Tribune: Primus Inter Pares Factions

Hey there! Are you ready to dive into the world of factions? Let’s talk about the Primus Inter Pares Factions, shall we?

First things first, what does “Primus Inter Pares” even mean? It’s a fancy Latin phrase that translates to “First Among Equals.” So, these factions are like leaders, but they also see themselves as equals to the other factions. Quite intriguing, don’t you think?

Now, when it comes to choosing the right faction for you, there are a few things you need to consider. No worries, I’ve got your back! Let’s break it down together.

One important factor to keep in mind is the faction’s area of expertise. Each faction specializes in a particular skill or domain. While some focus on intellectual pursuits, others excel in combat or diplomacy. So, ask yourself, “What am I passionate about? What am I good at?” That will help guide you towards the right faction.

But hold on a second! It’s not just about your skills; it’s also about your values and beliefs. Each faction has its own unique philosophy and worldview. Take some time to reflect on what matters most to you. Do you value justice and equality? Or maybe you’re more drawn to freedom and independence? Find a faction that aligns with your core principles, and you’ll feel right at home.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the faction’s history and reputation. What do others say about them? Are they reliable and trustworthy? Are they known for their honorable deeds, or do they have a shady past? Dig deeper and uncover the stories and rumors surrounding each faction. It might just give you some valuable insights.

Okay, my friend, we’ve covered a lot of ground so far. But there’s still one more thing I want to tell you. Once you join a faction, it’s not set in stone. If you find that the faction you chose is not the right fit for you, don’t fret! You can always change factions. It’s all about finding your true place in this vast and intricate world. So, be open to new experiences and don’t be afraid to make a switch if needed.

Alright, are you ready now to embark on this journey? Remember, choosing a faction is a big decision, but it’s also an exciting one. Trust your gut, follow your heart, and you’ll find your place among the Primus Inter Pares Factions. Good luck!

Hey there! Let me tell you about each faction’s special powers and abilities.

They’re split into two categories: faction benefits and take-over benefits. These powers are unique to each faction and can be used at different times during the game.

Faction benefits are shown on the family sheets and marked with symbols on the game board. I’ll explain them in more detail below.

In Phase 5 of every round, during the Faction Benefits phase, players receive their faction benefit. However, some benefits can only be received if certain conditions are met. Others give the player receiving the benefit a choice between different options.

It’s important to note that a faction’s faction benefit is granted as long as that faction has a controller. The controller is the player who most recently took over the faction and has a legal set of that faction faceup in front of them. Just having a faction marker doesn’t mean you’re in control.

Let me tell you about the benefits of take-overs. They’re pretty important, so pay attention. You’ll find a summary of these benefits on faction cards, and I’ll give you more details below. Now, these take-over benefits come into play during Phase 4: Faction Take-overs. Just remember, you only get a take-over benefit when a new player takes control of a faction. If the same player keeps control or no one takes control, then sorry, no benefit for you that round.

Leaders Matter

Every faction has a leader, represented by a special card. Now, here’s the thing. The leader card always has a value of zero. But, it comes with its own special benefit. You ready for this? If you play the leader card as part of a set that successfully takes over a faction during Phase 4, you get that special leader benefit. Pretty cool, huh? You’ll find more details about these leader benefits below.

Gladiators Are a Force

Gladiators were fierce fighters who engaged in spectacular battles, often resulting in death, for the entertainment of the public.

Initially, these battles involved slaves and criminals, but as the sport gained popularity, free citizens also participated. Gladiator fights were a regular part of Roman life until the fifth century AD.

Benefit of Taking Over

When a player takes control, they gain one legion.

Benefit for a Faction

• The player receives the denarii from the Colosseum. Note: If the controller of the Gladiators doesn’t claim the denarii, they remain in the Colosseum and can be collected in future rounds. Or

Let me tell you about this game I’m really into. It’s called “Great Leaders of the Ancient World.” In this game, players take on the roles of powerful leaders from history and battle it out to see who can come out on top.

Here’s how it works. At the start of the game, each player is dealt a hand of cards representing different factions from the ancient world. These factions include things like the Romans, the Greeks, the Egyptians, and more.

