Res Publica: A Quest of Ancient Rome
- Thread starter Telamon
- Start date
- Original Historic
- Location
- Classified
Well, that trait is rather unfortunate, and that augury was a real kick in the nuts, but I'm prepared to call this a big win.
Regarding Honors, Titus Gallio is a no brainer. Honoring the cohort as a whole also seems like a good idea. I feel like we could manage one more. My first instinct is to give it to Mercator.
Regarding the treasures, we're definitely not taking the gold, that's a trap. We should only take the sword if we want to double down on our trait and be the bad cop in this war. I'm spitefully tempted to take the diamonds purely to fuck with that priestess. That horse is neat looking. Ultimately, I'm way too split right now on this.
As for the bandits, the elite roman force has better things to do than run down stragglers, and Sertiorus will want us back soon.
Regarding Honors, Titus Gallio is a no brainer. Honoring the cohort as a whole also seems like a good idea. I feel like we could manage one more. My first instinct is to give it to Mercator.
Regarding the treasures, we're definitely not taking the gold, that's a trap. We should only take the sword if we want to double down on our trait and be the bad cop in this war. I'm spitefully tempted to take the diamonds purely to fuck with that priestess. That horse is neat looking. Ultimately, I'm way too split right now on this.
As for the bandits, the elite roman force has better things to do than run down stragglers, and Sertiorus will want us back soon.
Man, what a shitty priest! In terms of honors, I think Maximus definitely deserves it. It seems Titus might require it to keep the men happy, and I'm not sure about Tercerus and Mercator. For the spoils, I definitely want the tablet for ourselves, but I can't decide between the horse and the blade for Sertorius. As for the bandits I have no idea. Maybe ask permission from Sertorius is the best move?
- Location
- Mid-Atlantic
Damn. That Balls of Steel trait.
Also, three talents? Eight more talents? Spurio was making out like a bandit until he pushed his luck too far. Should have known when to fold 'em; gambled on 'double or nothing' and got 'nothing.'
Hm, some thoughts that I want to ramble through before bed. Kinda woozy-tired, so I may have missed some ideas or notions.
HONORS
[] Mercator
[] Tercerus
[] Titus Gallio
[] Maximius
[] Write-In: The Chosen Men: the legionnaires who accompanied Mercator in the charge that broke the Samnite resistance outside the town, and those who accompannied Titus Gallio in his effort to fire the buildings.
SPOILS
[] The Tablet of Ascargantus OR the Mural of Simbellia
--[] You took this as a gift for Sertorius
[] The Steed of Cassimaius
Let's NOT take the trove of Spurio, as it would likely anger the legion. Plus, it represents something like a quarter of the loot from the entire campaign, maybe more.
For Sertorius, a prestigious item of art, such as would be valued by a cultured aristocrat. For ourselves, the horse, because if you ever need a very fast horse, you need a very fast horse.
REMNANTS
[] You send a message to Sertorius requesting more time to hunt down these bands.
[] You leave a force under Mercator to hunt down and wipe out these forces, then return to the legion once done.
The former seems fitting in that it leaves the matter up to Sertorius. I'm betting he'll say "no," but that's not really our problem.
The latter seems desirable in that it gives us a somewhat stronger position in command involving the First Cohort, which may be relevant if we end up participating in a legion-scale battle. If Mercator is off doing something else, the cohort will be more inclined to look to us for leadership...Then again, Mercator is better at leadership than we are, so that might not be an unmixed blessing.
Also, three talents? Eight more talents? Spurio was making out like a bandit until he pushed his luck too far. Should have known when to fold 'em; gambled on 'double or nothing' and got 'nothing.'
Hm, some thoughts that I want to ramble through before bed. Kinda woozy-tired, so I may have missed some ideas or notions.
HONORS
[] Mercator
[] Tercerus
[] Titus Gallio
[] Maximius
[] Write-In: The Chosen Men: the legionnaires who accompanied Mercator in the charge that broke the Samnite resistance outside the town, and those who accompannied Titus Gallio in his effort to fire the buildings.
