The Shame of Legio III – a Princeps on trial

[Braden]

The trial of Senatus Publius Laevinius

Gentle men of the Senate of the Republic of Roma, it is my sad duty to officially open this hearing into the events immediately leading upto and the reasons behind the loss of the Republics Legio Eagle at the Ford of Massilia.

It is my unenviable task to decipher the actions of those in command, their troops and to apportion blame thereof, if any blame can be apportioned.

To open the proceedings I have placed a call to the Co-Consuls own Son Manius Aemilius for him to join us here and give is own account of that battle.

Until he arrives I ask which of you Senators stands before me in defence of the noble Laevinius and whom of you stands to accuse him?

(OOC: Waiting on the “who’s playing Manius” question and I would like the current Co-Consuls to keep me posted on their progress in the campaign. I want to time the verdict so that it comes through in time for the mid-term votes)

[Dooz]

{Galerius Vatinius}

Accuse? Accuse the man of what! The noble Publius Laevinius lost a battle, a battle against a ferocious Gaul army which outnumbered his depleted legion almost 2 to 1. Surely no man can be expected to be victorious at every battle, every time, especially considering the fact that his most needed tribune was a madman! Let's be rational for just one moment here Senators! Publius Laevinius is now in old age, and was was past his prime for the battle. He has served the mighty Republic for over 20 years, courageously and victoriously, vanquishing many a foe. Need I remind this Senate of Motion 5.1, passed by you very Senators who now stand to accuse him? Let me recite it for you.

Motion 5.1: This House grants First Consul Lucius Aemilius a triumph. This is on account of his successful conquest of Cisalpine Gaul, Massilia and the island settlements of Melte, Aleria and Caralis with relatively little loss. It notes the generous role of the First Consul in providing opportunities for other members of the Lower House to give battle on Rome's behalf.

Remember also the heroic victories of Publius against Meriadoc and Eporedorix just 10 years ago, when he was in his prime. I have gotten my hands on the battle report of the former here. https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...86&postcount=5

He may not be the sharpest gladius in the blacksmith's shop anymore, but he was always good at what he did and gave it his all. If it weren't for him, perhaps many of you fine senators would not be here today! You have disgraced a good Roman, a local hero! With these accusations and this trial, you have disgraced yourselves. If anything, I accuse this Senate of pompous finger pointing atop their high horses and ivory towers! I say drop the case and let the old man retire to Rome and get the dignity and rest he so rightfully deserves.

If there's anyone to blame, it's probably that loony Manius Aemilius! What Legate and legion can be entrusted to the helping hand of a madman? Bring him out here! Let's see what he has to say for himself! Rahrahrahrahrah!...

[Death the destroyer of worlds]

I myself have fought numerous battle at that exact location, at even greater odds than those facing Legio III on that fatefull day. That bridge could be succesfully held with just four cohorts against any numbers of foes. Something disastrous must have gone wrong.

If it was just his disgracefull defeat at the hands of those barbarians, he would probably come off with just a resignation from active service. The loss of a sacred eagle is quite another matter however. Was I in his place I would probably be considering a 'honourable' end to my life.

I also feel it easy to place blame on my absent son. He is not the one on trial here, Publius is. I am aware of his disreputable reputation, but I would like to hear his version of the story first before arriving at any conclusions.

[Mount Suribachi]

Senator Galerius Vatinius, I am confused as to why you mention the awarding of a triumph to Lucius Aemilus, when Publius Laevinius is on trial.

[Dooz]

{Galerius Vatinius}

Ah, forgive me Senators, my anger gets the best of me sometimes... please do strike that from the court record.

[Braden]

Senators,

The previous nobility and ability of Publius Laevinius is not in question NOR is this hearing to apportion blame about the Loss of the battle in question itself - no - what IS called into question is the Tribunes loss of the Legio's Eagle.

It is understood that it is every Tribunes responsiblity to ensure the safety and continuation of the Legion sequested to him and part of that responsibility is to ensure the retention of the Legio's Eagle so that the Legion, even if utterly decimated, lives on within it.

Without a Legio III Eagle, officially, there is NO Legio III.

That is what is being called into question here and it is the events leading to Publius Laevinius's failure to remove the Eagle standard from Battle when defeat was certain that will be the crux of this investigation and will have a baring on any punishments meated out.

To loose a battle against unsermountable odds is surely acceptable, but to loose the Eagle......that is questionable at the very least.

Galerius Vatinius! If you continue to besmerch the character of a fellow Senator, in this case the very Son of one of our Co-Consuls I will be forced to remove you from the floor until the hearing is ended. WE do not judge what is sane here.....we will view the FACTS from as many angles as we can THEN we will distribute blame and punishments, that is all!

I trust I have made myself clear in this matter. Now whilst we await the arrival of our first first hand witness I will ask for any accounts of the battle known by individuals, be they rumours, written reports from troops or even testomony by local tribesmen.

(OOC: not wanting to seem like I'm directing the hearing in any particular way, it would be helpful for someone to post an edited version of the battle report but viewed from a different angle - perhaps a native watching or one of the soldiers involved? if none are forthcoming I will do something myself but thought it best to offer it out prior to me putting anything down)