The Rostra

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Rostra, the ancient Speaking platform erected after the first punic war from the wreckage of Carthaginian ships. It serves as a speaking platform for any wishing to make a public statement. Usually what is said here influences opinion of the speaker either for good or bad.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Gaius Furius Sulpicianus ascended to the speaker's platform in order to address the people. Although a novice orator, Gaius had many clients in the city, and he had urged them to gather as large a crowd as possible to hear the words he had to say. A slave stood by ready to transcribe his words. Gaius had a mind to collect his works eventually and set them together in a compilation to give to his son. He cleared his throat and spoke out in a booming voice.

"Today the Republic faces yet another grave crisis. Your tribune, Drusus, has been murdered by a band of hooligans who, forsaking any shred of honor, have ignored our laws. They have once again brought violence to the sacred center of our city and using benches as clubs, murdered Drusus and many of his supporters. Not since the days of the brothers Gracchi have we experienced such turmoil. But hear me, it will not end here. This murder has international ramifications." Sulpicianus let this sink in, using the weight of the rhetorical strategy to his advantage.

"If we do not act with tenacity to bring justice down upon those responsible, we must surely face an insurrection of our Italian friends. Regardless of politics, Drusus was a Roman citizen, and he has been murdered by his fellow citizens. We cannot tolerate this or let it go unpunished. As Praetor I will work to bring those responsible to the courts to answer for their crimes - even if they are senators. Let them be tried for their crimes and with the help of Mars Ultor we shall ensure justice is carried out. Many of you know my position regarding citizenship being extended to the Italians. A unilateral, simultaneous grant to all members of Italy would be rash and unwise. I call upon the Consuls and the Senate to propose an alternate plan, a more manageable plan, that will allow for accelerated grants of citizenship over the course of the next decade. Is it not unwise for a man to grant freedom to all his slaves at once, instead of letting them earn freedom and advancement through service? Our Italian friends are not our slaves, but there are parallels between the institutions. Over time, our Italian friends have earned many privileges. They shall earn more in time, and perhaps after a general accounting, they may immediately be afforded more. But we cannot cede the right to vote to such a large number at once! Imagine the scenes of chaos to elect magistrates! Imagine the damage done to the Tribal Assembly? How many tribes must we add? How will they assemble quickly and without spending too much timeaway from their own homes? We must proceed carefully in this regard.

Finally I caution you against rash or violent action. Keep the peace as is your duty."

Gaius stepped down, eager to gauge the response of the crowd.

[Gandalfus]

"Romans! Today I speak of the war which, like a storm, rages all about us, claiming the lives of many good citizens of this Republic." Cotta paused, weighing carefully the words he was about to speak unto the rather fickle mob of common citizens. "While we at the moment taste victory, this war has claimed the lives of many. Fathers, brothers and sons lie in the dirt, the Republic bleeds, stabbed by its own adopted children. Though, they have also too bled for a cause! They demanded the right afforded to each of us, and we denied them that right. They are not chattel slaves and whipped dogs, to be treated less than men! Their only voice, and your voice, the sacrosanct tribune Drusus, was slain within the boundaries of this very city, the perpetrators of which will be dealt with to the fullest extent of our laws." Cotta knew that Drusus was thought of fondly amongst the plebs, and sought to press this advantage. "Enough blood has been shed since that vile day, both Roman and Italian. We must begin to extend the firm hand of peace; these are not Suebi barbarians, by Jupiter, but near enough our own blood! For many years, we have bled alongside each other as allies, and I propose that we begin to end this bloodshed. Let the rebels that surrender to the power of Rome be granted amnesty, so we can begin working towards a compromise that satisfies the demands of the allies and the honour of Rome. Let us be allied in friendship again, rather than spilling our own blood." With that, Cotta stepped down, having made his feelings known.

[Dirty Chai]

Having heard Cotta's speech, the cult of Jupiter announces, by decision of the Flamen Dialis, that a sacrifice will be held publicly, with a haruspicy to divine what must be done in the coming years to solve the crises facing Roma.

It comes a few days following Cotta's speech, and Albinus the Elder, dressed in proper attire with an apex, followed by a lictor and all the flamines minores as well as the pontifex maximus, approach the public square denoted for the sacrifice. A great white ox is led through the street (which had been cleared of any corpses or refuse that morning) to the stone stand and led to stand over a great wide bowl.

The Flamen Dialis looks out over the crowds for a long minute, watching them grow, and then takes a large blade from a table and swings the blade deep into the calmed animal's neck. The public square is filled with bovine's dying cry, like the deep groan of a cow or a bull, and the ox falls onto the bowl beneath it, its legs giving way.

