A new Campaign Setting: Imperial Rome under Augustus [Archive] - Wizards Community

A new Campaign Setting: Imperial Rome under Augustus [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Primo Cavaliere
08-03-07, 11:06 AM Hello,
I am working, in my spare time, to build a campaign setting for D&D into the Roman Empire under Augustus, the first Emperor.
The starting point is the new law of the Emperor, which outlawed slavery. This act of the already Divine Augustus made him became the protector of all the ex-slaves of the Empire, making him a new God.

I am trying to put togheter all my school/college/university knowledge about the historic period with my experience as a DM in Dungeons&Dragons and other gaming systems.

Is there someone who has tried something similar, or who may give me some sound advice?

Thanks to everyone who may help me.
taradusis
08-03-07, 01:08 PM There was a greenbook called "Heros of Rome".It was the setting guide for 2Ed AD+D roman campaigns.It should be available as a PDF from rpanow?
queenfange
08-03-07, 01:59 PM A few thoughts to consider (sorry if some/all are obvious):

1. Weapons may be made of bronze or iron, not steel. Barbaric peoples on the edges of the empire would only get high quality weapons through trade.

2. Consider the role of magic. To stay in power in a world with magic, an emperor would need powerful mage allies, and would have access to detect thoughts, detect poison, etc.

3. How do adventurers fit into a mighty empire with a powerful army?

4. Is your world as sexist as Rome actually was, or are you going to make adjustments to make the world more friendly to female players?
ewancummins
08-03-07, 11:57 PM So Augustsus is literally a GOD? That is cool. I suppose he's a demigod, yes? Will clerics of the Imperial Cult actually get spells?

Outlawing slavery is going to have some big effects on Roman law, culture, and above all-the economy. It may also alter the treatment of prisoners of war. Consider those changes.

I am assuming most of the ex slaves are now clients of their former owners[ under imperial protection, of course]. They are free, but many probably still work for their old bosses. That would fit with what I've read about Roman freedmen.

I'd keep Rome fairly ''sexist''[ defined gender roles, with some limitations on what women are normally able to do outside the home]. You can always contrast the culture of Rome with barbarians who allow their womenfolk greater freedom. The Romans themeslves often remarked on the odd treatment of women by barbarians such as the Gauls. Besides, adventurres break the mold. There's no need for them to always conform to societal norms. All just my humble opinion, of course.
Manyfist
08-05-07, 12:19 AM Rome couldn't run without Slaves, what replaces slave labor? Also, if you look at it, the only reason that the US continue to run without slaves because of advancement of technology, and a war of course.

The Sexism is very much part of Rome, and if you have a Female Player, who plays female character or Male with Female character, theres still ways to get power. Also note, that since they're definitely discriminated against, they could use this as an advantage. After all, if you had a choice of beating up an old lady or an old lady that can kick your ass 50/50 that you could get your ass kicked since they both look harmless.
ewancummins
08-05-07, 12:27 AM I disagree that Rome[or the 19th century US] could not funtion without slavery. Sharecropping is often a cheaper proposition. No need to care for tenants as you would slaves. That handles the agricultural slaves, the biggest and most important bloc. Everything else can be done cheaply by ''free labor'' , meaning the workers are free to starve if they refuse to work for subsistence wages. No labor movement yet, right? No minumum wage, 40 hour workweek, etc. No OSHA, either.

Even if you think there will be labor shortages, perhaps the Romans will then further develop certain technologies to produce more labor saving devices. Steam ,hydraulics, etc. They had the basis for all of that.
Manyfist
08-05-07, 01:36 PM I disagree that Rome[or the 19th century US] could not funtion without slavery. Sharecropping is often a cheaper proposition. No need to care for tenants as you would slaves. That handles the agricultural slaves, the biggest and most important bloc. Everything else can be done cheaply by ''free labor'' , meaning the workers are free to starve if they refuse to work for subsistence wages. No labor movement yet, right? No minumum wage, 40 hour workweek, etc. No OSHA, either.
The Roman economy was certainly heavily dependent on slavery

Since there was a labor shortage in the Roman Empire, there was a constant need to find slaves to tie down the labor supply in various regions of the Empire. In the Later Empire emperors tried to tie people into hereditary occupations to secure vital services as the supply of slaves dried up.
Unless you've got labor force that an Empire such as the size of Ancient Rome, and technology level at the Roman level. Then slaves were definitely needed. Slaves did more than just farm, they did many the manual labor that a free citizen was protected from.

