Senatus Populusque Romanus - Roman Empire Forum Game (on tour in WW forum)

[GaiusC]

Ah, it's good to get things done in good old Rome and neighbouring provinces at long last. And things done well, with people paying their taxes and merchants gladly contributing to the effort - now that they see what our policies bring and what use we do of these taxes: new provinces, some standing on the world stage, considerable improvements of Italy's infrastructure!

But first of all, I will congratulate Aulus Manlius Merula for an oustanding campaign against the unruly Gauls, which achieves the conquest of lands South of the Alps and grant us new easily-defensible natural borders. That was a job well done if I ever saw one.

Concerning our next moves, I fully, as usual, support the pontifex' actions to improve the situation of our newly-conquered provinces, whose population greatly need to be cheered up and to be shown the benefits of being parts of our magnificent Republic.

Our road network is basically complete, except of course our last conquest. Though Cisalpine Gaul will need a road if we want to attack Lugdunum, since it's the only way to go there. For Noricum, the roads in Venetia should do for now.

Concerning trade, Massilia gives us trouble. I oppose any obvious and open threat, though. And I would of course oppose any war against Transalpine Gaul. With our Western flank safe for 2 years and our Eastern one at last secure, the last thing we want to do is to offend Carthage and Greece by going after these blasted Massilian traders...
On the other hand, why not try to deal with Syracuse, for a change? They trade with Egypt and Seleucia, who are warther from us and are already quite annoyed with the whole Bithynian affair.

All in all, I basically agree with all of our Consuls' orders.

Now, if we ponder our future expansions, I agree that we should rule out Pannonia for now. Too poor and far. Noricum, on the other hand, is moderately wealthy, more than Lugdunum.
Whatever the next move, I definitely think we should pick both Noricum and Lugdunensis, and clearly not push farther into Germania or Gaul. We pick one province from one, then one from the other, so that they won't see this as a full assault against their whole nation.
It also seems obvious that Macedonia is not only arming to face a possible Greek attack, but is also planning a move againt the Eastern tribes - the Dacians or the Getae if our spy is well informed. Sooner or later, we'll have to show Gonatas that we intend to control Western Europe, and we'll have to seize Noricum so that he knows there's no way he'll ever go farther West than Illyria.

As Draconius said, there's no need to have my 2 former legions in Dalmatia, now that we're allied with Macedonia. Keeping one legion in Venetia to potentially crush any rebellion in Dalmatia or Venetia is sound, though. But we should send at least one legion to Gaul, and send back the fleet to Italy - for instance in Bruttium to be in the middle of our sea zone.


May the Gods favor us now and in the future!

Valete,

SEXTVS ATILIVS AELIANVS

 

[GaiusC]

Caesar (even considering the stories of him serving as catamite in his youth) , Crassus, Sula, et cetera
Yes, it's a simplistic statement, not meant to be taken too seriously, still, it has some truth in it. And I said probably, so you can't dismiss it with one example against the rule

You're referring to people of the very late - and dying - Republic. In this timeline, we haven't even beaten up Carthage, we haven't conquered the wealthy Eastern provinces. Rome is still a mostly modest if not downright poor power compared to most others, notably Carthage, Egypt and Seleucids (basically on par with Greece and Macedonia). South Italy hasn't even been devastated by Hannibal, then turned into the personal playground of a few dozens of wealthy patricians
People hadn't the same notion of becoming absolute rulers at the time, if only because there hasn't been any need of a providential heroic general leading the troops to save Rome from complete destruction - as would happen to an extent during 2nd Punic war.
So, you might be right in your assessment of Sulla and others, but in 260BC, people had a vastly different viewpoint.

 

[Woody Man]

.. ok, I may be insane when it comes to research, but that might be pushing it

Anyway, why don't you join?

I've been tempted, but I'm far far too much of a grognard I'm afraid.

 

[Stuckenschmidt]

I've been tempted, but I'm far far too much of a grognard I'm afraid.

Then wait for SPQR II. A hexside conquest game with one day per turn on cohort-level.

 

[unmerged(47582)]

I'm pro war with the tribes, but both at once?
What if they rally around a charismatic leader and we have 2 nations at war with us?
That would be the chance Carthage is waiting for.

I still propose attacking one of them (Gaul) at once.
Attacking them with most of or legions so they don't have time to put up a good defence.

Consul
Lucius Aquila

 

[Finnish Dragon]

I agree with Consul Aquila. There is no need to attack German tribes yet. We have a good plan to take down the Gauls and we can do that if we build more legions in near future. I think we should first take Lugduensis and then use that province as a staging ground to take Aquitania, Narbonensis and Central Gaul. If we can take those three provinces then Gauls will be down to three provinces and we can finish them off pretty easily. I believe that we will need the force of 12 legions to do that and to guard our homeland as well. I would send 9 legions to attack and use 3 legions to guard our provinces. Our roads will help us logistically our troops as well.

