[Forum Game] Springtime of Nations III: The Late Republic

[Olligarchy]

Corinth, 74 BC​

"Ave my fellow Romans and Hellens!" Marcus saluted the crowds gathered at the Acropolis of Corinth with a broad smile, a freshly recruited legionary bearing the standard of Legio I Severa besides him to identify him as a Roman citizen of noble birth and standing.

"I stand Marcus Aurelius Severus, the grandson and heir to the great Consul Sextus Aurelius Severus, and would have you lend me your ears in these dark times!"

"No doubt the news will have reached you by now of the collapse of the Eastern Front and the great siege of Ephesus! Of the valorous readiness of Proconsul Varro of Macedonia and Legate Aurelius Faustus whom even now harries both the pirates of our Mare Nostrum, but also those of the dog Mithradates!? Great men and great deeds are being done now, even as we stand here!"

"But shall it be enough?" Marcus interposed the question, flexing his fingers into a pointed spear like shape as his grandfather had instructed him, signaling his fine education in rhetoric and oratory.

"What forces remained in the East are now scattered, divided and leaderless, vulnerable to assaults by the Pontic menace, and not even the great men I just so mentioned can be everywhere at once to ward them... and so, though a Roman victory is certain, I would urge all of you to take up your patriotic duty in service to Rome and my dynasty! We need not waste the ears and resources of the wise men of the senate by having them raise and send another legion of Italy to our very door steps, not when we have strong and hardy men like yourselves in our presence!"

"You there!" He points out to an unwitting farmer,"You look as strong as an ox and tough as a bear, have you not had enough of breaking your backs on the plow when you could be making your years pay in, but a moons time? Would you rather not have your flesh drenched in the blood of Rome's enemies than the dung of the wheat fields? I can assure you good citizen, that the women who would meet you so drenched would stand... equally so and you would have no trouble in finding a wife of good and noble breeding!"

"So join me, my loyal Romans...either take the Severan denarii and let us make the enemies of Rome TREMBLE or then gift to your best ability to fuel the machines of war which shall break down our enemies!"

 

[EmperorGrimm]

Before the Statue of Sulla Felix, Scipio Thinks of the Republic

There, before the statue of Sulla Felix, stands Scipio Valerius Triarius Cotta, contemplating the future of the Republic, as he often did before attending a session of the senatorial assembly. His black hair, that if left alone would undoubtedly grow full and long, was sheared conservatively. The white toga, was clean, he had one of his most trusted slaves hold its bottom when making way through the filthy corridors of Rome.

Sulla Felix, one of the true Romans, perhaps one of the last. Scipio wanted to glance down at his feet when he whispered this but he did not. His eyes, blue like the Gods, had been seen as blessing since he was young, stared deeply into the marble eyes of the man his father and brothers served.

He would speak before the Senate today, on the grave state of affairs weighing down the Republic. Hispania, it's rich lands falling into the hands of the barbarian horde, led by Populares Sidonius. He grimaced. Savages spewing out of their dark wildernesses, threatened to drown Rome in a sea of indefinite black night. The Gods would be forgotten! Piracy under some corrupted banner of Neptune rampaging across, mare nostrum. His jaw tensed as if pulling meat from a lamb's bone, at the word, mare. These bastard Greeks must understand that by strength, the Republic will control it's waters, for the Gods favor the strong. Scipio knew that if anything, there was strength in the Republic, like in the muscles of Hercules.

There was only one problem, traitorous men ruled now, those who sought to throw away the traditions and ideals laid down by men who gave blood and years to overthrow the tyranny of kings. The Populares deceive the populace day and night. Using their numbers to secure wealth and power. And what of the Optimates? Since the death of Sulla Felix, they do nothing except seek prestigious offices for the benefit of their families with no thought of the Republic in which they should have eternal gratitude. But alas, Scipio Cotta, realized he was running late, the commotion from the senate forum had grown into its marginal squaking.

