Pax Romanum - Interactive Romani AAR

[TruePraetorian]

The year was Circa 501, 5 centuries after Romulus and Remus founded the great city of Roma. The sky lit up wildly as Jupiter cast his glowing bolts from the heavens in a fit of rage. The cold rain pelted the dark, gloomy landscape of Manivs' home. From the Curii clan, he was a man of great prestige and virtue who had orated amongst the Senate for well over 4 decades. With his pallium draped over his toga to protect him from the thrashing winds, he stalked through the city towards the Senate house.

Upon entering, the room was cold and quiet. Manius disgarded his cloak and strode to the rostrum, surronded by an atmosphere of prominence. Standing infront, he gazed over the 600 men, some who had run the city for generations.

"Senators, as you know, the augurs have no good new for us today. A she-wolf has been found butchered near the river Rubicon. Whomever commited such an act of sacrilligem has deeply upset Quirinus, and we fear he blames Jupiter. With this anger, the gods may destroy the world as we know it in the process of their argument."

The roar of thunder echoes over the vast Senate hall as Manius stops.

"Senators, we may not have commited this crime upon the gods, but in an effort of apology we must please them in the name of Roma. So, as I stand here today, I ask you all to live the rest of your lives for the good of the Republic, to help her grow strong amongst her nieghbors, so we may appeal to the Gods and prevent the war to end all wars. With that said, I will now name off every Senator in this building in an attempt to show the divine that we will start afresh. When your name is mentioned, please rise for all to see and then be seated."

He pulls out a paper with a long list of names and begins to read them aloud.

"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..." his voice drones on after the first 15 as he continues down the list.

"And as such, two noteworthy Plebians who have done well to serve the Republic shall be named in honor, including Caivs Aevrelivs Cotta and Titvs Lepidvs Aqvila. May you consider them in elections as tribunes and Aediles so they may bask in the glory of the Senate."

He clears his throat and continues talking.

"As for the matters of the day, no one has spoken to me on topics of debate. I ask all Senators before leaving to personally write down what they would wish to discuss amongst the Senators. Please remember that as a rule you may not talk unless given permission by myself, since I am currently the Praetor Urbanus.

On another note, if I may request that all members of the Senate make sure that they have a signature denoting their name so we know whom is speaking in these unfamiliar days.

And lastly," pulls out a map, "here are the routine maps, diplomatic, and financial records promised in the old mandates of the republic."

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

"Today I declare open debate of topics, but tomorrow at exactly this time there will be no discussing in the Senate hall until the topics have been listed. Then, you may freely discuss and vote. Good day to you all, and make wise your decision, for the fate of Roma rest on your shoulders."

With that, he steps down from the Rostrum and picks up his pallium as he walks to the large Senate doors. With a gush of wind as he opens them. He glances back at the Senate, and walks off into the dark evening, seemingly impervious to anything but perfection.

So, open debate for 24 hours. PM me with your topics of debate by tomorrow. No voting today just discussion. Please put your name in your sig or somewhere where we can see it so we know whom we are speaking with. When I talk, I will denote which character I am using with something like *Lvcivs Cornelivs Scipio*. And away we go!

[TruePraetorian]

*Lvcivs Cornelivs Scipio* I apologize Dvmnorvs Assvs , but Cvrivs Dentatvs interrupted our conversation. As you were discussing the Legion, I think the following would be appropriate:

1 General and cavalry
2 Hastati
2 Princepes
2 Triarii (I think we should have 2 over 1)
1 Rorarii
1 Accensii
1 Leves

And for a Consular Legion:
1 General and cavalry
4 Hastati
4 Principes
4 Triarii
1 Rorarii
1 Accensii
1 Leves
2 Regional Mercenaries
1 Elite Allied Infantry
1 Eqvites Extroardinarii

Our ancestors have relied mainly on this composition for a generation or so now, and I disagree that we change it. Besides, cavalry is very expensive to maintain, and we Romans must rely on our Heavy Infantry.

