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Post by Admin on Oct 6, 2016 3:50:51 GMT
Quote:Today in ancient history: The birth of Marc Antony. (82 BC) A Roman general, and the second husband of Cleopatra. t.co/ifzBeulFDDThanks to: Theslo of Qualon cf. Neat Pictures: added more! [adultish]
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Post by Admin on Oct 6, 2016 8:07:50 GMT
From Ancient Warfare magazine: Wagon Fightby wraithdt What kind of a wagon? (cf. WSG)
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Post by Admin on Oct 6, 2016 9:06:32 GMT
Rome corresponds to Acheron in Hyboria. Also note that gates exist to the layers of Acheron in Rome, or, in it's Upper Underdark, with the latter situation being the more likely. The four layers of Acheron are: * Avalas * Thuldanin * Tintibulus * Ocanthus
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Post by Admin on Oct 6, 2016 9:15:15 GMT
Aquilonia A cross between the Roman Empire and Carolingian Empire. The name is borrowed from Aquilonia, a city of Southern Italy, between modern Venosa and Benevento; it is also an ancient name of Quimper and resembles that of Aquitaine, a French region ruled by England for a long portion of the Middle Ages. The name is derived from Latin aquilo(n–), "north wind". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquilonia_(Conan)en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyborian_Age#Etymology
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Post by kjatoragfoot on Oct 6, 2016 19:05:33 GMT
No, Caligula was a vampire that tried to infiltrate the werewolf cult. Cicero was the head of the werewolf cult at the time of his attack, and was able to thwart it, but then failed against Cesar's ascension years later.
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Post by Admin on Oct 6, 2016 21:40:04 GMT
Keep in mind that a Caesar is a demi-god in AD&D. I really like the idea of a vampire demi-god, even if he was defeated by Caesar Julius.
As a reminder, Aerth presents Rome as a Kingdom, a shadow of its former self during its Imperial Days. I'd imagine things differently, with many of the Italian states being part of a Confederacy, with Rome as the leader. Matter of fact, the Western Sea Alliance would be very close to this confederacy (the Western Sea Alliance is an alliance of Italic states).
Basically, any Roman pantheon state would now become part of the Roman Confederacy: this includes most of the realms of the Italic peninsula.
The Roman Confederacy, following LEST DARKNESS FALL, by L. Sprague de Camp, is, in some ways technologically advanced, in that there is a Confederacy-wide 20th century telecommunications system, brandy has been invented, etc. Other than that, technology is still where it was during the Roman Empire: but Rome is still ahead of the Greek pantheon states in terms of technology.
This is all just theory, but the reason for it is that I'm using the HR series by TSR, for 2E, as the baseline for the realms of Aerth, so this pushes the technological level backwards from the 17th century that was envisioned by Gary Gygax.
Anachronism? Yes. A mess? Yes. Fun? Absolutely, Yes.
Remember that I am applying a global monoculture (that which is in the first 7 AD&D books), as a layer of culture, so, that even in the Greek pantheon realms, lands dominated by bronze weaponry, one can still buy steel arms & armor from specialty shops and merchants: they are just not native to the Greek pantheon realms. Likewise, full plate is theoretically available in the Roman pantheon realms, but its wearing is not advised, due to the heat of those realms.
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Post by Admin on Oct 6, 2016 22:01:51 GMT
No, Caligula was a vampire that tried to infiltrate the werewolf cult. Cicero was the head of the werewolf cult at the time of his attack, and was able to thwart it, but then failed against Cesar's ascension years later. Great ideas! I'll consider these to be 'canon' from now on, in my own personal vision of Aerth, which I hope that others share to some extent, also in the sense that their creative input is welcome, at any time. With regards to Caligula the vampire, I would imagine that it is a slight variant on the standard MONSTER MANUAL vampire. Cicero as a were-wolf should require no changes, and, for some reason, I am thinking of the excellent movie BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF, right now. Do keep in mind that Julius Caesar has recently converted to Christianity, whereas his wife (or ex-wife), Cleopatra, is a Priestess of the Mysteries (Isis of the 10,000 Names, who, in the real-world was worshiped as far away as modern England and Germany). I had wanted to limit the Abrahamic religions to 3 realms (Phillistia, Rome, and Yarbay), but, due to THE CRUSADES, a 2E book from the HR(Historical Reference) series, I've decided to add a 4th quasi-Abrahamic realm, out of the 200 or so realms of Aerth: Hasur, which corresponds to northern Syria (this might get changed to Shamash, which corresponds to southern Syria, the area of Damascus). I could be off a little bit with the geography, but I hope to check on this at a later date. Anyway, Hasur (and/or Shamash) is, in theory, the location of Dabiq, the site of the final battle, Armaggeddon. Rome has declared war (or, Yarbay has declared war): that's my theory, so far. So, this would be an alternate Crusade, with angels literally fighting with the mortal troops. Christianity and Islam have just begun, and, they are already fighting. Sigh... some things never change. Anyway, as a closing note, I think it's important to emphasize that the polytheistic religions exist alongside the Abrahamic ones (Phillistia: Egyptian && Judaism) (Rome: Roman && Christianity) (Yarbay: Arabic && Mesopotamian). Other mythos exist in those realms as well, such as the Canaanite, Italic, and Arabic, so this should create a background with some more depth than the approach used by Gary Gygax in EPIC OF AERTH, where there are only 19 major pantheons, with no mention of the other pantheons and mythos of Earth/Aerth. Anachronism, St. Prespos of Rome
