The Curia

[navarro951]

Blasio, tired from the heated debate, raises another issue...

"If there is any senator, rank will not matter for this, who wishes to be Aedile of Segesta then speak now. I will take any candidate, preferably ones who are not serving in a legio, who is willing to do the task.

Segesta is a city that is primed for boosting trade so I will require someone with expert governing ability. (OOC: Please read the rank info in the rules as to what it will require, for this time only, if you do not have the 1 management point I will grant an ancillary for it.) All applications should be sent to me personally (PM). I will consider each application and select the finest candidate."

[Mooks]

Here is the official proposed edict draft, ratified by the main 3 people who are pushing for it. Discussion on the 6 points will continue for around another day, small changes can be made if fellow senators think there are inherent flaws in them. After the allotted time the proposal will be submitted to the dictator for a senate vote.

Notice it does not say WHY the edict is in place, just what actions it proposes. Legio 3 and its officers have complete confidence in its abilities to accomplish these tasks.

1)Send Legio III to southern Greece, below the Polis of Athens, with ships acquired from the merchant class. Legio III will land at a appropriate spot and will acquire the city's of Greece it see's fit, and if possible have the Greeks attack us when we are strategically positioned on a hill.

2)Legio III requests extra troops for garrison. Levys or skirmishers will suffice. If
Rome's treasury can not afford it at the time then disregard point 2.

3)When legio III gains control of a greek polis, it will immeditely stabilize it. Then proceed to pick a prominent citizen that is friendly to Rome out of its population. Immediate reopening of trade with Rome (OOC a client state). Taxes will be set as see's fit by the tribunes or by special command of the consul or dicatator. Levy troops will be raised as soon as possible for garrison duty to free up legionnaires.

4)All spoils will be sent back to Rome immediately. Estimated amounts are in the thousands of talents. All cash made by the sell of slaves will be the general's as per tradition (OOC historically accurate, the general got the money made from slaves). Majority of slaves will be sold in the slave markets of Taras or to the east.

5)Legio III is willing to wait until the capture of northern celtic settlements until the official order to march is given.

6) If this edict is passed. Legio 3 will proceed to forts outside of Taras to await eventual transportation to the greek mainland.

[Tiberius Claudius Marcellus]

Tiberius rubbed his eyes with the palms of his hands and yawned. The final draft of the legislation had been put forward to the Senate and his clerks were straightening up his work area while he sat with a blank expression on his face. The debate and maneuvering had been exhausting. It seemed as if all sides were to the point of being beyond anger and impulsive outbursts of emotion and were finally willing and able to sit peacefully and exchange ideas. How it would work out in the end was up to the Fates. For now, he needed a drink. On second thought, several drinks would be better. A visit to a local courtesan afterward would be best of all. Surely, he joked to himself, combat could not be as demanding as arguing with a roomful of opinionated old men.

[Potocello]

Servivs too was tired. He stretched his legs out and reclined slightly. This bickering and debate had been exhausting; amusing, but exhausting. He shut is eyes, enjoying the silence and peace in the Curia. All was done, the legislation will be officially proposed soon. "I will have to make this speech" he thought to himself "to make it official." Servivs was weary from the insults thrown around the room. He would have hoped that these would not be necessary in such a debate. As he let himself doze off for a minute, he thought of his nice quiet home. His new misstress would be waiting, ready to relieve the stress from the Curia. He would enjoy this time with his misstress. Servivs' mind began to drift even further into sleep and soon he was asle---

[SwissBarbar]

"Avlvs have you even been listening to what has been said here?! The Greeks are WEAK! They are locked in civil war with each other, they are too preoccupied with fighting each other that they will not have the resources to start a war with us. I require only one Legio because that is all that is needed to beat these weakened people.

And how dare you say that i am not worthy of my rank, tribvnvs . Have you experienced as much as i have? Have you felt the hot blood of your foe spirt onto your face? Have you watched your own commander slain at the hands of naked, crazed maniacs?! When you are a Legatvs you may come back and make judgments, but until then hold your tongue where rank is concerned!"

