Villa of Gnaeus Claudius Tranquillus

[Dark Storm]

On the outskirts of Rome, lies the Villa of the Senator Gnaeus Claudius Tranquillus the villa may look opulent on the outside, but, inside a different story emerges. It is Spartan very few furnishings, this is the Villa of a soldier. Indeed Gnaeus comes from a long line of Soldiers fighting in defense of Rome, this Villa was inherited by him from his uncle after his death. Providing Gnaeus with the perfect place to live whilst as a Senator of Rome.

Biography

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Starting Age:17
Current Age: 19

Gnaeus' first year in Rome has treated him well. His year started out slow with him making some minor purchases of land and slaves, however towards the end of the year he successfully ran for the role of Quaestor and suprisingly is now engaged to the beautiful, intelligent Flavia, daughter of fellow Senator Lucius.

Soldiering has and always will be in this mans blood, the death of his father, a Roman Legionary, at the hands of the barbarians has taught him one thing; Rome cannot be relied upon to protect it's men. Therefore unlike his brothers, who rushed at the chance to become soldiers, the first oppurtunity they were given, Gnaeus decided to take a different path, his family was wealthy and well connected. Why not use that wealth, those connections for political means, rather than follow orders, give them.
He has come to Rome with one purpose, he has come to Rome for power.

Treasury

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

1st Turn Year 49BCE

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Expenditure

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

2 small farms
1 large farm
8 slaves
Gift -100
Expenditure= 4500
Current treasury= 500

Income

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Farming income
2 small farms 4 slaves applied= 700
1 large farm 4 slaves applied= 600
Income from farms for next turn= 1300

Yearly Income from Job= 5000

Yearly Income altogether for first turn=6300
Paid out on Sunday 21st August

Second turn: Year 48 bce

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Expenditure

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

1 large farm
4 slaves
Mining Venture= Failed
Gift -1000
Expenditure= 6615
Current treasury= 185

Income

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Farming income
2 small farms 4 slaves applied= 1050
2 large farms 8 slaves applied= 900
Income from farms for next turn= 1950

Yearly Income from Job= 7500

Yearly Income altogether for second turn=9600
Paid out on Wednesday 31st August

Third Turn: Year 47 bce

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Expenditure

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

1 Latifundium= 5000
10 Slaves= 1000
100 Latian Cavalry=1000
Mining Venture=2500
Expenditure= 9500
Current treasury= 285

Income

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Farming income
2 small farms 4 slaves applied= 2100
2 large farms 8 slaves applied= 2700
1 Latifundium 10 slaves applied= 1500
Income from farms for next turn= 6300

Yearly Income from Job= 15000

Yearly Income altogether for third turn= 21300
Projected Wealth= 21585
Paid out on Sunday 11th September

Fourth Turn: Year 47 bce

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Expenditure

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

1000 Latian Cavalry= 10,000
Upkeep 100 Latian Cavalry=100
11 trade ships= 11,000
Expenditure= 21,100
Current treasury= 485

Income

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Farming income
2 small farms 4 slaves applied= 2100
2 large farms 8 slaves applied= 4200
1 Latifundium 10 slaves applied= 3900
Income from farms for next turn= 10200

11 trade ships from Sicily with Silver= 4042 (-4000 public funding)

Yearly Income from Job= 15000

Yearly Income altogether for fourth turn= 23700
Projected Wealth=24225
Paid out on= Wednesday 14th September

Fifth Turn: Year 46 bce

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Expenditure

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Upkeep=1100
Expenditure= 3000
Current treasury= 20125

Income

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Farming income
2 small farms 4 slaves applied= 2100
2 large farms 8 slaves applied= 4200
1 Latifundium 10 slaves applied= 3900
Income from farms for next turn= 10200

11 trade ships to Gaul for Timber= 4840

Yearly Income from Job= 15000

Yearly Income altogether for fifth turn= 25200
Projected Wealth= 45325
Paid out on= Wednesday 21st September

Sixth Turn: Year 45 bce

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Expenditure

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Soldier Upkeep= 1200
Legion= 30000
500 Cavalry= 5000
1000 Archers= 5000
80 pieces of anti-siege equipment= 4000
Expenditure= 45200
Current treasury= 125

Income

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Farming income
2 small farms 4 slaves applied= 100
2 large farms 8 slaves applied= 200
1 Latifundium 10 slaves applied= 300
Income from farms for next turn= 600

