What’s your best Roman meme?

Jason2 wrote:

Stuart Bailey wrote:

Jason2 wrote:A good point on the borders.  I guess also if someone goes and remind the barbarians of the might and glory of Rome and how inferior they are by comparison (did I just type that?  Calcagus-Jason must be spinning in his grave), they could then gain enough prestige to put Rome in order.

You are not playing the Gov of Syria by any chance?  As that seems to be his current plan in Parthia.

No, not me Gov, honest!  Thinks a bit too much of a military focused position for me

According to James Lamb - apart from the interesting and varied military problems Syria and the Eastern positions in general have trade, industry, agriculture, Greek and Asian culture, proper cities and even people who believe diplomacy something not conducted with an axe. Basically the East is were its at for a man of culture and breeding!!

Yes Stuart but it would mean going up against Parthia...and that always seem to spoil ones breakfast

Jason2 wrote:Yes Stuart but it would mean going up against Parthia...and that always seem to spoil ones breakfast

Just because they have got horses, armour, good bows and some good fortifications.......were is your spirit of adventure and love of a contest?

Surely for a true Roman victory over the Parthians has got to be worth more than beating up some semi trained farmers with hardly any armour and a stick?

Stuart Bailey wrote:

Jason2 wrote:Yes Stuart but it would mean going up against Parthia...and that always seem to spoil ones breakfast

Just because they have got horses, armour, good bows and some good fortifications.......were is your spirit of adventure and love of a contest?

Surely for a true Roman victory over the Parthians has got to be worth more than beating up some semi trained farmers with hardly any armour and a stick?

Yes but the idea of molten gold being poured down my throat by the Parthians, if things don't got to plan, doesn't appeal!

Ad Infinitum for Nov 820 has shown up with further accounts of forum gossip and the trials and tribulations of a bunch of spiffing chaps in clean white toga’s with purple stripes as they try and make an honest denerii (from plunder, slave taking and farming…..but never trade) and save the light of civilization from being put out by various Druidic types, horse and camel nomadic raiders, pirates and assorted religious fanatics and traitors employed by the man in slippers and silk PJ’s the so called Parthian King of Kings.

For non players of Rome is Burning who may wish to consider joining the Toga Party (or perhaps even the smelly furs and leather party) here are the highlights as reported in Ad Infinitum:

1) Front page split between military stuff (see later) and a plea from Pliny the Elder to restore proper Roman Republican virtue. Pliny is currently the procurator of Hispania-Terraconensis working for the censor Glaba. Who is so old he is one of the few people who remember the good old days of the pre-Augustus Republic of gang fights on the streets of Rome.

2) In Military Stuff (Germanic woods version). Roman commanders got another hint as to why they should use light infantry to scout in woods rather than very expensive cavalry when the auxiliary cavalry of Legion V Alaudae got ambushed and wiped out. Included in the losses was the Roman “Guest” Prince Marcus of the Ubii. Which is going to cause a small diplomatic problem with his father and tribe since its normally considered very bad form to get your diplomatic hostages killed.

3) Elsewhere on the Rhine frontier King Radbod the Rotter called the Roman Senate a bunch of sissies. Then got into a huge fight over a bridge with Legion I Germanica. Both Roman and Germanic leaders seem to have been reading too much Pliny or perhaps Homer since in the true heroic style they plunged into the front line of the battle. Followers of Scipio and Hannibal art of generalship found south of Pliny will no doubt feel correct on reading that Tribune Maderatus got a spear in the guts and Radbod almost has his sword hand taken off (or is that his axe hand?) and the fight ended in a draw with no attempts to outflank or cross the river elsewhere just a head down charge and get butchered in true heroic style.

4) In Military Stuff (Italian woods version), Legion XXII also found out why using heavy cavalry to scout woods has disadvantages when two of its Turmae of Cavalry got ambushed in woods by the rebel guard. But at least some of these riders survived to report back that the Guard has been found again! What I want to know is who lost sight of the buggers in the first place? The loss of contact with 5,000 rebels in white uniforms dripping in gold leaf in the middle of Italy would seem to indicate a weakness with the scouting and intel work of the Roman Army. Roman players may well want to give some consideration to this matter.

Meanwhile back in Rome:-

5) Some possible (?) Parthian mouth piece and pen for hire called Appian managed to insult informers, the Senate and the Legate of Syria all in one go. Oh boy does this chap know how to win friends and influence, he also seems to have a thing about rain fall and water levels which have caused some to wonder if the Aquanus of Rome Sextus Claudius Claudianus is a mild mannered drains and water engineer by day, muck raking author by night?

Its also possible that Claudius Claudianus is related to the famous or is that infamous Senator Claudius, scurge and foe of the influence of the Egyptian grain lobby. southern Iberian olive oil lobby and Syrian silk lobby on both the Roman Senate and Rome in general. I mean just because these provincial types keep Rome feed and pay most of the taxes why should they have a view which matters, they will be demanding Latin rights next! Seems to be Senator Claudius.

6) Th Praefectus Urbi seems to be trying to tidy up how the law is applied to Christians. Wanting to somewhat oppress (well brand, whip and enslave anyone who does not recant and make offering to the Gods of Rome) these trouble makers but not make martyrs.

