Republic of Rome #2

https://pastebin.com/93pfNUNn


The second Republic of Rome forum game has come to an end, I have written up the ending post (finally). It consists the history of each family from the perspective of historians in the reign of Emperor Gaius Pisentius. gg



Colussus autem Imperator Gaius Pisentius Augustus Invictus circa DCCLXXVI ab Urbe condita.

Imperial Family (winner) - able to outmaneuver every other player and rule Rome

Gens Pisentii (white army)
The Pisentii are an ancient patrician family dating from the founding of Rome. They hold the most consulships in the annals, a grand 13 in total. They are the archetypical romans, famous politicians, and generals. There are of course many detractors who can point to the dark stains in their history that now are being so eagerly being scrubbed away. Even so, it all began Decius Pisentius Caracturus, the patriarch as it was, who is recorded as being a good, although rather unremarkable Consul. He began to associate with the Populares, and this proved to be beneficial to his far more important son, Sulla who began his career by finishing the war in Sicily against Carthage. The mid republic was a time of wars and unrest, chaotic to the extreme where Sulla Pisentius Numantinus and Lustrious Felix Pompeius Asiaticus Numidicus fought for commands as the generals of their respective parties, eager to amass loyal legions. Untold glory was won and it seemed the PIsenti had reached their apex but his son, Augustus did not have his talents and died in the greatest disaster of roman history, against the Pontics at Orchomenos. His son, Aquillo Pisentius was a notable figure in the late republic with 3 consulships who rebuilt the families fortunes and left it to Gaius Pisentus Augustus who had an undeniable talent to lead and sway men to his cause. After his great victory against Reformatio at the Battle of Chalcedon, his power was so massive that his fellow Populares feared that peace would be impossible with him as a fellow Triumvir and so conspired to murder him. This likely would have been the end of the Pisentii, if not ironically for the bold Icilius who accepted his position as the new triumvir. Paulius and Cocles thought he would be a mere puppet, but they were quite wrong as he revolted and abolished the populare senate. Unfortunately, although Icilius had an adept mind, he did not have the loyalty of the army, or the ability to lead, and became overly reliant upon the remaining young son of Gaius Pisentius Augustus , "Gaius Aquillio Augustus Pisentus" who upon defeating the populares then marched on Icilius expelled him from Rome and defeated the attempt by the aged Cocles to retake the city for Icilius. With no one left to challenge his army, Pisentius resolved to reward his followers, and exile his foes. So began the Roman Empire, founded by the Pisentian Dynasty.

Winning Family (2nd place) - picked the right side now enjoys very high status in the Empire

Gens Antonii (tunder3)
The Antonii began as a minor but not insubstantial family holding 2 consulships over the course of the republic. Originally content to serve in minor magistries, they soon adopted the ways of intrigue and in the mid republic became enmeshed in the schemes of Ovidius Fenix to overthrow the republic. After these hopes were dashed at the battle of antium, Antonius surrendered to the republic betraying the Ovidii. Although of great benefit to the Republic, henceforth the family honor would be stained. For decades they recessed back into obscurity until the late republic. In this time, both Reformatio and Populares vied for control of the Senate equally, yet one of the Antonii emerged to create a third party based on various dissident senators, and managed to secure consulship many historians speculate to seize control of the state but he was assassinated )by what was later discovered to be a member of the Regulii family). This put an end to the Antonii as political actors in their own right for they lost tremendous wealth and influence in this fall. Relatives continued to serve as praetors, most notably and Antonii served at the case of the Metilian Conspiracy which did grave harm to the Reformatio Party, sentencing all found guilty to death, currying the favor of the Populares. During the later reformatio-populare civil war the Antonii regained stature as a commander slowly but surely as the Popular bled resources and manpower in its costly victory. Gaius Antonius was notable for also defeat Mithridates at long last. Here he won the loyalty of Legio XX Pontica and to this day remain the only legion in the Empire which retains its special status not under direct command of the Emperor. This legion fought at the famous Battle of Chalcedon, where after victory he began to entice the victorious Pisentius to dreams of great power but upon his assassination Gaius Antonius once again betrayed the populares following Icilius into revolt along the Danube. He served as his leading commander, but after failing to defeat Paullius was executed. His son however was forgiven by the paranoid Icilius, who in secret still resented the man and convinced the young son of Pisentius to overthrow the tyrant. Thusly, the Antonii have risen to a status second only to the Emperor himself, duly rewarded with vast estates and concessions, as well as near legal immunity to do as they will.