He kissed his two fingers and grazed his hand across the marble armor plate of the statue. Fortune favors the brave, until next time Sulla Felix.​

 

[Julius Maximus]

Gaius Aelius Viator waits for the endless insults coming from Senator Clotius Promenadius Verres Liberus, smelling his breath full of wine from across the room. He slowly rose after the shouting was finally done to speak:

"Honorable Senator Liberus, what evidence is there of grain hording you accuse of? I have stated publicly and even shown I have no stores of grain to hide, for you to accept these false rumors is disappointing, I thought higher of you then that! For your personal insults against me, I ask my fellow Senators, do I look like a cretin born in the bowls of Hades? If so, please tell!"

Laughter is heard through the Senate at the motion, showing Viator's growing influence among the Senators.

"On a serious note, to prove my innocence and find the true cowards behind this act, I call on the Senate to begin an investigation into the grain crisis, to search for the culprits accused of profiteering, and restore normal prices, or else we will have anarchy in the streets of Rome and across the Republic! I ask my fellow Senators to keep the course moving forward, for Rome will always be challenged by forces external and internal. What it seems is Senator Liberus has surrendered to the times, I have not! If you are such a man of honor Senator, then assist me in finding the traitors to our beloved Republic and bring swift justice!"

An uproar is heard by the Populares members of the Senate, calling for the response of Senator Liberus. Gaius slowly sits during the commotion, awaiting for the next round of Liberus' arguments.

 

[etranger01]

GM: Rules update! In addition to your Election Orders, all Senatorial characters should send in their Senatorial Orders for the election. This will allow them to put items on the agenda prior to the agenda coming out, with the allocated points going to "pre-weight" the issue on their chosen side. You won't be able to use your Senatorial Orders for other things anymore, so if you want to use them, use them now.

 

[Dadarian]

"Ah yes, the honourable Senator Viator, known for such work as ... what? You are solely known by your power mongering from within the Populares and this rumour of grain hording! You are not a man of the people, you are a complete unknown, capable solely of egotism for it's own sake. Even this crisis, you seize to your own initiative, twisting a natural, lawful course of action into something dark and terrible.

For the likes of you are known, men who seek solely their own enrichment. You remind me of a mirrored Tarquinius, an autocrat in everything but place. I can call you out on the grain because I can, for you have nothing but the power you wield. You have no honour, for which are done by actions, you have done traditions, built up over time. You posture and selfserve, and the fact that such august members of this body would follow an individual with so little actual care for the lower classes show exactly the type of misguided thinking that powers the factions at be.

But, forsooth, Viator will rant and rave about accomplishments that were done by his fellows in his name! For that is what we seek in Rome? Thieves, solely there to look good in front of the people? Trash, trash and filth. Any self-respecting Populare would throw out such a man from their ranks, having absolutely been unproven to be a member of the ideals of the people, let alone it's leader."

 

[Keinwyn]

Faustus and his nymph surveyed their latest work. Not the sticky sheets, but the letter they had completed some time before. It was substantially different to the one he had dictated, but also substantially improved, so he said nothing and instead turned his gaze out of the window. The room looked out over Syracuse’s Laccius Naval harbour. It was from here that Dionysus I had based his mighty navy and innovated the development of quadriremes, quinqueremes and even a six. Heavily out of repair, only a fraction of the fleets were docked there, with the majority making use of the great commercial harbour.

~*~​

Honoured Conscript Fathers,

I write to you with news of the campaign against the Pirates that have caused suffering for all Romans. No doubt the news of my initial successes have reached you with the restored grain supply. My men swiftly accustomed themselves to the task at hand and I have confidence that they will perform if I take a bolder stance in the upcoming season, for the scourge still afflict our trade with the east and hinder any action against that coward, Mithridates.

The local powers remain indolent in the face of the pirate plague that afflicts us. Whether this is through indolence or conspiracy I have not yet ascertained. Notwithstanding, we must be aware that one man’s pirate is another man’s mercenary. Whilst I would not be remotely surprised if there was a financial contract or other promises between the Cretans and the Tyrant Mithridates, there is also the possibility that regional powers give succour to these scum. If this is true, they must be dealt with most harshly.

