The Well of the Comitia

[m_1512]

In front of the Curia Hostilia, sits the Well of the Comitia, a circular, bench lined declavity that could accommodate over 2000 people. A large podium stop on the opposite side of the Curia, from which Magistrates, Senators, and other Orators speak to the assembled people of Rome from this highly honored, and elevated spot. Consecrated by the Augurs as a templum, the Well was built over 300 years ago. It is also the meeting place of the Concilia Plebis and Centuruate Assembly when needed. Only a Tribune of the Plebs can call the Concilia to discuss and propose laws.

[Iron Aquilifer]

Gnaeus took his place on the podium, wearing nothing beyond his simple senator' toga.



He had called the Concilia together to discuss the opening up of trade lanes with foreign states. He also wished to speak to the people regarding the religious spirit of the city. It is also a time for Gnaeus to hear of any other things which needed his attention.

OOC: players are invited to play plebs and/or their senators during this time.

[Iron Aquilifer]

"My brothers! A year has passed since our levies were first called upon to face the Samnite threat. Your fathers and your sons have marched to the defence of our homes! Many of them have given their lives to ensure the safety of our great city and for that they shall be honoured for all the years to come!"

That was greeted with a few cheers, but the majority remained quiet.

"And now, with our glorious Dictator's forces having left Rome, we can be assured that victory will be ours. The Samnites shall be humiliated for their arrogance, and from their homes we shall claim a bounty befitting those who have sacrificed so much for victory!

"To this end, the gods must be honoured! It was they who saw fit to test us with the Samnite aggression. We had forgotten the power of the gods until that first clash with the foe. To see that Rome never suffers defeat again, I shall personally see to that every god is honoured by the rituals laid down generations ago!"

This was better received by the gathered crowd.

"The gods will know that we have learned our terrible mistake. Lady Victoria will grant us final victory, and the feast held in her honour will be one unrivalled in size and nature!"

Some were clapping loudly as they stood, and Gnaeus took a second to catch his breath. Taking in the sight, the tribune hoped that he had done enough.

[Rhapture]

ooc: We are looking for a good speech to gain points here. If you actually hold a feast, then you will definitely get something.

[Iron Aquilifer]

OOC: I had actually hoped someone would join in But yeah a feast will be held

[M D]

Decimus Pomponius Nero took to the Rostrum,

"Citizens. The recent days have been grave for this Republic and for what it stands. The Samnite horde will soon be upon our walls and yet my fellow conscript fathers stand by and do nothing. In a matter of days this awful Tribe may be raping our women, pillaging our homes and defiling our gods. Yet some Senators would still rather fill their own pockets that help the establishment that is Rome. Only today I heard news that Lanatus had bought a new grain farm and 15 slaves for more than 7,000 denarii! Think of how much you earn in each year brothers and then hear that number again, 7,000 denarii. Recently in the Senate, the good Senator Tranquilus pledged his family's vault to this state to try and recruit whatever we can. Today I make that same pledge, for as a true patrician, the safety of our state, our gods and our family must come before all else. I ask that you my fellow brothers and sisters of Romulus also make that pledge and give whatever you can to Rome's treasury."

Nero raised his hand,

"Rome shall prevail!"

[JamesTruwood]

Standing below the well of the Comitia, upon a crate so he may see all the people gathered, Caius Manlius Fortunas gestures for silence. As it falls, and the crowd silently await his words, Senator Fortunas begins to speak to the gathered plebeians and wandering Senators nearby.

"My people of Rome! I stand not above you, addressing you as a senator and leader of Rome! I stand here, atop a crate for the sole benefit that everyone can hear me, here on the ground so you know that I am one of you, a citizen of Great Roma! I am here not to counsel you, nor direct you, but to assure you that what I do, and what we do in the Curia is for the benefit of the City!"

He stops for breath, surveying the people around him. They seem entranced, though silent, waiting for more.

"The War with the Samnites is ongoing! We have suffered defeats at their hand, but also greater victories! Was it not so with the invasions of the Celts? We were defeated at the Allia River, and came back to drive our foe out and claim victory! We are a people of endurance, of pride, though we may suffer pains, we have and will never fallen! We will defeat the Samnites, as we have defeated Celts, as we threw out the Tyrant Tarquinius Superbus and the Kings of Estruca! We will not be bowed, we will not be defeated. We will endure this, and we will reign supreme over these barbarians!"

An applause can be heard by the crowds as they cheer Rome. Senator Caius Fortunas smiles, and carries on.

