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howexciting[The first part of Leonardo's broadcast seems to be a misfire, in only that it is quiet and almost disbelieving.]
Non è possible... this is... home? Italia...?
We are in the Kingdom of Naples... no, that is back in my time, this is Campania felix... Dio mio, we're in Stabiae--
[There is silence for a good fifteen minutes, as Leonardo prepares and questions the populace. Then, he finally comes on the Network.]
For anyone who is listening, I have some good news. And some bad news. The good news is that I have located our exact location in space and time. We are in Stabiae, an ancient Roman resort which Pliny the Elder described in detail in his records. The year, at least according to the gossip of Emperor Nero's daughter, Claudia Augusta, and her recent death, and the recent appointment of Titus Vespasian as the governor of Africa Proconsularis, indicate that this is the Year of Our Lord 63.
The bad news is that in sixteen years, this place will be completely destroyed with ash, much like the city just five miles north of here, Pompeii. In fact this entire region will be flooded with molten earth and ash, and be consumed entirely. Further, Emperor Nero is on the throne, according to The Natural History, as written by Pliny the Elder... and I am sure you have heard of the stories of Emperor Nero.
I will be referring to myself during this Jaunt as Leontius Florentinus Vincio. Just Leontius will do, if you see me, but it is the best translation of my name I could come up with on short notice. If you require names to blend in, please, let me know and I will do my best to translate... or transliterate your names, should it be impossible. They usually come in three names, though sometimes two in women's cases, that being her name and the name of her husband. But it can be more or less depending on one's epic deeds or acts of heroism, or simply their fame throughout the Empire.
Further, a few points of advice on etiquette. Men are expected to wear togas. [He briefly livestreams a picture of himself in a toga and traditional sandals.] Ladies, do not wear a toga, like the men, unless you would like to be mistaken for a prostitute. Instead, find or make a stola. [He briefly livestreams a random gaggle of women walking past, each one wearing pretty stolas and giggling amongst themselves.]
Secondly, if you are to claim family ties, keep in mind which one is the eldest male in your "family". If you are a father, grandfather, or sometimes an elder brother or elder cousin - you are in charge, and you are expected to be obeyed no matter what. Younger brothers might or might not, depending upon the will of the deceased father, but... it is best if you choose your family ties wisely. If you argue in public, people will grow suspicious, or they will believe you are uncivilized and will try not to speak to you. Obviously, this would be difficult to further our investigation.
It is probably best to claim that you are from distant parts of the Empire if your native homeland is from outside Ancient Rome's bounds. Perhaps you can claim you are traders from distant lands, but you will not be treated as Roman citizens, that way. Many of the outer provinces were treated lesser than the inner provinces. Still, it is worth a try, to maintain appearances and keep our illusion going.
If you have any specific questions, please do not hesitate to ask me, but try not to come to me in person. I wish to remain as inconspicuous as possible.
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