That is, Consul

**SaberHRE** · 03-29-2008, 00:04

Shouts continued and vulgar insults thrown across the corners, Senators preventing each other from speaking. Among the epithets, "W-----sons" and "f====" where most commonly used. But the senate silenced as one man stood up. A short burly man, a face which exhibited seriousness and experience, but also ferocity and anger. The dark short hair greatly contrasting with his innocent green eyes.

"Siiiiiiiilence! Senators".A short deep breath and the man would begin his fiery speech. Eloquence, strength, calmness all combined in a speech, which can never be put on paper. The burly short man combined his great oratory skills with equally oustanding theatrical skills. Folding his Toga and letting it fall it timed intervals, perfectly coordinated with his speech, showed great experience in oratory field. "Lucius Cornelius Scipio has been suspected of being involved in warfare misconduct and accounting fraudary, he..."

Before the the short burly man could have finished, another individual stood up. Older, yet a lot more younger in appearance. A thick bunch of hair being the man's trademark, as was the little scar to the left cheek. The rather unusual beard contributed to a vow made many years ago also made the man stand out.
"What treachery is this! Foolish knave. Fathers of the Senate, from what I have observed, you just as I am, are weary of this goat keeper's rambling. Fathers of the Senate, I Decimvs Ivlivs Caesar Sapiens, say enough to this cacophany he calls a speech. Thirteen times I have been wounded, I have obtained spolia opima from a dead numidian warlord, 3 times I have led the Roman forces to battle, and I have myself seen the fall of Carthage at Zama. The Scipio brothers, loyal servants of Rome, distinguished citizens and of all heroes are men not to be judged by such scum as that man. As you trembled screaming Hannibal ad Portas, I and the Scipii have fought and shed blood for Rome. As I fought against the Makedones, I prayed to the Gods for victory and they have sent Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus. Had Africanus not won Zama, dire would be Rome's fate...". Caesar Sapiens would then take a serious grieving face, and proceed to leave the senate.

"Senator Caesar, where are you heading?"
"If this is what I have fought... Then I would prefer rotting in Numidian soils then taking this insult. If I have to I am willing to prefer arrest, for I have not feared thousand enemy warriors, then how am I to fear such knaves"

As Caesar Sapiens proceeded to leave, many senators would leave the bench next to the now furious burly man. The auctoritas of Caesar Sapiens was always enough to destroy opinions. The burly man called Marcus Porcius Cato had no other choice than to silent sit down in shame, as no living man would be could be capable of severing Caesar Sapiens' reputation.

As Caesar proceeded out of the Senate two men followed. Tiberius Decius Mus and his son Publius ran up to him in haste. Mus the elder was Decimus' quaestor in Sardin, and now wished to present his young son as a follower of the old senator.

"Good friend! And young Publius"
"Decimus, I..."
"Send the boy tommorrow. And you Publius we got much to teach you, much".

**CaesarAugustus** · 03-29-2008, 03:03

There are some good Romani AARs making an appearance on this forum lately. More please!

**Maxinius Scipio** · 03-29-2008, 03:48

Nice job! Please, write more soon.

**SaberHRE** · 03-29-2008, 13:01

Publius Decius Mus, came slightly late, but it wasn't the only thing he was scolded for. In an unusual manner, he wore a girdle around his turnic in a loose way, giving him a look of a street vagrant. The old veteran had the boy immediately loose the girdle.

"Boy, at your age I would have gotten a beating for such dress. My mother would say "Ivpter, Ivno, father Mars, give me that strength so that my beating will hurt this foolish boy"

Publius apologised and did not waste any further time being criticized by the old man.

The two men met at Palatine, the traditional home of important personas, including most of the current Senators. They soon began travelling down to the forum. The old man and the youth were accompanied by a slave, whose function was to remind old Caesar of the people passing by, so that he could greet them. Publius served as Caesars' young apprentice, a common thing for boys who wished to pursue a career in public life, to do. The old men taught the younger of Senatorial procedures, politics, connections, whereas the younger men would in the gratitude be their associates.

