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Rules
The following sections contain more detailed and specific information. If you want to advance in any career in the Roman Legion, you should read and understand these sections.
| Political Information: | Rank of Emperor |
| Senate Offices | |
| Corruption | |
| Assassinations, Bodyguards, Conspiracies | |
| Military Information | Military Scenarios |
| Training and Mentality | |
| Types of Units Displayed | |
| Troop Classifications | |
| Role of Ranks | |
| Legion Revolts | |
| Additional Points |
You should also read the FAQ for additional information. If you still don't understand one of the rules, please contact the GMs privately on ICQ or send them individual emails. The GMs are listed on the bottom of the Avatine Hill page.
For additional important information, see the Roman Legion Wiki.
Getting Started
The process of joining Rome is fairly basic. It involves only a few steps.- Choose character sex. Please note that females may not advance in most careers; they can influence events, but they cannot hold power in their own right.
- Choose first, middle, family name from a list.
- Enter email address. This must be a valid email address. Without one, you cannot participate in any way.
- Enter ICQ address. You can download ICQ from here.
- Choose a patron god. Once you select a patron from your character, you cannot change your mind
- Choose a political party. You may change this at any time.
- All characters start at the rank of "Inactive" and as a "Novus" in status.
- Use starting money to pay for starting items.
It is very important for you to read the Rules, especially the Essential Information!
Basic Information
Public Character Statistics- this information can be viewed by anyone on a character's Avatine Hill profile.- Name
- Age (changes every ten days)
- Forums posts (Senate and Palatine)
- Forum Posts in Past 10 Days (Senate and Palatine) - a sign of current player activity
- Rank and Party - basic stats that may change with time
- Debt - amount of debt known to the public
- Criminal or Exile - a prisoner is under arrest in Rome, an exile is never in Rome. Terms and conditions of prison and exile vary.
- Honor - may be "awarded" by the GMs and sometimes the current Imperator for play activity, as well as being accrued "automatically".
- Prestige - may be "awarded" by the GMs for play activity, as well as being accrued "automatically".
- Health - based on age, wounds, disease, and other factors.
- Location - this reflects a character's location, if it is known to the general public. A character may go into hiding.
- Class - affected by prestige and honor
- Properties - a character's market holdings can be seen on the Varran Marketplace page.
- ICQ and Email
Private Character Statistics- this information is known to the GMs, and in some cases the player of the character, but not to anyone else.
- Exact Location
- Money - although a character's properties are public, a character's monetary assets remain secret
- Exact Health
Edit Your Info
From the "Edit Your Info", you can change your pasword, ICQ number, or political party. You can also have your character commit suicide, or you (as a player) can resign from the Roman Legion (this will delete your character). You can edit your profile, which is simply a collection of OOC information. If you want to change your password, you must send an email to SecretScenarios@yahoo.com.Essential Information
- Do not post questions on the Palatine forum! If you cannot find an answer to your question in the New Members' Guide (the FAQs), please contact an experienced member on ICQ or email one of the GMs.
- Do NOT make major political statements on the Palatine forum before you are familiar with the Roman Legion. Some newbies post dozens on statements on the Palatine without having any idea what they are talking about. Please do not do this.
- Do NOT campaign for political office, or campaign on the behalf of someone else. See the Elections section of the Rules for more details.
- All scenarios should be sent to SecretScenarios@yahoo.com.
- Remember, the GMs will never share confidential information that you send to Secret Scenarios unless there is a good IC reason. For example, if you are plotting against the Emperor, you should communicate frequently with Secret Scenarios regarding your plot. This will increase its chances of success. Of course, if the Emperor suspects you and orders his agents to trail you, there is a chance that you will be caught. See the sections on "Conspiracies" for more information.
- Rumors and news should be sent to mailto:SecretScenarios@romanlegion.com. "Rumor" or "News" should be included in the subject of the email.
- In order to change the location of your character, email SecretScenarios@yahoo.com. Please include the word "Location" in the subject of the email.
- In order to transfer funds, email SecretScenarios@yahoo.com. You must include your name and the name of the person who is to receive the funds, as well as the amount that should be sent. Please see the Fund Transfer Rules on the wiki for additional details.
- In order to spend or obtain funds in some special manner, email SecretScenarios@yahoo.com. Describe, in a scenario, your method for obtaining or spending these funds. The scenario will remain confidential (unpublished) if the information contained is sensitive. This method should be used for plotting an assassination, raising a private legion, etc.
- Legion commanders (Proconsular Legates, etc) may NOT change the titles of their legions without GM permission. Email the scenarios account in order to seek permission.
Roman Ranks
Political Ranks
Imperator: In historical Rome, Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus is commonly recognized as the first "Emperor". This remarkable man used political skill and military might to obtain a vast array of powers for himself. The Senate and People of Rome granted him Proconsular command over the legions and provinces, Consular Imperium within Rome itself, Presidency of the Senate, and immunity from prosecution. Later, he was granted the High Priesthood. Octavian did not invent any new office for himself. He was not technically a "Monarch". He simply took for himself the powers of several pre-existing Republican magistracies to obtain monarchial power. Historical Emperors were known by a variety of titles, including "Princeps", "Caesar", "Augustus", and "Imperator".
The "Imperator", or Emperor, in the Roman Legion fills an office similar to that of the historical Emperors. He is the Supreme Commander of the military. His authority extends, in theory, over every legion. He appoints all military officials. Within Rome itself, the Emperor enforces his authority through the Praetorian Guard. By virtue of his imperium, the Emperor may execute, imprison, or exile a Roman citizen. The Emperor is the "Princeps Senatus", or head of the Senate, and he may veto Senatorial legislation. He is also in charge of the administration and management of the budget, although Emperors commonly share power with the Senate in this field. The Emperor may exercise absolute power, although he is theoretically bound by the laws of the Republic. The Imperial office is dangerous. An unpopular Emperor may be assassinated or overthrown by armed revolt. In the Roman Legion, the Emperor is known as "Imperator" or "Princeps", but not "Augustus" or "Caesar". Upon the death of an Emperor, the designated heir is usually elevated to the throne. However, the heir's succession is not guaranteed. In practice, any man capable of taking and holding power in Rome may declare himself Emperor. The Senate and the Assemblies must grant the powers of the Imperatorial office to make an Emperor legitimate.
For a more detailed outline of the offices and powers that collectively form the rank of "Emperor", see the Emperor section.
