It is quite important to note that in our day and age there is still a Bulgaria, and there are still Bulgars, while the Empire of Basil the Bulgar-Slayer has been dead and gone for six hundred years, and none now live who can call themselves Roman.
Never border the Ottomans, don't let military coups become a regular part of your society, make sure the foreign neighbors have reason to stick with you.
It is quite important to note that in our day and age there is still a Bulgaria, and there are still Bulgars, while the Empire of Basil the Bulgar-Slayer has been dead and gone for six hundred years, and none now live who can call themselves Roman.
The byzantines where always screwed, it wasn't a matter of if, it was a when and how
What basil did was brutal, but it stopped the threat of a bulgar super state eating the empire and ended any threat the bulgars could pose
It was efficent at dealing with one problem but the bulgars was one of many problems the empire faced
Any reason why you think that? Keeping a legendary artifact, an original record of what is widely seen as the greatest speech ever, when we are trying to develop our skills in Oratory, seems like a pretty decent plan.
"Teacher" is relative. Scaevola is our patron, certainly, but in terms of tutelage he's not Quintus' only teacher. He's tutored Quintus in law , but Sertorius is the one teaching military knowledge to Quintus. Thus it is perfectly correct to say that Plan Renown gives the plan to our teacher; it is simply giving it to our second teacher rather than our first.
"Teacher" is relative. Scaevola is our patron, certainly, but in terms of tutelage he's not Quintus' only teacher. He's tutored Quintus in law , but Sertorius is the one teaching military knowledge to Quintus. Thus it is perfectly correct to say that Plan Renown gives the plan to our teacher; it is simply giving it to our second teacher rather than our first.
I see it like this:
Marius wins: Sertorius was a trusted friend of our father and is now our teacher.
Sulla wins: Sertorius was our commanding officer.
Sulla & Marius die in the east:
If Sulla and Marius both die in the east, Sertorius is in a good position to bid to become the most powerful man in Rome, given his military skill and the prestige likely to come from this campaign. We could do a lot worse than to boost Sertorius and ride his coat-tails. He seems like a relatively moderate Marian in and of himself, so he'd be unlikely to brutally turn Rome inside out if he wins. At least, except insofar as to keep himself alive and in power.
If Sulla and Marius both die in the east, Sertorius is in a good position to bid to become the most powerful man in Rome, given his military skill and the prestige likely to come from this campaign. We could do a lot worse than to boost Sertorius and ride his coat-tails. He seems like a relatively moderate Marian in and of himself, so he'd be unlikely to brutally turn Rome inside out if he wins. At least, except insofar as to keep himself alive and in power.
IF both Marius and Sulla die in the east my bets would be on a combo of Cinna and Young Marius being the de facto leaders of the Marian faction an thus Rome.
Still, I 100% agree that we should stick with Sertorius in such a situation.
I agree that Cinna and Young Marius would be likely to take charge in the short term, but they aren't such overwhelming powerhouses as the elder Marius, and would probably need to make a lot more room for peers and rivals within their movement.
We might see an alternate Triumvirate, for instance- Cinna, Sertorius, and Marius the Younger.
So, I had some free time today, and thought it might be useful for people to have a cliffnotes list of prominent Romans and their political leanings. It's far from an exhaustive list, and I'd appreciate it if people could mention any omissions/errors they find particularly egregious. (I know I've missed Sulla's legates.)
Gaius Marius New Man
Third Founder of Rome, Winner of the Jugurthine War, Vanquisher of the Cimbri and the Teutones, seven times consul etc. etc. Quite possibly insane, and definitely very old. Pretty much the sole thing keeping his coalition (and thus Rome) even vaguely on the rails. Brands himself as a straight forward, practical, traditionally Roman military man, but perfectly capable of being underhanded. (See his usurpation of the Numidian command.) Currently proconsul of Greece and Asia, leading a three legion army to fight Sulla and Mithridates.
Gaius Marius the Younger Plebeian
Son of the above, and cousin to Caesar, which is pretty much all that can be said of him. OTL, when the Capitol caught fire, he rushed to the scene and rescued, not the statue of Jupiter, not the Sibyllene Books, but the temple treasures, which he sold to pay for legions. Was beaten fairly handily by Sulla, and spent the rest of the war under siege in Praeneste before committing suicide. All indications are that he was not up to much, but he will have had the best education money could buy. Currently the consular colleague of -
Lucius Valerius Flaccus (Consul/Flamen Martialis) Patrician
High Priest of Mars, serving his second term as consul. His first was spent as partner to Marius, during the Cimbric War. Rutilius Rufus described him as "More slave than colleague," and he seems like to repeat that conduct here, despite his reputation as a moderate. However, OTL he was the one to propose the law making Sulla Dictator, so he's obviously a survivor if nothing else. A cousin of his namesake, who is currently serving as legate to Marius in the east, commanding Legio IX.
Lucius Cornelius Cinna Patrician
Consul for 87 and 86 BC, and currently proconsul of Italia and Gallia Cisalpina. Presumably a charismatic speaker, as he kickstarted the Marian return to Rome by talking a Sullan legion into mutiny. May be a marked man given the supernatural elements of the quest, as he broke a solemn oath not to oppose Sulla. His one consistent political principle seems to have been support for Italian rights, but that may have just been an attempt to build up a secure power base to oppose Sulla. OTL, his daughter was Caesar's first wife.
Gnaeus Papirius Carbo Plebeian
Staunch Marian, legate under Marius in the east, serving as commander of Legio VII. OTL, he was consistently outmanoeuvred by Sulla and Pompey when the former returned to Italy, but that's a bit like losing a boxing match to Ali. Supposedly met his death at the hands of Pompey with unmanly and unRoman lack of grace and dignity. Read into that what you will.
Lucius Valerius Flaccus (Legate) Patrician
Cousin of the consul and Flamen Martialis, serving as legate under Marius commanding Legio IX. May have been the Valerius who treacherously handed Ostia over to Marius in 87BC. Not a terribly impressive general OTL, and died in a mutiny instigated by -
Gaius Flavius Fimbria Plebeian
I gave serious consideration to listing him under 'Mad, Bad, And Dangerous To Know.' Man was a complete mad dog, but seemingly a thoroughly Marian one. Tried to kill Scaevola in 86BC OTL, and led the mutiny that killed Flaccus. Probably currently serving as Quaestor for Marius in the east. A competent soldier, if nothing else.