"In politics boy there is not much time, never, I mean, never ever again be late. Such carelessness might cost you your career. Seize the moment young Publius. Seize it when the time is right. Now you must know two things: How to obtain friends, and how to rid of enemies. You must have heard about my attack on Cato. The reason why I have done so is clear. Cato is an enemy of Filhellenes, among whom are the Scipii who are my close friends. Although I agree with Cato in many matters, his views are extreme and he is a weak figure. His status as novus homo makes the task of attacking him all easier. It is always honourable to the defend one's allies, as you not only gain their gratitude, but also the respect of the common people." The old man continued. "Let us head now to Subura, as I have business their to attend, which I want you to be a part of".

Subura was a district closely located to the Forum, and was mainly inhabited by common people. Recent drafts and wars reduced the district to poverty, as many hands which used to work here were lost. Widows, mothers, and children were forced to offer sexual services to make a living. It was around these times, that Subura's prominent brothels were established. Publius on his way to Subura, wondered whether his tutor was also trying to give him advices in these fields. However matters which both men were to attend, were of a more serious nature, although Caesar did linger for a while talking to one cute brunette.

Around noon the men met with one Marcus Geminius, local magistrate, ex-centurion and Caesar's client. Geminius owed his whole career to Caesar, who through a comibinaton of financial aid and recommendations, managed to secure a number of posts for his client. In return Geminius would become a loyal follower of Caesar, specializing in darker businesses. However Geminius' sucesses as a magistrate were unconnected to the Patrician Ivlii. Geminius himselft was quite a cunning politician and a even more ruthless businessman.

"Sir, it is good to see you" Geminius slightly bowed to Caesar.
"You too good friend, you too. Have the preparations been made"
"Of course, all has been done. By tommorrow the painting should be done".
"Excellent, Geminius good comrade, I have always had you in high regard. Now let us speak of that brunette I saw around the Butcher's..."
****

Three months of tutelage under Caesar was a true blessing for young Publius. Now an expert in law and Senatorial proceedings he was ready for entering public life. Although initially he tought of entering it as an orator, he changed his mind, when convinced by Caesar to pursue a career in military first, which Caesar has secured in Spain by his connections. Therefore around Quintilius he set out to Spain, equipped with a recommendation letter from Caesar and 1 talent.

One thing struck him when he was preparing to leave. The painting of Cato and a young 'girl' with clearly male organs, saying "my beautiful love", which creation he saw months ago...

Reminiscing, he left Rome for Hispania.

Soon to come:

Chapter 1: The Hunter and the Prey

**SaberHRE** · 03-29-2008, 23:08

Chapter 1: The Hunter and the Prey

Pvblius travelled to Hispania Citerior with a reinforcement sent by the Senate to Hispania Ulterior. 600 men, of which at least 1/4 were Italics. The travel with soldiers was quite a jovial one, as men sang song, joked around, told stories about their love conquests and discussed prospects of gaining wealth in Hispania. Publius quickly noted that the men who travelled to Hispania were entirely different to those who served under Decimvs Caesar or Scipio Africanvs. They were a new breed, a generation of Publius, men young and violent, who were bored of work on the field. Men who did not remember the dangers of Carthage and Hannibal. These men after receiving their adult togae, quickly sold the parcel of land to their siblings or neighbours and set about to conquer the world. These men fought for prospects of greater riches and glory.

All men wore chain mail 'lorica hamata' bought by themselves, or sponsored by certain patrons, which was quite a common thing. The well armoured soldiers probably knew of the dangers which awaited them and therefore preferred to be best equipped for service. Another thing which differed them from their fathers, was the training they have received. They were quite properly drilled, as Pvblius came to see, when at command they formed formation to impress their enthuasiastic observers.

