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Post by Gandalf on Oct 12, 2021 8:47:14 GMT -5
 Gaius Mamulius Vitulus and Lucius Atilius Regulus are hereby summoned to appear in the Basilica Aemilia on charges of treason, sedition, conspiracy, bribery, and murder. They are to be tried before the Praetor Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius and a jury of twenty senators, each handpicked by Metellus and largely consisting from those families that he could count from amongst his allies and clients. The prosecutor was Metellus' cousin, Nepos, a man of little note save his name, and certainly was not renowned for any great rhetorical ability. But with such a favourable jury, that did not necessarily matter...
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Oct 13, 2021 9:25:03 GMT -5
Lucius Atilius Regulus makes his appearance once a notice was given of the trial.
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Post by Royal Joker on Oct 13, 2021 14:25:48 GMT -5
Gaius Mamilius Vitulus arrives at trial around the same time as Regulus, haggard as ever.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 13, 2021 16:59:50 GMT -5
"Both men here stand accused of treason, sedition, violating the sanctity of the republic, attempted murder, violating the sanctity of a tribune, and murder. The penalty of which is death, as the ancient laws state, or exile, for those found guilty of the less egregious crimes."
Began Pius, reminding the jury of why they were all present. The Pontifex Maximus was sat above all others on the dais in his toga of Imperium, looking almost regal in his red shoes of office and augurial staff. Fitting, for one who in this room exercised supreme power as the Praetor Urbanus.
"Before we shall begin, I ask how they do plead."
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Oct 13, 2021 23:09:22 GMT -5
Lucius looks up and raises his hand.
For though I did little to nothing in the coup... I will plead guilty by association.
The Roman states before lowering his hand.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 14, 2021 6:13:25 GMT -5
”You are aware of the consequences of such a plea? You shall be treated as guilty for all of the aforementioned crimes.”
Replied Pius, after a short and weighty silence. That Regulus had not even attempted to defend himself or his name was deeply shocking to a man who valued his dignity above all else.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Oct 14, 2021 8:21:48 GMT -5
I am well aware, Praetor. But I have set my affairs in order. My son will continue the Regulus family and see it shine again where his father failed.
Lucius states as he looks at the judge and the peers.
I will let justice decide what my fate is. For there is nothing I can do nor say that will ensure my innocence.
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 14, 2021 8:38:53 GMT -5
Almost stunned by this apparent unwillingness to defend his honour, Praetor squinted down at Regulus to discern if this was some stratagem or tactic. He had at least expected some defence, especially from a man who was connected to the plot in name only. After a prolonged silence, Pius nodded.
"Very well. The sentence for such crimes is the death of the perpetrator and confiscation of property. I wish your son well in recovering the honour that you have lost."
Remarked Pius, who gestured for the man to be escorted away by lictors to await his punishment.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Oct 14, 2021 9:04:37 GMT -5
Lucius knew what he was doing. He could do little to defend himself, even by association with Saturninus. And so, the Roman turns to the lictors and follows them away without another word.
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Post by Royal Joker on Oct 14, 2021 13:43:05 GMT -5
Vitulus waited for the praetor and Regulus were finished before he spoke.
"I return to Rome and I know my verdict has already been passed. I plead guilty to be rid of this farce of a justice system. Have my head and be done with it! Let the people remember the names of those who fought for their rights, and honor those who stood against corruption and greed. Long live Saturninus!"
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Post by Gandalf on Oct 14, 2021 14:48:37 GMT -5
"Very well. Take them away."
Pius gestured imperiously, relieved that the whole ordeal was swiftly over. The two men were to be taken out to spend the night in the Tullianum, under the watch of Metellus' Vigiles. In the early morning, at dawn, each would face their appointed fate. Being the lesser of the two conspirators, Regulus had the more dignified fate of simply being strangled to death by two burly Gauls without much fuss. Vitulus, however, was made an example of. Hauled up to the Tarpeian Rock by a gang of senators, lictors, and vigiles, he was tied and bound before being thrown from the top of the Capitoline Hill to break at the ground below. Thus passed the last of the Saturnine traitors.
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