I further feel compelled to raise the matter afflicting Good Senator Camillus, a man of upright nature and many virtues. Virtues he has proven whilst holding office and leading an administration in the provinces. That the mob should be allowed to imprison such a fine man, one of our own number no less, within his own home is a shame upon us all.

It is Camillus who has become the scapegoat and object of fury over the recent tribulations suffered by the people. Yet it is all of us who must bare responsibility for the failings that led to this situation. It is our preoccupation with other matters that led piracy to blossom unchecked. As news reaches me that the baser instincts of some amongst the mob were on the verge of boiling over and spilling across Rome it is cause for great concern. Not only does it threaten law and order, but chaos at home cannot but affect the prosecution of war abroad. I therefore urge you, Honoured Fathers, to take action on this matter.

~*~​

He further pens a short missive in response to Lucius Valerius Poplicola

Salutations Honoured Legate,

I am delighted by your invitation, fresh company in these winter months is much appreciated. Sharing the meals and company of my men has it’s own appeal, but the unfortunate business with Camillus deprived me not only of an officer, but also a companion of fine taste.

You need not concern yourself over the quality of the fare, not only do I have fond memories of my time with the legions some years ago, I can safely assure you that anything would be more appetising than that which is consumed aboard ships. I shall dig out a bottle of Falernian I had been saving for an occasion.

 

[EmperorGrimm]

Scipio Valerius Triarius Cotta Speaks At The Senate

The laughter of the senators was like howls of the dead. Men who patted themselves on the back for generic one liners against one another while thousands starved to death on the streets and brave legionaries died on the battlefields along the frontier. These sessions had become difficult to bare since the death of Sulla but he persisted through them, listening, speaking at times when necessary. Scipio Cotta's allotted time arrived and he stood, ready to speak as if Lustitia balanced them herself.

"Esteemed Senators, what is meaning of your frivolous laughter? Have we not read the messages from Hispania? Or Asia Minor? Do we not share the pain that stings the hearts and limbs of the proles? I have remained calm in the face of recent events, the abandonment of duties, the corpses burning in mountainous funeral pyres that can be seen from the watchtowers along the perimeter of Rome. But the memory of my father and my brothers, who gave their lives on campaign with Sulla Felix, one of the great Romans, speaks to me and says, it is time. I must admonish this assembly for our failures, the fathers of the Republic hang their heads in shame."

Scipio held his arms behind him, his face giving birth to virtuous placidity. He continued.

"Let us put behind us frivolous oratory and press on to discuss the implementation of solutions, for the Republic faces grave existential to threats. I call on the Senate to delay any investigation into the possibility of grain hording by members of our esteemed assembly. Until a time when our foreign and domestic enemies are vanquished. We cannot allow ourselves to become divided again, let us honor the peace given unto us in exchange for the blood of those heroes that passed onto Elysium not even a decade ago."

"In Hispania, General Dalmaticus and General Claudius have finally made progress in the destruction of the barbarous rabble there. I must submit to record, my eternal thanks and praise to both men, for their efforts. It appears to be only a matter of few years at the most until Hispania is completely under our control again. But let us now turn our attention to our frontiers in Asia. Mithridates of Pontus wishes to conquer our hard won territories, I hear word that Legio XVI was overrun and is presumed annihilated. Therefore, our lands in Asia are completely unprotected. I propose to the Senate, the raising of three legions and for them to be dispatched to destroy the barbarian Mithridates and to establish those lands as immortal fortresses against our enemies there. Furthermore, I propose that funding for these legions come from dual sources, the appropriate taxation of our allies here in Italia and by equal contribution by each member of the senate, including office holders, and myself (2 wealth per character)."

