Faustus

I've not been on AERO as long as some, and I had been in the mindset that I would roll with whatever was decided but I also thought that it would be best to throw my two pence into the ring. Quite understandably that Real life absolutely comes first and I'm really sorry to hear what you both are going through at the moment, similarly to what has been said by Sara above. And that the option to reboot with freeform elements would be my preference, with preference for a slimmed down timeline so that it covers the basics leading up to the game start; which might make it less daunting for new prospective players to jump on board with. Highlight the important parts that players should know; like ruler changes, or what's happened since IC start or perhaps have an account there for players to add IC updates through the orator? Also jumping on what Sara had suggested: perhaps putting out feelers for staff applications to widen the net and take the workload off a small amount to ease the adjustment between present and the rebooting of the site could assist in the long-term whilst still maintaining overall control and the ownership of the board. Of course, I also understand that it comes with having it be a brainchild and not necessarily something you'd want to chance putting faith in newcomers to act as staff members who haven't had the full experience of the board as well. When it comes to the apps, I think they're pretty streamlined already as they are. Perhaps changing the quick app form to be something for general characters and not just disposable ones could also help with the approval/apping process for characters too. I'll probably edit my reply if i can think of anything else but at the moment this is sort of where my thoughts are presently.

Caturix did not understand the need for watching horses race around a track with their riders. He did not know what the fascination had been with him performing simple feats of battle against someone else who did not want to be there, however, it had been something which had allowed him to survive up until this point. He had been picking at something on the ground, entertaining himself in a manner which he had done once the fight had been over. He was a slave to a warrior's family, they had provided him with an inch of freedom. Glancing up, Caturix began to standing, seeing the similar colours to what his Dominus wore, or at least what he believed to be something they wore - squinting as he watched the man approach. @Sharpie

Cautrix had sat himself outside, in the breeze and among the slaves in the courtyard; a piece of fruit in his hand that he had been given, squatted down as he watched the slaves. Whilst his job was to protect the chieftain's daughter with his own life, he had found it easier to get along with those of a similar status - taken from their homes and other places to work under their new chieftain. He had already cleaned himself in the early hours of the morning, smelling a little less and presenting himself more so should he need to go to with the chieftain's daughter. He had caught how the slaves had averted their eyes, and had almost done the same when he looked and found that he was looking up at the daughter. Confusion flickered across the Briton's face for a split moment as he tilted his head, food still in his hand. "I did not." Words in this language still sounded rough around the edges as he remained squatted. "I was told to protect you. With life. But you disappear without me." Then after a moment. "I do not wish to be killed for not protecting you." TAG: @Sara

Gaius could have kicked himself. So early on in the job and already falling foul to the temptations of the girls he was supposed to be protecting. No, he would need to find comfort elsewhere. He would not take advantage of a woman who had simply wished to be left alone. She did not seem like the others he had laid with, under confident in her being and yet still trying to find herself. Gaius offered her an encouraging smile, which faded off into the end as he glanced away and down to the hand which stroked his. "I- I appreciate your kind gesture. Perhaps it would be best if I took you back to Elysium, to ensure that you are safely returned instead." He cleared his throat, "I'd not want to overstep. But if you wish to move to a different place simply to spend the evening....then I shall accommodate." TAG: @Sara

The food had run out too quickly, his taste buds were on fire from the sudden introduction to flavours that Caturix had yet to try. It was something he stared at his hands for a moment longer in a wish that he had another; the Roman, he doubted would feed him as well as he had just done, perhaps a tactic used to soften him up. His eyes went to meet with his Dominus as he tried to pronounce his name, and gave a soft grunt of acknowledgement that it was close enough to how many had come to say it with little care that it was not correct as he rubbed at his neck where the rope once was. Caturix followed along, watching and listening to all the points and structures that Lucius had pointed out as they walked until they found themselves standing outside what Caturix assumed to be their home. His new home. Caturix was quick to look at the slave who had opened the door, meeting their eyes as he stood behind just shy of Lucius's shoulder, his curious blue eyes wondering what they did around the house. He cocked his head to one side as he took an interest in the business of the slave who seemed to step aside. Of course, though it was not long until he saw whom he assumed to be the sister of Lucius enter their view, his eyes narrowing some as he looked at her before glancing at Lucius and then back again. Tag: @Sarah@Sara

