Res Publica: A Quest of Ancient Rome

[Twiggierjet]

[X] Plan Golden Mean

I would have liked to see epicurianism, if for no other reason then it would have been a unique experience, but oh well.

 

[Unstorpable]

[X] Plan Postgraduate Education

 

[ThatGuyWithIdeas]

[X] Plan Golden Mean

 

[Erandil]

iirc the wars with Carthage were motivated by the indigo dyes, in part, something to do with romans stealing the secret or some such

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That is the first time I heard of that and I did actually just have a exam on the late Roman republic. There were quite a few internal and external reasons for the conflict with Carthage but I have never seen anybody argue that dyes played a central role (though I would guess that as an phoencian colony carthage had some skill in that area).

To be honest, Cicero is a controversial figure. While I agree with the eclecticism decision, since it's adaptable. Allowing more freedom in our views, rather than caging ourselves to certain views such as with stoicism. I'm a bit wary of following in Cicero's footsteps though. We're not Cicero 2.0, we're more in common with Ceaser in our aptitudes than Cicero himself. It's just we've spent a year developing ourselves into a more well-rounded individual.

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Yeah, Cicero is I think in many ways perfect example of the typical "homus novus goes overboard on the whole tradition angle" phenomena and I would certainly hope we are a bit more flexible (and have less need to "prove" ourselves).

 

[Chaos Blade]

That is the first time I heard of that and I did actually just have a exam on the late Roman republic. There were quite a few internal and external reasons for the conflict with Carthage but I have never seen anybody argue that dyes played a central role (though I would guess that as an phoencian colony carthage had some skill in that area).

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from what I remember reading was one reason, not the central one, but it sounded reasonable to me

 

[Telamon]

Spoiler: Winning Vote

[x] Plan Golden Mean
-[x] Eclecticism
-[x] Broad-Striped Tribune
-[x] The Aristocracy

January 4th, 85 BC
669 Years After The Founding Of Rome
The Year of Flaccus and Marius.

The year begins with reconciliation. The Marians, with their powerbase secured, seek to reestablish rule of law in Rome -- the same rule of law they have spent the last half-decade circumventing. To this end, they elect one Lucius Valerius Flaccus as Consul. A former consul, Flaccus is one of the oldest and most respected senators in Rome, for years holding the position of princeps senatus, or leader of the Senate. Since the beginning of the Civil War, Flaccus has headed the moderate faction of Senators attempting to make peace between the optimates and populares, and keep the Republic intact. His election alongside Gaius Marius the Younger, Marius' son, sends a clear message — Marius wants peace, or is at least willing to make overtures to such, but he will not easily relinquish his hold on the Republic.

Nowhere is the Marian stranglehold better exemplified than with the proconsular provinces received by the former Consuls. After his term, each Consul receives a province to govern as proconsul, or military governor. This position is often meant to take a Consul out of the public eye, or at least prevent them from accruing too much power in too short a time. In direct contradiction of this spirit, Cinna has received for his governance all of Italy and its adjoining provinces in Gaul, continuing and affirming Marian domination of Rome.

But Marius himself, ever the warrior, ever the conqueror and master of battles, is not content to merely control Rome. In the first week of the year, the great general declares his intent to march to Greece and return with both Sulla and his enemy, the Greek King Mithridates, in chains. He and his allies introduce a measure in the Senate to grant Marius full control over the wars in the East, and to simultaneously declare Sulla a public enemy. Marius' supporters throng the streets outside the Curia on the day the Senate votes, agitating and demonstrating en masse. At times, they chant his name so loudly the senators have to shout to be heard.

Unsurprisingly, the vote passes without contention.

The Marian-controlled Senate officially declares Sulla an enemy of Rome and her people, and bestows Marius with full proconsular imperium over Greece and Asia, tasking him to both defeat Sulla and end the war with Mithridates. In weeks, Rome springs alive with the drums of war. Marius, drawing on his personal funds and the funds of his allies, levies five legions in the Campus Martius, using all of his influence and fame to draw volunteers and veterans alike to his banner. He is aided in this effort by the consul Flaccus, who, as flamen martalis, the High Priest of Mars, declares the war against Mithridates to be a just war, endorsed and smiled upon by the red god of war himself, Mars Ultor.