"There is also the issue that the Republic is completely broke. May I illuminate, esteemed senators, that if we had enough coin in our treasury, that we could simply buy foodstuffs until the grain crisis alleviated. However since we do not have the money for this, I recommend a taxation program which operates in cycles. There will be three groups, one group pays this additional tax one year, than the second group the next year, and so forth. The name of this, Universalis Publica, and shall be apportioned according to total wealth of a province and take into account the circumstances of the particular class. Patricians, proles, and equites will by law be required to contribute to this tax during times of emergency. I do not suspect that this system will operate in perpetuity, once we have regained Hispania its wealth in gold and metals shall take over for the Universalis Publica. I recommend that implement this reform for two cycles of three years until the Senate votes for it's discontinuation."

 

[EmperorGrimm]

Scipio Velerius Triarius Cotta pens two letters.

Salutations Gaius Aurelius Faustus;

Spoiler

I would like to send my eternal thanks and praise for your efforts against the piracy that plagues mare nostrum. Though the Senate may squabble over their petty feuds, I have maintained a close watch over your campaign. Here in Rome, the Optimate cause is dying, while many of our great men fight the wars necessary for the survival of the Republic, the populares play their games here in the streets. I have no doubt that you are aware of the overwhelming victories in recent elections of the Populares. Nonetheless I will continue the good work, to resist the growing proletarian abyss but I acknowledge that political realities as they are, that we must soon come together and organize ourselves into a unified front against the rabble wielders. The mob cannot be permitted to destroy our beloved Republic. When you have time, I would enjoy your company at Villa Valeria so that we can finally meet and hold court.

Remember, fortune favor the brave, your friend, Scipio Valerius Triarius Cotta

Salutations Lucius Valerius Poplicola;

Spoiler

Greetings, I wish to extend to you my eternal thanks for your efforts in mare nostrum. Though the Senate squawk over petty differences, I assure you that I have not ignored your contributions to our beloved Republic. As you no doubt have learned, our Asian provinces face invasion by the barbarian Mithridates. I have proposed to the Senate the raising of three legions to combat the threat and was curious to know if you would be willing to lead them?

Remember, fortune favor the brave, your friend, Scipio Valerius Triarius Cotta.

 

[m.equitum]

Salutations Lucius Valerius Poplicola;

Spoiler

Greetings, I wish to extend to you my eternal thanks for your efforts in mare nostrum. Though the Senate squawk over petty differences, I assure you that I have not ignored your contributions to our beloved Republic. As you no doubt have learned, our Asian provinces face invasion by the barbarian Mithridates. I have proposed to the Senate the raising of three legions to combat the threat and was curious to know if you would be willing to lead them?

Remember, fortune favor the brave, your friend, Scipio Valerius Triarius Cotta.

 

[Julius Maximus]

Gaius Aelius Viator, ready to reply to Senator Liberus' weak-minded rant, allowed the young Scipio Valerius Triarius Cotta to speak his mind, and responded in kind to both:

"Beginning with Senator Liberus, is your only skill simple mockery and petty squabbles? You ignored my question on an investigation which will expose corrupt individuals within the Senate and the city of Rome, which deserved to be punished accordingly. Do you defend these men? I thought you were a man of Roman virtue and honor, if so then show us, for I will show you my dedication to the glory and progression of our beloved Republic. Instead you 'attack' my career within the Senate, I will admit your duty here has been a cherished contribution, but do not fall this low to sweep this under the rug while the people you say I 'keep as slaves' are suffering in the streets at this very moment. Rise to the occasion, as all great Senators do in trying times, I will be beside you and right the wrongs among us if so."

A short pause is made, then Gaius looks towards the young Senator Cotta to respond to his suggestions:

"To Senator Cotta, I will say that an investigation is required, for division will only worsen as long as this situation persists, men here in the Senate and the Plebs will grow more discontent at the inaction of us Senators to resolve the problem, giving them the knowledge that we are working NOW to rid ourselves of the rats nibbling away at our cherished city and it's people is required, for the betterment of everyone.

In terms of sending Legions to defeat Mithridates, I fear Legions assembled here in Rome will not arrive in time to save the remnants of Legio XVI, I suggest that Proconsul Varro's Imperium be extended into Anatolia to defeat this threat to our eastern borders, and he given the ability to create 2 new auxillary legions from the Greek populace, while here in Italy 1 Legion is created to reinforce Proconsul Varro's campaign. This will not require a massive tax increase across the Republic, nor continue to strain our finances under the weight of 3 newly created full-time Legions.

