Curia Hostilia - Consulate of Annalis and Celer

[chaplain118]

Marius is dead, consul, killed by a delegation led by YOUR father. I daresay that a precedent has been established. Again, I shall wait for the second on this current version that has been put before the floor. But until then, the other one stands as your colleague has moved it to vote.

[Raglan]

Lucius Primus fummed at being assumed to be his tribune.

I would personally stand in opposition to anyone who attempted to remove a senator from this house. I believe that Consul Annalis is correct, should your bill be passed it would be considered ammendments. I will also add my voice to it. But i will not veto the first.

[RVFVS]

Marius is dead, consul, killed by a delegation led by YOUR father. I daresay that a precedent has been established. Again, I shall wait for the second on this current version that has been put before the floor. But until then, the other one stands as your colleague has moved it to vote.

Celer rose he turned slowly to look at Pallas.

"You shall wait? YOU shall wait! Who in Jupiter's name are you? Understand this, Senator, I opposed everything my father did to Marius and brought the prosecution against him when I saw what he did. I respected Marius more then any other man. The precedent of MARCHING ON ROME has never been established. Fool."

[chaplain118]

Pallas smiled at Celer.

Ah, so it seems that we have reached a common ground at last. You'll find that there are still men in this House who will hold laws before ambition.

As for the precedent. Those senators, including your father, merely acted preemptively, knowing that Marius would eventually march on Rome. And if you oppose your father so much, why don't you abandon your position among the Patricians and become one of the Plebs that you love so much. Go live in the squalor of the subura, away from your lavish home and lifestyle.

[RVFVS]

Pallas smiled at Celer.

Ah, so it seems that we have reached a common ground at last. You'll find that there are still men in this House who will hold laws before ambition.

Everyone expected Celer to look angry but he rose humbly and smiled.

"The house has shown its sentiment and I submit to it's wisdom. I will simply introduce each amendment one by one."

[Ozy]

"And I, a Consul, wish to pass the bill as a whole not put it in piece by piece. And Pallas I can amend my bill. Rhadamanthus changed pieces of the bill anyway not to my specifications. I amended it as I liked it."

Celer sat.

The Consul sighs.

"I have put the motion to vote senator, it's too late to change my mind (is it?). I truly see no difference in getting the ammendments done after it has passed. You have merely added a clause to swear allegiance to the commander as well, and one to allow everyone to join the army, regardless of class, something that I believe is completely legal at the moment. "

ooc: late post....obviously. Finishing report now...

[RVFVS]

The Consul sighs.

"I have put the motion to vote senator, it's too late to change my mind (is it?). I truly see no difference in getting the ammendments done after it has passed. You have merely added a clause to swear allegiance to the commander as well, and one to allow everyone to join the army, regardless of class, something that I believe is completely legal at the moment. "

ooc: late post....obviously. Finishing report now...

OOC: Read my above post...again...

"Why don't I abandon my patrician heritage? Two reasons: one it would be unbelievably difficult, two why get rid of all my wealth and status when I can use it to help the people?"

[Ozy]

"Well colleagues, now that we have taken care of that, here's my report. It's fairly brief, just to let you know the location of our legions, numbers, and finally, what I think must be done with each.









As you can see, our military is the envy of the civilized world. A vast Empire we have in our hands, and to protect it, a great army of brave men: Just over 20 legions. Unfortunately, they are not distributed properly. Italy currently hold an enormous amount of resting legions, men who by no means have anything or anyone to fight, causing then to lose shape, be bored and slacking around all day, and as a consequence becoming a burden on our population rather than a service.

The solution: Send them to the provinces. We shall only keep a single legion in Italy, under the command of the Consuls, and the rest shall leave to our provinces, that contrary to our peaceful homeland of Italy, are hot pots ready to explode from unrest, lack of submission and overall bad managment from the Roman administration.







I hereby propose this:

1) All but one legions will be moved to the provinces.

2) They shall be distributed in the following manner: 2 to the East, to Anatolia and Macedon

3) 1 to the South, to Africa.

4) One to the West, to Iberia.

5) The legions shall therefore become part of the garrison of those provinces, and be under the direct command of the Proconsul or Propraetor responsible of that land.

[chaplain118]

Senators, surely such a depletion of forces is unnecessary? Italy should have two legions to defend herself from the barbarians in the North. Since most of our legions are congregated in the provinces, some of which are quite far flung, I suggest that relegating the fleets to the whim of the governors would be more beneficial.

I doubt we need another legion in Africa. Since the Sicilian garrison could always be moved there by sea.

[RVFVS]

"Well colleagues, now that we have taken care of that, here's my report. It's fairly brief, just to let you know the location of our legions, numbers, and finally, what I think must be done with each.









