Gothic

The latest episode of American Horror Story.

There was a time when the news of her father's arrival would have filled her with dread. Now? It was a joyful occasion. It was difficult not being able to see spend time with him now. Her half-brothers resided with their uncle, Octavius in Rome itself and it was only during times she traveled to the city itself that she saw them. One of the household slaves came to inform her of his arrival. Quintus, her eldest boy rushed to meet with him and no doubt had several stories to share with him concerning his adventures. Both the twin girls followed with their arms outstretched eagerly for the embrace and followed by faithful nannies to ensure the children did not fall. They all embraced their grandfather as Juliana walked around the hallway. She smiled, delighted to see him and hurried her pace to walk (with a fast pace) towards him. Her arms wrapped around him and she smiled. "Pater! Welcome, it is good to see you." Juliana greeted him warmly. Every greeting felt precious. Their bond had increased after the purges and civil war that had caused considerable harm to their family. Her father was unmarried, an eligible bachelor and Caesar's only unmarried brother. "Come children, let your grandfather come inside. No doubt he has had quite a long journey to come here to see us." She added. Her hand rested on little Quintus' head and glanced behind her to see one of the household slaves nod that preparations had been made. Food and wine would be brought out once they had gone into a more suitable part of the villa. "How are you? And how was your journey?" Juliana asked. @Dev

(As Atticus) Oh, how he loved hearing about this. His intimate encounters had declined over the years, yet there was always something exciting to hear about other people's gossip concerning it. It was always good to know information on those around your Owner. At least, that is what he would continue to tell himself while he tried to pry out more gossip for his own amusement. The question asked was utterly practical, and quite fair. "Hm, from what I know," Atticus began, his thumb moved along his bearded chin in deep thought. "They are okay with it. However, if you find another slave you are interested in it would be best to speak to the Dominus about it." He answered carefully. Not wishing to potentially give an incorrect answer that could get Rufus into any sort of trouble. He quite liked the redheaded fellow. Atticus couldn't help himself. It was a a treat at his age to receive any sort of news. "Of course, pregnancies could potentially cause issues or to establish co-habitation." Now he really had to know. "Hm, why do you ask? Has anyone caught your eye?" Atticus asked. @Sharpie

"They are well, and what of your family?" Octavius asked. He had become oblivious to the various clients and hangers-on over the years. It was strange now to be responsible for handling them rather than his elder brothers, or father. Personally Octavius had always preferred the heat over the cold. The time in Britannia was not remembered as fondly as his time in either Dacia or in the East. His hand rested fondly on Aulus' shoulder for a moment. "You'll get used to it now you're back in Rome." There had been many projects that had been started on. The amphitheatre had certainly been grand yet it was not Octavius' pride and joy. Instantly he grinned with excitement and enthusiasm. Who would have thought that he loved construction so much? Octavius happily sipped his wine. Clearly it was a topic that he enjoyed and was more than happy to speak of. "The Great Library, I hope to have it rival the lost one in Alexandria someday, and there are a few other projects up my sleeve. It is a passion project of mine, and there have been families who have been happy to support it too." He answered, and as expected, Rufus had taken up his position behind him to answer any questions he may have had. @Sharpie

"I would never do that. However, would it return life to a loved one? Then perhaps I would be tempted." What was the last thing to make you angry?

Updated.

Character name: Gaius Hostilius.Associated Ludus: N/AExperience: 0Type of gladiator: Poisoner. Murderer.Death: Y. Character name: Marcus CassinusAssociated Ludus: N/AExperience: 2Type of gladiator: Military deserter. Death: However it happens. Character name: Laran. Associated Ludus: N/AExperience: 1Type of gladiator: Retiarius.Death: However it happens.

Gaius was always fond of artistic exaggeration. He smiled in response to the question, and listened to the answer. Exploration in his eyes was still exploration. It did not matter whether or not it was in the wild north of Germania or in the dry desserts or a foreign city. He glanced over to Pavo who nodded in response as he quickly wrote all of the responses to be used later on. He didn't interrupt Teutus. Patiently he waited to see what he would say and to know his thoughts. His silence and consideration hopefully permitted people to open up to him in ways they perhaps wouldn't normally. The younger man sounded truly idealistic when it came to a nation that did not necessarily see him in the best light. A slave. He smiled softly and nodded. Part of not having favour and being relatively wealthy meant that he was free to write what he needed to for his own pleasure. Yet the time would come where he would not be able to write as freely as he desired. "Indeed he was," Gaius answered, the lines around his eyes creased as he smiled. "What do you think of the city of Rome? Is there any place you are frightened to go or would alternatively, would love to go?" Gaius asked. His rank in society permitted him to go many places -- yet the poorer areas unfortunately had the risk of pickpockets or other ruffians who would happily see him as an easy target to rob. @Sharpie

It sounds like you have the start of an excellent collection. I also have Invisible Romans and it was such an awesome read. It helped me with a few of the smaller pieces of information about gladiators and the other lower class citizens of Rome. I'm glad I bought it. The two I have on my desk at the moment are; From the Gracchi to Nero by H.H Scullard. I got this book for one of my textbooks. S.P.Q.R by Mary Beard. Easy to read and get into. I've had friends who are interested in Rome check it out and be able to understand things easily. It is a good read. I have two other books on Roman art and architecture as well.

