conversations.from: system
conversations.value: When the Emperor died, a civil war broke out between two rival claimants to the Imperial Purple.
  
  You backed the wrong side.
  
  Now you're here.  As a Roman, you understand all too well the ancient dictum *Vae victis,* woe to the vanquished.  Some things never change.
  
  Not even in the 22nd Century.
  
  Many of the losers were given parole or amnesty.  Others were tried and executed outright.
  
  Not you.  *You're special.*
  
  Along with a score of other conspirators and rebels, you've been selected to undergo trial by combat in the Arena.  If you manage--somehow--to survive seven days of combat, your death sentence will be commuted to lifetime exile on some asteroid mining camp or a distant colony, perhaps on Titan.
  
  If you don't, well...*vae victis.*
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Strength:         7
  Skill:                 7
  Cunning:         13
  Fortuna:          15
  Health:            9
  
  You didn't make your way in the world by your brawn or prowess with a sword.  You are a *thinking* man, and you know how the game is played.  Will your wits and luck be capable of preserving your life through this ordeal?
conversations.prefix: Bureaucrat:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Strength:      10
  Skill:              12
  Cunning:      12
  Fortuna:        10
  Health:          10  
  
  You were a captain on one of the ships in Crassus' fleet, or perhaps you were a general.  You knew the risks of making war on Rome, but you weighed the risks as being worth the opportunity for power and glory.
  
  Power is no longer within your grasp, but *glory*...well there's still plenty of *that* to be had!  And who knows?  You *may* be able to survive even *this!*
conversations.prefix: Senior Officer:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Strength: 11
  Skill: 13
  Cunning: 12
  Fortuna: 8
  Health: 10  
  
  It's always been about killing and survival, hasn't it?  You've fought your way across two star systems.  Always following orders, always killing well and surviving.  *Do what you're told.*  You were *told* to fight for Crassus.  So you did.  Now there's *this.*  Such is the life of a typical legionary ranker.
  
  Yes, the luck of a poor common grunt is never good.  But you're the best damn fighter among *this* lot, and if you are marked to die, well you intend on bringing plenty of these other bastards along with you!
  
conversations.prefix: Legionary Veteran:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Strength: 10
  Skill: 10
  Cunning: 10
  Fortuna: 10
  Health: 11 
  
  Just an ordinary man who got caught up in it all.  You decided to follow Crassus.  *Now* look what happened.  At least you have your health...
conversations.prefix: Vulgari Homine:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: **THIS CHARACTER ONLY AVAILABLE TO RIS VETERANS!**
  
  Strength: 19
  Skill: 12
  Cunning: 8
  Fortuna: 5
  Health: 8
  
  A criminal condemned to die on your own world, your leaders have sent you to Earth for the amusement of their new allies.  Due to harsh treatment on Pomeran, your health isn't good, but you're *still*strong enough to show these Monkey-Men a thing or two about killing!
conversations.prefix: Pomeranii Prisoner:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Strength:  8
  Skill:  8
  Cunning:  17
  Fortuna:  10
  Health:  8
  
  You backed the wrong man.  That much is obvious now.  Clearly, Marcus Labienus Crassus was *not* the man to grant you access to the Consulship.  *Oh, but how he had promised!*
  
  In the world of Roman politics, you soon learned that there are *many* ways to kill a man besides the most obvious approach.  
  
  Time now for Roman cunning to go head-to-head with Roman brutality.  Play your cards right, and you might survive this yet...
conversations.prefix: Rebel Senator:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Strength: 4
  Skill: 6
  Cunning: 12
  Fortuna: 10
  Health: 5  
  Crassus' scribe and propagandist; he wrote the would-be "Emperor's" speeches
conversations.prefix: Sextus Turbo:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Strength: 3
  Skill: 5
  Cunning: 7
  Fortuna: 8
  Health: 3 
  An accountant who managed Crassus' wealth; he cooked the books when Crassus was Proconsul of Proxima Centauri
conversations.prefix: Mileus Mansuetus:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Strength: 6
  Skill: 6
  Cunning: 12
  Fortuna: 12
  Health: 7
  
  Crassus' Minister of Defense.  
conversations.prefix: Iacob Aeris:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Strength: 8
  Skill: 9
  Cunning: 9
  Fortuna: 10
  Health: 7 
  An influential pro-Crassian Senator who worked numerous intrigues in Rome on behalf of Crassus
conversations.prefix: Cestius Calpurnius Fabio (for Bassus):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Strength: 6
  Skill: 6
  Cunning: 6
  Fortuna: 6
  Health: 6
  Neither important nor dangerous, he was simply caught up in the whole mystique of Crassus.  Now he's paying for it.
conversations.prefix: Eusebio Johnson:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Strength: 9
  Skill: 9
  Cunning: 9
  Fortuna: 6
  Health: 9
  
  A legionary ranker, "a simple Soldier, like all the others," as he said at his trial.
  