War has even brought its staccato drumbeat to your very doorstep. At your request, Scaevola has spent the last few months lobbying on your behalf with powerful and influential people in the Senate, seeking to win you a military tribunate. It is the least he can do, he says, after your diligent performance in the matter of Pompey's conspiracy. When time came for elections, he and his allies in the Senate made a case for your selection as tribunus laticlavus, and after a brief speech from Scaevola highlighting your particular virtues, you were unanimously selected as broad-striped tribune, second-in-command for one of the legions:
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Spoiler: The Legions

[] Legio VI: One of the few legions not levied this year, it is also the only one which shall remain in Italia. Left over from the conquest of Rome by Marius last year, it has spent the past year encamped in Rome. Now, with the great general Sertorius as its commander, the legion's duty is to pacify the heartlands of the Republic and bring peace to Italia. The Samnites, the most violent and warlike of the Italian tribes, still resist the yoke of Rome, and have raided and pillaged Roman cities for years. Though the Samnites hold little love for Sulla and might have even joined with Marius, defeating them will better strengthen the Marian position in Rome. With the Legio VI, Cinna and Sertorius hope to crush the Samnites and force them into Roman citizenship, solidifying Marian power in Italia with a resounding military victory close to home.

[] Legio VII: This legion was the first levied by Marius, raised from veterans of the Social War ten years ago, and will march with him across the sea to defeat Sulla and put down the Greek king Mithridates. It is led by one Gnaeus Papirus Carbo, a stout Marian politican and an orator of no small skill. Carbo, one of the stoutest of the Marians, was a candidate for the Consulship this year, and the legion is likely a consolation gift from his allies in the populares. A faithful Marian and an able commander, Carbo is likely to be the legatus Marius trusts most in his eastern Campaign, and so a tribune under his command might see much service under him -- against Mithridates and Sulla alike. Glory is almost assured here, and wealth beyond imagination from looting the wealthy provinces of Asia.

[] Legio IX: This legion, under the command of one Lucius Valerius Flaccus, cousin to the new consul, is one of the three marching east under Marius. The man is ambitious and intelligent, but his weakness in handling his subordinates means that it will fall to you to keep his legion in line — or lead them against him. As one of the most well-connected men in the Republic, Flaccus himself is a good stepping-stone to more powerful associations, such as his cousin the princeps. Under Marius, this legion, raised largely from volunteers and new men, will likely not be used as heavily as the others, owing to it's untested status in battle. However, a legatus and tribune who could tame and organize such a legion into a well-oiled fighting force would earn much respect in Rome.

[] Legio III: This legion, raised in southern Gaul over a year ago before the Marian siege of Rome, was meant to be the legion of a praetor named Ancinus, a Sullan partisan who was proscribed and executed when Rome fell to the Marians. The Marian politician Gaius Marcius Censorinus has recently been assigned the governorship Ancinus held -- Gallia Transalpina, Gaul-Beyond-The-Alps. A region savaged and harassed yearly by roving bands of Gallic barbarians, it badly needs the defensive strength a legion might bring. Censorinus and any under his command will have to contend with keeping the fragile peace between Rome and her vassal states in Gaul while fending off the barbarian sons of that wild and untamed land. A major benefit, however, is political removal from events in Rome and the East -- which might preserve your life should Sulla win the war in the East.

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With Rome about to be behind you, you are given a few days to see to your affairs. You say your goodbyes to the friends you have made in your first year in Rome, and call upon Scaevola to thank him greatly for his work on your behalf and the tutelage which he imparted upon you.

You and Proserpina even set out for your estate to ensure that all is in order, and to set the estate to rights and make sure it will be well cared for in your absence. Mancina and Tercerus greet you warmly, even if the latter is somewhat cold, and inform you that your lands have been more than well cared for. The escaped slaves of last year threatened the estate when their path took them across your lands, but Tercerus and the guards led a small sortie and drove them off, after which they were crushed by Marius the Younger and his militia.

A problem awaits you at home before you can set off, however. Owing to your status as broad-striped tribune and your patrician rank, you are allowed to bring a single servant to tend to your person and advise you. Proserpina, however, must remain in Rome to administer your growing network within Rome's upper crust, and to watch over the small household which you have already begun to develop -- not to mention the fact that the slim woman is more than out of place on the battlefield, despite being no stranger to one. With Mancina being necessary for the management of your estate, the choice of servants grows slim. You pick...

Spoiler: The Servant in War

[] Glaber: Nicknamed Glaber, or 'the bald', for his lack of hair, this tall, dark-skinned Carthaginian was a mercenary from Africa who fought for Rome in Spain. He performed so well as your father's bodyguard that he brought him back with him to Rome, where he saved his life on more than one occasion. His ebony skin and bald pate draw many eyes, and, it seems, blades. His lanky body is riddled with faded scars, a testament to his ability as a fighter, and as a bodyguard. He has no great skill in subtlety, but, one might argue, he has no need of it, for you have never met a man who could best Glaber in a fight and walk away on both legs. He aches to return to the field of war, and seems almost jubilant at the prospect of cutting down any man who attempts harm on your person.

