"In a fair world, Child, Pandora would never have opened that box. And it is for that reason, above all, that I follow Vulcan, for it is by his hands that we have the tools to make the world just a little bit fairer."
Stories of the Smith: The First Days of Vulcan (II)
As had been the occasion since the Cerelia, and on the days her tutors were busy with other tasks, she would spend an an hour or two with the Smith as she plied her craft; when asked, her father would often say that it would do her good to spend time with honest folk, doubly so with Furia, her father insisted, as an honest merchant was worth every investment as opportunity for greater growth of character of between both patronus and cliens.
Every day spent with the Smith proved his words true, as she watched every lesson her tutors tirelessly attempted to scribe into her mind finally found root in reality. Whereas before the numbers appeared to float off the page in their entirety, with practice (and a boundless supply of patience on the part of the Smith) she found that she could weave the numbers of any given order together in a...relatively timely manner, though translating it back to parchment often left her frustrated and prone to the occasional outburst; the first time it occurred, she was gently reminded to keep her baring, but the second...well, the threat of that punishment was enough to ensure it did not happen again in most cases.
On this particular day, she flitted across the shelves preforming an inventory of the Smith's stock of copper and tin, of its quantity and the exacting weight of the material, under the watchful eye of Furia's eldest son. A somber fellow (whose name she could never quite recall), the man stood with a fairly intimidating presence given his relative ease of comfort of having yet lit embers nest in his shorn hair, even as he gruffly corrected her on her numbers.
"Child," he grumbled, tired eyes tracking her workings with a raised brow, "do you mean to say there is seventeen or seventy libras of copper?"
"Seventeen?" she stated unsurely, wincing as his brow raised a mite higher.
"Is that a statement or a question?" He posed, even as he glanced at his hidden charts.
"Seventeen," she stated once more, a little more assured in her answer.
"Good," he responded, taking a sip of his steaming cup (she never could discover what was in those cups, this despite the frequency of her visits, often wondering why the family drank such warm beverages in the heat of their forge, abstaining when offered).
"She is finished then?" came the crackling voice of Furia, appearing as if from the aether and startling her.
"Yes mater," came his tired reply.
"As the matter is settled, I will be taking her back into my care, go and get your rest my son," the Smith answered in kind, taking her by the shoulder as she walked from the room, the only response being a relieved sigh.
"That boy works much too hard," she heard the Smith grumble, even as a hint of matronly pride belied her words, before turning her attentions on her, "It has been a time since we've spoken of other maters beyond numbers and their relation to our inventory Child."
She nodded, doing her best to keep in step with the much taller woman, even as the woman's stride was twice that of her own; she couldn't wait to get bigger...
As they came before the shrine, she noted a thin pane of opaque glass affixed overtop the seven ingots (mercury, tin, lead, silver, gold, copper and iron) that were recessed into the marble base and arrayed before the small statuette of Vulcan at the forge in a radial pattern, appearing as if the god, even if seated in his wheeled chair, was working within the beating heart of a star.
Taking their customary seats across from one another, Furia began, "As you may recall, Vulcan's early works led to a much greater deterioration of his form than his fall from Olympus, but do you understand why that is?"
A moment past between them, as she went over what she knew of the god, comparing what she knew of his tale as told by her mother, but there was this thought that could not escape her, even as the two versions of Vulcan's tale began to conflict greater with one another...
"Is it...no, it is because he acted in much the same way a young apprentice does," gaining more confidence as the Smith's eyes flickered with building approval, "without caution in the makings of their work. Given that he was the one to rediscover the craft of smithing following the Titan War, likely by not taking the proper precautions when working with arsenicum during the making of aereus."
"Good," the Smith smiled, pleased at her answer, "So you understand why I've been tasking you with observing my sons during their work."
"Though it is not likely for me to follow in your ways, you still wish for me to understand how to keep myself safe if I were ever to come across these metals," she said slowly, a dawning realization finding root in her mind.
"Quite so," the woman said, "It is by a craftsman's hands that all the works of Rome are built, and so it was for Olympus...but one must also remember that, for all the wonders built from a craftsman's hands, there exists a danger that the materials they create with are dangerous to all, no matter intention.
For example, though we know plumbum to be a poison and have used it to great effect when making weapons, as Vulcan did when he crafted the Hipponous' Spear when he battled the fierce Chimaera, it has proven to be just as effective when wielded by Bacchus as a tool to incite madness...and yet, for all that we know it to create madness, Rome yet uses it to help pave her waterways."
Here Furia frowned, an old anger flickering across her face, before turning her sights back on her.
"But that is another matter entirely, Claudia, as before we tell that tale one must be well versed in several other matters.
Though Salacia had been the one to find and nurture Vulcan, his childhood was often found in the company of Apollo, Mars, and Mercury, each caring for him in their own way; Apollo in treating his many wounds and supporting his exploration of the many and varied crafts, Mars in the delivery of his meals and rendering unto him the proper feedback in the manner of his creations and their practical uses, and finally in Mercury for rendering unto him the expansion of his businesses and aiding him in the creation of his wheel chair, to aid him in improving his ability to navigate the world.
It was in the midst of navigating the world, that he came to be the first to welcome Bacchus the Wanderer back to his home upon Olympus and in so doing, became the catalyst for the war that was to come, thus ending the Silver Age."
Out in the Villa's vineyards, on the hill overlooking your home, you were alone. That was all you wanted to be right now when your father died. His body was no longer warm and filled with his joy, or his shame, or anything at all, save for blood and bone. There was nothing left of the man you had called your father, only your memories.
Out here, within the wavering and hilly lands of his estate, where he strived for the second half of his life to build his family, away from Rome, and for you. You still remembered all that he taught you, all that he gave you, even when you despised it. The Marches with heavy packs, the moving through the snow with bare feet across the way, as you were followed close behind with your father on a horse.
How you spent days listening to the stories of the Gods, and your father's adventures, and even capturing the man wonders of his face, as you showed him that you remembered his stories, and took them to parchment, and wrote them down.
Hundreds of stories remained in his collection, short ones that came from the stories he told you, and every one of them, he had read.
Soon they would all be burned. You knew it was what the Priests wanted. His letters to his friends showed his true personality and much more… he would never allow them to threaten his legacy.
You heard the footsteps before you saw the figures that came from behind, the elder women of your life, the spirit and former tutor of yours before you became more attached to your father, and your uncle.
Speio was an ancient woman, her hair already going white as the clouds that were in the sky, and wispy and thin as wire and sinew that was prepared on her supper. She was wearing a black, mourning dress for your father, as was tradition, despite the threats from Pip who did not want to do anything special, as they were slaves, and they would not respect the man who had, despite saving their lives, still owned them as Chattel. "Moping alone will not allow your heart to heal, my child."
Holding her up was your Uncle, Ion, legally a slave to your father and to you, a favored uncle, but in actuality, he was a caretaker of the Villa, a highly skilled administrator, and his skills as a captain of a ship were something that was greatly useful and translate well to keeping the villa running, with your father off in Rome, or training you. "Come now little one, we've got to see your father off."
Despite all your respect for your family and for Speio, you continued to sit down and look at the home you now owned. "No."
The words cut through the windless day like a sword slicing through meat. It was a brilliant thing, to see them both so shocked at your words. But it did not deter them at all, from stating the harsh and honest truth. "Your father would not accept such insolence," Speio stated, as she folded her arms. "He did care for the loss of your mother, and he gave you everything. Do not just accept such distraught, and realize that he asked this of you."
"My father is dead, he will not care." You replied with venom, more hurt than everything else that hurt, from your heart, your head, and your very soul.
Your father was gone, and nothing else could make you feel better. Not now, and possibly not ever.
"You know that is a lie, my dear niece." Ion replied as he pulled something out from behind him. It was your fox cloak you had gotten from your father when you turned 15. The cape of a legionary legate that you always adored, but never wore until you were fully grown.
It was your father's. "Please, do not let your sadness blind you from all your memories. And your duty to your father's legacy." Spieo stated firmly.