Marcus Marius Gratidianus Plebeian
Nephew of Marius. Was a praetor in 86, and might currently be serving as propraetorian governor of Africa, Corsica-Sardinia, Sicily or either of the Spains. (Those are the traditional praetorian provinces.) Might instead be serving a (thoroughly unconstitutional) second term as Praetor. We've previously discussed how he stole the credit for mitigating the financial crisis, and is now literally worshipped for it. He also took Ariminum from Publius Servilius Vatia when the populares retook Rome. Prosecuted Catulus the Elder in the immediate aftermath, leading to the latter's suicide. OTL, was brutally murdered by his brother-in-law Cataline.
Gaius Marcius Censorinus Plebeian
Currently commanding Legio III in Transalpine Gaul. Back before the Social War he accused Sulla of taking bribes, but never showed up in court and later retracted. He's another Marian with a lot of bad karma coming after him - he has actually killed a legally elected consul (Gnaeus Octavius). OTL, he was repeatedly embarrassed by Pompey during Sulla's second march on Rome.
Quintus Sertorius New Man
Our current commander, and, with the possible exception of Marius himself, the best general the populares have. Winner of the Grass Crown, the highest military honour the Romans have. (The Civic Crown is given for saving a citizen's life in battle. The Grass Crown is given for saving an entire army or city. Just to give some perspective). A noted orator and jurist, too, and not all that fond of Marius. His ideal ending for this little spat is probably something like the optimates win, but Sulla is dead and Italian rights are preserved.
Lucius Junius Brutus Damasippus Plebeian(?)
I'm not actually sure of his status, as I understand there is some debate as to whether the gens Junia were patrician or plebeian. Anyway, I list him only because he was the guy Young Marius instructed to kill Scaevola and other suspected Sullans in 82BC. He was Urban Praetor at the time, which means he's a noteworthy figure.
Lucius Cornelius Sulla Patrician
Victor of the Social War, the man who actually captured Jugurtha, first Roman general to ever march on Rome, and would be the luckiest son of a bitch to ever live if it weren't for the existence of Caesar. Considers himself a champion of the Senate and the mos maiorum, but ironically lives a private life that would make a Greek blush. His epitaph is highly instructive - "No better friend, no worse enemy" - but so is a quote from Carbo - "Making war upon the lion and the fox in Sulla, I find myself more annoyed by the fox."
Quintus Mucius Scaevola Patrician
Our Patron. The Pontifex Maximus, superb orator, principled administrator, and the greatest legal scholar alive. A natural focal point for the optimates remaining in Rome. His star is on the rise again, thanks to us.
Mamercus Aemilius Lepidus Livianus Patrician
The other natural focal point for the optimates in Rome. Brother of the late Marcus Livius Drusus the Younger, adopted into the Aemilii Lepidi, son-in-law of Sulla, and uncle to Cato, Servilia Major and MInor, and Quintus Servilius Caepio . He's a pontifex, so we'll likely have met him, actually. He served under Metellus Pius in the Social War, and actually killed the Marsic leader Quintus Poppaedius Silo in single combat. (Silo, interestingly, had been a friend of Drusus the Younger). OTL, he would have been busy preserving what he could of Sulla's fortune and family at the moment, before heading off to join him in Greece. We know he was in Rome as of July 86BC, as he was involved in quietly quashing the Pompeian conspiracy.
Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius Plebeian
Son of Metellus Numidicus (an inveterate opponent of Marius until his death in ~91BC), and heir to the Metelli faction that formed the core of the optimates in recent history. Served admirably during the Social War, and was actually the man originally supposed to deal with the Samnites. He was recalled from that duty when Marius and Cinna laid siege to Rome, and actually negotiated the terms for the Marians to enter Rome. OTL, he soon fled to Africa and started raising troops. Presumably he's done the same here, in which case he's perfectly positioned to threaten the vital grain supply. (Drawn mainly from Africa, Corsica-Sardinia, and (especially) Sicily at this time.) If he's still in Rome, we've met him, as he's also a pontifex.
Lucius Licinius Lucullus Plebeian (?)
I always thought the Licinii were patrician, but apparently not. Triple L is currently serving as Sulla's Quaestor. A cousin on his mother's side of Metellus Pius and Sulla's wife Metella Dalmatica. A noted philhellenist and bon vivant, he's also a brilliant general and able, energetic administrator. Fervently loyal to Sulla, Lucullus was the only official to stay with him when he first marched on Rome. (Sulla named him guardian of his children in his will.) He was also a noted enemy of the publicani, who were a big part of the populare coalition.
Quintus Lutatius Catulus Patrician
Son of the Catulus who killed himself to avoid prosecution by Gratidianus. Brother in law of Hortensius. Later consul, censor, princeps senatus, and a noted enemy of Caesar. At the moment, he's probably keeping his head down in Rome. He became a pontifex at some point, so we may have met him. Not outrageously talented by the (admittedly obscenely high) standards of the late Republic, but diligent.
Quintus Hortensius Hortalus Plebeian
Cicero's great oratorical rival. Married to the sister of Catulus. Took his first case at the age of nineteen. A master of the Asiatic style of oratory. Nicknamed the 'dancing master,' due to his graceful motions when declaiming. Another bon vivant and fish-fancier. Like his brother in law, probably keeping his head down at the moment.
Marcus Licinius Crassus Plebeian
The future second richest man in Rome. (Pompey is generally held to have been richer, but less liquid and much less shrewd in his use of his wealth). His father and surviving brother died in the Marian take over of Rome, and he himself was forced to flee, initially to Africa, and thence to Spain after he quarrelled with Metellus Pius. OTL, he raised troops there from his family's clients and joined Sulla in Greece, before going on to make his fortune during the proscriptions. A deeply dangerous man, with no readily apparent principles.
Appius Claudius Pulcher Patrician
Praetor in 88BC. Uncle of Philippus (despite being much younger), who OTL expelled him from the Senate during his time as censor. Uncle by marriage of Celer and Nepos. Father of a large brood, including the infamous Clodius and Clodia. As a Claudian, we can expect arrogance to be his defining characteristic. OTL appointed consul for 79BC by Sulla, and thence governor of Macedonia.
Gnaeus Cornelius Dolabella Patrician
Commanded a fleet for Sulla in the east, and fought in central Italy when Sulla returned OTL. Was then made consul in 81BC, and subsequently proconsul of Macedonia until 78, where he won a triumph. He was prosecuted for extortion by Caesar shortly thereafter, but was defended by Hortensius and Gaius Aurelius Cotta (Caesar's maternal uncle) and acquitted.
Quintus Lucretius Ofella Plebeian
One of Sulla's legates. OTL, his main claims to fame were besieging Young Marius in Praeneste, and being murdered in the Forum by Sulla when he tried to run for the consulship against the Dictator's wishes. A calm, competent soldier, but obviously also notably proud and ambitious, even by the standards of the Roman aristocracy.
