The Curia

[YouHaveRecieved]

Wait, you say war with Carthage is more likely than war with Epriotes? Let me remind you that Carthage are our allies and imagine our standing with them. They wouldn't be very happy that we had submitted to Epirus and we now getting trade and money from them. This could possibly provoke war from the South. Also imagine the humility. We noble Romans not only recieving but giving money to Epirus. The only way I would even think to allow it in my mind is by asking them to offer us a regular tribute of 300 mnai a season.

[Mooks]

Wait, you say war with Carthage is more likely than war with Epriotes? Let me remind you that Carthage are our allies and imagine our standing with them. They wouldn't be very happy that we had submitted to Epirus and we now getting trade and money from them. This could possibly provoke war from the South. Also imagine the humility. We noble Romans not only recieving but giving money to Epirus. The only way I would even think to allow it in my mind is by asking them to offer us a regular tribute of 300 mnai a season.

I concede your point and abdicate my first proposal

Decimvs Cornelivs Scipio takes his seat.

[/Bean\]

Cotta stands before any other senators get a chance. (Edit:Damn, not fast enough )

I second this proposal. The Epirites are beaten, withdrawn. As the victors, we have the right to demand reperations from those who have been beaten. I ask the Dictator to consider demanding reparations from our defeated foes.

[YouHaveRecieved]

Whilst we send a Diplomat oer the Aegean we could get trade rights with nations such as Macedon, Selucids, Ptolimics and the Free Greek City States. This would up our naval trade a plenty and would force the Epirites onto the backfoot because I believe they are currently at war with Macedon. Correct me if I am wrong.

[/Bean\]

According to the Reports, Epirus is still at war in Greece with it's rivals; however the Arche Seleukeia have offered and accepted a ceasefire with them some years ago.

I also believe we should send diplomats across the Mediterrainian to Iberia; it is a rich land with many valuable resources.

[YouHaveRecieved]

Yes I believe so. I also believe that we can send our spy on Sardin when we have a navy to the islands around the Magna Greaca as I believe they are very profitable.

[Mooks]

According to the Reports, Epirus is still at war in Greece with it's rivals; however the Arche Seleukeia have offered and accepted a ceasefire with them some years ago.

I also believe we should send diplomats across the Mediterrainian to Iberia; it is a rich land with many valuable resources.

Until we gain cities close to Iberia (Conquests in and around Massila) I doubt any benefit will come from Iberia. They are savages and are more likely to loot our merchants than trade. Perhaps when there is a dominant tribe willing to trade, the sending of a diplomat will make more sense. You should consider the cost of maintaining a diplomat for that long.

Unless,again, by diplomats you mean a small army.

[YouHaveRecieved]

I believe Carthage is also struggling to contain the bigger tribes over there. Maybe we should stick to the East untill the penensulia is taken.

[Mooks]

Since we are in no position to attack the Epirotes, who is in favor of blockading their ports? Even if we sign contracts with the Greek federation and Macedonians, we can do even more by stopping them from trading with our enemies, and trading with us. I do realize how dangerous the Seas are and the cost of the navy, but I think it will be worth it.

Decimvs Cornelivs Scipio takes his seat.

[YouHaveRecieved]

We have hardly enough money to mantain an army let alone a navy. Also we don't have many if at all miltary ports to build ships whilst the Epirote navy is expierianced and tough. I think that blockading anyones ports is completely worthless.

[SwissBarbar]

I say, let us first unify Italy, and THEN decide, which way to go

[Mjolnir]

I believe that the current conversion may be putting the cart before the horse, we have not even secured Italia and we are discussing Greece and Iberia? Let us turn our attention to the matter at hand, once everything from Rhegion and Taras to the Alps are ours we can discuss hence to turn next.

Also, a navy would break our coffers at this point.

[Il_Duce]

[I]Cotta stands before any other senators get a chance.

I second this proposal. The Epirites are beaten, withdrawn. As the victors, we have the right to demand reperations from those who have been beaten. I ask the Dictator to consider demanding reparations from our defeated foes.

I agree with Legatus Cotta. Although trade rights with the Epirotes would certainly thicken our coin purses, it would be a very unwise move diplomatically. Why not simply take the money from them like the children they are. They are beaten and battered and I believe the idiot general no longer wishes to take on the whole world. If the Roman legions march on him he knows it will be his demise.

Excuse me now, as I must take off to II Legio Latium-- a personal servant shall serve as my scribe and letter carrier.

[YouHaveRecieved]

Ah, to endure the interview tent with Legatus Cotta. I wish you luck!

[navarro951]

Dictator Dentatvs rises...

"I am now announcing that Legatus Lucius Cornelius Scipio will be made Aedile of Taras."

