Jump to content

Octavius Flavius Alexander


Gothic

Recommended Posts

Octavius Flavius Alexander

40 | 16th April 33AD | Imperial | Occupation | Heterosexual | Canon | Ken Duken

 

BLVl85.jpg

 

Personality.

Octavius has matured over the years due to the passing of time and the tragic events that have followed him. Much of his optimism has faded over the years as the boy grew into a man. He is a loyal friend, often going out of his way for them and ensuring their safety.

His love for his family is a recurring factor for Octavius. He is considerate and protective towards them, wanting both happiness and unity. He is a devoted father and uncle towards the children of his family, often finding them pleasant to be around and enjoys the banter as it reminded him of a less complicated time. Through their happiness he is able to relive his childhood. While at one point he was distant to his brothers, the conflict and prosperity that followed allowed him to bond with them. The extended members of his family also share this affection, with him often ensuring many of them are cared for and he insists that his family stay with him when they're in Rome.

Octavius has been married to his wife Valeria for over a decade, and has two children with her. He loves and respects his wife, the pair have a healthy relationship. His long time Mistress and freedwoman, Flavia Portia he has more of a friendship with now. His time of spending time in brothels and the excitement of the city no longer pleases him. His children are his pride and joy. No matter how busy he is; he always tries to make sure he gets to spend even a small piece of time with each of them and cares for them dearly.

At one time, the young Octavius had Republican leanings and silently thought of these. The threats to his family caused him to put aside this belief, they rose with the Caesars and now his eldest brother is Caesar. His safety and those of his family now depend on the success of the Princeps.

Octavius' aspirations have changed considerably over the years. While he still yearns for his military days, he now wishes to work on a variety of building projects to leave his own mark on Rome, and to benefit the people.

Over the years Octavius has gone from a happy go lucky fellow to being more cynical. He still has a good humour, while he is capable of killing someone on the battlefield the concept of murder still causes him considerable distaste. That being said, he is realistic enough to know that sometimes it is necessary for the greater good and will see it done.

Octavius' fears were realised during the purges that culled down many members of his extended family. While he doubts this is likely to happen again.

 

Appearance

Octavius stands at 5'10 tall.

Octavius' is fairer in complexion than his brothers. His hair lightens depending on the climate and how much sun he is exposed to. He has smile lines around his mouth with a wide smile, his teeth are white and he still has retained them. He has blue eyes. When he is in Rome his face is clean shaven as expected of a Roman man.

His build is still muscled from his time in the armed forces. While there has been years since; he maintains his physical body through the gymnasium and horse riding. Not to mention helping to train his sons and nephews.

His casual clothing is a simple tunica when he is at home and around family. His rank would often mean that he wears a tunica laticlavia during is Senatorial meetings.

 

Family

Father: Cneaus Flavius Alexander Germanicus (deceased)

Mother: Cornelia Annthea (deceased)

Siblings:

Quintus Flavius Caesar Alexander Augustus (b. ) 

Rufus Flavius Alexander (deceased)

Flavia Lucilla Augusta (b. 24)

Jullus Flavius Alexander (b. 24)

Decimus Flavius Alexander (deceased)

Laelius, Marcus Aemilius Scaurus Alexander  (b. 39)

 

Spouse: Valeria Maxima

Children:

Octavlus Flavius Alexander Minor (b. )

Flavia Valeriana (b. )

Extended family.

The Flavi-Alexandrii
The Corneli-Scipii
The Claudii-Sabucii

Former spouses -
--Previous Wife - Julia Aquila, Early twenties, Died
--Previous Betrothal - Arria Sanurra, Late teens, Broken off.

History

 

In 33CE, Octavius was born to Cneaus Flavius Alexander and to Cornelia Annthea. He was born as one of the many sons of the famous general and through most of his childhood his father was away on campaign. He barely knew the man. Many of his elder brothers were either busy with their training or were already sent away.  He is a boisterous, happy and excitable toddler. Always getting into everything and having to be watched by his nanny to ensure he did not get himself into mischief. The next few years follow Octavius growing from a toddler to a child. Other than a few childhood diseases, the young Octavius is healthy and grows at a steady pace. His childhood and early teenage years were happy. He begins to find an interest in the Republic virtues that Rome was founded on. 

In 38CE, his sister, Lucilla,  marries Gaius Livius Cassianus (a highly wealthy and influential Senator) and leaves the family home to live with her husband. He does not see her as often as he used to. 

