SENATUS POPULUSQUE ROMANUM

Minutes of the Open Senate meeting 9SEP2018

Present:

Emperor Stephanus Galtier

Senators: Cato Leone-Redrose O'Black, Gaius Antigos, RegulusAntius Rufus, Damion Draco Antonius, Booker Beningborough, Tybalt Caproni, Miles Maximus, D Rad Parthicus, Marcus Antonius, Aurelius Romanov-Phoenix, Stef Endriago Antonius Drakon

Citizens: Ulrik Leone MacFanatic, Luca Fabio, Zarek Antonius, Elavor, Alexi Romanov-Phoenix, Joris Africanus Azucar, Asharr Panius Daystar, Brat Clintorision, Ras Parthicus, Markus Vindelici. Diego Kowalski, Wolveslander. Ptolemy Confero Antonius, Popov, Sexus the Oracle, Jin Prince of Han

Proxies: Aurelius Romanov-Phoenix for Senator Petrus Romanov-Aurelius, Ulrik Leone MacFanatic for Senator Damon Leone MacFanatic, Gaius Antigos for Senator Januarius Shimada-Vindelici

I. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

Tɯιȥƚιԃ Aɳƚσɳιυʂ Dɾαƙσɳ has resigned as Tribune.

Zarek Antonius appointed new roleplay coordinator.

II. ROLEPLAY COMMITTEE REPORT

Zarek Antonius: I volunteered to be the RP Coordinator back in late July. Because of the summer (A notoriously slow time in SL), I waited to reinvigorate the RP Group/Committee until this month. The "RPC" (RP Committee) met yesterday for the first time since earlier this year at my families villa on the Isle of Capri. Eight Members met for 1.5 hours. Many topics were discussed and here are the key points/take aways from the meeting:

1) The committee is a vehicle for facilitating RP Ideas and events. RP events are far reaching and can cover many different areas that are already established in ROM (Legion, Gladiators, Priests, etc.) and the committee will be reaching out to the head of all of those groups to discuss their ability and involvement in RP coordination. All ideas are valid for RP events (the RPC did not "vote" on ideas - they are simply that - ideas and suggestions on increasing RP in ROM. Any idea discussed is doable- just needs someone to coordinate/run it/execute it.

2) Several events are in various stages of conception and execution. Two specific RP events related to the Senate will be ready for the OCT Senate Meeting. More details about those will be provided in the coming weeks.

3) The RPC is encouraging the idea of a Class at the COLLEGIVM ROMANUM about the various roles in ancient roman society (I mentioned this to Senator Rad last evening) as well as a RP class to help those in ROM to better understand how they fit into RP based on the role they have chosen and how to interact with each other in open chat more in line with correct RP norms. The RPC also highly encourages everyone to have a back story (It is even required when you sign up on the ROM web page) so that it can be shared with others (via your profile or a NC). Additionally, a "RP 101/Tips" NC will be generated and sent out to all of ROM as a quick RP reference guide.

4) The RPC encourages more participation in a wide variety of events in ROM. Since the Empire and VIP groups are used equally for notices, the suggestion of differentiating event types in the Notice subject line was given (this harkens back to my suggestion for a coding system to be used in Notice Subject lines so you can easily ID the general nature of the notice).

5) The topic of scheduling of events also came up. The general understanding is that RP Events and Dances CAN be scheduled at the same time. If that understanding is not correct, the correct rule of law vis-a-vis scheduling needs to be established, sent out to ALL of ROM and ADHERED to by all of ROM. The RPC understands that this topic can be a sensitive one but the general sentiment of the committee was that more RP events need to happen and they should not be stifled by non-RP events.

The RPC agreed that we would meet monthly, the SAT before the monthly Senate meeting so we have something to report at that meeting. Any ideas should be sent to Zarek Antonius so they can be added to the master list of RP ideas and if you would like to join the RP Group, please let me know and I will send you the invite, Gratitude.