What of the Gladiators? They were slaves, forced to fight for there freedom. Unless there is no Gladiators (in which it wouldn't be Rome without them).

Even if you think there will be labor shortages, perhaps the Romans will then further develop certain technologies to produce more labor saving devices. Steam ,hydraulics, etc. They had the basis for all of that.

Well, then it would be Roman Steampunk, if they are at the Steampunk level, then no need for slaves in the traditional sense but wage slaves could help.
ewancummins
08-05-07, 06:57 PM Manyfist, I agree with several of your assertions, but I disagree about the interpretation of historical facts. Without turning this into a historical debate thread, I'd like to point out a couple of things.

''Free'' labor can be as cheap [or sometimes even cheaper than ] slavery. Look at the sharecroppers of the post-war South. Look at child workers during the Industrial Revolution. Work 'em till they drop, then bring in more. No need to care for them if they get sick or old. The investment is less than a slaveowner, who after all, is directly ionvetsed in his workforce. Keep your tenants so deep in debt they HAVE to keep working for next to nothing. Use your goons to prevent the workers from organizing.

Gladiators were not always slaves, although the majority certainly were. Some free citizens entered the arena for profit.

As an alternative way to keep the arenas open, consider this: arena fighters are professional athletes who fight for cash prizes. Maybe criminals are sentenced to fight in the arena, as well?

Steampunk Rome. It makes sense. The labor shortages and economic adjustment of freeing all those slaves could spur technological development. Maybe imperial patronage would speed things along. Why not have it be so?

I think working with the changes brought about by freeing the slaves would be cooler than just ignoring it.
Primo Cavaliere
08-06-07, 03:43 AM Well, thank you all... I am very happy to see that this topic hit the curiosity of so many member of the forum...

1. I am considering weapons and armors in bronze and iron, making that the basic equipment. Weapons and armors in steel will be a little more rare.

2. That is one of the most important issue for the campaign, since I am still thinking about it. I mean, there were mages, as in a normal D&D Campaign?
I thought about making magic something more rare, not studied and learned by academies, but secretly passed from master to lonely student, making it more sorcerer-like. But what happens if you put only sorcerers in a campaign?

3. The adventurers may fit in a number of roles: special group of people who, for a price, can solve troubles that the mighty legions could not; religious emissaries to solve strange foretellings from Apollo; personal guards of the rich senator's families.

4. The female question: actually I did not consider that aspect.... I mean there was a strong rule about the roles of men and women, but I also assume that adventurers will be, necessarily, a little out of common rules.

About slavery:
Yes, with that move, my idea is to make Augustus a DemiGod, or a God with a very low level, so probably the future clergy of the Emperor Cult will receive spells and powers... Consider that the campaign starts after two years from the abolition, so in a period rich of innovation and change.
I think that the abolition may change a lot of what we know about the historical Roman Empire, all the suggestion I have read here are pretty good and very useful.
The idea of the technological development is charming, because may be an important element of the scenario and not an element on the background.
The arenas will remain open since gladiators now fight for money and also because the arenas are used for punishing criminals.
Primo Cavaliere
08-06-07, 03:57 AM I have thought of some changes in the player classes:

A. Legionmen (no more Fighter): since from 15 years old all the men who were fit to be armed, were sent to legions for military training and service, I assume that the majority of the fighting men will be legionaries or ex-legionaries.
B. Gladiators: a kind of spectacular fighter, good with certain exotic weapons, but only able in melee...
C. Wrestler: I thought about the tradition of unarmed combat coming from Greece and Rome, so I considered to add a monk-like fighter, without the ascetic aspects...
D. Scout: since exploration, not only for military matters, may be important, I considered to add the Scout as we all know from rulebooks.