Requirements: 10 prestige, 20 honor, Authority Recognized in Rome, Formal Election by Senate
Heir to the Emperor: In historical Rome, Emperors commonly nominated an "heir to the throne". The heir was usually a Roman with a distinguished career in the military and politics. Emperors rarely nominated their sons as heirs; such a move would be unpopular. Over time, nomination of family members became more common, but it was never established as a rule. During the later Imperial period, an elaborate system developed in which the senior Emperor (titled "Augustus) would share power with a junior Emperor (titled "Caesar"). The Caesar was the heir-apparent of the Augustus, and held a great deal of power in his own right.
In the Roman Legion, the title "Heir to the Emperor" is not an actual rank, merely a designation the Emperor gives to one person. Generally, the heir will take the throne after the Imperator's death. However, this is neither a legal requirement nor an assured fact.
Requirements: Imperial Appointment
Consul: During the historical Roman Republic, the two Consuls were the leaders of the state. Together, they exercised full executive authority. Each Consul possessed "imperium"the right to command armies and order executions. However, a Consul was bond by the laws of the Republic. After the establishment of the Principate (Republic under an Emperor) by Octavian, the authority of the Consuls diminished. They were now subordinate to the Emperor. But the office of Consul was still very prestigious, and Consuls exercised a variety of powers within Rome itself.
In the Roman Legion, Consuls preside over the Senate. Either Consul may post the proposal of a Senator or an Aedile for a vote. Consuls oversee the day-to-day operation of the Senate. They are subject to the Emperor in practice, but the prestige of the ancient office allows them to hold considerable clout within the world of Roman politics. The Consuls also exercise executive power within Rome itself and the regions of Italia. In Senate Elections, the top two vote recipients are elected Consuls. For more information on elections, see the Elections section. Upon completion of a three year term, a Consul becomes a Proconsul and governors a province away from Rome.
Requirements: 10 Prestige, 15 Honor, Election
Proconsul: In ancient Rome, Proconsuls were the governors of large provinces. At the end of a Consular term, a Consul was assigned to govern a province as Proconsul. Proconsuls represented the full authority of the Roman state. Within their provinces, they held "imperium"-the power to command legions and order executions. During the Principate, the Emperors exercised direct control over most legions and the border provinces by appointing personal representatives (a legate, procurator, or prefect). The Senatorial Proconsuls continued to govern the "safe" provinces, and they sometimes commanded a small number of legions.
In the Roman Legion, a Consul may become a Proconsul upon the expiration of his term. As Proconsul, he has authority over a provincial region and possibly one or two Consular legions. A Proconsul who neglects his duties will suffer consequences in the form of declining tax revenues or a decrease in provincial loyalties. A good Proconsul may bring in extra revenue for Rome and increase loyalty. Proconsuls serve a three year term. After three years, they may return to Rome and run for office. Proconsuls forfeit their Proconsular imperium upon entering the pomerium (sacred city limits of Rome). If a Proconsul is not assigned to govern a Senatorial Provincial Region, a Propraetor (usually NPC) is selected to fill the position.
Requirements: Completion of a term as Consul
Senator: In ancient Rome, all former magistrates were admitted to the ranks of the Senate upon the completion of their terms. Additional Senators were selected from the elite of Rome by the Censors. By the 2nd century BC, there were several hundred Senators at any given time. Following the reforms of the 1st century BC dictators (Marius, Sulla, Pompey, Caesar), the Senate expanded to over one thousand. During the Republic, Senate was an immensely influential body. Although the power of election and legislation was vested in the assemblies of the people, the Senate handled almost all affairs of state. The establishment of the Principate by Octavian decreased the authority of the Senate, but it retained substantial influence throughout the Imperial period.
In the Roman Legion, the Senators are elected or appointed through several methods. Most commonly, PCs are elected to office through the Senate Elections. For important information on the elections process, see the Elections section. However, according to the law, no Roman is technically elected to the rank of "Senator". Rather, they are elected to a suffect office which grants Senatorial status. Sometimes, suffect elections recommended by Senatus-Consultum elevate individuals (usually NPCs) to the rank of Senator. Finally, Senators may be appointed by a magistrate acting under special Censorian power (usually the Emperor-see the GMs for legal details). Bu convention, Proconsular Legates are granted Senatorial rank. Senators serve for life, and are not required to give up their Senatorial status in order to hold another office. For example, a Senator may spend time as the Magister Militum and then return to the rank of Senator after leaving office. Senators may propose legislation, and they vote on all proposals that are posted by the Consuls.
Requirements: 10 Prestige, 10 Honor, Election/Appointment
Aedile: The Aediles were elected officials who were charged with a number of duties, including the maintenance of public buildings and the running of public games. Aediles were generally younger politicians with future ambitions.
In the Roman Legion, the Aedile is a mid-ranking elected official. Aediles may speak in the Senate forum and propose legislation. However, they do not have the power to vote. The rank of Aedile is used by ambitious Romans as a stepping stone to the rank of Senator. Less ambitious politicians may remain as Aediles for several terms. Aediles are elected (see Elections section) for three year terms.
Requirements: 5 Prestige, 5 Honor, Election
Quaestor: In ancient Rome, Quaestors were junior magistrates in charge of the finances of the state. They were elected. Young patricians commonly initiated their political careers by running for the office of Quaestor.
In the Roman Legion, a character may promote himself to Quaestor as soon as he has obtained enough honor. No election is required. Quaestors either young politicians waiting for advancement or older politicians who aren't active enough to hold elected office. Young, active Quaestors may seek appointments to Senatorial missions, committees, etc.
Requirements: 5 Prestige, 5 Honor. Promotion on the Avatine Hill.
Civis Privatus: "Civis Privatus" is Latin for "private citizen". It is a generic social position in the Roman Legion. It isn't based on any specific historical rank.
Advancement from Inactivity to the position of Civis Privatus requires nothing more than a click on the Avatine Hill promotion page.
Requirements: None but desire to play some active role in Rome.
Military Ranks
Magister Militum: The office of "Magister Militum" designated the commander-in-chief of Roman armies during the late Imperial period. The Magister Militum was second only to the Emperor himself during the final years of the Western Roman Empire.
Although the office of "Magister Militum" did not exist during the early Principate, we have adopted it as a part of the military hierarchy in the Roman Legion. The most senior of Rome's military commanders, the Magister Militum is "first among equals" of the army commanders. He is responsible to the Emperor for the good order and preparedness of the army at any given time. The Magister can also be assigned to directly command legions at the Emperor's discretion.
Requirements: 8 Prestige, 12 Honor, Appointment by Emperor
Proconsular Legate: In ancient Rome, Consuls, Proconsuls, and Propraetors commanded the armies. Under Octavian's Principate, or "Imperial Republic", the Emperor was made Proconsul of many provinces and a vast majority of the legions. Of course, the Emperor could not command these armies in person. And so he appointed senior Legates to command the armies on his behalf. They were titled "Legatus Augusti Pro Praetore"- Legate of the Emperor with Propraetorian rank. The most senior commanders held the title of "Legatus Augusti Pro Praetore Consulari Potestate"-Legate of the Emperor with Consular Powers. They were similar to the Republican Proconsuls, but they exercised power in the name of the "Supreme Proconsul", the Emperor.