Consul Gaius Draconius

 

[GaiusC]

I'm pro war with the tribes, but both at once?

I never wanted to attack both at once. I just said I preferred to attack one this year, and the other one next year, instead of sticking to Gauls all the time - leaving room for Macedonia to expand through Pannonia and even Noricum while we're busy with Gauls.

 

[randakar]

I never wanted to attack both at once. I just said I preferred to attack one this year, and the other one next year, instead of sticking to Gauls all the time - leaving room for Macedonia to expand through Pannonia and even Noricum while we're busy with Gauls.

The Censor agrees with Sextus. His proposed course of action is sensible. Take one Gaul province this year, and one Germanic province next year. If either of the two tribes unites because of it we will have to discuss our further options.

-- Gnaeus Scipio Lentulus

(OOC: Apologies for my lack of RP this turn, I'll do better next time, promise.)

 

[Stuckenschmidt]

Early 259 B.C.​

Senate report:
In various debates, the Senate tries to reach a consensus for the future foreign policy. Although an expansion into Gaul seems to be the most beneficial option, some Senators favor a Germanic or even Eastern option, while others urge to improve the home defense instead.

Shortly after the Departure of the Pontifex, a slave uprising in Liguria occurs. A group of slaves (CV 1) gathers around the farms of the Province and gains support with each day staying unharmed by troops (+ 1 CV per Turn). The population is not upset yet, but awaits a decisive reaction from the Consuls . The Income of this Province is reduced to 50% for the duration of the revolt.

Consul report:
Consuls Lucius Aquila and Gaius Draconius send an envoy to Massilia, in order to deteriorate its relations to the Greek League. Indeed this mission is successful and the trade agreement between Massilia and Greece is cancelled. This causes some uproar among the city, thus the Senate of Massilia refuses to decide about a new trade partner right now.

Pontifex report:
Quintus Livius Varro travels through the Republic to uplift the spirit of the population. His mission is an outstanding success. The happiness in Apulia, Cisalpine Gaul and Dalmatia increases by 5 each. When arriving in Liguria and approaching the city gates of Segesta, a she-wolf runs toward the Pontifex, stops in front of him and lies down. This is unanimously interpreted as good Omen. The Happiness increases by 10.

Provinces with a below-average happiness are Bruttium, Latium, Liguria (45 each), Campania, Etruria, Umbria (40 each), Apulia, Cisalpine Gaul, Dalmatia and Venetia (35 each).

Aedile report:
Tiberius Belisarius informs the Senate, that Ports have been built in Venetia and Liguria without nameable events occurring during the construction. His efficient management of the workforce in Cisalpine Gaul results in a shorter construction time for the road system. Thus the expenses for this Project are reduced to 80 Denarii.

Quaestor report:
The merchant guilds are stunned by the eloquence and negotiation skills of Sextus Atilius Aelianus. Thus, the Port in Venetia generates an income of 40 Denarii and the Port in Liguria of astonishing 50 Denarii per turn.

Unfortunately the negotiations occupy so much time, that he can`t properly oversee the tax collection. Thus, the tax revenues for the last six months sum up to 608 Denarii. The Treasury holds 962 Denarii.

[= 1.009 (last turn`s Treasury) - 25 (Reinforcing Legion) - 25 (Envoy to Massilia) - 80 (Road) - 400 (Ports) - 125 (Happiness) + 608 (Taxes)]

Censor report:
Due to their successful negotiations with Massilia, the popularity of the Consuls increases to +1. His obvious good relationship to the Gods increases Quintus Livius Varro`s popularity to +2. The popularity of Tiberius Belisarius increases to 0. Sextus Atilius Aelianus` popularity remains at -1.

Spy report:
The Spy reports, that still three Legions are in the Province of Macedonia.

Tribune report:
The Troops in Cisalpine Gaul receive reinforcements. Thus all Legions are now at full strength.

Foreign affairs:
- Carthage moves massive troops into Lusitania. The Lusitanii gather their forces, but make the fault to face the battle-hardened Carthaginian force in open terrain. In a brilliant encirclement maneuver, the whole tribal force is destroyed and the Carthaginian Commander moves on to Scallabis, starting a siege.



(Deadline for official and personal orders is Wednesday, 4 PM GMT.)

 

[Stuckenschmidt]

From: The Synhedrion of the Greek League
To: The Senate of Rome


Senators of Rome.