A moment passed as you felt the cloak being placed on your shoulders, his legacy now your own. "Are you ready?"
You did not know who said the words, but it sounded like your father's voice that was comforting you at last. His final gift was coming to you, and he wanted you to be there for him.
"I am." You stated as you stood to face the slaves that might as well be your family. "We shall go."
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The Last Will and Testament of Claudius Furius Nerva,
To my noble and beautiful daughter. We both knew that this day would come, and the sickness that had sapped my life away has returned, and I know I have little time to make this for you, and to keep it safe so that our home will not be taken by the men whom we know will try and come for it.
But I only wish that there is no sadness in your eyes as this is being read to you. I know you are strong, tenacious, and the noblest of hearts that I am proud to call my daughter.
But I shall not waste any more time when I have so little left for you to reminisce. The business of my debts, the Single talent that is for the stables for the villa is now unfortunately on your shoulders. There is a great deal of friendship I had with Flavius, and he served this family well, and I would hate to see him bankrupted because of my death.
My Slaves are left to you, but I ask that Ion is granted permission to be freed, and allowed to captain my ship. Allow him to sail the seas once more as your agent on the waves, and do let him be a slave to the land anymore. He has done enough for our family.
To Pip, I leave a Sword, the same blade you once used against me when we battled all those years ago, I ask you to protect my daughter as I have protected you when they wanted to sacrifice you to Mars and took you as a servant. We both only hold respect for one another, I only hope that you help her, and one day, your children will become citizens of Rome, and they will be able to be free, and true to themselves, as you were to me.
The Rest, my dear Claudia, I leave to you. Make the right decisions in your heart, and do not forget my lessons to you. And if you were to find a man you love, give them as much love as I gave your mother, and when that love fades, and the embers are burned out, make sure it turns from love, to respect.
And I ask you if you cannot marry for love and respect, marry so that you may keep the property that I have bequeathed you. Do not let others steal away my father his father's life's work. Do not let curses deter you.
Do not let failure be your end. Let it only be an opportunity for you to Triumph.
Your Loving Tata.
And I still have all the stories you wrote for me. All I ask is that you keep them safe, and have scribes, slaves, or hired ones, continue to produce them. I truly love your style, and It would be a shame to let it all go to waste.
Now, please burn my body. Let me be back with your mother.
And for the ashes. Scatter them within the orchards. Let my body nourish the roots of growth that will give you great prosperity.
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The tears were gone, long before the smoke finally vanished, and the ashes were spread to the soil of the vineyards and orchards. Pip was waiting beside you, now a slave, armed with a sword.
His sword. "I can't believe he's gone." He stated as he stood next to you. "Man was every bit the father I never had, despite me being his servant" He chuckled. "I wanted so much more from him. I wanted my life, my honor, my country… but instead, I realized that I just wanted to be free. To follow him as only a free man could. That is what this sword symbolizes. My freedom. But I don't want that. Not anymore. I just wanted to be a soldier again, no matter who I fight for." He then shook his head.
"Are you rambling again Pip?" You stated to the Cyclops who was standing beside you as you folded your arms. "I feel like you are rambling again."
"Oh shut up and stop playing coy." He replied as he sheathed the blade. "Let me fight some basterds beside you, let me be a soldier again, not some house slave who's good for defending this hole. You know I'm better than that."
"And if I don't, you'll run me through with that blade, lead a slave revolt?" You asked.
"Fuck that, not like I was going to win any slave revolts with this." He dangled the sword around and shook his head. "I just want to kill again, Tell me who to bloody kill and I will."
"I didn't take you for an assassin?"
"I'm a soldier, my dear, assassins will stab me in the back, I make sure they look me in the eye when I kill them." He laughed.
You looked to the cyclops and smiled. "When the time is right my friend when the time is right."
You then picked up a shield, and twirl a sword. "Now, and forgive me for not taking you seriously." The practice sword. "But are you going to use that, or you just going to pick your teeth with it?"
That caused the Cyclops to laugh. "Oh my dear, let's go."
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Caius Spurius Polybius was holding his eyes close to the fires, as he looked for signs of the god's blessings or the future.
Or just being weird, sometimes he just like watching things burn. That was why he was under supervision.
"Child you mock me with the continued Slave that is following me around like I am a lost blind man, I am fine." He stated as he threw the bones in, and they crackled and popped in the fire. He did not react, and you knew his sight was failing him.
"I want to ask you something, my dear friend." You replied and that made the priest laugh.
"I am no friend of yours child, merely one of your father's, but do not make that deter you from asking for help from the gods, through me." He then looked away, listening to the fire crackle. "I enjoy the great writings you have tried to produce, blasphemous as they may be, and if you had wished to continue with such appraisals, it would have been wise to consult me on the matter for true accuracy when the gods are involved."
You frowned. "I did, many a time." You sat across from him at the fire, as he shook his head. "I seem to remember you saying that a woman should not touch a writing utensil and that dirtying your mind with stories would make me undesirable."
There was a snort. "The Gods work in mysterious ways."
"And you are about to get my foot rammed up your ass, if you don't do what is good for you, and look what the gods send you."
That forced the old priest to chuckle. "The gods work at their own pace my dear, you just cannot snap your fingers and-"
A log cracked, exploded…
The Fire exploded outwards, and you saw the Glassy eyes of the Priest turn from shock to horror, and then a smile. "By the Gods above, I've never seen it do that before!"
Then his eyes, glassy and silky, entered a trance the saliva on his lips drooling as if he was not in control of himself anymore. "I… I see."
"Blessed Child of Mars and Venus, the Blood of the Claudii that flows through your veins, Hear the Call of the Gods and know our message to you.
You have been blessed by Mars for his skill in battle, his mind of tactics, and his love of war. This blessing will house in you, a desire for war and conquest that Alexander himself could not achieve."
Polybius lurched forward, holding your body and stepping into the fire, his robes not touched by the embers and the heat, but the burns and smell of his feet were growing, and you saw blackness sooting the soles of his feet.
Yet no pain lay in his eyes. For he was the Gods Instrument.
"The Gods have blessed your journey and will watch your choices with bated interest, and desire. Fortune and Glory will follow you in equal measure, but Death will be your end, in all things. Your Legacy will be that of blood, of children born and lost, of men and monsters battling you in equal measure for your soul. Your Wealth and your Destiny!
You will see your Republic Fall! You will see what is but the great birth of something more. You will walk side-by-side with the sun, Helios in his Chambers, but never eclipse him, or he will strike you down… you will suffer a thousand deaths from life and love until the four are three, the Three are two, and the Two are One."
"Rome long united will be divided. And Rome long divided will be united."
And Polybius collapsed.
You made sure to make sure he didn't die…from the flames.
Reward:
Received Legendary Prophecy Of Nerva's Wrath: On the Date of your Father's Death, you received a prophecy of the future, one that is in motion. It tells of death, glory, and above all else, love.
And the Death of Rome, and her Republic.
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You took a long look at the Villa again. "Father, I will make you proud."
The problem was, you didn't know how to.
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Do you follow Your Father's Request, and Allow Ion to be Free, and Captian your personal ship?:
[]Yes: He is your uncle, he will be a free man.
[]No: No you need him here, on the VIlla, to be useful here!
What are your plans for the Villa:
[]Agricultural: You will continue your father's work in keeping the place productive, and food-producing. You will be popular with the People, but not make more money, and will be needing to be afraid of tax collectors.
[]Industrial: You will convert this cursed land into something extraordinary. You will build your villa into a producer of Roman Steel. The problem is, you need lots of money to even try to do this. Money you do not have.
[]Academic: You have 25 scribe slaves, who are well versed in Latin and Greek. You have thousands upon thousands of stories that can be transcribed to text, send out to the highest bidder, and even work for certain… individuals in Rome. Unfortunately, with your myths not fitting Rome's official canon (or the Priest's ideas that keep them in power) you may find yourself into a blasted war with the priests.
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You have 5 Actions
Your Retinue is some of the most gifted allies you have, it would be a shame to not spend time with one or two?
