Play@YSDC

Forum Romanum- Rome, Italia
Morning - March 14, 44 BC

Story, Elizabeth Young, Lucius Verres, and Brook Davies emerged from the alley and entered a large open marketplace. Lucius immediately recognized it as the Forum Romanum, the very heart of Roman life. Nestled between the Capitoline and Palatine Hills, it was paved with stone and lined with temples, shops (all closed), and other prominent buildings. One of these was the Curia, where the Roman Senate would meet. Though none of the shops were open, which Lucius knew meant it had to be one of the many Roman holidays, the forum was still full of people mingling, talking, and enjoying entertainment. There were singers, dancers, jugglers, and people playing musical instruments. A man with a proud bearing who wore a white toga with a broad purple stripe made his way across the forum, a hideous figure of a man limping along at his heels in a brown hooded cloak not unlike Lucius's, only obviously customized to fit the man's misshapen form, over a plain brown toga. Ahead of them walked two tough-looking men, each carrying a long staff. Lucius identified them as lictors, bodyguards for prominent Romans. Also nearby was a man in his mid-thirties with auburn hair in a tattered gray toga with a red overcloak. Age had not been kind to his features, but he looked all right in comparison to the deformed man. There was also an absolutely stunning woman in her mid-twenties, wearing a toga that was clearly in much better shape. In addition, an old man wandered through the forum, frequently looking around.

The people in the forum saw the new arrivals enter the forum. The older man looked to be in his forties and had Brittanian features, as did the woman in her early twenties and the teenage girl accompanying him, though they all wore togas and sandals as Romans did. Their clothes were decent enough, if a bit out of style. Perhaps the ladies were his daughters. Also with them was a tall, muscular Roman man in a toga, with a brown hooded cucullus over it.

Senator Tiberius Tullius Germanicus walked through the forum, gladhanding and chatting with the crowds. After the salutatio, where he met with his clients, he often mingled with the people in the mornings outside the Curia. He recognized a couple of his clients here as well, which was no surprise. Today was the festival of Equiria, one of the few dedicated to Mars, the god of war. For the next couple of weeks, every day was a holiday of one sort or another. However, all of the shops were closed today, and would be again tomorrow. Instead, people took in entertainments such as plays and chariot races. It was a day off for Romans, and even slaves weren't allowed to work. Still, Claudius Marcius followed him faithfully as always, and his presence was...useful. Claudius was relieved to have the chance to relax and enjoy himself. Most of his life was full of pain and drudgery. Holidays were his few chances to take a breather.

Titus Iunius Philo often found people in the forum who wanted the future foretold. Senators, priests, or ordinary Romans would come to him to see what the omens said. While things appeared to have been settling down since the end of the war, the omens he had been seeing in recent weeks were getting darker and darker. Bad times were coming, but you wouldn't know it from seeing everyone enjoying the holiday. What was that old proverb? Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die? Something like that. That old man looked vaguely familiar to him. Where had he seen him before?

Caelia Alba was glad for the holiday. It gave her the opportunity to celebrate and have fun. While she did enjoy her work, it could also be very stressful. People's lives were literally in her hands, and it was not an easy burden. A festival dedicated to Mars didn't feel right to her, as war had claimed her husband. On the other hand, it had also been good for business. There had been no shortage of wounded soldiers, and some had even sought her services in spite of the fact that she is a woman. A number of them had known her late husband, which may have been why they came to her. Still, it was good that the war was behind them, and she wouldn't be sorry if there was never another one. However, she knew human nature all too well. There would always be another war.

Titus Iunius Philo,[b]Philo[/b], please roll Know.

OOC,All of you, please feel free to interact with each other. I'll wait a little while for a couple of new players to finish creating their characters before I get things properly started.

Aricus Callidus Gladio, ex-gladiator

Aricus wanders about the forum, enjoying the holiday. His lanista, Proculus Lartius Valens, gave his helper the day off, so the ex-gladiator finds himself in the marketplace. Aricus takes in the crowds, his eye lingering on the comely healer he has heard about, Caelia Alba. Her father Caelius Albus Graecus has helped the wounded at the ludus of Proculus Lartius Valens, who employed Aricus. The daughter was never allowed into the gladiator school; doubtless her father did not want Caelia in such a rough and raw place with crude gladiators greedily eyeing her, or more.

Then Aricus sees passing by him Senator Tiberius Tullius Germanicus. Their eyes meet briefly; Aricus nods. In Aricus' earlier days when he was a gladiator, the younger Tiberius was still making a name for himself and was a sponsor of Aricus in the arena. Later after his freedom, Aricus served the Senator as a body guard on some travels in Italy. The two came to have respect for each other. Then Aricus recognizes one of Tiberius' bodyguards, a Syrian known for his dirty tricks in the arena. Not a man of honor.

"Greetings Aricus! Happiness to you!" Aricus' thoughts are interrupted by the salutations of an old friend, Baro, who was a fighting brother in days past. "Yet I see furrowed brow. What troubles mind?"



"Good day to you Baro," responds Aricus. He nods his head in the direction of the Senator. "I like not the Syrian Kamar Vohra in presence of Senator Tiberius. But I am not in position to advise. I should stay mind from thought. Today is for wine and the embrace of questionable women.”

The ex-gladiator sees an augur in the marketplace. Since the days of his youth in Gaul, when he was studying to be a druid, Aricus has been intrigued with fortune tellers. He knew a good many of them were charlatans, but some indeed had insights from the gods. On impulse, Aricus approaches Titus Lunius Philo. "Augur, I would have fortune told."

Germanicus enjoyed the bustle of the forum, it gave him a chance to smell the people and their thoughts, and it allowed him to be seen. He knew he was safe here, at the heart of the Republic, with strong men vying to steer the mighty ship that was Rome back on its course towards infinity and he was empowered by the thought that he was a part of the crew that try to sail the Republic on a straight course.
He shrugged at the nautical metaphors, the wind must be coming from the West, for it carried the faint traces of freshness that were ever in scarce supply in the City.

After seeing the warrior that was once on his pay roll, Pugno...no, Gladio, and greeting him curtly but with a mutual understanding that is shared by men of the sword, he walked on. Germanicus was pleasantly surprised by the calm of the streets. Usually when the fighters were let out of the pits, they would carousing and whore and inevitably fight, but he'd seen none of it so far.

Then he noticed the presence of the other Britaniae on the forum, an odd group indeed, and he paid them no further attention.
"Do you see, Claudius, the crucible that is at the heart of Rome? Here at the centre of everything are gathered the peoples of the world. It is from here that order is spread and chaos is held at bay, and to that eternal light do flock the most colourful of moths."

He smiled as he saw Caelia and made his way towards her. The young healer had once helped his wife get rid of a hideous ulcer and her skills and discretion were held in high regard in the house of Germanicus.