SPOILS
[] The Tablet of Ascargantus OR the Mural of Simbellia
--[] You took this as a gift for Sertorius
[] The Steed of Cassimaius
Let's NOT take the trove of Spurio, as it would likely anger the legion. Plus, it represents something like a quarter of the loot from the entire campaign, maybe more.
For Sertorius, a prestigious item of art, such as would be valued by a cultured aristocrat. For ourselves, the horse, because if you ever need a very fast horse, you need a very fast horse.
REMNANTS
[] You send a message to Sertorius requesting more time to hunt down these bands.
[] You leave a force under Mercator to hunt down and wipe out these forces, then return to the legion once done.
The former seems fitting in that it leaves the matter up to Sertorius. I'm betting he'll say "no," but that's not really our problem.
The latter seems desirable in that it gives us a somewhat stronger position in command involving the First Cohort, which may be relevant if we end up participating in a legion-scale battle. If Mercator is off doing something else, the cohort will be more inclined to look to us for leadership...Then again, Mercator is better at leadership than we are, so that might not be an unmixed blessing.
Titus probably deserves it too, since without his squad-level leadership we would probably have lost a lot more men. Mercator earned it, he did more to lead the cohort than anyone else except us, and he personally decapitated the enemy leader and broke the back of their organized resistance outside the town. Yes, his plan could have gone better, but we agreed to his plan and it did in fact work.
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- Location
- USA
Might have too many honors there. Don't know how many is a good number though, so that's something we need to think about. Tercerus is certainly the only one we don't have to honor. His loyalty is to us, he's old as fuck, and he didn't do something impressive enough the men would be upset if we honored him.
I'm tempted to honor ourself, but I don't think we need to do it -- it's better to be honored by others anyways.
As for the soon to be bandits, we should just leave them. Not our problem, and we're doing a Social War on them so it doesn't hurt Real Romans when they do become bandits.
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Excellent update!
For who we should honor: I think our best bet is to not honor ourselves -- the men of the legion know we deserve it, but by refraining from it, they will appreciate our sacrifice (and the corresponding increase in reward for everyone else who is honored). I'm not as certain, but still inclined to do the same with Tercerus -- he performed admirably, but I worry that honoring him would be seen as a way of honoring ourselves, as he is our servant.
Here are the options listed:
I strongly feel we should honor Maximius Aulus. Yes, he has "deeply partisan opinions on the Civil War" (yikes), but look at what he accomplished. His men were separated from the main force -- he single-handedly fought his way to them, then back to the main force, then back to his men with reinforcements, and saved their lives at great risk to his own. I'm pretty sure that's literally the description for the Civic Crown, the second-highest military decoration that Rome has available (the only higher decoration would be given for saving an entire army from destruction...). Given the politics, I doubt Maximius would receive the Civic Crown, but at least we can recognize that he did something extraordinary in this battle.
As for the rest: I don't think we should honor The Officers generally, but I do support honoring Mercator (his charge was flawed, but it did succeed). Finally, I would also support honoring The Cohort as a body, given how well they fought throughout the battle.
So, I suggest:
[] Honors
-[] Mercator
-[] Titus Gallio
-[] Maximius
-[] The Cohort
As for the 'Spoils of Samnium'... hoo boy. We get to pick one for ourselves and one for Sertorius. For ourselves, I'd like to get something to build up our prestige -- there will be opportunity for loot later, but look at the options here:
The 'Blade of Bophus' is a decent 'utility'/prestige option -- legendary sword is always good for a story. On the other hand, we had hoped to pacify the Samnites and turn them into citizens. Taking this, for ourselves or for Sertorius, would basically ensure that would never happen.
