The Curia

Avlvs turned to Tiberius Claudius Marcellus, and said to him

"Tiberius Claudius, be aware of my thanks, that you recognize the importance of taking the city Ambrakia and put it under the rule of the Roman Senate. But since Caivs Avrelivs is the one who had defeated the Epeirote armies, in my opinion he should have the honour of taking the city. The men would not expect otherwise. Therefore I request you to reconsider your motion concerning this matter and support the complete victory of the Roman Republic over Epeiros."

"Good Aulus Aemilius, I thank you for your kind words. Your loyalty to you commander does much honor to you and your family. I wholly appreciate and agree that the taking of Ambrakia would not only be a symbolic blow to the Epeirotes, it would be a great financial victory for the Res Publica by giving us access to another port. However, regardless of my personal politics, I believe with every fiber of my being that Caius Aurelius Cotta must no longer be allowed to conduct military operations until he can prove beyond a doubt his intentions. To do otherwise, in my opinion, would be to allow a murderer to have a knife and ask him not to slit your throat. We would not do that to ourselves, why should we do it to our beloved Res Publica? In good conscience, I cannot change my stance on this issue."

Caivs Avrelivs stood, speaking to the whole Curia.

"I have been the commander of the Second since it's birth. I have led it through the subjigation of the north, and after Consul Asina's passing I took it on it's first independent mission; to capture the kingdom of Patavium. With the help of the other legions, the Second fought bravely beyond and above the call of duty. It stayed in Illyria after the campaign, few returning to visit their families. This is complete dedication to the Republic.

Along with the men of the Second, I have yet to lose a major engagement. Yet some of you talk of removing me of my command. I am too successful, am I correct? You are either overly jealous or fear the respect the men of the Legion give me. Now you wish me to retire to a quiet life in Roma at the age of 31? Because of my early success? I do not believe this is how Roma should reward their successful generals, do you?

I would be happy to leave the Second in the more than capable hands of Avlvs Aemilivs. He has proven his devotion to the Republic, and more than earned the respect of the men in the Legion with his successful commands and honourable leadership. However, in return, I wish to lead the new legion, if it is to be commishioned. The younger Legates who are yet too unexperienced to lead a whole legion would do well under my supervision."

Tiberius Clauidus burst into laughter,

"The entire purpose of removing you from command of the Second Legio is to remove you entirely from command for the time being. Here I argue that you are unfit and you request to be transferred rather than refute the argument? What game is this Caius Aurelius? Are we fools, blinded by your glory that we will simply accept a change of venue for our master and deem all is well?

"And what of this 'younger Legates who are yet too unexperienced to lead a whole legion would do well under my supervision' statement? The rank of Legatus is specifically made for those who have gained the necessary experience to lead a whole legion! That's why they serve as Tribuni! Have you gone mad? Is your supervision greater than the combined decision making capabilities of the Senate?"

Caivs Avrelivs stood, angry.

You see, Senators? There it is! Tiberivs Marvellvs seeks to remove me from successful command for no further reasons than his own jealousy and to further his own career. No doubt he hopes to lead the new legion himself. I have yet to see any proof of my inadequecy to lead men to victory. Have I lost a battle? No. Have too many men died under my command? No, only those who bravely gave their lives to save their comrades. I honour these men every day. Of course men die in war. Do you seek to remove me of command because men have died? That's pathetic. I must support Edict 6.4! It is the only logical course of action!

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: One of Mini's reforms are to do with having to be a Dux or over a certain age to lead an entire legion. Wait for him to clear that up.

Avlvs looked surprised, for he did never attempt to take the command of Legio II away from Caivs Avrelivs. Yet he felt honoured. Years he had served in this Legion, led its men and had killed many enemies of the republic at their side. A arose and said:

Caivs Avrelivs, I don't know what to say. I know the men of Legio II love you, since you have led them through many heavy struggles and battles. Of course it would a great honour to lead these men, who have become my brothers in arms during the last years. If you would give up your command on your own, I would take the leadership of this Legion with joy. But only then!

I also would see you to be the new commander of Legio V. Whose curriculum vitae, whose military carreer would surpass yours. If you will be allowed to lead Legio V, may the young tribunes learn from you as I have.

