Basilica Porcia - An Investigation

[Pontifex Maximus]

Gaius Furius Sulpicianus, now one of the two magistrates in control of the City, convened a hearing in the Basicila Porcia. As a public event, it drew some crowds. In this hearing, the Praetors would inquire into the circumstancs surrounding the murder of the Tribune of the Plebs in the prior year. "Citizens, we have come to inquire into the murder of your tribune and seek justice by bringing those responsible to justice. We have all heard the rumors regarding the murder, that it was support and plotted by a cabal of senators, but carried out by hired ruffians in the forum. I offer clemency to those who took part in the murder if they provide evidence that can lead to the conviction of the Senators responsible for plotting this act of violence against the people."

ooc: Basically we need a 2/20 roll done adding modifiers based on this RP to see if we get any information.

[Rhapture]

Gaius Furius Sulpicianus npc mods +2

4/20
sulpicianus info roll 4


A man from Suburbia comes forward by the name of Lucius Dedalatius to offer what he knows

[Gandalfus]

Cotta was also present, accompanied by his lictors, he stood adjacent to his fellow magistrate. For now, he remained silent, warily watching the reaction of the crowd to Sulpicianus' proclamation.

[Rhapture]

Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius decides to check in on the investigation being run by the Praetor Sulpicianus. He was not in favor of Drusus's assassination. Yet, he was against all that he stood for. When the commoner came forward he would have him followed by his cousin, those who would bring about Drusus' downfall might prove fruitful allies in the future.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Gaius sized the man up. "Dedalatius, you have information relating to the murder of the tribune? Speak now and let your words be truthful."

[Rhapture]

Dedalatius spoke up hesitantly, he looked very uncomfortable and his eyes searched all around.
"I heard some men speaking in hushed tones.... " he began, " in one of the cross-road colleges about needing to do something about Drusus.."
'cough'
"It was quite dark, but they did not appear to be regular members."

[Pontifex Maximus]

Gaius raised an eyebrow. "Yes, this is perhaps not a surprise." he said to Cotta "We know the colleges have often been used in the past as instruments of violence, it is not unprecedented. It is possible to buy their allegiance with coin or by appealing to ones' clients to put a plan into motion."

Sulpicianus turned back to the witness. "That is all good, but did you happen to get a clear look at the men involved? What did they sound like? How tall were they? Did they wear beards?"

[Rhapture]

Gaius raised an eyebrow. "Yes, this is perhaps not a surprise." he said to Cotta "We know the colleges have often been used in the past as instruments of violence, it is not unprecedented. It is possible to buy their allegiance with coin or by appealing to ones' clients to put a plan into motion."

Sulpicianus turned back to the witness. "That is all good, but did you happen to get a clear look at the men involved? What did they sound like? How tall were they? Did they wear beards?"

The man was clearly very nervous.
" There was one man. He was very large. He did not look Roman. " He spit out short quick answers, still looking around. Perhaps a public inquisition was not the safest place for Decimus.
"He had darker skin than the others and was taller, you could tell even when he was sitting down."

[Gandalfus]

Cotta folded his arms, frowning at the apparently vague evidence provided. But nonetheless, the colleges were a lead, and they would need to be exploited. Not that these fellows appeared to be of much help; Cotta would keep his thoughts to himself, at least until the apparent witnesses revealed anything useful.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Sulpicianus banged his fist down on the arms of his curule chair. "Damnit man, speak!"

[Gandalfus]

"Any name? Any of his friends have names?" Cotta pressed, leaning forward to look at Decimus directly. "Your co-operation with this enquiry would be greatly appreciated. You should tell us everything and anything you know, in fact."

[Pontifex Maximus]

"Was he a fat man?" Gaius questioned. Such a profile, while comical, might narrow down the potential candidates...

[Rhapture]

"Was he a fat man?" Gaius questioned. Such a profile, while comical, might narrow down the potential candidates...

" No, no..." He stammers out.. " I couldn't hear any names." "they wouldn't use no names anyhow in a place like that."

"Fat? No sir. " The a light flickers in his eye. " Well built, big shoulders," he continues " I would guess he was some kind of soldier"

"His Greek was a funny accent, not from Greece for sure, nor like a Roman would speak. More Celtic if I know anything from the slaves I have run into."

[Pontifex Maximus]

That narrowed things down a bit. "Thank you for your testimony." Gaius concluded. "I am ready to name several suspects. "Quintus Antonius Pinaria, Herrenius Gerus, and Titus Domitius Ahenobarbus." They were all prominent men, and vaguely fit the description. "The three so named are commanded to present themselves before this tribunal for questioning."

[Rhapture]

Quintus Caecilius Metellus , seeing that the questioning is finished hurries over and takes Decimus' arm and leads him to a corner of the Basilica.

"Have no fear, Decimus. I could tell by your furtive looks today that you are afraid for your life. But come, tonight you will dine in my house and rest under my protective care. I have hired gladiators who will be providing security for the night."

[Gandalfus]

"Come forward then, or we shall be forced to assume guilt." Cotta further announced, when there was no response from the three.

[The Mad Skylord]

Titus Domitius Ahenobarbus steps forwards hesitantly. "We were not the ringleaders of this... We simply followed the instructions of the ambitious. I will name him should you give me immunity."

[Pontifex Maximus]

Titus Domitius Ahenobarbus steps forwards hesitantly. "We were not the ringleaders of this... We simply followed the instructions of the ambitious. I will name him should you give me immunity."

"So you admit your guilt!" Sulpicianus cried. A stunned murmur went up from the crowd. "I cannot promise your immunity. Perhaps just a cleaner and more painless death. The information you provide us must be very compelling and useful indeed for us to consider something such as banishment over execution."

[Pontifex Maximus]

"It will be easy enough to convince the Senate to declare them as hostus." Gaius added lazily

[Gandalfus]

"Ah, an ignorant accomplice performing the will of the powerful. Very well, Ahenobarbus, speak, and I swear by the Gods that you shall be granted justice." Cotta squinted, leaning forward to examine the newcomer. Celtic looking he was too, there was no doubt.