As you can see, our military is the envy of the civilized world. A vast Empire we have in our hands, and to protect it, a great army of brave men: Just over 20 legions. Unfortunately, they are not distributed properly. Italy currently hold an enormous amount of resting legions, men who by no means have anything or anyone to fight, causing then to lose shape, be bored and slacking around all day, and as a consequence becoming a burden on our population rather than a service. The solution: Send them to the provinces. We shall only keep a single legion in Italy, under the command of the Consuls, and the rest shall leave to our provinces, that contrary to our peaceful homeland of Italy, are hot pots ready to explode from unrest, lack of submission and overall bad managment from the Roman administration.

I hereby propose this:

1) All but one legions will be moved to the provinces.

2) They shall be distributed in the following manner: 2 to the East, to Anatolia and Macedon

3) 1 to the South, to Africa.

4) One to the West, to Iberia.

5) The legions shall therefore become part of the garrison of those provinces, and be under the direct command of the Proconsul or Propraetor responsible of that land.

"I second your motion."

[Ozy]

Senators, surely such a depletion of forces is unnecessary? Italy should have two legions to defend herself from the barbarians in the North. Since most of our legions are congregated in the provinces, some of which are quite far flung, I suggest that relegating the fleets to the whim of the governors would be more beneficial.

I doubt we need another legion in Africa. Since the Sicilian garrison could always be moved there by sea.

Well, I was considering the Sicilian legions to be part of Italy senator...for some reason. Now, checking my reports, I think I have made a mistake (). We currently have 8 legions in italy, not counting Sicily and the Punic Islands. Taking the ones I had said, we would have 4, but considering the Sicilian legions are the ones to be deployed in Africa, we would have 5 legions in Italy, 1 of whom, I think, should be moved to Narbonesis, while the other 4 should rest in Cisalpine Gaul, in spots from where any barbarian incursion may come.

My plan is, gentlemen, to stop any barbarian incursion at the very start, on the moment the cross our border, and not have to wait weeks or months of them marching towards us before our legions stop them.

[chaplain118]

A messenger enters the Curia, holding a stack of scrolls.

Here are the reports of the provinces in the West, as collected and complied by the Proconsul Nisus Palinurus Rhadamanthus

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Conscript fathers: I have here, a collection of both mine and the other western provinces governors' notes and recommendations regarding the development of these provinces.

From Nearer Gaul

Salve Proconsul, the current affair of Nearer Gaul, consisting of the cities Gergovia, Narbo Martius, and Massilia, are as follows



As you can see, we face some resentment to our current rule in the further provinces. But I don't think that ought to be a problem anytime soon. The situation can be easily remedied by moving the unit of militia from Massilia to Gergovia and then constructing a Lares Familiaris in Narbo Martius, which would help convert the locals to our religion and thus pacifying them in the near future.

Now, Proconsul, what I have planned in Nearer Gaul is an ambitious building project, one that will have long term impacts on the affairs of the region. I plan on constructing trade harbors in each of the three cities and raising tax rates in Massilia. The investment for the construction of harbors would total 6600 denarii. I think that this is a reasonable demand.

Also, you have noticed that there are some Gallic tribes seen in the far mountains of the Alps. I would just like to offer up some advise on treating those tribes. I recommend that the Senate post a legion in the passes to check their movements, but make no attempt at provoking them. They are fierce men, and while reasonable to a certain extent, terrible in war to face.

Tiberius Vipsanius Agrippa
Pro-Praetor of Nearer Gaul

From the Punic Isles

Proconsul,

So you finally found your way out of that hellhole you call a house, huh? Well, I hope Africa would do something about you and your snobbish aristocratic ways. But whatever, that's not the point of this correspondence. The state of the province of the Punic Isles, consisting of Palmaria, Caralis, and Aleira, are as follows.



As you can see, the Punic Isles are relatively stable, not needing much of anything really, except maybe in Palmaria, but a few extra men or even a temple ought to do it. Though knowing that fool Agrippa, he's probably begging you for money to construct those precious harbors of his.

Now, I ain't asking for much, just enough money for me to construct a caupo in all three cities. That'll cost you, what, 3600? A little over half of what Agrippa's probably hounding you for. Also, I'd like enough funds for a Lares Familiaris in Palmaria and some walls for that little outpost of a town. So that's another 1280.

so what do you say? 4880 has got to be some amount that you can muster, right?

Lucius Caecilius Iuncundus
Pro-Praetor of the Punic Isles

From Hispania.

Proconsul,

I write to you with the utmost urgency. Hispania is facing revolts. In the region, only Emporiae alone can claim to be in any kind of order. Osca, Carthago Nova, Sanguntum, and Gades are all on the verge of rebellion.