As the game goes on, players take turns being the controller. The controller gets to draw a card from the pile and then make a move. One of the moves they can make is to dispatch an assassin to take out an opponent’s faction card. But there’s a catch – the assassin can only target a set of faction cards that has more than two cards in it.

Now, let’s talk about one of the leaders in the game. His name is Spartacus. You might have heard of him before – he was a Roman slave and gladiator who led a rebellion against Rome. After the rebellion, he and his followers fled and gained support from other slaves on large farms.

Hey, did you hear about Spartacus? He was quite the legendary figure in ancient Rome. He led a massive army of enslaved people, including many poor free men, during the third slave war. The crazy thing is, his army was said to have had around 200,000 soldiers! And get this, they even won against the powerful Roman legions in several battles. It was like a real-life underdog story.

But you know, every hero has their downfall. In the end, Spartacus and his army suffered a devastating defeat when they tried to take over Rome. It was a tough blow for them, but their courage and determination will always be remembered.

Oh, and here’s a cool fact for you. If you ever play a game called Spartacus during a faction takeover, the new player in control will immediately get an extra legion. Pretty neat, right?

Legates

“Legate” was the term commonly used for an envoy sent to a foreign ruler or state. But did you know that legates could also be appointed as temporary governors in far-off provinces? In these regions, they were in charge of administration and oversaw the local Roman troops under the orders of the Senate. And sometimes, high-ranking military officers were even referred to as legates when they supported a commander.

Now, let’s talk about the benefits of taking over as a legate. When a new player becomes the controlling legate, they receive two laurel wreaths as a reward. It’s a symbol of victory and prestige.

But that’s not all! There are faction benefits as well. The controlling player gets a scroll tile, but only if they don’t already have one. This scroll tile is a valuable asset that can help them in their quest for power.

Alternatively, the controlling player can choose to receive one card from the draw pile. This card can be a game-changer, giving them an advantage over their rivals. In addition to that, they can also buy one legion by paying the denarii cost equal to the sum of the card values of their current Legate card set. It’s a strategic move that can make a huge difference on the battlefield.

Lastly, let’s not forget about the leader, Varus. This legendary figure is known for his leadership skills and strategic genius. With Varus as their leader, players can expect to make bold moves and conquer new territories. Are you ready to take on the role of a legate and lead your faction to glory?

If you’re interested in Roman history, you might have heard of Publius Quinctilius Varus. He was a politician in ancient Rome, serving as a legate in both Syria and Germania. However, his name is most known for the unfortunate defeat he suffered at the hands of Germanic troops led by Arminius.

This defeat was so devastating that Varus chose to end his own life on the battlefield. The news of Varus’s defeat reached Augustus, the Roman emperor, who famously cried out, “Quintili Vare, legiones redde!” which translates to “Quintilius Varus, give me back my legions!”

Varus was known for his diplomatic skills and was considered a competent military commander, although some rumors suggested he had a tendency to be lazy. Despite his flaws, he was respected for his experience in the military.

Interestingly, if you play as Varus during a faction take-over, you’ll receive an extra laurel wreath as a reward. This makes him an appealing choice for players looking to gain an advantage in the game.

The Praetorians

Do you know who the praetorian guards were? They were a group of bodyguards assigned to protect the Roman emperors. The term “praetorian” comes from the word “praetorium,” which was the main square in a legion camp where the commander’s tent was set up.

Even though the number of praetorian troops in Rome was limited, their presence had a significant impact on politics because there were no other troops stationed in the city.

What do you get when you take over?

When a player takes over, they get one card from the draw pile.

What do you get if you belong to a faction?

If you belong to a faction, you receive one legion.

Meet Gaius Tigellinus, the Leader

Gaius Tigellinus was a praetorian prefect and a favorite of Emperor Nero. He came from humble origins but gained a reputation for his wild and cruel lifestyle. There were even suspicions that he started the great fire of Rome.

After Nero’s luck turned for the worse, I watched as Tigellinus abandoned his loyalty and convinced the praetorian guard to do the same. Nero stripped him of his command and, ultimately, sentenced him to death.

If you’re playing as Gaius Tigellinus during a faction takeover, you have the option to discard a card from your hand in order to gain one legion.

