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Post by Magnate Lucius on Oct 13, 2021 15:04:39 GMT -5
After letting the news of Tribune Decianus’ actions stew among the plebs and nobles, Consul Atellus assembles the Council of Plebs, wanting to discuss the possibility of removing the Tribune from his sacred position that had now become a detriment to the governments activity. With the war in the East, trouble in Greece, and Illyria facing invasion, the Italian question was hardly a point of note that would matter if more defeats were reported and the Senate needed to make the necessary laws and measures to defend the Republic.
Once gathered, Atellus speaks.
Honored Romans! Your Tribune has begun to abuse his power for his own gain. He uses the power of the Citizen to not aid you. Rather, he uses his sacred office and it’s power to cripple our Senate until his demands are met over the question of Italian citizenship. These selfish actions are hardly worthy of a tribune!
He raises his hand as voice begin to murmur.
The question of our allies will not be forgotten but this is not how it should be done. A Tribune should not force the government to follow his demands while we have conflicts in the East. A true Tribune would not be as selfish as Decianus is. He does not act like a Tribune of the People but of his own blind desires for power and reputation.
The Consul then motions forward.
Honored Romans, this madness must end before it can truly blossom. As those who invested the power of Tribune into Decianus, I ask this assembly to remove he who calls himself Tribune, but abuses his sacred office to give no benefit to the People of Rome, but rather harm it’s governance and cripple it’s legislation!
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Post by sforza on Oct 13, 2021 16:32:21 GMT -5
"Citizens of Rome!"
Decianus quickly intervened to shut the mouth of this fool. The patrician dared to summon the council which he has no right to.
"A gross violation has just happened before our eyes, an insult to centuries of struggles of the citizens of Rome against the oppressive rule of the patricians! It is an affront to the people and centuries of history where no Patrician or Consul ever dared to summon the plebeian council for their selfish desires!."
Suddenly the tribune found the vigor of his deceased uncle, Saturninus, people would recognize much of Saturninus in him, not only his looks but also the way he speaks.
"He speaks of me being selfish but what is to say about a man who has ran three times for consulship consecutively in violation of everything that the Cursus honorum stood for? The cursus honorum says that a citizen can hold the consulship only for one year to limit the amassing of power by an individual, for hundreds of years roman history has repected this rule and now this man represents the most vile violation of what the cursus honorm stood for! What an affront!
Decianus widely gesticulated his arms and spoke with a voice that caught everyone's attention.
"This man has not only violated the cursus honorum but he also had a tribune of the people killed, a vilest violation of traditions and customs in our republic that a tribune of the people is always sancrosanct in every given circumstance! And of course this man will claim my uncle had commited suicide but we all know how it really ended!
Decianus continued, not stopping his long speech before the citizens of Rome. He attempted to play on the feelings of the people about Saturninus
"He also the man who voted against Consul's Lepidus bill that initially sought to distribute grain for free to the citizens of Rome! This is how much he cares for the people of Rome! He will not want to see a gram of grain distributed to the good Roman people! This while he dines and feasts in luxury in his grand villa with many slaves at his disposal!
Decianus then went to read a letter.
"Citizens, what do we say about a patrician illegitimately summoning the Plebeian council despite he has no power to do so and there is no precedent for it? I say NAY, A THOUSAND TIMES NAY!"
Decianus repeated the word over and over again. Then he brought up a paper with something attached to it
"Citizens of Rome, now that this Atellus, although illegitimately, has brought you together i will present to you a bill that will help the people of Rome. It will allow more citizens of Rome to purchase grain and bread at a nominal price and prevent any rascal from artificially raise the price of it"
LEX Appeuleia et Lepidi Cura Annonae
- A penalty is prescribed against him who commits any act, or forms any association by means of which the price of grain and bread
may be increased with a fine of 10 000 denarii
- No one shall detain a ship or a sailor, or maliciously commit any act by which a delay or increase in price of grain and bread may be caused
- The number of eligible poor citizens to receive grain and bread at nominal price shall be increased to 120 000
- Any citizen falsely claiming to have the right to buy at a nominal price shall be fined with a sum of 50 denarii
- Each of the eligible citizens may purchase a maximum of 40 kilograms of grains each month at nominal price.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Oct 13, 2021 17:14:35 GMT -5
Atellus shakes his head. How could the Tribune use a traitors name to invoke loyalty? Decianus was certainly trying to mirror his deceased uncle by these words. Perhaps it was time to consider limiting the Tribunate from the thoughts of mad men and would-be kings. They saw the people as nothing more than a means for greater ambition and used legacy and under-handed tactics to get their way. The Consul needed to gain the people’s favor to ensure this wouldn’t happen.