Publius Servilius Vatia Plebeian
Praetor for 90BC, and won a triumph in his province (either Corsica-Sardinia or Cicilia) which was celebrated in 88BC. Was Sulla's preferred candidate in the consular elections of that year, but was defeated by Cinna. Driven from Ariminum by Gratidianus in 87, and fled to join Sulla in Greece. OTL was appointed consul for 79BC alongside Appius Claudius, and then sent to govern Cicilia with a three year remit to campaign against the pirates. Won a triumph, and famously donated his share of the spoils to the State treasury.
Gnaeus Pompeius (Pompey) Upjumped Gaul Plebeian
Half Hellenic despot, half barbarian chieftain wearing the skin of a Roman nobleman, Kid Butcher is probably going to be decisive in how the Civil War plays out. His three veteran legions give him the greatest military force of any man on the Italian peninsula, with the possible exception of Cinna. Charismatic, wealthy, likeable and a genuinely excellent general, but also somewhat insecure, desperate for the approbation of his peers, and no great shakes at politics. Also our enemy. Fought for Sulla OTL, but mainly as a result of what he perceived as poor treatment from the Marians. Who knows where he'll end up now?
Lucius Marcius Philippus Plebeian
The quintessential political survivor, who never had a principle he wouldn't cheerfully sell to save his skin. Vehemently opposed to Italian citizenship in 91BC, elected censor in Marian Rome in 86BC, and (OTL) joined Sulla in 83BC. Might be the best orator in Rome at the moment, with the possible exception of Scaevola. Another bon vivant, later in life he went on to become Pompey's foremost partisan in the Senate. He's an augur, so Scaevola may have introduced us.
Publius Cornelius Cethegus Patrician
A rarity in Rome; a man who wields auctoritas without having held a magistracy. Cethegus controlled a huge block of backbencher senators though various means. (When Lucullus as consul sought a command against Mithridates, he needed the help of Cethegus to secure it. Unable to damage his pride and ask directly, Lucullus instead seduced Cethegus' mistress and had her ask on his behalf.) Like Philippus, he defected to Sulla in 83BC.
Lucius Sergius Catalina Patrician
Last scion of an old patrician line, scandal follows Lucius Sergius like a cloud of perfume. He's the brother-in-law of Gratidianus, and OTL murdered him in rather brutal fashion. At various points he was also accused of murdering his own son and of seducing a Vestal. Personally charming and immensely courageous, Lucius Sergius is currently affiliated with the optimates, but as his OTL career shows, he has no problem playing to the mob.
Gaius Antonius Hybrida Half-man, Half-animal Plebeian
Brother to the Man of Chalk, Hybrida is currently serving under Sulla as a prefect of cavalry. Simply put, the man is a vicious, unprincipled thug and extortion artist, and incompetent to boot. Our only interaction with him should be to prosecute him into oblivion.
Gaius Verres Plebeian
The infamous byword for Roman gubernatorial corruption, prosecuting him for extortion was how Cicero essentially made his name. Currently affiliated with the Marians, OTL he defected to Sulla shortly after Lucius Cornelius landed in Italy.
Marcus Tullius Cicero New Man
The thread's chosen waifu. Possibly the greatest orator of all time, though Cicero would modestly rank himself at joint third. (The first is Demosthenes, the second Crassus Orator, and then Cicero and Antonius Orator.) In his own time Cicero was perceived by his peers as something of an indecisive, hypocritical trimmer, he can generally be considered an optimate, at least in policy if not always in principle. Three years older than us, he should immediately precede us in each office on the cursus, assuming we both attain office in suo anno. OTL, he was consul in 63BC, which means he would be supervising the elections when we run. Currently keeping his head down.
Servius Sulpicius Rufus Plebeian
Our sole competent colleague in Legio VI. OTL, a noted jurist and legal scholar, and friend of Cicero. A useful connection for us, as OTL he first ran for consul in 63BC. If we stay close, we could run as a pair, which plays well with voters. They like to know that their consuls get on.
Quintus Caecilius Metellus Celer Plebeian
Brother of Nepos, uterine brother of Mucia Tertia, and cousin to the brood of Appius Claudius. OTL, a Pompeian up until Pompey divorced Mucia, after which he became a key member of the optimates. A generally formidable fellow. Currently serving as a military tribune.
Marcus Antonius (Creticus) Plebeian
Chalkman! We've discussed him. He's a little older than the others listed in this section, but as he appears to only be starting his career it seemed appropriate to list him with them. Son of the famous Antonius Orator, and brother of the (soon to be) infamous Hybrida, his family connections suggest Sullan alignment, though I doubt the man himself gives the matter much consideration. Currently serving as a military tribune.
Lucius Calpurnius Piso (Caesoninus) Plebeian
An Epicurean, OTL he worked with Clodius to have Cicero exiled when he was consul in 58BC, leading to a brief, indecisive feud. His daughter Calpurnia was Caesar's third wife. He stayed neutral when Caesar fought Pompey, but was suspected of Pompeian sympathies. Currently serving as a military tribune.
Gaius Julius Caesar Descendent of Venus Patrician
You know who this is. Nephew of Marius by marriage, but with plenty of familial connections to Sulla, too. Three years younger than us, OTL Caesar would be married/betrothed to Cinna's daughter and made Flamen Dialis around now. Popularis.
Quintus Caecilius Metellus Nepos Plebeian
Younger brother of Celer. Pompeian partisan for much of his career. Feuded famously with both Cicero and Cato, and supported Clodius at one point. Roughly the same age as Caesar, he should be just about putting on his toga virilis.
Marcus Porcius Cato Alcoholic Plebeian
TheOptimate and quintessential Stoic of the late Republic, and possibly the man who invented the filibuster. Infamously hard-headed and convinced of his own righteousness, but actually lived up to his own propaganda, unlike every other Roman. Not a likeable character, but a truly formidable one. Roughly eight years younger than us.
Publius Claudius Pulcher (Clodius) Patrician (Plebeian)
I really should have listed him under 'Mad, Bad, And Dangerous To Know,' but he's currently about eight, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt. OTL, perhaps the greatest demagogue of the late Republic, and as fond of controversy as Cato was of wine. Infamously infiltrated the Bona Dea festival in drag, apparently with the intention of sleeping with Caesar's wife. Also frequently accused of incest, and once led a mutiny in the army of his brother in law Lucullus. The greatest enemy Cicero ever had, and generally pure poison.
I'll probably add a 'Young Guns' section, covering our contemporaries and juniors, over the weekend, along with adding in any omissions.
