Stories Thread

[everyone]

(OOC: this part is on the journey there, and this took place over a few seasons)

The Ligurian: Part 2


Winter 268:
almost a year has passed since Asina has enlisted the help of Quiamelius; though Quiamelius has yet to do anything.

both Legio I Apulia and Legio II Latium have been camping in northern Etruria in the past month; the camp is now getting rather overcrowded and a few units had to set another camp to the southwest.
Initially, Legio I had reached the camp first, when Tribunus Longus was ordered by Consul Asina to march north and establish a camp, while the latter is in Roma, settling some bureaucratic matters.
A day after Legio II Latium arrived at the camp a month ago, the officers of Legio I and II met in Asina's large tent for a meeting; although none of the other inhabitants of the camp at the time knew what transpired; it is obvious that there was a meeting on the military plans to assault Bononia.

A few years later, the details of this meeting was found on a piece of parchment in the Senatorial Library's section on the Consul's reports. Although it was not written in the very illegible handwriting of the Consul; it is presumed one of the junior officers were given the menial task of taking the minutes; and the following is an excerpt of the section which states the plans of the officers:

As both armies would besiege the city separately, Consul Asina would lead Legio I for an assault on Bononia, however before he moves the siege equipment towards the walls of Bononia, there would be some skirmishing as Legio II marches from the southwest towards the vicinity of the walls.
there, two rams would be employed, one to punch a hole in the Settlement's walls and another to break down the gate; in case S.P. Carbo and his contacts did not manage to disable the defences.
when the wall is breached, all the horsemen are to enter the settlement and avoid engagement and move to one side; afterwards, the infantry would be split into two groups, a smaller one through the broken gates and a larger one into the breach. Meanwhile, the combined Accensi of Legio I and II would pelt the enemy, reducing their numbers or effectiveness. the horsemen would then charge into the flanks of those units holding the walls and gates.

Strangely, the notes ended at that point and there was nothing written in the report to show what had happened after that. It has been presumed that the officers concluded that they would wait until the last part of the plan is executed, then the commander would decide what to do from there.

Throughout the whole season, nothing much has been said of Quiamelius, except Consul Asina visiting him briefly to remind the former of their agreement and his duties; and it proceeded with Quiamelius merely giving a nod and no reply following that.


Spring 267:
on the first day of Aprilis, the fort was filled with the sounds of Drillmaster Manius in his unwavering, piercing voice, yelling at the soldiers of Legio I random phrases that include "double up!" "pick up the pace!" "stop laying about you slackers!" and numerous other similar phrases.
Consul Asina paid another visit to to Quiamelius in the camp's detention centre, accompanied with Decius, who was, as usual, was holding an intimidating, coiled-up whip; this time the visit was for two purposes: the first similar to previously, and the second is to supervise that Quiamelius does not take this chance of relative chaos to escape. "bah, I've not been causing any trouble for the past year, and I haven't even had any wine for a whole season" Quiamelius retorted as soon as Asina explained his purpose there, while flinching at the thought of alcohol.

As soon as the Legion is assembled, Asina gives a short address to his men; after taking the relatively free time he had to practise his oratory skills; and was responded to with a thunderous cheer and applause.

the march north was a rather peaceful one; for the weather was clear and perfect, while there were no threats of an ambush; thanks to S.P. Carbo and his contacts in Bononia and around Aemilia, who had successfully spread a rumour of the Romans sending a force so numerous that it outnumbers the inhabitants of Bononia ten times. All was light-hearted, except for Quiamelius, who faces the threat of being yelled at, beaten or possibly whipped by Decius, despite Asina's warnings towards Decius not to threaten to Ligurian; though it is apparent that Decius does not comprehend Asina's orders as he does not understand the purpose of keeping this worm of a Ligurian, rather than sell him in a local market.

The march north was around a month long, with troops progressing at a good pace, keeping their morale high by self-motivation, for tunes which sound as if they were composed in a tavern were heard constantly throughout the march.
However all morale was lost as Legio I Apulia approached Bononia, for they were greeted with the sight of Cadwaldor, chieftain of Bononia, mustering his troops, of which includes the dreaded Gaesatae; man-demons, wildmen who fight with the strength and zeal of ten men.


Summer 267:
The siege went on. Soon the sight of partially-naked celtic warriors brought about a morose atmosphere within the camp, and soon the only people who were as optimistic as a few weeks ago were Consul Asina, whose unwavering optimism is starting to annoy his subordinates, and Quiamelius, who has not changed his opinion on anything and therefore is still as optimistic, or pessimistic as previously.
News of the reinforcements of Legio II Latium reached the camp by a fleet-footed messenger dispatched by Legatus Cotta; it did well to lift the cloud of greyness that was hovering over Legio I Apulia's camp for the past few weeks.