Avlvs already was in front of the door, when the Legatvs spat this words towards him. He answerd sharply

Have you been ever to Greece? They fight the Makedonians, yes? Do you REALLY think the Makedonians or the Epeirotes will tolerate Roman presence in Greece? Do you? I tell you what:

THEY WOULD RATHER THROW THEIR OWN BALLS TOWARDS OUR CITYWALLS UNTIL THEY'RE SMASHED, THAN LET US HAVE ONE SINGLE INCH OF THE LAND THEY REGARD AS THEIR OWN.

The Makedonians are in war with the Koinon Hellenon, because they want their land, so they'll never leave it to us just like that. We only would unify them with the Epeirotes. If you were the great tactican and warrior you say, you would see that. Yes, I dare question your intentions, Legatvs. I say you don't seek the best for rome, but only a chance to distinguish yourself. You better profile yourself by cleaning the latrines of my family's villa, instead of sending Roman brothers to unnecessary death! Don't YOU underestimate MY skills, for warfare and honour are in my family's blood. What is in your blood? The skill to get honourable men to lose their rag, maybe. You better watch, that it's not YOUR balls one day that are smashed into our City walls.



After this very sharp speech, he listened to the proposal of Decimvs Cornelivs Scipio and comments it calmly.

Very well, Decimvs. Congratulations. Thats how a proposal should be built, even if it is a bad one. This is what I think about these points.

1)Send Legio III to southern Greece, below the Polis of Athens, with ships acquired from the merchant class. Legio III will land at a appropriate spot and will acquire the city's of Greece it see's fit, and if possible have the Greeks attack us when we are strategically positioned on a hill.

- Not Legio III is to be sent, but NEW Legions or at least Legio III without its current commander Legatvs Longvs, to prove, that its not Legatvs Longvs liability to distinguish himself, that makes him propose this. Important: Minimum TWO Legions

2)Legio III requests extra troops for garrison. Levys or skirmishers will suffice. If
Rome's treasury can not afford it at the time then disregard point 2.

- Agree with the extra tropps

3)When legio III gains control of a greek polis, it will immeditely stabilize it. Then proceed to pick a prominent citizen that is friendly to Rome out of its population. Immediate reopening of trade with Rome (OOC a client state). Taxes will be set as see's fit by the tribunes or by special command of the consul or dicatator. Levy troops will be raised as soon as possible for garrison duty to free up legionnaires.

- And while you are raising Levys the Macedonians, Epeirotes and Hellenons will send their heavy Phalangites and chop them into fish bait. I say we take Sparte, then Korinthos and then Athenai. So we have our backs free from enemies as we advance, and can defend the two straitened passages into our new lands. Possible, for we will have TWO legions there.

4)All spoils will be sent back to Rome immediately. Estimated amounts are in the thousands of talents. All cash made by the sell of slaves will be the general's as per tradition (OOC historically accurate, the general got the money made from slaves). Majority of slaves will be sold in the slave markets of Taras or to the east.

- They are, if we take all of their cities, yes. If we stick to your plan, then estimated amounts are in the thousands of Roman bodies.

5)Legio III is willing to wait until the capture of northern celtic settlements until the official order to march is given.

- And there in the north it shall stay, and defend our northern border against the Barbarians, for Legatvs Longvs is SUCH a GREAT fighter and is very experienced in fighting those Barbarians, right?

6) If this edict is passed. Legio 3 will proceed to forts outside of Taras to await eventual transportation to the greek mainland.

- You better prepare for cold winters in the north.


He turned to the senators

Senatores! I agree, we go to greece. But not in a suicide operation. Think about my words and make yourself clear, whats at stake here. Don't send our fellow Roman brothers into death, just to satisfy ONE mans greed!

With that he went out the door and rode to his Legion, hoping, that the other senatores were no fools and would see how unnecessarily dangerous this proposal was.



(OOC: Please note, that our Roman legions are not yet those tough chaps as they were in Caesars army 200 years later. They lost extremely many men against the Epeirotes, and though they won at the end, they respected Greek phalanx formation. And actually they did not know, that the AI will be stupid, and not unify against invaders ;-) )



.