Added a Young Guns section and edited Sulla's legates into the Optimates.
In 82 BC, Carbo, then consul for the third time with Gaius Marius the Younger, fought an indecisive engagement with Sulla near Clusium but was defeated with great loss in an attack on the camp of Sulla's general, Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius, near Faventia. Although he still had a large army and the Samnites remained faithful to him, Carbo was so disheartened by his failure to relieve Praeneste, where Marius the Younger had taken refuge, that he decided to leave Italy. He first fled to Africa, thence to the island of Cossyra (Pantelleria), where he was arrested, taken in chains before Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, at Lilybaeum, and put to death.
A massive defeat, running away almost all the way to North Africa, and then getting taken prisoner.
That's very much the Roman definition of 'you's a bitch', but to modern minds it may sound mild.
(When Lucullus as consul sought a command against Mithridates, he needed the help of Cethegus to secure it. Unable to damage his pride and ask directly, Lucullus instead seduced Cethegus' mistress and had her ask on his behalf.)
Half Hellenic despot, half barbarian chieftain wearing the skin of a Roman nobleman, Kid Butcher is probably going to be decisive in how the Civil War plays out. His three veteran legions give him the greatest military force of any man on the Italian peninsula, with the possible exception of Cinna. Charismatic, wealthy, likeable and a genuinely excellent general, but also somewhat insecure, desperate for the approbation of his peers, and no great shakes at politics. Also our enemy. Fought for Sulla OTL, but mainly as a result of what he perceived as poor treatment from the Marians. Who knows where he'll end up now?
If we want to have any standing when the old order starts to die, we need to find a way to kill pompei or disgrace him so hard his legions leave him
We can't afford an enemy as powerful as he is
If we want to have any standing when the old order starts to die, we need to find a way to kill pompei or disgrace him so hard his legions leave him
We can't afford an enemy as powerful as he is
I think it is a bit early to decide on eternal rivalries that can only end in blood, especially in a period like this where even the bitterest of enemies can be forced by circumstances and ambition to make common cause and the best friends can face each other on the battlefield... And if we truly want to play a decisive role in eh future of Rome we will be hard pressed making enemies, rivals and competitors (and hopefully friends) of such powerful men and if we don't want to drown Rome in blood will we have to come up with a way to tolerate most of them.
[X] Plan Arts, Laurels, and Headhunters
-[X] Mercator
-[X] Titus Gallio
-[X] Maximius
-[X] 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.
-[X] The Tablet of Ascargantus
-[X] The Mural of Simbellia
--[X] You took this as a gift for Sertorius
-[X] Write-In: 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. As compensation, you offer a modest bounty for bandit heads.
-[X] Yes, spend some of our XP this turn
--[X] 9 XP
--[X] Combat
April 14th, 85 BC
669 Years After The Founding Of Rome
The Year of Flaccus and Marius.
The Fourth Samnite War (85 BC - Ongoing)
Your first ever campaign, you were assigned as military tribune to the VI Legion under one Quintus Sertorius, a famed general and the Legate of Italia. The legion was dispatched by the Proconsul Cinna to defeat the Samnite tribes once and for all, and win a resounding Roman victory close to home.
Legion(s): LEGIO VI GRADIVIUS (Sixth Legion, Blessed By Mars) Position: Tribunus Laticlavus (Broad-Striped Tribune) Commanding Officer: Quintus Sertorius Commanding Officer Reputation: 8/10 -- Sertorius is the soldier's ideal, a young man who rose from nothing and won the Grass Crown, the Republic's ultimate military honor. Held to be a champion of his soldiers and a defender of the common people, there are many in the Sixth who would die for Sertorius without question. Total Forces: 5,600 combined Roman legionnaires, equites, and auxilaries. Reputation With The Legion: 6/10 -- The giver of laurels and the breaker of the Samnites, the bringer of coin and law, and a capable fighter in your own right -- you are many things to the men of the Sixth Legion, but first and foremost you are the Tribune. They may not all love you, but they respect you. Location: Apennine Italy Outcome: ???
Your return to camp is a triumphant thing. You come upon the legion's camp in the early afternoon, and come down the hill with the sun at your back. You approach with Mercator, Maximius, Titus, and the honored men riding at the forefront of the cohort alongside yourself, and Tercerus. Behind you is the First Cohort, cheering and pumping their weapons in the air, and behind them winds a train of wagons and slaves that stretches out of sight. The moment the legion sees the spoils you have brought, they begin to cheer the returning force, their fists pumping in the air as you make your way towards the legion's camp. Men years your elder chant your name and cheer for you as you slowly make your way past them, your horse threading through the growing throng. Sertorius himself meets you at the borders of the camp atop his horse, a dusky black Spanish thing rumored to be faster than any in Rome.
You dismount and greet the Legate with a salute and a bow of your head, and the officers of the First do much the same. The one-eyed general casts a long look over the cohort and its train, then looks down at you, a small grin etched into his face.
"Your father's son, after all. I trust he didn't give you any trouble, Mercator?"
The tall centurion chuckles. "He wasn't half bad. And he gave me a lot of gold, too. That helps."
Sertorius slides off of his steed and moves to clasp your arm in greeting. "I received your reports only a few hours ago -- you travel nearly as fast as your scouts, it would seem. I would hear what news there is from your lips, however. You have put an end to Aequum Tuticum and Aeclanum both?"
"Indeed," you reply "They will rise up no more -- I have seen to that. Aequum Tuticum is broken, and Aeclanum is no more."
Sertorius nods approvingly as he looks out over the wagons."A fine victory. But Rome has many fine victories."
He turns his head towards you, his face still, and for a moment you think you have disappointed him.
Then his face splits with a chuckle, and he clasps your shoulder. "A finer student, though -- well, that, Rome never saw! Five hundred men, and you come back to me with the spoils of two cities! You'll bring me Samnium next, I expect."
You grin and wave a hand behind you in signal. Mercator obviously understands, as a handful of moments later, a few legionnaires drag forward the largest of the wagons. Within rests your gift for Sertorius -- a great mural done on finest stone, depicting the width and breath of Samnium. On the southern border, poised with a single paw upon Samnium itself, is a vast, snarling she-wolf, her form so detailed that she seems to breathe and struggle upon the stone -- Rome herself.
The dramatist in you flares alive -- you suppose it is a gift from Scaevola -- and you step to the side, presenting the mural with a small flourish.
"See, Sertorius? I've already brought you Samnium."
That does it. The troops burst into cheers, roaring and whooping around you, and Sertorius' grin splits his face.
