The Villa of the Menenia

[Oznerol]

-THE VILLA OF THE MENENIA-

Agrippa Menenius Lanatus

Patrician Points: 5 Plebeian Points: 0 Gravitas Bonuses N/A

Menenia gens and residents of the villa

King Tarquinius Priscus made the Menenia patricians, such their origins can be traced back to the age of Kings, being one of the oldest and most respected gens in Rome. Since the foundation of the Republic the Menenia family-tree boast to have sprouted nothing less than five consuls and other equally respected senators who include consular tribunes, like Licinius Menenius Lanatus, father of the current pater familias, Agrippa Menenius Lanatus, FAMOUS MEMBERS OF THE GENS: Gaius Menenius Lanatus, father of the consul of 503 BC. Agrippa Menenius C. f. Lanatus, consul in 503 BC Titus Menenius Agrippae f. C. n. Lanatus, consul in 477 BC. Agrippa Menenius Agrippae f. C. n. Lanatus, father of the consul of 452 BC. Titus Menenius Agrippae f. Agrippae n. Lanatus, consul in 452 BC. Lucius Menenius T. f. Agrippae n. Lanatus, consul in 440 BC. Agrippa Menenius T. f. Agrippae n. Lanatus, consul in 439 BC, and tribunus militum consulari potestate in 419 and 417 BC. Titus Menenius T. f. Lanatus, father of the consular tribune of 387 BC. Licinus Menenius T. f. T. n. Lanatus, tribunus militum consulari potestate in 387, 380, 378, and 376 BC. AGRIPPA MENENIUS LANATUS: Age: 38 Class: Patrician Rank: CONSUL (Senior) Status: Married to Attilia Maior (34), sister to Senator Lucius Attilius Regulus. Children: Gaius Menenius Lanatus (18), Menenia Prima (14), Menenia Seconda (12), Titus Menenius Lanatus (12) BIOGRAPHY: Agrippa Menenius is a mature Roman, with a particularly fine hair, a distinctive trait of the Menenia gens that earned them their cognomen back in the early days of the Republic. Slender, tall and with fair complexion, he is well preserved from the time being and is still diligent and energetic. A scar crosses his chin, thin and pale, made by a Samnite sword back on his juvenile days. Proud, patient and astute, Agrippa is a prominent member of the Senate, increased by the fame and achievements of his gens. However his family’s fortune has decayed and their wealth is diminishing, partly because bad luck and the clumsy administration of his forefathers, all to the despair of Agrippa, still his properties are large and providing sufficient income to maintain a senator’s life style and prerogatives. Agrippa could be considered less conservative than his fellow senators and has a keen interest on the foreigner’s customs, like those of the southern Greeks, even if still he considers them decadent compared to the superior and austere way of his Roman forefathers. Still he is staunchly aristocratic and believes, firmly, in the supremacy of the patricians over the populace. MOST IMPORTANT SERVANTS AND SLAVES: -Philetaerus: A greek sculptor captured in a raid by Cilician pirates, he was bought in Rome's marketplace by Agrippa Menenius Lanatus, cheap as he was left crippled by and infected wound having lost the right leg. He is a favored slave of Lanatus who built Philetaerus his own workshop in the Menenia's property. He works solely for the senator. -Marius: Agrippa's plebeian steward, a skilled clerk who runs the properties of the family, ruling with an iron fist over workers and servants. He is surprisingly fair and delicate for a man of his employment. -Livilla: Attilia's favorite servant and cosmeta. With a sharp-tongue, curly, wooly hair and astute eyes. -Posidippus: Agrippa's reknowned chef. He is enormously fat, a vice Agrippa indulges for he knows that his food would never be poisoned as everything is always tasted by the gluttonous cooker. The excellence of his meals is widely known. For a man of his size he is light-footed and energetic. Amiable, kind and soft-hearted is Agrippa's favorite servant. He is married to Livilla. -Caucus: Agrippa's chief bodyguard, a veteran covered in scars, with a fierce beard, powerful arms and barrel-chest. He does the dirty jobs for his master and acts as his go-in-between.

