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*Osimandius Fabius Maximus*
P.M. -
Censors - Tranivs, Scipio
Consuls - Dentatvs, Scipio
Praetor - Septimvs, Lentvlvs, Tvlivs, Ivlva, Blasio, Cicero, Lipedmivs, Gentitvs
C.Aedile - Brvtvs, Maxentivs
P. Aedile - Aquila, Marivs
Quaestor - Lvnaris
P.T. -
M.T. -
P.U. - Dentatvs
MI - Abstain
DI - Yea
DII - Yea
DIII - Nay
DIV - Abstain
DV - Yea
DVI - Yea
DVII - Yea
VO - Abstain
DVIII - Yea
DIX - Abstain
DX - Yea
I must state my disagreement with Senator Vervs Dvmnorvs Assvs, and his assesment of the Pleibs of the Res Republica.
I ask of you, noble Conscript Fathers, which is the most honorable man in all of Roma? I tell, it is the common soldier, the honorable farmer whose family has fought for Roma through generations and made the Res Republica what it is.
And what is this common farmer? A wealthy Patrician of noble birth? No, he is but a pleib, yet without him the Res Republica would long ago have fallen to barbarians.
I cannot call myself a pleib, but I maintain that those that can should be honoured ine very way, and given a chance to influence the course of Roma.
I wish for more Pleibs to join the rank of the Senate, so that the wishes of the Romans might be properly presented. In the meantime, those few noble pleibs that have fought their way into the Senate house should be dully respected, and not mocked for their birth. As long as they are good honest Romans I see no problem with allowing them to aid int he rule of the Res Republica.
Quintus Lorentus Cornelius, spokesman of the pleibs.
OOC: lol whoops, I thought Cicero was a Pleb, and only upon relooking at his profile did I see he was actually a patrician. So just pretend that my comment about plebs isn't a rant at cicero, but a rant at Plebs. Sorry Cicero!
Vervs Dvmnorvs Assvs
Noble Aqvila, it is a shame to hear angered words come from your mouth, and I would like to apologise for my comments on the plebians. I would like to add that it gives the senate great honour to have a man with your audacity and capabilities in our select group. I agree with you Lorentus Cornelius, there is great honour is choosing the life of a farmer and the common soldier.
My comments were made in anger at specific cases in the past where some plebians were allowed in the Senate and almost destroyed our position. However, I do feel that Cicero overstepped a line, comparing the Senate to simple barbarians. We are not a barbaric race. We do not go around murdering people and claiming that is our diplomacy. War should always be the last option when diplomacy and negotiations fail.
Contrary to your statement, I do not believe discussing futures plans is overstepping a line. I don't believe that discussing a campaign to redeem roman honour and avenge our dead is over stepping a line. If that was so, then what could we discuss in this maganimous hall without overstepping a line? It is only when the senate is mocked and insulted, that I feel a line has been overstepped.
But again, I must apologise for speaking in anger and not more carefully thinking out my words. Even the best of us suffer from speaking before we think.
*Dentatvs* Senatores, I wish to notify that while the voting period is not over, namely two Senatores have not bolded their votes, and thus will not be counted.
I have also overheard a rant of my disposition to the Gauls, stating in the simplest form my consent for peace. I will have you all know that it is the best interest of Roma to secure peace upon our borders, and only spill blood when it is necessary. We cannot afford to fight a war on two fronts with our current standing, and as such it would be wise to favor a side in the Gallic civil war.
Since this does appear to be the first voting session amongst the newer Senators, perhaps it will better prepare you men for next period.
And lastly, I notice Jvlivs Antonivs has been selected late for candidacy as a Tribvnis Militia. Unfortunatley, his name was not supplied in the neccesary deadline, and thus he is not open for office this term.
OOC:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Publius eyes Dumnorus Assus and rises
Friend Vervs! You claim that we do not go about murdering people, while the words that we should hunt down and destroy Pyrrhos the Epirote came from your mouth? Then you suddenly claim that bloodshed is only necessary when all other options of diplomacy have failed? Has Pyrrhos not left the Italian mainland? For what purpose should we go into Graecia to kill him?