7) To the interest of the informers guild the Pontifex Maximus seems to be making sure the traditional religious organization is in good condition to deal with the peril posed by Christians, Druids, Magi and other trouble makers plus general moral decline. As a first step the Pontifex is trying to make sure that all the traditional posts are filled with men of sound moral character or at least men with no known history of drinking unwatered wine, rape of other peoples slaves in public or joining dodgy eastern cults.

So far so good in Rome, unfortunately when it comes to filling the vacant positions of Quaestor at the City Treasury and also at the Army Treasury things seem to have broken down some what. Consul Corbulo decided to hold elections for the vacant posts and asked for nominations next month. In the meantime the Senate decided to appoint Senator Plinius to the post of Questor to the Army Treasury provided the Empress Poppaea does not veto the appointment?!

Too be fair to Senator Plinius he only proposed himself on an interim basis before Senator Claudius went on his constitutional wrecking spree (The man is truly the favoured High Priest and agent of the Chaos Gods on Mount Agema). The Senate can only recommend and any actual appointments need to be confirmed by the Consuls which gives them not Poppaea an effective veto.

Much as we all love and admire Poppaea to bits this is first century Rome and she is a female so not even a Citizen of Rome and Senator Claudius is clearly demented. But before anyone sticks a knife in him or throws him down some steps the concern is how much plot armour has this guy got?

9) Consul Corbulo being of sound mind and a true Roman Patriot the former commander of both the current Governor of Syria and Southern Iberia continues to plod on doing his best for his term in office. He is now expected to accept the recommendation of the Senate concerning Senator Plinius (since no one concerned about feeding Rome wants to upset his patrons in Alexandria) and appoint interim Questors up to the next election.

Meanwhile as Legate of Nero last Legion XXIII he is trying to turn it into a well balanced combined arms unit with specialist light Infantry and Heavy and Light Cavalry. Ahead of eventual deployment probably to Britannia (?). Lots of woods in Britannia so light Infantry scouts would seem to be of importance as alternative to scouting by having Cavalry blunder into a ambush in close terrain.

10) Final news from Rome is that in a move which his few admirers say shows clear thinking and logic. Senator Servius Pius who is known to have close contacts with the Rhine Legions actually got up before the Senate and PROPOSED A TAX INCREASE !!!!! To help with the current level of deficit spending at the Treasury rather than ad-hoc donations by public spirited Citizens who this month included Trajan to help pay street cleaners (Priests do not like getting their robes all dirty) and the Guild of Brothel Keepers. Will be interesting to see how Senator Pius does at the next elections standing on a program to cut the deficit…...put up taxes. Think it may need a bit of work and a polish to convince the voters.

In News away from Rome and returning to military stuff. In areas without trees the Roman Army has done a lot better and has also been involved in a lot less actual fighting:-

11) At Ctesiphon the capital of Parthia a very nice Mede let in Legion III Gallica and explained that the Parthian King of Kings, his Army and his Treasury had left last month. III Gallica were however to take captive ten Caledonian men and a chest containing 300,000 denerii to fund Druidic plots against the Roman Empire in its far west.

12) At Dura-Europos which is famously short of trees the Roman Army has started to prepare for a siege and avoided problems with shortage of timber by sailing ship loads of the stuff down the Euphrates river. No action as yet reported from the no doubt shocked and impressed defenders.

13) Legion XXII and Auxilia took one look at the wide open gates of Axum and with hardly a tree in sight decided it was a trap and marched away. This decision may be linked to very bad Omens and a belief in Alexandria that while the odd Roman defeat is normal. Defeats after the Omens have been ignored play hell with a commanders reputation and political ambitions.

14) Feeling safe (?) due to lack of trees and bad Omens (?) the Procuator of Judea and Prefect of Aegyptus marched into Jerusalem with his ally Harold Agippa II and declared that to help Judea recover from recent Parthian inspired troubles he was going to waive all taxes in 821 and 822.
It is unknown if the locals are aware of Senator Servius Pius proposal for 823 and cynics have suggested that the Procuator main reason for waiving tax collection is that the Jews have killed all the tax collectors.

In non not strictly military news:-

15) The Legate of Syria has declared he is not making a claim for the Purple. He did however build a lot of really fancy statues and gave the Tribune of III Gallica a serious bawling out over his too close links with the Legions home area and the Priesthood before demanding an oath of personal loyalty from the Tribune which he got.

16) The innovator Igorius is believed to be looking into an “improved” flaming pig. Flaming pigs are an ancient Roman anti Elephant weapon but who uses Elephants in 820? Least of all in the wild and wet woods of Germania?

17) Finally in that Oasis of calm and civilization which is Iberia

- The Censor Galba has opened a Temple of Jupiter at Asturica Augusta provincial capital of Hispania.

- In Lusitania they are rebuilding their team of the Iberian games after Otha took many of their best Athletes and Performance Artists east with him.

- And in Corduba Trajan the Elder returned from the Society of Apollo meeting to inform his wife about the trilling society debates and her sons ambition to join the crack II Augusta Legion (stationed in Britannia !!!). Before anyone panics about the younger Trajan going the same way as the Prince of the Ubii it should be noted he intends to do his initial training with a Lusitanian Cavalry Unit to gain experience before trying for a senior Tribune position in the elite II Augusta.