E. Flamen: since religion for a lot of aspects was deeply connected with the laws and the tradition of the Empire, I have made a few changes to the cleric class to fit better the role of divinators and men of influence and power.
F. Electus: I was charmed by the idea that Gods were more "present" in daily life, so I considered to insert the Favored Soul, as an option for religious characters.

G. Sorcerer. I think it may fit better, but I am still working on it.
H. Noble: I think to put this class, since the importance of senators and of nobility into the Empire
I. Rogue: the only class without any change :P
L. Bards: I am still thinking about their role, since I assume there were poets, musicians, dancers, but the role in D&D is more "medieval-like", so I think I will have to change some little things to make them more "ancient roman-like".

For races I have decided to make only humans available, but with heavy differences between regional areas...
Since all the campaign is in italian, I am not able to translate it fully in english, but if someone is deeply interested, I may try to send them some of it, traslated as I can manage.
Manyfist
08-06-07, 07:37 AM Imo, that if you're making it steampunk less magic the better. Since if you have magic to do your work, then no need for technology.
Primo Cavaliere
08-07-07, 03:30 AM If I understand your last post, then I will keep in check the importance of magic and its rarity.
I also recovered from rpgnow the old campaign setting "Heroes of Rome"... which gave me some ideas.

Thanks to everyone of you for the advices!
CommodoreFluffy
08-21-07, 07:18 PM Why not say that Arcane Magic is illegal, and is pursued in secret by cults?
Alexeduardo
08-21-07, 08:56 PM I dont mean to rain on your carnaval. But ALL societies start with a dictator as a leader, if you are going for the first CEASAR, you shold go with julio CE'SAR.
even though he was stabbed, he was more of a god that augustus ever was.

I'm too lazy to read your arguments completely, but working slaves was kinda the whole point of expanding during the late Pre-augustus era.
Though augustus is known to be the man that stopped roman expansion and created roads, bridges, walls and other boring crap.
Southernskies
08-23-07, 07:58 AM You may want to have a look at "Players Guide to Arcanis". The main country has a very heavy roman influence and the rules include many roman weapons/armour and p-classes.

Since I wrote quite a chunk of it, I can vouch its good for romanesque campaigns.
Primo Cavaliere
08-28-07, 08:34 AM I'll check it out.... thanks a lot!

About Julio Caesar.... in a way yes, but I prefer Augustus, which made the ideas of Caesar reality in the most part.
Nightshade
08-29-07, 05:20 PM I'll check it out.... thanks a lot!

About Julio Caesar.... in a way yes, but I prefer Augustus, which made the ideas of Caesar reality in the most part.

As an Italian and an archaeology major in college, I have to join the slave debate. Slaves were a reason for expansion but they alos caused Not labor shortages but labor gluts! Slaves starting taking the jobs of free men and impoverishing the already poor roman citizens while enriching the already rich. It's the classic contention that goes on till this day. Hence, the words Patricians and plebeians. And the political parties of the republic reflected these opposite social views - the populares led by aristoctrats like Julius Caesar represented the interests of the public while the optimates led by Cato were more traditional and favored the rich. Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus were the Second Triumvirate of Rome that protected the Republic until war broke out between Caesar and Pompey. Cato and the optimates backed Pompey even though Pompey was originally one of the populares. It was in this atmosphere that Augustus grew up. And even when young he was a strong supporter of his uncle, Julius, and the populares. The HBO/BBC show titled Rome is a pretty darn good show depicting this period. I recomend you netflix it, Primo Cavliere. It is also pretty accurate regarding Legion battle techniques.

Rome was always rife with numerous cults because it was the center of civilization of the Old World. People from all over went there, traded, and conducted their own activities. I'd recomend mainly divine magic, however. I could see an Arcane college in Rome descended from the Greek philosophers and perhaps Archimedes. That'd be pretty interesting.

