The Roman Republic

## History and Current Events

300 years ago, Rome, a fledgling city-state that had existed for 15,000 years prior, decided upon its latest goal: to rule a unified Italy. After conquering large swaths of its home peninsula, it quickly became an emerging nation in the Mediterranean region. Utilizing military tactics and unique battle stratagem, the Romans were able to subjugate their less equipped neighbors and propagate their culture throughout the area. After consolidating control over Italy, the new Roman Republic began looking outward at the world around them.

Although they began on friendly terms, the start of conflict between Rome and Carthage began on the large island just south of Italy known as Sicily. Carthage had contested the island for almost two centuries with almost constant coup attempts (both successful and failed) from local despots. Eventually, they made a treaty with the native Sicilians to split the island's ownership, despite several broken treaties and minor wars after the fact. However, in 288, a group of mercenaries called "the Sons of Mars" led by the island's infamous cyclops Polyphemos, took hold of the city Messana on the southern part of the island. Now having an established location, Polyphemos sent an emissary to the Roman senate, pleading for assistance against the Punic army that had already landed in nearby Syracuse. Knowing that this would mean war with Carthage, the senate, unable to decide, allowed the public to hold a referendum. It was agreed that they would send aide to the Sons of Mars, sending a fleet directly across the strait of Messina to the port of Syracuse. Thus, the first Punic War began. Although expecting to swiftly defeat Carthage, the Romans faced fierce resistance and new enemies in the way of Warlocks and Elephant mounted archers. The war raged for 23 bloody years almost always in gridlock, with the Romans losing over 250 thousand men. Exhausted, both sides finally agreed to a peace treaty with reparations made to Rome and control of Sicily completely relinquished by Carthage.

Three years ago in 219, an important trading city named Saguntum faced a political crisis regarding whether the city would support Rome or Carthage. After tensions broke and Carthaginian supporters were either assassinated or outright murdered, a renowned Punic general by the name of Hannibal took action. He laid siege to the city, which pleaded desperately with Rome to send aid. However, Rome never replied. After a long and bloody battle, control of the city fell into the hands of Hannibal, who had used his latest cadre of Warlocks to demolish the city's defenses and sacrifice any child survivors to his patron, Baal. Ignited by his convictions, Hannibal has miraculously passed through the treacherous Alps and arrived in northern Italia, destroying armies in his path. Now, the Roman senate and consuls must gather to determine the fate of the Republic.

## Government

### Structure

The Roman Republic is separated into three branches of power. The **Consuls** are the annually elected rulers of Patrician (elite) status utilizing a "rule of two" for checks and balances. Consuls serve frequently as generals in times of war. The **Senate** are another group of Patricians who serve as advisors to the Consuls. The **Public Assembly** represent the bulk of Roman plebeians (common citizens), a gathering meant for low society to participate in politics.

### Current Consuls

Today in 216 BCE, the Roman Republic is led by Gaius Varro and Lucius Paullus. Lucius, having served as a Consul previously, is an accomplished general and statesman. Varro is the son of a plebian butcher, having clawed his way up the ladder of the political hierarchy. He is young and inexperienced, but determined to lead the Roman people to victory.

## Diplomatic Relations

#### Carthage (War)

Since the beginning of the 3rd century, Rome and Carthage have experienced a hostile relationship. A war between the two broke out only 40 years prior, leaving both Carthage and Rome financially ruined with an enraged populace. 2 years ago, tensions between the two nations finally burst, and war broke out once again. Now the Republic faces a fearsome and ruthless Carthaginian leader - Hannibal.

#### Macedonia/Greece (Neutral)

The Romans and Grecians share many aspects of their culture, including architecture, religion, and government. However, the Greek people have become considerably more progressive over the last century due in part to philosophers such as Aristotle, Epicurus, Socrates, and Plato. Traditionalists, many of the Roman elite reject this "Hellenistic" culture and have sought measures to prevent further influence on the Roman people. Additionally, Rome's expansionist policies and recent conflict over the island of Sicily and Sardinia have caused an uneasy tension between the two societies.

#### Gaul (Neutral)

The Romans have encountered Gallic tribes frequently with varied results, some attempting to raid Roman convoys and some having a loose alliance with the Republic. Invasions and sackings of the past have left Roman people distrustful of their Celtic neighbors and their orc compatriots.

#### Seleucids (Neutral)

Rome has had little contact with the Seleucid Empire outside of trade and is not currently interested in diplomacy.

#### Ptolemy/Egypt (Neutral)

Little diplomatic contact has been made between the Egyptians and Romans outside of trade, but their proximity to Carthage may make them a worthy military ally.

## Culture

### Religion

Romans worship the same pantheon of gods as the Greeks (albeit with different names), the primarch of whom is Jupiter. Citizens frequently keep paintings of their worshipped deities above the mantle in their households, and they worship at temple plazas during the evening.

### Non-humans

A humanity-centric society, non-humans are not allowed to: hold office, own property, become a citizen, or buy luxury goods or services. Their status is similar to but far below that of human women, in that they are "allowed" to exist while in Italy, but they end up having heavy restrictions and judgements placed upon them. Many humanoids are used as slaves without regard to their physical wellbeing. By 216 BCE, over 10,000 slaves consisting of Gallic Elves, German Kobolds, Swiss Gnomes, and Greek Satyrs worked as miners, lumbermen, or house slaves/gardeners to the Patricians. Races seen as undesirable or monstrous, such as orcs, are either slain on the spot or pitted against each other in public amphitheaters.