[Potocello]

Servivs rises

"Congradulations Legatus Scipio"

Servivs smiles at Scipio and sits

[Mooks]

edit : nvm

[SwissBarbar]

"Also accept my best wishes, Legatus Lucius Cornelius Scipio"

[/Bean\]

If only we could find him...then we could congratulate him

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: haha Mooks had to check his first name to make sure it wasn't him

[SwissBarbar]

He can read the report later on, then he'll see who has congratulated him *laughs*

[everyone]

A man walks into the Curia

"I bear a message from Consul Asina, he is currently unable to come here in person as he is too busy in the Campus Martius settling some issues:"

he pulls a scroll out from under his tunic

"Dear Senatores;
as the messenger I sent has probably told you, I am currently occupied with some problems to settle regarding the Legions and the attack on Aemilia and Liguria; however I have heard the news from one of my junior officers that some madman from Liguria have recently challenged the might of our Legions, claiming that the confederation of Ligurian tribes are superior to our legions.
As you all are probably thinking that the Ligurians and their city of Segesta should be captured in a display of our military might; however I have to apologise that I had initially planned and attack on the city of Bononia first, before moving on to Segesta; and am going to inform Legatus Cotta to coordinate the 2 Legion's movements to both besiege Bononia; therefore I unfortunately inform you that an attack on Segesta would have to be delayed by a year.
Meanwhile, I would like to congratulate Aedile L.C. Scipio on his recent promotion.
Consul Asina"

[/Bean\]

Cotta, who fits a trip to the Senate daily through his current busy routine, stands.

Messenger, relay this response to your master:

I agree the Consul. We should not respond to this drunken madman; our honour is not offended. We have proven to Italia, and to the world even, the might of our armies. We do not need to blindly charge into this potential catastrophe after so many weeks of hard planning. We will attack the city of Bononia first. Then, once we have concolidated our gain there, we shall respond to these insults at full strength.

To the consul, I agree. We shall procede with our initial plan; Legio II Latium will move out first and gain support for the attack on their way north. Legio I Apulia will set out a week after, and the two legions shall surround and conquer the enemy in a two pronged attack through their territory, quashing any resitance.

[SwissBarbar]

Congratulations to Titvs Valerivs Maximvs and Appivs Clavdivs Nero for their election to the Legio II. Though I am a bit disappionted, as you surely can understand, I dare to hope, that there soon will be another chance for me and my cousin too. Until that day, my Field-Chirurgeon shall serve the citizens of Roma and, as a sign of friendship, my Armourer will be at free disposal to Legatvs Cotta if needed, as long as I don't need his services myself.

[/Bean\]

I thank Avlvs Aemilivs Mamercvs for his good sportsmanship and congratulations to the new Tribunes. I dearly thank him also for the borrowed services of his staff. I extend this also to his cousin Caivs, who regretably also did not make it into the Legio II Latium. I wish them the best of luck for future postings.

Senators, I shall now leave to catch up to the Legion. We will return to better last weeks parade through Rome's streets, in triumph, be that within the month of in ten years time.

Cotta nods to Aemilii, before turning sharply on his heel and exiting the Curia.

[Il_Duce]

Congratulations to Titvs Valerivs Maximvs and Appivs Clavdivs Nero for their election to the Legio II. Though I am a bit disappionted, as you surely can understand, I dare to hope, that there soon will be another chance for me and my cousin too.

Thank you for your kind words, friend. Just remember-- Glory comes to the patient.

I must now travel to the Legion and begin work. I shall have my personal assistant sit in for me as a scribe and message reader. I can only hope I will bring glory to Roma, and all of you here in the Senate.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Quintus rises..

So I heard that Bononia fell. I hope our Consul sacked it well because we need money! Better yet.. I hope he enslaved their population!

So.. What was the fate of the people of Bononia??

[everyone]

Asina, smelling of a strange mix of blood, sweat and horse, entered the Curia.
he was grinning.

"Tribunus Quintus, initially, I meant to just occupy Bononia as their people cooperated so well and let our soldiers crush theirs under our sandals; however they were not very cooperative when I declared it captured by the Republic; so I had to expel those people who were causing trouble.
anyway, our income this season would see a great increase from the previous few; the increase in trade and the small-scale looting of Bononia has gave us a substantial amount of money"

Asina proceeds to ask his assistant who had been at his seat for the past season on what happened when he was away

[navarro951]

The Heres walks in...

"Well done Consul Asina, not only have you earned the Republic a new city, but you have earned the the new rank of Quaestor. You may choose 2 new bodyguard units when they are available in the Aemilia region. You are a good Consul and will indeed make a fine Quaestor. Stand and be recognized."

Asian receives a standing ovation!

Blasio quiets the Curia down...

"As for Pvblibs Regvlvs, he has served well in Legio I Apulia and has earned the rank of Legatus. A legion will be prepared for him as soon as the resources allow for it. Until then he may continue to serve with Consul Asina and Legio I Apulia or go wherever he wills."

A quick applause is made for Legatus Regvlvs

"And finally, Consul Asina, you will need to select a new Tribune. Legatus Regvlvs will now serve with you, respectfully, but no longer under you. His post will be changed to a new Legion as soon as it is created. So to all Tribuni of Roma, declare your application!"

