The Will of the Senate - Senate Deliberations III

[Braden]

Members of the Senate,

My report on my Consular armies first combat action has been posted.

[Dooz]

{Cornelius Saturninus}

Senators,

Word of a great battle near Carthago has reached even my ears, here in Abydos! I have heard the accounts of the battle between Servius and the Carthaginians, and must offer my congradulations for such a victory. Masterfully played, aggressive, all the makings of a great general. However, I have also heard reports of many more great Carthaginian armies making their way straight to our two lonely legions in North Afrika. I offer my prayers for their safety and courage in destroying the Carthy scum.

I would also like to add my own report of my goings-ons of the past year or two. After my few battles and retaking Tylis, I was commissioned by the new Consul to go around the cities making speaches to quell the disorder, bring the newly conquered people Roman rule and generally improve the situations where necessary. Now, thankfully, that task is nearly completed and I will soon be back on the campaign trail, doing what I do best. I only await reinforcements to have a legion to lead! After all, this is no way for the leader of the storied Legio I to spend his days much longer. If only the previous Consul hadn't torn apart my legion to reinforce others'... *grumble grumble* Bah, in any case, Cornelius Saturninus is back and ready for action.

[Avicenna]

My congratulations to Senator Servius and his taking of Carthage. I hope that this will open the eyes of the Phoenicans, and make them listen to peace proposals more carefully than before. Perhaps now is the time to sue for peace... and making the Phoenicans our client kingdom?

[Tamur]

(letter from Appius Barbatus, encamped in Samnium en route to Brindisium)

Word has reached me here through messengers from Tarentum of a great battle and victory for Rome in the Carthaginian lands. I wish to send my hearty congratulations to the First Consul, and hope for his continued success on this front. The enemies of Rome will tremble to hear the footsteps of our Legions approaching!

[Braden]

The consumate skill of the Consul never ceases to amaze me! It seems that no Carthenginian army can stand against him.

I am gladdened though that re-enforcements and support for him has arrived however, it seems they are also besieged now in the fort they constructed.

It looks worrying but I have faith that the Senators and the Consul can defeat the Carthage forces and we shall have our victory soon.

[Braden]

Members of the Senate,

I report that the city of Symrna is now in our hands, as is the mighty Temple of Artemis.

I have pledged that the riches contained within this temple be re-distributed throughout the Republic and allocated for building projects for our own Temples.

I have also posted a full report of the assault and taking of the city.

Manius

(OOC: This is a decent IC reason for the 30% reduction in build costs for temples we get for the capture of the wonder)

[Tamur]

(letter from Appius Barbatus)

Again tidings of the blessings of the Gods reach me, this time from far-flung Smyrna. Thanks are in order to Senator Manius Coruncanius who has brought victory on such a scale without making widows of half of the Etruscan countryside. May Diana smile on his efforts now that he has justly captured the Greek temple.

I am receiving men continually at the camp near Tarentum. The men's spirits are high as we await setting forth to the East. However, their focus seems not to be where it should be. I must report that some of the troops look on me with disdain for my age and for the fact that I have brought my wife here to care for her in her illness. They would, it seems, rather have a commander who brings in whatever stray prostitutes wander near the camp!

My fellow senators, I ask for your help in my inexperience. How does one keep men's minds from wandering when encamped? It seems an insurmountable task at this time.

Vale.

[Braden]

Senator,

Keeping fighting men occupied and contented whilst they are not fighting or on campaign is an almost impossible task.

I, too, am young and am lucky to be in the field and have no concern for such things.

My main advice would be to keep them busy at all costs! Drilling, building projects...anything that keeps them from spending their money on the local women of ill repute.

....I am also proud to advise you and the Senate that the Consular army under my command has taken the town of Sardis in the name of the Republic!

A mere 25 Roman and Italian lives were lost in the operation as we took near 270 Ptolemy heads.

We get closer to a really defensible border between us and Seleucia.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/...s-sardis-1.zip

[Lucjan]

UPS - The last of your reinforcements will arrive and the legion will disembark for the east next season. At which time they will be spending much of their days getting used to sea-sickness, fishing, and learning the ways of the sea.