Albinus then gestures to the haruspex who steps forward and kneels down beside the dead animal with his own blade. Aulus turns to watch as a flamen minor washes the blood from his hands. Suspense grips the audience, both lay and powerful, for many minutes as the haruspex digs through the entrails of the animal.

[Coin flip: Tails bad, heads good. Tails.]

Finally, the bloodied priest turns from the disemboweled, blood filled bowl and looks up at his superior, shaking his head with a frown. The grim look is contagious, and each of the flamines in turn take on a look of disappointment, doubt, discomfort, or solemnity.

Albinus the Elder and the aging but respectable Pontifex Maximus step forward to the front of the stand overlooking the crowds. The Pontifex nods but stays silent, while the Flamen Dialis raises his hands to the sky, his bloodied toga visible to all.

"Jupiter has spoken! The omens are clear: to pursue peace and to give citizenship is to be our ruin, at this time! We must continue to prosecute the war until more favorable conditions can be met."

[Pontifex Maximus]

While Cotta's speech stirred up some measure of support for granting citizenship, the FLamen Dialis' sacrifices had confused the matter - if Jupiter stood opposed to the measure then it would be difficult to act in support. Many citizens left the forum more conflicted than when they had come.

[Jokern]

Lucius Villius Tappulus walks up the stairs to the Rostra, looking out over the crowd in silence. He waited a few moments until he noticed that a few people had turned their attention towards him before he began his speech.

"People of Rome, I welcome you all to hear my words.

I am a man of peace within my house, and I prescribe to the principles of law, order and justice to be just and fair. I treat my wife with the respect she deserves, and teach my sons what it means to be a man, with all the duties and responsibilities that one must carry as a man. My slaves are taught to follow command and treat my family and my guests with respect, as all slaves should do. I reward good behavior and I punish bad behavior, for that is the very essence of justice.

But why do I do this, why not do as I please, without a care for what is right? The reason is simple - if I do not follow the laws as the master of the house, then why should my wife, my sons and my slaves follow the laws? My house would be divided, and that would be the same as throwing a piece of glass against a hard rock - it would shatter into pieces, into utter chaos.

This is how I see these wars with our old Italian allies, as a fight within our house. For why do those who were our allies, almost brothers to us, see it fit to rebel against Roman rule? It is the simple fact that they feel that they have not been treated that they deserve. As you may all remember, Marcus Livius Drusus offered full Roman citizenship to the Italians, and for that he was disgracefully murdered by his opponents and the Italians revolted. Those who murdered Livius Drusus threw the glass against the rock, but it is not too late to catch it.

Do not take my words to mean that I believe that the states of the 'Italian Republic' should be offered full Roman citizenship. Like any father should know, one cannot reward bad behavior and expect to still be treated as the master of the house. Punishment must be dealt swiftly and with efficiency when a crime has been committed. However, you cannot use the whip too much, or the punishment will just result in an endless cycle of rebellion and punishment.

I say that our old Italian allies no longer be offered Roman citizenship, for that would only incentivize further rebellion. However, we should offer the Latin Rights, giving the Italian states many, but not all, rights that any Roman is entitled to. From there they may work to earn their full citizenship, to prove that they have learned what a privilege it is to be Roman citizens.

People of Rome! I am a man of peace within my house, and this squabble within our house has dragged on for long enough. Too many good men, sons and brothers and husbands, have lost their lives in this terrible war. I say that we should welcome those of our old Italian allies back into the fold if they surrender and lay down their arms, like how a father welcomes back his wayward son. While the son must be punished of course, it is not right to slit his throat for storming out of the house in anger."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lucius Atilius Regulus rises to speak to the people of Rome. He clears his voice before letting his voice bellow.

The most successful of Rome's Consuls has returned to us and showered us with reports of his victories. Yet... when he enters the Curia, he points his finger at every Roman and says simply that we are cowards and that he is Rome! That he is the Republic alone for his success. His ego emboldened, he turns on the Flamen Dialis, a most sacred person among our many priests, and declares that he is a coward for not joining those who marched to war. For not contributing to the war. Yet when the time came for reinforcements and a legion was proposed to be levied the Consul gave a mere 500 denarii... a mere 500 because he is supposed to be Rome. If he is Rome, should he not be pissing gold and coughing up diamonds?

He lets the words sink in before speaking further.

