Senatus-Populusque-Velianus

Religio Quiritum Religion of the People of Velia An unidentified Pontifex Maximus overseeing the ritual slaughter of a ram, probably in name of Ovenius. The religion of the Velians is a complex, polytheistic arrangement of major and minor deities with specific domains and observances. From their home on Mons Lazulorum, the Gods watch mankind in their day-to-day affairs granting blessings and guidance along the way. Generally, worship comes through a combination of prayer, state-funded festivals, and private worship lead by the Pater Familias, though this has not stopped the formation of cults around certain deities. The observance of religious functions is vital in the eyes of Velians— many legal justifications begin by offering appeasement to the Gods in the form of prayer and sacrifice. Soldiers are willing to suspend campaigns for weeks, even months, awaiting the arrival of good omens. Augurs are begged to oversee and bless everything from births, contracts, departure of trade parties, and even the installation of new doors on homes. The worship of Gods is broken down into triads, following a Velian superstition around the reverence of the number three. Though the first three triads are formalized by the state, families and cults tend to group minor gods in their own triads. This element is most often seen in temples— private temples are more often dedicated to the financer’s favorite trio of deities, while public temples revolve around those in the more standardized triads. GODS OF THE PANTHEON Tria Primus, Gods of the Patricians Oersus, King of the Gods, Ruler of the Skies, Patron of Worldly Rulers From his throne on the peak of Mons Lazulum, Oersus rules over all below him. He is responsible for keeping the stars and heavens in their regular order, and for managing the skies. Often, Oersus is seen as a divine witness, as nothing is hidden from his eyes. His judgement provides farmers with regular rain and sailors with fair winds. Good omens sent by Oersus include the sight of his chosen animal, the Eagle, and lightning over a clear sky. Bad omens sent by Oersus include the sight of a trio of vultures, for vultures generally are seen as solitary animals by the Velian people, and having died by lightning strike. Originally a mortal, Oersus managed to fool and conquer the god Dragis, usurping what was left of his power after creating the world. Using Dragis’ rib, Oersus created his wife Ilia, and procreated to give birth to the rest of the gods. Oersus prefers to accept castrated bulls or rams as sacrifice. As a condition of purity, these animals must be completely white. After being slit at the neck upon an altar, the entrails of the animal will be examined by an augur. The animal will then be stitched up and cremated. Ilia, Queen of the Gods, Goddess of Wisdom At the right side of Oersus is Ilia, Queen of Gods. After Oersus emerged victorious over the elder god Dragis, he took his rib and created a wife in Dragis’ image. Because of this, Ilia is often there to counteract Oersus’ impulses, acting as an orderly advisor to her husband to prevent unreasonable consequence. In preventing the occasional struggle of destroying the world, Ilia often is forced to mislead Oersus’ thoughts and commands. Shortly after being created, Ilia gave birth to Aelius, and then to the triplets Ovenius, Gaesus, and Piscator. Because of her guiding hand, many aspiring lawyers, scholars, and politicians seek guidance from Ilia— especially in the form of her omens. Augurs often seek irregular or symbolic cloud formations as signs from Ilia, or the spotting of healthy pairs of snakes or owls, both of whom are considered to be Ilia’s chosen animals. Bad omens include finding an owl consumed by a snake, or any sign of Oersus’ unhappyness. As a rule of thumb, any sacrifice to Oersus duly affects Ilia when combined with one of her omens. If simply looking for her guidance, Velians traditionally copy a piece of treasured literature onto expensive parchment and burn it outdoors. Aelius, Son of Oersus and Ilia, God of the Sun At the left side of Oersus is his first son, Aelius. As Oersus’ favored child, Aelius was granted domain over the Sun and was hailed as mankind’s light. As he grew older, however, Aelius became overly ambitious and arrogant. After attempting to overthrow his father with a coalition of minor gods, Ilia trapped him in the Sun and banished troubled souls to his plain, creating what amounts to a Velian hell. Because of this, Aelius is unable to leave his place as the rising and setting sun. Due to his rebellion, Aelius is hailed as a god of two roles: the god of light and the god of death. His cyclical rising and falling as the Sun is a rare constant in the world, as is birth and death. In his capacity as the rising sun, or Aelius Magistos, he brings hope to visionaries and wards off the evils of darkness. In his capacity as the absent sun (moon), or Aelius Nocturnus, he rules the underworld— its jagged craters and ridges visible to the eye on a clear night. Aelius’ sacred animals include the lion and the scorpion, symbolizing day and night. His sacrificial animals include captured black boars, and eels specifically for Aelius Nocturnus. If a Velian chooses to sacrifice to Aelius Nocturnus, they will generally look away from the sacrifice as not to draw unwanted attention from the god of the underworld. Tria Secundus, Gods of the Soldiers Ovenius, God of War, Protection, and