[Potocello]

Avlvs already was in front of the door, when the Legatvs spat this words towards him. He answerd sharply

Have you been ever to Greece? They fight the Makedonians, yes? Do you REALLY think the Makedonians or the Epeirotes will tolerate Roman presence in Greece? Do you? I tell you what:

THEY WOULD RATHER THROW THEIR OWN BALLS TOWARDS OUR CITYWALLS UNTIL THEY'RE SMASHED, THAN LET US HAVE ONE SINGLE INCH OF THE LAND THEY REGARD AS THEIR OWN.

The Makedonians are in war with the Koinon Hellenon, because they want their land, so they'll never leave it to us just like that. We only would unify them with the Epeirotes. If you were the great tactican and warrior you say, you would see that. Yes, I dare question your intentions, Legatvs. I say you don't seek the best for rome, but only a chance to distinguish yourself. You better profile yourself by cleaning the latrines of my family's villa, instead of sending Roman brothers to unnecessary death! Don't YOU underestimate MY skills, for warfare and honour are in my family's blood. What is in your blood? The skill to get honourable men to lose their rag, maybe. You better watch, that it's not YOUR balls one day that are smashed into our City walls.



After this very sharp speech, he listened to the proposal of Decimvs Cornelivs Scipio and comments it calmly.

Very well, Decimvs. Congratulations. Thats how a proposal should be built, even if it is a bad one. This is what I think about these points.

1)Send Legio III to southern Greece, below the Polis of Athens, with ships acquired from the merchant class. Legio III will land at a appropriate spot and will acquire the city's of Greece it see's fit, and if possible have the Greeks attack us when we are strategically positioned on a hill.

- Not Legio III is to be sent, but NEW Legions or at least Legio III without its current commander Legatvs Longvs, to prove, that its not Legatvs Longvs liability to distinguish himself, that makes him propose this. Important: Minimum TWO Legions

2)Legio III requests extra troops for garrison. Levys or skirmishers will suffice. If
Rome's treasury can not afford it at the time then disregard point 2.

- Agree with the extra tropps

3)When legio III gains control of a greek polis, it will immeditely stabilize it. Then proceed to pick a prominent citizen that is friendly to Rome out of its population. Immediate reopening of trade with Rome (OOC a client state). Taxes will be set as see's fit by the tribunes or by special command of the consul or dicatator. Levy troops will be raised as soon as possible for garrison duty to free up legionnaires.

- And while you are raising Levys the Macedonians, Epeirotes and Hellenons will send their heavy Phalangites and chop them into fish bait. I say we take Sparte, then Korinthos and then Athenai. So we have our backs free from enemies as we advance, and can defend the two straitened passages into our new lands. Possible, for we will have TWO legions there.

4)All spoils will be sent back to Rome immediately. Estimated amounts are in the thousands of talents. All cash made by the sell of slaves will be the general's as per tradition (OOC historically accurate, the general got the money made from slaves). Majority of slaves will be sold in the slave markets of Taras or to the east.

- They are, if we take all of their cities, yes. If we stick to your plan, then estimated amounts are in the thousands of Roman bodies.

5)Legio III is willing to wait until the capture of northern celtic settlements until the official order to march is given.

- And there in the north it shall stay, and defend our northern border against the Barbarians, for Legatvs Longvs is SUCH a GREAT fighter and is very experienced in fighting those Barbarians, right?

6) If this edict is passed. Legio 3 will proceed to forts outside of Taras to await eventual transportation to the greek mainland.

- You better prepare for cold winters in the north.


He turned to the senators

Senatores! I agree, we go to greece. But not in a suicide operation. Think about my words and make yourself clear, whats at stake here. Don't send our fellow Roman brothers into death, just to satisfy ONE mans greed!

With that he went out the door and rode to his Legion, hoping, that the other senatores were no fools and would see how unnecessarily dangerous this proposal was.



(OOC: Please note, that our Roman legions are not yet those tough chaps as they were in Caesars army 200 years later. They lost extremely many men against the Epeirotes, and though they won at the end, they respected Greek phalanx formation. And actually they did not know, that the AI will be stupid, and not unify against invaders ;-) )



.

