You Are The Senate, ongoing project

**~~Pontifex Maximus~~** · September 17, 2016, 12:23 PM

In addition to these rules the game will be adhering strictly to historical accuracy in the political systems of the late Roman Republic. While an extensive knowledge of Roman history is not required to play this game, it may be beneficial to occasionally look things up on Wikipedia or ask questions if you are confused. The game will be moderated as if everyone knows basic things such as the term length, powers, and role of the Consul – to name one example.

The nature of political power in the late Republic was constantly in a state of flux. Writing down specific powers and abilities therefore seems rather to defeat the point. Players will be given a reasonable amount of flexibility in their actions, so long as these actions fall within a reasonable historical framework.

The Roman "Constitution" was not written and was constantly evolving. The most succinct way to describe it is as the "mos maiorum" (the way of the ancestors). Characters in the game may alter the way of the ancestors/constitution by gradual evolution. The more extreme the departure from precedent, the more likely one is to be met with NPC opposition. Opposition is not impossible to overcome. Players will be responsible for knowing what is or is not falling outside the line of tradition and may consult other players for advice, or outside sources. Here are some quick tips:

-traditionally, no Roman was able to carry weapons within the pomerium (the city center). Recently agitators have been carrying quills and using them as knives to intimidate political opponents in the Forum. Benches have also been broken up and used as weapons to kill political enemies.

-Roman armies are forbidden from entering the city unless to celebrate a triumph

-Senators adhere strictly to the cursus honorum to the point it is treated as veritable binding law among the senatorial classes.

Character Rules

”Family Rules”

Cursus Honorum – Character Influence

Cursus Honorum – Definitions

Aedile: A low ranking magistrate responsible for the administration of the city. They were also responsible for organizing public events such as games and religious festivals. Each term of Aedile completed will add a +1 wealth trait.
Military Quaestor: A low ranking legionary officer concerned with the finances of the legion and the disbursements of funds. Each term of quaestor completed will add a +1 wealth trait.
Patronage: The process by which young politicians would be officially taken into the service and friendship of an elder. These were often political quid pro quo situations. It was almost impossible to advance socially or politically without a patron.
Senator: A senator is not elected. A senator refers to one of the leading men of the state. Access to the Senate was highly controlled. One entered the Senate only after having been elected to one of the minor magistracies. Senators were NOT elected officials in the strictest sense of the word.
Praetors: Mid-ranking officials that dealt primarily with law enforcement and judicial matters within the city. As they held imperium they could also be tasked with the command of armies in the place of the Consuls. In our game all public fines will pass into the control of the praetor.
Consul: The chief executive officers of the state. Two were elected annually and had complete control over military matters as well as the control of the Senate’s points of discussions. Consuls, famously, could veto one another’s actions. They are accompanied by 12 lictors each (lictors bearing the fasces, the symbol of imperium or power). They sit in the curule chairs which are considered thrones.
Pro-Consuls: One who literally rules with the power of a consul, but as a governor of the provinces. Pro-Consuls exercise less overall political power than the Consuls, but Pro-Consuls have strong regional influence.
Censor: A position of great power in the Republic. The Censor has the power to eject members from the Senate for moral turpitude. Elected to five year terms, the Censors often resigned after 18 months because as one might imagine, being the hall monitor of the senate is not a popular task. The tradition of resigning early became expected and the norm.
Dictator: The highest ranking Roman magistrate that carries 24 Lictors, or those of both consuls. This symbolizes his complete power over the state. Dictators were generally elected during times of emergency by the Senate. A dictator in our setting has not been elected for over three generations, and reviving the office would be unpopular unless completely justified by precedent.
Triumph: A celebration given to a triumphant general in which he is permitted to bring his army into the city (something otherwise forbidden and considered hugely important to the Roman state – no army under arms could enter the city) for winning a victory in which over 5,000 enemies were killed (for purposes of this setting).
Ovation: A lesser form of celebration in honor of a citizen of the state who has achieved something noteworthy in the service of the Republic, but not enough to warrant a triumph.

Senate Rules

Traits

”Character Birth and Adoption Rules”

Economy

Income
1. Families will have a starting income of 5,000 Denarii.

2. Families may choose one of three potential branches of the economy to invest in: mercantile pursuits, agriculture, or Urban Developments (Landlord/Real estate).

3. Once a branch is selected, the first Class A building in Tier I will be given for free. The income you receive from whatever branch your family chooses is your family’s base income to which modifiers are added.