Finally in terms of a general tax raise across the classes, I support such a cause if the revolt in Hispania lingers on, but I feel soon the traitor Sidonius will be vanquished and the immense wealth of the region can be unleashed upon the Republic's coffers. If so, this proposal can be kept in times of emergency as you suggested. As a young man you have much to be proud of today! Keep your honesty with you in these halls, as good men's voices are always appreciated."

Gaius examines the room, sitting down as general speak is made among various Senators over the proposals.

 

[Dadarian]

"Senator Viator, I of course support your move to instigate an investigation, and will indeed run it if need be. This is the law. There was no question regarding where or not it was going to happen, as grain hording during a famine is against the law. There is no point in turning basic law into political points for the sake of your ego."

 

[Julius Maximus]

Gaius Aelius Viator rises after Senator Liberus' short statement and clears his throat:

"Good, finally we both agree on something! I look forward to cooperating with you and others to root out the scoundrels who plague Rome with their greed."

Finally Gaius eases into his seat, wondering if Liberus would actually work with him and put petty differences aside...

 

[Arrowfiend]

A letter addressed the Senate from Proconsul Varro is read by one of his supporters.

Honorable conscript fathers,

Troubled times are upon us. Enemies encroach upon us from both sides of the Republic. While Propertius and Claudius clash with the damnable Sidonius in the west, the east is wide open to invasion. Already, much of Asia Minor has fallen to Mithridates' hordes. While I have been able to keep him from crossing the Hellespont, I fear I may not be able to do so for much longer. Therefore, I beseech you, fellow conscript fathers, that my proconsulship over Macedonia be extended and that I be granted imperium over Asia until the conflict with Mithridates is over. In addition, I ask that funds be requisitioned (the method being up to you, honorable conscript fathers) so that we can rally auxiliaries from our Thracian allies. Finally, I request that the Sicilian 5th Legion, under the command of the talented Lucius Valerius, be sent to assist our efforts. Together, with the legion that young Severus has raised in Corinth, Rome shall have a grand total of five legions and two auxiliary armies to combat the tyrant Mithridates and his allies.

I hope that we may put aside our political differences, at least temporarily, so that we may destroy that which threatens the Republic as a whole. I am confident in you, conscript fathers, to make the right decision, so that our Republic may live to prosper another day.

My life for Rome,
F. Terentius Varro

 

[aussieboy]

Aulus Horatius A.f.A.n. Cocles Scaevola made these remarks at the Senate:


Conscript fathers,


It is all well and good to hold an investigation into the price-gouging of grain and bread at the markets. It is all well and good, as well, to support something like the proposal of Cotta – perhaps as a senatus consultum to the quaestors? I fully support both proposals before us.


But we must, conscript fathers, look beyond the exigencies of the moment. In the first place, let us look to our provinces – there has been talk of the riches of Hispania, but is not Africa also rich and fertile? Can we not come up with a scheme to encourage additional coloniae in that province? Why must the presence of Rome be only in Colonia Severa?


In the second place, I would propose that we look to foreign lands who are rich in grain. Specifically, I recall Aegyptus, which is typically awash in grain. I do not propose that we send legions there, not necessarily. Indeed I would prefer we negotiate a deal with whichever Ptolemy reigns there now by sending an embassy, perhaps of one with proconsular power. If the present King there proposes terms amenable to securing the City’s grain supply, all the better; if not, we can always consider ways to put on that throne a dynast who may be more amenable to Roman interests.


In the third place, in addition to the Universalis publica, perhaps we can find another way to raise revenue. I would propose a senatus consultum that would place an additional tax on the services of whores, to one tenth of what they earn with each man. If we are to rate people to secure the grain supply, the first place from which we should levy coin ought to be with those without reputation, before burdening those who are truly good Romans.


