OOC: :laugh4: :laugh4: :laugh4: nice one
Right. I also think it would be better if you'd shut up at all so we can focus on more important matters.
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OOC: :laugh4: :laugh4: :laugh4: nice one
Right. I also think it would be better if you'd shut up at all so we can focus on more important matters.
I for one support Aemiluses standard legion units proposal. It will make it mandatory for our italian allies to serve in the legions, something they have been itching to do for years now. They have just as strong warrior tradition as us romans, and just because they are conquered does not mean they are no longer warriors. Legio III has had to fight some of these.
On his proposal to change names of the laws, I am ambivelent. I will vote for it though when it comes up.
I also agree with Aemiluses idea. though I will surely not forget the threats, I am however willing to look past that and see the sense of his proposal.
Balbatus mutters under his breath
Another pointless agreement from the back benchers. Don't they ever have their own opinions?
Sextus snarls
maybe the old man should speak up, I am not sure the whole senate house heard his statement! I maybe only be a tribune and as you say a "backbencher" but I will not accept insults from you! you speak of me not having an opinion and yet all you have to add to this discussion are a few Jib comments and IDIOTIC jokes! I have sat back long enough and listened to other take the initiative I can speak as I please and agree with who I please!
Balbatus rolls his eyes.
Oh please, refrain from your childish tantrums for one moment. I have not insulted anyone. It is purely your choice that you take fact as an insult. I was merely pointing out to my fellow Senators that it is nice to see a junior Senator like Qvintvs Aemilivs standing up for himself and creating his own ideas for a change. How the young have much to learn.
No, you werent pointing that out. I and other senators of sharp hearing heard you clearly insult the less notable senators. You made no reference to how the less noticed senators should make a name for themselves.Quote:
Originally Posted by _Bean_
Balbatus laughed dryly
I cannot be blamed for certain young men's wrong interpretations. Have we nothing more interesting to talk about, gentlemen, or should we retire for the night?
face it Balbatus we all know how you rudely insulted me, you can retire the rest of us would all prefer to converse without you present.
If everyone made such a fuss everytime they decreed they had been insulted, we'd never leave our seats. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to post a letter to Illyria. Good day.
Caius the Fat's voice rumbled from deep within the mountain of a man as he mustered the energy to speak. When he did, it was a roar like the wind rushing from a bellows, strong and steady at first, but as it continued, nearly inaudible at the end.
"Enough! Enough! Enough! This debate has insufferably diminished into petty name calling with nothing of note taking place. Men of the Senatus Populusque Romanum be civil and remember your stations! We are not unwashed barbarian hordes who test truthfulness by thrusting one's arm into boiling water to retrieve a metal object, praying not to be scalded lest we be thought liars!"
The last bit wheezed out, barely audible, and it took a minute for the aged senator to catch his breath. When he began again, the strength was missing from when he first interrupted his usual napping
"We are elected representatives of the citizens of the Res Publica. Let us behave amicably towards each other, and less like whores attempting to convince men that their competitors have unsightly rashes and odors. Our greatest strength is in our diversity of opinions and the freedom to express them. When the proper time arrives, let these new laws be proposed in accordance with our standing laws, and be voted upon. It is how it has always been done."
Servant's who were already standing by with damp cloths and cups of water went immediately into action, like bees around a hive, tending to their exhausted patron. Hushed whispers could be heard here and there of how active Caius had been lately, and whether or not he would suddenly drop dead from these 'exertions'.
A messenger arrives in the Curia. Allowed entrance, he walked to the floor and read his message.
Senators, I have here a letter addressed to the Senate from Epirus, written in the hand of the honourable Quaestor Caivs Avrelivs Cotta himself. It follows:
Quote:
Honourable members of the Senate and People of Roma, greetings.
I have included with this letter a report of the front in Epirus and Illyria, to read at your pleasure. This is not what I have written for however. I write to plea my case to the Senate regarding the position of the Legio III Campania.
I must begin my argument stating the simple fact that I am furious by their constant presence in the province trusted to me and the Legio II. Everyday I am visited by disgruntled, furious and outraged shopkeepers, farmers and brothel owners as to the unspeakable behaviour of the men of the Legio III. They continue to press the local populace for every scrap they own, despite these people suposedly being under the protection of Roma. I am powerless to discipline them myself, as I am not their commander. Dux Longvs remains fidgety and will not commit himself to any action. I see no reason why the Legion remains here in Greece. They are inactive, and even if they weren't, we have no theatre of war here that the Legio II is incapable of dealing with alone. The Legio III are abusing Roma's province, the people under Roma's protection, and their own jobs. Where are the Legio III's marching orders? Are we not at war with Carthage? Yet I see no combat. We have a free legion here, with nothing to do, and an empty theatre of war. I ask the Senate to do something about this. This province will not take this kind of abuse much longer, and neither will my scribes or officials who are at the constant sharp end of the tongues of these people. I require action from my government. Will you allow this, gentlemen?
