Gaia shrugs "I can't think of anything at the moment.  Carus and I can see to buying trade goods and I'm sure he can find a ship.  We'll have time to discuss details on the voyage if something comes up."

Quote from: Nicephorus;515202Gaia shrugs "I can't think of anything at the moment.  Carus and I can see to buying trade goods and I'm sure he can find a ship.  We'll have time to discuss details on the voyage if something comes up."

Great let me know what you want to purchase and what you are looking for in terms of a ship.

Quote from: Benoist;514964Lucius looks at the others as soon as Quintus left: "Any additional topic you'd want to discuss? If not, I shall take my leave and make my own preparations, gather some information and so on before we leave."

Sounds good. Let me know what you intend to do for prep and information gathering.

Quote from: BedrockBrendan;515246Sounds good. Let me know what you intend to do for prep and information gathering.

Lucius will depart.

First, he will go to his own estate and explain to his family he has to go on business for the State, without explaining any further, assuring them that he is alright, but the least they know about it, the better.

He will then go to the Senate to inform them of his departure for medical reasons. He intends to travel to Mauretania and wonders if he could be of any use to the Senate while he is there, as in, inspecting the local administration, outpost and so on. It is his excuse to gather some information about the place. Who's in command of the administration and the military down there? Are there any noticeable affairs or events that made their way back to Rome he could investigate?

Quote from: Benoist;515668Lucius will depart.

First, he will go to his own estate and explain to his family he has to go on business for the State, without explaining any further, assuring them that he is alright, but the least they know about it, the better.

He will then go to the Senate to inform them of his departure for medical reasons. He intends to travel to Mauretania and wonders if he could be of any use to the Senate while he is there, as in, inspecting the local administration, outpost and so on. It is his excuse to gather some information about the place. Who's in command of the administration and the military down there? Are there any noticeable affairs or events that made their way back to Rome he could investigate?

The senate recieves the news with murmurs and nods. Consul Asprenas raises his hand and addresses you:

"Senator Piso, if you are ill then the dry winds of Mauretania may do you well. And you may be of service to the senate during your departure. As you know Mauretania is a client of Rome, and I hear rumors that their king, Ptolemy, has dared wear the purple on a day honoring our emperor. Even if there was no ill intent behind this gesture, it will no doubt stir up the local Mauri. Perhaps you could send us regular reports on any rumors of rebellion or unusual activities. Should a crisis unfold, the senate controls the third legion Augusta in neighboring Africa (under the command of Gaius Calpernius Piso)."

Quintus sends Theo to summon the soldiers to Quintus' home, and lays out the equipment while he waits for the men to arrive.

Quote from: BedrockBrendan;515705The senate recieves the news with murmurs and nods. Consul Asprenas raises his hand and addresses you:

"Senator Piso, if you are ill then the dry winds of Mauretania may do you well. And you may be of service to the senate during your departure. As you know Mauretania is a client of Rome, and I hear rumors that their king, Ptolemy, has dared wear the purple on a day honoring our emperor. Even if there was no ill intent behind this gesture, it will no doubt stir up the local Mauri. Perhaps you could send us regular reports on any rumors of rebellion or unusual activities. Should a crisis unfold, the senate controls the third legion Augusta in neighboring Africa (under the command of Gaius Calpernius Piso)."

"And thus it shall be done, dear Consul. There can be no doubt as to the place where my family's loyalties lie: at the side of the most exalted child of Rome, our guide, and light of this civilization, the most noble son of Germanicus, Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus. I shall enjoy the climate of Mauretania and keep an eye out on behalf of the Senate. Whatever I may witness, you will know, as well as my relative, in Africa. Rome will then do as Rome pleases.

May divine fortune smile upon you, Senators, and those whose hearts and minds are set on defending our city against its most tenacious enemies. Ave!"

And thus Lucius Calpurnius Piso leaves the room.

There is a library that is part of the Senate complex, isn't there? Or somewhere on Palatine Hill in any case?

Quote from: Benoist;516086There is a library that is part of the Senate complex, isn't there? Or somewhere on Palatine Hill in any case?

Yes, a very extensive library and you have access to it.

Quote from: Sigmund;516082Quintus sends Theo to summon the soldiers to Quintus' home, and lays out the equipment while he waits for the men to arrive.

Theo returns with the soldiers in a few hours.

Quintus salutes the men and welcomes them into his home. He asks Theo to retrieve refreshments and then shows the men into the courtyard where the equipment is laid out.