The Tale of Rukia Agda. - 74CE Foreigner from a distant land. The meeting took place in my own home. My eldest daughter was pregnant and required the services of a midwife to ensure both mother and babe were well. There have been many people who have come to Rome freely. Not through annexation nor through the chains of conquest. It is important to hear what these people think and feel about our civilisation, and mostly, our home. Nationalism aside, there is always the person underneath that needs to be spoken about. WIP.

Marcus was silent while she ordered some wine, and fortunately, the barkeep understood that it would be a serious conversation because he was brought one too. It was rare for her to not speak. In fact, it was a complete opposite from literally every single encounter they had previously. He did not want to assume and hoped that his job had not been placed on the line from her outburst. He took a mouthful, and now was thankful he did not have the burden of having to deal with daughters. Were young women always like this? The first part did not surprise him. Hatred and being hated was a part of his line of work. Marcus shrugged, raised his cup in a toast and kept drinking in response. Finally! Some normalcy to their conversation. Then the next part. At first Marcus blinked in confusion. The news was certainly shocking to all involved and while he teased her regularly. It was more to get a reaction from her about her mother and her background. But this.... What the actual fuck? He sat with his mouth parted slightly and allowed the words to sink in. He was her father? Sure, he (and Calvunus) had spent time in the company of her mother. Yet she was not an inexperienced woman and knew about contraceptives to protect herself from an unwanted child. Even if she didn't, there was likely a woman in her company that knew someone who did. Still, there were many questions he had. Primarily.... "Why the fuck would you lie about something like this?" @Sydney

Marcus was steadily getting grumpier and grumpier the longer it went on. The promise of the full Marcus Falco treatment caused him to give a devilish smirk until she burst his bubble with adding the word chaste. That one damned and wicked word! He was supposed to keep his hands off the workers here. Not that is always prevented him from trying. The intimate thought had briefly distracted him from his epic tale concerning the Queen, the Musician, and the others. He sighed at her criticism and rolled his eyes. Although.... it was incredibly tempting to tease her with it. Marcus had not considered names for them. "Yes, Titinia. Just for you," He added smugly. He also had a love and hate relationship with the Domina of the establishment. Yet found his loyalty leaning towards her husband -- the threat of maiming or death was enough to keep him in line. Marcus absolutely and wholeheartedly wanted to take her to bed. Except he did not want to take her to bed in a chaste manner. Briefly he was torn between the possibility of an intimate encounter with her or continuing his story. "Now.. do you want to know about the rest of the story or not?" @Sara

She could not help but be protective over the one she saw as her little sister. Claudia could not help but smile when Rutiliana sank into the embrace briefly before she had gone to address Lexus. Claudia listened to him. The Princess was surprised and admittedly did not expect for him to give such an honest answer. Many would have been too scared of punishment to do so or would have tried to gain something from the experience. Usually something in the form of coin. He had not asked for anything from either of them. Rutiliana didn't appear to be hurt. "It would appear not," She answered in response to his question. Especially after her cousin's not-so-subtle admittance that she was unharmed. That was one thing that was sorted, now, all that was left was what to do with the young man. He looked absolutely terrified, and she did not blame him for that either. Now, what to do with him? The praetorians began to quietly move around the two women, their litters and the foolish yet handsome youth in order to keep the crowd at bay. The people were mostly curious at this point rather than hostile or angry. Experience had taught them to be careful. No harm had been done, and it was important for them to appear graceful yet not be flippant when it came to their security. She beckoned him to come closer with her hand. "Come, what is your name? And why on earth were you in such a hurry to not notice an Imperial litter?" Claudia asked, a playful and cheeky glimmer in her eyes. @Atrice @Eris

Updated! Looking for more!