With his friends and contacts plus a sound education in the art of war the boy Trajan should do well in the Roman Army.

Thanks for a good summary Stuart

Must admit 5,000 rebel guardsmen on the loose is a bit of a concern, they could do a lot of damage and chaos.

It is also a bit of a worry the way these barbarians in the North keep overwhelming small bits of the might of Rome, I mean what have some of you been up to? It's starting to look like you need a reincarnated Caledonian to save the Roman Empire...a Roman who draws on the spirit of Calgacus to defeat the Northmen!

(warning-may contain nuts)

Jason2 wrote:Thanks for a good summary Stuart

Must admit 5,000 rebel guardsmen on the loose is a bit of a concern, they could do a lot of damage and chaos.  

It is also a bit of a worry the way these barbarians in the North keep overwhelming small bits of the might of Rome, I mean what have some of you been up to?  It's starting to look like you need a reincarnated Caledonian to save the Roman Empire...a Roman who draws on the spirit of Calgacus to defeat the Northmen!

(warning-may contain nuts)

Could do a lot of damage and cause chaos?! They have already killed the Emperor, trashed the best cavalry in the Danube legions, pulled at least four legions away from guarding the frontier and caused panic in Rome and the Senate. How much more damage and chaos do you want before it becomes a lot?

On the bright side, some accounts of the Guard suggest that all of its cohorts were double size equal to the 1st cohort in a standard legion so we could have had 10,000 rebel guardsmen running around the place. Plus the Guard Cavalry who never revolted and the German Guard who Agema seems to have decided ceased to exist prior to the end of Nero. Probably only because the German Guard was the natural counter balance and foe of the Jannissaries......sorry mean Praetorians.

So does this mean your new character thinks he would look good in purple? And thinks the solution to the German problem is either to a) Invite them all to a feast, lock the outer gates of the Hall and then send in the new "improved" flaming pigs? or b) Reform the German Guard and hire all of these buggers as a cheaper option than spending 1,000 denerii a pop of Cavalry horses AKA in German forests as lunch!

Stuart Bailey wrote:

Jason2 wrote:Thanks for a good summary Stuart

Must admit 5,000 rebel guardsmen on the loose is a bit of a concern, they could do a lot of damage and chaos.  

It is also a bit of a worry the way these barbarians in the North keep overwhelming small bits of the might of Rome, I mean what have some of you been up to?  It's starting to look like you need a reincarnated Caledonian to save the Roman Empire...a Roman who draws on the spirit of Calgacus to defeat the Northmen!

(warning-may contain nuts)

Could do a lot of damage and cause chaos?!  They have already killed the Emperor, trashed the best cavalry in the Danube legions, pulled at least four legions away from guarding the frontier and caused panic in Rome and the Senate.  How much more damage and chaos do you want before it becomes a lot?  

On the bright side, some accounts of the Guard suggest that all of its cohorts were double size equal to the 1st cohort in a standard legion so we could have had 10,000 rebel guardsmen running around the place.  Plus the Guard Cavalry who never revolted and the German Guard who Agema seems to have decided ceased to exist prior to the end of Nero.  Probably only because the German Guard was the natural counter balance and foe of the Jannissaries......sorry mean Praetorians.

So does this mean your new character thinks he would look good in purple?  And thinks the solution to the German problem is either to a) Invite them all to a feast, lock the outer gates of the Hall and then send in the new "improved" flaming pigs?  or b) Reform the German Guard and hire all of these buggers as a cheaper option than spending 1,000 denerii a pop of Cavalry horses AKA in German forests as lunch!

Oh Stuart, have they seized Gaul and declared it as the base of a rebellious empire? Or sacked Rome and gone round going "Vae Victus"? That might be a lot?

Oh, purple isn't my colour, a bit too imperial, a bit too JC and all that

Jason2 wrote:
Oh Stuart, have they seized Gaul and declared it as the base of a rebellious empire? Or sacked Rome and gone round going "Vae Victus"?  That might be a lot?

Oh, purple isn't my colour, a bit too imperial, a bit too JC and all that

Dont give the buggers idea's !!!!

We may not have a rebellious Empire in Gaul but we do have one in the Roman province of Asia which is probably worse. And after fire, famine and plague probably the only thing which stopped Rome being sacked by the Guard was a lack of orders to move to Legion XXIII which resulted in it being in the right place to foil the Guard. More by luck than judgement !

Ok, I have a problem-what am I supposed to be trying to do in Rome is Burning?

I have re-read the rules and everything but have become increasingly unsure of what my goal is

Is it to wear purple? Or can I "just" be a good little provincial governor? Should I be trying to be "top dog"? Or building a "coalition of the willing"? Should I reach out to (for example) Stuart and be his best bud? Or send spies to bump him off?

Jason2 wrote:Ok, I have a problem-what am I supposed to be trying to do in Rome is Burning?

I have re-read the rules and everything but have become increasingly unsure of what my goal is

Is it to wear purple?  Or can I "just" be a good little provincial governor?  Should I be trying to be "top dog"?  Or building a "coalition of the willing"?   Should I reach out to (for example) Stuart and be his best bud? Or send spies to bump him off?

