conversations.from: system
conversations.value: #It is the dawn of 673 au. 
  The mighty Republic lists dangerously, threatening to sink under the weight of decades of naked power grabs and aggressive economic reforms. 
  
  On a road laid by the lustful ambition of the brothers Gracchi, and paved by the much hated Gaius Marius, Lucius Cornelius Sulla has returned from his campaigns in the East. At the head of three battle-hardened Legions, he has wrested the city from his political adversaries and commanded the cowards in the Senate to name him Dictator in perpetuity.
  
  With little attempt at justification, Sulla has initiated a horrific slaughter of wealthy Roman elites, who he fears will oppose his agenda. Each day, hundreds of names appear on lists in the Forum, alongside promises that any riches the dead may have will be shared with their assassins.
  
  In their once glorious estate near Equiline Hill, the long-since marginalized Tarquitia family gathers to discuss strategy.
  
  Will this be the year that sees their return to the forefront of political and social relevance? Or, instead, will they find their names nailed to a post in the square, like so many others? 
  
  #For more information on the period
  http://www.ancient.eu/article/818/
  
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulla
  
  http://www.forumromanum.org/history/morey20.html
  
  http://thehistoryofrome.typepad.com/the_history_of_rome/2008/11/33--marius-and.html
  
  http://thehistoryofrome.typepad.com/the_history_of_rome/2008/11/34--no-greater.html
  
  http://www.roman-empire.net/republic/laterep-index.html
  
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Domus Tarquitia, Atrium: The social center of the family's house in Rome. Guests are received here.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Domus Tarquitia, Triclinium: The dining area of the home. Various couches allow for lounging during meals.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Domus Tarquitia, Peristylium: The courtyard of the home, the peristylium is an ideal place for quiet secrecy.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Publius Gabius: A wealthy and ambitious young Pleb, Gabius has long been a drooling sycophant in hopes of achieving adoption by a Patrician family. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Military Tribune: You have spent most of the last year in service to a Legatus, as a junior officer in the Legion. You have taken your first steps along the Cursus Honorum, and look forward to a promising political career.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Slave: You have served the house of Tarquitius since your childhood in some capacity. Your constant, silent presence has afforded you a bevy of secrets your Dominus would prefer never escape your lips.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Dominus: You are the Paterfamilias, the legal and religious head of the Tarquitius family. Your influence has ebbed in the past decades, but your control over your lineage remains firm.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Domina: You are the matron of the household. While you will never muster the political clout of your men, you wield social influence that rivals theirs. A well placed word to the right ear can be as deadly as a blade.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Favored Daughter: As the young daughter of the Tarquitii, you stand to gain as much as any politician or officer. A well-played seduction and subsequent marriage can ally you to a stronger family, and ensure high placement for your men. 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Loyal Ally: You are allied with the Tarquitii, through either marriage or treaty. The Paterfamilias has been good to you and yours, and he has earned your loyalty. It's up to you to decide whether you will honor that, or exploit it.  
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Paterfamilias: You are the legal and religious head of the remaining Tarquitii. As the respected elder you sit in a position of prominence, having dominion over even the lives of your adult children. 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Loyalty: Place
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Dignitas: You are well known and respected. Your strong reputation carries weight in the city, and certain crowds will allow you to trade on your name alone. 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Virtus: Though not unafraid, you do not allow yourself to be pinned down by fear. Even in the face of ruin, you are able to maintain your composure and dignity. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Ruthlessness: You have cultivated a cool detachment from conscience, which so blunts the will of ambitious men. You are more than willing to destroy the lives and wealth of men who stand to oppose your will. 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Brilliance: You are a tactical, economic, or political genius. You quickly outwit rivals, leaving them to wonder for years just how you managed your way around them so easily. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Charisma: You are witty and charming. Social situations are your element, and you are known to be able to spin stories and gossip with enviable talent. 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Gravitas: You possess a quiet weight to your personality, a solemn force of character, that is highly regarded by the people of Rome. Your words usually merit consideration, even by your enemies.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Fortune: Your family's holy Luck has found a receptacle in you. You have the blessing of Fortuna and, so long as her attentions don't turn sour, the odds seem always in your favor. 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Pietas: Your faith in the Gods is strong, a fact well known by the people. Likewise, you honor your responsibilities to family, nation, and class. Your devotion is widely admired.  
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Cowardice: You are afraid. Perhaps you fear death, or perhaps failure. Whatever it is that scares you, it is enough to drive you to humiliating and potentially career ending flight. 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Weak Constitution: The sight of blood turns your stomach, and you are unable to bring yourself to come in contact with filth. Even particularly strong smells threaten to spill your insides. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Intestinal Fortitude: You aren't easily disgusted. Those sights that cause bile to rise in the throats of others rarely affect you, and you aren't particularly offended by pungent odors or foul tastes.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Poor reputation: You are known among the people of Rome, and their opinion of you is foul. You are thought to be witless, or cruel, or ignoble, and deserved or not this public image can be crucially restraining.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Pampered Upbringing: You're the product of wealth and plenty. You've never understood the struggle of the poor. How could they possibly be hungry when grain is so cheap? You are out of touch with the mob, and that is a liability.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Denial: You refuse to admit that things may not turn out in your favor. When plans begin to go awry, you are less likely to quickly adapt and far more likely to doggedly refuse to acknowledge the deterioration.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Selflessness: Generosity, be it for the sake of genuine compassion or political posing, is noble. Giving of oneself without concern to one's own situation is madness. You are known for the latter. 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Agnosticism: You cannot bring yourself to believe that the dead linger across the veil, or that Gods reign on high. Your lack of belief hampers your ability to participate in ritual, and would cause considerable public fallout if uncovered. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Mediocrity: Simply, you aren't that great. You are an adequate general, or orator, or investor, but you don't have the spark to be truly notable. With luck, history will remember your efforts as unremarkable, and not catastrophic.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Overconfidence: As far as you're concerned, there's nothing you can't do. The problem, though, is that there is an extensive list of things you can't do. You frequently boast of your abilities, and just as frequently fail to prove them when tested.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Frailty: You are frequently ill. Apart from the obvious implications of numerous ailments, this condition causes others to question your Fortune and, at times, your commitment. 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Timidity: Fortuna favors the bold. Sadly, this means that you don't count among her favored. You are staid, over-thinking and worried that you will make the wrong move. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Naivete: You really, truly believe that everything is going to work out. Sulla will end the prosciptions, repeal Marius's economic reforms, and retire quietly to the country. Everyone you know will be okay. This is all fine. 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Boldness: You do not fear great risk, when the potential reward is equally great. You are known for daring, innovative action that puts everything on the line, and returns just as much when successful. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Wisdom: You have experienced much, and taken from those experiences a wealth of important lessons. You make strong decisions based on what life has taught you. 
  