The disdain was quick to fall to the pain that he felt; the loss that he had perceived when he was taken away from his clan. But he held strong, his brow low on his face as his lips pulled tight into a thin line. "I don't know. Maybe they still live there, elsewhere. Maybe they are here because the Romans took them away." Caturix pushed back strands of stray hair as he tilted his head. "You have family here then?" @Chevi

Cautrix watched the exchange carefully, his head tilted only for a brief moment as the Seller seemed rather pleased; going to remove the rope off his neck. Cautrix went to rub the tender section where the rope had rubbed against his skin, making it prickle and reddened. Everything then happened in quick succession; from the orders for him to stand to the way he were to interact with the people around his new home. "Dom-in-us." Cautrix sounded out the words, his eyes curiously going to the man to see whether or not he approved of how he spoke. Romans were strange, their language was strange in his ears but Cautrix knew that should he have any chance of remaining alive and well, he would need to learn their traditions and cultures. No escaping. That was quick to be filed away in his mind as he began to follow after the man, his legs stiff from having sat down. He would shake his leg every few steps; annoyed at the way his leg seemed to have fallen numb until his attention was pulled to the smell of food. Cautrix recognised the smell of meats; what meat he did not know, but his mouth seemed to almost water as he stared at the food presented to him; stunned for a brief moment he was being fed. Cautiously, he picked it from the man's grasp - if only the caution lasted a moment before he took bites from it, hunger driving him forward as his brain tried to process the taste, his tongue flicking in and out as he decided whether he liked it or not. Though hunger was quick to win out. "Cautrix. My lands, they call me Cautrix," He replied. "Dominus." The Briton added for good measure, unsure of whether or not he were to add it on every sentence - but the man had given him food, so he would heed and respect the man. @Sarah

His brow furrowed at the laughter, but he did not sense any malice in her tone as she spoke. Not like how they had once laughed at him and hit him to remain quiet. Aia was certainly different from those he had spoken to before, one who held more patience for his misunderstandings of Roman culture. A knack for languages seemed to pay well, though his own translation of Britonnic to Roman was something which made Caturix's head spin. However, he nodded in understanding that they all served as warriors first before they went to serve their homeland. Caturix frowned at the mention of Romans heading into Britannia, disapproving of their actions as he spat off to one side. He was now a slave to one of these Romans, and whilst life was far better than being a gladiator, the crimes they committed against his family were not forgotten easily. "These warriors get to come home to their families. Why can we not go back to ours?" @Chevi

Gaius nodded. "Aye, a new guard. So I would think our paths would be crossing frequently." He gave her an easy smile, trying to make the conversation last for as long as she wished to remain at the establishment drinking. He knew perhaps the Dominus would have had some choice words but, he could argue that he was simply doing his newfound duty in protecting the girl from those who wished to harm her. Of course, the girl's offer to become better acquainted had his smile widen and his brow perk, as much as Gaius had attempted to conceal it otherwise. He took a sip. "What are you thinking?" Certainly curious to see if his interpretation of the evening would become much aligned with Ione's. @Sara

Recognition flashed in Caturix's eyes as the Roman translated what a Chieftain equaled to in their society. "Patrician." He sounded the word out, more out of curiousity than anything else as he nodded. Protecting a chieftain's daughter seemed a better job than sitting himself in the market waiting to be picked upon by other Roman families for something else lesser than what was being offered. The man smiled, but it was not one of those smiles he had seen used before, one which did not seem overtly happy. It was certainly something that he was to get used to if he were to be working for them. Caturix listened to what the man had to say, nodding again, this time understanding fully of what was expected of him. Or to a certain extent. The slaver seemed to eagerly be watching the duo interact, his fingers interlaced tightly in hopes that the conversation would end with him receiving a fine payment of coins from the Senatore. "Yes, chieftain's son." It did not dissuade him that the man had shot him a glare, only slightly inclining his head to one side as he looked over to the Slaver who seemed to be rather pleased about the acceptance of his new role.