Loosely between the years, 39- 44CE,  Laelius is born in 39AD and his sister Lucilla marries Marcus Honorius for the first time. He is determined to be a good brother for him and to look after him, and took pride in the fact that he would be an older brother to somebody. At last! While he starts to understand that politics is and will always surround his family. He turns a blind eye to it, instead focused on developing his skills. Begins training with a wooden sword, and finds he has skill in it. He learns to read and write in Latin. While Octavius is capable, he often finds himself bored with learning about philosophies and finds an unlikely interest in the Republic of old. There was something about it that appealed to him with the ideals that not one man would rule. 

In 45CE, he met Darius for the first time, began friendship with him and the pair become firm friends. Octavius was idealistic, thoughtful, and was content in his lot in life. While Darius differed greatly in his personality. The pair were opposites. Octavius was considerably older than his nephew he wanted to ensure his younger nephew was taken care of. 

46 to 48AD -- Comes of age. Octavius was given Portia as a slave. She was a little older than he was and soon became his confidante. During these earlier years there is considerable passion between the two of them and he knew he would not be permitted to marry her. As time went on she changed from lover to a confidante and friend. 

49 - 50AD -- Serves in Parthia under his uncle Lucius Scipio Major at the rank of tribune. This was his first taste of army life in the long Roman tradition of serving in the army. The time period was largely peaceful and saw no particular conflict of note. He learned about military life first hand, and found that he enjoyed the sense of honour and belonging that it had. During the battles he witnessed briefly the skill of his elder brother Quintus, although did not serve directly beneath him and the pair not did bond during that period of time. In the conflict, the Legatus Lucius Scipio Major died due to a septic wound and Octavius assisted in bringing a message back to his mother's side of the family. It gave him a some time to meet and to interact with them. 

His time in the east was a revealing one for him. He was able to see the different culture and like other men in his family found himself drawn in by Eastern women. 

In 51CE, he returned to Rome, finds the family much the same and spends time with his family members, friends and extended network. 
His older sister Lucilla marries Claudius. Sees Darius, Junus and Rufia Flavia move into the Imperial palace. It does not greatly impact him as he becomes a regular visitor to see his family. Members of his family begin to plan his political and military future. During this time he meets several people in Rome, and becomes increasingly aware of him being one of many brothers. He meets his niece by marriage Claudia Livia although they do not spend considerable amounts of time together. 

52 - 55AD -- 
His family make plans to decide whether he would stay in Rome or whether he would continue his military career. 
Reforms his friendship with Darius and wants to protect him from harm. Forms a friendship with his paternal cousin, Titus Flavius Alexander Minor as well as many others. Some who remain alive during the current time and others who have passed away. 
Claudius slips into a coma. Octavius is largely unsure what will occur and promises to protect his family from any harm. During his time he is loosely aware of the politics involving his family. He takes a greater interest in the restoration of the Res Publica and hopes to encourage Darius to think along those lines. In 54AD Darius becomes Caesar with the Quinquevirate in place to watch over him. Octavius takes steps to do what he can to defend him as much as possible. His family work on finding him another position to help serve the family.

56AD -- Claudius is assassinated. Works with Atellus with the investigation into Claudius' death under the Magister Militium Fluvius Stilicho's orders. Finds himself conflicted throughout and it begins an awkward friendship with Atellus. During this year his Pater passed away and he is oblivious to the reasons why. At the time he believed it was natural causes although over the years he has silently wondered about the reason why his father had died. 

Later in the year there is an assassination attempt on Darius, the direct threat to his kinsman is the reason why his Republican ideals slowly began to fade away. It meant his family would be torn apart. It left him having these ideals come up and fade throughout his life. 

In 57CE, Octavius traveled with his nephew, Darius, and the army that is traveling to invade Britannia. 
Octavius travels with his nephew to Britannia. During a scouting expedition he is captured by some of the tribes. The men who he was with perish. A man, who he never discovered his name tells him he would be crucified and sacrificed to the British Gods for the Roman attack on the tribes of Britain. Octavius does not believe he would survive, all he could hope for is to die with honour that would make his family proud or to be rescued. Octavius was flogged, tortured and did not know whether he would live or die. He met a young woman called Briana among their number, a native Briton who was at odds with the tribal leaders and the night before he was to be sacrificed to the Gods. During the darkness of night he escapes with the British girl who remains with him during this time and manages to get back to the army. Octavius does not speak of the events that took place. His fingers are reset, his wounds are treated and falls into a dreamless sleep. 

