Post by mr.aero on Mar 22, 2014 4:26:26 GMT -5
Almost ninety years have passed since the end of the Republic and the rise of Augustus, the first emperor. The Julii-Caesares and their successors the Claudii-Nerones are now nearly extinct as a result of familial disagreements and unchecked ambition. Rome's influence extends across the whole of the known world, dominating Europe and Asia, and yet now more than ever the stability of the empire is threatened. It began with a double-assassination at the close of the year 60 AD. First, Honorius Caesar was betrayed by his own Praetorians while en-route back to Rome to celebrate his victory over the Getae and Bastarnae. Second, his son Caesar Junus was likewise cut down by the Praetorians at the close of celebrations he hosted in honor of his father and his late mother.
Without a Caesar, and with the next male of the family being the toddler Tiberius, power fell into the hands of the Senate. In a history-making session, it was decided that the office of "dictator" was to be brought back into use. The man chosen to receive the powers of the office was none other than the sitting consul, Manius Cyprianus. As his first act as Dictator, Cyprianus launched an investigation into the imperial murders. Blame was placed on leading traditionalist Titus Gurges, and with his trial suspended by Cyprianus' orders, he was summarily executed as a traitor. Cyprianus' power remained unchecked in Rome as his proscriptions against suspected traitors weakened the numbers of Republican senators; and with the Praetorian Prefect, Marcus Clemens, on his side, who could challenge him? Yet, challengers have emerged. Riding into Rome on the tail of their success in the war against Jewish rebels, Marcus Scaurus and his young tribunes have emerged as a force to oppose Cyprianus. Scaurus, Consul for 61, wants more power for the Senate; he sees no necessity in a new "Caesar".
In the provinces, though, there are others with differing opinions. Scaurus' co-consul, Quintus Alexander is in the east, seeing to diplomatic agreements with Parthia; he is eager to grab power, should the opportunity present itself. Then there is the Magister Equitum Gnaeus Pompeius, Cyprianus' second-in-command. That he is an ambitious man seeking glory is known by all; whether he wants power for himself or for the Senate is as of yet unknown. Then there is Marcus Marcellus, a tribune of Scaurus' in the Jewish War, who has traveled to Germania and secured the loyalty of the legions--but to what end? And one cannot forget the war raging in Britannia under Decimus Silanus. Only time will tell whether the careful balance of power will remain, or if civil war will tear apart the empire.
Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City. In a place where the streets are running thick with wine, blood, scandal, ambition, and lust, events happen so quickly that rising to power one day and falling the next is expected. Sweet words, honeyed speeches, and purses of money might milk your way to the top, but one wrong move and it's all over. This is a place where one forges alliances to survive and where enemies can seem as friends until they stab your back.
Where will you go in such a place as this?
List of Features
Set in 61 AD, during the height of the Empire
You can decide the future and fate of Rome!
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Active & friendly OOC community
Plenty of adoptables and canons available for play
Allows and encourages original characters