He listened as the boy nodded, or at least attempted to nod with the bandages making his head sway ever so slightly. Gaius gave a muted smile, pleased to the Gods that the boy had survived the ordeal and the injury was not as bad as he had previously had been led to believe. Then the question had been turned to himself, allowing the chance for Gaius to pat himself down and check himself over - finding no injuries as such from being manhandled by the guards. "No, I am unscathed. Thank you. For treating the boy." He turned to look at the boy, wondering whether he would need to lend an assistance for the boy to find the arena again. "I can accompany you if you wish tomorrow before work?" Gaius asked, looking towards the boy. Only to be returned a shrug. Perhaps he did not want to, perhaps he would in time but for now, it was best if he did not leave his parents worried. "Perhaps you can decide on the way home, or tomorrow even. There is no rush. We best get you back home." In one scoop, the boy was cradled in his arm, the boy's arm wrapped around his neck as he looked to the Medicius. "I shall see you around, Theo."

It was good that there was someone who could speak his language, it seemed like years had gone past since he had heard his native tongue being spoken. However, Caturix could not help but cock his head one side as she mentioned that it was a pleasure to meet him - a notion that had gone unfamiliar to the Briton after so many years upon being looked down on in the ring and as a man who bore many strange tattoos. Caturix raised a brow, listening to the woman who taught languages. She reminded him of the gladiatrix who took him under her arm and taught him the basics necessary to get by in understanding Romans. "And you are then rich." The Briton stated, curiously. "It's impressive you know so many languages. Do you use Briton often with the rich people?" @Chevi

There were a lot of things that Caturix needed to learn of Roman's small talk and operations. Not that any of it was important to him. The Roman in front of him intrigued him and there was a chance that he could very well have walked off without another word and someone else would have filled the gap. He stared upwards at the man now, having been forcefully sat down. His arse hurt from the fall but he would get over it. There were worst things that could have happened. What Caturix did not expect was for the man to engage in conversation with him, noting the tattoos which covered his face and that he was different. He assumed that Romans did not have these tattoos but surely some of them had seen tattoos before-- Women did not fight. He cocked his head one way as he processed the thought. It was strange to him to consider that they were not trained to defend themselves in any circumstance. They had Gladiatrix, so they did not mind seeing women fight. "Are you then a chieftain?" Caturix asked. The man certainly looked important and had been addressed as such by the slaver. Then came the offer. A new lease. Cautrix furrowed his brow slightly as he took a moment to think on it, his voice lapsing into a silence before he looked the man directly in the eyes and gave a nod of affirmation. "I understand." @Sarah

Gaius was surprised at how quickly the child had come around, they had just been speaking about should the kid wake before he the medicus had finished his job. Of course he had startled, but the child did not flail too much once Theodorus had spoken to him; to reassure that the child was in safe and capable hands. Gaius had part expected the child to kick up a fuss, to flail and try to get away from the strange surroundings that he found himself in, but instead, the child stayed put. Staring at the both of them with wide brown, watery eyes as he remained almost statue-like as Theo began to bandage his head. Small eyes turned to Gaius, staring at him now curiously as he observed the larger man in front of him. Then the kid smiled, or came close enough to what Gaius had presumed to be a smile. "Thank you very much, sir." Gaius could not help but smile, his lips widened as the child's coarse voice whispered through the air. He then glanced over to Theo, "He's the man who saved you. You should thank him." It was a small correction, for a big man such as himself did not find himself with the experience that was necessary for the injury at hand. "I can take you home afterwards if you want to?" @Chevi

Caturix's features seemed to light up, though perhaps a misunderstanding on his part, he could not help but smile when she mentioned that she had been here because of a man. "Love." Stated rather than asked, though she had been free to correct him if need be. Then he gave a chuckle, nodding and seemingly pleased with one such observation. "It is good to meet you, Aia," He tasted the words on his lips as he said her name, repeating back to her to ensure he was saying it right. Placing a hand on his chest, "My name is Caturix." Then for a brief moment his attention went to the wall once more, seemingly less interested in it now than previously before turning to look at Aia. "What do you do in the city?" @Chevi