"Oh, you are more than your father's son. At first, I feared to loose the Samnites upon you, a boy barely a man. Now, I wonder if I might have loosed you upon the Samnites."
He grabs your hand and thrusts it into the air, turning towards the men. "Tonight, we feast in honor of Atellus, who has shown the Samnites the teeth of Rome! Let them never forget!"
In the weeks that follow, you are treated with new respect by the men of the legion. You have proven yourself at the head of the First, the finest and the best men in all the legion, and their tales of your bravery and leadership in the streets of Aeclanum has spread like wildfire amongst the men. That, coupled with Sertorius' ringing endorsement, means that your status among the legion has catapulted to new heights. There is not a man among them who does not straighten his back in respect when you walk past -- not out of duty, but out of respect. You are bloodied, and well -- and the legion will not forget it.
Your fellow tribune, Rufus, while not as respected by the men, has won victories of his own, leading the Fifth Cohort to Abellinum, a Roman settlement in the heart of Samnium, terrorized and harassed by rebels. He erected defenses there and hunted down several bands of raiders in and around the area, though their leader slipped from his grasp. While no military mastermind, he seems more accustomed to battle than the last time you saw him, though you doubt he will ever be as at ease on the battlefield as Mercator or Carcellus. Together, the two of you lead sorties and raids across Samnium, working to put down bandit group after bandit group. The legion's advance is painfully slow -- you seek to subjugate, not destroy, but you can still leave nothing behind you. And Sertorius cannot risk moving to assault the Samnite's main force at Nola while large hostile forces still roam behind him -- yet while he waits and tries to put down the majority of resistance, their numbers only swell.
During this time, you take advantage of your odd moment of free time to study with Sertorius, who goes over his Spanish campaign --a campaign much like this one-- with you. Himself a tribune, he had to lead a legion through areas full of natives hostile to the very name of Rome. He not only succeeded, but emerged from that campaign with the Grass Crown, Rome's highest military order.
Military: 1d1000 + 200 (Gift of Minerva) = 583
(2583/10000) to Rank 14
Command: 1d850 + 200 (Gift of Minerva) = 1045
(1907/6000) to Rank 7
Combat: (9 XP Added From Vote) Rank 10 Achieved!
(0/10000) to Rank 11
As you play a deadly game at a snail's pace in Samnium, word reaches from Rome, news from the east -- Sulla has taken Athens, the greatest and most ancient of the cities of Greece, and his vengeance has been fierce indeed. Reports say the city burned for seven days and seven nights, and that the Sullan legions have sacked it so thoroughly that there remains not a nugget of gold in the whole of the city. They say Sulla himself ordered the Acropolis fired, and that not even the pleas of the Athenians could turn his heart. Lastly, he has bested the armies of the Pontic King Mithridates Eupator in battle, and driven him across the Hellespont into Asia.
Greece is under Roman rule again -- but Rome herself is divided. Even as Sulla triumphs, Marius has landed in Asia, defeating Mithridates' forces from the opposite side of his kingdom, and is even now carving a path of destruction across Asia. Towns and cities turn to the legendary general's side as he marches for the Hellespont, Greece, and Sulla. Rome, it seems, is conquering Pontus from both ends -- but who shall conquer Rome?
You lean back in your chair, regarding Sertorius curiously. You are in his tent again, a common occurrence these last few weeks, and each time you find it remarkable. Unlike the tents of many of the senior officers, it is sparsely decorated, with the finely carved desk which you now sit before being the only sign that this is the tent of the legion's commander. The small, simple soldier's cot to the side is Sertorius' only real possession other than his weapons and armor. Upon being asked, he told you that while he has no distaste for luxury or finery, he is a busy man, and a legion is constantly on the move. The time it takes to set up and assemble furniture and finery is time he could be using to do something worthwhile, he reasons.
The general's spartan sensibilities are reflected in his entourage. Unlike the veritable armies of slaves that most prominent Romans have, Sertorius has only one, a thin old woman he brought back from Spain. She tends to all his needs efficiently and quietly, he says, without making half the fuss that a dozen slaves might.
It is this same old woman who presses a cup of wine into the general's waiting hand before melting away. The one-eyed Legate regards you curiously as he takes a long sip from the cup, then sets it down on the table.
"You've put me in an interesting position, Atellus."
"How so, commander?"
"You already know I have no problem with your actions at Aeclanum -- they were necessary, and your firm hand there has pacified that entire area for years to come. But I feared the Samnites would not take it well, and indeed they have not."
He gestures to several sheafs of paper littered over his desk. "Letters, from across Samnium. The Samnites are rising up across the area. It seems the disparate groups and warbands have begun co-ordinating with one another. You have struck the terror of Rome in their hearts, and they have begun to set aside tribal feuds and disputes to work against us in concert."
You scowl, but something stirs inside you. Not admiration, perhaps, but respect. Again and again they rise up, bloodied yet defiant. Such is the way of the Samnite and his heart of steel.
"Where are they rising up?" you ask.
Sertorius takes another draught of wine before gesturing at the papers again, his features twisted with disgust.
"Everywhere. Even the towns Sulla decimated and resettled with Romans are not safe. In Abellinum, for example, a Samnite preacher --some damned priestess of theirs-- has risen to prominence, inciting his people to violence against their Roman fellows. In the valley of Vulturnus, a bandit and rebel by name of Tercerian, an associate of Medix Appius, has led the Samnites there in open rebellion, butchering every Roman living within the valley and seizing the city of Aesernia in the name of Samnium. And even those who have not risen into open rebellion are threatening to do so -- the Hirpini, the most warlike of all the Samnite tribes, have seemed content to stay pacified, but now they demand more supplies and 'compensation' from Rome."
The general's voice sounds weary, and you can well understand. The Samnites are a tenacious lot, it would seem, as fierce as has been told, and fiercer.
"Even the news favorable to Rome brings more headaches. Bovianum, the largest city in Samnium, has officially bent the knee to Rome. Its Elders say they see no wisdom in defying the legion. But now it is harassed and plagued by bandits and thieves who see them as traitors. They request our aid in pacifying these forces, else they may be 'forced' to return to the arms of Medix Appius and his rebels."
You blink. "So Samnium may rise up entirely?" If the entire region rises up, a single legion will not be enough to pacify the Samnites. Sertorius --and yourself-- may have to return to Rome, tail between legs, to beg Cinna for another legion.
Sertorius seems to read your thoughts and waves his hand reassuringly.
"Luckily, it is not so dire as you might imagine, Atellus. Those partial to Roman interests here in Samnium inform me that the Samnites are stubborn, but not so stubborn they cannot see sense. We need not solve all these problems, only a few, and others will quiet. Turn the Hirpini and Bovianum to our side, and much of our opposition will melt away. Or, should we pacify Aesernia and Abellinum, the tribes will fall in line."