Until that time, I can offer you the following suggestions. If such men are concerned of your age, you can always make a direct reference to the consul himself that age means nothing in the ways of war. At only 22 years of age, Servius has served with his legion in Afrika for the entirety of his consulship, ruling the Republic from the battlefield, and serving, directly on the frontlines, amongst his men. At 22 years of age, he is responsible for outmaneouvering, outwitting, and tactically outclassing the Carthaginian armies from day one. Urge them to take notice that the true strength in Roman honor and dignity is found in family strength and loyalty, and that any man who brings a greek prostitute off the streets of Tarentum into his tent is no true roman man. Encourage games, both of the mind and the body, drill every day, battle will come to you all soon and you must be completely prepared, and finally...encourage loyalty through rewards.

I hope these suggestions help you stay the minds of your men. If they still insist on being rowdy, you can always threaten to transfer them to the deserts of Afrika with the consul, and scare them with stories of how the sands themselves attempt to devour men whole, and are made into storms so fierce they can eat the flesh from a man's bones. Either way, if your first engagement is a success, and we have every confidence that it will be, your men will respect you thereafter regardless of their current opinion. Men like to be led by great generals, they just don't realise that every great general started out much lesser known.

(letter from Appius Barbatus)

Again tidings of the blessings of the Gods reach me, this time from far-flung Smyrna. Thanks are in order to Senator Manius Coruncanius who has brought victory on such a scale without making widows of half of the Etruscan countryside. May Diana smile on his efforts now that he has justly captured the Greek temple.

I am receiving men continually at the camp near Tarentum. The men's spirits are high as we await setting forth to the East. However, their focus seems not to be where it should be. I must report that some of the troops look on me with disdain for my age and for the fact that I have brought my wife here to care for her in her illness. They would, it seems, rather have a commander who brings in whatever stray prostitutes wander near the camp!

My fellow senators, I ask for your help in my inexperience. How does one keep men's minds from wandering when encamped? It seems an insurmountable task at this time.

Vale.

[econ21]

[NUMERIUS AUREOLUS]: My congratulations to the First Consul on his latest report. He has completely turned around the critical situation he inherited upon coming into office. The Seleucid invasion of Europe has been reversed - we are now invading Asia. Carthage has been dealt a succession of hammer blows and is surely doomed. Ptolemy has been stripped of some of its most wonderous and lucrative coastal provinces. Iberia has been deterred and Thrace can only lurk in the dark forests across the Danube.

Senators, I submit that our Republic has never been stronger. I salute the First Consul on his achievements and wish Marcellus Aemilius every success in his imminent battle against the Carthaginians, and the subsequent campaign of conquest.

[Dooz]

{Cornelius Saturninus}

I shall echo senator Aureolus' sentiments in congradulating Consul Aemilius with his apt handling of the dire situation he came into. The results speak for themselves, no doubt.

However, I am a bit worried about the last battle report we recieved from Marcellus. We lost too many men in my military opinion and I'm worried about further battles with the numerous Carthaginians on the horizon. It won't be easy, or cheap, reinforcing Afrika, and if we lose too many more men, our campaign there may end up all for nought. I fear the appointment of Marcellus Aemilius to such a crucial theatre in our military front may have been a mistake, whilst I was moving around giving speaches to a bunch of greeks and barbarians. Now, I don't want to excuse the Consul of any favor-giving, far from it, it just doesn't seem that Marcellus was the most qualified for the job. (OC: I say this in-character of course, referring to Marcellus' 1 star military stat. Has nothing to do with how the actual battle was carried out . Also of course has interesting in-character implications considering the 'family ties'.)

At any rate, these are only my concerns for the good of our Republic, I do not wish to insult anyone in particular. Only to see the success of our plans and have our nation prosper.

[GeneralHankerchief]

As you know Senator Saturnius, the Consul and I can hardly be considered family any more, so I doubt that this appointment was done due to family connections.

That said, the next battles should come easier. Mainly because the largest army in the theatre has just been taken out of action, and I now have experience fighting the Carthaginians.

I would next like to make a request to the Consul: If my purpose in Afrika is to destroy armies, then I would rather do it in the open field, perhaps on a bridge than sallying out of a fort.

(OOC: Marcellus did receive a trait increase after the battle and pretty soon he'll get Legate, so stars shouldn't be a problem).

[Lucjan]

UPS - You're complaining to the consul about having to sally forth from a fort to do battle? Carthage chose the venue of a siege. Or would you rather the consul had not allocated the funds necessary for a fort and given you the potential of being assaulted in the open by two Carthaginian armies rather than being besieged by one? An open field battle like that would have meant the total decimation of your legion. Not even you can contest such a thing Marcellus.