My nephew, the noble Gaius Atilius Regulus, died for the Republic. So many died for the Republic, for Rome and for all of us! Yet the Consul thinks he is Rome, thinks he gave the most, thinks it was all him who brought us victories! I dare say, my fellow Romans, that this Consul's ego is so bloated, so large, that he may be considering himself a king of Rome! He wants a crown for his victories. A purple cloak, embroiled with gold! We made the commanders of the Italian rebels enemies of the state, yet the Consul goes a step further with his tyranny by crucifying every Italian who ever raised arms against us! Does that not make our Republic seem like a despotic state? Does this Consul not follow the footsteps of Tarquinius?

Lucius then bellowed over the crowds for all to hear.

All he has done has ensured that the Italians will NEVER trust Rome again! All he has done is ensure more Roman soldiers will die for his actions as he runs for Proconsulate so to run off to Greece, forcing us to clean up his mess! Tell me, sons and daughters of Rome, is this a hero of our people or a scourge in the making?

[The Mad Skylord]

Gnaeus Julius Iulus Carnifex stepped onto thr Rostra and addressed the People of Rome.

"I find it ironic that Lucius Atillius Regulus claims I gave no coin to the cause, when the public records show that I donated nearly half the funds required to reinforce the legions, and his own house gave nothing.

I acknowledge, and apologize, for my actions in the Senate building, they were out of order.

I will not, however, allow this slander to stand. I am Tarquinus reborn? I wish to be King of Rome? These are the foul lies of a slanderer and a wretch. I stood with good friends, several of whom died, and fought for this Republic. My actions in the field may have been ruthless, but they were necessary."

Gnaeus paused for breath and looked around the gathered crowds.

"I have never claimed total glory for my victories. Despite, Regulus' claims. I won the Northern Campaign with the aid of good men, many of whom died. Those men were your brothers, husbands, fathers, sons. And yet many within the Senate seem to think that the Senate and the Senate alone is Rome! They forget that you are Rome's Sons and Daughters! Her other half! The Senate and the People of Rome, not the Senate of Rome and the Senate of Rome.

I believe absolutely in this Republic, and I will do anything to defend it, but I do not appreciate being accused of something paramount to treason by a man I marched to war to protect!"

His speech finished, Iulus leaves the stand.

[Dirty Chai]

A voice in the crowd rises above the others.
"You veto the senate, you veto the people!"
The people of Roma were clients of the senators, after all.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Skylord - Legionaries in the forum? Vetoing the Senate? Are you trying to be lynched? I'll give you an opportunity to amend.

LW - One more stunt like that and you'll be disinvited from playing the game. Using OOC information in a speech and then making things up is metagaming and powergaming at its worst - and therefore against the game rules. Play the game or don't. Don't return every week to make a desperate power grab and then just leave. Until you actually start participating as everyone else has done, none of your characters may vote or run for office. Yes this is a punishment. Yes it is arbitrary. No, I don't care if you or anyone else doesn't like it. I am an evil, cruel man.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Sextus Cornelius Sulla ascended the rostra. He was not a magistrate, he was hardly a man. He knew that few had reason to actually listen to him speak, but his father had gained a reputation and perhaps some citizens might listen to him as a result.

"Citizens: I address you as a man in significant moral dilemma. My family has felt the full impact of the war against the Italians. My brother in law, Regulus, perished in the battle of Tifernus. I have poured libations to his spirit just last week. What I must say is this: The measures of the Senate granting citizenship to some Italian tribes is a step in the right direction, but inadequate. I would propose, had I the authority, that those groups granted the Latin Rite be granted full citizenship, along with those in all of Italy. All Italians, whether Greek in origin to the south or Gallic in origin from the North, must now be granted full rights of Roman citizenship. Long past are the days when these differences mattered. The Italian peoples, as a whole, have earned this citizenship by merit of their loyalty to the Republic through our many wars." Sextus ceased his speech, eager to hear the results of the crowd.

[Rhapture]

There were many grumblings in the crowd, most who were forum frequenters and therefore clients of powerful Senators. Senators who had given money out of their own purse to raise a legion.
"Go home boy!" one man yelled "Those rebels don't deserve no rights!"
Rome needed something a little closer to home to get worked up over.