Therefore I would propose a senatus consultum, that the quaestors should take care that they should direct free prostitutes on the kalends of every month to yield one in ten of the earn they take from their assignations, or if they should hand over their take to a pimp or procuress, that it should be yielded from such pimps or procuresses, and that such monies be used for the purchase of grain.


I would also propose a senatus consultum that one of propraetorian or proconsular power should be directed to advance towards an embassy at Alexandria to negotiate the regular transfer of grain to the City.

 

[m.equitum]

 

[Keinwyn]

G. Aurelius Faustus replies to the correspondence from Scipio Valerius Triarius Cotta.

Honoured Senator,

I thank you for your esteem; I shall not cease in my endeavours to end the menace that dared to hold a knife to the city of Rome herself. It is my wish that, when I am finished, the entire Mediterranean will truly be 'Mare Nostrum' in more than only name. However, the demands upon Rome's new navy are many. Crete demands justice, and perhaps other places will prove deserving of punishment for similar transgressions. The city of Ephesus struggles to hold out against the Tyrant from the east, and the pirates themselves hamper our communications with Asia. If the city is to endure, it seems certain she will need relief by sea.

I do not entirely share your bleak outlook for our republic's future, however if the Optimate cause is dying it is due to a disdain for the mob. They are not to be feared or disdained, their wants are simple, however they are easily manipulated to serve the interests of whichever ambitious individual wishes to exploit them, which you know all too well. If we in the senate are the fathers of Rome, then it is our duty to guide her children properly, for the sake of the Republic. I am certain that, so long as the senate counts men as upright as yourself amongst their number, the Republic shall endure. I look forward to a time when peace may allow me the time to stray from my command long enough that I may visit your villa.

 

[aussieboy]

Aulus Horatius Cocles Scaevola's servants and clients proceed to write graffiti all over the city announcing that their patron intends to run for curule aedile.

 

[Terraferma]

"If Legion V is ready to set sail from Sicily and join the fray in the East, then it also has my support. Honored fathers, progress is being finally made in Hispania while our vaunted fleets make short work of the sea-rats. With luck we will encircle Crete and weakened it for our forces to invade it and finally put an end to this threat. However, there are many pressing needs the primary one now being the events in Asia Minor. The Pontic King Mithridates calculates that he can take advantage and reap tremendous dividends against our glorious republic. Is he sound? Is he right? Is he going be victorious? NO! No. This man like all those before him, will see the error of his ways. The grave mistake he has committed.

I believe the good admiral Admiral Faustus should continue his operation until a firm blockade of Crete has been established. Once complete, the invasion of the island will be held back until proper reinforcements reach Asia Minor for our beleaguered men, Legion V will not be enough. As much as I would love to send further stationed legions to the front I fear we may be weakening other areas. But, raising new legions will put a further strain on our finances. I am in favor of taxation of our allies and the Senate as well as the tax program proposed by Scipio Valerius Triarius Cotta, named Universalis Publica. If there is strong objection to this then we move to a contingency, we not only move Legion V to the east but also transfer Legion XV from Africa and Legion II from Gallia Cisalpina. As previously stated I caution against this but it would likely just be a temporary measure to avoid further strain on Roman finances.

The investigation should also wait, at the very least until the overall situation improves further with our conflicts abroad so as not to stretch our resources further. With that said, I would publically implore the people to not take out their anger on Senator Camillus but on our true culprits for our troubles: The twin-headed snake of Sidonius and the pirates from Crete. They are your true enemy, not some Senator residing in Rome.

Senator Aetius announces his intention to run for Praetor.

 

[m.equitum]

 

[99KingHigh]

On the Nature of Fear, on Cilicia, and other incomprehensible items from a croaky old man.