"And lastly the Dictator wishes to grant the Provincial Dictatorship of his legio's hailing region, Apulia. Know full well your duties as a Provincial Dictator and govern your region well Consul."

[everyone]

(OOC: I already PM'ed navarro the details and other stuffs)

Asina, still dressed in military attire but reeking of the aforementioned smell, turns from his assistant

"I thank you Heres for granting me dictatorship over Apulia, I shall govern the region well and work towards making our Republic more mighty"

Asina's assistant passes a piece of parchment to him

"and I declare that Tribu- I mean Legatus Regulus has completed his training under Legio I Apulia and has served well, he shall make an excellent officer; I would also like to thank Legatus Cotta and Legio II for aiding Legio I in taking Bononia, I think Legatus Cotta should also be credited with the taking of Bononia."

partially smiling from something that just struck his mind; Asina continued

"and it seems we still have another region to capture before Italia is united; I shall use the resources from the newly-granted provincial dictatorship to aid us (OOC: the provincial legion can be used on campaigns as long as a general leads it right? since I don't think it would be very productive if we just leave it sitting around in Apulia)"

he whispers something to his assistant and passed to him another piece of parchment with something scrawled on it;

"Now I shall head over to the Campvs Martivs to notify the Tribuni; good day all"

after Asina left, his assistant then fixed his eyes on the illegibly-written words and attempts to figure out what is written on it

[Tiberius Claudius Marcellus]

Stepping out of the way at the last minute to avoid being knocked to the ground by a swift moving and well-decorated commander, a well-dressed young man looks about the chambers of the Curia. He notices a clerk furiously studying a note handed him by the commander that just left and quietly whispers something to him. The clerk absent-mindedly points in the general direction of several toga-clad senatores and mumbles something unintelligble, clearly absorbed with discerning the contents of the writ. Suddenly, a powerful voice erupts in the cavernous hall,

"Is that how you address a member of the Senate you slovenly oaf!? Stand up straight, look me in the eye when one of your social betters addresses you, and enunciate your syllables! Surely, you disgrace your master's house, now back to your station!"

The few senatores in the chambers discussing politics while not in session stare at the young man, neither showing amusement nor shock at such an outburst in this sacred venue. Several begin to speak in hushed tones while eyeing the self-declared member of the legislative body, unusually tanned in comparison to the people of the capitol. Unnerved by the penetrating gazes of these older, wiser, and more importantly richer, and more powerful men, the newly arrived presumptuous addition to the Senate breaks a small sweat while he adjusts his tunic and shifts his weight as he racks his brain to regain the lost footing he holds in these men's eyes. Solemnly he begins,

"Honored Senatores, I apologize for my outburst. I have grown accustomed to certain privileges and deferential treatment in my home of Taras. I beg you to forgive this offense toward my fellow man."

The well-dressed man, robust with youth, tinged with the ever-so-slight appearance of maturation, grasps the stunned clerk by the forearms and embraces him.

"Forgive me? Friend? I have wronged you in the eyes of others. I have wronged my family's honor. I have disgraced these hallowed halls."

Before the clerk can even begin to respond, the man releases his embrace and steps away to address the senatores in the Curia, unfurling the scroll from the ornately gilded case that has accompanied him on his long journey.

"I am Tiberius Claudius Marcellus of the newly enjoined city of Taras. I come bearing the litterae clausae issued me from this noble governing body, appointing me a member of the Senate, effective immediately, and granting myself and the male members of my family Roman citizenship as reward for my family's aid to Roma during the siege of my home. As you undoubtedly remember, your - our - spy received refuge during his reconnoitering of the city in my Father's house and was given cover as a laborer that he might travel unmolested throughout the lanes and plazas to discern the defenses. We of the gens Claudia have a history of always aiding others who are in need, and rightly so, are remembered fondly wherever we have lived.

I come to claim my rightful seat as a representative of Taras and its surrounding lands and vast, bountiful seas. We in the south have much to offer as a trade gateway to the Greek cities, the whole of Italia, even to our friends across the great sea on Sicilia and in Africa. We are honored to join Roma in her rightful rise to power and glory. Indeed, there is no better friend, and - as the people of my homeland learned - no worse enemy.

Fellow Senatores, I have travelled two long months with nary a rest to reach my new home. As is customary amongst your - forgive me, our - people, I shall offer my services to our military. I pray that I can be used in such a manner that is best suited to my strengths. Gentlemen, the hour is late and the lodging prepared for me is across the city, as I am told. I bid your leave, good Senatores. Roma victrix!"

Smiling smugly to himself, Tiberius turns about and marches confidently out the chamber doors. On his way past the clerk whom he insulted he maintains a stoic face, with his chin and nose held slightly higher than normal. Unnoticed perhaps by all but the still-confused clerk, his eyes check to make sure he has the clerk's attention and Tiberius makes an all but imperceptible grunt of annoyed supremacy.