  The jury didn't buy it.
conversations.prefix: Antonio Jackson:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Strength: 9
  Skill: 10
  Cunning: 9
  Fortuna: 6
  Health: 8
  A veteran of many campaigns, he was part of the Presidium garrison on Proxima Centauri.  When Crassus proclaimed himself emperor, he had a chance to make his way with the Roman loyalists to the *Stella Nova.*  Instead, he chose to stay behind.  He chose poorly...
conversations.prefix: Secundus Scripto:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Strength: 6
  Skill: 7
  Cunning: 16
  Fortuna: 15
  Health: 5
  The traitor's first cousin, and the highest ranking prisoner to participate in the games.  A dissolute drunkard, his health is poor, but his treacherous mind makes him dangerous still.
conversations.prefix: Gaius Portius Crassus:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Strength: 2
  Skill: 2
  Cunning: 7
  Fortuna: -5
  Health: 3 
  
  A simpering weasel, Aelius Orestes was a close advisor to Crassus.  Crassus called him, er, his '*very special confidant and friend.' *  That's one way to put it, one supposes...
  
  Whoever is lucky enough to be the one to send this wretch to hades will no doubt earn some extra adulation from the crowd.  People *really* hate this guy..!
conversations.prefix: Aelius Orestes:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Strength: 8
  Skill: 8
  Cunning: 9
  Fortuna: 6
  Health: 8
  A Captain in the Imperial Roman Navy, he "turned toga" and fought under the banners of Crassus.  His ship was lost and he was captured at the Battle of Saturn
conversations.prefix: Artorius Galabrio:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Strength: 5
  Skill: 5
  Cunning: 5
  Fortuna: 3
  Health: 4 
  An ordinary man of mediocre skills, whose only noteworthy act in life was to betray the hiding place of his Loyalist friends and neighbors to pro-Crassian forces.  They were executed, his side lost, now he's here.
conversations.prefix: Lucius Tiddlypus:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Strength: 7
  Skill: 9
  Cunning: 8
  Fortuna: 8
  Health: 6
  Captain of Crassus' flagship at the battle of Saturn.  He intends to show the world how a true Roman dies.
conversations.prefix: Thomas Sejanus:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Fate brought you here.  
  That is as may be.
  **Now,** however, it's time to show the world how a true Roman fights and dies:  with strength, virtue, honor, and courage!
conversations.prefix: Show Them How a Roman Dies:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Call it the “Luck of the Hibernii,” but more often than not, things just seem to go your way.
  
  +2 added to Fortuna baseline
  
conversations.prefix: Luckier than Most:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have an additional robustness that will serve you well in the trials to come
  
  +1 each added to Strength and Health baselines
  
conversations.prefix: Hale and Hearty:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Those extra sessions at the gymnasium have paid off!
  
  +2 added to Strength baseline
  
conversations.prefix: Stronger than Most:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: It’s a matter of “Brains vs. Brawn.”  You’re doing really well on the Brawn end of things, but guess what..?
  
  +5 added to Strength baseline
  -3 from Cunning baseline
  
conversations.prefix: Muscle-Bound:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Edged weapons:  you love ‘em!
  
  +2 to Skill baseline
  
conversations.prefix: Skilled with Weapons:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Mama didn’t raise no fool; let’s hope this keeps you alive!
  
  +2 to Cunning baseline
  
  
conversations.prefix: Clever Boy:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You exercised your mind at the expense of other areas.
  
  +4 added to Cunning baseline
  -1 each subtracted from Skill and Strength
  
conversations.prefix: A Bit Too Clever:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Agile and clever, you have above-average capabilities
  
  +1 point each added to Skill and Cunning baselines
  
  
conversations.prefix: Nimble:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are far and away Fortune’s favorite…until suddenly you’re not!  You’ll have a tremendous advantage over your opponent and with the crowd until the day inevitably comes when fortune deserts you utterly.
  