In the Roman Legion, we have simplified the titles of the Emperor's army commanders by calling them Proconsular Legates. The Proconsular Legate is the equivalent of a Proconsul. A Proconsular Legate is senior military commander. He commands multiple legions and holds authority in the Emperor's name. He may also exercise civil governance over provinces, at the order of the Emperor. A lesser official called a Propraetorian Legate (usually an NPC) governs Imperial Provincial Regions in the absense of a Proconsular Legate. The Propraetorian Legate is the equivalent of a Propraetor.
Requirements: 8 Prestige, 12 Honor, Appointment by Emperor
Legate: In ancient Rome, legions were theoretically under the direct command of the magistrate who held imperium over them. During the Republic, this magistrate was usually a Consul, Proconsul or Propraetor. Later, the Emperor, as "Supreme Proconsul", was the direct commander of almost all legions. Obviously, the magistrate with imperium could not always exercise this authority in person. Therefore, they appointed legates to oversee the command of each individual legion. The commander of a legion was titled "Legatus Legionis" in Latin.
In the Roman Legion, a Legate commands his legion at all times. A Legate is expected to be a competent military leader. Successful Legates may be promoted to Proconsular Legate. The rank of legion Legate is frequently held by non-player characters (NPCs).
Requirements: 6 Prestige, 6 Honor, Appointment by Emperor
Tribune: In ancient Rome, Military Tribunes assisted the legates in the command of the legions. The Military Tribunate was generally seen as a stepping stone to higher office. Military Tribunes were assisted by the professional, veteran centurions of the legions.
In the Roman Legion, the rank of "Tribune" exists along the lines of its historical counterpart. Tribunes assist the Legate in commanding the legions. A Tribune may also act as Chief of Staff to a Proconsular Legate. Active, competent officers are prime candidates for promotion to Legate. An Adiuvator who has obtained the necessary honor may promote himself to Tribune on the Avatine Hill promotions page.
Requirements: 5 Prestige, 5 Honor
Adiuvator: In ancient Rome, most patricians were commissioned as Tribunes upon entering the army. Younger man of noble blood without commission might accompany the legions as "aids" to the officers.
In the Roman Legion, an "Adiuvator" is a very new Roman in the army who is waiting for a commission as Tribune. "Aduivator" means "aide" in Latin. Auduivators are assigned to legions. They have no authority in their own right, but they may assist Tribunes and Legates in a series of tasks.
Requirements: None but desire to become a militarily active Roman.
Religious Ranks
Note: Aside from Sacerdos Vestalis, all religious ranks open to PCs are "supplementary offices". This means that no Roman views these offices as a full-time career. Usually, a high ranking official (Emperor, Senator, etc) holds a religious office to supplement his prestige and influence.
Pontifex Maximus: The Pontifex Maximus is the senior religious official in the Roman Empire. He appoints various lesser priests and directs Temple affairs. By convention, however, the Pontifex Maximus usually delegates authority to the Rex Sacrorum. According to convention, the Emperor holds this religious office.
Pontifex: A Pontifex oversees the worship of a
single major deity. There are six Pontifices representing Jupiter,
Mars, Mercury, Venus, Ceres, and Neptune. The office of Pontifex is
highly symbolic and does not require regular priestly functions. However,
a Pontifex is expected to secure funding for a festival to his deity from
time to time. Only a Pontifex or Rex Sacrorum (i.e. a member of the Collegium Pontificum) may nominate a new Pontifex, Sacerdos Vestalis or Pontifex Maximus. An ordinary Senator or Aedile MAY NOT do this.
Sacerdos Vestalis: The Sacerdos Vestalis is one of the famed Vestal Virgins. She is selected by the Pontifex Maximus from the noble girls of Rome. The Vestals collectively protect the sacred fire of Vesta. They are pledged to celibacy.
Newbies
Inactive: A new member in every sense of the word. ICQ is necessary to aspire to any higher rank. Once an Inactive is ready to move into an arena of activity, they select the Arena and automatically move to either Civis Privatus or Adiuvator.
Old Ranks
If you are an old-time member of the Roman Legion, you may be confused by some of the current ranks. Don't worrythe ranks were changed to improve gameplay, and we improved the historical realistism of the titles. For the sake of reference, an outline of old ranks and the equivalent new rank is provided. The definitions of all ranks have been updated, but if the role of a new rank is essentially the same as its old equivalent, then there is a note that "the definition has not changed".
Prima Legatus – The old rank of "Prima Legatus" has been renamed Imperial Heir. This is no longer a true rank, but rather, it is a special designation. The heir may hold any other office.
Secondo Legatus The old rank of "Secondo Legatus" has been renamed Praefectus Praetorio. The definition of the office has not changed.
Consulus The old rank of "Consulus" has been eliminated. The function of the Military Consulus has been assigned to the Magister Militum.
Proconsulus The old rank of "Proconsulus" has been eliminated. Instead, two elected Consuls preside over the Senate and post proposals for a vote.
Tribune The old rank of "Tribune" has been renamed Aedile. The definition of the office has not changed.
Official The old rank of "Official" has been renamed Civis Privatus. The general role of this position (as a first step to a political career) has not changed. The civis privatus does not hold any official political rank.
Praetor The old rank of "Praetor" has been renamed Proconsular Legate. The definition of this office has not changed.
General The old rank of "General" has been renamed Legate. The definition of this office has not changed.
Officer The old rank of "Officer" has been renamed Tribune. The definition of this office has not changed.
Centurion The old rank of "Centurion" has been renamed Adiuvator. The general role of this position (as a first step to a military career) has not changed.
Oracle The old rank of "Oracle" has been eliminated.
Priest The old rank of "Priest" has been eliminated. In its place, a Pontifex oversees the worship of individual gods.
Elections
Consuls and Aediles are elected officials. Elections are held every two years, starting in September of an even numbered year (24 days real time). Female characters may not run for public office. You may not ask anyone to vote for you through a direct message or email, and you may not post a "campaign" message on the Palatine forum. Voters should judge a candidate by his political record, activity level, honor, and prestige.
If you want to run for the office of Consul, you should join the Senate ballot. At the end of an election, the top two vote recipients are usually elevated to the rank of Consul. However, the Comitia Centuriata may intervene and overturn the PC election result. Be warned-if you are elected to the rank of Consul, you will not be allowed to run for immediate reelection. At the end of a Consul's term, he may be assigned to govern a provincial region as Proconsul.