Also, the Greek fighting technique, which the Romans adopted in part or in whole, was called Pankration. It's an overall martial art having strong wrestling and boxing techniques. In fact, it has been debated to be the oldest Martial Art Technique in the World, dating back to nearly 700 BC. And it kicks major butt even today with all the numerous eastern arts. As of 5 years ago, (the last time I watched the Ultimate Fighting Championship), the Greco-roman wrestlers almost always made to the last rounds and it's a toss up between them and the brazilian jujutsu wrestlers.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Primo Cavaliere 08-03-07, 11:06 AM	Hello, I am working, in my spare time, to build a campaign setting for D&D into the Roman Empire under Augustus, the first Emperor. The starting point is the new law of the Emperor, which outlawed slavery. This act of the already Divine Augustus made him became the protector of all the ex-slaves of the Empire, making him a new God. I am trying to put togheter all my school/college/university knowledge about the historic period with my experience as a DM in Dungeons&Dragons and other gaming systems. Is there someone who has tried something similar, or who may give me some sound advice? Thanks to everyone who may help me.
taradusis 08-03-07, 01:08 PM	There was a greenbook called "Heros of Rome".It was the setting guide for 2Ed AD+D roman campaigns.It should be available as a PDF from rpanow?
queenfange 08-03-07, 01:59 PM	A few thoughts to consider (sorry if some/all are obvious): 1. Weapons may be made of bronze or iron, not steel. Barbaric peoples on the edges of the empire would only get high quality weapons through trade. 2. Consider the role of magic. To stay in power in a world with magic, an emperor would need powerful mage allies, and would have access to detect thoughts, detect poison, etc. 3. How do adventurers fit into a mighty empire with a powerful army? 4. Is your world as sexist as Rome actually was, or are you going to make adjustments to make the world more friendly to female players?
ewancummins 08-03-07, 11:57 PM	So Augustsus is literally a GOD? That is cool. I suppose he's a demigod, yes? Will clerics of the Imperial Cult actually get spells? Outlawing slavery is going to have some big effects on Roman law, culture, and above all-the economy. It may also alter the treatment of prisoners of war. Consider those changes. I am assuming most of the ex slaves are now clients of their former owners[ under imperial protection, of course]. They are free, but many probably still work for their old bosses. That would fit with what I've read about Roman freedmen. I'd keep Rome fairly ''sexist''[ defined gender roles, with some limitations on what women are normally able to do outside the home]. You can always contrast the culture of Rome with barbarians who allow their womenfolk greater freedom. The Romans themeslves often remarked on the odd treatment of women by barbarians such as the Gauls. Besides, adventurres break the mold. There's no need for them to always conform to societal norms. All just my humble opinion, of course.
Manyfist 08-05-07, 12:19 AM	Rome couldn't run without Slaves, what replaces slave labor? Also, if you look at it, the only reason that the US continue to run without slaves because of advancement of technology, and a war of course. The Sexism is very much part of Rome, and if you have a Female Player, who plays female character or Male with Female character, theres still ways to get power. Also note, that since they're definitely discriminated against, they could use this as an advantage. After all, if you had a choice of beating up an old lady or an old lady that can kick your ass 50/50 that you could get your ass kicked since they both look harmless.
ewancummins 08-05-07, 12:27 AM	I disagree that Rome[or the 19th century US] could not funtion without slavery. Sharecropping is often a cheaper proposition. No need to care for tenants as you would slaves. That handles the agricultural slaves, the biggest and most important bloc. Everything else can be done cheaply by ''free labor'' , meaning the workers are free to starve if they refuse to work for subsistence wages. No labor movement yet, right? No minumum wage, 40 hour workweek, etc. No OSHA, either. Even if you think there will be labor shortages, perhaps the Romans will then further develop certain technologies to produce more labor saving devices. Steam ,hydraulics, etc. They had the basis for all of that.