If you are playing a "Barbarian" think the clue is in the name of the game - or at least trying to take advantage off a possible Roman civil war/disorder to build up your own nation/tribe. Either by raiding the distracted Romans to obtain loot and glory or making sure you are best buddy with winner of said civil war.

For Roman players the objective is to solve the crisis of 69AD in one way or another. Ideally without burning down Rome or killing too many people! As building rates in Rome cost and arm and a leg and we need live tax payers!

Historically while a lot of various proposals were put forward to solve the shortage of Julio-Claudians in the end it came down to military backing with 6 people making a bid backed by factions of the military (4 as Emperor of the whole lot and two more local). Five ended up dead but the last man standing basically won the game. Helped by fact that he had backing of Danube Legions who did most of the fighting and the Eastern Legions plus he was mates with Parthians and men who controlled Egypt grain supply and had nothing to do with the murder of Nero.

Vespasin also had advantage of two adult male heirs. A very solid military reputation earned mostly in Britania and had been a popular Governor in North Africa. Finally he won over the Iberians by giving them their long sought "Latin rights".

So far in game we have had three people put themselves forward as Emperor based on a) I have support of the Guard b) I have most votes in Senate......but not even a majority and c) I have a province, a legion and backing from Parthia. So far only one of these are dead but both the other two are now "cursed" and declared outlaw. But in all honesty they were all pretty crap contenders - I am sure your bid for the purple will be much more like the CV of the historic winner and less like "I killed the last Emperor and I have bribed the Guard to support me - bags me Emperor".

We have also had a attempt to restore the traditional working of the Republic which has gone better than it did historically probably because everyone to but themselves up as Emperor have been basically light weight. Hard to say if players in RIB are scared of the historic odds of 5 dead for 1 winner. Or if they are just bidding their time and current lack of an Emperor is just a stop gap waiting for either a) A first rate diplomat to solve the problem and build his coalition or b) A first rate military leader to stomp all possible rivals.

Or you can just build up your faction - my character never became Emperor and never put in a claim. But during his time he helped Iberia gain Latin rights and his son became Emperor after a very nice man/Emperor "adopted" him.

You CAN'T KILL TRAJAN THE ELDER!! For starters he is hugely loved and a Priest...........so your dice will be ever afterwards be cursed. You might also like to ask Jason 1 what happened in G2 when the kindly, loveable, Mustapha Kruppa was brutally assassinated. It lead to a blood feud which even shocked Richard at times.

If you want to be Emperor Trajan can be bribed........think your real problem will be trying to convince the commanders of the British, Rhine, Danube and Eastern Legions why you look better in purple than they do and why they should support you. But sure if anyone can do it you can.

Thanks Stuart, that was really useful. I must be honest, when Caledonia I had a clear idea of what I was trying to do, now playing a Roman, it's been more like grasping Scotch mist (is there an irony in that?).

I am finally about to make my presence known in game with a speech, I won't reveal any more than that just now...

Though I really don't think I am one for purple...

Having said that, drawing on my old nerd side, I could quote from Babylon 5

Everybody's cute, everybody's cute, even me. But in purple I'm stunning

Jason2 wrote:Thanks Stuart, that was really useful.  I must be honest, when Caledonia I had a clear idea of what I was trying to do, now playing a Roman, it's been more like grasping Scotch mist (is there an irony in that?).

I am finally about to make my presence known in game with a speech, I won't reveal any more than that just now...

Though I really don't think I am one for purple...

Having said that, drawing on my old nerd side, I could quote from Babylon 5

Everybody's cute, everybody's cute, even me. But in purple I'm stunning

Since you have denied you are the power behind the suddenly active Gov of Syria the other possible suspect due to activity in the paper would seem to be:

a) A Elderly Senator - probably the "Father of the Senate" so you could always play the wise sage type (and perfect stand in Emperor if needed?). Though their is no actual evidence of wisdom as opposed to age. But assume Senate has to listen to your speeches with respect due to the Father of the Senate!

b) Former commander of the Rhine Legions, so probably has some military theories and influence in the Army. Lots of "influential agents" in the Legions

c) Noted homosexual - no direct heirs so will probably need to adopt one if he ever becomes Emperor. Which could be a great diplomatic card to play or get you assassinated by someone feeling snubbed.

d) Even though c above the widow of Augustus left him 80m Denerii in her will. Which her cheap skate son and her executor the new Emperor Tiberious did not pay! Which can be used as evidence for various things like he was not a Homosexual, very close relations with the Imperial family or even a grudge.

With many characters from this period we seem to have some basic factual information about what posts they held and also some nasty gossip which may or may not be true. Oddly no such nasty gossip seems to have come down to us about my character or his wife, daughter etc.......which is either evidence that he was a really nice and honourable chap. Or evidence that in history thirty years or so after the game his son became Emperor and was followed to the throne by another close relation and the records got edited.

No need to panic but the Chaos Gods on Mount Agema seem to have inspired the good Greek Citizens of Seleucia to declare a Roman General King of Parthia.

They also seem to want my characters wife dead and to have someone (Vespasian & Trajan included as possibles) marry Nero's widow and become Emperor in the West. Stories that Augars for team Rome are looking at a nasty crack in the earth somewhere in the Balkans or Asia Minor are being denied. All are Omens are great........honest.

