Line #23 Literature/TheRomanMysteryScrolls


1	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/roman_mystery_scrolls_covers-800x609_copy_7957.jpg]]
2	[[caption-width-right:350:''[[http://www.romanmysteries.com/roman-mystery-scrolls The Roman Mystery Scrolls]]'']]
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4	''The Roman Mystery Scrolls'' follow the adventures of Threptus, a poor orphan living in the time of UsefulNotes/TheRomanEmpire. The character was introduced in the final book of ''Literature/TheRomanMysteries'', where he is inspired by the character Lupus's RagsToRiches success and good works to learn to read, write and lead a life helping other people. Threptus gives up begging and become apprentice Floridius, a self-proclaimed soothsayer of dubious honesty. With the help of his unlikely mentor, he finds himself struggling to outwit the law and solve mysteries.
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6	The series is a sequel to [[http://www.romanmysteries.com/author Caroline Lawrence's]] ''Literature/TheRomanMysteries'', however its target audience is somewhat younger. Caroline Lawerence is also the author of ''Literature/TheWesternMysteries''.
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8	[[AC:List of Books]]
9	# ''The Sewer Demon'' (2012)
10	# ''The Poisoned Honey Cake'' (2012)
11	# ''The Thunder Omen'' (2013)
12	# ''The Two-Faced God'' (2013)
13	----
14	!!This series contains examples of the following:
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16	* TheBully: A street tough named Naso and his gang of young ruffians chase after and even beat up Threptus.
17	* ChangingOfTheGuard: The series promotes two minor character from ''Literature/TheRomanMysteries'' to the role of lead character.
18	* ColorCodedPatrician: Threptus is able to identify members of the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equestrian_order Roman Equestrian class]] by the types of distinctive class-specific clothing that they wear.
19	* ConvenientlyAnOrphan: Threptus apparently doesn't have any living parents.
20	* DetectiveFiction: Thereptus is something of a detective, although the stories are at times more adventure than mystery solving.
21	* DownTheDrain: A non-videogame example of a sewer adventure.
22	* HauntedHouse: A woman believes that her house is being haunted and hires Foridius to get rid of the demon.
23	* TheHero, KidHero and TheProtagonist: Eight year old Threptus is the hero and protagonist of the story.
24	* HistoricalDetectiveFiction: The books are set in a well researched depiction of UsefulNotes/TheRomanEmpire during the reign of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domitian Domitian.]]
25	* KidDetective: Threptus solves mysteries, though he detective skills are not yet as developed as Flavia and the others in ''Literature/TheRomanMysteries''.
26	* OhMyGods: "Pollux" is used as an exclamation, which not only is the name of a Roman deity, but also sound remarkably like a more contemporary swear word.
27	* OurDemonsAreDifferent: Romans believe in [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemures larvae]]; shades or spirits of the restless or malignant dead. A woman who believes that her house is being haunted by such a demon asks Floridius to drive away the demon.
28	* PassingTheTorch: While the actual event took place in the earlier series, the ''The Sewer Demon'' makes reference to Lupus asking Threptus to carry on his good works.
29	* PhonyPsychic: Floridius claims to be soothsayer, however no evidence is provided that he has any real powers. More often then not, he simply lies to customers about where he gets his information, or makes things up entirely. He has also been known to fake omens. However, it does appear that he really does believe in the gods and he does seem to believe that he really has some soothsaying powers.
30	* ProtectiveCharm: The protective charm was an important part of Roman superstitition, and was in great demand. A large part of Floridius's income comes from selling them.
31	* SequelSeries: Sequel to ''Literature/TheRomanMysteries''.
32	* SherlockScan: Threptus is training himself on using his powers of observation to figure things out about people. While hardly as developed as Sherlock, he still is able to pick up some key clues that way.
33	* SnakeOilSalesman: Floridius is the Roman equivalent, selling various {{Protective Charm}}s that are supposed to keep away demons and the evil eye. However, he is not regarded as a con man, as historic Romans placed great stock in things of that nature.
34	* SnoopingLittleKid: Threptus listens in on a conversation that provides information that latter turns out to be useful.
35	* TheSummation: Partially subverted. Floridius reveals how the "demon" got into the house , however, he fails to explain that [[spoiler: the demon is really an octopus. He also takes advantage of the situation to sell more protective charms in addition to recommending solutions that would actually help keep out the octopus.]]
36	* TheStakeout: Threptus and Floridius stakeout a house where a demon has been alleged to appear.
37	* StreetUrchin: Threptus grew up on in the streets. However, shortly before the first book begins, he starts living with Floridius as has apprentice. His former streat kid friends take up stealing.
38	* SurvivalMantra: When Threptus is scared, he asks himself "What would Lupus do?" a touches a wax tablet that was a gift from Lupus.
39	* WardingGestures: Character often use a "sign against evil".
40	* YouAreNumberSix: Several character have names based on numbers; however, instead of being a dehumanizing practice, it is just an accurate reflection of Latin names.

Context Literature / TheRomanMysteryScrolls