4. Income is collected every Wednesday and Saturday.

Urban Development Branch

Tier I: Basic

Class A:
Cost: 0
Income: 2,750

Class B:
Cost: 5,000
Income: 2,750

Class C:
Cost: 7,500
Income: 3,750

(Once Class C achieved, unlock bonus)
Bonus: -50% recruitment times for all units

Tier II: Intermediate
Class A:
Cost: 10,000
Income: 5,000

Class B:
Cost: 15,000
Income: 7,500

Class C:
Cost: 20,000
Income: 10,000

(Once Class C achieved, unlock bonus)
Bonus: +2 rolls with the mob

Tier III: Advanced
Class A:
Cost: 25,000
Income: 17,500

Class B:
Cost: 30,000
Income: 15,000

Class C:
Cost: 35,000
Income: 20,000

(Once Class C achieved, unlock bonus)
Bonus: Roll d4, add the number to votes in elections of each character in the family

Mercantile Branch

Tier I: Basic
Class A:
Cost: 0
Income: 2,750

Class B:
Cost: 5,000
Income: 2,750

Class C:
Cost: 7,500
Income: 3,750
(Once Class C achieved, unlock bonus)
Bonus: -10% warship construction costs

Tier II: Intermediate
Class A:
Cost: 10,000
Income: 5,000

Class B:
Cost: 15,000
Income: 7,500

Class C:
Cost: 20,000
Income: 10,000
(Once Class C achieved, unlock bonus)
Bonus: -10% warship upkeep

Tier III: Advanced
Class A:
Cost: 25,000
Income: 17,500

Class B:
Cost: 30,000
Income: 15,000

Class C:
Cost: 35,000
Income: 20,000
(Once Class C achieved, unlock bonus)
Bonus: +2 Sea battle rolls

Agricultural Branch

Tier I: Basic
Class A:
Cost: 0
Income: 2,750

Class B:
Cost: 5,000
Income: 2,750

Class C:
Cost: 7,500
Income: 3,750

(Once Class C achieved, unlock bonus)
Bonus: -10% legionary recruitment costs

Tier II: Intermediate
Class A:
Cost: 10,000
Income: 5,000

Class B:
Cost: 15,000
Income: 7,500

Class C:
Cost: 20,000
Income: 10,000

(Once Class C achieved, unlock bonus)
Bonus: -10% legionary upkeep costs

Tier III: Advanced
Class A:
Cost: 25,000
Income: 17,500

Class B:
Cost: 30,000
Income: 15,000

Class C:
Cost: 35,000
Income: 20,000

(Once Class C achieved, unlock bonus)
Bonus: -10% cavalry recruitment/upkeep costs

Rules for Buildings

Buildings may add one trait point to a single character with the exception of military traits. Buildings can be upgraded by paying the difference between the tiers.

Tier I: 10,000
Tier II: 20,000
Tier III: 30,000
Tier IV: 50,000

Buildings may be whatever you want them to be. A forum, a theatre, a statue, a temple, an arena, a plaza.

A building takes one week to construct, at the end of which a thread should be posted in the City of Rome forum (or the appropriate location) establishing the structure as a place to meet. (if appropriate, a statue might simply be added to an already existing forum, for example, in which case its presence will be noted)

Military Investment
Context
In the Late Republican period, the Roman state relied on citizen/Allied service in the legions to form the core of the Roman military power. This was not considered a standing, professional army though over time, due to necessity, terms of service for any particular mustering would be increased. At the height of its capacity, it is speculated by authorities that the Roman state could field anywhere between 200,000 to 250,000 men under arms during periods of crisis. This vast reserve of manpower was one of Rome’s greatest strengths. During this period, individual citizens/allies would be expected to equip themselves, but after Marius’ innovations, the state or an individual military commander could, at personal expense, outfit those unable to afford their own equipment and form new fighting units.

Legion Rules

Five free, neutral legions will exist at the start of the game. They shall require no upkeep. They may be “purchased” (bribed) to become loyal to one family at any point in the game, at which points upkeep must be paid.

In addition, 25 free Liburna and 25 free Quinquireme will be provided to the state.

Legionary Recruitment Cost: 20,000 Denarii
Legionary Upkeep Cost: 5,000

military units shall take 2 days to gather

Desertions at a rate of 35% per year will occur for every year the legion goes unpaid.