[Dumbass]

Vervs Dvmnorvs Assvs slowly stood up to speak. He looked calm and collective on the surface, yet was gloating at the opportunities to further his career in the coming years.

"Senatores, I wish to bring up an issue that has been discussed multiple times by the Senate, it is the issue of the city of Taras remaining a free independant city state. The people of Taras have stood at our borders for many years, testing our authority and looking down upon us.

"Yet now, they are in fright. Their only line of survival, the general Phyrros, has left them to their fate. I have discussed this much with fellow Senatores, and we have concluded that the rights of the people of Taras are up for dispute. We must show them what happens when they cross the Senate and People of Rome. We cannot let them off, for their butchery of good roman citizens. Thus, I believe it is important to lay siege to the city and enslave the habitants, to teach a lesson."

"Not only will this bring great fortune and profit to Rome, but it will increase our holdings and influence over the provinces of Southern Italy."

"There is also the issue of the general named Phyrros. This general, the tool of the Taras' destructive campaigns, has thought he has got off lightly and has scurried off to Greece with his tail between his legs! We Romans do not forget our enemies, that is why I believe that after subduing Taras, we must pursue Phyrros. Many Senatores, including myself, would revel to see the humbled Epirote King marching through our great city in chains. I believe we must finish our job, and defeat Phyrros in battle, capturing him. However I do not wish to see the King's mistakes be taken out upon the nation of Epirus. After we have dealt with the offender, we should seek peace and trade agreements with the kingdom of Epirus."

Vervs, stood for a moment, before sitting down, smiling to himself.

[Dumbass]

I think 2 Triarii is too many, as historically there were about half as many triarii in a legion as the number of Hastati or Principes. And I think more Italic allies should be included as they were relied on quite a lot during the early stages. But it's up to you to decide how you want to recruit your army and fight your battles. By the way I liked the introduction to the AAR. Very atmospheric.

Edit: Whoops, I didn't realise you were keeping in character for this.

[johnhughthom]

I think 2 Triarii is too many, as historically there were about half as many triarii in a legion as the number of Hastati or Principes. And I think more Italic allies should be included as they were relied on quite a lot during the early stages. But it's up to you to decide how you want to recruit your army and fight your battles. By the way I liked the introduction to the AAR. Very atmospheric.

Edit: Whoops, I didn't realise you were keeping in character for this.

I believe Camillan Legions had equal Triarii rather then half.

[TruePraetorian]

*Lvcivs Cornelivs Scipio* I agree, the Triarii in our Legions have equal number as the maniples of Hastati. The only difference is the number of ranks in which they fight, which is halved.

[johnhughthom]

Cnaevs Clavdivs Cicero

Stands up and looks around waiting for somebody to tell him to sit down and shut up before continuing nervously.

My friend Lvciuvs Cornelivs Scipio, while you are correct that our heavy infantry have made Rome great, I do believe your Legion makeups give our "allies" in Italy an easy time of it. We should make use of the Samnites especially, if they are of fighting for us they aren't at home stirring up trouble.
I endorse the proposal of Vervs Domnorvs Assvs to capture Tarentum but must strongly oppose his plan to capture that Greek fool Phyrros, he knows Rome is too strong for Greeks to conquer and will let Hellenes the world over know this. No, after Tarentum we must take Rhegion off those rebellious traitors and show the world what happens if you betray the Senate and People of Rome.

[Maeran]

Marcus Claudius Albinus stands even as Cicero sits.

Well said brother. But remember that it was only in our father's time that the Samnites fought against Rome. Those wounds will take time, and wealth, to heal.

Yes, in time the Samnites will perhaps be able to take their rightful place in the ranks. But at the present time our priority must be to stabilise Italy in Rome's favour. As such, Latin allies are preferable because we have an ugly task- the recapture of the Campanian rebels in Rhegium. Let us not show the Samnites our weaknesses!

As for Pyrrhus, I am no friend of his! But nor do I even know where that man is. We should send a diplomat to Macedonia and ascertain his situation. While we are at it, we should look to encourage trade in that most profitable region.