'Tablet of Ascargantus' is the best of the prestige options. A speech that made Apollo cry, transcribed and decorated from ancient times, with the only surviving records now in private hands? This is one of those cultural treasures that will generate incredible amounts of prestige, especially as we become better and better at Oratory ("What secrets did he learn from the Tablet of Ascargantus?") Plus, if we do succeed in making citizens of the Samnites, our ownership of the Tablet gives us a claim to be the cultural heir to the Samnites, which might help turn them into our supporters. This has my vote.
'Steed of Cassimaius' is a very good 'utility'/prestige option. A prized stallion -- said to have descended from the greatest horse in known history -- is no small thing, especially for a conquering general. Sertorius would be very glad to have such a gift from us.
'Trove of Spurio' is money. That's it, and it would make an enemy of our entire cohort. Sure, if we want to get rich quick, this is the obvious choice, but it's a terrible idea that we should do well to avoid.
'Mural of Simbellia' is a close second-best of the prestige options, and my choice for our gift to Sertorius. It is a map of the region, lovingly crafted and decorated, with a symbol of Rome's might etched in stone. Given that we want to pacify and make citizens of the rebelling Samnites, and given that Sertorius is (given his real-world experience in Hispania) spectacularly well-qualified for the job, this mural would be a symbol of his work to govern the region, and a ready conversation piece to increase Sertorius's stature in Rome.
Thus, I suggest:
[] The Tablet of Ascargantus
[] The Mural of Simbellia
--[] You took this as a gift for Sertorius.
I don't have anywhere near as strong opinions about how we should deal with the bandits, so I leave that for others.
For who we should honor: I think our best bet is to not honor ourselves -- the men of the legion know we deserve it, but by refraining from it, they will appreciate our sacrifice (and the corresponding increase in reward for everyone else who is honored). I'm not as certain, but still inclined to do the same with Tercerus -- he performed admirably, but I worry that honoring him would be seen as a way of honoring ourselves, as he is our servant.
Here are the options listed:
Titus Gallio is a shoe-in -- widely seen as a hero, and honoring him won't offend anyone.
I strongly feel we should honor Maximius Aulus. Yes, he has "deeply partisan opinions on the Civil War" (yikes), but look at what he accomplished. His men were separated from the main force -- he single-handedly fought his way to them, then back to the main force, then back to his men with reinforcements, and saved their lives at great risk to his own. I'm pretty sure that's literally the description for the Civic Crown, the second-highest military decoration that Rome has available (the only higher decoration would be given for saving an entire army from destruction...). Given the politics, I doubt Maximius would receive the Civic Crown, but at least we can recognize that he did something extraordinary in this battle.
As for the rest: I don't think we should honor The Officers generally, but I do support honoring Mercator (his charge was flawed, but it did succeed). Finally, I would also support honoring The Cohort as a body, given how well they fought throughout the battle.
So, I suggest:
[] Honors
-[] Mercator
-[] Titus Gallio
-[] Maximius
-[] The Cohort
As for the 'Spoils of Samnium'... hoo boy. We get to pick one for ourselves and one for Sertorius. For ourselves, I'd like to get something to build up our prestige -- there will be opportunity for loot later, but look at the options here:
The 'Diamonds of Ampscantus' are the best of the 'luxury'/loot options. Not much prestige, besides saying we have them, but definitely a display piece (and/or jewelry for our future wife when we become Consul). This is a good option for gifting to Sertorius as well.
The 'Blade of Bophus' is a decent 'utility'/prestige option -- legendary sword is always good for a story. On the other hand, we had hoped to pacify the Samnites and turn them into citizens. Taking this, for ourselves or for Sertorius, would basically ensure that would never happen.
'Tablet of Ascargantus' is the best of the prestige options. A speech that made Apollo cry, transcribed and decorated from ancient times, with the only surviving records now in private hands? This is one of those cultural treasures that will generate incredible amounts of prestige, especially as we become better and better at Oratory ("What secrets did he learn from the Tablet of Ascargantus?") Plus, if we do succeed in making citizens of the Samnites, our ownership of the Tablet gives us a claim to be the cultural heir to the Samnites, which might help turn them into our supporters. This has my vote.