Agriculture The first of the Oersus and Ilia’s triplets, Ovenius, is one of the most important gods in the Velian pantheon. Always in competition with his brothers throughout his youth, Ovenius focused on his personal martial skill hoping to use his wroth to win petty competitions. After nearly killing Gaesus over a game of knucklebones, Ilia banished Ovenius to the realm of mankind. His early attempts to rob and steal from mankind were met with hostile recourse— those who found him doubted his divinity and his godlike abilites were diminished while away from Mons Lazulorum. In one episode, he was stoned and left to die by grape gatherers before being rescued by another tribe. Gaining humility after having been bested by equals, Ovenius grew to respect and love mankind. Growing more content with his banishment from the Heavens, Ovenius settled and married with the tribe that rescued him. It is with these people— their names lost to eternity— that he observed the seasons and learned to grow his own food. For this, his people named him king and protector, and soon much of the world flocked to his realm of plenty. Just as fast as they proclaimed him King, Ovenius decreed that they should all be kings, and his lesson of humility was deemed successful. Ilia accepted her son back into the grace of Mons Lazulorum. And so Ovenius answered his peoples’ call for good rains and fertile land, persuading Oersus year after year to caress the world just as Dragis had done. And all was well. But this was not to be had. The servants of Dragis sought in secret to restore the power of the elder god who had enslaved the world for his gain. And when they had restored his power, Oersus, intoxicated with rage, was unable to act, so Ilia sent her son Ovenius back to the world to guide his people. And though he had once been a wroth fighter, his mother had turned him into a wise fighter. Enlisting the help of the faithful, and his divine wife Aemila, they drove the evil of Dragis out of the world once more. The story of Ovenius is a favorite of the Velian people, who claim descent from their farmer hero. He sends the world good omens through the sight of paired birds, specifically hawks and eagles, but vultures can be seen as a good omen if spotted over an enemy encampment. He is also known to send singular alpha wolves with signs and messages. Though symbolic and respected animals, Ovenius allows mankind to kill hostile wolves and bears and adorn their pelts, but domesticated dogs are a particularly protected animal. To kill a tame dog is a serious offense. Aemila, Goddess of Victory Aemilia, goddess of Victory, is the mortal-born wife of Ovenius who was granted residence in the heavens by Ilia after the second victory over Dragis. Her son is the demi-god Ioron. Though not important through a sense of mythological tradition, soldiers revere Aemilia for her divine guidance to victory. A story passed down through the ages details how she saved Ovenius from death in his battle against Dragis by running down a minotaur from a chariot. Therefore, she is always depicted upon a chariot, or through the imagery of one. Her sacrifices and sacred animals mirror her husband, Ovenius. Ioron, God of the Hunt, Horses, and the Flute Ioron is the demigod son of Ovenius and Aemila. Though he had much of the same skills as his parents, Ioron chose to pursue feats of glory rather than honor. As such, he is revered for his skill at hunting exotic game— having said to have brought down an elephant with but a small dagger! In his quest to satisfy his hunting lust, Ioron was told of a four-legged beast beyond the western seas of the world. After going far— nearly to the edge of the world— he found the first horses and quickly realized their absence of threat. Mockingly, he elected to bring one back to mankind, but eventually found use for it first as a pack animal, and then as a means of travel. Soldiers envy Ioron for his accomplishments and seek to pay him tribute with the entrails of whatever game they come across. His sacred animal is the horse and he is often depicted through the imagery of a pan flute— said to have eased him into the chambers of many lustful maidens. Tria Tertius, Gods of the Plebeians Gaesus, God of Wine, Entertainment, and Companionship Gaesus, the second of Oersus and Ilia’s triplets, is the Velian patron of Wine, Entertainment, and Companionship. As a child, Gaesus was in constant competition with his siblings for the favor of their father. Being the less martial of the triplets, Gaesus resorted to finding ways to amuse his parents and fellows through games and poetry. At a young age, Gaesus was nearly killed by his brother Ovenius over a game of knucklebones, creating a temporary mutual hatred between the two. After the latter’s expulsion from Mons Lazulorum, Gaesus became the favored son over Piscator. Gaesus watched with horror from the heavens as his brother was shunned and beaten. Though he had spun a web of lies to see his brother suffer— a form of grim entertainment— his brotherly bond directed his brother’s rescuers. Later, when Ovenius discovered and taught his fellows the art of agriculture, Gaesus came down from the heavens to create the first vineyard. After his subservient followers stumbled upon the gift of winemaking, he adopted the drink as his symbol. The sacred animals of Gaesus include the goat and fox. Omens from Gaesus are particularly odd in that they are observed from plants and