All here remember what this good uncle of his did to Rome. He used a public event in an attempt to execute elected officials. He used gladiators to enforce his rule on the streets and let blood run throughout. He attempted to kill a Consul! His suicide was an awful fate… better a Roman die on the field of battle than by his own hands.
Atellus shakes his head once more, feigning grief towards the fate of Saturninus.
Citizens of Rome, I would not have gathered you without good reason for how can a government function if the Tribunes veto is being abused? How can one use a sacred office to their own gains and earns? How does this help the people that they are supposed to represent if they use their powers to hamper and harm it? We have conflicts going on the East and the Tribune declares that his veto will remain in effect until we address the Italians.
The Consul looks absolutely appalled.
Your brothers, sons, fathers, and all other relatives fight in the East to preserve our Republic from invaders and hegemony. The government must support them. Yet this Tribune says that they do not matter! That their needs and safety are lesser than a civil question that needs a better method to understanding and addressing that this abusive move that hampers our legislation!
Atellus looks at the people then points to Decianus.
This man does not care for the people! He only cares about his name and reputation! To him, you, the citizens, are nothing but a means to an end! Remove him from his position and let someone more pious and noble take the sacred office of Tribune! One who has the peoples interest truly at heart!
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 13, 2021 17:38:43 GMT -5
For/Against Decianus: base chance 0/20
- Connected to a Plebeian champion +3
- Introducing popular measures +6
- Elected Tribune +5
- Strength of argument +3
- Dignitas +2
- Unprecedented public action +5
- Supporting Italians -5
- Unfair use of veto -5
- Atellus Dignitas and Auctoritas -4
Final chance: 11/20 chance they find in favour of Decianus.
Roll: 14
---
The crowd certainly saw the merit in the arguments of Atellus. All public business had ground to a halt as a result of the Consuls being unable to perform religious rites and open the forum, which ensured the enmity of the prominent equestrian class. Furthermore, that this was done at the behest of the Italians was seen as an open affront to the Roman constitution. However, the words of Decianus rang true. Very few times before had a Consul convened the council without the support of a Tribune in his pocket, and never before had one tried to have a tribune unseated. While there were many murmurs against Decianus, his skilful introduction of a law that increased the grain dole ensured that the populace were decisively against the divesting of a sacred official. When one of the impartial tribunes stood to veto the motion to curry favour with the masses, it was clear which way the wind was blowing. However, the bill could not be withdrawn now the cat was out of the bag. Voting would have to commence immediately, or there would be uproar.
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Post by sforza on Oct 13, 2021 17:40:03 GMT -5
"You are nothing but a vile creature that stains the history of our republic by committing this gross violation of our traditions, customs and history in every way possible!"
Decianus shouted to the assembled public, making sure that his voice spoke like that of Saturninus and so loud that it humbled that weak-minded consul.
"A patrician and consul is not allowed to summon or attend the plebeian council as our traditions and laws of the republic say. It is an insult for the people of Rome who have fought for so long to undo the oppression of your likes Atellus!"
Then Decianus did something unusual, he walked off from the podium and mixed with the citizens of Rome. Speakin in the midst of them.
"This Atellus is like a Janus, a two-faced hypocrite. One time he speaks about my being selfish but the other time running for consul thrice in a row to embezzle himself like a corrupt oaf he is!
Decianus then shook hands with Rome's citizens, handing a few denarii he had with him
"Saturninus was killed by your legion! He was given no fair trial to face justice! He was a plebeian tribune and he was murdered just like the Gracchi who also never had the chance for a fair trial!"
Decianus inspired the citizens of Rome to rally to his cause.
"How do i abuse the powers that the people gave to me? As a tribune, i have the right to use the veto just like the Grachhi have done so in the past, which they paid for with their life!"
The hints were clear to the Roman people.
"What does he dare to say about me while i have attempted to negotiate with this consul on the issue that i rose in the senate? I even invited the him to discuss the matter more in the senate upon which i would have lifted my veto if a solution was reached. But no, this man prefers confrontation over negotiation, not even once he attempted to talk with my so that i could lift my veto"
Decianus then paused and looked into the sky of Rome.