[] Theo: A young Greek with happy eyes, Theo was a slave, then a gladiator until he lost use of his right arm. Useless as a fighter or a worker, he was tossed aside to die, but instead came to your father's attention due to his particular skill with people. To put it simply, one cannot help but be charmed by him, from the shine of his teeth to the twinkle in his eye. Your father would send him to the markets to buy a cartful of grain, and the Greek would return grinning with ten for the same price. The servants skip to do his word, if only because disappointing him would be like pissing in the eye of the sun itself, and he is capable of winning a smile from even the most dour and grim-faced of men.

[] Tercerus: To your surprise, old Tercerus volunteers to stand by your side. His oath, he explains, was to never return to Rome -- not to the battlefield. A strong and hale warrior in his day, Tercerus served in the legions long before you were born, and fought under Marius in his youth. Now, the old man is too slow and weary for the pitch and din of battle, but he could still take most men in a one-on-one combat, and he is perhaps the most able of your servants, being skilled in almost every trade one could care to name. However, his great age --scarcely a half-decade younger than Marius, who is quickly approaching 80 himself -- is a hinderance to any great travel, a fact you keep in mind when selecting your companion.

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Perhaps the final matter you must deal with before marching, however, is that of the junior tribunes. You are the tribunus laticlavus, the senior tribune and effective second-in-command of the legion. The elected tribunes, however, are five young men elected by the Roman people to stand as military tribunes, and, owing to the necessities and rigors of a Roman election, are just as skilled and ambitious as yourself, if not moreso. However, as senior tribune, it is your duty and privilege to select one of the junior tribunes to serve as your own aide and second-in-command, working alongside and with you to organize and administer the legion. You select...

(Note: The men you do not select will not be a tribune in your army)

Spoiler: The Tribune

[] Caesonius: A young populare from the patrician gens Calpurnia, Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesonius is a man of an age with you. An aspiring politician, he sees the military tribunate as a stepping-stone to greater things. Though rather unskilled in the martial arts themselves, Piso seems to possess a singular talent for putting coin into the right hands -- namely, his own. An administrator of some small skill, he has already sorted out several discrepancies in the legion's pay, and shown remarkable honesty, besides.

[] Marc Antony: Marcus Antonius, an older man with a wide face and kind eyes. He comes from an especially martial bloodline, and as such, has been trained in his forefather's footsteps to be a commander and leader of men. He is genial and honest, but is trustworthy to almost a fault, believing and confiding in any man who wins his favor, whether or not he deserves such treatment. He is also something of a spendthrift, whiling away coin almost as fast as he can get his hands on it. It is this trait which has stunted his political growth, forcing him to assume the tribunate five years late. When his weaknesses are under control, however, he is an exceptional commander, and has quickly proved himself well-liked with the men.

[] Metellus Celer: The son of a former consul, Quintus Metellus Celer is a young man of about 20. Mostly known for his association with Pompey and his father in the last few years, Celer has opted to rise out of the shadow of his friend by striking out for his own tribunate, handily winning the position through his own merits as a speaker. He has had much skill in commanding and leading men, but is incredibly ambitious. Being both older than you and on the same level of military skill as yourself, he may well usurp you in the hearts of the men you are meant to lead, and if that happens, you may well find yourself with a knife in the back on the battlefield -- courtesy of Celer's childhood friend, Pompey.

[] Rufus: Servicus Sulpicus Rufus is a former student of Scaevola and a friend of Cicero, himself an aspiring lawyer. Strong of tongue and word, he is an orator on par with yourself, and his skill with the law outstrips your own. A lifelong optimate, Rufus would be a welcome friend amidst the bevy of Marians in the legions, but the sad fact of the matter is that his military skills are sorely lacking, having been neglected in favor of judicial pursuits. While he understands basic military strategy, he is certainly not as skilled at command as the other thin-striped tribunes. Indeed, he has only sought military tribunate to escape the worsening political climate of Rome -- it is unsafe to be a friend of Scaevola in such times, as you well know. However, his ability to speak and inspire men, as well as his extensive education, may more than make up for the deficit.

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There is now a TWELVE-HOUR MORATORIUM on all votes.