If you want to run for the office of Senator, you should join the Senate ballot. At the end of an election, the top candidates (including the top two, who become Consuls) are elected to the Senate. The candidate with the least votes is always dropped, even if there are only nine or less people on the ballot. If you are already a Senator, you do not need to run for election! Senators serve for life.
If you want to run for the office of Aedile, you should join the Aedile ballot. At the end of an election, the candidate with the fewest votes is dropped. All other candidates are elected (this is subject to change in the future).
Families
A family head will earn +6 prestige while family head. From the family page, members may vote for people to become family head. An age requirement of thirty exists. The members of a family may, or may not, be closely related to other members of their family. If you want to establish your character as a close relative of another character, you MUST secure permission! For example, you may not simply declare that your character is the son of the Emperor or one of the Consuls.
Family pages will show total honors from all members combined as well as average honor per member. Members will be listed with honors, rank, age, and marriage. Wealth will also be reflected as total assets and money of all members.
Salaries (bold are ranks PCs can hold)
The salaries outlined in bold denote automatic income obtained by PCs of certain ranks. These values may not be changed and do not come from the treasury (we assume that a person of a certain rank simply acquires the given sum due to his social status). Salaries listed for NPCs are rough approximations and may vary depending on the official or project details.
- Laborers, Servants = 10c per year
- Clerks, Scribes = 120c per year
- Teachers = 120c per year
- Legionnaires = 100c per year
- Interpreters, Architects, Engineers = 200c per year
- Patrician = 150c per year
- Adiuvator = 150c per year
- Tribune = 300c per year
- Legate = 2,000c per year
- Proconsular Legate = 6,000c per year
- Magister Militum = 9,000c per year
- Senior Official = 1,000c per year
- Civis Privatus = 150c per year
- Quaestor = 1,000c per year
- Aedile = 2,000c per year
- Senator = 6,000c per year
- Consul = 9,000c per year
- Proconsul = 9,000c per year
- Praefectus Praetorio = 20,000c per year
- Imperator = 50,000c per year
Honor
Ways to Gain/Lose Honor
- Ballots = +1 for successfully joining a ballot
- Issue Posting = +1 (Consuls)
- Credited Issue = +1 (given by Consul to Aedile or Senator)
- Reject Issue = -1 honor for Consul, +1 for Emperor
- Pass Issue = +1 honor for Consuls, +1 Emperor
- Vote = +1 to anyone who votes. Senate or Tribunal elections
- Priest marriage = +1
- Priest healing = +1
- Family head nomination = +5 during duration
Honor Bonuses for Gaining Ranks (lost if demoted or resign)
- Tribune = +1
- Legate = +5
- Proconsular Legate = +8
- Quaestor = +1
- Aedile = +2
- Senator = +2
- Consul = +3
- Proconsul = +2
- Praetorian Prefect = +8
- Emperor = +12
Prestige
- Marriage = +1 prestige
- Divorce = -2 prestige
- Family head = +1 prestige
- Hiring Assassin = -1 prestige
- Give gift to gods = +1 prestige
- Ownership of large homes (villas and up) = +1 prestige
- Ownership of small palace = +2 prestige
Health
Max Health for PC Ages
- 0 – 39 years old = max 100 health
- 40 – 59 years old = max 89 health
- 60 – 69 years old = max 79 health
- 70 – 79 years old = max 69 health
- 80 – 89 years old = max 49 health
- 90 – 94 years old = max 29 health
- 95 – 99 years old = 75% chance of death at the year end. Death auto at 99
Ways to Gain/Lose Health
- Bathe (bathes) = +1 to +3 health (age dependant)
- Temple (healing) = +1 to +3 health (age dependant)
- Temple (super healing) = +2 to +10 health (age dependant)
- Massage (bathes) = +1 to +8 health (age dependant)
- Pray = temple = +1 (max once per year)
- Arena Box = +1 health (max once per year)
- Circus Box = +1 health (max once per year)
- Annual Aging = -1 to -8 (age dependant, the older you are the more you lose)
Health Ratings
- 0 – 19 = your character dies at the year end
- 20 – 29 = dying (25% chance of death at the year end)
- 30 – 39 = ill (10% chance of death at the year end)
- 40 – 49 = frail (5% chance of death at the year end)
- 50 – 59 = okay
- 60 – 69 = able
- 70 – 79 = healthy
- 80 – 100 = strong
Bathes
Rumors = admin will add rumors that have been sent to them by any and all players
News = admin will add rumors that have been sent to them by any and all players
Assassin = 1000,2000,5000,10000 submit (-1 honor for doing it)
Bathe = 500c
Message = 1000c
Marketplace
The price and economic benefit of the various holdings will vary over time at Admin discretion, based upon the game's unfolding IC events. It should be noted that a player gains the majority of their income via the Varran Market Place options.
Imperial Treasury
- Death tax = 1% to 30% (deducts from asset/cash values at death when assets are divided among family)
- Property tax = 1% to 20% yearly
- Sales tax = 1% to 10% on purchases
- Luxury tax = 1% to 10% on luxury purchases + sales tax on top
- Military Maintenance = maintenance factor * total troops
- Soldier Pay = base pay * number of soldiers
- Provincial taxes = 1% to 50% * average NPC wealth for the province
- Income tax level = 1% to 50% * average NPC citizen wealth
Rome's Economic State can alter through the various categories listed at the head of the page. The various spending levels can be amended line by line to reflect the Empire's running costs and expenditures. These can be allowed to "evolve" with the coopration of the site's OOC Managers.
Emperor is able to control and change EVERY setting immediately, although the effects are reflected in the following year's budget.
Temple
- Healing = 300c
- Big healing =3000c
- Donate to god = 500 (+1-2) (once per year per god)
- Donate to god II = 2000c (+1-5) (once per year per god)
- Pray to god = 0 (+1) (once per year per god)
- Decay = -1 per year from each god
- Everyone starts 50s all gods.