III. ZOO NEW OWNERSHIP

Lυcα Fαвισ and the Fabio family have assumed ownership of Romanum's Candyboy Allen's Anamilus Parco.

Cato Leone-Redrose O'Black: As most of you know, due to finances I turned over the zoo to Luca and his family. However, I am still there tending the animals. Please do not let personal conflicts change you or stop sponsoring. Your sponsorship STILL pays for the animals to eat. Without your sponsorships the animals will starve or become ill. So please do NOT lets personal issues come between the animals lives or yours. Let’s play as the adults we pretend to be.

Lυcα Fαвισ: First of all I would like to thank you for giving me a lot of courage to take over the zoo. It is certainly not an easy thing. I'm glad the cato is preserved in the zoo. He does a great job, and I appreciate what he does. gens fabia is the owner of the zoo. but cato still has a free hand. I know that some people, I do not like that I took over the zoo. but it was free for everyone to do. i like cato and i like the zoo, i love animals and i also heard that somebody does not want to be godfather anymore because i am the owner. such a thing is childish. you do not harm me with it, you harm the zoo. You can not earn money with the zoo, we are happy when it's over. But the animals need food and medicines, they know it's expensive. we'll start planning some events soon, but of course they'll keep you informed. thanks to everyone who supports the zoo, either by donating or visiting. I speak in the name of Candyboy Allen Zoo.

IV. TRIBUNATE BRIEFING

Ras Parthicus: The Tribunate, as an advisory body, continues on its way, albeit it with reduced numbers. The Emperor's wisdom in deciding to have up to 10 tribunes elected is borne out by what has happened these past 4 months. The Tribunate has had to climb a steep learning curve and being from all parts of the Empire it is not always possible to see eye to eye, but we try. The Plebeian Assembly is where the decisions are made by Tribunes in regards to issues that affect Romanum and its Citizens. The location, at the Rostra, gives Citizens a chance to voice their opinions and maybe influence the votes of the Tribunes. Current matters being attended to by tribunes are:

- "Discover Romanum" - an invite to join tribunes and a host in discovering places and things in Romanum. The first experimental one was held on 5 September to gauge response. It was attended by 15 citizens and went well. The tribunes will consider continuation of the event at their next meeting.

- The following proposal was approved by the Plebeian Assembly on 26th August: "That the Tribunate facilitate a special conference among all interested parties on the matter of training and induction of slaves in Romanum." The Tribunate will be working together with all the relevant parties to further this matter.

The following issues are with the Emperor, Consuls and Senate for their consideration:-

- Submission re: Improved Baths Romanum I - the Emperor has advised citizens of what could be done and asked for their input as to textures within.

- Submission re: Urban Design

The matter of removing proxies for tribunes from the Constitution is before the Emperor and Consuls for their approval or otherwise.

Items before the Senate are:

- Building Assistance in Time of Calamities

- Election of Tribunes

Cato Leone-Redrose O'Black: Has the Emperor read my proposal re: the senate & tribune districts? Shall I resend Caesar? This was specificaly for the Emperor to consider before brought to anyone

Emperor Stephanus Galtier: Unfortunately I forgot about that. Please resend your proposal Cato. I will make sure these proposals are sent to the Senate and Triune as required.

V. BATH HOUSE RELOCATION AND CHANGE

RegulusAntius Rufus: I beseech everyone involved in this to keep the dome in the baths.

Cato Leone-Redrose O'Black: I feel moving the baths will affect the Bacchus area as well, then there is no reason for people to come close to visit. And I agree with Regulus re the dome.

PTOLEMY CONFERO ANTONIUS: The baths present a challenge.Once they were moved, I spoke to several people who presented strong suggestions. Therefore I would propose a rebuild but hear me out. The challenges are many, as the baths are now. A suggestion was made to make an entrance to the tavern through the baths, a porch that would lead down to the harbor. Such things are very difficult, because the floor of the baths is high. I propose, at no expense to the Empire, of a rebuild. This way, the baths could be as needed and wanted. I have some ideas about the decadent areas of Pompeii and Romanum, events that could be staged. This would involve creating a space, that was more in keeping with functionality.

