The Campaign Builder's Guild

[ic=The Romans]"Is there anything in history more notorious than the wantonness and pride of the Romans?  A race unaccustomed to peace, familiar with tumult; a race to this very day fierce and intractable; who will never submit except when they have no power to resist."

- Saint Bernard of Clairvoux, On Consideration[/ic]



In the middle of the 12th century, an age of great change and conflict in Europe, the people of Rome grew tired of the Papacy's domination over their ancient city.  They rebelled, and in 1144 the Commune of Rome was declared.  They aspired to put the fate of their city back in the hands of the Senate and People of Rome, Senatus Populusque Romanus, and in this task they enjoyed some modest success.  The medieval Senate persevered through both victory and defeat for nearly half a century before its independence was ended.

This is a cooperative forum game, beginning in the Summer of 1152, that explores the possibility of the Commune's survival under a new and more radically independent Senate.  Players will control characters belonging to an influential Roman family, and through them guide the course of a proud city surrounded by rivals and enemies in an age of Crusades, Emperors, and the growing power of the Italian communes.

How to Join

I am currently accepting new players, so if you're interested, PM me and give me an idea of what kind of character you'd want to play!

The spoiler below has original joining information, which may be helpful but is not completely accurate for people joining the game now.

[spoiler=Joining Information]Everyone is welcome to join as a player.  All you need to do is write up a character and post in this thread.  Though remaining in the game is encouraged, it is not necessary that this game be a long term commitment; because the players represent members of a Senate, not an adventuring party, the game can still move ahead while players are absent or after players bow out of the game.

Make your character following the format below.  Just fill in the blanks as explained.  If your character dies or is otherwise removed from power, you may either make an entirely new character or make a relative of your previous character.  If you do the latter, you will keep some attributes of the old character; if your previous character died in poverty or disgrace, this may not be a good idea.

[spoiler=Character Form]Name: Any appropriate Italian name will do.  You will need to pick a family name as well.  This site (http://www.s-gabriel.org/names/juliana/pisa/) is a good resource.
Age: Insert age here.  It should be between 30 and 60.
Class: Here you must put either "Noble" or "Citizen."  At this point, only a few dozen of the petty nobility (essentially, knights) remain in favor in the city.  Nobles typically draw their wealth from agricultural estates on the outskirts of the city, while citizen-senators are usually wealthy merchants or particularly prosperous artisans.

The following stats are also part of your character description:

Influence: This statistic indicates the character's pull in the Senate and among the upper classes of Roman society.  If it gets low enough, the character may be expelled from the Senate.  This starts at 6 for Nobles and 5 for Citizens.
Popularity: This statistic indicates how beloved (or despised) the character is by the Roman Mob, the famously unruly and violent horde of middle and lower-class citizens.  If it gets low enough, the character may be run out of town or worse.  This starts at 5 for everyone.
Orthodoxy: This indicates how close this character's perceived beliefs are to official church doctrine.  Promoting heretical or unorthodox views (that is, views different from the Pope's) or performing sacrilegious acts may lower this.  A character with low Orthodoxy may be popular with some, but will be perceived by most as a heretic and could be excommunicated; on the flip side, a very orthodox character will be unpopular among more anti-clerical elements of society.  This starts between 2 and 8 for everyone; you may choose any number in that range, but be forewarned that having low Orthodoxy is generally more negative than positive.

Notes: You can add a short blurb about your character here.  You might talk about their origins, or how they got their fortune (if a merchant), or tell us that they're just a puppet controlled by their uncle/wife/mother-in-law, or that they took part in the recent crusade (if a noble), or anything else you care to explain to us.  I may use this background in future events, but don't worry – I won't penalize you for making a character with quirks and flaws.  While this is in a sense a "strategy game," it is also a roleplaying game, and characters with real interests, goals, and peculiarities are great!

If you have any questions about building a character, I am happy to respond here or on IRC.[/spoiler][/spoiler]
How the Game is Played

This game proceeds in turns, each of which is equivalent to one season in game (thus, there are 4 turns in a game year).  Turns will take at least a week in real time; the deadline for turns is flexible and will change based on players' needs and availability.  At the end of each turn, I will post an "update" that will inform you of the outcome of your ventures and the current events from the world around you.

Play is conducted by posts like so:

IC box text (Green) indicates what your character says; speeches can be directed to the senatores consiliarii (just your fellow players), the entire senate (the players plus all NPC senators), or to the public at large (i.e. a speech in a major public square).  Letters that you write to PCs and NPCs should also be in an IC box, as well as any other prose you decide to write for us (totally optional, but encouraged if you're feeling creative!).  Note that letters to people outside Latium may take a full turn or more before a response is returned.

OOC box text (Red) indicates what your character does.  This can be almost anything you can think of, from building a new familial tower-house, to distributing money to the poor, to spying on an enemy (player or NPC), or raising a private militia.  If you want to do something that absolutely must be kept secret from other players (e.g. trying to assassinate them), you can send me a PM, but everything else should be posted in an OOC box.  Please post only one OOC box per turn, with all your action orders.

Regular text (like this) covers general out of character comments, as well as clarifications on how the game works and questions about the game world.

On Metagaming: If a letter isn't addressed to your character, your character doesn't know about it, period.  I have a very high opinion of the people on the CBG and I trust them not to abuse the forum format to metagame.  That said, we can't always help ourselves, and I realize it may be necessary to conduct some business by PM - this is fine, but whenever something can be in the thread, it should be in the thread.  Most things you do won't be secret anyway - rumors are the fastest moving thing in medieval Rome, and any business you conduct that's not heavily concealed is probably going to get out.

Wealth and Spending

When you write your OOC orders, you may specify how you want to use any amount of wealth you possess (or "WP," Wealth Points).  You can spend WP on almost anything.  It can be used to contribute to an ongoing project, maintain soldiers and mercenaries, or pay fines and bribes.

Private "armies" usually require a payment of 1 WP per 100 men each season, assuming they are armed and equipped as masnada or urban militia.  Better-equipped men will cost more, and more poorly equipped men may cost less.  Mercenaries aren't paid in this manner; instead, they accept a fixed payment in exchange for their services for a single campaign.  If the campaign is especially long or difficult, or there is little plunder to be had, they may seek to renegotiate their contracts.

By spending WP on enterprises, you can increase your income.

[spoiler=Enterprise System]Enterprises are the source of any character's wealth, whether commoner or nobleman.  An enterprise is a building, complex, or plot of land that generates wealth, either through manufacturing, harvesting raw materials, or trade.  The primary goal of all enterprises is to produce wealth, though some enterprises also have special mechanical bonuses - for example, nobles can raise small numbers of levied farmers from croplands, while bakeries can give you a popularity boost if a famine strikes.  Because RR is a roleplaying game more than a game of mechanics, enterprises may also affect your situation in unique, non-mechanical ways; special events, interesting contacts, and various rumors may be linked to certain industries.

Starting Enterprises

Though many enterprises are described as buildings, they have significant differences from structures like estates and castles.

• Enterprises must be purchased with one lump sum.  You cannot start an enterprise until you are capable of paying the entire listed cost.
• Most enterprises take just one season to start functioning.
• Enterprises cannot be expanded or upgraded.  If you wish to invest more in a certain industry, you must build another enterprise.  In most cases it is perfectly acceptable to have multiple enterprises of the same kind.

If you already have an enterprise of one type, building another of the same type is usually as easy as paying the cost and waiting a season.  New enterprises, however, often require expertise, technical knowledge, rare goods, or skilled workers that you lack.  Depending on the enterprise, starting a new one may take more time and potentially more money than the normal cost indicates; some enterprises may even require you to investigate foreign lands, barter for trade secrets with other players, or hire specialized artisans abroad.

When you wish to start a new enterprise that you have no experience with, you should indicate this in your orders, and I will typically respond in an inquest with what steps you might take to achieve your goal.

Some enterprises are simple and common enough that they can be set up immediately even if you don't own another enterprise of the same kind already.

Economies

Some enterprises are part of a process involving other enterprises – this can be referred to collectively as an economy.  An example is the Wheat Economy, which consists of three enterprises: Croplands (where wheat is grown), the Grist Mill (where wheat is made into flour), and the Bakery (where flour is baked into bread).

In general, enterprises benefit when you own other enterprises in that economy.  Some enterprises are actually rather worthless without others; some only benefit slightly from owning other enterprises.  Though owning a whole economy is nice, it's not mandatory to make a profit, and it may not be possible for all players.  It's perfectly feasible, for instance, to own a Bakery without a Grist Mill – it just means you purchase your flour from other mills, rather than baking your own.

When you pursue an economy, remember that you're putting all your eggs in one basket – if one link of the chain fails in a certain year, all the other enterprises in that economy are likely to suffer as well.  Players may prefer to hedge their bets and diversify.

Note that in general, an enterprise can only serve a certain number of other enterprises in an economy line.  One Grist Mill, for instance, can only benefit from two Croplands at most; if you have more Croplands than that, you may wish to build more Grist Mills.  Unless otherwise noted, the maximum number of enterprises that can provide a bonus to another is one.

Types of Enterprises

Urban enterprises must generally be built in Rome itself, though in some cases they may be located just outside the walls or in another town or city.  These enterprises usually require labor only available in the city and cater to urban markets.  Nobles risk losing influence if they own more than one of these.

Rural enterprises must generally be built outside Rome.  Most of these are agricultural in nature, though not all are actual farms – some, like Grist Mills, are buildings that are generally only useful in the countryside.  Nobles may possess these freely.

Agricultural enterprises are fields, pastures, orchards, and other enterprises which involve agriculture or pastoralism.  Agricultural enterprises usually have no cost – land cannot be constructed, it must be bought, leased, or otherwise acquired.  Agricultural enterprises can often be transformed into other agricultural enterprises with a small payment, though not all locations are suitable for all kinds of agriculture.  Non-noble characters can potentially own these without penalty, but they may find acquiring them to be difficult.

Manufacturing enterprises convert some raw material into a good.  Most enterprises are manufacturing enterprises, though the "goods" vary from tools to flour to dyed cloth.

Hospitality enterprises are part of Rome's service industry, catering primarily to pilgrims.  They tend to have their income concentrated in the Spring and are highly dependent on the success of the yearly pilgrimage season.

Mercantile enterprises do not create goods, but specialize in buying and selling them, sometimes with very distant clients.  Mercantile enterprises also include those in which money itself is a good, like counting houses which skirt around Church usury laws to gain profits from lending.

Volatility

Not all income is created equal.  Some economies make considerable income but are quite volatile, meaning that they are subject to frequent difficulties or mishaps.  These mishaps vary considerably – a sheep pasture might be affected by disease or drought, while a vineyard might be plagued by blight or ruined by a cold winter.  In general, the more profitable an economy is, the more uncertain it is – wheat may not be a high-value good, but it is always in demand, and a limited supply will only make the price go higher.
   
Volatility is a property of economies rather than enterprises, because all the enterprises in a single economy depend on one another.  Nothing can really "go wrong" with a Grist Mill, but if a catastrophic wheat blight decimates the crop, it won't have much wheat to grind and won't make as much profit.  The following is a list of current economies by volatility; also listed are individual enterprises that are not part of a larger economy.

Very Low:
Wheat Economy (Croplands, Grist Mill, Bakery)
Fish Economy (Salinae, Fishery)
Lumber Mill*

Low:
Oil Economy (Orchard, Oil Mill)
Wine Economy (Vineyard, Wine Press)
Hospitium*

Medium:
Linen Economy (Flax Field, Weaving Hall, Dyeworks)
Goldsmiths' Workshop

High:
Woolen Economy (Pasture, Fulling Mill, Weaving Hall, Dyeworks)
Apothecarial Economy (Orchard, Storehouse, Spetiarium)
Perfume Economy (Orchard, Perfumery)
Sculptors' Workshop
Storehouse
Counting House

*These economies/enterprises have special volatility conditions; read their description for more.

Remember that enterprises are physically present – they are real things, like a building or a plot of land.  As a result, they can be pillaged, burned down, burgled, or anything else that could happen to a building or plot of land.  Enterprises generally cannot be fortified or included within fortifications like a castle or estate, though a tower house – if it is sufficiently tall – may be able to provide security to nearby enterprises in case of riot or invasion.

The Market

Common goods, particularly bread, oil, and wine, are always in demand; even if every player owned a Bakery (or several), the demand for bread is so universal that it would have no negative effects.  Some enterprises, however – particularly those creating or dealing with rare or luxury goods – will suffer if too many people are in the same game.  Volatility may increase as inventory gluts become common, or the price may drop, lowering income across the board.

These kind of events are usually not a surprise, and players will typically be warned when they try to start a new enterprise in a market that already seems saturated.  Still, you may wish to build the enterprise anyway – perhaps you can push other people out of the market, whether they be PCs or NPCs.

Rome's policies can also influence the market – opening your ports and markets to foreign lands often brings profits, but it can likewise bring cheap imports that undercut local enterprises.

Advice

• Economy lines are profitable, but putting all your eggs in one basket can be risky.
• Consider when you're getting your income.  Depending on your situation, having all your income arrive in a single season may not be a good idea.
• Loans carry a price, but using a loan to jump-start an enterprise can sometimes be worth the cost.
• Coming up with whole new enterprises – or even whole economy lines – is definitely a possibility.  Ask about an idea in your orders, and I'll let you know if there's a way to pursue it.
• Weigh the unique bonuses of enterprises.  Some, like Croplands and Bakeries, offer special perks that may be worth having even if other enterprises have a higher base income.

[spoiler=Enterprises]Cropland (Rural, Agricultural)
Most agricultural land is given over to the production of wheat and rye.  Most croplands operate on the three-field system, in which parcels of land alternate between cereals, legumes (peas, beans, etc.), and laying fallow.  While grain is not a terribly profitable good, it is always in demand.
Cost: You may pay 1 WP to turn another Agricultural enterprise into Cropland.
Income: +1 during Summer.
Bonus: If you are a noble, for every Cropland you own, you may muster 25 Rural Levies from this enterprise at no cost.  If these levies are active at the end of summer, however, this enterprise will not produce income.  If these men are suffer grievous casualties, you may be unable to muster more men from this enterprise for a period of time.

Pasture (Rural, Agricultural)
Sheep and goats are the most common stock animals of Latium – sheep are raised primarily for wool, while goats provide dairy and meat.  Pastures are usually located in hilly areas or rocky ground where farming would not be profitable.  Animal husbandry requires far fewer workers than cropland does.
Cost: You may pay 2 WP to turn another Agricultural enterprise into a Pasture.
Income: +1 during Spring.

Orchard (Rural, Agricultural)
Latium is just about on the northern edge of Italy's best fruit and olive producing region.  Orchards are located on favorable hills and tended by hired laborers.  Olives form part of the basic Roman diet, while citrus fruit is used medicinally or to flavor other dishes – the variety of orange grown in Italy is bitter and unsuitable for eating by itself.
Cost: You may pay 3 WP to turn another Agricultural enterprise into an Orchard.  You must choose either Olives or Citrus.
Income: +1 during Autumn (Olives) or +1 during Winter (Citrus).

Flax Field (Rural, Agricultural)
Flax is a flowering plant grown chiefly for its fibers, which are spun into make linen.  After the flax is harvested, it must be dried, retted, broken, scotched, and heckled before it can be spun.  Flax production is hard, manual work performed by peasants.  Though flax seeds are eaten and sold, they are not a major part of the local diet.  Flax seed oil (linseed oil) is also used in painting and woodworking.
Cost: You may pay 2 WP to turn another Agricultural enterprise into a Flax Field.  
Income: +1 during Spring.

Vineyard (Rural, Agricultural)
Wine is the beverage of choice for all Romans, rich and poor alike (though the former enjoy much better wine than the latter).  Vineyards are usually located in inland hill regions and tended by hired agricultural laborers.
Cost: You may pay 3 WP to turn another Agricultural enterprise into a Vineyard.
Income: +1 during Autumn.

Grist Mill (Rural, Manufacturing)
Peasants depend on local grist mills to turn their grain into flour.  Villages may have their own animal-powered mills, but most lords build water-powered mills on local streams to handle large quantities of grain quickly.  The miller keeps a portion of every peasant's flour for himself as his wage, and sends another portion to the owner of the mill, providing modest but reliable profits.
Cost: 12
Income: +1 during Summer; additional +1 in Summer with Croplands (maximum 2).

Wine Press (Rural, Manufacturing)
The process of grape pressing – formerly done by treading on the grapes, the way some peasants still do it – was vastly improved in speed and quality by the invention of the "basket press," a barrel-like apparatus with a descending weight often driven by a crank-turned screw.  In addition to making and selling his own wine, a press owner can also charge fees to peasants who are willing to pay to have their grapes processed.
Cost: 12
Income: +2 during Autumn; additional +1 in Autumn with a Vineyard (maximum 2).

Oil Mill (Rural, Manufacturing)
Olive oil is a staple of the Roman diet, but olives must be crushed and pressed to produce it.  An oil mill consists of two kinds of machines: the mill itself, which is usually a stone basin with a vertical millstone pulled in circles by a donkey, and the press, which is very much like a basket press for wine.
Cost: 12
Income: +2 during Autumn; additional +1 in Autumn with an Olive Orchard (maximum 2).

Lumber Yard (Rural, Manufacturing)
The shipbuilding trade requires massive amounts of timber.  Hauling that timber and cutting it into boards is long, backbreaking work, which hasn't really changed since the fall of the ancient Romans.  The work is done by hand – axes are used to split logs into planks, and the planks are finished with adzes, chisels, saws, rasps, and draw knives.  Large-scale carpentry is very labor-intensive, but fortunately the workers aren't paid as much as woodcarvers and other more skilled craftsmen.
Cost: 10
Income: +2 during Winter
Bonus: This enterprise is intended to reduce the cost/upkeep of ships.  As ship prices have not yet been codified, this has not yet been detailed, but it will be.
Note: Lumber mills have low volatility in peacetime, but in times of naval war they tend to do either very well or very poorly; war at sea can greatly increase the demand for ships, but if the port is blockaded, seized, or destroyed, this enterprise may yield nothing at all.

Fulling Mill (Rural, Manufacturing)
"Fulling" is the process of scouring and thickening woolen cloth.  Traditionally, this process is done by hand by soaking the cloth in stale urine or kneading it with "fuller's earth," stretching the cloth on hooks, and physically beating it with hammers before a final rinse.  The fulling mill automates this process by using a water-powered trip hammer to beat the cloth.
Cost: 4
Income: +1 during Spring with a Weaving Hall that weaves wool.

Bakery (Urban, Manufacturing)
Rome consumes an enormous amount of bread – it makes up most of the average Roman's diet.  Peasants in the contado usually bake their own, but the teeming masses of Rome's lower class depend on large, multi-oven bakeries run by professional bakers.  These bakeries are fairly large buildings – usually made of brick to avoid fires – packed with clay-brick bread ovens.
Cost: 16
Income: +2 during Winter; additional +1 during Summer with a Grist Mill (maximum 2).
Bonus: During a famine, the price of bread rises dramatically, and you will have the option to either gain bonus income or distribute cheap bread for a possible Popularity boost.  The more bakeries you have, the larger and more likely this boost is.

Weaving Hall (Urban, Manufacturing)
Peasant women typically spin and weave clothes for their families themselves, but urban Romans seldom have this "privilege."  Weaving halls are large-scale workshops where wool is scoured, spun, and woven into broadcloth to be sold to tailors and cloth merchants (or where flax is processed into linen in a somewhat similar manner).
Cost: 20.  You must choose either Wool or Linen.
Income: +2 during Winter; additional +2 in Spring with a Pasture or Flax Field (maximum 2).

Dyeworks (Urban, Manufacturing)
Fabric is worth much more when colored.  Dyers use all manner of plants, berries, and minerals to give fabric the kind of bright colors that nobles and peasants alike prefer.  Dye will quickly wash out of fabric, however, unless it is fixed with a "mordant" – the best by far is alum, but various metals and even stale urine are used when that rare mineral is unavailable.  Dyeing is a particularly vile occupation, creating a great deal of noxious fumes and toxic wastewater, and dyers' workshops tend to be located in slums along the Tiber for this reason.
Cost: 14.
Income: +1 during Summer; additional +1 in Summer with a Weaving Hall (maximum 2); additional +1 in Summer if you have a source of Alum.

Spetiarium (Urban, Manufacturing)
Spetiarius is usually translated as "apothecary," but the medieval spetiarius is an eclectic mixture of druggist, spice trader, and candyman.  Spices and rare fruits were not just culinary treats, but were believed to have various medicinal properties that aided digestion, prevented disease, boosted the libido, and increased general health.  The spetiarium is a place where sundries like cinnamon, cassia, pepper, sugar (considered a spice), incense, citrus, and various plant extracts are made into syrups, unguents, confections, electuaries, and essences.
Cost: 8
Income: +1 in Summer with each of the following: Orchard (citrus), Storehouse (sugar), Storehouse (spices).

Perfumery (Urban, Manufacturing)
The Saracens invented the process of distilling.  With their techniques, flowers, fruits, and herbs can be concentrated in large pot stills into concentrated oils and fragrant waters.  Though unknown to most of Christendom, these fine scents are increasingly popular among the upper classes and are said to have healthful properties as well.
Cost: 12
Income: +2 during Spring with a Citrus Orchard (maximum 2).

Hospitium (Urban, Hospitality)
Rome's many pilgrims always need somewhere to stay, and that place is the Hospitium.  These structures take all sizes and shapes and serve all manner of clients.  Hospitia are guaranteed profit-makers – but only when the pilgrims come!
Cost: 10
Income: +3 during Spring.
Note: Hospitia themselves are not very volatile, but this does not take into account extraordinary events (like war, or a Papal interdict) that can completely ruin the hospitality economy.  Hospitia offer a lot of profit for a great price without relying on other enterprises, but anyone in this business needs to pay special attention to the pilgrimage.

Storehouse (Urban, Mercantile)
Inventory is required for trade, and inventory must be stored and protected.  A storehouse is a spacious building (often re-purposed from an old ruin) that securely stores goods awaiting maritime transport.  (When you build a storehouse, you must specify a certain type of trade you are engaging in, and clear this with me.  You may have multiple storehouses engaging in the same type of trade.)
Cost: 12
Income: +1 during Spring, Summer, and Autumn.
Note: You can build a storehouse for pretty much anything as long as it's traded in Rome; the profits are all equal for purposes of this enterprise, though your choice of good may matter for other reasons.  How many enterprises of this kind the market will bear depends both on the demand and the port itself – busier ports will give more opportunities for trade.

Counting House (Urban, Mercantile)
Christians are forbidden to loan money for interest – but then again, they're forbidden from killing too, and look how popular that is.  At the counting house, money is put to work making more money through investments and loans.  To lend money, you need to have money, and the counting house requires you to have some savings for it to function.
Cost: 12
Income: +1 in every season as long as you have at least 2 WP saved.  This savings limit is cumulative with that from other counting houses you own.
Note: A character owning a Counting House may experience lower Orthodoxy; the more you own, the greater the problem will be.

Fishery (Rural, Manufacturing)
Anchovies, mullet, mackerel, bass, carp, eel – the Tiber and the nearby waters of the Mediterranean are rich with all kinds of fish.  Though fish is not a particularly important staple food during most of the year, the Church has made it an essential industry with its prohibition on the eating of meat at certain times, particularly Lent.  Fish, being exempt from this ban, are critical to a well-rounded diet that is also in keeping with ritual observance.  The fishery is not any single building but a complex of piers, sheds, drying-barns, carpentry and net-weaving workshops, and other assorted structures that make the catching and processing of fish possible.
Cost: 14
Income: +1 during Winter and Spring; additional +1 during Winter with Salinae.
Note: Fisheries must, obviously, be built where there is water and fish.  Though their volatility is very low, it should be remembered that anything near water has a higher chance of being damaged by flooding.

Salinae (Rural, Manufacturing)
Salt is critically important for the preservation of food.  Salinae are shallow artificial pools dug near saline ponds and marshes; the brackish water is allowed to flood into the pools and is evaporated in the sun, leaving only salt behind.  The process requires few tools and its sole raw material, salt water, is plentiful, though it does require a large number of low-wage laborers to dig the salinae and collect the salt, a fair number of whom fall pretty to the ague while working so close to the unhealthy marshes.
Cost: 6
Income: +1 during Summer.
Note: Salinae can only be built in brackish marshlands.

Goldsmiths' Workshop (Urban, Manufacturing)
"Goldsmith" is somewhat of a misnomer – most goldsmiths in Christian Europe work only occasionally with gold, and primarily with silver and bronze.  Goldsmiths are highly skilled and well-paid artisans who make all manner of items from precious metals, from cutlery and candlesticks to ecclesiastical instruments like censers, ciboria, aspergilla, and chalices.  Though wealthy merchants aspiring to high society are an increasing part of their clientele, the Church is still a goldsmith's best customer.  Gold and silver, being foreign imports, can be subject to price fluctuations, but at least precious metals will always be in fashion.
Cost: 22
Income: +1 during every season.
Bonus: If you own at least one goldsmiths' workshop, the amounts of saved WP required to increase the opulence level of your primary estate by 1 and 2 levels are reduced to 6 and 12, respectively, instead of 10 and 20.

Sculptors' Workshop (Urban, Manufacturing)
Scluptors are the best of the stonemasons, men with a steady hand, a good knowledge of the properties of stone, and a keen eye for detail.  The ancient practice of making large, freestanding stone sculptures has died out; modern sculptors make reliefs and engravings.  Most of their work is ecclesiastical, decorating the capitals of columns, tympanums above church doors, facades, grotesques and gargoyles, and even tombs.  Rome, with its hundreds of churches, chapels, and basilicas, is an ideal place for a sculptor to work.  Though secular lords sometimes commission sculpture as well, the sculptor is generally even more dependent on the Church than the goldsmith.
Cost: 18
Income: +1during Spring, Summer, and Winter
Bonus: If you own at least one Sculptor's Workshop, you receive a discount on building, renovating, or repairing churches, abbeys, and other ecclesiastical structures equal to 1 WP for every 5 WP spent (rounded down, but minimum 1 WP).[/spoiler][/spoiler]

You can also improve your prestige and safeguard your family and your savings by improving your estate (and even building multiple estates).

[spoiler=Construction]
Estates

An estate is any senatorial residence or fortification.  There are no limits to the number of estates a senator can build, but one is always considered a primary estate – where your character's primary residence and "base of operations" is.

You can move your primary estate, even regularly – many nobles move their primary estate to a secondary villa in the Alban Hills during the summer, for instance.  Your savings are located wherever your primary estate is; if it is destroyed or overrun, you will lose some or all your saved wealth.  In addition, your family is assumed to be here as well, and unless you have orders to the contrary –moving them to a country villa for a season, for instance – they may be in danger if the estate falls.  Moving your primary estate is free and requires no large amount of time, though it's not always possible to do it instantly – if you get an Inter-update Event about a riot approaching your palazzo, it's a little late to be talking about relocating.

Any estate, primary or not, is defined by two characteristics – security and opulence.  By default, a character's villa has zero in both scores.  This doesn't mean it's completely indefensible or that it's an impoverished hovel, but it is no more secure and no more impressive than the home of any other prosperous citizen.

Security is the measure of how strong an estate is as a fortification.  Security ranks make an estate progressively more difficult to attack; at low levels, security serves mostly to deter poorly-armed looters, while at higher levels even well-armed and trained forces will take heavy casualties trying to take it (if they are successful at all).

If an estate consists of a tower attached to a villa/palazzo (most do, unless built to be freestanding), at security levels 3 and higher you can move saved wealth into the attached tower if the (fortified) palazzo is overrun.  You can move up to 4 WP in this way at 3rd level, and 4 more for each level above that.  With enough spending, you can essentially protect your hoard from anything but an army with siege weapons.

Level 0: The estate has no notable defensive precautions, save perhaps a modest courtyard wall.
Level 1: The estate is somewhat "hardened" against intrusion – a thicker and higher wall around the compound, a first floor with no windows or just slits, stone construction that's resistant to fire, a reinforced gate, and so on.
Level 2: The estate is as fortified as it can be while still retaining a "normal" interior.  The walls are tuff block faced with brickwork, often recycled from old ruins.  Its windows are small, albeit still functional, and it has arrow loops on most or all floors.  The roof is accessible and has an embattled parapet.  The estate has one or more courtyard walls which may have their own arrow loops or watch posts.
Level 3: A security level of 3 or higher represents the presence of a true torre, either attached to a palazzo or freestanding.  This tower, around 20-30 meters high, is a true defensive structure with an embattled parapet, arrow loops, and often a raised door only accessible by stair or ramp.  The inside is usually not meant for long-term habitation, but it provides refuge for a senator, his family, and his guards.  It has a small armory with slings, bows, and so on.
Level 4: The torre is taller and stronger, potentially 30-40 meters in height.  It offers a commanding view of the surrounding neighborhood, and has barracks and supplies for long-term defense.  Only trained and well-armed soldiers have any chance against it, and even they may find storming it extremely costly.
Level 5: A torre up to 40-50 meters in height.  A tower of this size and strength is essentially impregnable to anything but siege weaponry.  Such a fortification often has its own siege weapons as well – small catapults on the roof can be used against enemies, or even other nearby towers!
Level 6+: At this point, adding more to a torre mostly just adds storage and barracks space, as well as additional height.  Assume about 10 meters per additional level.  Truly high towers may largely be just for bragging rights, but they also increase the range of a tower's missiles; a really high tower can project power over many blocks, potentially even a whole district.

Opulence is the measure of how sumptuous and rich an estate is.  Opulence advertises your status to everyone who visits, displaying your power and wealth.  Opulence levels put visiting NPCs in a better mood, and holding regular social events with important guests at an opulent palazzo can increase your Influence.  Some NPCs who are used to excellent accommodations may actually be insulted by attending a function at an estate they deem not opulent enough for their status.

Because a character's saved wealth is usually saved in the form of precious goods – silver tableware, precious tapestries, golden candlesticks, and so on – saved wealth also increases the opulence of your primary estate by one level if you have at least 10 WP saved, and by two levels if you have more than 20 WP saved.  More WP than this has no effect, since stuffing treasures into a modest city villa can only improve it so far – then it's just awkward and garish.

If your saved WP less than 3, your estate is actually considered one level of opulence lower than the structure itself.  Poverty isn't sexy.

Level 0: The estate is functional, but "quaint" at best, befitting a moderately prosperous merchant with austere taste or a rustic cattani unconcerned with luxury.
Level 1: The estate is roomier and nicer than most, with good plaster walls and wide arcades.  A prosperous Roman merchant would be pleased to live here.
Level 2: The estate is a true palazzo at this level.  Tall, arched arcades separate the multi-story, whitewashed residence from a nice garden decorated with ancient statuary.  Inside, there are some architectural flourishes and possibly some frescoes.
Level 3: The palazzo is up to the standards of Rome's best equites.  The palazzo has many tall dining rooms with ceilings of imported wood, each with its own grand fireplace; the archways are tall and elegant, and there are decorative flourishes on all the columns.  It may even have glass windows.  The gardens have rare and curious plants and choice statuary (some of which may be custom, and not merely pulled from the ruins).
Level 4: This palazzo is among the most impressive of Rome.  There are frescoes and painted patterns on every wall and fine detailing on every column, banister, arcade, and mantel.  The furniture is all imported, and the roof is brightly colored tiles over lead sheeting.  The garden is a delightful paradise, filled with fruit trees, well-manicured hedges, and possibly even a working fountain.  Such a palazzo is like its own village, with a small army of servants (and their own residence, separate from the main estate) and often with its own chapel (and its own family priest).
Level 5: This truly opulent palazzo can be compared only with the palaces of the Cardinals; it is everything that a level 4 is but bigger, grander, and more expensive.
Level 6+: This is Papal palace level.  A peasant witnessing it might think he was in heaven (as if you'd let peasants in here!).  There's a real risk of actually losing Orthodoxy at this level – not only does the Pope hate competition, but everyone will start to compare you with some perfumed Saracen prince.

Costs

Each level of security or opulence costs 5 WP.  Damage to an estate can reduce its security and/or opulence, and you may have to pay to repair it (the price depends on the damage, but it always less than building a new one from scratch).

Construction on an estate takes 1 season for each level (of anything) plus 2 additional seasons.  Thus, building a 15 WP structure would take 5 seasons; building that same structure in three discrete increments of 5 WP would take 9 seasons.  This "surcharge" in time reflects the fact that it's easier to build a whole structure from the ground up than repeatedly renovate a structure, which generally requires partial deconstruction as well.  On the other hand, a building is largely useless before it's complete, and you may not want to wait in your 0-security estate for years while your massive 6-level torre is slowly funded and constructed.

Castles

Castles, both small (a rocca) and large (a real castello) can be built in the country in a similar manner to an estate.  Like an estate, castles can have both security and opulence scores, though a castle in the contado will probably not benefit as much from opulence as a palazzo in the city (there are fewer people to see it, and it's just not in as "happening" a neighborhood).  Unlike a tower house, however, castles generally grow outward rather than upward, adding curtain walls and defensive towers instead of additional height.

It should be noted that castles, unlike towers, may be considered "unauthorized" by the sovereign – in our case, the Pope – and building them will cause friction with the Curia unless your character is a papal vassal (that is, a nobleman) and has been granted a license to crenellate.  Small castles in Rome's immediate neighborhood may simply be ignored or overlooked, but the larger a fortification is the more likely it is to be noticed, particularly if it sits on an important strategic point.

A castle can't be built at a security level lower than 3.  In general, a castle lower than security level 5 is just a keep; it may have a small perimeter wall, but not a true curtain wall with battlements and towers.  Generally only castles at security level 6 and higher are considered real castelli, as opposed to a rocca, though these terms are somewhat flexible in their common usage.[/spoiler]

It's possible, of course, to accumulate WP by saving it rather than spending it, though there is a certain risk to this.

There are no banks in 12th century Italy, and there isn't enough free currency to hoard coinage like some kind of Roman dragon.  When nobles and merchants save up wealth, it usually means buying precious assets – usually metal items like silver tableware and gold jewelry, but occasionally oriental tapestries and so on – that can later be sold if it becomes necessary.  This means that if your estate is sacked or burned down, you will lose most or all of your saved wealth.  Fortified estates and tower-houses, of course, are less vulnerable to this, but it's always a possibility.

How the Senate Works

Each PC is a Senator and member of the senatores consiliarii, also called the "lesser council," which is a group of influential senators vested with executive powers who have closed door meetings apart from the senate at large (the "greater council").  In this way it's sort of like the difference between the UN Security Council and the General Assembly.  There are currently 100 members of the new Senate, most of whom are NPCs, but the senatores consiliarii is made up only of PCs.  The senatores consiliarii debate matters of policy and guide the ship of state in the direction they see fit.

The Senate elects two Consuls every Autumn.  One Consul is in charge of internal affairs (everything inside the city, including taxation, defense, and public works) while the other is in charge of external affairs (everything outside the city, including war and diplomacy).  Any PC can stand for Consular election.  Elections are determined by a vote, but how much your vote is worth depends on your PC's Influence stat.

Though Consuls have the ultimate civic power, you can still do things privately even without Consular authority.  You can build your own fortifications, make speeches, raise private militias, feud with one another, send messages to NPCs – anything you want so long as it's not "official business" of the city.

A Consul cannot be formally recalled, but he may be overthrown (even violently) if he takes actions against that clearly defy the will of the senatores consiliarii and the wider Senate.  Be wary, for the Romans are a wrathful people, and the fate of Caesar could easily be yours.

It should be noted that because wealth is the only requirement for Equestrian rank, and all player characters are relatively quite wealthy, all player characters are assumed to be equites as well.

Final Notes

• Put everything you do in your OOC orders.
• If you have a spending limit for a project, note it; if you aren't sure how to tackle a big project, make a request in your orders ("find out how many WP it would cost to...")
• Orders may benefit from adding IC material, like speeches; though giving a speech isn't guaranteed to make a positive difference, adding IC material will seldom make things worse.
• Put in as many details as you think you need in your orders.  Though I don't encourage you to be needlessly wordy, I will never penalize you for too much detail or too many suggestions.  If your idea to cut costs or raise your influence doesn't work, it just doesn't work - move on, try something else next time.
• Seek allies when possible.  This is a cooperative game and you'll benefit from getting others in on your plans, whether it's PCs or NPCs.  If you do favors for people or groups, they'll be inclined to help you with your goals later.  That said, don't be afraid to have a rival - factions and competing interests can make the senate more interesting.
• Think laterally.  I try to reward creativity as long as it doesn't become anachronistic or fantastic.  As I've said, I will consider any order you make.  Put yourself in your character's place and consider how he would approach a goal.
• As GM I reserve the right to veto anachronistic things, like naming your character Vin Diesel or attempting to invent the internal combustion engine in the 12th century.
• This is an alternative history game, with an emphasis on alternative.  You should not count on all events unfolding how they did historically, because you may be surprised.
• While sending me a note if you are going to be absent is courteous, it is not strictly necessary.  As I said, the game can continue as long as there is some bare minimum number of players.  If you do inform me of a temporary absence, however, you may be pleasantly surprised – perhaps your character has gone on pilgrimage, and will return with a bonus!
• Finally, have fun.  I hope you'll enjoy playing a medieval Roman and I'll do my best to help you enjoy it.  I will consider any suggestions you come up with to make the game better.

And a final word of advice, from another GM running a similar game about nations:

QuoteAnd here's the most important part--we're working together, not against each other. Now, I'll frequently decide that "working together" means me throwing a nasty NPC horde at you, or some thoroughly unfortunate internal event, and you'll maybe occasionally decide "working together" means invading your fellow players or otherwise perpetrating dishonorable deeds (tsk tsk)--and that's well and good. The point is that this isn't like the adversarial court system, where each side throws the best they've got out there and let's the conflict sort out whose right. Rather, give some and take some. You don't always have to be the best ruler for your nation. Sometimes losing gives your experience some flavor. In summary, you don't just decide which way to trim the sails and crank the wheel, you also get to choose which way the ship sails (and I'll keep changing the way the wind blows to keep things surprising!).

The City of Rome
Summer of 1159
Current level of rage: Frothing! [5]
Society
Population: 29,280

• Equites: 420 [Citizens and nobles of households wealthy enough to bring a warhorse to the militia muster]
• Popolo Grasso: 8,460 [Citizens of households wealthy enough to provide for a pedes (infantryman) or balistarius (crossbowman) in the militia muster]
• Popolo Minuto: 20,000 [Non-citizen subjects without political power]
• Ebreo: 400 [Jews, exempt from military service]

This Season's Top 5 Popular Issues
1. "We demand bread!"
2. "Barbarossa is coming... will he be a tyrant or a liberator?"
3. "Good riddance to the prefect – Rome shall be free!"
4. "The Arnoldists endanger us all when they seize churches like this..."
5. "Niccolo Capocci is a loose cannon catapult."

Economy

Commune of Rome
Treasury: 4 WP

Income: 2 WP

• Duty, Patrician Pierleone: 1 WP
• Rent, Colosseum: 2 WP (Spring Only)
• Papal Stipend: 1 WP

Expenditures: 1 WP

• Upkeep, Senatorial Palatini (50): 1 WP
• Mint Fee: 1 WP (Spring Only)

The economy of Rome is based on religious tourism and the local export of lime and marble.  Various trades are practiced in the city, and it serves as a marketplace for the peasants of the Roman contado.

Politics

Our Consuls this year are Vittorio Manzinni and Roberto Basile.

The Senate of Rome is led by these men, our esteemed senatores consiliarii:
[spoiler=Vittorio Manzinni]
Player: Light Dragon
Age: 65
Class: Citizen

Influence: 6
Popularity: 7
Orthodoxy: 7

1092-xx. The half-Sicilian, half-Roman glass and lumber merchant Manzinni is renowned for his unorthodox practice of importing glassware, woolen fabrics, linens and roots from the Fatimids (ongoing) and lumber importation from the Levant during the reign of his crusading commander Baldwin II (1118-1131), until his ships mysteriously mutinied during Falk's http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fulk,_King_of_Jerusalem regency--he blames Melisande rather than Falk for those circumstances.

At one time, when trade was running well, he was good friends with his cousin-in-law Roger II of Sicily, for better or worse as far as politics in Rome are concerned.

He is bitter, having seen his fortunes decline after the subsequent ascendancy of Falk, Melisende, and Baldwin III in Jerusalem. His major trade routes are quite controversial. He knows and everyone else knows that he is only in the Senate as a nod to their attempts to do honor to his in-law Roger of Sicily. Although he donates large amounts of gold to refurbish Churches in Rome, he is persona non grata with the Popes and is suspected of being a heretic. Despite his fears of being accused of heresy, he has his mansion decorated with Egyptian and Baghdadian arts and he covertly smokes hashish with dusky Sicilian ladies in his gardens at night.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Roberto Basile]
Player: TheMeanestGuest
Age: 45
Class: Citizen

Influence: 6
Popularity: 6
Orthodoxy: 6

The son of a common fisherman, Roberto was born in Amalfi in 1112. He does not speak of his earliest years, and will mention Amalfi only as it concerns his own contribution to the investiture of the city by sea as a companion of George of Antioch. Coming to captain his own ship in service to Roger of Sicily, Roberto accumulated a substantial fortune interdicting Saracen vessels off the coast of Tunisia. Eventually tiring of life at sea, Roberto settled in the city of Rome in 1141, marrying the daughter of a local merchant. Since then he has mostly put his efforts towards the cultivation of his renowned sweet eating oranges. Initially taking up his senatorial duties with some reluctance, he has come to relish his involvement in politics as of late. Those who knew him in his days as ship's captain would recognize an all too familiar twinkle in his eye.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Hugo de Vinti]
Player: Magnus Pym
Age: 47
Class: Citizen

Influence: 7
Popularity: 6
Orthodoxy: 5

Born in 1110 to a wealthy marble merchant of Siena and a sophisticated Roman woman, herself the daughter of a notorious marble trader, he was raised in the marble business. Of an artistic mind, he learned and mastered the art of sculpting. His first commission was for the Siena branch of the family and was a total success, earning him notoriety in the sculpting community there, but also in Sicily, where his skills were in great demand during the construction boom.

Hugo is known to sometimes host great parties at his family estate, in which he exposes his work; marble sculptures, paintings and more. He also uses such opportunities to allow good friends to show off their talents, such as winemakers and chefs, but also dancers, musicians and such entertainers. His guests are select; senators, notable equites, important public officers and foreigners.

His interest in the politics of Rome is newfound, but he and his fellow Romans demand good governance, and only within the tight circle of the senatores consiliarii can one provide concrete results.

Though, for all his qualities, Hugo definitely is a controversial character. He has taken an ex-Muslim (since converted to Christianity), Sophia Al-Fayez of Tripoli, as his wife, which sometimes springs rumours about his own beliefs. Also, it has been rumoured that he indulges in nights of debauchery, inviting the prettiest of Rome to participate in orgies on foreign sofas and carpets while eating grapes picked from golden bowls.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Arrigus Sismondii]
Player: Nomadic
Age: 35
Class: Citizen

Influence: 5
Popularity: 6
Orthodoxy: 7

Born 1121 to merchants, Arrigus inherited into his father's estate which included a small yet healthy winemaking business. Proving himself a shrewd businessman the young merchant, through much effort and not a small amount of maneuvering, has turned it into a thriving concern. At the height of his rise to wealth however the recent conflicts dealt a sharp blow to the local industry. Forced to scale back his ambitions for the present, Arrigus set his mind to obtaining a position within the senate. Despite the weakening of his wealth the merchant still maintains a quite healthy influence within Rome and has managed to find himself a seat amongst the senatores consiliarii themselves.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Barzalomeus Borsarius]
Player: Elven Doritos
Age: 34
Class: Citizen

Influence: 4
Popularity: 7
Orthodoxy: 4

Barzalomeus' grandfather and namesake was a Roman purse-maker whose crafts were of such fine quality they were sought throughout Italy. His father, Bernardus Borsarius, broke family tradition; through good fortune and friendships, Bernardus became a merchant of Byzantine spices. Bernardus' enemies claimed he was a thief and moneylender as well, though nothing ever came of these libelous remarks. Barzalomeus subsequently followed in his father's footsteps, amassing a modest fortune from the spice trade. Unlike his father, Barzalomeus has a strong sense of personal order and justice--many say that this is a conscious ploy to distance himself from the stained reputation of his father, a reputation that lingers to this day.

