I second this question. Can we get a general rundown on the current status of our legion?
Res Publica: A Quest of Ancient Rome
- Thread starter Telamon
- Start date
- Original Historic
- Location
- I think somewhere. I might be nowhere though
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I said "switch it out," not "switch it in." I don't want King Without A Crown.
I misunderstood, thanks for clearing that up.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
The issue of terms vs overshadow vs connect aside, I'm thinking more and more that this lovely mix might be one of the best combos for our actions, with the goal of demonstrating to marius that sending us against greeks specifically is a good idea.
-[] Si Vis Pacem: The Greek city-states in Asia and the Greek mainland have long maintained their independence and autonomy, even as nominal vassals of Rome. You read up on their histories, rivalries, and old friendships, that you might make use of these in your campaign.
-[] The City of the Kings of Asia: Bithynia, for a time, was the mightiest kingdom in Asia, and Nicomedia was it's crown jewel. By attempting to integrate yourself with the people here and getting to know figures of import, you might lay the ground for better things in the future.
-[] Para Bellum: You begin studying the campaigns against the Macedonians and the Greeks over a century ago, hoping to learn more about Greek tactics, that you might counter them better.
-[] The General: Marius. Busy directing a war and writing furious missives back to Rome, the great general has little time for personal frivolities. Yet if you can get him to take a liking to you, your own position in Rome will surely soar. Both Sertorius and Sulla began their rise to power under his wing.
Making ourselves the go-to person for dealing with greeks means that we are deployed less against romans too, so
1) We have fewer blood-fueled grudges with fellow romans
2) we have more personal influence, as the point of contact between the occupied and the occupiers.
-[] Si Vis Pacem: The Greek city-states in Asia and the Greek mainland have long maintained their independence and autonomy, even as nominal vassals of Rome. You read up on their histories, rivalries, and old friendships, that you might make use of these in your campaign.
-[] The City of the Kings of Asia: Bithynia, for a time, was the mightiest kingdom in Asia, and Nicomedia was it's crown jewel. By attempting to integrate yourself with the people here and getting to know figures of import, you might lay the ground for better things in the future.
-[] Para Bellum: You begin studying the campaigns against the Macedonians and the Greeks over a century ago, hoping to learn more about Greek tactics, that you might counter them better.
-[] The General: Marius. Busy directing a war and writing furious missives back to Rome, the great general has little time for personal frivolities. Yet if you can get him to take a liking to you, your own position in Rome will surely soar. Both Sertorius and Sulla began their rise to power under his wing.
Making ourselves the go-to person for dealing with greeks means that we are deployed less against romans too, so
1) We have fewer blood-fueled grudges with fellow romans
2) we have more personal influence, as the point of contact between the occupied and the occupiers.
Marius would be between 70 and 71 when he died two years in the "future" from where we are in the quest. As such, I think he needs less help dying.
Also, while the two men certainly had their monstrous aspects, I'm not sure that Sertorius would be much better. Both sides are radicalized, and the rapid expansion of the Roman empire and influx of slaves from the successful wars has bloated the Roman economy to the point where the city's institutions are failing.
So while I agree with you that Sertorius would be better than either man, I don't think Sertorius would be much better.
fasquardon
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
Should def do training this turn or next. Our group needs to learn how to fight greeks (so we should study up) and we don't really have anyone to hold our hand for this.
xa na xa
A.E.I.O.U. - Antarticae est imperare orbi universo
- Location
- σ Octantis
Maybe even go more Marian, and get synergy with "The General" with "The Marians" ?:
[] The Marians: The soldiers and legions now serving under Marius are devoted in their loyalty to the great general. You seek to make connections with these men, and form relationships which may serve you well back in Rome. Perhaps the greatest of these Marians is the legatus Gnaeus Papirus Carbo, legatus of the Seventh Legion and Marius' second in command.
In OTL Gnaeus Papirus Carbo was a future consul, and a rather important power player:
Also such a good orator that Cicero found it noteworthy:
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
Other way around he was supposed to die 2 years past but willpower and luck saw him survive here where he died in canon.
I think he might also be the guy we destroyed in a rap battle though.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I wouldn't really call my point a Marian one. It's a great way to be a unique and irreplacable part of the marian faction, but IMO it's also the best way to defect to Sulla and become a unique and irreplacable member of his.