"Avlvs I find your lack of respect disgusting not worthy of even a Roman tribvnvs! You criticize my leadership and yet you have never experienced it. You speak of your FAMILY'S warfare and honor but how come i do not see yours? You vile piece of pig shit, you have not proven yourself on the battlefield for if you had, you would be able to speak to me eye to eye as a legatvs. I have lost all respect for you and i am ashamed that you are even called Roman. he mumbles under his breath so only few can hear him. Perhaps the Greeks were onto something by ostracizing people, I would surely cast my vote for this...child.

I find it despicable that us civilized Romans have sunk to such extremes as this. The order and respect of this Curia has gone right out the window. The Legio III Campania has made a simple proposition and instead of discussing it like the noble Romans we are, we have all trashed our honor with these insults. How would the rest of the world feel if they saw us in this pitiful state? We would be a Joke! I will lose faith in our political system if this is the way the Curia continues to operate."

Servivs sat down with fiery fury in his eyes. He wished he had his gladius to run this man through.

[Il_Duce]

Legatus Nero has been in and out of the Curia for the better part of a day now. There has been a heated argument regarding the future plan for Hellas-- the Senate has decisively split between two "factions"... those (including many veterans) who are opposed to such early incursions on Greek lands, and those (including many naive young senators) who wish to march upon Sparte itself. He remains seated when he speaks in his signature whimsical, satirical style to the ever fiery Servivs Sempronivs Longvs

Oh, sit down you old donkey. What have you done so recently as to warrant such a vile mouth? Sit on your fat ass all day and order people around? Under the leadership of Legatus Cotta, the first army of the two original legions have been fighting a campaign so your legion could have enough coin to even exist. You make these petty threats to senators who oppose your precious idea of a grand campaign yet are utterly shocked when the same senator disagrees with your dream.

You speak of going to war as though your one legion of men who have most likely never seen combat shall conquer all of the arche that Alexandros once held. What you don't realize in your naive haste is that mother Roma can not begin to afford an oversea campaign against a world power. The greeks have long lost the glory they once had during the homeric epics, but these are not a group of uncivilized spear-throwing sheep herders either. Your own selfishness is the problem, my friend. You wish to leave as soon as possible, jealous of Legio I and II's glorious victories in the north and wishing to capture the fame for yourselves. I am loyal to the Repbulic and wish every Roman honor and glory on the battlefield, but when leaders are so childish to throw a temper tantrum because they must wait but a few years to go to war, I can only hang my head in shame.

Do not question our great Dictator in his plans, our greatest leader Cotta in his forethoughts, or even the youngest senator in his own doubt of your grand scheme. I hope you stand atop Mt. Olympia itself and slay that incestuous pig of a god Hercules himself some day... but it shall not be tomorrow my friend. Wait patiently, then capture glory and be remembered in the history books as Servius Sempronius Longus, the great scourge of Hellas. If you do not, you will be remembered in history as that damned fool of a dead general.

[Potocello]

"Good Senator Nero, the whole point of the Curia is to decide on such matters as these. We vote, and discuss our
next actions and if asked to, the Legio III will follow Roma loyaly, to wherever she may send us.

You tell me that i wish to leave as soon as possible. You tell me that i question Cotta when he is not here to speak.
And yet, i do not remember ever doing such things, you are putting words in my mouth senator. You also question my
motives saying that I am lusting for glory. But what of Cotta and Regulus? Are their intentions so pure? It seems you
all think that i must go to Greece when this is not so. I will gladly go wherever you vote to send me. I also find
it interesting that you insult my anger at Avlvs. Were you listening to what he had said? You mock me with
your indescisions, is it my fault that i am stuck in Capua? I don't think so, I would much rather be fighting
at the side of the Legios I and II or in Greece.

As was said by Scipio, this proposal is subject to change, so if you feel that I would personally gain too much from it,
change it. If you want to wait, change it. If you want to have support from the Legios I and II,
change it. It is the privilage of every Roman to do so."

Servivs sat, exhausted from this topic it had dragged on for too long...

[Il_Duce]

Well Servius, if you claim you represent Legio III and their wishes then why don't you simply tell your men what I told you. Do not campaign so aggressively for orders into Greece when you say you don't mind where you go, as it insults us Senators who ere on the side of logic. You complain of being in command of a Legion, and then insult the Romans under your rank. It is sad to see you are displeased with what is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

[Tiberius Claudius Marcellus]

Tiberius Claudius Marcellus had heard enough. This blasphemous son of a harlot Nero had extended the final insult against Legatus Longus and all of Legio III Campania. His constant twisting of words and random, inane cursings towards the heavens had on more than one occasion caused more than one senator to turn to his neighbor and ask, "Is this man mad or practicing for the theatre?" to which, "Perhaps Iocasta bore a second son?" was often the reply.

