Roman Legion OOC Forums

People of Rome:

When I took office Rome was in crisis. The empire was split; Rome itself was in grave danger, and our great emperor Calidus Raeus Vitellius Honestus had recently been murdered by the exile Carus Florianus Julianus. Since then much has changed. We are united again, and with the Freigoths crushed in Hispania, we are truly moving on to a new era. I have begun building projects that will benefit everyone, both in Rome and in the provinces. I have celebrated the reign of my cousin Raeus Honestus with a great arch that is even now being built. Marcus Annius Sabaco is fighting Phrygia in the East, to bring new riches to our great empire.

I believe that my greatest triumph thus far was when I was a legate under Maximus Dio. During the Gothic War his army was surrounded and his allies abandoned him. At that time I gathered a force and moved to help him. By doing that I saved the emperor’s life and allowed the war to continue to its successful conclusion. That is my greatest success because it was doing what I do best. Serving the emperor in every capacity he needs me to. I served directly and unconditionally.

But as this new era begins I have found that I am a relic of the past. New men are rising and an emperor of a different temperament is needed to move Rome forward. It is for that reason that I have made the decision to step down now. After speaking to my Co-Consul and Princeps Senator, Crassus Rimilius Ispius and several other important men, I have made the decision to recommend Lucius Tacitus Vitellius for the now open position. I will be stepping down immediately after the Senate grants him his powers, and in the meantime I name him my heir to ensure his legitimacy.

I have come to the people first because you are the true powers of Rome. While the Senate deliberates and votes it is you that they are trying to please and it is you that I have always served. As far back as the first time I moved my army to defend this city against the northern rebels until this very day I have always done my best to protect and serve the people of Rome. It is in that spirit, that devotion to the security and well being of you citizens that I intent to step down as your Imperator and pass the responsibility on to one whom you already know so well. I defended this city and it’s citizens by knowing when to make and not make a move, and I will continue that defense by making this one.

Lucius Tacitus Vitellius has been Consul of Rome- and Proconsul of Hispania- many times in his life. He has used his experiences both politically and militarily to advise me from the very beginning of my service to Rome, and over the years I have seen his abilities and recognized his capability to lead you where I cannot. Over my few short years here in the city, amongst you, I have seen the influence Consular Tacitus’ and his family wield within your ranks. I have seen his deeds of good and great for your benefit, as he has seen and supported mine for the same.

Agis Quod Adis. Mea anima est cum te.

Lucius Tacitus Vitellius was standing next to Aelianus Julius Vitellius while the Emperor gave his speech, and as soon as Julius was finished Tacitus took the rostra for himself, and addressed the attentive crowd:

“Citizens of Rome!” Lucius Tacitus Vitellius began, smiling wide and extending his arms out to his sides as if embracing the whole of the forum. “I am honored by our Imperator Aelianus Julius Vitellius, Reconcilius, for his decisions to name me as his successor. I am just as honored to have the possibility of leading this great and golden empire as greatly as Emperor’s past, and to have as my brothers the citizens I have served for so long as Senator and Consul of Rome!”

“I will continue to work as fairly, actively and loyally as I have throughout my life in the Senate! Every election I have been supported by you citizenry and every term I have, as have my entire family, served you diligently.” He paused for a few moments, and looked over the crowd around him. His thoughts were racing, but among the mix one in particular stood out: his family. “For nearly a century my entire family has served this empire and it’s citizens as Senators and Legionary commanders with unending loyalty, fairness and adherence to the belief that Rome is the greatest city in the world- not just the known world, but the whole of the world! I am extremely proud that it is my chance to lead the empire in the method of my family, with a devotion to the people, the economy and the legion, and make this wondrous, and fearless state far greater than it has ever been!”

Tacitus sighed heavily, and looked out upon the tightly packed forum. He felt something strong welling up in him, and he couldn’t hold it in. Belying his sixty-odd years of life, his words came out spry and youthful. “Greatness will come to Rome again! Gold to your pockets, blood to your arenas and glory to your legions! Rome will own the world under me, and you- citizens of Rome- will reap the rewards of it all!”