Gaius took note there and then that attacks on the women who worked in the brothel had not been common, but gave him no illusion that it wouldn't happen. His eyes narrowed as he heard what happened, took a glimpse, into the world of the brothels and the experiences the women had with their clients. It was not a world that he was overtly familiar with, even if he did spend his coin with one of these women every now and then. Then his role became clearer, where the boundaries lay, he was there to ensure their safety. Something which sat right with the old soldier. Weekly payment. That also sat right with Gaius. Whilst money was not something that he revolved his life around, it was always something that made things run ever smoother. With a job such as this one, it was no mistaking the idea that he would have an income that he did not have to worry about - unless he found himself fired for whichever reason, or business shifted their focus and no longer needed his services. Which, too, Gaius understood. A bark of a laugh, appreciative as it was meant. "Say no more, sir. You have my attention and my services to you and your establishment." @Atrice

Caturix snarled, as if he were back in the arena. There was a fire lit behind his eyes as he focused on his attackers, the ones who seemed to be out of the fight but they were not down. They were not dead as one would have wanted if it were a gladiatorial battle. It was the streets, men who had attacked another. Death was the only lesson that they would learn, though it was the one with the knife that had clattered forward, the blade whipping past him as the so-called attacker fell to the ground. Out cold. Leaving the two victors standing as the others seemed to groan and roll around on the floor. Dazed, confused, their egos broken and left scattered on the floor. The Briton hefted a sigh, spitting in the attackers' direction as his eyes met the one who had been, moments ago, attacked. He could perhaps leave the man to his own business now, but something forced him to stay put. "Are you hurt?" There was a roughness to his question as he looked the man up and down, scanning for any visible injuries that he had to take this man to see someone who knew how best to deal with injuries, disregarding the heavy pummels the other might have taken as 'injuries'. @Insignia

There was something which brought Caturix out for the evening, his shift over and the girl who he was in charge of, safe, tucked away in her bed. He did not mind his new home; though there was a part of him who wanted to see the city he had been brought to. So, quietly, he would slip off into the night; into the streets which still found people occupying the city who were out for perhaps much the same reasons as he was. His features half-covered by darkness had rather quickly turned into a deterrent for those who looked upon the heavily tattooed face of the Briton; turning away from their task to cross the streets. But there was less of it. Less fear in their eyes. The city was never quiet, definitely quieter than in the mornings but....peaceful. He did not hear the clashing of swords that rang in the ring, nor the voice of his Domina commanding him to do things or not to do things. However, peace was only fleeting as he heard the shouts of men - asking for money. His brows furrowed as he finally caught sight of men beating up another. With a growl, Caturix approached - the men too distracted by their task that one hadn't noticed being grabbed by the neck, until they started to make noise. There was little time for words as he slammed his fist into the attacker's throat, headbutting the one who had turned to see what was happening with the appearance of another man. It was a fight for survival. And whilst he could have left the man to the Fates, Caturix did not want to sleep with having left a man without lending his assistance. ((OOC: feel free to get Caturix injured or something in the process!)) @Insignia

This was good. More than good. The man was offering him a chance to earn money, and have a secure job all on the day he had a good time with one of the girls who worked at the brothel. Lucius seemed more than certain that he was the right fit for the job, and certainly that swayed him even more towards the fact that he would accept. Gaius arched a brow at the line of questionings. "Aye. Served in the legions since my youth, sir." Certainly he had learned the hard way to fight in amongst the ranks there, even when he was a scrawny tall seventeen year old at the time. "Shouldn't be too much of a problem to intervene in situations like that should they arise. Is it a common thing in the brothels?" @Atrice