Look at it in another way. While living, he has to deal with the shame that he has left a war unfinished, that he had to run to his mainland, abandoning his Graecan friends here in Italia? Is this not shameful? Has this not made him appear weak and cowardous in the eyes of his neighbors and compatriots? Let the Epirote state fall as Pyrrhus fell.
Publius Tullius Lunaris sits once again
Marcvs Rubellius Fulvius arises and glares into the rows of senators
“Gentlemen, I worry that you have forgotten who are our civilized trading partners, and who are the mindless barbarian hordes. I will restate in the simplest terms what our course of policy should be; Make war upon the unspeakable Gauls to the north, and treat for peace and trade with the Greeks in Taras. We will capture Rhegium at our Leisure.
It is well known that when the Celts sacked Roma one hundred years ago that even the noblest of maidens were ravished at their hands…. You can still see the result in the complexions of our fellows… Even in this most esteemed of chambers I notice a few with blue eyes or lighter skin… Perhaps this is why you choose to distract us from our mission of spreading civilization and liberating the Italians to the north… perhaps those who distract us from the noble venture against the barbarians are themselves descended from these Gauls, and they would seek only to turn our good Roman blood and treasure upon the civilized men to the east in order to save their brothers from our just wrath! Mark my words, beware of the venom of traitors in our midst!”
Fulvius glances around the chamber with out accusing anyone specifically of being descended from barbarians and takes his seat….
Marcvs Rvbellivs Fvlvivs, I strongly object! I shall be the first one to admit to having some Gallic blood in me, and my blonde hair shall stand witness to this. One of my ancestors was indeed raped by the bloodthirsty Gauls that plundered Roma, and she only gave birth to her son before commiting sucide. Will you call this noble woman a harlot and her son a bastard? He lived all his life as a Roman and fought both the Gauls, Etruscans and Samnites, yet you would accuse him a traitor? I feel neither hatred nor love for the Gauls, despite my distant relations to them.
I feel only love for the Res Republica, and hatred for those who would seek to destroy it.
There is no need to make war upon the Gauls at the moment. For now we must focus on the city of Taras, and once that city has fallen the traitors in Rhegion must be dealt with. After that, perhaps we shall deal with the Gauls in Bononia, or the Ligurians in Segesta.
But even then I see no reason to declare ourselves enemies of the Arverni Confederation, since indeed we have no capabilities to inflict any casualties on them. And as of the Aedui, they are no friends of the Ligurians or Bononians, and will unlikely seek to halt our conquest of these people, less we force them trough harsh words and threats.
Therefore I say make peace with the two strong Gallic confederations, the Aedui and Arverni. Let them fight against each other while we conquer the independent Gauls and become rich through trading with confederations.
Quintus Lorentus Cornelius, proud descendant of Gallic invaders.
Publius rises once again and looks coldly towards Marcus Rubellius Fulvius
Who here dares accuse anyone of treachery towards the Res Publica? These are the finest men of Roma! Have they not vowed to Iupiter Optimus Maximus to have the deepest respect for the Res Publica and will do anything to further its cause? Stay your tongue from accusing people, Marcus Rubellius Fulvius. People might well accuse you in the future for undermining the strength of the Res Publica.
As for Quintus Lorentus Cornelius, I find that this man has proven himself to be both loyal and fierce in his commitment to the Res Publica. He knows that he is descendant from Gauls in some part, yet he does not deny it, and is even proud of his heritage, while loyal to our cause! I need no greater display of loyalty, and he has spoken as one of the wisest men so far.
Publius sits once again and shortly looks at Quintus Lorentus
Cnaevs Clavidivs Cicero
As our good friend Vervs is well aware there is a big difference between criticising the opinions of individual Senators and criticising the Senate, unless of course he feels he is the Senate. I guess then we should all go home and leave the business of the day to him. I'm sure we would all sleep safe at night secure in the knowledge our legions were off their farms chasing some fool around Greece. As for the honourable Senator calling me a pleb, well had the insult come from someone of some standing I may have felt the need to retort, but it just made me chuckle and wonder if there is a subject he has some knowledge of, he obviously has no idea of foreign policy and he certainly has no idea what is going on in Rome. I only hope he has some good slaves to run his affairs. Looks to Assvs If not I have a 6 year old Greek who has just learned to count to 10, perhaps he may be of some use to you? If so you may have him for free, let no one say I am averse to charity.