[Rhapture]

Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius mounts the Rostra, it was not something he was fond of doing.
"Quirites, There is a great injustice being take each year at election time." He began, projecting his voice out over the Well of the Comitia " Although my family has a long and illustrious history than has helped to enhance Roma throughout the Mediterranean, I am still from a plebeian family and could never have the blood or the prestige of the Julians or the Cornelians. But the plebeians have a long and proud history in service to Rome, and I say that they are not represented equally in our government is a travesty!!" He raised his voice. " How can they have equal representation in the Republic when there are not even two Aedile positions? We plebeians must be guaranteed a position to help run the city! They do not have the name recognition like the patricians who can glide into the Senate based on their ancestors! And what better way to get your name know throughout Rome, than throwing wonderful games for the people to enjoy! A plebeian Aedile must be added to the offices of magistrates! " Quintus urged. " If our own tribunes do not see the worth in this, then I will lead the charge in the Senate for equal representation! This is a city made up of patricians and plebeians and they must work together, even if some loathe that fact. One Aedile is not enough to handle the duties of the city either, with over seeing buildings and throwing games. These games are for the enjoyment of the people, but they are dedicated to the Gods, and the gods must always be remembered." Quintus paused. "I will need your support, Quirites. One man cannot change Rome, that is one of our most basic foundations, we are not ruled by one! And yet here we have a chance for partnership and it does not exist! Tell your patrons, tell your clients, tell your friends, tell your wives. Everyone must make this an issue." He stated simply then stood and looked out over the crowd.
"Long live Rome !! " He shouted before stepping down.

[The Mad Skylord]

Sextus Julius Iulus ascended the Rostra for the first time - clad in the confidence of youth. He was well known in the city for his part in the Trial of Quintus Antonius Pinaria, indeed he was beginning to make a small clientele among the less favourable in the city - men who needed legal representation. "People of Rome! You may know me as Sextus Julius Iulus, son of Gnaeus Julius Iulus Carnifex. You may also know me as the man who defended Pinaria - accused of the Murder of Drusus!

I defended Quintus Antonius Pinaria with my very heart and soul - whether he was guilty or not! We are the most civilized nation in the world, and yet our judicial system is totally corrupt! We have a system where the prosecution can prosecute and judge simultaneously! Where evidence can be conjured from thin air, without the slightest credibility check! Where the Prosecutor can attempt to silence the Defense because he doesn't like what he is hearing, doesn't like that he is losing!"

Sextus spread his arms wide and allowed that to sink in, before he continued. "Every Roman citizen in entitled to a totally fair trial! A trial without bias! Without false evidence! A trial without a phony judge, that will rule as guilty before he hears a word of rebuttal! Quintus Antonius Pinaria was not a popular man, many thought him guilty. But this isn't about him, this is about what his trial has proven our courts to be. Any man here could find himself charged with a crime one day, and be they innocent or guilty, they have a right to a fair trial!

I intend to give you that fair trial!

I call upon the Curia and the People's Assembly to implement new laws regarding Court! I propose that evidence must be presented to the judge, and viewed by all parties before submission into court, I propose that evidence be vetted before being allowed in! I propose that the Prosecution and the Judge must be separate, and that the Judge must be an unbiased party, while the Praetors serve as State Prosecution! I call upon you, the People of Rome, to aid me in this! Let us reform our legal systems, so our people can live without the fear of being found guilty on a whim!"

[Pontifex Maximus]

The people applaud receptively, but they are skeptical that one who is not a senator can effect much change.

[Oznerol]

Lucius Cornelius Scipio stands on the rostra.

"Citizens of Roma! I am Lucius Cornelius Scipio, heir to the victor of Magnesa, my namesake. Your champion, my esteemed colleague, the tribune Drusus, was murdered in this very spot"

He pointed below, where the tribune's head was smashed. He speaks soberly, with aplomb.

"He didn't die by the work of a barbarian sword, in battle, with nobility as a Roma should, or in bed as an old and respected man surrounded by his kin. He was butchered, slaughtered like cattle, right where we stand today"

Scipio makes a dramatic pause. There is nothing the Romans loved more than drama.

"His blood, a blood that was also yours for he was the champion of the people, was shed viciously, without any kind of regard to the laws of Gods and men. Fortunately, people of Roma, we know who the perpetrators were; two have already met a traitors' end, thrown from the Tarpeian Rock. One still remains and my term finished before I could presecute that scoundrel, that rascal, that murderer! Do not believe the foolish words of equally foolish men, so detached from reality that they don't even see the truth. Lucius Pinaria was an evil man, a monster who scattered the brains of our beloved Drusus all over the rostra and he received just punishment for his evil deeds. By Jove, I shall not rest until Drusus is fully and finally avenged!"

He gestured towards the crowd.

"Don't you remember vividly this marble stained by the pure blood, this proud plebeian blood of Drusus? I do. There isn't a day when I can't remember this outrageous act. This murder..."

Scipio looked moved.