It’s been a strange turn. I spent cash to help prepare the troops facing the Guard…. But their SL appears not to have improved and their morale is LOW. However it appears the pretend emperor had done a runner! So what to do? I doubt if this lot (of soldiery) will get better so it’s time for a show down… just doesn’t seem right somehow… oh well🤪

Ad Infinitum for Dec 820 has shown up with further accounts of forum gossip and the trials and tribulations of a bunch of spiffing chaps in clean white toga’s with purple stripes as they try and make an honest denerii (from plunder, slave taking and farming…..but never trade) and save the light of civilization from being put out by various Druidic types, horse and camel nomadic raiders, pirates and assorted religious fanatics and traitors employed by the man in slippers and silk PJ’s the so called Parthian King of Kings.

For non players of Rome is Burning who may wish to consider joining the Toga Party (or perhaps even the smelly furs and leather party) here are the highlights as reported in Ad Infinitum:

1) Priestly meeting's were held in Rome with various Omens and Prodigies recorded in the sacred books for later consideration by the Augurs. The good news is that all of the Roman Omens were good and help is on the way from the west.

Probably should be noted that in the west the Censor Galba claims to have been visited in his dreams by the mighty Jupiter and has repented of all of his former dishonest and not Roman ways and has promised to lead a moral crusade. Does this mean he is going to do his job?

2) As probably can be expected with the main meeting being chaired by the High Priest of Mars it seems the Omens were correct reference Roman Military affairs. On the Rhine the Legions smashed the Germans in two battles. Sadly however King Radbod seems to have escaped and the 24,000 Roman Citizens held captive have not yet been freed from Germanic slavery.

Legion XV made good progress with the siege of Dura-Europos storming the outer defences on the second try with use of a ram. With many defenders cut down as they tried and failed to fall back to the inner defences of the city.

Meanwhile Legion XXII plus support has advanced into Axum and has occupied the Temple of the Moon.

3) In not such good military news a Roman military cavalry probe towards Opis got filled full of arrows but as Prince Abgar IV and his troops are not Roman citizens they probably do not count for the Omens. Also something of a scandal in Iberia ref overpayment for Roman military mounts. But as everyone agreed that they are very good horses its probably not an issue of concern for the Gods.

4) Finally in military news the revolt of the Guard has not yet been ended but in between sorting out his new villa Consul Geminus says it soon will be and has also claimed in the forum that the traitor Senator Cordus has done a runner and abandoned the Guard.

5) In foreign news King Catualda of the Marcomanni has returned missing Roman scrolls but not our missing donkeys and slaves.

While in the east the great Cestius Gallus has displayed his great and famous “clementia” to the people of the twin cities. Sparing them the traditional five day sack and in exchange for a small tax payment (25% of moveable valuables) to welcome them into the Roman Empire.

The citizens of Seleucia and Ctesiphon were so impressed by Gallus “clementia” that they offered him the throne of Parthia!! Being a great and good republican Gallus naturally spurned this offer with contempt.

6) In internal news the great Cestius Gallus has commissioned a new Temple for Mars Ultor and also a 20 foot high statue of himself.

Senator Tuscus spent month in meetings with Jews in Judea while some of his engineering projects have completed to improve the food supply.

Their has been a nasty outbreak of plague in Numidia.

In the Balkans they have completed the indexing of records and are doing other Balkan type things.

While in Iberia they mostly spent the month doing Iberian type things mostly to do with the major religious holidays with Games and Chariot races but only Galba has reported any sighting of Gods. While Trajan tried to ignore criticism from fellow members of the Senate that he spends too much time on Iberia and not enough time on wider Roman matters.

Oddly no news from Britannia - are they all sleeping through the winter?

7) One reason why Trajan seems to be keeping his head down and avoiding public rows over matters like Roman fire regulations and the condition of Roman drains is that following a potent of six shooting stars in the west. Consul Corbulo has called for a vote in Feb 821 on granting Latin rights to the six civilized and Latin speaking provinces of Lusitania, Hispania, Bactica, Tarraconnsis, Gallia Narbonensis and the Baleares Islands. In the hope that this will reinforce the Senate with new blood, brains and money and increase the number of eligible Senators back up towards the traditional six hundred.

Senator Claudius the famous wit and slum landlord and Senator Poppaeus are leading the opposition mostly because they dislike Glaba, Trajan and Otha the three men who have lead the campaign to win Latin rights for these provinces (and cut down on their paper work). And many Senators do have a natural belief in saying no to everything.

However to oppose this measure means opposition to a popular and well respected Consul who stood for election on this policy. Opposition to a Censor on a mission from God to clear up Roman morals and looking for examples to make. Oh and it also means offending at least eight Legions and a two of the strongest Gens in Rome and the sacred chickens of Corduba which might be very bad for a Senators long term political career.

Finally in an area which has lead some to question the reading of the Collegium of Augurs. Consul Corbula has acted on the recommendations of the Senate to make interim appointments to the vacant posts at the Imperial and City Treasuries up to the next elections.

Corbula appointed ot rather did not veto the preferred candidate of the Senate – Senator Plinius of the Egypt faction to the Imperial Treasury. And tax increase fan Senator Pius of the German faction to the city treasury. With instructions to all the treasury leaders to provide regular briefings to the Senate on the financial position.