The Common People

The common people of the Roman Republic were called plebeians. Most of them were farmers and craftsmen, but they were different from slaves because they were considered Roman citizens. The plebeians fought for their rights and eventually gained more privileges, including the ability to elect a people’s tribune.

When you take control of the game, you’ll get a tribune tile if you already have a scroll tile and are currently in charge of the Patricians.

Now, let me introduce you to our leader, Agrippa. He was a consul during the early Roman Republic and played a vital role in resolving the class conflict between the plebeians and the patricians.

When the plebeians protested by climbing the holy mountain and going on strike, Rome was paralyzed. The senate sent Agrippa, who came from a humble background, to persuade them to return.

Agrippa managed to succeed by telling a story about the stomach and limbs, which symbolized the unity of the plebeians and the patricians. However, the plebeians’ political demands were also heard and addressed.

If you use Agrippa during a faction take-over, the new controlling player will receive either a scroll tile (if they don’t already have one) or a card from the draw pile.

Elite Citizens

So you want to know about Patricians, huh? Well, let me tell you something fascinating about these individuals who played a significant role in ancient Rome.

Patricians were the upper crust, the crème de la crème, if you will, of Roman society. They were the elite citizens who had it all – wealth, power, and influence. These noble folks, endowed with prestigious lineage, lived a life of opulence and prestige.

Imagine this: patricians had fancy houses, adorned with beautiful artwork and luxurious furniture. They wore the finest clothes, flaunting their prosperity and social status wherever they went. Feast your eyes on this – they even had private slaves to attend to their every whim and desire.

But it wasn’t just their material possessions that made them special. They held significant political power, serving in important government positions and holding sway over the decisions that shaped the destiny of Rome. They were the ones who formulated the laws and set the path for the empire.

Now, here’s an interesting tidbit about patricians – they were part of a select few families who could trace their ancestry back to the very foundation of Rome. Talk about an impressive lineage! These families, known as patrician gens, were like the VIPs of Roman society. Being part of one of these families came with a certain prestige and privilege that set them apart from the plebeians – the commoners.

But, hold on, it wasn’t all sunshine and roses for the patricians. They faced their fair share of challenges and conflicts, especially when it came to the plebeians. The plebeians were the majority in Rome, and they weren’t too thrilled about the patricians monopolizing all the power. So, they decided to fight for their rights and demand a fairer society. And guess what? They succeeded!

Thanks to their relentless efforts, the plebeians were able to secure important rights and privileges for themselves. Patricians had to share their power with a new group called the plebeian tribunes, who acted as protectors of plebeian rights. This was a major turning point in Roman history, as it marked the beginning of a more inclusive society, where power was not solely in the hands of the elites.

So, there you have it, the intriguing tale of the patricians. They were a class of elite citizens who enjoyed wealth, power, and influence in ancient Rome. They were the ones who called the shots and shaped the destiny of the empire. However, they faced challenges from the plebeians, leading to a more inclusive society. The story of the patricians is a fascinating chapter in Roman history, showcasing the ongoing struggle for power and equality.

I’m about to share some interesting facts about the patricians, the upper class of ancient Rome. These people came from prestigious families and had a lot of influence. Back in the early Roman Republic, marrying someone from the plebeian class was a big no-no, but those rules eventually relaxed over time.

Here’s a cool perk:

When a takeover happens, the new controlling player gets something special: a laurel wreath. Pretty neat, right?

Now, check out another benefit:

If you’re the one in control, you’ll get a proconsul piece. This little gem works like an extra follower of your own color in the next round. But to keep using it, you have to stay in charge of the patricians. It’s like having your own secret weapon!

Oh, and there’s a cool leader to mention:

His name is Scipio Africanus. Remember that name, because he’s a legend.

I want to tell you about Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus. He was a really important person in ancient Rome who did some amazing things. He was a military commander and a statesman, which means he was in charge of the army and also helped make decisions for the country.

One of the things that made Scipio Africanus famous was his success in battles against a guy named Hannibal. Hannibal was a really powerful military leader from a different place called Carthage, and he was causing a lot of trouble for Rome. But Scipio Africanus was able to defeat him and protect Rome from his attacks. He was so good at it that he even changed the way the Roman army was organized!