The moment the messenger finishes reading, a caught coming from the entrance of the curia catches the attention of the senatores. As they turn around a middle-aged man who appears to have just entered the room, starts talking with an angry voice while heading straight a void seat:
The older ones among you may remember me, but I will introduce myself again to ease the confusion of the younger ones. I'm Lvcivs Cornelivs Scipio, ever since I was little more than a child I've served the great Res Publica Romana, though rather by fighting the enemies within our own lines than those beyond our borders.
In more recent years however I've not been able to leave my house as this would have brought great harm to all of us. Luckily the gods were in our favour and warned me through the mouth of my personal augur, so said catastrophe could be prevented.
Yet today the time for my to rejoin this glorious assembly has finally come. And what is the first thing I hear? A report about our soldiers wasting their by mixing their blood with wine and - even worse - mixing the blood of subjugated barbarians with invincible roman blood! Sadly I arrived too late to hear the full content of the message so I don't know where said legion is located, but I request it to be moved to fight our sworn enemies or to be disbanded so that those men can once till the fields as it is fitting for a true roman when he's not at war.
With this words Lvcivs Cornelivs Scipio sits down and waits for the other senatores to talk.
OOC Edit: Is it alright for me to be in the curia if my avatar is actually still in Taras?
Senator Balbatus, the old bearded family retainer of the Quaestor Caivs Avrelivs Cotta, stands.
Welcome back, Lvcivs Cornelivs Scipio; it has been many years indeed, but I am glad to see you once more.
Now, in response to this messenger, I must speak in favour of Quaestor Cotta. It is disgraceful that such unproffesionalism and, must I say it, disrespect, is performed by our soldiers to our so called 'allies'.
These commanders are disrespecting their power, and should either remove their legion immediately, or I suggest they are replaced.
Welcome Lvcivs Cornelivs Scipio, Lvcvllvs said.
As for the message from Qvaestor Caivs Avrelivs, I'm sure that it is not deliberate that Legio III still has not yet been moved away from Epirus. Let us hear, what its commander has to say. Certainly also he will agree, that the Legio III soon should be chasing Phoenician armies instead of Epeirote peasant-girls.
"If Servivs Sempronivs cannot control his Legion, we should call him to account, not their bored soldiers. This shows a lack of discipline and command and I already despair for the lives of Legio III if they have to fight Carthage under such a commander. I will not say what measures should be taken, I only remind the Senate that a general is responsible for the behaviour of his men. The signs which show the measure of commanding capability of Servivs Sempronivs should not be ignored. Please refrain of sending him to fight carthage.
If the Legion is obsolete, we must disband them to ease the drain on the treasury."
Sextvs Cornelivs Scapvla enters the Cvria. Being in his mid-twenties, and definitely looking his age, there is no doubt that the other Senatores know immediately that this is merely a new Tribvnvs who is likely of little importance. Sextvs composes himself, and attempts to make an introduction.
Honorable members of the Senate! My forebearers once held great power in these halls. I chose a different path for myself, entering the army and fighting bravely for Legio I. My actions attracted the attention of my noble superiors who granted me a promotion and an adoption into a great family. Being a soldier, I expected to spend all of my time away from here and fighting the enemies of Roma. But fate has chosen a new course for me, and I am ready and willing to fight whatever battles are needed to be fought for the Republic, be they accross the waves or here in these halls.
Unsure of how to end the speech, Sextvs quickly finds his seat
First let me welcome you here, also in the name of Avlvs Aemilivs, who I represent here in the curia. Lvcvllvs said
Most of the honourable members of the Senate - who are not as old as I am laughs - are serving in our Legions as Tribvni, Legati and so on. Like them, also you should choose a representative who speaks for you in the Curia and informs you of what is going on here in Roma.
Balbatus sighs loudly
Yes yes yes welcome all. Please find a seat.
Now, if we'd all be so kind as to not keep this messenger waiting?
a non descript senator yelled from the back that the general should be relieved and replaced by someone who is able to keep them in pace.
