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Post by Chad Manning on Dec 28, 2007 13:48:11 GMT -5
The year is 65 Anno Domini. Nero Claudius Drusus Germanicus is the emperor of the Roman Empire. A year has passed since the great fire ravaged Rome, damaging or destroying two thirds of the city. The persecution of the Christians is in full force. Six years earlier the emperor had his mother assassinated and just three years ago he divorced his wife and then had her executed for adultery. Meanwhile Nero's relations with the senate have deteriorated sharply. It is clear that many people in the city of Rome are unhappy with the current Emperor.
However, when you received an invitation to attend a celebratory feast at the palace from Nero himself, you were honored and accepted quickly. Now there are rumors that a plot to assassinate Nero has been uncovered. Led by Gaius Calpurnius Piso, the plot is rumored to have enlisted the aid of several prominent senators, equestrians, and soldiers. It is certain that he will be looking for co-conspirators This may be a great opportunity to show Nero that you are and ally, but if you are discovered as a conspirator…
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Post by Chad Manning on Dec 28, 2007 14:49:53 GMT -5
Reasons why some may choose to conspire against Nero…
On his accession, Nero had promised a full restoration of the republic. However in recent years it has become very obvious that Nero has no plans to relinquish power.
Recently Sophonius Tigellinus, prefect of the Praetorian guards and close friend of Nero, was placed into a position of power among the Senate.
Seneca, Nero’s tutor and a great philosopher, was banished for trumped up of charges of crimes he is not believed to have committed.
There have been several revolts in parts of the empire, including Boudicca's revolt in Britain as well as revolts in Gaul & Hispania.
The Emperor spends money freely on spectacles and circuses and he encourages competitions in music, singing, dance, and poetry, in which he himself takes part. Though he has initiated great public works in Rome, the treasury has suffered greatly.
In order to gain the capital needed for his games and public works, Nero reinstituted condemnations and confiscations on grounds of treason. He took money from the temples, sold public offices and contracts, raised taxes, and devalued the currency.
Unemployment, and contempt for his frivolousness and excesses has caused dissatisfaction among the populous, as has the murder of his mother and wife.
Large portions of the city, 10 of 14 districts, were destroyed or damaged by fire a year ago. It is rumored that Nero sang from the palace rooftop while watching the city burn.
When a culprit was demanded for the fire in Rome, the Christians were blamed, inflaming the persecution of the Christians.
Part of the city’s ruins has been designated for Nero’s Golden Palace and the temple of the deified Claudius had also been demolished to make room.
Nero has become very paranoid and distrusting, and it is known that when he suspects plots against him, he has a letter sent to the individual to be executed, offering them the chance to take their own life.
Nero flaunts his power and has made enemies among the Senate, army, religious groups, philosophers, and many others.
Or any other of a number of reasons why you might want him out of power.
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Post by Chad Manning on Mar 10, 2008 10:59:03 GMT -5
Roles
Senator
As a member of the main governing council of the Roman Empire, you not only control legislation for the empire, but also send and receive ambassadors, and appoint officials to manage public lands, including the provincial governors. You conduct wars and appropriate public funds. Your duties also include authorizing the city's chief magistrates and consuls, as well as nominating a dictator in a state of emergency. You will serve for life, but must follow the religious restrictions of the Senate. You are a respected and fairly powerful member of Roman Politics and are probably wealthy and own land.
Dress: All senators were entitled to wear a senatorial ring (originally made of iron, but later gold) and a tunica clava, a white tunic with a broad stripe of purple 5 inches wide. Sons of senators and other non-senatorial members of senatorial families were classified as equestrians and were entitled to wear togas with narrow purple stripes 3 inches wide as a reminder of their senatorial origins. However, a senator pedarius (or newly appointed senator) wore a pure white toga called the toga virilis.
Equestrians
You are the son of a senator or a member of a senatorial family. None the less, you have likely managed to establish a fair amount of wealth and property through either inheritance or hard work. While you may not have the political power of a senator, you are still respected in the city as a member of the upper class, and most likely have ties to many of the senators.
Dress: Sons of senators and other non-senatorial members of senatorial families were classified as equestrians and were entitled to wear togas with narrow purple stripes 3 inches wide as a reminder of their senatorial origins. However, you can also wear the less formal, plain white toga as symbol of the wealthy upper class. At social event’s some equestrians might be seen wearing more colorful togas as a statement of fashion. Keep in mind that purple and red are colors of royalty, while black is the color of mourning.
