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Post by sforza on Sept 4, 2021 12:54:45 GMT -5
 Days after the showdown in the senate both Vitulus and Saturninus announced their intention to host games that are worthy of the Roman people. The tribunes distributed pamphlets that showed the senate on its knee in front of the Roman people. Of course, conservative senators and magistrates were not allowed to attend these games. Bodyguards would ensure this. It was announced that gladiators from all across the republic would come to entertain the citizens of Rome. The gladiators would first fight against large groups of poorly equipped slaves to represent the stuggle of the Roman legions against the defeated barbarians hordes that dared to invade Roman lands.
Later when these slaves were easily mopped aside by the gladiators they would fight each other one versus one. The games often took untill late in the evening. True Roman bread and water was distributed for free to roman citizens to fulfill their needs. On the last evening of the games one Greek and Iberian gladiator remained to fight each other.
 One blow evaded another blow. Sword upon sword clashed as if this was a battle between titans. Vitulus and Saturninus looked with satisfaction as the games delighted the people. Eventually the iberian crumbled as he was severely wounded in his leg. And although he tried to stood up again he was quickly cast aside by the greek gladiator. The Iberian gladiator surrendered, placing his fate in the hands of the Tribunes. Though they awaited the reactions of the people, to let the defeated Iberian die or have him survive. Eventually the public wanted him to survive and the tribunes allowed him to live further. The greek gladiator was given freedom by the tribunes by handing over the Rudis. And although the games were now at their end the tribunes wanted to adress the Roman citizens
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Post by Gandalf on Sept 4, 2021 13:20:44 GMT -5
Metellus arrives at the games under guard, with a trail of his clients and slaves in tow. As Tribune, none were permitted to stand in his way - and so he entered the chosen venue whether the other two liked it or not.
"The omens are most foul, I am afraid. Tradition and Roman honour are affronted, a mockery made of our sacred history."
The Tribune and Augur solemnly stated, sending his men out among the crowds with word that the games were called off. Soon the word was spreading like wildfire among the populace: Metellus had used his Veto on the games. He climbed a podium and began pontificating to any who would listen.
"Such frivolity has no place in this city. We had games but a few months ago, approved by our Consuls to commemorate their victory. Are we now Greeks or eastern barbarians, celebrating decadence at any given opportunity? To let these savages fight with swords in the Pomerium, for shame!"
Saturninus doubtlessly did it to send a message. Rather than the typical gladiator shows, the fool had elected to stage mock battles with naked blades.
"That we have armed men in our city, gladiator or not, is an affront to the Gods and tradition! Lest I remind you citizens, the boundary drawn by Romulus himself permits no weapons within the city!"
Pius, despite appearing relaxed, began to sweat. Perhaps this would draw the wolf from its den.
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Post by sforza on Sept 4, 2021 14:02:46 GMT -5
"Good Roman people"
Saturninus addressed the roman people after this fool dared to interrupt the games. Vitulus' and Saturninus' agents would of course ensure to the Roman citizens the games proceed despite the words of that fool.
"Look the Tribune Metellus speaks, or can i say he is a tribune at all? Is it not that a tribune who opposes the will of the people in favor of the rich can not be a true tribune?"
Saturninus widely gesticulated his hands to the sky. Quickly he regained the initiative.
"This is the "so called tribune" that has suggested for the senate to illegitimately repeal the law passed in the last Plebeian Council that aided the Roman soldiers and citizens"
He would continue to berate this fool. He should not have entered these games, Saturninus would have to reprimand his bodyguards.
"Let it be no mistake, the games also represent the struggle between the Roman people and the Senate who does not listens to its people, just as what happened with the Gracchi, even daring to bar me from attending senate sessions, the voice of the people denied the senate!"
Then Saturninus' hands gesticulated to the crowd.
"For the Gracchi"
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Post by Gandalf on Sept 4, 2021 14:22:31 GMT -5
"Look closely, Romans, at a man who puts himself above Rome. I merely adhere to the tradition of our ancestors, to respect our ancient laws and customs. I have no quarrel with the people of Roma, or else why would I stand as Tribune? I have done no crime but insist that our time honoured customs and laws are respected, that omens are taken, and that a thousand years of history are not flouted for the whims of one man. We have not been violent to you, Tribune Saturninus, so why do you send your men to attack me at the Plebeian Council? We have not accosted or accused you, Tribune Saturninus, so why do you block me from attending the games as a free man, citizen, and Plebeian tribune? In the days of our fathers, a man might be slain simply for the crime of not moving from one's path."
Metellus matched Saturninus' words with his own, pointing jaggedly in the direction of his opponent and colleague in office.
"Lamentable that a man that with noble intentions walks the path of a tyrant. I do not doubt you wish to hold the Tribunate with your creature Vitulus for life, and fashion a crown for yourself out of the good will and trusting hearts of the Roman people!"
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Post by sforza on Sept 4, 2021 15:09:07 GMT -5
"Is that so, Metellus?"
Saturninus sarcastically replied
"Is this why you initiated the initiative to illegitimately repeal the law that helps the people of Rome? A law that addresses the abuses of the aristocracy by holding land over the allowed limits? I am merely upholding Roman law. How can you be a tribune of the people when you yourself wanted this to be gone? A law that provides uniforms to the soldier, bread to the good men and women on the street. Or how you initiated the initiative to bar the voice of the people from attending the senate?"
