Domvs Geminii, upon the Palatine

[Nota']

Name: Spurius Geminius Scaeva
Age: 51
Class: Patrician

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Those plebs, those dirty plebs... What are they doing to Rome? They are infecting the senate, whilst also subverting its authority with that cursed council of the plebeians. The senate cannot block the Council, yet within the senate itself there are tribunes who can block the decision of the entire senate with one word... 'Veto'. Romulus picked the men in the original senate for a reason, they were noble, and he'll be cursing our names in hell for letting those peasants into the halls of the senate.
Of course, what choice did the Patricians have, when those men abandoned Rome in her hour of need, with two enemies at their gates, they abandon her for political gain, if that is the beginning of plebeian power in Rome, then it pertains a terrible future for Rome.

Its not like plebeian power even helped the plight of the average man, the rich, pseudo-Patrician families, rising from the masses act just as selfishly as their ancestors did, the poor remain poor under the plebeians.

Spurius comes from a long line of Patricians, directly descended from multiple members of Romulus' senate. He lives in the past, is likely to work against major change, and is constantly working to reverse the increasing power of the plebs. It pains him to even speak to a plebeian senator, and is known to make snide remarks about them behind their backs. Spurius is currently buying up swathes of italian farmland, and converting much of it to the more profitable vineyards, manning them with his own slaves. As a result Spurius is now one of the richest men in Rome, and his magnificent villa represents this. His clothes also reveal his wealth, in the senate he wears a magnificent toga, with a large stripe of Tyrian purple running down his front. He is most generous to his friends, bailing out Patricians who have come upon bad times, as a result he is never short of friends, and many a man owes him a personal debt, including the Valerii and more recently the then Praetor Flavius Julius Corvenus.

Years he held the office of Quaestor

-483 AUC

Years he held the office of Praetor

- 485 AUC
- 486 (Illegally)

Years he held the office of Consul

-484 AUC

Spoiler for 483 Ab Urbe Condita: 

Scaeva burst onto the political scene running for and succeeding in becoming Quaestor for that term. Before then Scaeva had chosen to remain in the background of the senate, influencing the magistrates from the shadows. He started the term with a report that broke with tradition to say the least. He told of a mass theft from Rome's treasury, totalling in 283 talents of gold and riding the outrage at this Scaeva more than hinted that his then rival Marcus Sempronius Sophus, the previous Quaestor was responsible.

The theft was in fact carried out by Scaeva himself, who one dark dank night sent home all of the Quaestors and most of the guards; those who stayed that night have since disappeared. Spurius then adorned a hooded cloak and with the help of many Carthaginians loaded the gold into a set of carts. After completing that arduous task he took a seat at the lead cart and led the train down to the docks along the shortest route that happened to lead past the Thermae. Apart from some oddly placed jars and a few more snakes than what was to be expected at that time of year Rome was silent and as normal. The carts halted outside the abandoned warehouse 26 in Ostia, where at the attached dock small Carthaginian ships were waiting to take the gold all the way to Carthage.

Scaeva had invested the gold in a Carthaginian trade company fearing that the gold would be found if it remained in Rome with him, little did he know how successful this investment would become.

After much jingling, clunking and clinking all of the gold was loaded, Scaeva ushered the Carthaginians onto the ships and paid the captain more then enough for his work.

Meanwhile in the Senate much to Scaeva's surprise and horror Rome calls for declaration of war were being made over the breaking of a treaty and some pirates in Massena. The war was as quickly fought as it had been begun, and Consul Flavius Julius Corvenus (a former friend of Scaeva's) led Legio I to Sicily, where he conquered the pirates, then the very recently allied state of Syracuse. Obviously maddened by a lust for glory he attempted an assault on Carthage herself, which of course failed. This led to Scaeva unofficially giving him the titles 'the Mad' and 'the Butcher'.

Soon after Rome's defeat Carthage sued for peace, giving terms that while unfavourable to Rome benefited Scaeva immensely, Carthage wanted trade restrictions to be laid upon Rome, so as to expand her own trading empire, a trading empire that was now in no small part Scaeva's too. Seeing the opportunity to make himself the richest man alive Scaeva whole heartedly supported the peace negotiations. This coupled with vast profits made from cheap exports from Rome due to Rome's lack of gold; did make him the richest man alive.