Soon enough, both armies were ready to assault; the battle went as planned by the officers of both legions two seasons ago, and it is still firmly embedded in Consul Asina's mind. however, after the Aemilian forces holding the walls and gates were dispatched, it became a skirmish; with accensi pelting gaeroas with stones, and Gaeroas throwing javelins at Hastati. soon, the infantry force was ordered to advance to the town square; but hindered by 2 units of Gaesatae.
"A bunch of cowards if you ask me!" commented Drillmaster Manivs after the fight.
A unit of Principes were the first to engage the Gaesatae. Not long later, 2 units of Hastati joined the fight; while the Gaesatae were still oblivious to the mass of horsemen gathering behind them.
A horn was sounded. it was that of Consul Asina as he, along with Legatus Cotta and the Tribunes of both Legions, charged into the rear of the so-called invincible wildmen. The Gaesatae were routed in nearly an instant, with most choosing to flee while a few more stand their ground.
the battle was a decisive victory, and Bononia was declared part of the Republic.

a week after the capture of Bononia:
Asina strides into the prison house, accompanied with Decius.
Quiamelius: "gah, so you just captured this rathole town, just to house me in an equally small cell as I had in the camp, when you promised me freedom?"
Asina cringed at the mention of the final word
Asina: I had promised you freedom, once you have accomplished the task I set for you
Quiamelius: you have not even given me any! bah!
Asina: watch your tongue. I'm here to inform you of your task, which I think you have been anticipating for more than half a year now. Decius, unlock this cell.
after unlocking the cell, Decius brandished his whipped, only to be stopped by Asina, who ordered Quiamelius not to be touched and sent Decius off to his other duties.

Asina led Quiamelius to an inconspicuous-looking abode near the chieftain's palace of the now-dead Cadwaldor. the abode is that of S.P. Carbo, one of the Republic's main sources of intelligence
Carbo: ah! Consul Asina, I was expecting a visit from you.
Asina: Carbo, it is good to see you still in a piece.
Carbo: thank you, and my apologies for my contacts being unable to disable the defences; that Celt though senile is still very aware, and I was almost unable to enter the settlement initially.
Asina: it does not matter now; for I am about to brief you on your next task:
this moment, Quiamelius interrupts, "would this include me?"
Asina: this shall include you; and you, shall be given an important task and had better not fail in it.

to be continued again.........

[/Bean\]

In working progress...should have a bally good portion of it up by the end of the week.

[Tiberius Claudius Marcellus]

Bona Fortuna

Almost a year in Roma and still no word on a military assignment. Just as well, perhaps, it's not like life in the military was a truly desirable career anyway, just a means to an end. True, it was a necessary evil though, to ensure the safety of the Res Publica and the enforcement of the will of the Senate, and, it did offer those dirty commoners who had no skills the chance to avoid a life of begging - or worse - on the streets; but it was so violent, so physically demanding! If only these Romaoi weren't so violent and hell-bent on taking over the world.

Tiberius Claudius Marcellus let out a sigh as he held his arms out for Marcus to tie the last fasteners of his clothing. The baths were usually such a refreshing place; but lately, they were absent of their soothing effect. Rome was much different than Taras. True, Tiberius' family were Romani .... in name at least. Tiberius' great-grandfather had moved his branch of the gens Claudia family tree southward to Taras to avoid Roma's warring with the other tribes of Italia. There they took up life as merchants and set about learning the ways of their Hellenic home. In Taras, Tiberius was known and well-liked, or so he thought at least. The upper middle class with whom he always associated treated him as an equal. Here in Roma, however, he was a junior Senator from a newly "liberated" province and he couldn't even get assigned to muck stables let alone command in a Legion - something these Latins all but fawned and doted over. To sit on a horse and tell men to "go forth and kill lots of them before they kill you" didn't leave quite the impression on Tiberius as it did his fellow Romani. Just one of the differences between life as a Hellene or a Roman.

"What bothers you, sire?", asked Marcus.