Barzalomeus is a bachelor whose modest lifestyle and spartan home have drawn attention. When asked about his politics, he is known to reply "Catonian", with little elaboration. He has two young brothers, both of whom work in some capacity for Barzalomeus, and an elder brother who is widely known to be an imbecile. His principle agenda in the Senate is to restore order and justice to Rome, through whatever means necessary.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Transmarina de Morroccho]
Player: Superbright
Age: 34
Class: Noble

Influence: 6
Popularity: 5
Orthodoxy: 6

Born in 1125 to Iohannes de Corvaria, the eldest son of an old Roman family whose father Piero had won much acclaim fighting the servants of Apollyon during the First Crusade, Transmarina de Morroccho has always been cleverer than she knew what to do with. She learned to read with Greek texts her grandfather had brought back as trophies and her father had the wisdom to foster this intelligence rather than try to snuff it out, going so far as to contract a Spanish monk to give her the sort basic scholastic education normally reserved for boys. For most men, such a learned and willful young woman would have to bring quite a hefty dowry before they would consider marrying her, but Barzalomeus de Morroccho was not most men. He was the scion of another storied noble family heavily invested in the fishing trade, whose natural charisma and dusky good looks were matched only by his complete lack of wit or ambition. The two proved to be eminently compatible, with Transmarina managing the family estates, handling correspondence, and writing down speeches for her husband to deliver. For his part, Barzalomeus blessed her with four healthy children: Giannis (age 17), Clara (age 14), Piero (age 12), and Orlandina (age 10).[/spoiler]
[spoiler=(Currently Inactive Players)]
[spoiler=Fortis Calafatus]
Player: Llum
Age: 49
Class: Noble

Influence: 4
Popularity: 8
Orthodoxy: 6

Born 1108, son of Calafatus de Spino a minor noble who served as a mounted soldier in the First Crusade. De Spino lost part of his left hand in the Siege of Jerusalem, when he returned to Rome he retired to his country estates to raise horses and teach his sons to ride. Here Fortis learned the trade of knighthood and a fierce piety. When the Second Crusade was called Fortis was quick to answer the call and rode with his fellow Crusaders for four years.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Romolo Vannetti]
Player: Turin
Age: 49
Class: Citizen

Influence: 5
Popularity: 5
Orthodoxy: 5

Romolo was born to a poor farmer in the Campagna Romana, near Formello. Being the fourth son, he was not needed at the farm as badly as his brothers, allowing him to learn a trade in his spare time. At 15, he left the farm for Rome and became an apprentice goldsmith full-time.

He displayed some aptitude, and around the age of 25 he struck out on his own. He quickly developed a reputation as a talented artisan. A few years later, Pope Innocent II commissioned him for some ornaments for the Papal palaces, and his name was definitively established. Over the next twenty years, he became Rome's leading goldsmith. He now oversees a smithee with ten apprentices, and occasionally dabbles in trading rare metals and moneylending. This has also ingratiated him with some of Rome's most prominent families. As a result of this, he has been able to take up a place among Rome's ruling class in the Senate.

Two of Romolo's brothers still run the family farm. Another is a Cistercian monk. One of his sisters is married to a merchant/sailor in Pisa. Romolo himself got married soon after he started his business. He has three sons: Buonganni, aged 18, Simone, aged 17, and Pierus, aged 14. Buonganni has been raised to be a goldsmith. Simone has been groomed for the cloth. Pierus also spends a lot of time at the smithee, and Romolo is teaching him about Rome's politics as well. Romolo also has a daughter, Julia, 15 years of age.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Domenico DeRosa]
Player: Elemental_Elf
Age: 59
Class: Noble

Influence: 6
Popularity: 4
Orthodoxy: 4

According to family history, the DeRosa family were originally a minor noble family from northern Castile. The Family grew to prominence during the early Reconquista, amassed great wealth via the spoils of war. Daughter of the family's patriarch, Camila DeRosa, was shamed and forced into exile by her father for secretly taking a Moor as her husband (the records do not list a name for this man). Camila and her Moorish Husband decided to travel to the Italian Peninsula, with the hope of using what little wealth they were able to sneak on their person to gain fame and fortune. Camila and her husband convinced a distant cousin, one Niccolo DeRosa, to take them to Genoa.  About midway between Barcelona and Genoa, the ship was attacked by Muslim Pirates. A furious battle was had, which saw the merchants soundly defeat the pirates, however, Camila's Husband was slain during the assault. Captain Niccolo DeRosa, who was an old widower, took pity on Camila and married her once they reached Genoa. The two had nine daughters and two sons.

The younger of the two sons, one Domenico DeRosa, moved to Rome to continue his family's mercantile ventures. Over the course of seven years, Domenico DeRosa gained fame and fortune in and around Rome for his cool headed nature and his business acumen. While in Rome, he met a beautiful woman by the name of Rosaria Lando. The Lando family was of noble birth but had become quite impoverished, Rosaria's grandfather gambled away his family's fortune. After a two-year courtship, Rosaria's father - Giuseppe - consented to a marriage but only in exchange for a very large dowry. Shortly after their marriage, Rosaria's father died. Acting quickly, Domenico quietly hired an assassin to kill Rosaria's only remaining living relative, and thus heir to her father's noble title - Giovanni Zorzi. The Assassin was accurate and subtle, making the murder appear to be nothing more than a hunting accident. Domenico then bribed every official and noble necessary to ensure he would be named signore.

Over the years Domenico has strengthened his position within Rome's nobility but is still shunned by many of the more conservative Nobles for his foreign Castilian blood. The darkest family secret - that being that they are related to a woman who married outside of the Christian faith - has largely been kept a secret. However, a noble, named Larenzo Pitti, caught wind of the secret and blackmailed Domenico out of a year's worth of profits prior to the marriage. Though Larenzo has remained quiet, there is no telling if he will ever let the secret slip. Needless to say, Domenico keeps a close eye on what Larenzo Pitti.

Domenico and Rosaria have had a total of ten children, nine of whom made it past their first year. His two oldest sons, Roberto and Diego, went on crusade - both died before reaching Jerusalem. His third oldest son, Leonardo, has shown himself to be a competent fighter, poet and businessman. Domenico is quite protective of Leonardo, especially after the deaths of Roberto and Diego. Two of his daughters, Isabella and Elena, are married while a third, Catarina, is currently seeking a suitor. His second eldest daughter, Serafina, is now twenty-two years old and was married to Giovanni Morosini, who was a wealthy merchant. He spent his fortune to purchase a ship that he used to ferry Crusaders to the Holy Land. Egyptian Pirates caught sight of his ship near Crete and, after a battle, slaughtered everyone on board and took the ship as their own. Word of the tragedy only reached poor Serafina, after a Genoese captain recaptured the ship and realized who it originally belonged to. Domenico's three remaining children - Grazia, Alberto and Giacomo - have not yet reached the age of ten.

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/Portrait_of_Andrea_Navagero_by_Rafael.jpg)[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Bernardo Simone di Fontane]
Player: Stargate525
Age: 36
Class: Citizen

Influence: 5
Popularity: 5
Orthodoxy: 5

Born to a wealthy family outside of Rome, near Tre Fontane. A canny merchant and patron of the arts, he had little to do with the crusade besides selling weapons to the nobility who were going out to fight. He has little love for the papacy, but mostly takes issue with secular disagreements; his doctrine is lax but sound.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Costa Oliveri]
Player: Sarisa
Age: 38
Class: Noble

Influence: 6
Popularity: 5
Orthodoxy: 6

Born in 1116 Costa is the youngest of 3 brothers. The oldest died on the walls of Jerusalem and the middle child, Galus was bought a position in the Church by their father; Galus is still in service to the church. Costa took over the family estate after his father died. Much of the family fortune is depleted, having funded the First Crusade and buying the position for Galus.

Costa is first and foremost a businessman, and is very good with the average citizen. He is known as the "Friend". (Amici?) He struggles with loyalty to the people of Rome, and loyalty to his older brother.

(http://www.thecbg.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=209500.0;attach=100;image)[/spoiler][/spoiler]

We have the following treaties and formal agreements with others:

[spoiler=Agreement with Giordano Pierleoni, 1153]
Parties: The Senate of Rome and Giordano Pierleoni
This agreement ended the standoff between the Pierleoni family and the Senate of Rome that overthrew him as Patrician in 1152.

• The Senate will confirm Giordano Pierleone's title as Patrician.
• The duties of the Patrician shall be to administer the Leonine City and the Castle of St. Angelo as Castellan, enforcing the laws of the Senate and People of Rome and assisting in their defense within that domain.
• Patrician Pierleone shall be acknowledged by the Senate as Magistrate of Trastevere, with sole judicial authority and the right to half of all fines levied in the execution of Roman law therein.
• Patrician Pierleone will be confirmed as a Citizen of Rome, but formally forswears any ambition to Senatorial office for so long as he holds his title of Patrician.
• Patrician Pierleone will withdraw all his forces from Trastevere and all the streets of Rome outside the Leonine City.
• Patrician Pierleone will surrender the Theater of Marcellus to the Senate.
• Patrician Pierleone will relinquish his family house on the Tiber Island to his brother Ruggero.
• Patrician Pierleone will pledge his loyalty to the Senate, and pay an annual duty of [1 Wealth] to the Senate for his privileges and honors.
• The Senate shall enact a general pardon for Patrician Pierleone, his armsmen, and his family, that none may be later prosecuted or fined for any deeds prior to the date of this agreement.
• Patrician Pierleone is excused from any duty to follow orders from or place himself under the command of Fortis Calafatus in whatever Senatorial position he may find himself in, Consular or otherwise.

[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Treaty with the Abbey of Farfa, 1154]
Parties: The Senate of Rome and Abbot Anselm II
This treaty ended the Reatini-Farfan War, which Rome joined on the side of their ally Rieti.

• The city of Civitavecchia shall be returned to the Abbey of Farfa.
• The Abbey shall guarantee perpetual, free, and unfettered access to Roman travelers and on the roads between Rome and Rieti and Civitavecchia - that is, the Via Salaria and the Via Aurelia.
• The Abbey shall furthermore allow the passage of Roman troops on the Via Salaria between Rome and Rieti.
• The Abbey of Farfa shall pay the Roman Senate an indemnity of [4 WP] in silver.

[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Treaty of Campus Neronius, 1155]
Parties: The Senate of Rome and Pope Adrian IV
This treaty ended the exile of the Pope from Rome, which began when Pope Eugene III fled the city in 1146.

• His Holiness shall recognize the legality and legitimacy of the Senate of Rome and pledge not to interfere in their appointments or civil affairs which fall within their jurisdiction.
• His Holiness shall recognize the Roman Militia as necessary for the defense of the city, but the Senate of Rome shall not levy men from outside the city nor make war against any Papal vassal or subject.
• The Senate of Rome shall acknowledge the primacy of the canon law of the Holy Church over civil law in all matters under ecclesiastical jurisdiction, including the civil matters of marriage, inheritance, legitimacy, and contract, and the criminal matters of heresy, apostasy, adultery, murder, usury, and any theft or alienation of ecclesiastical property.  In addition, the Senate and its courts shall forswear any jurisdiction over any criminal or civil matter involving a priest, monk, or other ecclesiastic.
• The Senate of Rome shall accept the Curia's nomination of a Prefect, who shall exercise the judicial powers of the Church as the representative of the Papal Curia, and who shall possess sole authority over the collection of tithes, tolls on travelers and pilgrims, and the collection of all revenues from ecclesiastical rents and estates.
• The Senate of Rome shall allow the return of all noblemen who fled or were expelled from the city during their rule and see to the return of any property seized from them.
• The Senate of Rome shall return the Lateran Palace to the Papal Curia and pay restitution of [8W] as compensation for its plunder.
• All men with membership in the Senate of Rome or the order of Equites who hold a fief or title of nobility shall present themselves as penitents before His Holiness for their disobedience to their liege, and shall each be fined [2W].

[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Law on the Selection of Senators, 1156]
Parties: The Senate of Rome
This law established the method of replacing senators and established quotas for senatorial equites.

• The number of equestris seats is fixed at twenty-two.
• Each senator may select his own successor, provided the successor is a Roman citizen of good repute.
• No seat held by an eques may be willed to a common citizen, nor vice versa.
• If a senator selects a successor not of his own family, the successor must be approved by the unanimous consent of the senatorial equites.
• A senator may be expelled from the Senate by a two-thirds vote; both Consuls must be present and preside over such a vote.
• If a senator should be expelled from the Senate, his replacement shall be selected by the senators of his own class (i.e. equites or non-equites).
• It is illegal for a senator to sell his succession rights for goods, land, or title, or have any business dealings with his selected successor, unless the successor is a member of his own family.
• These laws cannot be amended save by a majority of both the equites and common citizen senators present.

[/spoiler]

Maps

[spoiler=Map of Rome]
(http://i.imgur.com/uWWFfVt.png)

Medieval Rome is divided into fourteen regiones (regions).  This division originated unofficially several centuries ago, but was formalized by the Commune in 1144.  The borders of these regions are somewhat vague in actual practice, particularly where they border uninhabited areas of the city.  The Romans themselves do not number the regions; the numbers on this map are only for your convenience.

I. Montium et Biberatice: Also known simply as "Montium" (mountain), this is Rome's largest but probably least populated district.  The valleys between the hills are used for grazing land, while the hills themselves have vineyards and plenty of ruins used for quarrying.  The only notable populated area is the Colosseum, which is rented out to various tradesmen and laborers for housing and workshops.
II. Trivii et Vie Late: This region takes its name from three ancient streets that meet at the long, straight road the ancients called the Via Lata.  The region used to be more inhabited in centuries past, as the main output of the Aqua Virgo used to be here (no repair work ever extended the water all the way to the original endpoint of the aqueduct near the Pantheon).  The aqueduct has virtually ceased functioning now, causing most of the inhabitants to move closer to the river.
III. Columne et S. Marie in Aquiro: This region is named for the church of Santa Maria in Aquiro and a massive spiral column of the ancients depicting Roman soldiers and their conquests.  The column has a platform atop it that used to hold a statue of some Roman Emperor.  Climbing nearly 100 foot column is a popular activity for particularly daring young Roman men.
IV. Campi Martis et S. Laurentii in Lucina: This region is named for the northern part of the Field of Mars which it covers, as well as the minor basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina.  Though it is prone to flooding, it is the region furthest upriver and thus has the least polluted water, and for that reason it is considered more "upscale" than the other regions of the Campus Martius.
V. Pontis et Scorteclariorum: Named for its bridges, the "Pontis" might be considered the tourist district of Rome.  By the Tiber and at the confluence of several major streets, this region is filled to the brim with pilgrims during the spring and is choked with shops, taverns, and inns.  Though infernally crowded, the region is a prosperous one and a prestigious place to live if you can afford a house along one of the major streets.
VI. S. Eustachii et Vinea Teudemarii: This region is centered around Sant'Eustachio (the church of Saint Eustace).  The church is a diaconia, a place where alms are given to the poor and sickly, and the surrounding region is one of Rome's slums.  Most of the inhabitants are menial laborers who work in the fields outside the city when harvest comes.
VII. Arenule et Caccabariorum: "Arenule" refers to the soft sand of the Tiber found in this region.  Indeed, the ground is marshy, constantly flooding, and Rome's leading region for malaria.  As might be expected, it's not a very fashionable district, but land certainly is cheap.
VIII. Parionis et S. Laurentii in Damaso: The name of this region comes from Parietone ("big wall"), referring to a very large wall that stands as a remnant of some unknown structure, and the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Damaso, a Roman martyr and one of Rome's patron saints.  The region is extremely heavily populated and its narrow streets run in a great chaotic maze that has confounded many thousands of visiting pilgrims over the years.  Though not a particularly low-class neighborhood, it it still avoided by the well-to-do because of how easy it is to wander into some blind alley and get mugged.
IX. Pinee et S. Marci: This region used to be called Pina, referring to a massive bronze pine cone that sits here.  It used to be the center of a fountain, but no water has run through it in hundreds of years.  In a city full of churches, this region is known for having a particularly large amount, including the Basilica of St. Mark, the Basilica of St. Mary above Minerva, and the Rotunda - also known as the Pantheon - which is dedicated to St. Mary and all the martyrs.  It is a fairly well-off district owing to its pilgrimage attractions and its central location.
X. S. Angeli in Foro Piscium: The name "Saint Angelo in the Fish Market" refers to both the name of a local church and to the fact that this is where the city's fishermen live and work.  The region includes the Theater of Marcellus and used to be called Regione Marcello.  The part of the region beyond the immediate shore of the Tiber is home to many of Rome's craftsmen, particularly its metalsmiths.  Situated between the Forum and Trastevere, St. Angeli is the heart of Rome's industry, such as it is.
XI. Ripe et Marmorate: This region is what passes for Rome's port district.  The Tiber is hardly navigable these days, but when shallow-draft boats do venture up the river, they dock here.  Most of the residents of this district are low-class tradesmen.  Tanners and butchers live here because they can throw their rotten offal and noxious chemicals (tanners use a lot of lye and urine in their work) into the water downstream from the rest of the city.  The region has a reputation as a tough neighborhood.
XII. Campitelli et S. Adriani: This region is named for the church of Santa Maria in Campitelli and the church of St. Adriano - or Saint Hadrian - better known as the Curia Julia and the city's new Senate house.  The region includes what's left of the Forum as well as the Capitoline and Palatine hills, but is fairly thinly populated.
XIII. Trastevere: Trastevere is home to all of Rome's Jews, but most of the region's population is not Jewish.  The region's streets are winding and narrow, the result of a chaotic history of building and rebuilding.  Separated from the rest of the city by the Tiber, Trastevere is considered to have its own culture, some say even its own dialect.  The trades of the region's Christians vary, but the Jews are concentrated almost entirely in tanning and dyeing, the latter trade being almost entirely monopolized by the Jews of Rome.  The Jews have their own section of the region, centered around their single synagogue.  Two of Rome's oldest churches are located here, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere and the church of Santa Cecilia.
XIV: Insula Tiberina: The Tiber Island is not large, but fairly well populated by merchants and various auxiliaries and friends of the Pierleoni, whose family tower house is located here.  The largest building is the Basilica of St. Bartholomew, built by Emperor Otto III at the end of the 10th century.

Civitas Leonina: The Leonine City is named for Pope Leo IV, who ordered the building of the Leonine Wall to protect the Basilica of Saint Peter from Saracen raids in the 9th century.  It is usually not considered a proper part of Rome, and was not included in the original organization of Rome's communal districts.  Pope Leo brought a number of Corsican families to populate the heavily fortified mini-city, and their descendants still live here.  Though they have mingled and intermarried with Romans for centuries, one can still occasionally hear the Corsican tongue spoken in the Leonine City.  The Corsico-Roman inhabitants are very loyal to the Pierleoni and are well-represented among the Patrician's guards.

Black Line: The Aurelian Walls.  These walls were constructed in the 3rd century and are still Rome's main defensive line nine centuries later.  In the 6th century tremendous damage was done to them by the Goths, who tried to make the city indefensible.  Some work has been done since then, but the walls are still in a terrible state of disrepair.
Dark Blue Line: The Leonine Wall.  This wall was constructed by Pope Leo IV after Saracens sacked St. Peter's Basilica in the 9th century.  The Castle of St. Angelo was built upon the aging edifice of Hadrian's Tomb at this time as well.  These comparatively modern walls are in a good state of repair.
Light Blue Line: Aqua Virgo.  When Rome was sacked by the Goths in the 6th century, they destroyed all the aqueducts leading into the city.  Though it does not currently function, the Aqua Virgo was partially repaired in the 8th century and is the only aqueduct of Rome not completely in ruins.
Brown Areas: Hills.  The original seven hills of Rome are marked.

Major Buildings:

• The Lateran Palace is the official residence of the Pope, though he is not residing there currently.
• The Basilica Heleniana is a recently reconstructed church that holds several extremely valuable relics.
• The Baths have been dry since the sack of the 6th century, and are being slowly picked apart for their marble.
• The Basilica of St. Mary Major is one of the most important Roman churches.
• The Palazzo Colonna is the ancestral fortified palace of the influential Colonna family.
• The Colosseum is largely intact, but the area space has been converted into a cemetery and the building is rented out for housing and workshops.
• The Curia Julia is the old hall of the ancient Senate, and now houses the current one as well.

[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Map of Latium]
(http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/images/3/37/Novolatium.png)

The Campagna Romana is the region around Rome, formed from the lower Tiber river valley.  Most farming here is done along the river, although the river floods often and malaria is a severe problem in the region.  The only real resources of note are the tidal salt pans near the Tiber's mouth, where the villagers of Gregoriopolis collect salt and sell it in Rome and Tusculum.  The Alban Hills are a raised area around Lake Albano, traditionally one of the favored summer spots of wealthy Romans and the domain of the Counts of Tusculum since the 10th century, who have built many castles there.

Tuscia is a thinly populated region, used mostly for sheep and horse herding; it is Latium's main source of horses.  The region is dominated by the Frangipani castle of Tolfa in the hills east of Civitavecchia.  That city is Latium's only real commercial port; it is a fief of the Abbey of Farfa, but is also within Pisa's sphere of influence.

Falisca is a prosperous region of Latium that owes much to its strategic position between Rome and Pelusium, the "link" between Latium and the rest of the Papal States.  Viterbo and Sutri also lie on the Via Francigena, the ancient route of pilgrims to Rome, and profit from the Roman pilgrimage.  This area is somewhat hilly and is known for olive and grape cultivation.  Most of the Faliscan cities are independent communes.

Sabina is the mountainous region northeast of Latium, which falls partly within the Duchy of Spoleto.  Rieti is the only urban center here, and has traditionally been friendly with Rome in opposition to the Faliscan cities.  It sits astride the ancient Via Salarium, a route through the mountains to the Adriatic.  Grapes and olives are grown here as well, but the peasants of this rugged region are more isolated and less prosperous than the Faliscans.

Marsica is a very mountainous region around Lake Fucino.  The whole region was ruled by the hereditary Counts of Marsi until it was conquered by the Normans.  The land around the lake is very fertile but also plagued by malaria.  In the mountains, most of the inhabitants are transhumant shepherds.

The Latina Valley surrounds the Sacco River and the confluence of that river with the Liri.  The region has been a stronghold of the Papacy, and most of the cities are Papal rectorates rather than free communes (save Ferentino).  The nobility of Latium, mostly pro-papal families, control extensive estates and fortifications here.

The Pontine Marshes are mostly uninhabited.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Map of Italy]
(http://i.imgur.com/TK8hrqp.png)

The Papal States include Latium, the Pentapolis, Romagna, and the city of Benevento, but the nobles and cities of Romagna and the Pentapolis are effectively independent of Papal rule.
Ancona claims allegiance to the Byzantine Empire, but is not a proper province of the Empire and is effectively independent.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=A Simple Trade Map](http://i.imgur.com/ov8NI.png)[/spoiler]

[spoiler=A Rough Map of Europe](http://i.imgur.com/WHzci.png)[/spoiler]

Military

[spoiler=Roman Units]Though Rome has had a militia for centuries, they were seldom trusted by the Pope, who still relies primarily on noble knights from the Roman Campagna.  Most of Rome's nobility have been expelled from the city, and those that remain are almost entirely the petty nobility who are unable to raise many armed retainers for service.  Currently, the Roman militia is formed from the following:

(http://i.imgur.com/gJ8os.png)
Contadini
These are conscripted peasants from the contado (countryside), untrained and uneager.  On campaign, they are most often used as "military laborers," foraging for food and firewood, erecting camps, and building fortifications so "proper" soldiers don't have to.  They also function as guastatori, "ravagers," who despoil the enemy's countryside in the army's wake.  In a pitched battle, they are of limited use - their weapons are largely improvised, including scythes, flails, bill-hooks, sickles, hoes, and clubs, enough to scare off other peasants while plundering villages and farms but fairly useless against professional soldiers.  Some of these contadini bring their hunting bows to war and can function as mediocre archers in battles and skirmishes.

(http://i.imgur.com/GhWBW.png)
Pedites
Artisans and merchants make up the backbone of the 12th century communal army.  They serve the city as pedites (footmen) of superior quality.  Though not professionals, they typically have some limited training, are better equipped than peasant levies, and are motivated by civic pride instead of mere feudal duty.  Their middle-class status allows them to afford a certain amount of personal equipment, including a metal helmet, a wooden kite shield, and the lanzalonga, a 3-meter spear useful against both infantry and cavalry.  Though the spear is their primary weapon, many carry daggers, maces, or falchions as well.  The wealthiest of the militiamen may also have a mail shirt and/or a true sword, and sometimes serve as "officers" directing groups of fellow pedites.

(http://i.imgur.com/3pZTyJ8.png)
Balistarii
Archery is not held in high esteem in the Latin tradition of war.  Bows are normally used for long-range bombardment to harass or provoke the enemy, not to cause significant casualties.  Archery is seldom decisive, and as a result the business is left to the poorest and lowliest men of an army, who can afford no better.  The crossbow, a wooden self-bow mounted on a stock and spanned by foot, fulfills a different role – while it cannot be used for arcing bombardments, its superior accuracy and modest increase in power at close or medium range make it better suited for direct shooting.  Though most popular as a siege weapon, useful for defending and attacking fortifications, it has slowly been adopted for use in the field and at sea by Italy's communes.  Aside from a crossbow and bolts, a balistarius is required to provide a metal helmet and a sidearm, typically a dagger, hatchet, or short sword.  A wool coat is the best body armor he is likely to have.

(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee254/MithridatesNES/militiacavalry.png)
Milites Pro Commune (Equites)
Ever distrustful of the noble classes, Italian communes typically could not rely on the landed aristocracy for their cavalry.  Instead, they took advantage of the wealth of the rising non-noble mercantile class, the wealthiest of whom could afford to serve as or provide for a mounted and armored cavalryman.  These milites pro commune (knights of the city) are not professionals like knights, nor equipped to quite the same standard, but they are decent medium cavalrymen who tend to be more disciplined and less headstrong than true knights.  They wear a mail shirt or hauberk with a coif and metal helmet, and usually arm themselves with lance, shield, and a sword, mace, or falchion.  In Rome, these men are called equites, and they are not exclusively non-noble, joined by a number of petty noblemen who have their sympathies with the Senate.

(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee254/MithridatesNES/romanmob-1.png)
Turba Romanae
Throughout history, the Romans have been notorious for mob violence.  In ancient times, patricians and consuls often feared their wrath; in the middle ages, bloodthirsty Roman rioters forced Popes to sneak out of their palaces and Emperors to flee their coronations.  Roman mobs are mostly composed of farm and urban laborers, men who are technically "free" but have no reliable income and own no land, and are easily stirred to bloody action by fiery demagogues or shadowy paymasters.  When roused, they take to the streets with clubs, hatchets, slings, daggers, torches, and their furious anger.  They may not be soldiers, but they are filled with rage and there are an awful lot of them.

(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee254/MithridatesNES/masnada.png)
Masnada
Politics can be a bloody sport.  Those who practice it frequently have a need for trustworthy men with sharp eyes, tight lips, and sharp steel.  Masnada – the term comes from the Arabic masnad, meaning "support" or "prop" – is usually used by 12th century Italians to refer to a lord's knightly retinue or bodyguards, but in Rome it is now more broadly applied to the armed retainers of important men regardless of noble status.  The typical Roman masnada is a coterie of militia veterans, streetwise laborers, family friends, and others whose loyalty is bought by the personal patronage of a Senator or Eques.  These men form small private armies that function like a cross between urban militia and a street gang.  They are excellent men to have in a street skirmish, palazzo raid, or Roman riot, but are not ideally equipped or trained for a proper field battle.

(http://i.imgur.com/zExhT.png)
Palatini
Though urban militia may be superior to most feudal infantry, some senators have seen a need for a heavier, more professional force to complement Rome's citizen-soldiers.  Since few Romans can afford actual armor, Roman leaders have addressed this need by raising their own privately funded and trained soldiers from the ranks of the popolo minuto, for non-citizens can be held in a senator's service without having to worry about being called up for militia duty themselves.  These men are equipped to the standards of the richest urban pedites, clad in mail (or occasionally scale armor) and bearing the latest military fashions – flat-topped kite shields, Norman-style helmets, arming swords, and the lanzalonga ("long lance," a spear of 3 meters or longer).  The existence of these lower-class private armies is a cause for some concern amongst the citizenry, as their loyalty lies to individual men rather than the Commune – the Romans have taken to calling them palatini (meaning "palace troops," after the palazzi of their senatorial commanders).[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Unit Library]
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee254/MithridatesNES/angrymob.png)
Turba
This mob might not be Roman angry, but they are angry all the same.  Though full-scale peasant rebellions were not common in 12th century Italy, ordinary people did take up arms in defense of their city or in opposition to tyrants.  These men are peasants or city folk who are desperate enough to fight with whatever tools and makeshift weapons are at hand.  Within their cities or atop their walls they can be of value, but in the field they may be worse than useless.

(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee254/MithridatesNES/feudallevy.png)
Pedites Rustici
In rural territories under aristocratic or ecclesiastical rule, the main infantry component of a feudal army is the peasant-infantryman.  These men are fairly prosperous free peasants, village artisans, and small-town craftsmen who muster at the command of their lord with a spear, shield, and any other protection they can manufacture.  These men serve the same basic function as an urban militia, but their equipment is of a poorer quality and they are motivated only by feudal obligation, not civic pride.  Though they have their uses, they tend to be ignored by the aristocracy and are frequently relegated to non-combat duties.

(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee254/MithridatesNES/papalmercenaries.png)
Stipendarii Sancti Petri
Most mercenary footmen in Italy are low-born freemen who are drawn to a life of campaigning as an alternative to poverty.  Papal mercenaries are generally cut from the same cloth, but soldiers in the Pope's employ may also view their service as spiritual, a way to "crusade" by fighting the Pope's enemies without leaving their own country.  They are equipped in a standard fashion for Italian line infantry, with spear, kite shield, and helmet.  Their faith may make them more motivated and reliable than other mercenaries, but they are still mercenaries, not fanatics.

(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee254/MithridatesNES/papalknights.png)
Milites Sancti Petri
Cavalrymen in the service of the Pope come from a variety of backgrounds.  The majority are usually Papal vassals, signores and their retainers serving their ecclesiastical liege just as any other prince.  Others are mercenaries hired from the coffers of the Papal Curia, or Italian noblemen who, having failed to join previous crusades, hope to fulfill their spiritual obligations by slaying the enemies of God closer to home.  Though an eclectic band, they are all members of the military elite of knighthood or the servants thereof, fighting on warhorses with the usual panoply of lance, sword, shield, helmet, and mail hauberk.

(http://i.imgur.com/0Zmcm.png)
Zafones
Zafones are irregular light infantrymen hailing from rustic villages in the mountains of central Italy.  They are peasants, but enjoy substantial independence thanks to their isolated location.  Many young men of the region seek relief from poverty through occasional mercenary work, serving local lords and communes with the coin to hire them.  Though they are poorly armed, relying chiefly on slings and javelins, they are tougher and braver than most peasant levies and can offer good service as ambushers, guastatori, and skirmishers.

(http://i.imgur.com/gXQk9.png)
Milites Italiae
Outside the great cities of northern and central Italy, the contado is controlled by noblemen of Frankish and Lombard extraction who fight in the traditional manner of the European aristocracy.  Though their family origins and allegiances vary from place to place and the fashions of their dress and armor may differ, they are all knights – a warrior elite, riding heavy horses into battle, wearing mail hauberks, coifs, and iron helms, and bearing swords, lances, and shields.  Groups of "knights" include not only the noblemen themselves, but "sergeants" (from the Latin servient, a servant) - sons, retainers, lesser vassals, and even mercenaries - who accompany their master into battle and are armed in a similar manner (though not always as heavily armored).  They are excellent warriors, many of whom have trained in the warrior arts since childhood, though they can be difficult to control.  Their terrifying charge can win battles on its own.

(http://i.imgur.com/hCnq7.png)
Milites Imperii
The secular princes of Germany often possess large allodial fiefs and owe no feudal military service.  Though their retinues of knights are impressive, they are often difficult for even a strong emperor to muster and control, and their lords may be less than loyal.  Accordingly, the emperors often rely instead on ecclesiastics – abbots and bishops whose own non-allodial estates were expected to field troops – and the ministeriales, "serf-knights" who hold noble rank and often control large (albeit non-heritable) estates, but are technically unfree.  Whether ecclesiastical, feudal, or "ministerial," German knights fight in the usual fashion, as armored heavy cavalry with lance and sword, though German knights were specifically noted for being steadfast fighters even when on foot.

(http://i.imgur.com/KZExJ.png)
Brabantini
Though mercenary infantry can be found all over Europe, the Low Countries (and in particular the County of Brabant) are so well known for such men that "brabantini" has become an Italian term for mercenaries in general.  Many of them are indeed Flemish or Brabançon freemen, veterans of the civic militias of rich cities of Flanders, or younger sons of poor knights.  They are basically "robbers for hire," paid to ravage and destroy an enemy's lands, but can also stand in a battle-line.  Brabantini are better armed than common brigands thanks to the pay they get from their employers and the salvaged weaponry they strip from the dead.  They typically have mail, a helmet, a sword, and other weapons depending on their country of origin (the Flemings in particular favor unusually long spears).  Their greatest weapon may be their fierce reputation; wild tales of the brabantini burning villages, plundering monasteries, and ravishing nuns have spread all over Christendom.

(http://i.imgur.com/5dDpZsE.png)
Psiloi
Psiloi are the skirmishing troops of a Greek provincial army, the lighter counterpart to the skoutatoi.  Composite bows are their most common armament, but they may also carry slings or javelins.  Their job is to screen the advance of the heavy infantry and support cavalry on the flanks as necessary.  They are minimally equipped for close combat and have no real armor apart from an iron helmet.  Psiloi are drawn from both "native" garrison forces and colonies of other ethnicities within the empire (typically Armenians, Bulgarians, Serbs, or Vlachs) and are better trained and armed than the peasant levies of Latin armies, though their courage and loyalty are sometimes dubious.

(http://i.imgur.com/phWJS4o.png)
Skoutatoi
Though the central army of the Greek Empire in the 12th century is largely made up of mercenaries and foreign troops, "native" soldiers still form the nucleus of its provincial armies.  Skoutatoi are part-time soldiers levied from the militias and watchmen of the native Greek population.  They are armed with a kite shield (skouton), sword, and lance, and armored with an iron helmet and some degree of body armor; most soldiers wear lamellar corselets, leather armor, or quilted cloth, while the men in the front ranks of the infantry formation may be more heavily equipped with lamellar over mail hauberks.  Skoutatoi are not particularly skilled or eager soldiers but their equipment gives them an advantage over the usual levy infantry.

(http://i.imgur.com/Tglp03z.png)
Latinikon
Since before the days of the Crusades, the Greek army has hired "Latins" – a blanket term for all western Christians – to fight in its armies.  Greek Emperors have realized the effectiveness of western knights, particularly those of the Franks (also called keltoi, "Celts"), and have induced many Latins to settle within the Empire and serve as paid professional soldiers in the same manner as other permanent foreign units like the skythikon and the varangoi.  The latinikon form the majority of the Empire's heavy cavalry and are employed in every major campaign.  They are indistinguishable in almost every way from western knights, differing only in their slightly more Greek-influenced equipment.

(http://i.imgur.com/WYJfAzG.png)
Skythikon
The Greek Empire has long relied on nomadic barbarian tribes for their light cavalry.  Steppe nomads are practically born to the saddle and bow and can outride, outshoot, and outmaneuver Greek and Latin cavalry.  The warriors of the Emperor's skythikon (named for the Scythians, a nomadic people of ancient Roman times) are drawn from Turkic peoples like the Pechenegs, Uzes, and Cumans.  Though they are paid professional soldiers, "mercenaries" does not describe them well; like the legendary Varangian Guard, they are foreigners in the permanent employ of the state, often living in colonies within the Empire, and are more loyal than mere temporary mercenaries.  These troops are excellent and very versatile fighters, relying chiefly on the Asiatic composite bow but equally skilled in the javelin, lance, and saber.  While skirmishing is their favored tactic, they are not averse to a sudden charge into the fray when an opportunity presents itself.  They are often partially armored in mail or lamellar, affording them some protection but not as much as Latin knights or heavier Greek cavalrymen.

(http://i.imgur.com/KwfEaUR.png)
Milites Normanni
The Norman knight exploded onto the European scene in the 11th century, making his mark from England to the Holy Land and becoming the very model of the aristocratic cavalryman in western Christendom.  The Kingdom of Sicily was wrested from the Greeks and Lombards by Norman knights, a testament to their ferocity and skill at arms, and under the Norman kings of Sicily they remain the most superb heavy cavalry in Italy.  Norman knights are armored in coiffed mail hauberks and iron helmets, and carry kite shields, lances, axes, and swords into battle.  They are a battle-hardened elite; if they have any weakness at all, it is their pride.

(http://i.imgur.com/bLEWcXn.png)
Pedites Saraceni
The Norman kings of Sicily gained control of a large Muslim population when they conquered the island, and saw fit to preserve their communities, customs, language, and even their religion.  They soon found the "Saracens" to be their best troops – far more skilled at arms than Lombard peasants or Greek urbanites, and much more reliable than the prideful and disloyal Norman barons.  By the reign of Roger II, professional Saracen infantrymen had become the largest and most important element of the royal Sicilian army.  They are capable in melee combat, armed with straight-bladed Andalusian swords and protected by mail, scale corselets, or quilted cotton armor, but the area in which they truly excel is archery.  Unlike most Latin archers who are merely levied peasants meant to annoy the enemy, these Saracens are disciplined and highly skilled bowmen who can deliver rapid, accurate, and devastating volleys at tremendous range with their powerful composite bows.  Though many Popes have fumed at the Sicilian use of "infidel" troops, the Norman kings have resisted any attempts to convert them – Muslims, after all, couldn't care less if their king is excommunicated.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Acknowledgement]These unit pictures are modified versions of graphics created by Fairline, Tanelorn, Catfish, Curt Sibling, and other artists of the Civ2 Scenario League.[/spoiler] (http://sleague.civfanatics.com/index.php/Main_Page)

History and Background

Previous Updates

• Summer 1152 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg213746.html#msg213746) (The Sack of Tivoli)
• Autumn 1152 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg214257.html#msg214257) (Bloody October)
• Winter 1152 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg214606.html#msg214606) (The March to the Sea)
• Spring 1153 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg214960.html#msg214960) (The Sabine Campaign)
• Summer 1153 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg215144.html#msg215144) (The Battle of Mons Elcinus)
• Autumn 1153 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg215635.html#msg215635) (The Arrest of Consul Calafatus)
• Winter 1153 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg215956.html#msg215956) (The Deluge of 1153)
• Spring 1154 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg216219.html#msg216219) (The Clerics' Riot)
• Summer 1154 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg216515.html#msg216515) (The Capture of Civitavecchia)
• Autumn 1154 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg216835.html#msg216835) (The Diet of Roncaglia)
• Winter 1154 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg216961.html#msg216961) (The Christmas Eve Riots)
• Spring 1155 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg217149.html#msg217149) (The Papal Interdict)
  
  • June 1155 Events: Campo Grasso (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg217214.html#msg217214), Campus Neronius (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg217267.html#msg217267), The Audience (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg217324.html#msg217324), The Coronation (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg217462.html#msg217462)
• Summer 1155 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg217584.html#msg217584) (The Great Sicilian Rebellion)
• Autumn 1155 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg217855.html#msg217855) (The Labarum Barons' War)
• Winter 1155 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg218777.html#msg218777) (The Outrage of Candlemas)
• Spring 1156 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg219102.html#msg219102) (The Roman Games)
• Summer 1156 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg219349.html#msg219349) (The Ardean Expedition)
• Autumn 1156 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg219714.html#msg219714) (The Great Debate)
• Winter 1156 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg220639.html#msg220639) (The Conspiracy)
• Spring 1157 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg221189.html#msg221189) (The Treaty of Benevento)
• Summer 1157 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg221689.html#msg221689) (The Battle of Galluccio)
• Autumn 1157 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg223207.html#msg223207) (The Death of Prefect Colonna)
• Winter 1157 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg223478.html#msg223478) (The Battle of the Laurels)
• Spring 1158 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg223847.html#msg223847) (The Theft of Terni)
• Summer 1158 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg224524.html#msg224524) (The Scouring of the Contado)
• Autumn 1158 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg225883.html#msg225883) (The Second Diet of Roncaglia)
• Winter 1158 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg227296.html#msg227296) (The Famine Averted)
• Spring 1159 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg227800.html#msg227800) (The Prefect's Abduction)
• Summer 1159 (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg228021.html#msg228021) (The Harvest Fails)
  
  • September 1159 Events: Sede Vacante (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg228076.html#msg228076), Quo Vadit? (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg228136.html#msg228136), Extra Omnes! (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg228222.html#msg228222), Dies Irae (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg228921.html#msg228921)

Notable People

Noblemen
Aimeric de Savelli:* Head of the Savelli family.  Killed in the Battle of the Laurels in 1158.
Antonio Demetri della Suburra:* Head of the Demetri family.  Nephew of Anastasius IV.  Returned to Rome in 1155 after the Treaty of Campus Neronius.
Cencio Pierleone: Nephew and rumored heir of Giordano Pierleone.  Currently a clerk for the Papal Chamberlain, Boso Breakspeare.
Giordano Pierleone: Head of the Pierleoni family.  Patrician of Rome and ruler of the Leonine City, as well as magistrate of Trastevere.
Gionata Tusculani: Head of the Tusculani family and Count of Tusculum, jointly with his younger brother Raino.
Gisulf de Ausonia:* A minor Lombard nobleman who attacked the son of Senator Basile and his new bride.  Outlawed by Prefect Colonna; current whereabouts unknown.
Leo Frangipane: Eldest son and heir of Oddone Frangipane, Lord of Tolfa.
Martino de Corso:* Signore of Formello.
Niccolo Capocci:* Signore of Monte Ritondo and Castrum Nomentum, until they were destroyed.  Currently rebuilding them.
Oddone Colonna: Head of the Colonna family.  Signore of Palestrina, Castrum Colonna, and other estates.
Oddone Frangipane: Head of the Frangipani family.  Signore of Tolfa, Castrum Monticellorum, Torre Astura, and other castles throughout Latium.
Pietro II Colonna: Previous head of the Colonna family, Prefect of Rome, and Signore of Palestrina, Castrum Colonna, and other estates.  Died of the Roman Fever in 1157.
Pietro Latro:* Vicarius of Civitavecchia, which he rules in the name of Farfa Abbey.
Raino Tusculani: Count of Tusculum, jointly with his older brother Gionata.
Ruggero Pierleone: Younger brother of Giordano Pierleone.  Owner of the Pierleoni family tower house on Tiber Island.
Tolomeo II Tusculani: Previous Count of Tusculum.  Went bankrupt.  Died in 1153, and succeeded by his sons Gionata and Raino.

Ecclesiastics
Adrian IV: The current Pope, and the first English Pope!
Anastasius IV: Pope from 1153 to 1154.  Born Corrado Demetri della Suburra, of the Roman noble family of Demetri.
Rusticus:* Current abbot of Farfa.  Appointed by the Emperor to succeed Abbot Anselm II, who had fought with Rome and Rieti.
Arnold of Brescia: A Brescian monk with strange and possibly heretical views on apostolic poverty and holy sacraments with a large following in Rome among the popolo minuto, especially women, and the lesser clergy.  Currently excommunicated.
Eugenius III: Pope from 1145 to 1153.  Born Bernardo da Pisa of the Pisan noble family of Paganelli.  Also called Eugene.
Wetzel: A fanatical Arnoldist preacher, originally from Bavaria.  Said to be a former monk.

Foreigners
Alexios Axouch: Protostrator of the Greek Empire (second-in-command of the imperial army).  His father was a Turk.
Bulgarus: A Bolognese legal scholar who supports the legal concept of ius strictum (Roman law strictly applied).
Damianus Truffa:* Rector of Rieti, and co-ruler of the city along with Rieti's bishop.
Friedrich von Hohenstaufen: Emperor of the Romans, King of the Germans, King of Italy, and famed destroyer of cities.  More commonly called Frederick, and more formally called Fredericus.  Recently the Italians have taken to calling him Barbarossa, "red beard."
Ildebrando Ferrante:* Camerarius (Chamberlain) of Perugia, chief among Perugia's consuls.
Kosmas Bariotes:* An Apulian Greek and high official (sebastos) in the Greek Empire.  Formerly the Greek ambassador to the Papal Curia.
Martinus Gosia: A Bolognese legal scholar who supports the legal concept of aequitas (equity).
Roger II de Hauteville: Former Norman King of Sicily and infamous warmonger.
Rogerius Placentia: A Piacentini legal scholar who studied in Bologna under Martinus Gosia. More colloquially known as Roger of Piacenza.  Currently in Rome.
William de Hauteville: Current Norman King of Sicily, and the only living son of Roger II.  Formerly excommunicated.

*Anyone with an asterisk by their name is a fictional person invented for this game.  Even fictional persons, however, may be members of real historical dynasties that really controlled the territory they do in this game at this time.  Note that just because a character in this game is a real historical person does not mean their life or actions will unfold the same way as they did historically - this is, after all, alternative history.

Landed Titles

Signore: A lord; a noble land-holder.  The term comes from the Frankish seigneur (from the Latin senior, "elder") which was introduced to Italy by the Normans.  This is the lowest and most widespread title of nobility in Italy and the Papal States.  Minor signori of the countryside are sometimes called cattani.  Signori may also be referred to as "barons;" in Italy, the titles are generally interchangeable.
Count: A feudal lord ranking above a common signore.  The title is a very old one, originating from the Latin comes ("companion").  Some counts are basically signori with an honorary title, while some are powerful landowners who rule whole provinces.
Margrave: From the German markgraf, meaning "March-count."  Marches are usually territories presently or formerly on the borders of the Empire.
Duke: A high title of nobility.  The only current Duke in Italy is the Duke of Spoleto.  The term comes from the Latin dux, meaning "leader."  The title "Doge" (of Venice) comes from the same root.
Vicarius: A layman who administers a church-owned estate.  Though vicarius is not a title of nobility, some vicarii are quite independent and have managed to have their office made hereditary within their family; in this case, the vicarius is a signore in all but name.  The term means "deputy" in Latin and is the origin of the word "vicar."
Rector: A rector is a governor of a province or city within the Papal States.  Rectors are generally ecclesiastics like bishops or cardinals (the Rector of Rieti is an exception).