Markus Vindelici: I think there should be only one entrance to the baths. A bath is a place of rest and relaxation and should not be entered from every corner

PTOLEMY CONFERO ANTONIUS: The idea is, that the entrances and porch would be phantom and transparent for open areas, during say, an orgy they would be closed off. it could easily be done. I am all for private but I also like the idea of open, if wanted.

Asharr Panius Daystar: the original bath house had 2 entrances and a 3rd if you swam to it. Sorry just build the dam thing and move on.

Emperor Stephanus Galtier: Asharr is correct. That is the idea we are working with. First, there will remain TWO pools. The one in back, remains closed off, not exposed. The one in back, remains closed off, not exposed. The main pool would also not be totally exposed..

But it would allow for traffic from the tavern to the baths and the main pool would also face the open harbor (as the original bath) with the ability to swim in the harbor. Finally, we are creating a separate parcel for the baths. This allows us to make the parcel "private" from people radar and spying on men.

RegulusAntius Rufus: I have heard that some object to the color pink in the baths. We are GAY men. I find nothing wrong with the color pink. Wasn't pink the new black? Come one guys. what the baths need are attendants to bring men in .And aren't the baths PUBLIC???? Zarek Antonius: Perhaps my dearest cousin, Ptolemy could convene a meeting of all those interested in discussing the redesign of the Baths so the details can be discussed there. I’m sure many have their thoughts and ideas - trying to hash through all of this here isn’t the best use of a Senate meeting.

D. Rad Parthicus: Thank you, with all due respect to this assembled body, I have seen what happens when we try to manage a project like this through open discussion and debate. We will be here speaking about the angle of the sun on the bathes and the temperature of the water for decades. I second Zarek's proposal. Do we really need debate on doors and such at this meeting?

Markus Vindelici: The current bathroom has a too large pool. If there are already considerations to improve the bathroom, you should also remember more strongly the original thermal baths in Rome. Several small pools and tubs are better than a large pool. Just my opinion.

Sexus The Oracle: I wish to say only I think there is more need for public discussion and historic committee upon accuracy.

PTOLEMY CONFERO ANTONIUS: again, the idea is, that they would be able to switch back and forth, very easily. Open, public, or private. I want to stress again, how easily this could happen. Arches can be closed off, with transparent and phantom. I would propose that the orgies be VERY private, that is what really draws most of the men. During the day, the baths could be more open. It is all very doable. I propose experimenting, see how it looks see what people have to say. Work with it.

Emperor Stephanus Galtier: I purposefully left the current baths as is, while we "experiment" with the new baths. Although I do not favor a total rebuild, I DO favor changes in texture and content.

VI. COLLEGIVM ROMANUM

D. Rad Parthicus: Greetings friends and colleagues, for several years now, there has been an institution of education in Romanum known as the Collegivm Romanum, sometimes called the academy or gymnasium. It was founded by Senator Emeritus Mercurius Karu and managed by myself in the role of Praetor (or Director). When resources and interest allow it, we offer both short and long term courses of interest to the citizens and friends of Romanum. Past courses have included Roleplay, Latin, Roman architecture, archery, charioteering, and philosophy among other things. As we enter the Fall and we have some new interest, we are putting together a new schedule for classes and are inviting in suggestions and offers to teach from throughout Romanum. As of present, we will be having classes in Theater, Painting (photography), Roleplay, Philosophy & Debate, Archery and Culture. We are also discussing the potential of a series of suggested courses aimed specifically toward newcomers. I am joined this year by three Vice Praetors; Ptolemy Antonius will lead the academic division, Popov will lead the arts division with Jin taking on a major task as the head of a theater program, and Elavor will lead the athletics division. Look for course schedules soon and, as I said before, contact me (or one of the VPs) to suggest a course you'd like to teach, or would like to see offered.