Later he fights in final battle and first witnessed a ruthlessness inside him when he slaughtered those who had taken him prisoner. After the victories in Britannia, the legion travels to Gaul and returns to Rome with Darius who is showing signs of sickness. Octavius pressures Darius to seek medical aid, although Darius brushes him off and begins to believe his divinity. 

In December, he attends the Imperial banquet that was made in celebration for the victories in Britannia. He attends with Sanurra. Darius falls into a coma at the Imperial banquet. It is unknown whether it was illness or poison that was the cause. 

In the year, 58CE the  death of Darius by fever. Octavius found himself angry, frustrated and desperately wanted to know what he could have done to change how things went. Octavius wondered what he could have done to save his life, and spends much of his time wondering what could be done. He vows to support Honorius and his nephew, Junus as co-caesars.  Lucilla and Honorius remarry to his happiness. Despite this, he understands the political reasons why it would make sense for them to marry. During this time period, Junus also comes of age and he is proud of his nephew. Betrothal halted by Quintus in favour of another match that falls through due to family conflict. Octavius is heartbroken, angry and resentful at being forced to break off the betrothal. However, he obeys his paterfamilias and goes to Sanurra's home to tell her that it can never be. Both of them grieve for what might have been. Octavius remains friends with Sanurra although rarely sees her in the current day. He is torn between enjoying being in Rome with his family and wanting to return to military life. 

In 59CE,  his mother becomes engaged to Publius Natta. Octavius is unsure what he thinks of it and soon warms up to Publius as a step-father.  Leaves for Dacia with Honorius Caesar, after forming a fond friendship with him and soon finds himself in a position where he can grow. Before he leaves, he writes his will that would free Portia are to be freed if the worst should occur, and he joins his Father in the Afterlife. He serves there honourably and with recognition for his prior deeds. He focuses on warfare during this time, and has little time for much else. He returns to Rome when Honorius Caesar does. He is later rewarded by Honorius Ceasar with a house is his own in Rome. Later purchases a place in Northern Italy to reside when it gets too hot in Rome. Both homes are frequently visited by his family or are occupied by them as they travel throughout Rome. During his brief stay in Rome, he meets Julia Aquila and is betrothed to her, later that year he marries her and through a message he discovers that she is pregnant. He greets this news with great happiness. 

Later in the year, he joins Caesar in the conflict against the Getae, and is noted for his skill in battle. 
In December, through a messenger, he is told that his wife Julia Aquila has died in childbirth. Along with their stillborn son. At that time, Octavius felt numb with the loss of both of them and he becomes hesitant about the idea of marrying again or having children of his own. His family was already numerous. 

60AD -- 
Is with Honorius Caesar to fight against King Scorillo and is recognised for his bravery in battle. He spends a considerable amount of time with his brother in law. Octavius finds himself happy during this time, relaxed and having found a purpose in life. 

In September, sister Lucilla Augusta dies. He grieves at the news and sends messages of support back to his family in Rome. However he is occupied with the fighting in Dacia to be much in the way of support to them. 

Later in October, Honorius is injured, Sends instruction to have Portia freed, remains loyal to his kinsman by marriage. After that Octavius travels back to Rome to say that Honorius still lives, Publius Cotta is a traitor and that the Dacian war is now over. Octavius is attacked along the road and barely manages to escape. He sends a letter to Rome only to discover that the slave he sent was slain, and the letter was never delivered. Octavius regrets this as it may have prevented the events that follow. He remains in Rome although is summoned by Quintus to go to the East. He is hesitant to do so and sends a response back to tell him that he will travel with him soon. 

61 - 62AD -- 
Marcus Scaurus marries Cornelia Annthea, his mother and Octavius questions the reason for the union to take place. 

In early March the Civil war starts. 

Assassination of many of his family members. He greets the news of their deaths with a mixture of shock and anger. He pledges to the Gods that he would see the people who harmed them to be utterly destroyed. He travels with some of the remaining members of his family and their political allies to go to Asia with Quintus. While Quintus is on campaign with the army his task is administration. He works alongside Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus and others to secure Quintus in the East. He joins with declaring Quintus Caesar along with the rest of the legion. During this time a lot of the prior friction between the brothers begins to disappear. The pair of them form a strong friendship with the news of Jullus' survival reaching them both to give them hope for the future.

In May, he becomes Dux Asiae of Syria and while he is hesitant to do it. He finds the challenge of administration to be one he was better suited for. Although a part of him wishes he was on the battlefield. 