Our emissaries in Massilia told us, that a roman envoy is responsible for the decline of our trade with that city. We now realize the intentions behind your actions. Officially you deny the claim of Antigonos II. Gonatas to be Hegemon of Greece, but behind the stage you build up Macedonia by recognizing their claim to Bithynia and signing a Defense Treaty with them. Simultaneously you cripple our trade and income, to make us a weaker target for Macedonian aggressions. Now, that we are fully aware of your intentions, we will be prepared and consider any further intrusion into our affairs as hostile act.

 

[unmerged(47582)]

Senators,

I would like to congradulate every senator now in office. They all have done a great job this past year.

But there's also some bad news, the rebellion in Linguria should be adressed immediatley.
I propose sending 2 legions (Venetia an Latium) to crush this rebellion. This will also send a clear message that this won't be tolerated.

The message we got from the Greek city states doesn't worry me. They can't do anyting to stop our increasing power in Massilia.
They know that if they attack us to save Massilia Macedonia will honor our defencive pact because they then have the excuse the need to claem all of Greece.

I also would like to move our spy to Gaul, just so we know how much troops those tribes have.

There is also the matter of new legions, I haven't had any response to my proposal to reorganise the legions and give them a clear homebase.
This way we can know what provinces will need more attention from the Pontifex when there legions are on the frontline.

Consul
Lucius Aquila

 

[Kaetje]

My apologies for the off-topic post.

Werewolf XCVII:

DCCCXV:
LOST, The Others.





You where on Oceanic Flight 815, from Sidney to LA. Now you're on a beach. One piece of the plane is lying about 100 meters away from you. There are other people on the beach, some are hurt, some not. Some are dead. A couple of hours later the people that are not dead have gathered up, the wounded have been bandaged and helped as best as possible. There seems to be a doctor amongst you.
Someone has found the passenger list. When you count the people allive and the bodies of the dead, there seem to be more people than are on the list. That's weird....
​

Roles will be handed out Tuesday evening (tomorrow) so be quick if you wanna join ;-)

 

[Stuckenschmidt]

I would like to congradulate every senator now in office. They all have done a great job this past year.

Indeed. Rome was pretty lucky this turn.

 

[randakar]

*applauds*

Well done, well done Quintus! It pleases me immensely that my chosen successor is doing an astounding job. As well as our consuls - I am glad we finally have some success with Massilia. It may anger the Greek, but they are of little consequence right now.

May the Gods continue to shine their magnificence upon this administration. It will make my job a lot easier, surely.

On the matter of the uprising, I am of the opinion we should send the legions, but give the slaves one chance to surrender. Send an envoy with the Legions to ask them their grievances. Tell them the Senate will hear them, but only if they stand down immediately.
If they do not, we can still crush them.

If it pleases the Senate, I will volunteer myself as envoy. Not to command the Legions, mind - Spurius Quinctilius will do very well, I am sure. I have known him for a long time, and he is as capable as they come. However, as Senator of some import I may be able to talk them out of this before we have to resort to violence.

-- Gnaeus Scipio Lentulus

 

[randakar]

Also, I propose we send a force to assault Noricum or Lugdinensis as soon as we can reasonably manage. Carthage is still gaining ground in Iberia, without any cohesive resistance forming. Rome needs to act quickly if it wishes to keep pace.

-- Censor Gnaeus Scipio Lentulus

 

[reis91]

First of all, I wish to thank all true romans, who are undoubtedly responsible for our recent successes. The Gods look down upon us with pride, pride in their people, in their devotion, in their steadfast duty to uphold the Republic.

It is with great shame that, after my speech in Liguria, taking advantage of the fact that everyone was worshiping the Gods, chose that moment to rebel. However, Jupiter's mercy knows no bounds, even for slaves, and I am willing to fulfill Jupiter's wish and grant them amnesty. However, the final decision lies within the Senate.

About Massilia, we should press on the advantage and secure the trade slot, before anyone else tries to take advantage of it. Our geographical proximity should weight in their decisions, trading in relatively secure seas, and securing their independence by trading with the two closest powers.

For this year, I shall require 125 denarii, for actions in Venetia, Apulia, Dalmatia, Cisalpine Gaul and lastly for Latium, to prepare for the recruiting of another legion. Optionally, 75 denarii could be made available, if we decide to start military actions this year, as it will both help our Massilian diplomatic efforts, and our military effort in Gaul. And we can't put a price on keeping the favor of the Gods, when undertaking such a campaign.