[Ozymandias the Great]

*Osimandius Fabius Maximus* Noble Assvs, while I would like to see Phyrros brought to justice as much as any true Roman, I doubt that we are in a financial position to pursue such a war. Would not it be more convienent to make peace after taking Taras, and concentrate our efforts on the rebels in Rhegion and the belligerent Cisalpine Galli? Once we have united fair Italia, our coffers will be the more full for it, and we will be in a far better position to wage a war in Illyria. We could, of course, always send an agent to solve our problem, an invisible hand of Roma, as it were...

[General Appo]

I, Quintus Lentulus Cornelius, head of my family, wishes to state my agreement with the speech given by Senator Vervs Dvmnorvs Assvs, and several other respectable senators which spoke after him.
However, I wish to further add to his suggestion. In the city of Rhegion Roman traitors have repelled the rightful population and now lives as tyrants and oppressors. If we wish to restore our name amongst our allies it must be of highest priority to restore the city of Rhegion to its rightful inhabitants.
Once Taras and Pyrrhos have been dealt with, Rhegion should be the next target for the great legions of Roma.

Quintus Lentulus Cornelius

[Chaotix]

Septimus Claudius Oppugnatus had a grim look on his face, odd for one so young. He had seen that this Verus Dumnorus Assus was exactly the the type of man that made him fear for the integrity of the republic. In Septimus's eyes, Assus, with his plans to send men into foreign Greece, was as much of a threat as Pyrrhus himself. He waited his turn as the elder Senators spoke, he himself being quite possibly the youngest man in the hall, and then stood up to speak.

I, Septimus Claudius Oppugnatus, agree that it is definitely in Rome's best interests to conquer Tarentum and Rhegium as soon as our legions are able to do so. However, as for Senator Dumnorus Assus's proposal of pursuing Pyrrhus in Epirus, I believe I have an idea that burdens us less so. Why not send a diplomat to the Macedonians, secure an alliance, and let them deal with Pyrrhus? If we manage to secure the alliance, we can focus all of our efforts on the barbarians in Bononia and Segesta to the north.

(OOC: Heh, I don't actually dislike you, Dumbass, I'm just playing my character... )

[TruePraetorian]

Lvcivs Cornelivs Scipio Taps his chin in thought. After a moment, he stands.

"Good Men,this Phyruss is no friend to Rome, but at the moment who is? Besides the mutual peace with Qart-Hadast, no one outside of Italia has done anything to show loyalty. That being said, I will continue to disagree with the invasion into Greece. We should begin by securing territorys along our border belonging to tribes, city-states, and rebels. We should bring the northern Legion down and elect an able Consul as to lead our men to war in the south. With a Consular Legion, it may well be possible to take southern Italia within 10 years."

Scipio glances around the room at all the Senators once more before speaking.

"I nominate none-other then an able man, Manivs Cvrivs Dentatvs, to be put on the voting lists for Consul."

With that, Lvcivs sits.

[Hax]

Publius Tullius Lunaris finally rises and looks at the members of the Senate.

"Friends, I do not suggest that we do not hunt down Pyrrhus and his Epeirotes, but with all respect to Dumnorvs Assvs, I do not recommend a campaign into Graecia, Hellas as they are called. The Antigonids are a fierce enemy, and are they not the heirs of Alexander?

However, furthermore I suggest we do not take Tarentum immediately. Let us first strike at the rebels in Rhegium and show the world what we do with those that betray Roma.

At the last, I second Lucius of the Cornelii in his vote to elect Manius Curius Dentatus as Consul."

With this, Publius sits down again and glances at the members of the Senate.

