Post by Gothy on Dec 15, 2013 7:43:18 GMT
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. 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 todler 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. Now Rome is uncertain of its future. A new proscription list grows weekly. Those who are found guilty of treason are left with two choices: execution or self-exile.
Elsewhere in the empire, wars are ending and major players are taking note of their pieces. Legions and their commanders are either agreeing to take note of Cyprianus' authority, or they are ignoring the summons altogether to simple wait and see. Those senators who have chosen self-exile have fled to Antioch in Syria. There they exiles speak amongst themselves and with Scaurus--whose only cousin was Titus Gurges--about taking power away from Cyprianus. Discussions of a "new republic" have surfaced, but as of yet all of those men capable of fighting Cyprianus for power are remaining silent and careful. Time will tell whether Cyprianus can maintain the balance of power, or if Rome will fall into a period of civil war.
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