You nod. It makes sense. Put out the most pertinent of the insurrections, and the rest will shrink back out of fear.
"You seem to have reasoned this out yourself, Legatus. I'm afraid there's nothing more for me to add", you say respectfully.
"Quite right, but that's not why I called you here. I called you here because you're the most capable Tribune I have. I know, I know -- not much of a compliment, next to your 'peers', but you are quite skilled, boy.
"That's why I'm giving you half of my legion."
You blink, stunned. The one-eyed general chuckles and sips from his cup yet again. "I cannot be in two places at the same time, and no two of these issues can be left to wait for me to finish another. You have proven yourself well at Aeclanum, and Mercator tells me you are a skilled commander in your own right, and you are intelligent enough.
"In a word, I wish to loose you upon the Samnites once more. I will let you take the other lad, Rufus, the lawyer. He talks well enough that the Samnites just might listen before they cut off his head.
"So? Where is it you wish to spread the mighty name of Rome, Tribune?"
(Pick One)
The Hirpini [] Since time immemorial, the fiercest and deadliest of all the races of the Samnites have been the Hirpini, the wolves of the Apennines. Cowed by Sulla during the Civil War, the Hirpini have chosen to keep their heads down and submit to the will of Rome -- thus far. Apparently, the seeming 'success' of Medix Appius at retaining his independence in Nola has led the tribal assembly of the Hirpini to believe they can extract demands from Rome in order for their continued obedience. Should the Hirpini rise to war, thousands across Samnium will follow. Pacifying them, however, may come at great cost. This, Sertorius warns, is no battle to be won with swords alone -- the Hirpini must be brought over to the Roman side of the war, through intimidation or diplomacy. Should they rise in revolt, Samnium will rise with them.
Bovianum [] Hailed in song and myth as the 'Athens of the Samnites', Bovianum is among the oldest and most well-developed cities in all Samnium. A center of Samnite culture, art, and history, it has long been a focal point for rebellion and insurrection against Rome. It was a surprise, then, when Bovianium numbered among the Samnite cities to unconditionally bend the knee upon Sertorius' arrival. In the months since, however they have been harassed by bandits, raiders, and plagued by rebellion within the walls. The tribal assembly at Bovianum has sent a message with a plea for Roman aid -- if this continues, they will not be able to feed all their people come winter. Roman aid is badly needed, or so they claim, in order to pacify those in the city who sympathize with the rebels, as well as the bandits plaguing the city. Should they fail to receive this aid, they claim, they will have no choice but to go over to Medix Appius and his rebels.
Aesernia [] Situated in the Valley of the Vulturnus, in the heart of Samnium, Aesernia has been a city of the Samnites since time immemorial. Subjugated and made into a Roman colony long ago, it remained loyal during the Social War -- to its own detriment, as a Samnite leader by name of Tercerian has led the Samnites of the Valley to rise up and butcher every Roman living there, earning him the nickname of 'the Butcher of the Vulturnus'. This Samnite leader has connections to Medix Appius, but reports say his hold on his people is tenuous. He is not charismatic enough to maintain his hold through respect, and instead rules the city and the Valley through fear and domination. Defeating him and his followers will be key to subjugating Samnium.
Abellinum [] In the Samnite/Roman colony of Abellinum, your past has risen to haunt you. The last priestess of Ampscantus, Visella Tertia, has arrived in the city, supposedly seeking recruits to rebuild her order. Instead, she has been inciting the people in the city and the surrounding towns into a violent fervor, whipping them up with angry words she claims are from the gods themselves. Seven fires have burnt through the city in the last few months, and Romans are attacked in the street by angry Samnites. Abellinum was meant to be a success story, a place where the Samnites proved that anyone can become Roman, that even the fiercest barbarians may be civilized. Instead, it may become yet another bloodbath between Roman and Samnite, unless the city can be pacified and the rebellion quelled before it begins.
VOTING
A Tribune's Duties: Before you march, there are still some things which need seeing to -- your duties. Pick Two
[] Training: The newest recruits are inexperienced and new to war. They've had a few small skirmishes with bandits, but are no veterans yet. Now that you've had a taste of battle, you feel confident you're more than ready to begin whipping them into shape. [] A Matter of Wealth: Some of the men feel their share of the loot is a bit too small, and have taken to complaining about it rather loudly. It is Carcellus' duty to administer discipline, but if you stepped in and saw to their problems directly, you could improve your standing among the men. [] 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 camp and invite men to come air their grievances before you, and perhaps even raise a case against a fellow soldier. [] Maintenance: Though it is the Camp Prefect's duty to ensure maintenance of equipment and materials, you begin to rigidly enforce the proper maintenance of personal weapons and armor. Through reduced rations and corporal punishment, you will force the men to ensure their equipment does not rust or rot. [] Blessed By Mars: Sertorius has made clear his intentions to honor Mars as the patron of the Sixth Legion, and the nickname given to the legion, the Blessed-By-Mars, has already filled the men with a sense of pride and driven up Mars worship in the legion. You begin to enforce and codify this practice, trying to encourage commonplace worship of Mars (in his aspect as Gradivus the Soldier-God). [] Justice Beyond The Walls: You begin cracking down on even minor offenses and crimes, making it more than clear that the rule of Rome extends far beyond the city walls. The men respect a disciplinarian -- but they will never love him. [] The Left Hand Strays: The other tribunes are, well, a disappointment. With the exception of Rufus, they are all young men who were elected on the strength of their family names over any actual skill or worthiness they might have. You take it upon yourself to whip them into shape and make them decent extensions of Sertorius' will -- and your own. You failed at this the last time you tried, but you have now had a taste of battle. [] Portents and Signs: You contact the Camp Augur and hold a public augury. Auguries are necessary to determine the fate of any military venture, as men are often nervous marching into battle without a sign from the gods, but if the augury is unfavorable to the campaign, the morale of the legion will be lowered. [] Sic Semper: One of the centurions has picked up a reputation as an incredibly harsh disciplinarian, whipping men almost to the bone for their offenses. When one of his legionnares cannot even march for three days after, Carcellus asks you step in -- as an officer himself, he cannot risk alienating himself by going after the 'Barracks Tyrant', as the men have come to call him, and Sertorius has delegated all such issues to you after your success in the court-martial.
