OOC:
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Avlvs Mamercvs has hired the services of a Philosopher


Avlvs application for the post as Tribvnvs of the Legio II Latium has been declined. So he stayed in Roma in order to find another task, until the day his service is required by the city and people he loved. He "borrowed" his Chirurgeon and his Armourer to the Legatii who went to war, and hired himself a Philosopher, with whose help he meant to train his mind, because he believed that a good commander not only had to keep himself physically strong but also be in possession of a sharp intellect.

His Philosopher was and old makedonian called Nikarchos, who had been in the service of the Seleukid Basileus, governed great cities in Mikra Asia and fought battles agains fearsome enemies. When he got older he decided to devote himself to philosophy, since he was lucky enough to see many wonders in this world, to travel around and share his experience with other people.

A: "Welcome to Roma, wise Nikarchos"
N: "Thanks, Master Aemilius, I am looking forward to learning from you"
A: "What? I thought I'll learn from YOU"
N: "We will learn from each other, my friend. One lifetime is not enough to learn all that can be learnt."
A: "I suppose you're right. Follow me, you will stay at my familys villa. Two of my slaves will be at your service. You have the position of my advisor."

At the villa of the Aemilii dinner has been served for the two men. The Philosopher begins a conversation.

N: "Something grieves you, Master Aemilius, i can tell by your eyes. Do you want to tell me?"
A: "Well, its nothing...I... bah, I appied for the post as Tribvnvs in one of our Legions, who marches against the Barbarians in the north. But the Legatvs chose another man. I fear the war is over before I get a chance to act."
N: "Another man, who is less qualified than you?"
A: "No, he's a good man, I know..."
N: "But you are too?"
A: "Yes."
Nikarchos looked at him.
A: "Well...I....no?"
Nikarchos smiled.
A: "I don't know, I try to be the best man I can be"
N: "No more can be asked of you"
A: "What do you advise?"
N: "Well, my Advise would be to be patient. You are young, and you want to prove your valour. Since you descend from a great family, you will have the chance soon. And besides: Do not consider those peoples from the north to be weak. The Celts have a great and ancient culture, their rhetorical abilities are far beyond ours and to wirte they use greek letters. Do not expect to gain easy victories there."
A: "Who could stand a disciplined roman army!! Rhetorical abilities? Will they palaver us to death?"
Avlvs laughed.
N: "And this says a Senator of Rome!"
They both laughed and Avlvs ordered more wine.
N: "Well, celtic warriors fought for the hellenic peoples for centuries. They even conquered rome in the year of the consulship of YOUR forefather L. Aemilius Mamercinus and Licinus Menenius Lanatus! Especially an Aemilius should know!" (OOC: Historical accurate military tribunes of the year 387 BC)
A: "Its hundrets of years ago."
N: "Ah, roman arrogance. The greeks used to be so too. Maybe they teach that at School today, but do not underestimate those Celts, just because rome conquered a bit of Italia and gained some victories agains Epeiros. Maybe Phyrrus would have won, if he had have more Celts in his army! Always be prepared. A good commander does never overestimate himself and underestimate his enemy. Think of Megas Alexandros' words: "To me every bad greek is a barbarian, and every good barbarian is a greek". Thats a wise mindset."
A: "I will remember that. Now lets get some sleep. We will continue this conversation tomorrow."

They stood up.

N: "Thanks again for your hospitality, Master Aemilius."
A: "Good night, Nikarchos"

Avlvs thought long about their conversation, before he finally fell asleep. He knew, that he could learn much from this man .... oh, yes, and this man from him too.