SENATUS POPULUSQUE ROMANUM
MINUTIAE of the SENATE meeting 13OCT2019
Present:
Emperor Stephanus Galtier
Consuls: D Rad Parthicus, Stef Endriago Octavius Drakon
Proconsuls: Aurelius Romanov-Phoenix
Senators: Booker Beningborough (Senate leader), Alexi Romanov-Phoenix, Janu Shimada Vindelici, Nero Antonius Octavius Drakon, Tybalt Caproni, Strymon Odrysius Parthicus, Petrus Gnaeus Pompeius
Tribunes: Ras Parthicus (Tribune leader), Ruggeris Britannicus, Ariel Parthicus-Vindelici
Citizens: Sir Helios of Dacia, C4 Leone Rob, Emmerick Leone FOHR, Jeffery Xenobuilder, Caylix Octavius Azucar, Jonny, Joshua Octavius Azucar, Velkian, Clay, Alexander Richard
I. CITY EVENTS REPORT by Senator Janu Shimada-Vindelici
Sadly the Palace ball is postponed. Strymon is arranging a stage play for 26 October. We are trying to fix a date for Mr Romanum. And we will start planning Saturnalia for December. Any related events welcome.
II. TRIBUNATE REPORT by Tribune leader Ras Parthicus
I have to report that with the resignation of Tribune Asharr there are now 4 members of the Tribunate.
The Plebeian Assembly approved a proposal at its last meeting for a test of the zCS meter system, to determine if it would enhance role playing throughout Romanum and Pompeii. The proposal has been submitted to the Senate for their consideration.
Wagering at the Hippodrome - A proposal for accepting wagers on Chariot events at the Hippodrome is being worked on. Implementation is dependent on approval to test the zCS meter in Romanum and use the coin system therein. A system for accepting wagers has been developed, though there are a number of issues to be clarified.
Horse Racing meetings - Citizens using their own horses. Implementation requires a venue, funds to purchase infrastructure and interested citizens to be involved and run it. This item is also tied in with proposed betting at the Chariots.
Welcome Centre - to date there have been 1350+ visitors to the Centre since 19 June 2019.
The next meeting of the Plebeian Assembly will be held 27 October 2019 at 8am SLT in the Pompeii Court House. Your attendance is always welcome.
Emperor Stephanus Galtier: Our constitution calls for a special election to fill his seat.. However, given we are close to the 2020 elections, we will not have the special election. I will announce soon the dates for the 2020 Tribunate election.
Ras Parthicus: I believe we can manage most of our programme for this year with 4 tribunes.
Tybalt Capron: Re: zcs is functional and synchronized in Romanum regions and has been since March to accommodate Legion and Gladiator members needs. Alexi, Skip and I are administering it so it is unobtrusive and synchronized. But available as needed. It should be transparent if not used.
Velkian: if its already there whats the issue guess anyone can use if they want but don't see why you'll totally need it to be all use?
III. MOTION: "To invite the consuls to share their vision for the future of Romanum, and how it might be implemented" by Senator Janu Shimada-Vindelici
Emperor Stephanus Galtier: Ironically Rad, Stef and I have had brief chats about this very thing as we approach the 10th anniversary of Romanum in March 2020. Romanum has been around a long time by SL standards. We have seen many changes in 10 years, and many people come and go. But we have also had a dedicated leadership for which Romanum could not survive without. As you all know, I founded Romanum in 2010. I founded a niche market - a gay men's ancient Roman RP world. There have been a few imitators who have come and gone. We have had our share of ups and downs - some near fatal. As hard as many people have worked to keep Romanum fresh and interesting, it is a VERY HARD thing to do. We all have real lives. And new ideas and carrying them out take a lot of work. Just single events can take a large amount of effort and time let alone ongoing interesting roleplay. When I setup Romanum I wanted there to be roleplay and I still do. But Romanum would not make roleplay mandatory as some sims do. Some like that, some don't. Those who don't many have left. But regardless, there cannot be enough roleplay events as far as I am concerned and I encourage them. But once again it take real effort and time. Of course day to day roleplay is easier. It just takes a commitment to that. One of my fears has been burn out. We have a small handful of people who work their asses off to keep Romanum interesting. And I fear they will burn out. But because it is hard work, few volunteer. I see no easy answer to that. Looking toward the 10th anniversary, I want us as a community to decide if we want Romanum to continue. And if so (I hope so) what can we do to make things fresher, and interesting? What can we do to recruit more volunteers to do the work and help those who already work hard? What can we do to attract more citizens? I make a proposal - that we form a 10th anniversary committee - who will not only help plan the big 10th anniversary party, but also propose things we can do to renew Romanum. I'd like to see both leaders and ordinary citizens on that committee. Who would volunteer to organize that committee?
Sƚҽϝ Eɳԃɾιαɠσ Oƈƚαʋιυʂ Dɾαƙσɳ: As the Emperor has stated, the 3 of us have had brief conversations about this very topic. He has pretty much outline the main thoughts we have all had. With that being said, the one thing I would like for us to have again is an RP with another community for joint events/activities. I think this would be beneficial across the board. But as the Emperor has stated, finding individuals that want to take on the commitment of organizing and spear heading these kinds of things can be a challenge. RL is always a priority, but hopefully now that the "summer" months are behind us we can see more people around SL and Romanum as a whole. I would welcome anyone who has ideas/suggestions to send them directly to the Consuls. We do try to meet regularly, and this is a very important topic for all of us.