I will appoint a representative shortly, but today I am enjoying a brief stay in Roma prior to my return to Legio I, ahem which I may add is not suffering from a lack of proper leadership or undisciplined soldiers. If anyone has an acquaintance serving in Legio I and would like me to relay a gift or message of goodwill feel free to. The men always welcome news from back home.
During the raucous debte several senators near a side entrance began to sniff the air and make disgusted faces as they were distracted by the distinct smell of horse - sweat-slicked, stale, unwashed horse. Through an aisle in the seating that was sunken into the ground, slowly sloping down and away from the main floor towards the outer cooridor which ringed the senate chamber walked a young man who cautiously tried to soften his footsteps as he entered further into the cavernous hall, slowly coming up to even with the main floor. A clerk standing at the main juncture where the aisle split to the sides to allow senators to move to their raised seats to the left or right or continue on to the speaking dais heard the metallic sounds of the man's armour rubbing against itself and turned to see who this visitor was. He grimaced at the stench of the weeks-long horseback ride that emanated from the man and held his breath as he inquired his business. After a brief discussion the clerk accepted a letter from him and ushered the rider back out the way he came, swatting his hands as a grandmother shooing children away from freshly baked treats.
The clerk read the name on the front of the letter and scurried into the seating to deliver it to its owner. More of the senatores in the chamber took notice of the day's newest interruption of business; but the debate continued. He stopped in the back rows at the desk of a man dressed in a clean tunic with light blue and green Hellenic patterns along the fringe. The two exchanged words and the letter and the clerk returned to his usher's post, trying to scuttle as quickly and quietly back to his hideout, obviously uncomfortable with all of the eyes on him. Quintus Valerius, the freeman clerk in the services of Legatus Tiberius Claudius Marcellus checked the seal, and being satisfied that it was legitimate broke it and read the contents of the letter. A brief moment later his head popped up and he scanned the chamber for the senator he needed. Upon finding him, Quintus Valerius stood and gathered some parchments and began the long and winding trek through the seating and down towards the main speaking floor.
When he arrived at the main floor, Quintus Valerius stood waiting for the senator currently speaking to be finished, as was proper ettiquette. When the law maker had finished reading his rather dry proposal concerning how many bushels of grain per hectare should levied as taxes from the more affluent farm lands of Italia to make up for the less-prosperous regions that had recently been added to the purview of the SPQR, the presiding senator nodded to the usher who then allowed Quintus Valerius access to the floor. It was all a matter of protocol really; but it was a tradition and respect that must be observed. Afterall, that is part of what separated Romans from the barbaroi. Quintus Valerius skirted the edge of the speaking floor and stopped at the bench of Caius the Fat. The men exchanged ownership of the letter and the Legatus' aide briefed the senator on its contents. Caius harrumphed loudly and looked at the letter himself, remarking a deep and loud,
"Indeed?"
Quintus Valerius nodded and pointed out a specific spot within the parchment as if to add emphasis. Caius the Fat nodded and thanked the clerk. With that, the freeman was off to his desk in the back row where he could continue note taking of the day to day transpirings for his master while he was off on campaign, making a quick bow to the presiding senator and the statue of Jupiter at the center, front of the Curia.
"It would seem we have a different side to the story that Balbatus entertained us with not so long ago, my fellow senatores", began Caius, his voice much thinner than other times that he spoke. Perhaps he was conserving his energies. It was rumored after his last exertions, he was bedridden for two days with dizziness.
"Fathers of Roma, I hold here a dispatch from Legatus Tiberius Claudius Marcellus speaking of the current state of affairs in Epidamnos proper, and Illyria Hellenike at large. Unless he is lying in a recorded, sworn statement of public record, then it would appear that for the most part, the people of that land are by and large happy with Roman governance, and save a small but dedicated band of insurgency, the province is soundly awaiting the arrival of its appointed governor to return from the field to assume his post."
Caius downed a large cup of water; but waved away aides who attempted to mop his brow with damp cloths.
"The letter goes on to say that Dux Sevius Sempronius Longus is suffering from a bout of the fever, currently, but the condition does not appear to be life threatening. The Legio III Campania is not raping and pillaging the townspeople at will, gentlemen! They are waiting for their honored and beloved commander to regain the strength to continue on in their duties. In fact, the dispatch says here that Tiberius Claudius met with an aide de camp of Quaestor Caius Aurelius and is currently in the process of transferring controll of the lands over to the Legio II Latium and the Quaestor.
