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Post by sforza on Aug 31, 2021 14:01:18 GMT -5
"Good Roman people"
Saturninus said to the amassed crowd after he and Tribune Vitulus had convened the plebeian council once more, in the closing days of their office.
"I bring ill and good news for the roman people"
He'd first poke up up hatred for the conservative senators.
"Just a few days ago, certain senators tried to introduce a bill that would have limited the power of the plebeian council, the only voice of the good people in Roman politics"
Saturninus said in a most dramatic show, arms wide in the air.
"As tribunes of the people, i and tribune Vitulus could not bear to let this pass and we had to use our powers to veto this bill, no one has to right to infringe on the rights and liberties of roman citizens"
Saturninus of course spoke in his melodramatic stance, something that usually swayed the people. Bodyguards were also present, so any attempt here would result in failure.
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Post by Royal Joker on Aug 31, 2021 14:25:08 GMT -5
Vitulus waited for his compatriot to finish his opening before speaking.
"The history of Rome has been one of struggle against overwhelming odds, and persevering despite of it. We exiled the kings and defeated their allies, conquered Italy, destroyed Carthage, and marched on the birthplace of Alexander."
He shot a quick glance at his mass of supporters and bodyguards. Recently acquired for good coin, he prayed they would be able to do their job.
"Yet, it is the struggle of the people that has truly defined our great republic. The struggle for fair taxation, for proper representation, even for the right to hold the highest offices of the magistrate. The chosen representatives of the People of Rome must be heard, otherwise your plights will fall on deaf ears."
He paused and wiped the sweat from his brow. It was always difficult to read the crowd before they got riled up. It was sometimes a flip of a coin if the mob approved or disapproved your speech.
"Once again, we call upon the People of Rome to make its voice heard. As we look toward the future after securing arable land for the brave heroes who defended our city, once more the question of land reform must be rectified."
Vitulus took a pause, waiting for Saturninus to propose his new bill.
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Post by sforza on Aug 31, 2021 14:38:21 GMT -5
"Good Roman citizens, it has come to my attention that the old aristocracy is violating roman law by owning excessive lands"
Saturninus' own jurists had pointed out this violated the Sextian-Licinian law.
"They own large lands, live in luxury and safety while the soldiers who fight and bleed for the glory of Rome can barely pay the clothing of their military uniform"
Saturninus said, sweat was appearing on the forehead of the tribune. Even though the mob supported him, the mob was known to be fickle in its loyalty.
"Thus i propose a tax to be raised on the excessive lands held by the aristocracy so that the state might take care of the poorest of the soldiers, those who fight and bleed for Rome and its good people"
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Post by Gandalf on Aug 31, 2021 14:56:45 GMT -5
The people receive the speech as expected. Land reform was always popular to the urban poor, and with the presence of two prominent tribunes there would be little chance of the bill proving unsavory. There were some cries of outrage at the mention of the Senate. Nonetheless, the presence of black clouds was an ominous omen, especially with the Senate watching them like hawks.
---
Soon, the Tribunes would be joined by the Consul himself. Sertorius would now publicly attach himself to the Tribunes, escorted to the Concilium by his lictors. Due to his Marian sympathies and the memories of the recent Triumph, he was roundly applauded. For now, he said nothing, merely lapping up the praise and adding weight to the proposals of the Tribunes by virtue of his physical presence.
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Post by Royal Joker on Aug 31, 2021 14:58:45 GMT -5
"This law would pertain to the public land, the ager publicus, against those who violate the law set down 250 years ago. No individual may lease more than 500 iugera of the ager publicus, and any excess land above that shall now be taxed accordingly. The more land leased above the limit, the higher the tax imposed."
Vitulus took it upon himself to put forth the details in support of his co-tribune.
"With the new military reforms instituted by the late Consul Marius, many who previously would've been unable to serve in the legions due to their financial situation can now proudly serve the republic. However, Rome needs good fighters, and good fighters need proper equipment. Thus, my colleague and I propose that the state shall subsidize food and clothing for the soldiers in the legions from the lowest tax brackets. Any excess tax income collected shall be provided to aid the people of Rome."
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Post by sforza on Aug 31, 2021 15:41:44 GMT -5
"I see that the good consul Sertorius has joined the council"
Saturninus gestured to consul Sertorius as his entrance in the council was loudly applauded.
"The good consul is the man who saved Rome and its good people from any harmdoing from the defeated barbarians with only two legions at his disposal"
So far the people had received his and Vitulus' speech well. Though the dark clouds proved troublesome, Saturninus decided not too give much attention to it.
"I say the good consul Sertorius should be given the governorship of Macedonia and Asia, to protect the integrity of Rome from foreign threats."
He gauged the reaction of the crowd, he supposed this would prove not much of a problem.
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Post by Gandalf on Aug 31, 2021 16:52:58 GMT -5
The response to the tribunes was once again one of resounding approval. The notion that the rich had been breaking the law surprised few, and prompted general responses of outrage even from the wealthier tribes of Plebeians. That the Consul would be given two governorships instead of one hardly seemed to register with them, and they regarded it as a non-issue.
Sertorius stepped forward, indicating he wished to speak.
”As a gesture of my goodwill to the people,” he began, filling the silence left by Saturninus, ”I shall donate five thousand denarii of my own money to the recently established Coloniae in Gaul, so that our citizens might have lands of their own. Furthermore, I fully endorse the proposals of these good men, defenders of the people both, valiant sons of Mars.”