11 trade ships= 4176

Yearly Income from Job= 15000

Yearly Income altogether for sixth turn= 19776
Projected Wealth= 19901
Paid out on= Wednesday 28th September

Seventh Turn: Year 44 bce

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Expenditure

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Soldier Upkeep= 2300
Assembly of Carthage= 7200
50 Slaves= 5000
250 Cavalry= 2500
Expenditure= 16900
Current treasury= 2901

Income

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Farming income
2 small farms 0 slaves applied= 0
2 large farms 0 slaves applied= 0
1 Latifundium 60 slaves applied= 1500
Income from farms for next turn= 1500



Yearly Income from Job= 15000

Yearly Income altogether for Seventh turn= 16500
Projected Wealth= 19401
Paid out on= Wednesday 5th October

Tranquillus Family assets

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Ex-Consul
Ex- ProConsul of Sicillia et Africa
Ex-Quaestor
12 Slaves applied to protection
2 Small farms
2 Large farms
1 Latifundium
1600 Latian Cavalry
Legio Tranquilli
1000 Archers
1/5 of a Legion: Legio XVI Aquilae
80 pieces of anti-siege equipment
60 Slaves applied to farming
11 Trade Ships- Taken by Carthage
2.0 Populist Points

Contracts

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Gaius Marius Aquila

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

As thanks for Gnaeus Claudius Tranquillus paying 6,000 denarii to fund the levying of the XVI Aquilae:
Gaius Marius Aquila will pay Tranquillus 5% of any loot kept by Aquila, up to a total of 6,000 denarii

Also:
Tranquillus will pay one fifth of the upkeep of the XVI Aquilae

[Dark Storm]

The Villa of Gnaeus Claudius Tranquillus was a hive of activity, a feast was being prepared. A feast for the family of the Quaestor and For the family of the Tribune Lucius Titus Regulus.

Throughout the day, slaves had been sent out to procure the finest ingredients for the feast, making countless trips to the marketplace to buy the necessary items. That morning the bread had been collected from the baker, freshly made ready by order of the head chef

[Dark Storm]

The kitchens had been alive with activity for the entire day, chefs putting finishing touches to Roman dishes, making sure everything was perfect





The main hall had been transformed into a lavish dining room, adorned with many expensive objects. Divans were placed and low tables were set.

The menu consisted of many dishes:

Starters

Jellyfish and eggs
Cows udders, stuffed with salted sea urchins
Patina of brains, baked with milk and eggs
Boiled tree fungi, with peppered fish fat sauce
Sea urchins, with spices and honey

First Course

Dormice, stuffed with port an dormouse legs
Peacocks eggs
Beans, asparagus and lettuce

Second Course

Sea fish with lemon
Thrushes, in honey sprinkled with poppy seeds
Slices of roasted wild boar
Roast parrot and Flamingo

Third Course

Ham boiled with figs and bay leaves
Turbot and Salmon seasoned with fish stock
Boiled Ostrich, with a sweet sauce
Fallow deer, roasted with onion sauce and raisins

Dessert

Fricassee of Roses, with pastry
Stoned dates, stuffed with nuts and pine kernels

Hot African sweet-wine cakes

A few hours before the start of the feast, the nights entertainment arrived, musicians, acrobats and poets had all been commisioned to perform for the nights guests.

The finishing touches had just been added to the food, the cushions on the divans had just been straightened, Gnaeus' family had arrived from all over Rome, and everything was in place, all that was needed now was for the guests to arrive.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Later that night...a small procession of lictors escorting the Regulus Family. Lucius was at the head with his wife, Valeria...their children, Flavia and Caelinus. Along with them came old friends and relatives of the Regulus Family...especially the retired Centurion, Marius Vitellius, a commander under Lucius and an old friend of Antonius Regulus, Lucius's father.

The procession halted as the family waited at the stairs...waiting to be let in. Lucius wore crimson robes with gold trim. His wife and daughter wore purple robes. While Caelinus and Marius wore their respective military uniforms.

[Dark Storm]

They were met at the entrance to the villa by a Greek slave, dressed in a pristine white toga. The slave bowed respectfully to the Guests, without speaking he beckoned them inside, and proceeded to walk them to an antechamber off, the main hall where the family and close friends of Senator Gnaeus were waiting.

The procession passed through the now quiet halls, where slaves, only minutes before had been applying the final touches to the decorations.

The mute slave, led the procession to the door of the antechamber, opened it and beckoned the family inside. He then slipped away to continue with the finalisation of the feast.