"What do we say about this gross violation of our traditions and laws? I say NAY against Atellus, i say YES for the Cura Annonae bill!!"
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Oct 13, 2021 23:04:09 GMT -5
Atellus watched as Decianus paraded himself, lauding himself among the citizens and vilifying the Consul. Even more so, he utilized the names of his uncle and Gracchi to improve his position. Perhaps something to use against him in the future. Yet, when utilizing Janus against him, the Roman would shake his head from where he stood. The crowds had not thrown items at him yet which meant that Atellus' words had touched those within the crowd.
To compared me to the Guardian of Rome, the gatekeeper of our beloved city, in such a horrid way spits upon the god himself. Know you no fealty to the gods?
There was hardly any piety in Decianus. He merely used a bill to improve his standing, but the Roman knew this very well.
As Consul, I did what I felt was right for the people. The question of the Italians is to be addressed in due course, but our government should not be held hostage by an individual who loves them more than he loves his fellow Romans. Today, he gives you bread and grain, as any magistrate should. Law or not. But tomorrow, when you wake up and enter the heart of our city, you will likely find that nothing has changed. Our legislative body will remain hampered. Not until the Tribune gets what he wants, not what you, the People, want.
The Consul then simply bows his head, showing a degree of politeness that Decianus had shown none of. From there, he quietly stepped down.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 14, 2021 6:44:57 GMT -5
"You are nothing but a vile creature that stains the history of our republic by committing this gross violation of our traditions, customs and history in every way possible!"
Decianus shouted to the assembled public, making sure that his voice spoke like that of Saturninus and so loud that it humbled that weak-minded consul. "A patrician and consul is not allowed to summon or attend the plebeian council as our traditions and laws of the republic say. It is an insult for the people of Rome who have fought for so long to undo the oppression of your likes Atellus!"
Then Decianus did something unusual, he walked off from the podium and mixed with the citizens of Rome. Speakin in the midst of them. "This Atellus is like a Janus, a two-faced hypocrite. One time he speaks about my being selfish but the other time running for consul thrice in a row to embezzle himself like a corrupt oaf he is!
Decianus then shook hands with Rome's citizens, handing a few denarii he had with him "Saturninus was killed by your legion! He was given no fair trial to face justice! He was a plebeian tribune and he was murdered just like the Gracchi who also never had the chance for a fair trial!"
Decianus inspired the citizens of Rome to rally to his cause. "How do i abuse the powers that the people gave to me? As a tribune, i have the right to use the veto just like the Grachhi have done so in the past, which they paid for with their life!"
The hints were clear to the Roman people. "What does he dare to say about me while i have attempted to negotiate with this consul on the issue that i rose in the senate? I even invited the him to discuss the matter more in the senate upon which i would have lifted my veto if a solution was reached. But no, this man prefers confrontation over negotiation, not even once he attempted to talk with my so that i could lift my veto"
Decianus then paused and looked into the sky of Rome. "What do we say about this gross violation of our traditions and laws? I say NAY against Atellus, i say YES for the Cura Annonae bill!!"
The assembled people vote yes on the bill, largely based on the understanding that this will left the veto once it is accomplished. When Decianus walked amongst the citizens, many publicly pleaded for him to do so, with a few claiming that they could not even bury their deceased relatives due to the city coming to a complete standstill. Bill passed: Italia's income reduced by 500 due to increased expenditure on the grain dole.
Passing such a popular measure gives Decianus +1 votes and a +3 boost to future Plebeian Council interactions
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Post by sforza on Oct 14, 2021 7:46:04 GMT -5
Tribune Decianus lifts his veto on nearly everything. The only veto that remains in place is Atellus' re-election for Consul and going to to the east.
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Post by rhapture on Nov 7, 2021 8:36:43 GMT -5
Tribune Marcus Livius Drusus calls the Plebian Assembly to begin discussion on his proposed bills.
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Post by sforza on Nov 7, 2021 11:03:41 GMT -5
Praetor Decianus, who is accompanied by his lictors, arrives at the Plebeian council as well.
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Post by Gandalf on Nov 7, 2021 13:57:05 GMT -5
Tribune Sertorius arrives, accompanying Drusus to the meeting.
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Metellus Pius, by his right as Consul, attends the Concilium accompanied by his full compliment of Lictors.