  **+15 added to Fortuna baseline.
     --OR—
  When your “Very Bad Day” comes, -30 subtracted from your baseline!**
  See Player's Manual for important details.
  ##NOT for use with Pomeranii Warrior Character##
  
conversations.prefix: You are Fortuna’s Plaything (special card):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: If it weren’t for bad luck, you’d have no luck at all
  
  -1 from Fortuna baseline
  
conversations.prefix: Not all that lucky:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are pretty much the poster boy for the term!
  
  +1 added to Fortuna baseline
  -2 from Cunning baseline
  
conversations.prefix: Dumb Luck:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Work out more; study less…what’s the harm in that?
  
  +1 added to Strength baseline
  -2 from Cunning baseline
  
conversations.prefix: Definitely NOT a “girly man”:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Rarely touched edged weapons before this *(Hey, you could put your eye out with one of those things!)*
  
  -1 from Skill baseline
  
  
conversations.prefix: Unfamiliar with weapons:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Whether it was a battle wound, a childhood illness, or simply the result of hard living, your health has suffered.
  
  -1 from Health baseline
  
  
conversations.prefix: Sickly:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Sometimes you simply *just don’t get it!*
  
  -1 from Cunning baseline
  
conversations.prefix: Dim-witted at times:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Agile, you are *not.*
  .
  
  
  -1 from Skill baseline
  
conversations.prefix: Clumsy:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: If you have any chance--any chance at all!--of seeing your family again, you must survive.
  
  *Somehow.*
  *For them!*
conversations.prefix: Survive for THEM:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: If this is how you are to die, then so be it.
  
  Might as well have a little fun in the meantime...
conversations.prefix: For the joy of Killing:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: If this is where Fortuna has led you, then you might as well trust totally in her.
  
  *Sure, one day she'll screw you over royally, but you knew that from the beginning...*
conversations.prefix: Throw the dice high!:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Situated twenty miles outside the City, the Via Appia Complex continues a millennia-old tradition of dispensing Roman justice.  
  
  Cell Block XXIII is reserved for men condemned to death.  The "normal" criminals have all been moved.  Now, the only occupants are those condemned to death in the Arena...
conversations.prefix: Cell Block XXIII, Via Appia Prison Complex:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It's been over 1800 years since gladiatorial games were held in the Flavian Amphitheatre, known to the world as "The Coliseum."  
  
  Built in the mid-21st Century, Roma Stadium was designed for Olympic Games and various field sports like soccer.  On the orders of Emperor Claudius XXI, it has been "re-purposed."
conversations.prefix: Roma Stadium:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Guests attending events at Roma Stadium are treated to a parklike setting of concourses and shops as they make their way to one of several entrances.  
conversations.prefix: Roma Stadium Gate XIV:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: In addition to incredibly lavish private boxes, Roma Stadium features many boxes of considerably more modest (yet still quite comfortable) means.  Some are used by various broadcast media.
conversations.prefix: Private Box:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The Eternal City remains, as it has since the time of Marius and Sulla, the mightiest city in the world.
  