Use this time to discuss the choices available and create different Plans. As previously discussed, any votes not in plan form, or submitted before the moratorium is up, will not be counted.

As always, discussion is rewarded. (As are Omakes and Reaction posts.)
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[ComradeDoge]

Well, the guy to keep out of the Legions is pretty obvious to me. Metellus.

 

[Cawasnow]

Marc Antony seems the least likely to stab us in the back, but he could very well spill any secrets we may share with him. He is just too trustworthy of an individual.
He is like a discount Ned Stark.

 

[HeWhoAdds]

Caesonius seems like the best tribune option. Relatively trustworthy, covers one of our blind spots (Stewardship), but is unlikely to outshine us in command or on the field.

 

[Publicola]

However, as senior tribune, it is your duty and privilege to select one of the junior tribunes to serve as your own aide and second-in-command, working alongside and with you to organize and administer the legion. You select...

(Note: The man you do not select will not be a tribune in your army)

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@Telamon, can you clarify how this works? Of the four named Tribunes, we're selecting one of them to be our personal aide & second-in-command. Shouldn't that mean that the three names that don't get selected will be assigned to other legions? Or do we get to keep three of them, and only exclude one?

 

[HanEmpire]

Having Rufus as a friend might prove useful later. IIRC the man had an amazing mind for law, so he could be indispensable for our legal reforms.

 

[Telamon]

Can you clarify how this works? Of the four named Tribunes, we're selecting one of them to be our personal aide & second-in-command. Shouldn't that mean that the three names that don't get selected will be assigned to other legions? Or do we get to keep three of them, and only exclude one?

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Yes, sorry, I meant to say men, not man, singular.

Much appreciated.

 

[Tzaphquiel]

I would much rather not be in one of the Legions involved in the East. I do not wish to make an enemy of Sulla. It might have been preferable had Marius perished. Instead, I am troubled by the possibility. What if Marius should succeed in dragging Sulla back to Rome in chains? What will become of us then? On the other hand, if Sulla triumphs, how could it be turned to our benefit?

 

[Darkcrest]

leaning towards
leggio iii
Glabber

Leggio III will allow us to get the badly needed command experience and away from the Marius Sulla war. and put us in an area where we don't potentially weaken Sulla should he win
for the thin striped tribune we really should stay away from Pompey's man
but an caught between choosing Marc Antony and Rufus

 

[JamesShazbond]

Legions:

VI would let us stay relatively close to home and react to events in Rome.
VII would get us loads of dosh/glory, but would require us to throw in with the Marians, which doesn't seem viable with Scaevola as our patron.
IX also takes us against Sulla, but trades loot/glory for potential control over a legion. If the stars align, we could hijack the legion at a critical moment and go over to Sulla, if we were inclined to.
III seems to be the safe option, not much to gain, but we can put off the Sulla/Marius matter. But then again, if we weren't going to make plays as a tribune, we could have just spent the year level grinding.

Servants:

Glaber: He's an asskicker and bodyguard. Wouldn't do to make all these political plans only to eat a sword to the face.

Theo: Disabled, but provides more social firepower. Best for maximum scheming.

Tereceus: Good at everything, but old as shit. Could honestly just up and die. Not inclined to pick him.


Tribunes:

Caesonius: Would be great support if we can trust him. He is a populare, while we're associated with optimates, though.

Marc Antony: Hey, a famous name! Great at actually winning battles, but he seems to be even shittier with money than we are. That political naivete can be useful to us, if we're better at scheming than other people in our legion.

Mettelus Celer: hahahaha no

Rufus: Most inclined to be friendly to us, but his strengths are things we're already good at, and his support in his actual job is minimal.

 

[Muskeato]

Caesonius seems like the best tribune option. Relatively trustworthy, covers one of our blind spots (Stewardship), but is unlikely to outshine us in command or on the field.

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I would much rather not be in one of the Legions involved in the East. I do not wish to make an enemy of Sulla. It might have been preferable had Marius perished. Instead, I am trouble by the possibility. What if Marius should succeed in dragging Sulla back to Rome in chains? What will become of us then? On the other hand, if Sulla triumphs, how could it be turned to our benefit?

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I second both of these.
We should remain in Italy; killing Samnites is honest work and uncontroversial, and keeps us close to Rome.