[Irishmafia2020]

[Marcvs Rubellius Fulvius rises – a confident speaker with a charming smile. “ My brothers, my countrymen, I ask you who is it that Rome fears? Do we shiver in terror at the thought of Greeks? As refined and brilliant as they are, we are their natural betters in military affairs. We are at war with Taras, and this is a war that must end in our favor. I propose that we send a diplomat to the south to find out if the Greeks (Epirotes) can be made to treat with us. The Hellenes are civilized people, and it would be a mistake to treat them otherwise.
I agree with Senator Maximus that our real enemies lie in Rhegion and more importantly to the North. We have allowed the Celts to live in Italy for too long gentlemen. Who here does not recall how these same Celts sacked Rome a century ago? My own family suffered dearly at the hands of those barbarians, as a maiden Of our clan was stolen, and several of our men died in battle against the treacherous foe. Let us raise our forces to avenge the suffering of our ancestors and free the cities of Italia from the yoke of barbarian tyranny. March to the North my brothers, slay the Celts, and then use those areas to destroy the pirates of Illyria! Why should we the sons Aenius fear barbarians? Let us not… If Taras seeks war, then we will give it to them in a year, but for now let us drive the barbarians from our beloved nation once and for all…

One final statement while I have the floor gentlemen… Roma should see only normal taxation throughout this conflict. Our allies will benefit from the defeat of the barbarians as well, and they should help to pay for this campaign. Roman citizens who are placing their lives in jeopardy should not suffer the unnecessary hardship of further taxation. When we capture the cities of the north we should enslave the populace to pay for the campaign.
Gentlemen, you have my gratitude for allowing me to address you today…"

[Olaf The Great]

Ooh, I'd like to take part in this

Name: Vervs Dvmnorvs Assvs
Age: 31
Patrician

Traits: Stupid/Very Charismatic/Langorous
Selfish/Optimistic/Disloyal
Very Wealthy

I can tell this is going to be fun. My Senator will be a stupid pompous wind bag who makes horrible decisions and then uses others as scapegoats.

Alright 'Very Dumb ass"

Is it too late to join this?

[johnhughthom]

pm TruePraetorian.

[Aaldaemon]

*Marcus Iulius Draco*

A young man rises confidently as the older men around him stare at his unusual dress. Marcus Iulius Draco wears black among the white clothed senators. His eyes take in the scene around him, before he speaks at last:

Conscript fathers, I am but a young man devoid of great experience or of the knowledge that comes from many years spent in the service of the Res Publica, and some of you might not even know who I am, but all of you knew my father, the late Manius Iulius Draco. He was a true Roman among Romans, and none who knew him may dispute that, and as such true Romans will know that he spent his time making sure that his son and heir would be a true Roman as well, one to continue the name, and his service to the Res Publica.

I have heard the opinions of better men than I, and throughout their speeches, I have been thinking in truth, what would my father had done, what would a true Roman do? Thus, emboldened by the remembrance of his wisdom, and I assure you, not without humility, I shall tell you what he would have said, had he been alive here today.

First of all, the Epeirotes can not be allowed to continue to remain on our peninsula. Our peninsula, conscript fathers, ours, and not theirs, for we do not have to cross a sea to arrive on its shore, but we live here in truth, ever since Aeneas came upon these shores. Let them go back across the sea and see to their squabbles with the other "heirs" of Alexander. We can not alow them a foothold here, for they are a cancer, one that can easily grow and spread from Taras to other areas... and none would want to see them in full command of Magna Graecia, and therefore with a dagger at our throats. No, conscript fathers, by all means, they must be driven out!

Young Marcus pauses as to collect his thoughts, then continues:

Then after that cancer is dealt with, the other cancer to the South must be shown no mercy. Those traitors to the Res Publica holding Rhegion must be shown the truth of Roman ways. No mercy to traitors, he says his tone rising slowly, no mercy to those who would abandon the Res Publica, no mercy now, and forever!

After these traitors are dealt with, we shall be in a position of great strength, a position we should not squander... no conscript fathers. When the South of our peninsula is secured we should move swiftly to secure the North as well, for there greater dangers lurk still, the dangers of barbarism, and of the marauding hordes of violent Gauls. Remember Brennus conscript fathers, remember him well! In the dark lands of barbarism to our North another such as him can rise, and he might yet want to utter the words of "Vae victis!"