'Steed of Cassimaius' is a very good 'utility'/prestige option. A prized stallion -- said to have descended from the greatest horse in known history -- is no small thing, especially for a conquering general. Sertorius would be very glad to have such a gift from us.
'Trove of Spurio' is money. That's it, and it would make an enemy of our entire cohort. Sure, if we want to get rich quick, this is the obvious choice, but it's a terrible idea that we should do well to avoid.
'Mural of Simbellia' is a close second-best of the prestige options, and my choice for our gift to Sertorius. It is a map of the region, lovingly crafted and decorated, with a symbol of Rome's might etched in stone. Given that we want to pacify and make citizens of the rebelling Samnites, and given that Sertorius is (given his real-world experience in Hispania) spectacularly well-qualified for the job, this mural would be a symbol of his work to govern the region, and a ready conversation piece to increase Sertorius's stature in Rome.
Thus, I suggest:
[] The Tablet of Ascargantus
[] The Mural of Simbellia
--[] You took this as a gift for Sertorius.
I don't have anywhere near as strong opinions about how we should deal with the bandits, so I leave that for others.
- Location
- Mid-Atlantic
Hm, the more I think about it the more I am won over by keeping the Tablets.
@Telamon, does this have to be a plan vote? It seems like there are three separate tasks here, and they are pretty separate as far as I can see.
@Telamon , can we do that? Provide a pay bonus to the specific men who participated in the two biggest, most remarkable events of the battle (the charge that slew the Samnite leader outside the town, and the firing of the buildings), and also to certain specific individual officers (e.g. Mercator, Titus, and Maximius).
What does Quintus Cingulatus think would happen if we did that?
@Telamon, does this have to be a plan vote? It seems like there are three separate tasks here, and they are pretty separate as far as I can see.
Yeah, dropping Tercerus seems fair. That said, my thought is
@Telamon , can we do that? Provide a pay bonus to the specific men who participated in the two biggest, most remarkable events of the battle (the charge that slew the Samnite leader outside the town, and the firing of the buildings), and also to certain specific individual officers (e.g. Mercator, Titus, and Maximius).
What does Quintus Cingulatus think would happen if we did that?
Agreed.
- Location
- Texas
I find plan votes garner the most discussion and tend to stop people from hip/gut voting, allowing for a stronger sense of quest unity and cohesion among the voters. There are a few votes I've considered making non-plan, but I don't see any great problems with the format so far.
Cingulatus thinks that might work, as the men in the groups honored would feel, well, honored, and the specific officers would be honored. Just keep in mind that the amount given to each honored man is roughly half a year's pay — for them. For a soldier, that's a sizable amount of silver. For an officer like Mercator, that's 1/3 of a talent. For Cingulatus, that's half a talent.
- Location
- Europe
So we are a butcher held back by Sertorius as he tries to make the Samnites proper citizens?
I admit, they could be more grateful for only moderately looting Aequum Tuticum and sparing the temple, but the Samnites are a spiteful race.
(Also we did just put a city to the sword, so there is that.)
For the spoils I am thoroughly tempted by the horse, but I can see why we would want to take the tablet. I doubt that we could impress Scaevola any more than with that. Still, a great horse said to be from the line of Bucephalos? Perfect for an up and coming general.
I like the idea of giving the mural to Sertorius, as a reminder of his (hopefully successful) campaign. Forcing the Samnites into Roman citizenship was also about making them a (grudging) voting block for Sertorius, right? I am sure they will appreciate knowing that the mural is in Sertorius' hands and won't grumble about it.
Yeah, sword and trove are definitely not options we want to take. The diamonds don't tempt me, even if it would be spitting in the priestess' face.
As for honours: Titus and Mercator are definitely included, I would probably also take Maximus. The soldiers might mutter about it behind our backs, but the man deserves it. Undecided on the rest.