Soldiers
Whether you are a commander of men or a trusted member of the royal guard, your presence at this event is an honor. Either your skill or your loyalty has been recognized, which could mean great things for the future of your career. Plus, it will be nice to take a break from your normal duties of fighting wars in the corners of the empire, or guarding the emperor’s interests.
Dress: While you could wear your full uniform and armor, it would probably be best if you went with a simple tunic, fitting of your station. Due to your position, you would likely be allowed to wear your gladius (sword) if you so choose.
Women
Women in Roman society are given considerable honor. Unfortunately, this honor is more in theory than in practice. Although they have citizenship and powers over their property, Roman women have very little freedom in society, and can not hold political office. The extent of their freedom and the state of their welfare is almost completely dependent on their relationships with husbands and fathers as well as their social class. Then again, behind every powerful Senator, there is a strong woman. Certain influences can carry a lot of power.
Dress: In Rome, it is considered disgraceful for a woman to wear a toga; wearing the male garment is associated with prostitution. Instead, women wore long, pleated dress (the stola), over a tunic. A stola generally has long sleeves (but not always; occasionally it is held up by straps), but the sleeves could either be a part of the stola itself, or part of the tunic. The stola is typically girt with ribbons. It is frequently accompanied by a long shawl-like garment called a palla.
Others
Feel free to be creative and come up with a period costume. However, if time and/or money do not allow for costuming, come as you are. The whole point is to enjoy yourself, so if you don’t have a costume, don’t let that stop you from coming.
Creating Character
Basically, if you want to have a role in the events of the night (the mystery/game of the party), then send me a note or e-mail with a general idea of what you will be coming as. I will let you know if you are a conspirator and what all that entails. If you truly want to be a conspirator, or would really rather not be one, then you can let me know and we will work with it.
If you really want to enjoy your party persona, come up with a little background. Ask yourself these questions:
- What exactly are your thoughts concerning Nero? Do you like him? Do you hate him? Why?
- What is your profession? Where did your money come from? Sure, you may have inherited it, but where did it originally come from? Do you own vineyards or olive groves? Are you a merchant or come from a line of crafts men? Maybe you gained fame from your exploits as a centurian in one of the wars.
- What are your beliefs? Do you worship the pantheon or are you a philosopher? Are you a Christian or due you really worship one of the roman gods, such as Jupiter or Minerva? Maybe you have decided that religion in general is a tool to control the masses and don’t really believe in any of the gods.
- Even if you aren’t a conspirator, or if you support Nero, would you like to see him assassinated? Regardless, would you like to gain his favor while he is still around? How far are you willing to go to achieve your goals?
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Post by Chad Manning on Mar 10, 2008 10:59:44 GMT -5
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Post by Vable on Jun 3, 2008 15:12:22 GMT -5
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Post by K on Jun 4, 2008 17:12:28 GMT -5
This even intrigues me,
Further if many participate, I might show...
~K~
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Post by Adonna on Jun 4, 2008 17:21:47 GMT -5
Who are you?
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Post by K on Jun 4, 2008 17:44:05 GMT -5
Why I'm hurt...
~K~
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nek
New Member
Posts: 5 
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Post by nek on Jun 5, 2008 7:58:45 GMT -5
Its me, Ken
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Post by Chad Manning on Jun 5, 2008 8:16:53 GMT -5
Ahhhh.... Adonna was interigating me last night of who all I knew that started with a K. Considering I was tired, worn out, and had a headache, I couldn't think of anyone who I thought didn't already have an account. I would love to see you there Ken!
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Post by Adonna on Jun 5, 2008 10:11:13 GMT -5
:::Adonna Happy Dance:::
Yay! Ken!
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nek
New Member
Posts: 5
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Post by nek on Jun 5, 2008 11:53:21 GMT -5
Who all is showing up?
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Post by abby on Jun 5, 2008 12:27:14 GMT -5
everyone...you fail on epic porportions should you not show
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nek
New Member
Posts: 5
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Post by nek on Jun 5, 2008 12:27:57 GMT -5
T-T Can I come as a samurai  Ok, ok, i'll show up...for at least a bit.. |
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Post by abby on Jun 5, 2008 12:41:44 GMT -5
oh oh! do that and I'll wear either a kimono or a han bok!
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