Spoiler for 484 Ab Urbe Condita: 

WIP

Spoiler for 485 Ab Urbe Condita: 

WIP

[Maiar93]

Flavius arrives in front of the Domus. It is already late noon, and there was excitiment in the air. The wind itself smelt nervous, or then Flavius just sensed it.

It was already slightly chilly outside. A slave opens the door, and before he can say anything Flavius says:

Flavius Julius Corvenus is here to speak with your master.

[Nota']

*The slave nods and leads Flavius into a study where he finds Spurius working at some scrolls.*
Ah Flavius, welcome to my not so humble domain.

*Upon looking around you notice that everywhere Spurius' wealth is displayed, everything is of superior quality, from the eastern carpets to the decorated ceilings.*
But come, let us sit in a more sightly area, I find this study lacks light and air for socialising.

*He tells the slave to bring out some wine, and carry out a blank piece of parchment and pen with it. Flavius is lead out to a more spacious and airy room that looks out upon the more wealthy part of the city. While fewer ornaments hang from the walls, the quality of what is there is just as noticeable. Spurius and Flavius sit at a small table. The slave brings the bottle of wine, and two fine Carthaginian glasses, and the requested parchment and pen, the slave then leaves. Spurius fills the glasses to the brim with wine, takes a sip of his and begins to speak.*

Firstly, a very delayed congratulations on your attaining of Praetor. I must say it seems you have already tamed the plebs somewhat, for I have noticed crime is becoming a somewhat rarity. Now tell me one thing Flavius. How does a man that competent, that noble come into financial difficulties?
*Spurius smiles sincerely, trying to set up a casual and friendly atmosphere.*

[Maiar93]

Flavius takes the wine and clears his throat.

My father became a drunk and wasted my family's fortune. Just recently i have made my way back up.

He answers to the smile, and retaining his friendly tone he continued:

Of course, my wealth is still not the same it was. I still have some debts to pay. But now onto you. By the look of your domus i can tell that you are very rich. For example, these decorations. They are very beautiful and well-made. I sometimes wonder how the stonecutters manage to make such beautiful objects..

Flavius laughs heartily and sips from his goblet.

[Nota']

Still, I hear you still have debts. Why do the gods allow noble patricians to fall upon such hard times through no fault of their own, while they allow dirty plebs like Caldius to rise from the streets?
*Spurius visibly grimaced at the name.*
I will never know the answer. Now, I see it as my duty to reset the balance. Perhaps the gods do care and have inspired me to do so; again I cannot fathom their workings.
To business, to reset this balance we must first clear your debts. Write here the names and ranks of all the men who must be hounding you, and if any are particularly disreputable characters note that also.
*Spurius moves the pen and parchment across the table to Flavius.*
Don’t think of it as a loan, I certainly won't charge interest in the very unlikely event I require the money to be repaid, but I'm sure that won't happen. Now of course I only offer such generous terms to a close and loyal friend. Can I consider you a close and loyal friend Flavius?

OOC: I'm trying to hint that Spurius expects your support if you take the money.

[Maiar93]

OOC: So bribery

Flavius looked at the parchment, deep in thought. 'Would the gains be greater than the limits i may have to face..'

Smilingly he said:

How wonderful of you to offer it to me! You can trust on me.
He wrote the men's names to the parchment. One of them was a plebeian merchant and one was an equestrian.

[Nota']

*Spurius takes the parchement while smiling. I shall have them dealt with straight away. He eyed the name of the merchant.*
Are you sure this merchant fellow is decent, I mean I swear I've heard his name associated with gangs of some sort, but I cant remember the specifics.

*He motions to a slave who brings a fine pouch containing many gold coins*
Now, this is to get you on your feet. Hopefully it will allow you some luxuries in life, something you should expect as a Roman noble. It should be enough until your income fills your coffers once more.
*Spurius fills up his own glass and tops up Flavius which had yet to be emptied. 'This could be an extremely beneficial relationship he thought, this may be a man I could raise up to Consul in these elections or the next' he thought. The campaign would require money of course, but one thing Spurius was not short of was money, and it would be well worth having an ally in such a high place, and he would not forget old Spurius like Poplicola did, no not this time, he would not allow it.*

[Maiar93]

Flavius takes a deep sip from his goblet, and said while he laughed:

No, Spurius. The plebeian is a fine fellow for his kind. He is a senator in the Senate nowadays.

