The Curia

[/Bean\]

A letter arrives from the front, sealed with the signature of Legatus Cotta...

Honourable Senators, I would first like to congratulate Pvblivs Atilivs Regvlvs on his promotion to Legatus; may the enemies of Rome tremble at our might!

I actually write to ask a favour of the senate and especially of Legatus Regvlvs. I ask that two men, Caivs Aemilivs Mamercvs and his cousin Avlvs Aemilivs Mamercvs be given the highest thought in the appointment to the legions. Since they failed to gain access to the legions on their first appointment, I ask sincerly that Legatus Regvlvs pay the highest attention to these two strong willed and patient Tribunes. After having been stuck in Rome for so long with little to do but wait until their appointment, I feel it would be highly unfair for those unaccustomed to our ways to gain their rightful places. Above all, I would owe Legatus Regvlvs a favour or two, should he ever wish to claim.

I leave it in your wise minds, Senators. How do you stand regarding these men?

Cotta sits, nodding at the two cousins across the chamber.

[The Celtic Viking]

Pvblivs stands up and raising his right arm, he beckons to speak.

"Thank you, Dentatvs, thank you Cotta and perhaps most of all I thank you, Asina. It has been an honour to serve under you as a Tribune.

As I said when I first spoke in the Curia, I am first and foremost a military man. I understand politics and deal with it as I may, but I have up until now paid minimal interest in it. However, as I understand it, we are now to conquer the last province and then we will be in firm control of Italia. But what then? Has that been decided yet? I would like to know what our plans for the close future is."

Pvblivs bows before he sits down again.

[navarro951]

Heres Blasio responds...

"In the future, our Dictator wishes to expand to to Venetia, another independent region. After which a new legion will be trained, Legio III. For now, that is all the Dictator will say as a new offensive plan is in the making to be unveiled at a later time."

[SwissBarbar]

I thank Legatus Cotta for his friendship and intercession. I will head now for the Campvs M. and declare my interest to join the Legion

[navarro951]

Heres Blasio Reports the Front...

"Good senators of Roma,

It is indeed a most tragic day in for the entire Republic. Our great Consul Asina, as fallen taking the life of the brute Conan of Segesta himself. The battle was a rigorous and bloody victory. Our legions attacked both sides and on Consul Asina's flank he was mortally wounded whilst personally cutting Conan's throat. Legatus Cotta was awarded the high honor of Corona Civica for dragging Consul Asina from the battle.

Our surgeons did all they could, but the Consul's wounds were too severe. I will return to Roma soon, filled with nothing but the utmost sadness.

All necessary promotions will be handed out soon.

Your Heres Electus, Blasio"

[Mjolnir]

Tribvnvs Caivs Aemilivs Mamercvs stands to address the Senate.

Surely this is both a day of joy and sorrow for our Republic. While our ever victorious legions have once again defeated the barbarians in the north and expanded our borders, Consul Asina the leader of our legions has fallen in glorious battle. The Aemilia family offers it sincerest condolences to the Asina family.

The Senator resumes his seat.

[Il_Duce]

A young man quickly walks into the room and hands a piece of parchment to the speaker for Senator and Tribune Appius Cladius Nero. He stands, clears his throat, and begins

Dear Senatores, a letter from the front:

"Fellow men of Rome, it is a bitter sweet day as you already know. Our glorious Legions have captured Segesta, but in the action we lost our greatest hero. I was of the first to arrive to his body in the battle, and I carried him upon my steed back to the surgeons. I was there when he took his last breath, and I was there when he crossed into the after life.

But today is not a day to mourn. Today is a day to celebrate-- to celebrate the grand life of our most beloved Imperator Asina. And it is a day to celebrate the coming of the age of Blasio. I have full confidence in his abilities to lead us through the every battle we may face, and I am positive that you all shall share my same feelings.

Cordially,
Tribunus Nero
Legio II"

[Mooks]

A noble roman dieing in battle against the barbarians. A very noble way to die, something for all romans to aspire too.

[Tiberius Claudius Marcellus]

The young senator from Taras pales when he hears the news of the sudden and violent death. Surely the end cannot be so abrupt - and random? This man was a hero of Roma, surrounded by thousands of trained killers. Surely they should have protected him. Perhaps he failed to heed the auspices or had wronged the gods in some way. Yes, that must be why such a great man existed only in memory now. But......if such a fate could befall this great general, then surely it could befall anyone......even.......

