The estates of Quintus Valerius
Quintus stood with his foreman, looking out over hundreds of acres from a small hill. A small stream divided this smaller farm, from the larger one on the other side. The slaves were already dividing the land into parcels, while others were building shelters from wood and stone. The plans for a peach orchard would need to be delayed. The structures would be crude, mostly 2 rooms a piece, but they would be enough. Some would certainly move back to their homeland when it was cleaned up, others would stay in Rome, too terrified to go back, perhaps a small village might even start around the estates.
The foreman continued, pointing here and there for Valerius, while his steward took notes.
"We should have enough room for 200 families on this side of the river, and 300 families on the other side. With 20 slaves parceling it out, 60 are already working on the buildings. Some are finished, and by the end of this week we could start by taking in 50 families. There is ample water, and we are working on a place to dispose of waste.
"This is all going very smoothly so far, Marcus, " Valerius replied. "I will have my agents in Rome recruit some refugees tomorrow then, and provide carts and other transportation, they won't have many belongings. We will have to set someplace for a tailor, to make and repair clothes. "
"Yes sir, it will be taken care of." The foreman said.
Every disaster always provided opportunities for those who looked for them. Quintus was glad he was a Consul at this time, strong leadership would guide Rome through this trouble. Hopefully this land and building proposal would not meet tough opposition. It shouldn't, but you never knew with some of these Senators, especially these Quaestors, damn they were tighter than a snare drum last year!
The Steward spoke up, "We willl lose 55% of the farm revenue for the next two years at least, Quintus. Plus the construction costs and transportation costs. 4000 on construction, 1000 transportation. Loss of 1400 per harvest. Setting up merchants to support will be another 500."
"Yes, I know, Decimus."Valerius stated. " Just keep track of it all, and make sure we get all the families names down and how many they all have. Oh and make sure we have some sort of doctor here too. I am sure they will not all be healthy. Add another 500 for grain to start. We may have to spend more later. But having them farm the land will be a large help. And of course all these people will remember the name of Quintus Valerius."
ooc: total cost 6000 with 500 of that on grain. Loss of 1400 farm income this year and next.
+6 populist points
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