animals. Pairs of wild goats and foxes spotted near streams and rich, green leaves from a grape vine constitute good omens. Gaesus sends bad omens in the form of bitter grapes and dead goats or foxes. Mechinum, God of Crafts and the Forge Mechinum, god of the craft and forge, was born of the volcano Mons Sulpha— a barren, sulpher-abundant mountain to the east of Velia— when Oersus lost his hand forging his bolts of lightning and dropped both into the volcano. From his hand spawned Mechinum, who thrived in the intense heat and began forging and crafting items for the Gods. Although Mechinum is primarily associated with fire, his observance stems to any crafts-related affair. Stonemasons, engineers, carpenters, leatherworkers, and smiths all give praise to Mechinum and vie for his guidance. Sacrifices to Mechinum can come from any domesticated animal, save dogs or cats, so long as they are slaughtered with an obsidian blade. Verusa, Goddess of the Hearth Verusa, Goddess of the Hearth and Home, is the virgin daughter of Oersus and Ilia. She is revered daily in Velian life, as it is through her warmth that ovens and campfires around the world give heat and comfort. Her essence symbolizes the well-kept household and the fertile daughter. Offerings to Verusa happen with every meal, as the unwanted effects of food preparation and leftover unpreservables are donated to the fire. Since Verusa already is worshipped at meals, she does not warrant a sacrifice. However, one of the most prestigious positions for women in the Velian world is as Verusalis, or Priestess of Verusa. These women are responsible for keeping alight the central hearth of Velia from which any free man may rekindle the hearth of his home. These women serve as virgin priestesses from the age of fourteen to thirty-four, after which they are allowed to adorn the purple stripe of the Senatorial class, marry, and receive a pension from the state. THE GODS OF THE WORLD Although these deities might be described as “lesser Gods,” their importance is not diminished by their non-membership in a triad— which are strictly human constructs. The Velian state, however, does not generally build structures dedicated to these Gods. Dragis, Elder God of Time and Creation Dragis is the god associated with the creation of the world— a topic in itself that Velians know and care little about, as there is no direct evidence left to speculate with. Originally, Dragis created the realms of existence and flooded them with life. Mankind was originally created to serve as Dragis’ mortal servants and entertainers, but also planted some on this earth to serve as its custodians. These were not necessarily liked positions, as Dragis often overstepped his bounds to inflict cruel abuse onto his subjects. Nonetheless, the period is remembered as a golden age due to its lack of politics, social class, and overabundance of food. Oersus, one of Dragis’ most trusted enforcers, grew tired of the hypocrisy exemplified by the Elder God’s actions and managed to trick him into slumber, where Oersus took up Dragis’ own blade and cut him into thousands of small pieces. Consuming most of the pieces save a single rib and a pair of eyes, Oersus imbued himself with Dragis’ power, and keeps his eyes locked in a golden box near his throne. Velians do not give any worship to Dragis save the observance of the Dragurnalia. Zulix, God of Gatekeepers— Fate, Crossroads, and Prophecy Zulix is a minor god that was created by Dragis to keep mankind in line by assigning fate to each individual person. Despite his master’s downfall, Oersus could not challenge Zulix without endangering his own existence, so Zulix was left alone in his workshop on the Moon to continue weaving the fabric of time and existence. Some even believe that such prophecy can be found in the woven works of women, though his language remains unintelligible to humanity. Velians do not give any special worship to Zulix, and generally refrain from speaking his name unless erecting or crossing beneath a gatehouse, which is symbolic of opening and closing the doors of birth and death. Further noted is that while Aelius Nocturnas is the ruler of the afterlife, Zulix is the embodiment of birth and death. Piscator, God of the Sea Piscator, the third and final of Oersus and Ilia’s triplets, is the ruler of the seas. Compared to his other brothers, Piscator is rather unambitious and passive. He was never concerned with appeasing his parents or peers, and did not show the martial aggression of Ovenius. It is because of this that Oersus and Ilia granted him domain over the last unruled domain— the sea. Though he first had difficulties managing the madness that rest beneath the waves, Piscator evolved into an effective administrator of the beings within his domain. It is he that instituted the breeding and birthing cycles that take place among fish, and it is he that grants steady current to those who would sail over his domain. Fishermen who have his blessing are gifted with plentiful nets and perhaps even the occasional crab. Piscator’s sacred animals are the seahorse and dolphin. Sacrifices to Piscator come in the form of chum that is returned to the sea or burned over fire. Orella, Goddess of Love and Desire Orella is the goddess of hedonistic love and desire, and the accidental child of Ovenius and a mortal woman. Although she is seen as a supporter of true lovers, she is also a deceiving temptress who seeks to out the unfaithful