[Dooz]

{Cornelius Saturninus}

I seemed to have forgotten the troubles within the Aemilii family, my apologies. And perhaps I was being a bit too quick to judge, it was the first major battle against the Carthaginians, and a strong force at that outnumbering Marcellus. I'm sure the experience gained will come quickly and forcefully, and upcoming promotions will help with advisors and such rallying around the general. I just had a bout of doubt about our actions in Afrika, and seeing all those Carthaginians closing in. My best wishes to the two men leading our cause across the seas.


*edit*
I can hardly believe my ears! Word has reached me yet again about spectacular victories in Afrika under the leadership of our young Consul Marcellus. I believe we are bearing witness to a legend in the making, his battles within the last year already having gone down in the history books. My hearty congradulations and support for the wonderful work in Afrika, may the gods keep your strength up.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Another great Carthaginian city is in our possession. Hadrumentum is ours, and the price the Carthaginians paid probably finished them off. They have lost yet another army (I am told that the only significant force on the mainland now is the garrison of Hippo Reguis), as well as another general.

[Glaucus]

Well done. First Consul Servius, you amaze us all with your stunning victories on every front.

[Braden]

Members of the Senate,

I am happy to report an ERROR in my last report regarding the taking of Sardis.

I reported a loss of 25 Roman and Italians……this is WOEFULLY wrong.

My Roman and Italian losses against the 259 defenders was only….

……Thirteen (13), Roman and Italians!

My Adjutant had included the 12 Thracians in the original count despite my instructions to deliberately exclude them.

We now march to face the largest Seleucid threat available in the area and I hope to continue to yield high enemy deaths for such little Roman and Italian casualty figures.

[Avicenna]

Senator Libo, we must not forget the generals of the republic, without whom we could not be so successful.

Therefore, I offer my congratulations to all generals in the successful campaigns in Africa and against Selucia.

[Glaucus]

A very valid point. Well done all around, to generals who fight with the men, and also to thise who dictate the strategy.

[Lucjan]

UPS - Well then Senator Libo doubly praises both the men and the consul. As the consul has fought frontline with his legion in every engagement, and the Republic's generals, when the situation is not critical, are commonly confronted on their opinion of the proper strategy.

Such praise is surely much appreciated by all of our senators.

[Braden]

I have to advise the Senate that these Ptolemites and Seleucids appear to be unable to field a significant force here in Asia-Minor. Again, I have been tasked to putting down little more than an expedition force.

At this time and due to the actions of us in Asia-Minor it seems that we can take whatever territory we wish and make whatever border we want. I know the Consul will stick with the plan he has for this though and take no more than is required to construct a solid, defensible border.

I just want the Senate to know that all previous “fears” can be quelled and perhaps we can start enjoying the fruits of what our armies have achieved here in Asia-Minor and in Afrika during the next Consulship.

[Avicenna]

Senators, what is the point of staying put when the Greeks are unfit to defend? We should seize this oppurtunity to inflict a lightning campaign with one of our armies, which is to be given free reign in the region, and the commander tasked only with:
- keeping the army intact
- capturing enemy towns and razing their training facilities
- destroying any enemies in his wake
We might never get such an oppurtunity again, and I urge the senate to give the consul in Anatolia the permission to deal this crippling blow to the Greeks!

This shall, as I have stated earlier, cripple the remaining Greek factions. It will allow us to sue for a favourable peace. If the Greeks should have the gall to reject a simple ceasefire and subjection to Rome as a client state, they shall be in no position to defend themselves from the wrath of Rome's legions, or to launch a significant attack on our borders, as they will be unable to recruit troops from neighbouring regions.

Of course, such a campaign would be costly and risky. But judging by the coffers on this day and the amazing victories consistently achieved by our generals, I do not think this feat would be impossible to pull off. Should we win the gamble, we will be the unchallenged hegemon on the Eastern frontier of the empire, which will undoubtedly be secure for days to come.

[Tamur]

(letter from Appius Barbatus)

I have heard through messengers that the debate over the Consul's policies in the east and in Carthage have died down, but a new debate springs up regarding whether to push forward in Anatolia. This is a matter perhaps for our midterm deliberations.

To me, it seems obvious that the Seleucids are reeling from the disasters that are constantly befalling them at the hands of our able Generals, Marcellus Aemilius and Numerius Aureolus. I and my men are also bound there, to bring strength to Numerius and much-needed supplies to them both.

With two full legions in the area, it should be not only simple but relatively safe to attack and destroy Seleucid cities whilst the opportunity presents itself. Destroying buildings, especially training facilities, will set the Seleucids back years, and if we raid enough cities they may not have time to recover by the time we can muster a full invasion army.