  All roads *still* lead to her, whether those roads are made of pavement or the ion trails of starships.
conversations.prefix: Rome:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Despite a well-deserved reputation for corruption, there is no finer showman to be found in the Empire than Tobias Rufus.    As  the *Magister Ludi* (Master of the Games), he is responsible for the overall conduct of the contest, approving matchups, performs liaison with the press, lines up commercial sponsors, and readily helps himself to portions of the gate receipts and advertising revenues.  As *Pronuntiator*, he announces each bout to both to an eager world-wide audience.  
conversations.prefix: Tobias Rufus (for Proculus Bassus Arvina):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You vote **Thumbs Up** and shout "Recipere Ferrum!" meaning that **you want him killed.**
conversations.prefix: Recipere Ferrum!:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You vote **Thumbs Down**, while shouting "Stans missus!"meaning that **you want the loser to be spared.**
conversations.prefix: Missio!:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Defeated and battered, this gladiator raises his hand in supplication.  It is time for the *Pollice Verso.*  Use your asset cards to cast your vote.
conversations.prefix: Pollice Verso (Thumbs Vote):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The press boxes are a hotbed of activity long before the crowds arrive.  There is broadcast equipment to check out, camera angles to arrange...
conversations.prefix: Press Box, Roma Stadium:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value:  The Hindii are growing increasingly concerned about their powerful and hostile enemy to the north.  Delhi's Ambassador to Rome, Vikram Kumar hopes to forge closer ties with the Emperor.
  These are his first Games of any type that he's ever seen, and is rather perplexed and somewhat scandalized by it all...
conversations.prefix: Vikram Kumar:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Octavian Aquinas Pictor is the senior member of the College of Cardinals, second in power only to Pontifex Maximus, Pope Clement XIV.  
  He is the only official from the Holy See who is attending the games.  He is *not* there for entertainment.  The Holy Father was quite clear about this:  his mission is to remind the Emperor (and any who might have his ear) that the Church disapproves of these games.
conversations.prefix: Octavian Cardinal Pictor:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Although certainly nowhere as modern, grand or expensive as Roma Stadium, this venue is far older, having been a scene of gladiatorial entertainment since AD 1807.
conversations.prefix: Gladitorial Arena, Illerda Hispania:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Although the weapons are archaic, at least the medical treatment for gladiators is state of the art.  Wounded gladiators receive the finest care available...or at least are made as comfortable as possible while they're waiting to die.
conversations.prefix: Infirmary:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Strength: 7
  Skill: 9
  Cunning: 8
  Fortuna: 8
  Health: 6
  Captain of Crassus' flagship at the battle of Saturninas.  He intends to show the world how a true Roman dies.
conversations.prefix: Thomas Sejanus (for Bassus):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Strength: 4
  Skill: 6
  Cunning: 12
  Fortuna: 10
  Health: 5  
  Crassus' scribe and propagandist; he wrote the would-be "Emperor's" speeches
conversations.prefix: Sextus Turbo (for Hrodan):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Strength: 2
  Skill: 2
  Cunning: 7
  Fortuna: -5
  Health: 3 
  
  A simpering weasel, Aelius Orestes was a close advisor to Crassus.  Crassus called him, er, his '*very special confidant and friend.' *  That's one way to put it, one supposes...
  
  Whoever is lucky enough to be the one to send this wretch to hades will no doubt earn some extra adulation from the crowd.  People *really* hate this guy..!
conversations.prefix: Aelius Orestes (for Pictor):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Strength: 9
  Skill: 10
  Cunning: 9
  Fortuna: 6
  Health: 8
  A veteran of many campaigns, he was part of the Presidium garrison on Proxima Centauri.  When Crassus proclaimed himself emperor, he had a chance to make his way with the Roman loyalists to the *Stella Nova.*  Instead, he chose to stay behind.  He chose poorly...
conversations.prefix: Secundus Scripto (for Gravius):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Strength: 9
  Skill: 9
  Cunning: 9
  Fortuna: 6
  Health: 9
  
  A legionary ranker, "a simple Soldier, like all the others," as he said at his trial.
  
  The jury didn't buy it.
conversations.prefix: Antonio Jackson (for Corvus):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Strength: 8
  Skill: 8
  Cunning: 9
  Fortuna: 6
  Health: 8
  A Captain in the Imperial Roman Navy, he "turned toga" and fought under the banners of Crassus.  His ship was lost and he was captured at the Battle of Saturninas
conversations.prefix: Artorius Galabrio (for Nemo):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Despite a well-deserved reputation for corruption, there is no finer showman to be found in the Empire than Tobias Rufus.    As  the *Magister Ludi* (Master of the Games), he is responsible for the overall conduct of the contest, approving matchups, performs liaison with the press, lines up commercial sponsors, and readily helps himself to portions of the gate receipts and advertising revenues.  As *Pronuntiator*, he announces each bout to both to an eager world-wide audience.  
conversations.prefix: Tobias Rufus :
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Strength: 9
  Skill: 10
  Cunning: 9
  Fortuna: 6
  Health: 8
  A veteran of many campaigns, he was part of the Presidium garrison on Proxima Centauri.  When Crassus proclaimed himself emperor, he had a chance to make his way with the Roman loyalists to the *Stella Nova.*  Instead, he chose to stay behind.  He chose poorly...
conversations.prefix: Secundus Scripto (for Hrodan):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Strength: 9
  Skill: 9
  Cunning: 9
  Fortuna: 6
  Health: 9
  
  A legionary ranker, "a simple Soldier, like all the others," as he said at his trial.
  