"People of Roma, do not be fooled. Do not let yourself be flattered by the void words of a man whose father might very well be behind Drusus' murder, or is at least someone who truly profited from it: a Carnifex, a butcher with little regard to virtue and honor!"

He now gestured more, for he was reaching the peak of the speech.

"Citizens, companions, brothers: we have to honor Drusus. Pinaria's estates were confiscated, and I tell you, this money belongs to Roma! To its people! We shall, this year, have Funeral Games in the honor of our esteemed and sadly deceased tribune! I return the money of the murdered to the people of Roma! To the brethen of the fallen Drusus! We shall commemorate his death with gladiatorial games, like our ancestors did since the Dawn of Time! People of Rome, citizens whose grandfathers fought by the side of my ancestor Asiaticus and my kinsman Africanus, let's honor the memory of Drusus! Who will feast with me? Citizens! Punish the traitors, punish the murderers, rejoice for we had the chance of living by his side! Let's remember the tribune fondly, for he died for you, for all Roma!!"

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Consul ascended the rostra as the crowds gathered. His solid purple robe made him stand out, when the Consul had something to say, people gathered.

"People of Rome." he began. "First let me say what an honor it is to serve as Flamen Portunalis. The second oiling of the spear ceremony was performed without flaws, and the auspices were clear enough to me. Things went well." Well enough of that.

He continued on lazily. "Your tribunes have once again been..." he tried not to use the word 'agitating' "...petitioning the Senate and committees for certain changes, reforms, or favors. At personal expense I have raised two cohorts of firefighters in the city. Such a force will stand ready to react at a moment's notice to put out fires. Perhaps we can all sleep a little easier at night knowing that should a fire break out, we might stand a better chance at ending the threat earlier. I have done what I can on my own, and at great personal expense." So that I can keep a better eye on you, you miserable swarm. ​

[The Mad Skylord]

Gnaeus Julius Iulus, often called Carnifex, took to the Rostra. He cast an eye out over the many people assembled before him. "People of Rome! I am Gnaeus Julius Iulus, Senator and ex-Consul. Most of you know who I am. I have heard your demands for a bread dole, to feed yourselves, your families, your children. I have heard your demands and I sympathize with them."

Iulus walked from one end of the Rostra to the other, feeling thousands of eyes upon him. "The Senate has no interest in a bread dole for you. Indeed, one of our Consuls, Sulpicianus, slandered your request - stating that as there was no war, drought or famine you did not deserve free bread.

I disagree!

You are Romans! It is your blood that fights our wars! Your hands that carved our sculptures and built our buildings! Your will that makes Rome great! You deserve free bread! Not just for a month! You deserve free bread for every month, of every year!"

Gnaeus paused and looked over the crowd forlornly. "I regret that I do not have the wealth or means to give you that.

However, I do have the wealth, the means and the desire to meet your initial demands to the Senate. While Senators in the Curia laugh about your demands, laugh and ignore, I shall take it into my own hands! I will pay the coin to give you the bread dole! You are Roman Citizens and you built this city with your sweat, blood and toil! I love you for that, for I love Rome! There will be bread! Bread for all!"

The same day, Gnaeus has the bread dole distributed in the Forum Romanum. (-8'000 denarii)

[Pontifex Maximus]

The crowd reacts with wild jubilation, at one point chanting Iulus' name.

+3 votes in the next election, if the bread is delivered

ooc: the votes will be lost unless you RP the bread dole out, developing some equal system of distribution etc

[The Mad Skylord]

Iulus Adustus too to the Rostra, burned and maimed. His sling was off, but the bandages and the sootibg Greek poultice were still on the terrible burns that went from the tips of his right fingers up to his right shoulder.

His left leg was still splinted and he needed the help of a friend to properly ascend the Rostra. He spoke quietly, calmly but even so his voice carried over the deafening silence. "People of Rome, my family has been killed. Most notable among them my father, Gnaeus Julius Iulus.

A fire killed my family and scarred me for life. The rumours around Rome are that men were seen fleeing the scene. Running from their crime."

Adustus took a deep breath and bellowed, making many close to him flinch at the change of volune. "My family was murdered! Murdered in cold blood, in their own home! I implore you if you know anything, anything about it at all, come and tell me! I will not rest until I see the murderers dead!

Gnaeus Julius Iulus was a man of the People! He gave you bread, sponsored games and planned - with the Populares - to improve the lives of the People!

I have been robbed of my family, but you have been robbed of a man who would have been one of your Champions! Do not let his murder go unpunished! Tell me everything that may have been of import and help bring justice to this vile murderer!"