"Marcus, I'm afraid that I shall never be given the opportunity to rise here in Roma. I've yet to be even considered for command in a Legion despite the death of the Consul and that I come with the aid of a commander whose lifetime of experience would be invaluable to me. My quarters are so much smaller than back in Taras - and so far away from the Curia as well! It is insufferable that I, Tiberius Claudius Marcellus - a member of the Senate! be made to travel such distances for work and for sustenance. And what a mighty member indeed! They mock and ridicule my suggestions in the open! Marcus, I fear that Roma has little to offer me."

Marcus mulled over what his master had confided to him as they both walked through the Forum and markets. Suddenly, an idea came to him.

"Sire, when I commanded my first company back in Taras, oh, almost 20 years ago now, I learned that to keep the morale of my men up I needed to keep them busy. Sitting around without a goal to work towards breeds ennui and disdain for one's surroundings. My men needed direction not only on the field; but off.

"I remembered the lessons I learned when I first enlisted: 'do not make work for the sake of work'. Now, that may seem contradictory to my original statement that soldiers - and senators - need to keep busy; but I assure you that nothing will bring morale down faster than pointless effort and wasted sweat going towards a task whose purpose does not matter. My first company commander was fond of making us dig latrine ditches most of the afternoon every other day because he believed we needed to keep our minds off of sitting around waiting for an enemy to rear its head. When I became company commander I vowed never to toil pointlessly; but with purpose!"

Tiberius, half-listening as always, rolled his eyes as he handed a shopkeeper a bronze coin for two apples. The shopkeeper started to hand Tiberius back the proper copper change; but Tiberius shook his head and withdrew his hand.

"You've a greater need than I. Save what you can and one day you can better your position."

The shopkeeper thanked Tiberius profusely and offered to donate the extra money to the shrine of Ceres. 'What a foolish simpleton,' thought Tiberius. 'That is why he is a shop keeper and I am a Senator. He can't even follow simple advice.' Tiberius handed the second apple to Marcus who appreciatively took the fruit and bit into it. It was refreshingly tart and juicy. Both men walked through the milling throngs in silence while they chewed.

"Marcus, continue with what you were saying."

"Of course, sire. When I took command of my company I made sure that whatever tasks my troops did to keep busy were relevant to either their jobs, their health, or their morale. Whether we were digging latrine ditches, drilling into the night, or inviting their families for a communal meal and bonfire, there was always a purpose behind the task."

Losing interest, Tiberius interrupted, "And I should invite the Senatores and their houses to my quarters for a feast and orgy?"

Marcus coughed on some of the juice of the apple that went down the wrong way. This young man was insolent and impatient to the core. He replied, "No, sire. What I do suggest is that you do need to keep busy to keep your mind off of your boredom and lack of appointment to the Legions. Rather than sulk at your current state of affairs, keep busy at trying to better them yourself. If the Lagati won't send word to you, send word to them. If the Senatores are less-than-impressed with your status and so ignore your speeches, then, as you told the shopkeeper, better your station. You are quite capable, master, to challenge the Fates and wrest control of your own stars. 'Carpe diem,' as the Romani say."

Tiberius thought over all that Marcus had said. It made sense. Tiberius' own ancestors went and made their own fortune, why shouldn't he? Marcus had proved yet again his value. But how to increase his personal standing amongst men of power and influence and wealth? They had everything that Tiberius did not, where to begin?

It was then that Tiberius noticed a rather awkwardly dressed man about his same age haggling with a fish monger over the price of the day's catch. On closer appraisal, it appeared rather that they were arguing over the system of scales used. Intriguing, not many commoners knew how the different guilds measured what they sold against how much they sold it for. This man, however, appeared quite knowledgeable - enough so to risk causing a public scene. Tiberius couldn't help but intervene.

"Gentlemen, what is the commotion about?"

Before the fish monger could speak, the man dressed in a tunic that was two sizes too large offered his side of the story,

"Sir, this man is using rigged weights in his scales. I saw that his medium weight on the produce side is the same as the heavy weight on the currency side. He is cheating me and others."

Tiberius snatched the questionable weights from the scales as the hairy-armed fish monger started to contest the customer's accusations. Fear registered on his face when he realized that Tiberius had caught on to his scam. He began to stammer excuse after excuse while sweat poured from his forehead. Tiberius silenced him with his index finger raised in front of his face.

"You, sir, are a scandalous viper. Your corrupt business takes bread from the mouths of families who toil from sun up to sun down. Marcus, round up the nearest patrol and have this man arrested on my authority as a Senator."

Marcus came to attention, gave a quick salute of his fist to his heart and trotted off around a corner to find the nearest patrol.

"Sir," Tiberius said to the wronged man, "you are quite observant and knowledgeable of weights and measures, the law, and currency. You are an asset to your master's house."