Claudia had a way of encouraging people to let her do what she wanted. The princess had watched as Manius had been elevated and celebrated at the Imperial Banquet. She had been too busy speaking with her family and friends to be able to approach him then. Her goals and aspirations drove her to seek him out, and ask him a variety of questions concerning horses. Not to mention, the additional information on how a charioteer had managed to find himself so favoured by her uncle along with many curiosities about his life, and how different it was in comparison to her own. There were so many questions she wished to ask. Therefore, Claudia decided to seek him out and observe the horses when they were relaxing in their stables. Behind her, Decimus, her favourite Praetorian and Cynane, her faithful Gladiatrix slave both watched to ensure she remained safe. Her clothing marked her as a woman of wealth, and thus, power. The blue silk was not the most practical item of clothing she could wear to the stables. The stablehands had been polite yet curious about her approach. She asked if Manius was there, and confirmed that he was and would likely see her soon. There were many nobles who made their money through selling horses to the army, races, or to other nobles who wished for new bloodlines for their stock. She smiled, her hand reached out and stroked the neck of the chestnut mare. The mare was fiery in temperament when she held footsteps behind her. Claudia's head turned and gave him a questioning look with the tone he had taken. Her chin remained raised, and her expression softened when he realised her position in society. However, clearly he was not pleased with the intrusion into the stables, and understood why. There was a chance that he did not recognise her when they had seen each other. From what she remembered. They had not been introduced to each other either. "Apologies accepted," She answered kindly, removed her hand from the mare's neck and approached him. Her skirt lifted at the front and back as she gracefully stepped over a couple of pieces of horse manure. Claudia looked up at him and was instantly aware of the great height difference between the pair of them. "I do not believe we were introduced at the banquet. I am Claudia Caesaris." @Polarity

I have to have some kind of background music or noise in the background to post.

Gladiators sign up! Characters and Quick characters are both able to sign up for the event. We are looking for all types of gladiators. Experienced gladiators, newbies with their first fight and prisoners for execution. (Yes, Gladiatrixes are welcome!) What are the IC risks involved? Your character stands the risk of being maimed or death (if you consent to that as a possibility. Alternatively, you can list your character as one you want to die, too.) How many characters can you have involved in the event? As many as you like. How are matches decided? Through the dice system or through player choice. Can I keep playing the character after the event? Yep, but on the AU or Back in Time boards only. Unless your character IC survives and you fill out the full version of the application. Who is getting paired? Generally people of similar experience levels will be paired against each other. Buuuuuuuuuuuuuut you can request where you want to be placed. Experience adds to modifier. 0 - Prisoner. Weakened or a non-combatant. 1 - Healthy and strong but no combat training. 2 - Has experience fighting. 3 - Experienced and trained gladiator in that style. (Essentially, the modifiers limit the impact of the blows. ) Dice Roll. 1-Missed strike. 2- Cut skin. 3- Struck hard or knocked on the ground. 4- Broken bone. 5- Missed strike. 6- Struck hard or knocked on the ground. 7 - Missed strike. 8 - Broken bone. 9 - Missed strike. 10 - Cut skin. 11 - Badly maimed. (Loss of limb or an eye) 12 - DEATH. (If you don't want the character to die, it becomes an 11) A staff member will post the dice roll entry and players are able to react to it. Essentially, Bob and Todd are gladiators. Both of you do your openers. The first person who goes gets the first roll. So Bob gets say a 4. Bob is a level 1. That means Bob can choose to either get a broken bone or be knocked on the ground (a 3). Essentially, there is more choice to what happens. The rounds continue until someone either dies or is too badly maimed/injured, or 5 rolls each. If they are both marked for death, an NPC gladiator will come in and do it for the crowd. lol Example: A 3 is hit with a 12 and the player doesn't want to have the character die. There is no modifier. It becomes an 11. It is up to the player which limb or an eye is lost. If the character doesn't have the OOC no death clause. They die. Regardless of what level they are. Notes: A cut can mean something light, or more extreme where they will need stitches or something more severe. Depending on what the player wants. List of Gladiators! Character name: Thessala -app done- Associated Ludus: Ludus Magnus Experience: 3 Type of gladiator: Dimachaera Death: N Character name: Cira ExociaAssociated Ludus: N/AExperience: 1 Type of gladiator: DimachaeraDeath: However the die lands Character name: VopicscusAssociated Ludus: N/AExperience: 0 Type of gladiator: ThraexDeath: However the die lands Character name: Rana - app done- Associated Ludus: Ludus MagnusExperience: Less than a year Type of gladiator: Gladiatrix (style still to be decided)Death: N Character name: Kratos -app done-Associated Ludus: N/AExperience: 5 yearsType of gladiator: GallusDeath: However the die is cast... Character name: Gaius Hostilius.Associated Ludus: N/AExperience: 0Type of gladiator: Poisoner. Murderer.Death: Y. Character name: Marcus CassinusAssociated Ludus: N/AExperience: 2Type of gladiator: Military deserter. Death: However it happens. Character name: Laran. Associated Ludus: N/AExperience: 1Type of gladiator: Retiarius.Death: However it happens. Character name: Ascanius -app done- Associated Ludus: Ludus Dacius Experience: 3 Type of gladiator: Hoplomachus Death: N Character name: InoAssociated Ludus: Ludus Magnus Experience: 3Type of gladiator: DimachaeraDeath: Let the dice decide Character name: Lucius BaebiusAssociated Ludus: N/A Experience: 1Type of gladiator: N/A - military deserterDeath: Y Character name: VergillusAssociated Ludus: N/AExperience: 0Type of gladiator: Prisoner.Death: Open. Character name: Apollodorus. Associated Ludus: Maurtinus. Experience: 3Type of gladiator: Cestus. Death: Open. Character name: Basir the BloodyAssociated Ludus: Gallenius. Experience: 2Type of gladiator: Sagittarius.Death: Open. Character name: Momus -app done-Associated Ludus: Ludus GallicusExperience: 3Type of gladiator: RetiariusDeath: Let the dice decide! Character name: Ambrosius -app done-Associated Ludus: Dacicus Experience: 2 Type of gladiator: Thraex Death: N Character name: Manawyddan Associated Ludus: N/AExperience: 1Type of gladiator: Traex?Death: Y Bardr Associated Ludus: Ludus MagnusExperience: 3, going on 4Type of gladiator: tbdDeath: N Sign up form. Character name: Associated Ludus: Experience: Type of gladiator: Death: Y/N.