to their spouses. Similarly, she also plays a role as a goddess of greed. Ban, Goddess of Nature Ban is the child of Gaesus and Orella, and by default the goddess of nature due to her chosen past time of creating and guiding Buengis, God of Humor and Prose Buengis, the second child of Gaesus and Orella, is the god of Humor and Prose. His worship comes primarily from the vagrant actors and street performers who make their living purely in entertainment. He is symbolized by play masks. Holidays and Rituals Dragurnalia The Dragurnalia is one of the oddest of the Velian religions, having roots in an ancient festival many thousands of years ago. It is the worship of the elder god Dragis, creator of the world. Although he is primarily remembered as an evil tyrant who inflicted his sadistic will upon mankind, his time is remembered as a golden age for the lack of societary pressures and norms, and abundance of food. During the Dragurnalia, a white sheep is sacrificed, its entrails burned, and its flesh feasted upon by all who happen to be in the city. Those masters who would normally have slaves under him will instead cook for and serve his own slaves, so on and so forth. It is meant to be a time of joy for all across Velia. Patricians and rich plebeians often find their sesterces going to elaborate games to entertain the populace. Gladiators vary in their tasks from performing stories of ancient battles to killing grim beasts in the arena. Today might be the only day that there isn’t certain death faced. Mechinalia The Mechinalia is a holiday of dual purpose, both to appease the god Mechinum as to protect the flammable granaries and insulae and to gain extra favor for the craftsmen across the city. As the god of Fire and Crafts, Mechinum has a variety of ways to be pleased, but a Velian favorite is to start the day with a large bonfire and throw upon it live fish and small animals. Throughout the daytime, Velians can be seen working under candlelight to empasize their need for Mechinum. Water is given special treatment - blessed with drops of sacrificial blood before being used to saturate buildings to prevent an inferno. At the end of the day, Velians conclude with a feast consisting of food from the early harvest. Meat is strictly from the sea, requiring further sacrifice to Piscator before consuming. Private Rituals Meal Sacrifice Meal sacrifice is the most common ritual performed by Velians. It involves burning scraps and leftovers from mealtime in the hearth— a dedication to Verusa. Enough should be leftover to be divided among the people of the household. As the items are tossed in the fire, a simple phrase “Dedico Verusa” is uttered by each who offered sacrifice. Public Rituals Ritual of Election The Ritual of Election is one of the most important in the Velian republic, as its execution is vital to the continuance of the state. An improper ritual during this critical phase can send the public into panic and even require the elections to be held again. First, the day is opened up with a ritual sacrifice to Ovenius and Oersus. Generally, this comes in the form of a domesticated pig and a castrated bull. The entire animal is then set ablaze. Augurs come forth from the fire, using it to light their own incense, and a form of aerial purification is commenced. Once this is done, the overseeing magistrate will open the forum to debate— discussing the viability of the candidates for office. After this has done, and debate has died down, each of the candidates shall be brought up by the overseeing magistrate to speak for themselves. They may not send a delegate, and must stand for election in person. Those present in the forum may ask candidates questions, or otherwise support or work against them. Once this has concluded to the satisfaction of the presiding magistrate, a vote begins. Each citizen is given one “yes” and one “no” ballot for each candidate. They will drop the slip of their choosing into the candidate’s ballot box, which will be tallied and announced as soon as possible. After being elected, new magistrates will report to the local temple for their induction into the cult of Oersus, a tight-kept secret. The public generally only sees the blood-stained togas of the inductees as they silently leave the temple. Ritual of Reparations The ritual of reparations is a complex endeavor, required by the priests and state in order to wage a just defensive conflict. When Velians wish to wage conflict, they will consult an augur or flamen to observe omens for the next few days. When a good omen has appeared, a flamen and a pair of augurs are sent to the national border and made to announce Velian demands with a prescribed set of phrases, invoking the names of Oersus, Ilia, and Zulix. They then pass over the border, and announce again the demands to the first man met on the road, and then again at the first gate encountered, and then finally at a meeting of local foreign magistrates. If these demands are not met, the flamen prepares a formal report for the Senate. Generally, he will show much humility in a request for war, adorning a black toga and crawling to the Senate meeting on his knees, where he remains as he makes his plea. The Senate then has one month to choose to ratify the flamen’s request. If ratified, the flamen and his augurs return to the enemy frontier, carrying a javelin with a burnt tip. They will dip the javelin in the blood of an ox, formally declare war, and throw the