Free Families - joined the winning side very near before the end, allowed to keep their aristocratic privileges in the Empire

Gens Ovidii Pheonixking929
The Ovidii or more properly the "Ovidii Fenixiones" that were notorious during the early and mid republic holding 6 consulships. The founder of the dynasty in the senate was Martialism Ovidius Fenix, whose ambition led him to seek the Consulship and became a famous admiral in the long first punic war. Although he at first met with little success against the formidable punic foe, Martialism was after many difficult battles able to overcome their navy. He was unable to replicate this success and land and soon fell out of command. His so, Titus Ovidius Fenix, became enmeshed in Populare politics, and was part of a conspiracy to seize the Republic but was assassinated by the newly formed Reformatio Party. His friend, a mysterious roman by the name of Derenius took his son to Illyria and rose in revolt, but was swiftly beaten by Marius Secundus Cocles at Antium and the boy Fenix was betrayed by Marius Antionus. This boy would grow up to be Octavian Ovidius Fenix, a great plague to the Roman Republic. When Illyria once again revolted, the young Ovidius took up their cause, forming a cult around his family and father, of which he placed great importance upon (although its dubious if anyone else did). At first the revolt was considered by the Republic to be of little note, but the Republic was beset upon by so many foes, the greatest of these being Hannibal himself, they could not bring this wayward province to heel. So for many years Octavian Ovidius was able to build up a power base and upon a particularly bad disaster in Africa under Lucius Cornellius Scipio was able to seize Rome. In a wave of bloodshed in chaos for which he is now remembered, Ovidius ruled Rome for a short while as Emperor, until he was expelled at great cost by the Senate. Despite this, the Senate was unable to quash the revolt because his powerbase in Illyria was too strong. Ovidius in fact was of great aid in some cases to Rome, launched a campaign to conquer Macedonia, and even defeated the Carthagianin invasion of northern Italy (aeit not led by Hannibal). These victories made him a powerful and popular individual, but the resources of the Senate were too strong, he decided in an unprecedented move, to return to Rome at the head of his forces. Due to his reputation, the Senate was unable to try him for any crimes, the people would not allow it to be so. He did not retire easily, and felt unhappy that both parties denied him any power, for they did not trust him. He died popular, but un-influential. His son, whose name history did not record, became irritated with his families exiled status, betrayed the few friends he had such as the Antonii and revolted in Sicily. He was embarrassingly defeated by Marcus Germanus in a decisive naval battle near Rhodes, dooming his ambitions. The family after this is nearly destroyed, records become scant, although due to their ancient lineage were never wiped out. In the Late Republic an Ovidii held Consulship, albeit as a Populare puppet under Leto Icilius design. It is clear the Ovidii reputation for deceitfulness now hampered their ability to gain any sort of power, but did choose in the end to pick the Emperor's side at the last second. For this at least, the Emperor has allowed the Ovidii to maintain their estates in Italy and rule as hereditary governors of Illyria to this day, albeit very closely watched indeed…