 

[Always Late]

[] Legio VI: The only Marian legion not levied this year, it is also the only one which shall remain in Italia. Left over from the conquest of Rome by Marius last year, it has spent the past year encamped in Rome. Now, with the great general Sertorius as its commander, the legion's duty is to pacify the heartlands of the Republic and bring peace to Italia. The Samnites, the most violent and warlike of the Italian tribes, still resist the yoke of Rome, and have raided and pillaged Roman cities for years. Though the Samnites hold little love for Sulla and might have even joined with Marius, defeating them will better strengthen the Marian position in Rome. With the Legio VI, Cinna and Sertorius hope to crush the Samnites and force them into Roman citizenship, solidifying Marian power in Italia with a resounding military victory close to home.

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If what wikipedia says is accurate, and I don't put full stock in that, the Samnites can't hope to win militarily in the long run. But a short war will be to their advantage, not ours. They'd use a victory to seek better negotiating terms, while Rome's putting most of its military resources east.
But they're the faction most open to diplomacy.

[] Legio VII: This legion was the first levied by Marius, raised from veterans of the Social War ten years ago, and will march with him across the sea to defeat Sulla and put down the Greek king Mithridates. It is led by one Gnaeus Papirus Carbo, a stout Marian politican and an orator of no small skill. Carbo, one of the stoutest of the Marians, was a candidate for the Consulship this year, and the legion is likely a consolation gift from his allies in the populares. A faithful Marian and an able commander, Carbo is likely to be the legatus Marius trusts most in his eastern Campaign, and so a tribune under his command might see much service under him -- against Mithridates and Sulla alike. Glory is almost assured here, and wealth beyond imagination from looting the wealthy provinces of Asia.

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We haven't specced for military actions. But, we can shore that up with the right men brought with us. We'll then have the change to get those military skills, and with some of Rome's best.

[] Legio IX: This legion, under the command of one Lucius Valerius Flaccus, cousin to the new consul, is one of the three marching east under Marius. The man is ambitious and intelligent, but his weakness in handling his subordinates means that it will fall to you to keep his legion in line — or lead them against him. As one of the most well-connected men in the Republic, Flaccus himself is a good stepping-stone to more powerful associations, such as his cousin the princeps. Under Marius, this legion, raised largely from volunteers and new men, will likely not be used as heavily as the others, owing to it's untested status in battle. However, a legatus and tribune who could tame and organize such a legion into a well-oiled fighting force would earn much respect in Rome.

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Now this? If we want to make our name, and in Shounen style? This is the choice to pick. If we can drill and trail the men hard, take a few back-line rolls, when the time comes for a decisive engagement, we can shock the world with fervent, disciplined soldiers.

[] Legio III: This legion, raised in southern Gaul over a year ago before the Marian siege of Rome, was meant to be the legion of a praetor named Ancinus, a Sullan partisan who was proscribed and executed when Rome fell to the Marians. The Marian politician Gaius Marcius Censorinus has recently been assigned the governorship Ancinus held -- Gallia Transalpina, Gaul-Beyond-The-Alps. A region savaged and harassed yearly by roving bands of Gallic barbarians, it badly needs the defensive strength a legion might bring. Censorinus and any under his command will have to contend with keeping the fragile peace between Rome and her vassal states in Gaul while fending off the barbarian sons of that wild and untamed land. A major benefit, however, is political removal from events in Rome and the East -- which might preserve your life should Sulla win the war in the East.

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While we'd be removed from the politics of Rome, we'd be throwing ourselves at the people who have one of the best claims for 'Enemy of Rome' The fucking Gauls. They have long memories, and they are extremely bitter. They will not care for oratory, but action. We can show them that Rome is an ally, if we treat them fairly and firmly. And manage the fact Rome's ground them under its heel for so long.

[] Glaber: Nicknamed Glaber, or 'the bald', for his lack of hair, this tall, dark-skinned Carthaginian was a mercenary from Africa who fought for Rome in Spain. He performed so well as your father's bodyguard that he brought him back with him to Rome, where he saved his life on more than one occasion. His ebony skin and bald pate draw many eyes, and, it seems, blades. His lanky body is riddled with faded scars, a testament to his ability as a fighter, and as a bodyguard. He has no great skill in subtlety, but, one might argue, he has no need of it, for you have never met a man who could best Glaber in a fight and walk away on both legs. He aches to return to the field of war, and seems almost jubilant at the prospect of cutting down any man who attempts harm on your person.

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If we go with the veteran legion or to Gaul, take this guy.