javelin into the territory. Of course, if the demands are met, then the entire ritual is avoided. Additional Ritual Processes The Process of a Ritual Sacrifice A ritual sacrifice can be conducted using any animal, but there are certain animals that gain more favour with the god intended towards. Consult a spiritual advisor for more information. When a suitable animal has been selected, the user must seek out an Augur and head towards the altar dedicated to the intended deity. The user themselves must make the utterances towards the intended deity and must be the one to seal the deal by quickly offering the animal. This is usually done with the use of a ritual dagger. Once the deal has been sealed, the outcome will be interpreted by the augur. Who using the same ritual dagger used to sign the deal will open the animal up by splitting it from naval to sternum. Removing the organs that flow to interpret the intestine of the animal in-order to read the response from Mons Lazuloram. Using thread, the animal will then be stitched up and made whole once more before being wrapped in linen and offered to the mouth of fire. Its essence given to the deity intended. With essence, the deity gains favour in Mons Lazuloram and may bestow this favour upon its followers. Thus the intention is to please the intended deity for their sake and yours. The place in the Pantheon depends on these sacrifices. Buffers to encourage a positive outcome include: Ensuring the animal is calm before sacrifice (a stressed animal can influence a negative outcome) +1, using a dagger specifically crafted for the intended deity to recognise +2, and the most effective positive buffer is to uncover the mysteries of your intended deity in-order to utter a most effective offering spell +3. Ritual Sacrifice can be a process that uses /roll to various degrees. (This procedure is not required, and is best avoided in certain circumstances) The First Roll is out of 3 and determines the stress level of the animal. A higher # = lower stress. The Second Roll is out of 10 and determines the effectiveness of the utterances. A higher # = a higher effectiveness. The Third Roll is out of 5 and determines how clean the sacrifice was. The higher the # = a cleaner sacrifice. The Fourth Roll is based on the outcome of the previous rolls. All added up and divided by 17. The resulting math will be converted to a % which determines the success rate of the ritual, and ultimately the nature of the omen as determined by the Augur. Less than 40% is a gravely negative outcome. 40-50% is a barely positive outcome. 50-60% is a positive outcome. 60+ is a very positive outcome. Over 100% turns the user into a celebrity. The Process of a Cleansing Ritual A cleansing ritual is a ceremonial affair that requires at least one Augur, and two additional witnesses. The witnesses are to wear all white clothing, and the Augur will wear a special mask fashioned in the representation of their patron triad. Equipped with three items. They shall determine the strength of the evil to be cleansed by using a /roll 6. The higher # = higher strength. One witness will hold a lantern that burns a concocted oil. The other witness will hold a torch to light the lantern. The augur will carry a ritual fan that usually is made usually from branches gathered from the area. The lantern will be lit and the Augur will fan its smoke across the area-to-be-cleansed whilst uttering the mysteries of Ovenius for protection, Gaesus for good vibes, and a Tria Primus for blessing. Another /roll will be conducted to determine the remaining strength of the curse. The # to /roll is determined by the initial roll. Lower # = lower strength. If out of 1, the outcome is irrespective and the land is considered cleansed. The processes of fanning the land and uttering will be repeated until the outcome becomes 1. When all the oil has burned away, the torch is snuffed, and the trio will have a moment of silence with linked hands. The augur will be in the middle of the two witnesses. They will then break hands and return home. The land properly cleansed. Clergy Pontifex Maximus The Pontifex Maximus is the head of the Velian religion, elected by popular assembly of the Velian people. Generally held by a patrician, the title of Pontifex Maximus is bestowed for life upon a citizen, making it one of the most prestigious offices obtainable. The Pontifex Maximus oversees all of the cults in the Republic in addition to leading the inner cult of Flamens. Flamenes Flamenes are professional priests dedicated to a particular god in the Velian pantheon, often overseeing the practice of a particular cult. Different gods have their own specific rituals and requirements for the Flamenes, and likewise different Flamenes have different goals and responsibilities. For example, Flamenes of Oersus generally advise the Senate on foreign affairs, and are sent out to perform the Ritual of Reparation; Flamenes of Gaesus generally oversee public festivals and holidays, etcetera. Augurs Augurs are the lesser priests belonging to a particular cult, though some may belong to more than one. Their primary job is to read omens, oversee contracts and wills, and act as religious advisors to all people, especially the pater familias. Further Superstition/Omens w.i.p