I'll begin with the situation in Sanguntum. The public order can be remedied with lowering taxes on the onset to low. That I am preparing to do. As for Osca, we can move the legion outside of the city and its legate Marcus Julius Caesar into the city to act as a policing force. However, there will still be significant resistance there so I recommend the building of an additional Lares Martis, which would cost us 380 denarii and speed the conversion of the local populace to our cause.

Now, in terms of Carthago Nova, I believe the best course of action would be to exchange its current garrison of milita with the legion located in Sanguntum. Allow me to explain this decision. One, Carthago Nova is also much closer to Gades, which has an atrocious amount of rebellion. Plus, Sanguntum's infrastructure is built such that it's possible for me to maintain order with a minimal garrison. However, the construction of an additional Lares Familiaris in Sanguntum, costing 280 denarii, will be necessary to further Romanize the province.

Now, moving on to Gades. This is perhaps the most difficult region for us to hold on to. Its distance from all controlled Roman lands have made the populace there very resistant to our Republic. I have a simple, yet brutal method for dealing with this. We will conscript the a majority of the residents in Gades into the military and position them as a local police force. I believe that this will be the best option for us as it not only will give us a sizable military presence, but also depletes a number of idle hands. Simultaneously, I recommend the construction of a Lares Familiaris to further Romanize the region. The recruitment will cost us dearly, at about 2620 denarii for the five units of Scutarii Falcata Infantry while the lares will cost us 280 denarii.

This brings the total sum of Hispania's speculated costs to be a total of 3560 denarii. More than what I had hoped for, but less than the cost of losing those lands and then forced to re-conquer them.

I thank the gods that I only have two more years of this hell before I can return to Rome. I hope all things are well in Africa.

Strength and Honor,

Tertius Tullius Decula
Pro-praetor of Hispania

From Sicily

Hello Palinurus,

Remember me? This is where your father's little fit of temper landed me. Though I must say, it's not a bad place. So I guess you can thank the old coot for me when you go meet him. Anyway, on to this report that I have to write to you.



As you can see, Sicily is in no trouble, except for Melite, but that little offshoot of an island has always been bothersome. It's the people, I suspect. Now. To deal with public order in Melite, I recommend a Lares Martis be built there. That'll cost you 400 denarii, but I'm sure you have that kind of funds lying around. In addition, I'd like a mercator established in Lilybaeum and Messana, costs 4800, but again, I'm sure you have the money for it. As for Agrigentum and Syrakousai, I'm not asking for much, just a pair of Portus Classicus. That should be 10,000, but should bring us plenty of cash in the coming years. You'd be a fool to not accept this request.

That's all for now. Oh, and if you can spare me a boat to transport some of my legionnaires on Syrakousai to Melite, that would just be excellent. The total amount that I'm asking you is around the neighborhood of 15200. But I'm sure you can help explain it to the Senate.

Lucius Coelius Caldus
Pro-Praetor of Sicily.

I have denied his petition for 15200, and have corresponded with him for 10200 denarii for his province.

Finally, in Africa. I am alarmed to report that the Punics have troops inside of our borders. Though they pose as allies, I would still keep my guard up if I were you.

Well, let's see. The situation isn't as dire as I had thought. Most of the disorder comes from the religious differences, which we can settle in about a few months. I suppose I needn't worry too much. There'll be some angry peasants but nothing that can't be handled. What troubles me the most are the Punic forces so close to our holdings. Constructing a lares in Hippo Regius, Utica, and Carthage itself ought to be simple enough to handle the unrest for now. Though I could also get Cornelius Scipio himself to return to Carthage and help me manage things back here. His legion can certainly look after itself well enough. Then in that case. The cost of the buildings will cost me 1200. I can handle that I suppose. As for Hadrumentum, what Decula is planning on doing with Gades might as well be reenacted in Hadrumentum. Three centuries of Libyan Spearmen ought to be sufficient to help with the public order. That'll come out to a total of 1629.

And that puts Africa at a grand total of 2829. Not too bad if I do say so myself.

The total for the proposed budget in the provinces comes to 27149 denarii. I implore the quaestor to increase the budget for the provinces to double of what they are now. 40,000 for the East and 30,000 for the West.

[RVFVS]

Celer looked at the report. He sighed. He muttered under his breath, "And this mad man said that the Empire wasn't in a state of unrest, Gods above us." Celer stood.

"On the matter of the Consul's report I propose the following motion:

I. That two legions be transferred to the East, one to Anatolia and one to Macedon, and that they are placed under the command of the governors of said region.