"Ave, Caelia Alba! Even on this brightest of feasts do you outshine all others on the Forum. I trust the gods and this day find you in good health?"

Caldius kept his eyes open, his ears sharp, and his face covered by his hood.

"Do you see, Claudius, the crucible that is at the heart of Rome? Here at the centre of everything are gathered the peoples of the world. It is from here that order is spread and chaos is held at bay, and to that eternal light do flock the most colourful of moths."

"Yes master" he said, keeping his face and eyes deeply down to the ground. "It is truly a sight to behold".

Caldius was not strong, clever, fast, or brave. All he could profess to was a grotesque physique and a lifetime of learning how to avoid being hit as best he could.

He did not like being outside, not even with his master. Too many people, too unsafe. He flinched and trembled and wrung his hands, but endure it he must. No choice in the matter. He did his best to try and overhear his masters conversations, and study those he spoke too...

Titus Iunius Philo patrolled the forum on the holiday, usually he would do a reading here and there for a passerby to make a small bit of coin or to allow servants of clients who demanded a bit more discretion to call on him. Sometimes he'd simply be out in the forum to observe the people, which he felt was its own kind of augury - one could see signs in people themselves. Something about the older Brittanian stuck in his mind, ordinarily he'd just ignore it, but with the dark signs of late he had been less quick to dismiss anything. He tried to see if there was anything else out of the ordinary about them, aside from their fashion which Titus wasn't about to give anyone trouble about theirs compared to his own. Through his staring at the new man had prevented him from noticing the one right next to him. When the former gladiator spoke, Titus was startled.

"Oh! Yes, right, definitely. How fitting that a man of the sword would like a reading on Mars' holiday? A little exchange shall we? Tell me what you think, as a man who has more experience with foreign folk, of the Brittanians that just entered. Have you ever seen them before? Then, I will give you your reading." The augur nodded slightly towards the newcomers so that Gladio could take a look.

OOC and Rolls,Know (99): [dice]0[/dice] I'd like to take a spot hidden roll to see if there is anything else unusual about Story and the gang that I can notice. Spot Hidden (25): [dice]1[/dice] Also, how would the augury work in a case like Gladio's. Obviously, I won't be casting the spell.

Brook looks around curiously as they enter the forum. She smiles, as always intrigued by all the different people she could see. Turning to Story, she says: "I wonder why we're here...Is it only to guide Lucius home, or does the TARDIS have some other meaning bringing us here?" She smiles at Lucius, who seems right at home in this crowd. Looking to Elisabeth, she adds:"I just hope we're not kidnapped again, like last time."

"So long as I don't see any more fish monsters I will be happy!" says Elizabeth, grinning in response to Brook's comment. She turns to Lucius: "Lucius do you know where we are? Does it look familiar to you?" Elizabeth looks around them with interest, trying to see if she recognises anything from her - albeit limited - knowledge of ancient Rome.

Story looks around the forum, taking in the various sights and smells all around. After a moment he turns his attention to Brook, "Excellent question. The TARDIS has a tendency to be quite mysterious. I'm sure we will find out soon enough." Hearing Elizabeth's fish monster comment causes him to chuckle as he looks to Lucius.

"Ah, yes, we are at the Forum Romanum. It is good to be in Rome again, though quite a bit has changed in thirty-some years." Lucius takes in the sights and smells, and tries to get an idea of the current state of affairs.

OOC:   (being as Lucius is from 80 BC.)

CrackheadC. wrote: Titus Iunius Philo...
"Oh! Yes, right, definitely. How fitting that a man of the sword would like a reading on Mars' holiday? A little exchange shall we? Tell me what you think, as a man who has more experience with foreign folk, of the Brittanians that just entered. Have you ever seen them before? Then, I will give you your reading." The augur nodded slightly towards the newcomers so that Gladio could take a look.

Aricus glances over at the group of people the augur is referring to.

"They are strangers to my eye. From the way they gawk about, I would say they have not trodden the Forum grounds. Mayhap visitors from abroad."

"I am Aricus Callidus Gladio. What do the Fates whisper of me?"

"Thirty some years you say," says Story as he runs his hand through his hair. "Well, at least we're close."

Among the throng, Lupus sat propped against the base of a statue, apparently sleeping in the sun. One hand rested on his coin purse and the other held a jug of something. To observers, with his – admittedly greying – red hair and pale skin Lupus was obviously foreign born. Despite being of middle years, he looked fit and muscular, which with his short military hair-cut read: Army. To cap off the image, Lupus had a strikingly ugly face, criss-crossed with scars, and with a very broken nose.

OOC,Actually, the TARDIS crew does not yet know what year this is, or how far from [b]Lucius[/b]'s time it is (or even that it's not). Romans in the Republic era would typically describe the year by who was consul during that year. Rome had two consuls who served one year terms, so their names usually served to identify a particular year, and many documents used that method. Currently [b]Julius Caesar[/b] is the sole leader, due to exceptional circumstances. Romans also measured time Ab Urba Condita (A.U.C.), the number of years from the building of Rome in 753 BC. Thus, [b]Lucius[/b] is from 673 A.U.C. (80 BC), and it is currently 709 A.U.C. (44 BC). [b]Story[/b]. [b]Elizabeth[/b], and [b]Brook[/b], please roll History. [b]Lucius[/b], please roll Know.

Titus Iunius Philo,It was the old man wandering around the forum that most caught [b]Philo[/b]'s attention. He had seen this man before recently, on numerous occasions. He was an augur too, named [b]Adelphus[/b]. He was Greek, but he spent an awful lot of time in the guest palace where [b]Cleopatra[/b] and her Egyptian entourage were staying since they had come to Rome. In fact, he had arrived at around the same time. [b]Adelphus[/b] was most famous for the warning he had delivered to [b]Gaius Julius Caesar[/b] a month ago, at the feast of Lupercalia. He had told [b]Caesar[/b] to "beware the Ides of March" - and the Ides were tomorrow! Since then, there had been whispers about [b]Adelphus[/b] amongst the augurs of Rome. Some said that he wasn't really Greek. One had said he wasn't even a man, but some mysterious being in disguise.

Brook History 20 %: [dice]0[/dice]

Lucius has 50% Know
Rolled 06.

Story and Elizabeth Young,This was definitely the Forum Romanum, the very heart of Rome. Looking around, they could tell that this was the late Republic period. There were no Imperial symbols in evidence. Most people wore togas, but some were wearing tunics, which were just starting to come into style towards the end of the Republic.

Lucius Verres,[b]Lucius[/b] could tell at once that this was not his time. This was definitely the Forum Romanum, but things had changed. There were buildings here that he didn't remember seeing when he had been in Rome in his own time, nor had he heard of them having ever been there. Fashions were subtly different too. Very few people were tunics in his day, but there were more people wearing them here, though they were still in the minority. All of this led [b]Lucius[/b] to conclude that he was not in his past either, but at some point in his future. The differences were minor, so it probably wasn't that far off, but he didn't know yet what had changed in however long he'd been gone.

