several questions I've had for eons...

[Omanes Alexandrapolites]

Hi KuriousJorj,
There are two ways of declaring the civil war. You can either reach a low senate popularity rating, or you can declare the war yourself when the people consider you worthy.

For the former to work, you typically need either two or fewer senate popularity shields.

When the senate decide they hate you enough, they will first start making missions which come tied in with penalties. These penalties include investigations, which usually come along with large fines, and exposure of secrets, basically a nasty trait for your faction leader.

If your senate popularity drops any further, then the senate will demand that your faction leader commits suicide. Refusal will result in you becoming classed as a outlaw (the senate and the other Roman factions declare war upon you), while acceptance provides you a few more turns to up your rating before they ask you again.

Bear in mind that this can occur to the AI, and, if it does, you have a choice over who to support. You, and the other Roman factions, can also, if this does happen, declare war upon any other Roman faction personally thereafter.

For the latter to occur, you usually require eight or more people popularity points.

When the people consider you highly enough, you will receive a message, informing you of a chance to take power. This should allow you to declare war upon any other Roman faction by attacking one of their cities or armies. By doing this, the senate will outlaw you, and the other Roman factions typically declare war against you (although sometimes the AI does choose to side with your faction).

Bear in mind that this can also occur to the AI. If it does, you will asked who you wish to support. You, and the other Roman factions, will also gain the opportunity to attack any other Roman faction if you so wish.

Hope this helps, good luck, cheers!