​

If any one of you, O conscript fathers, is waiting to see what eloquent defense of liberty I shall propose, or what screeches I shall make on behalf of the woeful plenty, let him consider himself relieved from those burdens. And if I were to deliver the opinion of liberty, and not the stance of which I intend to promulgate, the nature and content of my discourse would be the most simplistic and most common; it is unjust for the provinciae of Rome to be impugned by foreign foe, and all the while treated with smug indifference. Even if my opinion were to appear to you on the whole somewhat obvious, still you would make allowance for its appearance, given the docility of purpose and reaction that you, O conscript fathers, have promoted and given licence to the general detriment. But I take no ordinary delight in the illumination of this worrisome truth, although its revelation is entirely for the advantage of the republic, which languishes through conflict on the peripheries of its border and the heart of its coffers. My own private sentiments, fostered through venerable service, have always found cause to oppose the emergence of conflict beyond the certainty of triumph. Imagine my discomfort, guardians of the republic, when that same certainty has been thrust into confusing chaos, unrestrained by the treasury of the republic or the force of her arms. From the Aventine Hill to the Libyan deserts, the contentment of the civitas -- fermented by goutish comfort and slothful indignation -- prevents the triumph of fear.

And it is fear, O conscript fathers, which is wrongly in short supply. Recall that terror is the most incentivizing of our emotions. Who can claim that those who bestowed Romulus on Marcus Furius Camillus had not shivered with invigorating fear when the Gauls breached the Porta Collina? Was it not the recognition of potential disaster that spurs the strongest bravery and dispels the most reprehensible cowardice? Let it be beyond doubt, noble Romans, that across the Hellespont, another Xerxes prepares to scold the waters of Neptune and ravage the heartlands of the Greek provinciae. Are we to believe that the acrimonious exchanges of Gaius Aelius and Clotious Promenadius are little more than the meaningless quarrels of the Amphictyonic League as a new Philip makes his preparations for war? What I entreated of the immortal gods, O judges, according to manners and institutions of our ancestors after taking auspices in the comitia centuriata, I proclaimed ever-lasting glory to the republic, but found the substance of the republic consumed with matters of trivial relevance or consequence. With Jupiter as my protector, I shall take it upon my own feeble body to once again to arouse the basest instincts of conflict and terror, and rescue the republic from such idleness.

Cast your gaze to Asia, where Megas Mithradates, that known tyrant against liberty, armed with ingenuity and hatred, has scolded our generals and reprimanded our righteous provinces. Even Diogenes of Sinope would not spew cynicism of so potent a force in such an advantageous position. Proconsul Varro has been wise to consume himself with the occupation of martial action, but I fear few others in this noble chamber share the urgency that I must awaken. I should have been very glad, O conscript fathers, if Megas Mithradates had not vanquished Lucius Licinius Murena in our previous engagement with the Pontic Kingdom, nor stolen Asian Minor before Saturn could blink. But since our misfortune is great, and our collective resolve is little, recall that Mithridates was last vanquished by a warrior who now paces through Pluto’s eternal underworld. I can easily endure that an opportunity should be offered to me of causing virtuous men to recognize my insight and my panic, which was formerly known to everyone, but which has of late has been interrupted by matters of triviality. But as the cause is now clear, remind yourselves that I am as energetic and fearful as I am insightful, and so become ever more eager to cast the blades and points of Mars upon the foe, who will soon cry out to the heavens, which he believes has falsely adorned him with the titles of Bacchus. Remind yourselves that your are not invincible, and that if you do not apply the energies of your ancestors, superbia will cast the same judgement upon Rome as it has certainly cast on ‘Eupator Dionysius.’

From these awakenings that Timorous has planted, make the following course of actions known. Take the plan of Senator Aetius and adapt it to the nature of cunning, sending forth Legion XV to Cilicia and bringing that country of pirates into the Roman fold, at which point the Pontic King will have his flank exposed, and compel him into southern Anatolia, allowing the legions of Italia to relieve the looming destruction of the 16th Legion, at which the false Bacchus will be suddenly upon the backfoot, widening the field of battle and affording the legions the opportunity to stretch their strength and bleed Pontus into submission. It shall be this course I put and pray to Jupiter Capitolinus, who will remind all Romans of fear, and in consequence, remind them of cunning and warlike vigor.