"Make way!" shouted a man's deep booming voice from the edge of the Forum. "Make way for Gaius Julius Caesar, twice imperator, dictator in perpetua!" When people turned to look, they saw the entourage of Julius Caesar approach. Caesar himself was borne atop a litter carried by several slaves, wearing a white toga with a wide purple stripe. Though he was in his mid-fifties, he still retained a powerful demeanor and features that looked like they were sculpted. Surrounding him were heralds, servants, various hangers-on, and his lictors. While Germanicus had but two of them, Caesar had an even dozen.

"Gosh!" says Elizabeth, in awe. Turning to the others she says "We'd better step out of the way if need be. This is a big group coming through."

Brook steps aside, gaping a little. "Wow.....The man himself...Look at him. Posh, isn't he...."

Germanicus turns to see the spectacle of Caesar arriving on the Forum. This man was without a doubt the lord of this realm, the son of Venus, and the true captain at the helm of the Republic. Germanicus deeply respected Caesar for his military genius as well as for his political acumen, and he was ill-favoured to such a concentration of power in one man, he knew that this was the right man for the job. The Republic was sick, but here came its miracle healer. He gave Caelia Alba a friendly smile and turned to great the Imperator.

"Ave Gaius Julius Caesar! I trust the day finds you well?"

Story steps aside with his companions. Saying nothing for the moment he merely observes Caesar.

The crowd melted away before Caesar and his followers, cheering his arrival. Caesar was very popular with the common people. He waved to the masses, then made eye contact with Germanicus and beckoned him through the ring of lictors surrounding him. The laurel wreath atop his pate that he had been wearing for the last month made him look even more distinguished. "Salve, Tiberius Tullius Germanicus! The day finds me well indeed! I trust the same can be said for you? In a few days I depart to lead my legions to glorious victory over the hated Parthians! Would that I had you fighting by my side again!"

The old man hobbled forward, approaching Caesar until two of the lictors crossed their rods in front of him, bringing him to a halt. "Tomorrow will not find you so well, mighty Caesar!"

Caesar smiled, waving for him to be allowed through. "So you have said before, Adelphus. We shall see."

As Titus Iunius Philo observed the sky for omens, he and Aricus Callidus Gladio were approached by Decimus Brutus Albinus, who had arrived with Caesar. The Praetor Peregrinus, a pale man of about forty years, was not to be confused with Marcus Brutus, Caesar's protege, though both of them were his distant cousins. "Salve, Gladio!" he said. "It has been far too long since I have seen you fight. I'm putting together gladiatorial games at the Theater of Pompey tomorrow to celebrate the Ides. While I have gladiators of my own, you would be a fine addition to tomorrow's matches, guaranteed to draw a huge crowd! I would pay you handsomely of course, and the purse that goes to the champion - which I'm sure you would have no trouble winning - is even more generous."

Lupus opened one eye and regarded the approaching entourage. With a slight groan he sat up and chugged back the last of whatever was in his jug, then left it by a statue. Lupus hauled himself to his feet and straightened his tunic and overcloak to an acceptable military standard. Once neat enough, he ambled over closer to Caesar’s entourage just to do a bit of tourist gawping. Closer but not close enough to stand out among the throng.

Germanicus smils at the offer and nods.

"The day finds me well, and we are blessed by a breeze from Ostia to freshen our noses.
You know too well my loathing for the Parthians and my distaste for the smell of the City in the summer, Caesar. My daughter has been howling for Parthian blood ever since Carrhae, and I suppose it is time I acted the obliging father."

He shrugs, looks towards the Theatre of Pompey, where the Senate gathered whilst the Curia Julia was being completed, and back at Caesar.

"I shall be glad to change robes for leather again, and honoured to ride by your side once more. When you assemble the legions, I shall be there too. But who will stay behind to protect the Senate from itself if both Caesar and Germanicus are in Parthia?" The last, he added jestingly.


Germanicuseyed Adelphus with a certain suspicion.

"Whatever the case may be, let me then make sure you at least dine well. Would you accept to dine on the Ides at my house, Caesar, or are you otherwise occupied?"

Caesar smiled broadly. "It will be good to ride with you again, old friend," he said. "With Marcus Antonius on my right flank and you on my left, victory is assured! I'm sure Marcus Brutus can manage the Senate in our absence. The young man shows great promise. And I would be pleased to dine with you tomorrow evening!"

"We make plans," said Adelphus as he made his way through the throng to stand before Caesar, "and the gods laugh."

"I think my plans have worked out well for me so far. I'm in the most enviable position!"

"Yes, and there are many who envy you. You would be wise to exercise caution."

"Nonsense! I am the undisputed ruler of Rome, perpetual dictator. Who would dare to challenge me?"

"My visions were unclear. I do not know the source of the danger, only that it surrounds you. I say again to beware the Ides of March! I beg of you, great Caesar, leave Rome tonight while you still can!" He grasped the fringe of Caesar's toga.

One of the lictors snapped into action, knocking Adelphus to the ground with his rod. "How dare you lay a hand upon Caesar?!" he snarled.

"He meant no harm," said Caesar, raising a hand. "I believe him to be sincere, if sincerely wrong. Come, Germanicus, accompany me to the Theater of Pompey. Rome does not rule itself!"

Germanicus nods affirmingly and nods.

"With Marcus Antonius at our side, we'll be in danger of running out of wine before we reach the Hellespont. I'll make to serve amply tomorrow evening!"

After the exchange with Adelphus, Germanicus adds.

"Leave at our finest hour? When we cut the cancer from the heart of the Republic and see it arise from its ashes like the fenix? Allow us to make to make the future, haruspex, that you may be allowed to see it more clearly."


Germanicus removes a ring, worth a at least some denarii, from his little finger and hands it to the soothsayer.

"We thank you for your counsel, Adelphus, here, eat and drink. None should go wanting on the feast of Mars."

With that he falls into step with Caesar as they walk to the Theatre.

Titus observes the birds for a few moments and is perturbed. "Aricus Callidus Gladio, of you I see only little - of Rome I see more. Death and war are coming to Rome and soon, but there will be glory for those who would have it. That would be you perhaps?" Titus apologizes and breaks away to get closer to Caesar and his men watching the two nobles babble. Adelphus was far more interesting to him and when he was knocked down Titus moved to assist him. Picking the man up off of the street.

"I would not be so quick to dismiss good Adelphus, his sights have been true and I myself have seen that death soon comes to Rome." Titus says.

OOC,Sorry for the delayed post, things have been crazy and then I had some information in my PMs that I couldn't access yesterday.