Phyrros is no threat to Rome
Thank you, noble Pvblivs. I shall not endulge in a great speech of praise in your name, for it is not needed. All men know already of your virtue and wisdom, and besides, no matter of your past achievements, all should be able to recognise the wisdom of what you say.
Now, I hope we can move on from discussing personal heritage, and on to what we should be discussing, the future of Roma. I have made a suggestion to the Praetor Urbanus in private, and we shall what, if anything, is to come of it.
Quintus Lorentus Cornelius
Marcus Rubellius Fulvius arises and addresses Quintus Lorentus Cornelius with heartfelt sincerity:
“Indeed, I have no desire to impugn you, sir, as your very presence in this chamber speaks to your ancient and honorable heritage in this nation. I myself have acknowledged how my own family has suffered at the hands of the same such northern barbarians. I am certain that it is only a coincidence that you should argue that our policy should be to turn our arms upon the civilized Greeks to the South, and away from your relatives of whom you speak with such pride.”
Fulvius sniffs as if he has noticed an unpleasant smell, and returns to his seat
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Also, how will this game be played (M/h, VH/VH, BI.exe, etc.)?
I saddens me to hear you speak, Marcvs Rvbellivs. Would you have me order the complete annihilation of all Gauls before you trust me? And even then, I fear you would demand that I would kill myself.
But I ask of you, consider the history of Roma. Was not Aeneas from Asia, that distant area where barbarian mountain tribes and god-kings live?
In any case, I do not see the points of your racist arguments. For a single moment I shall allow myself to sink to your level, just to test it out.
You wish to see the city of Taras remain in Epirote hands. Why? Perhaps one of your ancestors were an Epirote, perhaps Pyrrhos has bribed you. I do not know, and I do not care. For any man can surely see the flaws in your arguments. And this is what we should focus on, the argmuents, not the heritage of those that make those arguments.
Please Marcvs Fvlvivs, you may never be able to respect me for my Gallic heritage, but at least try to answer my speeches with arguments rather than by insulting my ancestors.
Also, to those that believe I am proud of my Gallic ancestry, you slightly missunderstood me. I am only proud of the woman who gave birth to the child that were the prodcut of Gallic rapes. Surely she was a true Roman, who only lived to deliver her child before she ended her own life. And yes, I take proud in the achievements of my Roman ancestors, who fought long against Gauls, Etruscans, Samnites and indeed Pyrrhos. What man would not? What man should not?
Quintus Lorentus Cornelius, grandson of Consul Cornelius Lentulus, Imperator in the war against the Samnites.
Titvs Lepidvs Aqvila speaks in hopes of resolving the pointless arguements
Nobile senators, as we bicker of heritage and our standings in our society our enemies gather. Barbarians and greeks alike, we can not let pride and personal goals guide the decisions of this senate. As for traitors among this senate, I see nobile romans in this room. Should one have proof of Qvintvs Cornelivs being anything other than a nobile roman should provide it now, otherwise I ask this debate end. Him and his ancestor's paid for us to be here as many of our ancestor's have and their nobility is well known. We need to organize and decide where our troops will march, not check each other's eye color...
Titvs Lepidvs Aqvila sits back down.
Cnaevs Clavdivs Cicero
Aqvila speaks the truth, all in this room have proven their loyalty to Rome through valiant service in the army. Whilst we may doubt the intelligence and judgement of some, glances at Assvs I for one will not stand by and accept slandering the name or heritage of anybody here.
Phyrros is no threat to Rome
Manivs enters the Senate hall with a fresh air about him. Following him are Lvcivs Scipio and both of their lictors, indicating their new Consul status. Proudly, he walks up to the rostrum and signals the Senate to take their places.
"Senatores, it does me great honour to stand here before you as Consul yet again. Standing with me is none other then honourable Cornelivs Scipio. Elected by the people, for the people, it is my oath to serve this city to the best of my abilities, and to serve the immortal God's as thanks for this bearing."