~~Praetorian Guard - 1 cohort (500 men) costs 5,000 denarii and have a 5,000 denarii annual upkeep~~

Legionary Veteran Status:

Tier I
Class A: Win a battle
Class B: Win a battle
Class C: Win a battle
Bonus: +1 to battle rolls

Tier II
Class A: Win a battle in which the enemy is equal in number, more or less
Class B: Win a battle in which the enemy is equal in number, more or less
Class C: Win a battle in which the enemy is equal in number, more or less
Bonus: +1 to battle rolls

Tier III
Class A: Win a battle in which the enemy outnumbers the total force
Class B: Win a battle in which the enemy outnumbers the total force
Class C: Win a battle in which the enemy outnumbers the total force
Bonus: +1 to battle rolls

Legionary Retinue

Player controlled characters may serve in the capacities of 3, 4, and 5.

1. Engineers: Engineers enable the construction of siege equipment and field fortifications. 5,000 denarii for an engineer corps (cannot stack)

2. Cooks and quartermasters: Good and fortifying food can not only lift morale, but make troops more prepared to face the physical challenges of battle +.5 battle rolls. 5,000 denarii (cannot stack)

3. Tribunus Militum: A high ranking representative of the soldiers and usually a man of equestrian rank, the military tribune may present the grievances of the soldiers directly to their commander, which in turn improves the relationship of the subordinates to their superiors. +.5 movement. (cannot stack). 5,000 denarii

4. Military Quaestor: An educated accountant and dispenser of legionary wages. Receiving the correct amount of wages and on time can contribute to a soldier's drive to perform his duty. -10% legionary upkeep costs (cannot stack)

5. Legatus: A competent commander which can help one of the flanks win a victory. This member of the retinue adds a random general to a legion with random traits. 10,000 denarii (can purchase multiple times)

Siege equipment: Absolutely necessary to carry out a successful assault on a besieged town, siege equipment can also be used in the field to some effect. Siege engines require the presence of an engineer except ladders.

Ladders: Basic units of siege warfare, take one hour to construct.

Scorpion: Minimal damage, can be used effectively against enemy infantry and cavalry. Adds +1 to skirmishing rolls. (12 hour recruitment)

Catapult: Mainstay of any serious siege force. Can be used with great effect against walls and gates and towers. Their usefulness against enemy troop concentrations varies, as hitting a moving target is difficult. Adds +2 to skirmishing rolls (1 day recruitment)

Siege Tower: A nifty way to assault a city without destroying the walls. Can be used effectively to send large groups of men over the wall. +3 to attacking siege rolls. (2 day recruitment)

Trebuchet: A devastating device that can be used to almost topple enemy wall fortifications. +3 to skirmishing rolls, +3 to attacking siege rolls. Cannot be moved. (2 day recruitment)

Field Camp: Add +2 to defense rolls, take 4 hours to construct.

Naval Forces

Liburna: Small ships, outfitted for carrying transport material or troops into battle. Can carry 200 men
200 Denarii to recruit per ship, 100 upkeep

Quinquereme: Warships of a high quality, can carry 400 men
100 Denarii to recruit per ship, 50 upkeep. Grant a +1 to battles for each 100 men on board.

A. Only an infantry equivalent or higher can serve as armed crew

Trireme: Ramming ships of a high quality, carries only the crew.
100 denarii per ship, 50 upkeep.

Hexareme: Generally used as flagships, these huge vessels have two decks of oars. Can carry 600 men.
800 denarii to recruit per ship, 400 in upkeep. Grant a +1 to battles for each 100 men on board.

[/SPOILER]

Battle Rules

Battle Rules

1. Both sides will send in battle orders after a description of terrain has been given. Battle orders may not exceed 300 words but by no means must be that long.

2. Commanders should divide the army into three flanks, giving orders for each flank. These orders will be used to add modifiers

3. A d10 roll for each flank will determine the winner of that flank. Simple high roll plus added modifiers will win. Modifiers will be added liberally and weighted equally to rolls.

4. After the winners of each flank have been determined, casualties of each flank must be determined. This is done by taking the difference of the first two rolls and multiplying that number by a D10. That is the number of casualties for the loser. The winner’s casualties is half that number.

5. Once a winner is determined by winning 2/3 flanks, a rout of the defeated enemy will occur. If an army has a reserve, the reserve will engage the entire enemy army giving the main force time to flee. Another flank battle will be rolled with a +7 modifier added to the winning side.

6. If a rearguard is not present, the rout roll will be a D20 x 300 to determine casualties, spread evenly over all unit types.