Manyfist 08-05-07, 01:36 PM	I disagree that Rome[or the 19th century US] could not funtion without slavery. Sharecropping is often a cheaper proposition. No need to care for tenants as you would slaves. That handles the agricultural slaves, the biggest and most important bloc. Everything else can be done cheaply by ''free labor'' , meaning the workers are free to starve if they refuse to work for subsistence wages. No labor movement yet, right? No minumum wage, 40 hour workweek, etc. No OSHA, either. The Roman economy was certainly heavily dependent on slavery Since there was a labor shortage in the Roman Empire, there was a constant need to find slaves to tie down the labor supply in various regions of the Empire. In the Later Empire emperors tried to tie people into hereditary occupations to secure vital services as the supply of slaves dried up. Unless you've got labor force that an Empire such as the size of Ancient Rome, and technology level at the Roman level. Then slaves were definitely needed. Slaves did more than just farm, they did many the manual labor that a free citizen was protected from. What of the Gladiators? They were slaves, forced to fight for there freedom. Unless there is no Gladiators (in which it wouldn't be Rome without them). Even if you think there will be labor shortages, perhaps the Romans will then further develop certain technologies to produce more labor saving devices. Steam ,hydraulics, etc. They had the basis for all of that. Well, then it would be Roman Steampunk, if they are at the Steampunk level, then no need for slaves in the traditional sense but wage slaves could help.
ewancummins 08-05-07, 06:57 PM	Manyfist, I agree with several of your assertions, but I disagree about the interpretation of historical facts. Without turning this into a historical debate thread, I'd like to point out a couple of things. ''Free'' labor can be as cheap [or sometimes even cheaper than ] slavery. Look at the sharecroppers of the post-war South. Look at child workers during the Industrial Revolution. Work 'em till they drop, then bring in more. No need to care for them if they get sick or old. The investment is less than a slaveowner, who after all, is directly ionvetsed in his workforce. Keep your tenants so deep in debt they HAVE to keep working for next to nothing. Use your goons to prevent the workers from organizing. Gladiators were not always slaves, although the majority certainly were. Some free citizens entered the arena for profit. As an alternative way to keep the arenas open, consider this: arena fighters are professional athletes who fight for cash prizes. Maybe criminals are sentenced to fight in the arena, as well? Steampunk Rome. It makes sense. The labor shortages and economic adjustment of freeing all those slaves could spur technological development. Maybe imperial patronage would speed things along. Why not have it be so? I think working with the changes brought about by freeing the slaves would be cooler than just ignoring it.
Primo Cavaliere 08-06-07, 03:43 AM	Well, thank you all... I am very happy to see that this topic hit the curiosity of so many member of the forum... 1. I am considering weapons and armors in bronze and iron, making that the basic equipment. Weapons and armors in steel will be a little more rare. 2. That is one of the most important issue for the campaign, since I am still thinking about it. I mean, there were mages, as in a normal D&D Campaign? I thought about making magic something more rare, not studied and learned by academies, but secretly passed from master to lonely student, making it more sorcerer-like. But what happens if you put only sorcerers in a campaign? 3. The adventurers may fit in a number of roles: special group of people who, for a price, can solve troubles that the mighty legions could not; religious emissaries to solve strange foretellings from Apollo; personal guards of the rich senator's families. 4. The female question: actually I did not consider that aspect.... I mean there was a strong rule about the roles of men and women, but I also assume that adventurers will be, necessarily, a little out of common rules. About slavery: Yes, with that move, my idea is to make Augustus a DemiGod, or a God with a very low level, so probably the future clergy of the Emperor Cult will receive spells and powers... Consider that the campaign starts after two years from the abolition, so in a period rich of innovation and change. I think that the abolition may change a lot of what we know about the historical Roman Empire, all the suggestion I have read here are pretty good and very useful. The idea of the technological development is charming, because may be an important element of the scenario and not an element on the background. The arenas will remain open since gladiators now fight for money and also because the arenas are used for punishing criminals.