Gens Cornelii Zephyrusu
The Cornelii are confirmed to be the oldest family in Rome, preceding any other (first to join). Due to this they believed themselves to be a step apart from the other families, and were the guadians of traditionalism. This snobbery did not serve them well, as the rise of political parties which they refused to participate in caused the Cornelli to fall by the wayside most often. The most distasteful party to the Cornelii were the Populares, who ever sought subvert the institutions of the Republc and enrich themselves. By the mid republic, the war against Carthage had now become unsustainably long and costly, with Hannibal rampaging across Italy. History records a Scipio, although not his precise name, probably Lucius Cornellius Scipio who led a succesful campaign in Hispania twice as Consul and retained a command, he drove Hannibal back to Africa but a civil war in Illyria forced the Senate to sicily. Scipio was obsesed with destroying Hannibal, even at the expense of fighting the civil war, which drew the wrath of the Populares who tried to have him killed. This earned the Populares the eternal hatred of the Cornelii but regardless he led the attack on Africa and failed horribly, and was even captured by the Carthaginians, proving the Populares right. Not long after this Carthage signed a truce with Rome, Scipio returned but defected to the Fenix rebels with his legions, although they were soon defeated by the Senate, Scipio was exiled for the remainder of his life, and died proudly without begging for mercy once. His son, Aurelius was granted clemency and rose slowly and into the ranks of the Reformatio Party, who promised him vengance against the Populares that ruined his father. Aurelius was a classic cornelii, unlkieable but proud, and an even better soldier than his father, for he was seemingly incapable of meeting disaster in battle. When the eastern half of the republic declared itself in support of the Reformatio party, Aurelius followed them and took a high place in their war councils and began advising Pompeius and Vipsanius on strategy. While their fleets held off the roman assault, Aurelius led the legions against the eastern barbarians. He sieged the cities of Pontus, crushed Tigranes in battle, secured Syria, then moved into Parthia, defeating their western army, and then most audaciously chose to march to Ctesiphon, where he faced down the huge parthian royal army and won, sacking their capital. For the achievement of conquering the entire east he was called "Magnus" but died of disease before he could return home. This was the apex of Cornelii grandeur, as the new army they had created from the veterans of those wars were defeated in the enormous battle of Chalcedon. Henceforth the Cornelii would become irrelevant pawns, although they did decide to back Emperor Pisentius, and thusly have maintained their status in Rome. In the present days of the Empire, the Cornelii enjoy hosting private parties for the upper crust of society and showing guests the grandeur of their esteemed ancestors.

Gens Caecelii (4nic)
The Caecelli were ill regarded by their opponents, but a useful client to the Paulii. Throughhout history they held 3 consulships, although history does not record what actions they took, if any. In the mid republic one of the Caecelli was known to have defeated the gladiator slave revolt, although only its disorganized and leaderless remains. Bankrolling the Populares, they were a very valuable and loyal member, to the great annoyance of men from the Pompeii and Reformatio because of the voting influence they had in the Senate. There were assassination and attacks upon the Caecelli for their loyalty to the Populares but ultimately they could not be fully eradicated. However, in the waning years after the costly Populare-Reformatio Civil War Lucius Caeclius abandoned the Senate for service under the Emperor Pisentius, and as such was spared from exile, his descendants continue to live to this day as wealthy aristocrats of the city and surrounding countryside.


Exiles (losers) - played the game of Roman politics and warfare, and ending up on the wrong side, the Emperor has banished these people from the center of power, and now exist outside or on the fringes in remote cities

Gens Coclii(Empirezz)
The Coclii were the second most politically influential family, having an astounding 12 consulships. Much of their history is now lost forever, for they fell out of favor of the Emperors being staunch republicans. What is know is they were of ancient patrician line, first gaining prominence in a great victory over the Gauls under Horatius Cocles. Over time they family fell into the orbit of the Populares and there remained becoming partners to the Paulii whom they intermarried into often. Over time the Coclii assumed a more strategic political role after Paulius' death, while the Pisenti became commanders although Magnus Secundus Cocles is partially famous for conquering Crete. The Coclii were regarded as the moderate family of the Populare, and numerous times tried to make deals with Vipsanius of Reformatio, but ultimately this could not prevent the civil war, which the Populares did ultimately win under Gaius Tertius Cocles. Many actions taken by Rome during this era were secretly his doing in collusion with Paulius. But the Coclii were overthrown after they were unable to control icilius revolt. Hortensius Quartus Cocles as the last representative of senate surrendered to him and tried to defeat both Emperors by pitting them against each other and restoring the Republic but failed in this endeavor and thusly the Coclii became exiles. Hortensius is rumored to have since died, his son is often a figure in the Parthian and Armenian courts.