"We stand together as one people, as Rome eternal! We will face hardships in the future, we will face long days working to help our soldiers. We will face them together my people. I have recently acquired a farm outside the city. I did so not for my own benefit, but so that I may ensure that my people here, inside the city, can stay fed and full in all times. As this war goes on, we will all have sacrifices. I here so pledge to give all my surplus grain (1/4 modani correct?) and half the profits to the benefit of the city, and to have a feast for our fallen come the harvest! We will eat and drink to their memory, and to our future victory! For the People of Rome I do so SWEAR!"

[M D]

Once more Nero takes to the Rostra,

"Silence, citizens. That is all we have been offered from the front, and from our most worthy 'Dictator' Regulus. It is not my belief, brothers of Romulus, that there would be silence if our legions were doing well."

There were some muted chuckles, although the Dictator may have lost, he was still the Dictator for a few more days,

"Soon the new session of the Senate shall sit, and I shall, gods willing, sit in the Temple of Saturn as Quaestor. I will ensure that should this state hear of ANY concessions given to the Samnites, those responsible will learn to pay. Rome must be victorious, and Rome must dominate, it is our destiny of fate. These men have had thousands of our soldiers killed, and for all we know they may have given up any gains so as to be able to come back to their comfortable whores here in Rome. It is the duty of any Roman to fight to the death for this state, and it would not surprise me if our Dictator had 'forgotten' that. I ask that you join myself and the other loyal conscript fathers, to ensure that this man will never rule Rome again as Dictator. Mothers, for the sake of your sons. Fathers for the sake of your inheritance. If these men continue to have their ways there will be no young men left in this city, and all we will have to show for it is some grafitti left in Neapolis."

Nero raised his hand in trademark fashion,

"Rome shall prevail!"

+1 pleb points -Rhapture

[Iron Aquilifer]

He again took to the podium, eager to present himself as Tribune once more.

"My friends! You have suffered much in these past years, much more than you should have needed to. I had hoped as much as you for a swift end to the war, but still we must stay strong, stronger than the barbarians at our doorstep!"

He paused, looking on the nodding faces with pride. They had given him a second chance, and for that, he was grateful.

"You have suffered more than most, more than what is expected of you! For that I thank you a thousand times. And let it be known that I do not know of your struggles in this time of conflict. Let it be known that I have not abandoned you. To this end, I have brought with me a modius of grain and two thousand denarii as a gift to you, to the people who are the reason Rome became great, and shall remain the beacon of civilisation and strength for a thousand years to come!"

Teams of workers came forward with the bags of money and grain, distributing it as fairly as could be done.

"Worry not for whence this came my friends! No slaves toil on my lands. It is hard-working men, who earn their pay through providing for this city. Eat the food as the humble gift it is, and spend the money as the reward that it is. Without your strength and determination throughout this ordeal, then Rome would surely fall."

+1 pleb points - Rhapture

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lucius ascends the Rostra in silence. For this occasion, he wears a black toga, lined with no additions of office nor rank. A simple black toga was all he wore. Beside him were two servants carrying a heavy chest. He clears his voice.


People of Rome, Citizens of the Republic. See me here, dressed in this black toga, a toga I shall wear for the next year starting today. This toga is worn because of the great feeling of mourning and grief that weighs upon my heart for the brave men who I commanded during this war. For the men I failed as dictator and as a commander. I hear their voices as I try to sleep, begging for eternal rest and crying for revenge upon their lives.

The Consul pauses for a moment before continuing to speak. He dared not become emotional during this speech. He quietly gestures to the chest behind him.

In this chest is over half of my revenue for this year. 4,600 denarii from my personal funds to be granted to the people, to be granted to those who lost fathers, sons and brothers due to my failings. Failings that I have admitted to my commanders and now that I admit to you, Citizens of Rome. Let it be known that I acknowledge my failures and pray to the gods that they give those departed eternal rest and comfort in the afterlife. I hope this can appease your mind and voices, Citizens of Rome.

[Rhapture]

Valerius quickly mounted the steps at the top of the Well after Regulus has made his sad speech. He grabbed the consuls arm and forced him to remain where all the people could see him.

"People of Rome!! Listen to me now!" He spoke at a higher pitch than normal so that his voice would carry farther. "Here I stand before you , a lowly Tribune of the people. Yet let is not be said that I do not stand for all citizens of Rome, be they Plebeian of Patrician. I will always speak up for those are wrongfully shamed or convicted. Here stands with me, the admirable the twice Consul Lucius Atilius Regulus, former dictator and head of a patrician family of vast renown. Here he has just stated that he will freely give of his own assets to those families who lost sons or husbands. And that is honorable. But you were not witness to the shameful and dishonorable attacks on his person in the Senate. Oh the names they called him; butcher of Roman men, coward to the Samnites, arrogant son-of-a-whore who disrespects the gods, and much worse!" Valerius emotionally carried on.