"Oh Caius Aurelius get over yourself and stop putting words in my mouth! This really is most tiresome. I have time and again stated for all to hear that I believe you are unfit for command because of your erratic and irresponsible decision making with your forays into Eperios proper, and because I believe you would make yourself the next Tarquin. This is all backed up by your unsatiated appetite for power and conquest. You have proven yourself on the field of battle and I respect your many victories which include the death of our enemy Pyrrhus; but I question to what end do you serve the Res Publica and to what end do you serve for your own glory?

"It is not a secret that I wish to command a Legio. Every Legatus wishes such a thing for himself - that is why we joined the military service. When the senate failed to raise another last session, three capable officers were denied the opportunity to serve, to learn, and to lead. You were part of that cabal who denied capable officers that opportunity, and by that decision, you gained further victories and notoriety - rising to the rank of Praetor - at their expense.

"You are quite ridiculous to even suggest that I or anyone else seeks to remove you on the grounds that too many Romans have died. Of course men die in battle - it is the nature of warfare, and were your legio to be slaughtered, then perhaps that would be the argument. By continuously attempting to derail this debate by misleading the main topic - that your loyalty and intentions for a free Republic are under scrutiny - you further the case that you are unscrupulous and dishonest. These pathetic mulings are not qualities that I wish for even a pretended leader."

The doors open once more and in stepped a man with a proud bearing. Walking slowly to the centre, the eyes of the Curia watched him intently, and whispers broke out here and there. The man was Consul Pvblivs Atilivs, and he had an obvious scar on his left cheek. He looked around the Curia with a raised hand, signalling to speak.

"Gentlemen, I'm back, and scarred though I may be I am very much alive. I apologize for being late, but I have been a very busy man these last days - too busy according to my physician - and there was a last minute thing I had to take care of at the market. I hope my absence - ever since my... accident - hasn't caused any problems. I would have avoided that spear and stayed on my horse, but the man on the other end had another idea, and he proved luckier. I would swear not to let it happen again, but only the gods can guarantee future events."

Pvblivs bowed his head a little, walked over to the man who had delivered the news of his fate before. After trading a few words with him, the man saluted and stormed out of the Curia. Pvblivs, on the other hand, smiled and took his seat.

Welcome back Pvblivs Atilivs, I am sure I speak for everyone that we are glad for your speedy recovery.

Tiberius Claudius Marcellus bows and when he rises he applauds the Consul,

"Welcome back, Publius Atilius, we are overjoyed at your healing and welcome your sage voice to the debate."

(OOC: Cultured Drizzt fan, please insert your roleplay-name into your signature, so we see it :smash: )

Avlvs turned to the senator who just entered the Curia

"Welcome to the Curia, Pvblivs Atilivs, indeed it's good to see you. A true Roman's flesh recovers fast, you have proved that."

Looking at the scar at his left cheek, he mumbled:

"Mhm, welcome to the club." referring to the fact, that also he had a scar, bur on the right cheek.

Caivs Avrelivs stand also.

It seems none of us have escaped battle free of scars to prove it. However, as Avlvs Aemilivs knows only too well, I am unfortunate enough not to proudly wear most of my wounds on my face.

He winks at Avlvs Aemilivs as he sits.

Avlvs responded: "Indeed my friend, we who have seen battle all wear the scars of fire, steel and death in our hearts." (OOC: humble attempt to bring in the influence of my cool philospher :laugh4:)

The senator Appius Claudius Nero, one of those senators who rarely participated in the affairs of the Res Publica and merely sought to enrich themselves through the influence granted by their positions, mumbled something to his assistant. Nearby senators failed to notice at first, as they were caught up in the stir caused by Caius Aurelius Cotta's return and had also grown used to the spiteful ejaculations of that dark, brooding man. This time, however, the senators noticed something amiss and turned their heads to stare at Nero, who was speaking for longer than they had ever heard in the decade since his admission to the Senate. Finally, the assistant rose and yelled "Senators, may I have your attention please!"

"The esteemed and honorable Senator Appius Claudius Nero wishes to make a comment on current events. *Ahem*

"Caius Aurelius Cotta,

*the entire Senate became hushed with surprise at the insult*

the assistant continues: I believe that is time you step down as Legionary Commander. We can all clearly see that you have gathered to much power in your hands, and you WILL not run for commander of any Legion for at least 3 years. In fact, I declare Edict 6.5: Caius Aurelius must not command troops at any level until the next Congressional Session.