"I shall stand for these insults no longer. I hereby vow that whenever Legatus Nero speaks in this chamber, I and a bloc of fellow senatores who share a disdain for such affrontery to common decency shall turn our backs upon him and abstain from voting for any legislation proposed by him 'till such time as a public apology be uttered by him towards Legatus Longus and the entirety of Legio III Campania. Shall he continue to abuse the privilege of speaking as a member of this chamber I shall push a referendum to shame him with a nota censoria.

"He glorifies our dictator as one would a king! He suckles at the proverbial teat of greatness by pandering to the fancies of Legatus Cotta, wishing to be thrown scraps from the table should he beg, heel, and fetch! And Nero demands that all submit to his skewed interpretation of reality that Greece is an impossible target but that it be done in the manner he suggests! I say that if Nero desires to rule Roma himself, does it follow that we wish to be slaves? While you men may have higher rank in the field, we are all, so far, equal in the Curia. Speak not to me of how many bodies you have slain if you cannot do so as a Roman."

[navarro951]

"Tribunus...Blasio replies, I say this not in a position of power, but in trying to keep this senate together. Political debate and division is one thing, but to ask us here to cast out a legatus whom, may be a bit cocky, but has served Roma indeed is preposterous. There will come a time, as we all have learned, that you too will demand proper respect as to the rank you have been endowed. For now though you must know your place. Not that it is last, but it is subordinate.

To the good men of this senate, I ask that you disregard this notion to simply ignore Legatus Nero. Continue your debate, as you have demonstrated yourselves to be wise in defending you opinions on both sides.

Also, this constant speak of Legatus Cotta and his rumored power hunger, or whatever it is some of you have against him, I ask that it also cease. Right now men like him and his tribunes, and Legatus Regvlvs and his tribunes, are performing the highest honor of expanding our good influence and rule upon barbarian an independent alike.

So please, debate like sentors, do not be at each others throats like dogs."

[SwissBarbar]

Lvcvllvs, a senator loyal to the Aemilii and representative of Avlvs, raised. He was older than the Aemilii, and not such an impassioned speaker, but still he could not hold back his tongue.

Appivs Clavdivs Nero is right. Legatvs Longvs is too inpatient and seeks only his own glory. But in this Curia still only a Legatvs or a man of higher rank can propose an edict or amendement, and still it was a Tribvnvs that proposed YOUR edict, Longvs.

Either you are not man enough to do such things yourself or you just wilfully pass over the holy laws of this Senate! How far will you go? Maybe its YOU, who wants to be king one day? However, I do question now .... are you the right man in the right place?

He sat down, and whispered something to another senator, who stood up and went away.

[SwissBarbar]

A messenger came in, and whispered something in Lvcvllvs' ears. He raised again.

Senatores, I add one more criterion that has to be considered. Carthage made peace with Epeiros. This not only means, that Epeiros will be able to raise more funds if we invaded Hellenic territory, but also the fact that Carthage declares peace with our enemies makes me feel extremely distrustful. Carthaginian scouts have been discovered sailing near our shores. If we invaded Greece, we most likely could not count on their support trough trade. Today ally, tomorrow maybe foe? We don't know.

For this threat is real, we MUST be swift and strike hard IF we went to Greece, in order not to let them even find the time to ask Carthage for help and prepare defending themselves.

So again, in the name of the Gods, I beseech you: If we went greecewards, let us send at least TWO legions and take - in this chronological order - Sparte, Korinthos, Athenai and Chalkis, and then install defend lines along the isthmus of Attike between Athenai and Demetrias and the strait between Peleponnesos and Aitolia, that easily could be traversed by an army.

If we secured these strategically most important points, we could hold all those cities with no further problems!