It is imperative that we deal with the barbarians, nay it is our duty to remember that our history shows they are the greatest threat to our Res Publica. It was neither the Greeks, nor the Carthaginians that brought us so close to defeat, but the Gauls. We should all remember our ancestors, as I do, remember that they stood against the Gauls on the Capitoline Hill, and they prevailed and left to us their heirs the work of humbling the barbarians. Never again shall Gauls stand upon the Capitoline Hill I say, never again. We shall make it our goal, a goal for all true Romans, to deal with this menace to the North once and for all, and be that it take many years, true Romans will always be here to complete this task, for the Res Publica shall live on forever if we take destiny into our own hands and destroy those who have proven to be our greatest enemies!

Therefore I propose that the Gauls must be destroyed!

[QuintusSertorius]

I believe Camillan Legions had equal Triarii rather then half.

Yep, that's correct. If you're going for a historically accurate army, a Camillian legion should look thus:
1 Hastati
1 Principes
1 Triarii
1 Leves or Accensi (one of each with two legions)

Two of them in a consular army (adding a single unit of Rorarii when you've got two legions), along with two socii alae (allies - half of both Camillian and Polybian armies were non-Roman), each of which is composed thus:

1 light infantry (eg Bruttian or Lucanian infantry)
1 medium infantry (eg Samnite Allied Spearmen)
1 hoplite/spearman (eg Classical Hoplite)
1 skirmisher (eg Akontistai or Peltastai or Gallic slingers)

Add to that your general, his pedites extraordinarii (use Samnite Heavy Infantry early on since they're similar), a tribune (ie younger family member, who also conveniently represents the equites in about the right number, too) and the allied cavalry (one or two units of Campanian/Ligurian/Greek/Gallic cavalry).

That gives you:
two legions (9 units total)
two alae (8 units total)
General
two other units from tribune, pedites extraordinarii and cavalry

What I'd suggest doing to ease the numbers down and allow more cavalry is recruit one less allied spearman, and possibly ditch the rorarii. Or perhaps go without the general's elite extraordinarii.

So as an example, a consular army of two legions and two alae might be thus:

Command
1 General

First Legion
1 Hastati
1 Principes
1 Triarii
1 Leves

Second Legion
1 Hastati
1 Principes
1 Triarii
1 Accensi

Right Ala
1 Bruttian infantry
1 Samnite Allied medium spearmen
1 pedites extraordinarii/Samnite Heavy infantry
1 Peltastai

Left Ala
1 Bruttian infantry
1 Samnite Allied medium spearmen
1 Classical Hoplites
1 Gallic slinger

Cavalry
1 Tribune (also acts as equites)
1 Campanian Equites
1 Hippeis

(Left out the rorarii here, and one of the units of Hoplites)

[General Appo]

Senators, head my word. I believe that the Praetor Urbanus has stated that no debates are to held today, unless so allowed by the Praetor Urbanus himself. So for now we can only discuss in private while we await his arrival.

Quintus Lentulus Cornelius

[V.T. Marvin]

*Senator Vibius Tarquinus Barbatus stands up and with a puzzled expression on his face turns to Quintus Lentulus Cornelius:

With all due respect my dear colleague, but I do not think that Praetor Urbanus prohibited us from having an open discussion here. Nota bene no-one has the potestas to prevent the body of Senators, the very embodiment of the Res Publica, to speak up. I believe that he has only informed us that the VOTING will be held only tomorrow, has he not?

Anyway, I strongly support the proposal made by Lvcivs Cornelivs Scipio to put Manivs Cvrivs Dentatvs on the voting list for Consulship and I declare that I will vote for him.

As to what has been said about the outrage caused by the traitors who have taken the innocent and friendly city of Rhegion - I agree that Roman name must be cleaned of this abomination! But be sure that our goal is to LIBERATE that city, not to subjugate it! Beware before you put too much confiece and too much potestas to ambitious generals!