Inside the antechamber, ready to meet the Tribune and his family, were Senator Gnaeus Claudius Tranquillus wearing a White and Crimson synthesis, his brothers Aulus Claudius Tranquillus and Gaius Claudius Tranquillus both also wore their military clothing. The senators mother, Antonia Claudius Floriana, wore her Toga Sordida, still in mourning over the death of her husband, and lastly almost hidden from view behind her family was Aemilia, Senator Gnaeus' fifteen year old sister, shy over the presence of so many people unknown to her. Also in the room were a few of Aulus' and Gaius' military colleagues.

Upon the entry of the procession into the the Antechamber, Senator Gnaeus and his brothers bowed to their guests. Whilst his mother and sister rose gracefully from the divans upon which they had been resting Gnaeus greeted them with

"Ave friends, i welcome you to my villa. I wish to thank you all for coming tonight, to strengthen the bond between our two families."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lucius gazed upon the decorations...Quaestor Gnaeus had done a lot to impress his family. They all entered the antechamber as Gnaeus and his family greeted them. Lucius and Caelinus bowed as well, Flavia and Valeria remaining silent behind the two men.

I thank you for extending the invitation, Gnaeus. It is an honor to be in your home.

Lucius then turns and beckons a man around his late 40s to approach. He bowed to Gnaeus out of respect. Lucius then looked at the Quaestor.

This is my family friend, Marius Vitellius...a Centurion who served under my command as Legate within the Balkans. He was a friend and associate of my father. I saw this man as an old brother.

It is a pleasure to meet you Quaestor Gnaeus Claudius Tranquillus. I have known Flavia since she was born and have been seen as an Uncle to the young lady. I could not miss this for the world.

Lucius then noticed the others present. He nodded to the two men.

I take it that these two are your brothers...and the two ladies behind you are your mother and...sister perhaps?

[Ace_General]

Senator Flavius Hispansis Drusus arrives with a few of his brothers and his second in command for the speech

[Dark Storm]

"The honour is mine Senator, i am surely blessed by Fortuna to have allies such as you and your family."


Gnaeus bows to the man


"Ave Marius Vitellus, the pleasure is mine, i thank you for your words. It is an honour, to have a Centurion in my household, and an even greater honour to meet someone who has had such an impact on Flavias' life."


Gnaeus then beckons to his two older brothers standing behing him. They both bow repspectfully to the Guests standing before them. Gnaeus Gestures one of the men forward, he looks slightly older than the other man, in his late twenties early thirties and seemed more somber than his other two brothers.


"This is my brother Aulus Claudius Tranquillus, Primus Pilus of the Legio ii Italica."

Aulus bowed low again

"It is an honour to meet you. I am glad we have the oppurtunity to meet a future part of our family, and a great military family at that. I believe our father may have served with you during the war in the Balkans."

Aulus stepped back as Gnaeus' second brother stepped forward

Gaius was in his mid twenties and had also pursued a career in the military however he was more lighthearted than Aulus, a man who was easily likeable

"Ave Friends" Gaius smiled "I am Gaius Claudius Tranquillus. A Legionary of Rome, in the Legio i Victrix. It is my pleasure to meet you all."

Gaius Stepped back to join his brother Aulus

Gnaeus then Gestured forward his mother and his sister

"This is my mother, Senator, Antonia Claudius Floriana."

"Ave Senator" Antonia spoke "I hope the alliance between our families is strong and lasting"

"And this is my sister Aemilia, i have another sister Calpurnia, she is the twin of Aemlia, however she was ill tonight and unfortunately could not make it."

Aemilia stepped forward, and respectfully, albeit shyly greeted her brothers guests, she then stepped back to her mother.

[Lucius Malfoy]

It is sad that Calpurnia could not join us...I hope that she has a speedy recovery.

Lucius then introduces his son and daughter and wife to their future in-laws. Eventually everyone would be situated and Lucius would look upon those assembled.

To ensure that everyone is aware of this...my daughter, Flavia Regulus, a woman of Greek and Roman art and music is betrothed to Gnaeus Claudius Tranquillus, a noble Roman and Quaestor of the Republic. It is an honor to hand my daughter over to this man within one year. For she will be taken care of well and be kept in good hands.

Lucius looks around those.

It is sad however...that my father nor grandfather could here to see this glorious event. Julian and Antonius Regulus were fine men of Rome...celebrated generals and respected senators who helped the Republic along its journey. I know that they are smiling from the heavens above...knowing that my daughter has found a fine man to wed.