Tiberius Claudius Marcellus stands up and speaks meekly at first, trying to find a voice and words to match that will fill the akward silence left by the grievous news and the cavernous hall. Several of the senatores glance over to appraise what is to be said.

"Senatores, all Rome and her various peoples feel this great loss. Verily, Latium has lost its finest son and brightest star. Though I cannot propose legislation while in session, I remind the Curia that we are not currently in session. Therefore, I do propose we honor Consul Asina's memory by levying extra taxes from the people who have committed this atrocity and additionally by denying them full equity within the Res Publica for a time of Ten years, afterwhich their debt shall have been forgiven. Let us also use the tribute of this new land to finance games for the people and a Triumphus for Consul Asina's legion who has been bloodied and away from home for several years.

By doing so, we set an example to enemy nations that the might of Roma is not to be denied. It is better to surrender to us without contest, lest we extract the price of our labor from their very homes, fields, and commerce. Yet, we may also win the hearts of the timid amongst our foes by showing the people of Segesta clemency once their debt has been repaid. In this way we may convince the Barbaroi that there is no better friend, and no worse enemy than Roma."

Tiberius finishes his brief speech in a strong and confident tone, one suggesting to the cleverly tuned ears of the senior politicians that this man has the heart, if not the experience, to lead the way in times of trouble.

[The Celtic Viking]

With his helmet in his hand, Pvblivs Atilivs Regvlvs stands up.

"It is a great loss indeed. As I fought as his second-in-command, I learned much from him about commanding an army, and he was always a friend and a true Roman. But even I say we must move on, and with no repercussions against the conquered people. We have won and should assimilate them into our rule as soon as we can, not make them view us as tyrants. Willing obedience beats forced obedience.

Though I have temporarily taken command over it now with his death, I would ask to know who the new commander of Legio I Apulia will be."

[Mooks]

With his helmet in his hand, Pvblivs Atilivs Regvlvs stands up.

"It is a great loss indeed. As I fought as his second-in-command, I learned much from him about commanding an army, and he was always a friend and a true Roman. But even I say we must move on, and with no repercussions against the conquered people. We have won and should assimilate them into our rule as soon as we can, not make them view us as tyrants. Willing obedience beats forced obedience.

May I ask who will be the new commander of Legio I Apulia?"

I agree with this sentiment entirely. And also nominate Pvblivs Atilivs Regvlvs as the commander of Legion I Apulia. He already knows the troops, and what it takes to lead the army. I have complete confidence in his abilities as a commander of Rome.

[/Bean\]

The doors to the Curia swing open, but the Senators are chatting away and do not initially notice the figure walking into the Senate Hall. The tapping of his military boots on the marble floor echoes around throughout the space, and the chatting turns to whispers, as Senators turn to stare at the new arrival. Legatus Cotta enters the hall, in clean military dress adorned with tall helmet. His face gives nothing away, as his gaze sweeps the stands. As he reaches the centre, all talking stops, as the Senators wait for the Legate to speak.

Good morning, Gentlemen. How fares today's discussions?

A portly senator stands, a look of anger upon his face.

"Ah Legate, nice of you to join us at last. We were just mourning our dead consul, if you hadn't noticed during your relaxing day!"

Cotta looks at him, with a kind of detached weariness.

Horatius, in case you did not know, I was there when the Consul was killed, thank you very much. I dragged him from the battlefield myself. I have said all I wish to say to him, to his family and his clients. I have nothing to further to say. Mourned I have, believe me not at the cost of your own respect. A fine man, a great man, has died, leaving our Republic once more weaker than it should be.

But we gain nothing from mourning. Further action, retaliation, and less dileberation is what we require at this time. Senators, I do not dishonour the memory of the man that was, when I say we must for now forget about when he was alive, and we must ourselves live up to the fact that he is dead and that is that. Our republic stands daily on the brink of destruction. One decisive move by any single one of our innumerbale enemies, and we are crushed. Consul Asina, had one of us many Senators have died, would unlikely have sat around wishing they were still alive until something so drastic forced him from his slumber. I have returned to Rome to make sure this does not happen.