Personal
You've had almost a month since you came back from Aeclanum, and though your work has kept you busy, you've had a few chances to do something of your own initiative. Pick One
[] Write Home: You took the opportunity of remaining on the Italian Peninsula to write back home to your friends and allies in the city. You wrote to... (Pick Two)
--[] Scaevola
--[] Cicero
--[] Atticus
--[] Proserpina
--[] Volero [] Brotherhood: You began eating your meals with the men, to show them that you stand as one of them, not some aloof aristocrat. [] Sparring: You began sparring with the men, testing your own skill with the blade against the skill of the men serving under you. [] Silver Tongues, Silver Words: You began to attempt to form deeper connections with the men, walking around the camp and speaking and talking to your soldiers. With enough personal charisma and skill for speech, you can begin to make yourself as loved in their hearts as Sertorius. [] Fortune's Favor: After camp is made for the night, several of the officers, including Carcellus, gather to gamble and game. These men are all fast friends, with ties stretching back years, but if if you integrated yourself with them and got them to consider you one of them, it would go a long way towards improving your standing in the legion. [] Study: You study the campaigns of some of Rome's greatest generals, hoping to increase your own skill with command.
There is now a TWELVE-HOUR MORATORIUM on all votes.
Use this time to discuss the choices available and create different Plans. As previously discussed, any votes not in plan form, or submitted before the moratorium is up, will not be counted.
As always, discussion is rewarded. (As are Omakes and Reaction posts.)
The Samnites are rising up across the area. It seems the disparate groups and warbands have begun co-ordinating with one another. You have struck the terror of Rome in their hearts, and they have begun to set aside tribal feuds and disputes to work against us in concert."
You scowl, but something stirs inside you. Not admiration, perhaps, but respect. Again and again they rise up, bloodied yet defiant. Such is the way of the Samnite and his heart of steel.
Instead of reigniting the old arguments I will say this:
We should remember this when we face the Gauls. They will muster far more numbers and ferocity for far lesser offenses.
"Luckily, it is not so dire as you might imagine, Atellus. Those partial to Roman interests here in Samnium inform me that the Samnites are stubborn, but not so stubborn they cannot see sense. We need not solve all these problems, only a few, and others will quiet. Turn the Hirpini and Bovianum to our side, and much of our opposition will melt away. Or, should we pacify Aesernia and Abellinum, the tribes will fall in line."
But, we have good news: The enemy is not entirely composed of fanatics. Whether through accepting the inevitable or sticking with the side that aids them, we have our opening.
I will only say this: Caesar made his conquest of Gaul all the more bloody and harder when he was unable to gaurentee support and aid to the Gallic loyalists who provided him cavalry. The same seems to be occurring here.
"In a word, I wish to loose you upon the Samnites once more. I will let you take the other lad, Rufus, the lawyer. He talks well enough that the Samnites just might listen before they cut off his head."
Hoo boy, that's a great deal of trust from Sertorius.
I'm sorely tempted to go and kill that fucking priestess out of pure spite. The Hirpini and Abellinum would let us take advantage of our strong social skills, while Aesernia would be a almost pure miltary endeavor. I'm not certain what category to put Bovianum in. I'm averse to the Hirpini, for the sole reason that the negotiations may involve stewardship, which is our worst stat.
I definitely want to do A Law Beyond The Sword, as it's literally our job, and I was planning on promoting Blessed By Mars, but we've been asked to do Sic Semper, and it does look interesting.
As for personal actions, the powergamer in me wants to study, as more xp is never a bad thing. They're otherwise the same to me.
I'm just going to note that we're gonna run into a hard time playing nice with the Samnites because of our traits. Aesernia would let us put an end to that priestess once and for all, as well as letting us get more experience in matters of war. Abellinum would leverage the bonus to intimidation towards Samnites from our trait, and let us save the face of Rome from barbarian violence. Rufus is a lawyer and a much kinder man than us, he can handle the heavy diplomacy. We are Sertorious's wolf, let us rip open the corpse of Samnium and feast on its guts. Ave imperator.
We've so far proved ourselves competent in offensive maneuvers, but defense is a whole different ball game. If we can pull off defending one of the Samneite cities, we'll be continuing the trend we started by sparing the temple as a friend to those who play nice with Rome, AND we'll get valuable experience out of it.
The Hirpini [] Since time immemorial, the fiercest and deadliest of all the races of the Samnites have been the Hirpini, the wolves of the Apennines. Cowed by Sulla during the Civil War, the Hirpini have chosen to keep their heads down and submit to the will of Rome -- thus far. Apparently, the seeming 'success' of Medix Appius at retaining his independence in Nola has led the tribal assembly of the Hirpini to believe they can extract demands from Rome in order for their continued obedience. Should the Hirpini rise to war, thousands across Samnium will follow. Pacifying them, however, may come at great cost. This, Sertorius warns, is no battle to be won with swords alone -- the Hirpini must be brought over to the Roman side of the war, through intimidation or diplomacy. Should they rise in revolt, Samnium will rise with them.
...We have a slight bonus to intimidation, but I get the sense this tribe would have an insanely high DC.
Bovianum [] Hailed in song and myth as the 'Athens of the Samnites', Bovianum is among the oldest and most well-developed cities in all Samnium. A center of Samnite culture, art, and history, it has long been a focal point for rebellion and insurrection against Rome. It was a surprise, then, when Bovianium numbered among the Samnite cities to unconditionally bend the knee upon Sertorius' arrival. In the months since, however they have been harassed by bandits, raiders, and plagued by rebellion within the walls. The tribal assembly at Bovianum has sent a message with a plea for Roman aid -- if this continues, they will not be able to feed all their people come winter. Roman aid is badly needed, or so they claim, in order to pacify those in the city who sympathize with the rebels, as well as the bandits plaguing the city. Should they fail to receive this aid, they claim, they will have no choice but to go over to Medix Appius and his rebels.
We have a slight malus to diplomacy, but our charisma/oratory etc stats are more than enough to compensate for that. Plus we're bringing along Rufus, or so Sertorius tells us, so that gives us another diplomacy-heavy friend in our corner. More broadly, I really like the idea of defending a center of culture: we picked up the Tablet for ourselves, so if we want to position ourselves as a cultural heir to Samnium, we could do much worse than defending Bovianum from the barbarian raiders and internal dissidents.
Aesernia [] Situated in the Valley of the Vulturnus, in the heart of Samnium, Aesernia has been a city of the Samnites since time immemorial. Subjugated and made into a Roman colony long ago, it remained loyal during the Social War -- to it's own detriment, as a Samnite leader by name of Tercerian has led the Samnites of the Valley to rise up and butcher every Roman living there, earning him the nickname of 'the Butcher of the Vulturnus'. This Samnite leader has connections to Medix Appius, but reports say his hold on his people is tenuous. He is not charismatic enough to maintain his hold through respect, and instead rules the city and the Valley through fear and domination. Defeating him and his followers will be key to subjugating Samnium.