I don't know what to do about the bandits yet. We should definitely not ignore the problem, but shouldn't leave too many veteran soldiers behind running after stragglers when the big battle is fast approaching. I kind of like the idea of drafting Samnites to do it, as they as Roman citizens would take part in the administration of their region, but I have no illusion about how thorough they would be. Maybe with our new trait we can intimidate them into doing it.
On the update: well written, but looks like the charge took more losses than we would have liked.
Thank God for not paying Spurio, asshat had already enough gold.
Oh, and that augur boy.
When in doubt before a battle, ask your military commander about what he wants to hear!!
I admit, they could be more grateful for only moderately looting Aequum Tuticum and sparing the temple, but the Samnites are a spiteful race.
(Also we did just put a city to the sword, so there is that.
)For the spoils I am thoroughly tempted by the horse, but I can see why we would want to take the tablet. I doubt that we could impress Scaevola any more than with that. Still, a great horse said to be from the line of Bucephalos? Perfect for an up and coming general.
I like the idea of giving the mural to Sertorius, as a reminder of his (hopefully successful) campaign. Forcing the Samnites into Roman citizenship was also about making them a (grudging) voting block for Sertorius, right? I am sure they will appreciate knowing that the mural is in Sertorius' hands and won't grumble about it.
Yeah, sword and trove are definitely not options we want to take. The diamonds don't tempt me, even if it would be spitting in the priestess' face.
As for honours: Titus and Mercator are definitely included, I would probably also take Maximus. The soldiers might mutter about it behind our backs, but the man deserves it. Undecided on the rest.
I don't know what to do about the bandits yet. We should definitely not ignore the problem, but shouldn't leave too many veteran soldiers behind running after stragglers when the big battle is fast approaching. I kind of like the idea of drafting Samnites to do it, as they as Roman citizens would take part in the administration of their region, but I have no illusion about how thorough they would be. Maybe with our new trait we can intimidate them into doing it.
On the update: well written, but looks like the charge took more losses than we would have liked.
Thank God for not paying Spurio, asshat had already enough gold.
Oh, and that augur boy.
When in doubt before a battle, ask your military commander about what he wants to hear!!
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Tasoli
Life is for Living
- Location
- Behind the Keyboard.
I like this too. It might just be the thing that shatters Samnnite unity as some of them starts to work for us.
somnolentSlumber
(Verified Proofreader)
- Location
- hell
kek this one i haven't seen before
Tense inconsistency.
Fool move, considering they fought to the last, even women and child. Arm them at your own peril
Mercator []
Titus Gallio []
Maximius []
The Cohort []
The Tablet of Ascargantus []
[] You draft several Samnites from the surrounding towns, deputize them, and task them with hunting down these forces, warning them that betrayal or laxness in their duties will be met with the same fate as Aeclanum.
Spurio mentioned half the surrounding towns would be starving come winter, if we broke the place. We ended up doing that. This means desperation from half and maybe the other half will try to help the weaker half.
This vote would push their focus outwards instead of encouraging them to eye one another. This makes a pocket of resistance in Samnium. I'm assuming we'll force the deputies to get blooded on a few bands to send a message that they're with us now before departing?
Even if we did nothing, this region will be worth less overall to high level rebels since it will suck resources away from the main fight to support these towns. If we leave, they'll probably give minimal support to prevent starvation.
@Telamon how will Quintus get the deputies to hunt the bands?
Titus Gallio []
Maximius []
The Cohort []
The Tablet of Ascargantus []
[] You draft several Samnites from the surrounding towns, deputize them, and task them with hunting down these forces, warning them that betrayal or laxness in their duties will be met with the same fate as Aeclanum.
Spurio mentioned half the surrounding towns would be starving come winter, if we broke the place. We ended up doing that. This means desperation from half and maybe the other half will try to help the weaker half.
This vote would push their focus outwards instead of encouraging them to eye one another. This makes a pocket of resistance in Samnium. I'm assuming we'll force the deputies to get blooded on a few bands to send a message that they're with us now before departing?