As to the war with Pyrrhos - I am quite sure that the offences of the Tarentines are no longer tolerable and that and expedition should be sent againt that city. However, the objective should be only to punish them. After our legions take the city, and I am fully certain they will, we should impose a tribute and a treaty of alliance on Taras, but let them run their business under the leaders of their own choosing. We should not mix with the Greeks too much, and we should not seek further possessions over the tricky seas. Let us leave that foolish youngster Pyrrhos alone - he is no threat to us on the other shore.

If we would try to "punish" him, our socii would not support us - and rightly so! - in such a war, as it serves no defensive purpose. I deeply respect my distinquished colleague Vervs Dvmnorvs Assvs, but when he speak of such campaign I hear the soaring ambition seeking a personal glory rather than the public good!

Beware of ambitious generals or corruption and decay might infect our Res Publica as it did infect the Hellas where free poleis were crushed by reckles tyrants, who in search of glory have wreaked havoc, war and plague upon their respective coutries!

*Red-faced with anger the Senator Vibius Tarquinus Barbatus sits down again.

OOC - I recommend to use the army composition as suggested by Quintus Sertorius - it is both historical, efficient, and fun (I use it myself).

[Aaldaemon]

Senators, head my word. I believe that the Praetor Urbanus has stated that no debates are to held today, unless so allowed by the Praetor Urbanus himself. So for now we can only discuss in private while we await his arrival.

Quintus Lentulus Cornelius

Well in that case, some inexplicable time anomaly must have occured, because the speech Marcus Iulius Draco gave actually happened during the official senatorial debates. I believe some sort of entity called Q could be involved in this strange time-space anomaly, but yes this speech happens at the proper time.

Therefore, I propose that the Gauls must be destroyed!

/signed the official OOC timeline police patrolling a forum universe near you.

[Dumbass]

Vervs Dvmnorvs Assvs stands up.

"Senatores, I full heartedly embrace all of your queries and opinions. It seems there has been a mis-understanding in my speech. I do not propose that we invade the Hellas, as I said before, I wish to find peace and agreements of trade with the kingdom of epirus. It is only that the treacherous dog Phyrros that has been allowed to escape his crimes. It would be a serious dent to Roman prestige if we allow his actions to go unpunished.

A few of you speak of the economical problems of such a venture. I have only one question to ask you. Are you considering the cost of a rapid military operation to be more important than the prestige and glory of the republic of Rome? Do you believe that Phyrros should go free for his crimes, just so you can fill your pockets with extra denarii? Tell that to the families of murdered Roman soldiers. Many of us have lost loved ones in this war, I too have lost my brother Cavis. If we do not avenge our fallen Roman heroes, than we will lose the trust of the people. Roman influence and honour will be damaged, which will do wonders for our enemies.

Let me re-iterate the plan to make it easier to understand. I propose that we send a legion to hunt down Phyrros, and crush him in battle. Once he is either dead or in chains, we return to Italy and seek peace and trade agreements with the Epirotes. I would like to re-assure my fellow senatore Publius Tullius Lunaris, that we will not make war with the Antigonids and heirs of Greece. It will simply be a quick campaign to restore Roman authority and prestige and to avenge our fellow romans.

And I must ask Lunaris, but are you really so frightened of the so called "Heirs" of Alexander?"
There are a few chuckles amidst the Senatores.
"Your fears seem to be clouding your otherwise impecable judgement. Roman military force will make short work of Phyrros' lackies.

I also suggest to support the campaign, an alliance and negotiations should be arranged with the Makedonian King Antigonis Gonatas. The Makedonians are under pressure from Phyrros and would pay well for Roman aid, which would solve the economical problem of the campaign.

I would also like to add that I believe Lvcivs Cornelivs Scipio and Manivs Cvrivs Dentatvs would make fine candidates for the voting roles for consulship. I also believe that Scipio would be the prime candidate to lead the 2nd legion to battle with Taras."


Also, someone finally got the "True" meaning behind my name

[General Appo]

Senators, I apologise for the imposter that spoke lies earlier in my name, rest assured that he has recieved proper punishment.

