Domus Gaii Cassii Caudexis

**Tazgrent** · December 09, 2010, 02:19 PM

Gaius Cassius Caudex

Age: 40

Personality: Somewhat of a firebrand, slow to support issues, but when he does, he will defend them with vitriolic fervor. He can't stand flaunters and braggarts and is keen to make little of or insult things which he does not support. He tends to ramble occasionally, but tries to stay on topic.

Background: Served a stint in the military, but his family once ran one of the largest construction firms in Umbria. They lost the fortune, but enough was left for Gaius' parents to come to Rome, and for his family to be eligible for Senate class. Growing up, Gaius was always fascinated with engineering and urban planning, and held several clerical jobs at various architectural offices until entering politics. He is married to the sister of Lucius Valerius Poplicola.

Physical appearance: Somewhat tall, with jet black hair and a rather small nose. He maintains an air of being either on the edge of a laugh or violence; it's hard to tell which. He recently suffered a wasting illness and uses an oak walking stick. Whether or not he needs it is unknown.

Political views: Somewhat of a populist, but not beyond getting behind any motion he supports, regardless of backing.

Goals: He desperately wants to be Aedile, but is interested in other positions if it means getting his family's wealth back and making a difference.

The home is finally in mint condition. After being admitted through a large bronze door, you enter an atrium with a floor of green polished marble and come into a small courtyard. A slave stands at the door and asks "How can I help you, sir?"

**Rex Basiliscus** · December 19, 2010, 12:49 PM

Basiliscus replies while still watching the house of the praetor with some interest.

Tell your master that senator Basiliscus wishes to speak with him.

**Tazgrent** · December 19, 2010, 01:47 PM

The Slave returns to the door. "The Praetor will see you now." You enter an atrium with a pool, now filled with water, and growing saplings. Cassius sits besides it and turns to you. "Do forgive the detestable state of my home. I was forced to move back here after I lost my villa in Capua and it has been in disrepair. How can I help you, Senator?"

**Rex Basiliscus** · December 19, 2010, 03:10 PM

Basiliscus smiles. "Do not worry Praetor, you have a lovely home. It reminded me when I was just a boy, of our old house which used to be in lesser state, but they were years of joy then." Basiliscus quickly interupted his thoughts and continued in a friendly tone. "I hope you are in good health. I hear you're going to run for Tribune of the Plebs. They need a strong voice in the senate chamber. Especially when the majority are more or less Optimates. I will support you in your candidacy knowing you are the right choice and I don't think there will be much opposition anyway.
But let me get to the matter of my visit. As you might have heard, I have put myself as a candidate for consulship. I may not be very experienced among the senators, but I always have the good of the Republic at heart. With that said, I hope I can gain your advice, support and friendship. I cannot offer you something you don't already have, but I will also offer you my friendship aswell. After all, we are both representatives of the people. I may be a Patrician, but I remember where I came from.
Basiliscus tried to clear his throat. It was dry, as he hadn't had a sip since morning. He looked back at Cassius. "I hope you have some wine. My throat is just awefull today."

**Tazgrent** · December 19, 2010, 07:15 PM

Cassius waved his hand. "No worries, winter often brings such aliments to men. Have some more wine." Cassius called for a slave holding a pitcher. "As for support, any man in Rome will have my support as long as he has the interests of the people at heart. That is my only loyalty. I play no party game here, Senator. The names of Optimates and Populares mean little to me. I only see Reason and Greed."

**Rex Basiliscus** · December 20, 2010, 03:54 AM

Basiliscus drank gratefully. "I thank you senator. I should be moving, I need to adress some domestic issues. I'll talk to you soon, I hope and if you visit my home, have the opportunity to offer you some of my refreshments aswell." He smiles and hastily takes his leave.

**Caesar Julianus Morelli** · December 20, 2010, 08:15 PM

A slave arrives late in the afternoon bearing a scroll from Gnaeus...

Dearest G. Cassius,

It is great news indeed to hear of your marriage. I would have liked to attend, unfortunately our duty to Rome must be put first.
As soon as the rebellion is put down, I shall visit you and your new wife with many gifts. I shall find the best wine in Italia, and make sure
it is delivered to you post haste. Again, thank you for the invite my dearest friend, may the gods bless your Marriage.

Gn. Iunius Caesar

**War lord** · December 20, 2010, 08:33 PM

Tribune,
I like to think of myself as a man who does not make enemies lightly,but when I do make them they are my enemies for life.I will give you one more chance not to be my enemy.

For the Senate and people of Rome.

Aulus Caelius Caldus,

**Rex Basiliscus** · December 21, 2010, 06:40 AM

A slave brings a message from Consul Basiliscus

Dear friend and colleague Cassius,

I must inform you with great sadness that I must refuse your invitation. I am unable and unfit to participate in your wedding aswell as share your joy, for while you have gained a companion in your life, I have lost mine. My wife is dead. She has died three days ago and since then I haven't been able to do my duties as consul, though I wished. I ask you to inform the senators of the reason of my absence, because I must focus on organizing the funeral. I would ask you to be here, but I do not wish to ruin your ceremony.
I wish you joy in your new, married life and hope to see you as soon as my duties are done here.

Regards, your friend Titus Basiliscus Aquila

**Caesar Julianus Morelli** · December 22, 2010, 09:28 PM

A messenger in full Roman legionary garb arrives at the Villa of Senator Cassius. With him he carries a scroll with
the seal of the Iunii.

Dear Cassius,

I hope this letter finds you well. Again I must apologize for my inability to be present at your most
majestic wedding. This said, are there any news from the senate. I feel as a blind and deaf fool,
I am still settled on the northern shores of Bruttium awaiting the betterment of the men.

On another note, it seems the garrison of Crotona is nothing but a rabble of men quickly thrown
together. This should be a quick and simple siege. I will send word to you again as soon as
we have taken control of Crotona.

Gn. Iunius Caesar

**Rex Basiliscus** · December 24, 2010, 04:57 PM

A messenger arrives and hands a message from consul Basiliscus to the slave at the gate.

My dear friend Cassius,

I have been informed of the victory in Iberia of my co-consul and of his proposal to extend his imperium there for another two years at minimum. I do not know how I feel about this, but I think someone should veto it. Since I am not in Rome to do that, I would ask you to do so. Consul Aemilius is gathering too much power in his own hands. First he almost ousted me from military command and then he proposes to extend his own in Hispania? However, I do not want to press you - you are the tribune. It is up to you to consider if my assumptions hold any water.

I would however ask you to propose a motion to extend my command here against the rebels, for I wish to finish what I've started. If, or should I say when Capua falls, I want to march on Crotona, but my term as consul will be over soon and I do not believe I can get to Croton before that.
After Crotona, I will resign to a province as proconsul.

If you have any message for me, give it to the messenger who brought this letter, for he has instructions to bring orders from the Senate aswell.

Stay in good health,
Titus Basiliscus Aquila

**M D** · December 30, 2010, 05:03 PM

Propraetor Caudexis,
Salutations to you and your province. I trust all is well. I also from my heart thank you, it is clear you have as high an opinion of the people as me. I am sure when you return to Rome, we could become close. For now, I must tackle Scaurus alone.

My thanks once more,
Lucius Caelius Gracchus