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Post by rhapture on Nov 7, 2021 14:16:55 GMT -5
Drusus mounted the Rosta in the Comita well and looked over the crowd that had gathered for the assembly. He was dressed in the proper togate attire and after letting the priests perform the proper rites he moved to the front of the Rosta to speak.
"Fellow members of the Plebian class, we are gathered here today to resolve issues that our esteemed Senate and the conscript fathers have been unable to work their through in the past few years. The factions and the constant bickering between senators has led to stalemates that have not benefited the lower classes of this great Republic. We are tired of our leaders sending off our young men to far away foreign wars, which strips away the men needed to run and own farms, which leaves lands farrow only to be bought up by the rich for gigantic estates. " He starts.
"And what do our young men get in return for their service? Maybe the come home maimed or crippled. Perhaps they come home to a bankrupted farm, with their parents begging for food. Often they are forced into our fair city of Rome, to find some menial job trudging the sewers finding dead bodies, or guarding the house of the man who bought their family property." He continues, "None of these options seem particularly pleasing. None really offer any of your men hope. And that must change." Drusus finished the prologue firmly.
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Post by sforza on Nov 7, 2021 14:33:00 GMT -5
"I fear that the good Tribune Drusus speaks truth"
Decianus would add after Drusus' finished speaking. The presence of a praetor would surely add support to whatever Drusus was planning.
"How many of our good citizens and allies have died on the fields of Asia and Greece at the hands of failed men? How many have returned of them? And what did Rome give to compensate their loved ones?
Decianus seemed to be in his element, like he was a few years ago. He was certainly pointing in the direction of Crassus and Mugillanus
"Nothing and nothing again!"
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Post by Gandalf on Nov 7, 2021 16:15:02 GMT -5
Sertorius felt little need to add his own words, but stood alongside the two men nonetheless to show his support, cheering alongside the agitators in the sizeable crowd that had turned out for this impromptu session.
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Pius watched on with a sickening sense of deja vu. Saturninus had come again, and it seemed as if his ilk was destined to plague the republic until her dying day. For now, he would not intervene, but the Consul had a few tricks up his sleeve he was ready to deploy if it became necessary to do so.
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The crowd appear receptive to the proposals. Though the veterans of Sulla had recently been settled with sizeable land parcels, many more from previous wars still milled about the streets in search of purpose. Many more of the landless citizens had previously been smallholding farmers and thus felt the concerns of Drusus much more intimately. It delighted them that one of the old aristocracy was championing their cause, and they waited with rapt attention to see how this would progress.
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Post by rhapture on Nov 7, 2021 16:46:11 GMT -5
Drusus noticed the arrival of several senators, including Consul Metellus Pius, who had come to observe the plebian assembly.
He pointed them out to the crowd below as he continued. "Even now citizens, those high and mighty stand on the steps , keeping watch, least we give something back besides bread and circuses to you. Salve, Good Consul Metellus!!" He shouted and waved.
"I must admit that Quintus Caecilius did quite well in Numidia, last year, my fellow plebs. It was not a war that was long drawn out, and we do need to protect out provinces, especially those that supply us with grains." He bows towards the man to show his affection. "Thank you Good Consul."
"Yet before he was even done squashing said rebels, he was already pleading with the Senate to establish a colony for his clients! Always thinking ahead is our Good Consul Metellus" He smiled.
"I was here debating in the Senate to give our troops the ability to settle in whatever province they wished after they had served five years of meritorious service. Trying to fight for our brave legionaries to be able to come home with more than a few coins in their pockets and a promise of going off to another future war."
"We must give our courageous men the knowledge they will come home to a better future , then just a long career of travel and killing , that for some is all they think is better than survival in Subura."
"One way we can do this is also spreading the citizenship to our longtime Italian allies. They have deserved full citizen status for many years now. And rightfully so. How often have they given their own young men to our wars?" Drusus went on.
"Now I know you ask, Why should be agree to that Tribune Drusus?" He paused. "Well, would that not help alleviate the need for our Roman young men to be dragged off to wars? Let our own men stay on their family lands to farm and trade and grow their own wealth?" Drusus asked. "Of course it would! And our good Italian allies will welcome the chance for increased benefits of being a citizen in exchange for some of their men defending our borders. Rome is a great and wonderful place, my fellows, you all see it, and I have seen it myself in my travels. Let us spread our culture through out all of Italy."
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