II. That three legions be moved North to Cisalpine Gaul to block the threat of barbarian invasion and remain under Consular command.

III. That one legion move to Narbonensis and remain under Consular command.

IV. That a transport fleet be constructed for the Pro-Consul's use."

Celer looked at the report again.

"As for the money requested by the Pro-Consul I think this house agrees 40,000 is too much. I believe 30,000 would be acceptable. Of course the Pro-Consul would have to make sure the Senate knows what he is doing with the money."

[chaplain118]

Perhaps we ought to hear back from Proconsul Cornelius before making any decision on whether how much money is too much? This is a very minimal building plan and already it is reaching 30,000. What if unexpected emergencies were to rise up in the East? After all, what is our current diplomatic situation with our neighbors? I doubt the Attalid dynasty had too many friends when they bequeathed us their land.

As for your proposal, Consul, about moving legions to the northern border, I will have to disagree with that. Did you not read the report from the Pro-Praetor of Nearer Gaul? He specifically said to not antagonize those people to avoid a conflict. At this point, we should be looking inward into our empire rather than outward for expansion. And building up a sizable military presence of legions on the border with Gaul may very well provoke them into attacking us.

ooc: if you guys want something done in the provinces, you have to send a dispatch there.

[RVFVS]

Perhaps we ought to hear back from Proconsul Cornelius before making any decision on whether how much money is too much? This is a very minimal building plan and already it is reaching 30,000. What if unexpected emergencies were to rise up in the East? After all, what is our current diplomatic situation with our neighbors? I doubt the Attalid dynasty had too many friends when they bequeathed us their land.

As for your proposal, Consul, about moving legions to the northern border, I will have to disagree with that. Did you not read the report from the Pro-Praetor of Nearer Gaul? He specifically said to not antagonize those people to avoid a conflict. At this point, we should be looking inward into our empire rather than outward for expansion. And building up a sizable military presence of legions on the border with Gaul may very well provoke them into attacking us.

ooc: if you guys want something done in the provinces, you have to send a dispatch there.

"If we don't have an army large enough to rebuke such an attack then we will lose territory anyway. On that I agree we must stabilize before we expand, but I think that Spain, Gaul, Asia and possibly Africa are all volatile areas we must watch for enemy activity."

Celer adjusted his toga and continued.

"As for money I once again agree but if you need more you need only apply for it."

[ulti]

Quintillius stood, after reading the reports and the request for funding.

"I will again advise the Senate on a proper budget. Now that more reports have been received I see that my initial budget is too low, therefore allotting 30,000 to both the East and the West would be respectable. I agree on the point that 40,000 is way too much, these are hard times and we must get by with less. In addition to this, I will set aside a further 5,000 for the East and West, which may be applied for in an emergency."

He turns to the Consuls.

"Celer, you agree with this. What of our other Consul"

[Ozy]

Annalis nods pleased,

"Our Quaestor's plan seems promising. We are still to see his report on the constructions to take place in Italy, though."

"As for the legions at Cisalpine Gaul, I must agree with my colleague, we need to ensure the security of our people by stopping any enemy at the border. Our legions should remain stationed at forts at the mountain passes through the alps, or at very least in the most northern cities of Italy. In all I must say I support my colleagues proposal."

[ulti]

Quintillius stands once more.

"Then I request that the following budget and construction plans be submitted as the first official document, if you would like to scrutinize it."

His assistant then hands each Senator a parchment, on which is written the following:

Budget for the Term I of 100B.C

1. Quaestor Quintillius Decimus Octavius hereby denotes the following sum of Denarii to be used at the will of Proconsul Nisus Palinurus Rhadamanthus and relevant Governors in the West:
30,000 Denarii2. The same sum of Denarii shall be allotted for use by Proconsul Cornelius Severus and the relevant governors in the East.

3. A sum of 10,000 Denarii shall be set aside as contingency, with a maximum of 5,000 being used by each Proconsul on direct application and authority of the Quaestor.

4. 10,000 Denarii shall be kept in reserve for later terms.

5. 5,000 shall be the maximum used by the Senate to strengthen the legions.

6. 6,000 shall be used for construction projects in Italy, to be decided in a later bill.

From the current total of 100,000 Denarii this would leave 9000, which is the amount predicted to be lost through army upkeep and corruption.

[Winter]

This budget proposal is acceptable to myself. I believe it is the right step to take to put us back onto a productive footing. I am concerned over the public unrest in the African province, however; have we considered what we will do about this situation?

[RVFVS]

"Actually yes."

Celer stood.

"Marius' death rocked the region and it being under aristocratic ownership certainly hasn't helped. I propose that we lower taxes for each city in order to prevent widespread rebellion."