Segesta is captured, but Liguria is not. It will require many more battles, a constant show of force and the occupation of the country for several more months before we can even think about leaving them be. In my absense and Consul Asina's recent death, the legions have been left in temporary command of the highest ranking tribune, Pvblivs Atilivs Regvlvs. I trust his judgement and command ability. Be in no doubt that our recent exploits of the north have improved our position not only in Italia, but in the Mediterrainian. We are, and should remain, a force to be reckoned with. However, we are still new to the board game. We face invasion from every corner. The Greeks, ever hungry for conquest, still lie in their mountainous homeland. I admit, they fight constantly amongst themselves, no single party gaining the upper hand. But invasion from Greece has occured before; it can happen again.

To the south lies Sicily; the home of evil tyrants and ambitious empires. Syracuse, Carthage. All would not weep at Rome's fall. We called an alliance with the son's of Dido over the Molosson threat. That threat is extinquished; how long can the pact last?

And fianlly to the north, the Gauls watch and wait, like patient wolves eyeing a flock of lambs. Expanded north, we may have done. However, we have no northern border. The Celtic hordes have many a time before swept down the spine of Italia, burning and pillaging whatever pleased them. It could reoccur at any time. We must establish our authority. With exhausted armies and depleted strength, a complete conquest up to the Alps is, for the moment, unrealistic. However, the wide banks of the Po River offer a stong natural barrier against the blond giants. Let us guard this border, lest we again face another invasion.

Senators, the time for mourning is over. There is much to discuss. The Legio I Apullia lacks a commander. My two Tribunes are ready to face the Legatus' trials. We lack a second Consul. All must be addressed, and quickly. I leave it in your hands, gentlemen.

[navarro951]

The Dictator Speaks...

"Legatus Pvblivs Atilivs Regvlvs is now the commander of Legio I Apulia...and all new promotions have been documented in the library."

[Potocello]

Servivs Longvs stands, weary, tired , and demorilised from the loss of his brave and noble commander.

"Senators, what Legatvs Cotta says is true, we must move on and honor the death of Consul Asina by ensuring that our victories in the North were not a waste. We must fortify those cities soon, or the barbarians will use the death of one of our commanders to their advantage. We must show them that we Romani are strong.

Hear these words, senators, and let us act quickly and send heavy reinforcements to the North. We must keep those cities...we must keep them for Consul Asina...

Servivs sits and hangs his head slightly. His beaten morale causes him to slouch, he will continue to mourn Asina.

[SwissBarbar]

I agree. Let us prepare and march!

[The Celtic Viking]

"Thank you, Dentatvs! It is an honour to replace Asina, and I will make sure not to disappoint you."

Pvblivs bows.

[everyone]

A man, shaven, stern, yet having a morose expression on his face, dressed in military attire enters the Curia.

"Ave Senatores! I am Manivs Clavdivs Cicero, I have recently rode a long distance from Segesta down to Roma to express my gratitude to our noble Heres Blasio for sponsoring me into senatorship (OOC: I'm not sure what's the phrase to use here, so this might sound rather weird); also, as a close friend to the late Consul Asina-

Cicero's facial expressions twitches as he says "late consul" and gulps before saying "Asina"

-I have been trusted by him to publish the last of his documents to the senatorial library (OOC: the stories in the stories thread and some other related things)"

Cicero hands a medium-sized stack of parchments over to a magistrate; on those notes were the instantly-recognisable yet totally illegible handwriting of Consul Asina

Cicero then turned to Legatus Publius

"Legatus, you may or may not recall me but I had served as a minor officer, one of those in charge of drilling the men, in Legio I Apulia. and I wish to enlist in Legio I Apulia as a Tribunus, the choice to accept is yours, I just wish to honour Consul Asina."

(OOC: though Navarro hasn't confirmed Cicero's rank, I'm assuming it to be Tribunus (which it most likely would be)

[Tiberius Claudius Marcellus]

Senator Tiberius Claudius Marcellus emerged from one of the alcoves designated for the keeping of the Senatorial library, arms piled with several scrolls and a small book, and placed them down at a desk. A housekeeper of the Curia scurried forward with a burning wick to ignite the lamps where the Senator would be reviewing the legal documents.