Lucius stands by with Story, Brook and Elisabeth, merely taking it all in.

Brook frowns as the old man gets knocked away, then watches as another moves in to help him up. Turning to Lucius, she asks:"So...what are the sights? The Circus? Lions and gladiators? I must say, some of these folks are very Russell Crowe..."

"See, that is why I'm glad you'll be campaigning with me, Germanicus!" said Caesar. "You've always had a genius for logistics. We'll need a hundred thousand amphorae of wine. That should satisfy Antonius. Then another hundred thousand should be enough for the legions."

Germanicus and Philo both knelt down to help Adelphus.

Tiberius Tullius Germanicus/Titus Iunius Philo,As the two men bent down, they were shocked to see that [b]Adelphus[/b] no longer had a man's face. His skin was covered in purple scales, and he had a look like that of a snake. This was visible only for a second, and then his features were suddenly those of a wrinkled old man. [spoiler]Both of you, please roll Sanity. Sanity loss is 0/1d6, so you lose no Sanity if you succeed or 1d6 Sanity if you fail. If you lose 5 or more Sanity, please roll Idea. If you fail the Idea roll, you may act normally. If you succeed at it, you will go temporarily insane.[/spoiler]

OOC,Everyone other than [b]Germanicus[/b] and [b]Philo[/b], please roll Spot Hidden.

Germanicus froze for the briefest of instances, his instincts telling him to fight or flee, his training and iron will forcing him to hold his composure. He straightens himself and stares at Adelphus.

"Your ill words darken these festive days, Adelphus. We will sacrifice a white bull at the temple of Jupiter Capitolinus and a lamb at the temple of Venus Genetrix, Caesar and Aeneas's patroness. Surely the Fates will be appeased then?"

Apart from shadows in the Germanic and Gaulic forests, Germanicus had never before been this close to the gods or their creatures. He had read about all manner of fantastic beasts, of course, but had never seen anything so..so otherworldly.

Mr. Handy wrote: for him to be allowed through. "As Titus Iunius Philo observed the sky for omens, he and Aricus Callidus Gladio were approached by Decimus Brutus Albinus, who had arrived with Caesar. The Praetor Peregrinus, a pale man of about forty years, was not to be confused with Marcus Brutus, Caesar's protege, though both of them were his distant cousins. "Salve, Gladio!" he said. "It has been far too long since I have seen you fight. I'm putting together gladiatorial games at the Theater of Pompey tomorrow to celebrate the Ides. While I have gladiators of my own, you would be a fine addition to tomorrow's matches, guaranteed to draw a huge crowd! I would pay you handsomely of course, and the purse that goes to the champion - which I'm sure you would have no trouble winning - is even more generous."

Aricus considers Decimus' invitation to fight in the arena. It has been some time since he trod blood stained sands. The allure was still there, though the ex-gladiator was getting on in years. His employer would be none too happy to have an injured, or dead, Aricus. Yet the purse would likely be several years salary.

"Aye, I will bring sword to bear again," answers Aricus.

Spot Hidden [1d100] = 19

Brook spot hidden 45 % [dice]0[/dice]

Titus shudders at the sight, pulls his hand back and barely maintains his composure, "The rumors... they're true?" As quickly as the sight was there it was gone, Titus looked around to see if anyone else had noticed.

"Right...Yes, perhaps you are right. A suitable sacrifice might do it." He says stunned.

Roll,[url=http://orokos.com/roll/324723]SAN Roll (65)[/url]: [u]1d100[/u] [b]64[/b]

Roll,Lupus has a Spot Hidden skill of 35% and rolls [dice]0[/dice]

Still trying to wake up, Lupus was largely oblivious to events. He may have over-indulged the last eve.

"Oh, my head." Lupus rubbed his temples and swore in Gallic.

Aricus, ex-gladiator

Aricus was talking with Decimus when out of the corner of his eye he saw Adelphus turn momentarily scaled like a serpent-man.

"By Jupiter's cock!" he swore, reaching for his gladius that wasn't there. The next moment Adelphus was normal. Aricus shook his head, disturbed and doubting his own sight. How can this be? It should not be! Do gods joke with me? Being a man of action the Gaelic Roman moves.

"Gratitude Decimus, I must need go. Send word of my fighting time and I will arrive to entertain crowd with sword," says Aricus quickly.

He steps to Adelphus and grasps the old man by the arm. "Good sir I would have word."

- Sanity Check (55) [1d100] = 61
- San loss [1d6] = 1

Caelia Alba had been browsing a selection of silks sold by a street hawker but was finding they were of very inferior quality. She was interrupted by an old friend of her fathers, Senator Tiberius Tullius Germanicus and his hideous slave, Claudius Marcius, and was about to reply when they too were interrupted by Caesar and his panoply of followers.

The crowd surges forward to see the great ruler but Caelia hangs back from the mass and keeps walking around the outskirts of the throng to the steps. These she climbs a little and watches over the square, although she can see little of what is happening around the Emperor's litter. She notices a man sitting at the base of a statue looking rather worse for wear. He's obviously a soldier and his ugly face is vaguely familiar; maybe he'd been to her father's clinic. She nods to him so as not to seem impolite.

Previously said:   Turning to Lucius, she asks:"So...what are the sights? The Circus? Lions and gladiators? I must say, some of these folks are very Russell Crowe...

"Rustle crow? I am not familiar with that sport?"

Lupus' heart skipped a beat at the greeting from the beautiful and skilled Alba. His ugly face broke into a smile and he gave her a polite soldier's wave in return.

So far out of your league, horse-brain.

And then Gladio was holding the seer's arm. Lupus didn't know either but deep seated superstition forced his hand. Lupus quickly strode towards Gladio. "Whoa laddy, let him go, it's far too early in the day for stupidity." Lupus didn't yell but his parade ground voice carried.

As he got closer, Lupus tried for reason and a slightly quieter voice. "The seer read General Caesar's fortune and gave him a warning. No cause for offence to anyone. But everyone knows hurting a seer is massive bad luck, they are beloved of gods and spirits. You hurt him and you'll likely bring down unaimed bad luck on us all, like a rain of arrows from the heavens."

OOC,[b]Caelia[/b] and [b]Lucius[/b], please don't forget to roll Spot Hidden. I have an update planned, but I can wait another day or two before posting it to give you some time to roll. I also still need a Spot Hidden roll for Claudius.

Story,[b]Story[/b] was shocked to see that [b]Adelphus[/b] no longer had a man's face. His skin was covered in purple scales, and he had a look like that of a snake. This was visible only for a second, and then his features were suddenly those of a wrinkled old man. [spoiler][b]Story[/b], please roll Sanity. Sanity loss is 0/1d6, so you lose no Sanity if you succeed or 1d6 Sanity if you fail. If you lose 5 or more Sanity, please roll Idea. If you fail the Idea roll, you may act normally. If you succeed at it, you will go temporarily insane.[/spoiler]

SUCCESS,[url=http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4867391/]Sanity - 79 (1d100=76)[/url]

Story momentarily appears surprised as he focuses his attention on Adelphus, tilting his head to the side he exhales deeply. Upon seeing Aricus grab the old man's arm he begins to walk over.

