The Proconsulate of Gallia Transalpina

[Pontifex Maximus]

Massilia

Gaul offers the Empire a resource at a premium in Italy- land. The Ager Publicus of Italy has long been dominated by wealthy land owners, but the Gallic fields offer a tempting opportunity to Roman settlers. There is just one problem- the Gallic tribes. Eventually either by warfare or diplomacy, Gaul must be annexed. The Romans have carved out a small section in the more civilized southern region of the Province, but more uncivilized tribes live just north of the Rhone river.

[ulti]

A letter arrives at the front line.

Severus,

Your hopes are true, I fare better than I fear you fare. Though with some opposition, I will most likely be sent to Spain, where I plan a quick, decisive campaign. There has been talk in the Senate about your situation, though many believe that you are able to hold them off whilst they decide legislation. I have confidence in you, though am a realist and know that your legions will not be enough to hold back the full tide of the tribes if they decide. So I implore you, if need be, use your loyalty within the legions and have them march to you. The bill being voted upon now reqiures one of the Italian legions to be sent to Hispania along with my legion, however the I Victrix and III Italia should still listen to your command.

If you feel this step is necessary, do not hesitate. I will protect your actions, silence your opposition in the Senate if need be. Do what is necessary for Rome, do not let the Senators concern you.

Lucius and Cornelia are a happy young couple, currently staying in my country villa. From his last letter, I hear they are enjoying long rides together, carefree. I am happy for them, though I fear I must pull him away from this bliss. It is time he learnt the ways of the real world. I intend to have him experience a battle in Hispania, though he will be protected by the family bodyguards, Regulus and Dominicus.

Faithfully,
Your friend and ally,
Decimus

[ulti]

Another letter arrives for Severus.

Severus,

Great news, for us both! As I write this the I Victrix and III Italica march towards you, and the II Italica and I Artilli march towards Hispania! I am to go there with haste and ensure a swift victory for Rome.

Though I must bring to you bad news - though you have no doubt heard through your legates. The fools we call our ambassadors to the east have failed us once again - they would have us pay a princely sum of 15,000 Denarii for almost nothing, except a lone hostage. Then, in a shocking turn, the Proconsul of Greece himself arrived in the Curia, a most disturbing act. Before I leave, I will set the motions for him to be prosecuted for dereliction of duty, he threatens the lives of many in Greece by his rash act.

I fear for the Senate in my departure, I can only hope that Scipio remains true to what he has displayed in the past. If not, we may return to unsavory times.

With trepidation,
Your friend and ally,
Decimus

[Lucius Malfoy]

After a few days travel, Praetor Lucius Titus Regulus and his friend, Marius Vitellius arrive...clothed in their military uniforms. They arrive at the provisional capital of the Proconsulate and tell the guards who they are and why they are here.

Lucius wears his Legate uniform while Marius wears his Centurion armor.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Gallo-Germanic warchest: 10,000 denarii

-1,500 denarii to replenish the 12th Legion
-4,535 denarii to replenish the 1st and 10th legions (Replenished 2261 to the X and 2,274 to the 1st, September 22)
-3965 Replenishing legions
----

0 remaining

[cfmonkey45]

The Ides of March



Despite the campaigns of Proconsul Severus, most of Gaul remained outside of Rome's sphere
of influence. Marcus Licinius Scipio truly knew that he was stepping on the very
edge of Roman civilization.

The new Proconsul's ship arrived early in the evening after travelling a fortnight from Rome. The chilled air clung to the still waters of Massilia's harbor while in the distance, Helios seemed to depart to the gardens of Hesperides. A quick thanks was given for a safe journey while Scipio was greeted by Titus Proteus, the Proquaestor of Massilia, and Lucius Vorenus, a Centurion in the Veteran Legio I Victrix and his designated escort to Argentoratum, the seat of Germania Superior. The meeting was quite informal, yet Lucius was keen to keep up with the proper decorum befitting a Roman Promagistrate. Proteus, however, being a Greek colonist and new citizen, awkwardly forwent that same greeting.