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SENATUS POPULUSQUE VELIANUS ADMINISTRATIO COLONIA AEQUIUM ELECTIONS Friends, countrymen, Velians, Hear this call from Proconsul Titus Labienus Cursor! It is with great pleasure that the Proconsul of Colonia Aequium, and hence governor of the Velian possessions in the land of Terra Prava, brings forth the call for the Public Assembly to give their judgement and input for the investiture of public officials. Be it so that Proconsul Titus Labienus Cursor respects the decree of the Gods that mankind should rule themselves. Be it unlike his contemporaries, he has called for the election of public representatives early! And so hear the call, Velian citizens of the Colony of Aequium, to send your three finest and most worthy candidates to fill seats as Decuriones, and invest in them the powers to call and assess the Public Assembly and to enforce the laws, save their expressed veto over one another. Username: Character Name: Character Announcement of Candidacy: (i.e. “I, Titus Labienus Cursor, announce my candidacy for the seat of Decurio…”)

SENATUS POPULUSQUE VELIANUS ADMINISTRATIO COLONIA AEQUIUM A Velian orator announces the start of the month-long festival of Dragurnalia, much to the dismay of the older citizens DRAGURNALIA Citizens of Velia, hear from the yearly decree of the Flamenes of Ovenus and Dragis the official start of the Dragurnalia! May your labors be set aside and your worries shelved for another day! Bring forth the offerings and give praise to our divine intervenors! Be thankful for the lives that we live, as free and independent citizens of Velia! May the slaves be thankful for their servitude under such civilized people. May the freedmen be thankful for their existence among as, and our allies for sharing our liberation against tyranny! Gaesus bless the denizens with bottomless wine amphorae and an endless stream of crisp breads and succulent figs. May we all harkon back to the days of yore, where all men roamed free and prosperous under the guidance of Dragis! May all the citizens give sacrifice to His name— he who created the World— and henceforth be merry. May no citizen, man, or slave go hungry or save themselves from normal vice. May gifts of Buengis be exchanged by all men, and may the master now serve the slave! OOC: Join the Velian people in their observance of Dragurnalia, a take on the traditional Roman Saturnalia! May your characters take part in an enormous feast and the various festivities planned. Anyone and everyone is welcome to take part. The festivities will take place in and around Colonia Aequium-- if you haven’t seen our build progress, please feel free to visit! Coordinates: (x = -1380), (z = 1060) Or, roughly on the Western coast to the north of Sutica, west of Carolstadt, and south of Kaz’Ulrah. Saturday, December 15th, 2018— 5:00pm: Opening Rituals and Feast 5:30pm: Gladiatorial Combat (PvE and PvP) 7:00pm: Colonial Elections 8:00pm: Open Bracket Tournament and Horse Racing, with prize! (PvP) **all times adhere to Eastern Standard Time

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SENATUS POPULUSQUE VELIANUS Senate and People of Velia Legio VIII Aequium Unique to the isles of Atlas are the legions of Velia, a body of citizen-soldiers raised during emergency and war to perform the ultimate patriotic sacrifice in defense of the citizens of the Senate and People of Velia. Though not at foreign idea to the denizens of Atlas, the Velian Legion operates as a highly professional force when raised. The structured chain of command allows for tactical flexibility when accomplishing war goals, an otherwise unknown concept. All soldiers follow strict adherence to rules and orders— or they meet the cane of their Centurion. Although originally a body of hoplites, the Legion has evolved to fight in a system of staggered squares, like a chess board, known as manipular formation. This has allowed the legion to remain flexible and lethal across varied terrain. Instead of using the traditional and time-proven hasta, or spear, the soldiers adopted the beloved gladius— a short sword optimized for close-quarters combat. When the components come together and act in unison, the Velian Legion is a formidable adversary. Traditionally, the Legion has comprised exclusively of Velian-born sons, looking eagerly to be invested with the same honors as their heroic forefathers. Although the upper echelons of Velian society can afford the latest and greatest arms and armour, or even a fast steed, the poorer citizens find themselves afforded welcome subsidies from the Senate to bolster the ranks of the elite. Socii, or confederate city-states around Velia, further provide auxiliary manpower to defend the heartland from invaders. All Velian men are expected to serve five years in service to the Legion at some point in their lives, and the constant wars on the Northern frontier have more than satisfied this requirement for the population. Confederate auxiliaries, levied from the allied tribes around Velia, can expect to earn valuable Velian citizenship after fifteen years of dedicated service. More Information [Creating a Character] [Character Application] Organization High Command Proconsul Elected after a well-received term, the Senate chooses to extend the powers of an exemplary Consul after his term of office in order to make him a provincial governor. Generally, Proconsuls are seen as military leaders, but in reality have complete and unrestricted control over their provinces, save for Senatorial decree and the risk of being prosecuted after their term expires. Legatus Legionis The Legatus