Brook opens her mouth to explain to Lucius, then closes it, smiling a little. "Never mind, Lucius. It's a...a sport from my time."

Caelia Alba is surprised as the soldier rushes off into the throng. She follows his progress and watches from afar as he seems to come to the rescue of an old seer. She can't quite hear what exactly is said. Then she notices a small group watching from the side. They look like ordinary citizens but something doesn't seem quite right; maybe it is the way the two women have set their hair... The old man in the group then also walks towards the fracas around the seer and she strains to see what happens next.

Spot hidden,(35) [url=http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4867617/]1d100=59[/url]

Lucius' face goes pale and he stands in shock. "By all the Gods! What was that?"
"Story! Wait, no!"

Brook startles at Lucius' sudden outburst, then looks to Story to see what it is he's doing to make their roman companion call out. "What' was what?"

Hearing Lucius' sudden outcry Story stops and turns around and walks back. Upon reaching Lucius, Story reaches out and lays his left hand on Lucius' right shoulder and says, "My friend, it is alright. Fear not." He glances back at Adelphus momentarily before returning his attention to his friend. Story continues, "There's nothing to worry about. Though..." He smiles and resumes talking, "I thank you for your concern." With a firm squeeze to Lucius' shoulder he removes his hand and looks at Elizabeth and Brook for a moment to see if they are distraught by what they may, or may not, have seen. In answer to Brook's question he simply says, "An old man..." Looking back at Adelphus he continues, though trailing off, "and someone whose undoubtedly quiet interesting."

"Quite interesting?" says Elizabeth weakly, wondering what she has missed. She looks from Story to Lucius, and back to Adelphus, trying to understand what has happened.

Lucius whispers to Story, To Elizabeth and Brooke, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you, keep an eye on the soothsayer."

Story turns his attention to Elizabeth and say, "For a second the man appeared... different. As in the reason we travel different." Then in case anyone unwanted was trying to listening he adds with a smile, "But it was probably just the sun in these old eyes of mine playing tricks."

Artemis Gauis Sylvius adjusted his tunic and toga, the former he was somewhat famliar with, the latter something that was still new to him. The tunic he choose to wear was one he had kept covered in his bed roll on his journey. In the sixty days or so it had taken him to travel the rather circious route from Mont Mart in the Triveri, he had purposely not used this tunic, nor removed it from the seperate space within his pack. It was a mix of linen and wool fabric that his daughter Aelia had fashioned with some help from Sallustia. The latter was more interested in Artemis owing her some future favor, she being a widow for two years, and the former wanting her father to look well in the Capital. It was a light brownish-yellow and he had over it a toga he had purchased upon his retirement ceremony now that he was an offical citizen of the Republic. He had worn it only a couple of times, but brought it with him on this trip.

With the weather being still a bit chilly, especially with it being morning, he wore his old service sagum that Aelia had mended at the edges. It hung down to his knees and brough a comfort that years of wearing such a cloak provided him. At his waist, he wore one of his most prized possessions, a finely crafted pugio in its embossed and silver gilted sheath. The SPQR clearly visible above the spread wing eagle stamped into the dark leather. He also had about his neck the leather covered, wood lined holder for his diploma, proof of both his citizenship and his service to the Republic. He knew each letter inscribed in the thin metal plaque and could recite the inscription by memory with its statement of his final position as an ala signifier in the service of the Auxilliary of Rome. He was proud of his service, his horsemanship abilities that he had used since a mere child in the Triveri region. He still used those skills now as a citizen, but more so in the raising of horses and caring for others at his small inn at that market at the Mont.

He flattened his dress and made sure that the coins he had were still in their concealed location behind his belt. The final payment owed to both him and Marcus would have to not only get him back home, but also be sufficient to pay what was owed to Marcus as his share. Hopefully, the six yearlings he had brought with him, at significant cost and effort, would be sold at the auction tomorrow to next year's chariot hopefuls after they had counted their winnings from the Equira celebrations. Well, time would tell, and if the auction only produced a few more coin, he would leave next year's sale to Marcus, assuming that Marcus had recovered from the illness that had taken his breath away during the heart of winter. Hopefully, he would also be able to speak with someone, be it at the Senate meeting or in the civil offices, about his community's want to have a some type of official recognition and a representative of the Republic in its midsts. The hope was such a designation would restore to the Mont the former prestige it had lost during the Roman conquest of the Triveri nearly a decade early.

Artemis was jostled out of his thoughts as he was pushed aside by a brawny Syrian man. "Make way, make way, you country oaf, make way for Senator Tiberius Germanicus, make way." Artemis moved quickly and turned to catch a glimpse of the Senator, a military figure that Artemis recognized from his service in the German territory although he had never met the former officer. He heard the Senator call out to someone, and then other faces and aspects of the Forum quickly captured his gaze as a cloaked figure followed in the wake of the Senator and his guards.

"Do you want to see what the gods hold in store for you, soldier?" The voice coming from a man younger than himself, but having the face of someone who knew more than his years should have allowed. Artemis waived the auger off with a simple nod indicating his lack of interest, and a smile, as he twisted the small fascinus between his left thumb and forefinger then let it drop back against his tunic. He hoped that his response would not result in the evil eye being applied against him by the auger and began to wander off into the crowd of people enjoying the start of the public holiday.

Mr. Handy wrote:"Make way!" shouted a man's deep booming voice from the edge of the Forum. "Make way for Gaius Julius Caesar, twice imperator, dictator in perpetua!" When people turned to look, they saw the entourage of Julius Caesar approach. Caesar himself was borne atop a litter carried by several slaves, wearing a white toga with a wide purple stripe. Though he was in his mid-fifties, he still retained a powerful demeanor and features that looked like they were sculpted. Surrounding him were heralds, servants, various hangers-on, and his lictors. While Germanicus had but two of them, Caesar had an even dozen.

Artemis turned about and focused on the noise of the crowd as all gasped seeing Julius Caesar. Artemis' position did not allow for a close up inspection of his former commander, but from a distance Artemis smiled as he recognized the strengh that was exhibited by Caesar's gait and presence. He noticed that the Senator had caught Caesar's attention and the two exchanged words then walked through the opening being created by Caesar's numerous guards. As he scanned the crowed, he tried to find any familiar face or some other senator that he might raise this community's needs. His eyes moved about the Forum as he leaned against a pillar.