"Yet what had he done? Did Romans die? Certainly they did, but we all know men die in war. Was he not appointed by these same Senators to stop the Samnite aggression from overrunning Campania? And do the Samnite now hide in their mountain-side holes while Campania remains free? Yes he was and yes they do. But now men under his own command accuse him of bad leadership and, worse, Senators who were nowhere near the battlefield now criticize his decisions. This is completely unacceptable! Regulus was appointed to do a job as dictator and he did it. All in the one year he was granted! And does not our constitution give a named Dictator immunity from prosecution from any action he takes while in office? Why yes it does! And now these low-life Senators, some who have never held curule office now want to publicly shame him into admitting a defeat which did not happen!"

Valerius continued his plea.
"I say the State should compensate these lost Roman citizens, not our consul! I am sure they fought bravely for Rome and died doing their duty. But it not the dictators job to pay for their loss. And any public overly-harsh punishment from shame are prohibited by the Lex Valerii of my fore-fathers! Especially when it was conducted legally under protection from such prosecution! All those calling for Regulus' head are the ones who should be shamed here! I do not remember any of them volunteering for the task of Dictator, as it is not one I would wish on anyone, especially now that Senators feel they can ridicule the man they elected to the position!"
"What do you say people of Rome? Shall the State pay instead of Regulus?"

[Dirty Chai]

Orestes appeared beside the Consul Regulus and the Tribune Valerius, showing his support for them.
He must have been in the crowd, listening.

[removeduser_456328]

Aelianus would ascend the steps slowly - his eyes lit with an uncommon passion as he went over the speech he was to give in his head. Reaching the top he waited for the thousands of gathered people to fall to a hush before he began to speak - opening his arms and addressing all of them.

"Romans, countrymen, I come before you today to give news that it pains me to speak of - to inform you of a canker that grows at the heart of the Curia, an evil figure that has committed crimes against both the res Publica and the citizens of the res Publica - every one of us! This man I speak of is Titus Tullius Varro and I urge you to listen to the words I now present before you and make a decision on whether to prosecute or not this man."

"Firstly, we must come to the fact that he holds a blatant disregard for the laws set down by our fore-fathers that we live upon, the laws passed down to us by Romulus son of Mars, such laws he spits upon! For, it was he who suggested, nay, demanded that the Dictator be placed upon trial for his actions when Dictator! I know that we all here are learned men - is it not stated clearly in the constitution placed by our fore-fathers that a Dictator cannot be prosecuted? And he he attempts to twist the laws for his own gain, for he did not volunteer to serve as Dictator in our time of need!"


"And in this way had he slandered so many of the brave men who fought upon the campaign - not only does he call for a trial of all war commanders except himself - he even has the... The audacity to demand that Naso - the man awarded the corona civita by your fellow citizens for saving them answer for his battles - how dare he insult not only such an award but also the brave soldiers who granted it! And in such a way does he also slander Orestes Unimanus who almost gave his life in the righteous defence of our res Publica. But no, he does not stop with the blatant slander of senators, he goes far enough to disrespect the men who fell upon the fields of battle. For he wears the toga pulla, and claims to wear it in mourning, however he has worn this since his arrival in the Curia!"

"Not only is the constant wearing of both this and a gaudy amount of jewellery improper conduct in-befitting of a senator by falsely claiming to mourn for your fallen brothers and fathers does he mock them and their sacrifice - he who claims that the Dictator should be punished cares nothing for the lives lost. As who caused these deaths - why, in many cases him! Let it be known by I, a man who sustained injury upon the field beside him and saw his command - bear witness to the fact that in the face of the enemy it was almost alway his flank which collapsed first, causing our eventual loss."

"Noble citizens, should we not know ask ourselves why he blatantly flaunts this ill-wearing of the toga pulla? It is because he openly admits to be head of the Aventine Collegium, and what is wrong with a Collegium we ask? Nothing, but this one is well known for multiple evil deeds, thievery and murder - all against the ancient laws of our ancestors."