[spoiler=The Great Families of Rome]
Tusculani
(http://i.imgur.com/lHrfx.png)
The hereditary Counts of Tusculum claim descent from the Julii and Octavii families of ancient Rome, and have been an institution in Roman politics since the early 10th century.  The Tusculani count numerous Consuls of Rome in their history, and no fewer than seven of their line have been elected Pope since 931.  In their 10th century heyday, they practically owned Rome and the Papacy together, but have been declining in influence since then, and the house is rumored to be deeply in debt.  Though the Tusculani have been largely hostile to the Popes in this century, the previous Count sheltered Pope Eugene III when he fled Rome.  The Countship is currently shared between the two brothers Gionata and Raino, sons of the late Count Tolomeo (Ptolemy) II.

Pierleoni
(http://i.imgur.com/LszsN.png)
The Pierleoni are newcomers to the Roman political scene, having bought their way into Roman politics only a few decades ago with a fortune made in usury by their progenitor, "Benedictus Christianus," who was a converted Jew.  His son Pier Leoni ("Peter Leo"), the founder of the dynasty, was a strong supporter of the Papacy.  One of his sons was elected Pope, but he was diplomatically ostracized by Innocent II, an allegedly illegitimate candidate thrust forward by the Frangipani.  Giordano, another of Pier's sons and the present head of the family, joined the new Commune of Rome and was its leader until driven out by the recent revolution.

Frangipani
(http://i.imgur.com/5FsXg.png)
The Frangipani ("bread-breakers") take their name from one of their ancestors in the 11th century who distributed bread to the city of Rome to save it from a famine.  They control numerous estates in the Campagna as well as the fortress of Tolfa west of Lake Bracciano.  They have always been strong supporters of the Popes and bitter foes of the upstart Pierleoni clan.  They are perhaps the strongest of the current great Roman houses, both in terms of estates and armed men.  The current head of the family is Oddone Frangipane.

Colonna
(http://i.imgur.com/JjA7D.png)
The Colonna family is a recent branch of the Tusculani who take their name from the Columna Castle in the Alban Hills near Tusculum.  They control the city of Palestrina and its environs, as well as owing a grand fortified palazzo in Rome.  They have generally been allied with the Tusculani for their short history, but have not yet displayed any open hostility to the Commune.  The current head of the family is Oddone Colonna, son of the late prefect Pietro II Colonna and a cousin of the current Counts of Tusculum.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=The Story of the Founding of the Commune]
Reading this is encouraged, but not mandatory for play.  Really, don't be scared away by all the names, most of these people are dead by 1152.

The Early Days

Since the time of Charlemagne, the land of Latium has been ruled by the Pope, the foremost leader of Latin Christendom.  The Pope's control over the "Papal States," however, has never been more than nominal.  The cities and nobles of the States usually handle their own affairs with little interference.

In past centuries the Pope was often not even master of the city of Rome itself.  Powerful Roman noble families competed with one another to select the Pope and control the city, with aristocratic patriarchs styling themselves as "Patrician" or "Consul" in a pale imitation of the glory of the ancients.  While some Popes distinguished themselves as leaders, they were more often captives of the Roman political scene, beholden to whichever family had secured their election and doomed if that family should fall from grace.

This system of familial domination began to die out in the 10th century, when the Holy Roman Emperor Otto the Great annexed the former Kingdom of Italy.  From this point on, it was in the interest of the Emperors that they, not the turbulent Roman aristocracy, should exert the most influence over the Holy Church.  Yet it was difficult for German Emperors to control a city so far away, and the Roman clergy resented the Imperial demand to approve any Papal candidate.

In the late 11th century, the papacy at last began to assert itself.  The Imperial privilege of approving new popes was rejected and a College of Cardinals established for that purpose instead.  The Pope and the Emperor feuded over control of ecclesiastical appointments, or investitures, resulting in great unrest in both Italy and Germany.  Rome itself was sacked by the Normans in 1085.  Only in 1122 was the controversy over investiture was finally settled by the Concordat of Worms.

The Pierleoni and the Frangipani

At this time the master of Rome was indisputably Pier Leone, who held the title of Consul from around 1108 and was a firm papal ally.  Though he belonged to no family of importance, his father Leo had been a Jewish convert to Christianity who had amassed a great fortune from usury, and Pier Leone used this fortune to make himself the most powerful of Roman citizens.  He oversaw an Imperial coronation and fought for the Popes numerous times, including against the Frangipani, an old and prestigious Roman clan.  He died in 1128, "a man without an equal, immeasurably rich in money and children."

When Pope Honorious II died two years later, the papal chancellor – himself a member of the Frangipani family – quickly selelected a man named Gregorio to the papacy, taking the name Innocent II.  The rest of the cardinals decried this as illegitimate, and chose instead the second son of Pier Leone, named Pietro, who took the name Anacletus II.  The Pierleoni and Frangipani families have remained bitter enemies ever since.  Innocent only triumphed when Anacletus II died in 1138, and he returned to Rome to take up his reign.

The people of Rome, however, were growing restive.  In a time of growing wealth and prosperity in northern Italy, many cities enjoyed the independence of republican communes, while Rome's burghers were shut out of government entirely.  The Papal Prefect, the Pope's chief magistrate, held all power in the city.  The offices of his administration were filled largely by monks and priests.  As Innocent was on his deathbed in 1143, the people of Rome rebelled against him and established a senate, consisting of 56 members, which quickly usurped most of Innocent's temporal power in Rome.  He died before the end of the year.

Innocent was succeeded by Celestine II, another ally of the Frangipani, but he lived for only a year afterward and could not truly regain control of Rome.  After him came Lucius II, who fared no better – he warred with Sicily over a territorial dispute but was eventually forced to surrender.  Taking this opportunity, the Senate of Rome chased out the Papal Prefect and formally established the Commune of Rome.  To serve as Patrician, the new leader of this Commune, they chose none other than Giordano Pierleone, another son of Pier Leoni and a younger brother of Anacletus II.

Lucius retreated to a fortress on the Capitoline hill and called for his Frangipani allies, but they were defeated by the Senate's communal militia.  Mortally wounded by a stone hurled during the battle, Pope Lucius II passed away in February 1145.

Eugene's Treaty

The College of Cardinals now chose a Pisan monk as the new Pope Eugene III.  The Senate, however, blocked his consecration, and insisted that he could only take up office if he renounced all civic power and recognized the Senate.  He refused, and fled from Rome with his cardinals.  The Senators then banished all the nobles who had supported Lucius and Eugene, including the Frangipani, and the people seized their property and looted their estates.

Though exiled, Eugene used money and influence to gain the support of Rome's neighbors and old enemies, the cities of Viterbo and Tivoli.  Facing such odds, the Senate proposed negotiations.  A treaty was signed between the Pope and the Commune; the office of Patrician would be abolished, the Pope would return, and the Papal Prefect would be reinstated, but the Pope would recognize the Senate and its civil authority and pay the Senators a generous sum.

The animosity between the Senate and the Pope did not cease, however.  The treaty lasted only a few months before Eugene, fearing another revolt, fled the city in the Spring of 1146.  The Senators again chased his supporters and cardinals out, and re-established Giordano Pierleone as Patrician of Rome.

The Monk, the Pope, and the King

Arnold of Brescia was an outspoken and controversial monk who the Church tried to silence for teaching false doctrines.  After wandering in Italy and France, he arrived in Rome in 1148 to spread his ideas once more.  Arnold declared that the Pope and his Curia were debauched and corrupt, and that they should give up all property and temporal power.  He called for the re-creation of the Roman government of ancient times to rule Rome, with the Pope acting only as a spiritual leader.  Already take by anti-clerical fever, the Romans received him warmly, and he urged the Senate to rebuild the city and restore the glory of Rome as an independent republic.  Even an excommunication failed to dissuade him, and his followers continued to grow.

In 1149, Pope Eugene III attempted to take Rome by force, joined by the Count of Tusculum, the city of Tivoli, the forces of the Frangipani, and a detachment of Norman mercenaries.  Despite being outnumbered, the Romans managed to defeat the Papal army.  Another accord was finally reached between Eugene and the Senate, but the Romans refused to hand over Arnold and Eugene never felt safe enough to enter the city.

Both the Senate and the Pope requested that the German King, Conrad III, come and intervene on their behalf, with both sides offering to crown him as Holy Roman Emperor.  Having recently returned from the disastrous Second Crusade, Conrad prepared an expedition, but died in 1152 before it could get underway.  The throne of Germany and the title of King of the Romans passed to his thirty year old nephew Frederick I.

The Senate and Pope renewed their pleas, and at last enticed the King to make the journey to Rome.  A rumor spread, however, that Frederick had entered into negotiations with the Pope and shunned the Senate, giving them only the ominous reply that when he arrived, he would "reward the loyal and punish the rebellious."

When this rumor reached the Roman mob, rioting spread through the city.  Arnold and his followers took to the streets, demanding that the agreement with Pope Eugene be torn up and that a new, democratic Senate modeled on the ancient republic should be proclaimed to rule an independent Rome...

The Point of Departure

At this point we depart from the timeline and begin our new story.  In actual history, the Arnoldists and other "democrats" were quickly overthrown by the moderates in the Senate, the Pope resumed his rule at the Lateran Palace, the Papal Prefect was re-established, and the banished Frangipani and other nobles were allowed to return.  The new Emperor received his imperial crown in Rome in 1155 despite Roman riots.

In our new timeline, however, the mob roused by Arnold succeeds in breaking up the more moderate Senate.  A new Senate is formed from more "patriotic" burghers and petty nobles, and Patrician Giordano and the rest of the Pierleoni flee to their strongholds within the city.  Will this new republic succumb to the wrath of both Empire and Papacy, or can it restore the glories that once belonged to the greatest of all cities?[/spoiler]

Name: Fortis Calafatus
Age: 44
Class: Noble

Influence: 6
Popularity: 5
Wealth: 5
Orthodoxy: 7

Notes: Born 1108, son of Calafatus de Spino a minor noble who served as a mounted soldier in the First Crusade. De Spino lost part of his left hand in the Siege of Jerusalem, when he returned to Rome he retired to his country estates to raise horses and teach his sons to ride. Here Fortis learned the trade of knighthood and a fierce piety. When the Second Crusade was called Fortis was quick to answer the call and rode with his fellow Crusaders for four years.

Name: Costa Oliveri
Age: 36
Class: Noble

Influence: 6
Popularity: 5
Wealth: 5
Orthodoxy: 6

Notes: Born in 1116 Costa is the youngest of 3 brothers. The oldest died on the walls of Jerusalem and the middle child, Galus was bought a position in the Church by their father; Galus is still in service to the church. Costa took over the family estate after his father died. Much of the family fortune is depleted, having funded the First Crusade and buying the position for Galus.

Costa is first and foremost a businessman, and is very good with the average citizen. He is known as the "Friend". (Amici?) He struggles with loyalty to the people of Rome, and loyalty to his older brother.

Awesome to see you start one of these up again!

Name: Bernardo Simone di Fontane
Age: 33
Class: Citizen

Influence: 5
Popularity: 5
Wealth: 6
Orthodoxy: 4

Notes: Born to a wealthy family outside of Rome, near Tre Fontane. A canny merchant and patron of the arts, he had little to do with the crusade besides selling weapons to the nobility who were going out to fight. He has little love for the papacy, but mostly takes issue with secular disagreements; his doctrine is lax but sound.

Was the population really so low in 1152? I recall it declined from its near 1 million before its period of constant sacking; but I did not think it declined hat much(!) Shouldn't the population be more around 200,000?

I'm still unclear how resources are divided among the players and balanced; that is, whether the GM simulates things ahead of time and we react or if we create the conflict.

I can't commit to doing much, but I'm willing to give this a try for however long it goes. Sadly these games seem to peter out rather fast. I hope to enjoy it while it lasts :)

[ooc]Vittorio Manzinni
Age: 60
Class: Citizen

Influence: 5
Popularity: 5
Wealth: 6
Orthodoxy: 4

Notes: 1092-xx. The half-Sicilian, half-Roman glass and lumber merchant Manzinni is renowned for his unorthodox practice of importing glassware, woolen fabrics, linens and roots from the Fatimids (ongoing) and lumber importation from the Levant during the reign of his crusading commander Baldwin II (1118-1131), until his ships mysteriously mutinied during Falk's http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fulk,_King_of_Jerusalem regency--he blames Melisande rather than Falk for those circumstances.

At one time, when trade was running well, he was good friends with his cousin-in-law Roger II of Sicily, for better or worse as far as politics in Rome are concerned.

He is bitter, having seen his fortunes decline after the subsequent ascendancy of Falk, Melisende, and Baldwin III in Jerusalem. His major trade routes are quite controversial. He knows and everyone else knows that he is only in the Senate as a nod to their attempts to do honor to his in-law Roger of Sicily. Although he donates large amounts of gold to refurbish Churches in Rome, he is persona non grata with the Popes and is suspected of being a heretic. Despite his fears of being accused of heresy, he has his mansion decorated with Egyptian and Baghdadian arts and he covertly smokes hashish with dusky Sicilian ladies in his gardens at night.[/ooc]

Quote from: Light DragonWas the population really so low in 1152? I recall it declined from its near 1 million before its period of constant sacking; but I did not think it declined hat much(!) Shouldn't the population be more around 200,000?

I've never seen an estimate of Rome's population in the Middle Ages that exceeded 50,000 - and that's for the whole span of the era, not the 12th century in particular.  With foreign grain imports ended and all the aqueducts cut, there was no infrastructure to support the city's earlier population, and after the Empire's fall most of the people that remained left for more secure settlements in the hills.  The Plague of Justinian, incessant wars in Italy, and constant coastal raids by Saracens reduced the population even further.  That said, even at 30,000 Rome was among the largest cities in western Europe at the time, though dwarfed by Constantinople and many cities in the Muslim world.

QuoteI'm still unclear how resources are divided among the players and balanced; that is, whether the GM simulates things ahead of time and we react or if we create the conflict.

Regarding resources, there is a division between the resources of the players and the resources of the city.  A character's Wealth is only the resources of their own estate and/or business; this is not related to the economy of the city, though one could potentially influence the other.  At this point there is no "public" income or treasury, so anything that costs money will have to be paid for out of the pockets of Senators.

Regarding conflict, I would encourage players to make this a proactive game.  Ideally your characters will have goals and agendas that your actions will be based on.  Though "power" is pretty much everyone's goal, your specific idea to gain it might be to rebuild Rome's port city, reconcile the Senate with the Papacy, spread Arnoldist ideas throughout the land, conquer Latium for the glory of Rome, or even get so popular and influential as to have the citizens acclaim you as "Emperor."  Some of these goals, obviously, will involve more conflict with other players than other goals.  I encourage inter-player conflict; you are politicians, not adventurers, so having opponents within the Senate is perfectly sensible.

That said, there are challenges and events that I will throw at you and you will have to react to.  Some of these are long term challenges, like the Emperor's coming intervention in Italy; some of them are more immediate, like the fact that hostile nobles and Papal forces still control part of the city.  The list of "This Season's Top 5 Popular Issues" above will give you an idea as to what people are concerned about and what events might be coming to a head soon (that list will change each turn).  Resolving these popular issues favorably is a good way to increase your Popularity and Influence, but remember that what the people want is not necessarily the same thing as what's in the city's best interest.

QuoteI can't commit to doing much, but I'm willing to give this a try for however long it goes. Sadly these games seem to peter out rather fast. I hope to enjoy it while it lasts :)

We all know plenty of games, whether forum, IRC, or IRL, that fold up and end before we'd like them to.  It happens often, and it often happens unexpectedly.  I can't control what may happen in the future, but I will say that my current intention is to run this as long as I have the players to do so, and I likewise hope that everyone participating will enjoy the game.

Regarding the game start, I think we'll formally begin on Wednesday if there are no objections.  I'll post a few letters and notices, then you'll be free to respond, discuss, and form plans before the update, which we'll tentatively schedule for a week from tomorrow.  New players are welcome to join at any time, whether before or after this formal start.

Consular elections are in the Autumn - that is, next turn.  For this one first turn, the interim Consuls are Fortis Calafatus as Consul for external affairs and Costa Oliveri as Consul for internal affairs (simply because Llum and Sarisa posted first :) ).

>>Regarding conflict, I would encourage players to make this a proactive game.  Ideally your characters will have goals and agendas that your actions will be based on.  Though "power" is pretty much everyone's goal, your specific idea to gain it might be to rebuild Rome's port city, reconcile the Senate with the Papacy, spread Arnoldist ideas throughout the land, conquer Latium for the glory of Rome, or even get so popular and influential as to have the citizens acclaim you as "Emperor."  Some of these goals, obviously, will involve more conflict with other players than other goals.  I encourage inter-player conflict; you are politicians, not adventurers, so having opponents within the Senate is perfectly sensible.

I like this, but do we just decide willy-nilly our opinions on these things? Would it be useful for us to either:

a. Answer a checklist survey of our opinions on certain issues and how they might help us in our quest for relevance? (This may be a poor idea because it would allow the other players to plot against us?)

b. Know ahead of time what goals might serve our personal interests (told by Polycarp?)

Without actual quantification of relative values of things, it's hard to plan... I don't necessarily advocate for firm numbers since those don't exist in the world at the time, but I'm finding it hard to see exactly what certain actions I can take and exactly what options are available. It may be more simple to see things once the game begins, but the options seem pretty unlimited.

Quote from: Light Dragon
Without actual quantification of relative values of things, it's hard to plan... I don't necessarily advocate for firm numbers since those don't exist in the world at the time, but I'm finding it hard to see exactly what certain actions I can take and exactly what options are available. It may be more simple to see things once the game begins, but the options seem pretty unlimited.

If it's anything like Poly's last (awesome) game, that's kinda the idea. I won't mind saying that I have the long-term goal of having all of the Mediterranean back to singing 'Rome, Rome uber alles.' 

Quote from: Light DragonWithout actual quantification of relative values of things, it's hard to plan... I don't necessarily advocate for firm numbers since those don't exist in the world at the time, but I'm finding it hard to see exactly what certain actions I can take and exactly what options are available. It may be more simple to see things once the game begins, but the options seem pretty unlimited.

They are unlimited in the sense that I will consider any order you give me; they are not unlimited in the sense that some orders may be beyond your means, ability, or technology to accomplish.  Let me give you some examples of how an order might be made.

[spoiler=Building Things]
My character, Senator Vin Diesel, would feel much safer operating from a fortified base of power.  I want to construct a tower-house, a fortified residence which I'll call the "Palazzo Diesel."  The most straightforward way to do this would be to simply put it in my orders.
[ooc]Orders for Summer 1152
- Build the Palazzo Diesel, a fortified residence for Vin Diesel and his family, on Quirinal Hill. {you might add a map here to show me just where you want it}.[/ooc]
This is an acceptable way to give orders, but it leaves some things open - for instance, what if money's tight?  You'd want to know how much you were spending.  One way to do that is to give me some kind of limit, like so.
[ooc]Orders for Summer 1152
- Spend no more than 1 Wealth building the Palazzo Diesel, a fortified residence for Vin Diesel and his family, on Quirinal Hill.[/ooc]
This is a better alternative because it lets me know just how far you're willing to go to do something.  It also sets up a comparison; someone who spends 2 Wealth on their fortified palace will probably have a more secure and/or opulent one than you.

You can go further, though, by making attempts to cheapen things.  For instance,
[ooc]Orders for Summer 1152
- Spend no more than 1 Wealth building the Palazzo Diesel, a fortified residence for Vin Diesel and his family, on Quirinal Hill.  Tear down some of the nearby Baths of Diocletian for the marble, and Vin will ride around the city with his family's armsmen to forcibly "recruit" as many commoners as we can find to work on it.  Tell them it's their civic duty![/ooc]
Here you've presented ways to try and pay less for your project, so it's possible I might make it cost nothing at all!  On the other hand, those commoners you rounded up for forced labor might not appreciate it very much and your popularity could drop (or you might even start a riot, particularly if the level of Rage in the city is high).  There are many other possibilities - ask for a loan from a PC or the Jews, or do as Pope Leo did and use prisoners of war to build your walls and palaces.

Some projects are larger or might take longer than a tower-house, however, and then you might wish to ask somebody about it.  Perhaps you'd like to repair the Aurelian walls around Trastevere; you have no idea how much that would cost.  You could simply put a limit on it as before ("I'll spend no more than X"), or alternately you could put something in your orders like this:
[ooc]Orders for Summer 1152
- Consult the city's builders and architects on the price and time involved to repair the walls of Trastevere.[/ooc]
If you did this, I would post a response with next turn's update.  If it's an extremely trivial question I might just answer you right away; not everything needs a whole turn to accomplish.  Of course, an individual Senator probably wouldn't do this (though he could take it upon himself if he wished); it's more likely to be something you'd suggest in an IC speech to recommend to the Consul for interior affairs.
[ic=In the Senate chambers]
Consul da Vinci, I fear greatly for the safety of our city as long as our defenses in Trastevere are allowed to remain in such a state of decay and neglect.  Let us see what repairs would cost us and set about undertaking this project immediately.[/ic]
Then the Consul might put that request in his orders.  He could try and lower the price in similar ways, but since it's a public task perhaps he could try a public speech to rally volunteers for the project.
[ic=Consul da Vinci Makes a Public Speech at the Pantheon]
Friends, romans, countrymen, lend me your ears!  The walls of Trastavere... {blah blah, not going to write this out right now}[/ic]
Whether that speech worked or not would depend largely on the Consul's Popularity, but if it was an entertaining or particularly good speech I might give you a bonus for it, just like a GM giving experience awards for RP.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Killing Fools]
Vin Diesel has been bothered by those uppity Papal supporters in the eastern quarter of the city.  Let's liberate the Lateran Palace!  In the city of Rome, most intra-city violence is accomplished by stirring up a riot.  At the most basic level, you could just put it in orders.
[ooc]Orders for Summer 1152
- Raise a mob of as many angry citizens as I can to go attack the Lateran Palace.[/ooc]
The outcome of mob violence is pretty random; having high Popularity helps a lot, though.  A word to the wise - it's dangerous to try and raise a mob against someone who's more popular than you, because they might turn things around on you!  Vin Diesel might help his chances by giving an IC speech, like any roleplaying character.
[ic=Vin Diesel rabblerouses on Caelian Hill]
"Here are the reasons why we need to get those bastards... (etc, etc)"[/ic]
If Vin's not very popular, he might try to smooth things along with a cash incentive.  Why not, it works for building, right?  So after he gives his speech, he puts this in his orders:
[ooc]Orders for Summer 1152
- Raise a mob of as many angry citizens as I can to go attack the Lateran Palace.  Offer them money to join the violence; spend no more than 1 Wealth in this way.[/ooc]
Money might well make up for low Popularity - or, combined with high Popularity, make for a huge turnout.  But then, perhaps mob violence is a bad idea - if it gets out of hand, there's a chance they might loot the Lateran Palace, and then Vin Diesel might lose Orthodoxy as the story spreads that an angry mob he raised destroyed the ancient palace of the Popes.  It might be wiser to go to the Senate and request that the Consul for internal affairs (since it's in the city, after all) call up the militia for an actual organized attack.  This is more likely to succeed and less likely to backfire than raising an angry mob, but on the other hand if the Senate does it, Vin Diesel won't get to take the credit for it, and might miss out on a Popularity gain (for successfully addressing Popular Issue #4, "Death to the Papal loyalists!") or a Wealth gain (perhaps some treasures can be looted from the palace without destroying everything...).[/spoiler]

I hope that's been of some value.  Remember:

• Put everything you do in your OOC orders.
• If you have a spending limit for a project, note it; if you aren't sure how to tackle a big project, make a request in your orders ("find out how much it would cost to...")
• Orders may benefit from adding IC material, like speeches; though giving a speech isn't guaranteed to make a positive difference, adding IC material will never make things worse.
• Put in as many details as you think you need in your orders.  Though I don't encourage you to be needlessly wordy, I will never penalize you for too much detail or too many suggestions.  If your idea to cut costs or raise your influence doesn't work, it just doesn't work - move on, try something else next time.
• Seek allies when possible.  This is a cooperative game and you'll benefit from getting others in on your plans, whether it's PCs or NPCs.  If you do favors for people or groups, they'll be inclined to help you with your goals later.
• Think laterally.  I try to reward creativity as long as it doesn't become anachronistic or fantastic.  As I've said, I will consider any order you make.  Put yourself in your character's place and consider how he would approach a goal.

In my experience with World at Dawn, the previous forum game similar to this, I observed another important rule - when in doubt, write a letter. I can't speak for other PCs, of course, but a great way to get yourself involved and find plot hooks is to just start talking.  Have Vittorio send a note to King Roger telling him about the dire situation you're in, or write the Republic of Pisa and ask them if they'd give you aid or resources in exchange for trading rights or other favors.  Write another PC and tell him you'll give him your vote for Consul if he does this little favor for you.  Send a letter to the Colonna family holed up in their estates and see if they'll negotiate.  Look at the list of important popular issues, pick one that has your character's interest, and write to someone who's involved in that issue.  Anyone you write to in Latium will generally respond in the same turn, and I don't mind answering lots of IC mail, so there's no reason not to do it.

Regarding metagaming - if a letter isn't addressed to your character, your character doesn't know about it, period.  I have a very high opinion of the people on the CBG and I trust them not to abuse the forum format to metagame.  That said, we can't always help ourselves, and I realize it may be necessary to conduct some business by PM - this is fine, but whenever something can be in the thread, it should be in the thread.  Most things you do won't be secret anyway - rumors are the fastest moving thing in medieval Rome, and any business you conduct that's not heavily concealed is probably going to get out.

I'll end this with the same quote I started the World at Dawn with, pulled from another game like this run by another GM (this particular game was about nations rather than people):

QuoteAnd here's the most important part--we're working together, not against each other. Now, I'll frequently decide that "working together" means me throwing a nasty NPC horde at you, or some thoroughly unfortunate internal event, and you'll maybe occasionally decide "working together" means invading your fellow players or otherwise perpetrating dishonorable deeds (tsk tsk)--and that's well and good. The point is that this isn't like the adversarial court system, where each side throws the best they've got out there and let's the conflict sort out whose right. Rather, give some and take some. You don't always have to be the best ruler for your nation. Sometimes losing gives your experience some flavor. In summary, you don't just decide which way to trim the sails and crank the wheel, you also get to choose which way the ship sails (and I'll keep changing the way the wind blows to keep things surprising!).

Ok. That explanation helps. It seems that the game is set up like the NSDM, National Security Decisionmaking game. The most useful thing you stated (after the involved blow by blow example of play) is that we are working together.

>>The point is that this isn't like the adversarial court system, where each side throws the best they've got out there and let's the conflict sort out whose right.

I did not understand that originally and that makes me more comfortable with how things are being laid out by you.

Thank you.

Yes, I really should have stated that in the first post like I did in World at Dawn... but I'm glad I was able to clarify things for you!

I'm working on a better version of a map of Italy.  When it's done, or at least done enough, I'll post it and we'll have our official start.  That may be today or tomorrow.

The new Italy map is up and looking spiffy though photobucket resized it a bit - I'll try and work on that later fixed.  The borders on the Latium and Italy maps don't quite match up, but that shouldn't matter right now and it will be fixed in the next update.  With that accomplished, we are ready to begin... the current deadline for orders is Thursday, February 2nd.  If you need more time beyond this deadline, send me a PM.

Edit: Just added a short description of the four major Roman families in the History and Background section (Frangipani, Tusculani, Pierleoni, Colonna).

[ic=Arnold of Brescia preaches to a great crowd]
Faithful flock of the Lord, those of you who fear God, rejoice, for in His wisdom He has empowered us to chase the false Pope and his thieving, lecherous, gluttonous officers from this holy city, as Christ chased the moneychangers from His Father's temple!  Let Rome rule Rome, and let the humble do the Lord's work, for no sacrament has power when given by a priest with rings on his fingers and gold in his coffers!  Men of God must seek the Kingdom of God, not rule the Kingdom of Men and enrich themselves from it.  Did not the Lord say, render under Caesar what is Caesar's?  Then let us cease to give the wealth of Rome to false clergymen!  Let us not stop at a mere deposition of the insolent Eugene and the creation of a Roman Senate, but let there be a Roman Caesar as well!

An unruly mob of poor Romans, men and women alike, cries out in support of the monk...[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to the Senate]
Abandon this madness at once!  All men of Rome know that I have served its people with my life, and yet I and other patriotic Senators have been thrown out for speaking the obvious – that we are in no position to bargain with the Pope, with no allies of our own and these rumors that King Frederick will take his side.  You have gone too far, and will surely pay for it.  Control these mobs, allow my family and the other exiled nobles to return and reclaim their property, and I will do my best to negotiate with the Pope for some settlement that will save all our hides.

- Patrician Giordano Pierleoni[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to the Senate]
Honored Senators,

I am writing you to assure you that my people have no part in the occupation of our community in Trastevere by the Pierleoni and their men.  Though the Pope has long been our kindly protector and we hope that he will soon be reconciled to you, we bear no ill will to the Senate and people of Rome.  We fear violence will come to our doorstep soon, and we hope that when it does the great Roman Senate will remember that we are faithfully observing the neutrality required of us.

- Shabbathai ben Moses, leader of the congregation of the Jews of Rome[/ic]

[ic=A messenger approaches the Consuls]
I bear a message from my master, Oddone Frangipane, Lord of Tolfa:

"So I have heard the tide has turned against the poor Patrician, and he is out of favor with his very own Senate?  How quickly things change in our fair city!  My family and the Senate have never been close, as you know, but perhaps we may work out a deal.  See that Giordano Pierleoni is delivered to me, and I will withhold military support to the Pope and his forces.  Not one man nor beast from all of my family's fiefs will aid Eugene if you do this favor for me.

Naturally, I will deny proposing any of this if you should be so unkind as to tell others of my very modest and sensible offer."

This messenger destroys this message after reading it aloud to the Consuls.[/ic]

Note: Speeches, like Arnold's, are "heard" by all PCs, as are letters to "the Senate."  Letters to the Senate can be replied to by any Senator, though it may be wise to discuss your answer before sending off different and potentially conflicting responses.  Letters to the Consuls are known only to whoever is Consul at the time, though they may choose to share the information with the other senatores consiliarii (the PCs).

Name: Roberto Basile
Age: 40
Class: Citizen

Influence: 5
Popularity: 5
Wealth: 6
Orthodoxy: 5

The son of a common fisherman, Roberto was born in Amalfi in 1112. He does not speak of his earliest years, and will mention Amalfi only as it concerns his own contribution to the investiture of the city by sea as a companion of George of Antioch. Coming to captain his own ship in service to Roger of Sicily, Roberto accumulated a substantial fortune interdicting Saracen vessels off the coast of Tunisia. Eventually tiring of life at sea, Roberto settled in the city of Rome in 1141, marrying the daughter of a local merchant. Since then he has mostly put his efforts towards the cultivation of his renowned sweet eating oranges. Initially taking up his senatorial duties with some reluctance, he has come to relish his involvement in politics as of late. Those who knew him in his days as ship's captain would recognize an all too familiar twinkle in his eye.

[ic=BErnardo Simone Di Fontane: A small speech before the Senate]
Esteemed colleagues, I see no choice but to defend ourselves. As our forebears did in the times of foreign kingship, so must we do now. Unfortunately, we do not even have the luxury of controlling our entire city. Pierleoni must be dealt with. Whether this is to remove him by force or persuade him to join the cause of Rome, we cannot be internally divided when the Emperor arrives.

And, in preparation for the worst, we must levy a tax and begin to train an army in defense of this city. For my own part, I will leverage a significant portion of my own wealth in the endeavor, and would hope that the citizenry will match my faith in the New Rome we stand to create here. In addition to this, I suggest we also sell the possessions of the nobles who have fled, and may their goods, if not their voices, continue to support our cause.
[/ic]

[ic=Roberto Basile: Response to Bernardo Simone Di Fontane - Senate Floor]Senators! Our friend Senator Di Fontane is right! The treachery of Patrician Pierleoni must not be ignored. He does not believe in our fair city, and is no true Roman.

But we cannot punish the common citizenry for the deeds of one man. Indeed, a man who we once welcomed among our own number. Would we have known his true character... alas! The proposition of a general tax would be an undue burden on our fellow Romans, a burden they do not deserve. I support the motion to establish a fund for the defence of the city, into which we would deposit some small part of the wealth of our own estates. I myself will contribute a sum no less than [denomination representing one wealth]. We cannot sit idly by while our enemies plot the destruction of Rome! [/ic]

[ic=A Letter to John of Palermo]
John,

It has been near to a year since I have written you, and I regret my long silence. I trust all is well at His Majesty's court. I contact you now on a matter of some urgency. This German King.. Frederick, his machinations pose a dire threat to the whole of the peninsula, as I know you are aware. He has no right to any such pretension of lordship over a single hide of Italian land. His ill will for the Kingdom of the Sicilies is well known, and his intentions to see himself crowned Emperor could have dire consequences for my own adopted city.

As such, I would ask a favour of you. I would have you speak to His Majesty most discreetly, and inform him that he is not without friends here in Rome. If our Great Nations are to prosper, it would be well-considered of us to act in concert concerning this matter. I would urge His Majesty to contact the Senate of Rome at his earliest possible convenience.

Your Friend,

Roberto[/ic]

[ooc]
Orders for Summer 1152
- Send an agent to the Republic of Pisa to inquire with the various mercantile establishments as to the investment of no more than one wealth of my estate.
- If a defence fund for the city of Rome is officially established, contribute no more than one wealth.

[/ooc]

[ic=Bernardo Simone Di Fontane: Response to Roberto Basile - Senate Floor] All can appreciate your dedication and eagerness for our cause. I would match such a donation from my own coffers.

However, there stand eight thousand in this city who can stand and afford to fight. If they will not provide the soldiers in volunteer of our cause, then they should be taxed. I do not suggest a heavy burden, and have no desire to see the senate become another parasite like the pope we have just evicted. Perhaps we take this season to institute a survey, and determine what might be raised without impoverishing our people?[/ic]

[ic=Speech Before the Senate]Would Godly man Arnold have us labeled heretics for eliminating the Pope? Would he give the Emperor and the Papacy's allies a cassus belli?  A Pope's demise must not be by the manmade mob but by God.

Let us channel the mob's anger instead toward civic pride; toward preparation to 'greet' the emperor and to prepare for the predations of Tivoli and Spidoni who so covet a reason to sack Rome; indeed, with rage properly directed, we could even raze Tivoli to the ground to bring other Papists to our righteous cause of service to all-as Jesus Christo came to serve all the Gentiles when the Jews would not follow.

The one who must speak to the mob must be respected. And he must be known to not be a Papist sympathiser. I am impressed by the Roman mob- we Romans are a hearty people who do great things- but Tivoli and Spidoni do not respect the Roman mob and they will challenge us. We must train and plan to dispose all Rats with one egalitarian blow.

My esteemed colleague, Bernardo Simone Di Fontane speaks of a tax. Whyfore should we institute a burden on the populace in these hard times? All fine Romans possess weapons do they not; the heart of the volunteers of Rome will strike fear into our enemies.[/ic]

[ooc]Essentially he wants to raise an Urban Militia from the mob without putting out any of his wealth or a tax.[/ooc]

[ic=Speech Before the Lesser Council]Better to have the Pope as a pawn than as a corpse if your aim is unity of the peoples. But this Pope will not be a pawn except by threat of force. Are we to seek his hand, to frighten him to action, to dominate the man, or destroy him? All but open destruction make sense at this point with the Holy Emperor on the march, he who may otherwise label us as heretics for destroying a Godly man. [/ic]

[ic=Letter to Shabbathai ben Moses]Your neutrality is noted, if not believed by the mob, or by many. I hear that the people of Rome are hungry for defense from the coming German Emperor. One remembers the slaughters of the First Crusade, led by Franks and Germans.[/ic]

[ooc]Essentially insinuating for a 'donation' from the Jewish Community of one wealth to arm the mob... but being very oblique about it, just suggesting it may be in their best interests.[/ooc]

I think the historical thing would be to channel the mob's anger toward the jewish quarter... my fellow does not want that to happen though (e.g. need of loans/usury for trade).

The next is contingent on other people's posts after mine and the ongoing Senate debate. Players Don't read. Polycarp may. This is storage for now.
[spoiler]
[ic=Letter to Arnold of Bresica or speech to the Mob if matters proceed too far]One may wish for a Caesar because a Caesar is like a Pope. But a Pope's power is greater than a Caesar, for it stretches to the Divine. Do you seek spiritual power or temporal? One may have one but not the other; time has born out this truth for all save Jesus, King of Kings. Trust these words from one who has seen many years. The Senate may stand behind a Caesar in time of war, but a Caesar is not a holy man. Who would you have be your Caesar, holy man?[/ic]
[/spoiler]

[ic=Privately to Bernardo] Bernardo, Bernardo, Bernardo. You wish to deal with Pierloni? What is your opinion of the Pope? Who will the Pope see without fearing guile but Pierloni? Who would succeed the Pope if he falls-one more trustworthy, or one far less? Would one ply Pierloni with gifts of enriched foods and have him pass to the Godly man in a motion of unity for our City? The Godly man is old. God may soon yet snatch him from our hold-he may sup on too rich wine and too strong food. And yet, would you have the Friar succeed him? If not he, then who? Rome must be united to face its challenges. Open force can be abhorrent, but everyone has a use. Rome needs men. And wealth. But wealth freely given or legally given after trials is better than wealth looted by tax or the tax we call mobs, my friend. Mobs dilute the benefits of their spoils.[/ic]

[ooc]I'm attempting to insinuate a number of things...Hopefully you pick up on it[/ooc]

[ic=Privately to Manzinni]
Manzinni, Pierlioni is descendent from Jews. Who will the pope see in guile BUT him?

And wealth of any sort is better than none at all. I do not suggest a heavy tax, but only a lighter burden to replace the one we removed when we ousted the pope from his perch. As Our Lord Himself said, "give unto Caesar what is Caesar's." In the absence, the Senate will have to do.[/ic]

[ooc]I got a couple things, I think... Not entirely certain what you were trying to say.[/ooc]

OOC: ah... shoot. I forgot that the Pierloni were of a different family than the Pope's family. I thought the were the same. Oops. I'll figure out how to play that off in character sometime tomorrow. Maybe something along the lines of forgiving the Pope's family's debt. Hmm... Big mistake there with the families on my part :o.

Maybe senility will save me. :D My fellow is the eldest of the Senate :D.

Your line about "descendant of" was hilarious, by the way.

[ic=Letter to Vittorio Manzinni]Then we shall, as ever, put our trust in God.  Your words of caution are noted, and will be considered again should the German King make good on these rumors to descend upon us.

- Shabbathai ben Moses, leader of the congregation of the Jews of Rome[/ic]

Letters to people or entities outside of Latium (eg. John of Sicily, Pisa) will not be answered until next turn.

Also, "ooc" comments can just be regular text - try to reserve the red box for your actual orders so I can find them easily when I'm updating.

Quote from: Stargate525However, there stand eight thousand in this city who can stand and afford to fight. If they will not provide the soldiers in volunteer of our cause, then they should be taxed. I do not suggest a heavy burden, and have no desire to see the senate become another parasite like the pope we have just evicted. Perhaps we take this season to institute a survey, and determine what might be raised without impoverishing our people?

Point of clarification: The 8,000 members of the popolo grasso are all those in households capable of providing one fully armed infantryman to the militia muster, which includes not only the militiamen themselves but their wives and children, as well as some citizens who may not be physically firm enough for duty, those who live in areas of the city under hostile control, and merchants who may simply be out of town when the militia is called up.  In other words, the number of this class that can "stand and afford to fight" is not even close to eight thousand.

QuoteOOC: ah... shoot. I forgot that the Pierloni were of a different family than the Pope's family.

Don't worry about it, easy to get mixed up.  I added some background on the four big families of Rome in post #3, if you hadn't noticed it.  Actually, the Pope - Eugene III - isn't Roman at all, he's originally a monk from Pisa.

Edit: Speaking of which, I edited the family info a bit and added some historically correct-ish coats of arms for everyone but the Tusculani, for whom no arms are attested as far as I can tell.

QuotePoint of clarification: The 8,000 members of the popolo grasso are all those in households capable of providing one fully armed infantryman to the militia muster, which includes not only the militiamen themselves but their wives and children, as well as some citizens who may not be physically firm enough for duty, those who live in areas of the city under hostile control, and merchants who may simply be out of town when the militia is called up.  In other words, the number of this class that can "stand and afford to fight" is not even close to eight thousand.

Pah, petty details. I'm a politician. Numbers fly out of our butt anyway.

Thank you, though, for the clarification.

Would it be worthwhile to create a new thread so that the other players know that the game has started? Also, then the explanation of how to play can be put more upfront instead of slightly scattered?

Also, as to military- would the poor people of the city be counted as Rural Levies or something different?

Quote from: Light DragonWould it be worthwhile to create a new thread so that the other players know that the game has started?

I don't think so, but I'll try and catch Llum and Sarisa on IRC so they know.

QuoteAlso, then the explanation of how to play can be put more upfront instead of slightly scattered?

Alright, I'll work on that.

QuoteAlso, as to military- would the poor people of the city be counted as Rural Levies or something different?

Arming the poor is a historically controversial topic that has troubled civilizations around the world.  Generally, Italian communes of the 12th century avoided training or drafting the urban poor because they didn't trust them - unlike the politically active middle class, the poor were viewed as too easily manipulated by the wealthy upper classes, in the same way that anyone can stir up a riot in Rome with a speech and a bit of bribery.  The peasants of the contado that make up the rural levy are themselves a step above landless farm laborers, the kind of people that make up Rome's poor; it's doubtful that the urban poor could afford to bring anything to war, let alone a bow (and they certainly wouldn't know how to use it).  When the poor were drafted, it was generally as noncombatants, men with picks, spades, shovels, and so on who could contribute raw labor to a siege but little else.

If the Senate wished to arm the poor, they could, but they would have to pay for it themselves.  Currently, the Senate pays nothing when the militia is called up because the militia provides all its own equipment.  There is also the question of what a mob of poor laborers would do once they had proper weapons...

Quote from: Stargate525
[ic=Privately to Manzinni]
Manzinni, Pierlioni is descendent from Jews. Who will the pope see in guile BUT him?
* * *[/ic]

[ic=To Bernardo, Privately]
Eh, was not Pierloni a major sponsor of the Pope? Were they not bosom-friends at the supper table, drowning in the fruit of the vine during the negotiations? Politically he may be anathema, but I recall they were close. Eh, maybe that was Petroni. Age leads to confusion in names. It is warm here... Rome is burning in confusion. Giordano Pierloni... he led Rome's Senate...A Pope must crown an Emperor, or we need not have an Emperor; we need 'A' Pope, or we need an army. *Wanders Off Muttering to himself*[/ic]

Llum was asking me earlier about how much "1 Wealth" is really worth.  The answer is that it's abstract for a reason – finding out the prices of things in 12th century Italy is basically an impossible task.  In most cases, the value of things was figured in silver; gold was rare in Europe and not used in currency save in Sicily beginning around this time, but it was much more widespread in the Islamic world and Byzantium.

[spoiler=A denier of Frederick "Barbarossa" Hohenstaufen]
(http://i.imgur.com/V4J9v.jpg)[/spoiler]
The denier was a silver coin originally issued by Charlemagne; the name comes from the Roman denarius.  There were 240 deniers in one pound of silver.  How much could a pound of silver buy?

• 122 pounds of "good Pisan deniers" was the total investment of two Pisan merchants in 1163 for trade goods carried on a ship bound for Tunis.
• 150, 200, and 400 pound licenses were issued to three different Italian merchants in the late 12th century, allowing them to freely trade cargo worth that amount in Genoa annually.
• 3,000 pounds was the amount the King of England sold the office of Archbishop of York for in the 12th century.
• 9,000 pounds was the amount the city of Milan had to pay as an indemnity when it surrendered to Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in 1158.
• 30,000 pounds was the amount that Barbarossa's scholars estimated he could gain in annual income if he was able to restore all his "imperial rights" in Italy, from taxes and duties on the cities and feudatories of Italy.
• 100,000 pounds was the amount England paid for the ransom of King Richard "the Lionheart;" it nearly bankrupted the entire country and plunged the monarchy deep into debt.

Based on this, I would estimate "one Wealth" to be a three-digit number of pounds – probably somewhere between 100 and 300 pounds of silver.  I'm not going to get any more precise than that because it will get me in trouble, and it's an abstract measurement anyway.  Suffice it to say that a ship's hold full of your average trade goods is about 1 Wealth, and a king's ransom is far beyond your means.

Quote from: Light Dragon
[ic=To Bernardo, Privately]
Eh, was not Pierloni a major sponsor of the Pope? Were they not bosom-friends at the supper table, drowning in the fruit of the vine during the negotiations? Politically he may be anathema, but I recall they were close. Eh, maybe that was Petroni. Age leads to confusion in names. It is warm here... Rome is burning in confusion. Giordano Pierloni... he led Rome's Senate...A Pope must crown an Emperor, or we need not have an Emperor; we need 'A' Pope, or we need an army. *Wanders Off Muttering to himself*[/ic]

[ic]*Bernardo looks at the tottering man quizzically, shrugs, and returns to the Senate floor, chuckling a little bit.*[/ic]

[spoiler]
Picture: [spoiler](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/Portrait_of_Andrea_Navagero_by_Rafael.jpg)[/spoiler]

Name: Domenico  DeRosa
Age: 56
Class: Noble

Influence: 6
Popularity: 5
Wealth: 5
Orthodoxy: 4

According to family history, the DeRosa family were originally a minor noble family from northern Castile. The Family grew to prominence during the early Reconquista, amassed great wealth via the spoils of war. Daughter of the family's patriarch, Camila DeRosa, was shamed and forced into exile by her father for secretly taking a Moor as her husband (the records do not list a name for this man). Camila and her Moorish Husband decided to travel to the Italian Peninsula, with the hope of using what little wealth they were able to sneak on their person to gain fame and fortune. Camila and her husband convinced a distant cousin, one Niccolo DeRosa, to take them to Genoa.  About midway between Barcelona and Genoa, the ship was attacked by Muslim Pirates. A furious battle was had, which saw the merchants soundly defeat the pirates, however, Camila's Husband was slain during the assault. Captain Niccolo DeRosa, who was an old widower, took pity on Camila and married her once they reached Genoa. The two had nine daughters and two sons.