[] Theo: A young Greek with happy eyes, Theo was a slave, then a gladiator until he lost use of his right arm. Useless as a fighter or a worker, he was tossed aside to die, but instead came to your father's attention due to his particular skill with people. To put it simply, one cannot help but be charmed by him, from the shine of his teeth to the twinkle in his eye. Your father would send him to the markets to buy a cartful of grain, and the Greek would return grinning with ten for the same price. The servants skip to do his word, if only because disappointing him would be like pissing in the eye of the sun itself, and he is capable of winning a smile from even the most dour and grim-faced of men.

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A greek would be useful over in Greece, but his charm will also help with the Samnites.

[] Tercerus: To your surprise, old Tercerus volunteers to stand by your side. His oath, he explains, was to never return to Rome -- not to the battlefield. A strong and hale warrior in his day, Tercerus served in the legions long before you were born, and fought under Marius in his youth. Now, the old man is too slow and weary for the pitch and din of battle, but he could still take most men in a one-on-one combat, and he is perhaps the most able of your servants, being skilled in almost every trade one could care to name. However, his great age --scarcely a half-decade younger than Marius, who is quickly approaching 80 himself -- is a hinderance to any great travel, a fact you keep in mind when selecting your companion.

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Take this guy if we're to be with the ninth legion. A skilled veteran and 'polymath', for lack of a better term, will b essential in drilling them.

[] Caesonius: A young populare from the patrician gens Calpurnia, Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesonius is a man of an age with you. An aspiring politician, he sees the military tribunate as a stepping-stone to greater things. Though rather unskilled in the martial arts themselves, Piso seems to possess a singular talent for putting coin into the right hands -- namely, his own. An administrator of some small skill, he has already sorted out several discrepancies in the legion's pay, and shown remarkable honesty, besides.

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He's honest, but greedy and ambitious. He won't stab us in the back, at least.

[] Marc Antony: Marcus Antonius, an older man with a wide face and kind eyes. He comes from an especially martial bloodline, and as such, has been trained in his forefather's footsteps to be a commander and leader of men. He is genial and honest, but is trustworthy to almost a fault, believing and confiding in any man who wins his favor, whether or not he deserves such treatment. He is also something of a spendthrift, whiling away coin almost as fast as he can get his hands on it. It is this trait which has stunted his political growth, forcing him to assume the tribunate five years late. When his weaknesses are under control, however, he is an exceptional commander, and has quickly proved himself well-liked with the men.

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This dude. Do not underestimate him. That kindness can be quickly soured if we do him wrong. He is the best military leader of the bunch, no doubt about it. If we put him in the unexperienced legion, they'll be very well improved.
But history also seems to smile on this man. Whether that smile is of pleasure or of sadism is... up in the air.

[] Metellus Celer: The son of a former consul, Quintus Metellus Celer is a young man of about 20. Mostly known for his association with Pompey and his father in the last few years, Celer has opted to rise out of the shadow of his friend by striking out for his own tribunate, handily winning the position through his own merits as a speaker. He has had much skill in commanding and leading men, but is incredibly ambitious. Being both older than you and on the same level of military skill as yourself, he may well usurp you in the hearts of the men you are meant to lead, and if that happens, you may well find yourself with a knife in the back on the battlefield -- courtesy of Celer's childhood friend, Pompey.

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... yeah, that seems to fairly well establish where his loyalties lie.

[] Rufus: Servicus Sulpicus Rufus is a former student of Scaevola and a friend of Cicero, himself an aspiring lawyer. Strong of tongue and word, he is an orator on par with yourself, and his skill with the law outstrips your own. A lifelong optimate, Rufus would be a welcome friend amidst the bevy of Marians in the legions, but the sad fact of the matter is that his military skills are sorely lacking, having been neglected in favor of judicial pursuits. While he understands basic military strategy, he is certainly not as skilled at command as the other thin-striped tribunes. Indeed, he has only sought military tribunate to escape the worsening political climate of Rome -- it is unsafe to be a friend of Scaevola in such times, as you well know. However, his ability to speak and inspire men, as well as his extensive education, may more than make up for the deficit.

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Fanatics need handling. We'd need someone to shore up the fact that neither he or us are military leaders.

 

[Caesar]

Huh. Celer, interestingly, is the uterine brother of our patron's daughter, Mucia Tertia. He's still a bad choice, mind, and would be even if he wasn't a friend of Pompey, being the choice most likely to straight up outshine us.

Caesonius is potentially useful, but our politics might differ enough to affect our working relationship, especially if we want to be underhanded.

Anthony is an excellent choice so long as we plan only to put in a good, honest tour of duty.

Rufus is the choice we are most likely to get along with, and the one most likely to go along with any intrigue we might intend. He's also unlikely to outshine us.