The reinforcements where commanded by one Appivs Claudivs Pvlcher, a descedant of the same Cladivs Pvlcher who threw the sacred chicks into the sea. Like his ancestor, Pvlcher was of very delicate appearance, and no doubt was considered extremely handsome. His delicate face and his slightly higher-toned voice did not impress his soldiers, and he would often be an object of ridicule behind his back. The most often ridicule was sung in the song of 'Clavdia of Capva', which isn't entirely appropriate to quote.

Pvblius recalled a day when Pvlcher caught the men singing this song. Red, from anger he shouted in his higher-tone voice.

"Men to me, form formation, shields on me!"

The men would then assemble and comply. A repeat of 5-6 times ensured that the vigour and jokes would break. Pvblius as a subordinate had also performed along with the soldiers these annoying drills.

Yet the men found a way of countering their commander. They would put against him one centurion who always managed to cheer the commander the improve the relationship between soldiers and their commander.

One day as Pvlcher was patrolling around the ship he saw the centurion, who was called Lvcivs Petrionvs, and began stalking him around. The centurion who was busy overwatching the regular drill of the men, was caught by surprise and had to face Pvlcher. It was customary for every man to salute his superior officer and ask permission to continue his duties.

Petronivs indeed saluted his commander, but refused to ask permission. After an hour of standing still, the centurion proceeded to act as if years or decades have passed, taking a pose of an old withered man, who hasn't still asked for permission. Meanwhile his men would be laughing, along with the oars crew rendering whole activities on the ship still. Pvlcher also laughed along from this joked, but soon realised he was caught into the overall mood.

"So Centurion, go on, ask for permission"
"No need Sir! It isn't for to Hispania really, Sir!"

Pvlcher bored would then proceed to leave.

Petronivs for his jovial and caring nature was dubbed by the soldiers as 'Pater' as he often acted as a father figure in many situations. He was renown for his story-telling abilities and at night men would sit a listen to his stories. Even Pvlcher, who was many years junior to the centurion, would come by at times and share the moment with his soldiers, because in his soul he greatly respected Petronivs.
******
Somewhere modern day Barcelona, noon.

Seriously dehydrated and suffering from the bleeding of teeth, the men often came down to the land the way travelling along for fresh water and fruits. It was early Fall, yet the Hispanian climate never changed through the year, and it was hot with sporadic rainfalls.

As men prepared to land, and search for nearby village they saw a thick column of smoke rising from nearby. Intrigue, Pvblivs asked for permission to investigate, but before Pvlcher could give a reply they saw a group of Romans under attack. A swarming horde of Iberians where making attacks on them. These weren't all-out heavily satured sorties, but individual attacks, to provoke the Romans to break formation. some 20 Roman infantry and a obviously a man who seemed to be their commander.

"Don't let them get you from the back, comrades!" The man shouted.

Pvlcher immediately gave order to help the roubled Romans.

A few legionaries jumped out of the ship with cat agility and charged at the Iberians at a Marathonian's pace. The Iberians, masters of ambush rather then brave fighters, at the sight of having a few of theirs killed and a huge warship infront of them, broke in haste. However a number already involved in fighting refused to retreat, preferring to take distance and hurl javelins at the Romans. As legionaries covered retreat, Pvblivs came to the men to assist them. Then...

"Lvcivs?!"
"What on the Gods, Pvblivs?! No time, bugger, they are at us, back to the ships!"

**SaberHRE** · 04-10-2008, 20:59

Just to clear up a few things. The Romans stationed at Hispania at the time were varied. I recall Cato Censor having up to 50k men during his campaigns, but again a lot less served under Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus.

Anyone who managed to skim through these two short parts, I'll just say a longer update soon.

I also plan to have a Post-Apocalyptic Saka or Sauromatae AAR on 1.1 so stay tuned :)

To the mods, how is The Guild's policy on vulgarisms? My character is 'Foul mouthed' and if you allow I'll try to this trait to the fullest.