Stories Thread

[/Bean\]

Wise and honourable sirs of the Senate, in order to help us in our jointed rule of the grand empire of Roma, let us first get to know each other a little better. Perhaps we can share how we got to where we are now; a short biography our of current lives, if you like. In the tradition of propostion, allow me please to begin.

Ever since I was entered into the officer class by the wealth of my father, I have been ridiculed by my peers for my Plebivs standing. From a very young age, I faced hardships and often got into fights with a young aristocratic boy and his thug-like mates. However I learnt quickly that this would soon be the end of me in an environment such as mine. I began to sneak into the local school, where I hid while the aristocratic boy who I had had a few run ins with took his lessons. Over the year, I learnt to read and write Latin and Greek. The tutor also taught the boys oratorry lessons, and I practiced what I had learnt in the safety of my home.

When my father was accidentally awarded a vast sum for masterminding a huge Saturnalia feast by a very rich and rather drunk governer, he finally had enough money to buy in to the lowest senatorial class. He entered me, as a young child of twelve, into the officer training classes in the Capuan Academy. I spent four years there, anxious to prove myself to my teachers and my fellow pupils, but I have yet to acquire the respect I hope for.

My father died earlier this year in a illness. In consolation for his loss, I was awarded his senate seat. However, being so young and with so little experience, I realised I was vulnerable and needed a patron and mentor inside the senate house. I was, however, determined not to be simply used for my vote, or to be manipulated by more powerful men. I attended several small senate sessions, assessing the tos and fros of the arguments and the decisions. At a certain time, however, I learnt of the powerful, yet at the time, little known figure of Cornelius Blasio. I approached him following a senate meeting which included rather heated discussion on how many amphorae of wine should be guests of honour at Senator Caivs Falerivs' feast. Without boring you with the details, I managed to acquire Blasio's patronage, and, a month later, his adoption. marrying his daughter in the process. He has been a father and a mentor to me when I most needed one, and has protected me from many of the vipers that infest our glorious powerhouse.

And now, the southern legion is reborn. The might of Rome marches to capture the city of Taras in the south. I have just graduated from the Academy, and now is the perfect time to make my father proud. I have applied to join the Legion heading for Taras. But sometimes, I wonder. What's the point? They're never going to let me lead men-veterens-to war. A boy, they will see me as. I guess I will probably spend the rest of my life in Capua, or Arpi, or Arimium, the most exciting parts of my life being thieves in the market, or a fire in the Greek quarter. I dream of great things. Yet they are only dreams.
__________________