The younger of the two sons, one Domenico DeRosa, moved to Rome to continue his family's mercantile ventures. Over the course of seven years, Domenico DeRosa gained fame and fortune in and around Rome for his cool headed nature and his business acumen. While in Rome, he met a beautiful woman by the name of Rosaria Lando. The Lando family was of noble birth but had become quite impoverished, Rosaria's grandfather gambled away his family's fortune. After a two-year courtship, Rosaria's father - Giuseppe - consented to a marriage but only in exchange for a very large dowry. Shortly after their marriage, Rosaria's father died. Acting quickly, Domenico quietly hired an assassin to kill Rosaria's only remaining living relative, and thus heir to her father's noble title - Giovanni Zorzi. The Assassin was accurate and subtle, making the murder appear to be nothing more than a hunting accident. Domenico then bribed every official and noble necessary to ensure he would be named Signore..

Over the years Domenico has strengthened his position within Rome's nobility but is still shunned by many of the more conservative Nobles for his foreign Castilian blood. The darkest family secret - that being that they are related to a woman who married outside of the Christian faith - has largely been kept a secret. However, a noble, named Larenzo Pitti, caught wind of the secret and blackmailed Domenico out of a year's worth of profits prior to the marriage. Though Larenzo has remained quiet, there is no telling if he will ever let the secret slip. Needless to say, Domenico keeps a close eye on what Larenzo Pitti.

Domenico and Rosaria have had a total of ten children, nine of whom made it past their first year. His two oldest sons, Roberto and Diego, went on crusade - both died before reaching Jerusalem. His third oldest son, Leonardo, has shown himself to be a competent fighter, poet and businessman. Domenico is quite protective of Leonardo, especially after the deaths of Roberto and Diego. Two of his daughters, Isabella and Elena, are married while a third, Catarina, is currently seeking a suitor. His second eldest daughter, Serafina, is now twenty-two years old and was married to Giovanni Morosini, who was a wealthy merchant. He spent his fortune to purchase a ship that he used to ferry Crusaders to the Holy Land. Egyptian Pirates caught sight of his ship near Crete and, after a battle, slaughtered everyone on board and took the ship as their own. Word of the tragedy only reached poor Serafina, after a Genoese captain recaptured the ship and realized who it originally belonged to. Domenico's three remaining children - Grazia, Alberto and Giacomo - have not yet reached the age of ten.

Quick Reference for Family, Friends and Enemies:
[spoiler]
FAMILY (Living)
- Rosaria  DeRosa: Wife of Domenico.
- Leonardo DeRosa: Eldest Son, being groomed to take over after Domenico passes away.
- Isabella Molin: Eldest daughter, married to a noble named Calro Molin.
- Serfina Morosini: Second oldest daughter, married to Giovanni Morosini, a merchant, who died ferrying crusaders to the Holy Land.
- Elena Moro: Third oldest daughter, married to Paolo Moro, a wealthy business partner of Domenico's.
- Grazia DeRosa: Fourth daughter, currently nine years old.
- Alberto DeRosa: Fourth oldest Son, currently 8 years old.
- Giacomo DeRosa: Fifth oldest Son, currently 7 years old.

- Calro Molin: A noble married to Isabella. He is a close ally of the DeRosa family.
- Paolo Moro: Married to Elena, he is a wealthy business partner of Domenico's.


FAMILY (Deceased)
- Camila DeRosa: Mother of Domenico. Fled Castile after secretly marrying a Moor. After her husband's untimely death, she married  Niccolo DeRosa.
-  Niccolo DeRosa: A wealthy businessman originally from Castile but immigrated to Genoa. Fathered Domenico.
- Roberto DeRosa: Eldest son of Domenico, shot down by an arrow near Antioch.
- Diego DeRosa: Second oldest son of Domenico, died of dysentery outside of Tripoli.  

- Giuseppe Lando: Rosaria's father, he was an impoverished Noble with but one daughter.
- Giovanni Morosini: Husband of Serfina, died ferrying crusaders to the Holy land.


ENEMIES
- Larenzo Pitti: A rival noble, knows the DeRosa secret and has blackmailed Domenico once (may do so again).
- Tomaso Steno: A Wealthy merchant who despises Domenico because Domenico was able to steal the heart of his beloved Rosaria.   [/spoiler]


[/spoiler]

Is anyone planning on responding to the discussion about Arnold and the removal of the Pope?

--
EE- good point about including children and marital status in your backstory.
-
To Polycarp--I am weighing whether to execute the SPOILERED discussion; at current it seems unwise, but if someone tries to get a last minute discussion that changes things, then I may want to activate the discussion, depending on what they say. (This is mentioned because I currently foresee someone posting something at the last minute that I may want to respond to...)

Quote from: Light Dragon
[ic=Speech Before the Senate]Would Godly man Arnold have us labeled heretics for eliminating the Pope? Would he give the Emperor and the Papacy's allies a cassus belli?  A Pope's demise must not be by the manmade mob but by God.

Let us channel the mob's anger instead toward civic pride; toward preparation to 'greet' the emperor and to prepare for the predations of Tivoli and Spidoni who so covet a reason to sack Rome; indeed, with rage properly directed, we could even raze Tivoli to the ground to bring other Papists to our righteous cause of service to all-as Jesus Christo came to serve all the Gentiles when the Jews would not follow.

The one who must speak to the mob must be respected. And he must be known to not be a Papist sympathiser. I am impressed by the Roman mob- we Romans are a hearty people who do great things- but Tivoli and Spidoni do not respect the Roman mob and they will challenge us. We must train and plan to dispose all Rats with one egalitarian blow.

My esteemed colleague, Bernardo Simone Di Fontane speaks of a tax. Whyfore should we institute a burden on the populace in these hard times? All fine Romans possess weapons do they not; the heart of the volunteers of Rome will strike fear into our enemies.[/ic]

[ic=Response by Bernardo]
And what then would you do when the mob grows out of hand?
[/ic]

[ooc=Turn 1 Orders]
-Explore options for investing; if a low-risk avenue is found, dedicate two wealth to that.
-If a defense levy is raised, donate 1 wealth to that.
-Discreetly investigate what level of taxation could be easily borne by the people of Rome with little complaint.
[/ooc]

Quote from: Elemental_ElfCharacter

Well, that's quite a character background!  I only have one small issue to point out, which is that if there were any Counts in the Communal Senate of 1144, there certainly wouldn't be any after our fictional revolution of 1152.  Any noble senator would be titled Signore (Lord) or alternately Cavaliere (Knight), both of which referred to the same thing.  As a group they might be called baroni (Barons) but that was not an actual rank at the time.

Anyway, welcome to the game!

Quote from: Light DragonTo Polycarp--I am weighing whether to execute the SPOILERED discussion

The deadline isn't until Thursday, so I wouldn't worry about it yet.  You still have several days to decide.

Quote from: Stargate525Explore options for investing; if a low-risk avenue is found, dedicate two wealth to that.

Clarification: Do you mean options solely within Rome, or somewhere else?

Quote from: Polycarp

Quote from: Elemental_ElfCharacter

Well, that's quite a character background!  I only have one small issue to point out, which is that if there were any Counts in the Communal Senate of 1144, there certainly wouldn't be any after our fictional revolution of 1152.  Any noble senator would be titled Signore (Lord) or alternately Cavaliere (Knight), both of which referred to the same thing.  As a group they might be called baroni (Barons) but that was not an actual rank at the time.

Anyway, welcome to the game!

Oops, sorry. I'll switch it to Signore.

Within Rome, and then expanding outwards through friendly territories until a safe investment is found.

[ic=To the Senate]You suggest that the mob would have no civic pride?[/ic]

[ic=To the Senate]
Not at all.

I suggest that the mob is precisely that. A mob. One who elected the Caesars and overthrew the original Senate, ones which, when begun, are not easily stopped beyond bloodshed, violence, and tyranny. Civic pride takes many forms, including that of a desire for a King or, perhaps, even a pope.
[/ic]

[ic=Response to Vittorio by Domenico]No one doubts the civic pride of the fair denizens of our glorious city however, it must be pointed put that the hearts of men are easily swayed - as easily by rhetoric as by coin...  I suggest that we do not raise taxes for now. Let us consolidate our hold over Rome. It is best we channel the anger of the mob towards our enemies and rivals than fall prey to our own creation and see those we would destroy bring ruin upon ourselves.  [/ic]

[ic=Message to Margrave of Verona]
Honorable Margrave

The world has changed greatly in the last three years since the Second Crusade. Sometimes I wish for the simple days of riding as a Knight under the late Emperor Conrad. These latest days have caught me supremely busy as I am Consul of the exterior for the newly reborn Republic of Rome. Now there have been many overzealous preachers, namely one Arnold of Brescia, decrying the Pope, he who called the Second Crusade, but I am a godly man and do not condone these excesses.  I entreat you as one former Crusader to another, please speak on the behalf of Rome to the Pope and the Frederick, the nephew of the late Conard.

Your comrade-in-arms,

Fortis Calafatus
[/ic]

[ic=Message to Frederick I from the Consul of the Exterior of the Roman Republic]
Great Frederick

As a fellow former crusader and Consul of the Exterior of the Roman Republic, I entreat you come to our fair city and be crowned as the Holy Roman Emperor. Do not listen to those who decry Rome for it's recent actions. Let us open a dialogue between yourself as leader of the Empire and myself as the representative of a small but loyal part of it.

Your faithful servant,

Fortis Calafatus
[/ic]

[ic=Speech to the Roman Public on the Palatine Hill]
Fellow Romans, the great Arnold of Brescia speaks wisely and justly. Let Rome benefit from the wealth of Rome. However, all that is in Rome is Roman. We should not ransack and despoil the beautiful churches of our fair city. Good christians the world over travel to our beloved city to see its splendour! We cannot in good conscience deny that which we take for granted from our fellow christians from afar! Let us instead turn our eye two the fat priests of Tivoli! They who dared attack our beloved city! I call upon Arnold of Brescia to lead the faithful of Rome to Tivoli and descend upon it! Scour it with fire!

I, Fortis Calafatus, Consul of the Exterior, pledge that if Arnold will agree to this request, I will send the might of Rome with him and the faithful! I will ensure his well being by making sure he is surrounded at all times by a faithful guard. And more! I will arm the faithful who march upon vile Tivoli with weapons, to be their possession until they return to Rome, payed from my own coffers!
[/ic]

[ic=Speech before the public at the foot of the Senate]
Faithful Romans, the Emperor Frederick I is coming to our glorious city! But fear not! I, Fortis Calafatus your Consul of the Exterior am here to protect our great city of Rome! I have sent envoys to Frederick, as well as my past comrade in arms the Margrave of Verona to negotiate political alliances. Beyond that, I work tirelessly to protect our city from its past enemies. The city of Tivoli is to beware! And many of our past enemies will soon be our friends!

On the matter of the former Patrician of Rome, Pierlioni. While his confidence in great Rome has been shaken he is not our enemy! He is still a great son of Rome. He need not fear for his life from any in our city!
[/ic]

[ooc]
Orders Summer of 1152
-Send a group of 20 armed house guards, led by a trusted nephew to Tre Fontane. Tell Abbot they are nominally there for the protection due to rising anti-Papal sentiment.
-Send a messenger to the Margrave of Verona, carrying a sealed message, enquiring for political support for the new Roman Republic, on behalf of one survivor of the Second Crusade to another.
-Send a messenger to the Frederick I on behalf of the Consuls of the exterior, entreating him to open dialogue between us and that as a Crusader I have nought but respect for the Poep.
-Incite the mob against Trivoli with a Speach. Beseeching Arnold of Brescia to lead his faithful. If Arnold agrees to lead them, arm them with weapons bought from my own coin (no more than 1 Wealth) and send the Roman Militia along with orders to loot and raise. Returning wealth to the Senate/Consuls.
-Create Honor Guard for Arnold of Brescia from Roman soldiers who are the most loyal to myself.
-Send a messenger to Pierlioni  and inviting him  to meet with the Consuls privately and secretly. If Pierlioni accepts, send a  secret messenger to Oddone Fragipione that Pierlioni will be at the time/place of the meeting; so that Pierlioni may be handed over to Oddone.
-Public Speech to all of Rome, "As consul of exterior will do the best to protect our great reborn Republic, already in negotiations with the Margrave of Verona, the Emperor and past hostile enemies to bring them to our side".
[/ooc]

[ic=To the Senate]I second the words of Fortis Calafactus that he spoke to the public this noon on the Palatine Hill. Tivoli is Rome's greatest enemy-it and other states {read-the Papal States} and families that are using the Pope as a pawn to extort the people of Rome and to put gold in coffers instead of to fair use![/ic]

[ic=Letter to the Tusculani]To the Head of the Family of the Tusculani (Tolomeo),
I write as a concerned Senator of Rome. Concerned because the Pope is absent from his Roman seat. If God is with the Pope, then the Pope will be in Rome and the Pope will be protected. Rome is the Pope's seat. Why will he not return? Is he not a true Pope that he would not trust in God's protection or that he would not be willing to become a martyr to effect the greater glory of God? If he is no true Pope, then it would be very dangerous to shelter him indeed for God's wrath may descend upon the one who shelters the untrue man. I do not know at this time if he is a true Pope or not, but many in Rome fear that he is not. Indeed, Arnold of Bresica, a very holy man, a very wise man- is concerned this Pope is not truly select by God. But- If the Pope is true, then he has nothing to fear from Arnold or from Rome-God guides both the Pope and Friar Arnold and God should also guide you.[/ic]

And here's the revised SPOILER thing- This is what I'm going with...because...why not:
[ic=Letter to Arnold of Bresica]One may wish for a Caesar because a Caesar is like a Pope. But although this Pope has not yet done so, a Pope may do greater good than a Caesar, for a Pope's power stretches to the Divine--even when that Pope renounces great wealth. Do you seek spiritual power or temporal? All save Jesus, King of Kings have never held both. And when an unholy Pope passes, as all men do eventually, only a Holy man may succeed him, no?

The Senate will stand behind a Caesar as a leader of war and it would support you in freeing other lands from exploitative taxation made for mere accumulation of wealth and that are not ruled by Senates but by Tyrants, but a Caesar has never been a holy man. Would you be a Caesar, or a holy man? Would you speak of these plans before the Senate? Would you speak of your plans to greet the Emperor as a Holy Man or as a Caesar? I invite you to do this, so that all may greater learn from your teachings.[/ic]

[ic=Public: Loudly after Arnold's Speech]This Friar Arnold of Bresica speaks Godly words! It is time that God brings truth to Gentiles! Not only Rome but other Cities should share in the glory of Senates! Godless Tivoli and Spidoni should be confronted by the people of Rome and by a Caesar of Rome to lead their vanguard. If Friar Arnold would lead the battle, this will be good--but remember, Friar Arnold is a Holy Man-if he seeks to inspire and not seek to lead to war, but if war must happen, then I suggest Costa Oliveri, who you have dubbed the "Amici," to lead the force, for he like Arnold, has been a friend to the populace of Rome![/ic]

[ic=Spoken to Costa Oliveri]If you are willing to lead a force, I trust that you will use your not small powers of persuasion to rein in the mob and to preserve the vital parts of the cities... Rome needs allies or vassals, not devastation.[/ic]

[ooc]Dispatch fleet of trading vessels to Sicily (Naples) and stock up on food supplies (1 wealth) [with plans to deliver in 2 seasons] and weapons (1 wealth) [with plans to deliver in one season-next season], hopefully at relatively good prices. If the weapons would be too expensive, just buy food [/ooc]

[ic=Letter to Roger II of Sicily]A letter of greetings my good Cousin In Law. Frederick the Second may soon be marching his way to Rome to be crowned, so we will certainly have an interesting time ahead of us. I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am in good health and I was recently made a Senator in Fair Rome, which puts me in an excellent place to negotiate trade deals between you and the Senators of Rome should you have an interest in our latest styles of pottery, of which I have sent several on the most recent ship. We also have excavated more of the ancient ruins and have several saintly relics aboard, all blessed by Priests and intended to consecrate new Churches. [Every church is supposed to have a saintly relic in the altar].

Blessings and Salutations to you;

-Vittorio Manzinni[/ic]

[ic=On the Palatine Hill]A great throng cheer and shout as Consul Calafatus speaks of attacking Tivoli and crushing the vile Tiburtini...[/ic]

[ic=Arnold of Brescia approaches the Senate house with a great host of followers, to speak before the Senate...]Some among you have questioned what it is I want, or who it is I imagine myself to be - let these men open their eyes, for what I am is before them.  I am a monk who lives by the charity of others, who owns nothing but his habit and staff, who lives only that he may preach the truth of God and expose the lies of the Devil!  I wish no corrupting riches, nor power, for in Christ is vested all power spiritual, and in the Senate is vested all power temporal.  Some have said that I hate the Pope, but this is not so - I do not hate the man, but the sins within him, the sins of greed and pride that turn men of God into men of gold, wearing the robes and furs of princes instead of following the example of the Apostles.  I hate these sins because God hates these sins; I do not presume to strip the clergy of their spiritual power, for God has done it already, and their sacraments are worthless so long as they cling to riches.  Let Eugene come to Rome, in the simple robes of a priest; let him give his bread to the starving and his gold to the poor, and I will be the first to kneel before him and kiss his feet and call him Father, for then he will be worthy of it.  Yet not before!  Not while the Devil has him and his Cardinals seduced by wealth and prideful arrogance!

You have asked not just my words, but my service as well.  Though I was not born a Roman I feel the liberty granted to their hallowed race by God in my own heart, and I feel blessed that a simple monk such as I is held in such regard by the lords of Rome.  Nevertheless, mighty and true though the power of the Consuls be, I have sworn my life to Christ first, and none before.  I may yet serve Rome as I serve God if the Consuls desire my presence on their endeavor.  If they ask, I will follow, and tend to the souls of good Romans, but I am no knight and will not be as Caesar ordering men to battle.  I will not be a captain under arms, nor have I any desire to be.  I care for the souls of men, not their swords.  Knowing this, then, what does the Senate ask of a simple man of God?[/ic]

[ic=Count Tolomeo II to Senator Manzinni]I have little patience for commoners trying to play the part of lords, and no more for commoners trying their amateur hands at theology.  You "senators" of all people should know why he has left, for it is you who have forced him into exile.  If my protection of His Holiness troubles the Romans, than they must be content with my apologies unless their words are backed with not hot air alone, but silver.[/ic]

[ooc]Llum, I have sent you a War PM.[/ooc]

Quote from: Light DragonDispatch 1/2 fleet of trading vessels to Sicily (Naples) and stock up on food supplies and weapons, hopefully at relatively good prices. If the weapons would be too expensive, just buy food (Would this cost 1/2 of a wealth point?)

At present Wealth can only be spent in integral sums, and not fractions.  Spending 1 Wealth will buy a large shipload of grain.  You could also spend 1 Wealth on buying weapons (which would be bought from local smiths, not abroad - there aren't really any bulk exporters of weapons).

As a general rule, 1 Wealth is the minimum amount required to "make a difference" in some way.  It will buy a good quantity of weapons (e.g. enough to cheaply equip several hundred men) or a good quantity of food (enough to help alleviate a famine in a meaingful way), but splitting 1 unit of Wealth between them would not be effective.  Such is the nature of an abstract system.

[ooc=Assessment]How much would it cost to either purchase or fund the creation of a Chamber-style Chapel within the Basilica of Saint Mary (or a similarly large and pro-Senate church)? I wish to dedicate the chapel to Blessed Godfrey of Cappenberg (http://saints.sqpn.com/blessed-godfrey-of-cappenberg/), a German Saint, related to both Charlemagne and the Dukes of Swabia.

I wish to use this as an olive branch to help secure the friendship of King Fredrick I for Rome. [/ooc]

Quote from: Elemental_ElfHow much would it cost to either purchase or fund the creation of a Chamber-style Chapel within the Basilica of Saint Mary (or a similarly large and pro-Senate church)? I wish to dedicate the chapel to Blessed Godfrey of Cappenberg (http://saints.sqpn.com/blessed-godfrey-of-cappenberg/), a German Saint, related to both Charlemagne and the Dukes of Swabia.

For construction and other large projects, it's usually best to ask in OOC orders ("find out how much would it cost for me to...").  In this case, however, it costs as much as you want it to cost.  The more you spend, the grander it will be.

As for the church, there are a bewildering array to choose from; to my knowledge, at least seven were built in Rome in the 12th century alone, and in the present day Rome has nearly a thousand of them.  The Basilica of Saint Mary is fine - certainly I can't fit them all on my map. :)

[ic=To King Fredrick I]
To his Majesty the King of Burgundy, the King of Germania and future Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Fredrick I,

I write this letter with the hope that it finds you and your House in good health. Much has changed in the Eternal City over the course of the last few months - where there was once a Pope, there is now a Senate; where there was once an enemy, there is now a friend. I am one of those friends, or rather I wish to become such a friend to Your Majesty. My name is Domenico DeRosa and I am a Senator from Rome. My voice carries much weight in the city and I will use my talents to win the hearts of the masses, just as your benevolence and grace has won myself. To illustrate my friendship, I will be commissioning a chapel to be built within the Basilica of St. Marry, which is the largest and most glorious Basilica in the Eternal City. This chapel will be dedicated to the Blessed Godfrey of Cappenberg, who was, as I am sure you are aware, a German Saint, directly related to both the greatest Holy Roman Emperor (until such a day as your take up that mantel, of course) Charlemagne and the Dukes of Swabia, homeland of your House. I pray thee to look upon such an act of companionship with a kind heart and look upon me henceforth as friend.

Your ever loving friend,

Senator Domenico DeRosa.
[/ic]

[ooc=Constructing the Chapel]
Spend 1 Wealth to secure the rights to a Chapel within the Basilica of St. Mary located in a prominent location (i.e. not around the corner where no one will ever see it) and hire a Mason to beautify the chapel using marble taken from the Roman Baths or other similarly abandoned Roman buildings (if necessary). If peasants are needed to help ferry the marble, pay them in cheap food. Spend 1 wealth to hire a painter to adorn the chapel with many beautiful Buon frescos exemplifying the life of Blessed Godfrey of Cappenberg AND hire a sculptor to create a statue of Fredrick the I in his royal attire. If funds are low, the statue can be small but given a large pedestal, with marble taken from the baths, if necessary.
[/ooc]

[ooc=Orders, investigation]
We have many enemies on our borders and few allies. It would be for the best if we ascertained the true nature of the defenses of the Eternal City. For this defenses is used as a broad term meaning walls, fortifications, towers, the militia, granaries,  water supply, etc. I hereby order an investigation into the defenses of Rome using the criteria stated previously.
[/ooc]

Well... never mind about the crossout then... I guess I did send to Tolomeo. Just saw your reply.

I had poster's remorse, contemplated during the day because I remembered that wait a second... we kicked the pope out... he didn't leave of his own accord. ... silly stupid old Vittorio.  :angry: His mind is gone, what with all the VDs he's picked up over the years.

Also made a slight modification to the ship orders based on your clarification.

[ic=Speech in Response to Arnold of Brescia]
I, Fortis Calafatus, Consul of the Exterior would ask of a simple man of God to do what he does best. Care for the souls of men. Come with us to Tivoli and care for the souls of our militia. Bring your followers! You need not be as Ceasar, that worry will not fall upon you. More so, by the charity of others you shall have your own Honor Guard, so you need not fear for your own safety.
[/ic]

[ooc]Objective: Raze
Troops: Rural Levies: 70% + Arnold's Followers  Urban Militia: 65%  Urban Cavalry: 35% (Honor Guard for Arnold of Bescia drawn from this, cavalry not that useful in siege)
Commander: Fortis Calafatus, calling on known competent veterans of the Second Crusade (particularly the Siege of Damascus and other Siege battles) as aides.
Duration: Summer of 1152.
Conditions:If Tivoli surrenders before more than half the season is finished, Sack instead of Raise and must pay tribute to the Roman Senate of the value of [appropriate wealth value, nothing unsustainable] every season, to be put in the Senatorial treasury.
Note: All costs will be funded by Fortis own wealth, and thus he will take the lions share of the wealth if successful.
Note: Assure that Arnold of Brescia has his Honor Guard with him at all times.
[/ooc]

[ic=Response to Fortis Calafatus - Speech #2] You would so freely give the hospitality of Rome to that German Wolf? Consul Calafatus, King Frederick is no gracious man. He would take all we have to offer and more, and make a gift of our bones to our enemies. Frederick claims lordship over all of Italy, and yet he has no right to any of it, let alone our fair city. Would you have some German as our Caesar? Rome is for the Romans! Any man who sets himself against the good of the city is no Roman. If Pierleoni is one of us, as you say, why then does he hide behind his walls? Why does he not come out and speak plainly? People of Rome, I will tell you why! He colludes with our enemies only to enrich himself! He is a greedy man who would set himself above all others, if he could. He will reap what he has sown, as will any who defy our City. As Tivoli will suffer as the strength of Roman arms overcomes her. Consul Calafatus, I pray to God Almighty that you find wisdom on the battlefield, when you are faced with the spite of those who would see us fall.[/ic]

[ic=A Private aside to Senator Di Fontane] Bernardo, do not take too harshly my words on the floor. I understand your heart is in the right place, and indeed, I agree with you. If a scheme can be enacted to accrue funds for the betterment of the City in a way that does not unduly burden the citizens, you will have me at your side. You are a wise man, if a touch eager. But I think your youthful energy is something our City needs. Our Consuls are wise men too, but the burden of their offices hangs heavily on their shoulders, and perhaps they are not so suited as they once were. Indeed, if ever you seek to relieve them of their burden you would also find me at your side. I will always do what is best for Rome, Bernardo, and I see that so too will you. Think on what I have said.[/ic]

The update is largely complete and will be posted sometime tomorrow afternoon/night if there are no objections.  If you are making any sizable changes to your orders past this point, please PM me or post here so that I'll see them, because I will no longer be re-reading old orders posts.

Answers to letters will be posted sometime after the update, possibly the next day (not sure yet).

I have decided that updating the population figures each season is somewhat of a chore, so I will do that annually* instead.  The population figures on the first page, therefore, will not change with the update.

Thanks!

[spoiler=oops]*I initially wrote this with one "n" only and I only noticed at the last minute that I had spell-check-corrected it to "anally."  As for how that would work, well, I'll leave that to your imagination.[/spoiler]

FYI: I PMed Sarisa a few hours ago so he should know turn I's almost over. Just for the record to save you time so you don't need to send him anything Polycarp! (in the event you were considering).

I'm not going to get into the practice of sending reminder PMs; if someone is out for a turn (or longer), it's really not a big deal.  That said, I don't mean to discourage people who have still yet to post orders or want to edit their orders, I was just stating that if they do this, it's best to post or PM instead of editing previous posts because I might miss those.  It is absolutely acceptable to change orders right up to the deadline.

No problem, that's a great policy; I just figured it would be a good idea to notify for the first turn, seeing as how it is the first turn.

Anno Domini MCLII - Turn 2
Summer has passed into Autumn…
In autumn, laborers take to the farmlands to plow the fields and sow the winter wheat, while in the hills grapes and olives must be picked and pressed.  This is a busy time in Rome, for much work needs to be done between the withering summer and the onset of winter.  The wealthy return to the city from their country estates this season, and the Church prepares for the celebration of All Saints’ Day.  On the water, merchants hurry to complete their routes before the winter storms make the sea treacherous, and citizens watch the Tiber warily, for floods come most often in autumn.

Our Consuls: None (elections pending)
Our Pope: Eugene III
Our Rage: Simmering

News from Abroad

Travelers from Sicily report that the Moors are on the move in Africa, and that some infidel prince of the west has taken the port city known as Bugia.  Now Saracen fights Saracen - would that all our unbeliever enemies be led to such folly!

Manuel Komnenos, the Emperor of the Greeks, has brought the Serbs to heel in the conclusion of a campaign against the Serbian Grand Prince Uroš II and his Hungarian allies.  Uroš has accepted Greek vassalage, and Manuel’s army has returned from Hungary with a fortune in spoils and plunder.

Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of France, has had her marriage with the King annulled and has quickly remarried Henry FitzEmpress, Duke of Normandy and Count of Anjou.  Through his new wife’s inheritance, Henry now controls more of France than the French King, and is known to have designs on the throne of England as well.

News of Latium

Disaster has fallen upon the Tusculani.  It has been revealed that Count Tolomeo II of Tusculum is utterly bankrupt, his family’s wealth squandered.  He has sold the fortress of Tusculum, the family seat for centuries, to Pope Eugene III, and has been forced to sell or mortgage many of the house’s other properties.  Many have been bought up by the Frangipani.  Never has the star of the Tusculani been so low.

The markets and courts of Latium are aflame with the news of the fall of Tivoli, which was sacked and ruined by Romans and Subiacans in August.  Though most of the citizenry took refuge within the citadel, the people of Tivoli are left with a town of ashes and fields burned to cinders just before harvest.  The communes of Latium have been shaken, alarmed by this sudden and savage assault.  Will there be retribution for this act?  Who can explain the total failure of the Papal alliance to lift the fateful siege?  Regardless of the answers, the people of Tivoli have a hard winter ahead of them…

News of Rome

Consul Fortis Calafatus has made a triumphant return from Tivoli, bearing costly trinkets from the Cardinal-Bishop’s own palace.  His deed has emboldened the Romans in a time of great uncertainty – Roman arms are again victorious!  Nevertheless, some of Rome’s more thoughtful citizens have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of Rome’s mob-army in the field, questions that must surely be addressed.  Fortis Calafatus has gained 2 Popularity and 5 Wealth.  See the campaign report below for details.

The attempts of House Calafatus to put Tre Fontane under protection came to an abrupt halt when the monks refused to let the met-at-arms into the abbey.  The Abbot himself, Hugo of Beauvais – also the Cardinal of Ostia and one of the Pope’s aides – was absent, residing at Tusculum with the Pope, but the senior monks refused to let any armed men from Rome in their compound.  Though not quite a castle, the abbey’s strong walls dissuaded the armsmen from proceeding any further, as surely storming the abbey would run contrary to the claim of “protecting” it.

The construction of a chapel in the Basilica of St. Mary Major has been undertaken by Senator Domenico DeRosa.  Rumor has it that some foreign artists of high stature have been hired for the project.

Mob violence has been mostly absent over the summer, not so much because of cooling tensions but because the dreadful heat makes civil disorder very tiring business.  Riots are expected to pick up after harvest.  An abortive attempt was made by some residents to seize the Lateran, but they were quickly driven off by Papal mercenaries and pro-Eugene sympathizers.

The Gates of Janus Open!

Rome was at war this season past, and herein are detailed the accomplishments of Roman arms.

[spoiler=Siege of Tivoli]Commune of Rome
Commander: Consul Fortis Calafatus
40 Urban Cavalry
1060 Urban Militia
4055 Rural Levy
1200 Roman Mob

Abbey of Subiaco (allied)
100 Feudal Levy
300 Rural Levy

Commune of Tivoli (enemy)
400 Urban Militia
200 Rural Levy
400 Angry Mob

Quote from: Battle ReportThe Senate of Rome ordered a general muster of the city militia, the first in three years, to strike a decisive blow against the hated Tiburtini.  Tivoli, a fief of the Cardinal-Bishop Guido “the Maiden” of Pisa (the origins of this nickname are perhaps best left unexplored) had long feuded with Rome and contributed troops to the attempts of various Popes to crush the city since 1149.  The feud is older than that, however, with armed hostilities dating back to at least 1128 and a rivalry lasting far longer.

The Roman army that set out from the Porta Tiburtina in late June did not look much like one.  Though it was a numerically impressive force, more than six thousand strong, little more than a thousand of these were equipped in a manner beyond clubs, bows, and pitchforks.  A number of the urban lower classes accompanied the army as well, largely due to the presence of Arnold of Brescia and the exhortations of Consul Fortis Calafatus, but a substantial number of these were women and paupers dressed in rags, women and the poor being two of the monk’s most faithful demographics.  The march of this force to Tivoli was slow; the journey took six days in the heat of the Roman summer, and the levies had to fan out around the banks of the Tiber to raid local farms for food.  By the time the mass had arrived at Tivoli, it had lost much of its cohesion.  The Militia still formed an orderly column, but the levies were spread over miles and some of the city folk had already turned back.  Hundreds deserted over the course of the march, and the Consul had no ability to stop them.

On June 26th the city of TIvoli was reached and invested, with the Romans camping to the west and south of the city (the other sides covered by a bend in the river).  Attempts at a parlay proved fruitless; the most positive response the Consul managed to get was “eat shit, Roman swine.”  Soon after arrival, thousands of Roman peasants began ransacking and wrecking anything in sight, taking a special relish in looting Tiburtine hamlets, tearing down mills, and setting fire to croplands full of nearly-grown wheat.  The well-forested area around Tivoli coupled with the smoky haze of numerous fires made the situation even more disorderly and confused than it already was, but the Consul and the Equites managed to organize a group of peasants to begin cutting down trees to prepare for a siege.

The army may not have been much of a fighting force, but in labor it proved adept.  The Consul and his aides, wary of a relief army and conscious of the disaster at Damascus during the Crusades, ordered palisades to be constructed around the Roman camp and facing Tivoli’s walls.  These went up in record time, for those who could not fight could certainly build.  Even “Arnold’s brides,” as the Equites jokingly called the female camp followers, drove stakes and split logs.  By the second week of July, the camp had become a fortified area nearly the size of Tivoli itself, nicknamed “Palazzo Calafatus” by the militia.  A makeshift church was even built where Arnold gave mass.  The Consul worried as the “army” seemed to be acting like it was a picnic outing - it was difficult to enforce much discipline.  Though the peasants caroused with stolen wine and Roman women by night, however, by day the Militia was generally capable of rounding up enough men to press on with the siege.

The primary Roman avenue of attack was against Tivoli's western gate.  Peasants approached the gate with a movable roof on a wooden frame in an attempt to lay hay and oiled rags against the gate to set fire to it.  The Tiburtini shot flaming arrows and dropped great rocks upon it, while the Romans shot arrows and hurled stones back at the walls.  The Tiburtini managed to set it alight on the first attempt, and continued to fend off these assaults as the weeks dragged on.  As the end of July approached, little headway had been made.  The catapults the Romans had managed to build were too feeble to do serious damage to the walls, though they were employed along with bows and staff-slings to suppress the Tiburtini archers on the walls.  The Consul grew concerned, but he was also curious – no relief army had been spotted.  Three days before the end of the month, however, a column of several hundred men approached their encampment from the east.

They turned out to be friends.  Four hundred men, mostly peasants and local militia, had been dispatched by the Abbot of Subiaco to assist the Romans in their siege.  They were led by a “captain” and several friars of the Abbey.  The Abbot was Pietro Tusculani, a member of the great Tusculani family, who despite his family allegiance nursed a grudge against the Tiburtini for encroaching on villages and pastureland along the Aniene River that rightfully belonged to him.  The reinforcements were not many, but they were valuable as a significant morale boost for the besiegers, whose enthusiasm had started to fade as each foray against the gate was bloodily repulsed.

August seemed to go no better for the Romans.  As harvest approached, the Consul’s levies began steadily melting away into the woods.  A tower of sorts had been constructed, only to be destroyed in a night sally by the Tiburtini.  On August 14th, however, the Romans succeeded in bringing their “gallery” against the gate and setting it alight.  Whooping and hollering, the Romans surged forward with slings and bows, this time managing to fill the air with so much shot that the Tiburtini could not manage to put it out in time.  At the cost of several dozen men, the gallery was stacked with more and more hay and wood until it was a mass of flames pressed up to the gate.

Though the Tiburtini were surely doing all they could from the other side to stop the fire, it had charred and weakened the gate too much to hold.  The Romans forced the gate with rams on the 19th after several costly attempts.  A shoving match between spearmen broke out in the ruined gateway, but the surging mass of a thousand Romans shoving forward broke the Tiburtini and the Romans poured in.  A desperate fight between the city militias lasted for several hours until the Equites, tired of being glorified bodyguards for a poor monk, left Arnold and took to the front themselves.  With sword and mail, the dismounted Equites gave strength to the Roman line that the Tiburtini could not match.  As dusk approached, the defense collapsed and the Roman peasants beat down the fleeing Tiburtini with clubs and stones.

Tivoli’s fall was not complete.  Once the gate had caught fire, most of the city had fled to the acropolis, the city’s fortified citadel on a rocky hill above the river, and had taken their most valuable possessions with them.  The empty town, however, was spared little.  The Romans took special glee in looting the palazzo of the Cardinal-Bishop (who was apparently absent from the city) and burned whatever they couldn’t take.  After three days of looting and burning, the Romans abandoned Tivoli and gradually streamed back to Rome in a totally disorganized mass.  With harvest time upon them, the peasants had no desire to try and tear down the walls or breach the citadel, and even the militiamen decided that they would prefer to abscond with their loot rather than waste any more time in the ruined city.  The Consul's army abandoned him, but by that time their job had essentially been done.

But where were the reinforcements?  The Tusculani and Colonna certainly had towns and soldiers in easy reach of Tivoli, but none were ever sighted.  The siege was hardly a secret if the Abbot of Subiaco knew of it.  The Consul breathed a sigh of relief – despite the extensive palisades and earthworks, the Roman rabble showed little discipline and may well have been scattered by any serious opposition.  By the time the gate was breached, nearly half of the Roman levies had deserted.  Arnold loudly proclaimed the mysterious lack of Papal support to be God’s will, but the Consul could not be so sure.

Your expedition has been victorious!  The city of Tivoli has been sacked and razed, though the walls and the citadel remain.

The costs of this campaign were 1 Wealth, paid for by Consul Fortis Calafatus.  The spoils of this campaign (aside from what was taken by Roman and allied soldiers) amount to 6 Wealth, which goes to Consul Calafatus.

Rome has suffered 660 casualties:
90 Urban Militia
460 Rural Levy
110 Roman Mob

Subiaco has suffered around 50 casualties.

Tivoli has suffered around 600 casualties.

The following units have been encountered for the first time and will be added to the Unit Library: Roman Mob, Feudal Levy, Angry Mob.

Consul Calafatus gains 2 Popularity and 5 Wealth.[/spoiler]
Senatorial Inquests

Senators that requested information or launched endeavors have the results of their efforts listed here.  This information is private, but you may certainly choose to share it with the Senate.

[spoiler=Simone di Fontane]Taxes

Senators and officials under your influence have completed an inquest into the potential tax base of the city; unfortunately, the city’s present disorder and the fact that whole districts are off-limits to Communal officials hampered this effort considerably.  Some general issues were identified, however:

- A variety of tithes that existed under the Prefectural government have lapsed since the founding of the Commune, particularly on rural peasants whose ecclesiastical landowners are no longer able to collect on their dues.  The same is true of peasants who were paying rents to the nobility that has been expelled from Rome.  Given the chaotic state of the countryside, it is difficult to determine exactly who is paying what, and to whom, but some peasants are surely enjoying their extended tax holiday.
- Communal governments sometimes levy taxes on citizens (that is, the popolo grasso) in exchanged for their enhanced legal rights; no such tax exists in Rome, though it is unknown if the people would tolerate it or not.
- A considerable amount of urban property that was once let out to renters by church officials, such as the workshops and flats of the Colosseum, has been left in limbo by the expulsion of the Prefect.  If these properties were appropriated by the Senate, a modest income could be collected, or the properties could be cleared for other purposes (though this would certainly anger the former tenants).
- Most communes depend on a steady income from fines levied by the city courts, but there isn’t really a legal system in place any more, nor courts to run it – the courts were all run by clerics.  Reinstating this system would probably draw approval rather than complaint, and would produce some civic income.

Investment

Rome is not a great producer of wealth save in the spring, when pilgrims flock to the city for Holy Week.  Investing in the city itself seems to be a risky business with meager returns.  West of the city, however, the few residents of the village at Gregoriopolis make a steady income producing salt from the tidal salt bets east of the ruins of Ostia.  Expansion of the salt industry there could mean a great windfall, but it would first mean controlling the site.  Malaria is also a serious and constant problem there – must be the marsh vapors.

“Investing” in other peoples’ industries is generally impossible, because they are generally controlled wholly by their lords and are not available for others to take a share in.  The only places to “put one’s money to work” in another’s business seem to be the great port cities – Venice, Pisa, and Genoa – where wealthy men are welcome to invest in voyages and trade concerns.[/spoiler]
[spoiler= Vittorio Manzinni]Your purchases have been made.  The weapons have been ordered and will arrive sometime in autumn, but purchasing grain to arrive in winter is difficult because the winter storms keep most merchants from sailing.  Unless you were willing to pay extra to hire a very brave captain, you will have to move your purchase up to next season or delay it until spring.

Most of the weapons you bought were spears and arrows, but the Neapolitans also offered the “crossbow,” a weapon which is known to you but not very widespread in central Italy.  Apparently the Normans swear by them, for they are of great use in attacking and defending fortifications.  There is still time to alter your orders if you should desire this new weapon instead of spears and arrows (or would like a mix of both).[/spoiler]
[spoiler= Domenico DeRosa]Chapel

The work on your chapel has begun and the artisans have been hired.  Your sum allotted for painting has secured the services of some very fine craftsmen, including a Neapolitan Greek painter who has done work for the King of Sicily and a Milanese sculptor who has an intriguing, more naturalistic style.  Their services might have been more expensive were it not for the fact that working on a chapel in a major basilica in the capital of the Latin church is a very prestigious assignment indeed.  Though the chapel itself will probably be completed by spring, the painting, sculpting, and other interior work may take until the autumn of next year or longer.

Defenses

The Aurelian Walls of Rome are in a rather sorry state.  The Goths razed nearly half the city’s wall in the 6th century, and though many repairs have been made there are still numerous weak points and damaged sections, some of them even caused by the Romans themselves who used wall stones for building materials over the years.  Even if it were repaired fully, however, the essential problem remains that the wall perimeter is huge; even if every man of Rome was under arms, they could not possibly defend every section of it.  An enemy force might well scale an undefended section and seize the city that way.  The walls certainly serve a purpose, but they may be more valuable as a delay against a serious attack rather than an absolute defense.

The Leonine City, in contrast, is exceptionally secure; the Castle of Saint Angelo acts as the keystone of an excellent system of defenses in this walled quarter, built several centuries ago to protect Saint Peter’s Basilica against the Saracens.  Even the river there is protected by chain towers that can keep any ship from passing.  Unfortunately, the whole district seems to be firmly in the hands of the Pierleonists.

No serious steps have been taken to organize any kind of food storage against invasion.  The city has relied on the Tiber for its water since the barbarians cut the Roman aqueducts in distant antiquity, but the Tiber banks are not very healthy and malaria is endemic there.  Fouling the river further would presumably be possible, and there is no real alternative source.

The militia is generally enthusiastic and equipped in an adequate manner, but training and discipline seem to be lacking, as one might gather from the recent assault on Tivoli (see battle report).  It is highly doubtful whether the militia in its current state could stand up to real, professional soldiers in a field battle.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Roberto Basile]Your agent met with representatives from several Pisan trading houses, and toured their warehouses and facilities.  Unfortunately, by now it is too late in the sailing season to buy into ships bound for Egypt and the Levant, but your agent did discuss a venture with a captain Ruggiero Bedello who proposes to take grain and wool to the Pisan-allied city of Olbia in Sardinia, there purchase silver, and then continue to Tunis and Palermo to trade for gold, silk, and sugar before returning to Pisa in advance of the winter storms.

Though the route itself is shorter and less dangerous than the route to the East, it is a bit late in the season and there is still the danger of Saracen or Genoese raiders, particularly near Sardinia where Genoa contests Pisan authority.  What say you, Senator?

If accepted, the outcome of this venture will be randomly determined and revealed to you in the Spring 1153 update.  Profit and loss are both possible, though not equally possible; the real probabilities will remain unknown to you.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Fortis Calafatus]Congratulations on your victory, Senator.  The people both grasso and minuto clamor for your re-election, but it remains to be seen whether popularity in the streets will translate into power in the Senate.

Unfortunately, your other ventures were less successful.  Tre Fontane resisted your offer of protection, and Patrician Pierleoni declined to meet with you, countering your offer with a proposal to meet a senatorial delegation in the Leonine City (an area firmly under his control).  It seems the Patrician is reluctant to join a secret meeting in Communal territory.[/spoiler][ooc=Notes]

• If you believe an error has been made or an order has been ignored, PM me.
• This is an election season.  Please do not post in this thread until I have made my subsequent election post.  You may now post.
  
• The maps and units lists on the front page will be updated tonight; please be patient. Done.
• Responses to letters will be posted when I get around to it, either tonight or tomorrow. All responses have been posted.  There may be more letters for the Consuls once they are chosen.

Senators, it is time to decide who will lead our glorious city in the coming year!

[ic=A mob approaches...]
A crowd of people, including many veterans of the Siege of Tivoli, have gathered in front of the Senate's meeting-place.  They demand the re-election of Fortis Calafatus![/ic]

[ooc=Election Rules]
All PCs are eligible for Consular status, though a character who wins an election may choose not to accept the position if he so desires.  All PCs are eligible to cast a ballot, though casting a ballot is not mandatory.

