The Curia (91 BCE)

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Curia, Rome

The Curia of 91 BCE is now in session.

Magistrates

Consul

Quintus Valerius et Gaius Marius Aquila

Censor

Maximus Caesoninus

Pro-Consul of Graecia et Asia

Publilus Sempremonius Lucullus

Pro-Consul of Iberia

Lucius Claudius Libanus

Pro-Consul of Sicilia et Africa

Gaius Fabius Aquila

Pro-Consul of Gallia

Maximinius Regulus

Aedile

Aulus Aurelius Dolabella

Quaestor

Marcus Tullius Regulos

Tribune

Numerius Aquillius Balbinus

Praetor

Maximinius Aulio Varus et Sextus Tuccius Alexander

Events

Volcanic eruption in Neapolis - No income from campagnia for the year. The area surrounding Neapolis has been devastated by a sudden volcanic eruption. The damage to infrastructure and loss of lives has been massive. The citizens of the Naples region are requesting immediate aid.

Opportunities:

Substantive and quality RP of rescue efforts and financial expense for the sake of the the afflicted result in +1-10 populist points.

500 denarii - 25 modii of grain to distribute
1,000 denarii - ferries to traverse the bay
2,000 denarii - Hired crews to sift rough the ruins

Plebian Roll

Housing Reforms (1 points). The people are requesting housing reforms in the city of Rome itself. An influx of refugees from the south has caused a displacement of epic proportions. The displaced persons are crowding the streets, sleeping in gutters and alleyways. All the rented rooms in the city are rented as a result.

Economic consequences:

+20% income from all rental properties including tenement housing, apartment complexes etc. OR +3 populist points to any land lords that do not charge at the inflated price.

Plebeian Approval Rating: 4

Pressing Matters

• The Cantabrii have been subjugated following the battle of Vindius Mons
• Several magistracies must be filled
• New challenges arise as the new Spanish acquisitions are Romanized
• Races will be held this year, funded by the Aedile
• Vesuvius has erupted, devastating the bay of Naples region

[General Brewster]

The Censor walks in and takes his place waiting what this year will bring.

[LeoTheLion]

Marcus enters and takes his seat.

[Sonke]

Burcanius took his place.

[Okmin]

Aquila takes the consul's seat for the second year.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Gaius Primus entered the Senate. Despite the smashing successes in the provinces, disaster had struck closer to Rome this year. The eruption of the mountain had come as a complete shock. Gaius took his seat and awaited to opening of the session

[Rhapture]

Valerius enters the Senate, he ignores his seat and stands before the Senators.

"As you should all know by now, Vesuvius has erupted. This is not the first time this has happened. The gods are never truly satisfied, and no matter how hard we try, they still test us. Even when things look good, Gauls defeated, Spainish tribes retreating, a noble campaign in Thrace underway, temples and roads being constructed, there are always new obstacles to overcome. This is one of those times. When Romans must come together, patricians and plebeians alike. "

Quintus pauses, looks over the Senate, trying to meet each Senator's eyes, then continues.

"First we need accurates reports of the damages. I would like the Quaestor to personally go down there to lead this. Second we need to help all the survivors as soon as possible. We need to purchase extra grain this year, the Aediles will be in charge of this as their job demands it. I do not care about the cost for this. Buy grain from where ever, egypt, pontus, gaul, northern africa. It does not matter. The treasury will cover it. We will also need to help refugees who will look to move to Rome. Therefore I encourage senators to invest in housing this year. Get them constructed and open for business. This legion in Sicily should also approach Naples for safety and security measures."

"Lastly, Vulcan must have been displeased. Or another god asked for his help in showing their displeasure, so I will ask for larger and bigger sacrifices this year, to all Gods. Also, we should look to reinvest in our broken down and forgotten temples. The college of priests will be looking to fill its ranks. All those interested should speak up."

"If any Senator has specifics from Naples, I will ask him to speak first"

Valerius then sits.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Decimus stands up.

Droves of Romans and Italians are getting into Rome. We have begun to try and divert some of these refugees to other major cities. We may need to find a place to gain more grain for the citizens. We cannot underestimate the hundreds, if not thousands, of people who will be flooding Rome soon. The land around the eruption is devastated...it will be a long time before those are fertile again.

[LeoTheLion]

Valerius enters the Senate, he ignores his seat and stands before the Senators.