(Choose up to 2)
[]The Vulcan's Hammer Furia was not at the funeral, which was not very important. |It was a private affair after all. But there were many things that you need to discuss. Like the future of this relationship that you wish to cultivate. DC: 20
[]The Gods Seer: Polybius is frightened of the prophecy that he gave you, and has been, desperately and in vain, looking into the fires and the signs, to try and make sure you and he, are safe from the future. DC: 40
[]The Legionary's Lifer: Metellus is back in Rome, and once again, stirring up trouble. He is once again petitioning the Senate for promotion to Legate, to be any Legate in the Roman Legion, as long as he gets his promotion. You need to remind him that his patron has been replaced. And he needs to calm down… You'll handle this. DC: 35
[]Old Friends and PenPals: Gallio Has not been seen since your father died. You need to check on him and make sure he hasn't drunk himself to death in the memory of your father. DC: 30
[]Cassius and Child: Your lady friend and companion have taken to motherhood nicely, but you really need to know who the father of her child is, and if that father may decide that you housing her will be a threat to him. DC: 45
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Business Actions:
[]The Plans for Substance: You need to make plans to get your supplies to Roman Market, or beyond. You just need to find a way to do it. DC:35
[]Paying Debts: You owe a Talent to your Father's man, who built the Stable, and since it was in your father's will, you were going to do what was needed. Cost 1 Talent DC: 5
[]Taxes and Tax exemptions, and Write-offs: So you have been looking at the ledgers of the villa, and realized something very important. Your father has been paying far too much to the state in taxes. You need to adjust that accordingly… hopefully without screwing everything up/ DC: 55
[]Father's Last Gift: You know for a blasted fact that there is something more your father has hidden away. Hopefully, it is not just a hope that a daughter can have, to find one last gift. DC: ???
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Political Actions:
[]Kiss the Ring: You will Pay your Respect to Sulla, and perhaps, see how he views you as a woman, an ally, and the daughter of one of his staunchest supporters. DC: 25
[]Into the Belly of the Beast: You will meet with the Marian supporters in Rome. And perhaps, if you are lucky, can curry favor with them, with promises, favors, and much more. DC: 45
[]A Legion's Promise: You are going to get Metellus his legion, and perhaps once things are prepared, he can assist you as well. You may not have connections, but you do have one thing. A very convincing smile. DC: ???
[]The Senate: You want to know what the Senate thinks of you, now at this very moment. DC: 30.
[]The People: What do the People think of a woman of your status, who has done nothing for them? DC: 25
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Note: Below, Adventures are not part of the Action count.
But you can choose only 1.
Adventures: These Actions see you leave Rome and the Safety of the Republic and place you in dangerous situations if you roll low of course, but there is a great deal of profit to be made.
[]A Legionary's Life: You are going to get into the Legion. You will try and convince Sulla to give you a legion, and set out on the campaign, not only to defeat Rome's enemies but to gain glory, and honor. And so much more. Reward: Begin An Adventure in the East, with the 5th Legion.
[]And By the Sea, They Come: The Pirates came and left as quickly came. There are bounties out on ships that sail and are pirates. There are so many things that are broken, but you have a ship, and you know damn well that the money is good. 500 Talents for every captured ship. Reward: You take your ship and sail the Mediterranean, hunting down pirates.
[]The Fates Spurned: There is a man, named Crassus who needs a diplomat to serve his and Rome's interests in the East, in the Kingdom of Judea, to not only secure rights for trade for roman merchants, but also, to serve as his spy. He wants to see how strong they are, or in the favor, how weak they are. Reward: You travel to Judea, as a merchant, a spy, and a diplomat.
You were awake in an instant, hands immediately flying atop your head as you hissed from being swatted by Uncle Ion.
"None of that Lykos," he said, a pale light emanating from his eyes, having caught you sleeping in one of his lessons, "You must understand these lessons if you are to know anything about this world. As I was saying-"
"But Uncle," you unwisely cried, forgetting any sense of decorum in the face of your indignity, "I wasn't sleeping! I was focusing with my eyes closed!"
Your uncle stilled, the shine in those eyes becoming dangerous, "Are you implying that I am a liar my dear niece?"
Immediately you felt the blood drain from your face, as you began to sputter, "N-no Uncle, I did not mean to imply that you are such, I meant no excuse sir!"
It was the eyes, you thought, as he appeared to stare through your soul and assessing the truth of the matter, the moments slowly passing as a cold sweat breaking at your back as even the hypocaust (the only true luxury your father had allowed when renovating your ancestral Villa some years past) beneath you did little to warm you in the face of his wintry gaze.
"Then, my dear niece," he said slowly, that glint furious at your slight (not to mention the break in your decorum) as he switched to Greek, your mother's tongue, "Why is Dionysus known as the thrice-born god?"
She paused, vaguely recalling such a matter in her mother's tales and, rather than admit defeat, leaned heavily on the memory in her response, also in Greek (tinged as it was by a faint Roman accent), "Though I could be cheeky and tell you it is simply for the fact he has died and been reborn thrice, that is extremely reductive, for he is the god closest to reaching Elysium."
She paused for a moment, licking her lips as she suddenly noticed they were dry, and taking into account her uncle's continued silence, continued in her account, "In the days preceding the Titan War, when Zeus was hidden before Cronus' sight among mankind and very much as hotblooded as any a young man yet unburdened from forethought, slept with many a woman up to, and including, his own three thousand year long wedding day to Hera, among his favored so called conquests being the young Thracian priestess Semele, whom by some are called a mortal incarnation of Demeter, given your accounts of a Scythian client-vassal, but I digress. When it was discovered that she was with Zeus' child, the newly freed Hera flew into a rage and through trickery ensured the girl's demise by having her get Zeus swear to the River Styx before requesting him making an appearance in his true divine form, something said to be so perfect that the loss of its presence is madness inducing. It was in this way that Semele was lost, and only the babe Dionysus spared by the grace of his father, carrying the babe in a pouch sown into his body.
As he grew in strength and power, Dionysus would prove vital in ending the Titan War, being the one to actually land the killing blow on Cronus and ending his threat. In the aftermath of the war and having his fill of it, the god traveled to the distant lands of the east to come to understand his place in the world, his duel nature as part divine and part mortal, that of being juxtaposed between perfection and change, order and chaos, having lead him to question his position in the world. It is in doing so that the god comes across the surviving remnants of humanity from the Golden Age in the Zagros Mountains of Persia and learns from them the power of fermentation, how to best cultivate it in the pursuit of creating all manners of alcohols, but most notably wine; it is while there he amasses the fealty of the maenads, the greatest of their number being Aphrodite Areia, known to the Babylonians as Ishtar, born of the severed remains of Ouranos, whom he immediately takes a liking to and takes her under his wing as his adoptive sister.
It is upon his return home some centuries later, that he discovers that in his absence that the race of man found within his homeland had grown heartless and arrogant beyond measure under the guidance of Prometheus and his brother, whom upon their introduction of him by his unwitting, and newfound, brother (Hephaestus), was immediately seized upon and drawn-and-quartered in a mockery of Cronus' death in an attempt to rebel against the gods. Though Aphrodite managed to flee with Dionysus' heart, this act begat the beginning of what would become the Gigantomachia, and was retaliated by sending Pandora in a manner similar to the much later Trojan Horse. The first death."
Ion's eyes still yet shone, though the dangerous glint had long since faded, "And what of Dionysus' heart in Aphrodite's hands? What then?"
A/N: That bit about Semele and the Scythians? Yeah, there's a fairly contested connection there with the Proto-Slavs, who were likely a client peoples of the Scythians at the time, largely based on the fact that linguists have noted that A) the name Semele bares a stark similarity with the Baltic goddess Žemelė, and B) the Slavic word for seeds is seme, C) the word for earth is zemlja, and point to it as a potential connection between the eras.
It was a slow death certainly but an undeniable one all the same. Everyday there were less people who spoke our tongue, another day without the prayers to our Gods or thanks given to the Numina.