Each character has a number of votes equal to his Influence score.  When you cast a ballot, you must choose how these votes are allotted.  You may spend all your votes on one candidate or split votes between candidates however you wish.  A ballot should be in a red OOC box like this one, and be in this format:

[ooc=Election of 1152]Your Senator’s Name

4 votes to Senator X
2 votes to Senator Y[/ooc]

The ballot is not secret.  Who voted for whom is in-character information known by all.  The whole Senate, all 100 members, takes part in this vote; our game simulates this using Influence, meaning that when you “cast a ballot” it actually represents your character and his friends and/or family actively cajoling and convincing NPC senators to vote your way.  This is a tedious process of pandering speeches, cloying flattery, empty promises, and boring dinner parties, and is by definition not a private matter.

Bribery, specifically the expenditure of Wealth to buy votes, is permitted.  Bribery will alter the final count of votes, depending on how much Wealth was spent.  One point of Wealth “steals” one vote from a candidate of your choice and gives it to another candidate of your choice.  It will be obvious that people were bribed because the final total won’t match who players actually voted for, but there will be no direct indication of who bribed them.

If the bribery is discovered, there will be a scandal resulting in a loss of Influence.  The chances of a bribe becoming a scandal are 10% for each point of Wealth spent.  Note that a scandal does not mean the bribe was unsuccessful – it is still possible to win an election by bribery despite a scandal, but the loss of Influence may make it difficult to hold on to power.

If you choose to bribe, it should ONLY be done by sending me a PM indicating how much you are spending and who the bribed Senators are supposed to vote for.  If you post a bribe in this thread, it will not be accepted, and I will laugh at you.  Bribes are non-refundable!

Until the vote is complete and the Consuls are elected, you may not post OOC orders.  You may still talk to PCs, makes senate speeches, and write/respond to letters to NPCs.

The two players with the most votes (after Bribery) are elected Consuls.  The Consul who receives the most votes has the privilege of deciding which Consul, external or internal, he wishes to be.  Ties will be resolved in favor of who has the most Influence or, failing that, a coin flip.

Final Caveat: This system is totally untested.  If it turns out to have obvious problems or bribery turns out to be hugely overpowered, I reserve the right to retcon the election and try again with better rules.  I promise I will only do this if it becomes a complete clusterfuck.[/ooc]

[ic=Bernardo DiFontane; Speech to the Senate]
Esteemed Senators!

I have returned, as I promised last season, with the results of the inquest regarding the funding of our great city. Unfortunately, the ongoing unrest inside the city, the continued disorder has made this accounting incomplete. But, from this disorder may arise the seeds of our soon-to-be-great empire, the base of a united Italy once more!

My first proposal is that we immediately appropriate the abandoned commercial lots and buildings which the papacy and their dogs have been renting. They are no longer here to collect the rent, and with God's help, they shall never be again in a position to do so. If the Senate appoints a senatorial prefect for these matters, we may once again have wealth flowing into our coffers.

On the matter of prefects, this brings me to my second point. For too long have the courthouses and judgement seats of the city been laying abandoned beneath the heel of the clergy. I propose we bring back the Roman Law, from the twelve tables to the Corpus Juris, along with the judges, prefects, and law-keepers that entails.
[/ic]

[ic=Bernardo DiFontane, speech to the public]
CITIZENS! Who among you knows the sting of a back-pedaled agreement? The annoyance of a blocking, abandoned cart in the roadway? The injustice of an assault gone without retribution?

The sacking of Tivoli has shown us one thing; that Romans can take care of Romans! But good people, as effective and as respected as the mobs are, you have families, you have work, and lives! The mob cannot last forever. Who shall take up the mantle of keeping the law once the brave fellows from the Tivoli siege return to their families?

Bring back the judges! Bring back the courts! Restore the handling of the law of the people to those to whom it belongs. To ROMANS![/ic]

For Fortis Calafatus' Eyes Only:
[spoiler][ic= A sealed, unmarked letter]Fortis,

Congratulations on your victory, and a pre-emptive congratulations on your continuance as consul. With the backing of the people such as you have, there is no doubt you will win the election by a landslide. Given your victory, I can only assume you would become the consul of external matters.

But what of your compatriot? He has done little in his season and, as I might modestly point out, I have plans and aspirations for the betterment of the Rome we have. I am not the one to expand our control, but neither do you seem to be the one content to solidify what we already have. Perhaps together, we could achieve more for Rome as Consuls?

I will, of course, back you completely. All I ask is that you publicly support me for the other seat.

With Warm Regards,
Bernardo Simone
[/ic][/spoiler]

[ic=Domenico DeRosa's response to Bernardo DiFontane; Speech to the Senate]
I must agree with my right and honorable colleague Bernardo DiFontane - the Pope's lands should be the property of the right and just government of Rome epitomized by our glorious Senate. However, I must point out that the former master of Rome allowed the defenses of the city to languish in poverty and ruin. Our military, though gallant and right-hearted, has also languished from years of neglect. With this in mind, I ask, nay beseech, the good and noble Senators assembled here to appropriate twenty percent of the revenue collected from the (new) rents and place the monies in a special fund that will help the government improve the defenses of the Eternal City. We, as the duly appointed leaders of Rome, must ensure that none on the Peninsula will ever contemplate attacking our glorious city - for the only  conclusion of such an endeavor would bring ruination upon the attacker. We must begin today and ensure the safety of Rome!
[/ic]

[ooc=Election of 1152]
Roberto Basile

5 votes to Senator Basile

[/ooc]

*will post other stuff here when appropriate*

Germany is far away, and replies from there will not come until next turn - if any replies are sent.  All other letters are here, save those for the consuls, because we don't have any (yet).

[ic=A Letter to Roberto Basile]Roberto,

I am pleased to hear that you are well, and have not been among the casualties of Roman lawlessness.  Truly you chose a poor time to make that city your home, unless your love of intrigue is now far greater than your love of the sea!

I grow old, as does my liege, but both of us have the comfort of sons now grown to adulthood.  Alas, the King has lost his three eldest, but as you may know the fourth was crowned as his heir last year over the bitter words of your dear Pope Eugene.  As for the German, my King believes that he does not intend to stop at Rome, but will continue southward to invade our own lands.  Robert Drengot, once Prince of Capua, has fled to the German court; it was he who convinced the Pisans to put Amalfi to the sack, and he will doubtless try to convince the Germans to help him back to his estates.

I have conveyed your words to His Majesty, but he has not wished to scribe a reply as of yet.  I do not think he sees the friendship of the turbulent Romans as the asset you imagine it to be.  He does not consider you much more than a pack of peasants and peddlers pretending at sovereign power, and does not treat your overtures seriously.  Nevertheless, I believe he is listening to the news from Germany carefully, and perhaps in the years to come his plans will include you.

John[/ic]

[ic=To the Senate of Rome]Honored Senators,

We have heard the good tidings of your victory over Tivoli and thank God for your success.  The people of Rieti have not forgotten the dark year of 1149 when the vicious Normans burned our city, but neither have we forgotten that your Commune and the generous and wise Patrician Pierleoni helped us rebuild our homes and our livelihoods.  Our beloved city would still be a memory without Roman aid.

We pledge our continued friendship and pray that God will frustrate the evil designs of the enemies of the Roman people.

May God protect eternal Rome,
The Honorable Rectors of the Commune of Rieti[/ic]

[ic=Arnold of Brescia addresses the masses]Yes, Romans, I was there at Tivoli when the Consul's army stormed the gates, and I saw the blood shed by Tiburtini and Romans alike.  A Christian cannot love war, but a Christian must fear God and obey His commands, and respect the worldly power of man's authority vested in our ancient Senate.

But I say to you - What shocked me more than any bloodshed was when I walked into the palace of the Cardinal in that city, and saw his silken sheets and gilt furniture, his silver slippers and gemmed tiara, and all the accoutrements of his den of hedonism and vice!  A man of God indeed!  And where was this Cardinal, this Prince of the Church?  Gone, fled from the city, not a finger lifted to its defense.  This man gorges himself on roasts upon silver platters and then tells us, his lips stained with French wine, that we must be charitable and moderate and chaste, that we must live for the glory of God.  But where is the charity and moderation of such a man?  Where is his chastity, his bravery?  Who can believe the falsehoods, the ridiculous lies of a man like this who claims to give the sacraments of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit?  Such a man will never receive eternal life in Christ, but will be thrown into the Lake of Fire.  Let him repent of his sins and walk beside me, in the poverty of Christ and the Apostles, and forsake the evils that Satan has inspired in the clergy.  Let him cast his net as Christ did – cast his net for the souls of men, and not for their coins!

And the crowd goes wild...[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Fortis Calafatus]Herr Calafatus,

I remember your service and wonder why you commit yourself to the cause of these shopkeeper-senators I have heard about – the cities of Italy take far too much liberty with the rights of the Emperor.  Verona, the greatest city of this land, constantly and illegally gnaws at the lands and properties of the Church and my own vassals.  The Italians are filled with headstrong pride, and it will take a strong hand to rein them in.

I have heard only tales of this Brescian monk but they are not at all positive.  It is said he has been exiled and condemned in council, and his writings are to be burned by the decree of the Church.  I know nothing else of him, but that is enough – you should chase him from the city at once, if he cannot be handed over to proper authority.

I have of course heard the rumors of the King's intentions to cross the mountains, and I strongly believe them to be true.  I do not know whether you witnessed the King's deeds when he was on crusade – he was the Duke of Swabia, then – but it was his determination and bravery that caused his uncle Conrad to choose him as his successor over Conrad's own young son.  He will not abandon this crown he wishes for anything.

When the King comes southward, which he shall, I will speak to him then and tell him that there are those in Rome who are loyal and of good character.  I encourage you to aid him when he arrives, for the King rewards loyalty and may grant you great favors if you can end this rift with His Holiness and get rid of this noxious heretic.  Certainly I will vouch for you.  My family and I have always been true servants of the Hohenstaufen and I pray that you will follow this just and godly course as well. 

Hermann von Baden, Markgraf von Verona[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Vittorio Manzinni]"Interesting" is perhaps not the word I would use.  I am certain that the Pope will try to entice Frederick to invade my lands, together with those traitors that have defected to his court.

I am always set upon the acquisition of wealth for my domains and I welcome your gifts.  I wonder, however, what it is Rome really offers besides insurrection and malaria.  You show us pottery, and it is well enough, but I have the pottery of Athens and Cairo.  If you wish a trade deal, here is one: if the Romans can trade something which will put new gold in my coffers each year, I will put the ships of the Romans under the same protection my own merchants enjoy, warded from harm as they are by the reprisals of my mighty fleet.

Roger, King of Sicily[/ic]

I'm going to set the deadline for the election on Wednesday, February 8th.  Of course, if all the votes are in sooner (or at least enough of them to know the result), then the election will be finished sooner, and we'll be able to get on with Turn 2 sooner.

I didn't mention it explicitly, but yes, you can vote for yourself.

Some people have been asking me of how things like the the siege of Tivoli are decided.  There's a lot of randomness involved; the Romans failed their rolls to breach until the very last week before they would have abandoned the siege, for instance.  The units do have some stats, the most important ones being morale and discipline, but these are heavily affected by conditions like leadership, motivation, training, even the weather.  Unit "quality" is important but it doesn't mean that superior forces will always win.  History is full of battles that turned around on some fluke or misfortune, and the same will happen here.  Sometimes these misfortunes will favor you, and sometimes they won't.  The essential point is that war in this game is not a science, and there is always a considerable element of risk involved when "the Gates of Janus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gates_of_Janus) open."

Working on a response here: [spoiler]This talk of taxation troubles me; I could be persuaded to support such talk if I knew where investments were being made...Only in fortifications, or also in arms?[/spoiler]

[ooc]Regarding the Food, Polycarp-From my experience, what return would 1 wealth investment in food give when sold in Winter in Rome? This will help me decide regarding the expenditure of 2 wealth to get the food home... (very expensive Captain).
s[/ooc]

[spoiler]Domenico is not seeking election this year.[/spoilers]

[ic=To the Senate from Vittorio; Response to Bernardo DiFontane]A return of a legal system is cost; but it is also investment. The question is if this is the right time for an investment when the winter is almost upon us. The winter brings less business before our hands and we have time to create committees to address other concerns. I would posit that we the Senate-uncompensated for the moment, handle grievances as a body to the boon of the people- and remind them of how much is being saved by us acting in this manner until the harvest is complete and counted.

We could not forever act in a fashion as judges, but until the winter is passed and we know of the harvest's bounty, it would be ill-advised to impose a tax to pay for Judges, or to fund this venture unless its funds came from a windfall, such as the assault on Tivoli. But, Fortis Calafactus' gains are his to distribute as he wont, since he proved himself a valued leader, and as good Domenico DeRosa noted, the city needs defenses since it is surrounded by enemies and allies who do not rush to its aid.

I say, for now, act as the good Friar would have us act and not pin emoluments and honours on a new class of Judges until we are certain that this new class will not act as some parasite men did who claimed to be Godly. Instead, we should humbly serve with our time, standing beside the people rather than fleeing like the Tivolan Cardinal to our palaces and allowing others to Judge. Once the burden of Judging grows too large for a mere Senate to manage, then we should encrust good men with the power to Judge. [/ic]

[ic=Private to Roberto Basile]
Dear Roberto, I have heard that you are planning to encourage people to vote for Senator DiFontane. DiFontane has the interests of Rome at heart, both you and I know, but DiFontane also has spoken of imposing a tax on the Roman people... The Roman people are fickle and we are new leaders; without good benefit, such a tax may lead their anger to become seething again. We do not want to be seen as a parasite, like the popolo see the Clergy.

DiFontane would use the funds from the buildings for Judges... and a tax for defense. I do not always oppose a tax, but I think one would be foolish now as we head into Winter of our first sitting. I also fear that our Judges, untrained, may create more fear and hate than hope and trust in the Senate.

Last season you spoke of increasing defenses and raising a volunteer fund to defend the City; Domenico DeRosa speaks of using funds from sale of former Papal buildings to fund this defense. He does not speak of additional taxes on the popolo. I side with DeRosa on this; I can be convinced otherwise, but would not DeRosa's contributions to the city's defense better serve matters than would a tax?

When we eventually seat Judges...they should not be seen as connected to the Pope, so they should not sit on thrones of the Papacy-they only need simple wooden standards.

I would suggest that all of the funds goes to the city defense however, while the rest is rented to the People to earn extra income and glory for Rome. Turn the abandoned locations into workshops for Rome's greater glory.

What say you?
[/ic]

I assume that people can shift their votes for a while after they post in this thread.

[ic=Private To Senator De Rosa]
Your proposal is a sound one, but why not go further?

When Rome eventually seats Judges...they should not be seen as connected to the Pope, so they should not sit on thrones of the Papacy-they only need simple wooden standards.

Where else would the 80% remainder of the funds you suggest go if not to the defenses?

I would suggest that all of the funds goes to the city defense however, while the rest is rented to the People to earn extra income and glory for Rome. Turn the abandoned locations into workshops for Rome's greater glory.

One who suggests this would find the backing of much of my influence, good Man.

[/ic]

[ic=Private to Senator Fortis Calafactus]Congratulations on the sack of our hated enemies at Tivoli. It is good that the Abbot and his Holy force joined with yours to seal the battle and it is good that our Holy Friar preserved his holiness by not leading at the front of the Standard.

You will certainly be re-elected Consul due to your foresight and leadership.

With that considered; how do you propose to protect Rome when the Emperor comes? As he draws South, the Papal States and Rome's enemies will be ever emboldened against this fair city. The Emperor stated that "those in rebellion will be crushed." Either Rome must seek allies, Rome must defend itself, or Rome must surrender.

If Rome is to seek allies or to defend itself, trade will be important. There is a city called Grisantium at the port by the sea leading to Rome. Have we considered overtures to it so that our ships may more safely travel without to bring food and resources so the people remain pleased with our Senate?

And what of hated Tivoli? Are we to make it always our enemy or a vassal? We could send aid to it and rebuild it like we rebuilt Ratu in Spidoni after the great wars- and now Ratu impleads us not crush it and it fears us. Would you send aid to Tivoli...aid that is paid for by their rich and that in part will enrich Rome because Tivoli will be further impoverished or forced to seek succor from the Jews [e.g. loans; Christians couldn't practice usury]? If not, I will support your lead. If so, I could also support the action.

And although this Pope is no longer welcome in Rome; what is our solution to the Papal Question? An Emperor must be crowned by a Pope. We have several great families who have often valued and produced Holy Men. Are we to make overtures to them? Or is the Holy Man to come to Rome in rags and be embraced by the Friar? Or are we-ha- to (laughs) seat Pierloni himself, the Jew-Pope of the Holy See who sits now on St. Peter's throne, pleading. (laughs again). You do know what the popolo minuto are calling him. It is amusing, is it not--that could happen to any of us; or we could all die screaming when the Emperor comes. (chuckles to himself).[/ic]

Yes, I just made up Jew-Pope of the Holy See (with apologies to Jewish readers). He is not Jewish but is of Jewish descent and I thought it might be an amusing rant that the rabidly anti-Jewish Roman people might have directed against him at some point since he's sitting at the proto-St. Peter's keeping the seat warm for the Pope when the Pope returns. It's also amusing because, of course, Jesus and Peter and Paul were all Jewish originally. :D. So it's sort of traditional to have a Jew-Pope. ...

[ic=Response to Vittorio, from Bernardo]
You misunderstand this role. I talk not of murders or thefts or assaults. I speak of breach of contract, petty crime, wagon-placing violations, public indecency and littering. A host of crimes which can be solved and handled with judges and a number of small fines.

I believe there are those not of the Senate with the inclination, drive, and right-mindedness to handle this among the citizens of Rome. And, what better time to create new jobs than in the winter, when trade is low and many desire employment?

The senate should use the winter to prepare for the spring, not decide whether to levy a five lira fine on a man for leaving his mule unattended.[/ic]

[ic=Speech to the General Senate]
I come before you a saddened man.

Come the spring, I wish to make my annual, traditional pilgrimage out of our great city, to the place of my birth; Tre Fontane. But, this year, I fear that I will not be able to make the journey, as the site is occupied by the loyals to the papists and those who would seek to put us under their thumb once more.

I am by no means a foreigner, and by no means am I a stranger to Rome. Indeed, Tre Fontane is but a few leagues outside the city. Come spring, I wish to enter Tre Fontane. If it be as a free pilgrim visiting his family and his hometown, then so much the better. If it need be as the head of a conquering army, such as the one so proven at Tivoli, then I will reluctantly do my utmost to make it so.

I can only hope the Senate see fit to back me in such a case.[/ic]
[ooc=Votes for the Election]
5 votes: Bernardo DiFontane
[/ooc]
[ooc=Orders]
-Acquire the rights to charge rent on the land of nobles currently forced from the city. Send letters to them offering to buy said rights (at below value), citing the current climate and the possibility of no gain at all from their land as leverage to get them to sell. Spend no more than two wealth on this endeavor.
-Spend two wealth recruiting, arming, and training a household guard, for personal use.
-Scour the city for abandoned religious sites, 'liberate' their relics, and place them in my townhouse's chapel.
[/ooc]

[ic=Private Response to Vittorio Manzinni]

Ah, Vittorio. Perhaps you are right, I may have misjudged the readiness of dear Bernardo to lead. His youthful energy and exuberance have not yet been tempered with so much wisdom and experience as I had thought. I now fear he is blinded by personal sentiment. To march upon the monks of Tre Fontane - who surely pose little threat to our city - while greater enemies still lurk behind our walls is a course I cannot approve. To excise the cancer within should be our primary priority.
 
To be as a parasite upon Rome is an idea abhorrent to me, and I would never countenance such action, particularly as the winter fast approaches. You are of course correct, and the defense of our city is always foremost among my thoughts. Eugene is an ever present threat, and if the rumours of his collusion with the German King Frederick are true it would indeed be wise to to devote any funds raised to better prepare the defenses of our city. Indeed, I still support the establishment of a volunteer fund to see us through what may come, and find myself concurring that any rent or sale of confiscated properties should likewise be devoted.  

A certain reluctance lurks in the depths of my heart to seek the office of Consul for myself, but I see that this is a time to set aside such trepidations. If I have your support, Senator Manzinni, and God willing, I will bring forth my every effort to secure a bright future for Rome. As ever, your advice is most dear to me, and I will always keep it closely. [/ic]

[ooc] Roberto is now letting it be known that he seeks the office of Consul of the Interior - of course continuing his support for Senator Calafatus's re-election - and has modified the application of his influence appropriately (see my post on page four).[/ooc]

QuoteI assume that people can shift their votes for a while after they post in this thread.

Correct.  Senators are free to change their votes until the deadline, or until a general consensus has been reached.

Quoterabidly anti-Jewish Roman people

They aren't, actually.  While there was some prejudice against Jews - Giordano Pierleone, for instance, was mocked by his enemies for being descended from Jews - Rome was one of the best places a Jew could live in medieval Europe during the Middle Ages.  Until the Renaissance, the Papacy tended to be protective of the Jews and regularly condemned the violence that was practiced against them elsewhere in Christendom, and as a result the Jews of Rome were never expelled or systematically attacked throughout this period.  They were protected against violence and to interfere with their ceremonies or celebrations was prohibited.  It wasn't until Pope Innocent III (at the end of the 12th century) that Jews were barred from holding public office and forced to wear the "yellow badge" to identify themselves, but he was somewhat of an anomaly for Popes of that time.  While citizens may have been less charitable than the Popes, there's no indication that the Roman people were especially anti-Semitic.

Really? Thanks for the clarification. I had thought they were best treated by the communities in Spain.

Quote from: Light DragonReally? Thanks for the clarification. I had thought they were best treated by the communities in Spain.

At this particular point in time, that is true, but even periods of tolerance and royal favor were interspersed with massacres because the rulers of Spain at this time were considerably more pro-Jewish than their subjects.  While Jews in Christian Spain did fare better than Roman Jews in certain periods of the Middle Ages, Roman Jews were more consistently well treated and never had any pogroms directed against them (that I've discovered, at least).

[ic=Response to Senator Vittorio]
The wealth of Tivoli will not return to Tivoli.  Tivoli were not razed so we could extend the hand of friendship and help them rebuild, it was because they joined the Papal alliance and attacked Rome itself. If re-elected as Consul of the Exterior I will remember those who supported me, and securing safe travel for our fair cities merchant vessels is one thing could be done in the coming months.
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Senator Bernardo  DiFontane]
I appreciate your support in my bid for re-election as Consul of the Exterior. As the Consul of the Exterior my gaze would be fixed to the exterior of our fair city, rightly so. However there are many things that must be done if our city is to continue to prosper. The Aqueduct should be fixed, our military trained and improved and the Consul of the Interior should focus on ousting the enemies of Rome who currently control parts of the city. I would be willing to support any Senator willing to focus on these issues in the coming year.
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Senator Roberto Basile]
I appreciate your support in my bid for re-election as Consul of the Exterior, I see that you have decided that I did indeed find wisdom on the battlefield.  As the Consul of the Exterior my gaze would be fixed to the exterior of our fair city, rightly so. However there are many things that must be done if our city is to continue to prosper. The Aqueduct should be fixed, our military trained and improved and the Consul of the Interior should focus on ousting the enemies of Rome who currently control parts of the city. I would be willing to support any Senator willing to focus on these issues in the coming year.
[/ic]

[ooc=Election of Winter 1152]
Senator Fortis Calafatus: 6 Influence
Senator Roberto Basile: 0 Influence
Senator Bernardo DiFontane: 0 Influence
[/ooc]

[ic=Letter to Fortis Calafatus]

Senator Calafatus,

You will always find myself your friend. Any friend of Rome is dear to my heart. I have gifted you my support in recognition of your boldness on the field, the glory you have won Rome, and the shame you have heaped upon the Tiburtini. I see that you have the makings of a great statesman and general, and would aid you in all that you do for the betterment of our city.

Your desires echo my own. The repair of the Aqua Virgo would be among the foremost of my causes as Consul of the Interior. Indeed, were the city threatened by external force, it could mean the difference between victory and defeat. As to our City's Militia, while by all accounts proving capable, brave and steadfast at the Siege of Tivoli, could no doubt benefit from additional training. I would propose to organize staggered days of training, whereby sections of our militia would take up arms, and under the direction of our most experienced captains be drilled in formation, discipline, and the fighting arts. The enemies that yet infest Rome like a plague of rats are always on my mind. I find myself lying awake at night tossing and turning, my head full of thoughts and plans of how to excise them as a surgeon would a bad tissue. Be assured, I will not rest until the Papists and the Pierleoni are driven from Rome.

Funding as ever will present a problem, but I mull several proposals to allay such fears. Indeed, as I proposed last season, I would establish a voluntary fund for the defense of our city. Our Senators are all known patriots, and I know they would contribute most generously, as I myself intend to. It is unfortunate that Senator Oliveri did not act on my proposal. I have discussed with Senator Manzinni this very thing, and we have both agreed that any such funds the Senate may accrue should be committed to Rome's protection. We have additionally found Senator DeRosa's proposal to be wise, and would also devote any silver so gathered through rent or sale of remaining Papist properties.

Consider all that I have said, Senator Calafatus. That is all that I can ask. If you should choose to gift me with your endorsement, and with the grace of God, I know that together we can bring prosperity and peace to Rome.

Senator Roberto Basile

[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Count Tolomeo II]It is with great distress that I hear your pleas for coin to bring the Pope to Rome. I have heard that the war against Rome and the Pope's demands have bankrupted you, Count Tolemeo II of Tusculum. Return to Rome and support the Commune and have your estates there; or else the Senate is likely to seize your territory. I say this pragmatically, Count Tusculum. Rome could use your family at its side if you repent. I speak only but for myself in these words, and as you are well aware, I am no Noble. But be advised that the Senate is discussing your situation. Remember, All Roads Lead to Rome, not to Tusculum--where one Noble's holdings are already bereft.[/ic]

[ic=Privately to Roberto]
Congratulations on your new entry into the election for Consul, Roberto Basile! You could make a fine leader and Consul of the Interior.

Because I realize that DiFontane continues to speak of raising taxes due to the enormity of the projects needed to strengthen Rome, I have given some thought to the dilemma:

One potential source of funding in our Future could be the estates of those who did not Stand with Rome and who have continually stood against Rome. I fear to suggest a confiscation of those who may yet stand with Rome in the future, such as the Frangipani, but the Count of Tusculum has resisted entreaties and has kept the Pope from his rightful seat. I propose that Rome either have Tusculum's followers at its defense to enforce order in the City, or it has his lands in Rome. I have already sent a letter to the Count, advising him to Embrace the Commune, noting of course that I speak but for myself. But if a Consul were to posit either theory, Rome would be strengthened and that Consul may be even more popular with the popolo.

Indeed, it is sad. The Count is desperate. Just between us two for the moment until we know if the Count is to return to Rome. The man loves money; he likely will not be a trustworthy ally...He even sent me a note speaking of how he would permit the Pope return home to receive Arnold's blessing if we were to present him a bribe--most distressing. And harmful to the Pope's alliance with him were the Pope to see this note, I would think.[/ic]

[spoiler]
[ic=Letter or Conversation with Arnold of Bresica]
Senator DiFontaine has brought up an important question; that of Tre Fontaine. The Abbot has fled among the Tolomeo and only the Senior Monks remain. We know you wish all holy men to walk as you do, in poverty. If we were to negotiate with Tre Fontaine, would it be appropriate to request they tithe a sizable amount of their wealth to the Commune for the good of the people of Rome and its environs in return for them being allowed to retain what remains, for purpose of managing their lands to remain self-sufficient?

Of course, it is possible that the Monks may be so greedy as to not even agree to the offer of the tithe to aid the common popolo. It is also possible that they fear retribution from their Cardinal, who is a man of temporal power. The Senate could delay action against Tre Fontaine; we have delayed for long before.

But if you are not amenable to that solution, then DiFontane seems to be suggesting bloodshed in the Abbey...[/ic]


[spoiler=No one Read Please (Not Even Polycarp)]
(store the spears for now in my household).

OOC: What goods might Roger II not already have in ample supply? Is this something as a player that I guess, or is it something that as Vittorio I may know?

To Roberto
-I have a deal for Rome. Crossbows from Naples; the verysame used by the Normans to defend and assault. With them each Roman citizen on Rome's walls will become the worth of not 10 of each of the enemy's troops, but 100! If you pay an appropriate price, I can acquire many more from Sicily. Also, payment of an appropriate price will allow me to guarantee safe-shipment for our supplies from my cousin-in-law, Roger II. He has made a most interesting proposition. The man states that if Rome can trade him some good that he does not already have, he will secure our ships on the waves. And if he would do that...It may be only a small change if Rome would prefer to have a borrowed force for some military action. If you make the acquisition, then the option would be available.

On another issue... Trade. What is your opinion of developing Rome into a trading port to join Genoa, Venice and Pisa in their glory? The option is not without its risks, but it could greatly renew the Capagna Romanum to its once great glory.

speech to Senate:
I speak on two issues, separately. If anyone has comments, please speak before my second issue.
1)
...These crossbows were used by Norman invaders in Southern Italy and with them, each Roman citizen on Rome's walls will become the worth of not 10 of each of the enemy's troops, but 100! (pay ample and can acquire greater supplies). (patriotism, etc).

{Pauses for your comments}

2)
to senate: The Frangipani and the Pierloni may yet turn to love Rome; the Pierloni once served the Senate well before us all. It seems the Pierloni and the Frangipani believe in the Papacy...but it also seems that the Pierloni at least believe in Rome. Tusculum, however, who harbors the Pope- Tusculum loves nothing except money. He threatens to sell us out to the Emperor if we do not provide him coin! I have record right here in HIS OWN HAND that he would deliver the Pope to those he thinks are his enemies if they give him the Silver. Tusculum does not even love his ally the Pope! He cannot be trusted to help an ally or Rome. Then what is Tusculum? A man without a Holy Leader, a man without a Holy City- a man whose lands should go to benefit the city of Rome. I propose to take his estates and bring their value to the Senate of Rome. I suggest that the Urban Milita, led by Basile of the Interior, lead this endeavour.
[/spoiler]
[/spoiler]

[ic= Response letter to Fortis Calafatus]
Quite naturally. We are in agreement on the matters of the aqueduct, and the need to secure our own city. However, to do that, one must first establish a solid basis of fund with which to do those things. By supporting me, those things you list will be completed as soon as is possible.[/ic]

[ooc=Please Read!]
Rules Revision

On further reflection I have decided to tweak the rules of bribery.  Instead of the vote you steal being randomly determined, you may now specify both for whom the bribed vote is to go to and from whom the bribed vote is to be taken.  This will prevent the appearance of a bribe appearing to "hurt" someone it was not intended to hurt.  I will update the Election Rules post accordingly.[/ooc]

That's ominous.

Also, thank you for the detailed battle reports- that was much more in-depth than expected...and it was well written.

[ic=Response to Fortis Calafactus]
Ah, to clarify- the food would be offered for sale to those of Tivoli, and the wealth would flow to Rome.
However, you have spoken and I agree with your decision. Tivoli is our enemy and has always so been.

There is no doubt that you will be elected Consul. You will receive a vote from me, of that you can be assured.[/ic]

[ic=Privately to Costa]Ah, Costa. I spoke for you but you were taken ill and could not lead the military's march to Tivoli. If you do not have any strong opinions in this election, I bid you support Roberto Basile with your votes--he speaks words of wisdom that seem as though they will lead Rome to prosperity. Calafactus needs no more votes, but I understand if for political reasons why you may send one his way, but Roberto needs votes to ensure that the taxation-hungry DiFontane does not succeed...DiFontane's success will mean the people of Rome may be angered with our leadership! We do not want them to equate us with the gold-hungry bureaucrats who have been chased from the Tiber![/ic]

So, I have been interested in playing this game since the first post. Life only allowed me to come in this late though, but fortunately I could. So here's my character sheet, and a small background text to give my character some flavor.

Name: Hugo de Vinti
Age: 42
Class: Citizen

Influence: 5
Popularity: 5
Wealth: 6
Orthodoxy: 5

Born in 1110 to a wealthy marble merchant of Siena and a sophisticated Roman woman, herself the daughter of a notorious marble trader, he was raised in the marble business. Though his father would have liked him to be more into the continuation of the family business, Hugo didn't fail his family. His taste for arts and physical beauty can hardly be matched. It got him to learn the art of sculpting and this allowed his father to showcase his product in an entertaining fashion while he conducted business. His first commission was for the Siena branch of the family and was a total success, earning him notoriety in the sculpting community of southern Europe, especially in Tuscany and Latium, but also in Sicily, where the construction boom has earned him a few lucrative contracts.

Hugo is known to sometimes host great parties at his family estate, in which he exposes his great creations; marble sculptures, abstract paintings and more. He also uses such opportunities to allow good friends to show off their talents, such as winemakers and chefs, but also dancers, musicians and such entertainers. His invitees are diversified and definitely selected. Some are foreigners with whom he (or his family) conducted business, others are other like-minded Senators (in more recent times, of course) and he always brings in a handful of peasants, as well as his neighbors. Although the uninvited may say otherwise, all who went to these parties agree that they generally are a success.

His interest in politics is a newfound one. Being appointed Senator has also raised his belief that he can strengthen Rome and its people. It is toward that ultimate goal that he works in the Senate. Many of his colleagues also know he has many contacts in many places. Fortunately for him, said contacts have retained their anonymity. Overall, with his experience, his patriotic heart and his awareness, he has been seen as a positive asset to the Senate to this day.

Though, for all his qualities, Hugo definitely is a controversial character. Some say he is heretic, because he is married to Sophia Al-Fayez of Tripoli, who used to be a Muslim (but has been converted to Christianity) and because of his lifestyle and somewhat unorthodox parties that sometime border on total debauchery. Others say that he is an ally of Eugene III, because he sculpted a set of figurines and small statues in fine marble for him. Hugo has for a saying; "Art has no friends, nor enemies. It exists for everyone to behold and none can truly hate it."

If there is anything I can do on this turn (beside voting, it would seem... opportunistic and perhaps precipitated), please let me know.

Actually, you can do anything on this turn besides vote - I've asked people to not bother with OOC orders until the election is over, but that's only because some orders depend on Consular authority and we don't yet know who has that authority until the Consuls are chosen.

[ic=A Letter to Senator Manzinni]As I suspected, the Romans are capable of dealing only in threats.  Well, two can play at that game - I hold my estates from the Emperor, not your Senate, and if the Romans decide that they would like to try their fortunes against my castles I will gladly inform Frederick of your treachery as soon as he sets foot in Latium.  And not this alone - I will open my doors to the Imperial army.  Every one of my fortresses on the way to Rome will be his to utilize, that he may rest and resupply as he wishes, that he may more deftly crush your insolence into dust.  Every ally, every spy that remains to me will supply him with everything he should need to bring about your downfall.

I have no interest in seeing the German assert his authority in my domains, but should the Senate lay a single greedy finger on my possessions you can be assured of my retribution.  Inform your "Consuls" of this, and tell them that they should keep a tighter leash on their councilors so I will not have to receive any more idle threats from the likes of you.  Though your Consuls may not be gentlemen, perhaps at least they are capable of playing the part.

Tolomeo, Count of Tusculum, Prince of Latium[/ic]

[ic=Private Message to Vittorio Manzinni] Though I am humbled by your offer, I do not feel the time is right for myself to seek election as a Consul. I have expended a sizable amount of money constructing the Chapel of the Blessed Godfrey of Cappenberg within the hallowed halls of the Basilica of St. Marry. Furthermore, there is much work to be done with bolstering the defenses of the city and bringing forth a secure future. For now, I will do my part out on the floor of the senate, content to allow other, worthier candidates, vie for Consulship. However, if in the future such candidates prove less decisive, or less defense-minded, then we should work to rectify such a situation, if only for the continued glory and prosperity of the Eternal City.  [/ic]

[ic=Private Letter to Fortis Calafactus]I have chosen this year to support you for your bid of consulship of Rome. Your ventures in Tivoli have proven your right mindedness and your decisive nature. I pray such qualities will continue henceforth into the future. I beseech you, dear Consul, if you are (God willing) elected, that you should put more emphasis upon the defense of our fair city - from aqueducts, to the walls, to the militia - Rome has the much potential for improvement. With your stewardship, I believe you could lead Rome to a new golden age, one full of hope, prosperity and joyousness.

- Senator Domenico DeRosa  [/ic]

[ooc=Winter Election 1152]
Fortis Calafatus: 6 Influence[/ooc]

[ooc]Consular Votes
Roberto Basile - 4
Fortis Calafactus - 1 (my personal vote goes to him)
[/ooc]

[ooc=Current Tally]Election of 1152
Total votes: 27
Votes cast: 27
Votes remaining: 0

Senator Calafatus: 17
Senator Basile: 7
Senator DiFontane: 3

This is the current tally for the election of 1152, before bribery is applied.  Total votes include currently active players only.  The deadline continues to be Wednesday, February 8.  The election may also end by consensus, meaning that one of the current candidates withdraws from contention and declares their support for another of the current candidates, leaving only two in contention.  Until the election ends in either of these two ways, you may still change your votes or communicate a bribe to me.[/ooc]

[ic=To the Senate]
Greetings esteemed colleagues,

I would like to express my concern about the state of our fair city, Rome. Frederick is due to arrive someday and God knows he intends to subjugate Romans to his rule, perhaps worst. We are surrounded by foes... and allies are a rarity. We have to remedy to that situation as soon as possible.

I will be working my contacts as much I can, to create strong bonds between Rome and them and to ensure our prosperity as well as our security. At the same time, I will give generously to the improvement of our defenses, be it in the training of a disciplined armed force or the construction of fortifications, or both.

This winter shall prove a great opportunity for us Romans to strengthen our position in the region. While everybody else sits on their laurels, let us work actively to boost the morale of our fellow people, the hearty Romans and demoralize those who would see our great Republic fail.

*Bows to the crowd of Senators*[/ic]

[ic=To the Lesser Council]
My signores,

I have been subtle lately, observing from a distance the unfolding events. I must admit I am concerned with the state of Rome. People that would see the Republic fail are not only surrounding us, but also have taken territories inside the city. We must not let them achieve their goals.

That being said, I already took a few precautions to ensure the safety of our Republic. I hope others will join in on my endeavor to make Rome a better place.

I would also like to point out that it is possible for us the delay the coming of Frederick even further. If arrangements would be made for rivalries to intensify on Germany's southern border, we would strengthen our position here in the south and our northern neighbors would be rendered weak, allowing us more leeway in future negotiations, and other endeavors.

*Bows politely to the council*[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Francini Benedito, given with a figurine of marble depicting a praying man]Dear friend,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. It has been too long since I last saw you, but my being appointed senatores consilliarii in the Republic of Rome does not give me much time to travel abroad. Please accept this gift as an apology for my absence. I know you are a man of good faith and hope this gift will be well suited for your taste.

I have an important thing to ask of you. I know very well that Sicily is on a construction binge and that they might be looking for the finest marble and the best dealers. You know very well that my estate holds many connections in such business and would like to let you know that I am seeking trade agreements with your fair city, or another of your realm would the demand be insufficient in Naples. Would you help me find an interesting investment? You would have Rome's most sincere thanks.

Of course, I would select a few gifts from my personal collection to be sent your way in a show of gratitude for your help. I feel a man of your tastes would enjoy such additional decorations.

Your friend de Vinti[/ic]

[ooc]- Send an agent to Naples to study the prospects for investment opportunities in which I would spend no more than 1 Wealth of my estate
- Send a delegation to Gregoriopolis with 1 Wealth worth of goods and necessities from my estate to bolster our influence in the port city
- Spend 1 Wealth for the recruiting, arming and training of militia for Rome. (1 Wealth that would be given to Roberto Basile, like my IC comment suggests on p.8)
- Investigate the defenses of the city of Rome (EE has already answered me)
[/ooc]

Hugo de Vinti has been chosen to enter the ranks of the Lesser Council and join our esteemed senatores consiliarii.  We congratulate him.

For the enlightenment of all players, the Map of Latium has been enhanced by the addition of some basic information on the regions of Latium right below the map (on the first page).  Check it out!

[ooc=Current Tally]
Election of 1152
Total votes: 27
Votes cast: 27
Votes remaining: 0

Senator Calafatus: 14
Senator Basile: 8
Senator DiFontane: 5

This is the current tally for the election of 1152, before bribery is applied.  Total votes include currently active players only.  The deadline continues to be Wednesday, February 8.  The election may also end by consensus, meaning that one of the current candidates withdraws from contention and declares their support for another of the current candidates, leaving only two in contention.  Until the election ends in either of these two ways, you may still change your votes or communicate a bribe to me.[/ooc]

[ic=Private to DeRosa]
If it is your wish to stand back from election, then I respect it and I respect the courage it takes to stand aside while others seek glory. I wish you success regarding your endeavors with the Chapel. As a caution from one of age, though- while there is great wisdom in holding back from election, beware of being too humble. Other candidates may be worthy, but it may hurt one's opportunities to rectify others' wrongs if one has already publicly said others are worthier than you.

I will watch your career with joy and approval. If in the future candidates prove less decisive, or less defense-minded, then I would be glad to work with you to rectify that situation for the continued glory and prosperity of the Eternal City. For now, though I will stand with Fortis and with Roberto- two Great Men of Rome.[/ic]

[ic=Private to Manzinni]
Would you be able, by any chance, to notify your cousin Roger II of Sicily of my efforts to promote a trade agreement between Rome and Sicily? I have already sent agents to Naples to meet with old acquaintances of mine, and more... I am also working arduously to win the hearts of Gregoriopolians to further secure the Tiber mouth, even thought that might not mean much now, those who have the Pope's best interests at heart can be surprising, at times.

If he'd agree to supplying Rome with contracts in exchange for, say... marble imports, we would already be in a much better economic state. Of course, this is an idea... there might be other possibilities as well. Though, I am aware that they have been building intensely lately.[/ic]

[ic=Private to Hugo de Vinti]Thank you for seeking my council. I am certain, Hugo, that Roger II will be interested in trade if Rome can provide him with something that he does not already possess in weight. In fact, I have already been in contact with my cousin and he has informed me of a particular deal that I hope to bring before the Consuls once they are elected. I regret that I cannot inform you of the particular details at this moment, but I can confirm that Roger II is very interested in pursuing lucrative potentialities with Rome and he has promised a very interesting deal if we can bring him something of which he does not already have a surplus.

What sort of trade deal were you seeking; that is, what items were you pursuing to trade? The deal which you seek may serve Rome better than the one that I am negotiating? [/ic]

Essentially, OOC- were you looking to get certain goods from Rome, or are you trying to improve Rome's wealth in general by 1... as in for the Senate's funds.

Polycarp- Can we have a running total of how much money the Senate has in its defense/construction fund from our own contributions and from the other Senators' donations?

Also, I was discussing this with Magnus- as a possible idea:
What if each character had an additional stat- a type of income that would refresh in one season for each year.
For example--- Magnus may gain a popularity every spring from an unveiling of his statues; I might gain a wealth every year in Autumn due to my trade; Fortis may gain an influence every Summer from his ownership of a theatre, etc. (Influence should not be gained in a voting quarter though) Or something along those lines to represent accumulation of things from each Senators' private businesses. Each Senator could choose what bonus they may receive and in which month they would receive it. Events outside players control could sometimes result in no bonus being received, etc.

Quote from: Light DragonPolycarp- Can we have a running total of how much money the Senate has in its defense/construction fund from our own contributions and from the other Senators' donations?

As soon as there is Wealth in the treasury, a treasury will be established.  No Wealth has been put toward any defense/construction fund because all the orders were conditional ("IF a defense fund is set up...") and no defense fund was set up.  The treasury and all "common" Senatorial funds are the domain of the Consul for the Interior, and when that Consul orders such a fund created, it will be.

QuoteWhat if each character had an additional stat- a type of income that would refresh in one season for each year.

This actually already exists for Wealth, you just haven't reached the proper season yet.  Non-nobles gain 1 Wealth in Spring (Holy Week!) while nobles gain 1 Wealth in Summer (Harvest!).  Influence, Popularity, and Orthodoxy only change with actions, which can include building great civic projects or churches and such, but I'm very reluctant to give any kind of "Stat income" on stats that you don't "spend" like you do Wealth.

In retrospect, perhaps I should have stated that yearly income bit sooner, but I just figured we'd get to Spring and Summer soon enough.

Speaking of which, do your election stuff, people!  Tomorrow is the cutoff point.  I will announce winners sometime tomorrow evening and then all characters may post OOC orders and get this turn done with.

1. Thank you for the clarification.

2. I'm pretty sure a defense fund was set up-the Interior consul isn't playing yet so I thought Roberto and the other contributor set one up? Am I the only one with this misconception?

3/ Question about the turn: I want to have some discussions with the Consuls and I want to do some other things after the speeches are given... is the season going to be over on Wed? Or will we have another week for the season to be completed and for debate to happen?

Quote from: Light Dragon2. I'm pretty sure a defense fund was set up-the Interior consul isn't playing yet so I thought Roberto and the other contributor set one up? Am I the only one with this misconception?

If it was a misconception, it's not really a big deal.  We'll be getting new Consuls tomorrow and they can set it up then.  I didn't subtract from anyone's Wealth for the non-existent fund last turn, so they are welcome to contribute again this turn.