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Post by Admin on Oct 6, 2016 22:49:01 GMT
Nemedia A cross between Rome and Byzantium. Nemedia was the rival of Aquilonia (which corresponds to The Carolingians), and depended on Aesir mercenaries for their defence (as the Byzantine Empire hired Vikings as the Varangian Guard). The name comes from Nemed, leader of colonists from Scythia to Ireland in Irish mythology; perhaps the name is also meant to allude to Nemea, home to the Nemean Lion of Greek mythology. The name may also be suggestive of various names for Germany in Slavic languages, e.g. Czech Německo. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyborian_Age#Etymology
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Post by Admin on Oct 7, 2016 2:44:30 GMT
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Post by Admin on Oct 7, 2016 20:42:45 GMT
Quote:Today in ancient history:Emperor Caligula is killed by members of the Praetorian guard.(41 AD) t.co/LzMOfmKMN6Caligula by Donald L. Wasson published on 18 October 2011 Caligula (Carole Raddato) Among the great emperors of the Roman Empire stand Augustus and Marcus Aurelius. At the other end of the spectrum is the Emperor Caligula who the historian Suetonius simply calls a monster. In his The Twelve Caesars he further added: It is difficult to say whether weakness of understanding or corruption of morals were more conspicuous in the character of Caligula. He seems to have discovered from his earliest years an innate depravity of mind, which was undoubtedly much increased by defect of education. EARLY LIFE Born Gaius Julius Caesar in 12 AD, Caligula was the son of Germanicus (hero of the German campaign) and Agrippina, granddaughter of the Emperor Augustus (her mother was his daughter Julia). The name “Caligula” is actually a nickname meaning “little boots,” derived from the miniature uniform he wore as a child while on campaign with his father. The precocious youth served as the company’s mascot. Shortly after the death of his family, Caligula moved to the isle of Capri where he was raised by the Roman Emperor Tiberius as what some historians consider a prisoner. Although Germanicus's death is suspicious, Tiberius is thought to have been instrumental in the death of Caligula’s mother and brothers. CALIGULA'S RESPONSE TO HIS CRITICS WAS: “LET THEM HATE ME, SO LONG AS THEY FEAR ME.” Since Caligula and his sisters were considered to be of no immediate threat, they were allowed to live. While on the island, Caligula witnessed the brutality and savage behaviour that was Tiberius. On Capri he was surrounded by corruption and excess. Suetonius said: … even in those days Caligula could not control his natural brutality. He loved watching tortures and executions; and, disguised in wig and robe, abandoned himself nightly to the pleasures of feasting and scandalous living. CALIGULA BECOMES EMPEROR Upon the death of Tiberius on 17 March 37 AD, Caligula became the co-emperor of the Roman Empire with Tiberius’ son Gemellus. Caligula, however, soon came to be the lone ruler with the death of Gemellus. (Caligula is suspected of having a hand in the death of his co-emperor.) Since Tiberius had never been a popular emperor, the citizens of Rome welcomed the young emperor, and Caligula soon earned this admiration: He ended the treason trials instituted by Tiberius, recalled exiles, and gave long over-due bonuses to the Praetorian Guard. He completed a number of building projects started by the former emperor, rebuilt decaying temples, built a lighthouse at Boulogne, began work on new aqueducts and even built a new amphitheatre In Pompeii. There were numerous gladiatorial games and chariot races to entertain the people. Within six months after assuming power, however, everything changed: After coming close to death (historians are divided on the cause - a possible breakdown or epilepsy), Caligula became a different person. He was more paranoid, and the Caligula some had seen on Capri re-emerged. After having reduced taxes earlier in his reign, he raised them in order to pay for his excesses. He instituted a series of purges against suspected enemies, including even his first wife. He brought back the treason trials of Tiberius. He condemned others in order to confiscate their property. Suetonius adds that he became more sadistic and “showed the keenest interest in witnessing the suffering and torment of those condemned being tortured.” In reference to a series of gladitorial games attended by Caligula, historian Cassius Dio said: It was not the large number of those who perished that was so serious, though that was serious enough, but