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Ambition: You are driven to achieve rank, and will push yourself to incredible lengths to progress. You are motivated and energetic. No obstacle will halt your momentum.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Awkward Socialization: Try as you might, you have difficulty communicating with others. You are overly intense, standoffish, or bizarre, and other Romans (especially nobles) aren't sure what to make of you. 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Confidence: Through your history of positive results, you have come to believe in your ability to succeed. Be it in martial endeavors, policy creation, or other pursuits, you aren't hampered by doubting your chances. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Scriba Pontificus: You have achieved clerical office, acting as scribe and minor priest under the *Pontifex Maximus* of the Republic. You have the respect and superstitious fear of the people, and to harm you in any way is a sacrilege.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Scheming Investor: You are tasked with replenishing the family treasury. To that end, you always have some intricate, quasi-legal plan to acquire resources. Your gains go to the coffers of the house, less what you feel you are owed. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Second Born Son: While you are well placed, you will not be heir to the Tarquitii so long as your brother and his issue survive. As events unfold, you must decide if you will accept your lot and remain loyal, or commit the unthinkable and ascend.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Heir: You are the first born son, and thus, the heir to the Tarquitia estate. Your father has insisted that you be well educated and thoroughly trained, hanging all hopes of a future for the house firmly from your shoulders.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Statesman (copy): .
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Mediocrity (copy): Simply put, you aren't that great. You might be an adequate general, or orator, or investor, but you don't have the necessary spark to be notable.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Protect Your Legacy: The Tarquitia name may have declined in the last few decades, but it doesn't have to remain so low. Return the once great line to prominence, and safeguard it for future generations. 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Advance along the the Cursus Honorum: Move yourself into political office. If you distinguish yourself, you may be able to win each rung of the Cursus "in your year," setting you up for a Consulship when you reach age. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Gain Personal Wealth: Get rich, or die trying. Gather as much cash, land, or slaves as you can manage. 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Protect The Republic: The Republic has never weathered a storm quite so lethal as it has these last few years. Consolidate your power and do what you can to ensure her survival. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Restore Honor to the Tarquitia Name: .
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Gain Personal Glory: Through battle and leadership, increase the power of the Tarquitia name by attaching your own growing Glory to it. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Take Control of the Family: The Paterfamilias has aged beyond his years of worth. It's time for your family to have a new leader, and you must position yourself to assume that role. 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Marry Well: Find a husband or wife of potent name and station, thus tying your family to another through the holy bonds of marriage. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Gain a Powerful Cognomen: Whether through conquest or personal wealth, forge deeds worthy a dignified Cognomen for yourself or your man. 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Assassinate Sulla: You are a staunch supporter of Marius, and will not see his work undone. Secure an audience with Sulla somehow, and do what must be done. 
  
  SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS
  
  (It is not possible to succeed at this subplot.)
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Get out of the Tarquitia Family: It's hard to accept, but the noble name of your ancestor is sullied by mediocrity beyond repair. Either through marriage or adoption, scrub it from your own history.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Gain your Freeedom: You have been a slave your entire life. You have saved whatever money you could, and have nearly enough to purchase yourself. But with the upheaval in the Senate, will your Dominus let you go?
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Survive: Storms of unprecedented ferocity are coming. Do whatever it takes to live through them. Worry about everything else later. 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Die With Honor: You have little will to live in the world that Marius and Sulla have created. Do not stain the *dignitas* of your family with a poor demise. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Uncertainty: Word travels fast in the Eternal City, but not fast enough. Which of your neighbors will end up on the prosciption list next? Can you act quickly enough to cash in?
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Decorum: It is important  to temper a balance between what must be said and how your words are received. You can afford neither to be too direct, nor too subtle. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Debt: The Tarquitia income does not meet the demands of your annual debt. You can sustain this imbalance for a while, but eventually the treasury will run dry.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Suberia: A loyal and well cared for slave, Suberia is tasked with ensuring that Domus Tarquitia shines beyond its ill-appointed station. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Will of the Tarquitii: Whatever may come, you are a noble and honorable patrician family. Internal squabbles may erupt here or there, but when facing an external pressure, the walls of this domus cannot fall. 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: German Slaves: Are they in revolt, or is there something more sinister at play? How did Publius come to have skilled fighting men as slaves? Why would they betray their Dominus?
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Cheese Knife: It's not much. But it's not *nothing*.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Fruit Tray: It isn't thick enough to block a knife, but at least clanging it right before you die will stop *lumeres* from stealing your soul. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Full Jug of Wine: The favored weapon of outclassed aristocracy everywhere. The jug is strong enough to do some real damage.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Strips of Cloth: It's stained and dirty, but it should be useful to staunch blood flow.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Even the Walls can Hear: At a time like this, who can be trusted? Will the servants of this household seek to earn manumission from the doom of the family? 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Escape: Domus Tarquitius has fallen. You can stay here and so fall with it, or you can take flight and hope to win your home back another day. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Cunning: Your sharp mind is always working in the background, absorbing the careless words spoken around you.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Cultural Misunderstandings: They're a weird lot these Romans. They think your ways of doing things are odd, and wrong. As a slave, that can lead to severe consquences.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Perceptive: You are good at picking up on the emotional states of others.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Self-Motivating: You do not need outside encouragement to tackle problems or pursue your goals. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Tact: Father's lessons may not have been embraced, but they were certainly not lost.  These trying times have sparked the need to recall many of the skills and ideals the tutors tried to instill.  A dagger behind the back is most easily concealed with a cloak of honeyed words.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Will of the Tarquitii: Whatever may come, you are a noble and honorable patrician family. Internal squabbles may erupt here or there, but when facing an external pressure, the walls of this domus cannot fall.   .
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Son of Rome's Wars: Your youth has been spent in the crucible of various wars abroad. The swift arm and keen eye of veteran mean that you are more than capable of handling yourself in a fight.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Weak Stomach: Blood.  Bodies.  What could have been a moment of heroism is now a portent of dumb luck, instinct and a clear display of your lack of grit.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Shaken: This is all just a little too much to process.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Intuition: Whether it is that you have sound subconscious reasoning or well honed instincts, following your "guts" rarely leads you astray. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Household Knowledge: You know the other slaves of this house well. Well enough to pick up on something fishy...
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Afraid: You never thought things could get this bad. Your fear harms your ability to make good choices.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Gnaeus Pompeius: You know Pompey.  
  Spoken with him often.
  But will he remember who you are?  Will he be willing to protect you against Sulla?
  You are gambling your family's survival on this one...