Emperor Stephanus Galtier: I wanted to bring up the topic of slave policy and education. I will make this short. We have several people interested in this subject. Among them are Madrakus, our slaver, Sexus, Cato and Ruggeris. Romanum had established a slave policy in the past. But we need it reviewed anew. Ruggeris is trying to arrange a slave conference with all the involved and interested parties. Expect that conference to take place by October. Then, we will present any policy changes, including education to the Tribune and Senate and Consuls. I feel strongly slaves (especially unattached slaves) should get education. So this is a big subject, but I wanted you all to know about it.

Sexus The Oracle: I not only agree with the statements made by the Emperor, but I feel this is a topic best done slowly and to develop renewed support as well as new regulations. I feel more than strongly, I feel it is essential to the continued existence of Romanum education and some input by experienced slaves be adopted. I know that Jin and others have tried at putting out a new idea on education, but there is more fundamental changes needed and cooperation is essential, we are no longer of a size that one person can run an organization. I wish that a good deal of the slave portion be left off until a public forum is held, and that it also be considered as a part of other reforms done

Zarek Antonius: Why would the "policy changes” need to go to all three bodies - Tribs, Senate and Consuls? If anything the Tribs decide on has to be approved by the Senate, wouldn’t passing that info directly to the Senate supersede the need for Trib input? Perhaps I misunderstand how the bodies of government work.

Emperor Stephanus Galtier: I believe any major policy change should be approved by all bodies.

Sexus The Oracle: There are some fundamental changes which need to be discussed, as Rad said, at all levels even in the taverns, and as the Emperor says, within all bodies of authority to ensure that understanding is complete, Zarek is NOT wrong in asking why all need to approve because it is essential, and as to the slavery issue, perhaps we are rethinking the notion of slavery to a more Roman, and less Gorean attitude, hence requiring education and reform.

Cato Leone-Redrose O'Black: I do like and agree with this "Slave school" idea. HOWEVER. EVERYTHING needs to be written down into scrolls and handed to all so EVERYONE is on the same page and "rules" are not changed per person. ALL needs to remain same for ALL for efficiency and good training.Ive seen WAY TOO often in the past things start ok then change due to ones feelings.

Asharr Panius Daystar: So if i wish to open a slave school, art school, gallery, run an RP any thing just how many discussions, meetings. committees and levels of approvals does one need to lag though to get something done in this city? And by the time you have gone through all this would the original idea still be in your mind to bother to commit to the idea. So going back why if you have to jump through so many hurdles would you want to invest in doing something?

Emperor Stephanus Galtier: Not everything requires approvals from all levels of leadership. I was merely stating my opinion slave policy, a major policy, any changes should be reviewed by all levels of leadership.

Sexus The Oracle: Romanum has reached a point of maximum size, the idea that one person, one place, or one judgement can rule all parts is nearly ended, we do have to grow the impct of cooperation and the need for understanding and helping others.

VII. MOTION ON SENATOR EXPECTATIONS

D. Rad Parthicus: I want us to talk what Senators should be expected to do as a condition of this lofty appointment. We have had bits and pieces of this discussion in the past, but have never really reached any kind of conclusion or outcome. My interest in raising it again was prompted by the creation of the Tribunes and the expectation that they are actively working on behalf of the citizens of Romanum. Thus, I suggest discussion and creation of some very very simple expectations for Senators as well. My proposal is that each Senator be expected to put some public time into the community. This can be as simple as hosting chats at the taverna to working on large celebrations and RP activities to chairing a town hall style meeting to get input into a bathhouse or slave school. We need to lead by our example and demonstrate our commitment to Romanum as a people and a place. Given the time and my personal schedule, I'd like to move my motion for discussion to the next closed Senate meeting and have us discuss and debate it before presenting it here.