He glanced up, a smirk on his features mirroring that of Theodorus's. "That's not surprising to hear." Gaius had heard many a soldier complain about the little things when their commanding officer had stalked off to their tents, the higher officers disappearing for the night to wine and dine whilst they sat around sharing stories and comparing battle wounds that they had survived the past conflicts. "There is a difference between fighting for one's home, and fighting for survival." "What had you working along the gladiators then? Surely you're meant for better things?" A man with skills was always needed, he assumed and perhaps even if it were by law; it was a job that people still needed filling. "Gaius," Though at this point it seemed the boy was starting to stir. His eyes widened as his grip strengthened, knowing that there was a high chance the boy would startle. "Gaius Maxentius." He would admit it was good to meet Theo once the job was done, the boy's eyes began to open, fluttering open as he took a deeper breath. Gaius glanced up at Theo, looking to ask what needed to be done bar holding the boy down tighter. @Chevi

He still continued to frown, though understanding that not every slave nor freedwoman was property of the Empire like he had been. It was a question he would ask her later. "Gladiator. First." He replied. It was a part of him that did not mind admitting that he had once been a fighter for the people's entertainment, a strange period of his life where he learned that many of the rich would throw themselves at them for a night to claim bragging rights above others. "Then I was....bought. To be a guard, yes." Caturix remembered that day in the market, with the others who had been up for auction after they had been bought out by the slaver who thought he still had enough energy and youth to be something of use for a Roman family. "Why do you not stay in Gaul?" @Chevi

Name: Faustus Discord: Kasterborous#3121

"Oh-" The slaver furrowed his brow for a moment as he looked at Caturix. "Honestly, sir, I was only saying it in jest. The man seems like a barbarian but he's anything but. My men handled him a little roughly on the transport over from the ring, hence why he might have been persuaded to bite. I'm sure he's--" Caturix continued to stare at the new man who was looking for someone to protect a lady, he had learned a little from the gladiatrix who had taken him under her wing when he had been captured from Britannia and taken into Roman hands. "The fact that he's survived this long should perhaps be taken into consideration?" The slaver would have offered another discount if it weren't for the first offer of a discount, he still needed to make his living. Caturix decided that he had enough of being towered over, going from his seated position to a standing one. The slaver looked, eyes widening some as his hand wrapped around the chain - just as a precaution that the barbarian wanted to go for the man. "Why do you look so much?" His tone was not accusatory, simply curious. "Can she not protect herself?" Whilst his tribe had women who were child-bearers, they knew that they could easily bear arms too if they so needed to defend their home, like his mother had done. "I'm--I'm so sorry, sir!" The slaver tugged back on the chain, yanking Caturix in the process, forcing him to sit back down. "Curious lot these Britons are. I can give him to you for a better price than what the other slaver over there can offer! Even clean him, I will." @Sarah

Maybe he had not expected the other to have responded so smoothly, agreeing with him. It had been a partial throwaway line, a spur of the moment thought that Gaius would entertain perhaps for the day and then long forget about the idea until the next time. He would let that particular thread hang, as he looked back toward the child, hoping that he could at least help the boy back to his family so that he were not to be attacked on the streets the next time. To his surprise, the man served in two Legions. Gaius inclined his head. "Rhenus Frontier, you say?" It brought back a lot of memories. "Served with the Rhaetia Auxillary, might have crossed paths with a couple of the boys then." One could hope. Perhaps they had indeed crossed paths before, though whether or not either of them would have remembered a face in a passing Legion was a slim chance. "One of the lucky ones to get out with all limbs attached, right?" @Chevi

"It is good to meet you, Ione." Gaius dipped his head, a sign of respect for the woman as they shared the table. He'd allow the name to settle in the back of his mind, concreted there for the next time they ran into one another. She was a young slip of a woman, whilst she had natural beauty, it would be the fact that she had come around to realising that their paths might have crossed before. The Elysium. Of course. Gaius gave a wry smile, as a man delivered the drink on the table where he paid up front as agreed, watching as he left the two of them alone for the evening. He chuckled, though more at the fact that it was just his luck he ran into a woman from his new work. "I have," Gaius replied, reaching out for one of the drink to take a sip from. "Recently hired, however. You'd forgive me for not recognising you right away." @Sara