Primo Cavaliere 08-06-07, 03:57 AM	I have thought of some changes in the player classes: A. Legionmen (no more Fighter): since from 15 years old all the men who were fit to be armed, were sent to legions for military training and service, I assume that the majority of the fighting men will be legionaries or ex-legionaries. B. Gladiators: a kind of spectacular fighter, good with certain exotic weapons, but only able in melee... C. Wrestler: I thought about the tradition of unarmed combat coming from Greece and Rome, so I considered to add a monk-like fighter, without the ascetic aspects... D. Scout: since exploration, not only for military matters, may be important, I considered to add the Scout as we all know from rulebooks. E. Flamen: since religion for a lot of aspects was deeply connected with the laws and the tradition of the Empire, I have made a few changes to the cleric class to fit better the role of divinators and men of influence and power. F. Electus: I was charmed by the idea that Gods were more "present" in daily life, so I considered to insert the Favored Soul, as an option for religious characters. G. Sorcerer. I think it may fit better, but I am still working on it. H. Noble: I think to put this class, since the importance of senators and of nobility into the Empire I. Rogue: the only class without any change :P L. Bards: I am still thinking about their role, since I assume there were poets, musicians, dancers, but the role in D&D is more "medieval-like", so I think I will have to change some little things to make them more "ancient roman-like". For races I have decided to make only humans available, but with heavy differences between regional areas... Since all the campaign is in italian, I am not able to translate it fully in english, but if someone is deeply interested, I may try to send them some of it, traslated as I can manage.
Manyfist 08-06-07, 07:37 AM	Imo, that if you're making it steampunk less magic the better. Since if you have magic to do your work, then no need for technology.
Primo Cavaliere 08-07-07, 03:30 AM	If I understand your last post, then I will keep in check the importance of magic and its rarity. I also recovered from rpgnow the old campaign setting "Heroes of Rome"... which gave me some ideas. Thanks to everyone of you for the advices!
CommodoreFluffy 08-21-07, 07:18 PM	Why not say that Arcane Magic is illegal, and is pursued in secret by cults?
Alexeduardo 08-21-07, 08:56 PM	I dont mean to rain on your carnaval. But ALL societies start with a dictator as a leader, if you are going for the first CEASAR, you shold go with julio CE'SAR. even though he was stabbed, he was more of a god that augustus ever was. I'm too lazy to read your arguments completely, but working slaves was kinda the whole point of expanding during the late Pre-augustus era. Though augustus is known to be the man that stopped roman expansion and created roads, bridges, walls and other boring crap.
Southernskies 08-23-07, 07:58 AM	You may want to have a look at "Players Guide to Arcanis". The main country has a very heavy roman influence and the rules include many roman weapons/armour and p-classes. Since I wrote quite a chunk of it, I can vouch its good for romanesque campaigns.
Primo Cavaliere 08-28-07, 08:34 AM	I'll check it out.... thanks a lot! About Julio Caesar.... in a way yes, but I prefer Augustus, which made the ideas of Caesar reality in the most part.
Nightshade 08-29-07, 05:20 PM	I'll check it out.... thanks a lot! About Julio Caesar.... in a way yes, but I prefer Augustus, which made the ideas of Caesar reality in the most part. As an Italian and an archaeology major in college, I have to join the slave debate. Slaves were a reason for expansion but they alos caused Not labor shortages but labor gluts! Slaves starting taking the jobs of free men and impoverishing the already poor roman citizens while enriching the already rich. It's the classic contention that goes on till this day. Hence, the words Patricians and plebeians. And the political parties of the republic reflected these opposite social views - the populares led by aristoctrats like Julius Caesar represented the interests of the public while the optimates led by Cato were more traditional and favored the rich. Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus were the Second Triumvirate of Rome that protected the Republic until war broke out between Caesar and Pompey. Cato and the optimates backed Pompey even though Pompey was originally one of the populares. It was in this atmosphere that Augustus grew up. And even when young he was a strong supporter of his uncle, Julius, and the populares. The HBO/BBC show titled Rome is a pretty darn good show depicting this period. I recomend you netflix it, Primo Cavliere. It is also pretty accurate regarding Legion battle techniques. Rome was always rife with numerous cults because it was the center of civilization of the Old World. People from all over went there, traded, and conducted their own activities. I'd recomend mainly divine magic, however. I could see an Arcane college in Rome descended from the Greek philosophers and perhaps Archimedes. That'd be pretty interesting. Also, the Greek fighting technique, which the Romans adopted in part or in whole, was called Pankration. It's an overall martial art having strong wrestling and boxing techniques. In fact, it has been debated to be the oldest Martial Art Technique in the World, dating back to nearly 700 BC. And it kicks major butt even today with all the numerous eastern arts. As of 5 years ago, (the last time I watched the Ultimate Fighting Championship), the Greco-roman wrestlers almost always made to the last rounds and it's a toss up between them and the brazilian jujutsu wrestlers.