- Under 20 from a god = 1% of random 5 health yearly
- Under 10 from a god = 1% of random 10 health yearly
- 0 from a god = 10% chance of ?10 yearly
Gods
- Jove = The Head God
- Mars = War & Military
- Mercury = Commerce & Fortune
- Venus = Beauty & Love
- Ceres = Agriculture
- Neptune = Ocean & Water
Circus
Following are Circus rules and conditions
- 2 horses per god
- place bets (4-1 odds all horses)
- +1 god points personal for first horse bet (once a year)
- last winner (god/human better)
- max 10,000 per horse (may bet all)
- each horse bet = +1 to the gods happiness in general
- auto run each Roman year
Arena
Following are Arena rules and conditions
- Admin adds gladiators. Name/Age/Province/Skill (0-20)/price
- 2 gladiators max per person
- gladiators retire at 50
- matches auto selected and auto run yearly
- matches = skill + training + equipment-age (10% random bonus)
- training 1-100 (each point costs 100c)
- gladiators age 1 year per roman year
- 1,000c per win + 2 skill (max 20). Victories and losses recorded
- losses add +1 skill and no loss of money
- 5th loss results in death
- 30th victory results in auto-retire and roll of honor status
- Equipment 1-100 (each point costs 100c)
Mausoleum
Records names of emperors, dates of reign x-x, death honor and prestige. lifespan x-x. Finally there is a "tyranny rating" for Emperors, based upon their willingness to execute and imprison those that displease them.
Additional Political Information
Emperor - Legal Powers Outline
Although we frequently refer to the rank of Emperor, the position does not exist as a single formal office. Rather, the Emperor draws authority from a collection of titles and powers. More than one person may hold a collection of these offices at any given time. Four titles and powers are frequently associated with the Emperor:
Pontifex Maximus:
The office of Pontifex Maximus is extremely prestigious. As leader of the Roman state religion, the Pontifex Maximus has considerable legal authority over the Temple establishment. Furthermore, he presides at various state functions and formal religious ceremonies. The Pontifex Maximus is elected for life by the Comitia Tributa on the advice of the Senate. Despite its importance, not every Emperor is Pontifex Maximus. An Emperor may govern without this most important religious title in his political portfolio.
Princeps Senatus:
The Princeps Senatus is the honorary leader of the Senate. He has the right to sit in a prominent position within the Curia alongside the Consuls. The Princeps may also convene the Senate at his discretion (like the Consuls) and, under certain circumstances, he may represent the Senate in greeting ambassadors and other foreign dignitaries. like the office of Pontifex Maximus, the title of Princeps Senatus is usually held by the Emperor, but it is not an essential component of the Emperor's "package of powers".
Imperium Maius Proconsulare:
Often simply known as "Imperium Maius", this power is granted by a special Lex and does not exist as a formal office. However, the concept of Proconsular imperium is firmly rooted in Republican legal theory. The Emperor's Imperium Maius allows him to govern specific provinces directly and command legions as "Supreme Proconsul". In practice, the Emperor exercises this power through delegation to subordinates (such as Proconsular Legates). Imperium Maius also allows the Emperor to exercise a certain degree of authority over Senatorial provinces, although the nature of this oversight is vaguely defined and somewhat controversial. Finally, unlike Republican Proconsuls, the Emperor does not forfeit his imperium upon entering the pomerium (sacred boundaries of Rome). Imperium Maius Proconsulare is the Emperor's single most important power.
Tribunicia Potestas:
Second only to Imperium Maius in significance, Tribunicia Potestas allows the Emperor to veto the actions of lesser magistrates or Senatus-Consulta. The Potestas originates with the historical power of the Plebeian Tribunes, but it is granted through a special Lex to the Emperor, who acquires the powers but not the office of Plebeian Tribune. Any veto must be proactive. Hence, a person vested with Tribunicia Potestas may not impose retroactive veto. Tribunicia Potestas also grants the Emperor inviolability (immunity from prosecution under ordinary legal mechanisms).
Senatorial Ranks
In ancient Rome, various administrative positions were held by
Senators. These officials sat and voted in the Senate in addition to
exercising their authority over their respective offices. This situation
is reflected in the Roman Legion, which maintains three Senatorial
offices.
Praefectus Urbanus:
During the Republic, the offices of Praefectus Urbanus and Praefectus
Urbi evolved, with various powers attached to both positions. During the
Principate, the Praefectus Urbi gradually absorbed the administrative and
judicial authority of the Praetor Urbanus. He also commanded the Urban
Cohorts.
In the Roman Legion, we have introduced the office of Praefectus
Urbanus- Urban Prefect. This office is prestigious and requires an active,
capable administrator. The Urban Prefect commands the Urban Cohorts,
oversees the public projects within Rome, and presides over the Judicial
Court for the city of Rome. The Urban Prefect is elevated to office by
decree of the Senate, and he generally maintains office as long as he
holds the rank of Senator. However, he may be replaced by a new promotion
decree or dismissed by the Emperor for incompetence or other reasons. An
Urban Prefect should try to publish at least one scenario regarding his
duties each Senatorial term.
Rex Sacrorum:
Historically, through the early Republic the Rex Sacrorum was a
religious official who held the authority over the Temple establishment.
The Rex Sacrorum replaced the ancient Kings of Rome as the Chief Priest of
the state religion. However, over time, the position of the Rex Sacrorum
was reduced in power and placed in subordination to the Pontifex Maximus.
During the Principate, the Emperor was generally the Pontifex Maximus and
the Rex Sacrorum was a lesser functionary.
In the Roman Legion, the office of Rex Sacrorum has been restored in a
new form: the R.S. is the administrative chief of Temple Affairs. He has
control over the Temple funds and the revenue-generating Temple Estate (a
new R.S. must ask the GMs for information on the estate). A Rex Sacrorum
may be a Consul, Senator, or Aedile. All religious expenses should be
approved by the Rex Sacrorum. The R.S. is elected by decree of the Senate
and holds rank through the term. The Rex Sacrorum represents the dominant
role that politicians played in governing the state religion.
Curator Fiscus:
The Curator Fiscus presides over the Senate economic office. His
authority primarily concerns the control of the Senate Estate fund. (A new
Curator Fiscus should contact the GMs regarding this fund.) The Curator
Fiscus is expected to keep the Senate informed of his actions as
Curator.
Corruption
In ancient Rome, corruption was a perpetual problem. It existed at all
levels of the government bureaucracy, including the military. For game
purposes, corruption can be divided into two parts: PC corruption and NPC
corruption.
Player Characters may initiate corrupt activities to enhance their own
power and wealth. A PC should simply write a brief scenario describing the
corrupt activities. The scenario will obviously NOT be published. It will
remain a secret, unless the PC is caught in the attempt. A character
always has a greater chance of succeeding in corruption when he is
stealing from a fund that is under his oversight or authority. For
example, a Proconsular Legate could skim money from the upkeep funds for
his troops, while the Urban Prefect could secretly take a large sum of
money out of the annual public bread budget and keep it for himself. There
are many ways to obtain funds at the expense of the government or other
people. Creativity may increase chances of success. Obviously, the
corruption will have side effects. For example, if the Urban Prefect
steals 100,000 c from the public bread fund, there will be either less
bread or lower quality bread going to the people. Significant acts of
corruption are more likely to result in exposure than minor
corruption.