"Dually elected, I am also Praetor Urbanus, and I thank you all for placing your trust in me yet again. To begin this glorious meeting, I will announce the products of our votes."
He picks up the wax tablets handed to him by his scribe and clears his throat. He then reads, his voice booming out each syllable:
A current list of Senatores and notable Plebians:
Senatores:
Manivs Cvriuvs Dentatvs, Cnaevs Cornelivs Blasio, Cnaevs Cornelivs Scipio Asina, Lvcivs Cornelivs Scipio, Vervs Dvmnorvs Assvs, Quintus Cornelius Lentulus, Vibius Tarquinius Barbatus, Septimus Claudius Oppugnatus, Marcus Claudius Albinus, Publius Tullius Lunaris, Osimandius Fabius Maximus, Cnaevs Clavdivs Cicero, Marcvs Rubellius Fulvius, Marcus Iulius Draco, Pvblivs Ivlivs Antonivs
Plebians:
T. Lepidvs Avqvilla
Notable Changes:
Congratulations C. Avrellivs Cotta and T. Lepidvs Avqvilla, who are now allowed to vote.
Here are the offices:
PM -...
Cens - ...
Cons - M. Cvrivs Dentatvs, L. Cornelivs Scipio
Prae - ...
CA - ...
PA - T. Lepidvs Avqvilla, C. Avrelivs Cotta
Quae - P. Tvllivs Lvnaris, ...
PU - M. Cvrivs Dentatvs
Here is the status on the votes:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
MI - Pass
DI - Pass
DII - Pass
DIII - Fail
DIV - Pass
DV - Pass
DVI - Pass
DVII - Pass
DVIII - Fail
DIX - Fail
DX - Fail
"Today Senatores, I and Consul Scipio will be undertaking the journey south. With no further ado, I leave you good men."
The Consuls both step down from the rostrum and out of the Senate hall. Outside, the sun radiates off of the forum tiles as birds sing in the afternoon breeze. Where Jupiter threw his fits of rage only days before, it was impossible to tell on such a blessed day. Order had been restored in Roma.
OOC:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Senate house rambled on about the war in the south. It had been only days after the election of the Consuls, and already it seemed as if they were taking sides for or against them. Almost unnoticed, a scribe crept his way in with a series of wax tablets.
"Ah," said Blasio "the news from the south has arrived." He smiled at Cotta sitting beside him. Both men gleamed with the expectation of the news to come.
The scribe passed the tablets to the Praetor Urbanus appointed in Dentatvs' abscence, scurrying away unexpectedly. All eyes fell upon the Praetor Urbanus. Slowly, he smiled at the anxious scribe, and then glanced down to read the days notes. As his eyes scanned the tablets, his brow furrowed and his smile turned into a frown. More franticly, he looked the wax writing pads over and over again. The atmosphere of the Senate hall became still at this sudden change of energy, and murmurs crept from all corners of the large hall.
"By the Gods.." said the Praetor Urbanus, almost too low to hear. "No...no, no, no...it can't be.."
"Praetor, I advise you read us the tablets!" said Blasio in an extremley nervous tone. Only one thing could have gone wrong, and Blasio did not want to hear it.
"F-fellow Senatores," the Praetor glanced around wildly, "Dentatvs is dead!"
https://i264.photobucket.com/albums/...n/DentatvsDead
The Senate hall fell still at this news. After moments of the devestion, roars began echoing through the building. Suffles broke out, and rival factions fought. Blasio stood and tried to quiet them to no avail. He stormed red-faced to the rostrum and inhaled deeply.
"Senatores!" he screamed so loud every movement came to cease. "How dare you disgrace this city! A Consul has died, and a great man at that, but to act as Gauls in the time we should mourn is unthinkable!"
The Senate sank. Men sat down and stared at the floor as if scourned.
"If this news is true, then we must honor him, not bicker wildly. We are Roman, and one man's death will not stop us from achievment. Now, on with the news of the day, Praetor."