"Will you stand for this my comrades, this constant blatant abuse of power and insult of the people of Rome? For I will not! I call Titus Tullis Varro to answer in court against the charges of slandering magistrates; inept command; improper conduct; criminal activity; breaking of legislation and more. I call upon the Consuls to hold such a trial in the eyes of the gods and men for sub crimes. Will you stand by me and help us I ourselves of his threat to the red Publica? I call upon you - do the duty to the state!"

Aelianus would end with a grand sweep, before slowly leaving with his head held high.

+1 patrician pts. - Rhapture

[Iron Aquilifer]

Gnaeus was still in high spirits after his third year of being named Tribune. For better or worse, the people had chosen him.

"People of Rome! My countrymen! My neighbours! My friends! I stand before you once more as Tribune of the Plebis, as chosen by you. Once more I stand before you to thank you yet again for your service to Rome's glory. Without you, the beating heart which lets this great city live, then there would be no Rome. I thank you, my comrades of Rome."

He paused, surveying the masses. Within that sea of people would be the men he was looking for. Standing shoulder to shoulder with honest men, were the wolves who sought to feast on the flesh on weaker creatures.

"Good news is often seldom heard in these recent years, I confess to you, my brothers. Yet does that not show us that we are something better? We plebeians are stronger for each threat which we face and overcome, for each disaster we survive. Your courage grows with the city, and the city becomes great due to your bravery."

They could be toying with sharp blades in the folds of their clothing, or whispering harsh jokes to each other as to how they would cut his ears off.

"I have heard of the recent attacks by the criminal bands. I have been informed of the savagery being visited on good, honest romans and I will tell you that I will not stand for it! No plebeian should need close their store for fear of violence. No true roman should need stop their children from eating to allow these cutthroats to gore on their bounty. You made me Tribune so that I could speak for you, so that I can defend you. I will do these things! I have seen the destruction with my own eyes and I tell you that enough is enough. No more will the gangs be allowed to walk freely in the night, preying on better men. No longer will you need grip your children close for fear of who lurks outside! I promise you this: I will find whoever is responsible, and I will tear out their treacherous heart! I will track down those who wait in the shadows and I will drag them out in to the light!"

If they did not listen to his proposal, that is. He could have use of such men. Fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with your comrades on a field against a horde was one thing, but skulking in the dark alleys of a city, without knowing who was friend or foe? That took the sort of twisted bravery that Gnaeus could have use of.

"Hear me, people of Rome! Fear no longer! You will have your justice!:

+2 plebeian points. More if you successfully solve the crimes Rhapture

[JamesTruwood]

The Senator Fortunas stands upon the top of the Well of the Comitia. He surveys the people standing below him, patiently waiting for them to quiet down enough until he can speak clearly so all can hear. Once the required silence is achieved, he begins to speak in a loud and clear voice, ringing over all below him.

"People of Roma! I stand here once again to address you, to reassure you, and to make a promise! You have known that Rome is unsettled by the murder and assaults in the streets. What you might not know is that the Senators of the Curia, even our Consuls themselves, are personally investigating into this to seek an immediate end to the problems. With your helps, our combined effort will restore the City of Roma to its former peace, and we shall all prosper!"

He stops to breath, looking over the crowds. He seems pleased at the reactions he is receiving.

"There is also the Gauls in the Umbrian lands, seeking plunder and chaos. I assure you, the only thing they shall find from Rome is the walls of our Legions, and a death to deter Gauls in the future. Our legions will be mustered, our men readied, and we will find and destroy these barbarians and chase them out of our lands! We will show them what True Roman spirit and might is, and show them that this is not land they can plunder and live! For the glory of Rome, and of its people, we will triumph!"

"We have heard your cries for improvements to the City people of Rome, and we have acted! The public granaries approved last year have started construction, and will be done before the year is out! I will personally donate all the grain I posess to fill these granaries, so that the people of Rome never need go hungry in times of winter and drought. We simply ask for patience, and for your trust, and we will do more to make Rome a better place!"

"Finally, in regards to the murders and assaults on the street. Any man who approaches me at my Domus with information that proves to be reliable to restoring the peace shall find himself with a gift of 50 denarii. Any man, any class! From the simple farmer, to a craftsmen, to a courier! You will be paid when your information has been proven reliable, and we shall do our utmost for your protection!"


+1 pleb pts. - rhapture

[removeduser_456328]

Aelianus ascended the steps at the top of the Well, pleased and excited for the year ahead.

"Fellow Romans, Countrymen. I ascend this podium to apologise on the behalf of the Aediles of the last years as to the shocking lack of festivities and celebrations that have been put on for you; I view it truly as a disgrace to the very fibre of the position! To aid in the amendment of this, I have put my name forward for the esteemed position of Curule Aedile, I hope to finally amend these problems and begin the proper celebration of festivities once more."