Our cities were shrinking, it was easier to just move your family to a Latin city than stay in a Samnite village that was more and more filled with the old and sickly.
My village in particular was dead, a population of two soon to be just one, everyone else that had once lived here was now dead or Roman. Grandmother tells me that once our village had been quite important, in the old days before even Hannibal had come asking for assistance, when the Samnite bull was strong enough to challenge the Latin wolf on its own terms.
She says that back in those days our village had been on an important hill that denied access to an army of Tarantine Greeks thinking the hills of Samnium easy prey. It is said that every man and woman of the village had gathered arms and repelled the invaders; it's hard to imagine that ever being possible, I only have memories of at most 2 families living here.
Now it was just me and Grandmother, my parents had gone missing while outside the village when I was only ten, our neighbors had fled two winters ago towards Rome.
As I sit next to my dying Grandmother inside a dead village I can't help but ask, why?
Why were the Latins allowed to prosper?
Why did their cities always grow when ours shrunk?
Why did their armies always prevail in the end?
Why did the gods love the Latin but hate the samnite?
"Why indeed." The weak but familiar voice drew my thoughts from my peoples woe to the frail form of my Grandmother. My cheeks reddened as I realized I had spoken aloud my thoughts.
"Apologies Grandmother, I did not mean to wake you." My apology felt hollow, it hurt to speak to her when she was like this, with her sunken cheeks and shaking hands.
"Yet waken me you did," Grandmother tried to sit up before with a sudden cough she was forced back to the bed, she waved off my worries with a single hand.
"It won't be long now, Gellius I can feel it coming." She eyed me from her bed with half lidded eyes, " You're so big now Gellius, fourteen summ-"
"Fifteen." I interrupted proudly, my chest puffing out as I did so. "Fifteen summers old and still interrupting your old Grandmother hmm?" I shrank down in embarrassment again, my slightly too long hair moving in front of my eyes as I did so.
She was racked with coughs again before waving towards her old chest in the corner, I wasn't allowed to look inside it normally.
"Inside there you should find a book, please fetch it for me Gellius." I got up slowly before opening the chest slowly and indeed within lay an old book bound in linen, I couldn't help but to gaze at it wide eyed. "Is… is thi-"
"Quickly now Gellius I don't have all day." I mumbled a quick apology as I rushed back to her bed with the book in hand.
She took the book from me before asking me to lay my hand upon it, as I did so I heard her mumble something about not being a priest before she sighed and looked me in the eyes.
"Gellius Minatius, you want to find the answer to that question of yours?"
"I do." my response was quick, my eyes were wide, my hand not on the book shaking at my side.
"Then swear an oath that you will find one, swear an oath that at the end of your days you will come back to this old hill to tell the Numina why the Gods favor the latins over the Samnite."
"I swear it, I swear that at the end no matter what, I, Gellius Minatius will tell the Numina my answer." For a moment the world seemed quiet and still, not even the sound of my heart intruded upon the world, before with the howl of a wolf in the distance the world was brought back to motion once again.
"hmm, That will have to do, now let this old woman sleep Gellius, I will still be here come morning."
In the end she wasn't still with me in the morning, she had left to join mother and father in the afterlife. Part of me had wanted to stay and bury her as was the tradition for our people, yet once again the Latin way would win out as I did not have the strength to dig a grave in the old and unused graveyard our village had once kept, so she was burned before I left the old village.
After having dealt with Grandmother as best I could I readied myself for the journey to Rome, it wasn't a particularly long journey, only a few days at most if I followed their roads.
Before I left I made sure to say my final thanks to the Numina of our old village, before beginning my travels towards rome.
On the first night of my journey I heard the howl of a distant wolf ring through the night, I could barely sleep.
The next morning after I had packed my bedding and stamped out the small fire I had built, I noticed a wolf watching me from a nearby hill silhouetted by the morning sun. I took it as a sign from mighty Mamers and decided that my choice was the correct path towards the answer I sought.
That day I had to wait and watch for hours as a Roman legion passed me, it was a wonder my people had once been strong enough to fight armies even larger than this one. As a consequence of that, I unfortunately made little progress towards Rome.
I stayed up later that night then perhaps I should have, I ended up making a camp near a grove of myrtle and roses, it was a beautiful sight in the dusk light. Perhaps this too was a sign from the gods, though what heavenly Herentas would have to say about the Romans eluded me.
The next morning found me crossing some invisible line where the wild stopped and civilization began.
Near mid day after crossing the path of many travelers and traders I had finally made it into the city of Rome proper. I was lost as to where to go from here, so naturally I decided to go where any traveler would go when new to Rome, the Market.
It was crowed with men and women in every direction I looked, some were merchants advertising loudly their myriad wares from myriad places to any that who would listen, some were slaves both those already purchased and those being sold, some were lowly with poorer clothes and no slaves following them to carry their goods, and a few were proud with straight backs and flowing robes those had many slaves carrying their purchased goods and all stood aside when they crossed their path.
But even with the crowd taking up both space and interest, one person stood out above the rest. A women with only one slave following her, a one eyed gaul, she was walking through the crowd with nary a misstep, as she conversed with her lowly companion the sea of people in front of her seemed to part completely.
She was beautiful that much was obvious, with a straight face and fair skin, I had never seen someone who could take my breath away with nary a word before. I could not help but compare her to the second most beautiful thing I had seen in my life, that grove of flowers from the previous night that had haunted me so.
Yet, it wasn't her looks that attracted my attention so, it was her eyes, bright and almost golden, they seemed to prowl around the crowd daring any to stand in her path. It brought to mind the wolf sent from Mamers in that early morning after I had left my village, majestic and threatening all in one moment.
As she passed me I could not help but to glance into her eyes, when contact was made I swear it was as if I had sworn that oath once more in my Grandmothers old home, the world stood still and my heart stopped beating; I felt the firm hand of Mamers upon my throat stop me from breathing or speaking and a gentle brush from Herentas that kept the hair from my eyes so that I could neither blink or look away.
In only a moment, she had passed with her gaulish servant, both not even giving me the barest of thought.
My people were dying, and perhaps now I could find out why.
I turned around to say something only to find naught but crowd, I believe some would have been disheartened, yet not I, for I was Gellius Minatius of the Samnites, and I had sworn to answer a question.
Scheduled vote count started by Magoose on Apr 14, 2022 at 12:00 AM, finished with 130 posts and 34 votes.
[X]Plan: Western Affairs and Eastern Wars
-[X]Yes: He is your uncle, he will be a free man.
-[X]Academic: You have 25 scribe slaves, who are well versed in Latin and Greek. You have thousands upon thousands of stories that can be transcribed to text, send out to the highest bidder, and even work for certain… individuals in Rome. Unfortunately, with your myths not fitting Rome's official canon (or the Priest's ideas that keep them in power) you may find yourself into a blasted war with the priests.
-[X]The Vulcan's Hammer Furia was not at the funeral, which was not very important. |It was a private affair after all. But there were many things that you need to discuss. Like the future of this relationship that you wish to cultivate. DC: 20
-[X]Paying Debts: You owe a Talent to your Father's man, who built the Stable, and since it was in your father's will, you were going to do what was needed. Cost 1 Talent DC: 5
-[X]Father's Last Gift: You know for a blasted fact that there is something more your father has hidden away. Hopefully, it is not just a hope that a daughter can have, to find one last gift. DC: ???
-[X]Kiss the Ring: You will Pay your Respect to Sulla, and perhaps, see how he views you as a woman, an ally, and the daughter of one of his staunchest supporters. DC: 25
-[X]Cassius and Child: Your lady friend and companion have taken to motherhood nicely, but you really need to know who the father of her child is, and if that father may decide that you housing her will be a threat to him. DC: 45
-[X]A Legionary's Life: You are going to get into the Legion. You will try and convince Sulla to give you a legion, and set out on the campaign, not only to defeat Rome's enemies but to gain glory, and honor. And so much more. Reward: Begin An Adventure in the East, with the 5th Legion.
