Earthquake Rocks Rome!

[Beta]

EARTHQUAKE ROCKS ROME!


Hundreds killed!

Citadel Heavily Damaged!

Senate Rocked!

Residential Areas Levelled!

Three Weeds Tavern Burns to the Ground!

Signs of Civil Unrest!

Calls for Paddimus to Return as Pater Patriae.


April 4, 18AD

This is a dark day for all Romans. A strong earthquake struck Rome this morning, causing significant death and damage. Hundreds if not thousands of our countrymen are dead, and it was not at the hands of a Carthaginian or Barbarian. It was at the hands of the Gods.

The most significant damage would appear to be the citadel, the defensive core of Rome. From this picture you can see the extensive damage to to the walls and towers...

[Beta]

Fortunately the Senate was not in session as the government and administrative district also took damage, but not as severely as the citadel.

Here you can see where the front wall of the Senate has collapsed. Sections of the roof and ceiling also fell in on the chambers. We may not be able to repair the building.

[Beta]

Residential areas of the city were not spared. Work teams are now searching through the damaged houses. Two legions are arriving this evening to assist. It is impossible at this time to accurately assess casualties.

[Beta]

On top of all this, one of the most disheartening and notable impacts of the earthquake was the burning to the ground of the Three Weeds Tavern. Fortunately it had not opened for business yet, and all the patrons from late last night had been sent on their way. Thank the Gods that the barkeep and his help are all well and accounted for. But we will need a new establishment...

[Beta]

Despite our orderly and enlightened civilization, the earthquake has unsettled the populace. Their have been a few rumours of looting, but more of just general unrest in the streets. The people want action. The legionairies in the Citadel who survived are needed there and for the government buildings. Other soldiers are now coming in from the countryside to assist and maintain order. In the meantime, the senate calls on all people of Rome to be calm and show restraint.

[Beta]

With the lack of interest in affairs of state by the population of Rome as well as Senators in recent years, this disaster could not have happened at a worse time. But perhaps it is an omen. A sign from the Gods. Mars wants action.

Today, citing the general unrest in the population, Senator Optimus Betamus has called for the return of Paddimus the Scot to the role of Pater Patriae. His solid and guiding presence is required to steer Rome through these dangerous and troublesome times.

Rome needs to grieve.

Rome needs to recover.

Rome needs to rebuild.

Rome needs to once again walk the path to greatness.

Rome need Paddimus.

(Optimus Betamus calls for Paddimus to once again sit as Pater Patriae.)

[Beta]

Science Sub-Script

For those so inclined, Roman scientists have determined, based on damage reports, that the earthquake was centred to the north west of Rome. The road to Ancona is currently impassable, but under repair.

The motion sensors used in the science academy recorded this image of the earthquake this morning.

[Modo44]

Sorry to be blunt, but have you been drinking, Emperor? I happen to have a fresh picture of Roma, and it shows no destruction whatsoever.

[Beta]

My apologies, but your reports are out of date, Emperor Modo.

[ChrisiusMaximus]

Rest assured Senator Betamus that the Maximus clan will send all its craftsmen and loyal legionaries to assist in the big clean up, this is shocking news indeed but perhaps most shocking is the destruction of the Three weeds

[Beta]

Originally posted by ChrisiusMaximus
Rest assured Senator Betamus that the Maximus clan will send all its craftsmen and loyal legionaries to assist in the big clean up, this is shocking news indeed but perhaps most shocking is the destruction of the Three weeds

Yes - it is indeed a heartbreak. I felt a tear come to my eyes when I saw the ashes. Ah, the scotch.....

[Paddy]

ohhh the Weeds... the pub, the Weeds has been taken

most of the staff have been accounted for, and no patrons were caught inside...

the city...

Our Rome...

this fire...

what a tragedy

[Aqualung71]

The Emperor Aquavian Lungarius throws his full support behind the re-building of Rome. Echoing earlier calls, I believe there is only one man in the whole of Rome who possesses the organisational brilliance necessary to restore our roads and buldings to their rightful state of repair - a critical task in these dark days of world war.

That man is Paddy, the first Pater Patriae of our great city. Paddy must return to take the reigns of rebuilding Rome.

Emperor Aquavian Lungarius hereby commits all the resources available to him to the project - use of my vast country estates and their produce, including wines, crops for feeding the workers, and animals for further victuals and sacrificing to the Gods to defer their wrath.

I shall provide all my slaves as labourers, open the gates of my iron mines and stone quarries to the city procurement department, and begin delivering timbers from the mills in my forests.

I ask all Emperors and Senators to do likewise. We have all benefited greatly from Rome's commercial development and military triumphs. It is time to contribute our material goods to restore Rome's greatness.

Carpenter Paddy, begin your work!

[Micha]

A tragedy! All that booze is gone er, I mean, our beautiful Rome is damaged! How can the gods be so cruel?!

/me luckily lives in his new "Villa norica" in Central Gaul, far away from the earthquake...

[Modo44]

It happened so quickly, the reports jsut arrived.

The Legions stationed in and near Roma are already helping clean up the damage. All will be good soon. I hope