Here is what happened:
Moved legions south.
https://i264.photobucket.com/albums/...raetorian/AAR1
Small band of Epeirotes:
https://i264.photobucket.com/albums/...raetorian/AAR2
Handled them easily without much distraction:
https://i264.photobucket.com/albums/...raetorian/AAR3
Ceasfire with the Gauls:
https://i264.photobucket.com/albums/...raetorian/AAR4
Qart-Hadistim making hostile moves?
https://i264.photobucket.com/albums/...raetorian/AAR5
Spy in Rhegion:
https://i264.photobucket.com/albums/...raetorian/AAR6
is it my firefox or do the screenshots not work?
I also do not see any images, although I use the firefox derived "flock" browser... Did we win? Is this campaign on Very Hard difficulty?
The images don´t show up for me either, I just get a "this image or video has been moved or deleted. Photobucket."
But, in the meantime, I might as well react to what I can see:
Senators! Our noble Consul Dentatvs is dead, and we mourn his passing, as we mourn the passing of any noble Roman. But, we cannot let mourning overcome us. So I ask you, what are the words upon Consul Scipio and the Roman legions?
As no words of an Epeirote victory has arrived, I presume that Dentatvs died peacefully, of age or sickness, not by enemy hands.
If this is indeed the case I see no other choice than to continue with the purging of the Epeirotes from Italia. Consul Scipio will surely be able to lead the legions to victory by himself, and should waste time travelling back to Roma until Taras has been taken.
I also suggest that Lvcivs Scipio remain sole Consul for the remainder of his period in office, both to honor noble Dentatvs and for practical reasons.
We shall hold our speeches of praise to Dentatvs later, at his funeral games, but for now, we must focus on the task at hand. The Res Republica calls for your leadership, Conscript Fathers. Will you answer the call, or waste time bickering on pointless subjects?
Our enemy has undoubtly heard of Dentatvs death, and believe that now that out greatest leader is dead our armies will return to their farms. Therefore they do not expect an assault. I say we use this moment of surprise, and strike right at the city of Taras.
Of course, any such decisions will be left to Consul Scipio, but I am confident that he will take the city as insctructed by the Conscript Fathers.
Have no fear Senators, Roma will prevail. It is trough dark times like this that great empires are shaped.
Quintus Lorentus Cornelius.
Having returned from his short military stint Marcus Iulius Draco speaks up:
I am pleased to see that during my absence wisdom has prevailed within the senate when it comes to our southern peninsular politics. Having spent time with our men in the South I can assure you conscript fathers of their willingness to enforce your rulings. The men are eager to drive the Epeirotes out of Taras, and restore our honor by dealing harshly with the rebels in Rhegion.
I too mourn the passing of a true Roman, but Manivs Cvriuvs Dentatvs was as he himself told me, but one among many. I knew him well, and he was a second father to me, and I know that seeing us today, he would tell us that while we should honor the past, we should always look to the future. I see here gathered around me many Romans, that will continue to bear the Roman name proudly for many years, and when they will be gone, others will take their place for the Res Publica, shall live on forever.
I wish to reiterate that after our conquest of Taras and Rhegion, we should assure the security of future generations by driving the Gauls from the northern part of our peninsula. As such I propose that we secure Bononia, Patavium and Segesta at the earliest opportunity.
Remember conscript fathers, the Gauls must be destroyed.
Draco sits, as he salutes several friends of his father.
OOC: Having returned from my mini-holiday to vote in RL elections, it seems I missed these ones, but at least the voting went well. :2thumbsup: And, yes I see no images either... it's photobucket that blocks them... and how on earth do you use spoiler tags? My broken mind has forgotten the code for it.
L. Julius Antonius stands,
Senatores, I propose by action of the senate that we honor the life and accomplishments of our noble consul, M. Curius Dentatus. A bust in his honor should be commissioned by the senate, paid by the senate, and placed within the forum to forever remember the achievements of this great Roman.
Consul Scipio should remain in command of the legions in the south, but I propose sending another man of standing to join Scipio in investing Taras.
I also propose, men of the senate, that we send a delegation to Carthage to inquire about the curious movement of men and material. While our current task should be the clearing of southern Italia, let us not forget about Carthage to the south, friends today, but potentially our greatest enemies tomorrow..