"I am Quintus Valerius, freeman, said the man in the large tunic. I saved enough of my wages as a servant to Gnaeus Decimus Brutus Hortensio to purchase my freedom. While I worked for him I was his chief steward. I am an asset to myself, now."

'Gods be praised!' thought Tiberius. Just minutes ago he was sulking over how to better his position in life, when lo and behold a second capable man comes within reach to aid his rise to power. Surely this opportunity could not be passed up.

"Quintus Valerius, freeman: I am Tribunus Tiberius Claudius Marcellus, Sentaor of the Res Publica Romani, representative of Tarentum. I am in need of services such as the ones you provided to your former master. What say you to becoming part of my house as a freeman clerk, earning your keep and wages.......as well as some clothing that fits?"

Quintus replied, "Senator, I've no obligations to others and your house would provide better for me than the brick maker I serve now. Allow me to settle my affairs with him and I shall accept your position this evening."

Tiberius smiled, Nike be praised! "Quintus Valerius, I shall meet you at my quarters an hour before sundown with your possessions. If you do not know the way, the clerk at the Curia shall give you instructions."

The Fates were conspiring in Tiberius' favor......for now. But for how long?

[everyone]

The Ligurian: Part 3

Asina's orders to Quiamelius were rather simple, help S.P. Carbo to infiltrate the settlement, Quiamelius's knowledge on local customs would help Carbo to blend in with the locals.

Carbo had managed to infiltrate Liguria, a few seasons later the city was under siege by the combined Legions of Apulia and Latium, led by Consul Asina, hailed as a military hero for his conquests in Italia and Heres Blasio, the heir to the Dictatorship of Roma respectively. The siege was a bloody one, taking the life of Asina as he rode on to slay Conan, the chieftain of Liguria.

Now, though Segesta has been brought under the rule of the People and Republic of Rome, the Republic has also lost a fine General to the hands of Barbarians.

Though Asina's reports end here, his trusted friend M.C. Cicero has taken the time to chronicle the last few hours of Asina's life, and a few events which followed. (note: the following section is told from the perspective of Manius Claudius Cicero, who is incidentially narrating)

The last thing I heard directly from Consul Asina, was in the tent just before the Battle of Segesta. he was discussing the battle plan for an attack the following day as Heres Blasio, in charge of Legio II then, had ordered Asina to bring along Legio I Apulia to reinforce Legio II when the latter assaults the Ligurian settlement. The strategy, strangely, was a rather disorganised one; it included to coordination of armies and such; it was as if Asina had lost his strategic skills. I had never thought "dismissed" was the last word Asina was to say to me.

During the battle; Legio I Apulia was in a mess; our horsemen were ordered to charge through our formations, causing them to be disrupted, and our infantry were ordered to move into the settlement through the breeches in a most un-Roman fashion, if I would say. Though the battle was considered a clear victory and our noble Heres had been given credit for capturing it; I had thought it to be more of a defeat. A man, who has bought great victories to the republic, fallen in a battle, is there a man who is competent or capable enough to replace him? Who would bring our legions to that great victories again?

Though there is a myriad of other military commanders within our republic, I think only a small number of them would rise to the greatness of Consul Asina; I shall aspire to one of them, though I may not be as great as Asina.

After the battle, I visited to the small abode of S.P. Carbo, which was as equally inconspicuous as previously when I went to the Bononian version together with Consul Asina, to inform Carbo of the news. "Ah! Drillmaster Manivs! what news do you bring? where is Consul Asina?" I was still in the state of shock, I had not believed that our dear Consul Asina passed before my eyes jsut a few yards away from my unit, it took a while before I could respond to Carbo. "Consul Asina has fallen bravely in combat against that barbarian Conan. Other than that, I have been asked to bring Quiamelius back to Legatus Regulus, who has taken temporary command of Legio I Apulia; I presume he is residing with you?

It was now Carbo's turn to be shocked. He nervously stuttered, "well- that Ligurian man, he - he went missing a few nights after I arrived here, which was a few weeks before the siege started, I'm not sure what exactly happened to him."

The End

OOC: partially major spoiler

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I'll find another chance in the game to role-play what happened to Quiamelius, because as everybody might suspect, he's become a turncoat. but I would dispel some things before I write my next part in the near future:
1. Quiamelius did not kill Asina
2. Quiamelius was not killed
3. Quiamelius also did not exactly betray Asina, because I intended for him to be a introverted coward. well more would be revealed when the time comes