Senator Plinius and his fellow Quaestors at the Imperial or military treasury responded to this request by confirming that the current balance of the Imperial Treasury is 10,021,786 Denarii. But currently costs exceed income by 2,754,360 denerii per year. This may improve if/when the Guard is disbanded but may get worse following economic changes in Italia Regis VII – Etruria. Where a movement of people from trade and industry to farming on new land provided by Senator Tuscus engineers has improved the food supply to Rome but reduced tax returns.

To help this dire financial situation - at current rate without large infusions of tribute/plunder/donations from Senators we go bust in less three years - Cohorts Viglum IV-VII have been disbanded and sent back to civilian life to help the economy. Which may prove to be a false economy if we have another great fire in Rome.

Indeed such is the dire condition of the States cost/revenue that Senator Pius who is known as a man who wants to increase the tax rates rather than survive on ad-hoc donations from Senators and transfers from Egypt seems to be gaining support in the Senate with his Oratory and Logic. But enough to win an actual election?????

Well that just about sums up Dec 820 and its Omens and Events and remember:-

ALLOW NOT MOCKERY OF THE GODS FOR THE GODS CAN SEE ALL AND VERILY THEIR TERRIBLE D20 OF FATE WILL SMITE DOWN ALL WHO BELIEVE NOT.

Regor wrote:It’s been a strange turn. I spent cash to help prepare the troops facing the Guard…. But their SL appears not to have improved and their morale is LOW. However it appears the pretend emperor had done a runner! So what to do? I doubt if this lot (of soldiery) will get better so it’s time for a show down… just doesn’t seem right somehow… oh well🤪

Do not wish to spoil the Consul moment of Glori but rather than a total blood bath any chance that you can arrange to only execute the traditional 10% of the rebels and send the other 90% back into the economy - we need the tax payers!

Though probably more valuable to get our 24,000 potential tax payers back from the Germans.

Note as well the German Commanders and Syrian commanders can have a triumph for their victories over foreign foes but sadly victory over the rebel Romans do not count for a Triumph. But you can always arrange something else think its called an "Ovation" for saving Rome. Looks much the same as a Triumph to voters, family etc.

Stuart Bailey wrote:

Regor wrote:It’s been a strange turn. I spent cash to help prepare the troops facing the Guard…. But their SL appears not to have improved and their morale is LOW. However it appears the pretend emperor had done a runner! So what to do? I doubt if this lot (of soldiery) will get better so it’s time for a show down… just doesn’t seem right somehow… oh well🤪

Do not wish to spoil the Consul moment of Glori but rather than a total blood bath any chance that you can arrange to only execute the traditional 10% of the rebels and send the other 90% back into the economy - we need the tax payers!

Though probably more valuable to get our 24,000 potential tax payers back from the Germans.

Note as well the German Commanders and Syrian commanders can have a triumph for their victories over foreign foes but sadly victory over the rebel Romans do not count for a Triumph.  But you can always arrange something else think its called an "Ovation" for saving Rome.  Looks much the same as a Triumph to voters, family etc.

Thank you: It’s beginning to look a lot like a battle…….. I suppose, if Geminus is a winner and the gods are truly fickle here, he might have a joint event to celebrate his removal of the Izades and expanding the empire AND beating a handful of the guards?

First there must be a battle…. And a victory. Thinking that our numbers (and scorpions) might overcome the low morale of this legion. But should I bring back another? ……. Well thats a decision for after the plum pudding and port? Seriously though its beginning to look a lot like a battle.

Regor wrote:

Stuart Bailey wrote:

Regor wrote:It’s been a strange turn. I spent cash to help prepare the troops facing the Guard…. But their SL appears not to have improved and their morale is LOW. However it appears the pretend emperor had done a runner! So what to do? I doubt if this lot (of soldiery) will get better so it’s time for a show down… just doesn’t seem right somehow… oh well🤪

Do not wish to spoil the Consul moment of Glori but rather than a total blood bath any chance that you can arrange to only execute the traditional 10% of the rebels and send the other 90% back into the economy - we need the tax payers!

Though probably more valuable to get our 24,000 potential tax payers back from the Germans.

Note as well the German Commanders and Syrian commanders can have a triumph for their victories over foreign foes but sadly victory over the rebel Romans do not count for a Triumph.  But you can always arrange something else think its called an "Ovation" for saving Rome.  Looks much the same as a Triumph to voters, family etc.

Thank you: It’s beginning to look a lot like a battle…….. I suppose, if Geminus is a winner and the gods are truly fickle here, he might have a joint event to celebrate his removal of the Izades and expanding the empire AND beating a handful of the guards?

First there must be a battle…. And a victory. Thinking that our numbers (and scorpions) might overcome the low morale of this legion. But should I bring back another? ……. Well thats a decision for after the plum pudding and port? Seriously though its beginning to look a lot like a battle.

Looking on the bright side the Omens were really good (though I can not speak for next month) and you have superior numbers of Intantry plus the artillery and cavalry support the Guard lack.

Plus if your troops are upset about having to leave their nice comfortable barracks on the Danube and march the length of Italy the morale of the Guard is probably even worse. These are troops used to the finer things in life and instead they have had to march to Germany and back, have backed the wrong side in a revolt, been cursed by the Gods, abandoned by their commander and forced to camp out in woods and caves over winter.