[X]Plan Pirate Hunting
-[X]Yes: He is your uncle, he will be a free man.
-[X]Academic: You have 25 scribe slaves, who are well versed in Latin and Greek. You have thousands upon thousands of stories that can be transcribed to text, send out to the highest bidder, and even work for certain… individuals in Rome. Unfortunately, with your myths not fitting Rome's official canon (or the Priest's ideas that keep them in power) you may find yourself into a blasted war with the priests.
-[X] The Legionary's Lifer: Metellus is back in Rome, and once again, stirring up trouble. He is once again petitioning the Senate for promotion to Legate, to be any Legate in the Roman Legion, as long as he gets his promotion. You need to remind him that his patron has been replaced. And he needs to calm down… You'll handle this. DC: 35
-[X]Cassius and Child: Your lady friend and companion have taken to motherhood nicely, but you really need to know who the father of her child is, and if that father may decide that you housing her will be a threat to him. DC: 45
-[X]Father's Last Gift: You know for a blasted fact that there is something more your father has hidden away. Hopefully, it is not just a hope that a daughter can have, to find one last gift. DC: ???
-[X]Kiss the Ring: You will Pay your Respect to Sulla, and perhaps, see how he views you as a woman, an ally, and the daughter of one of his staunchest supporters. DC: 25
-[X] A Legion's Promise: You are going to get Metellus his legion, and perhaps once things are prepared, he can assist you as well. You may not have connections, but you do have one thing. A very convincing smile. DC: ???
-[X]And By the Sea, They Come: The Pirates came and left as quickly came. There are bounties out on ships that sail and are pirates. There are so many things that are broken, but you have a ship, and you know damn well that the money is good. 500 Talents for every captured ship. Reward: You take your ship and sail the Mediterranean, hunting down pirates.
[X] Plan: First Steps
-[X]Yes: He is your uncle, he will be a free man.
-[X]Industrial: You will convert this cursed land into something extraordinary. You will build your villa into a producer of Roman Steel. The problem is, you need lots of money to even try to do this. Money you do not have.
-[X]The Vulcan's Hammer Furia was not at the funeral, which was not very important. |It was a private affair after all. But there were many things that you need to discuss. Like the future of this relationship that you wish to cultivate. DC: 20
-[X] The Legionary's Lifer: Metellus is back in Rome, and once again, stirring up trouble. He is once again petitioning the Senate for promotion to Legate, to be any Legate in the Roman Legion, as long as he gets his promotion. You need to remind him that his patron has been replaced. And he needs to calm down… You'll handle this. DC: 35
-[X]The Plans for Substance: You need to make plans to get your supplies to Roman Market, or beyond. You just need to find a way to do it. DC:35
-[X]Kiss the Ring: You will Pay your Respect to Sulla, and perhaps, see how he views you as a woman, an ally, and the daughter of one of his staunchest supporters. DC: 25
-[X]The Senate: You want to know what the Senate thinks of you, now at this very moment. DC: 30.
[X]Plan: Off to Conquer the East
-[X]Yes: He is your uncle, he will be a free man.
-[X]Industrial: You will convert this cursed land into something extraordinary. You will build your villa into a producer of Roman Steel. The problem is, you need lots of money to even try to do this. Money you do not have.
-[X]The Vulcan's Hammer Furia was not at the funeral, which was not very important. |It was a private affair after all. But there were many things that you need to discuss. Like the future of this relationship that you wish to cultivate. DC: 20
-[X]Paying Debts: You owe a Talent to your Father's man, who built the Stable, and since it was in your father's will, you were going to do what was needed. Cost 1 Talent DC: 5
-[X]Father's Last Gift: You know for a blasted fact that there is something more your father has hidden away. Hopefully, it is not just a hope that a daughter can have, to find one last gift. DC: ???
-[X]Kiss the Ring: You will Pay your Respect to Sulla, and perhaps, see how he views you as a woman, an ally, and the daughter of one of his staunchest supporters. DC: 25
-[X] A Legion's Promise: You are going to get Metellus his legion, and perhaps once things are prepared, he can assist you as well. You may not have connections, but you do have one thing. A very convincing smile. DC: ???
-[X]A Legionary's Life: You are going to get into the Legion. You will try and convince Sulla to give you a legion, and set out on the campaign, not only to defeat Rome's enemies but to gain glory, and honor. And so much more. Reward: Begin An Adventure in the East, with the 5th Legion.
[X] Plan: Molten Roman Gold
-[X]Yes: He is your uncle, he will be a free man.
-[X]Industrial: You will convert this cursed land into something extraordinary. You will build your villa into a producer of Roman Steel. The problem is, you need lots of money to even try to do this. Money you do not have.
-[X]The Vulcan's Hammer Furia was not at the funeral, which was not very important. |It was a private affair after all. But there were many things that you need to discuss. Like the future of this relationship that you wish to cultivate. DC: 20
-[X]Cassius and Child: Your lady friend and companion have taken to motherhood nicely, but you really need to know who the father of her child is, and if that father may decide that you housing her will be a threat to him. DC: 45
-[X]The Plans for Substance: You need to make plans to get your supplies to Roman Market, or beyond. You just need to find a way to do it. DC:35
-[X] Taxes and Tax exemptions, and Write-offs: So you have been looking at the ledgers of the villa, and realized something very important. Your father has been paying far too much to the state in taxes. You need to adjust that accordingly… hopefully without screwing everything up/ DC: 55
-[X]Into the Belly of the Beast: You will meet with the Marian supporters in Rome. And perhaps, if you are lucky, can curry favor with them, with promises, favors, and much more. DC: 45
-[X]The Fates Spurned: There is a man, named Crassus who needs a diplomat to serve his and Rome's interests in the East, in the Kingdom of Judea, to not only secure rights for trade for roman merchants, but also, to serve as his spy. He wants to see how strong they are, or in the favor, how weak they are. Reward: You travel to Judea, as a merchant, a spy, and a diplomat.
There was such a strange feeling, walking the Docks that were owned by another man, holding onto a ship that was yours. Your father had been very capable of realizing that the future of this Roman Republic, and in all wealth, and power, lay solely under the control of the Sea. Control over all that flowed, and all that.
You needed a captain you could trust, and there was no man that your father trusted more than your uncle.
And that was why he was here. "I thought there was going to be more ceremony?" He asked as he looked at the papers that signified, not only he was a free man of Rome but under your protection. And the protection of the Senate, though not as a citizen. "You know, dancing girls, a party for such celebrations as a family member being freed from slavery?"
"You and I both know that we both hate celebrations. Despite upbringing and my personal love to see a triumph." You stated.
No, you were lying, you loved parties and celebrations, but for Ion's sake, you knew that he wanted this to be a private affair, a quiet one, where the only thing was the promises that were made, and then kept.
Maybe it proved Roman honor, despite everything, existed, and could be extended to all.
Or maybe it was because he was family.
"You know Claudia. When I lost my mother and brothers to that raid and to slavery, I was a broken man." There were tears on his face, even as he looked away, and you could feel the joy and sadness in his voice. "I felt the gods cursed my life, that Hades had come to destroy my hope and my desires. That Posiden had come to me, and would never allow me to sail his oceans again."
He then smiled and looked back at you. "And then I held you in my arms for the first time, and then I realized that matter what, you would be there. You learned your mother's tongue, and you learned your father's way… but you never let go of that kindness that your mother gave you."
Then without being able to react, he embraced you. "Thank you."
"For what?" You asked.
"Άφησε με να δω τα Κύματα μια τελευταία φορά" He spoke in your mothers tongue.
You then smiled. "Ion, of my family… Will you sail the waves for my name? To control the seas, and to be of wondrous duty?"
There was no answer, only a smile and a ruffle of your hair.
His eyes said everything.
Reward: Ion is now a Free Man and Captian of your Trieme. He is now sailing the Mare Nostrum, at this moment, hunting Pirates.
You can ask him to do other things by letter.
As he is a Sea Born and Blessed by Posidon, and Zagreus, when he is out on the Water, he gains a +30 to his rolls
He now joins the Retinue Rolls.
