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This installment of COTW features two new Roman characters,
in further support of the recent release of "GURPS Imperial
Rome, 2nd Edition". Like weeks #9 and #13, this week's pair
is a matched set, but with a "mixed double" twist: the
higher-point character is not necessarily the more powerful,
influential or important...
Titus Cornelius Artemidorus; private secretary to a rich
moron
(c) copyright 2000 Volker Bach
Total Points: 48 Points
Age late 40s; 5'8"; 170 pounds; a balding man, well-dressed
but overweight, with a kind smile.
ST 9 [-10] - thrust 1d-2, swing 1d-1
DX 10 [-] - basic speed 5.25, move 4*,
dodge 4
IQ 13 [30]
HT 11 [10]
WL 13 [-]
*includes encumbrance penalty for Overweight
ADVANTAGES: Charisma +1 [5]; Literacy [5];
Patron (Cornelii Vari, 9-) [10]; Wealth
(Comfortable) [10].
DISADVANTAGES: Bad Back [-15]; Cowardice
[-10]; Duty (to Cornelii Vari, all the time, rarely
hazardous) [-10]; Overweight [-5]; Social
Stigma (Freedman) [-5].
QUIRKS: Physically lazy; Careful dresser; Changes his accent
to fit the occasion; Never wears a toga; Looks down on
uneducated people. [-5]
SKILLS: Accounting-12 [2]; Administration-13
[2]; Area Knowledge (Rome, upper classes)-14
[2]; Detect Lies-13 [4]; Diplomacy-13*
[2]; Fast Talk-15* [4]; History-11
[1]; Law-14 [6]; Literature-11 [1];
Merchant-15* [4]; Politics-13 [2];
Savoir-Faire-15* [2]; Writing-12 [1].
*includes +1 for Charisma
LANGUAGES: Greek (Native)-13 [0]; Latin-13
[2]; Aramaic-12 [2]; Punic-11
[1].
EQUIPMENT
Artemidorus never goes anywhere without ample spending money
(assume he has at least $50 on him at all times), a set of
wax tablets and his seal ring. He dresses carefully, in the
Greek fashion, and never ever goes barefoot. Other than this
he is unlikely to carry anything much on his person - that's
what porters are for. When travelling, he always keeps his
notes, his account books and numerous sets of fine clothes
in reach. He never goes armed, not even with a dagger.
BIOGRAPHY
Like many an upwardly mobile slave, Artemidorus was born in
the household of his masters, the senatorial Cornelii Vari.
Being recognised as a bright child he received an education
beyond what most domestic servants received, serving as an
accountant and secretary to the family. His good
communication skills and financial acuity got him
recognition and he often went far afield acting as the
family's plenipotentiary in business matters.
Freed on his thirty-fifth birthday in recognition of his
merits, Artemidorus remained in the service of his master,
now in his personal household establishment. It was at this
time he was given the assignment that is still the source of
as much pride as vexation - private secretary to young
Lucius Cornelius Varus. The eldest son of senator Titus
Cornelius Varus, on his first steps up the senatorial career
ladder, needs all the guidance he can get (see
character).
For the last five years Artemidorus has never left the side
of his charge Lucius, guiding the young man's steps through
the minefields of social obligation, looking to his
financial affairs and advising him in all aspects of a young
nobleman's life. He has carefully vetted his personal
servants, even selected a beautiful, unassuming and skilled
slave his mistress to prevent him from causing scandal by
running after noblewomen, and constantly tries to keep him
on the straight and narrow path, though the irresponsible
Lucius has not made it easy for him.
ENCOUNTERED
Artemidorus is a charming man and can make those he cares to
meet feel quite comfortable in his presence. Polite,
obliging and well-spoken there is nothing servile about his
polished manners. However, he keeps his charm for use on
worthy targets - PCs meeting him as servants or other social
inferiors will find him distant and demanding. Only those he
wants to manipulate are likely to see anything likeable in
him.
Raised in a wealthy household Artemidorus likes his creature
comforts and assumes everybody else feels the same way. He
rarely walks far, using sedan chairs or carriages instead,
and insists on regular, well-prepared meals accompanied by
good wines. Friends and visitors will find his hospitality
flawless, and the household he manages leaves little to be
desired in the way of elegance and comfort.
Personally (and it is rare to see the personal rather than
the official face of Artemidorus) he is proud of his
intelligence and education (he knows more of Roman law and
politics than many a senator) and loves to converse on such
things. Knowing he is no great scholar he likes reading or
listening to literature and history whenever he finds the
time, and anyone with a good understanding of these subjects
is likely to find his interest. Like many intelligent people
Artemidorus is something of a snob, looking down on those of
lesser intellectual gifts, and would not dream of making a
friend of a vulgar brawler.
WHAT IF?
Artemidorus is almost timeless as the quiet, efficient and
loyal butler, chamberlain or secretary to a hot-blooded
young nobleman. Many historical and fantasy backgrounds
accommodate him with no more than the languages changed. His
Social Stigma may need to be changed to (Servant) or omitted
altogether in a setting in which slavery is less common or
slaves less trusted than in ancient Rome. In a medieval
setting he might make a good clergymen, which would of
course call for Clerical Investment and the Theology Skill.
ADVENTURE SEEDS
When my Ship Comes In: Artemidorus has speculated in African
olive oil - heavily. The summer shipping is normally a safe
investment, so he decided to risk more than Lucius could
safely afford, given the upcoming quaestorial elections. The
deliveries were due to arrive at Ostia spread from May to
September, but it is now June and not one amphora has come,
nor has there been any word from his factor in Lepcis Magna.
Have Lucius' political enemies delayed or stopped the
delivery? Has the harvest failed? Have fraudulent partners
pocketed his cash and taken off? He will need someone to go
there and clear things up.
An Unsuitable Relation: Lucius Cornelius Varus is in love -
deeply and with all the fervor of romantic youth. The object
of his affection is the daughter of Claudius Laeta, a
wealthy senator and friend of the emperor. Such a man would,
of course, never agree to a marriage to a relative nobody
such as young Lucius, especially not if he chooses to make a
fool of himself in public pursuing the girl of his dreams.
Lucius, brought up on Greek comedy and Alexandrian love
stories, is certain that love will overcome every obstacle,
of course, but Artemidorus has a shrewder view of things and
will have to take steps to ensure that his charge forgets
about this infatuation. Any ideas?
- written by Volker Bach
(volker_bach@public.uni-hamburg.de)
- editted and formatted by andi jones
(andi@angelwerks.com)
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