It does have significant synergy with Make Terms tho, since if we establish ourself as the main judge/mediator then we don't risk having Cassianus hang off our coattails there.
xa na xa
A.E.I.O.U. - Antarticae est imperare orbi universo
- Location
- σ Octantis
Yes, it is not necessarily pro-Marian, I didn't express myself well.
- Location
- Texas
That was Gaius Papirus Carbo. This is Gnaeus Papirus Carbo.
Two absolutely different people.
The Gaius Papirus Carbo you bested was the son of the consul of the same name of 120 BC.
Gnaeus is his more famous cousin, who OTL was the second most powerful of the Marians after Marius' death, and became their leader after Cinna's murder.
Don't get them confused with Gnaeus' father, Gnaeus Papirus Carbo, consul in 113, or his brother, Gaius' father, Gaius Papirus Carbo, consul of 120. Their grandfather, the praetor Gaius Papirius Carbo, is obviously right out.
Last edited:
We definitely shouldn't pick 'The General' this turn, because that DC is going to be insane and many of the bonuses that we applied for Asiaticus don't apply to Marius. If we decide to ingratiate ourselves with Marius, it would need to be several turns after this one, once we've had time to lay the groundwork.
My thinking is: do 'Study this turn to familiarize ourselves with Marius' strategy in the Africa campaign, then 'The Marians' next turn to ingratiate ourselves with Marius' supporters and figure out what's up. Then (maybe, if we think we have a shot) we might pick 'The General' and try to make him like us.
Frankly, it'd be a lot easier once we've actually done something to impress Marius -- say, by overperforming our duties with the legion and directly contributing to a battle. Otherwise, I doubt Marius would take us seriously -- we are still a bare-faced youth, after all.
My thinking is: do 'Study this turn to familiarize ourselves with Marius' strategy in the Africa campaign, then 'The Marians' next turn to ingratiate ourselves with Marius' supporters and figure out what's up. Then (maybe, if we think we have a shot) we might pick 'The General' and try to make him like us.
Frankly, it'd be a lot easier once we've actually done something to impress Marius -- say, by overperforming our duties with the legion and directly contributing to a battle. Otherwise, I doubt Marius would take us seriously -- we are still a bare-faced youth, after all.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Starting to really hate the lacking variety in Roman names.That was Gaius Papirus Carbo. This is Gnaeus Papirus Carbo.
Two absolutely different people.
The Gaius Papirus Carbo you bested was the son of the consul of the same name of 120 BC.
Gnaeus is his more famous cousin, who OTL was the second most powerful of the Marians after Marius' death, and became their leader after Cinna's murder.
Don't get them confused with Gnaeus' father, Gnaeus Papirus Carbo, consul in 113, or his brother, Gaius' father, Gaius Papirus Carbo, consul of 120. Their grandfather, the praetor Gaius Papirius Carbo, is obviously right out.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Actually, @Telamon, am I right in thinking that actions occur in the order we choose, or am I just getting this blended with some other quest in my memory?
We must also consider that the DC for talking with a corpse is even higher, and Marius is at constant risk of becoming one.
(All this aside, i'm still gonna vote for talking with him because half the core of my plan is now to persuade him we're worth more vs greeks)
Why not just study and do 'The marians' this turn, then try to talk with him later in the turn?
We must also consider that the DC for talking with a corpse is even higher, and Marius is at constant risk of becoming one.
(All this aside, i'm still gonna vote for talking with him because half the core of my plan is now to persuade him we're worth more vs greeks)
- Location
- Texas
I generally do them in the order in the plan, yes, only shifting them around if it would make more sense in the story to do so/if two options in different spots synergize. It's not a hard rule, but it is usual what happens.
- Location
- Europe
Ah, I didn't realise the king in question was that king. Though I think it's exaggerating to say that there would be rumours about Atellus after a simple visit, I understand why that can would make people hesitate.
Last edited:
- Location
- Texas
Most authors writing Republican-era works just ignore the repetitions — Gaius Carbo, for instance, is unimportant to history compared to his cousin, so it's not necessary to ever mention him, and avoid the confusion.
I find the confusion adds to the realism.
"Gaius has sent for you."
"Which one? Papirius or Marius?"
"Papirus."