He added, with a deep, strident and ferocious voice and dramatically gesticulating:

If we'd send only one legion, the sound of bemouring wifes, fathers, mothers and children will be in the air over Roma, for no single man would return from this suicide operation! Looking upward and even more dramatical he said: May the Gods in their dark sense of humour never let our wisdom fail and make such a cataclysmal decision.

With that he took a seat again.

[Mooks]

Would Avlvs second the proposal if his legion (Whatever that legion is, cant remember) went with legio III? The document is not set in stone, yet, there is still time to revise it so it can be agreeable to all senators.

[SwissBarbar]

WHICH Legion is up to the Legati, as a Tribvnvs Avlvs will not propose what Legions should go. We need at least 2 Legions in Italy, one in the North and one in reserve, before we go, so maybe we should (be able to) recruit one more Legion who can accompany Legio III.

But this is up to the Legati of the Legions.

[Mooks]

WHICH Legion is up to the Legati, as a Tribvnvs Avlvs will not propose what Legions should go. We need at least 2 Legions in Italy, one in the North and one in reserve, before we go, so maybe we should (be able to) recruit one more Legion who can accompany Legio III.

But this is up to the Legati of the Legions.

I was just asking, no need to get yelling like a old samnite lady. I hear that the dictator wants to recruit his imperial legion anyway. Perhaps the Legati could send II and III, keep the Ist in reserve, they deserve a rest after they take the settlement up north. Then recruit his legion from the spoils we send back from Greece.

Thoughts? Im trying to compromise here.

[SwissBarbar]

You must have a very sensitive ear, since I did not yell at all ,my friend.

[Mooks]

You must have a very sensitive ear, since I did not yell at all ,my friend.

(OOC you used caps. Same thing)

[SwissBarbar]

(OOC: Nope, if I yell, i'll write "And he yelled at the bastard: And then the text in bold or caps" ;-) ONE OR TWO (like this) Words in Caps mean he only that he points that out. Thats how I did it in every post. )

Lvcvllvs stood up and added
Also Legio II is at war in the north, maybe we should consider sending the new legion and Legio III. Fresh troops. But as I said.... its up to the Legati.

[Mooks]

(OOC: Nope, if I yell, i'll write "And he yelled at the bastard: And then the text in bold or caps" ;-) ONE OR TWO (like this) Words in Caps mean he only that he points that out. Thats how I did it in every post. )

Lvcvllvs stood up and added
Also Legio II is at war in the north, maybe we should consider sending the new legion and Legio III. Fresh troops. But as I said.... its up to the Legati.

(OOC Iv been using forums since I was 11 years old, when you use caps it means your yelling. This is pretty much universal)

I dont see how the Roman treasury could handle a extra legion. Though we do need to work something out before long. Perhaps make multiple proposals and see which one passes?

[Tiberius Claudius Marcellus]

"Lucullus speaks soundly in regards to Carthago and a course of cities to attack. Perhaps he and Aulus Mamercus should switch roles as speaker and messenger. I accept the changes proposed by him, as it recognizes the change in the political winds that has come with the Carthaginian storm alinging themselves with the Epirote Greeks. However, Lucullus, you do not know the mind of Legatus Longus. You are overly loyal to one family, who in turn, is overly loyal to another man. You show us all your colors by coming out into the open to attack Sevius' manhood and position in the legions.

"I remind you all that Servius Longus has fought in battle and has been weighed, measured, and found fit. This aging senator Lucullus who has not served with the legions one day, or we would know his name and rank without hesitation, seeks to sow discord as is the popular thing to do amongst the Aemili and those they serve in 'secret'. Hear not his insults, lest you hear the ravings of a mad man."

[SwissBarbar]

(OOC: Sorry if it was unclear. I handle it that way, i thoug that was clear since I did it in my old posts too. I mean, why should I yell 1 word and then continue normally)

Yes, i agree that our treasury could be much better. With the new legion, I meant the Imperial Legion you mentioned. Such an Imperial Legion should not consist of fledgelings, they need battlepractice. Should be veterans! This would be a great occasion to ensure that they are real badasses - if I may say so. I'm sure you would agree, that we killed two birds with one stone by doing it that way.

As for the treasury. When Massalia or Mediolanum AND Patavium are under our command, we should earn JUST enough for one more Legion. Therefore the task in Greece MUST suceed. If it does, we will have enough Mnai for 5 more Legions.