With the support of the Consul, it seemed that the popular for these measures were unanimous, should it be put to a vote to the tribes. Though the omens proved unsteady, there did not seem to be any official confident enough to attempt to put a half to the proceedings. The other tribunes watched on, muted, wary of an armed show of force from the substantial bodyguard of Saturninus and his colleague.
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Post by sforza on Aug 31, 2021 17:34:13 GMT -5
"Hear hear the good consul Sertorius has spoken, Sertorius the generous"
Saturninus replied when the consul announced his goodwill to the amassed crowd. The crowd seemed to be frenzied with cheer and happiness with all these proposals.
"Lastly, to defend the rights of the good Roman people and their institution i propose a clause in the law that forbids repealing laws that protect or advance the rights of the Roman citizens and their institution. No one has the right to infringe with the tribunate or the citizens who have build this city to what it is today.
It would certainly complicate things for the optimates to repeal Saturninus' laws.
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Post by Gandalf on Aug 31, 2021 17:46:59 GMT -5
Metellus arrives on the scene, accompanied by a bodyguard. Missives had been sent to fetch the Consul Lepidus with all haste, as well as any other public officials that might be quickly summoned to the forum. Fighting to be seen, Pius had his men push their way through the bustling crowds as he fought to be heard above the din of the shouting public.
"Halt! Do you not see the stormclouds over yonder?!" He yelled, gesticulating at the clouds with his left hand. In his right, he held his rod of office as an Augur, having been recently inducted into the college only some weeks ago. "Jupiter frowns on this Concilium! I demand it be stopped, at once!"
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Sertorius frowned as Metellus and a gang of the other nobles had come to make nuisances of themselves. It mattered not. Tacitly, Sertorius nodded to his Tribunes to signal that they should deploy their own guardsmen to remove them from the premises.
"Behold, there is no lightning! There is no lightning! Jupiter merely watches us!"
The Consul began shouting, pointing like a madman up at the sky.
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Post by sforza on Aug 31, 2021 17:55:58 GMT -5
"Nonsense Metellus, there are only clouds, no thunder or lightning!"
Saturninus quickly intervened, he had clearly enough of this man's meddlings in his affair.
"Let the Roman citizens decide over this bill as is their lawful right!"
Saturninus gave the command to the guards to remove them from the premises.
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Post by Gandalf on Aug 31, 2021 18:06:30 GMT -5
Quickly, the situation turned violent. Metellus' men refused to move, forming a protective perimeter around the Augur as he continued to pontificate over the omens. There was some shoving, and some insults. One of the Tribune's mob suddenly clubbed a man over the head with a stone, blood pouring out onto the tiles of the Roman forum.
Then, chaos. Shouting, yelling, the drawing of hidden daggers. One man made it through to Metellus himself, the Augur staggering backwards away from a man with a knife in hand. Just in time, one of his guardsmen stepped between them, knocking the man to the floor. Pius was pulled away, him and his cronies retreating quickly from the scene.
Sertorius paled. A magistrate of the Republic had been nearly killed on the steps of the forum, in view of the Curia.
"Peace! Peace! By order of the Consul!"
He shouted, the lictors wading in to separate the groups. Those who had drawn first blood that were not citizens were arrested on the spot. He turned to the Tribunes, lines of worry visibly creasing his skin.
"Gentlemen. Call the vote. Let us be done with this."
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Post by sforza on Aug 31, 2021 18:13:12 GMT -5
"Esteemed citizens of Rome, let the good roman people speak out over this bill in peace"
Saturninus spoke out to the roman crowd, sweat was now profoundly rolling from his head. This might follow him until the end of his days. Of course the optimates would blame Saturninus for all of this.
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Post by sforza on Aug 31, 2021 18:26:09 GMT -5
Lex Appuleia Mamilii - Roman citizens who hold land over 500 iugeras of the ager publicus shall be fined with a 20% tax. For each 50 iugeras over 500 an additional 5% tax shall be raised
- All income generated through the land tax shall be used to pay for military uniforms for poor Roman soldiers
- If there is any excessive tax money left it shall be used for the distribution of bread to the poor Roman citizens
- Quintus Sertorius shall be named Pro-consul of the provinces Macedonia and Asia
- Any law that tries to repeal a law that either protects or advances the rights of the roman citizens and her institutions shall be considered illegitimate and void
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Post by Gandalf on Aug 31, 2021 18:49:07 GMT -5
Though the tribes quickly gather and arrange their votes, it becomes clear that the violence in the Forum has shaken them somewhat. Rather than staying to witness the end of the result, many of the Tribunes leave the proceedings as a show of their discontent. Despite their protest, the law passes.
Law effects:
- All those in the Agriculture branch must by law pay a tax of 2000 denarii per annum to the Roman State. This will last until the law is repealed.
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Post by Royal Joker on Sept 1, 2021 13:42:38 GMT -5
Vitulus looked to his co-tribune, pale and haggard. He had prayed that bloodshed would be avoided, yet his worst fears had become reality. Had they pushed too far, too quickly? No doubt Metellus would turn the entire priesthood against them. He spoke with barely a whisper.
"Saturninus, I fear those dark clouds may hail our futures. No good will come of this, either gods or men will punish us for the blood that was spilt on this day. Our work is done, I suggest it is time we retire to our homes. Protect your kin, and perhaps we shall meet again in the Senate."
Vitulus waved for his men to rally to him, preparing the road home to his domus. The tribune then turned to Sertorius.
"I pray good fortune to your time in the East, my friend Sertorius. We gained a victory today, but we shall have to wait to see if the price was worth it."
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