You claim to have won victories, and you have killed the King of the Epirots. Well, as I say, you killed Pyhrros when he had but a few hundred men with him, and you were the ONLY man there in a position of leadership who could have done so. As for winning battles, every other commander has won battles too. You are nothing special.

And these missions you undertake, some of which have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of the cavalry guards provided by the Senate, as well as the legionary cavalry...it is obvious that you are eliminating good, noble Romans of the equites class. Not only does this give you less competition, but it increases the strength of the commoners as they absorb the estates of the dead! Clearly you wish to overthrow the Senate with the support of the plebeians! Tiberius Claudius makes good points, though derived from a childish sense of jealousy towards Caius Aurelius Cotta they may be.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Note: I am an optimate, meaning I don't like plebeians and Tribunes of the Plebs and powerful generals (read: Cotta).

Ok, never mind, I'm a legate.

"Good Consul Pvblivs Atilivs, I am glad to see you return in good form." Blasio nods "We were just discussing leadership of a new Legio should one be created, who would you recommend? I say we go by seniority. The last person to of made legate should get the post yes?"

"Indeed, though I for one prefer to give the other guy scars rather than taking them myself. But I suppose that the lack of a mark is the mark of a coward.

Be that as it may, I must thank you all for your words. They are most appreciated."

"Also, i muse reedit Edict 6.1 aswell: That the provinces of Taras and Rhegion be given to Cornelius Blasio as a provincial Governing. Tiberius Claudius has seen fit my governing skill I see. And I appreciate it. I will govern my provinces for the good of the Res Publica and most definitely for Italia itself as they are home provinces."

"Cnaevs Cornelivs, I would say that the highest ranking officer with the most experience who is not already assigned and is willing to take the responsibility. At the moment, I am not, so I would not stand up in such a race. If there are two or more of the same, highest rank, I would separate them by skill. If it's too hard to tell their skill apart, we should go by who got to that highest rank first. That is my opinion."

"Indeed my same thoughts. Allow me some time to consult with our scribes in the library and I will bring back the best candidates."

A report is brought to Dux Cornelius Blasio...

"I have sent for this report here, and it says here Appivs Clavdivs Nero and Avlvs Aemilivs Mamercvs are the most senior in promotion. If none of them two are to be accepted by this senate then it falls to Tiberivs Clavdivs Marcellvs and Decimvs Cornelivs Scipio. I say we simply vote on all candidates during legislation voting."

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: Caivs Aemilivs Mamercvs would be on that list by Mjolnir is about to be placed inactive.

"Well, I resecond Edict 6.1. , and I am ready to take over the command of a legion. It has to be clarified it this be Legio II or if I'm a candidate for the new Legion."

Manius Claudius rises

"I announce that I am running for Consul of the legions yet again; seeing as the following term is going to be rather busy one with another legion raised and more military expeditions.
and I also announce the following edict and Charter Amendment:"

Edict 6.6: Dux Manius Claudius be allowed to govern the province of Volcallra with its capital at Tolosa for two years, with the current Legio I made into a provincial legion for that term.
"This is so as to allow me to secure the region from yet another Carthaginian threat, as our spies near Saguntum (Arse) inform us that there is a large Carthaginian force marching north; probably to threaten us again."

CA 6.1: The following line shall be added into rule 3.4

Quote:

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3.41
Rule Changes: Rule Changes require a two-thirds majority of unweighted votes (1 vote per player) to pass. Rule Changes can permanently change the Game Rules. Any player can propose Rule Changes, regardless of IC rank at any given time. The gamemaster can veto any proposed Rule Change, but does not vote.

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"and I shall be seconding edict 6.2; it wouldn't be wise to keep two legions waiting in Italia for Gauls to attack; though the possibility of that is very low."

he sighs before taking his seat

I second both Edict 6.6 and CA 6.1

Cicero paused for a moment and rises again:
I'm sorry, I wish to edit CA 6.1:
CA 6.1: The following line shall be added into rule 3.4

Quote:

---

3.41
Rule Changes: Rule Changes require a two-thirds majority of unweighted votes (1 vote per player) to pass. Rule Changes can permanently change the Game Rules except those marked with a *. Any player can propose Rule Changes, regardless of IC rank at any given time. The gamemaster can veto any proposed Rule Change, but does not vote.

