(Inactive) Villa of Appius Acilius Brocchus

[Basileus10]

The Villa of Brocchus is set in the countryside of Campania. There are two small income farms which help to support it with four slaves set to manage the farms. ( 2 x small farms = 1,100 denarii + 4 slaves = 400 denarii - Total = 1,500 spend. Leaves 8,500 denarii for Brocchus in his treasury).
The farms in Campania have been well managed over the generations. They produce a mixture of olives and grapes for wine and oil which is mostly for consumption in the region. The fields also grow wheat and on the higher slopes of the hills sheep and cattle are kept.
The summers are hot here, but the summer breeze off the sea makes life more than good. The old men tell tales of when the Carthagians were based in this area during the days of the Punic Wars under Hannibal after the terrible battle of Carrhae and how they the Carthaginians lost their martial quality due to the the wines of Campania and the beauty of its women.
The architecture still shows an influence of the Greeks who once settled in this area and on the local customs.

[Dark Storm]

Quaestor Gnaeus Claudius Tranquillus arrives to greet the new Senator

[Basileus10]

Appius Acilius Brocchus welcomes the Quaester to his home. He provides refreshments for him and invites him to rest, join his family as a guest for the evening meal and stay overnight in the villa before returning. Brocchus uses the opportunity of Tranquillus' visit to bring himself up to date on the politics of Rome as he has of late been concentrating on his farms and family matters.

[Dark Storm]

"Thank you Senator for your kindness. Now what is it you wish to know about the politics of Rome?"

[Basileus10]

My noble friend, thank you for your help. There is so much to ask but like life we cannot know all in one go, if ever.

But first, let me apologise for after today I will not be able to communicate with you for a few days as I will be leaving my villa to visit relatives but trust that I will be back after that to continue our conversation.

Where does one enter the politics of Rome. You may have seen I have made a minor speech in Rome itself where I try to reflect on the virtues of Rome rather than faction politics. However, I may have offended some of the more powerful families. Your guidance would be appreciated?

How would you consider I should engage in matters military? For it could be the right way to dedicate ones self to the service of Rome.

These are many questions and I will not ask more at this stage in order to not tire the patience you have offered me so far. But be certain that in all things as a true Roman I place Rome first in all things.

Your Loyal Friend, Brocchus.

[Okmin]

Senator,

You are cordially invited to attend a feast celebrating the 40th anniversary of Consul Gaius Marius Aquila's birth.

The event will be held in his villa in the spring of next year. The finest food and wine in Italia will be served, and, of course, there will be entertainment of all sorts.

A prompt reply to this letter is appreciated.