"There is a set for each of you, which is yours to keep. I have been given leave by the Praetorian Prefect to start my own little side venture as head of a private guard unit. I have chosen you men to be my first recruits, and decided to step up our meeting in order to make sure we are prepared when our first contract begins." Quintus smiles. "You will be paid equal to what you have earned in the Legions, plus an extra 2000 a year. I will supply you with equipment that will become yours to keep and pass on to heirs. As founding members of this unit, you will be first in consideration for promotion and command, with an attendant increase in remuneration... assuming our venture is successful. If it is not, I will provide for you and your families from my own holdings as your exit from the security of the Legions and risk in joining the venture is my responsibility. Our first client will be another new mercantile venture begun by Senator Lucius Calpurnius Piso. His agent in this venture is an olive merchant named Carus." Quintus grins and winks, "Probably why the Prefect was so willing to give me leave time and permission to start this. Our main rules will be to guard our client and their property with honor and commitment, and to remain loyal and discrete once we have been hired to do a job. We will not dishonor ourselves by being bought off by honor-less scum. We are and always will be Soldiers of Rome after all. So, what say you men?"

Meanwhile, Lucius goes to the library and searches for information about Ptolemy, the history of Mauretania, as well as information about Pomponis Mela: his previous offices and assignments, his family history, anything that might tell me more about the man, including any bizarre events or occurences that might stand out to scrutiny.

Quote from: Benoist;516226Meanwhile, Lucius goes to the library and searches for information about Ptolemy, the history of Mauretania, as well as information about Pomponis Mela: his previous offices and assignments, his family history, anything that might tell me more about the man, including any bizarre events or occurences that might stand out to scrutiny.

There are extensive histories of Mauretania and the Ptolemy family (these will take several hours to go over). Nothing on Pomponius Mela but you notice many of the Mauretanian histories are written by him. He also has a large history of Iberia and of Carthage.

Quote from: Sigmund;516171Quintus salutes the men and welcomes them into his home. He asks Theo to retrieve refreshments and then shows the men into the courtyard where the equipment is laid out.

"There is a set for each of you, which is yours to keep. I have been given leave by the Praetorian Prefect to start my own little side venture as head of a private guard unit. I have chosen you men to be my first recruits, and decided to step up our meeting in order to make sure we are prepared when our first contract begins." Quintus smiles. "You will be paid equal to what you have earned in the Legions, plus an extra 2000 a year. I will supply you with equipment that will become yours to keep and pass on to heirs. As founding members of this unit, you will be first in consideration for promotion and command, with an attendant increase in remuneration... assuming our venture is successful. If it is not, I will provide for you and your families from my own holdings as your exit from the security of the Legions and risk in joining the venture is my responsibility. Our first client will be another new mercantile venture begun by Senator Lucius Calpurnius Piso. His agent in this venture is an olive merchant named Carus." Quintus grins and winks, "Probably why the Prefect was so willing to give me leave time and permission to start this. Our main rules will be to guard our client and their property with honor and commitment, and to remain loyal and discrete once we have been hired to do a job. We will not dishonor ourselves by being bought off by honor-less scum. We are and always will be Soldiers of Rome after all. So, what say you men?"

Standing at attention they both shout: "Speak and we obey". Neither one looks you in the eye or expresses emotion. Like all good Roman soldiers their posture couldn't be more perfect if they were carved of marble or stone.

Quote from: BedrockBrendan;516242Standing at attention they both shout: "Speak and we obey". Neither one looks you in the eye or expresses emotion. Like all good Roman soldiers their posture couldn't be more perfect if they were carved of marble or stone.

Quintus nods and says, "Take your ease men. Please, inspect your new gear and do not hesitate to inform me of anything else you might want or need. I chose the leather because we are traveling to Mauretania for our first assignment, and I hear tell it's rather warm there this time of year. When we arrive, if need be, I will also acquire light colored cloaks to cover the armor with to protect it from the heat of the sun."

Quote from: Sigmund;516250Quintus nods and says, "Take your ease men. Please, inspect your new gear and do not hesitate to inform me of anything else you might want or need. I chose the leather because we are traveling to Mauretania for our first assignment, and I hear tell it's rather warm there this time of year. When we arrive, if need be, I will also acquire light colored cloaks to cover the armor with to protect it from the heat of the sun."

Gallus and Hostus inspect the arms and nod. As he admires the gear Hostus says "These will be just fine sir. And don't worry about the heat, Gallus and I served under the She-Wolf in Judea.".