Non-player characters also engage in corrupt activities. Lower level
tax collectors, military paymasters, treasury officials, building
overseers, etc, may all engage in corruption. Obviously, high levels of
corruption will have a detrimental influence on the efficiency of the
affected institution or program.
Player characters may act to combat corruption through scenarios. Once
again, there is no set way to go about this task, but scenarios can be
used to control (or attempt to control) the corruption of lower-level
NPCs. Scenarios may also be used to investigate the suspected corruption
of PCs. For example, an increase in the severity of laws regarding
corruption may scare some officials into abandoning their embezzlement of
funds. However, laws alone cannot control the problem, and they may even
be counterproductive. As a final note, any form of PC oversight will
generally reduce corruption. Therefore, when there is no Rex Sacrorum, the
chances of minor temple officials embezzling money increases
considerably.
Assassinations, and Bodyguards, and
Conspiracies
Politicians may engage in secret conspiracies against other Romans,
including the Imperator. Conspiracies are always initiated through
scenarios. You must be very careful in discussing conspiracies with
others. Conspiracies may include assassinations. You can use the assassin
menu in the Palatine Bathes for killing very low ranking Romans. But be
warned- the Palatine Bathes assassin menu is useless for killing high
ranking Romans. The success of scenario based conspiracies will be judged
on a number of criteria. 1) How many assassins were involved? 2) How well
were the assassins paid? 3) How clever and realistic is the assassination
plan? 4) What level of protection (guards, personal defense skills) does
the target have at his disposal? 5) Has the targeted character taken any
steps to block an assassination? The GM will usually determine the success
or failure of the assassination based on these elements. In the case of
close call assassinations which could realistically go either way, a
random element might be introduced.
In order to block assassins, a character may request protection from
the Praetorian Guards, Urban Cohorts, or regular soldiers. The GMs must be
informed- email Secret Scenarios. The Emperor is automatically protected
by Praetorians at all times, and senior politicians are protected by a
small number of lictors by default. Also, a character may hire private
bodyguards. Please contact SecretScenarios@yahoo.com for more information on hiring
bodyguards. A character may also decrease the chances of assassination by
taking special measures. For example, he might decide to spend the night
in a room other than his own for fear of assassins. Be creative! All
special measures must be emailed to SecretScenarios@yahoo.com.
More advanced conspiracies usually involve more than a single
assassination. A character may plot a political coup within the city of
Rome. A number of measures may be used- bribes of military units and NPC
officials, use of mob support, spreading propaganda, etc. As usual, all
actions take place through Secret Scenarios. A conspiracys chances of
success are dramatically increased by the involvement of more than one
player character. For more information on legion revolts (which form an
important part of most conspiracies against powerful Romans) please see
the section on Legion
Revolts.
Warning: Do NOT discuss conspiracies with another player OOC unless
your character also trusts that person IC. Any secret information that is
shared out of character MAY be used in character. It is bad form to use
OOC information for IC purposes, but it is simply impossible for us as GMs
to determine the exact motive behind an IC action.
Why do we have this rule? In the past, we have experienced (on several
occasions) bitter arguments over IC and OOC information. Heres a possible
example. Bob has character Borius and Jason has character Jasinus. Borius
is involved in a conspiracy against the Emperor. Bob chats with Jason on
ICQ and tells him OOC that he is plotting against the Emperor. Jason,
whose character Jasinus is loyal to the Emperor, sends a dispatch to the
Emperor and warns him that Borius is involved in a conspiracy. Borius is
caught and executed. Bob angrily charges that Jason cheated by using OOC
information to influence the actions of his character Jasinus. Jason
responds by saying that Jasinus always suspected Borius, and therefore his
letter to the Emperor was a legitimate IC act that did not come from the
OOC email.
How do the GMs solve this problem? Obviously we cannot make Jason take
a lie detector test to determine whether or not he is telling the truth.
Therefore, in any case such as this, we will give the benefit of the doubt
to the person who was told the OOC information. So if you are involved in
a conspiracy, do not talk about it with other players OOC.
Additional Military Information
Military Scenarios
Scenarios are the means that military events of importance should
"occur". Without a published scenario, no event can be assumed to have
happened. All scenario submissions should be sent to Secretscenarios@Yahoo.com
It should be noted that all scenarios submitted may be subject to
change or rejection by the Game Masters, at their discretion. This should
be taken to mean, that a player should never assume a scenario's outcome,
until it has been published!
This allows events to be somewhat more "fluid", as more than one Player
(and view of events) may be incorporated in a scenario as
published.
Collaborative efforts, involving several Players are encouraged. This
will allow all to take part in the scenario process should they desire it.
However a Player should keep their In Character rank in mind, as a
scenario written by a "Tribune", involving unsanctioned IC events above
their "pay grade" is extremely unlikely to be published.
Essentially the establishing of scenario collaboration is the Primary
OOC role of a senior ranked Roman Legion player. This does not imply OOC
authority, simply a commander's ability to "influence" his command's
activity.
Note: Attribution of words and deeds to a PC without that player's
consent is NEVER acceptable. Attempts to do so will be viewed as a
possible form of "cheating".
Training
This is the collective ability of the formation to act effectively as a
military force. A legion's rating will be altered by a combination of Game
play factors.
"Green" is the level a newly raised force will be classed. With time,
to allow training, this can be increased. Until this has happened though,
any Green unit committed to battle has a much higher than normal chance of
failing to achieve the tasks that its commanders set for it. This could be
critical for Privately funded legions, as they usually take longer than
Imperial formations to become completely proficient legions.
"Regular" is the default level for proficient units. This is a fully
combat ready unit, that has mastered the collective skills for its various
elements to act together in an effective manner. Commanders can rely on
such units to strive in almost all circumstances to achieve the military
tasks set for them.
The two highest classifications, are in addition to unit training, a
function of unit self image.
"Veteran" status is achieved through military experience, usually
victorious. This is very difficult to maintain for sustained periods.
These troops are highly trained, experienced and very confident of their
abilities against enemy forces.
"Elite" status is a function of a unit's "Status" (as with the
Praetorian Guard), or exceptional combat performance. Elite units simply
can not conceive of battlefield defeat and act accordingly.
Mentality
This is the degree of satisfaction, and hence loyalty, that a unit
feels for its "employers". This can be of CRITICAL political importance in
times of Political, or Military stress to the Empire. Legions may well
have "agendas" that are not the same as those that Players may wish them
to have.
"Wavering" -- These units are no longer reliable; mutiny is now
possible for them. These are formations that are seriously displeased with
one or more issue that is affecting them. It is even possible, that events
can take place, such as all out mutiny, based entirely upon NPC actions.