So may be opportunity for Geminus to end the mutiny by a display of his great big “clementia” get the buggers to surrender with only a 10% decimation and other 90% who do not draw the short straw get to live and return to civil society (as tax payers). After all whats the worst which can happen if you make the offer...........oh a few more dead messengers like your last ones.

On plus side if Germinus can impress the Guard with his “clementia” that has got to be more impressive than if you had say impressed some Parthian types.

Ref the possible "Triumphs" like that the Rhine, Danube and Eastern Legions in line for a possible Triumph. Nothing like a nice "Triumph" to keep the troops happy and convince the Plebs that team Rome knows what its doing. Only problem is we seem a bit to be a bit short of hostile leaders to execute and throw down the steps. But I am sure all our heroic Generals have this problem in hand.

Well, I suppose I must come clean and admit (as I suspect some have worked out) I am playing Galba, who is on a mission from the Gods (yes, I am a Blues Brothers fan) to restore the true ways of Rome and remind some of you how far you have fallen.

Naughty members of the Guard, slum landlords and those who think women can have power, Beware!

Jason2 wrote:Well, I suppose I must come clean and admit (as I suspect some have worked out) I am playing Galba, who is on a mission from the Gods (yes, I am a Blues Brothers fan) to restore the true ways of Rome and remind some of you how far you have fallen.

Naughty members of the Guard, slum landlords and those who think women can have power, Beware!

First a couple of Consuls who seem to have tried to complete the manifesto they stood on and now a censor who actually wants to do the job he was elected to do.........very odd

What next treasury ministers who want to try and balance the books?

The Choas Gods on Mount Agema are going to be so disappointed

Goon on yer. You should consider Trajan as the Penguin and that’s Cordus is Jake’s girlfriend. Geminus is the leader of the Good Ole Boys whilst Vitellius……. However perhaps you should see the Rome players as “the band” and the barbarians as the cops/soldiery in the final chase scenes?

What would be the Roman music to replace John Lee Hooker though?

Good luck and remember it’s the barbarians we hate.

Think we can now answer the question of "How much plot armour have the Chaos Gods on Mount Agema given the Praetorian Guard?"

And the answer is ***** TONS !!!

So far they have marched to Germany and back twice including crossing the Alps, raised a revolt and assassinated the Emperior acts which got zero support, got cursed by the Roman Gods and Magistrates, fought four or five battles/skirmishes everything from river crossings, ambushing cavalry in woods, to street fighting, marched across the Alpennines in winter and been chashed all the way into the toe of Italy to spend the Winter in caves.

And now this month in their shinny white and gold uniforms 4,000 of them some how managed to dump the agents in their ranks and slip away from all the scouts, agents and informers who were surposed to be passing information on them. Then teleported the width of Italy past all the blocking legions and their deaf, dumn and blind cavalry patrols to launch an attack on the Navy! When they have the sodding Consul of Rome who they really need to kill to put their man on the throne rather than just being a pain was directly to their front.

Kind of baffled about what to do, perhaps need to chanel my inner Rumelian. Who would no doubt back the Gov of Syria for Emperor, he pardons the blighters and when they are back in their comfy barracks wondering which Senator to upset next we lock all the doors and torch the place. Then write really nice letter to Sultan (sorry mean Emperor) to explain it was all an unfortunate accident........I blame the bloke who wrote the fire regulations, honest gov.

I feel your pain - currently into act 1 of Rusalka a suitable opera for RIB… “there will be tears”

Still working through the turn err tears

Ad Infinitum for Jan 821 showed up a while back with further accounts of forum gossip and the trials and tribulations of a bunch of spiffing chaps in clean white toga’s with purple stripes as they try and make an honest denerii (from plunder, slave taking and farming…..but never trade) and save the light of civilization from being put out by various Druidic types, horse and camel nomadic raiders, pirates and assorted religious fanatics and traitors employed by the man in slippers and silk PJ’s the so called Parthian King of Kings.

For non players of Rome is Burning who may wish to consider joining the Toga Party (or perhaps even the smelly furs and leather party) here are the highlights as reported in Ad Infinitum:

I) After various meetings and some very good meals the Priests of Rome were able to confirm that the Omens which included a Wolf with two tails were generally good.

II) No doubt bouyed up by good Omens as well as love and admiration for their heroic, noble, water works building commander Gallas. Roman forces in the East have taken over Babylon and in a savage storm captured Dura-Europos the major Parthian stronghold on the Euphrates just before a major Parthian relief Army showed up. These captures would seem to give the Eastern Legions a secure river line for supply and communication back to Syria.

III) Also bouyed up by good omens as well as love and admiration for their heroic, noble, bridge building commanders the Rhine Legions drove further into Frisii lands and captured the Tribal Capital (well most important village) and resistance seems to have crumbled. However the Legions have yet to bring the double dealing Frisii chief to justice or liberate the thousands of Roman settlers taken as slaves by his raiders.

IV) In the other military news sadly our spotted wolf only had two tails (see above) rather than three. Since in the south of Italy as the Consul marched towards Croton to make a final end to the Rebel Guard and the self proclaimed Emperor Cordus. Cordus and 4,000 Heavy Infantry in white and gold somehow managed to evade the best agents and informers money can buy along with the elite scouts of the Rhine and Danube Legions and march past the Consuls forces before attacking Brundisium and taking a few Naval ships.