Quote3. Question about the turn: I want to have some discussions with the Consuls and I want to do some other things after the speeches are given... is the season going to be over on Wed? Or will we have another week for the season to be completed and for debate to happen?

Wednesday is just the deadline for the vote, not the turn.  I hope we don't need an entire extra week to get Turn 2 orders in - I was thinking a Sunday or Monday deadline for Turn 2 - but if people need a whole week we can do that too.

OOC -  I was looking for a steady stream of Wealth per Season. Since they are on a construction boom, they'll need materials, maybe more than they have available (though that I'm far from certain and is why I'm only inquiring about opportunities for this turn). The Wealth return, of course, I'd want it to be as high as possible, but 1 Wealth will suffice and further deals could increase this amount. And to really answer your question. It's not only about increasing Rome's Wealth, but Rome's reputation with a potential ally against Frederick I. If Frederick or his Papal allies would decide to descend upon Rome, Sicily's interests might be in jeopardy. You get where I'm going. Of course one deal wouldn't set the sort of reaction I'm expecting, but in life, we start at the low of the ladder and go up. If you catch my drift. :)

[ic=Private to Manzinni]
I am overjoyed to hear that another amongst us is pursuing economic avenues with the good Sicilians. And you have contacted His Majesty, no less... and have had an answer already!

When you say that we should offer him something he does not have in surplus already, did you imply that marble was out of the question? If that is the case, perhaps our proficiency with it would be a better proposal?

I have, in my career, built a few estates in Sicily. I am sure they would greatly appreciate Roman help on that matter. Of course, you already know of this, but the de Vinti are great marble workers and have been in the business for decades. Our contacts are many, as well, and span across the great lands of Italy. If you would caress his ears with the prowess of our fine people, perhaps he would be enticed in benefiting the good works of our marble masters? If you are to do so, I beg you to tell me so that I may also send gifts his way. Then he can witness true Roman marvel.

Of course, the prospect of sending our good Romans abroad might seem terrifying, but if it's for the good cause of Rome, nothing is too harsh. Besides, Vittorio, I am sure His Majesty, the King Roger II of Sicily would be generous with the Republic of Rome if we were to dispatch some of our greats. Such are the Sicilians.

I have sent one of my agent in Naples to study the prospects for economic opportunities in that city, but also in Sicily in general, so perhaps I can truly answer your question at a later time?[/ic]

Thank you again Polycarp.

Regarding the recent marble discussion- would marble count as a special resource that Rome has for purposes of Roger II? Or is that something to be found out in-game after a marble deal is proposed to Roger II?

Also, Do we actually have marble mines or is all of Hugo's marble essentially skimmed off of decaying buildings?

Quote from: Light Dragon
Thank you again Polycarp.

Regarding the recent marble discussion- would marble count as a special resource that Rome has for purposes of Roger II? Or is that something to be found out in-game after a marble deal is proposed to Roger II?

Also, Do we actually have marble mines or is all of Hugo's marble essentially skimmed off of decaying buildings?

If we want Marble, we should conquer or make a deal with the town of Carrara because they have the best marble in the whole of Italy (it was highly prized by sculptors during the Renaissance).

I'd like to point out that I can have marble from different places in Italy. Especially in Tuscany around Siena. Because my family business is actually based there and Rome was only somewhere my father established a branch of the business. Though my character definitely prefers quality marble from outside Rome, he would still recycle if need be. Probably not for trade with Sicily though, or at least not for the more popular cities. If Roger II would learn about that I don't think the agreement would last long.

I'm also interested in knowing if Rome possesses marble mines or marble spots of its own. Even if in the vicinity and not -within- the city itself.

Thanks for the info EE, though I'll let Poly rule out whether my character knows that for sure or not. It seems to me that he would, but deciding that by myself right now would be way too opportunistic.

QuoteI'm also interested in knowing if Rome possesses marble mines or marble spots of its own. Even if in the vicinity and not -within- the city itself.

Rome possesses no marble quarries, but the marble ruins of Rome were "mined" for centuries.  The ruins of Ostia (in the 12th century, Gregoriopolis) were also widely exploited, and Ostian marble was used for constructions in Pisa, Florence, and Amalfi in the Middle Ages.  One shouldn't dismiss such "salvaged" marble just because it's been re-used; it was not an inferior material to freshly quarried marble.  As far as I can tell, Ostia was favored mostly because it was a big yet uninhabited city that was close enough to the sea for the stone to easily be loaded onto ships.  Because Rome was an actual medieval city with building projects of its own, I don't believe it was exploited for foreign use as extensively as Ostia; most of the times I read about Roman ruins being re-purposed, it's for some new palazzo in or around Rome itself. 

As for Carraran marble, you already have it, to an extent - it was widely used in Rome and probably in Ostia too (it was used in the Pantheon, for instance).  The quarries at Carrara were forgotten for some time after the Empire's fall, but by now they have been rediscovered, and a Sienese marble merchant would know about them.

[ooc=Election of 1152]Total votes: 27
Votes cast: 27
Votes remaining: 0

Senator Calafatus: 13
Senator Basile: 9
Senator DiFontane: 5

This is the current tally for the election of 1152, before bribery is applied.  Total votes include currently active players only.

You have six hours left to send bribes or change your vote!  Six hours from the time this message is posted, all ballots will be final and the result will be announced.[/ooc]

[ic=Before the Senate House]A herald announces the results of the Senate's deliberation to the people.  Fortis Calafatus and Roberto Basile have been named Consuls for 1152-1153.  May they rule wisely and justly![/ic]

Fortis Calafatus, who has received the largest number of votes in the Senate, has the privilege of choosing his Consular office.  Roberto Basile will take whichever Consular office, exterior or interior, that Consul Calafatus has not selected.

Now that the election is over, all players may commence with Turn 2.  Orders for Turn 2 are due on Sunday, February 12th.  I figure it won't take us a whole week since the election has given us some time to prepare orders, but if Sunday is too soon, please notify me.

Letters were already posted with the update, save those for Consuls.

[ic=To the Consuls]I am told the Consuls are the masters of Rome.  If this is true, perhaps they will see about dispersing the mob besieging my house.  As much as I enjoy my residence, I am getting rather tired of being confined to it.

Pietro Colonna[/ic]

[ic=To the Consuls]Esteemed Roman Consuls,

The Consuls and people of Perugia send their congratulations on overturning Episcopal tyranny.  We have great hopes for future friendship and cooperation between our two ancient Tiberian cities.  We intend to provide a delegation to your city in the Spring and suggest that accommodations be procured for them by the Roman Senate in a manner you deem to be appropriate.

Camerarius Ildibrand Ferrante, for the Ten Consuls of Perugia[/ic]

[ooc=Investigation]Investigate the defenses of the city of Rome[/ooc]

OOC - I'd like something similar to what EE did in the past (it's on page 3). Of course, it would be in addition to my other actions.

Quote from: Elemental_Elf[ooc=Orders, investigation]
We have many enemies on our borders and few allies. It would be for the best if we ascertained the true nature of the defenses of the Eternal City. For this defenses is used as a broad term meaning walls, fortifications, towers, the militia, granaries,  water supply, etc. I hereby order an investigation into the defenses of Rome using the criteria stated previously. [/ooc]

[ic=Private Note to Fortis Calafatus]Congratulations dear friend on your recent meteoric rise to the pinnacle power within our humble city. May your reign as Consul be peaceful, prosperous and benevolent. [/ic]

[ic=Private Letter To Senator Hugo  de Vinti]Dear Senator,

It has come to my attention that you have made an inquiry into the defenses of the Eternal City. As the fates would have it, I happened to commission just such an inquiry myself not three months ago. I would be more than happy to share my findings with a fellow defense-minded Senator such as yourself - for we must defend that which we have built, lest we be conquered by the wolves that surround us. I have enclosed my findings in this letter with the hope that when defense-related issues arise on the Senate floor, I can count on you to act with the best interest of Rome's continued freedom in mind.

Sincerely,

Senator Domenico DeRosa

[spoiler=Findings][ooc=The Report]Defenses

The Aurelian Walls of Rome are in a rather sorry state.  The Goths razed nearly half the city's wall in the 6th century, and though many repairs have been made there are still numerous weak points and damaged sections, some of them even caused by the Romans themselves who used wall stones for building materials over the years.  Even if it were repaired fully, however, the essential problem remains that the wall perimeter is huge; even if every man of Rome was under arms, they could not possibly defend every section of it.  An enemy force might well scale an undefended section and seize the city that way.  The walls certainly serve a purpose, but they may be more valuable as a delay against a serious attack rather than an absolute defense.

The Leonine City, in contrast, is exceptionally secure; the Castle of Saint Angelo acts as the keystone of an excellent system of defenses in this walled quarter, built several centuries ago to protect Saint Peter's Basilica against the Saracens.  Even the river there is protected by chain towers that can keep any ship from passing.  Unfortunately, the whole district seems to be firmly in the hands of the Pierleonists.

No serious steps have been taken to organize any kind of food storage against invasion.  The city has relied on the Tiber for its water since the barbarians cut the Roman aqueducts in distant antiquity, but the Tiber banks are not very healthy and malaria is endemic there.  Fouling the river further would presumably be possible, and there is no real alternative source.

The militia is generally enthusiastic and equipped in an adequate manner, but training and discipline seem to be lacking, as one might gather from the recent assault on Tivoli (see battle report).  It is highly doubtful whether the militia in its current state could stand up to real, professional soldiers in a field battle.[/ooc][/spoiler][/ic]

[ooc=Orders: Spy]Send a competent spy into the town of Formello, to uncover the town's defensive and military strengths as well as any weaknesses the town may have (reliance upon a single source of water, aged/crumbling gates and walls, heavily burdened poor who might rise up against their lords given the right circumstances, etc.). Ensure the cost does NOT exceed 1 Wealth. [/ooc]

[ooc=Orders: Chapel]Ensure the construction of the Chapel I commissioned is going smoothly.[/ooc]

[ic=Private To Fortis]
Congratulations on your election. Although many other senators dropped their support and votes of you, I spoke up for your when their support ebbed away. I hope that my personal vote was appreciated and I believe that together; you and I the Senate can continue to serve Rome and to protect it in these difficult days.
[/ic]

[ic=Private to DiFontaine]
Although our policies were at loggerheads in regards to taxation, I do look forward to supporting you in the future when a tax is more appropriate. You are a good man for Rome and I look forward to working with you on our areas of common interest. The more dialogue we have in the future I think, the closer we can grow together. I invite you to one of my get-togethers, if you would like to join. There will be wine, song and singing inebriated women.

Also,  I too believe that Rome should expand its influence. There may be another way to enter Tre Fontaine without blood. I think there is much to discuss this possibility, if you would like.
[/ic]

[ic=Private To Roberto Basile]
Congratulations on your election! I look forward to seeing you put into practice the policies that we have discussed.

[spoiler=Open Depending on Polycarp's Reply to me. Otherwise I haven't said it yet.]
Also I have a deal for Rome. Crossbows from Naples; the verysame used by the Normans to defend and assault. With them each Roman citizen on Rome's walls will become the worth of not 10 of each of the enemy's troops, but 100! If you pay an appropriate price, I can acquire many more from Sicily. Also, payment of an appropriate price will allow me to guarantee safe-shipment for our supplies from my cousin-in-law, Roger II. He has made a most interesting proposition. The man states that if Rome can trade him some good that he does not already have, he will secure our ships on the waves. And if he would do that...It may be only a small change if Rome would prefer to have a borrowed force for some military action. If you make the acquisition, then the option would be available. (e.g. Asking the senate to purchase crossbows for 2 wealth). I am willing to make a speech before the Senate to broach the idea.[/spoiler]

On another issue... Trade. What is your opinion of developing Rome into a trading port to join Genoa, Venice and Pisa in their glory? The option is not without its risks, but it could greatly renew the Capagna Romanum to its once great glory. All roads lead to Rome, should not all rivers?
[/ic]

[ic=Letter or Conversation with Arnold of Bresica]
Senator DiFontaine has brought up an important question; that of Tre Fontaine. The Abbot has fled among the Tolomeo and only the Senior Monks remain. We know you wish all holy men to walk as you do, in poverty. If we were to negotiate with Tre Fontaine, would it be appropriate to request they tithe a sizable amount of their wealth to the Commune for the good of the people of Rome and its environs in return for them being allowed to retain what remains, for purpose of managing their lands to remain self-sufficient?

Of course, it is possible that the Monks may be so greedy as to not even agree to the offer of the tithe to aid the common popolo. It is also possible that they fear retribution from their Cardinal, who is a man of temporal power. The Senate could delay action against Tre Fontaine; we have delayed for long before.

But if you are not amenable to that solution or inaction, then DiFontane seems to be suggesting bloodshed in the Abbey... Still, he is not our consul, and I do not know what Fortis or the Senate will ultimately decide.[/ic]


Polycarp? So my shipments don't arrive this turn? Perhaps I don't understand the travel times, but I would think that it would take less than 120 days (2 seasons) to send ships out to Naples and get ships back from Naples. Will the ships only arrive in Winter?

I also don't remember if I asked this: "OOC: What goods might Roger II not already have in ample supply? Is this something as a player that I guess, or is it something that as Vittorio I may know?"

Magnus-

QuoteOOC -  I was looking for a steady stream of Wealth per Season. Since they are on a construction boom, they'll need materials, maybe more than they have available (though that I'm far from certain and is why I'm only inquiring about opportunities for this turn). The Wealth return, of course, I'd want it to be as high as possible, but 1 Wealth will suffice and further deals could increase this amount. And to really answer your question. It's not only about increasing Rome's Wealth, but Rome's reputation with a potential ally against Frederick I. If Frederick or his Papal allies would decide to descend upon Rome, Sicily's interests might be in jeopardy. You get where I'm going. Of course one deal wouldn't set the sort of reaction I'm expecting, but in life, we start at the low of the ladder and go up. If you catch my drift

Ah. Thank you for the clarification. Just a FYI, Polycarp did mention that there would be some obstacles to overcome if we get too involved in foreign trade. That isn't stopping me yet; but it's something we probably want to weigh--what rate of expansion is safe for us.

[ooc]
*Have a loyal ally or self (if possible...considering my work in trade it may be possible) forge letter in Count Tusculum's hand (using his letters and the same vellum and ink he uses as a reference; also attempt to reproduce his seal and/or coat of arms on the missive). By mode of discrete deniability, hand it off in a chain of travelers unconnected to self. Eventually it should reach Tivoli. Contents: "It is with great regret that I could not join you to repel those dogs who have occupied Rome and thrust out its rightful Pontiff. You are now suffering, but you should not be so. Bring what belongings and wealth you have and come to my estates, which are spacious, to live with me and the Pope. You will be fed and famine should be no fear to you." The letter is specifying his estates where he is with the Pope; not the ones that we might potentially seize.

Monitor the situation to see if they are on the move. If they are on the move, I'd like to take an action.

*What is the current wealth in Rome's defense and construction funds after contribution by all willing Senators?

*Determine the number of cardinals that can vote in the papal election. If possible, determine their allegiances. This should be done by common knowledge; if not, then ask the Abbot of Subacio (who came to our aid) what he knows of the Cardinals' opinions about the major competitors for a pope to succeed Eugene III if the old man dies of old age.

*Survey the number of private ships in Rome.

*Determine in general the safety of road transportation from bandits on roads around Rome. If possible, determine bandit leaders and any groups that may be harassing pilgrims. Do this by inviting wealthier travelers from afar to my house to sup and wine and admire sculptures, like Da Vinti's.

*Letter to lands of the Fatimids in Northern Africa to get in contact with his trading contacts. Inquire as to how they are holding out regarding the current wars and to what trade goods they need in return for their glasswares, fabrics, linens, and roots in the coming trade season. Also inquire as to the prices of Elephants and their finest Equines. Mention the Marbles of Rome.[/ooc]

[ic=Letter to Pietro Colonna]Signore Colonna,

The situation that you are in is indeed unfortunate, and would do well to be rectified, I would imagine. Confinement to any palazzo, no matter how sumptuously appointed, certainly cannot be beneficial to the body's health. I ask you to forgive the Roman people, who you of course know to be overeager in their efforts at times. I will look into this matter at my earliest possible convenience.

At such a time that your situation has been resolved, I would like to extend to you the friendship of the Roman Senate, and would invite you to dine with me at my estate. The country airs will do you some good, and I promise that my table will not disappoint.

Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=Writ of Consular Order to Disperse and Desist]

Romans! Hear the voice of your lawfully elected Consul, Roberto Basile!

I know you are eager to defend the honour of our city, as I am! But Signore Colonna is not your enemy! He is a true Roman, just as you are! I hearby extend to him the protection of the Senate of Rome, and would humbly ask you to desist in your efforts to bring harm to his person or property. As Consul, it is my duty to defend the rights of any Roman, great or small, and all would do well to remember that!

[/ic]

[ic=Speech to the Senate]Senators! My heart is near bursting with joy to so serve the city of Rome! Your support of me is humbling, and I swear to God almighty that all the efforts of my being are now put to the betterment of our city.

Last season I had proposed a measure to create a voluntary fund for the defence of Rome, yet alas it fell by the wayside. My first act as Consul of the Interior is to officially establish just such a fund. I myself will be contributing generously, just as I had said. I promise to you that all funds will be guarded most closely, and will be spent wisely and with great care. I know that all of you are great patriots, and when called will do for Rome all that you are able. I so call on you now, Senators! Give to Rome what you can! Her needs are many, and must be seen to if she is to survive and prosper and grow as she so deserves.[/ic]

[ooc=Orders for Autumn 1152]
- Agree to the proposal made by Captain Ruggiero Bedello, investing 1 wealth in his venture. Additionally, send a half dozen of my most able crewmen who are familiar with the waters of the Tyrrhennian Sea and the Tunisian Coast - including my trusted lieutenant Simone Lombardi - with the merchant vessel.  

- As Consul, establish an official voluntary defence fund for the city, encouraging various senators to contribute. Personally contribute 1 wealth to this fund.

- Use 1 wealth to recruit, arm and organize a private militia - attempting to obtain the services of as many veterans of the Siege of Tivoli as is possible.

- Obtain the services of an engineer to investigate the repair of the Aqua Virgo, determining feasibility, potential time frame, necessary materials and labour, costs, etc.

- Using my Consular authority, send a small militia detachment along with some of my personal armsmen to attempt to peacefully break up the 'investiture' of the Palazzo Colonna - send a Consular writ to be read aloud in an attempt to persuade the mob to disperse. Provide militia protection to the Colonna if necessary in escorting them to my estate. At dinner, pick Pietro Colonna's brain in regards to his thoughts about the Commune and the Senate.  

- As Consul, institute a new policy requiring each man of the Urban Militia to devote one day in autumn and one day in spring to military training. Organize a set block of four days during which a quarter of the militia will train on each day in field formation and battle discipline under the direction of our most experienced veterans and military captains. For the inaugural block of training days, each man will receive a sweet-eating orange from the groves of Roberto Basile at mid-day.  
[/ooc]

Quote from: Magnus PymOOC - I'd like something similar to what EE did in the past (it's on page 3). Of course, it would be in addition to my other actions.

EE just posted this for you so it may not be necessary, but in any case I'll use this opportunity to remind you and everyone else to keep your OOC orders for the turn in a single post.  It seems like a minor thing, I know, but it makes it much, much easier for me to update - you should really only be making one "red box" of OOC orders per turn.  Just edit more orders in the same box if you think of more.

Quote from: Elemental_ElfFind out how much it would cost to send a competent spy into the town of Formello, who could uncover the town's defensive and military strengths as well as any weaknesses the town may have (reliance upon a single source of water, aged/crumbling gates and walls, heavily burdened poor who might rise up against their lords given the right circumstances, etc.).

To save time, you might consider simply ordering the espionage and setting a limit ("unless it costs me more than 1 Wealth").

Quote from: Light DragonPolycarp? So my shipments don't arrive this turn? Perhaps I don't understand the travel times, but I would think that it would take less than 120 days (2 seasons) to send ships out to Naples and get ships back from Naples. Will the ships only arrive in Winter?

They will arrive in the next update; that is, chronologically, sometime during Autumn.  Right now we are at the beginning of Autumn (September, basically) and you are deciding what to do for Autumn; the coming update will inform you what actually happened during autumn as a result of your orders.  What that means is that your shipment is not here at this moment, but you can issue orders about it since it should be arriving sometime during the period covered by the coming update (barring some unfortunate circumstance, like pirates/storms).

Quote"OOC: What goods might Roger II not already have in ample supply? Is this something as a player that I guess, or is it something that as Vittorio I may know?"

Any of the major merchants in Rome would probably know that Sicily is known for its wheat, sugar, and cotton, so they are unlikely to need those things.  What Roger and the merchants of his kingdom are interested in, however, is unknown to you.  There may not be much point in asking the question until you are actually producing some manner of good and controlling some manner of port with which to export it.

[ic=Arnold of Brescia to Vittorio Manzinni]Just as the Pope was justly denied his worldly dalliances in Rome, so too would it be just to deprive these so-called monks of theirs.  Their Abbey was richly endowed with lands by the great Charlemagne, and these monks take Tusculan vacations like the most prosperous of noblemen when the Summer is too hot for their feeble French constitutions!  Such wealth belongs to the people of Rome, not to the humble servants of God they are supposed to be.  I rebuke such men for the wealth in their clutches and I deny their spiritual authority, yet I would not put misguided men to the sword who do not bear arms themselves, for that is not the way of Christ.[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Consul Basile]Unless we are to dine at my residence, Consul, I am unaware of how I could safely extricate myself from these "overeager" crowds to find my way to your table.  May I be permitted to reverse the invitation and request your presence instead?  I assure you that despite this little siege, my larders are in no danger of becoming drafty.

Pietro Colonna[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Pietro Colonna]

As I write, I am preparing to ensure the peaceful dispersal of the Romans who have accosted you and your property. Your invitation is most kind, and if you still find yourself misliking the prospect of a country journey at such a time as my men arrive, I would be honoured to accept your invitation to share a meal. You are of course always welcome at my table, and my men will extend every courtesy to ensure your safe escort should you prefer to accept my invitation.

Roberto Basile[/ic]

QuoteThey will arrive in the next update; that is, chronologically, sometime during Autumn.  Right now we are at the beginning of Autumn (September, basically) and you are deciding what to do for Autumn; the coming update will inform you what actually happened during autumn as a result of your orders.  What that means is that your shipment is not here at this moment, but you can issue orders about it since it should be arriving sometime during the period covered by the coming update (barring some unfortunate circumstance, like pirates/storms).

Thank you... that might cause a small issue with how I was going to play things this turn, but we'll see how things turn out. e.g. I wanted it to arrive, then I wanted to say something, then depending on the reaction, I wanted to do X. I suppose I may have to rejigger my planning process in that case.

Thank you also for the clarity regarding the resources. It might help to have a list of common resources in certain areas... Is there any way that either I or someone else could help you with that on a map? (Since you've already put a lot of time into the game). Although from my understanding- Rome has 2 other resources: 1. Marble (needs transport); 2. Saintly Relics.

OOC - Updated my orders Polycarp.

Question: Who rules the town of  Portus?

Quote from: Light DragonThank you... that might cause a small issue with how I was going to play things this turn, but we'll see how things turn out. e.g. I wanted it to arrive, then I wanted to say something, then depending on the reaction, I wanted to do X. I suppose I may have to rejigger my planning process in that case.

Well, I'll let you work it out, but I'll just suggest as I have before that sometimes conditionals are the best way to handle these things (if my shipment arrives, then...).

QuoteThank you also for the clarity regarding the resources. It might help to have a list of common resources in certain areas... Is there any way that either I or someone else could help you with that on a map? (Since you've already put a lot of time into the game).

That would be a somewhat more involved process than a regular political map, but I will think about it.

QuoteAlthough from my understanding- Rome has 2 other resources: 1. Marble (needs transport); 2. Saintly Relics.

Yes, but Marble can't be shipped very far because Rome has no decent port, and relics derive their value chiefly by the fact that they're in Rome (so people will come to Rome to see them, spending money in the process).  Rome doesn't "export" relics; in fact, over the years, Popes generally bring relics to Rome from elsewhere.

Quote from: Elemental_ElfQuestion: Who rules the town of  Portus?

Nobody.  It is an uninhabited ruin.

OOC - Since Gregariopolis is controlled-by/allied-with Papal forces, is to safe to assume the Eternal City now has no port town of its own?

Quote from: Light Dragon
[ic=Private to DiFontaine]
Although our policies were at loggerheads in regards to taxation, I do look forward to supporting you in the future when a tax is more appropriate. You are a good man for Rome and I look forward to working with you on our areas of common interest. The more dialogue we have in the future I think, the closer we can grow together. I invite you to one of my get-togethers, if you would like to join. There will be wine, song and singing inebriated women.

Also,  I too believe that Rome should expand its influence. There may be another way to enter Tre Fontaine without blood. I think there is much to discuss this possibility, if you would like.
[/ic]

[ic=Reply to Manzinni, from Bernardo]
I admit I am disappointed at your lack of such support when the elections were being held. Still, who am I to overlook the offer of drunken reveling?

As I said in the consul chambers, I would do anything in my power to enter Tre Fontaine as a pilgrim and friend rather than at the head of an army. I will leave that to Fortis for the time being. I believe the key to that lies in the Abbot. Perhaps we should continue this at your home?[/ic]

Quote from: Elemental_ElfOOC - Since Gregariopolis is controlled-by/allied-with Papal forces, is to safe to assume the Eternal City now has no port town of its own?

This is basically true.  The Tiber is not very navigable; small and shallow-keeled ships can probably make it up to Rome, but usually only do so to transport wealthy pilgrims.  Others simply disembark at the river mouth.  I have allowed "orders" consisting of a single ship going here and there because Rome is not totally cut off from the sea, but it has no actual commercial port capable of handling a serious amount of maritime traffic.  In other words, if you need to send a ship to pick something up at Naples, you can do that, but forget about being part of Mediterranean trade without possessing a real port.  Currently the only "real port" in Latium is Civitavecchia.

Speaking of which, I banged out this trade map.  It sort of sucks and is not to be taken as comprehensive, but maybe it will be of some small use.

[spoiler=Trade Map](http://i.imgur.com/JHLID.png)[/spoiler]

[ic=Private letter to Fortis Calafatus]

Signore Calafatus, I congratulate you on your well deserved victory in this autumn's election. I could not see anyone else better suited than you to excel in this position. I hope that your leadership and wisdom will bring good fortune, and more to the Republic of Rome.

That being said, I would like to make a request, if I may. I would like to see your diplomatic talents, rather than military ones, to acquire us new allies and trade agreements. The Eternal City is in dire shape and another confrontation shortly after the victory of Tivoli might not be so wise a move. I implore you to show patience towards our enemies and ensure that they do not march upon us.

Again, congratulations on your nomination as Consul, and may God grant you a healthy, long life.

Sincerely,
Senator Hugo de Vinti[/ic]

[ic=Private letter to Roberto Basile]

Signore Basile, I would like to congratulate you on your nomination as Consul. I find myself on par with many of your ideals and feel that you can do much good for the Republic of Rome.

On another note, I want you to know that I will stand fully by your side in the matter of defense of Rome. I will also be contributing generously to the coffers allotted to this effect. Having said this, I'll start by contributing {denomination equaling 1 Wealth} to said fund for the recruit, arming and training of an armed force.

If I can permit myself a request; I wish that you use your powers of diplomacy and persuasion to make sure this force stays at home this year. Our republic still houses dissidents, and such pests should be rid of before attempting to expand our territory. Also, we should use this time to the betterment of not only our fortifications and constructions, but the training of our military so that when time arises for us to make real use of it, it crushes any obstacle in its way.

Again, congratulations on your nomination as Consul.

Glory to Rome![/ic]

[ic=Private Letter to Senator Domenico DeRosa]
Signore DeRosa,

Of course I have at heart the defense and well being of Rome. It is as you said; "we must defend that which we have built, lest we be conquered by the wolves that surround us." Rest assured that on such matter I will make my voice heard on the Senate floor and even in the Lesser Council.

I am grateful to you for saving me much time and trouble, if there is any way I can make it up to you, I would be overjoyed. So please do not hesitate to let me know if the need for assistance arises.

Yours truly,
Senator Hugo de Vinti[/ic]

OOC - I have updated my OOC Actions on p.6

[ic=Reply to Bernardo from Manzinni]
I am glad to see you at my home. Let us make the appointment for on the morrow night.
(later at the home, packing back a prodigious amount of booze.)
I agree that negotiations are best, and I agree that our Consul of the Exterior, Fortis, is the proper person to manage the negotiations. I believe the key to a safe entrance is that the Monks feel safety- that they will not be destroyed by Arnold of Bresica or forced to divest themselves of all their wealth. They may also fear retribution from their Cardinal if they permit us purchase.

I have spoken with Arnold and he does not counsel putting the Monks to the sword--he does not enjoy their great wealth, but if their wealth can be used to help the people, it seems he will likewise tone his rhetoric towards the Holy Monks--they can have wealth to manage their lands, but ostentation can be denied.

I believe we can negotiate an agreement where they donate some of their wealth to the people of Rome, for construction of an Aqueduct- the one that is planned for the city--and that Aqueduct can serve both the Lateran City and the People's City. The gift should endear them to the people and in turn we will leave them in peace and be allowed to travel to and from their alley as they wont- as they are allowed to keep some of their wealth and to be left unmolested by Arnold.

I intend to suggest this to Fortis, but since it was your plan and desire to enter Tre Fontaine as a pilgrim, I thought it best to discuss this non-violent solution with you first-as the one most invested in the issue- the option you support will have great weight-it will have even greater weight if Fortis or I bring it up in the Senate and you second it as an initial salvo with which to approach our opponents. Do you have additional thoughts?[/ic]

[IC=Private to Fortis]
Fortis, I have a matter of business to bring before you.

The King of Sicily, Roger the II has offered me, his cousin-in-law a deal that you as exterior minister should know. He has offered to provide protection for Rome's ships on the high seas if Rome can provide him a resource of which he does not already have an abundance.

With his protection, our ships could safely deliver food and weapons shipments to Rome even if we are hemmed in by enemies. We could also develop our trade to strengthen the city and to restore Rome's glory.

What say you to his proposal? I am of the opinion that Rome should take the agreement if we can provide a valued resource, since we are hemmed in by rivals and we can restore our wealth through trade.[/ic]

Thanks Polycarp! That will be useful. A more focused map with some of our neighbors and deposits would be most useful since we are a bit limited in how far ranging we can be unless we want to succumb to Pisan Pirates- but that map there is very good for generalities.

Quote from: Light DragonThanks Polycarp! That will be useful. A more focused map with some of our neighbors and deposits would be most useful since we are a bit limited in how far ranging we can be unless we want to succumb to Pisan Pirates- but that map there is very good for generalities.

I'll think about it, but it's probably not immediately needed.  Suffice it to say that Latium is a non-entity in international trade.  The only things of value it produces - grain, wool, grapes, olives - are traded only locally, both because Latium is a fairly poor region not famous for anything, and because Latium has no major ports by which to export said products.  No "industries" exist, by which I mean organized and large-scale production schemes like the silk factories of Greece, the weaving towns of Flanders, or the sugar plantations of Sicily.  The same is true of Roman/Ostian marble and Gregoriopolitan salt; they are not widely traded and mostly used locally.

'm starting to think there is little choice but wage war if we are to grow economically.

So, essentially this game's goal is to not do anything with trade? I was sort of getting that insinuation in our IRC conversation and if even local trade isn't a possibility it appears that trade is a poor goal for me or any player.

That is, we just focus on politics and war and survival in a limited fashion (when Barbarossa comes) with an aim towards maximizing our statistics?

e.g. how do we win?

I ask this because I was mostly interested in the trade aspects of the game--if it's more limited, then I can attempt to re-aim to win rather than to build up anything to do with trade, although it will take me some time to wind down my strategy here.

Quote from: Light Dragon
So, essentially this game's goal is to not do anything with trade? I was sort of getting that insinuation in our IRC conversation and if even local trade isn't a possibility it appears that trade is a poor goal for me or any player.

That is, we just focus on politics and war and survival in a limited fashion (when Barbarossa comes) with an aim towards maximizing our statistics?

e.g. how do we win?

I ask this because I was mostly interested in the trade aspects of the game--if it's more limited, then I can attempt to re-aim to win rather than to build up anything to do with trade, although it will take me some time to wind down my strategy here.

I think Trade IS important. The problem is that Rome lies in an area that is resource poor. If we really want to make trade a big deal, we need to conquer a trading port (like Pisa, Palermo, Marseilles, Venice, Constantinople, etc.) or conquer a place that has a developed resource/industry (like the wool industry in Flanders).

One thing that I think would help make our city better is to brand ourselves as the best at something, that way when an Italian thinks of that something, he will immediately think of Rome. Every city in Italy tried to do this in the late-middle ages and renaissance, though some were more successful than others. Essentially, we need to brand Rome as being the world's best at something.

EE is right. Trade IS important. It's just that we are in a poor location. Now that I think about it, i think that's what is making this game fun in the end. Polycarp is giving us a real challenge. It's up to us to exceed the expectations.

I don't think there's any "winning" this game. It's politics. It evolves, that's all.

EE also said something important; that if we do not have any resources available in abundance, or at least enough to export and make a huge profit out of it, we have to have a talent, something other people want. I think we're coming back to what I said here. We need a strong and disciplined army that fights to the death for Rome's interest. It needs to be loyal to the Consuls and the Senate, in general. This becomes a vicious circle though, because an army needs to be fed and well armed, and that costs lotsa moneyz.

I remember Rome was a place of religious tourism, at least that's what Polycarp said. Good thing one of our senator is building a sweet chapel... too bad it's for Frederick though; I see this as a morale downer and what we need is the contrary. Whenever he dies though, Romans will love the place. And I'm saying that because Romans are supposedly patriotic, so it doesn't sound right to make something so prestigious for a foreign king (of course I understand it's for the short-term good of Rome).

Well, going back to the original Roman Empire, Rome didn't do anything except act as a political and cultural hub.

If we brought back the Colosseum, the theaters, the chapels... Managed to disentangle ourselves from the current bit of bad blood... I could also see us becoming the Medieval/Renaissance New York City, cultural hub of the world and de facto arbiter in national disputes.

Let me refine what I said above a little bit.

The Papacy was, historically, a poor manager of resources.  The Papal States were rarely under any sort of effective control, and wealth was either squandered on constant struggle between various communes and local nobles or frittered away on luxuries for the Pope and his Curia.  Southern Italy benefited from Greek and Arabic influence in agriculture and administration, Northern Italy prospered because of maritime power and the wealth it brought to independent and forward-thinking communes, but central Italy was left a backwater under a stagnant ecclesiastical administration, its poverty made all the more glaring by the contrast to what it had once been.

It is true that Rome in 1152 is not the most "optimal" starting location, were you to pick anywhere in Europe to try and raise a city to prominence.  It does not have silver mines or a textile industry or a perfect harbor like the Venetian lagoon.  It is weak, yet coveted - the Pope and Emperor both want it for one reason or another.  Rome does, however, have resources and strengths of its own.  It has the prestige of the Imperial City; it has churches and relics people from all over Christendom will come to see; it has grand architecture and a massive amount of marble; it even has a uniquely angry populous.  It may have other things that you have yet to discover or things you already know about but have not yet begun to utilize.  The challenge of this game is, essentially, to find, control, and utilize these resources, whether they be mercantile, religious, social, or whatever, in an attempt to do better than your historical counterparts.  The historical rulers of Rome did this poorly; your challenge is to do it well.  If I handed all these things to you on a silver platter and made you as rich as Venice, it would not be the kind of game I would like to run and I suspect it would not be as interesting to you.

To sum it up, the pessimistic statement I made in the last post is reflective of the situation as it exists in the Autumn of 1152.  I am not saying that situation cannot change, nor that you lack the power to change it.  Indeed, you must change the situation if you hope to survive.  You must pursue these things, however; they will not be handed to you.

QuoteI think Trade IS important. The problem is that Rome lies in an area that is resource poor. If we really want to make trade a big deal, we need to conquer a trading port (like Pisa, Palermo, Marseilles, Venice, Constantinople, etc.) or conquer a place that has a developed resource/industry (like the wool industry in Flanders).

Though war is an important part of policy and you will doubtless be forced into it repeatedly, I would not be so quick to foreclose upon the possibility of peaceful advancement.  If you replace "conquer" in the above quote with "conquer, develop, or acquire," I agree wholeheartedly.  There is no one single "correct" strategy to this game.

My chapel is for the good of Rome! We're surrounded by blood thirsty wolves. Better we play nice with the strongest wolf than hitch our wagon to a doomed horse (i.e. every one else in Italy)! :)  

As for our "Good Quality", I think religious tourism is a good call but it will require a lot of effort to a) make the roads leading to Rome safer than they are (Italy is littered with Bandits) and (b) we must be hesitant about monetizing Religion for we expelled the Pope and he has the power to excommunicate all of us, thereby giving a just cause for all the wolves that surround us to lunge. :(

Quote from: Polycarp
Though war is an important part of policy and you will doubtless be forced into it repeatedly, I would not be so quick to foreclose upon the possibility of peaceful advancement.  If you replace "conquer" in the above quote with "conquer, develop, or acquire," I agree wholeheartedly.  There is no one single "correct" strategy to this game.

First rule of the Realists' view of International Relations - Security and Self Interest are paramount. Cooperation serves two purposes, making both boats (i.e. states) rise equally and preventing the anarchy of war (during which anything can happen). However, it is always preferable to make trade lopsided in your favor and do your best to ensure you win any and all martial conflicts. Preparation, planning and decisiveness are the qualities of the long-term victor.

Quote from: Elemental_Elf
As for our "Good Quality", I think religious tourism is a good call but it will require a lot of effort to a) make the roads leading to Rome safer than they are (Italy is littered with Bandits) and (b) we must be hesitant about monetizing Religion for we expelled the Pope and he has the power to excommunicate all of us, thereby giving a just cause for all the wolves that surround us to lunge. :(

Or perhaps merely the highway to the nearest port city. And regarding the religion bit, we can always throw in with the Eastern Orthodox (who might be... interested... in getting rome back under a proper bishop) or try and kickstart the reformation.

Though both of those would be exceedingly difficult.

By request, this turn's deadline has been extended to Monday, February 13th.

Quote from: Polycarp
Let me refine what I said above a little bit.

The Papacy was, historically, a poor manager of resources.  The Papal States were rarely under any sort of effective control, and wealth was either squandered on constant struggle between various communes and local nobles or frittered away on luxuries for the Pope and his Curia.  Southern Italy benefited from Greek and Arabic influence in agriculture and administration, Northern Italy prospered because of maritime power and the wealth it brought to independent and forward-thinking communes, but central Italy was left a backwater under a stagnant ecclesiastical administration, its poverty made all the more glaring by the contrast to what it had once been.

It is true that Rome in 1152 is not the most "optimal" starting location, were you to pick anywhere in Europe to try and raise a city to prominence.  It does not have silver mines or a textile industry or a perfect harbor like the Venetian lagoon.  It is weak, yet coveted - the Pope and Emperor both want it for one reason or another.  Rome does, however, have resources and strengths of its own.  It has the prestige of the Imperial City; it has churches and relics people from all over Christendom will come to see; it has grand architecture and a massive amount of marble; it even has a uniquely angry populous.  It may have other things that you have yet to discover or things you already know about but have not yet begun to utilize.  The challenge of this game is, essentially, to find, control, and utilize these resources, whether they be mercantile, religious, social, or whatever, in an attempt to do better than your historical counterparts.  The historical rulers of Rome did this poorly; your challenge is to do it well.  If I handed all these things to you on a silver platter and made you as rich as Venice, it would not be the kind of game I would like to run and I suspect it would not be as interesting to you.

To sum it up, the pessimistic statement I made in the last post is reflective of the situation as it exists in the Autumn of 1152.  I am not saying that situation cannot change, nor that you lack the power to change it.  Indeed, you must change the situation if you hope to survive.  You must pursue these things, however; they will not be handed to you.

Ok. My comments were informed by this concern: I did not want to go off and do something terribly self-defeating. I enjoy the challenge and the depth that the game is set up to give. My confusion was in the initial description of the game as a "do what you want" game juxtaposed with several reinforcements that trade was "extremely excessively difficult" and that Polycarp had not been prepared for us to be discussing trade; which made me wonder if the goal of the game was either (a. maximize my stats and power) or (b. confront whatever challenges are thrown at Rome--a responsive game). And I also wondered how close we were adhering to history for the very reasons that you brought up above. Adhering close to history would make an Arnoldist reformation impossible, and from what you describe, Rome as a trade port impossible-there is just too much arrayed against those possibilities. Thank you for the clarification.

[ic=Letter to Senator Manzinni]
Thank you for supporting my bid for Consul, and for making me aware of this offer from Roger of Sicily. I will be sure to open diplomatic talks as Consul of the Exterior. Next there is the matter of securing safe port for Roman ships, you had made the suggestion of Portus or Gregoriopolis I believe. Enquiries will be made in regards to this.
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Senator de Vinti]
At your request my diplomatic powers will be exercised along with my military ones. However first and foremost the Papal Alliance must be undermined. Autumn is not the season to be on campaign anyway.
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Consul Basile]
During the Summer months Oddone Fragipani made it known discretely to the Consuls that he will remain neutral in the coming conflict between us and the Papacy in exchange for Pierlioni. I have made some attempts to do so but perhaps with your influence as Consul of the Interior you may have more success. This is why during the Summer I claimed Pierlioni as a son of Rome, to put him at ease.

Now as matters for the Consul of the Interior, I believe that the aquaducts should be repaired. Should Rome come under siege in the future they will prove quite valuable. Next I think the Roman militia needs more training, perhaps made a permanent force similar to the Legions of old? The veterans of Tivoli make an excellent starting point for this. As Consul of the Interior the Colonna affair is yours to be delt with as you wish.
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Senator de Vinti]
Your congratulations are most welcome, Senator. It is good to know that you are a man of substance, and I appreciate your support for my initiatives. Your donation to the coffers of Rome will not be forgotten. I will of course do my utmost to ensure our militia stays home for the remainder of the year, it would be unwise to initiate another campaign so soon, as I am sure Consul Calafatus is aware. You are right, we do have enemies within the walls of the Eternal City, and I intend to deal with them. As you no doubt know, I have organized days of drill for our militia, which should go some way to increasing their staying power on the field. I trust in future you are a man I will be able to rely on, Hugo.

Consul Roberto Basile
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Senator Manzinni]

Senator Manzinni, I could not have done it without your help. I am most humbled by your show of support. Our discussions have given me much to think on, and I will see to it that all our talk was not for naught. All the waters of the world should lead ships to our glorious city, but, alas, they do not. We have no port, and few vessels. I would very much like to see your vision become reality, but I fear it is some years off.

Your Friend,

Consul Roberto Basile
[/ic]


[ic=Letter to Consul Calafatus]
Consul Calafatus, I do not think I have congratulated you yet on your victory, so, congratulations. And most intriguing. This does explain your unusual degree of support for our former Patrician. As you have initiated this arrangement, I will leave it to you for now. However, if significant violence is to occur on the streets of Rome as a result of your handling of this situation, I will be taking matters into my own hands.

As to the Aqua Virgo, we are in concurrence. I expect to secure the services of an engineer to evaluate what must be done in this regard quite soon. As you of course know, I have instituted mandatory days of training twice a year for the militia, which should to some degree aid the capability of our force. And a permanent, professional military? That would be quite something, I will say. But as of yet I do not believe we have the wealth, or the support necessary to create such an entity. It is something to be kept in mind for the years ahead.

Consul Roberto Basile

[/ic]

------------

[ic=A Speech to the Mob]People of Rome! For too long have we tolerated the greedy grasping hands of the sinners who mock their sacred duty as Vicars of Christ. Their spirits are weak, having fallen to cares only of worldly pleasures and possessions! As the wise Friar Arnold would say, they are no true priests, and have forgotten their duty to God! We are left with no choice! We must chastise these false men of God, before the fever that has seized them destroys us all!

Eugene has called foreign mercenaries to walk the streets of Rome in his stead, to enforce his will on your friends and neighbours! This I cannot abide. Let us emulate the bold example of Consul Calafatus, and bring ruin to our enemies! We shall root out these traitors, and drag them from their dens of vice to visit justice upon them! Onwards then, brave Romans! Free your city from tyranny! To the Lateran![/ic]

[ooc=Attack on the Lateran and Southeastern Rome]

When: To take place on the third day of militia training.

- Make a speech near the Colosseum to the mob of Rome, attempting to incite them to violence against the papists and mercenaries in Southeastern Rome. Disperse my own trusted men among the crowd to attempt to maintain some sense of direction and purpose, have the mob head along the road from the Colosseum to the Lateran. Spend no more than 1 wealth on this.

- Gather my own private militia on the Esquiline Hill simultaneously to that of the mob at the Colosseum, and have them march to the Lateran via the main nearby route, attempting to catch the palace defenders in a pincer movement. Co-ordinate departure with a smoke signal to be started as the mob begins to move, additionally send a swift rider, in case the signal should be unobservable.

- Call in the quarter of the Urban Militia that is training on the day of the attack to pacify the eastern part of Papist territory near the Basilica Heleniana, reinforcing my private militia near the Lateran if necessary.

Notes: Pacification of non-belligerent Roman citizens is to be kept to a minimum. No holy relics are to be taken from any churches, and any found in the Lateran Palace are to be delivered to my estate, later to be distributed to other churches. Roberto will receive the majority of wealth recovered to a level of 65% of total wealth or 3 Wealth, whichever is greater (assuming there is that much). Any remaining wealth is to be deposited into the treasury of Rome.