Gens Paulii (Pavle)
The Paulii were originally priests, which became a very influential family that deserves more than I will write due to their relations with my Emperor. Regardless, over time they had taken the role of Pontifex Maximus in a hereditary fashion, down through the ages. As such, their influence was vast in Rome from the outset, although only subtly felt. It is perhaps predictable that the secret societies would form among a priesthood, and here is where the Populares first were born, led by Andertius Paulius Myst. So capable was he, that within his lifetime the Populare party dominated the Senate completely, although he was never a Consul himself. The Populares were a force of strength for the Republic, and in the mid republic they did lead it well enough, but their monopoly on power was oppressive to the other Senators which eventually led to the rise of the Reformatio Party. The son of Andertius then fell in battle against Hannibal after the disaster at Cannae. In this era the Paulii declined as leadership of the party fell into other hands (notably Cocles) and the Reformatio continually held its ground. The grandson of Andertius was ruthless, successfully undermining the support of the Equites of the Reformatio diminishing their political capital but was subsequently assassinated. The fanatic hatred of the Reformatio and naked ambition kept the Paulii relevant, and in the civil wars, the Paulii family were leading figures, and were eventually able to land a critical defeat upon the Reformatio at Chalcedon, a spectacular victory that is remembered even to this day as the largest land battle in history. Ultimately, however, the undoing of the Populares and Paulii were their increasing reliance upon the Icilii family to manage the more mundane affairs while they conducted the grandiose visions. Paranoia gripped the Paulii family who unjustly murdered the father of the current emperor, thus earning the enmity of the Pisentian Dynasty. Icilius later betrayed the decadent Populares, who managed to recover from their loss of Rome, Paullius even led a notable campaign against Parthia but was ultimately defeated in Greece at Dyrrhachium, putting an end to their relevance. The descendants of Paulius are watched by imperial spies, and are not welcome in Rome ever again.

Gens Icilii (j-e-s-u-s)
The Icilii claimed to be of patrician class although this story is probably forged because the appeared in the Senate during the mid republican era in the midst of the Populare-Reformatio political power struggle. At this time, the Reformatio had the will of the people on their side and were using tribunes to maintain their position much to the annoyance of the Populares. Icilius aligned with the Populares (the party of the elites in reality) and tried to silence the tribunes, but was murdered by the mob. For this sacrifice he was remembered as s friend by the Populares, and continued to serve them well. In time, the Populares relied upon his son to maintain the party, and even to manage Rome itself, which he did with growing ability, It is recorded that an Icili was consul 3 years in a row, gaining great political influence and intelligence. Indeed, throughout the entire civil war while the Populare leaders did strategy, Icilius ruled in Rome and carefully began to curate his eventual rise to power, which came after the Populare triumvirate Paulii, Cocli,, and Pisentii fell apart due to assassination of the Pisentii. In this chaos, he rose after appointing himself in charge of the army on the Danube against the Moesia, and in a bold attack backed by Antonius (his general) and (((bankers))) was able to take Rome from the Populares, and eventually the entire Republic with the young Pisentius' help after immense effort. At this point, Leto Icilius was almost recognized Emperor but was swiftly overthrown by the true Emperor, after which the Senate and Icilius attempted to retake Rome in a great battle but failed against Emperor Pisentius Legions and Praetorian Guard. Leto has since been exiled, an act of great mercy, although some in Rome consider it a foolhardy mistake. For at present, Leto is a notable member of the Parthian Court, along with Cocles, together they command the loyalty of the eastern clients should the Parthian Shahanshah ever desire to invade the empire...

Gens Subsilvii (Andartes)
Another obscure house, it was once somewhat prominent in the early republic, when they were aligned to the Gens Antonii and Ovidii. There they secured a Consulship, but were never ambitious enough to advance further than that. Later, another Subsilvii Consul was stripped of his command in the first civil war in favor of Cocles which began a feud. The courts found the Subsilvii guilty of conspiracy to murder, whereupon the family was disgraced. It never truly recovered, although in the mid republic a Subsilva become a Consul and later served an honorable term in Cisalpine Gaul where he effectively romanized the tribes but was killed during a Germanic raid. During the disastrous Fenixian Civil Wars the Subsilvii seemed to have not remained loyal to the Senate, but Fenix did not deem the family trustworthy and had the patriach imprisoned for decades until eventually freed by Pompeius after retaking Greece for the Senate. This is the last notable mention of the family in the annals, although they were still governors, and praetors, but were never regarded well by the Populare ruling party and eventually faded completely from the Senate. In the modern day, the Subsilvii cannot even be found in Rome, they are now thought to be extinct or fallen into poverty.