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-[X]Academic: You have 25 scribe slaves, who are well versed in Latin and Greek. You have thousands upon thousands of stories that can be transcribed to text, send out to the highest bidder, and even work for certain… individuals in Rome. Unfortunately, with your myths not fitting Rome's official canon (or the Priest's ideas that keep them in power) you may find yourself into a blasted war with the priests. Rolled: 90
There are many things that you have learned in the few months of changing your entire land's efforts into the stories of old, and even new.
Legal documents, transcripts, and even Senate hearing notes are being asked to be transcribed and written down.
You had prepared two teams, one for translation of stories, and the other for working on political, and present-day texts.
Thankfully, most texts were only a scroll or two long, and of course, you charged an extortionate amount for it.
And while there was grumbling… you knew for a fact there was money to be made.
And the best part, the Priests, at the moment, do not care. They have no interest in reading your scrolls, and merely think you are just…. Getting ahead before marriage.
After all, who cares about Barbarian stories that they think you are transcribing.
------------
Reward: Income increased by 8655.
You are now the foremost producer, and translator of any greek, roman, and Eastern Texts in Rome, and are building quite a collection.
The priests are watching your career with great interest.
And the many roman families are paying handsomely for the services of your villa.
Your Agricultural output has turned to the sustenance of the scribes and scholars that are working in the Villa's scribe rooms.
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-[X]The Vulcan's Hammer Furia was not at the funeral, which was not very important. It was a private affair after all. But there were many things that you need to discuss. Like the future of this relationship that you wish to cultivate. DC: 20 Rolled: 56
Furia's home was awakening with the sounds of metal and flame, as she beat down on a sword. She has filled the fire and energy of Vulcan himself…
And his anger. "I take it he's dead." She stated as she pointed down at the blade, feeling it with a finger before placing it into the water.
"He is." You replied. Not even needing to give the name, or who it was.
"Shame." She replied, trying to hide her sadness as she pounded the edge of the blade.
"I want to talk to you about the agreements." You stated.
"Nothing much to talk about." She nodded at the blade and set it down, it was sharp and well forged. "Your father was the one I worked with, not his daughter."
"I would help with making the agreement worthwhile?" You asked. "If you were willing."
"Men don't see me as a master smith, they see a woman who needs to be married off again. But all my children are gone off to live their own lives, and your father was the only one who helped me when my husband killed himself with the drink." She was shaking her head. "I knew he wanted to keep it private, but we knew each other for twenty years! And he didn't think me important enough for his funeral."
"I think he didn't want you to have any more grief than you already have."
Furia sat down. "He was my only friend. And you think you can replace him."
"No." You replied. "But you don't have to be alone anymore."
"What do you think that other children can replace what I no longer have. Some wet behind the ears boys can replace my children?" She asked.
You nodded. "I never said they would. I just know what it feels like to be alone."
A lie perhaps. But it was a lie that was true in some ways. But you didn't need to tell her that. "So what do you say. Shall we work?"
"I chose the apprentices, and they will be my choice." She stated. "And they will be free, not slaves."
"Done."
Reward:
Furia has joined the Villa and is training her apprentices.
Investing in a forge is available.
As Furia is blessed by Vulcan, there is a chance for her to create something special and new.
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-[X]Paying Debts: You owe a Talent to your Father's man, who built the Stable, and since it was in your father's will, you were going to do what was needed. Cost 1 Talent DC: 5 Rolled:45
The men were paid, paid well, and were happy to receive the money.
Word has spread of your honor and your tact.
Reward: -1 Talent.
Rome speaks well of you, as you keep your promises, and help those who are your friend.
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-[X]Father's Last Gift: You know for a blasted fact that there is something more your father has hidden away. Hopefully, it is not just a hope that a daughter can have, to find one last gift. DC: ??? Rolled: 86+15=101+101+86= 288
You found it on the hill, the one where your mother was buried, in the tree of olives.
It was… By the Gods.
A letter from your mother.
And something that you never expected.
My Dearest Daughter.
I write you this letter because I fear my time in this world is nearing the end. But your father had wished to not worry about this, and make sure no one else knew about it. So we both made a pact where we would both be dead before we would tell you.
My ashes are not entered into the ground on the hill as your father had told you. As we both feared that it would have been found.
My family, before I was married and my brothers were enslaved, owned over 100 ships, even more than many navies, primarily trade ships that were traveling all over the seas, for fortune and profit.
Accordingly, we were very wealthy. In fact, my dowry was over 25 ships to your father.
He sold all but one and left the money hidden, not only from the tax collectors, but to keep it safe from any thieves.
He had many ways to hide it, but he instead did the one thing that no one would expect it.
Bury it all with me.
And that is what he has done.
So desecrate my grave, my child, for your inheritance… your true inheritance.
I love you always.
-------------------------------------------------
You spent two days digging her grave up… and then you saw huge bags of gold.
When you finished counting you realized something.
What were you going to spend it on?
Reward: Gain +50 Talents of Gold, that were hidden from you by your father and mother to keep it safe.
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-[X]Kiss the Ring: You will Pay your Respect to Sulla, and perhaps, see how he views you as a woman, an ally, and the daughter of one of his staunchest supporters. DC: 25 Rolled: 45+15=60
Sulla was waiting for you in his home, and one of the first things he did as he saw you, showed his joy. "My dear child., it is wonderful to see you in Rome?"
"Not for long, I hope." You smiled as you bowed to him, and bent down and kissed his hand. "But it is a wondrous thing to see you in health."
Sulla chuckled and his subordinates, those that were from the senate-house, joined in, to follow their master's joy. "This girl has a future in Rome."
"I would hope not, I would rather see the world, and God's Majesty first, before I find a husband." You were quick and quiet in your statement, but Sulla seemed to enjoy that.
"I would rather hope to see you married, to see if there are those who would be fine allies to have."
He was offering you many things, but instead, you smiled. "My father always viewed marriage as more trust than politics and wealth, you of all people should know my father never did things frivolously. And always was calculated."
That made many of the men, and even Sulla himself look at you with an odd, but knowing glance.
"And what calculation have you provided yourself with?" Sulla asked.
"Loyalty to family, to those who have always been loyal to my father." You smiled as you saw nods of approval. "If that is the case? And it is accepted."
Sulla nodded and smiled. "I knew my son was well enough to produce a daughter who was highly capable. Greater than any son that could have been given to him. I accept."
Reward: Sulla has been met, and the rewards for loyalty to him will soon be revealed.
Your Word now carries much weight in any field.
But know this:
Sulla is mortal, and he will die.
You will need to prepare for such eventualities.
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-[X]Cassius and Child: Your lady friend and companion have taken to motherhood nicely, but you really need to know who the father of her child is, and if that father may decide that you housing her will be a threat to him. DC: 45 Rolled: 30+15=45
To Claudia Nerva, of the Venerable Noblii family Genes, Claudii.
You are caring for the child and the mother of my child.
They are not of the stock of wondrous and noble blood of the Noble patrician family.
Her lies will not gain her anything.
And it will only kill you.
There was no signature, only a slave begging for you not to kill him.
You, however, smiled. The man whom she claimed was Cassius had made a blunder.
The child was his.
And you smiled. Now you had to play the waiting game. And make sure that Child would be paraded as the Heir to the wealthiest man in the world.
Reward: You now know that Cassius had a child, an illegitimate one at that, and one that is now in your possession, and he had given you proof of it is a threat.
You need to keep the kid and his mother safe until you can gain the authority, and possibly the leverage over the man… and then make sure little Marcus will inherit some if not all of that fortune.
Beware the Child is in danger and needs to be protected at all costs.
--------------------
-[X]A Legionary's Life: You are going to get into the Legion. You will try and convince Sulla to give you a legion, and set out on the campaign, not only to defeat Rome's enemies but to gain glory, and honor. And so much more. Reward: Begin An Adventure in the East, with the 5th Legion.
Starting Situation Roll: 20
One Legion versus all of the East. And you were not commanding it… You were, however, a senior military Tribune.