[­Spoiler-Button]Artemis Spot Hidden:25, [­dice]1d100[­/dice][­/Spoiler-Button]

[­Spoiler-Button]Artemis Spot Hidden 25, [­dice]1d100[­/dice][­/Spoiler-Button]

Ritterton wrote:[­Spoiler-Button]Artemis Spot Hidden 25, [­dice]1d100[­/dice][­/Spoiler-Button]

Ugh.. ok let's try it this way:Spot Hidden 25%: 1d100 86

"Mmmm!" says Elizabeth, grinning in response to Story's comment. Then leaning over and whispering to him she continues: "So maybe our arriving here now was not pure chance?" She says no more on the subject for now, conscious that others could overhear them, and instead looks intently towards the soothsayer, to watch what he is doing, and if anything else untoward happens.

Decimus Brutus Albinus grinned broadly when Aricus accepted his offer. "I am pleased to hear it!" he called after him. "Be at the Theater of Pompey on the morrow at the third hour. My servants will get you situated and tell you who you'll be fighting first."

Adelphus, with a little help, recovered his feet and dusted himself off. He seemed a little disoriented, but no worse for the wear. "Thank you, I am all right," he said. "Offering sacrifices cannot hurt. Would that the fates were so easily appeased!" He looked Germanicus in the eye. "Caesar listens to you. You must convince him. Rome has need of him, and it would be a disaster were anything to happen to him."

Claudius Marcius gaped in shock. Though it disturbed him to see something more hideous than himself, fear of a public beating outweighed his fear of what he had seen, and he kept himself under control.

Claudius Marcius,[b]Claudius[/b] was shocked to see that when [b]Adelphus[/b] had been on the ground, he no longer had a man's face. His skin was covered in purple scales, and he had a look like that of a snake. This was visible only for a second, and then his features were suddenly those of a wrinkled old man. Even though it had been brief, he got a good look at the thing. It had had the shape of a man, with arms and legs, but the scaly skin and face of a serpent.

Aricus, ex-gladiator



Aricus steps to Adelphus and grasps the old man by the arm. "Good sir I would have word."

The ex-gladiator, barely able to believe his eyes at the flashing sight of a serpentine Adelphus, looks around at others to see if they look startled. Was it only in his head?

Adelphus, with a little help, recovers his feet and dusts himself off. He seems a little disoriented, but no worse for the wear. "Thank you, I am all right," he says. "Offering sacrifices cannot hurt. Would that the fates were so easily appeased!" He looks Germanicus in the eye. "Caesar listens to you. You must convince him. Rome has need of him, and it would be a disaster were anything to happen to him."

Aricus makes sure the old seer is steady on his feet, then squeezes his arm quickly to get attention, then lets go of his arm. "I would speak to you of visions of serpent people," he says, perhaps a bit too loudly.

A soldier (Lupus) quickly strides towards Aricus. "Whoa laddy, let him go, it's far too early in the day for stupidity."

"I but help put feet under the old man," answers Aricus, by now having let go of the old seer. "He may have oracle eyes, but I think he bears forked tongue."

"I know not of these things you speak, sir," said Adelphus to Aricus, looking away.

OOC,[b]Aricus[/b], please roll Insight to see what you can observe. Everyone else may also roll Insight (or Psychology, in the case of certain people from another time).

Titus notices Adelphus' evasiveness and more.

Germanicus returns Adelphus stare.

"Caesar may listen to me, but he obeys only the Fates. Do not think I do not take your warning seriously, Soothsayer, I shall be at Caesar's side when the time comes."

He looks around at the pressing throng and notices the time.

"It is time we must away, I fear the Republic requires our attention."

Germanicus makes to walk away, he never cared much for when his Fate was seemingly out of his control, and adds as an afterthought, although it's unclear if he's addressing the seer or the interested crowds, or both.

"My doors are always open to those with high need, or high news."

Insight 25%,[dice]0[/dice]

Cladius kept his head down and his ears open. He disliked the open. Somebody might see him, under his hood. His feet hurt, but he could endure that to avoid any beatings. He ground his teeth bitterly instead.

Cladius disliked everything. It was a matter of degree.

But something about this man...Adelphus, set his teeth on edge and his temples clammy. He disliked Adelphus particularly; an untrustworthy man, a man you should fear, fear more than most. He pondered telling his master. But not here, not in public.

Artemis watched his two former commanders, well they were everyone's commanders in those campaigns, but still he at least recognized who they were. There seemed to be some exchange between them, and when Caesar left, then an old man shared something with the Senator. His toga and outfit made it easy for him to be identified.

Artemis couldn't hear what was exchanged between the Senator and those about him, but he did hear the Senator proclaim rather loudly to the crowd at large.

Previously Germanicus said:   "My doors are always open to those with high need, or high news."

Artemis started at the wording...his community's need was high, surely the Senator couldn't be talking to him, but maybe Fortuna would favor him and his if he was just bold enough. Fortes fortuna iuvat, and hopefully that would be the case. A senator supporting his community's request to be designated as a coloniae would be of tremendous help.

"Senator Germanicus, Senator a moment of your time please," Artemis used the voice he used when he road in the Auxiliary hoping that the tone and focus would catch the Senator's ears and attention. He moved away from the marble pillar he had been leaning against and towards the direction of the lean patrician. "Pardon me, Senator, a moment please."

Germanicus turns to face Artemis and looks him up and down for a moment.

KNOW to remember 80%,[dice]0[/dice]

He then smiles benignly and signals his lictores to let him approach.

"Come closer, soldier, that I may better look on your face. When last we met we were younger men and you definitely had more hair on top of your head than underneath your nose."

With a smile he waves his hand around magnanimously.

"Welcome to Rome, it would seem that all the peoples of Gaul are gathering here today. With what would you petition me?"

Lupus Insight,Lupus has 5% Insight skill and rolls [dice]0[/dice]

(Lupus has spent a lot of his adult life scouting on horseback or hiding in bushes, and it would be fair to say this has not enhanced his understanding of the human condition.)

"You need to stop eating those Spanish mushrooms, old son," Lupus says to Aricus, "They're making you a bit crazed."

[spoiler-button]Results 4#1d100: 4 # 64 [1d100=64] 49 [1d100=49] 93 [1d100=93] 53 [1d100=53] [/spoiler-button]

Failed Republic,Failed Latin, Failed Treveri Failed Persuade

Artemis moved quickly to where the Senator was patiently standing. Suddenly, the air felt a lot warmer than it should have as his mind raced to organize his thoughts.

"Senator, truly I am honored," Artemis rendered a crisp salute and bowed his head in deference to the patrician. " I, um, well our community is wanting, I should say hoping to persuade, well you see sir there is about ten of us veterans out on the Rhenus at the fringes of the old Treveri territory of Gallia Belgiza, and we were hoping that we could become an outpost. Martin, my colleague he got very sick recently, he is a retired centurion in Legio Quinque Gallica. He would be a great voice for the Republic and the people in the region respect him."

