The Curia, 42 BCE

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Curia, Rome

The Curia of 42 BCE is now in session.

Magistrates

Consul

Gaius Laelius Sapiens Faustus et Octavius Atilius Regulus

Censor

none

Pro-Consul of Graecia et Asia

Titus Marius Aquila

Pro-Consul of Sicilia et Africa

vacant

Pro-Consul of Gallia

none

Pro-Consul of Iberia

Flavius Claudius Constantius

Aedile

vacant

Quaestor

Gaius Marius Aquila et Julius Claudius Constantius et Publius Scipio

Tribune of the Plebs

none

Praetor

vacant

Events

Event for Rome

Dacia has successfully revolted against the Scythians and are once again posing a threat to Roman possessions to the south

Event for Sicily and Africa

none

Event for Gaul

Minor Action:
none

Event for Spain

The provincials demand that infrastructure in the province be improved (via territorial upgrades)

Event for Greece and Asia

A non-Roman temple in your Proconsulate was despoiled when a sacrificial bull broke loose and stampeded. The priests ask that you cover the damages..

Plebian Roll

City Improvements (1 point)

Food Supply in Italy

Sea attachment below
Food Surplus: 0

Pressing Matters

• The package of powers of the Princeps has expired and must be renewed within the year
• A large German coalition has invaded Gaul, eliminating the strong Gallic confederation that was integral in staving off Roman imperialism
• All priesthoods are vacant

[Pontifex Maximus]

Gaius enters the Senate house and takes one of the curule chairs. Many important matters needed to be discussed this year.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Octavius quietly enters the Curia and takes his seat next to Gaius. Becoming Consul this term would aid in rebuilding the image and reputation of the Regulans that was ruined many years ago.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Gaius saw Octavius enter. He wished to size the man up. He had been an unwitting victim of his family's ridiculous ambitions. Gaius secretly blamed them for the collapse of what was otherwise a beneficial political arrangement.

"Interesting that Augustus did not interfere in the elections this year, wouldn't you say?"

He waited to hear the response, wondering if he lacked the same sort of cordiality as Lucius had.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Octavius glances at Gaius as senators began to enter. His eyes turned once more straightforward. His voice went low as he replied

Surprised the Augustus allowed a Regulan to run. I was waiting for my nomination to be blocked in some way or form.

He strokes his recently shaved chin as Octavius looks around the senators some more.

We will have to see what the Augustus has planned for this year. Especially with news of the German invasion of the Gallic Confederation.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Gaius lowered his voice to a whisper as the footsteps of entering senators echoed on the marble floor.

"The borders are virtually leaderless, despite the abundance of competent men to be stationed on the frontiers. I think the emperor fears delegating authority and power. The Proconsulates are barely staffed and military commands nonexistant in the provinces. Unless he plans on leading troops himself I do not see how the situation can be rectified. quickly. And leaving Rome during a year when his power is to be renewed by Senatorial vote could prove...problematic."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Once more, Octavius glances at Gaius before speaking some more. His voice remaining a whisper.

We will have to see if the sound judgment and leadership he displayed during the Civil War still exists. If no such determination is shown, I would hate to see the consequences on Rome. We have already seen enough civil conflicts. Its time to make our ancient enemies bleed...not have the rivers flow with Roman blood.

[Gandalfus]

Julius enters the Curia and takes a seat.

[tyboman]

Titus Enters the Curia, flanked by a dozen Praetorians and , he has left another dozen outside the curia with Quintus. He bears appointments, and other papers

Titus looks around the room, noticing the emptiness of it.. He will soon fix this.

Senators, Rome finds itself once again set upon by a foreign plague. Roman steel is the remedy, but alas, we find ourselves lacking the leadership to drive forth that steel. Therefore I have come to appoint the various senators who thought themselves not needed here, to the vacant positions as so:

Julius Varus Servius is appointed to the position of Plebeian Aedile
Septimus Tuccius Nerva is appointed to the position of Censor
Publius Furius Scipio is Appointed to the position of Praetor
Marcus Faustus Antonius is appointed to the position of Curule Aedile

I will act as a second Praetor, and also serve the function of Tribune of the Plebs.

My second order of business will be this:

Gaius Laelius Sapiens Faustus is to go to Gaul as acting Governor
Octavius Atilius Regulus will go to Sicilia et Africa as acting Governor

Next, I wish to raise 8 additional legions, 4 to go to Spain with a compliment of 1000 cavalry, 2 to go to Sicily with a compliment of 400 cavalry, and the last 2 will go to Macedonia with a compliment of 400 cavalry.

the costs will be as such, out of the treasury:

Legions: 240,000 denarii
Cavalry: 18,000 denarii

I also found a guard for myself, which will be known as the Praetorian Guard. It will number 500 men at all times, and the men will be drawn up from the elite of the legions. The Commanding officer will be appointed by the Princeps on a year-year basis. I will pay for them out of my own personal wealth.