[/ooc]

Quote from: Light DragonMy confusion was in the initial description of the game as a "do what you want" game juxtaposed with several reinforcements that trade was "extremely excessively difficult"

I understand your confusion.  The thing is, "do what you want" does not necessarily mean that whatever you want can actually be accomplished.   I make an effort to accommodate the interests of every character, and I absolutely do not think that trade is not a worthwhile pursuit, but there are limits, and you will find them when you push up against these limits.

Just because the game has limits, however, doesn't mean you shouldn't approach them.  A historical character does not know he is in a game.  The Albigensians (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albigensian_Crusade) and the Hussites (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hussites) did not know that there was a "no reformations" rule in play.  The bottom line is, if your character wants trade, pursue it; if your character wants to reform Christianity, pursue it.  If it turns out to be impossible, then think about what your character would do and try something else.  Things like reforming the Church in the 12th century and challenging Pisa at the height of its power are going to be very difficult, that's true, but there may be other ways to get what you want - and if your character's goals absolutely, positively require him to fight the Papacy to the death, so be it.  You might meet a tragic end, but hopefully you will enjoy the game in pursuit of that tragic end, as will the rest of us.

[ic= Letter to Roger of Sicily]
Greetings Your Majesty

I have been informed by your cousin-in-law, Senator Manzinni, that you are willing to open talks with our fair city of Rome. He proposed a trade for protection at sea for Roman vessels, is salt a resource you would accept in trade? If not, are there any other negotiations you would be willing to enter with?
[/ic]

[ic= Letter to Margrave of Verona]
Greetings Margrave,

As you say, my personal opinions aside Arnold of Brescia has the support of the Roman poor. The man is extremely popular, and as such I must give him my support for now. But know that I will try to resolve the situation before Frederick arrives in our Roman city. We are as ever loyal members of the Empire.

Fortis Calafatus
[/ic]

[ic= Letter to Tolomeo(Ptomely II)]
Greetings, Tolomeo Prince of Latium.

This new season sees you in dire financial trouble, as Consul of the Exterior of Rome and a fellow noble I am distressed. If there is anything you wish, do not hesitate to ask.
[/ic]

[ic= Message nailed to the gates of Tre Fontane]
Hear me monks of Tre Fontane, you have refused the protection offered by House Calafatus. The sentiment against the wealthy clergy is increasingly negative and aggressive, I offered protection out of good faith and was summarily rejected. As such, Tre Fontane will suffer what God wills and there will be no protection from Rome so long as I am Consul of the Exterior and there is no redress.
[/ic]

[ic= Letter to Consuls of  Perugia]
Thank you for your Support, a suitable residence will be arranged for you come this Spring.

Fortis Calafatus, Consul of the Exterior.
[/ic]

[ic= Letter to Duke Welf]
Greetings Duke Welf IV

As Consul of the Exterior I would like to open negotiations between yourself and our fair city of Rome. Is there anything you would have from our fair city?
[/ic]

[ic= Letter to Patrician Pierlioni]
Greetings Patrician,

You still refuse to to meet with me. I have publicly proclaimed you a Son of Rome to be trusted and you doubt me. Now then how about we meet at the border of your domains and I publicly escort you back to my home for a supper to discuss the future of Rome and your involvement in it. Tivoli joined to papal alliance and payed for it dearly, with a Roman army raising their city to the ground and destroying their fields, led by none other than myself. Rome does not stand on such a terrible precipice and you envision. So, meet with me and we can further resolve this situation. Feel free to bring a small escort if you do not feel safe alone.

Fortis Calafatus, your friend and Consul of the Exterior.
[/ic]

[ic= Letter to City of Ardea]
Leaders of Ardea, the Roman star waxes high and we wish to extend the hand of friendship. Feel free to send an a delegation in the coming Winter or Spring to begin negotiations with our fair city.

Fortis Calafatus, Consul of the Exterior
[/ic]

[ooc=Orders Autumn of 1152]
-Assemble house guard favoring the recruitment of veterans from Tivoli from the  popolo minuto. Arm them very well and implement a daily training regimen, spending no more than 2 Wealth
-Create a barracks capable of housing my entire house guard with their families, and permanently hire all of the recruited  popolo minuto. If done increase training to twice weekly.
-Send team to Greece to gain knowledge for improved Siege equipment, to return with books/tomes and actual engineers if possible. Offer compensation to any Greeks to are willing to come to Rome. Spend no more than 1 Wealth
-Search Rome for any tomes, scrolls or knowledge relating to the logistics, armament, siege equipment and other related misc info about the Roman Legions.
-Send a surveyor to assess the coast west of Ardea and east of Portus for a suitable place for a coastal port. Key points are deep harbor, defensible position, dry land (non-marshy). To make sure this is finished spend no more than 1 Wealth.
-Send letters to rulers of Ardea, Roger of Sicily, Tolomeo, Margrave of Verona, Pierlioni, the Ten Consuls of Perugia and Duke Welf.
-Have my nephew Ricardo nail the message to the gates of Tre Fontane.
-Use my entire House Militia to escort Pierlioni to my estate if he accepts.
-Secretly tell Oddone Frangipani when the meeting will be and arrange a body double of Pierlioni. Turn Pierlioni over to Oddone and send his body double back to his quarters. If this does not work, kill his escort and hand him over to Oddone regardless, proclaim an attempted assassination on myself by Pierlioni to the mob and that he died in the attempt.
[/ooc]

I was waiting for stargate to reply to me, but seeing as how Llum has a placeholder for Tre Fontaine above:

[ic=Discussion with Fortis]
Regarding Tre Fontaine, I have spoken with Arnold and he does not counsel putting the Monks to the sword--he does not enjoy their great wealth, but if their wealth can be used to help the people, it seems he will likewise tone his rhetoric towards the Holy Monks--they can have wealth to manage their lands, but ostentation can be denied.

I believe we can negotiate an agreement where they donate some of their wealth to the people of Rome, for construction of an Aqueduct- the one that is planned for the city--and that Aqueduct can serve both the Lateran City and the People's City. The gift should endear them to the people and in turn we will leave them in peace and be allowed to travel to and from their alley as they wont- as they are allowed to keep some of their wealth and to be left unmolested by Arnold.
[/ic]

[ic=Discussion with EE's Character]
I have heard that your family came from Spain originally; was it from the region of Barcelona? If so, do you still have contacts in that area? I have heard much of Barcelonian Iron. Is it truly as valued in wrought chainmail armor? And what might those in Barcelona desire in return for purchases of the mail? I would like to pursue better arming our Roman citizens in defense when our enemies again assault the walls.
[/ic]

Updated OOC orders 2 pages back.

Polycarp: "A historical character does not know he is in a game."

Yes, but a historical character is also unlikely to do something cravenly stupid. I would like to avoid planning and then doing something that is extremely foolish due to lack of knowledge about this historical period in Italy. I did find your "no reformations rule" comment amusing. :)

Maybe the trade map you designed could be added to the 1st page with the maps? Thanks!

[ic=Discussion with Senator Manzinni]
I agree with the counsel of yourself and Arnold of brescia. I would never put the monks to the sword, however they rejected my honest offer for protection. There is a large sentiment of anger directed at the wealthy clergy, mainly because of our friend Arnold, and Tre Fontane is the nearest display of that lavish excess so I feared for their safety. They have rejected it out of hand so now I will simply state that they will be left to suffer what God wills unless they come back and ask humbly of House Calafatus.

Also, I have begun negotiations with your cousin-in-law, Roger of Sicily. I cannot say what will come of it, but Rome should have a safe sea-faring future. Secondly I have begun the survey of land to find an ideal location for a new defensible port town of our own.
[/ic]

Quote from: Light Dragon
I was waiting for stargate to reply to me, but seeing as how Llum has a placeholder for Tre Fontaine above:

>.<

I completely missed it!


[ic=Reply to Manzinni]
Tre Fontane is more than a monastery, it is my home. That they throw in with the pope is an annoyance, and an insult. If we can negotiate further a declaration from them supporting us, or a condemnation of the pope's misdeeds and failings, then we might be on to something. I have a vested interest in their protection, as they are the centerpiece of my hometown. They need not fear their cardinal as long as I am alive, at least... Militarily.

If we can squeeze that from them as well, the better. However, I do like the proposal. As I am the one proposing the notion, I would like to accompany Fortis into the negotiation chamber.
[/ic]

Thanks.

Llum- add to my previous mention to you that "Di Fontane also expresses a wish to accompany you into the negotiation chamber."

(Feel free to read his whole reply to Manzinni above, because I would have communicated it to you in essence.)

Now that all orders are in, this turn is closed.  You may not edit or add any orders unless you clear it with me first in chat or PM.

The update may or may not come tonight.  It's sort of a big one, so please be patient.

[ic=To Calafactus]
Re: "Thank you for supporting my bid for Consul, and for making me aware of this offer from Roger of Sicily. I will be sure to open diplomatic talks as Consul of the Exterior. Next there is the matter of securing safe port for Roman ships, you had made the suggestion of Portus or Gregoriopolis I believe. Enquiries will be made in regards to this."

Your actions are most appreciated, honored Consul. The easier it is for pilgrims to come to Rome, the less we need to tax our citizens; and the easier it is for ships to travel to Rome, the more safe the city is should its enemies surround it.
[/ic]

Anno Domini MCLII
Autumn has passed into Winter...
Winter seldom brings snow to Rome, but the cold winter winds are accompanied by sudden storms.  Floods are still a danger, and only the most reckless mariners try their luck at sea this time of year.  In the countryside, vines are pruned and firewood is gathered, while craftsmen huddle indoors making and maintaining tools and equipment for the coming year.  The people fast through Advent before feasting at Christmas, upon a pig slaughtered in late autumn if they can afford it, and on wild game if not.  Epiphany is celebrated in January, and the date of Easter is announced to the people.

Our Consuls: Fortis Calafatus and Roberto Basile
Our Pope: Eugene III
Our Rage: Fuming!
News from Abroad

Word has reached Italy of the Imperial Diet of Würzburg, a general assembly of the Princes, Ecclesiastics, and Free Cities of the Holy Roman Empire.  Here on October 13th, Frederick Hohenstaufen, King of the Romans and King of Germany, swore to complete the plans of his predecessor Conrad III – to march upon Rome and restore his Imperial rights in Italy.  He has sent word to his German vassals to prepare their forces and finances and make ready to depart in no more than two years.

News of Latium

The free communes of Nepi, Civita Castellana, and Viterbo, along with the Bishopric of Sutri, have sworn to a pact of mutual defense and assistance.  Though the aims of the so-called Faliscan League have not been explicitly stated, most assume it is a reaction to recent Roman aggression against Tivoli.  Viterbo and Sutri in particular have feuded with Rome for years.

Rumor has it that bands of Sabine marauders from Rieti have crossed the ill-defined border of the Papal States and raided lands held by the Abbey of Farfa.  Whether this is the result of some local squabble or a deliberate policy of aggression by the Commune of Rieti is unclear.

News of Rome

The people of Rome talk of little else but Ottobre di Sangue, "Bloody October," which was the month of a costly battle for the Lateran and three days of rioting and street fighting following the St. Ignatius' Day Massacre at the estate of Consul Calafatus.  It is estimated that a thousand Romans have died in the space of twelve days.  Though Papal forces are no longer in the city, the disorder is greater than ever, with the Senate house itself burned to the ground in the chaos.  While the bloodshed has polarized various factions even further – the Arnoldists vs. the Papists, the Consoli vs. the Patrizi – there is an increasing number of Romans, particularly among the popolo grasso, who urge the Senate to back down from the brink of anarchy and find a negotiated solution to the turmoil.

Pietro Colonna has come to an agreement with the Commune and has departed the city, though his palazzo remains under his ownership and guarded by his armsmen.  Rumor has it that he has left for his estates in the Alban Hills, and taken his most valuable possessions with him.

It rained quite heavily in November, and minor flooding forced some families living near the Tiber to abandon their homes.  Hopefully the worst of it is over.

The Gates of Janus Open!

Rome was at war this season past, and herein are detailed the accomplishments of Roman arms.

[spoiler=Battle of the Lateran]The Battle of the Lateran
October 8th

Commune of Rome
Consul Roberto Basile
565 Urban Militia
225 Masnada
800 Roman Mob

Papal States (enemy)
Cardinal-Vicar Gregorio della Suburra
30 Papal Knights
250 Papal Mercenaries
400 Roman Mob

Quote from: The Battle of the LateranEarly October saw the bloodiest battle within the walls that the city has seen for some time.  What seemed at first to be routine grandstanding by a Roman Consul against the Papal forces occupying Rome turned into a full pitched battle when that Consul, Roberto Basile, dispensed silver deniers to the crowd and urged them to attack the Lateran in force.  Though the Romans had skirmished with the defenders of the Lateran that summer, this was the beginning of a serious attempt to wrest the Papal palace from the forces that had held it since spring.

Those forces were led by Cardinal-Vicar Gregorio della Suburra, the Pope's "governor" in Rome.  Though he actually governed very little of the city and commanded fewer than three hundred regulars, his defensive position was not without merit.  His army, largely mercenary footmen and a handful of vassal knights, held the high ground of the Caelian hill and were not caught off-guard by the approach of nearly a thousand angry Romans urged on by Consular outrage and silver.  Della Suburra had already been informed, probably by sympathetic Romans at the Consul's speech, and was in the process of gathering pro-Papal Roman auxiliaries wherever they could be found.

The Roman mob advancing towards the Lateran, however, was not alone.  They were joined by men raised and armed by Consul Basile marching on a second road towards the Lateran.  Having observed this, della Suburra pulled his forces back behind the crest of the hill and awaited the approach of the enemy.

Della Suburra split his force in two.  On the left, to confront the mob, he placed his irregulars and his knights; on the right, the majority of the mercenary footmen.  The pro-Papal mob clashed briefly with the Roman mob at the crest of the hill, but was quickly dispirited and pushed back by the sheer number of the enemy.  When this attack failed, della Suburra's knights attacked the mob.  Their advance was impeded by their own retreating irregulars, but the knights managed to regroup and charge the Romans.  The sight of mounted and mailed knights riding at them over the hill crest, knee to knee, lances down, gripped the mob with a sudden terror.  They were disorganized already, more so by the brief skirmish before, and winded from charging up the hill.  When the thirty knights hit them, they scattered.

While the mob routed, the Consul's armsmen clashed with the mercenaries on della Suburra's right flank.  The fighting was fierce, but without irregular support the Consular masnada was outnumbered and began to get the worse of the situation.  Against all expectations, the Papal knights then held back on their gleeful slaughter of Roman peasants, rallied, and attacked Basile's armsmen from the flank.  Though the Roman mob had themselves begun rallying in knots upon the hill, they themselves retreated when Basile's armsmen broke and fled.

It was just at this point that the Consul himself arrived on the scene with more than five hundred Roman militia.  His plan had originally called for the militia to attack to the east and take the Basilica Heleniana, but della Suburra had pulled all his forces to the Lateran and the Consul found no resistance there.  A rider informed him of the crisis at the Lateran, and the Consul marched his militia as fast as possible over the half-mile between the Basilica and the Palace.

The Consul could now survey the disaster.  On his right were hundreds of fleeing Romans being cut down by marauding knights.  In front of him was the unbroken wall of della Suburra's mercenary infantry, with the Papal battle flag waving above them – crimson, with two white keys.  Basile was confronted with a choice – pull back and cut his losses, or assault the enemy.

He chose the latter.

Though the militia was no longer fresh after hurrying to the Lateran and somewhat unnerved by the sight of their fleeing allies, they held steady as the Consul ordered the attack.  The two formations of spearmen smashed into each other practically in the shade of the Lateran Palace.  Both sides pressed close, the front line wavering back and forth as the Consul called encouragement.

Della Suburra was now struck with his first misfortune of the battle.  His knights, having routed every enemy in sight, were busily riding down hapless Romans and completely oblivious to the newly arrived militia.  Some of his irregulars dispersed in the opening stages of the battle had rallied and joined the fight, but they only just evened the odds.  What followed was not elegant, inspired, or clever – it was a half-hour grind between two packs of infantry.

Della Suburra realized that for all the valor of his men, he could not persevere.  His knights had cut down and trampled hundreds of Romans and were finally heading back to the Lateran, but they were exhausted and their horses were blown.  The news of the battle had reached the city, and had been reported by the survivors as a catastrophic defeat; hearing this, several Roman Equites and nobles quickly gathered their guards and went to size up the situation.  With his mercenaries slowly falling back on the one hand, and apparent Roman reinforcements arriving on the other, della Suburra decided discretion was the better part of valor.  The mercenaries at least had bought him time to gather as many treasures of the Lateran as he could carry.  As his mercenaries were overrun, the Vicar, his servants, and his knights slipped out the nearby city gate.

The Consul had won, but it took days for the alternating rumors of victory and defeat to sort themselves out; Consul Calafatus had been informed by one "witness" that Basile had actually been killed.  The families of the many men whose bodies were strewn between the Lateran and the Colosseum certainly did not see it as a victory, though the local beggars and gleaners made a small windfall by picking Basile's silver from the pockets of the dead.  It was a costly day for Rome, brightened only by the fact that the destruction of Basile's irregular forces meant that the Lateran suffered very little damage apart from having everything of any value stripped from the walls by the militia.  The Communal government assumed control of the former Papal quarter with very little subsequent fuss or disorder.

Your expedition has been victorious!  All Papal-held territories in Rome are under Communal control and no known Papal forces remain in the city.

The costs of this campaign were 2 Wealth, paid for by Consul Roberto Basile.  The spoils of this campaign (aside from what was taken by Roman soldiers) amount to 3 Wealth, which goes to Consul Basile.  Consul Basile has a net gain of 1 Wealth.

The Commune of Rome has suffered around 600 casualties, including 80 Militiamen.

The Papal States suffered around 200 casualties, and about 100 mercenaries have surrendered and been taken prisoner.  They are not nobles and we will probably not receive ransom offers for them.  Their ultimate fate is in the hands of the Senate.

The following units have been encountered for the first time and will be added to the Unit Library: Masnada, Papal Knights, Papal Mercenaries.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=St. Ignatius' Day Massacre]St. Ignatius' Day Massacre
October 17th

Consoli
100 Masnada (Consular Guard)
Around 200 Masnada (various Senatorial guards and armsmen)
An unknown number of Roman Mob

Patrizi
Around 400 Masnada (Pierleonist armsmen)
An unknown number of Roman Mob

Quote from: St. Ignatius' Day Massacre and the Capitoline RiotsOn October 17th, the feast day of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, the city of Rome was shaken by turmoil.  The details of the massacre and the ensuing street battles are still unclear, and rumors are still flying months later as to what really happened, but the most credible story is as follows.

For some time, Consul Fortis Calafatus had been attempting to arrange a meeting with Patrician Giordano Pierleone to resolve matters between the two of them.  On the 15th, only a week after the fall of the Lateran, the Patrician agreed.  Pierleone, together with thirty of his house guards, proceeded to the Consul's estate around noon.  What exactly touched off the events that followed is unclear, but only an hour after his arrival, a fight broke out at the estate.  In just a few minutes, the Consul's newly-formed militia massacred the Patrician's guards, though a few managed to escape.

It appears that the Patrician, having been captured by the Consul's soldiers, was in the process of being taken elsewhere when they were ambushed.  The Patrician's guards that escaped the estate had summoned help, and hundreds of enraged Romans and Pierleonist armsmen had streamed into central Rome from the Leonine City and Trastavere.  It seemed clear in the aftermath that these men must have been organized in advance.  A desperate fight broke out a few blocks from the Consul's estate.  Though fairly well-equipped, the Consul's newly-formed militia were overwhelmed and fled in a shambles, with some being lynched in the street by the Pierleonists.  The Patrician was reportedly wounded, but is believed to have been rescued.  The Consul escaped as well; one rumor has it that he personally fought his way out of the crowd, while another maintains that he only escaped death by hiding in an empty wine barrel by the side of the street.

The day then turned to complete chaos.  Skirmishes between "Patrizi" and "Consoli" bands erupted around the Capitoline hill and the Vatican bridge.  The mob that had freed the Patrician then turned back on the Consul's estate, where the Consul and his remaining guards locked themselves inside for safety; unable to break in, the mob then proceeded to the old palazzo currently being used as the Senate house, abducted two of the Senators who were there at the time, and set the building on fire.

By this time the Communal leadership had recovered from the initial shock and began gathering the militia, the equites, and any other man – armed or unarmed – that could be roped into a defense of the city.  The various skirmishing bands and militias coalesced on the Capitoline Hill, and the old Forum was filled with Romans killing each other like the civil wars of old.  The fighting continued into the night, with the Communal forces only being able to re-establish control over the Capitoline on the 19th.  Senate loyalists launched a counterattack on the Theater of Marcellus, but were quickly driven back.

Rumors fly about the causes of this violence.  The Pierleonists, particularly Patrician Giordano's brother Ruggero, accused the Consul of betraying the Patrician and murdering his men; the Consul's supporters claimed that the Patrician's men had tried to assassinate the Consul.  Some believe the Patrician is dead, others swear they have seen him alive; some believe the Consul is a hero who fought bravely for his life, and some a coward who tried to murder the Patrician and fled as soon as things went wrong.  All that is certain is that the Senate house has been burned to the ground and hundreds of Romans are dead.

Two senators are believed to be captives, but their locations are unknown.  The events have provoked a crisis of confidence in Consul Calafatus's leadership, and he has lost 1 Influence.[/spoiler]

Senatorial Inquests

Senators that requested information or launched endeavors have the results of their efforts listed here.  This information is private, but you may certainly choose to share it with the Senate.

[spoiler=Hugo de Vinti]Naples
Your agent reports that the great wealth of Naples is in linen cloth.  Unlike the maritime republics, however, there are no real "companies" of merchants that operate out of Naples that would be receptive to outside investment.  Most traders here are Genoese and Pisan, and one would have to go to Genoa or Pisa to invest in their trading concerns.  The fields of flax that supply the Neapolitan linen industry are owned by Lombard and Norman barons to whom the concept of "investment" is largely foreign – peasants work the land and bring the linen to market in Naples, and their lords take a cut of it.

Unfortunately, your agent returned from Naples with little to show for it, but the idea of flax cultivation may be of some value.  The plant, in fact, is native to Latium, particularly to the northwest and around Corneto, but the only cultivation is on cottage farms for local use.  It is uncertain whether flax could be grown on a more extensive basis in the Roman Campagna or not, but perhaps Neapolitan methods of farming and production might be useful.

Gregoriopolis
Your delegation proceeded down the Via Ostiensis to Gregoriopolis, a small town enclosed in a simple but sturdy-looking stone wall just next to the ruins of ancient Ostia.  The town and its wall were built by Pope Gregory IV in the 9th century to protect coastal residents from Saracen attacks, a purpose which the wall has successfully accomplished since then – when the Saracens attacked Rome and sacked the Vatican a few years later, they passed right by Gregoriopolis without incident.  Despite the fortifications, however, the people were not hostile, and your delegation was allowed in by the townsfolk.

The town is mostly empty.  Most of the houses are abandoned; the current residents are nearly all salt-workers (who harvest salt from the salt marshes near the river) and mortar-makers (who grind up and kiln-roast blocks of ancient marble from the nearby ruins to make mortar) as well as their families.  The state of the town is due to the scourge of malaria, which the locals blame on foul air from the same local marshes they harvest salt from.  The population seems to presently be about a hundred, though it apparently varies with the season.

The villagers were overjoyed to receive the gifts, for none of them seemed to be very wealthy.  They were especially pleased to receive wine and cloth, as the salt and mud quickly ruin their clothes and they believe the wine fortifies them against fever.  They are common laborers with no interest in politics, and expressed no opinions about the Romans or the Commune one way or the other.  They informed the delegation that their town was a Papal fief, but church officials only come to collect the "tithe" in late autumn and stay well away from the town the rest of the year.  Gregoriopolis is administered by an elected sindaco (mayor) along with a half dozen priests of the Basilica Santa Aurea, who perform mass, care for the sick, and preserve the relics of several local saints and martyrs.  The duties of the sindaco, also the village carpenter, seem to be restricted to maintaining the watch and mediating disputes.

The Basilica is technically the seat of the Bishop of Ostia, Cardinal Hugo of Beauvais.  Hugo is a Frenchman who is the chief scribe of the Pope; "Bishop of Ostia" is merely a titular office, and nobody has ever seen any Cardinal actually set foot in the little town of Gregoriopolis.

Though the villagers are armed in case of Saracen attack, the extent of their "militia" is a group of workers who take turns watching out for trouble from the church bell tower.  Your delegation thought it very unlikely that they would resist a Roman takeover with force.

You spent 2 Wealth this season, one of which has gone to the Consular fund for defense.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Bernardo DiFontane]Land
You have paid "Il Signore" 2 Wealth and have moved to assume control over the lands indicated to you.  The floods this season have not done any substantial damage to them, which is rather fortunate.  You will not be able to profit from your investment until the harvest in late summer.  Your attempts to find other absentee landowners have been less fortunate.

Household Guard
You have raised a coterie of guards and armsmen for use in the city; with two wealth, you have raised around two hundred men, a not-insubstantial force.  They have been drawn largely from the popolo minuto.  If you intend to retain them as semi-professionals, however, this is a cost you must pay annually.  These men will be treated as masnada unless you have more specific or alternative plans in mind for them.  Training is ongoing, but it may take some time before they are a real effective fighting force.

Relics
Unfortunately, very few of the religious sites – if any – of Rome are abandoned.  Chapels forgotten by most Romans still have a few priests or monks tending to them, even with the turmoil in the city; many of the minor clergy are in fact sympathetic to Arnold of Brescia and have gotten along quite well with the new order.  The Church keeps very good track of important relics and their preservation, and if you are interested in acquiring them you may have to take them from the churches and monasteries of your enemies.

You spent 4 Wealth this season.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Dominico deRosa]Formello
Formello is a fortified town about 15 miles from Rome, overlooking the ancient Via Cassia, a Roman road leading northward from the Eternal City.  In Latium, this road also coincides with the route of the Via Francigena, the primary path for pilgrims from France, England, and much of the Empire traveling to Rome and beyond.  In the past, Formello was a larger city that hosted a major Papal palace, but it was destroyed by the Saracens in the 10th century and rebuilt nearby as a walled settlement.  The town and its castle are held by Signore Martino de Corso, the son of a previous Papal Prefect of Rome.  His allegiances are unknown, but his father was a close ally of the Pierleoni family.

The town lies on a low hill, but the heights are not commanding.  It is not the most strategic installation, but an enterprising lord could use it to effectively close off the pilgrimage route if he saw fit.  Your spy found no obvious vulnerabilities in the structure; having been fortified fairly recently, the walls and citadel of Formello are in no obvious need of repair.  Its fortifications are less robust than those of Tivoli, but it is also near a major road by which the Faliscan cities of the north could intervene if Formello was subjected to a lengthy siege.  Though your spy reported that the walls were manned, the force guarding Formello is not great and the population not large or rich enough to support a strong communal militia.  If taken by surprise, the town would probably muster no more than a few hundred men, though these men could take a long time to dislodge if they withdrew from the wall and competently defended the citadel.

Chapel
The work on your chapel continues according to schedule.

You spent 1 Wealth this season.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Roberto Basile]While the victory at the Lateran was costly and somewhat embarrassing, it was at least a victory.  You were also fortunate in that the later events of the St. Ignatius' Day riots overshadowed any inquiries as to your military competence.  Had it not been for that distraction, you might be the one facing a leadership crisis in the Senate instead of Consul Calafatus.  Still, you are the Consul for the interior, and it will inevitably be you who gets the blame if the present anarchy and continuing violence cannot be quashed.  Decisive action may be needed to retain the confidence of the Senate in your leadership.

Voyage
Captain Bedello has received your investment and your proffered crewmen and set out on his voyage.  It is likely that you will not receive word from Pisa regarding the success of the venture until later in winter or early spring.

Defense Fund
The Defense Fund has been established.  You have given 1 wealth to this fund, as has Senator Hugo de Vinti.  As long as you continue to be Consul of the interior, you alone may spend these city funds as you see fit, though spending a fund on something other than the fund's original purpose may invite the wrath of the Senate.

Aqueduct
The best stonemasons Rome could offer were baffled by the Aqua Virgo.  The Aqueduct runs for more than thirteen miles to a spring about eight miles east of Rome – and yet the difference in elevation between its source and its terminus seems to be extremely slight, far slighter than the stonemasons of Rome were able to calculate.

The Aqua Virgo may well have escaped destruction because it is entirely underground outside the city.  This, however, also makes it very difficult to determine where the problems are, if any exist in the underground section.  The masons estimate that some parts could certainly be repaired, specifically the collection basin at the source itself (which is almost completely gone) and the above-ground section inside the walls (which is falling apart and is often picked at by local builders).

The masons estimate that it would take 4 Wealth and a year's work to make repairs on the aqueduct, but this is no guarantee it will function – if there are blockages or problems with the lengthy underground section, it might not function at all even once the above-ground repairs are complete.  There is nobody in the city with the expertise to survey, analyze, and repair the underground channels; the secrets of their construction were lost in the west, and are likely to remain only among the Greeks.

Colonna
Pietro Colonna ended up insisting upon dinner at his residence, not because he doubted the Senate's ability to escort him out, but because he worried that his "neighbors" would take the opportunity to loot his residence the moment he left.  He was an excellent host, somehow provided with fresh foods even despite this "siege," leading you to believe that he may not have been quite as much of a captive as he let on.  At the very least, it was clear that he had access to channels by which he could procure whatever he wanted from outside the city.

Pietro seemed indifferent as to the establishment of the Commune and underwhelmed by its achievements.  It had, he said, been eight years since the Senate established itself, and it had managed little in that time save to inconvenience the Popes.  He warned that the greatest threat to Roman liberty was not the Papacy itself, but the strongest noble house in Rome – the Frangipani.  He argued that the decline of the Tusculani was only to the benefit of Oddone Frangipane, who acquired most of the properties that Count Tolomeo had been forced to let go of, and that the Senate was playing into Oddone's hands by keeping his nemesis, Giordano Pierleoni, under siege in the Leonine City.  He believed that the presence of the Emperor would be short-lived and that the Senate should be more worried about the consequences of one family coming to dominate the whole of Latium.  It was impossible to read the man's motivations; Pietro Colonna seems to have a face trained to smile often but betray nothing.

After your meal, Pietro took the opportunity of your writ to leave the city with a few of his men, saying that he had urgent business at his estates in the Alban Hills and would return in the coming year.  It did not escape your attention that he took several cartloads of items with him, perhaps his valuables in the event that a Consular writ is insufficient to prevent the ransacking of his Roman residence.

Training and Military Matters
Your training schedule has been set up, and the oranges eaten.  Only time will tell if this new regimen will bolster the effectiveness of the Roman militia.  At the very least, it should stave off scurvy for a bit.

You have spent 4 Wealth this season, 1 of which has gone to the Consular defense fund.  You have also gained 3 Wealth this season.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Fortis Calafatus]Your position, Consul, has become rather precarious.  While your support among the populous has remained constant, the Senatorial class has lost some faith in your ability to lead after the St. Ignatius' Day riots and the destruction of the Senate house.  Whether you succeeded in getting rid of the Patrician is not yet clear, but Oddone Frangipane's agent was obviously unable to get a hold of him.  His family's hold on the Leonine City and Trastevere does not appeared to have suffered.

House Guard
Your guard has not gotten off to an auspicious start.  It was easy enough finding poor craftsmen and laborers to volunteer, many of whom had been at Tivoli, but these were still men without militia training and lacking in equipment – the smiths of Rome cannot turn out a hundred mail hauberks in a month.  As a result, they were crushed with heavy casualties in October.  You have since reformed the unit, but it has been made clear to you that it will take time to build these men into a fighting force worthy of the name and they will probably not be fully equipped until spring or summer.

Finding and fixing up a building suitable for a barracks is not difficult or costly, but many of the men object to sleeping in a drafty barracks when they would rather be at home with their fires, larders, and working tools.  Though it is a step up in accommodations for some of the poorest of them, most prefer to sleep at home.

Training twice a week was not possible early in autumn considering how busy the Romans are this season, but as winter approaches the men have more time on their hands and do not mind being pulled away from their labors as much.

Mission to the Greeks
You have assembled a party of craftsmen and agents to travel to Constantinople, the magnificent capital of the Emperor of the Greeks and the largest and richest city in the world.  They intend to depart from Ancona, a Byzantine-allied city northeast of Rome.  Unfortunately, it would be extremely dangerous to make the voyage with winter so close at hand.  Your team has set out for Ancona this season, but they will not depart from that city until sailing season resumes again in the spring, and may not return to Italy until a year from now.

Though your family advisers have no direct experience in dealing with the Greeks, they mention that it may be wise to send some manner of gift to the Greek Emperor to aid your party's mission and to start relations between Rome and Constantinople on a pleasant note.  If you wish to do this, there is still time before the party departs in the spring.

Roman Legions
The conquest of the Lateran, though bloody, allowed at least this part of your orders to be fulfilled.  The most important work on Roman military history and engineering is De Re Militari, written by an ancient Roman writer named Vegetius.  There were no known copies in Rome – until the Pope's private library came into Communal possession with the fall of the Lateran, and you procured the Pope's personal copy from Consul Basile.  De Re Militari is the only known work on Roman military practices that survived the Empire's fall intact.  The book covers recruitment, training, tactics, the maintenance of supply lines and communications, the construction of siegecraft, qualities of a good leader, and contains wise military maxims like the famous si vis pacem para bellum – "if you want peace, prepare for war."

Coastal Survey
Your agents have traveled to the Latin coast to scout sites for a possible port.  Finding the cost between the Tiber mouth and Ardea to be no more than a long stretch of sand and wholly unsuitable for a commercial port, they decided to expand the breadth of their search somewhat.  They reported on the following sites, listed from north to south.

Palo is a castle on the coast due west and slightly north of Rome, about halfway between Rome and Civitavecchia.  It was built only 20 years ago and belongs to the Orsini family, a fairly minor but still notable noble house that owns several fiefs north of Rome.  There is no natural harbor here, though the headland does provide some small measure of shelter.  The placement relative to Rome is good; it lies on the ancient Via Aurelia, the Roman road that travels from Rome along the Tuscan coast, and there is already a castle in place to provide some defense if it can be bought or taken from the Orsini.  A village does surround Palo, but the native population is small and the port settlement would have to be largely built from scratch.

Portus and Ostia (Gregoriopolis) are the sites of Rome's ancient ports.  Unfortunately, silt from the Tiber has pushed the coastline outwards over the centuries, and now the ruins of these two ports are a mile inland.  A new port would have to be built from scratch, though the area has obvious advantages.  For one, a port at the Tiber's mouth would allow some goods to be taken by barge from Rome, making transport to the port more efficient (and two Roman roads lead directly to these locations as well).  The river could also provide some protection for ships during a storm, and the town of Gregoriopolis provides a ready base camp for workers to live in and operate from.  There are, however, environmental issues – for one, there are marshes nearby that are said to produce malarial miasmas, and if the Tiber experiences a major flood it could damage the port or even affect the course of the river.

Nettuno lies a few miles past Ardea.  It is a fortified town that lies just east of the ancient Roman city of Antium.  Like Gregoriopolis, Nettuno was built further east of the original settlement (Antium) to protect the few remaining residents from Saracen raids, and like Gregoriopolis it is still inhabited, but only by a small number of local villagers.  Antium/Nettuno provides the best natural harbor of the three sites and is easily deep enough for Mediterranean shipping, and the headland could be fortified (though there are no castles there presently save for the fortifications of Nettuno itself).  Nettuno is far enough from the Pontine Marshes to not be terribly unhealthy, and there are woods to the north that might provide a useful resources for ship construction.  The primary disadvantage of the site is its location – it is certainly the furthest from Rome of the three prospective sites, and though there is access via a Roman road, it would be an inconveniently long journey for merchants and as long as enemies hold the heights around Tusculum any Roman caravans on the road would be at their mercy.

You have spent 3 Wealth this Season.  You have lost 1 Influence.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Vittorio Manzinni]Tivoli
It is likely that your forged missive reached Tivoli, but it does not appear to have worked; whether it was revealed as a fake or simply ignored is unknown to you.  Your observers, however, did uncover something interesting – the people of Tivoli are rebuilding, which was no surprise, but they seem to be aided by regular shipments of supplies coming from the castle of Monticellorum about five miles northwest of Tivoli.  The castle is known to have recently come into the hands of the Frangipani.

Cardinals
You believe there to be around 35 current cardinals, though not all of them participate in every Papal conclave; currently about five of them are out of the country, acting as Papal legates to Germany, Lombardy, and Scandinavia.  The allegiances of the members of the Papal Curia are not common knowledge, not even to the Abbot of Subiaco, who is not a member of the Curia himself.  Rumor has it that the most likely successor at this time is the current Dean of the College of Cardinals, Corrado Demetri della Suburra, Cardinal-Bishop of Sabina and the uncle of the Cardinal-Vicar Gregorio della Suburra who led the recent defense of the Lateran.  The Dean is from a Roman family, so he may be sympathetic to the city, but he is also eighty years old, and may himself die before the Papal seat is vacant.

Other
Rome has few private ships.  There are fewer than half a dozen seaworthy vessels, all of them roundships for trading, as well as a few dozen small fishing boats that are suited only for fishing on the Tiber.

While the roads are sometimes made unsafe by bandits, most of these are local peasants who have turned to robbery in the face of starvation, not organized groups with leaders.  As for pilgrims, they are rare in this season and it may not be until the spring that any bandits targeting pilgrims begin to show themselves.  The travelers you invited did discuss rumors of the mountain-folk of Rieti attacking the lands of the Abbot of Farfa; they have been making the roads there somewhat unsafe, but they seem mostly interested in usurping fiefdoms of the abbey and harassing the monks rather than making things tough for pilgrims and travelers.

Your letter has been dispatched to Egypt, but it is unlikely that you will get a response until sailing season resumes in the spring.[/spoiler]

[ooc=HEY YOU, READ THIS]Hi there!  This turned out to be a monster update and went in a very different direction than I originally anticipated.  You can thank sparkbot for some of that, and my creative ways of interpreting sparkbot's results for the rest of it.  Anyway, the update is not yet done - I have not updated the front page stats or the maps, nor have I responded to some very important letters that need responses.  You may go ahead and post if you like, but I would refrain from posting OOC orders or anything particularly decisive until I complete the update later tonight.

As before, please let me know if you find any errors or omissions here.  I hope that I overlooked some order or expenditure, but I also wouldn't be surprised.Thanks![/ooc]

Other Political Issues of the season:

What I'm reading from Polycarp's post, in addition to the posted issues:
1. "Lord Jesus, stop the slaughter!"
2. "The Emperor is coming!  Who will defend us?"
3. "Pierlone must pay for this treachery!"
4. "Arnold of Brescia is a great man.  We should protect him."
5. "Consul Calafatus is too bloodthirsty to lead."

We also have:
1. 2 Senators (kidnapped?)
2. Defense Fund (more money in, spend it now, spend it on what?)
3. Aqueducts and Building and rebuilding the city
4. Pierleoni in Western Part of City
5. Mercenary Captives (100) what to do with them?
6. Roman Senate Judges
7. New Place for Senate to Meet

[ooc=Next Update]I believe everything should be just about updated now.  If there are any letters I've missed or other issues, let me know.  The due date for orders is now Wednesday, February 22nd.  As ever, contact me if you need more time, and I will accommodate you.[/ooc]

[ic=To the Senate]Citizens of Rome,

We have received the entreaties of the people of Rome and must first lay aside their errors.  Surely the Romans must know that the Imperial crown is bestowed not by the grace of men, but by the grace of God alone.  In offering it, they ostentatiously presume a power which they do not possess, and an honor that is not theirs to bestow.

We are informed that His Holiness Eugene III is still barred from the city of Saint Peter under threat of his life, denied his lawful patrimony and shamefully excoriated by rebels and schismatics sheltered by the Roman people and their councilors.  The belligerence and disloyalty of the Romans belies their peaceful words and conciliatory gestures.

We intend to receive Our rightful crown in Rome at a time of Our choosing, regardless of the will of Roman councilors, and at that time We will reward the faithful and punish the rebellious.  If the people of Rome desire to reconcile themselves with their lawful lord before We arrive to pass Our judgment, they may dispatch at once their chosen representatives to the city of Konstanz, make there the submission of their city to Us, and offer an explanation for their shameless behavior.  If such representatives are not sent, We will understand that no explanation exists.

His August Majesty Fredericus the First, by the Grace of God King of the Romans and of the Germans.[/ic]

[ic=To the Senate]The cloak of lies has been cast aside, and the treacherous and vile intentions of Fortis Calafatus have been laid bare for all to see.  I have only to wonder whether the Senate of Rome was complicit in this monstrous attempt at the life of a patriot of Rome, or whether they were kept in the dark by this malefactor.  I presume it to be the latter, for I do not wish to think ill of the August men of the Senate.  Regardless of their intentions, however, their reputation has been blackened by the actions of a man who uses their title of honor to cover for his murderous deeds.

The very idea that my brother intended to kill the Consul is laughable on its face.  He came under the promise of reconciliation with no more than thirty men into the Consul's own estate, deep in the Commune's territory, while the Consul had more than a hundred armsmen waiting there.  The worst kind of fool would not look at this and think that my brother had been planning an assassination.  In any case, the Consul is hardly known to us, and we have no reason to kill him – but all have heard how hungry Calafatus is for glory, and it is not hard to see that he thought to further glorify himself as the conqueror of our House.  A man who would stop at nothing to accumulate power for himself is a man dangerous not only to his enemies, but to his "friends," for they will be quickly dispensed with once he has what he wants.

My brother was preparing an offer of reconciliation with the Senate and was prepared to present it at the meeting he expected to have with Consul Calafatus.  I will give it to Consul Basile instead, and he may do what he wills with it.  I personally have no mind to reconcile with a Senate led by such a man as Fortis Calafatus, but these are my brother's wishes, and I will carry them out until he has regained his health.

[spoiler=A Proposal of Peace, to Consul Basile]The Senate wishes that I be humbled, and I wish the respect I am due from my service to Rome; so be it.  My proposal is as follows.

I will withdraw my forces from Trastevere and all the streets of Rome outside the Leonine City.  I will surrender the Theater of Marcellus to the Senate.  I will pledge my loyalty to the Senate, and pay an annual duty of [1 Wealth] to the Senate for my privileges and honors.

In exchange, the Senate will confirm my title of Patrician.  The duties of this title shall be that I will retain the Leonine City and the Castle of St. Angelo and administer them as castellan, enforcing the laws of the Senate and People of Rome and assisting in its defense within that domain.  I will be confirmed as a Citizen of Rome, but I will permanently forswear any ambition at Senatorial office so long as I hold my title of Patrician.

Finally, I will relinquish my family house on the Tiber Island, and give it to my brother Ruggero.

Those are my terms.  I will entertain negotiations on the finer points, but I believe the broader ones are fair and reflect both the wishes of the Senate to have supreme authority and my wishes to retain my properties, my titles, and my honor.

Giordano Pierleoni[/spoiler][/ic]

[ic=To Consul Calafatus]Consul,

My foremost wish is that you refrain from aggression against my territories.  I have been brusque with certain Senators in the past but I am willing to lay that aside so long as the Romans confine their aggressions to their enemies and not make attempts against what is mine.  As the host of His Holiness, I find it unseemly to engage in further dealings with the Senate as long as he is unwelcome in Rome, but I presume that you will not interpret this as hostility on my part.

Tolomeo, Count of Tusculum, Prince of Latium[/ic]

[ic=To Consul Calafatus]Consul,

We feared only that the "protection" of sword-bearing men in our cloisters would differ very little from banditry.  If the Senate of Rome will guarantee our independence in our affairs, allow our monks to visit the city on their errands as they please, and refrain from garrisoning soldiers in the walls of our abbey, we will pay an annual tribute of [1 Wealth].

Tre Fontane[/ic]

[ic=To Consul Calafatus]Consul,

I have no particular needs of Rome and doubt my city has anything to offer you.  If you believe me mistaken, I will entertain your suggestions, but if it is an alliance you wish I am uninterested in conspiring against His Holiness the Pope.

Signore Crescentius Caetani, Lord of Ardea[/ic]

Quote from: Light DragonOther Political Issues of the season:

I would add to this only that the Senate needs to find a new place to meet.  That should be done this turn.

Posting my senator. :D

[spoiler=Arrigus Sismondii]
Player: Nomadic
Age: 31
Class: Citizen

Influence: 5
Popularity: 5
Wealth: 6
Orthodoxy: 7

Born 1121 to merchants, Arrigus inherited into his father's estate which included a small yet healthy winemaking business. Proving himself a shrewd businessman the young merchant, through much effort and not a small amount of maneuvering, has turned it into a thriving concern. At the height of his rise to wealth however the recent conflicts dealt a sharp blow to the local industry. Forced to scale back his ambitions for the present, Arrigus set his mind to obtaining a position within the senate. Despite the weakening of his wealth the merchant still maintains a quite healthy influence within Rome and has managed to find himself a seat amongst the senatores consiliarii themselves.[/spoiler]

The Senate has elevated Arrigus Sismondii, a Roman Citizen, to the ranks of the Senatores Consiliarii.  His wealth and influence are significant and it is hoped his experience in mercantile endeavors will be of use to the Commune.