He takes the gold pouch and thanks Spurius and his slave.

Very many thanks to you, Spurius. I am, indeed, in debt for you. Without you i would've fallen to the same level i was a few years ago: a servant for a patrician family. With this, i'm sure i can establish my relationships and get the trade ongoing again, not to leave out my lands. They can be used for farming, and i could become an important wheat seller for Rome.

He smiles to Spurius:

Maybe that factor could be important for our future..

A slave runs to the domus, carrying a letter to Corvenus.

It's Spurius. The merchant has asked you to pay your debts.

Flavius hands the letter to Scaeva.

It seems he is getting little anxious, poor pleb.

[Kubrick]

A Greek slave knocks on the door.

'I come here to collect the debt of Flavius Julius Corvenus. One season has past and my master, Marcus Sempronius Sophus, wishes to receive the agreed amount.'

Kleitos sighs, the poor fellow probably hasn't even got a dime to sit on, let alone enough pay Semprionus back..

[Maiar93]

The slave which just came in opened the door.

Corvenus greets Kleitos:

You came to collect my debt for your master?

He looked at the slave, smiling mockingly:

Come in. Meet my friend Spurius Geminius Scaeva..

OOC: Sorry jplay, it's up for you to piss him off and such ^^

[Nota']

*Spurius paused, astounded that a slave of a pleb had been led into a private meeting between him and a friend. The thought of having the slave beaten to a pulp and returned to his master flashed through his mind, even though he chose a more passive option.*
How dare you! Get out, can't you see Flavius and I are having a private meeting here? Go tell your master he will get his money, although if he keeps hounding Flavius here he'll get something extra he will not expect or appreciate! Are you still here? Get out!

[Maiar93]

Flavius eyes the slave when he ran off in terror.

I think that his master will be angry. Can i lend one of your slaves? I will send the money to him.

[Nota']

No need, I shall send one of my slaves to do it now. Nicia, take out this ammount from my treasury, and taking it to Marcus Sempronius Sophus' domus. That is of course AFTER you complete your other duties.
*A large man comes to the table, takes the note detailing the amount owed and the name of the lender, and then leaves the room.*

[Maiar93]

A patrician cavalryman rode to the domus's door. His horse was sent to the stables nearby and he came in, armour-clad and all.

We found this by your Villa, Corvenus. We did not catch the men who did this, but if we see them again we will deal with them.

The cavalryman hands the parchment:

Flavius Julius Corvenus,

I, Marcus Sempronius Sophus, write to you in great sadness. A certain time ago you came to me, in need of money you said, the rich and kind person I am I have lent you the amount you desired. We also agreed you would pay it back. This has not happened. So I send out my loyal servant to collect it, he was violently removed from the mansion of Senator Scaeva.

You have failed to pay off your debt.
You have mistreated my dear servant.
You have broken your promise.

I ask for one thing, that is my money. I still have trust in you.

M. Sempronius Sophus

The cavalryman backed a few steps to the shadows and out of sight, knowing the etiquette.

[Nota']

*Spurius expressed minor annoyance*
I must protest at the constant intrusions. Never the less it has been dealt with, I'm sure Flavius here can attest to that.

[Maiar93]

Flavius rose from his seat, expressing minor annoyance as Scaeva did.

For this you disrupt our conversation? Spurius sent you? Oversensitive, he is. Get away from here and destroy that parchment while you're at it.

The cavalryman took the parchment and went.

Now do we have other matters to discuss?

[Nota']

Well nothing is paticularly pressing comes to mind. However that certainly does not mean we cannot continue talking.
Now, tell me, have you considered running for Consul next elections?

[Maiar93]

He looked to the senator. His face remained calm and observant, but just a blink in his eyes proved that he was surprised.

That i would run as Consul? Now, dear friend, I do have to admit that such thoughts did pass my mind when we heard of the saddening death of our Senior Consul!

He smiled and said:

Not that I would be able to win the competition, of course.

[Nota']

Why ever not? There are few qualified to take the position, and Poplicola will not be able to continue the position next year. You will not have much competition.

[Maiar93]

Flavius was unconvinced. He thought of Atrius.

We will see next year. Now have you thought of running for an office, for Praetor for example?