However, I must urge the Senate and Consul Aemilius to retain the plan that the Consul laid out only a few weeks ago, to fortify a line along the Plateau and then stray beyond it only to raid and destroy Seleucid strongholds. To occupy cities beyond this border would without a doubt be bringing the war too far from Rome and too far from reinforcement.

Besides, the corrupting influence of the East may wear on our Generals and soldiers without Roman buildings and Roman laws being firmly established in their midst. Let us not stray too far lest we lose the numina that guide us.

[GeneralHankerchief]

I appreciate Senator Barbatus' commending my generalship, but I fears he has me mixed up with Manius Coruncanius, as I am in Afrika presently.

That said, you all know my position on the East. I was against venturing into Asia Minor in the first place, although I reluctantly submit that it was a good idea.

I see no further benefit in expanding even farther east. There is no sea that we can control and hence increase trade benefits, and it would stretch us even further. There will be a defensible (albeit less defensible than the original border) border, and if our forces can defeat army after army of these people then surely they can hold a measly bridge.

[Braden]

Senator Barbatus,

Whilst I am young and full of pride I will certainly abide by the instructions of the Senate and the Consul. Whilst my army appears to be able to raid at will in Asia-Minor against both the Seleucids and Ptolemites, I will sprinkle my actions with temerance and only strike where and when it is deemed best by the Consul and Senate.

Senator Tiberius,

Greeks?? What Greeks do you speek of, I was under the impression that the Greeks were dealt with a good few years back, we should consult the Library on this though as I was but a student in my formative years at the time.

I am certain though that no Greek "threat" exists. Do you mean perhaps Carthage or Seleucia/Ptolemy?

Senator Aemilius,

I have to agree. We will expand just as far as to establish a defensible border. A by product of this is the coastal regions of the Black Sea and around Rhodes, which will be profitable for the Republic in the future.

[Tamur]

My humblest apologies to both Senators Marcellus Aemilius and Manius Coruncanius! This will teach me to write without consulting the Senatorial rolls.

[Glaucus]

Senator Tiberius,

Greeks?? What Greeks do you speek of, I was under the impression that the Greeks were dealt with a good few years back, we should consult the Library on this though as I was but a student in my formative years at the time.

I am certain though that no Greek "threat" exists. Do you mean perhaps Carthage or Seleucia/Ptolemy?

Are the Seleucuids not the descendands of Alexander... a 'Greek'. Do they not fight in the phalanx? They are greek, no matter how far away they are from greece.

I agree with previous comments regarding a raid into the Seleucid heartlands.

[Avicenna]

Senator Coruncanius: the Eastern Greeks, the Ptolemaics and the Selucids of the Alexandrian Empire. They are a corrupt, decadent version of the Greeks swimming in riches in the Eastern part of the world. As such, they deserve no power, and any attack on them is fully supported by me. The Greeks should never be allowed to threaten our republic again.

Senator Marcellus: I am not proposing an expansion into the East, merely a crippling of the Selucid Empire. The destruction of some of their core provinces will surely weaken them for a long time, maybe even permanently. Surely you see that it would be folly to merely consolidate? With no major forces in the area, the Selucids are defenceless against our Legions. However, if we stay put, they will be easily able to muster up yet another army to slay more sons of Rome, while the senate debates are droning on. The power of the Greeks must be destroyed!

[Braden]

Senator Libo,

I don't wish to engage in symantics but Alexander was Macedonian, perhaps the B'stard children of Greek, Dacian and Thracian intermarriages?

As to who invented the Phalanx....I'm certain that Greeks thinkers could discuss such a thing right up until the time when good Roman steel cuts their throats! hahahahhahahaha

Ahh...understood Senator Tiberius, I suspect that I have been Tutor'd too long in Roma by "pure" Greeks and thus make a clear distinction where none is required or perhaps even "Roman"?

[Avicenna]

Senator Coruncanius, a Greek is a Greek, no matter where he chooses to live. It all boils down to their blood, and all Greeks think similarly to me. and thus, they are all a threat. Look at this worrying trend: ALL the Greek factions have attacked our Republic, even without a legitimate motive. and, therefore, all must submit to us or be crushed. Even the barbarians to the North know their place and are not as reckless as the foolish Greeks, who apparently cannot learn a lesson from the utter destruction of Macedon.

Senator Decius Laevinius