7. At least 10% of the force must be kept in the reserve for it to be an effective screen to the rout.

8. If battles are smaller than 5,000 men on each side, only one flank will be rolled.

EXAMPLE USING ONE FLANK:

Rolls:
Gaius Julius Caesar: 8
Vercengetorix: 5

Step 1: Take the difference of the rolls which is 2.
Step 2: Multiply 2 by 4 (a D10 roll). This equals 8.
Step 3: Multiply 8 by 100. 800 casualties for Vercengetorix.
Step 4: Divide the casualties of the loser by 2. Caesar suffers 400 casualties.
Step 5: Rout phase.
A. Vercengetorix keeps no reserve. 8 (A d20 roll) multiplied by 300. 2,400 casualties in the rout. Battle over with 3,200 dead for Vercengetorix and 400 dead for Rome.
B. Vercengetorix keeps a reserve. Repeat steps 1-3 adding a +7 modifier for Caesar.

Results: Great victory for Caesar, inflicting many casualties in the rout.

RULE FOR TRAITS:
Battle traits are only applied on the flank the commander takes part in. If the commander engages in the battle with the enemy, a base 4/20 death chance exists.

Civil Wars
In the event of a civil war whoever controls Rome will be considered the legitimate government for all intents and purposes. Politically speaking only official government actions can be composed and legalized in Rome. The ideas of government and the focal points of legislation are ideologically ingrained in Roman culture at this period and so it will be for our purposes. Even if only 15% of the senate in Rome remains and elects a dictator, that dictator shall be considered legally elected. Control of Rome is determined first by who has at least one legion stationed in the city. If no forces are present control will be determined by the last person to have forces in the city, since nominally they have set up a loyal government in absentia.

Rome vs All
Roman legions shall be considered better troops than the average European soldier of the time. Few other states/tribes provided their armies with equipment and training quite up to scratch with the Romans. That being said, leadership could make of break armies. Most major Roman catastrophes like Teutenborg and Carrhae were the result of abysmal leadership. This means that the biggest factor is strategy with a marginal base Roman advantage if all other things are equal.

Moderator discretion shall rule the day, however, Roman armies under excellent leadership should be able to defeat significantly larger forces.

If all the troops of an enemy army have been destroyed, the leader will either be taken alive or killed in combat. (50/50 chance).

Any remaining forces in any battle will retreat to an adjacent province, the general may choose the province.

When the senate sanctions a fullscale invasion of an enemy territory, it is highly recommended that at least three legions be assembled. A Consul or a senate-appointed general will lead the troops. When attacking enemy territory, enemy resistance will be calculated based on historically reliable sources for the muster. A leader from the region being invaded will lead the opposition forces and shall be RPed by either a willing player or game moderator.

Raids: When an enemy army enters any territory the time they spend in that territory will mean a loss of income over time. The longer an enemy army spends in the territory, the more loss will be incurred. For each day an enemy army occupies a territory 10% of the income will be lost for the next term's payday. Game moderators will keep track of affected territories and pass on the specific information to Quaestors and game moderators.

Legionary Replacements: Legions can only be strengthened when they reach 3/4 strength or less (4,500). Replacements will take two months in game (1 day) to reach the front. Any legion that loses more than half of its number(3,001) in one battle will be demoted a tier in veteran status. Replacements when fighting in a Roman territory shall be recruited at half the normal time. Hiring replacements at the conclusion of a campaign will have no time penalty.

When a territory has been liberated by a Roman Army the conquering general has three options:

Sack: Two dice shall be rolled and the sum multiplied by 500. This sum becomes the amount of money (denarii) liberated from the captured territory.

Slave Sale: One dice shall be rolled and the sum multiplied by the number of slaves sold.

Peaceful occupation: The settlement is not sacked or the population sold into slavery. In recognition for this one dice shall be rolled and the number multiplied by 50. This many local levies will join your army free of upkeep and fight for a period of one year for free.

Prisoners: Any prisoners captured in battle may be sold for 1 denarii per head.

Movements

Legion movements shall take one hour per tile on the map.

Naval Warfare and Movement

Naval Movements
Armies may cross a sea at a cost of one day's movement. The oceans are divided into various seas though, and to cross into another sea (blue line) adds an extra 2 days of movement.

Examples:
Carthage to Sicily - crossing the sea (strait of sicily) = 1 day
Carthage to Rome - crossing the Sea (strait of sicily) and crossing into the Tyhennian Sea = 2 days
Carthage to Athens - crossing the sea (strait of sicily) then crossing into the Ionian Sea, then Aegean Sea = 2+2 days

See Maps; look at oceans for reference - http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=471951

Assassinations
Clandestine Assassination
This type occurs when a victim least expects it and is carried out by anonymous individuals. D20 rolls will govern assassination attempts:

1-4 = successful assassination
4-12 = unsuccessful assassination
12-16 = unsuccessful assassination and evidence left behind
16-20 = unsuccessful assassination and identity becomes known

Open Assassination
This assassination type is publicm the identity of the assassins is known
1-8 = successful assassination
8-20 = unsuccessful assassination

Assassinations within the home
Any type of assassination within the home gains a +2 modifier to the rolls. The host will be a suspect, even if no evidence is left behind.