(A good example of this would be lack of pay).
"Uncertain"-- There at the least elements of the legion that are no
longer reliable. Generally NPC action alone will not result in Mutiny.
However PC action CAN influence these legions relatively
easily
"Steady" -- The Normal state of mind for most units. Politically these
units need not be considered a threat in most situations.
"Determined" -- They have almost unassailable faith in those placed
over them, as well as the policies that are governing them. This is
actually the "default" rating for privately raised legions, as the troops
are likely to feel a higher than average commitment to their patron's
cause.
"Ardent" -- Rock solid troops, they will unflinchingly support their
commanders in all political situations.
Types of Military Units
Consular Legions
These are commanded by a Proconsul and are legionary only formations.
like the Senatorial provinces, Consular legions theoretically maintain the
command structure of the Republic and fall outside of the Emperors direct,
personal command. The distinction is a legal technicality, not a matter of
real independence. The Imperator may still assign orders to these legions.
Because they are part of the Imperial Army, the cost of these forces is
born by the Imperial treasury as part of the Empire's annual
budget.
While the command of some of Rome's legions has been assigned to a
Consular politician (Proconsuls having previously served at least one term
as Consul), the Legion Legates (normally NPC) remain the Imperators
appointees.
Imperial Legions
These constitute the vast bulk of the Imperial Forces available. They
have a mix of both infantry and mounted forces. These can be commanded by
Player Characters, or Non player Character Legates. As with Consular
Legions, the cost of supporting this form of unit, is met from the
Imperial Treasury.
Navies
These are the various fleets available. They list both shipping and
personnel needed to man them. Not shown, but essential to their operation
is one or more Fleet base. These can be commanded by Player Characters, or
Non player Character Legates.
These are without doubt the most expensive form of unit in Roma Legion,
the cost is one that the Imperial Treasury meets
Imperial Law Enforcement
Although not strictly "military" formations, they do have some combat
ability, in addition to their "law enforcement' duties. The Praetorian
Guards serve several functions. Some units function as the "secret police"
under the Praetorian Prefect. The main Guard cohorts are considered to
have the capabilities of Legionaries in combat terms. Finally, units of
the Praetorian Guard function as bodyguards for the Emperor in Rome.
The Urban Cohorts, are the City Police Force of Rome. They have combat
ability roughly equivalent to that of Auxiliary troops. In standard
patrols within the city, the guardsmen of the Urban Cohorts and the
Praetorians are only lightly armed and do not wear armor. The Vigiles
handle the bulk of day-to-day patrols and petty crime arrests.
Irregular Legions
These are legions that have been formed and fully funded by a private
individual, the "Patron" for any valid Role Playing reason. Indeed they
can be seen as "politics by other means", although they are much less
effective long standing additions to "normal" Imperial Units. This is part
because these legions are manned by men who have different (read shorter)
enlistments than their Regular counterparts.
These legions may, or may not, be acting under Imperial authority. As
they have more than notional "political" implications in the Game, they
are made up of Citizen "clients" (NPC) of their sponsor and fight as
"citizens" would. Hence they are legionary forces. These can have either
Player Character, or Non player Character Legates. this is at the
discretion of the Legion's Patron player. As the existence of these
legions is an "acknowledged fact" in game terms, they are visible to all
Players.
Private Legions
Identical to "Irregular" legions, except that their existence is only
viewable on the Garrison Page by their Patrons and the Game Masters (when
logged in). The creation of these legions requires the player to contact
the Game Masters. (this will sort out the "details" of the legion's
formation and initial location) If need be, to maintain IC secrecy,
scenarios may be generated that are NOT published in the normal manner.
These will be "archived" by the GM's to document their "secret"
activity.
The public discloser of the legions may be made by their "owner", or
through the IC efforts of other Players. In either case the legion will be
shifted in to the "Irregular" category above.
Troop Types Displayed
There are multiple "types" of forces available that may be mixed in
formations through role play.
Soldiers
These are the famous "Legionaries". Through much of the game, they will
form the backbone of the Roman Army that players will employ. They are
heavily armed and protected troops, trained to fight in close formation.
They are best employed in "open" country, not likely to break up their
battle formations. Trained and well able to launch "shock" action, with
the aim of breaking enemy forces. Recruited from NPC "Citizens", their
terms of service and exact nature will be defined through game play. As
such these "facts" may change over time.
Note: These are your real killers in almost all situations.
Auxiliaries
Auxiliaries are the supporting infantry forces of the Empire. lightly
armed and protected, they are trained to fight in loser formations than
their legionary counterparts. This makes them better suited for action in
"close" country. Also included are various special units of infantrymen.
This group would include archers, slingers and others that may evolve.
Trained Recruited from among NPC non-citizens, their terms of Service and
exact nature will be defined through game play.
Heavy Cavalry
These are well protected and armed mounted troops, trained to fight in
close formations. They have some ability to deliver shock action against
opponents in battle. Though not as mobile as their light counterparts,
they have greater mobility than any form of infantry. Recruited form
varied sources, mostly non-citizens.
Note: All mounted troops lack decisive combat ability on a battlefield.
They are not a substitute for "Legionaries" when writing a battle in a
scenario.
light Cavalry
lightly protected and armed mounted troops, trained to fight in lose
formations. Highly mobile on and off the battlefield. As with all mounted
troops, they are better employed in more open country. light Cavalry would
be expected in most situations to form the scouts of any Roman force. The
choice of weapons may vary according to the origins of the troops, being
recruited from NPC non-citizens
Large Ships
The major warships of the Roman fleet, such as a historical Quincareme.
Because of their size and cost, no privately owned ships even comes close
to them in combat power. They are classical galleys ("Row well Xli and
live"). Thuis means, they are not suited for sustained operations far from
shore.
Although equipped with sails, these would not be willingly employed in
battle. Instead, multiple banks of oars men would be employed to drive
these ships at high speed, for short distances in battle. Apart from the
sailors aboard each ship, they would have a substantial compliment of
Legionaries and Auxiliaries (Marines). For this reason, they are capable
of both ramming and boarding action. It would be reasonable to assume,
they may also have missile throwing weapons of varied kinds.
It should be noted that the cost of building one of these ships is
immense, and the costs of maintaining them are no less trivial either.
Because of their specialized nature, no private owner will be able to own
and operate ships of this type.
Small Ships
Although smaller than the previous class, they are about the size of
the Commercial trireme, these too are propelled by banks of oars men
better suited for scouting than the centre of a major naval battle, if
facing opponents from another great naval power. This is due to their
smaller ship's companies as well as their smaller size.
However they are ideal for the suppression of pirate warships, and
intercepting those wallowing galleons that they are designed to prey upon!