Poll closed. The first event we're going to have is a round of gladiator games! Stay tuned for more information and the sign ups/info!

"...."

(As Marcus Valerius Maximus) Marcus listened as most of the men brought up their own thoughts and considerations. Occasionally he would nod in understanding and scowl in frustration if a response did not please him. He was a practical man, always. Coin was an important part of managing the empire yet keeping the plebs content was equally important. The careful balance in Rome was essential to prevent crime yet it was not wise to permit people to become lazy, and expect to receive handouts. Still, the Civil War had been long and bloody with most families of Rome who had been impacted by what had occurred. He rose from his seat to address the gathered body of men. "Another suitable line of work and training would be new recruits for the army to serve Rome in thanks for the kindness. If we offer assistance there needs to be some type of economic or social reward." He explained another possibly yet he was always a man of few words. Soon he returned to his seat and waited for the Princeps Senatus to speak once more. OOC: Next up is the Senatus Princeps.

Juliana was not prepared to wait a long time in case the supervisor finally arrived. Especially when she was told that there was a chance he would not even come in today. She had already wasted enough time dealing with this. She exhaled slowly in irritation, and while the temptation to simply let him go was there. It would not do him any good in the long run. The longer the wait was the more determined she became to see it through. "I see, do you know his name?" Juliana asked. Surely the slave would know this piece of information. If need be, she would write to inform him of the slave's mishap and offer her own solution. It was strange no supervisor nor head slave was left here to ensure that things ran smoothly. Hopefully this would not occur again. While his gaze was lowered to the ground in servitude she took some time to observe him. He had the darker complexion held by people from the East, long dark hair and eyelashes and even skin. In her younger days she would have been flattered by the attention he gave her. She waited for his response, and perhaps, there was a chance he would be sold to her if the supervisor agreed. That could be a better alternative than having his broken damaged... and he was quite appealing to the eye. @Atrice

There was a forum made originally for the stables called the Stabulum Factionum. However the RP threads is where threads for the stables and "Faction HQ" is located.

The Tale of Alaric Aetius Stilicho. - 74CE Enemy and later friend to Rome. The meeting took place at the man's home. In the distance there were the sounds of his family and slaves. The household is quite vibrant. It is clear the family have wealth yet do not show it off excessively. It was the home of his adopted father (and brother-in-law) Fluvius Aetius Stilicho. His wife, Seia Imperia was the wife of a condemned traitor and a patrician who had fallen on hard times. The home was welcoming, warm, and loud. The host retains his accent yet his use of Latin is educated, skilled. I first asked him a series of questions. Bold are my questions, and answers. "What you first think of the Romans?" "I loathed them. They were the terrifying enemy who had driven other tribes to disaster and ruin. My goal was to crush Rome once and for all. Their arrogance would be crushed. They were a, hm, a bogeyman. I did not see them as other humans." "That is extreme. Is it true that you became friends with men who fought against you?" Alaric smiled. "Yes, many of them in later years became friends and later even family by marriage. One in particular will always stand out to me. His name was Renius, and he was my best friend. Often I find myself missing him and wondering what would have happened if he had of lived." "You have married several women in the past. Who is your favourite or most beloved wife?" Alaric laughed. "Are you trying to get me into trouble with my wife?" There was a pause. "I loved each of them. They were all important to me." "Why did you embrace Roman life?" "I didn't choose to. I was forced into doing so, at least, originally. They had managed to capture Barbara.. or Brunhilde. If I did not comply she would have lived her life in slavery. It is not considered wise to show so much compassion to a child, especially a girl. I had already lost everything. I tried to take on Rome and I failed. The Gods spat on everything I tried to accomplish after telling me that I would be victorious." He paused for a long time. "She was treated well. I was given concessions. I was a shadow of my former self for a long time before I became myself." WIP