Ladies and gentlemen, the story today.

The empire stands steady, if threatened by conflict from within, and without. She has fewer threats externally than during the times of Scipio, with Pontus and Bithnia now provinces, and Gaul and Germania limited. The current autonomous empires of great concern are Egypt - Cleopatra is playing her own game - Parthia, though empires further to the East are worth noting. After the death of Crassus, some of his legions’ remnants are rumored to have been recruited by Eastern warlords who rode horses more fleet than even those of the Parthians. ( Such examples of those horses were given to Pompieus by a client king in Pontus who was also a satrap of Parthia.) These fierce warlords were not to be underestimated, and their merchants carried great wealth in the form of serica-silk;

The title of ‘first Man in Rome’ still hangs in the balance. Until his accident at sea, general opinion would have been Pompieus Magnus to all except those who worked with Caesar in the field. However, in absolute logistics and administration, Pompieus was impossible to surpass, even for a Caesar. And Pompeius had managed at an age when Caesar was finding it difficult to do more than annoy his commanders for his pure brilliance and self righteousness. But an uncertain and long recovery had put the Lion out of sight, and into the shade, leaving Caesar the only face of unquestionable greatness. He was also a consul, effectively without a partner. However, the Senate was beginning to strain somewhat under the lack of opportunity for those not particularly enamored of Caesar. For all they admired his ability, they were tiring of him the way they tired of Pompeius at one time. And Cato.

However, Pompieus is well on the road to recovery, and it is assumed by some in the Senate that he will take his place again in due time.

In general, Rome’s economic condition is good. Caesar’s building projects have raised the price on many things from building materials to ready cash, and available living quarters were limited. Housing was high. But grain and food are affordable, and the head count reasonably well occupied. Bread and games are both plentiful.

For recent marriages among the great families, we have Octavia and Brutus, Sextus Pompieus and Porcia Cato. Older marriages see Pompieus is still happily married to Cornelia Scipio, whose father is under siege in Parthia. The result is a uniting of the part of the Crassus fortune, the Metellus Scipio fortune, and the Pompieus fortune. The Sempronius fortune still in the hands of Fulvia makes her very attractive to politically able men without fortunes, though her marriage to Curio is still in effect. Caesar divorced Calpurnia, but left her extremely wealthy.

The Senate in ’rebellion’ has essentially been forgiven, though some still are holding out by biding their time away from Rome.. Pompieus junior has taken command the \Republican legions and is on leary terms with the essentially Caesar dominated government. He watches for his father to see what the best move is to make. Pompey fleets also still control the high seas. As in the past, they are still effectively keeping piracy at bay. The Senate itself is getting tired of the Caesar stanp of approval on everything. With the Republicans back, and forgiven, and the fear of civil war no longer paramount, many are beginning to wonder if the time has come to test Caesar’s protestations about not wishing to be dictator or king, and allow others room to actually participate in governing. Caesar’s influence however is not to be under-estimated.

As for who is where and in what province, current dispensations are still active. Work will be done to place governors in provinces not so named. Legion status’ are also in place, and they are relevant. There status can change if our Caesar does not show up often to role play.

Cleopatra is back in Eqypt keeping her large and wealthy Kingdom together. Cyprus is a thorn for her, but was cataloged into Rome’s established territories by Cato.