out for those aquatic Gaul fish-men I have heard rumors about. I think I will go pray at the Temple to Neptune for His aid in the coming battle...

*leaves senate house muttering to self and assorted hangers-on*

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lucius Aemilius

The first consul reports have been updated to spring 271 BC. Legate Publius Laevinus (Shifty157) and the Legio III Sicilia Aemilia are assaulting Massilia at the moment.

Tribune Augustus Verginius (TinCow), you are currently setting your affairs in order after ten years of devoted military service (in order to become promoted to legate) while Luca Marnilius (Marcus Camillus), seeing that you had your hands full the coming time, has accompanied Publius Laevinius on his march to Massilia. He will return to your company after that campaign.

I would also like to congratulate Amulius Coruncanius (Mount Suribachi) and his wife Tullia with the birth of their daughter Tranquilina.

EDIT :
The first consul reports have been updated to autumn 271 BC. Legate Publius Laevinus (Shifty157) and the Legio III Sicilia Aemilia are defending the river crossing at Massilia against a vast horde at the moment. I hope your prayers are with them. We have also lost our first town, Aleria, to a suprise attack by Carthage.
https://img105.imageshack.us/img105/...dbridge8bu.jpg
legate Publius Laevinus and the Legio III Sicilia Aemilia face the hordes of Gaul

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Lucius Aemilius, you have disobeyed the orders of the Senate! In the winter of 273 BC, you conquered Aleria, in Corsica.
You violated Motion #5 which states: Expansion shall cease for the rest of this First Consul's reign after taking Cisalpine Gaul and Massilia.

This motion passed quite easily with a large majority.

The Motions were voted on in the autumn of 273 BC, while your invasion took place in the winter of 273 BC.

I, Senator Sextus Antio, do accuse Consul Lucius Aemilius of breaching the Senate's orders, and do move that he be severely punished and be stripped of the consulship!