  The jury didn't buy it.
conversations.prefix: Antonio Jackson (for Pictor):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Strength: 6
  Skill: 6
  Cunning: 12
  Fortuna: 12
  Health: 7
  Crassus' Minister of Defense.  
conversations.prefix: Iacob Aeris (for Corvus, second pip):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Strength: 6
  Skill: 7
  Cunning: 16
  Fortuna: 15
  Health: 5
  The traitor's first cousin, and the highest ranking prisoner to participate in the games.  A dissolute drunkard, his health is poor, but his treacherous mind makes him dangerous still.
conversations.prefix: Gaius Portius Crassus (for Nemo):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value:  The Hindii are growing increasingly concerned about their powerful and hostile enemy to the north.  Delhi's Ambassador to Rome, Vikram Kumar hopes to forge closer ties with the Emperor.
  These are his first Games of any type that he's ever seen, and is rather perplexed and somewhat scandalized by it all...
conversations.prefix: Vikram Kumar (for Lupus):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: There's some hint of scandalous behind-the-scenes exchanges of money taking place that involves "one or more high-placed persons" associated with the Games.
  
  Care to comment?
conversations.prefix: Pushy Reporter (for Caelius):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The same pushy newshound pestering the Aedile pounces on you as well.  Have you heard any juicy rumors?  Care to make any sort of comment?
conversations.prefix: Pushy Reporter (for Arvina):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Perhaps it was a casual question, or perhaps it wasn't...but a high ranking Senator has asked you a rather pointed question about why Teeterius Farge had consigned Hrodan to fight in the arena.
conversations.prefix: The Pomeranii Question (for Vespillo and Arius):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The fact that you were one of the testers of the *bellum testudo* seems to have made you a bit of a celebrity...or is there more to it than that?
conversations.prefix: Bellum Testudo:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: As you make your way to the gate, you get jostled by another fan, and...
conversations.prefix: The Pickpocket (for Agrippina):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The thief who attempted to steal Agrippina Euphemia's datapad definitely took his own life to avoid capture...but *why?*
  
  And who was he?
  
  
conversations.prefix: Post-Mortem:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Marcus Orestes Claudius is the Emperor of the Roman Empire
conversations.prefix: Emperor Claudius IX:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Claudius IX is an affable man possessing an impressive intellect, a keen wit, and an even temperament.  Considered a fair and liberal-minded ruler, Marcus Orestes Claudius is nonetheless ever-mindful of Roman traditions, Roman justice, and Roman institutions
conversations.prefix: Fair Ruler:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: He is not above acts of cruelty if such acts serve to strengthen the Roman State. 
  
  As the newest Roman in a string of emperors stretching all the way back to Octavian Augustus, he is fully committed to maintaining the political status quo.  
  