During the year, he and his eldest brother become closer to each other than they have been previously, the conflict and danger to their family brings them closer together. Brings his betrothed, Valeria Maxima with him and her family who have become their allies. While it originally started as a political union, slowly the pair begin to bond in the East and a deep love begins to form between them. While he does not lie about his Mistress Portia, he does not wave it in her face and slowly the relationship between the pair of them begin to change to a friendship between the pair of them. . 

Marries Valeria Maxima, bringing her family into the alliance and later in the year his first surviving son is born. He is named after his father, Octavius Flavius Alexander Minor. It is a source of great happiness for them both, and he begins to trust his wife more and more. 

His brother Quintus removes the last pieces of opposition. His brother Quintus is the undisputed ruler of Rome, Caesar. 

In December, he is informed that he will be co-consul with his brother Quintus Caesar after the change of regime. In the year leading up to it he is nervous about the type of Consul he would end up being. Although as time goes on, he gradually learns to deal with whatever challenges that come up. Despite feeling happiness at the reunion with his family, seeing old faces and being able to survive the ordeal. A part of him feels empty from the loss they had experienced together. 

63AD 

Junior Consul that year. Politically he supports his brother Quintus Caesar throughout the following years, and has been in supportive of political policies that improve the quality of life for the Roman people. Over the years that followed he became used to being in the public eye and meeting with a variety of nobles, patrons, and more. 
Works to bring unity back to the family and tries to spend as much time with his kinsmen. Often he would go see the children of the extended family members with the old family home becoming the main place of residence. 
Work on the Flavian Colosseum begins and it sparks his interest in construction projects. During his free time he would speak to the builders about the construction, while it was a busier period for him 
Creates list of names for pardons to be given out are given to Quintus Caesar. Many of the men and families are pardoned although his brother did not pardon all. 
Geta returns with Tiberius who Octavius becomes close to and spends time with during Quintus' absence from the city. 
Word of an Honorius pretender, sends men to hunt him down and end it without knowing he is risking the life of his former kinsman. It is not known how he would have reacted had he of known if he knew the truth. However he would have been torn if he knew who it really was.

Between 64-74CE, Octavius continued to serve as Consul a couple of times and was active in politics. His home was always welcome to members of his extended family. 

64 - 65AD  Consul that year with his elder brother, Jullus who leaves him largely responsible for the political handling of matters. 

65AD Consul that year with Gneaus Juventius Geta. He began communication with past acquaintances and would network with them. During that period he becomes closer to the children within his family. The home given to him by Quintus had an open door policy for the members of his family. He begins to try to reconnect with his younger brother Laelius and to help him feel part of the family once more.  Begins to spend as much time as he is able with his son although in the Senate he deals with Tacitus and had words with him. While he respected and understood Tacitus' attempts, he had to imprison him to ensure the stability of Rome. 

Quintus Caesar returned to Rome to put an end to Tacitus' ambitions and sending him to the provinces. Spends time with his brother, working to build relations with the members of his family and 

67AD Death of his mother. It was difficult time for him and he had nagging feelings of guilt about not spending as much time with her as he could have. 

68AD Birth of Flavia Valeriana fills him with joy. The birth of his little girl. Octavius does not push Valeria to produce more children as the death of Julia still haunts him. Instead preferring to tend to his healthy children and family members. During the off years when he is not Consul he devotes his time to assisting his family in their various endeavours. 

Octavius gains an interest in the construction of buildings, aqueducts, and other buildings to increase his glory and prestige in Rome. He begins to seek out architects, builders and planners to put these ideas to his brother. He often spends time with members of his family in Rome. Begins to take an interest in writing a chronicles of his family, along with what he has seen during the course of his life and finds himself often reflecting on the past. It is something he will often write during the quieter evenings and discusses the inner workings of the members of his family. 

70 - 72AD
After speaking with architects he begins to put the plans into action. Funding a project to improve the roads of Rome and to improve the sanitation of the city. He commissions statues to be made of the prominent members of their family. First starting with his mother, then his eldest brother Quintus, and so on. He gathers famed architects, sculptors, painters and builders as his patrons. Throughout the following years he works with his family, especially his beloved wife Valeria and readies plans to present to his brother for construction projects. In particular, a Grand Library of Rome that he wishes to rival the library burnt in Alexandria during the time of Julius Caesar. 

73AD --- Began work and building the Grand Library of Rome, his prize achievement along with many others and tends diligently to his efforts. 

 

Current time. 

 

  

GOTHY | GMT+11 | PM or Discord

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

×
×
  • Create New...