VIII. POMPEII REBUILD

D. Rad Parthicus: My last item is a quick update on the progress in Pompeii's major rebuilding. First of all, I want to thank everyone who participated in our recent preview and celebration of Vesuvius. Ras and Jin pulled together a really nice theater performance and Tybalt and Miles moved the weekly dance to Pompeii and more. The programs were great and it was lovely to see the excitement generated by the new buildings. I also wish to thank a small number of private donors who have helped to cover some of this rather expensive undertaking. What you see on the ground in Pompeii now is a number of buildings that are finished, or mostly finished. I asked the architects to leave them down after the celebration so Pompeii would continue to generate interest and we'd have places to RP there while the build was completed. This is a big project and will take some time yet. The new buildings include a theater, bathes, a marketplace and port, various temples and so on. There will also be an emphasis on nature with some horse riding trails and gardens throughout. I welcome people to IM me for a tour if they'd like.

IX. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR

Ulrik Leone MacFanatic: This is just an announcement. I speak as proxy for Senator Damon Leone MacFanatic, my beloved husband. Damon cannot attend the Senate meeting for this month. He announced a break from SL, hopefully a short break. My husband told me this yesterday and as we do not speak English as our primary language there was a misunderstanding. His Wronglish is very good. So good, that I understood that he wanted to leave, Romanum and SL. That he would delete his account. I was hysterical and as reaction I destroyed the Exhibition that I had set up for the Pompeii festival. For this my apologies. I will set up the Exhibition again this week of course. A Thank you, to Emmerick and Ptolemy to calm me down. It seemed that he was not tired of me, that he just needs a break. I know Damon as a problem solver in Romanum, a listening ear for citizens and friends. However the pressure gets too much for him and therefore, he needs a short break. If you see him logging in, please do not disturb him, he will log in from time to time, to see me. He sends you all his kindest regards. Now that I have the word, I take the opportunity to announce something. When my husband comes back, we will marry the Romanum way, the proper way. I mean, inaugurated by a Pontifex. This will be a simple ceremony, only attended by our witnesses. Afterwards we will hold a small reception and a party. And by this, EVERYONE is invited. The date depends on my husband's comeback.

Jin Prince of Han: I am here to ask for the Senate's support and sponsorship for the Homines De Ars. Just a brief description of who we are. The Homines De Ars (Men of Art) is a brotherhood of men in the Romanum community who entertain the citizens of our great Empire. We specialize in the ancient Roman theatrical arts; including Dance, Acrobatics, Music, Storytelling, Poetry and the art of pleasure. We host Conviviums (roman Banquets), perform at festivals, ceremonies and present plays in the theaters. Our main goal is to have a large enough troupe to keep an active theater going. I am presently the Theater director of the Marcellus and as of yet I have not been able to present a play there. This is something I would very much like to do and will do. I assure you. But I am yet only one man and creating a full length play is very time consuming and the events will be very far between if Im not able to recruit more members. So please if you or any one you know is interested in entertaining, please send them my way. With that said, I am currently working on opening a school of Performing Arts. This school will be affiliated with the Collegivm and is open to all citizens who wish to pursue a path in the arts. We will offer performing arts classes weekly and hopefully create some interesting in house roleplay in the process. I also am offering free room and board, with all expenses paid for performances, costumes, props etc included. A percentage of tips will be retained to repay the house for the artist debt. Since I absorb much of the cost, I am asking any help through sponsorship or just by attending our events, giving tips and donations. Please favor us in the future.

Sexus The Oracle: I wish to state that I have seen, from personal perspective, the efforts jin has made, and I feel that his talent and efforts, as well as a very great expense to himself has been made and IS being made to support education and the arts. If this kind of effort is not applauded and supported, I have little hope of continued growth for Romanum.

Next open Senate meeting Sunday 14 October at 11am SLT.

Gratitude,

Ixion Parthicus Ἰξίων Παρθικος

Senate Scribe