Capture Rolls
In your own home
4/20 for successful capture

In someone else’s' home (by the host)
15/20

In a public space
10/20

Pro-Consular Rules

Province Edict System

Once a Proconsul is in his province, he may select two edicts from two of the following branches (for a total of four edicts) to remain active for the year.

Military Branch
1. -15% legionary recruitment
2. -15% legionary upkeep
3. -50% legionary retinue cost
4. Recruit local Legatus (general with random traits)
5. -15% Naval recruitment Costs
6. -15% Naval upkeep costs

Economic Branch: Exploitation
Taking any of these action will reduce provincial good will*
1. +15% income
2. D20 x 100 added income
3. +25% income
4. D20 x 200 local auxilia conscripted (varies by region)
5. -10% building costs
6. D20 x 500 income

*Provincial goodwill refers to the love the people of the province bear you. If you exploit them, your influence will decrease. If you govern well, they will appreciate your efforts. The more loyal a province to an individual, the more benefits a person can extract from the provinces later on. One example is fleeing to the province for sanctuary.

The number selected will be the number deducted from your “good will” points. These points will be measured against the points of others in the same province to determine overall influence.

This is not an exhaustive list. Propose an action in the game and ask for a moderator’s opinion of what it Is worth.

Economic Branch: Investment
This branch increases province good will in the corresponding number as outlined above.

1. -10% income
2. -20% income
3. Construct a tier I building for public works
4. Raise a legion from the province
5. Construct a tier II building for public works
6. Construct a tier III building for public works

This is not an exhaustive list. Propose an action in the game and ask for a moderator’s opinion of what it Is worth.

Provincial Capitals are as follows:
Italy: Rome (Italia I, Nota bene: pleb and patrician point systems govern this area. The region of Italia I is exempt from this system)
Spain: Carhtago Nova (Tarraconensis VI)
Africa: Carthage (Africa Proconsularis I)
Greece: Athens (Acheae I)
Gaul: Massalia (Nabonensis I)

NPC Interactions

Forum Structure:

I. Urbs Romanum (The political epicenter of the Republic)
II. Vicinia Romanum (The residences of prominent citizens and markets)
III. Provincias (The political centers of the provinces)
IV. The Field of Mars (Battles)
V. Res Historiarum (Archives)

**~~Pontifex Maximus~~** · September 17, 2016, 12:26 PM

Dedicated players:

Pontifex Maximus
Rhapture
Brewster
Okmin
Pinkerton

Families

Maps

Diplomacy

Germanic Tribes

Cimbrii

Teutones

Suebi

Frisii

Marcomanni

Quadi

Gothones

Gallic Tribes

Aedui

Arverni

Carnutes

Sequani

Allobroges

Belgae

Veneti

Aquitani

Helvetii

Spanish Tribes

Lusitania

Celtiberi

Cantabri

Balkans

Dacia

Dardani

Dalmati

Relationship Status: Neutral
Allies: Pannoni
Rivals:

King: Teuta IV

Archaeology and onomastic shows that the Delmatae were akin to eastern Illyrians and northern Pannonii. Delmatae were a younger nomadic[citation needed] tribe in ancient Illyria (West Balkans); they emerged there since 4th century BC, partly repulsing from their area the earlier peoples of Liburni westwards, Daorsi and Ardiaei (Vardaei) eastwards. They were formed as a tribal alliance[citation needed] of culturally similar communities in 4th-3rd century BC, like the Tariotes and the others. The tribe was subject to Celtic influences.[6][7].One of the Dalmatian tribes was called Baridustae that later was settled in Roman Dacia.

The archeological remnants suggest their material culture was more primitive than this one of the surrounding ancient tribes, especially in comparison with the oldest Liburnians. Only their production of weapons was rather advanced. Their elite had the build stone houses only, but numerous Delmatic herdmen yet settled in natural caves, and a characteristic detail in their usual clothing was the fur cap.

Their nomadic society had a strong patriarchal structure, consisting chiefly of shepherds, warriors and their chieftains. Their main jobs had been the extensive cattle breeding, and the iterative plundering of other surrounding tribes and of coastal towns at Adriatic. The early independent Delmatae had been completely illiterate, and the first inscriptions there appeared since the Roman conquest.

