NPC forces may intervene in any event when called upon in Rome. These factions represent the two dominating political philosophies of the time. An individual’s ability to invoke either faction’s influence (in a very deus ex machine sort of way) will depend on that individual’s own political philosophy and actions that occur in game. For example, a tribune calling upon the People, or the Optimates for that matter in order to support that tribune’s election to the Consulate next year will be mostly ineffective. Why? The People (Populares) have less ability to influence such an election that the Optimates, who would not support such a jump in power or the enfranchisement of the lower orders. If this confuses you now don’t worry, read everything below and then try to make sense of things.

POPVLARES
A group of likeminded individuals who seek to gain power and influence by championing political goals of the lower orders. This is done by extending networks of clienthood among the lower orders, who offer political support in exchange for populist favors.

Perks: The ability to run for office out of order, or before the proper age criteria have been reached. Additionally, any measures traditionally handled by the People’s Assembly, or new items, may effectively circumvent the traditional, Optimate controlled Centuriate assembly. For game purposes, anything not handled directly by the Centuriate Assembly will be dealt with by the People’s Assembly. The combination of the office of the Tribune and access to the People’s Assembly has the potential to create a legislative body dominated by a very small group of people who have popular support and favor. This arrangement threatens to supplant the Senate. The Concilium Plebis has the ability to legislate, elect plebeian magistrates, and hold judicial sessions. Patricians are banned from participation unless invited to participate by a Tribune of the Plebeians.

Drawbacks: Political violence is often shown in response to populist measures, as was seen during the tumultuous tribunates of the Gracchi brothers. They are also susceptible to being forced out of power by the upper classes mustering powerful opposition against them through dominating the most powerful offices of the state, dissolving assemblies if the auspices are poor, or bribing certain elements of the People to betray their own interests in a payoff scheme.

OPTIMATES
A self styled group of “best men” whose conservative values define their political philosophy. Optimates oppose any variance from the traditional way of doing things, which have served Rome well for the past half century. They believe that populism is just another form of degradation of the Roman people and a betrayal of the social contract which stipulates that the upper classes have the right and duty to steer the policies of the state and the lower orders have a duty to remain loyal. They believe the ties that bind the classes, those of clientship and patronage, allow the lower orders access to boons that the state need not support. In essence this system of capture and redistribution of wealth from a private standpoint not only helps the Roman people maintain hegemony over their client and vassal peoples, but solidifies the ties that bind the classes together. Since there is only so much wealth they are willing to redistribute through these systems, they guard the privileges of citizenship from expanding too far.

Perks: Optimates often find themselves in positions of great power and influence, or at the head of armies in traditional roles in the state. As such they have easy access to wealth and influence that others lack. They are often the best educated men in Rome, and this makes them capable of manipulation. Given the voting mechanisms for the Consulate, Praetorship, and Aedileship, they may exert extra influence in these elections and at these assemblies.
Drawbacks: Optimates often lack circumspection and are stubborn. Their refusal to cede an inch makes them seem obstinate, and their resort to violence may make them many enemies who have a greater capability to respond with greater violence. They must constantly balance private with public interests in such a way that is not an affront to common decency.

Tip: Votes done “in the Senate” are votes done in the Comitia Centuriata. Votes done anywhere else are considered assemblies of the people in the Concilium Plebis. The Senate has no actual legislative authority, and all measures must be passed in the assemblies in one way or another.