Well at Least Sulla gave you a legion that was well worth the task…
Never mind, you think Sulla is trying to kill this man. Or this man was trying to break all the treaties to win glory and honor in the field of battle. Lucius Licinius Murena was either an idiot for taking only a single legion against Pontus…
Or an absolute genius.
But what mattered to you, was that he was the Legate in charge of you. And you needed to make sure he didn't get you all killed.
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Which Slave did you Bring with you?:
[]Spieo: Your old spiral is not as young as she used to be, but she has the wisdom that is second to none.
[]Caecilia Antia: You always need a friend and her husband to help you. There are things that male slaves or old slaves just do not understand.
[]Pip: You need a good killer and commander, even if he does not have men. You will need many things to assist you, and he knows how military life works.
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How do you plan to handle your… Gender Reveal?:
[]Be honest: You know a woman has no right to be in a camp, but once you show up with full kit, and armor and are outrunning, out fighting, and out-thinking your comrades, you will know there is little they will say. (High Risk, but no one will dare question your orders in battle)
[]Act Through Proxies: Pip may not look roman, but he does look like a soldier, and those will be much better than that. (Medium risk, must bring Pip with you)
[]Act as a Ghost: You must become like a shadow, pulling the strings. No one will accept a woman, so no one will know you are even there. (Medium risk)
Not wishing to anger Uncle Ion further, she reached for her cup and downed it quickly, in the hopes it would quench her thirst.
"Aphrodite, enraged at the death of her Dionysus, whom she loved as dearly as a brother, delved into the depths of Hades to meet with the Dread Persepho-"
At this, her Uncle bolted forth and slapped a hand over her mouth, shrieking, "SPEAK NOT HER NAME, LEST YOU DRAW HER GAZE!"
She shook her head viciously in agreement, eyes wide and already regretting her slip of the tongue, forgetting for a moment his deeply superstitious nature.
A moment more passed, before he stepped back, disappointment lancing through his tone, "You know better, Lykos."
"I do know better Uncle Ion," she says, wanting nothing more than to shut herself away from embarrassment, "I have no excuse for this."
Moments passed between them, before he stood and, against all sense of decorum, enveloped her in a mighty embrace, hugging herself to him.
"You are all that remains of my sister," he murmurs into her hair, even as her own arms embraced him back, his nature as one of the servii being one of a few matters that did not allow him to act openly as her favored Uncle, "I do not desire to see any more of my family taken before their time."
"I know Uncle Ion," she whispers, tears at the edges of her eyes, "I'm sorry I scared you so."
They sat this way for a short while, before he released her, doing the best to present themselves properly, and motioned her to continue the tale, words failing him.
"So with the heart of Lord Dionysus in hand, she traveled to the Underworld in the dead of Winter to meet with Despoina," she began, the tale beginning to feel as ash on her lips, "where she asked her fellow goddess to restore her beloved lord to life. The bargaining was fierce, for nothing may escape Death's Embrace, and in the end the matter was settled when it was decided that Dionysus would be incarnated, though his memories of the life before would be fleeting at best during his early years. So it came to be that the god would be reborn, his flesh rebuilt around his heart by the workings of Despoina and Aphrodite, and given the name Adonis, called Iacchus by the Athenians and Tammuz by the Cannanites, to be raised by Despoina until reaching the age of maturity.
Here, the story becomes muddled as there are some that claim he reborn fully mortal or fully divine, that upon his maturity Zeus would intervene in the matter or by the words of a Muse, but regardless of who or what exactly occurred, the truth of the matter is that as he grew into maturity, he grew into such beautiful that he became a lover to both the goddesses, attending to one or another for a third of the year while the remaining days were his alone to decide; it was during that time he befriended the other gods, foremost among them Ares, Artemis and Pan.
And so it went for many a year, until he encountered Apollo."
Here she paused, searching her memory for what happened next, and found nothing.
"I apologize Uncle, but mother did not share with me more of the circumstances surrounding their meeting, other than that Apollo was a cruel and jealous lover and it was by his hand Dionysus Adonis passed."
His eyes glinted a fierce but pale light, "You are young yet Lyksos, to know of Apollo's capricious nature, inherited from his father, and the many cruelties enacted in the face of his many predilections. In a few years time that will change, but for now your apologizes are unnecessary."
She nodded, feeling a pit in her stomach at the prospect, before continuing the tale, "In learning of his passing the goddesses wept tears of loss profound, placing before his grave a great multitude of flowers and proclaimed the day a celebration of his life. Once the day passed, their sorrow turned to rage and enacted many horrors upon the god, tormenting his every waking moment and ensuring the objects of his affections would forever be apart from him. This, the Second Death of Dionysus.
For great many a year after the goddesses wept, and though the loss of their beloved would become a lesser burden with each passing year, they never forget him, even as they slowly began to take new lovers and eventually husbands.
So it came as a surprise when he was reborn for a third time, yet again with the arms of Despoina, as the god Zagreus."
She would have continued from there, but it was then she heard the distant call of her father. Turning to her Uncle, she found him nodding.
"Go, we shall finish up with the matter at another time."
She gathered her materials and went to leave, before bolting back to her Uncle's side and hugging him a brief moment before leaving to attend her father.
What she couldn't know, for she hadn't stayed to witness it was her Uncle's repressed tears, and the whispered prayer to Despoina and her son, Zagreus, pleading for what must have been the thousandth upon thousandth time for his sister's well treatment in the Underworld.
Speio watched as the scribes worked on the many scrolls. It was almost entirely wondrous to see so much work done in this place, now after so long from Claudius' ideal of plowing the fields for his countrymen.
The Roman that was that man refused to see that there were other avenues of wealth, other avenues to secure a future than plowing the fields that many others have done before him.
His daughter had learned well from him, and from you. She devoured every challenge that came across her path, from war, to study. To Law.
A Shame that she did not take after her mother with business acumen, and her skill on the waves. But nothing was perfect.
And the girl was young, and Ion was still alive. She would be safe from her mother's enemies, and the many many men who still had every ship that had once dominated the waves of the Mare Nostrum.
She looked at the letter from Ion and smiled. It seems he was making up for the lost time.
Reward: The Villa is not only safe but prospering.
Ion kicked up his feet and smiled as he sat down at the beverage hall, the villa that had served as his home, long forgotten in his mind, but his niece was not.
Every one of these fools lacked many things that he did not like. Discipline, honor, even what he despised the most.
Strong Ale from the North.
"So Ion, what happened you finally broke free and stole a ship?" The captain stated as he sat across from him. Ole Achillies was an old friend from his youth, a child when the Romans took him. But that was not very pleasant.
"Not exactly." He replied with a smile on his face. "But the statement remains. I want answers. Like where my ships are?"
"You still want your family's navy back. They all scrapped, or worse, and the bottom of the sea," he stated. "Your father was one of our best, and you just happened to come back, and expect us all to think you haven't gone soft. Or worse, roman? We know about the bastard your sister sired with that roman rapist. How he killed all your brothers when they tried to kill them in his sleep."
He paused. "How you threw away your honor to save them." He spat. "Like a slave."
"Yet I have a ship, and you think you would break the oaths that our fathers swore?"
"Every Roman must die," Achillies stated as he stood up and drew his sword. "Now, are you going to remember that, or will you die like all the rest?"
Ion allowed his feet to touch the ground, and he smiled. "I am still alive. And I have my ship. I have freedom, not only from our oaths… but from you."
There was an attempt at a stab, but that was not going to happen. Ion merely held him by the throat and showed his crew what mistake he had made.
"All of you here look at me! Look at what we've become, little more than broken men and raiders when we were so much more!"
"We have lost our way, we have lost our honor, and we have lost our lands! But we have our ships! We have our sails, and there are many alive who would see not only pay us, but reward us like kings!"
"So who is with me!"
And so in the Adriatic, and all of the Mediterranean, there was a new Pirate Lord.
One that would soon grow in power. And with the support of one Claudia Nerva.
Even if she didn't know it yet.