Praetorian Guard: 15,000 denarii

Furthermore, Titus Aquilla is granted Imperium to deal with the Dacian invasion in any way he sees fit. The tax income from Greecia et Asia may be used at his discretion towards the raising of Auxilia for the defense of Rome's interest.

Senators, it is my wish that Rome thrive, and I will do all in my power to see that it does. But know this, I will deal harshly with any that would prove to be poisonous to the health of Rome.

Titus then took his seat at the head of the curia.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Gaius did not savor the idea of being sent north to govern Gaul, leaving the Senate in dubious hands. Equites being given magisterial positions? Invasions of Dacia? This was all going too far.

I must respectfully decline the appointment, I am unworthy of such a post. I have no military experience, and my governing of Gaul would be seen as unfit by the legions. The frontier is too uncertain. I must also raise my concerns regarding the recruitment of so many legions and their stationing in areas of the empire under absolutely no threat. It would be the epitome of irresponsibility to pay such large amounts in order to send men to defend nothing. If we are to augment the forces they should at least be sent to threatened frontiers.

[Lucius Malfoy]

I must agree with my colleague's words, Augustus. Hispania has been at peace for a long time and is in no risk of being invaded. The four legions present are enough to keep the peace. Such legions should be sent north to Gaul with word of the sudden Germanic invasion of the Gallic Confederacy's lands.

Octavius was aware that the Dacians had risen up against their Scythian overlords, but though they may be a threat, they were still unorganized at best. And putting Equites in senatorial positions? Had Servius forgotten Roman tradition?

I would advise you, Augustus, we should consolidate our holdings after the series of wars that the rattled the Roman nation. Africa must be defended against Berber tribes. Hispania must prosper economically. Gaul must be developed and fortified. Greece must be fortified as well as our Asia Minor possessions. Our forces are adequate, perhaps increasing food production and revenue will be a better policy for this year.

[Gandalfus]

Julius facepalms.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Marcus Antoninus Caesar arrives in the Curia some time later, displeased with the threat of a trial for treason. He would have to have a word with his father about these threats...

[tyboman]

Titus shakes his head

The raising of legions in Iberia is for the defense of a region that no to recently served as the base of operations of an enemy of Rome. Sicily has a history of rebellion, and I will not have it happen again. Greece is under Dacian threat, and I fear that 4 legions will not be enough, as they have already proved capable of destroying 6.

On the subject of Gaul, I do not believe you are quite as incapable as you think. The legions respect your father, and they will give you same respect, especially since I give you the same. I insist that you rethink declining the appointment.

[Gandalfus]

Julius stands.
Augustus, a more pressing matter would be to decide your successor in case some upstart should harm you, although I agree with the senators. Iberia is pacified and already has a legion stationed there which should hopefully be more than enough for my father to use.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Gaius smiled humorlessly, knowing better than to refuse the appointment for a second time.

"Might I recommend a more amicable solution? My colleague, Publius Salvius Aper has proven himself to be an able soldier and leader. Gaul, and other militarily threatened regions, might be best administered as Prefectures, rather than Proconsulates. But if Augustus would prefer that the provinces be administered by politicians rather than soldiers, I will not argue."

Gaius was aware he had put Titus into an awkward situation. By agreeing he would be seen as weak and easily influenced, but if he refused then he looked foolhardy. Politics at its finest.

[tyboman]

Titus smiled at this

I agree that Military capability is necessary to successfully run a province. However, it is still my wish for you to govern Gaul, as a province needs a strong political hand in order to peacefully qualm any potential troubles. I will also appoint Publius Salvius Aper to the position of Military Prefect of Gaul, to work in tandem with you towards the administering of Gaul.

Might I also ask, which of these men, each whom I know to be of the patrician class, do you consider equites?

[Pontifex Maximus]

"None?"

Gaius returned to his seat

[Lucius Malfoy]

I wish to make a similar request, Augustus. I would recommend that my colleague, Tiberius Licinius, who is an able soldier and leader would join me as a Military Prefect during my term in Africa and Sicilia. With the ever roaming and hostile Berber tribes, I will need aid in running the military affairs.

[The Stig]

Septimus walked into the Curia and sat down, observing all the business that was getting businessed.

"I must respetfully decline my appointment to the position of Censor. I have only recently arrived in Rome, and will not be able to carry out the duties associated with the Censorship for some time. If another worthy individual can be found to fufill the position, I would hope to serve my standard term as Senator and perhaps seek further office in the new year."