"Ave, Proconsul. I trust your journey was pleasant?"

"Ave, and indeed it was. Tell me, what of the situation of Gaul? What are our finances? The state of our legions? Are the Germans truly pacified, and what of the Aedui?"

Proteus, the proquaestor, spoke first. Scipio could tell that Vorenus did not think much of the impulsive Greek. It took more than a mere toga and Roman name to make a true Roman.

"The finances are good, no debts, thank the gods. However, our treasury is somewhat depleted from the Gallic Wars. Most of our land is farmland, and we have a healthy influx of settlers and colonists from Latium and much of Italia, helped in no small part by the construction of the Roman highway system."


"Proconsul, Gaul has been mostly pacified, though we have expanded deep into Germania and now are bordering not just the Rhine river, but also the Belgae, Marcomanii and Frisii. In the East, we have not contacted the Aquitani in some time, and the Veneti and Carnutes have yet to receive Roman diplomats. Further, we have news that Ex-Consul Severus Vispanius Cincinnatus has moved his three legions back to Italia, which leaves our forces spread thin across Gaul. We are vulnerable, Proconsul. Very vulnerable."

Scipio thought for a moment.

"Proteus, get me two lists, first of the projected earnings for this year and second of the most recent census. I will petition the Senate for additional funds to raise Proconsular legions, and then, tomorrow, Vorenus and I shall ride for Argentoratum and there I will inspect the our current troop dispositions and make plans from there."

[Pontifex Maximus]

A letter arrives for the Pro-Consul:

Ave Marcus,

As no doubt you are aware I have mobilized several legions stationed in Gaul without explicit orders from the Senate. I assure you that the wellbeing of your province is not out of my mind. Once order has been restored I shall return the legion to the province. In the meantime if any disturbances arise call upon the Aedui for aid. They will remember what they owe to Rome. I wish you good fortune. Do not allow yourself to be troubled by the happenings in Italy, for soon they shall be resolved and the Republic restored to its former glory. I would be devastated to hear that you have left your province on account of disputes in Italy, for to do so would surely be to threaten our Gallic holdings by merits of your and your army's absence.

In good faith,

Severus Cincinnatus

[Dark Storm]

A letter arrives;

Due to the recent upheaval all Pro-Consuls are asked to meet in Messana to discuss the republic, with those of the true Senate. Also there is a bill recently passed that concerns them;

1. All proconsulates and provinces loyal to the true senate close their ports to any trader loyal to Severus Magnus, and shall send their provincial incomes directly to Sicily

If you are loyal to neither, please state that in Messana, if you are loyal to Severus, please state that in Messana.
Thank you

Consul Gnaeus Claudius Tranquillus

[Lucius Malfoy]

A letter arrives from Rome

Proconsul of Gallia Transalpina,

In these dark hours, support is needed for the people of Rome. Consul Tranquilus with those loyal to himself fled to Messana and are fortifying Sicily as well as preparing for an assault perhaps. The great Conqueror of Gaul and Germania, Severus Magnus has taken control of Rome in a bloodless strike...the people have welcomed him with open arms. He has done what he can to pacify the people and prepare for his campaign against Tranquilus and those at Messana. He wishes to broaden his support and unite the Republic once more under the true banner of Rome. I ask you, Proconsul, which side will you take? Will you side with the men who control the seat of Romulus and are supported by the people of Rome or will you side with the Senate in Exile at Messana, led by Consul Tranquilus? If you chose to join Severus the Conqueror, you shall be greatly rewarded as a thanks for your support. I ask that you respond quickly to this message.

Lucius Titus Regulus
Consul and Praetores Urbanes of Rome

[Dark Storm]

A letter arrives;

The Senate requests that you guard your pro-consulate from any attack that may occur, and keep peace with the legions you have left. We are glad you are doing your best to ensure your pro-consulate is secure, and for that the Senate shall reward you richly for your efforts in this time of uncertainty, stay strong Pro-Consul, and know this, the forces of Severus the Dictator, will not destroy Rome.

Gnaeus Claudius Tranquillus

ps- Good luck my friend