Income Information

Start: 5,000 denarii Senatorial Income: 2,500 denarii Magisterial Income: Farm Income: 1,000+75*35-25*35=2,000-15%=1,700 Building Income: Misc. Income: ----- Expenses: 5,000 (farm)+875(hiring plebeian farmhands)=5,875 Gross Total: 3,950 denarii 342 BCE Start: 3,950 denarii Senatorial Income: 2,500 denarii Magisterial Income: Farm Income: 1,000+75*35-25*35=2,000-15%=1,700 Building Income: Misc. Income: ----- Expenses: 875 (hiring plebeian farmhands)=875 Gross Total: 25 denarii

Assets

N\A

Records of the Menenia

343 BC: Agrippa Menenius Lanatus was elected as Senior Consul. The consul was defeated at Nola by the Samnites and captured. 343 BC: After a long captivity Lanatus manages to escape and runs for censor.

[Lucius Malfoy]

After visiting the house of Gaius Marius Aquila, Lucius decides to venture to the home of his brother-in-law and his sister, the Menenia Villa. He remembered first visiting this estate when the Roman was much younger, around the time when his sister was officially betrothed to young Agrippa. A marriage desired greatly by his father so that benefits could be reaped, benefits that he wasn't able to take hold of before his death. A boy, who was one of Lucius's servants, approaches the gates of the Villa and knocks on it for the Senator.

[Oznerol]

A servant opens the gates. He leds the senator through well-furbished and decorated entrance into the atrium. A balance between luxury and austerity, few elegant statues could be glanced by the senator. The busts of the Menenia decorate a wall, and the frescoes were elegant and simple, decorative. The house was certainly old but well-managed. From the tablinium arrives Agrippa, wearing a purely white toga.

"Lucius, brother, welcome to my house"

He offers him a strong but elegant hand.

"Your sister is at home, but I suspect that isn't the reason behind your arrival"

He waves a hand and well-dressed servants arrive with silver dishes and cups. Olives, cheese and good Campanian wine.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lucius calmly walks into the estate. Menenia sure knew how to decorate their place; compared to the exotic style of Senator Gaius's estate. The Roman approaches Agrippa and sees a hand was extended to him. Lucius grips it with his own and shakes it.

Though I may wish to see my sister later, business comes first, especially at a time like this.

He turns to take a cup of Campanian wine before turning once more to Agrippa.

I just got done speaking with our colleague, Gaius Marius Aquila. After some debate, a deal was struck...a deal that bind us three as the leaders of the Patricians.

[Oznerol]

Lucius calmly walks into the estate. Menenia sure knew how to decorate their place; compared to the exotic style of Senator Gaius's estate. The Roman approaches Agrippa and sees a hand was extended to him. Lucius grips it with his own and shakes it.

Though I may wish to see my sister later, business comes first, especially at a time like this.

He turns to take a cup of Campanian wine before turning once more to Agrippa.

I just got done speaking with our colleague, Gaius Marius Aquila. After some debate, a deal was struck...a deal that bind us three as the leaders of the Patricians.

Agrippa's eyes have a hint of curiosity, ambition and excitation, however his face is still amiable.

"We should discuss this on my tablinium, far more comfortable"

Once there he pointed Lucius a pair of chairs in a corner of the room, before a small table, prepared to receive fellow senators, rather than the simple chair before the desk that was used for cliens and guests of inferior status. Walls were engraved with frescoes and a bust of Agrippa's father watched the whole chamber, with a proud but stern marmoreal gaze.

"Sit please"

"Leaders of the Patricians, humm? A fine idea I must say, a truly fine idea"

He sips some wine. A servant closes the curtains covering the room's entrance.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lucius follows Senator Agrippa and sits down. He calmly sips his wine before speaking.

First, Gaius is willing to set aside his Consular bid for this election. His only desire is that, if elected, we make him praetor and support him in future consular bids. I presume that after this term, one of us, depending upon the war, could continue to be consul or seek the censor position while throwing our support behind Gaius. That way, the consular chairs remain in the power of the Patricians.

He sets down his cup after finishing the wine and looks at Agrippa.

If you agree to this, Agrippa, Gaius believes that we three can be good friends and colleagues.