Curosry glances of the scrolls reveaeld nothing of interest. He knew they wouldn't but one could never be too careful when searching for information. Father had taught him that often enough the most important of things could be hidden in the most obscure or unassuming of places. More than once father had been right. This time, however, the scrolls being examined contained only supply lists for the Legions that until recently had been "liberating" provinces and towns for the Res Publica. A laundry list of everything from barrels of water to bushels of grain to ingots of iron for the blacksmiths. The sheer magnitude of supplies needed boggled the mind. It was inconceivable that so many people could be coordinated to supply these items from all over Italia and be convinced to sell them to the military. Yet, Segesta was the lastest testament that supply these items they did, and according to the records at quite the profit too.

Tiberius pushed the scrolls aside and motioned to a clerk that they were ready to be replaced in the alcoves. The elderly man silently glided up and caressed each scroll as he would a newborn babe. These parchments were this man's life. Tiberius reminded himself to show respect for them. Opening the small book he had almost overlooked on the shelves, Tiberius flipped through the pages until he came to the current accounting of Tribunes being accepted to the new legions. Passed up again!

Tiberius was livid. How dare they pass him up for men of lesser age and standing. While his own standing was still that of plebeius, he was moving up in the world - or at least trying too. Then the wave of realization suddenly hit, overwhelming Tiberius to the point of near regurgitation: The Romani were plotting against him because of his Hellenic upbringing. They wouldn't even consider him for a post unless it was in some backwater province keeping the rocks and the fields in line. They did not trust him.

Calming himself, Tiberius gently closed the book and walked to the alcove to place it back on the shelves. The custodian wrung his hands and figeted nervously, too wary to ask the Senator to allow him to do it himself; but unwilling to trust someone else to handle his charges alone. Tiberius smiled at the elderly man and walked out of the chambers. These Romaoi would learn that Tribunus Tiberius Claudius Marcellus was no man to dangle a carrot in front of and then refuse to let him have even a nibble. No sooner than was the senator out of sight then the arthritic custodian of the Curia quickly glided into the alcove making slight adjustments here, and a finger swipe at the dust there. Senators were such clumsy folk. They had no attention to detail.

[navarro951]

The Dictator stands and after a loud cough he speaks...

"I know their has been a lot of confusion after the death of Consul Asina. No man in this Curia looked to him with the utmost respect than I. His passing is the price we pay for a greater Rome.

So, as my servants tell me my condition is worsening, I must quickly get down to business. Legatus Cotta will continue to command Legio II Latium. Legatus Regvlvs will have the honor of commanding Consul Asina's mighty Legio I Apulia. I know young Regvlvs will gain victories in honor of his former commander."

Dentatvs clears his throat...

"As for all new legates at the end of this year, if the Gods allow me to live to then, I will commission one new legion one of you may command. If Denarii, which does not grow off our trees, permits it I may even commission a second. For now all legates are free to study in one of our schools, or serve with any legion. (OOC: They are not tribunus' and will not count as 2nd or 3rd in commands. They are their simply to be part of the RP stories, be part of the action, or maybe get lucky and take command in the absence of a player in real-life. So yes a legion can have as many legates as it wants, but they do not directly report to anyone in it.)

All tribuni who do not already have a command post given to them, must wait till the Congressional Council to gain one in the newly commissioned legions. I suggest you also continue your schooling as education will one day make for a fine commander."

With a harsh cough the Dictator seats himself and sips some water...

[navarro951]

Heres Blasio's message from Segesta to the Curia

"I have here read reports from our military advisers. My orders after taking these into consideration:

1st I will be returning to Roma. Legatus Cotta is still in command of Legio II.

2nd All legions will be retrained and march for the last independent state near us, Patavium.

That is all"

[Potocello]

"Legatvs Cotta, would you mind if i serve with you in the Legio II Apulia? As a Legatvs myself, there would still be room for your 2nd and 3rd Tribunii, that is, if you'll have me. I would like to continue fighting and would be honored to fight with you again, this time in the same Legion."

Servivs smiles at Legatvs Cotta, waiting for a response.

[/Bean\]

Legatus Servivs, I would be honoured to have you join me in my legion. May our enemies quake in fear!

[Warluster]

A man, barely a man, stands from the sea of senator's and tribunes. He flattens out his robes and looks out into the ocean of waiting eyes. Nervousness attempts to strike him down but he stands, nothing but absolute calm on his face, so calm he appeared emotionless.

