Numidian Expedition

**The Stig** · August 27, 2011, 12:05 PM

Borne on the back on an elephant, adorned with red and gold silks, sat the Proconsul. He was guarded by a small group of Legionaries, all in dress uniform. They made a resplendent sight as they approached the Numidian capital. They sent a messenger ahead to inform the Numidian king of their arrival. As they neared the city they halted and awaited a response from the Numidians.

**ulti** · August 27, 2011, 12:13 PM

The Numidian party, waiting atop the steps of the Palace, watched bemused as the Romans entered upon their Elephant. Riders were sent out to greet them, and they were quickly shown into the Palace, by which time King Jugurtha had taken his seat upon his throne. He remained silent, waiting for the Romans to act.

**The Stig** · August 27, 2011, 12:39 PM

Sextus stepped forward and spoke in Punic. "Greetings, mighty king. I am Sextus Tuccius Alexander, Proconsul of Sicilia et Africa. I have been sent to establish trade relations between our two nations."

**ulti** · August 28, 2011, 07:58 AM

King Jugurtha noted that the man did not bow, as was custom when meeting a King.

"Surely Rome, if it can afford such extravagances as that which you arrived upon, adorned in silks and gold, does not need trade with us?"

**The Stig** · August 28, 2011, 12:15 PM

"One can never have too much wealth, as I'm sure you'll agree. Your own palace is a magnificent sight to behold."

**ulti** · August 28, 2011, 12:18 PM

"This is a good point - but there is more. I have dealt with you Romans enough to know that you don't send a Proconsul just to gain trade. I am not stupid, why has your Senate sent you here?"

**The Stig** · August 28, 2011, 09:17 PM

"We have detected bands of armed Numidians near our borders. I have been sent to gain an explanation for this."

**ulti** · August 29, 2011, 01:58 AM

The King laughs openly at this, before looking sternly at Sextus.

"I do not explain such things to anyone, Roman. These are my lands and I shall do with them as I see fit, and if that means armed patrols protecting my borders, I will damn well have them without explaining to you."

He nearly spits the last words.

**The Stig** · August 29, 2011, 11:48 PM

"I see... I shall inform my superiors. Perhaps we could return to more pleasant matters. Rome is prepared to offer you the following treaty.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

"Feel free to suggest any additions you wish."

**ulti** · August 30, 2011, 04:00 AM

"Make it a ten percent tax and I can accept."

**The Stig** · August 30, 2011, 09:14 AM

Sextus paused for a moment "Very well. I will send it to the Senate for ratification. Until then, may continue to enjoy the hospitality of your fair city?"