his excessive delight in their death and this insatiable desire for the sight of blood. His extreme behaviour knew no limits, living a life some historians label as perverse and insane. He gave his beloved horse, Incitatus, jewel-encrusted collars and even threatened to grant him the title of consul. He built a two-and-a-half-mile pontoon bridge across the Bay at Baiae. And his response to his critics: “Let them hate me, so long as they fear me.” Although he annexed Mauritania, he led meaningless campaigns in Germany only to earn some sense of military glory. During one of his campaigns in the north, a supposed invasion of Britain, he ordered his soldiers to collect sea shells. Historian Dio wrote, "Next he took his seat on a lofty platform and gave the soldiers the signal as if for battle, bidding the trumpeters urge them on, then of a sudden he ordered them to gather up the shells," Caligula took the shells back to Rome where he exhibited his booty. He also waged a constant war with the Jewish population in Judah who were at odds with the Greeks. When the Jews failed to give him the homage he believed he deserved as a living deity, Caligula threatened to have a statue of himself erected in the Temple of Jerusalem but luckily was convinced otherwise in order to prevent further rioting. Historian Philo who lived the same time as Caligula (sometimes called Philo the Jew or Philo of Alexandria) said that Caligula regarded the Jews with most especial suspicion as if they were the only persons who cherished wishes opposed to him ....(and) believe(d) there was but one God, their Father and the creator of the world. Finally, after only four years as emperor, in January of 41 CE, Caligula was murdered by members of the Praetorian Guard led by Cassius Chaerea, who had been a constant target for Caligula's insults. His wife, Caesonia, and daughter were murdered as well, and to add insult to Caligula’s memory, the man he had ridiculed for years was named his successor: Found cowering behind a curtain, fearing for his own life, and the only surviving adult male, Claudius, was named the new emperor of the Roman Empire. It should be noted that some present-day historians are looking at Emperor Caligula with a new set of eyes. as we have seen, many of the contemporary sources - Suetonius is the most famous - viewed him as a depraved, self-absorbed ruler. Unfortunately, this bias has trickled down to present day authors, and, therefore, this older view of him remains. The reason for this bias is simple. Many of those early authors who wrote on Caligula were commissioned by later emperors who viewed the fallen emperor in a more negative light. While much of what was written about him is, in part, true, a newer depiction of Caligula might inquire about the causes of his dramatic change in personality and concentrate on many of the more positive aspects - the accomplishments - of his brief reign. Written by Donald L. Wasson, published on 18 October 2011 under the following license: Creative Commons: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike. This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. BIBLIOGRAPHY Cassius Dio. Roman History - Book 59. Kerrigan, M. A Dark History: The Roman Emperors. Metro Books, 2011. Page(s) 53 - 71. Suetonius. The Twelve Caesars. Thanks to: Theslo of Qualon cf. Neat Pictures: added more! [adultish] On Aerth, Caligula is a vampire! What DMG label would you give him? Schizophrenic? Sado-masochist? Megalomaniac?
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Post by jamerowe1 on Oct 7, 2016 22:50:05 GMT
I know ... well, knew the guys who wrote Servants of Gaius. I helped the main author research Roman jurisprudence, got my name in it and got a free copy.
Then the other one died, I kicked out my ex (I think she may have slightly wanted me to) and we stopped talking.
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Post by Admin on Oct 8, 2016 1:54:44 GMT
Quote:Section of the Tabula Peutingeriana - 12th C monks copy of a Roman roadmap stretching from Brittany to Iraq, c.400 AD Thanks to: Theslo of Qualon cf. Neat Pictures: added more! [adultish]
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Post by Admin on Oct 8, 2016 2:07:18 GMT
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Post by Admin on Oct 8, 2016 2:12:50 GMT
I know ... well, knew the guys who wrote Servants of Gaius. I helped the main author research Roman jurisprudence, got my name in it and got a free copy. Then the other one died, I kicked out my ex (I think she may have slightly wanted me to) and we stopped talking. I'd like to pick up a copy, for reference purposes. With regards to SERVANTS OF GAIUS, what kind of a game is it? Is it compatible with (A)D&D? At present, for an AD&D campaign, the main book that I would recommend for a Rome is HR7 GLORY OF ROME. That said, I absolutely recommend picking up books from other editions/systems for inspiration && research. For example, 3E sources can be easily retro-conned back to 2E with regards to races, classes, skills, equipment, and spells. Prespos
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Post by Admin on Oct 8, 2016 8:08:38 GMT
Quote:Ancient coin showing Roman voting procedure (113BC), citizens pass over bridge, attendant gives voter a wax tablet. Thanks to: Theslo of Qualon cf. Neat Pictures: added more! [adultish] Get up. Get out. Vote.