L. Julius Antonius returns to his seat
M. Claudius Albinus is next to speak
Through my life I have known Manius Curius Dentatus as a general, a political opponent and as a friend- because he was a Roman senator, and loved the City as I do. A bust in the forum is indeed fitting. And let his ashes be buried within the Campus Martius, doubly fitting as it is both a place of honour and war.
We have not ascertained the cause of his death, which may be of importance, since we are dealing with Greeks. I suggest that the Curii be respectfully asked to supply a statement to this assembly.
Normally I would oppose the continued solitary consulate of Scipio. However, by the time elections were made, his term would be drawing to a close anyway.
Back to the business of the day!
What is this Carthaginian activity that arouses your concern, good Julius Antonius?
OOC:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
OOC:Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Praetor Urbanus in place of the late Dentatvs stands at the rostrum.
"Fellow Senatores, on with the buisness of the day. It seems the reports of the death of Manivs have returned. He has died of natural causes, and no assassin nor man caused his death."
"Now, 4 weeks have passed since that fateful day, and I assume we are well recovered from the trauma. So, I will coninue with the buisness of the day."
-What to do with advancing Qart-Hadistim (An army has placed itself near the Messana straits outside of Italy, spies report it is composed of several infantry and a few elephants.)
-What to do with the small brigades being sent from Taras (very minimal threat, units of 2 infantry, defeated one group)
-What to do with Rhegion if assault is succesfull
-What to do after Rhegion
Notes on elected offices:
Aediles will PM with primary building ideas
Quaestors may assist the Aediles via PM as "secretaries" for organization.
Asked numeroud times: No, there are not age restriction except Consul, which is 42, since everyone has a very low aged character.
this is the second year, add one to your ages.
PM ALL VOTING TOPICS TO ME BY 24 HOURS!!!!
Marcus Iulius Draco:
I have seen too much anxiety over these Carthaginian troops marching around Sicilia. I wish to remind you conscript fathers that a serious war against Carthage will require the building of a great fleet to deal with their navy. Fleets cost money, money better spent elsewhere, therefore it would not be in our interest to wage war against Carthage, seeing that a war with Carthage would prove an incredible strain on our treasury. I say do not provoke the Carthaginians into war conscript fathers, let us wait and see how their intentions play out. One has to remember there is still Messana and Syrakousai in the way of their aggression, and the Carthaginians would be foolish to advance against us without having secured those cities first. If foolishness prevails and they attack us in truth, by all means let us deal with them harshly, but until that time we should concentrate on more pressing matters.
Let us see to our business of securing Rhegion and Taras first and foremost. Afterwards we can station enough troops in Rhegion to discourage Carthaginian aggression. It is to the North that our destiny lies.
Therefore, I conclude that the Gauls must be destroyed.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
L. Julius Antonius stands to address the senate...
Honorable senatores, I implore you to view Carthage as a serious threat, one that must not be overlooked. The Gauls too the north will not stir and try to advance south, they are fat and lazy and do not have the imperial ambitions that Carthage is clearly displaying.
I disagree with M. Iulius Draco's statements that a fleet would be needed to successfully wage war in Sicily. Transportation across the Straights of Messana can be found from amongst the local population. I believe that one swift strike with a full consular army can subdue Sicily in two years time. Imagine Senatores the wealth and presitge to be gained from such a possession as well as the security provided by depriving Carthage of her only means of attacking Italy itself.
Be wary of Carthage!
L. Julius Antonius returns to his seat.
Publius Tullius Lunaris rises again
I partially agree with Lucius Julius Antionus that Carthago is a potential threat, but do not forget that they are an old people, ancient even. When Aeneas came to Italia, did the city of Carthago net yet exist? If we would attack the city of Messana, this would mean open war with the Carthaginians. I do not advise that we make any move against Sicilia or Carthage before we have united all of Italia.
Once again I find myself in agreement with Senator Pvblivs Tvllivs Lvnaris. While the Poeni are certainly a potenial treat, so are all people and nations. That does not mean that direct action is needed.