[Oznerol]

Lucius follows Senator Agrippa and sits down. He calmly sips his wine before speaking.

First, Gaius is willing to set aside his Consular bid for this election. His only desire is that, if elected, we make him praetor and support him in future consular bids. I presume that after this term, one of us, depending upon the war, could continue to be consul or seek the censor position while throwing our support behind Gaius. That way, the consular chairs remain in the power of the Patricians.

He sets down his cup after finishing the wine and looks at Agrippa.

If you agree to this, Agrippa, Gaius believes that we three can be good friends and colleagues.

Agrippa sips.

"That is an interesting proposal, more so when in the next couple years I will seek the censorship"

He sips again and chews a piece of cheese.

"I agree"

He offers his hand again:

"Consul we shall be and in the future only gods know to which height shall they raise us. Not only marriage will unite us now, but political friendship!"

[grouchy13]

Outside the Villa of the esteemed Senator a group young members of the Aventine Collegium arrive, stepping out of the group emerges Lucius Tullius Varro eldest son of Titus dressed smartly and sporting the gold necklace that signifies his importance within the Aventine Collegium, it is known around Rome that Lucius is often sent to represent his fathers interests in relation to Political matters The many Denarii his father has spent on tutors affords Lucius a more ameable demenor especially in relation to the Patrician class, a convinient alternative to his fathers often course manners.

He knocks on the Villa Door of Agrippa Menenius Lanatus and requests an audience with the Senator............

[Oznerol]

They are led to the Tablinium through an elegant atrium, decorated with few splendid Greek statues and delicate frescoes. In a prominent place a terracotta sculpture of Apollo. Agrippa waited the visitor on his tablinium behind his desk, of dark wood with ivory carvings. The ancestors of the senator looked down the visitor with their marmoreal gazes, including that of Lanatus' father, who dominated the whole chamber. Agrippa pointed with a finger the chair placed in front of his carved desk.

"Tell me, you are the son of Lucius Tullius Varro, my fellow senator, doesn't it?"

[grouchy13]

Lucius steps in to the lavish surrounding,

'That is correct good Senator, much obliged and may I add what a spectacular setting you have for the glorification of your ancestors'

Lucius then begins to outline the reason for his visit,

'My Father sends me on matters of buisness and state and apoligises for his absence, running of the Collegium is a time consuming affair. I come with an offer of friendship with hopes that they may be beneficial to both parties Patrician and Plebian alike. My Father to delevop a mining co-operative. My Father believes that the current rapid growth in the mining sector poses a unique oppurtunity'

Lucius pulls a roll of papyrus from the insert of his toga and hands it towards Agrippa,

'Contained within this scroll is my Fathers plans for the Co-operative, each member will concentrate on developing a differing area of the Mining Industry or in the case of Patricians provide finance for the establishment of Mines to be held by Plebians, once a period of time has passed and each member has amassed a number of the specific talents for their respective mines holdings we will them share them between the other members of the collective. With each specific material being covered by a different member we will soon be able to expand into Contracts to develop industry, I'm sure you will recognise the benefits of such co-operative either in terms of aquiring what could be hard to find materials or using the specific materials for equipment or further trade outside the Co-Operative.'

Lucius sits back within his chair,

'As a Patrician you will recognise that certain financial outlets are beneath your time and dignity and are therefore closed to you by Law, for a small investment though Senator my Father can guarentee you a return plus a profit in these Plebian Industries such as Smiths and other factories from your investment and unrestricted access to the resources provided from this from of Proxy ownership. Together we can develop Roman Industry and share in the collective benefits they may bring'

[Oznerol]

He frowns. Agrippa doesn't like flattery.

"My ancestors need no glorification, here you see five consuls of Rome, with a dozen of praetors and tribunes"

He hands him back the papyrus:

"I, as a patrician and senator of Rome shall not middle in such bussiness. The only legit source of income should be the land, for that is the only fortune of the patrician and the only aristocratic way of life, as our forefathers did"

His fingers pitter-patter the desk.