Saturninus replied, tired of this man's foolishness.
"Do not accuse me of things i have never ordered, and unless you have undeniable proof that i ordered that attempt on your life you should stop it! Come on, if you have undeniable proof then present it now in front of the Roman people!"
Saturninus said, trying to embarrass his opponent, as he of course had not ordered any attempt.
"My only great crime is to protect and advance the rights of the good Roman people, just as the senate considered the reforms of the Gracchi as a crime!"
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Post by Gandalf on Sept 4, 2021 15:22:23 GMT -5
Metellus grew angry, raising his voice to be heard above the din. He was gesturing wildly, as a rhetorician of the Asiatic school was taught, pounding his chest and stamping his feet.
"It is not illegitimate. I observed the omens, as an Augur does. I reported them to be unfavourable, and so dissolved the assembly, as has been done a thousand times in our sacred annals. You tried to have me removed, as all witnessed! Your armed thug slew one of my men right before me, as any who were there that day observed, with blood staining my own toga. As I was ignored and driven off, I followed procedure and turned to the Senate to declare the proceedings of the day invalid. Your own uncouth manners and arrogance before our magistrates led you to being barred, it was by no proposal of mine. It has become sadly clear to me that you have no respect for Roman law, for Roman custom, for the traditions of our people. That you simply repeat your previous words with no thought for rebuttal proves to me, sadly, that you have entirely deserted your wits."
The Tribune laughed bitterly.
"The law itself I had little quarrel with. Why, I would have supported it if you had asked. That you flew in the face of Roman custom and attempted to hold the state solely in your hands is what concerns me."
Metellus paused.
"That you troupe around with hired men, host games for your own aggrandisement, and bar citizens from entry whom you do not like is the undeniable behaviour of a tyrant. Hence I announce my intention to impeach you before the Senate and have you put on trial for attempting the murder of a citizen and usurping the Roman state."
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Post by sforza on Sept 4, 2021 15:39:47 GMT -5
"So you have no proof that i have ordered the attempt on your life, where is the proof that i ordered that man to have you killed? Or is now any crime perpetrated in this city my fault now too?"
Saturninus replied loudly to the crowd, gesturing to the people.
"There was no thunder or lightning to be heard or seen that very day, or do you suggest that the presence of clouds should prevent legislation to be passed? By that logic more than half of the roman legislation should be repealed! It does not make sense!
Saturninus said angrily to his opponent. He was obviously not going to give in to his threats.
"I only spoke in defence of the people in the Senate, what a great crime for a tribune to commit!"
Saturninus wanted to stab a dagger in the heart of this Metellus, but he could still restrain himself for now.
"Roman People, i who provided you with new homes, bread and uniforms for the soldiers, am i a tyrant?"
He asked of the Roman people, in their hands lay the fate of what was about to happen.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Sept 4, 2021 15:57:15 GMT -5
Saturninus manages to stir the people, but just barely. Given this, the crowds seem divided and people turn on each other as they voice their support for one or another. Punches are thrown, carts over turned, and anything that could be used was grabbed for as a riot begins to erupt within this gathering. However, despite this sprawling situation, the pro-Saturninus crowd was more violent but had less of a number. If the city's police could be called in, or even troops from the outside, the crowd would likely be dispersed under pressure.
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Post by Gandalf on Sept 4, 2021 16:01:42 GMT -5
Metellus drew back at the crowd resorting to violence. If he were to kill Saturninus, then now would be the time - but would that make him any better than this demagogue? No, he now had the proof he needed. Metellus' bodyguards formed a shield around their master and attempted to push their way out of the chaos.
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Post by sforza on Sept 4, 2021 16:08:26 GMT -5
This is where Saturninus'/Vitulus' (?) personal gladiators and agents come into action. They try to stir up the people more and surround Metellus. Quickly agents are sent into the city to stir up people who were not present at the gates
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Sept 4, 2021 16:17:03 GMT -5
The ferocity of the fight within is enough to prevent Metellus from escaping. There were just too many people for his bodyguards to make room and push their way out. They'd have to either dirty their hands or hope for the best. Outside, the heralds of Saturninus try to stir the people into action, but their cries fall on deaf ears. There were some boos and even fruit thrown at these agents, making some being forced to leave, while others were simply ignored.
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Post by Gandalf on Sept 4, 2021 16:18:02 GMT -5
"Lay your hands on me at your peril. I am a people's tribune. If I am to die, I shall condemn you all to dine with me in Hades, and dedicate your souls to the God of the dead. Let Pluto feast on your entrails forevermore in the afterlife. You shall follow me soon to the grave, for intervening with a sacred magistrate is death. The Gods themselves shall shun you for eternity."
Commanded Metellus imperiously, as his men forced their way through the crowds. It seemed Saturninus' agents were attempting to bloc his line of exit amidst the rabble. He gave the order to one of his men to start using force if necessary.
"I command you, stand aside! I shall not hesitate to use force to protect the dignity of the Republic!"
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Post by sforza on Sept 4, 2021 16:25:36 GMT -5
"You should not have gone to oppose the will of the people, every time you appear there is violence!"
Saturninus replied to this buffoon, he could end his life now.
"You never deserved to be Tribune fool, for you have no interest in the plight of its people.
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Several agents are sent to take other optimate conservatives captive.
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