Senator's, Concul's and Dictator's, servants of Rome and the Senate! I stand here to announce my introduction into military service to Roma. I am Marcvs Clavdivs Marcellvs, I hope to serve well, and be enslaved to the name of Rome forever, and die fighting for Rome. his voice is strong, as cold as the expression on his face, but his eyes radiate a calming energy.
I have devoted the very exsistence of my life to fighting for Rome and the Dictator. If I must, I will die for the Dictator of Roma, even if that means falling upon my gladius, I would. Is there anyway I can possibly fight for the Dictator?

I also am saddened by Consul Asina's death. A loss of sucha influential figure in our Senate is truly horrible. I am sure his family was proud he died fighting for Rome, killing the enemy of Rome. Such a death is many of those who die constantly... they are jealous of such a death, the option of dieing for Rome.

As if to counter his sad words, not a trace of emotion touches his face, and he sits awkwardly as some of those around him wonder how such words of greiving could come from such a stone of emotion; none.

[everyone]

I shall remain in Roma until the next season for our Congressional session for now, unless Legatus Regulus requires my presence in Segesta.

(OOC: which means only Cicero would be staying in Roma until the congressional session, but the rest of his bodyguard are in Segesta)

[Mooks]

Deciumus Cornelius Scipio stands up.

I am happy to report to the senate that my proposal for sending a diplomat to the east is a complete success.

Foreign Affairs
Our diplomats have given trade rights and map information to the Arche Seleukeia for 200 Denarii in return. They have also given trade rights and map information to Pontos for their own map information. Our knowledge of the world has very much widened on our diplomats voyage.

[Tiberius Claudius Marcellus]

"Indeed it is, Scipio. Accolades to you for your vision." Most of the Curia turn in their seats to see who is speaking. Tiberius Claudius Marcellus continues,

"My friends, fellow Romans, let us remember well the friendship we have in the Orient. Not only our immediate neighbors - to include the Epirote Hellenes - but also futher past. We would do well to cultivate the garden of friendship and equity that when we set our eyes upon the jewel of the Mediterranean that is Carthago we might call upon mighty allies to aid in the destruction of a mutual enemy.

"Surely, my fellow senatores, you agree that it would be most unwise to have enemies on all fronts. And also, though some would promote the Hellenes as our greater threat, one who appraises the situation carefully would quickly agree that it is Carthago who poses the greatest threat to our borders. Why, the very treaty we signed limiting ourselves from the straights of Messana is insulting to the will of the people of Roma! It is degrading in the manner in which it gives these dark-skinned foreigners rights to monopolize the economies and trade of lands on our doorstep. Verily, it is Carthago with whom we shall next clash arms whether we seek it or not. For, it is best to take the field of battle on our terms, than to play on the defensive while the mighty armies of Carthago ravage our countryside trying to eliminate us as the very threat as which we see them!"

Lowering his head in silent thought, Tiberius can hear the murmurring of the other Senatores considering what has been said. As the voices begin to quiet down, he seeks to tip the balance in favor of his proposal.

"A bad peace worse than war."

Tiberius takes his seat and tents his fingers, watching the flow of events.

[navarro951]

Heres Blasio enters the Curia with a sad look on his face.

"Good senators its good to be home. This year is one of tragedy and glory. I have received word that our Lady Favstina, Dictator Dentatavs' wife, has passed away in her sleep. So for the duration of this council, he will not be present and I will monitor this council. so....

I here by declare the third Congressional Council open! It will remain open for debate and legislation until January 16, 2009 at 5pm Pacific; at which point there will be 48 hours allotted for voting."

"I leave the floor open for debate and I will make my main proposals later. As for now I will only announce Edict 3.1: That the commissioning of Legio III Campania be proclaimed. And if Legatvs Servivs Sempronivs Longvs is willing...he may be given command of this Legio. Do you accept Legate Longvs?"

[SwissBarbar]

I'd second edict 3.1, we need the legion. Who's commander can be elected afterwards

[/Bean\]

I also second edict 3.1.

Senators, it is time to expand ourselves outside of Italia. The city of Massilia is well postioned, is rich and prosperous and has had dealings with us in the past. I propose EDICT 3.2-Extract an alliance from the city of Massilia.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

This would require an army to attack and install a Type 4 government. Roleplay:Dispensing of those against alliance with Rome

I would also like to express my immense condolences to the Dictator after the tragic loss of his wife. May the two of you meet again wonderfully in the distant future.

[SwissBarbar]

Very well proposal. Why should we leave Sicilia to those Carthagians? I also second your edict, Legatvs.