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PLOT UPDATE & A NEW CAESAR!


Chris

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Note from Chris:

Spoiler

Hey all! Chris here with the long-awaited plot update. To keep this as short as possible, with a lot going on IRL and not wanting to hold the progression of AeRo's plot captive, I've decided to step down from holding the position of "Caesar" IC. The other staff members and I decided that rather than have someone else pick up Quintus, it makes more sense at this point to move on, as it were. (I personally plan on sticking around AeRo for the long-haul, but will only be continuing forward with two characters for the time being - Lucius Silanus & Eppitacus).

That said, we have crafted a great update to the main plot that incorporates this change into an equally fun development in-game. More info will be coming in separate threads, along with opportunities for all players to nominate characters for new openings within the IC governmental structure...

Read on below for more!

 

FORTUNA AUGUSTI
JULY-SEPTEMBER 76 AD

It is the 829th year since the founding of Rome, and for the better part of two decades the empire has had peace. After bringing a swift defeat to the usurpers and traitors who with their very actions moved to unravel the fabrics that made up the sacred traditions of the eternal city, Imperator Quintus Flavius Caesar Alexander Augustus has managed to maintain balance by directing the ambitions of those under his control toward strengthening their empire internally with great architectural projects, and fortifying her borders against the ever-ravenous barbarian tribes inhabiting the fringes of the world.

IN APRIL all of the Roman world celebrates the gods and the fortune of the Caesars. In the first senate session of the month, with the nineteenth birthday of Caesar's eldest son Titus just days away, the Senate invests upon Titus the traditional imperial powers - the maius imperium - along with the tribunician powers in the same manner as Augustus had passed them onto Tiberius half a century earlier. With these powers Titus is essentially co-Caesar, equal to Quintus in constitutional power, if yet lacking in his personal authority and majesty.

The month of Aprilis is marked for celebration; celebration for the new powers placed upon Titus, and for the Ludi Megalenses (on April 4th) celebrating Cybele the Goddess of Motherhood; the Ludi Ceriales (on April 12th), honoring Ceres the Goddess of Grains; and the Ludi Florales (on the 27th), honoring Flora, Goddess of Flowers. It is a joyous time across the empire.

IN MAY Quintus Caesar, along with his son Titus and retinue of his closest companions, embarks on a tour of the empire to visit the legions and frontier forts so that each commander and solider might see Titus' face, know his voice, and what sort of man he is. Across the frontier they engage in small raids and drills, with Quintus deferring command to Titus. Titus, unwilling to let his pride be wounded, performs marvelously and is quick to earn the respect of the frontier legions (arguably the most important to a Caesar's base of power).

Later in the month, while on the lines of the Danube, Quintus Caesar falls gravely ill. Spartan in his diet and regimen, he is a man who has rarely fallen ill at any point in his life, and it is a great surprise to his attendants when this new ailment ceases all progress of their tour. In a private moment witnessed only by Quintus, Titus, and Quintus' closest aide, Quintus hands his signet ring - a family heirloom of the Flavians - to Titus, effectively conferring absolute power to his son.

IN JUNE Caesar briefly recovers from his sickness, but finds himself short of breath and energy and makes the decision to cut his tour short in order to return to Rome. Once returned, his condition again worsens and he calls upon his closest allies. In yet another closed-door meeting, he presents Titus, wearing his ring, and one-by-one each proclaims their loyalty to Titus, his family, and to Rome. Quintus announces that he intends to retire into private life, for he will not stand to have his image of strength wither away in front of the senate and people.

At the suggestion of his closest advisors, and in an attempt to avoid any sort of turbulence in handing over power, Quintus creates a consilium, or council, of ten men who will serve the empire and Titus Caesar. This first iteration of the council is made up of:

  • Two Flavians to serve as potential successors: Jullus, and Octavius Flavius Alexander
  • The Princeps Senatus - Directly representing the Senate.
  • Two Consuls - Revolving every year to represent the empire at large.
  • The Praetorian Prefect - To represent the Equestrians.
  • Two Peoples' Tribunes - To represent the lower classes.
  • Two Companions - Chosen directly by Titus to support and represent him as called upon.

IT IS NOW JULY and Quintus Caesar has retired to his family's villa in the countryside between Rome and Naples. He remains weakened from the mysterious illness, and will likely remain so for the rest of his life. Though he remains away from the weight of power, he still offers guidance and support to his son, and maintains alliances across the empire in an effort to help as he can. The majority of his time is spent writing his personal memoirs and a treatise on tactics in warfare.