They can outfight anything they can't out run. As wih their larger
counterparts, they are not suitable for distant blockade (sorry that took
until the 17th/18th Century AD to "happen")
The Roles of the Military Ranks
According to the In Character rank of the player, the various legions
may be managed in several ways. Historically the Roman Army was a rigidly
stratified hierarchy, this is reflected in Roman Legion too.
Imperator: The Emperor has Imperium over all "loyal"
characters. Imperium is the authority of the character to "command" other
character's IC. Out of Character (OOC) this is reflected by their ability
to act on the Garrison Page's information in certain respects. In all
normal circumstances they can appoint Proconsular Legates and Legates, for
all Imperial Forces. They may also change the "Locations" of and the
"Orders" of the legions on the Garrison Page. This in and of it self is
not a means to effect the game's timeline (this is always done through
scenarios), but is a means to show how In Character events are being
planned and may well add to the flow and fun of the Role Play.
Magister Militum: In game terms, is the senior Proconsular
Legate and is the most senior Professional Military character in the game
at that time. He is considered to have a Consul's Imperium plus the
special confidence of the Emperor, which enhances his authority. This job
can be as "Big" as the man filling it!
Pronconsular Legate: They may change the Locations and "Orders"
of the legions that have been assigned to their command (usually by the
Emperor himself). This is a reflection of the PC's Imperium (Consular in
status). Along with the Magister Militum, they have the IC right of
"audience" with the Emperor. While any player may be promoted to this
rank, their ability will be viewed in light of their previous scenario
efforts.
Proconsul: Sharing the same degree of imperium as the
Proconsular Legate, this in IC terms is derived Senatorially. Although in
practice they serve at the Emperor's pleasure, they will normally by the
last term's two Consuls. The relative lack of military experience for most
PC's of this rank should be kept in mind by players, although some
Proconsuls may have larger degrees of military command
experience.
Consul: A Consul does possess the imperium to command legions
that are assigned to him. However, under ordinary circumstances, Consuls
will not have any military units under their command.
A Legate, Tribune and Audivator may not make any
changes to legion details on the Garrison Page (They lack the Imperium, so
this OOC ability is not given them). However, all these players will have
the possibility to effects the game's outcome through the scenario
process. In the absence of a Proconsular Legate within command radius, a
Legate may assert a fair degree of authority over his legion through
command. But because of his lack of in-site ability to edit the garrison,
this may ONLY be done through scenarios.
Although not represented on the Avatine Hill, there are certain "ranks"
that an aspiring Tribune may be appointed to. A Proconsular Legate, or
Legate, may appoint a Tribune as their "Chief of Staff". This appointment,
should in all possible situations be sanctioned by either the Emperor OR
Magister Militum. While it carries no imperium, it is a useful device in
Role Playing terms and is a clear sign of future promise in a
character.
Note: In no situation does a Tribune "outrank" any NPC Legate.
Legion Revolt
Revolt is always a possibility. However the successful conspirator (not
the lone "hero" of so many past attempts), should have made Role Playing
preparations for this action. This is the stage where the secret creation
of additional "Private Legions" can have profound Role Playing
implications. Here if the plot matures well, it means that a Commander may
have well prepared legions which are highly motivated, that can be thrown
in to battle against an opponent who has been totally caught off
guard.
As a Rule of thumb, it would be expected that no less than three
confirmations from different Players be sent to secretscenarios@yahoo.com, that they have entered upon
this action willingly. This does not imply that the "true" allegiance of
the player has to be disclosed in Role Play with other players.
As these confirmations are "secret" this allows deliberate deceit in
Role Play between players to happen. Failure to form a true "conspiracy"
may seriously compromise the plan. (Yes and it also means your chances of
being uncovered by the "other side" go up to!)
Factors that will also influence the response of troops to their
commander's calls for them to rally to the cause are length of command,
previous mutual service, proximity, general political situation, or,
almost anything! However a player should and can NOT assume blind
obedience of their troops to an obviously futile cause!
When this conspiracy has occurred and gone into action, with an
Imperial Legion for example, no other player but the Commander in revolt
should make changes to the Garrison Page details for the Legion(s) in
question. This reflects the In Character reality, that these units no
longer accept the normal Imperium of contending players and have
substituted their own views.
A commander in revolt should at least be aware that pay and supply are
factors that they will need to address. This is because in Role Playing
terms, the Imperial Treasury is no longer paying to support the legions in
question.
In a Revolt or Civil War situation, the In Character events make
Scenarios critically important. Commanders, of any side, should NEVER
assume any event is acceptable. This is because, unless otherwise
specified all activity should be sanctioned by the Game Masters.
Deliberate attempts to "hide" military actions are encouraged in these
situations.
The requirement for full discloser of these actions to the Game
Masters, is the means to allow events to unfold quickly and with some
degree of rapidity. This is designed to create a degree of uncertainty and
confusion. All players should be prepared for this fact and act
accordingly.
Additional Points
There are additional points that the successful player should be aware
have large effects to the outcome of events in Roman Legion.
Command Radius
This, essentially, is the ability of the assigned Proconsular Legate to
exert control over the Legions assigned to his command. It is impossible
with the communications available, for ACTIVE control to be exerted at
great distances. This can mean that legions are politically as well as
militarily vulnerable. In simple terms, the assigned legions should be in
ideal circumstances be "clustered" in reasonable proximity, if they are to
feel the (positive) influence of their commanders.
Command "Experience"
This is derived from the length of service a PC , as well as their
recorded (scenario) career to date (unpublished work WILL be a
consideration here). It is this factor, that can make command of a Legion
by a Tribune, or inactive Legate, a disastrous event in IC
terms.
Supply
The provisioning of supply is normal "accepted' as an accomplished
fact. In some situations though this will to need be addressed. Imperial
Armouries and ONLY Imperial Armouries, supply the Imperial Army with the
tools of its trade. Loss these will have serious effects if the matter is
not addressed immediately. The location of such establishments is a matter
of Game Play, as demonstrated by the completion of the original facility
in Campania as mentioned in the Senate Bill of 31BC.
There is also the issue of food supplies. Normally you need not worry
about this issue. The NPC's are VERY good at feeding the troops. However
Ancient agriculture was marginal and this means that too many legions in
an area that has no way of getting supplies to them can result in big
problems for all concerned.
Funding
Armies are EXPENSIVE! We all know that I am sure. The costs of various
unit types vary, but they add up. However, the amount spent per soldier in
the Imperial Treasury Page feature, it should be noted, is a function of
supply, not pay.
For those that want their own private "armies", the initial costs can
be high (although spread over a period of years, with the consent of the
GM's) while the annual costs to maintain a legion can be high too.