Legionis is the supreme commander of a legion. Generally, there will be two-to-three legions in a given province, with one being commanded directly by the Proconsul. In Colonia Aequium, the Proconsul has assumed the responsibilities of the Legatus Legionis, as there is only a single legion. Tribunus Laticlavius The Tribunus Laticlavius is a young man of the Patrician class elected by the Senate to start his political career in a legion. Though he is generally extremely inexperienced, her serves as the second-in-command to the Legatus Legionis or Proconsul. Other Legates and Tribunes may be sent or promoted as required. Low Command Centurio Centurions are the veteran officers of the infantry appointed from every hundred soldiers to serve as a leader and disciplinarian. All centurions are given a vine staff to signify their elevated position, and with which they are able to administer swift beatings to unruly soldiers and citizenry. The most senior of the Centurions is referred to as the “Primus Pilus”, and acts as a de-facto commander in lieu of higher command. Optio Optios are chosen by Centurions as deputies, carrying out what tasks are assigned to them and acting as secondary enforcers. Some Optios are given specific roles throughout a camp, such as organizing sentries, guarding the grain storage, or leading foraging parties. Enlisted Evocatii An Evocatus is a veteran soldier who, after serving a minimum of fifteen years, has decided to re-enlist in the Legion. As a condition of his reenlistment, he is immune from manual labor and granted double enlisted pay of one-hundred denarii. Immunes An immunis is a miles (soldier) who has been trained in a specialist role, occupations such as that of an artilleryman, engineer, or carpenter. Immunes are exempt from the more dangerous duties in the Legion, such as area patrol, and other undesirable or laborious duties. Due to their special skillsets, immunes receive seventy-five denarii after expense. Discens A Discentis is an apprentice training to become an Immunis. Milites Milites are the standard rank-and-file soldiers of the Legion. As well as being the backbone of the army, they are crucial for providing labor to public works. After factoring the cost of equipment and food, Milites will receive a monthly allowance of fifty denarii. Probationes Probationes are the raw recruits. After reciting an oath of servitude to the Senate and People, they will begin weapons and formation training. Once their Centurion deems them fit for further service, they will move into the ranks of the Milites.

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Colonia Aequium Government of the Citizens of the Colony of Aquium V. Pompeius Cilo, Consul L. Fabius Barba, Consul PROVINCIAE ADMINISTRATIO Proconsul T. Labienus Cursor After serving faithfully to unite the southern tribes in confederation under Velia, the Senate and People have chosen to extend the duties of ex-Consul Titus Labienus Cursor, and invest unto him the proper duty and authority as Proconsul to establish and govern Colonia Aequium in Terra Pravum. To bolster his command, Proconsul Labienus shall be further vested with the office of Legatus, so that he may raise and command a force to defend the colony. The office of Proconsul is nominated and elected from within the Senate of Velia. Generally, terms will last at least five years, or until replaced. Tribunus Militum C. Regilius After due deliberation, and recommendation from Proconsul Labienus, the Senate and People invest the young Canus Regilius, of the ancient patrician gens Regilia, to the office of Tribune and officially begin the Cursus Honorum. May he serve distinguished and with valor. The office of Tribunus Militum is nominated and elected from within the Senate of Velia. Generally, the term of the Tribune will last no less than three years, and will end when the Tribune returns to the Velian pomerium. COLONIAE ADMINISTRATIO Decuriones Elected through popular assembly, Decurions act as the city’s administrative council. They will be responsible for keeping the city up and running by funding public works and repair, and by ensuring that housing is standardized and plentiful. In addition, it will be the seniormost Decurion who opens the Public Assembly of Velian Citizens to debate. Under the watchful eye of the Proconsul, these individuals will also be given the task of enforcing laws and proposing new bills to the Public Assembly. Decuriones shall be elected for term of no more than five years, and shall only consist of those at least in the Third Plebeian Class. OERSUS INVICTUS

SENATUS POPULUSQUE VELIANUS Senate and People of Velia OFFICES OF HONOR CENSOR The Censors of Velia are regarded as those men with the most prestige in the Senate. Although they hold no imperium with which to wield armies, they hold a more important power in conducting and reviewing the census. Hence, Censors are responsible for reviewing the tax classification of each citizen, where they may either raise a citizen into the higher ranks of society or unanimously drop them into the lower ranks, or alternatively enroll freedmen as new citizens. As such, it is with the Censor’s mark that newly-elected Quaestors are officially inducted into the Senate. If need be, the Censors can oversee the lower offices that hold no Imperium, and hold veto power over all other offices when applied unanimously. A pair of Censors is exclusively elected from the body of former consuls