Artemis realized was ws speaking much, much too quickly and had to pause to take a deep breath. In doing so, his mind quickly attempted to replay what he had said and at the same time sort out what he needed to say. Already, he regretted his opening words, as they were not what he had rehearsed in his head on the long trip here and he was pretty sure that he mixed up the two languages he knew. He was suppose to seek advice of some of Martin's former colleagues here in Rome, not just blurt out to the first official his community's hopes. He hadn't even introduced himself. With that realization he felt his cheeks flush and suspected they were as red as his old cloak was.

Titus Iunius Philo/Claudius Marcius,[b]Adelphus[/b] clearly knew he had been discovered for what he was, and he was terrified. His eyes were darting around, and he clearly wanted to get out of here. He was mainly looking in the direction of the Palatine Hill.

Story,[b]Adelphus[/b] seemed more afraid than anything. His eyes were darting around like he wanted to get out of here.

OOC,None of the rolls above were really necessary, but you should make an Insight roll. When you're talking to another player's character, social skills like Persuade and Fast Talk don't come into play. If you want to convince him of something, you should just roleplay it.

Germanicus smiled patiently.He had a great fondness for soldiers and the simpler life they led away from the intrigue and corruption of the city.

"Do not worry, soldier, it is no secret that I hold our veterans in the highest regard, indeed I count many among my clientes. And Caesar himself has praised the Belgae as the most worthy and brave. Rome could wish for no stouter defenders on her Germanic borders. However, you have found us in the midst of our festivities and such business will not be conducted by the Senate ere the week is through."

Germanicus stared longingly at the Pompeian Theatre.

"However, if you'd would dictate your request and the specifics of those pleading-make sure to include the full names and servie record of all members of the Legio Quinque Gallica- to my servant,"
He indicates the hideous creature standing not far from him.
"I'll make sure to bring your request to the attention of the Senate."

Claudius shuffled forward, keeping his head down.

"Yes, Marth'ter" he muttered in obedience. He didn't have a lisp normally, but somehow he had blurted the word out repeatedly after split lips and beatings, pleading for Mercy, and he had taken to unconsciously dribbling the word 'Master' out in that style.

He hated being looked at. How the fates had urinated on him. How the Gods had laughed at his form. Never to experience love or tenderness. Why should he suffer so? And now, more stares and glares.

Dutifully, he pulled out pen and parchment to record, in his limited way, the details...

Brook looks curiously at Story and Lucius, obviously something was going on. Something she hadn't seen. She glances around the Forum, catching herself staring at the hooded servant, before looking towards Caesar again. "You think we could get his autograph or something? That'd be cool." She smiles at Elisabeth.

Artemis started, really he listened, he thought to himself. Truly, Fortuna has smiled upon me, and with that he bowed again towards the Senator. "Thank you sir, truly thank you. Very appreciated, I will walk with your servant and you so you are not further delayed. This meeting was more than I could have hoped for today."

Artemis fell in step with Claudius and controlled his initial shock at the appearance of the Senator's hood servant. Wearing his business smile, as his daughter would call it, he began reciting the names needed.

"Well, in addition to myself, I am Artemis Gauis Sylvius, signifier in the Gallic auxilliary, there is Martin Oppius Sellic, the Centurion in the Legio Quinque Gallica I mentioned. There is also Marcus Publius Lutatius, a retired legionnaire of the same Legio and my business partner in the horses I brought here. Tiberius Babudius also retired from that Legio, he drinks a bit more than he should, but mostly is a good man." Artemis continued to name the names of his fellow comrades in the community of the Mont hoping that the list would result in some sanction of their hopes and goals.

When he finished, he turned to Claudius directly, and tapped his shoulder in thanks. Yes, the servant's countenance was a challenge, but Artemis always felt that the simple jesture of thanks was one not given out often enough. "Thank you for your attention to this. Truly I am grateful."

To his companions Story says, "It may be best if we steer clear of direct interaction with Caesar for the time being." Looking back towards the seer. "However, I think I wish to speak with the seer as it seems he is looking to beat feet. Perhaps we should provide him a casual, non-threatening conversation? Hmmm." Upon seeing Aricus release his grip on Adelphus, Story again begins to make progress towards the old seer.

"Faith, good Adelphus, let us away. If the most graced among us seeks to ignore the heedings of the gods then who are we to protest? Mayhaps we can avert disaster ourselves." Titus attempts to calmly lead Adelphus out of the Forum towards Palatine hill.

OOC,Do Adelphus and Titus have any degree of familiarity? I imagine that renown / tested and true seers would have at least some knowledge of each other.

Aricus, ex-gladiator

Unsatisfied with Alephus' answer, Aricus falls back from the crowd around Caesar and Germanicus. He watches the sychophants for but a moment before seeing the other seer Titus approach Adelphus. The two talk. Aricus wonders if these seers are up to something. He follows them at a distance.

Lucius follows Story casting a weary eye about.

Claudius jotted down the names on a wax tablet with his stylus, as there was no way to write with ink and parchment while walking. The names could be transcribed later. It was difficult to keep up with Artemis, as it was hard to write as fast as he spoke. He had heard that Cicero's slave Tiro had invented a system to write things down quickly, but he had never been able to cipher out how to do it himself.

"Yes, thank you," said Adelphus to Titus Iunius Philo. "The sun is too bright this morning, and it addles the minds of men, making them see things that are not truly there. Perhaps if we found some shade, we could have a more private discussion."

The group began to break up, with Germanicus, Claudius, and Artemis walking alongside Caesar's entourage towards the Theater of Pompey. While no official business would be conducted during the holidays today or tomorrow, there would be entertainments there, and there were always opportunities for unofficial business. Today a play was to be presented, and tomorrow Albinus had arranged for gladiatorial combat to take place there. Meanwhile, Titus Iunius Philo and Adelphus walked in the direction of the Palatine Hill, with Aricus following at what he hoped was a discreet distance.

OOC,[b]Philo[/b], you've never met [b]Adelphus[/b] before, but you do have the knowledge of him that I gave you as a result of your Know roll. He may have heard of you as well, but he has given no sign of it. [b]Aricus[/b], please roll Hide to try to blend in with the crowds as you follow. Even if you fail, it's still possible you won't be noticed.

"Indeed, a spot of shade or maybe a bench - the heat can play tricks on the mind and the eye.." Titus walked alongside the man, only helping him to walk if he seemed unstable. "Perhaps something on the the Palatine overlooking the city would be best, don't you think? You can tell me what you see for our city that I don't yet." With no objections the pair will head to a suitable spot of Adelphus' choosing.