Even if we did nothing, this region will be worth less overall to high level rebels since it will suck resources away from the main fight to support these towns. If we leave, they'll probably give minimal support to prevent starvation.
@Telamon how will Quintus get the deputies to hunt the bands?
- Location
- Texas
The same way Romans got people to do anything: by pointing at the last guy who refused, or rather, by pointing at the charred ashes of that guy's home.
You can, of course, write in other methods for convincing them (a promise of food, for example) or for dealing with the bands. Do be careful of writing checks Rome isn't able or willing to cash, however. If the harvest is bad, no one's going to want to send food to some upstart Samnites.
- Location
- Arcadia
I am inclined to simply leave the matter of the bandits as is.
If one were to use Samnites to deal with the bandits, however, I would find it far more entertaining to fully embrace the role of the scourge of the Samnites and simply intimidate them into doing it, lest we give them another taste of the wrath of Rome.
If one were to use Samnites to deal with the bandits, however, I would find it far more entertaining to fully embrace the role of the scourge of the Samnites and simply intimidate them into doing it, lest we give them another taste of the wrath of Rome.
- Location
- Central Europe
Isn't that essentially the option offered by the QM?
In my opinion it comes down to this: Do we want to (or think that Serotrius wants us to) spend more time on pacifying this area? To make sure that these new 'Romans' are safe?
Yes? Then go with one of the options that uses Roman soldiers to hunt down these bands.
No? Threaten them to keep this area pacified or simply leave.
- Location
- Mid-Atlantic
Aaaand for a legionnaire that's somewhere in the neighborhood of 1/50th to 1/60th of a talent (since legionary pay is, I believe, 225 denarii a year, and there are 6000 denarii in a talent).
While I don't know exactly how many soldiers participated in Mercator's charge plus the firing of the buildings, a reasonable estimate might be, oh, more than fifty but less than a hundred, so about one talent, maybe more like one and a half but probably less than two, going to the legionnaires. If we honored three officers (Mercator, Titus, and Maximius) then that would be about a talent split between them.
So, a sizeable share of the loot, but not a ridiculous share, especially if we don't take Spurio's hoard and it's divided up among the cohort.
Thaaat is a good point. Might not work but it's worth a try. We haven't got much to lose.
To ensure that this works, we could offer to pay the Samnite bandit-hunters. So and so much cash per bandit head. The bounty wouldn't have to be a lot to give some people cash incentives, especially in an area we just looted. Then they'd have a fairly compelling reason to do their jobs. On the other hand, it'd be a further drain on our treasury.
Probably better to promise silver. We have a lot of silver immediately to hand, but no dependable supply of grain. Shouldn't be much silver, but enough to matter to a starving peasant.
- Location
- NY
Well, that could have gone much worse. This priest, though...
First things first, we definitely aren't honoring ourselves. Yes, the men won't object, but that just makes the fact that they're getting a bigger share more conspicuous.
Titus and Maximus are no-brainers. Honoring Titus is unquestionable, while honoring Maximus, though politically objectionable, is also unavoidable if we want to keep the men happy. Yes, the officers won't be happy about it, but that's why we honor Mercator for leading the attack and his single combat. That's three, and I'm not sure if we should add another. Maybe we can honor the men who led the charge with Mercator as well as the ones who set fire to the buildings collectively? Would that count as a "single" honor for the purposes of divvying up loot?
First things first, we definitely aren't honoring ourselves. Yes, the men won't object, but that just makes the fact that they're getting a bigger share more conspicuous.
Titus and Maximus are no-brainers. Honoring Titus is unquestionable, while honoring Maximus, though politically objectionable, is also unavoidable if we want to keep the men happy. Yes, the officers won't be happy about it, but that's why we honor Mercator for leading the attack and his single combat. That's three, and I'm not sure if we should add another. Maybe we can honor the men who led the charge with Mercator as well as the ones who set fire to the buildings collectively? Would that count as a "single" honor for the purposes of divvying up loot?