"As you should all know by now, Vesuvius has erupted. This is not the first time this has happened. The gods are never truly satisfied, and no matter how hard we try, they still test us. Even when things look good, Gauls defeated, Spainish tribes retreating, a noble campaign in Thrace underway, temples and roads being constructed, there are always new obstacles to overcome. This is one of those times. When Romans must come together, patricians and plebeians alike. "

Quintus pauses, looks over the Senate, trying to meet each Senator's eyes, then continues.

"First we need accurates reports of the damages. I would like the Quaestor to personally go down there to lead this. Second we need to help all the survivors as soon as possible. We need to purchase extra grain this year, the Aediles will be in charge of this as their job demands it. I do not care about the cost for this. Buy grain from where ever, egypt, pontus, gaul, northern africa. It does not matter. The treasury will cover it. We will also need to help refugees who will look to move to Rome. Therefore I encourage senators to invest in housing this year. Get them constructed and open for business. This legion in Sicily should also approach Naples for safety and security measures."

"Lastly, Vulcan must have been displeased. Or another god asked for his help in showing their displeasure, so I will ask for larger and bigger sacrifices this year, to all Gods. Also, we should look to reinvest in our broken down and forgotten temples. The college of priests will be looking to fill its ranks. All those interested should speak up."

"If any Senator has specifics from Naples, I will ask him to speak first"

Valerius then sits.

Marcus nods in agreement.

I concur. I shall visit as soon as I am able.

[Sonke]

Burcanius stands up
''I am not very aware of the situation, but now we must show action. If not dealt with, then the People will become very angry. We need to show, that Senators care for their Republic and do everything to help the People there. We need to act quickly and decisively to show to the People, that the Government is strong even when something like this happens.''

[Uber Patriot]

Varus strides into the Senate with the new-found arrogance befitting a Praetor

"Perhaps a show of strength is necessary. Send troops to the area to restore the confidence of citizens and help rebuild. As already mentioned sourcing more grain is very important too. How are the Republic's stockpiles?"

[The Stig]

Sextus stands.

"To help alleviate the housing crisis, I will not be charging rent on any of my tenants this year. I recommend other Senators with assets in the housing markets do the same. In addition, I promise to pour substantial resources into assisting the refugees and city of Neapolis."

[Pontifex Maximus]

Gaius stood

While I am sure we are all concerned about the devastation wrought by Vesuvius we cannot drain the Republic's treasury on rescue attempts. We are fighting two wars and we must keep this in the back of our minds. This is a time for personal contribution. Ships, grain, men to sift through the ruins, this is what we need.

OOC: Sorry, let me clarify the OP. Endeavors to earn populist points by RP and investment must be done on a personal, not state, level.

[General Brewster]

As I will be soon going on my tour trough the Empire I could first visit the South of Italy to be there for our valuable citizens, And of course pros pone there censoring.

[Rhapture]

" I would encourage the proconsulars to tax their provinces at a higher level this year, to help support any war they are leading. The reason we have a surplus in the treasury is just for occasions such as this. However, the time it would take to build new ships is prohibitive, therefore I would ask Senators to donate thier personal ships this year to procure grain."

[Okmin]

Aquila stands. "I have spent almost the entirety of my personal savings on property to house the refugees. I have also sent my ships, few though they may be, to bring in grain. Unfortunately, I cannot do much else at this time, but as soon as my treasury is replenished I will continue to do all that I can for our citizens."

[Metaluis90]

Ooc:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Altough the OP clarification, I think my character, as Aedile, should propose the building of house complexes whether they are accepted or not. [SPOILER

The Aedile Aulus Aurelius Dolabella walks into the Curia Hostilia, taking a seat in the lower tiers, on the right wing. He carefully listens today's debate, taking special account on the Vesubius' event.

Following Aquila's participation, Aulus stands up to say the following:

"Pater conscripti, I too am concerned about the newest events regarding Vulcan's wrath, and Despite the efforts made be many of the Citizens, including several of the most distinguished of all," the Aedile sees Aquila "it isn't enough. Poverty, famine and death is striking the refugees; most of them are wandering in the streets, representing not only an issue for themselves, but for the pleb".

"Inmediate actions must be taken, pater conscripti, and this is why I, invested as a Aedile by this good Senate, propose the following points to discussion;"

"First of all, Senators, in concordance with our sacred task of protecting the People of our Res Publica in this dire hour, I propose the building of a new Insula in the outskirts of the city, near the river Tiber, where the refugees will be placed to live in dignity, and not swarming the streets of our city where they suppose a threat to public order, until a new decision is made regarding the town of Pompey and its citizens - of course, this Insula will be given in rent to the refugees, and they will pay it serving our great city, how? I let you, Pater Conscripti, that decision, as it get off my faculties. I'm aware of the hard times our Res Publica is facing, such as the wars going on Hispania and Thracia, but keep in mind, Senators, that we MUST protect our City whether is in the battlefield or in the streets of Rome."