[Ace_General]

"The honour is mine Senator, i am surely blessed by Fortuna to have allies such as you and your family."


Gnaeus bows to the man


"Ave Marius Vitellus, the pleasure is mine, i thank you for your words. It is an honour, to have a Centurion in my household, and an even greater honour to meet someone who has had such an impact on Flavias' life."


Gnaeus then beckons to his two older brothers standing behing him. They both bow repspectfully to the Guests standing before them. Gnaeus Gestures one of the men forward, he looks slightly older than the other man, in his late twenties early thirties and seemed more somber than his other two brothers.


"This is my brother Aulus Claudius Tranquillus, Primus Pilus of the Legio ii Italica."

Aulus bowed low again

"It is an honour to meet you. I am glad we have the oppurtunity to meet a future part of our family, and a great military family at that. I believe our father may have served with you during the war in the Balkans."

Aulus stepped back as Gnaeus' second brother stepped forward

Gaius was in his mid twenties and had also pursued a career in the military however he was more lighthearted than Aulus, a man who was easily likeable

"Ave Friends" Gaius smiled "I am Gaius Claudius Tranquillus. A Legionary of Rome, in the Legio i Victrix. It is my pleasure to meet you all."

Gaius Stepped back to join his brother Aulus

Gnaeus then Gestured forward his mother and his sister

"This is my mother, Senator, Antonia Claudius Floriana."

"Ave Senator" Antonia spoke "I hope the alliance between our families is strong and lasting"

"And this is my sister Aemilia, i have another sister Calpurnia, she is the twin of Aemlia, however she was ill tonight and unfortunately could not make it."

Aemilia stepped forward, and respectfully, albeit shyly greeted her brothers guests, she then stepped back to her mother.

Flavius shakes all the hands and winks at Aemila and then turns toward Gneaus

What a wonderful family, sometime you should come to my estate in Hispania

Now, what buiness do we have to attend to

[Dark Storm]

Gnaeus listened to the words of the tribune and felt oddly flattered by them. This man was kind and cared a lot for those he considered friends. He waited politely for his future father in law to finish before standing to say some words as well

"Ave Guests, i thank you all for coming this evening. This night marks the start of a unification between our two families, a unification bound by the marriage between myself and Flavia Regulus. I promise that i will let no harm befall her and to make sure that she will always be safe and cared for."

Gnaeus surveyed the room

"I hope new friends will be made tonight between the members of our two families to further strengthen the bonds formed by this marriage, and i also wish my father to be here for i know he would have been proud of me, proud of all of us for this."

There was a light knocking at the door

"Enter"

A slave entered

"Master, i believe more guests have arrived"

"Splendid" He smiled

"Bring them in right away"

[Pontifex Maximus]

Severus Vipsanius Magnus arrives amid the pomp. Torches and candlelight guided him from the street up the winding path to the Domus Tranquilii. He announced his arrival to the porter and waited to be led inside and seated.

[Dark Storm]

The door was opened by a Greek slave, who bowed respectfully to the Censor. He then gestured for the censor to follow him down the silent halls of the Villa, to the large antechamber where the rest of the guests were gathered. There were raised voices, the slave realised his master was speaking. He waited a moment for it to stop, then he knocked lightly on the door.

"Enter" came a voice from inside.

The slave stepped through the doorway and announced

"Master I believe more guests have arrived"

Gnaeus replied

"Splendid, send them in right away."

As the censor entered the Antechamber, the gathered guests all bowed to him, recognising him with respect, which was rightly given to a man of such prominence.

"I thank you for coming Censor, it is an honour to have such a great man in my household. I am glad that you were able to make it."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lucius bows and approaches the Censor.

Thank you for accepting my invitation, Censor. I wish to introduce you to some of my family.

Lucius beckoned over his family. His son and daughter arrived on either side of their mother. Marius took his place on the right side of Flavia, Lucius's daughter and the one betrothed to Gnaeus. Lucius extends his hand to his wife.

This is my wife, Valeria...born and raised Greek, but married to a Roman...quite an adventure.

Greetings, Censor. It is a pleasure to meet you personally. I have only seen you a few times, but never had the honor of meeting you face to face.

Lucius chuckles lightly and extends his hands to either of his children.

