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Post by Gandalf on Jul 4, 2022 11:49:23 GMT -5
 The Roman Forum, the nucleus of social life in the city. A magnificently decorated and sprawling complex with dozens of statues, temples, and public buildings, the majority of public business or political meetings take place here. Here is located the Rostra, where politicians typically make public addresses from, and the Comitium, where public gatherings of religious or legal significance are held.
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Post by Gandalf on Jul 7, 2022 17:36:59 GMT -5
Following the announcement that both Marcus Claudius and Lucius Papirius had won the election, the two consuls-elect made their way from the tribal assembly into the Forum, where the augurs would gather to take auspices on their upcoming terms of office. Though usually a formality, Marcus had observed poor omens preceding the coming year - including the death of the sitting Pontifex Maximus, and hoped that Jupiter Optimus would smile upon him this day. Filing in towards the centre of the sprawl that made up the Roman Forum, Marcus and a throng of his clients and kinsmen prepared themselves for the arrival of the priests. Marcellus wore his best toga, painstakingly whitened by his household slaves, and had had both his greying hair and beard trimmed short and neat. If he augured well, then perhaps he would be chosen first to lead the command against the Samnites - something that filled him with both a sense of excitement and, to his shame, a pang of dread. Their hill-dwelling neighbours were fearsome foes, and a Rome that had lost the favour of Mars would surely struggle in the field against their well drilled and conniving warriors. But for now, he banished such thoughts, and watched expectantly as the priests emerged from the temple, reciting his oath of office ad nauseam in his mind.
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Post by Royal Joker on Jul 8, 2022 13:04:00 GMT -5
Lucius Papirius Mugillanus stood beside his co-consul, draped in the finest toga for the occasion. His hawk-like gaze looked over the crowd of citizens that had gathered to hear the auspices of the year. To make light of the rituals of their forefathers was no less than sacrilegious, deserving of a trip off the Tarpeian rock. Every tradition had its place in life, and it fell on the most noble bloodlines to make sure these were not forgotten. Miss but one, and Rome would find the favor of the gods turned against them. Lucius kept his gaze forward, patiently awaiting the priests. Soon enough, it would be time to unleash Mars.
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Post by sforza on Jul 9, 2022 4:42:11 GMT -5
Roll: 12
The priests would eventually emerge from their consultations with the Gods. One by one they would place themselves on a podium where they would announce their auspices for the upcoming war.
"Romans, the Gods have spoken today"
The head of the priests addressed the assembled crowds.
"The Gods have foreseen a long and bloody war but as always our Republic will prevail"
The high priest then turned himself to the two newly elected consuls.
"He who is bold shall find the blessings of Mars"
The chief augur said, not really making clear who had been designed favorite. Perhaps the priests themselves had not come to a clear conclusion who should leadthe Romans to victory.
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Post by Gandalf on Jul 9, 2022 5:23:44 GMT -5
Marcellus was not shocked or dismayed by the portents; war was here, it was only natural that the sole mission that should concern his term would be the conflict with the Samnites. When called upon, he delivered his oath of office to the Senate and People of Rome, and would without delay or any grandstanding immediately depart to ready himself for war. Once donned in armour, he would ride out to the Campus Martius with his colleague to assess their standing forces and to divide command appropriately.
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Post by Royal Joker on Jul 9, 2022 11:08:59 GMT -5
Mugillanus bowed his head out of respect to the priests and the omens delivered from the gods. Such was the ways of war, as expected. Yet Rome had since its founding been bred for battle, and the consul would make sure to honor his ancestors and his descendants by delivering victory. He joined Marcellus as they entered Campus Martius to inspect the troops before the campaign.
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Post by sforza on Jul 14, 2022 3:56:35 GMT -5
The plebeian tribune Quintus Appuleius Pansa walks through the forum and mixes in with the Romans to hear what is living among them.
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Post by Gandalf on Jul 16, 2022 2:56:38 GMT -5
Many Plebes grumble to Pansa that the land the republic recently has acquired is being hoarded by the Patrician class for their own private gain.
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