  His devotion to Roman institutions is one of the chief motivations behind his decision to stage these games.  
conversations.prefix: Ruthless When He Has to Be:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: In the aftermath of an unsettling civil war spanning two star systems, the world (both Roman and non-Roman) seek a return to stability and prosperity.
conversations.prefix: Pacify the Empire and Consolidate Power:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: An owner, recruiter, trainer, and speculator in gladiators who sold or rented men to *munerarii.* In the Empire this job came under the jurisdiction of the emperor.
conversations.prefix: Lanista:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: ...a lot of things, really. Talent, profit, schadenfreude -- it all boils down to what you see when you *look* at something, and you've trained yourself to look with more than human eyes!
conversations.prefix: An Eye For...:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It takes a certain sort to run a business based on bloodsport, and it shows in your personality. Outside of your comfort zone, that can lead you into some rather... *embarrassing* situations.
conversations.prefix: Not the Most Well-Adjusted Roman:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The legend of the *secutor* who dominated the ancient Coliseum for 13 years, and *refused the* rudis *four times,* inspires you to no end. Is *any* of these traitors of equal mettle?
conversations.prefix: Find the Next Flamma!:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You took an oath to protect your Emperor.  Although Crassus is dead and gone, you are honor-bound to fulfill your oath...*TO THE DEATH!*
conversations.prefix: Praetorian Honor:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: So what if Romans and Pomeranians are allies now? You've faced down Formic swarms. Show these new "pack mates" what it's like to face a REAL warrior.
conversations.prefix: Make Them Fear You:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Once a Natural Philosopher and Science Tribune on the *Stella Nova*, you've been welcomed into Academia with a prestigious chair in the Pontifical Academy of Science.
conversations.prefix: Physics Chair:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your knowledge is from the finest professors of the Naval Academy - and first hand exploration of the stars!
conversations.prefix: Well-Educated:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Sure, your mother was a Protocol Officer. But politics is a lot more than using the right fork. And anyone who thinks that academics isn't full of politics - and vice versa - is sorely mistaken.
conversations.prefix: Political Novice:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You thought the Navy was going to be your home for the rest of your life. Instead, you find yourself in a new fraternity, with new rules, new ranks, and new protocols. Figure things out quickly!
conversations.prefix: Find Your Way:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: As a newly appointed Senator, you're struggling to accept what you are, instead of what you were. For now, your identity is wrapped up in the past, and that means you still see yourself as a *Navis Praefectus*, a military man. Politics? Christus, Castor, et Pollux!
conversations.prefix: Navis Praefectus (Retired):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your father, a man whose political knowledge was surpassed only by his poor judgement, always said to pay attention to those around you. As a new Senator, now you know why. "Be decisive, but not brash," he'd said. Words to live by.
conversations.prefix: Observant:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your family soured you on the political arena, with good reason. But can you put aside that dislike in order to accomplish something? Or will your past always be getting in the way?
conversations.prefix: Distaste for Politics:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: How can you turn your new-found position into a means of forging a future better than what you just experienced?
conversations.prefix: Seeking Closure:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: As the Engineering Tribune of the old *Stella Nova,* Sextus Arius had been part and parcel of all the great battles in the war against Rome's former enemies, the Pomeranii, and instrumental in the fight against the false emperor Crassus.  Now retired from the Imperial Roman Fleet, Crassus enjoys a cushy teaching job at the Imperial Engineering School.
conversations.prefix: Hero of the Pomeranii and Crassian Wars:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: His dry wit always at the ready and laced with Plebeian "earthiness," Arius is a fun guy to be around...if you can put up with him.
conversations.prefix: Crusty Sense of Humor and Sensibility:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Though he knows that Christian charity demands otherwise, Quintus Arius will shed not many tears for those meeting their fates in the sands of the arena.
conversations.prefix: Tends to hold a grudge...:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Retirement is fine, and he's certainly *earned* a rest, but...
  
  There is a *bit* of unfinished business.  *Wouldn't it be grand if two of his favorite shipmates, a certain scientist and Consul got together*...*permanently?*
conversations.prefix: Misses the Navy:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Senator and Ambassatrix to the Pomeranii Empire. 
conversations.prefix: Senator/Ambassatrix :
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Keeping your wits about you even when the world is falling down around your ears, you’ve got everything under control and a smile plastered on your face for every situation.  Never let them see you sweat.  
conversations.prefix: Cool Under Fire:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: My way or the highway. I am always right, even when wrong.
conversations.prefix: Stubborn:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have kept many and there are many to be learned.
conversations.prefix: Secrets:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Gaius Caelius' rise through the political ranks is being accelerated by the Emperor, thanks to his bravery and charisma during the war against Crassus.
  
  Now an elected Aedile, Gaius is committed to serving the people of Rome as best he can.
conversations.prefix: Man of the People:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Friendly and approachable or intimidating and stern, whatever the situation calls for. You have a knack for converting people — Patrician and Plebeian alike — to your point of view.
conversations.prefix: Charismatic:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You’re a man of your word, to a fault. And it’s going to create a lot of dicey situations for you.
conversations.prefix: Uncompromising:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Yes, Crassus was a traitor, and yes, these men are guilty.  But there has already been *so much* loss of life.
  
  For a nation so devout, is this really what is expected of us, or is there a better way to heal old wounds?
conversations.prefix: Is This What God Demands?:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You shouldn't be stuck wallowing in this filth!  But you're sure you'll find a way to survive the games!  You always fall into a pile of feces and come out smelling like roses...
conversations.prefix: Arrogant:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: All you wanted was to set things right. How can *anyone* with such simple and noble intentions end up so wrong? *How?*
conversations.prefix: Embittered:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You learned from the best, your mother. As Protocol Officer and general social butterfly, she taught you how to guide a conversation - or dodge a topic entirely.
conversations.prefix: Small Talk:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Sometimes it is not what you do but who you know.
conversations.prefix: Connections:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Enough already with the bowing and the praise and the hero-stuff.
conversations.prefix: Uncomfortable with the attention:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: What do you like besides killing?
  
