The Curia

[Tolg]

Lvcivs Cornelivs Scipio rose, ignoring Corlucius' interjection.

It wasn't due to fickleness but due to the ideals and laws passed down from our forefathers that we were able to make the Res Publica into what it is now, you should know this best, Quintus Fluvius. It is not change but preservation that keeps us from becoming "irrelevant".

L. C. Scipo made a short break before he continued:

Anyway, I do not want to start a discussion on principles now.

I agree with the triumphus being requested by an official messenger and with the voting outside of the season as well - there's a difference between preservation of the law and foolishness.

[SwissBarbar]

I agree with Quintus Fulvius, since I presume he meant "change" in the sense of having the courage to improve. That's always been our strong point

[/Bean\]

I do not believe it would be correct politically or indeed practically if the victorious General needs to return to Roma in order to request to return to Roma in triumph. Corlucius smiled.

[Mooks]

This random smiling has got to stop, if anything we should have a emergency session just for that.

[Tiberius Claudius Marcellus]

"Indeed you are right, Decimus Cornelius. One would think it is all fun and games to be a senator. Quite frankly, I find most of it insincere and disturbing, as if they had suffered a blow to the head and were now rendered a drooling fool."

Several gasps of surprise and wonder echoed throughout the chamber as everyone began to realize the two executive officers of the Legio III Campania were in the chamber. Quintus Valerius stood and hurried down to greet his benefactor, briefing him on the goings on while he had been fighting in Illyria Hellenike. Tiberius Claudius Marcellus nodded at what he was hearing; but stopped his aide when he heard what had transpired between Caius the Fat and Balbatus. He was visibly saddened to hear the final outcome of his friend's unwavering loyalty. A moment later, a firm sense of resolution set itself upon Claudius' face. He asked his aide to place any pressing documents on his desk and thanked him for his vigilant work.

"Men of Roma, the Legio III Campania has reached our homeland and is undergoing final refitting and supply acquisition before we continue southward towards Rhegion. We shall deal with these rebellious farmers who have so dastardly laid low Consul, Dux Publius Atilius Regulus. Fear not, the brigands will all be executed and their bodies left to rot in the fields as a warning to all who would seek to emulate them.

"At this time, I wish to congratulate Quaestor Caius Aurelius Cotta for his hard work and numerous victories. His slaying of Pyrrhus Anax is a great boon for the Res Publica and a testament to his abilities as a commander. I will agree to vote in favour of the Triumphus he has requested. I must, however make note, publicly, that for all he has accomplished, the Quaestor seems to be taking reckless chances with the men of his command. Not only has he stretched out his legion across the province of Illyria Hellenike; but he infliltrated enemy home territory with inappropriately few numbers, and then earlier this season fought another battle when outnumbered and, though victorious, suffered fifty percent casualties.

"As I have argued many times regarding the character of this man, Caius Aurelius Cotta, I must say again that he is seeking power, fame, and glory for himself and is stacking the bodies of fallen Roman soldiers under his command as a ladder to reach great heights! He is needlessly reckless, and I shall ask the senate to consider limiting the merit of defeating small numbers of the enemy when considering promotions, etc."

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

(OOC: No battle points for defeating 1-2 units even if you obtain a "Clear/Heroic Victory". Regardless of if you fight such a force with a whole legion or equal numbers, it is hardly worth mentioning, as it is an insignificant force and would hardly prevent the enemy from their schemes.)

Tiberius Claudius took his usual seat and begins looking over some documents that had been handed to him, eagerly awaiting the supporters of the Quaestor to jump into the fray.

[Iskander 3.1]

Exomnivs spoke
Tiberivs Clavdivs Marcellvs, you are indeed correct. While the Quaster does deserve his Trivmphvs, he should not be encouraged in his reckless behavior. With Phyrrhvs slain and the armies of Epirvs defeated, the time has come to force a truce upon our foes. We can enact a hefty tribute from the Epirotes. This, along with the mighty industry that Illyria has to offer, can be used to bolster our efforts in fighting the Carthaginians.
Exomnivs cleared his throat before continuing
I put this charge before the Senators now: If anyone should oppose peace with the Epirotes, he will have shown his true colors as an oportunistic general, prolonging this war for his own gain at the Republic's expense!

[Tiberius Claudius Marcellus]

Tiberius Claudius stands and applauds deliberately and slowly, raising his voice to reach the back rows of the audience he is addressing,

"Senator Exominus is bold in his declaration, yet he couldn't have stated the situation any more concisely."

Turning to face the legislator he said,

"You are most wise to not only realize this truth about the Quaestor; but to have the courage, the noblest of Roman virtues, to acknowledge it publicly. Legatus Sextus Cornelius Scapula is a lucky man to have such a friend in you. It would be an honor to discuss matters of the law with you at the Villa Claudia with other men of like mind. My aide Quintus Valerius will deliver the invitation to your residence."

Spinning around to once again address the body of learned men, Claudius returned to the topic at hand,

"Peace with the Epirotes is feasible at this time. As part of the terms I suggest that we envelop the province of Epeiros and install a client ruler in Ambrakia who will help Quaestor Caius Aurelius govern more effectively since he will be a local man, with a disposition that is favourable to our plans for the region. With any remaining Epirote provinces serving as a buffer between the Res Publica and the Makedonians and Koinon Hellenon, as well as the barbarous Getai, we will in turn be able to throw the full might of our Legios against the Poeni."