"Tell your father I'm truly thankful for his offer but I can't accept it. My steward, Marius, will led you to the exit"

[grouchy13]

Lucius rises,

'I appreciate this audience Senator, My Father looks forward to working with you within the Senate in the future. Good day'

[Lord William]

Aulus arrived at the front of the Consuls Villa, he knocked and awaited an audience

[Mary The Quene]

While Aedilie Tiberius was discussing the catashtropic defeat against the Samnites and its fate about consul Lanatus , Tiberius wife Caecilia arrives with her slaves at the gate of Lanatus' house hoping to comfort Attilia and to speak with her about the future. She requests to speak with the Domina of the house.

[Oznerol]

While Aedilie Tiberius was discussing the catashtropic defeat against the Samnites and its fate about consul Lanatus , Tiberius wife Caecilia arrives with her slaves at the gate of Lanatus' house hoping to comfort Attilia and to speak with her about the future. She requests to speak with the Domina of the house.

Shes led to the atrium and then through various chambers until Caecilia arrives to the garden, where Attilia is, looking a pond sitting on a marble bench. She raises her gaze:

"Caecilia, wife of Aedile Tiberius, doesn't it? Please be welcome to our house"

Attilia taps the bench where she is sitting.

[Mary The Quene]

Shes led to the atrium and then through various chambers until Caecilia arrives to the garden, where Attilia is, looking a pond sitting on a marble bench. She raises her gaze:

"Caecilia, wife of Aedile Tiberius, doesn't it? Please be welcome to our house"

Attilia taps the bench where she is sitting.

Caecilia entered the garden of Attilia, Caecilia who is renown for her expensive clothing and her red hairpiece kissed Attilia's hand as greeting. She pitied the woman for her (temporary) loss of her husband and she wanted to comfort her.

Yes that's correct. I've heard the terrible news about your husband. What a tragic story! It must be so terrible for you living alone in the villa of your husband during during his absence. But we must put courage as my husband told me that Lanatus has not been confirmed death and may yet be alive. We must not give up hope. Lanatus was a friend of my husband Tiberius he said that if they captured him which is unsure that he would gladly pay part of a ransom sum if the samnites demand. I'm sure the gods will not harm Lanatus for i feel he will be fine.

Caecilia tried to make new friends to extend her influence in Rome afterall she and her husband have ambitious.......

[Oznerol]

"Thanks my dear, I also hope that they will return my husband to me"Attilia thought that he should be dead rather than disgraced. The humilliation was more powerful than loss. More so when he was the embodiment of Rome."My husband appreciates yours, indeed. You can count with my friendship as well"This red haired woman is daring, indeed.

[Mary The Quene]

"Thanks my dear, I also hope that they will return my husband to me"Attilia thought that he should be dead rather than disgraced. The humilliation was more powerful than loss. More so when he was the embodiment of Rome."My husband appreciates yours, indeed. You can count with my friendship as well"This red haired woman is daring, indeed.

I'm sure that he isn't the only responsible for the defeat. There's still hope left as Consul regulus will raise new legions. But let's talk about a diffrent subject as i don't like to talk about negative matters. How are your children doing?, i see they're beatifull and have good parents, you're lucky you have children which i can't sadly.

Caecilia shed a tear when she talked about children knowing she was infertile.

[Alexandrine]

Maximus Julius Libo came to the villia of the Menenia. "Excuse me, pray tell me, is dominus at home?" he asked a slave. He knew of course very well that the master wasn't at home.. but perhaps someone else was..

[Oznerol]

Maximus Julius Libo is led to the tablinium, where a young man, strikingly resembling both consuls, waits the visitor. He has a clear voice, as his father, and his particularly fine hair. But some of his features were that of the Attilia Regulii.

"Maximus Julius Libo, be welcomed to this house, I receive you in representation of my father the consul. Sit please"

Young and handsome he tried to look calm and composed. The gazes of the Menenia watch the visitor, stern in their marmoreal inmortality. Five consuls and many other magistrates among them. The whole plce is elegant, tasteful. The young patrician smiles from his seat, behind the carved desk.

............

"My dear, do not talk about that, you are a good wife, a respected one. You might not be ableto bear children, but you grace your husband. My children are fine, my daughters affected by this turns of events. My eldest son is acting as his father's representative"