and elected to serve for a period of five years, the longest of any senatorial position. As they hold no imperium, Censors are not allowed to be followed by lictors (bodyguards/servants). PRINCEPS SENATUS The Princeps Senatus is the oldest and most accomplished man in the Senate. He holds the distinction of being the first man to speak on any proposed legislation. He is given the power to convene and close Senate meetings, and rule on all points-of-order. The Princeps Senatus is elected yearly from within the Senate body. He is generally an accomplished ex-Consul. OFFICES OF IMPERIUM CONSUL The Consuls of Velia hold the most important and sought after senatorial office as the chief executives of the senate and army. Consuls reserve the right to summon and arrest any citizen within the city of Velia, and may conduct capital punishment when outside the city. Consuls preside over the Senate and act as the chief diplomats of Velia. In practice, they are usually responsible for setting policy and goals to be achieved by the state. Furthermore, the power of consuls to govern the state shall switch monthly, with the elder consul taking first reign. A pair of Consuls is elected from the most prestigious of the populace, and shall serve for a four-year term. V. Pompeius Cilo, prior L. Fabius Barba, posterior 1684-1688 T. Labienus Cursor, prior A. Ovidus Piso, posterior 1680-1684 D. Postumius Varro, prior Sex. Ovidus Maro, posterior 1676-1680 A. Claudius Pulcher, prior C. Artorius Dives, posterior 1672-1676 C. Claudius Pulcher, prior T. Marius Aculeo, posterior 1668-1672 A. Gabienus, prior L. Domitus Ahenobarbus, posterior 1664-1668 C. Valerius Flaccus, prior (II) L. Aemilius Paullus, posterior 1660-1664 C. Labienus Cursor, prior Post. Horatius Tubertus, posterior 1656-1660 P. Valerius Poplicola, prior C. Julius Iulus, posterior 1652-1656 C. Valerius Flaccus, prior (I) A. Claudius Pulcher, posterior 1648-1652 L. Aurelius Cotta, prior †1651 | Ser. Sulpicius Gabia, posterior 1651-1652 Gn. Cornelius Lentulus, posterior (Senior 1651-1652) 1644-1648 Ser. Sulpicius Gabia, prior Q. Tullius Cicero, posterior 1640-1644 P. Valerius Flaccus, prior D. Claudius Dives, posterior … PRAETOR Praetors of Velia are those senatorial officers with particularly delicate affairs. Their primary function is as chief judges in courts of law, handling cases of the most serious and heinous nature. There will be two chief Praetors— the Praetor Urbanus and Praetor Peregrinus, who will reside over all matters of the citizens or foreigners respectively. Aside from the praetors needed in Velia, there shall be two praetors sent to every province to mirror the responsibilities of the Chief Praetors of Velia. Additionally, Praetors will be granted sufficient imperium to lead armies in lieu of a consul, and will take on other consular authorities in this fashion. Praetors are elected exclusively from Patrician gens, and must be no less than thirty-nine years of age. They will serve four-year terms. M. Favonius, Incumbent M. Caelius Rufus, Incumbent Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus, Incumbent T. Annius Milo, Incumbent P. Clodius Pulcher, Incumbent ... LOWER OFFICES AEDILE Aediles of Velia have a few various roles and responsibilities set for them. Aediles are responsible for recording and posting new laws and regulations, as well as having the ability to issue edicts at the marketplace and solve trade disputes. Aediles are the officials who sponsor and organize city festivals and religious rites, and the various arena sports and executions. Furthermore, Aediles are tasked with ensuring the care and cleanliness of temples. Aediles are elected from those who have previously held the rank of Quaester, and of whom are no less than thirty-six years of age. They shall hold a term of two years. QUAESTOR The role of Quaestor takes on many duties throughout the Velian Republic. As the first senatorial position one may be assigned to, it is important that they obtain a broad skill set for their future in public service. In the capital, quaestors are responsible for obtaining new public revenue and securing public provisions, especially for the army. Quaestors also have an important role as investigators for the Senate, often performing audits in both public and private spheres, but also investigating other crimes and prosecuting criminals. A lucky quaestor may also be sent to the provinces to assist a proconsul in governance. Quaestors are elected from those who are no less than thirty years of age, or who have previously served as military tribunes. They shall hold a term of two years. TRIBUNAL RANKS TRIBUNUS PLEBIS Although the Tribunes of the Plebs are not senators, they are an extremely important representatives of the Velian plebeians and hold great power in public gatherings. Plebeian Tribunes have the sole authority to open public forums to debate and introduce new legislation. They are allowed to represent the people during senatorial meetings and hold a veto in per TRIBUNUS MILITUM Military tribunes are generally young members of the Patrician families who are vying to jumpstart their political career. After being nominated by their pater familias, the young men then stand for election in front of the Senate. Once affirmed, they are assigned clerk duties under a Consul or Praetor. Older tribunes may be raised for the purpose of providing veteran assistance.

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