The augurs of Roma tell me that great Omens are in the horizon. An eagle soared the skies around Roma, and flew North. clearly a sign from Mars, empowering us with his might so we can crush the northern barbarians and their false gods. The time to act is now! Let it be known that Mars rides North with us, that our eagles shall bring civilization and the True Faith to the heathen barbarians. And that Mars will welcome those who fall for the greatness of Roma, whose sacrifice will be remembered for millenia, by the sons of our sons, when they ask about the establishment of the greatest civilization on Earth.

We should start the march towards Lugdinensis, with the three legions we have available nearby, and recruit one more legion. The via Mediolanum should be nearing completion, so we can supply our armies in Gaul.
Also, we should re-assign the spy to Gaul, to learn about their troops and give us a fore-warning if they decide to unite.

Your faithful servant of Jupiter, Quintus Livius Varro

Orders : Recruit clients, boost happiness in Latium, Venetia, Cisalpine Gaul, Apulia and Dalmatia

OOC : I'm starting to feel like Jonh Paul II, every roman loves me!

 

[Finnish Dragon]

Our next plans for Rome are following:

I We will send an envoy to Massilia to negotiate a trade agreement.(-25)

II All legions at Gaul Cisalpine under command of Aulus Manlius Merula will attack Lugduensis. This army will receive one legion from Dalmatia as a reinforcements.

III We will send one legion from Dalmatia to crush the rebellion at Liguria. Also, another legion from Latium will move to Liguria to support this effort. We need to crush this rebellion as fast as possible to prevent it getting stronger and spreading. The Senate should not take threats of rebelling slaves lightly.

IV I also plan to recruit four new legions(-400). These legions would be recruited at Campania, Etruria, Latium and Umbria. I am also suggesting to give Pontifex (-100) more denarii for this turn to increase happiness in these provinces. We will need these troops for the second phase to attack three Gaul provinces(Aquitania, Narbonensis and Central Gaul) at the same time. When Gaul tribes have lost those provinces then they will have three provinces left(Armorica, Belgica and Germania Superior). We need to kill of the Gauls. We will not attack German tribes yet because there is no need to antagonize them yet. If everything goes as planned then we will have 9 legions to be used to finish off 6 Gaul provinces after the fall of Lugduensis. We need to finish off the Gauls before looking for more enemies. The time to strike is now.

V Even after that our income would be more than 300 denaari. We will need more troops. I would consider recruiting one or two legions after that to be garrison forces in Italy.

VI We will call our spy from Macedonia to home to be used elsewhere if necessary.

VII We will send and envoy to Carthage to extend NAP with them for four more years. (-25)

Consul Gaius Draconius

 

[randakar]

This is a sound plan, senator.

May I suggest we choose a capable (mil 1 NPC) commander to lead the legions send to deal with the rebellion? I personally favor Spurius Quinctilius, but Marcus Manlius and Aulus Postumius will both do fine.

With your permission I will accompany the Legions to Liguria. I fully support crushing this rebellion but I wish to understand what powered this uprising when the mood in the province itself seems to have been improving.

-- Censor Gnaeus Scipio Lentulus


(OOC: Hmm, is it possible the uprising was instigated by a foreign power? Is there anything we can do in-game to find out? Apart from what Gnaeus is doing, anyway?)

 

[Finnish Dragon]

I agree. I will appoint Marcus Manlius to lead our forces at Liguria campaign. I suspect that we cannot send our Censor to Liguria among our troops.

Consul Gaius Draconius

OOC: Perhaps we can send our spy to Liguria to find out.

 

[randakar]

If I understand the noble Pontifex correctly Bruttium may be a better place to recruit than Campania - the people in Bruttium are more supportive (happyness 45) of the army than those in Campania (happyness 40). And that province will probably need some form of defense anyway, considering how close to the border with Carthage it is located.

The heavy recruitment our consul proposes does entail risks. It will put the people on the edge of open revolt in three of the provinces involved. I do support this proposal since it is our best chance of a quick and decisive victory over the Gaul but we must prepare for potential repercussions. The non agression pact with Carthage will expire in a year, when we will be deeply committed to war with the gaulish barbarian tribes.

Perhaps we should send Carthage an envoy to extend the pact for a while longer.

-- Gnaeus Scipio Lentulus


(OOC: When is happyness reduced when legions are recruited? At the time we order it, when the legion is ready, or in incremental steps? (I presume the first option)

edit:

I suspect that we cannot send our Censor to Liguria among our troops.

OOC: That's more meant as a personal RP thing than anything else. While our chosen officials are doing very well the censor's office doesn't entail much, so I might as well do something IC that I might squeeze some RP out of.

OOC: Perhaps we can send our spy to Liguria to find out.

To be fair the first page does mention it as a "small random chance" that this happens regardless of province happyness.