...If we want to maximize our Command and Combat experience, this seems like the best choice -- a strong general to pit ourselves against, but not a legendary vicious army as in Hirpini. I prefer Bovianum, but this is a close second.
Abellinum [] In the Samnite/Roman colony of Abellinum, your past has risen to haunt you. The last priestess of Ampscantus, Visella Tertia, has arrived in the city, supposedly seeking recruits to rebuild her order. Instead, she has been inciting the people in the city and the surrounding towns into a violent fervor, whipping them up with angry words she claims are from the gods themselves. Seven fires have burnt through the city in the last few months, and Romans are attacked in the street by angry Samnites. Abellinum was meant to be a success story, a place where the Samnites proved that anyone can become Roman, that even the fiercest barbarians may be civilized. Instead, it may become yet another bloodbath between Roman and Samnite, unless the city can be pacified and the rebellion quelled before it begins.
Ah, the priestess. Yeah, it sucks, and it might be better if we made sure to deal with the mess we made, but the question is how would we deal with that mess? If we 'Social War' slaughter everyone, then that turns the priestess into a martyr. I think it's clear that this thread has no idea what to do with her, so I'd be very much inclined to stay away.
As for Tribune's Duties, here's the list:
[] Training: The newest recruits are inexperienced and new to war. They've had a few small skirmishes with bandits, but are no veterans yet. Now that you've had a taste of battle, you feel confident you're more than ready to begin whipping them into shape. [] A Matter of Wealth: Some of the men feel their share of the loot is a bit too small, and have taken to complaining about it rather loudly. It is Carcellus' duty to administer discipline, but if you stepped in and saw to their problems directly, you could improve your standing among the men. [] 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 camp and invite men to come air their grievances before you, and perhaps even raise a case against a fellow soldier. [] Maintenance: Though it is the Camp Prefect's duty to ensure maintenance of equipment and materials, you begin to rigidly enforce the proper maintenance of personal weapons and armor. Through reduced rations and corporal punishment, you will force the men to ensure their equipment does not rust or rot. [] Blessed By Mars: Sertorius has made clear his intentions to honor Mars as the patron of the Sixth Legion, and the nickname given to the legion, the Blessed-By-Mars, has already filled the men with a sense of pride and driven up Mars worship in the legion. You begin to enforce and codify this practice, trying to encourage commonplace worship of Mars (in his aspect as Gradivus the Soldier-God). [] Justice Beyond The Walls: You begin cracking down on even minor offenses and crimes, making it more than clear that the rule of Rome extends far beyond the city walls. The men respect a disciplinarian -- but they will never love him. [] The Left Hand Strays: The other tribunes are, well, a disappointment. With the exception of Rufus, they are all young men who were elected on the strength of their family names over any actual skill or worthiness they might have. You take it upon yourself to whip them into shape and make them decent extensions of Sertorius' will -- and your own. You failed at this the last time you tried, but you have now had a taste of battle. [] Portents and Signs: You contact the Camp Augur and hold a public augury. Auguries are necessary to determine the fate of any military venture, as men are often nervous marching into battle without a sign from the gods, but if the augury is unfavorable to the campaign, the morale of the legion will be lowered. [] Sic Semper: One of the centurions has picked up a reputation as an incredibly harsh disciplinarian, whipping men almost to the bone for their offenses. When one of his legionnares cannot even march for three days after, Carcellus asks you step in -- as an officer himself, he cannot risk alienating himself by going after the 'Barracks Tyrant', as the men have come to call him, and Sertorius has delegated all such issues to you after your success in the court-martial.
* Training: gain combat experience, make the men ready for war. Useful if we decide to fight the Hirpini, not so much otherwise.
* Matter of Wealth: potential to gain stewardship/administration experience, but given our abysmal stat, we might mess it up and reduce our reputation.
* Law Beyond the Sword: we are Scaevola's protege, and this is right up our alley. This has my vote.
* Maintenance: minor stuff that's someone else's responsibility, and would give us the reputation as a martinet besides. Hard pass.
* Blessed by Mars: Scaevola is the Pontifex Maximus, so it behooves us to put some effort into seeming pious. Plus, the gods are real in this quest, and I'd love to receive a boon from the God of War given our competition. This is my second vote.
* Justice Beyond the Walls: even more of a reputation as a martinet, and an even harder pass.
* Left Hand Strays: whip the tribunes into shape, and ensures that the leadership of the legion is intact and maximally useful for Sertorius. A good option, and a close runner-up to my two favorites.
*Portents and Signs: our last augur sucked, but there's no reason the one for the legion as a whole would be quite so bad at his job. Still less a priority than 'Blessed by Mars', in my opinion.
* Sic Semper: ... yikes, this one feels important. Dealing with a discipline issue (possible leadership/command/administration gains) and securing the love of the men of the legion by saving them from a petty tyrant.... this one is basically tied with my top two. This one also has my vote, if only three votes were possible. As they aren't... I'll need to think about it.
For Personal, here are the options:
[] Write Home: You took the opportunity of remaining on the Italian Peninsula to write back home to your friends and allies in the city. You wrote to...
(Pick Two)
--[] Scaevola
--[] Cicero
--[] Atticus
--[] Proserpina
--[] Volero [] Brotherhood: You began eating your meals with the men, to show them that you stand as one of them, not some aloof aristocrat. [] Sparring: You began sparring with the men, testing your own skill with the blade against the skill of the men serving under you. [] Silver Tongues, Silver Words: You began to attempt to form deeper connections with the men, walking around the camp and speaking and talking to your soldiers. With enough personal charisma and skill for speech, you can begin to make yourself as loved in their hearts as Sertorius. [] Fortune's Favor: After camp is made for the night, several of the officers, including Carcellus, gather to gamble and game. These men are all fast friends, with ties stretching back years, but if if you integrated yourself with them and got them to consider you one of them, it would go a long way towards improving your standing in the legion. [] Study: You study the campaigns of some of Rome's greatest generals, hoping to increase your own skill with command.
None of these strike me as terribly high priority -- we're beloved by the men already, so I'm not sure we need to focus our efforts on shoring that up, we're already good at combat so any gains from sparring would be minimal, and we're studying war with Sertorius so studying it on our own would be a waste.
I am very much inclined to 'Write Home', specifically to some combination of Scaevola (our patron), Prosperina (our spymistress), and Cicero (who for over a millennia was considered the greatest letter writer in history. Yeah, no kidding, he rocks.)
rofl:
