Campus Martius

[m_1512]

The Campus Maritus (or Field of Mars) is the area where the Consuls assemble the legions. Anyone can volunteer to fight in the legion, but only Consuls can grant sub-commands in form of Military Tribune positions as per their discretion. Once granted, it cannot be revoked. If a player wants to volunteer, posting should be in form of roleplay addressing the Consuls.

Important Notes:
- Patricians can only fight as Equites. Fighting on foot was considered as disgraceful.
- Plebians are confined to fighting as infantry, but even here, being Hoplite was more glorious than others.

[Oznerol]

Consul Agrippa arrived to the Campus Martius, he was armored, with his bronze cuirass. His helmet under his right arm. Twelve lictors with their fasces accompanied him, as proper for a consul. He arrived to do the proper sacrifices to Mars and supervise the assembling of the Legions.

[removeduser_456328]

Senator Aelianus would arrive in bronze armour and a plumed helmet, his spatha by his side, spying Agrippa and his lictors he would approach.

"Consul! We must hope this is a good day for battle, I am sure the Gods will this was though. May I ask as to the plans you have for the war? I have a few ideas myself on how to make... A mark."

[Oznerol]

Agrippa turns to Aelianus.

"Quaestor! Indeed, this is sanctioned by the gods, a defensive war, a just war"

He starts walking by his side, heading to the altar of Mars there located for such ocasions. Lictors move behind both senators. All around was movement, soldiers preparing their equipment, equited feeding their horses, soldiers polishing their shields. Many saluted the consul and he nodded and waved to them. He spoke to a few of them, some senators included.

"We will head to Campania first, its fundamental we relief our allies and defeat the samnite expeditionary force. Once Capua and our allies' other holds are secured and impervious to assault we will advance into the Samnite's territories. I'm determined to make a show of force, if time grants it and Gods wish it we might be able to subdue them once for all"

He looks the horizon

"We need to expand our frontiers, to grow, to fortify ourselves, to be strong enough to not fear the whims of a Gaul chief, a Etruscan warlord or an ambitious Carthaginian. A powerful Rome ruling over the whole Italy is my dream, senator"

He looks to the senator.

"Once we are on our way to Campania I'll hear your suggestions, senator"

They had arrived to the altar.

[Dirty Chai]

Aurelius Orestes appeared to their left as they reached the altar, saluting and falling into stride beside the two Patricians.
He was dressed in the armor of a Roman foot-soldier: an Etruscan iron linothorax, an Attican helmet with red Italic plumes. A short sword was hanging from his belt.
The helmet was held at his waist by his left arm.

"Hail Consul, Quaestor;" he greeted as he saluted.
"Fair morning, is it not?"

The Tribune had been here for some hours now, since half-past-dawn really.
Some hours later, the legion seemed most assembled, and was readying to form up into columns at an order.
The grassy field was still wet from the night's fog and dew, and the tents and fires in the field were being put out and packed up for travel.

[removeduser_456328]

Aelianus would walk alongside the Consul.

"Such is a good plan! We should view this was as a chance to expand our frontiers and ensure our dominance, not just aiding our allies."

As he saw the tribune approach he would call out.

"Hail Tribune, fair morning indeed, I see you have been here for some time. Very diligent I must say."

Aelianus would smile to himself as he surveyed the scene, a legion was an impressive sight, and he was travelling with honourable senators, not ones like the thug.

[Oznerol]

Aurelius Orestes appeared to their left as they reached the altar, saluting and falling into stride beside the two Patricians.
He was dressed in the armor of a Roman foot-soldier: an Etruscan iron linothorax, an Attican helmet with red Italic plumes. A short sword was hanging from his belt.
The helmet was held at his waist by his left arm.

"Hail Consul, Quaestor;" he greeted as he saluted.
"Fair morning, is it not?"

The Tribune had been here for some hours now, since half-past-dawn really.
Some hours later, the legion seemed most assembled, and was readying to form up into columns at an order.
The grassy field was still wet from the night's fog and dew, and the tents and fires in the field were being put out and packed up for travel.

Aelianus would walk alongside the Consul.

"Such is a good plan! We should view this was as a chance to expand our frontiers and ensure our dominance, not just aiding our allies."

As he saw the tribune approach he would call out.

"Hail Tribune, fair morning indeed, I see you have been here for some time. Very diligent I must say."

Aelianus would smile to himself as he surveyed the scene, a legion was an impressive sight, and he was travelling with honourable senators, not ones like the thug.

"Indeed, we need to make these Samnites understand one cannot just attack a friend of Rome without any consequences"

Agrippa raised his hand in salute when the tribune approached:

"Hail, Senator! A fair morning indeed, and your diligence impresses me, we need men like you, tribune. That's why I will appoint you as military tribune, on the command of Legio I's infantry"

Agrippa then turns to Aelianus:

"You too, Quaestor, will bear the pride of serving as one of my tribunes"

The consul's gaze them fixes on the assembling legion.

"A fair sight, my fellow senators, a magnificent sight"

[Dirty Chai]

OOC: For use with the altar scene... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flamen_Martialis

"Yes, most of the levy appeared some hours ago."
He looked to the Consul, immediately turning to military speech in the situation.
"Menenius, sir, my thanks for the command; However, I must intercede on behalf of the Senator and Praetor Naso.
I have not seen him yet this morning, sir, but he will surely arrive. He is far more experienced with the workings of a phalanx than I.
I would suggest dividing command of the infantry into two, at the very least. Or deploying a commander elsewhere, perhaps with soldiers the League may provide."

[removeduser_456328]

Aelianus would smile at the appointment.

"Thank you Consul, I presume I will be taking the cavalry, or part of them?

[Pinkerton]

The Praetor finds his way to the Campus Martius and asks for an audience with Consul Agrippa

[Oznerol]

OOC: For use with the altar scene... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flamen_Martialis

"Yes, most of the levy appeared some hours ago."
He looked to the Consul, immediately turning to military speech in the situation.
"Menenius, sir, my thanks for the command; However, I must intercede on behalf of the Senator and Praetor Naso.
I have not seen him yet this morning, sir, but he will surely arrive. He is far more experienced with the workings of a phalanx than I.
I would suggest dividing command of the infantry into two, at the very least. Or deploying a commander elsewhere, perhaps with soldiers the League may provide."

"As agreed on the Senate we'll command two legions, fund by the possible spoils of war, Praetor Naso will, indeed, have and important role, if he is willing to join, for he is an experienced man"

Aelianus would smile at the appointment.

"Thank you Consul, I presume I will be taking the cavalry, or part of them?

"At least part of them, senator Aelianus"

The Praetor finds his way to the Campus Martius and asks for an audience with Consul Agrippa

He is led where the senator is, with both senators and his twelve lictors. At the same time arrives the Flamen Martialis and his retainers, to prepare the proper rituals before starting the war, asking for Gods' favor.

[removeduser_456328]

Aelianus would observe the ceremony, however half way through would lean over and whisper to Agrippa. "I believe I know a way to deal with that troublesome plebeian senator, Consul." He would speak very quietly, in a hushed tone.

[Oznerol]

Aelianus would observe the ceremony, however half way through would lean over and whisper to Agrippa. "I believe I know a way to deal with that troublesome plebeian senator, Consul." He would speak very quietly, in a hushed tone.

Agrippa nods to the Mars' priest, then turns to Aelianus. He barely moves his lips when he whispers the Praetor.

"You'll tell me later, Praetor, right now to many ears could hear. But don't think I haven't cherished that idea"

One of the Lictors helps the consul to take off his armor, another brings him a toga with which he covers his head in preparation for the sacrifice. The Flamen starts the ritual, the brandishing of Mars spears, a pair of ancient-looking spears, accompanied by some archaic words in Etruscan. Agrippa watched the ritual with reverence and pride, for such things were the soul of Rome.

Then the Flamen requests the consul's presence. Three different animals are brought, a pig, a sheep and a bull. The consul takes its reins helped by the flame's attendants and walks around the Campus Martius, around the assembled Legion.

"That with the good help of the gods success may crown our work, I bid thee, Manius, to take care to purify my farm, my land, my ground with this suovetaurilia, in whatever part thou thinkest best for them to be driven or carried around."

After the walk follows another prayer:

"Father Mars, I pray and beseech thee that thou be gracious and merciful to me, my house, and my homeland; to which intent I have bidden this suovetaurilia to be led around my land, my ground, our army; that thou keep away, ward off, and remove sickness, seen and unseen, barrenness and destruction, ruin and unseasonable influence; and that thou permit my efforts to flourish and to come to good issue, preserve in health my host, my legion, my country and give good health and strength to me, my house, and my homeland. To this intent, to the intent of purifying my host, my land, my ground, and of making an expiation, as I have said, deign to accept the offering of these suckling victims; Father Mars, to the same intent deign to accept the offering of these suckling offering."

Then the Flamen's attendants sacrifice the three animals before the altar of Mars, with maces and axes, their naked chests and arms getting covered by the split blood:

"To this intent deign to accept the offering of these victims."

The blood runs swift and freely, covering the dust. Then the haruspex examine the entrails of the sacrificed beasts leaning over the still warm corpses. The livers are examined through-fully for they reveal the Gods' will more clearly than other parts. He then speaks with loud voice, that could be heard by everyone there gathered.

"Soldiers and magistrates of Rome, the omens are good! Gods sanctify the consul's campaign and will grant him victory and triumph! For Mars himself considers worthy these sacrifices and the valor of the Roman arms! To victory!"

The Consul makes the last prayers in gratitude to Mars and turns to face legionaries, fully armed and prepared to depart the city.

"Soldiers of Rome, we shall march today, to meet the foul and barbarian Samnites, who had dared to provoke our strenght and might attacking our socii, our allies! Thus we march to Campania, to victory, for they shall be smitten, defeated and subdued. Gods willing, and they seem so, our arms will win a victory like no one has known! Prepare your swords, ready your shields, to Victory! For Rome!"

[Pinkerton]

He is led where the senator is, with both senators and his twelve lictors. At the same time arrives the Flamen Martialis and his retainers, to prepare the proper rituals before starting the war, asking for Gods' favor.

Agrippa nods to the Mars' priest, then turns to Aelianus. He barely moves his lips when he whispers the Praetor.

"You'll tell me later, Praetor, right now to many ears could hear. But don't think I haven't cherished that idea"

One of the Lictors helps the consul to take off his armor, another brings him a toga with which he covers his head in preparation for the sacrifice. The Flamen starts the ritual, the brandishing of Mars spears, a pair of ancient-looking spears, accompanied by some archaic words in Etruscan. Agrippa watched the ritual with reverence and pride, for such things were the soul of Rome.

Then the Flamen requests the consul's presence. Three different animals are brought, a pig, a sheep and a bull. The consul takes its reins helped by the flame's attendants and walks around the Campus Martius, around the assembled Legion.

"That with the good help of the gods success may crown our work, I bid thee, Manius, to take care to purify my farm, my land, my ground with this suovetaurilia, in whatever part thou thinkest best for them to be driven or carried around."

After the walk follows another prayer:

"Father Mars, I pray and beseech thee that thou be gracious and merciful to me, my house, and my homeland; to which intent I have bidden this suovetaurilia to be led around my land, my ground, our army; that thou keep away, ward off, and remove sickness, seen and unseen, barrenness and destruction, ruin and unseasonable influence; and that thou permit my efforts to flourish and to come to good issue, preserve in health my host, my legion, my country and give good health and strength to me, my house, and my homeland. To this intent, to the intent of purifying my host, my land, my ground, and of making an expiation, as I have said, deign to accept the offering of these suckling victims; Father Mars, to the same intent deign to accept the offering of these suckling offering."

Then the Flamen's attendants sacrifice the three animals before the altar of Mars, with maces and axes, their naked chests and arms getting covered by the split blood:

"To this intent deign to accept the offering of these victims."

The blood runs swift and freely, covering the dust. Then the haruspex examine the entrails of the sacrificed beasts leaning over the still warm corpses. The livers are examined through-fully for they reveal the Gods' will more clearly than other parts. He then speaks with loud voice, that could be heard by everyone there gathered.

"Soldiers and magistrates of Rome, the omens are good! Gods sanctify the consul's campaign and will grant him victory and triumph! For Mars himself considers worthy these sacrifices and the valor of the Roman arms! To victory!"

The Consul makes the last prayers in gratitude to Mars and turns to face legionaries, fully armed and prepared to depart the city.

"Soldiers of Rome, we shall march today, to meet the foul and barbarian Samnites, who had dared to provoke our strenght and might attacking our socii, our allies! Thus we march to Campania, to victory, for they shall be smitten, defeated and subdued. Gods willing, and they seem so, our arms will win a victory like no one has known! Prepare your swords, ready your shields, to Victory! For Rome!"

Naso watches the ritual and afterwards approaches the Consul again. A bit embarrassed, he didn't like interrupting other people

Are you already leaving, Consul Agrippa?

[Oznerol]

Naso watches the ritual and afterwards approaches the Consul again. A bit embarrassed, he didn't like interrupting other people

Are you already leaving, Consul Agrippa?

"We will leave the city as soon as possible senator, but speak freely"

[Pinkerton]

"We will leave the city as soon as possible senator, but speak freely"

Thank you Consul. I think you remember that I offered my services to you in the Senate, well, I am here to formalize that offer.
To be totally honest, I feel I'd be more useful to the Republic in the battlefields than in the city, at this moment

He was a tall man and he was standing straight. He wasn't huge but he was muscular. He could fend off for himself in a fight

[Dirty Chai]

OOC: The bill only has one Roman legion being raised. The other legion is an Allied legion, the Socii Levy.
We don't know if the Socii Levy will be given or not by the League, but we are asking for it.

[Dirty Chai]

Tribune Aurelius Orestes walked up to stand beside Naso as the Consul turned his horse away.
"Praetor Naso, salve." He salutes with at an equal level.
"Good to see you here at last."

[Pinkerton]

Tribune Aurelius Orestes walked up to stand beside Naso as the Consul turned his horse away.
"Praetor Naso, salve." He salutes with at an equal level.
"Good to see you here at last."

Naso nods at Orestes

Ave, Tribune. I am glad it is you whom I am marching with; I do not think I'd be able to put up with someone like Silanus in the battlefield aswell as in the Senate

[Dirty Chai]

The infantry had been formed into columns, the horsemen riding along the sides.
The two senators stood off to the side.
"Our forefathers fought against the Gauls of Brennus together, I believe."
He glanced down the column, towards the southern horizon, the Mediterranean sea's morning breeze flowing inwards over the Latin plains.
"Just over 4,000 foot, I think; 3 quarters of it is hoplite phalanxes."

Orestes looked back to Naso.
"How shall we command this?"