"Fellow senatores, as a former military man, let me inform you that it is often necessary and most prudent to take the time to show your relieving forces the lay of the land, who is friend and foe, and to work alongside them during the transfer of power so that not only they learn the proper way to conduct business safely and most effectively, but so that the people they are governing - with whom you built up a rapport - can feel secure that they are being left in the care of honest and serious soldiers who take their safety to heart and are fully capable of handling that task both physically and with the required emotional investment. The Legio III Campania, in my mind, are not squatting in the city attempting to prevent Quaestor Caius Aurelius from assuming his role as provincial dictator. On the contrary! They are doing as they must to ensure the success of the governor, despite their personal disagreements. The Command of the Third Legio a most fitting job for the task they were assigned. We can ask no more of them, as they have acted with honor. I suggest that you, Balbatus, send word to he who holds your purse strings that his trickery will not be so easily believed. We are not sheep to be led about blindly."
Balbatus stands angrily.
I'll have you know, boy, that Caivs Avrelivs has been very active in his new governership. Unlike those lazy and incompetent men who simply stay put in comfy beds of the governer's home, eating rich foods and enjoying slaves waiting on them hand a foot, Quaestor Caivs Avrelivs has been travelling tirelessly across the province, visiting all the towns, cities and villages. He has set up a remarkable tax system across the whole land, making the province rich but satisfied. He sends his men into known brigand and pirate strongholds to stop the risk of danger to the populace. His most recent expedition takes him back to the Legio II to pursue the Epirite king, the very same man who nearly crippled us all those years ago. Caivs Avrelivs' father died at the hand of this man, for the gods' sake! He is not neglecting his duties, as his deputies, scribes and officials work tirelessly around the province to ensure it runs smoothly in his absence, and Caivs Avrelivs is daily informed of all activities within his governership.
Now, I know he has very good reasons for moving against Pyrrhus. The Epirite Royal Army threatens Illyria and Epidamnos; he must be removed and destroyed to stop any more threat. You are blind, sir, if you cannot see the wisdom in this. We cannot simply wait until Pyrrhus decides to attack and then dance to his tune. We have done that once before, and it will not happen again. We remove the threat ourselves. Caivs Avrelivs is protecting the province the best way possible. I'd thank you to keep your foul mouth shut in future.
OOC: Lol, Tiberius's post is so long and detailed theres no way it could possibly be wrong!
Stunned silence blanketed the room, smothering even the very breath of the men watching this rhetorical dance of Titans. Not one man whispered to his neighbor while waiting to see how Caius the Fat would react to such blatant public disrespect by a peer. What seemed an eternity passed as the two legislators stared each other down; Balbatus' chest heaving with venomous anger as he caught his breath from delivering the cutting outburst at the defense of his friend, and Caius coldly calculating his thoughts while he sat on his bench, his dark eyes taking on an ominous, slightly evil look.
Imperceptably, the silence was broken by the deep, slow, deliberate laughter of Caius the Fat. The chortling grew in volume and intensity until a roaring cackle poured forth from the mountain of a man. Junior lawmakers looked to each other for solace as they did not know what to make of this turn of events and the senatores nearest him edged away as he began to stand, leaning heavily on his crutch to lift his gargantuan frame. Standing victorious over his own girth and missing leg, Caius stretched himself to reach his full six feet three inch height, towering over every man in the room, some by as much as a foot. Forcefully, Caius hobbled over to stand directly in Balbatus' face, mere inches away looking down into the eyes of the offending senator.
"Who are you to call me a 'boy' you pederastic whelp!?" he roared. "I am nearly thirty-five years your senior, and lost my leg fighting Samnites alongside Manius Curius Dentatus when he was but a young man when you were suckling at your mother's teat! I have been in this legislative body longer than you have been a grown man! You will respect that which is above your station you uppity, presumptuous, insignificant, sycophantic, unscupulous, social climber! How dare you insult me in such a manner! Were I to have both my legs I would lay you across my knee and smack your bottom with a willow switch as a governess reprimands a spoiled child - right here for all to see! Your insolence is disgraceful to your family and your political protector, backer, and secret lover. Your allegiance is more for sale than the wares of a harlot in a back alley! At least they have the gall to ply their trade with honesty!
Caius the Fat continued his tirade unabated, his face turning a bright red and his breathing becoming quicker and raspy as he assailed the man before him for whom he felt nothing but pure contempt.
"In response to statements made by a loyal officer of the Third Legion - a man who is presently there and who offers a setting of events that is contrary to your Quaestor's ignominious version - you ignored every one of them and instead called the fighting men 'lazy and incompetent men who simply stay put in comfy beds of the governer's home, eating rich foods and enjoying slaves waiting on them hand a foot'. How dare you impune the honor of these brave men!? Where did you learn to debate, that you make unfounded accusations against people who cannot defend themselves rather than speak on the substance of the words of one of them? You are a fool and should be cast out of this body, for you possess more of the qualities of a bearded barbarian than of a noble son of Roma."
