Minutes of Meeting of the Plebeian Assembly Held 26 August 2018 at the Rostra

Tribune Lead Ras Parthicus, Tribune Ruggeris Britannicus, Tribune Lυcα Fαвισ, Tribune candyBoy Allen, Tribune GaryMike Maximus, Tribune Alexi Romanov-Phoenix, Scribe Ejix Silvercloud, Senator Aurelius Romanov-Phoenix, Twiztid Antonius Drakon, Ptolemy Confero Antonius, CJ Parthicus, Boby of Collinwood, Flavius Paullus Macedonicus, Xanthus Phoenix, Lesly Ivanov, Elavor, Ossy Karu.

Meeting Opened 11.07am by Tribune Lead.

Pontifex Ejix Prayed and Petitioned the Gods for Guidance.

Tribune Lead gave a briefing as to the status of proposals referred to higher authority.

Two issues are with the Emperor for his determination - they are

Submission re: Improved Baths Romanum I

Submission re: Urban Design

and 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

Proposal re Update of the Romanum Tavern referred to Miles Maximus as directed by the Emperor.

Tribune Lead advised that the agenda as published had been slightly changed.

First Item on the amended agenda related to the induction and training of slaves (notice was given by Ruggeris Britannicus at the last meeting).

The item was introduced and addressed by the proposer and a number of other speakers .

Ruggeris Britannicus: This is really a small part of the bigger picture about how to encourage and initiate new people to the sim, which is a major and urgent issue generally.

At present there are two elements in play: Mardrakus's Office as Slaver and Cato's Bacchus Temple. Now, I don't want in any way to impugn those two fine gentlemen and their work, my admiration for the commitment is undimmed, but, there seems to be a general consensus that there is no current setup for training, or I prefer to use the word acclimatise, slaves to the customs and general flavour of Romanum and help them find a suitable place here.

From time to time we seem to get an influx of potential new slaves, who presently just wander around looking for masters. The board at the slavers is unused (and incidentally why is there a charge for this?), and Bacchus doesn't seem to quite cover the gap.

It is apparent from my conversations around the place, that there are several people who have notions about this, each of which have proposals to fill this gap.

We could just watch all this proceed and see how it turns out. But I also talked to several experienced slaves, and a couple of them have suggested that we might ask the Emperor to call, or facilitate ourselves, a Special Conference on Slave Training for all those parties interested, to bring them together, discuss the various aspects and put together some kind of integrated plan.

What do my fellow Tribunes and others have to say on this subject?

candyboy Allen: do we don't have a general place for slaves … maybe the masters can work together ..for a place and training..we can make a one place for all the slaves to reduce the costs

PTOLEMY CONFERO ANTONIUS: I would suggest a notice be sent out, making it clear who the slavers are, then setting a certain time, when potential masters may come to inspect potential slaves. I was not clear on who the slavers were.

Ruggeris Britannicus: That's a fair idea Ptolemy, but who would send out such a notice? Mardrakus is rarely here. Also this is really more about explaining to the potential slaves our customs and manners of behaviour, But I agree practical matters must also be addressed. This could all be worked out by all interested parties in a discussion such as I propose.

Tɯιȥƚιԃ Aɳƚσɳιυʂ Dɾαƙσɳ: If the current slavers aren't doing their jobs.. wouldn't it be wise to find someone else that is active to put in their place? I get that people have their RL to attend and all but at the end of the day if someone can't do their duty replace them.

PTOLEMY CONFERO ANTONIUS: the concept is complex, a slaver has a difficult job. cross referencing, the fleeting aspect of slaves that show up here. I have noticed that slaves come and go here OFTEN. So it is also a matter of commitment on both sides. I would also strongly suggest other things being done for the use of slaves. Dancing at the tavern, dancing at events. being around at events to serve the general populace, not just one master. Finding a place for them to interact beyond personal service.

CJ Parthicus: If roles are not being handled, why not institute rule like what was done with others - if you aren’t online for X period of time, your position will be given to someone else. I understand that issue some up IRL but you can at least tell someone and ask someone to act on your behalf if you will be away for prolonged periods of time. We seem to have that issue here - people away for prolonged periods of time and they are roles that need or should be doing things. Again, RL supersedes SL but we need a system in place to account for that.

Ras Parthicus: a deputy maybe?

CJ Parthicus: as long as there isn't a battle between the two when the original person comes back

Ruggeris Britannicus: The very valuable and insightful remarks of Ptolemy are the kind of thing, that together with others who have an interest might bring about a really positive situation, I feel.

Ras Parthicus: my comment is that this is an ongoing issue in Romanum, there being no wars to bring back slaves so we will not solve it tonight but we need to discuss it in open forum

Ras Parthicus: I believe there has been some moves afoot already to address the issue of training and assimilation - am I right is saying that Ruggeris?

Ruggeris Britannicus: I believe Sexus has some thoughts, as do others.

Ruggeris Britannicus: It may be in fact that the area is too large for one person, so that's partly why I propose a get together to try and see what can be done

After some deliberation, the meeting agreed to the following motion.

That the Tribunate facilitate a special conference among all interested parties on the matter of training and induction of slaves in Romanum

Moved Ruggeris Britannicus Seconded GaryMike Maximus

Motion carried 4 for 1 abstention

Tribune Lead advised the next item was a discussion about what would make life in Romanum more enjoyable and attract and retain more people. He also advised that a document has been circulated with a lot more thoughts on it and also asked how should these thoughts be put into action - is everyone to do their own thing or as interested groups or how.

The following is a summary of comments made :-

. believe strongly that Romanum, and Pompeii need traffic, gay, male traffic

. and again, it is not all about sex. But sex is an important part of ancient Rome, and gay male interaction in SL.

. organised orgies, gay males like sex. (The last orgy was deemed a success)

. a modified/rebuilt bath house

. they come to the event, but after that they have no interest in Romanum.

. why only sexual events, we have so many things in Romanum, we have a polizie (legion) why not even a revolt, we have gladiators, why not even action, all want rp, but only sexual rp' s. We have well-trained legionaries defending Romanum, but we are bored. A lot more could be done.

. an example of one thing, many do not fight but gladiators are an important part of Romanum. Couples may always come to orgies and stick with each other. It is an event, and any event is important.

. there needs to be someone who can be in charge of modifying things. here, other than the Emperor (in relation to modifying locations for events)

. there are MANY Groups already in place in Romanum. We should work through that system rather than trying to create a new one or doing thing independently - causing issues and potential drama

. have events, have LOTS of events

. this is not an excuse but remember that this is the slow time in SL - the summer months are and have always been slow

. we need a great deal of influx (new people visiting Romanum). People may not stay, but I would love to see many more just visiting. Out of that influx, some do stay.

. I am new here and I am listening to this discussion and at the same time I am checking all the people in Romanum now. We are let say 10 and in the tavern almost double dancing. Where is the commitment of the people of Romanum ?

Tribune Lead thanked all for their input on the issue of improving the vibrancy and active participation in Romanum by the population and visitors. He advised that it will be continued at each meeting.

Tribune lead advised that the Tribunate has asked Ruggeris Britannicus to organise an experimental "Discover Romanum" event that will hopefully get people out of their homes and visit establishments and other homes in Romanum. Further details coming.

Tribune Lead thanked all for their attendance and input and adjourned the meeting at 12.28pm.