"Ah, one of the gens Papirii. But which branch? Crassus? Cursor? Turdus?"
"Carbo."
"Oh, of course! Gaius Papirus Carbo — but which one? The father, the son, or the grandfather?"
"The one you hate deeply, and have thrice denounced in the Senate as a threat to Roman liberty and freedom."
"This is Republican Rome, that clarifies nothing."
- Location
- The Middle of the Howling Wilderness
I find the confusion adds to the realism.
I'm certainly finding myself understanding Hannibal a little better
- Location
- Southampton, Great Britain
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Nitpick. Why would they say Republican Rome instead of just Rome? They don't know about the approaching Imperial Rome?
- Location
- Texas
I'm certainly finding myself understanding Hannibal a little better
Fun fact: Hannibal committed suicide in Nicomedia, the city where Atellus now resides.
Nitpick. Why would they say Republican Rome instead of just Rome? They don't know about the approaching Imperial Rome?
Augustus is always.
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
Jesus. at this my point, my primary reason for wanting Atellus to take over is just forcing people to get new names.
Last edited:
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I am currently thinking we should either go the Imperial Route, or if we ever have a chance, go Native and build our own Kingdom/Empire. Horrifically dangerous but so is pretty much EVERY SINGLE ROUTE open to us in late Republican Rome.
- Location
- Europe
He doesn't, the patricians dislike the new men. See the character generation and the description of that option.
Why? To help Marius march the republic into the next civil war?
We haven't in Samnium. That was Gemino.
My plan:
[] Off with the gloves
-[] Overshadow: You are more loved by the men and more senior in the legion. You attempt to dominate the position, becoming the primary tribune of the legion. Cassianus himself will not sit idly and be eclipsed, however.
-[] Promote Centurions: A few centurions and lower-ranking officers left the legion in Rome, their service having ended. Several soldiers who served with distinction during the Samnite campaign may well stand to replace them. Men you raise up may be loyal to you in the future.
-[] A Law Beyond The Sword: The men often have simple issues, complaints, or grievances which they wish to address. As broad-striped tribune, it is your duty to see to these. One afternoon, you set up a table in the middle of the worn palace and invite men to come air their grievances before you, and perhaps even raise a case against a fellow soldier.
-[] Brothers in Arms: You strive to mend the frayed relations between the patrician cavalry and the plebian legionnaires, which have grown worse over time.
-[] Correspondence: As part of your efforts to stay on top of events in Rome, you write to one of your contacts elsewhere in the Republic. With such long travel times, anything you write will take a long time to arrive. However, that does not mean you cannot write. You write to... (response will arrive in 2-3 turns)
--[] Scaevola
-[] Brotherhood: You begin eating your meals with the men, to show them that you stand as one of them, not some aloof aristocrat. They care for you already, but this may well cement it.
-[] Si Vis Pacem: The Greek city-states in Asia and the Greek mainland have long maintained their independence and autonomy, even as nominal vassals of Rome. You read up on their histories, rivalries, and old friendships, that you might make use of these in your campaign.
-[] Para Bellum: You begin studying the campaigns against the Macedonians and the Greeks over a century ago, hoping to learn more about Greek tactics, that you might counter them better.
-[] The Cult: You call together the cult of Mars, hoping to influence the officers and tribunes within towards your viewpoint on the new tribune. (Need to pick either Undermine, Overshadow, or Make Terms above.)
-[] The City of the Kings of Asia: Bithynia, for a time, was the mightiest kingdom in Asia, and Nicomedia was it's crown jewel. By attempting to integrate yourself with the people here and getting to know figures of import, you might lay the ground for better things in the future.
-[] Study: You study the campaigns of Marius in Africa, hoping to learn something about defeating a hostile kingdom while protecting Roman clients. That Marius himself is here does not hurt matters either.
I say let's actually use the cult we grew to leverage it against our rival. Frankly, I have no desire to share the legion.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
While overshadow might get us control over more bits of the legion overall if we are lucky, that control would be less consistant. Given that some of the mainareas we specialize in (Law, Command, diplomacy when it comes to occupied cities) are areas where having a legally equal authority figure disagreeing with us could be REALLY bad, I would much rather have consistancy. Especially if we can "gift" him power over logistics and engineering, which we cannot actually do very well.