Legion wise, III and VI are solid choices. A good campaign against the Gauls is an excellent way to start off our military career, and it allows us to avoid any meaningful political commitment. VI is an interesting choice. Samnites are as acceptable a target as Gauls, and Sertorius interaction could be fun. Pickings will be slim in both cases, though.

If we go east, it has to be in Legio IX with Rufus. It'd be relatively simple to establish ourselves as the only actual soldier in the command group, and then we could possibly defect if we wanted, too. (That would be a much more viable course of action were Marius dead, though. The name of Rome's Third Founder is magic at this point, especially in the legions.)

 

[Telamon]

If what wikipedia says is accurate, and I don't put full stock in that, the Samnites can't hope to win militarily in the long run. But a short war will be to their advantage, not ours. They'd use a victory to seek better negotiating terms, while Rome's putting most of its military resources east.
But they're the faction most open to diplomacy.

We haven't specced for military actions. But, we can shore that up with the right men brought with us. We'll then have the change to get those military skills, and with some of Rome's best.
Now this? If we want to make our name, and in Shounen style? This is the choice to pick. If we can drill and trail the men hard, take a few back-line rolls, when the time comes for a decisive engagement, we can shock the world with fervent, disciplined soldiers.

While we'd be removed from the politics of Rome, we'd be throwing ourselves at the people who have one of the best claims for 'Enemy of Rome' The fucking Gauls. They have long memories, and they are extremely bitter. They will not care for oratory, but action. We can show them that Rome is an ally, if we treat them fairly and firmly. And manage the fact Rome's ground them under its heel for so long.

If we go with the veteran legion or to Gaul, take this guy.

A greek would be useful over in Greece, but his charm will also help with the Samnites.
Take this guy if we're to be with the ninth legion. A skilled veteran and 'polymath', for lack of a better term, will b essential in drilling them.
He's honest, but greedy and ambitious. He won't stab us in the back, at least.

This dude. Do not underestimate him. That kindness can be quickly soured if we do him wrong. He is the best military leader of the bunch, no doubt about it. If we put him in the unexperienced legion, they'll be very well improved.
But history also seems to smile on this man. Whether that smile is of pleasure or of sadism is... up in the air.

... yeah, that seems to fairly well establish where his loyalties lie.
Fanatics need handling. We'd need someone to shore up the fact that neither he or us are military leaders.

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*cough*

Marcus Antonius Creticus - Wikipedia

 

[Tzaphquiel]

Hm, as another troubling thought, if Sulla should triumph, well, Pompey did benefit much from it, and while Sulla was eventually annoyed by him, he had no choice but to humor Pompey to some extent. Given that we have earned Pompey's enmity, and considering that he is an amoral social climber who has no qualms about literally backstabbing others to get what he wants, perhaps it might be prudent to win a place in Sulla's good graces before Pompey when the time comes, if at all possible.

 

[Publicola]

Helpful reminder: "chaos is a ladder."
Also helpful reminder: it's stupidly easy to slip off that ladder, as Baelish himself found out.

Rome is once again at war, and the major battlefield (and chance for combat and glory) is in the East. On the other hand, our best chance to survive is in the opposite direction...

[] Legio VI: One of the few legions not levied this year, it is also the only one which shall remain in Italia. Left over from the conquest of Rome by Marius last year, it has spent the past year encamped in Rome. Now, with the great general Sertorius as its commander, the legion's duty is to pacify the heartlands of the Republic and bring peace to Italia. The Samnites, the most violent and warlike of the Italian tribes, still resist the yoke of Rome, and have raided and pillaged Roman cities for years. Though the Samnites hold little love for Sulla and might have even joined with Marius, defeating them will better strengthen the Marian position in Rome. With the Legio VI, Cinna and Sertorius hope to crush the Samnites and force them into Roman citizenship, solidifying Marian power in Italia with a resounding military victory close to home.

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Sertorius is a living legend, and one of the best men of Rome at this point. Unfortunately, he and Sulla loathe each other, so serving in Sertorius's legion might result in exile to Hispania and/or a quick death. On the other hand, we are an Optimate, at least publicly, and Sertorius is one of the most moderate supporters of Marius's populares. There is huge reward potential -- serving with one of the finest generals of the era -- but massive risk at the same measure.

