Tiberius Who?

Tiberius Claudius Nero's father was lucky to escape execution by Octavian Caesar after the siege of Perusia in 40 BC. His parents took the infant Tiberius and fled from the blood-chilling vengeance of the future Emperor Augustus. As they made their perilous escape from Italy nobody gave a dried fig for the boy's prospects.

So how could he possibly have become Augustus' heir and successor?

This game is a simulation of the struggles among the Roman nobility for prominence and prestige within the ruling elite, and ultimately for the throne itself. It starts in 11BC, for it was in 11BC that Augustus chose a new husband for his only child, Julia, widow of Marcus Agrippa. It ends with Augustus Caesar’s death in 14 AD. The game progresses in 8 game turns. Each game turn represents three years.

Each player starts as a Roman nobleman, newly entering the highest echelons of Roman politics after a term as Consul of Rome. They then steer their characters’ careers so as to become Augustus’s adopted Son and ultimately his Heir.

These Roman Nobles will want to gain experience in multiple fields. They'll want to gain experience at commanding the legions, at governing provinces, at conquering new territory. But also be seen to perform the traditional functions of the Nobility from the recently over-thrown Republic, such as more Consulships, conducting the Census, and undertaking the duties of the various Priesthoods.

The select few will be able to marry one of Augustus's nieces, or perhaps even his daughter! Even rarer will be the men who are permitted to ride through Rome beside Augustus at a Triumph. Some will seek to achieve the coveted "Major Imperium". All will try to please Augustus enough that he adopts them.

But only the best will be granted the "Tribunician Power" that will guarantee succession.