There were some iterative Roman conflicts with the Delmatae lasting for 160 years. The main reason was the perpetual aggressiveness of nomadic Delmatae against all their neighbours and also towards the Issaean federation, Greek-led Roman allies in central Adriatic islands, and so their pacification appeared inevitable. Delmatae land was mostly a rocky calcareous country with many pathless mountains, ideal for infinite guerilla wars; thus Delmatae erected there about 400 stony forteresses and 50 major citadels against Romans.

Pannoni

Thrace

Eastern Kingdoms

Parthia

Relationship Status: Neutral
Allies:
Rivals: Armenia

King: Phraates III

The Parthian Empire (247 BC – 224 AD), also known as the Arsacid Empire, was a major Iranian political and cultural power in ancient Persia.[2] Its latter name comes from Arsaces I of Parthia who, as leader of the Parni tribe, founded it in the mid-3rd century BC when he conquered the Parthia region[4] in Iran's northeast, then a satrapy (province) in rebellion against the Seleucid Empire. Mithridates I of Parthia (r. c. 171–138 BC) greatly expanded the empire by seizing Media and Mesopotamia from the Seleucids. At its height, the Parthian Empire stretched from the northern reaches of the Euphrates, in what is now south-eastern Turkey, to eastern Iran. The empire, located on the Silk Road trade route between the Roman Empire in the Mediterranean Basin and Han Empire of China, became a center of trade and commerce.

The Parthians largely adopted the art, architecture, religious beliefs, and royal insignia of their culturally heterogeneous empire, which encompassed Persian, Hellenistic, and regional cultures. For about the first half of its existence, the Arsacid court adopted elements of Greek culture, though it eventually saw a gradual revival of Iranian traditions. The Arsacid rulers were titled the "King of Kings", as a claim to be the heirs to the Achaemenid Empire; indeed, they accepted many local kings as vassals where the Achaemenids would have had centrally appointed, albeit largely autonomous, satraps. The court did appoint a small number of satraps, largely outside Iran, but these satrapies were smaller and less powerful than the Achaemenid potentates. With the expansion of Arsacid power, the seat of central government shifted from Nisa, Turkmenistan to Ctesiphon along the Tigris (south of modern Baghdad, Iraq), although several other sites also served as capitals.

The earliest enemies of the Parthians were the Seleucids in the west and the Scythians in the east. However, as Parthia expanded westward, they came into conflict with the Kingdom of Armenia, and eventually the late Roman Republic.

Armenia

Pontus

The Hasmonean Kingdom of the Jews

The Hasmonean Kingdom of the Jews
ממלכת החשמונאים
Mamlekheth haHash'mona'im

The Factions of the Hasmonean Kingdom

Head of State: Hyrcanus II
Religion: Judaism
Capital: Jerusalem
Relationship Status: Neutral
Allies:
Rivals:

The Moderates

The moderate faction comprises the majority of Jewish citizenry and society into its numbers. Its principle aims are to continue honoring its ancient and existing religious traditions, as well as to establish itself as an independent and sovereign state. Historically, the Jews appealed to the Roman Senate, first in the Maccabean Revolts against the Seleucids, and later, to Gnaeus Pompey Magnus, personally, for aid against the Nabateans besieging Jerusalem.

Ideologies consistent with the Moderates are those of the Sadducees and the Essenes. The former are generally the aristocratic "Old Believers" of Judaism who reject the Pharisaic notion of the "Oral Torah" that is held by most Modern Jews, as well as the authority of scribes and sages, known as Rabbis. They prefer the established traditions of the priestly class that date back to Zadok, the High Priest appointed by King Solomon, circa 1000 BCE. The Essenes, on the other hand, are an ascetic sect that generally refuses to sacrifice at the Temple in Jerusalem. They feel that through Good Deeds, personal oaths, and ascetism, they can practice their mystical form of Judaism. The Essenes eschew voluntary poverty, chastity, and pacifism, and thus are largely apolitical, and congregate around the Dead Sea in the community of Qumran.

Opinion: Warm

Desires:
Trade
Alliance
Good Relations
No Opinion:
Vassalization
Hellenization
Opposes:
Annexation
Enforcement of Religion

The Hellenes

Although small in number, this particular group has the potential to grow the most. Originally, under the rule of the Seleucids, many Jews sought to aid their chances of social mobility and economic prowess by adopting the simpler and more libertine life of a Greek. Many removed the marks of the infamous act of circumcision, while other shaved their beards and adopted Greek clothing. Many attended Gymnasiums, at Greek food, and even worshipped Greek gods. This vast influx of Greek culture was a contributing factor in the devastating Maccabean Revolt, and many Hellenic Jews were either expelled or killed by their zealous compatriots.