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Post by Admin on Oct 8, 2016 16:53:55 GMT
Quote:Jan. 28, 98 - Trajan succeeds Nerva as Roman Emperor. The Empire would reach is maximum extent during his rule. Quote:Marble statue and head of Trajan, from Ostia Antica (Italy). Quote:Another statue of Trajan from Perga and reworked in the 3rd c. AD. Trajan is given a new image with beard & mustache. Thanks to: Theslo of Qualon cf. Neat Pictures: added more! [adultish]
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Post by Admin on Oct 8, 2016 16:58:11 GMT
Quote:Parturition. Woman lying in a bed, giving birth is attended by three women. 400-300 BC, Ostia, Italy Science Museum Thanks to: Theslo of Qualon cf. Neat Pictures: added more! [adultish]
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Post by Admin on Oct 9, 2016 3:40:28 GMT
Quote:Born (today) in 58 BC: Livia Drusilla (Julia Augusta), wife of Augustus, mother of Tiberius t.co/CUGWmaC9CdQuote:Happy birthday, Livia Drusilla! Quote:Marble head from an over-life-size statue of Livia as the goddess Ceres. My favorite portrait of her! Quote:Terracota lamp with a portrait of a woman, perhaps Livia, said to be from Pozzuoli. Now in British Museum, London. Quote:The magnificent painted garden fresco from the triclinium of Livia's villa, Rome. Now in Palazzo Massimo alle Terme. Thanks to: Theslo of Qualon cf. Neat Pictures: added more! [adultish]
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Post by Admin on Oct 9, 2016 3:48:51 GMT
Quote:A 1st century AD Roman mosaic detailing all the different types of entertainment available at the public games Thanks to: Theslo of Qualon cf. Neat Pictures: added more! [adultish]
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Post by Admin on Oct 9, 2016 3:49:42 GMT
Quote:Jan. 30, 9 BC: Dedication of Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace) by Augustus in celebration of his return from Gaul & Spain. Thanks to: Theslo of Qualon cf. Neat Pictures: added more! [adultish]
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Post by Admin on Oct 9, 2016 7:32:29 GMT
Quote:A Roman diploma from 149 AD, granted to an auxiliary soldier who survived 25 years & thereby earns Roman Citizenship Thanks to: Theslo of Qualon cf. Neat Pictures: added more! [adultish]
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Post by Admin on Oct 9, 2016 8:02:03 GMT
Quote:Bottom of a statue of a Roman soldier wearing a military tunic & caligae, the typical footwear worn by Roman soldiers Thanks to: Theslo of Qualon cf. Neat Pictures: added more! [adultish]
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Post by Admin on Oct 9, 2016 8:03:36 GMT
Quote:Another v fine Roman intaglio bust of an emperor---Lucius Verus, 161-9---set in a 13thC gold seal, found Essex, in BM Thanks to: Theslo of Qualon cf. Neat Pictures: added more! [adultish]
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Post by jamerowe1 on Oct 10, 2016 20:30:04 GMT
I know ... well, knew the guys who wrote Servants of Gaius. I helped the main author research Roman jurisprudence, got my name in it and got a free copy. Then the other one died, I kicked out my ex (I think she may have slightly wanted me to) and we stopped talking. I'd like to pick up a copy, for reference purposes. With regards to SERVANTS OF GAIUS, what kind of a game is it? Is it compatible with (A)D&D? At present, for an AD&D campaign, the main book that I would recommend for a Rome is HR7 GLORY OF ROME. That said, I absolutely recommend picking up books from other editions/systems for inspiration && research. For example, 3E sources can be easily retro-conned back to 2E with regards to races, classes, skills, equipment, and spells. Prespos Hey, I don't control what you buy. And the system itself is based loosely on World of Darkness. It uses skills where you roll d10s - usually 1d10 to 3d10 based on your level of skill, and "unskilled" is 2d10 take the lower - to beat a target number based on the opponent or the situation. For example if you're trying to spot someone you'd roll your perception against his Stealth score, or if you're trying to pray to your chosen god, you roll your Ritual skill to see how well you do.
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Post by Admin on Oct 11, 2016 3:08:16 GMT
Whoah...! That is very cool. Ritual Skill. Prespos Ps. There are rules for Ritual Magick in MYTHUS, by Gary Gygax && Dave Newton. Ps3. In the Roman Empire, I've heard that there were 3 Mystery Cults: * ISIS * Cybele * Mithras I would be hesistant to apply the word Cult, as, these were not a small group of people, devoted to a deity within the context of a pantheon. With regards to the "Cult" of ISIS: we have archaeological evidence that She was worshiped a-broad, as far away as Deustchland && England. My theory is that the infrastructure of Rome enabled this widespread dissemination of Faith & Devotion. Ps4. It is essential to make the distinction between Isis of Egypt, and, Isis of Rome. The latter is basically the concept of God, as feminine energy.
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