[] Legio VII: This legion was the first levied by Marius, raised from veterans of the Social War ten years ago, and will march with him across the sea to defeat Sulla and put down the Greek king Mithridates. It is led by one Gnaeus Papirus Carbo, a stout Marian politican and an orator of no small skill. Carbo, one of the stoutest of the Marians, was a candidate for the Consulship this year, and the legion is likely a consolation gift from his allies in the populares. A faithful Marian and an able commander, Carbo is likely to be the legatus Marius trusts most in his eastern Campaign, and so a tribune under his command might see much service under him -- against Mithridates and Sulla alike. Glory is almost assured here, and wealth beyond imagination from looting the wealthy provinces of Asia.

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This is the most obvious reward, and depending on how @Telamon has the campaign planned, this is our greatest opportunity for battlefield experience and for loot! On the other hand, if Sulla wins... we're screwed. Another high-risk, high-reward...

[] Legio IX: This legion, under the command of one Lucius Valerius Flaccus, cousin to the new consul, is one of the three marching east under Marius. The man is ambitious and intelligent, but his weakness in handling his subordinates means that it will fall to you to keep his legion in line — or lead them against him. As one of the most well-connected men in the Republic, Flaccus himself is a good stepping-stone to more powerful associations, such as his cousin the princeps. Under Marius, this legion, raised largely from volunteers and new men, will likely not be used as heavily as the others, owing to it's untested status in battle. However, a legatus and tribune who could tame and organize such a legion into a well-oiled fighting force would earn much respect in Rome.

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This one is interesting. It's poorly trained and untested in battle, but we'd essentially get a free hand in "taming" this legion. It's also mentioned that we might be able to "lead [this legion] against" its formal commander -- the cousin of the consul! Implicitly, we might be able to flip this legion to fight for Sulla, backstabbing Marius and gift-wrapping Rome for the Optimates! Unfortunately, our Intrigue stat sucks, and we aren't permitted to bring Proserpina along with us, so this would definitely be a longshot. On the other hand, our Charisma is pretty decent, and we have the option of bringing our Bard!servant to help out, which might be enough to make up the difference....

[] Legio III: This legion, raised in southern Gaul over a year ago before the Marian siege of Rome, was meant to be the legion of a praetor named Ancinus, a Sullan partisan who was proscribed and executed when Rome fell to the Marians. The Marian politician Gaius Marcius Censorinus has recently been assigned the governorship Ancinus held -- Gallia Transalpina, Gaul-Beyond-The-Alps. A region savaged and harassed yearly by roving bands of Gallic barbarians, it badly needs the defensive strength a legion might bring. Censorinus and any under his command will have to contend with keeping the fragile peace between Rome and her vassal states in Gaul while fending off the barbarian sons of that wild and untamed land. A major benefit, however, is political removal from events in Rome and the East -- which might preserve your life should Sulla win the war in the East.

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This is the safest option, politically speaking. In terms of combat... there are opportunities here to double-down on training ourselves in combat and command. I'm tentatively inclined to pick this, but I'm not really sure at all.

 

[Always Late]

*cough*

Marcus Antonius Creticus - Wikipedia

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I blame the fact the Romans were very uncreative in names.

 

[Caesar]

So Marius is taking three legions east, one of which we know to be raw all the way up to its command. Sulla has five three (thank you Telamon) veteran legions, though those are likely somewhat depleted from campaigning. The Pontic forces are huge, though nowhere near as cohesive or well-lead as either Roman army.

Command wise, I would give Marius at his peak a slight edge over Sulla, but this may not be peak Marius. Pontic generals aren't up to much. Subordinate wise, the Marians lag a little - Flaccus isn't a soldier, and Carbo is at best uninspired. By contrast, Sulla has Lucullus (who I would place as the best general in the theatre) and may soon be joined by Crassus. (He's been hiding out in Spain after the Marians killed his father and brothers. OTL he joined Sulla in Greece with five/six cohorts he raised from his family's Spanish clients, but that was about a year or more later. I don't know how the current state of things will change that here.)

On the whole, I'd judge this a risky venture for Marius and his Merry Men, but not unwinnable. They'll likely need some luck though, and they're up against the man who could legitimately give himself the cognomen 'Felix.'

 

[The Sandman]

For our XO, I favor Caesonius. Best to start earning a reputation now as a man who prizes competence before politics, as well as shoring up one of our major weaknesses.

For the legion choice, tempted to go for Gaul over the Samnites, because the former both offers greater opportunity to distinguish ourself and greater opportunity to start building a powerbase outside of Italia that we can leverage in the future.

 

[Undead Martyr]

I think we should go east- the wealth and glory are essential if we are to rise to the top, and one way or the other it will allow us to get involved in the war.