Aelianus would pause for a moment, letting his words settle in before beginning to speak once more.

"I have also seen with my own eyes the lack of development within the city - we require more marketplaces, shrines, houses of worship and general improvement, do we not? It is atrocious that the people, you, who the very bricks of this City are built upon and who it revolves around should be without adequate facilities. I have already moved to fix this - erecting a statue of Quirinus, and I am aware that the Senator Fortunas has made moves with his granary; however, this is clearly not enough. But, surely, I know not what you require as much as you do - as such I invite you to attend to me with your problems in the Forum Romanum with your problems, so that I may begin to adress them. And I swear that I will do so, regardless of whether I am appointed to my position or not."

He would pause again, hoping that they would truly bring up their concerns to him.

"And as such - I invite all to attend the festival of Quirinalia that will be held soon, as is my duty as Flamen Quirinalis. I promise that an entire modii of grain from my farms will be made available for the people of Rome here - to represent Quirinus' role as a guardian of farming. I am ashamed to see the lack of respect being given to the great gods Mars and Jupiter, and hope to ensure that Quirinus is paid his due respect. Is it not our duty, as noble citizens of Rome to ensure that the Gods are given their dues, and respected so they may not bless us? And finally, I, like the noble Tribune hope to investigate these crimes, once more I invite those with knowledge of these to come to me in the Forum and aid me in the search for justice."

Aelianus would descend the steps again, heading off to the Forum.


+1 patrician points. - Rhapture

[JamesTruwood]

The Senator Fortunas once again ascends the step of the Well of the Comitia. He seems jovial to those watching, and asks for silence so he can make an announcements regrding the granaries.

"Citizens of Rome! The granaries will soon be finished, the first new public building in Rome in many a year. At the same time, our legions muster to fight off the Celts in Umbria and remind them who they are dealing with. Both are a joyous occasion, with our legions about to attain victory! So, it only seems approiate that we celebrate these, and why not together? When the granaries are complete, (Sunday, Oocly), we shall have a festival! We shall start with a quiet and somber offering at the Temple of Mars, so that he may bless our legions with his grace, followed by the procession down to the granaries where we shall have festives! Entertainers, food, drink, and contests! A simple foot race, wrestling, and craftsmen contest, where by popular vote the best piece brought will win, the only rule being one man must be able to carry it. It can be a knife, a piece of pottery, or a new toga and sash, something to celebrate our people and our productivity!"

He stops to breath, looking over the crowd, sensing the excitement.

"All these contests shall be held near the granaries, the wrestling being held in a makeshift ring built for the purpose, and the foot races from the Granary to the other end of the road and back! Prizes for all contests shall be 200 Denarii. Wine and other foods shall be availible, and all bread at the festivaal shall be given out from the new granaries for free! Eat your fill on that day, and I hope to see you all there! Long live Rome, may our Soldiers be granted Victory!"

[JamesTruwood]

An announcement is made that the Festival of Mars and Grain is about to begin at the Granary site

[removeduser_456328]

Aelianus would ascend the steps to the Well as the year began to draw near to the end, ready to deliver another speech.

"Brave and noble citizens of Rome! I stand before you today, to announce my bid for the position of Consul this year; for there is still much to fix in the City! Work has begun, indeed it has, on different projects around the City, such as planning for a pool by the Tiber, a grand Quirinalia on the scale not seen in recent years, and more festivals to other Gods such as Mars. Let it be know that it was I, in my position as Flamen Quirinalis, that funded and supplied food for Quirinalia when the other Flamens were found lacking in their duties. I also invited the people to come forth and deliver their woes to me, and so they did, and construction has begun work on a pool to the West of the Campus Martius, so all citizens may enjoy the cool water."

Aelianus would pause for a moment, letting his words sink in.

"There is an inertia in the Curia - it is clear. Goodly Roman values are falling, while some Senators sit by and do little for the good of the people, this I do swear that if I am made Consul, I will do my utmost to fix. May trade in and out the City flourish, and more public buildings be built. I do so commend myself to you as a candidate, the only candidate for Consul thus far who is currently in Rome and so wise to the wishes of the people. While I wish them good-will, as we all should do, is it not the home we must look to first? For us to triumph against enemies of the Res Publica and expand Rome's influence we must be strong ourselves. And this, fellow citizens, is what I aim for."

He would finish with a sweeping gesture with his arms, before descending once more.