"Atop the hill is unlikely to be shady," said Adelphus. "It is still morning, so the sun is in the east. We'll want to go around the west side of the hill." He walked slowly alongside Titus.

Elizabeth follows Lucius, saying to Brook as she goes "Are you coming too? I think we should stick together for now."

Aricus found that the forum was packed with people out celebrating the holiday, but he could still see his quarry above them as he was at least a head taller than most men. They slowed down his movements to a crawl, and the augurs were getting further ahead of him. He had to resort to muscling his way through the crowd, which while effective, was far from subtle. Story and his companions were easily able to follow in the huge gladiator's wake.

Adelphus glanced back, his eyes wide. "That brute of a gladiator is following me!" he gasped. Turning on his heel and moving with a speed that wouldn't seem possible for one his age, he bolted to the right up the side of the Palatine Hill, leaving Titus behind.

spot hidden roll,[dice]0[/dice]

Spurius Papirius Valens was late to the forum of its first day of celebrating holidays...it was crowded already, their lot was going on with higher ups..as he manages to point out figure of emperor..he started recognizing whos who around emperor he have, or he thinks he must have seen before..senator in particular with all his entourage around him.. waited a while lingering around senate building..then dispersed in crowd back again enjoying the celebration.

OOC,It's not legal to carry weapons or wear armor on the streets of Rome, so you would probably be wearing a toga with money to spend. However, you would likely have a knife concealed on your person, even if not very well. While it was illegal, many people in Rome carried one.

Spurius Papirius Valens,[b]Spurius[/b] was shocked to see that when [b]Adelphus[/b] had been on the ground, he no longer had a man's face. His skin was covered in purple scales, and he had a look like that of a snake. This was visible only for a second, and then his features were suddenly those of a wrinkled old man. [spoiler][b]Spurius[/b], please roll Sanity. Sanity loss is 0/1d6, so you lose no Sanity if you succeed or 1d6 Sanity if you fail. If you lose 5 or more Sanity, please roll Idea. If you fail the Idea roll, you may act normally. If you succeed at it, you will go temporarily insane.[/spoiler]

Lupus deftly flicked some coins to a street vendor and collected a bag each of nuts and olives, and a skin of wine. He had been planning to head for the Theatre of Pompeii but noticed Aricus failing to hide from the old seer.

Now what?

Following Aricus and stopping him assaulting some old codger seemed more amusing than watching plays (or more likely watching the ladies in the audience at the Theatre). Lupus started discreetly following Aricus.

Surely protecting seers will win me some small love from the gods?

Hide Roll,Lupus has a Hide skill of 40% and rolls [dice]0[/dice]

Spurius was more of calm at that point in time even hearing slow but rythmic enchanting voices for Equiria not far from where he was standing...cheering of people were at peak for performers, he was also lot more relaxed today for attending today's play ..sudden bump at back distracted his attention from play..he turns back, and watches to the very old man in front him fumbling towards ground..Spurius helps old man before his fall on ground..'Are you well, old brother..' and his words falls shot to what he sees in front of him...

old man moves away from his sight in blink making way for himself hurriedly through crowd...
Spurius eyes were staring at blank....he then runs his eyes through crowd spotting old man again from his cloths,

Sanity check,[dice]0[/dice]

Brook follows Story and the others, not wanting to get separated from them in the busy forum.

"Gods, he runs fast!" Titus runs after Adelphus, but quickly gives up, not accustomed to such physical exertion. He scans the forum to see if a commotion was kicked up and after picking up a knick-knack or two from a merchant to kill a little time Titus heads up Palatine Hill.

Handy,Titus is going to see if Adelphus went to Cleopatra's on the hill.

He watched as the crowd ended and flowed about them, some laughing, some taking loudly, some silently messing their way to destinations of import. He followed the cloaked servant and watched a fleet footed old man dart off at a rapid pace. Even the elderly in room were in a hurry it seemed.

dex roll,[dice]0[/dice]

Lupus looked at the rapidly disappearing seer and then at the (just bought) food and drink in his own hands.

I'm not racing anywhere if I'm not riding a horse.

Lupus shrugged and started toward the Theatre of Pompeii instead, munching on olives. He planned to enjoy the play, admire beautiful audience members, and keep an eye out for more famous people.

Aricus Callidus Gladio, ex-gladiator

"He moves with serpent swiftness," thinks Aricus as Alephus recedes beyond sight. "Such speed more proof of deception."

Aricus catches his breath and heads back to the forum.

The Chase,[url=http://www.unseenservant.com/default.asp?do=showone&id=70149&macid=0]Chase Roll (12 Dex. vs. 10 - 60%) [1d100] = 98[/url] :(

"The old man moves quickly!" says Elizabeth in surprise, as they follow him. "Shall we try to catch him up Story?" she asks, turning to the Time Lord.

well that old man was nowhere to be seen now, last he was following him through crowd, seem like he was going towards palatine hills...wonder what kind of work could have made that old man or who ever that was.. to run so fast, the play was already not interesting to Spurius after that sight, so he started walking his way back towards palatine hill...

DEX roll,[dice]0[/dice]

OOC,is it possible to have Spurius meet his farmer family or some known npcs at or near palatine hills..so that its not an awkward walk..instead he has some primary destination apart from finding Adelphus over at Palatine hill..

Hearing Elizabeth's question Story looks at her an smiles, "Hmmm, while I am curious. I don't want to us to arouse unnecessary attention... especially since we only just arrived. Perhaps we can just casually make our way in the general direction for now." Looking at Lucius, "But you my friend, perhaps you can take flight and scout ahead?"

Celia casually follows the party including the two women and the old man. She only has a bit of free time left though as she has promised to help with the patching up during the gladiator matches later.

Lucius hurried ahead, but even he was unable to catch up to the speedy Adelphus. He wasn't moving with superhuman speed, but he was moving with the grace of a much younger man and was very adept at navigating through the crowd, whereas Lucius kept bumping into people and losing ground.

Aricus pulled a muscle when he tried to chase after Adelphus, slowing him to a hobble. While he was confident that there was no lasting damage and that he'd be able to fight on the morrow, it certainly hampered his attempt to run now.

OOC,[b]Lucius[/b]'s Resistance Table roll (DEX 15 vs. [b]Adelphus[/b]'s DEX 10: 75% chance) to follow [b]Adelphus[/b]: [dice]0[/dice] [b]Spurius[/b] is unlikely to have family who live on the Palatine Hill, as it's a very wealthy area, but he may know someone prominent there. Also, most of the rest of the group is heading in that direction as well, so it's less awkward. [b]Germanicus[/b], [b]Claudius[/b], and [b]Lupus[/b] are moving to the thread linked below.

The Play's the Thing

OOC,[b]Titus[/b] is moving to the thread linked below.

Walk Like an Egyptian

OOC,Everyone else is moving to the thread linked below.

Cold Pursuit