D. Rad Parthicus: This is an important topic and one that I think about often, as do The Emperor and Consul Stef. I think a fuller answer from the Consuls would require a more formal discussion among the three of us, and of course with input from Romanum's leaders and citizens. What you hear today are three linked, but individual perspectives. As you know, I recently closed Romanum VI, which was a sad, but necessary reaction to the lack of residents in my other sims. People do not realize it, but we don't really make any profit on the sim. Instead, rentals help to pay for things like the Legion fort, many temples, and other public buildings. Sadly, then, this is a factor in our overall health. I mention this only to suggest that we are all noticing that things are slow at the moment and are reacting in what we hope are reasonable and responsible ways. And, importantly, this includes welcoming all ideas and input as we move forward. Although I've not had a chance to discuss this with my colleagues, I am planning to introduce the idea of a Manhattan Project type effort to focus on roleplay and the ways in which it can be made sustainable, innovative and attractive. Building from the idea of a 10th Anniversary Committee, I actually think this body, the Senate, should take the lead on some of these initiatives. I have heard from a number of you that you want the Senate appointment to mean something more tangible and engaging and with real impact. So why not create a Committee for the 10th Anniversary, and a Committee on Roleplay, a Committee on inter-sim relations, another on Mr Romanum, and whatever else will help us thrive. I think what you are hearing today is that we need and want your help, your input, leadership. We all are in this room because we love this place and the community that lives and plays (and role plays) here. It is up to all of us, every man here, to see that we survive and thrive for a long time.
Emperor Stephanus Galtier: I like Consul Rad's idea that the Romanum Senate take the lead on this. But I want the Senate to seek input from all walks of life including the Tribunate, the Gladiators and Legion, the Religious community, Landowners and ordinary citizens. The Senate can organize this quest as they please - one committee or multiple committees. I like Rad's general breakdown. The 10th anniversary (which our event coordinators head - but the 10th anniversary is a big deal), roleplay, and other ideas. With that said, as the leader of the Senate, I wish to appoint Senator Booker to organize this effort and work with people as needed. I want a report every month at our Senate meetings. Oh, the Consuls and I should be consulted and kept in the loop too with discussions.
Discussion:
Nҽɾσ Aɳƚσɳιυʂ Oƈƚαʋιυʂ Dɾαƙσɳ: I agree with the Emperor and I appreciate that Booker is the right person to lead this overall effort. Therefore, I make a motion that the Senators meet within the next two weeks to discuss this, create a structure, and begin this important work!
Janu Shimada Vindelici raises a hand "Seconded".
Booker Beningborough: As Senate Lead, I am only allowed to vote in case of a tie. However, I would like to record an Abstain in the official record.
[Votes cast all in favour]
Booker Beningborough: The Ayes have the majority in the motion. Therefore it passes. I shall try to perform this duty with the much needed help of the Senate.
Clay: I am new here to Romanum, and am very pleased to hear of these future plans - as a simple man - I would like to volunteer to sit on the committee devoted to Roleplaying. I would also state ---the people often say much study is done by committees but seldom if anything comes of it!---I hope this will not be the case.
Ariel Parthicus-Vindelici: I think the question of more or less RP in Romanum is as old as Romanum itself. My opinion is, Romanum as a whole is too big for RP, it worked better in past with maybe 4 sims. So possibly there should be 3 or 4 strictly RP sims and the rest as residential and no RP sims.
Tybalt Caproni: I want to say something I think applies to much of what’s been discussed today: We have existing artists, residents, assets & men who are already here wanting a chance to contribute & have their existing work & ideas showcased. I think looking outwards is beneficial but recognizing activating & utilizing talents and assets in place provided by the men already here should be a MUCH larger focus, i.e. our own come first.
Nҽɾσ Aɳƚσɳιυʂ Oƈƚαʋιυʂ Dɾαƙσɳ: I think Tybalt is right and the Senate will only serve to lead and organize these efforts. All of the creative and dedicated people at all levels will be needed to make it work. AND, I wanted to reassure the Senate Lead that I have every intention of helping with this effort and I am sure my colleagues do as well. As a future Legionnaire might say, some 1300 years from now, "many hands make light work".
Sir HELIOS of Dacia: I just wish to say that i as the head of my family offer all our public buildings and land. i.e. Park, Temple and Stable to the committee yet to be set up as a venue as they see fit. I offer my humble services to this committee as well. Long live Romanum long live our Emperor.
Janu Shimada Vindelici: I’m grateful for your comments, Consuls. I’m also grateful for the support from fellow Senators and Citizens. As a lead co-ordinator I’m happy to work on the Anniversary Celebrations, I hope with my colleague, Ariel. However, the task is massive, and, as our dear Emperor said, the Co-ordinators cannot do it alone. I hope these suggestions will make the Anniversary a massive success.
Ariel Parthicus-Vindelici: Ariel will of course support you, Senator Janu.
IV. IMPERIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS by Emperor Stephanus Galtier
- Cato Leone is being reappointed as the Flamen of the Bacchus Temple. However, this needs to be confirmed by the Pontifex Maximus. He will make the formal announcement.
- I want to commend General Skip and his leadership team to their dedication to the Romanum Legion and to encourage men to join this august body.
Next Senate meeting Sunday 10NOV at 11:00am
Gratitude,
Ix Parthicus ἸΞ ΠΑΡΘΙΚΟΣ
Senate Scribe