My son Caelinus...he has his grandfather's features. Deemed to be a promising military commander. My daughter, Flavia...the one who is betrothed to Quaestor Gnaeus. They will marry in one years time.

It is an honor to meet a True Roman, Censor. I am Caelinus. My father speaks highly of you and your actions towards the safety and glory of Rome.

I am Flavia...it is truly an honor to have you here, Censor.

Then Marius steps forth and bows to the Censor. He wore his brilliant roman armor, the detail showing his rank as Centurion. Lucius nods to the middle aged man.

This is Marius Vitellius, a colleague of myself and my father. He served under my time as a Legate in Greece, his rank was Centurion. He is considered the Uncle of Caelinus and Flavia since Marius has done much for my children...especially helping Caelinus with his military training and exercises.

Censor Severus Vipsanius Magnus, correct? Marius Vitellius. You were the Consul last term. It is a great honor to meet you personally.

[Pontifex Maximus]

I am honored to be received so hospitably, and pleased again to see that Rome will increase in strength with yet another auspicious marriage this year. Let us hope it will prove a fertile one, so that Rome may never lack youthful energy to see to its defense, maintenance and growth. I offer my blessings to this marriage and to all present, that each passing year will see only an increase in happiness and wealth. As it happens I am also celebrating the recent marriage of my daughter earlier this year. Surely the gods have smiled upon us to see so many happily wedded off. May all of Rome's virgins soon find themselves within the house of a suitable Roman husband, and he between their legs!

Severus felt it would be inappropriate not to make an obscene comment, after all, the furies must be tricked lest they interfere for the worse. Severus then waited to be shown where he would be reclining for the ensuing feast.

[Dark Storm]

Senator Gnaeus pulled open the double doors at the back of the Antechamber. Behind them lay the Triclinium, dominating the center of the room was the feast. The starters were piled high onto the table. Gnaeus reminded himself to congratulate his head chef, who had helped to pull the feast together quite magnificently. The guests followed him through into the second room, where they were shown to their seats by slaves. Who then proceeded to offer the guest wine, they then stepped back into the shadows, whilst the party began to eat. The starter consisted of many dishes including

Jellyfish and eggs
Cows udders, stuffed with salted sea urchins
Patina of brains, baked with milk and eggs
Boiled tree fungi, with peppered fish fat sauce
Sea urchins, with spices and honey

As the guests proceeded to start eating the starter, Entertainers started to perform Acrobats, Musicians and poets all performed in front of the guests, adding a joyful nature to the evening. As wine began to flow, many of the guests became more talkative, and new friends were made between people who had never met before. As the meal progressed into the second course, Gnaeus found himself speaking to his future father in law Tribune Lucius and the Censor, Severus, about matters that were being discussed in the senate.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Severus piled several more urchins onto his plate and continued

What do you think about Gallia Transalpina being converted into a proconsulate, Gnaeus?

[Dark Storm]

"I believe that in the long term converting Gallia Transalpina, would be fundamental, to our war efforts within Gaul, it would provide us, with a man dedicated who would be fully dedicated to the defense of our regions there, leaving the Senate mainly free to concentrate on other more troublesome areas. Of course he wouldn't be able to attack, without our say so, but defence wise it would be a great boost to our efforts to retain Gaul, and should a problem arise, we would have a man equiped with the right skills, to deal with them. It would also help to start the Romanisation of Gaul. Fighting is only half the battle, the other half is retaining what you have fought for, so you can put it to good use." Gnaeus smiled "So what are your opinions on the matter Censor?"

[Pontifex Maximus]

Gaul is a treacherous place, both militarily and diplomatically speaking. I endeavor to present a plan to the Senate to create a Proconsulship with the goal to be the expansion of that province further north. Of course firm leadership shall be required in this new province, and I intend to run for governor myself to see this plan come to fruition.

Chewing an urchin, the Censor continued

I could subdue half of Gaul with four or five legions in one year. The west must be subjected to Roman rule while other areas remain silent, particularly in the east. The strategic value of doing this is twofold, to cut off Spain to access from roving bands of Gallic raiders and to extend Roman dominion north into the Gallic heartland. Here we will find enough land and slaves adequate to keep Rome booming for decades. In effect, Gaul and Spain will provide the raw materials to feed the Roman furnace that will allow us to extend our reach further into Asia and beyond. I intend to array all the powers of my estate towards that end.

[Dark Storm]

"I believe i would support you in that Senator, both in the plan and in the runningfor the position, who better to subdue the Gauls than 'Magnus'"