Reward:
Ion has taken command of a fleet of 40 ships, and is now raiding the coastlines of Egypt, Judea, Anatolia, and none roman Greece.
The pirates that refuse to submit, will soon be turned in to roman authorities… and killed.
And the Reward stashed at a villa of his family.
The Nerva's
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Cossus Tettius Gallio:
He smiled a little and took a breath, as he looked out at the court. "Finally, a worthy advisory."
There he sat, the rising star of the legal side of Rome, a man whom everyone knew was destined for greatness.
Marcus Tullius Cicero.
This was going to be a treat.
Reward: Gallio has dueled Cicero again, and has lost.
But he is happy to have such a wondrous legal rival to challenge.
--------------------------------------------
Fabia Ecdicia:
She looked at the man she loved and merely watched him shake his head. "So is she as… skilled, talented as you told us?"
"Far more. Though I think the letter was a little heavy. She would have figured it out eventually."
"Perhaps, but knowing her family? The lack of tact and imagination?"
"True, but that means that she is a little different than her father. Must be her mother's intelligence."
"But there is so much more?"
"She is blessed by the gods for a purpose, according to the priest. But for what purpose, no one knows. Even the Gods."
"Keep tabs on her… and If I suspect your betrayal."
"My dear, if I betrayed you, you would never know." She smiled.
Reward: She is playing a very dangerous game.
A Game no one is playing alone.
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Mettius Servilius Metellus
He has returned to Spain with his Legion.
Nothing could be done, and he returned with anger.
He only looked at the darkness. His sight was gone.
He knew he had given his last prophecy.
And he knew that the Gods would be gracing him with their presence to go to the underworld. Hopefully, with his piety and dedication, Elysium would await.
He hoped.
Reward: Polybius is now blind.
His blessing with the gods was lost.
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Caepasia Furia
She looked at the young boy who had been orphaned. There were thousands like him, but he was the one you chose.
Maybe because it was his eyes. The eyes you once saw in all your children, but filled with something more primal. A wish for something, acceptance.
Love. "What is your name?" She asked.
He said something in a language that you did not understand. Hebrew. He had been a slave before being tossed, either freed or because he was going to die.
"Luke."
Reward: Caepasia has gained several apprentices, including a Jewish freed slave that was left to die, Luke.
Stories of the Famula: The First Days of Venus (I)
Stories of the Famula: The First Days of Venus (I)
On one of the rare days that there was little to attend to, in schooling or in housework, she found herself under the auspices of a small grove of trees near the rear of the property with her handmaids, Clauda and Flavia, chatting about the news of Rome. As usual, Clauda spoke of the matters of the Populi with a favored sigh, head full of dreams of the Caepasia boys and a tale of every flavor of scandal upon her tongue, while Flavia remained a touch more grounded with news of the Nobilis, weaving truths born of her father's grumblings and confirmed by her allies amongst the Servii of other Houses...up until the younger Furius passed by in the distance, with Clauda bolting to chance a meeting with him in yet another bid for his attentions.
Here she huffed, a brief measure of annoyance smothering the pang of loneliness it accompanied at her friend's departure, a glanced spared to her erstwhile companion; ever the picture of perfect decorum, with only the creasing of her brow and the tightening of her fists the only evidence that could break her illusion. She sighed, before taking Flavia's hand in her own, a slight tensing of her grip the only sign of her surprise.
"Thank you, my Lady," the older girl spoke in a (if fairly) measured tone, immediately dropping any sense of pretense with her, "It is kind of you to attend to me, when I am the one meant to attend to you instead."
"Nonsense," she says, looking the older girl in the eyes, "You are my good friend and confidant, there is little reason I would not aid you in a time of need, any time of need."
"Once again, I thank you my Lady, a better friend I could not ask for nor want," Flavia says as she dips her head, a small smile upon her visage, "I am fine, even if angered by the other's dereliction of duties and pursuing my brother, idiota that he is. But I wish not to make matters about myself, so what then do you wish to speak of? To continue with our interrupted discourse of the goings on of the Marians, or to lean into your interests? Father has shared with me more news of Venus..."
"Do not think for one moment Flavia that I do not know what you are doing," she says, leveling her friend with a piercing gaze, all but ruined by the tone of merriment, "We will circle back to this, but in the interim, yes, please share with me tales of Venus Victrix."
"Very well, my Lady Claudia," she returned with a vulpine grin, "Then know that long before she was to be known by that epithet, the goddess Venus was born unto the world in distant Asia, though exactly where changes from telling to telling. As I am not a scholar of great renown, not in the manner that my Lady shall someday be, I shall ignore those tales.
Born as she was in the aftermath of the Titan War, of Caelus Tyranus'...remains making contact with the ocean's foam in the furthest reaches of Terra, fully formed as a woman in her absolute prime in the dawn of morning, for a time there was little contact between her and the other gods. It was during this time she walked far abreast from their seat of power atop Olympus, becoming a mighty fine warrior in her journeys, until she came to the City of Ur in distant Parthia and, for a time, courted their King Gilgamos, who ultimately spurned her affections and brought upon himself her wroth. What happened then is lost to the ages, many surviving accounts coming to be lost with the end of the Silver Age, but what we do know is that it necessitated the intervention of Bacchus Liber, that their battle proved fierce, brutal in execution and utterly the stuff of Legend; while far more powerful a warrior, Bacchus found himself evenly matched against Venus, who had by this time honed the brutality of her craft into a honed edge [enshrining the battle into a shing example of strength vs technique], before managing to earn a victory through cunning and guile, as he had with Saturn.
However, unlike his battle with Saturn, Bacchus took a chance and offered the goddess a place by his side. Venus, angered at the loss and wishing to learn from the one who had bested her, agreed and became one of his Bacchae, and in time, the mightiest of their number. In traveling together, the two became stalwart allies and the best of friends, leaving some, and especially the Ancient Parthians, even calling them brother and sister."
Here Flavia paused, eyes darting this way and that, as if in searching for another text or scroll within confines of her supposed Memory Palace, before refocusing on her.
"Some say that when Bacchus Liber finally decided to rejoin his family, he traveled for a time with the one the Jews call Abraham, others that he battled the Cerberus alongside Hercules for his mother's soul, and still others that he came across the fallout created by Jason and his Argonauts, taking pity on the mortal Ariadne and taking her as his consort, but the fact of the matter is that it wasn't until he returned to the foothills of Olympus that he met with his newfound brothers and sisters, the Lotusbourne and Vulcan least of all. For the brief time that he lived among them until his death at the hands of Prometheus and his brother, he came to love, and be loved, by them all. And just as he came to be loved them, so did she, with Bacchus being the one to introduce Venus to Mars, though they wouldn't be wed for a time yet-"
"For Bacchus Adoneus had yet to die a second time at the hands of Apollo, I know this Flavia," she (gently) whined impatiently, trying to get to get her friend to hurry up.
"Ah, but were you told that it was during that time the pair of triplet goddesses of the Gratiae and Dirae were born on the same day and hour, of Bacchus Adoneus' love to Venus and Proserpina, respectively? That it was Venus who taught Mars Silvanus the Art of War, having to this point been simply a God of Wild Places and Agriculture?"
Her eyes widened, a gentle "What?" escaping past her lips.
"You heard correctly, my Lady," Flavia said, her vulpine grin returning, "But we're getting ahead of ourselves here, for now we must speak of the End of the Silver Age, and Venus' part in it all."
[X] An Honest Military Career
-[X]Pip: You need a good killer and commander, even if he does not have men. You will need many things to assist you, and he knows how military life works.
-[X]Be honest: You know a woman has no right to be in a camp, but once you show up with full kit, and armor and are outrunning, out fighting, and out-thinking your comrades, you will know there is little they will say.
[X] Plan: Shadow Commander
-[X]Pip: You need a good killer and commander, even if he does not have men. You will need many things to assist you, and he knows how military life works.
-[X]Act as a Ghost: You must become like a shadow, pulling the strings. No one will accept a woman, so no one will know you are even there. (Medium risk)