Question now is does the arch traitor of RIB abandon his Guards take a captured ship and try to flee? Or take advantage of his lead over the pursuit to wither march on Rome in a desperate do or die effort? Or try and stay ahead of the pursuit all the way to the Alps and out of Italy?

Meanwhile back in Rome:-

V) Otha has offered a bride price of 1m Denerii to his ex-wife Poppea. This is rather odd as Roman tradition is the bride comes with a Dowry and as part of the conditions of the divine Nero will was that his private estate of Egypt goes to the people of Rome as a Senatorial Province subject to this province's revenue's providing huge dowries for his wife Poppea and their daughters.

VI) Perhaps in a pointed warning to Otha - the most noble and respected father of the Senate and Censor of Rome Glaba issued a long statement on morality etc which included more than a few words about the status (or lack off) of Women in Rome. And formly pointed out that you can not become Dictator for Life (Emperor) my marrying the Widow of a former Dictator for Life (Emperor). Poor Otha just wants the love of his life back and some people start to think the worst!

VII) Senator Atticus and his faction has merged with the faction of Senator Publius Aelius Hadrianus Murullinus commonly known has Hadrian to form a dinning club. Its not a very strong or important faction but it does contain some of the more cultured members of Roman Society and it should be noted that its leading members include a brother of Vespasian and the son in law of Trajan.

IX) Attempts made to lobby Senators ahead of the vote on granting Latin Rights to Gallia Narbonensis and too the five Iberian provinces. While its generally agreed that these provinces are cultured Latin speaking and Roman allies for hundreds of years and as such much more worthy than say Sicily or Cisalpine Gaul when they were granted the same rights general feeling is that its 50/50 in the Senate and vote could go either way in what is a free and open vote.

Fact that its a open vote means any Senator voting it down and slapping the many clients of Glaba who would benefit in the face better have perfect morals and no hidden vices. They had also better not have any friends of family looking for a Priestly appointment.

X) Debates continued in the Senate about how to bring excess sending under control and restore Roman finances. The Senate even passed a vote to increase taxes for Provinces with Latin Rights which is currently Italy and Sicily but new ones could join and get governers/treasuries outside Italy to send portion of their revenue to the Roman Treasuries.

While no doubt pleased that the Senate can actually muster a majority for tax reform its unlikely that the Roman Consuls and their tax advisors will agree to a third type of province to confuse taxation even more than it is already! Currently provinces are either Senatorial run by Governors appointed by the Senate like Pro-Consuls. Or they are military appointments run by Legates and the like.

While no one seems to think that touching the taxes in outer military provinces is a good move - that way needs to Boudica. A more popular view esp amongst Senators who have seen service with the Rhine and Danube Legions is that Senatorial Provinces like Syria, Egypt, Africa Nova proconsularis etc can pay a bit more and provide more support for the Army and making sure the Roman State does not go bust which will no doubt lead to mutiney and revolts.

Traditionally Augustus, Nero etc avoided this problem by using funds from their private estate of Egypt to top up the Army and City Treasury. The new Senatorial Government in Alexandria who also include a large block of votes in the Senate seem to be saying fair enough we will continue funding the centre but we want Carthage, Corduba, Syria etc to take a fair share.

Meanwhile some Senators hope and prey that the noble and heroic Gallas will save the day with huge amounts of war booty from Parthia allowing them to kick the problem down the road for a few decades under heading of "Someone elses problem".

In other news

XI) Gallas builds more Baths, water works and Temples in Syria using some of his war booty........No wonder the Rhine and Danube Legions think the Treasury in Antiochia can spare a bit.

X) Man gets attacked by a wolf - no idea why this occupied large part of paper.

XI) Roman troops in Asia get in a row about if Glaba or Otha are wiser and in a perhaps unrelated incident x3 Cohorts disobey orders to march off and reinforce Gallas v the Parthians which might be in line with other different orders. Lack of Consul in the East seems to mean that all commanders in East have same status which can lead to some confusion (esp amongst NPC commanded troops).

X) Opis on north bank of Tigris has been taken over by Roman forces

XI) Senator Tuscus has completed a agricultural project in Egypt and also stopped collection of tax in Judea. In theory Judea needs a tax break to allow its recovery but with Rome running out of cash and need for everyone to pay a bit more in the air. Letting of a bunch of revolting Jews is likely to cost Senator Tuscus a lot of political capital even if he is the man on the ground who knows best.

XII) Meanwhile to the south of Egypt in Kush some really, really weird and totally not understood things seem to be happening. According to reports "Tribune Sisenna Bruccius Cucuphas of Legion XXII Deiotariana did abeyance before the King" then after asking for reparations from the King for Kushite Raiding into Egypt which was rejected just marched his troops out of Kush with their proverable tail between their legs!!

This mixed up and account better not be true or the Censor is likely to come down on the Tribune like a ton of bricks - A ROMAN DOES NOT DO ABEYANCE TO A FOREIGN KING" least of all one who is totally mad and has been raiding our provinces !!!! A true Roman should "Gut the barbarian questionable birth" and nail his head to the Temple of the Sun and the Moon.