Titus sits as Caesar. All decisions that are made are first made within the Consilium, and then taken to the Senate or people as needed. Rome's nobility, as ambitious as ever, now see the Consilium as the gateway to glory and power for their families. They are eager to prove themselves worthy of inclusion within Caesar's inner circle.

Outside of Rome the barbarian tribes remain as restless as ever, but it is the continued success of new Seleucid Empire against Parthia in east that poses the greatest growing threat to Rome. Will Titus prove himself the commander that his father and grandfather were, or will he find a new path on which to forge his legacy?

All roads lead to Rome... and from it. Where will yours take you?

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CONSILIUM PRINCIPIS

Founded in the year 76 with the abdication of Quintus Caesar and subsequent transfer of power to his still youthful son Titus, the Consilium Principis takes its name and function from the body created by Augustus half a century earlier. The Consilium is the de facto legislative body within the empire. Any and all new legislation that is discussed within the Senate is first decided upon by the Consilium. Unlike Augustus' original inception, the Flavian Council is composed of members whom - initially - have been hand-picked by Quintus Caesar. Each member will remain in power so long as they hold their respective position, and entry into the council varies depending on the position and other factors detailed below...

  • Two Flavians: These are first-and-foremost members of Caesar's immediate family - uncles, brothers, sons, and potentially in-laws. Their role is to serve in any capacity Caesar requires, but they are also intended heirs to Caesar's powers. Should any misfortune meet Caesar, they are generally considered to be next in line. Should either of these members be removed from the Council for any reason (death, treason, inability), Caesar alone decides upon the replacement.
                                  || Jullus Flavius Alexander + Octavius Flavius Alexander
     
  • The Princeps Senatus: The most-decorated member of the Senate. Must be of a Patrician family. This position lasts for 5 years. Traditionally, in the days of the Republic, the Princeps Senatus was named by the Censors with every census (every five years). Currently, this is a position voted upon by sitting senators only. His main role is as a delegate between Caesar and the Senate. When Caesar is not present in Senatorial debates, it is the Princeps Senatus who carries the right to speak in his stead on behalf of the Council, and who presents any legislation decided upon by the council to the senate. Should the seat open before the end of the five year term, a special vote is cast by the Senate to choose a replacement who will serve the remainder of the term.
                                  || TBD, currently NPC
  • Two Consuls: The consuls of the senate are elected into power by will of all citizens in the empire. Their primary function is one of delegation and diplomacy, specifically seeing to the needs and troubles of the provinces, and delegating with foreign dignitaries. This position changes every year with the election of new consuls. Should Caesar himself sit as consul, a suffect consul will be elected to serve within the Council. Likewise, should a consul be removed from his position for any reason during his year term, a suffect will be selected by the council to fill the position for the remainder of the term. After serving their term, consuls almost always will receive governorship of a province.
                                  || Aulus Calpurnius Praetextatus + TBD 
     
  • The Praetorian Prefect: A position created by Augustus and largely dissolved by Quintus, the now-restored office of the Praetorian Prefect holds the all-important role of protecting Italia and the imperial family. New to the Praetorian Prefect is his role in military development as it pertains to auxiliary regiments and the general upward movement of equestrians. In many ways, he is the representative of all equestrians. The Praetorian Prefect must be a man of Equestrian standing (cannot be Senatorial). All candidates must have risen up through the ranks of the military, whether the auxiliary or regular legions. Nominees are put forth by the senior-most equestrian officers of the empire, and Caesar chooses his man. The position is for a max of 5 years. 
                                  || TBD via voting
     
  • Two Peoples' Tribunes: A role that has largely fallen into disuse over the course of the empire, the people's tribunes are now the direct representatives of the lowest class of citizens in the empire. Though still members of senatorial families, these magistrates must be of a plebeian senatorial family, and are not yet sitting members of the Senate. Their duties are to relay the voice of the common people to the Council, whereby legislation can be crafted and later introduced to the Senate to make into law. The Tribunes of the Plebs no longer have the power to veto laws, though they can intercede on behalf of individual citizens facing any sort of legal action. 
                                  || TBD
     
  • Two Companions: The companions are Caesars closest, most trusted allies. Whether true friends, or servants, they can be of any status - slave or otherwise - and exist as a failsafe to support Caesar and give him (hopefully) true, unfiltered advice. Caesar alone decides upon these companions, and they remain in their positions as long as he wants them. If the companions are of noble status, they hold the official position of Legatus Augusti, with the power to do any task to which Caesar sets them.  
                                  || To be chosen by Titus Caesar 
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