Gens Regulii (Witch-Doctor)
Scant record remain of the Regulii, who although very old, have not been very notable. Their downfall was swift after their patriach was tried and executed for attempted murder, thus the family was disgraced. Later it seems they recovered somewhat, gaining 1 consulship in the mid republic. It seems like other minor families during this era, they remained unaligned with either Populares or Reformatio, and thus fell easily as victims to their extortion and dominance politically. After a shortlived attempt to retain some authority in the Neutrum faction, this faction came to an end. The Regulii abandoned the Senate largely, either serving as governors in remote provinces or attempting to gain wealth in the Gladiatorial business. It is unknown where the Regulii are now, only that they have been exiled from any position of power, losing their title of nobility.

Gen Tulii (Death)
An old family, they claim to orignate since the founding of Rome. They were however, a fairly unremarkable one, never holding a consulship, but did hold numerous praetorships and served as governors. For much of roman history they sought to amass wealth, but in the mid republic the leader of the Tulii was killed in the first illyrian revolt and later his brother was killed by the roman mob in a random act of violence which sent the family spiraling down into mediocrity where it remained for some time. As the Senate became more and more desperate for funds they seized assets of the Tulii putting them under great difficulties until they formed the Neutrum faction, a collection of senators intent on preserving their wealth against the rapacious senate. With Neutrums collapse, the Tulii decided to join the Reformatio revolt providing valuable resources, but it wasn't enough, and upon their defeat the Tulii fade from history. Presumably their decedents now live in a distant eastern city as merchants

Gens Germanii (Trsid)
The origin of the Germanii is obscure, likely arising in the mid republic where they began aligning to the Reformatio faction having 3 consulships. Arguably the peak of the Germanii was under Consul Marcus Germanus who in one year in a single campaign crushed the sicilian roman revolt of Aelius Ovidius Fenix and defeated Pontus, all on sea. After this moment of glory they began to fade but still notable members commander of the Reformatio revolt fighting in Cyrene. After their defeat he fled to Parthia, but then returned to the republic where he served Icilius after his revolt, and then betrayed him but was later captured and killed. Whatever descendants of the Germanii remain are of little note, and are no longer welcome in Rome.

Gens Vipsanii (Mrarmy)
The Vipsanii orignated from Latium, but were of no ancient heritage, despite claiming patrician status. Their first member Camillus Vipsanius attained the social class of Senator in the mid republic, a time of crisis. He lent his political influence to the Reformatio faction, which was increasingly considerable, and helped to end the dominance herefore of the Populares and thus begin the long cold war in the Senate where Vipsanius and Cocles would negotiate on behalf of their parties to maintain the balance of consular power and concessions to keep Rome afloat in the midst of wars against slaves, germanics, barbarians of all sorts. Regardless, it seems Camillus efforts were insufficient, despite building up a growing election fund, the Populares had a seeming unending ability to wrest power back into their hands. After politics no longer becam an option the Vipsanii faded from relevance and were caught up in the storm of Pompeius revolt. The history of the Reformatio actions in the east is fragmented but sources indicate the Vipsanii were relevant as rich governors of asia and even defeated a massive pontic invasion. After the Reformatio defeat the grandson of Camillius, son of Proculus, by the name of Marcus became the lover of Cleopatra where he essentially remained for the rest of his life with loose alliances to either the Senate/Populares or whoever. Roman politics did not concern them greatly, when Cleopatra died the Emperors declined to fully annex the province, so to this day the heirs of the Vipsanii-Ptolemaic dynasty rule Egypt.



Extinct Families (losers) - These families are now all gone, but faded memories, lucky to be remembered as a footnote
Gens Pompeii
Gens Tarquinii
Gens Alotii
Gens Metelii
Gens Nervii
Gens Caecilius
Gens Justinii