However, as Roman dominance is beginning to emerge over the Eastern Mediterranean, it might be within Rome's best interests to encourage the Hellenization of Jews to further integrate them into the Empire.

Opinion: Very Good

Desires:
Trade
Annexation
Good Relations
Hellenization
No Opinion:
Vassalization
Annexation
Enforcement of Religion
Opposes:

The Zealots

Although small in number, this particular group has the potential to flash out into a major revolt. While most Jews are generally moderates, it is well known that the largest religious group in the Jewish community, the Pharisees, were staunch supporters of the Maccabean revolt, with Judas Maccabeus likely being one himself. The Zealots often went to extreme lengths to fight Hellenization, to the point of destroying Hellenic structures and cities.

Opinion: Poor

Desires:
Independence
No Opinion:
Alliance
Trade
Good Relations
Opposes:

Annexation
Vassalization
Enforcement of Religion

African and Mediterranean Factions

The Ptolemaic Dynasty of Egypt

Relationship Status: Friendly

Treaties:
Pharaoh: Ptolemy XIV and Cleopatra VII
Allies:
Rivals:

The Ptolemaic Kingdom in and around Egypt began following Alexander the Great's conquest in 332 BC and ended with the death of Cleopatra VII and the Roman conquest in 30 BC. It was founded when Ptolemy I Soter declared himself Pharaoh of Egypt, creating a powerful Hellenistic state stretching from southern Syria to Cyrene and south to Nubia. Alexandria became the capital city and a center of Greek culture and trade. To gain recognition by the native Egyptian populace, they named themselves the successors to the Pharaohs. The later Ptolemies took on Egyptian traditions by marrying their siblings, had themselves portrayed on public monuments in Egyptian style and dress, and participated in Egyptian religious life. Hellenistic culture thrived in Egypt until the Muslim conquest. The Ptolemies had to fight native rebellions and were involved in foreign and civil wars that led to the decline of the kingdom and its annexation by the Roman Empire. It is a fabulously wealthy land.

The Factions of Ptolemaic Egypt

Hellenic Egyptians

Ptolemy XIV

Favored by the Greco-Egyptian Aristocracy and much of the nation, the young Ptolemy XIV enjoys a number of privileges. However, of late, he is still too young to rule, and relies primarily on the eunuch Pothinus, his regent, to help him maintain rule of his country. The Pro-Ptolemy party of Egypt is strongly disinclined to accept Cleopatra VII, Ptolemy's older sister and wife, as the legitimate ruler of Egypt.

Furthermore, while in the past an alliance with Rome was viewed as being mutually beneficial against Macedon and the Seleucids, the current Ptolemaic dynasty has now begun to view Rome as a rival, and thus is relatively unwilling to accept their direct dominance over Egyptian and Eastern Affairs.
Opinion: Ambivalent

Desires:
Independence
Trade
Good Relations
No Opinion:
Alliance

Opposes:

Annexation
Vassalization

Cleopatra VII

In contrast to her younger brother and husband, Cleopatra is quite warm to Roman ambitions, though these are largely the result of a genuine rational self-interest rather than a desire to see Rome annex her Kingdom. Cleopatra is well aware that Ptolemy XIV's coming of age will render her privileges as superfluous. Moreover, considering that she is married to her brother, and that her only legal options for maintain a private and romantic life would be incestuous by nature, this further implies that her personal freedoms will be curtailed as well. Desperate for assistance, Cleopatra is likely to look for Roman benefactors, and even lovers.

Opinion: Warm

Desires:
Alliance
Trade
Good Relations
No Opinion:
Independence
Vassalization

Opposes:

Annexation
[/FONT]

Native Egyptians

While generally irrelevant and immaterial to the inner workings of Royal intrigue, the Egyptian people were nevertheless still affected by the policies and decisions of the Pharoahs. By the end of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, popular support for the monarchy was beginning to deteriorate.
Opinion: Neutral

Desires:
Independence
Trade

No Opinion:
Alliance
Good Relations

Opposes:

Annexation
Vassalization

Numidia

Mauretania

Cretan/Cilician Pirates

**~~Pontifex Maximus~~** · September 17, 2016, 12:28 PM

Starting Setting - Bellum Sociale

Historical background

Offices for 91 BCE
Consul:
Consul:
Praetor:
Praetor:
Aedile:
Quaestor:

Enemy Combatants, Milites Inimicii
Quintus Poppaedius Silo: Consul of Italia, in command of one legion and 400 horse of Marsi

Gaius Papius Mutilus: Consul of Italia, in command of one legion and 400 horse of Samnites

Lucius Cluentius: General, in command of one legion and 200 horse of the free city of Pompeii

Titus Vettius Scato: General, in command of one legion and 200 horse of Paeligni

Herius Asinius: General, in command of one legion and 200 horse of Marrucini

Total: 5 legions and 1,400 horse.

