Who's who: P. Caecilius Paullus

(Sorry about the anachronistic picture, it captures the spirit of the character so well I couldn't help myself)

Reputation: Caecilius Paullus is one of the shrewdest, cleverest and luckiest businessmen in Rome. He is also one of Rome's wealthiest citizens. He always seems to buy when there is a windfall and sell in a shortage. He knows every trade route like the back of his hand and most of the traders. He is entirely ruthless and greedy, but fair, he will cheat you no matter who you are.

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History: Paullus was born to a relatively poor merchant captain in Brutii in DCVIII. His education was entrusted to a slave and took place mostly at sea. He learned many of the languages of trade in the Mediterranean, how to operate as a merchant and how to man a ship. At the age of fifteen his father gave him a ship to captain. He managed to find grain when the crops failed in Sicily in DCXXIV. He used this money to increase his fleet. He later started supplying ships to the navy and is now the informal admiral of the Roman Navy.

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Family: Paullus is married to Q. Aemilia Avita and has 5 sons and 5 daughters as well as a score of illegitimate children.

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Character: Paullus is a man of tremendous appetites. He is always interested in gaining more wealth, power or pleasure. He has no qualms about crushing any rival by what ever means available.

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Politics: Paullus is a stanch supporter of mercantile interests in politics. He uses the navy to make sure that the trade routes are clear. He has no interest in any legislation not related to trade.