  *More Killing!*
conversations.prefix: Likes Killing:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You plan and act for the long game, knowing sometimes a choice now can have a large impact later.
conversations.prefix: The Long Game:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: There's the letter and there's the spirit, and as far as you're concerned, you're the foremost adherent of either when you need to be.
conversations.prefix: Slick:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You may be a scientist, but you're a *Navy* scientist. Folks who discount the martial side of your training are in for an unpleasant surprise.
conversations.prefix: Military Training:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: So maybe a bit of your father rubbed off on you after all?
conversations.prefix: Diplomacy:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are one of the elite warriors, tasked with guarding the emperor. The last cohort is trained as policemen and in contra-espionage, to guide the sword of the first cohort.
conversations.prefix: Praetorean Investigator:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You see and hear things that others miss.
conversations.prefix: Keen:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your passion and commitment may cause you to make mistakes
conversations.prefix: Driven:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The universe, the world, the empire, the emperor, you, each fate depends on the ones before.
conversations.prefix: For the Emperor:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Into whose Jurisdiction does this crime fall?  The *Vigiles* want to retain control of the case because it happened within *Urbs Roma.*  The Praetorian Prefecture has other ideas.
conversations.prefix: A Question of Jurisdiction:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A clandestine meeting arranged by Tobias Rufus between Quintus Bassus the condemned traitor and Proculus Bassus Arvina.
  
  *Just what are the Bassi up to..?*
conversations.prefix: Bassus (pro Bassus et Bassus!) :
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You two have been singled out for a special honor:  you will fight as a team against four opponents!
conversations.prefix: et adversarii multi (For Bassus and Hrodan):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You will fight as a team against a like number of opponents...and a "special surprise."
conversations.prefix: et adversarii multi (For Corvus, Pictor, and Nemo):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: No ancient weapon, this is a superb weapon made with the same military grade steel used in legionary laser gladii.  No laser on this model, of course, but that blade will *really do some damage!*
conversations.prefix: A Very Sharp Gladius:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Farge saw fit to send these along with a note to please give them to Hrodan at a time deemed appropriate by his human captors.  
  Little imagination is needed to visualize what these wicked claws will do to his opponents in the ring!
conversations.prefix: Pomeranii Battle Claws:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Even the life and death spectacle playing out before you in the sand can't entirely distract you from puzzling over the attack on Agrippina Euphemia.
  Who *was* that attacker anyway?  What were his motives, and why did he think stealing her laptop was worth sacrificing his very life?
  
  **Narrator's Note: *I don't know either at this point!  Your speculations will drive the direction of the story, 'cause even I don't have a clue.* **
conversations.prefix: The Meaning of the Crime (for the NGCs):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: There may be clues at the suspect's apartment that the first investigators missed.  Time to take another look.  
conversations.prefix: The Suspect's Insula:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You know that this opponent, of all the monkeymen, will be your most dangerous one by far.
conversations.prefix: Bassus (for Hrodan):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Beating this creature will be your ticket to freedom, and perhaps a very profitable career as a professional gladiator.  Only trouble is...you have a sick feeling in your stomach that this Pomeranii could very well be the death of you!
conversations.prefix: Hrodan (for Bassus):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You've grown to know this man a bit...and now you have to kill him.
conversations.prefix: NEMO (For Corvus):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The man knows his way around a gladius; you've seen that first-hand.  Now your former teammate will become your mortal enemy.
conversations.prefix: CORVUS (for Nemo):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: This man comes from good Roman stock, but he has the soulless dead eyes of a killer.
  
  STRENGTH	10
  SKILL	        10
  CUNNING	9
  FORTUNA	14
  HEALTH	          8
  
conversations.prefix: Gaius Flaminius (for Pictor):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: At the imperial court also known as 'survival skills'.
conversations.prefix: Etiquette:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Several things send you over the edge - assumptions and shoddy research are just two of them.
conversations.prefix: Irritable:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Hard-won experience on the battlefield and in training gives you comfort. You know you have what it takes to not only survive, but win.
conversations.prefix: Confident:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Sometimes the strength that carries one through is not physical.
conversations.prefix: Determination:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Even if you're starting to doubt that your heart can handle being a high-ranking politician, you certainly have the *mind* for it.
conversations.prefix: Politically Minded:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Two fights in one day and both opponents managed to get some good hits in. You're not out, but you're hurting.
conversations.prefix: Injured:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Fear has crept into your mind and made you far more alert and prepared to fight than you had previously been.
conversations.prefix: New Motivator :