The gamemaster may decide which rules may not be modified with a ** added at the end of the rule in the rules/FAQ post at the end of this congressional session at his discretion

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Avlvs nodded to Cicero, in order to show him that he will second CA 6.1

I too second CA 6.1. (ooc: thats better)

I second both Edict 6.6 and CA 6.1, and I would gladly assist you in your governing, dear Manivs Clavdivs.

I second Edict 6.4.

"I also re-second the newest version of Edict 6.1, however, Cnaeus Cornelius, you must place a limit on the length of the term of such governance. I believe it has been customary to last a length of two years. I trust that such an ammendment will be made to the final draft before it is submitted for voting."

Turning to Consul, Dux Manius Claudius Cicero he said,

"While it is unorthodox for a senator to promote himself in his own law, I find you a more than agreeable man and quite the capable adminstrator. However, I am concerned that you will be overstretched to fulfill all the requirements of being both a Provincial Governor as well as the Consul of the Legions. Perhaps you will excell under that pressure; but I believe it would be unwise to run that untested risk so near enemy territory while we are at war. For all we know the Carthaginians have bribed the Aedui or the Arverni and they march southward as we speak. Let us elect you to one position or the other, for the time being. As your current proposal of Edict 6.6 stands, I cannot second it.

"On the flip side of the same coin, I do second your Charter Ammedment 6.1. It is an excellent piece of legislation designed to decentralize authority and give greater influence to the senators who are legislators only, that is to say those who do not command legios or govern provinces. I pray that this freedom-preserving law be passed quickly and without contest."

Tiberius Claudius began to pace the floor, crossing one arm across his chest and bringing the other hand up to his chin, cupping it in deep thought. He looked to Appius Claudius Nero and paused. The gears were turning in the Tarentine senator's head. Finally, he spoke,

"Appius Claudius, your legislation is quite strong. In fact, such an edict is tantamount to issuing a Nota Censoria to Caius Aurelius Cotta - his career will be forever tarnished. He will most likely enter these hallowed halls quite humbly if such a legal noose were hung about his neck. Yet, for all that, you have succeeded quite simply and efficiently in neutering this threat to the freedom of the Res Publica. For all the speeches that I and others have made, you eloquently and unescapably have cornered this wolf. You have succeeded where all others have failed. It reminds me of the time Publius Atilius Regulus sponsored the legislation that ended the continuous governance of Cnaeus Cornelius Blasio. The Res Publica was well-served by that law, and as we all can see, he is doing quite well, commanding the Consular Legio IV Roma and enjoying being considered for a Provincial Governorship."

Turning to face Caius Aurelius Cotta,

"He is no longer demonized now that he has demonstrated quite tangibly that he is a friend of freedom. Therefore, it is with a joyous heart that I second your Edict 6.5."

An unmistakable smirk and a gleam of vengeful joy flashed across Tiberius Claudius' face, unseen by any except their intended victim, as he spoke the last two sentences. His words, however, were indeed heard by all and the simultaneous gasps and hushed murmurings were evidence. This was a bold move indeed by the enemies of the Praetor - and all brought to fruition by one heretofore unknown, the reclusive Appius Claudius Nero.

"I second Edict 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 and 6.6 and CA 6.1, however I cannot second Edict 6.5."

"I was absent from the Curia for a long time, so I may still be somewhat ill-informed, but neither have I seen proof - not even evidence - that Caivs Avrelivs acts according to his own own desire for fame and power nor have I seen proof that he acts out of a sense of duty towards the Res Publica alone."

"In dubio pro reo, dear senatores, that's one of the oldest laws of Rome. What Tiberivs Clavdivs and his friends are proposing is the start opposite of this, that we remove a capable man from his position just because he is capable. If you think that's reason enough perhaps someone should propose Edict 6.7, that all senatores are to be removed from their positions and replaced by women and mentally handicapped?"

"While I request that we all pay close attention to his actions, there is no reason to remove him from his position just yet. Let him first prove his disloyalty then there's still more than enough time to act. Even Caivs Avrelivs isn't quite powerful enough to take on the entire Roman Res Publica."