But even though Scipio Africanus was a hero, he had some enemies back home. Some of the senators in Rome accused him of being corrupt, which means they thought he was doing bad things and not being honest. But Scipio Africanus didn’t let that stop him! He gave an amazing speech where he talked about one of his big victories, and it made people really excited. They loved him and wanted him to keep doing great things for Rome.

So, if you ever hear the name Scipio Africanus, remember how awesome he was. He was a military genius, a great leader, and a really good speaker. He’s someone we can look up to and admire.

Vestal Virgins

Do you know who the vestal virgins were? They were young girls in ancient Rome chosen to serve as priestesses of the goddess Vesta. Can you believe they started their service when they were just six to ten years old and continued for 30 years?

The main responsibility of the vestal virgins was to take care of the eternal fire at the temple shrine. They had an important role in public life and were granted special privileges. But there was a catch – they had to make a vow of chastity and remain virgins. This was because, in Roman society, it was believed that if a vestal virgin lost her virginity, it would bring great harm to the community.

Here’s a Special Benefit

When a new player takes control of the vestal virgins, they instantly receive 5 denarii from the available supply.

Favor for a Faction

• The player who takes control of the vestal virgins earns a laurel wreath as a reward. They also have the option to obtain a temporary favor of the gods tile, as long as they don’t already possess an eternal favor of the gods tile. However, if the player loses control of the vestal virgins, they must return the temporary favor of the gods tile to the available supply.

Control in the Roman Empire: The Importance of Tribune Tiles

When playing the game of Control in the Roman Empire, one of the key elements to consider is the acquisition of tribune tiles. These tiles are crucial for your success, but you must meet certain requirements to obtain them.

• To receive a tribune tile, you must already possess a scroll tile.
• You must also be in control of the Senators at that moment.

Leader: Aquilia Severa

I have always found the story of Iulia Aquilia Severa fascinating. She was the daughter of the consul Quintus Aquilius and was known for her exceptional beauty. What makes her tale even more intriguing is the fact that she was a vestal virgin who married an emperor.

Now, this was a shocking development for the people and the priesthood. Normally, when a vestal virgin was involved with a man, she would face a terrible fate – being buried alive. Many vestal virgins had met their end in this gruesome manner under previous emperors. But Severa’s marriage went unpunished.

Some may wonder how this was possible. Well, the emperor justified his actions by claiming that their union would bring forth godlike children. This, he argued, was reason enough to overlook the breach of Roman law and tradition.

When a faction take-over happens and Aquilia Severa joins the new controlling player, they are granted the eternal favor of the gods tile if they don’t already have it. Unlike the temporary favor of the gods tile, the eternal favor of the gods doesn’t need to be given back if the controlling player loses control over the Vestal Virgins.

The Importance of Senators

The Roman senate, a group of important officials whose terms had expired, held great power in the Roman state until the end of the Republic. Officially, the senate was meant to offer advice, but in reality, it played a key role in guiding Rome’s decisions until the time of Augustus.

Let’s talk about the benefits of taking over control. When someone becomes the new leader, they earn a laurel wreath as a reward.

There are also benefits for the faction in power. The leader receives a scroll tile, as long as they don’t already have one. Additionally, the leader gets two cards from the draw pile.

Now, let’s focus on the leader of the Roman senate: Cato The Elder. He was a Roman commander, historian, author, and one of the most influential politicians in Roman history. He is still seen as a prime example of a conservative Roman leader.

Throughout my military and political career, I had the opportunity to hold various important offices. This allowed me to become one of the most influential senators and a staunch supporter of the third Punic War.

Whenever I spoke in the Senate, I always made sure to end my speeches with the following words: “Furthermore, I am of the opinion that Carthage must be destroyed.” This phrase, “Ceterum censeo Carthaginem esse delendam,” became my signature and embodied my unwavering stance.

Now, let me tell you about the additional benefit of playing as Cato the Elder during a faction takeover. As the new controlling player, you have the opportunity to choose a faction marker that you do not already possess, in addition to the Senate faction marker you may receive.