[everyone]

Losing his temper after a few hours of listening to senseless debate and argument, Cicero shot up from his seat, pounding the desk in front of him; bellowing,

"Bah! is everything 'up to the Legati'? If so, why are you even proposing it should be done, when it need not! Also if I may remind you, only the dictator decides the target of the Legions, not the Legatus who leads it!"

"As for your 'edict', Decimus Cornelius Scipio, I find it to be a load of rubbish! Why attack Athens? why make war with the Koinon Hellenon? have they insulted our envoys? have they cut off trade with us? have they attacked our allies? I don't see the reason why should the Koinon be invaded, if we are to make our presence more known in Greece, why should we make new enemies there?"

"Also, that 'strategy' which some intend to invade Greece with is also completely invalid! Do you know how long the campaigns to unify the north and south of Italia took? it took 5 years, starting with the taking of Taras! how fast do you think we would take to capture those regions you proposed? a year? with a single legion, unwisely led? without a constant supply of reinforcements? your proposed campaign is doomed to fail!"

Cicero calms himself down and says something resembling "Bah! fools!" before taking his seat, and preparing a more ferocious rebuttal at the next person who rebuts him

OOC edit: gah! TTCM and swissbarbar posted before I completed this!

[SwissBarbar]

And may I remind you, that the Legati "decide" because a Tribunus may not make a proposal, but he may VOTE, and therefore not the Dictator says where the Legion goes, but the Senate. This is a Republic, not a Kingdom, never forget that!

Tiberius Claudius Marcellus , I don't understand your offense, since I'm trying to cooperate and find a solution? Do you think 2 tiny battles make a your Legatus a great hero and beyond question? How dare you tell me, I did never serve in the Army? Not everyone did here serve as a high officer, yes, but I was a soldier too when I was young.

[everyone]

May I remind you, as stated in our Republic's charter:

Dictators will decide who commands it, where it is to move (if at all), and whom to attack.

Also what you had stated earlier about Carthage's ceasefire with Epirus is nearly invalid; for the past 8 years, has any battle, or skirmish happened between both nations? that ceasefire was merely a delayed declaration to an already-concluded war; if we were to attack Epirus now, it would have made no difference to that when we attacked them a month, or a year ago.

[SwissBarbar]

So why do we even have a curia? Are we clowns that vote for unimportant stuff, but business of war ist only upon the king? eh... dictator? OURAGEOUS (<---- yelled)

[everyone]

What? do you expect the commander to be given the freedom to move his legion wherever he pleases? The legion doesn't belong to him, he has been given the ability to lead it in battle and on campaign according to instructions, not to take the legion on an ill-conceived campaign and eventually have it destroyed.

[SwissBarbar]

(OOC: and how play we civil war, if the legions do not belong to the commander? do we have to wait til the marian reform, where the legions were bound to the commander?)

Thats why we VOTE where the legions should go.

[/Bean\]

Extract from a letter, addressed to the Senate from Legatus Cotta.

...for my return to Roma. I intend to oversee the complete subjigation of this kingdom, the acquiring of the legions food supplies and the last exports of slaves and spoils before returning to Roma in the Spring. I intend to distribute my portion of the wealth to the plebs of Roma, that they may benefit from the victory their men have won this day. I extend my complete apprasial to my two tribunes, Caivs and Avlvs Aemilii, for their outstanding skill, bravery and leadership in the siege. But this victory belongs to the men of the legion; the blood spilt this day will forever stain the earth beneath the city red, and never shall these fallen heroes be forgotten. Those fortunate survivors shall rejoice in their victory, and will mourn our fallen brothers.

I also require an immediate garrison force-the kingdom is not yet secure, and those who remain spark trouble and riots whenever possible. More force needs to be shown in order to bring these people fully to heel.

As stated, I will return to Roma in the spring, and will be attending the Curia meetings once more. My aides and contacts have kept me well informed of the Curia dealings, and I intend to make sure further splits in the Curia do not happen....

Blah blah blah...it continues...

[SwissBarbar]

Lvcvllvs jumped on his feet Hooray! Long live the Roman Republic!