I very much doubt the the Carthaginians will take any kind of action against the peoples of Italia before they have subdued the Greeks of Sicilia. Given the power owned by these, especially by the mighty city of Syrakusa, I doubt that it will happen anytime soon. There are much more pressing matters at hand.
The Epirotes must first be driven from Italia, and the turncoats at Rhegion dealed with. Even then, unless the Carthaginians act in any directly aggresive way, I believe the Galii and Ligurii must be dealt with first.
As for conquering Sicilia, Senator Jvlivs Antonivs might well be right that mainland Sicilia can be taken in a relatively short time, but what will happen then, if we are without a navy? Carthaginian ships will ravage the coast of our allies in both Sicilia and Italia. The ships of our merchants will be sunk, our ports and docks blockaded. Without the trade our economy will fall in ruin.
And in time Carthago might gather a great army and land it where ever they please, we will be powerless to stop them. Therefore I say that before we even contemplate going to war with Carthago, we must gather a great navy to rival theirs.
But first, we have Epeirotes, Greeks, traitors, Ligurians and Gauls to deal with.
Quintus Lorentus Cornelius.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Septimus Claudius Oppugnatus hurries into the meeting room, sits down, and waits his turn to speak.
"My fellow Senatores, I must apologize for my absence today. I was visiting my grandfather on his estate in Campania; surely you remember Quintus Claudius Oppugnatus? Anyway, it is due to his choice that I am here representing my family, which he cannot do because of his frailty, and not one of my cousins, so I owe him my company once in a while, if nothing else. I suppose I shall give my humble opinions on the matters at hand. In order to deal with the Tarentine raiding parties, we have only to assault Tarentum with a large force- the raiders will no doubt return to the city seeking to help it break the siege, and we can destroy all of Pyrrhus's forces in Italia in one battle. As for Rhegium, they are all traitors, and we cannot allow them to live freely. Therefore, I say we enslave (exterminate) the settlement, and incorporate it into the Italic alliance (Type 1 Gov.). Finally, I believe the Carthaginians do not mean to threaten us. Further, if they attack Messana, we do not have sufficient funds to start an invasion of Sicilia and a full-scale war, so we may have to let them take it. I advise that we place a watchtower by the strait, and send a spy to Sicilia so that we can keep track of their actions, and perhaps place a small guard force on our side of the strait. Otherwise, our attention should be directed to taking Liguria after we subdue Tarentum and Rhegium. Thank you, noble senatores.
Septimus sits down, slightly out of breath.
Titvs Lepidvs Aqvila rises to address the issues at hand.
In regard to Sicilia I am in agreement with Publius Tullius Lunaris, as we can not afford a war with Carthage. As I believe our resources should be put towards our economy and securing Italia. With that said I am also in disagreement with nobile Oppugnatus, as the greek families in Rhegion have been tortured by the traitors, putting us to shame. Who are we do to the same exact thing to these poor people? I propose we begin romanizing their province slowly after the traitors are slaughtered in battle. (type III) Afterwards a small roman garrison should be placed in Rhegion and local troops raised to remind our allies where the border lies. As senator Quintus Lorentus Cornelius said, there are gauls to our north and the Epieros who we are still at war with. A war with Carthage would put us at a disadvantage in our other wars and could lead to war on 3 different fronts. All trade with their colonies would be lost and also damage our treasury.
Titvs Lepidvs Aqvila sits back down.
Claudius Albinus touches his thigh and winces at a memory. After a quick glance around the room, he rises to speak.
While I cannot believe that anyone perverse enough to use elephants is not a threat, I agree that Carthage is not an immediate threat. Perhaps we should express our displeasure at their proximity to Italy, but at the present time, we have other matters to attend to.
I agree with Claudius Oppugnatus' suggestion for Tarentum. It is far nobler, and more likely to result in success for Rome, if we seek a decisive battle in the field. If some of the Tarentines are not in the city, this may precipitate just such an outcome.
Rhegium should be recompensed and their people given significant rights. I am cautious to suggest granting Latin rights, but perhaps in this instance it is just and appropriate. No long term Roman garrisons there however! The people would not trust them, and this would endanger the soldiers. As soon as practicable, local affairs should be left in the hands of the locals.