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Many senatores burst into laughter at the last comment, further encouraging Caius, who appeared near bursting from exertion and rage to continue. His face was now more of a purple color, with darker veins writhing on the surface of his forehead and temples, snaking this way and that with each violent jerk of his jowels.
"Balbatus, it is you who should keep your foul mouth shut in the future - each time you open it the malodour of deceit and corruption spill forth, poisoning all who listen to your words. You are an impotent viper who is about to be defanged!"
With that statement, Caius the Fat shifted his massive body onto his remaining leg and hefted his crutch into the air, and holding it in his right hand brought it crashing down upon the face of the bearded senator, sending him reeling backwards and causing blood to pour from his mouth and nose. The blow sent several front teeth skittering across the marble floor, instantly lost or crushed in the stampede of senators and guards alike who rushed the floor crowding both Balbatus and Caius in an attempt to separate them and restore order to the hallowed halls of the Curia. Men everywhere were shouting and shoving trying to prevent any more disorderly displays of anger. In their zeal and confusion several altercations began to escalate into proper shoving matches and a few fists were thrown; but within minutes order was restored and a team of physicians were escorted in to an alcove where Balbatus had been removed to prevent being trampled as he lie on the floor.
Exomnius, representative for Sextvs Cornelivs Scapvla, walks towards the Senate chamber to begin his first day as a civil servant. Expecting to enter during an intelligent debate, he straightens his tunic to make himself presentable. He peaks around the corner to see what the rabble is all about...and decides that tomorrow will be a better day to begin his service.
A man steps into the Curia who has never been seen there before, looking around and noting all the power players before taking the floor. He has a grim facial expression, and when he speaks his voice betrays an ever serious mindset which ever more so now.
"Honoured memers of the Senate! Consul Pvblvis Atilivs has just been ambushed by the rebels he sought to engage and he has given battle. His scouts had reported the way to be clear, so this took him by surprise, being in the front leading his men when the attack started, and during the battle he was knocked off his horse and almost got trampled. He luckily managed to escape though, being pulled away by his own bodyguards, but his wounds are so severe that he will have to rest before he can fight again.
He has thus sent me to notify you of this terrible turn of events so you know that the Consular Legion is, at the moment, leaderless. He was unconscious but alive when I left him, as he has been since the battle, so he couldn't specify any man who would take control over the legion while he's gone, so this is completely left to the Senate to decide."
The man salutes, and then retreats into the background.
As Balbatus reeled from the blow, landing a bunched fist into the fat senator's face with a satisfying crunch as he rolled with the blow. His years had taught him well in combat, but as he skidded across the floor he gasped for breath, his jaw ached incredibly, and he did not feel able to get up. His years must be catching up with him. That Caivs might be his senior, but Balbatus had been on this earth over fifty winters himself. He could see Senators rushing everywhere. Everyone was shouting something different, and Caivs had collapsed with the effort of attempting to stay upright on one leg without a crutch, lost in the momentum of the swing. Balbatus was too ashamed to defend himself with words, and there were Senators everywhere stopping him from retaliating physically. Not that there was any point anyway. The fat git wouldn't feel a thing through that flab.
As the Physicians arrived, they hauled Balbatus up, and began to walk him away. Balbatus did not struggle. He wouldn't be showing his face around here for a while, thought Balbatus with slight satisfaction. But then he himself did not feel like returning anytime soon. A long holiday by the sea was in order, he thought. Away from all this. Letter's must be sent...but later. Much later.
An official of the Senate stood.
Senator's Caivs {the fat?} and Balbatus {whatever} are hereby banned from the Curia until further notice for unruly behaviour.
Immediately there was unanimous support for the declaration to ostracize the offending legislators, though there was more vocal support that any punshiment should not be as heavy on Balbatus as he did not instigate the physical assault, despite his unforgiving words. Conversations sprung up everywhere as to what should happen to them and what brought it about. It was several minutes before complete order could be restored and the day's business could continue.
When the men of the Curia settled down, a slight balding man of approximately sixty years inquired,
"Messenger, come forward once more and tell us more of Consul Atilius Regulus. What are his injuries? Is the legio still intact? Have the rebellious Aphistemenoi been defeated or do they continue to ravage the country side, emboldened by this victory?"