Now, to the bussines at hand. I must speak against honorable Senator Vervs Dvmnorvs Assvs. If we let Pyrrhos of Epirus be, he will keep the Antigonids busy, and stop them from becoming overtaking all of Graecia and the areas around it. Where the Antigonids to do so, they would surely threaten Roman power with many great armies.
Pyrrhos has abandoned his allies and protectorates, surely the shame from this is punishment enough? We can not let our shortsightedness and thirst for revenge blind our vision. Pyrrhos will be dealt with in due time, for now the cities of Magna Graecia must be our priority, and the the raiding Gallio and Ligurians to the north.

Quintus Lorentus Cornelius

[STuNTz2023]

Titvs Lepidvs Aqvila stands to address Vervs Dvmnorvs Assvs

"You speak of this campaign as quick and just, but have you no memory? Would the people support sending more men to search for Phyyros? I support removing the Aikaides influence in Taras and crushing the opposition. However following the greek into his lands will turn the tide, our supply lines will now depend on the sea, as did his. Even if you dare ignore the amount of romans lost in the battles against Phyyros previously, and we did manage to bring him down in battle, what would be the cost? The people will not support this cause, any more than our allies will. With that in mind, it is the roman people who will suffer from this war. These are lives that have already suffered from this war, and more broken family's will be left to roam the streets of our great city.

Should we make Phyyros pay for his crimes, who will lead the Epeiros? His sons. I'm sure they'd love to make peace with their fathers murderers after they saw how hard it is to maintain a supply line over seas. Chasing Phyyros is a bad idea and proposed for self gain. Our economy should be our priority, not a greek who is no longer a threat to us."

Titvs Lepidvs Aqvila looks to Vervs Dvmnorvs Assvs and then sits.

[johnhughthom]

Cnaevs Clavdivs Cicero

Stands again, nervous and wondering if what he has to say will gain him an enemy in his first senate session.

May I ask our friend Vervs Dvmnorus Assvs how he would react if the Hellenes say or the Karthaginians sent an army into our lands to hunt down an enemy? I'll bet he would be here howling for blood and demanding we attack the invaders. All an expedition against Phyrros would gain would be the enmity of all in Greece. Phyrros has few friends over there but a Roman army on Greek soil would almost certainly gain him many. There is also the fact that sending an army to Greece would leave Rome unprotected, what happens if a horde of Gauls come from the North? No, we have shown Phyrros Rome cannot be conquered he is no threat to us, we cannot risk Romes safety for a revenge mission.

Phyrros is no threat to Rome

[Chaotix]

Septimus Claudius Oppugnatus stands again, determined to stop any incursion into Greece. With a cleverly placating voice he says this:

"If it pleases Senator Dumnorus Assus, I have a more subtle idea of dealing with Pyrrhus. In addition to the previously proposed alliance with Macedonia, we can send a team of assassins to take care of Pyrrhus, rather than a full legion. After all, only a single blade is needed to end a man's life; we shouldn't have to send the Roman legions into foreign territory."

And with that, Septimus sits down.

[johnhughthom]

[I]
someone finally got the "True" meaning behind my name

I though it was obvious what your name meant. BTW you've made a good start to your bad decision making, pompous wind bag character, just don't be using me as your scapegoat

[Maeran]

M. Claudius Albinus takes his turn to stand. With theatrical care he shakes the umbo of his toga, and turns it inside out.

The folds of my toga are not filled with coins, Dumnorus. Nor are the coffers of the temple of Saturn. If you can find legions who can subsist on air and righteous indignation, then you have my blessing to take them in pursuit of the Mollossian Hound.

Perhaps Dumnorus does not remember our victory at Beneventum. I do. It was only three years ago. I call it a victory, but it was not unlike Asculum or Heraclea, which I was also at.

In the field, Pyhrrus can take on superior numbers and escape- he did it three years ago. In Hellas, he can rely on superior numbers in the face of a foreign aggressor. Therefore I do not recommend such a direct action.


No-one knows this better than Curius Dentatus. He led us at that last battle. I agree with and will heartily support his re-election as Consul, in the knowledge that he will let sound judgment overrule hotheadedness.