"Second and last of my proposals, I believe that the only way to calm Vulcan's wrath is to worship him! Long time has passed since a sacrifice honoring him was held. Moreover, Senators, look at his temple!" Aulus, slightly smirked as the Senators whispered to each other , "there's none." Aulus takes out a papyrus roll outside of his toga, " here are my proposals, and I"ll handle them to the president of this session"

[Rhapture]

Quintus stands up after hearing the various thoughts of the Senators.

"Senators now is that the time to blame anyone, so let us first concentrate on the task at hand, which is dealing with the refugees and securing grain from other sources than we normally rely on.
As we have much public land here around Rome, I believe it is time to use it. Do we have enough to give anyone who needs it a parcel? Of course not, so it would not be prudent to try. However, it is up to the Senators to decide what to do with it. I believe Dolabella was on the right track. Therefore here is my proposal:

Lex Publica Valerii

-The public lands on the west side of the Tiber will be sold as the city will expand.
-This land will be used for insulas, public baths and marketplaces
-Refugees from Neapolis and surrounding towns will have first opportunity to move into any new insulas constructed.

We have many wealthy merchants and other citizens who could easily invest in these buildings. They will buy the land from the Senate, thereby keeping money in the treasury. Then these citizens can hire some of these refugees to help build the new buildings. I would hope some of the Senators would take this as an opportunity to help our citizens in need.

Of course this does not relieve the immediate needs of the people who need our help, but it will allow them to have jobs and earn a living as they try to put their life back together. This is where we are the elite of Roman Society can help these less fortunate.

Personally, I am converting 2 of my farms to allow refugees to live on the land and they would also have a personal garden to help support themselves. Of course I will lose some revenue until they can find more permanent housing, but we all must sacrifice at this time.

[Okmin]

Quintus stands up after hearing the various thoughts of the Senators.

"Senators now is that the time to blame anyone, so let us first concentrate on the task at hand, which is dealing with the refugees and securing grain from other sources than we normally rely on.
As we have much public land here around Rome, I believe it is time to use it. Do we have enough to give anyone who needs it a parcel? Of course not, so it would not be prudent to try. However, it is up to the Senators to decide what to do with it. I believe Dolabella was on the right track. Therefore here is my proposal:

Lex Publica Valerii

-The public lands on the west side of the Tiber will be sold as the city will expand.
-This land will be used for insulas, public baths and marketplaces
-Refugees from Neapolis and surrounding towns will have first opportunity to move into any new insulas constructed.

We have many wealthy merchants and other citizens who could easily invest in these buildings. They will buy the land from the Senate, thereby keeping money in the treasury. Then these citizens can hire some of these refugees to help build the new buildings. I would hope some of the Senators would take this as an opportunity to help our citizens in need.

Of course this does not relieve the immediate needs of the people who need our help, but it will allow them to have jobs and earn a living as they try to put their life back together. This is where we are the elite of Roman Society can help these less fortunate.

Personally, I am converting 2 of my farms to allow refugees to live on the land and they would also have a personal garden to help support themselves. Of course I will lose some revenue until they can find more permanent housing, but we all must sacrifice at this time.

"I will support this measure; it is still the duty of the state to see to the needs of its people." He nods to Aurelius. "Even if we do have two wars to fight."

Gaius Primus stands

I have received another request from the Pro-Consul. It has reached his ears that a number of cavalry and skirmisher units are sitting in Northern Italy, unassigned. He requests that these troops be sent to Spain, but if not to Spain, then to one of the frontiers so they may at least be doing something instead of sitting in Italy. He also notes with concern the presence of the legions of Tranquillus so close to the city. He worries not for the safety of the city, but for the reputation of his nephew by law. He recommends they also be moved to the frontier to at least act as sentinels against outside invasion.

"I would suggest sending some of those forces south to assist any efforts going on around Vesuvius. As for the rest... Would they be more useful in Spain or Thrace?"

[Metaluis90]

"Thank you, Consul Valerius, for showing your support to my motion, and, of course, I also support yours" Aulus Aurelius stands up again, glad that his motion found echo in the Senate "I'd also like you hear what you think about the second point of my proposal, Consul, regarding the construction of a new temple for Vulcan, where sacrifices will be held at expense of the Senate to appease his mighty wrath..."