Faction goals: The Romans jealously guarded the rights and privileges associated with full Roman citizenship by only granting their allies and conquered peoples more limited arrangements of rights which might limit the right to vote, or alter the level at which a community, town, or city might be taxed. They initially wanted enfranchisement in the Roman political system and would be content to be put on an equal footing with the citizens of Rome. When this goal seemed impossible to achieve with the failure to pass a law granting the Italians full rights of citizenship, the Italian allies opted for independence.

Roman Forces
Legio I Italica
Legio II Italica
Legio III Italica
Legio IV Italica
Legio V Italica

1,000 horse

Total: 5 legions and 1,000 horse.

**Rhapture** · September 17, 2016, 01:31 PM

Does closed Family mean NPC? Or that you are using them?

I like the starting setting. Are there any Roman legions in the provinces? Can a player start with the Italians? Do you have a map of what the Italians control in Italy or is that a WIP?

**~~Pontifex Maximus~~** · September 17, 2016, 01:40 PM

Originally Posted by Rhapture

Does closed Family mean NPC? Or that you are using them?

Closed means that no other players can register family members in that family except the player that created it

I like the starting setting. Are there any Roman legions in the provinces?

I racked my brain and I think its the best possible setting to start. Immediate action and crisis. And no there won't be, the provinces will be fairly vulnerable initially. I'm thinking about just making the proconsulships held by NPCs until the Social War ends. We won't have any ex-consul characters until the end of Year 1 anyway

Can a player start with the Italians?

You can control one of those commanders if you want, but they are basically doomed if they lose. The battle system doesn't require that people be in control of enemy factions to give battle orders like we used to, but that can still happen if someone wants to do it.

Do you have a map of what the Italians control in Italy or is that a WIP?

That's WIP. My understanding of it right now is that central Italy mostly remained loyal with areas of southern Italy being the most problematic

**Rhapture** · September 17, 2016, 02:00 PM

Are those the families you are taking or just examples?

**~~Pontifex Maximus~~** · September 17, 2016, 02:03 PM

Those will be the families I am taking and I am soooo excited

**Rhapture** · September 17, 2016, 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by Pontifex Maximus

Those will be the families I am taking and I am soooo excited

Just so you can retire like Sulla and have gratuitous sex parties all the time?

**~~Pontifex Maximus~~** · September 17, 2016, 02:14 PM

Ok, wow, geez. Spoiler alert.

I'm excited because those two families will let me pursue two styles of RP that I enjoy without sacrificing one of them

**Rhapture** · September 17, 2016, 02:32 PM

WIP

Caecilia Metellus - Closed Family

**~~Pontifex Maximus~~** · September 17, 2016, 03:30 PM

**Rhapture** · September 17, 2016, 03:43 PM

I thought it was 91 BC

**~~Pontifex Maximus~~** · September 17, 2016, 04:54 PM

Doesn't mean I won't be trying to spread Roman influence

**Okmin** · September 17, 2016, 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by Pontifex Maximus

Okmin and Rhapture are going to stumble in here at some point as well.

Here's me, stumbling in.

Are we restricted to historical families, or can I be unoriginal and bring back the Marii Aquilae for yet another daring expedition into the heart of Dacia?

**Rhapture** · September 17, 2016, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by Okmin

Here's me, stumbling in.

Are we restricted to historical families, or can I be unoriginal and bring back the Marii Aquilae for yet another daring expedition into the heart of Dacia?

Bring back the eagles and let them fly high or crash and burn lol. Historical families aren't necessary. I might suggest them if someone wants to have a ready made family history upto 90 BC. But it is all unexplored story once we start anyway.

**~~Pontifex Maximus~~** · September 18, 2016, 07:18 AM

Originally Posted by Okmin

Here's me, stumbling in.

Are we restricted to historical families, or can I be unoriginal and bring back the Marii Aquilae for yet another daring expedition into the heart of Dacia?

You don't have to use a historical family, I use the names only just because they make me feel tingly. All right, three more to go

**Pinkerton** · September 18, 2016, 04:21 PM

Gens Galeria Naso - Closed family

So yeah

**~~Pontifex Maximus~~** · September 18, 2016, 04:58 PM

Updated with potential active members. Two to go until I will request a forum. I am also slated to post an advertisement site wide soliciting new players.