[Ozymandias the Great]

Osimandius Fabius Maximus rises, glad to see that another fresh face, Oppugnatus, supports his plan. The Senate, after all, can be a scary place we one doesn't know one's way around.

"Good Assvs! Albinus' statement does reinforce the point of my previous speech. I do not belittle the prestige and glory of Roma, but how is such a venture to be supported without money? If Phyrros is to be dealt with, then as noble Oppugnatus as seconded, espionage is the right path."

With a nod to Albinus and Oppugnatus, Osimandius Fabius takes his seat.

[TruePraetorian]

Manivs storms into the Senate hall with a look of rage. Immediatly the other Senators stop talking and sit down, almost simultaneously. Taking his place at the Rostrum, he begins his speach for the day.

"Men of Rome; time does not favor the bold, or so it seems. For nearly two hours I have been skulking through Latium. Ambushed as I was by unseen men, I fear it is the Gods attempting to infuriate me for the tasks I bring. For all they are, not even the Gods are wise enough to see true determination, and thus I get punished."

He stops to rub the bridge of his nose, the stress seeming to radiate from his mud-stained toga.

"As for the first vote of today, I proprose a new rule. It will be entitled Mandate I, and it states:
'In abscense of the Praetor Urbanus on any occasion after the alotted time before a Senate meeting, duty of foriegn affairs shall be passed to the first to voluntarily take the innitiative. Voting may take place, but if the Praetor Urbanus arrives before the next Senate meeting, time may be extended and vote recounted.'"

"Therefore, if ever the Praetor Urbanus is absent for any reason whatsoever when the meeting begins, the first Senator to speak may voluntarily begin the meetings for the day. Votes may take place, and opinions voiced. But, if ever the Praetor Urbanus returns withing 24 hours of the beginning of the meeting, then voting may be recounted at his whim. All in favor of Mandate I please cast your votes in accordance."

"To move on, Osimandius Fabius Maximus has proprosed an agreement on trade. No voting will take place on the matter, but it is open to discussion upon the priority of building ports and roads in order to secure our coffers. We will need such things in times of war."

"Next, M. Claudius Albinus wishes to proprose the following:

-What to do with Tarentum when we have taken it (surely no-one would just leave it?).

-Rhegium

-The Northern Border

-Peace and trade with Gaul and Greece.

-Building the economy (and securing Italy). Better roads?

-What allies should be permitted to serve as (i.e. the composition of the Legions).

None of these topics are open for vote, but discussion is now storingly advised."

"For all of you to know, none of these topics are voted upon because none of these topics can be voted upon. If you wish to proprose a vote topic, please send me a message. Make bold any voting topics, and list both possible choices. If the topic is heavily discussed today, then I will consider it in tomorrows voting."

"In another, more important issue, we must secure our Senate offices. As you all know, I myself have been added to the roles as a candidate for my second Consul. I will need anyone you would like to nominate by the end of the meeting in a private message for any offices. Voting will not take place today since we do not have enough men to vote for, but tommorow is the due date for candidates."

"Another topic for debate which has already gone underway is the structure of the Legions. Please feel free to debate, and when a general vote may take place, it shall be so."

"Lastly, I would like to restrict the unnecesary ban on discussion before topics. Instead, it will remain free debate, but if any votes will take place on anything, they MUST be private messaged to me. Therefore, you may debate anything, but unless it is announced by a Praetor Urbanus, it will not be voted upon."

Seemingly calmer after speaking, Cvrivs folds his hands behind his back and awaits the hustle and bustle of Senate voices to begin debating the topics of the day.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Everyone I appologize, but we have had a current storm and the power was out for 2 hours. I even went up to the local library to no avail. That is why I suggested Mandate I, hope it is a good first mandate.

EDIT: Times will now be announced for the next meeting in GMT for the sake of sanity. Next meeting will be held at 17:30EST or 21:30 GMT

http://www.timezoneconverter.com/cgi-bin/tzc.tzc