[ic]
I give thanks to my most esteemed colleagues for giving me the chance to prove my worth and great dedication to our most excellent city. In this time of crisis I would hope that I might offer what aid I can in restoring to rome a beauty and honor that has been in recent years denied her. There is much to do but I fear that before else can be done we must look to the senate. There can be no discussion of what is to come if we have not the place to discuss it. This temporary residence is much better than naught at all and much thanks is to be given to those who have offered it. Yet it will not suffice forever and indeed not long at all. Nay I say that we must look first to our own house before looking to the house of Rome. Let us return to the Curia Julia as was the wont of the senate of old. It saddens me to see it in its current state and as a token of my desire to have the senate rehoused and the forum returned to honor I offer now to the senate of my own ability a sum of [1 wealth] towards the restoration of the Curia Julia so that the senate might find a more permanent residence from which they might better govern our mother city. Furthermore it is known that the Curia Julia has been consecrated to the lord for the work of his church. Praise be to God say I! Let it remain so, and let the senate meet now in such a place. Might the opening of our minds within the very house of god bring us wisdom and council so that we might better guide his city in the time to come.
[/ic]

[ooc]
- Donate 1 wealth towards the restoration of the Curia Julia on the condition that it is to become the new and more permanent house of the senate.
[/ooc]

We could meet in the Pantheon. Its a suitably grand location for the senate.

Both the Pantheon and the Curia Julia are consecrated as churches.  This is not necessarily a problem, as churches were frequently used by city councils during the middle ages, although the Senate is perhaps a bit more space-intensive than the usual city council.

The Curia Julia is not the only meeting place used by the ancient Senate, but it was the most recent one and the only one still around in the 12th century.  It is made of brick-faced concrete with a marble facade over that, and the entrance is covered by two great bronze doors dating back to ancient times.  It is not a large building, but sufficient to hold a hundred Senators in its main gallery (that was its original use, after all).  It is currently a church dedicated to Saint Hadrian of Nicomedia, a 4th century Roman soldier who was martyred for his beliefs.  Saint Hadrian is believed to protect people against the plague and is the patron of "old soldiers, arms dealers, butchers and communications phenomena."  He is a very popular military saint, particularly in Northern Europe, and is usually represented armed, with an anvil in his hands or at his feet.  The Curia Julia stands in the old Roman Forum, which was once the main square of Rome but is now a bit of a dump - many of the structures in the area are buried under debris or have been partially disassembled, and the area is more commonly known as the Campo Vaccino - the cow pasture.

The Pantheon is a significantly larger and more architecturally impressive building, though the bronze and gold that once adorned it has all been stripped away.  It was once a pagan temple, but was consecrated in the 7th century and dedicated to St Mary and "all the martyrs," and is a more significant church than the Curia Julia.  It is known by most Romans as simply the rotonda.  The structure lies in the Field of Mars; most of the population of Rome also lives in this area, particularly along the river, but the Field of Mars is also a flood plain of the Tiber and experiences frequent flooding.  The structure's marble interior is largely intact and still breathtakingly beautiful, though having a big hole in the ceiling might not be ideal for Senate meetings that take place when it's raining.

[ic=A proclamation to be read aloud at every square and every market, and to be displayed at the Judiciary and the Senate House]
Romans! Hear the voice of your Consul, Roberto Basile!

There will be peace in Rome! There will be law. There will be order. The violence that has plagued our fair city these past months is done and finished. The Senate will tolerate not one more drop of civil blood to be spilled upon our streets. The Senate is of one mind, and Patrician Giordano agrees. He rejoins our flock as a Citizen of Rome. Tempers flared, but now they cool, and we are all sickened by the bloodshed that has been wrought.

We will have justice in Rome! Those who think they can flout the laws of God and man as they see fit will be punished. The ancient Code of Justinian, and the traditional laws of Rome will be enforced. No more will our city have one single shred of tolerance for murderers, thieves, rapers and other villains.

These are the words of your Consul, and all would do well to heed them![/ic]

[ic=A Speech before the Senate of Rome]
Senators! The Papists have been driven from Rome, and we will have peace with the Patrician! The blood spilled these months past will not be forgotten, lest we be doomed to repeat such folly.

I am your Consul, and I decree that we will have Order and Justice in Rome. For too long has the law of the city been left to lie as a fallow field. Senator Sismondii has found a new home for the Senate, but so too must Law have a home - and of course, so too must we until the Curia Julia should be made ready. The former palace of the Pope will be turned to new use. No more will it mock the struggles of Rome's people, no more will it be an edifice for ill-gotten wealth. It will be as a great Judiciary and Consulate, from which to enforce the will of the Roman people. But laws do not service themselves, and we must lend our own efforts to see it through. Senators, I call on you, all of you, to serve as Magistrates, to be as judges of the law. Words are well and good, but the people must see us act. All among us are patriots, and I know we will do all we can to serve our city. As Consul, I grant you all the power to judge the law, and see its will done in the halls of the Judiciary. Know that I will be watching those who should accept this responsibility, and I will brook no malfeasance. The Jus Politia will carry out the will of the Curia Senatus, and will answer to the authority of Rome.

We must order our own house, Senators. The cause of our Commune is that of the righteous, and with your faith and the grace of God, we will see it through.[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Ruggero Pierleoni]
Ruggero,

I do not pretend to understand the strife that has consumed our city these past months, and as Consul, it fills me with shame that it occurred under my watch. Your brother is a patriot of Rome, and the many sacrifices he made for our city are not forgotten. The bloodshed must end. You know this as well as I. Roman cannot fight Roman. We must have peace in the city, or those who would see us all hang may yet get their wish.

Your brother's title of Patrician shall be confirmed in perpetuity, along with the new duties that it entails. He and his kin will again be known to all as Citizens of Rome. The terms are fair, and by my authority as Consul, I accept them with one condition. The families of the Senators taken from the halls of the Senate House are filled with grief and fear, and would see their loved ones returned to them. If my colleagues should still live, return them to their homes, and by the will of God we shall have peace.

Consul Roberto Basile [/ic]

[ic=An Offer to the Captured Mercenaries]You men fought Romans, it is true. I was there, and perhaps some of you know me. Yet you did only as your masters bade. In return, they abandoned you to save their own hides. Your contract with the Pope has fallen to ruin, and you are prisoners of the Senate of Rome. No offers of ransom have been received, and I am left wondering what to do with you.

But I am no bloodthirsty man, and would not see you hanged when there is still much that you could do in life. It has come into my mind that perhaps I will 'ransom' you myself. I am Consul of Rome, and such matters are left to me. You are all good Christians, and as such I know of your devotion to the laws of God and man. I would have you serve these laws, and serve Rome, just as you did under the Cardinal-Vicar. Any man willing, and any man I judge capable will be appointed to the ranks of the Jus Politia. You will answer to me, and to the Magistrates of Rome. You will carry out the enforcement of the law. To the letter. I will allow no treachery, and any man who should consider himself above the laws he serves will find himself right back here. I am a gracious master, and you will find me fair, I suspect. I will not demand the impossible, and if you should have concerns, come to me, and I will hear them. You will be housed, you will be fed, and you will be payed.

I invite you to be Romans, and to share in the prosperity of our Commune. This is the mercy I offer, and any who should choose to accept it, stand now. Or you could remain here, in chains, until I should find another use for you. It is your choice.[/ic]

[ooc=Orders for Winter 1152]

- Appropriate the Lateran Palace for the Commune of Rome. Convert its use to that of Judiciary and Consulate. (Near the end of the winter/beginning of spring, if necessary this turn, spend 1 wealth from the defence fund to renovate and prepare for the coming political conference in the spring.)

- Create a functioning court system, calling on all Senators to volunteer their time as magistrates to carry out the judgement and application of Roman Law. Roberto himself will devote some available time in this regard.  

- Establish the Jus Politia to carry out the will and writs of the Roman Judiciary, and to serve as city watchmen. Extend offer of membership to captured mercenaries that seem amenable to the idea, reliable, and non-hostile to the Commune. The Jus Politia answers to the Judiciary and ultimately the Consul of the Interior. Appoint one of my trusted lieutenants as its head. Finance continued operation via minor court fines, and spend 1 wealth from the defence fund to contribute to initial costs and getting the entity into functioning order. Equip with arms and equipment captured and confiscated as a result of the Battle of the Lateran.

- Additionally place any excess of captured arms and equipment that fell into the Senate's hands within a secure Senatorial armory at the Lateran Palace (possibly taking over any existing armory within the premises)


[/ooc]

------

[ic=A Letter to the Rectors of Rieti]

The Commune of Rieti has long been a boon companion to Rome. We hold the same values, and our people are as brothers. Rome has had some difficulties of late, but those matters are behind us, and our city is stronger than ever. Your congratulations on our victory at Tivoli this summer past were most appreciated, and reminded us of the long-standing friendship of our two cities.

We have heard of your difficulties with the Abbey of Farfa, and perhaps there is a solution to this problem. We are sure you understand the threat posed to Latium by this new Faliscan League, and its establishment troubles the Senate of Rome. As such, the Senate extends to you an invitation to come to Rome this spring where all this and more will be discussed with those of a similar mind. Perhaps at such a time we may together find solutions for all of our problems.  

Consul Roberto Basile

[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to the Abbot of Subiaco]

Your friendship is not forgotten. Rome remembers the aid you gifted her on the field at Tivoli, as does her Senate. If rumours are true, it seems Tivoli has new friends as well, and I wonder if that city's memory is as good as that of Rome. The peace of Latium is threatened, that is clear. This so-called Faliscan League bands together for one purpose, and that is to oppress all the free peoples of Latium.

As such, the Roman Senate extends an invitation to you. We invite you to send a delegation come spring-time, where these matters will be discussed, along with others of like-mind. It is clear that danger looms on the horizon, and friends must look to band together in times of peril.

Consul Roberto Basile
[/ic]


Still have to add two short letters, and potentially other things that I've forgotten about.

[ic=In the Senate]There is a mixed response among the senators (gathered, currently, in an open field) to Consul Basile's speech - while his proposals of law and order are welcomed, many question the wisdom of appropriating what has been the house of the Pope for seven hundred years and argue it to be needless provocation.  Senators of a more Arnoldist bent applaud the proposal, saying that the clergy has no business controlling such properties anyway.  The debate in the Greater Council is likely to continue for some time.[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Consul Basile]Consul Basile,

To be quite honest, I had only a slim hope that you would respond positively to this proposal given what has transpired, and it renews my faith in the Senate – at least slightly – that you are also seeking reconciliation.  However, my brother's proposal was composed before the events of October, and I cannot ratify this agreement for him, nor promise that he would ratify it were he well.  The Senate will have to be content to wait for his recovery before the agreement can be made.

Until that time, which I dearly hope will be soon at hand, I am willing to agree to a truce.  We will each maintain the territory we currently hold.  I will swear to make no offensive moves and to attempt to prevent any mobs from taking matters into their own hands so long as the Senate gives me the same assurance.

The Senators you mention are indeed in my custody, though I swear that I had no hand in their abduction; they were in the hands of a mob that was passing into Trastevere via the Tiber Island, and there I seized them from their captors.  They are injured, but not seriously.  I sympathize with the plight of their families, but I believe I will retain them as my guests as an assurance of the truce, should the Senate agree to it; they will be treated well in my custody and will come to no harm.  This may not please the Senate, but I am wary of further betrayals and not yet comfortable in acting on the Senate's word alone.

Once - and if - my brother recovers, he will continue this discussion with you himself.

Ruggero Pierleone[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Consul Basile]Consul,

We will gladly send a delegation to arrive in the Spring.

- The Honorable Rectors of Rieti[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Consul Basile]Tivoli is despoiled and the abbey's rightful lands are reclaimed.  If they ever rise to be a nuisance again, by that time I will probably be dead.  It was fortunate that we shared an enemy but I am not interested in getting involved with with Rome's many other feuds.  I am old and have accumulated quite enough enemies already, thank you.

Pietro Tusculani, Benedictine Abbot of Subiaco

[ic=Letter to Ruggero Pierleone]

Ruggero,

I am no man of violence. The strife that consumes our city must end, and I will see it be so. The Senate agrees to your proposed truce, and we likewise will do all in our power to ensure our people make no trouble. It is good to hear of the continued health of my colleagues, and I trust you will treat them as well as you say.

I await the recovery of your brother with great anticipation.

Consul Roberto Basile

[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Consul Calafatus]

Consul Calafatus,

I do not know the precise circumstances that gave rise to the violence that has so consumed our city, but I think it is best that we put such things behind us. The people have no more stomach for corpses on the streets. I said that if blood flowed over the Pierleoni situation, I would take matters into my own hands, and so I am. As you are aware, the Pierleoni wish for peace and reconciliation. I have tentatively confirmed our reciprocal intentions, and have additionally secured an immediate truce with Ruggero Pierleone.

I do not criticize your handling of this matter, as I gave my assent for you to handle it as you wished. Circumstances are wont to arise that confound the best of us, and there is no one who is at fault. Your intentions were well-made, and I understand that you only acted in what you thought was the best interest of our city. Furthermore, after my discussions with Signore Colonna and recent events in Latium, I find myself misliking the Frangipani more and more. Their power waxes too full, and I do not think we should lend them any boons. I do not trust them. In any case, Consul, you possess a sound military mind and it is my belief that our city still needs your leadership. Know that you still have my support.

Additionally, I have taken the initiative to extend an invitation of hospitality to a delegation representing the Rectors of Rieti come the spring. It is quite possible that all our interests may coincide, including those of Perugia. I am concerned by this Faliscan league, and it is likely that a counterweight will be necessary to return order to Latium.

Consul Roberto Basile

[/ic]

[ooc]
I will Inquire into how much food would 1 wealth buy? How long could Rome survive on this food during a siege assuming proper rationing?

I will also send a trusted and knowledgeable associate of my own business to Rieti. He should examine the local vineyards and land as well as the local market to ascertain if Rieti would be a viable and potentially profitable place to invest into for my wine business.

Finally I will also send a man to Naples to inquire on the cost of hiring mercenaries (not many, just enough to train and perhaps lead our men in battle)
[/ooc]

[ic=Speech to the Senate]Dearest friends and senators, our world is changing. We are surrounded by ravenous wolves that seek nothing more than to assault our home and take it for their own. We reached out to the German King, Fredrick, and he has SCORNED US! He has all but called us rebellious slaves! How dare he! HOW DARE HE, I SAY! He who was born into the purple, he who has never had to work a day in his life, he who terrorizes his subjects to force them into kowtowing to his regal lordship! He is not worthy of the crown he wears AND NOR HE IS NOT WORTHY OF THE IMPERIAL CROWN! He is a fool and a blackguard. He is not our ally and we shall NEVER again tempt fate by offering our hand in friendship to such an animal!

As I said, Rome is surrounded by wolves, whose envious eyes are fixed on our fair city. We must strike out and secure our own destiny by building a new empire - one founded on REPUBLICAN ideals, that fully scorns the nobility of old! We should be a city on a hill, where those who are worthy are rewarded and those who are contemptuous and lazy cast down! We are a Republic and we MUST ensure our vision for the future survives into perpetuity!

To do this, dearest friends and senators, we must carefully expand our sphere of influence out past our city gates and secure a perimeter from which our benevolence and our ideals may spread across the peninsula! Our first target must be the fortified town of Formello. I have sent spies north and they have given me a detailed list of the cities offensive and defensive capabilities. I assure you that the town is ripe for the picking! Let Formello be the first stone cast into a brighter, more secure future! Let Formello be the place from which the wellspring of ROMANISM races forth like an unrelenting tide! [/ic]

[IC=Speech to the Masses]Friends, Citizens, Romans - hear me! Rome is surrounded by hungry, desperate wolves, whose envious eyes are fixed on our fair city. We must strike out and secure our own destiny by building a new empire - one founded on REPUBLICAN ideals, that fully scorns the nobility of old! We should be a city on a hill, where those who are worthy are rewarded and those who are contemptuous and lazy cast down! We are a Republic and we MUST ensure our vision for the future survives into perpetuity!

My dear people it is my dream that we shall create a UTOPIA the likes of which the world has not seen for a THOUSAND YEARS! We must forge a NEW ROMAN REPUBLIC that extends past our city walls, past the lands of Latinum and across the whole Italian Peninsula! We shall become the beating heart of a glorious nation that will span from the Alps in the north, the the Mediterranean in the south, to the Adriatic in the east, to the Tyrrhenian in the west! YOU, my dear citizens, SHALL BE the the Architects of this glorious future and it is YOU who shall benefit most from its foundation!

The first stop on the road to DESTINY is the town of Formello! It is but a stone's throw from our very city and must be brought into the the Republican fold! For too long the townsfolk have been dominated by those would-be rulers whom YOU THE PEOPLE, cast out of this very city. Yes I speak of the Pope and his foolish cronies! The people of Formello suffer under the greatest hardships imaginable by virtue of being ruled by such tyrants! As the architects of our glorious future I ask you - is it fair that YOU live in freedom, while they live in slavery!? NAY! NAY I SAY! They have every right to be free and WE MUST SECURE THEIR FREEDOM!

Many of you may ask why should we do this for people that are strangers to us. Well I say they are not strangers! They are our KIN! And you do not turn your back on kin when they are being oppressed! They are our wayward brothers and sisters and it is OUR DUTY to see them freed and re-united with us!

IT IS BY OUR SWEAT, TEARS AND BLOOD THAT OUR REPUBLIC WILL BE FORGED AND MAINTAINED! WE MARCH FOR FORMELLO! [/ic]

[ic=Private Letter to Fortis Calafactus]Dearest Consul,

I threw all my political weight behind you and I am overjoyed you were able to secure the Consulship for this year. Recent events, terrible though they may be, have marred your impeccable record. I offer you a chance to redeem yourselves in the eyes of the people - Join me in my quest to free the town of Formello from the tyrannical rule of the papists and their sympathizers. Rome stands on a knife's edge, if we do not act now to secure our place on the peninsula, then we will be susceptible to invasion and conquest from those around us. Aid me in my glorious dream of forging a new Republic!

A Friend,

Senator DeRosa. [/ic]

[ic=Letter to Vittorio Manzinni]Dearest Friend,

I pray thee this letter finds you in good health, most especially after the violence that rocked our fair city. I am writing to ask you for aid in my liberation of Formello. As you have no doubt heard, the town is under the ruthless control of the papacy and its tyrannical allies. It is our duty as liberators to see our freedom spread across the entire peninsula! The first stop on this road is Formello. We shall liberate the town and tehre by expand Rome's influence.

I also write to you in response to a letter you sent inquiring as to my family's origins in Spain. Though I am from Castile, my family as many allies throughout the Iberian Peninsula. I would be delighted to go into business with you and help secure the goods you, and now I, seek.

With hope and friendship,

Senator DeRosa[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Hugo De Vinti]Dearest Senator,

You once called yourself a defense minded Senator. With that in mind I ask you to pledge your support for the war against Formello. They are a town under the tyranny of the Pope and his cronies. it is our moral imperative to see the town liberated from their rule and bring it into our sphere of influence. The wolves surrounding our city have become more ravenous than they were before, most especially with the loss of any hope of gaining the German King's friendship. We must secure a buffer zone around the Eternal City or lest the wolves pounce on us and ruin all that which we have built.

Your friend and ally,

Senator DeRosa[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Arrigus Sismondii]Dear Senator,

I must congratulate you on your rise to the rank of Senator. I am told you are a merchant and a business-minded man. I too am such a man, though I must confess my mercantile endeavors have waned since becoming a Senator. With this in mind, I hope that, in the future, you and I will found a friendship, both on and off the floor of the Senate.

With regards,

Senator DeRosa[/ic]

[ooc=Orders] - Quickly have the artists and sculptors working my my Chapel cease work. Assess what has been created and attempt to change the chapel's saint to someone less German. Change the saint to Saint Mercurius, who was a similarly devote Christian but befits DeRosa's new anti-Imperial and martial rhetoric.

- Send a letter to my extended family in Genoa, Castile and Aragon inquiring as to the price of Barcelonan Iron as well as the price of their chainmail armor. Make sure to mention I have a buyer who wishes to acquire large sums of the ore.

- Send a man to the countryside to assess the cost of acquiring large quantities of armor-quality leather.

- Send a man out to assess the viability of felling trees used to make weapons and siege engines.

- Send a man out to find out how large/viable the market is for weapons and armor in Rome, Pisa, Genoa and Venice.

- Inquire as to the state of the roads into and out of Rome, as well as all the roads within the city. Discover if any need to be repaired and/or paved (in the standard Roman style (cobblestone streets I presume)).

- Inquire as to the management of the city's various churches and what kind of condition they are in. Rome should be the center of worship throughout Christendom and if its churches are in disrepair, then I cannot fathom how other cities fair. Inquire as to how much the churches are bilking/tithing from their parishioners.

- Inquire how the city will respond to a fire. If we do not have a volunteer firefighting team for each neighborhood then investigate the cost of such an endeavor.

- Investigate the various Guilds that operate in Rome and ensure they are not pricing their common goods beyond the reach of the common man.

- Investigation: Send a man out to find out how many hostels, inns, hotels, etc. are in the city and what kind of condition they are in. Rome must ensure visitors to the city are not forced to stay in sub-standard hovels.

- Serve as a Volunteer Judge as often as possible. Preside with a fair but stern hand. Ensure that the poor are not mistreated or mishandled in the eyes of the law.  

- [ooc=War to Free Formello]Gather an army, spending no more than 2 wealth and send it to Formello with the aim of breaking through the walls, slaughtering all who oppose us and installing a new government favorable to Rome (particularly DeRosa and his allies). Gather as many veterans from the war with Tivoli as possible. Furthermore, purchase as many siege engines as deemed appropriate but remain within budget. If necessary, pillage the countryside around Formello for men, food, supplies, animals and weapons.

If no one supports me, then march off alone and prepare for a lengthy siege. [/ooc]

Rather than go to war, I wish to raise a permanent militia. Spend no more than 1 wealth to create such a force and a barracks for them to stay and train in. Shelve the idea until after I gain more wealth.

[ic=Letter to Domencia DeRosa]
Dear Senator,

I am most thankful for your welcome and for my part shall do what I can towards the glory of our city. However, the words I have heard of your desire to see Formello burn darken my heart. I fear that we have not time to push outward towards such an ambitious goal as you have given. We cannot afford to expend men and wealth upon the walls of another city while our own city lays yet in shambles. It is as I have said, let us look first to our own house. The houses of our neighbors must wait for there is a storm coming from the north and our walls and stores must be strong to weather its blow. Let the soldier rest his sword and look now to the plow and to the hammer and chisel. We require water, food, strong walls, and a trained and orderly defense. I beg that you do not sally forth with that which we need here, your strength is needed now in Rome, not Formello.
[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Hugo de Vinti]Thank you, my friend, for the delightful gift.  Your skill has clearly not slipped at all since last we met.

The King has been calling all manner of architects and artisans to Palermo, many of them Saracens and Greeks, for he seems to have no care for a man's faith so long as they are useful to him.  It is not a vision I share, but one cannot deny the great beauty of the works of the Greeks especially, who stun the rustic Norman barons with their creations.

At present it is Pisa that ships marble to Palermo, which was a thing I could not quite understand, for the rumor from Tuscany is that they have few friends inland.  I thought at first that they must have reconciled with Lucca and others who stand astride their inland routes, but I decided to look into the matter for you.  As you may know, many of the Pisan ships stop at Naples on their way to Palermo, and there I saw that their marble does not seem to be cut at all, but salvaged; I saw Latin upon it with my own eyes.  It did not take much work to pry from them that their ships have been stopping regularly at Ostia to fill their holds.  Very convenient to get your cargo for free en route, is it not?

I am afraid it will be hard for you to compete with them so long as they pay nothing for their supply, but if the situation should change I will keep you informed.  Do visit as soon as it is convenient for you, and I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Francini Benedito[/ic]

[ic=Private letter to Arrigus Sismondii]

Signore Sismondii,
This merely a message to convey my most sincere welcome to you amongst the ranks of the senatores consiliarii. I wish you luck, as all the others, in your endeavors to make Rome prosper once again.

I would also like to express my gratitude for your very generous donation to the rebuilding of the Curia Julia, which, as you and others have stated, will be the new Senate house. Such entrepreneurship from a newcomer is, I hope, only met by good eyes. At least that is so from my part.

I hope we can work together in the future and ensure a great future for our city.

Sincerely,
Senator de Vinti[/ic]

[ic=Speech to the Senate]

Fellow senators,
Rome feels much safer with the Patrician as an ally, the Papal forces gone and the Jus Politia coming soon to enforce law and order. My most sincere thanks to Consul Basile for these achievements, made in so short a time. But let's also remember the sacrifice of our fallen Roman comrades and their families.

Though, I must admit my concern as to how we will fund the Jus Politia. Will mere fines suffice to feed our esteemed guardians of peace? And house them? And pay them for their great service? I am ashamed to even think of it, but our wealth is limited. How will we provide for these great men who will work tirelessly to make Rome a safer place?

That aside, there are other things of concern. I, once again, beg the Consuls to give our Roman forces a well deserved rest until the summer, or even later if possible. I foresee a disaster, should they be used carelessly, and the most tragic incidents of the past months require their presence in the city and its direct vicinity, not afar. I know our most esteemed Consuls, signore Basile and Calafatus, are quite talented diplomats. They should make use of their passive skills to ensure the safety of Rome. Of course, I am a sensible man. If a looming threat becomes too much to bear, Rome has to be decisive, and I will –FULLY- stand behind!

*brandishes a fist as the word decisive is said, then bows to the crowd.*[/ic]

[ic=At the Lesser Council]

Signores,

My speech to the Senate is limited, for I feel some matters must be discussed only with the men most responsible of Rome's future. Not that I don't have our good Roman senators at heart, but some decisions must be more... closely monitored.

As you all know, the Faliscan League has become our most immediate threat. Though I do not fear for us as we speak, this summer might be extremely busy... and gory, pardon me the thought.

It's a clear sign that a "second Tivoli" cannot -just happen-. Any exterior affair will have to be handled with utmost caution. Of course I have faith in Consul Calafatus's strategic thinking. And have faith in his future endeavors.

*bow swiftly, though gently to Calafatus*

That being said, recent speeches by certain parties like to foster hatred against the rulers of Formello. Such a radical action should not be undertaken now, though we should definitely keep monitoring the situation over there, for they say it's ripe for the picking. Eventually we might want to establish our dominance there. For now though, I fear it is not the time.

Some might ask me, what is it time for? I will say again; we must create a permanent armed force that trains regularly under a strict schedule. It needs to be disciplined, as much the officers as the members of the rank. I have given my own wealth for that purpose, and yet I see no such force under development. This matter has to be remedied to, and quickly.

*bows gently to the group*[/ic]

[ic=Private letter to DeRosa]

Dear friend,
I fear you have misunderstood the principles of defense, or at least, -my- principles of defense. You should have known my position as to the use of our good Romans out of the Eternal City, which is, by the way, qualified as an "attack".

I didn't -ONCE- call myself a defense minded Senator, for I –STILL- call myself defense minded. For all its meaning is worth. You should know that my ultimate goal is the prosperity of Rome. But such grand ambitions are not to be undertaken carelessly and take a long time to produce a decent result.

If one would, for example, foster hatred toward neighbors and quasi-declare war on them; he could be taking steps in the opposite direction from his wanted destination. In the end, bringing his nation and its good people on the brink of destruction, and perhaps even into.

If you would consent to taking a step back, and think about this Formello matter thoroughly, perhaps discuss it with the other Senators before making any decisions, I will be inclined to work with you further, but for now, you have lost an ally amongst senators. And such must be remedied quickly, for the Senate is one... and one only.

Most sincerely,
Senator de Vinti[/ic]

[ic=Private letter to Calafatus]

Dear Consul Calafatus,
I have been busy during the autumn and one thing I have done I feel should come to your attention.

I have dispatched a delegation, representing Rome, to Gregoriopolis, south of here on the Tiber mouth. Along with the men, I sent gifts from my estate to be bestowed upon the populace of this poor town to improve our relations with them. It has come to my attention that the gifts were received with utmost joy, and my men had much freedom to look around and study the social, political and economic realities of that town. Should you need information about Gregoriopolis, I would probably be able to satisfy your curiosity.

Sincerely,
Senator de Vinti

P.S: I would like to add that I have been looking into Sicily for economic prospects.[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Francini Benedito, coming with a small marble figurine of a woman praying]

Ah my friend, how good it is to hear from you! I am grateful to God for your well being.

You have my utmost gratitude for sharing your findings with me. It is, undeniably, useful information. Those Pisans are smart, though they are a long ways home. Such gratuitous wealth probably wont last long, I wager.

As for your worries, do not. Rome is on the right path to prosperity. And I shall inform you of my coming, should it happen. Though I doubt it, for my work here is far from finished. Your family is also always welcome in my humble abode, should you choose to come westward.

God help us all,
Hugo de Vinti[/ic]

[ooc]
- Send an agent in Naples (If possible, the same one who went last season) to get information on the methods of farming and production of flax and the possibility of growing it in the Roman Campagna. Also, the agent should be alert to anything of interest that happens, and keep a close eye on possible markets other than Flax, and Pisan marble workers and their activities/cargo, though, make no rash move and stay subtle. Before anything, he will hand my letter to Francini, along with the gift I send him. (A small marble figure of a woman praying, obviously completing the set of two marble praying figurines.)

- Volunteer my time as Magistrate. On the judging tribunals, suggest fines if the offense is not grave, but suggest labor punishment for those who committed more serious crimes, especially on the Aqua Virgo and the Cura Julia.

- Send an agent to Venice to inquire as to the methods of draining marshes and/or water bodies.

- Contribute 1 Wealth to the defense fund.

- Send an agent to Gregoriopolis to investigate Pisan activities in Ostia and its vicinity. Stay extremely subtle, and keep a close eye on cargo loading/unloading, the schedules and habits, as well as time elapsed between visits.
[/ooc]

[ooc=A Note on Raising Troops]Raising private armies and militias has taken on more importance than I originally expected.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but it has caused me to wrestle with a standardized way of implementing it.  For now, this is the current model for how such "private forces" work.

All players are assumed to have somewhere around 25 "house guards," meaning hired men and family friends who act as bodyguards and agents for the Senator.  That doesn't mean you have 25 men following you around at all times, but that if a riot broke out or a crisis occurred, you would be able to gather around 25 such men without needing to pay any Wealth or spend any time recruiting.  This house guard is treated as a masnada unit (see front page).  You can send these guys on local errands, as some players have done, but they are generally Rome-only and do not go on campaign save for a few personal bodyguards (who are not counted when I roll up battles).

When you decide to spend money on a private militia (or whatever term you use), the first thing I care about is whether it is a temporary levy or whether this is a militia you intend to keep around for more than a single season or action.

If it is a temporary force, then 1 Wealth raises 200 men.  These men are represented as masnada.  They are only minimally trained, since you're only hiring them temporarily and not training them over the long term, but many of them are guards, toughs, ex-militia or off-duty militia, and so on, so they are not completely green.  Like all masnada, they are capable street fighters and raiders but are not ideal for forming a line of battle in a real, honest-to-goodness field engagement.  Do not expect them to stand firm against a heavy cavalry charge.  If you possess other weapons (usually meaning that you've purchased some through orders), you can equip the militia in other ways, but they will still have the training, morale, and discipline of masnada.

If it is a permanent force, Wealth is half as effective, because the cost includes paying them for the whole year.  One Wealth raises 100 men.  A permanent militia actually starts greener than a temporary one, because you're choosing people who want a job long term rather than just picking the toughest people for a single campaign.  Over time, however, particularly if they are used, they have the potential of becoming more effective soldiers than temporary levies.  Permanent militia are masnada by default but can also be equipped more like Urban Militia if you so choose, or with other weapons you have purchased or acquired.  More heavily-equipped men will cost more; for instance, 1 Wealth will buy only 50 "heavy infantry," meaning the same thing as regular permanent forces but with mail armor.  You must pay the price of your permanent force every year.  If you don't, they may take their fee out of your hide, or just disband and take their equipment with them.  They must still be paid for partial years, so if you disband them after 3 seasons you will still have to make that second payment if you don't want them to freak out.

Keep in mind that neither of these options are a professional standing army.  Even members of a permanent private militia still have professions and homes, working for you and training occasionally is merely their "second job."  That' why they're private militia.[/ooc]

This is sort of an ad hoc decision based on things I've already worked out with other players since the game started, and is subject to change.  I am neither trying to encourage or discourage private forces with these rules, just lay out basic guidelines.

Edit: As you may have noticed, paying 1 Wealth to raise a mob raises many, many more people than just 200, but mobs have disadvantages of their own.

Any thoughts on professional forces? I was thinking that it might be good to hire a skilled soldier to train and maintain a small core of full time soldiers. In times of peace they would form the city watch. They would help police Rome, patrol the roads in and around the city, train and drill the militia, and so forth. In war they would form the core of the force around which the militia would rally and each such persons might even lead the group of militia he has trained and drilled as their captain.

12th century Europe does have professional forces - knights.  (And mercenaries, sort of).

But you mean full time soldiers - that is, a professional standing army, and I am very reluctant to touch the concept in this game.  It did not appear in Christian Europe until the 15th century.  The ancient Roman Republic itself relied on citizen-soldiers rather like your Urban Militia for centuries; by the time they felt pressured to change the system, the Republic was already a Mediterranean superpower on three continents.  It was an anomaly even for the time; the soldiers of the Greek kingdoms of the Mediterranean were generally either mercenaries or landowners who funded their arms with their estates, quite like like medieval knights.  To accomplish it, Rome relied on a vast population base and a vast infrastructure, neither of which would be matched again in Europe until the heyday of the Ottoman Empire.

The only thing I can think of in the 12th century that even resembles a true professional corps would be basically "permanent mercenaries" like the Varangian Guard, but unless you have a Byzantine-sized treasury it's just not feasible.  A standing professional soldier has to be clothed, fed, housed, armed, trained, salaried, and at all times fully employed by the state (he even has to get retirement), while with a knight all you have to do is give him a parcel of land to support himself and tell him what you expect, because he does all those other things himself.  Rome would need a bureaucracy far larger than 100 senators and a few lawyers to make that kind of system functional.

This is something that we might revisit in the long term future of this game, but for now I think it's best left as an anachronism.  There are plenty of other ways to raise and support an effective force - militia service, vassalage, mercenary contracts, tribute, even religious fanaticism - and Rome will have to rely on those.

OOC- am I missing something about Formello? How did it come up? Just an important strategic position, or did it insult something related to Rome? It just came as a surprise here and I'm trying to answer appropriately.

Under construction-->
[spoiler]Private to DeRosa : The people are weary of war and winter is here. Senator DeRosa, I fear that now is not the time to embark on an audacious journey. I admit, I myself had been considering about strengthening Rome through conflict, but Winter is a poor time for campaigns--the popolo will freeze and perish. And the mood in Rome is not one for offense. I am most sad that I cannot support your actions and I most assuredly wish that you had voiced them to me before your speech to the Senate or to the People. I respect you, Senator DeRosa, but I fear that the plan, while sound in theory--is not appropriate at this time.

Regarding our business ventures; that is a most capital statement you make. Once we have determined the market here in Rome, we can provide it something of great value. The key to creating a market for value will be increasing the size of Rome's defense fund and in ensuring that Rome has the blacksmiths who are skilled enough to craft the iron into proper Chain. For our venture, I would suggest an equal allotment of reward for an equal amount of risk. If you invest  1 wealth, and I 1 wealth and the profit is 4, then we will divide that equally. I do have a request, however, namely that my blacksmiths be permitted to add some finishing touches on any armor that is produced from the Iron-that request is quite important to my interest in this venture.

//
Speech to senate:
The town of Formello is allied against Rome. And the town of Formello has heard that wrath has been directed against it. But Rome also produces olives, and with them, olive branches. I counsel olive branches to be sent to Formello, in whom reside many of our Brothers. Although their politics may be anathema to Rome, policies can change.

Letter to Formello
Senator DeRosa delivered a striking speech in the Senate the other day. Surely you have heard of its content? What would it take to have Formello and Rome be friends? The city does not oppose the Papacy, but the Good Monk Arnold opposes Papal wealth and Church oppression. Some among our number and among Arnold's friends are more militant than others and Tivoli and the Lateran have been soundly crushed. No one expected either to fall, and yet, before Rome, they did.

The Church can give much good to the world, and Rome is eager to work with and to support Clergy and any of our Brothers who work with the People. If you wish for peace, I suggest you act soon, before the mood in the Senate decides on a course of action.

OOC: Determine if Rome has enough blacksmiths to forge Chainmail from Iron. Determine if that would cost extra. (e.g. how much would heavy infantry cost us to make, total?)[/spoiler]

Its a nearby fortified town on the edge of what should be (will be) our territory. We need to build a buffer, a safe zone, if you will - lest the good King of Germany and the almighty Pope are going to come at us with everything they have. Fredrick is serious and we need to build up a fortified position to deter him at all costs. I was not lying when I said DeRosa feels the Eternal City is surrounded by Wolves. Every direction you look to is an enemy - to the north is Germany )a power that could crush us like an ant) to the south is Naples (which is full of people who covet what we have) and to the west is the Papacy (who we scorned when we kicked the Pope out of the City).

I did some research into the town last turn and was planning to go to war this turn. I acted with haste and posted before I realized we had a little civil war.

There aren't take backs in this game, so my mistake will, in all likelihood, doom Domenico DeRosa but... C'est le vie... Though, I suppose a more appropriate turn of phrase would be, the die is cast.

I suppose I will probably blame the entire affair on DeRosa coming to the realization that the horse he hitched his wealth and future to - Fredrick - has turned out to be an un-tamable stud, who has, in no uncertain terms, flung DeRosa (and his fortune, his hopes and his dreams) off the side of a cliff. DeRosa needs a way to gain influence and forge a new path - that path is war. He is investing every cent he has into this venture and prays every night to the almighty that it succeeds. If it does, then he will gain prestige, fame and fortune. If it fails, he will most assuredly either die gloriously in battle or die destitute and eventually commit suicide.

He went off the deep end and now he has to see this through to the end. Win or loose - people will remember the name Senator Domenico DeRosa!

Ah, thank you for the explanation. Sorry about that.

Feel free to look at my spoiler above, EE and Polycarp. I'm trying to provide some cover for your speech... I'll move it into IC when I'm happy with how it turns out.

OOC - And that's why Vittorio is the better politician! :)

An interesting tactic. Though I think we need allies more than we need a buffer. Our only hope is in getting the locals riled against the Germans. It perhaps helps that most of the locals aren't too fond of having the empire meddling in their affairs. I'm afraid that as powerful as Barbarossa is, he'll just steamroll any buffer we put up. What we probably need to do is get Sicily to realize that a Rome under Barbarossa means having German neighbors. I'm sure they'd much prefer retaining independent Papal States as a buffer between them and Freddy. That though will probably require some serious wheeling and dealing and a bit of bribery. In the end though Sicily is probably the only one we have a chance of swaying that also has the power to stand up to Freddy.

Quote from: NomadicAn interesting tactic. Though I think we need allies more than we need a buffer. Our only hope is in getting the locals riled against the Germans. It perhaps helps that most of the locals aren't too fond of having the empire meddling in their affairs. I'm afraid that as powerful as Barbarossa is, he'll just steamroll any buffer we put up. What we probably need to do is get Sicily to realize that a Rome under Barbarossa means having German neighbors. I'm sure they'd much prefer retaining independent Papal States as a buffer between them and Freddy. That though will probably require some serious wheeling and dealing and a bit of bribery. In the end though Sicily is probably the only one we have a chance of swaying that also has the power to stand up to Freddy.

Amen

[ic= Bernardo: A Speech to the consiliarii]
You are fools.

The entire might of the German is moving against us, and you speak of further warmongering? Cities once part of the Roman Heartland have banded together in fear of us! The ancient Rome thrived on trade and diplomacy, not addle-headed warfare. And, even in war, we had legions. What have we now?

Little more than rabble.

I applaud the Consul's decision to heed my suggestion and begin enforcing law in the city. I further demand that the ancient fines be levied, and that money go directly to the repair of the walls and the training of a proper Roman Legion for use in the coming siege. Securing additional lands will do nothing, as we have no power to hold what we take. Instead, all it will do is exhaust our people, and make us ripe for harvest when the reapers of the Germans come.

Nevertheless, as I am no less of a Roman than you, I will do my part to dissuade the pope from having allies in the vicinity.[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Il Signore]
The time has come to choose a side. Though some of the senate seem hell-bent on throwing us off the cliff to war, I do not wish that. We need allies, and you would do well as one. You, and everyone like you, throwing in with Rome both weakens Frederick and strengthens us.

We need a league of our own. Perhaps with your help, working together, we might be able to forge one in time to save the New Republic.[/ic]

[ooc]
-Volunteer my time as a magistrate, focusing on larger cases, and establishing a name amongst the people as strict but fair.
-Assemble my men, and begin a march for the sea. Following the river, we present every town that supports the Pope with two options; Support Rome openly, or be risked destruction when the battles come. This begins with Tre Fontane, where I will lead the army in PEACEFUL pilgrimage and prayer (obviously, with their capitulation, the choice has already been made). The ideal ending point is Gregoriopolis. The idea is for publicity, not carnage; this should be fast, and we will avoid a battle. Unless the arrests can be done with minimum bloodshed, we'll simply note the town and move on.
-In addition, my men collect any back due rents from absentee, non-negotiating landlords, and replace the overseers of that land with my own loyal men (assuming the current overseers mind a change in ownership). If asked, I am invoking my right as a magistrate to claim the owners missing in their duties, and taking over said ownership of the land in absentia. I will also collect perhaps half the rent they owe, being generous and a good landlord.
-If I have the men and resources at the end of the run, I take ownership of unworked salt flats, and get those running.
-As the lands I'm currently administering have not paid their previous autumn's taxes, they are due to pay more next year. I make this known to them now, so that they won't be surprised come Fall.

-All of the above cost money, and I don't want to spend more than three wealth on the whole endeavor (I am aware this will put me under; I'm taking a loan if need be.
[/ic]

[ic=Speech to the Consiliarii]
Fellow Senators it is with great joy that I can say that my negotiations, as Consul of the Exterior, with Tre Fontane have gone exceedingly well. In exchange for leaving them be, allowing the brothers of Tre Fontane free access to Rome and not sending any armed men to the abbey, Tre Fontane will pay tribute to Rome for the value of [1 wealth] yearly. I humbly suggest this is put in the defence fund already established.
[/ic]

Stargate: re: "Assemble my men, and begin a march for the sea. Following the river, we present every town that supports the Pope with two options; Support Rome openly, or have your leaders evicted, arrested, and replaced. This begins with Tre Fontane, where I will lead the army in pilgrimage. The ideal ending point is Gregoriopolis and the occupation and looting of the salt flats there. The idea is more for publicity; This should be fast, and we will avoid a dug-in or difficult battle."

Did you notice that Tre Fontaine capitulated to rome in Llum's post below yours? :o.

Other note- getting around to posting up the other details- I have some errands to run first though.

[ic=Speech before the Lesser Council]

We are fools, Senator Fontane? You denigrate the achievements of Roman arms. Rabble? Our men are proud Romans, and have proved their mettle time and again. This is not the Rome of old, and though our spirit may match the boldness of that Great Republic, our resources do not, and that is fact. Many of you have spoken of this, but let me be clear, we do not have the wealth or the men to raise a Legion. You would have the men of Rome devote their lives to war? They have families, Senators, and trades to practice. Funds so gathered through fines will be used where they are most needed, to better the lot of of Rome and her people. Consul Calafatus and I are both in agreement that the repair of the Aqua Virgo should be foremost of our efforts, both to provide cleaner water to our citizens, and to ensure a supply should we be invested. I work to this end, and I will see it done.  

Senator De Vinti has spoken regarding this so-called Faliscan League. This is a troubling development, to be sure, but do not fear. Consul Calafatus and myself work tirelessly to bring a balance to Latium, and we assure you that there are others of like-mind who also share the concerns of Rome.

And to you, Senator De Rosa, your plan is surely folly. The people of Formello have done nothing to our city, and we cannot in good conscience send our men against them. Certainly, they are in the grasp of the Pope, yet so is near all of Latium. Consul Calafatus and I have spoken, and there will be no war this season. Rome has seen enough blood, and she can stomach no more of her own dead. This is the decision of your Consuls, it is final, and any who should go against it do not stand with the Senate. I see by Senator Manzinni's expression that he has something he wishes to say on this subject, and so I will grant the floor to him, let us hearken to his words, Senators. [/ic]

Quote from: Light Dragon
Did you notice that Tre Fontaine capitulated to Rome in Llum's post below yours? :o.

Did you notice that I posted BEFORE the capitulation? I've since fixed it.

[ic=Reply to Basile, in front of the Lesser Senate]
This is republic, Basile, not dictatorship. Though you be a consul, our word still carries weight. What good is fresh water if we are once again under the thumb of the Pope? Water will not stop invading armies! Have you forgotten the River Tiber? That will do for now. Let the walls be erected once more!

And you bring my words out of context. I do not propose that we levy the fifteen legions of Rome at her height, but the single, solitary legion that Rome began with. We Italians have the distinction of fielding the first truly professional army in history. I say we do it again. I ask that they devote their lives, not to war, but to ensure that others need not continually abandon their jobs (which fuel our economy) to pick up a cudgel they haven't practiced with![/ic]

[ic=Speech to the Lesser Senate]
My lot is with the consuls, I will not see Rome shed more blood yet so near to the recent carnage. Let us accept the gracious offer of Tre Fontane, let us look to our friends in Rieti and Gregoriopolis, let us seek out yet more allies, and most importantly let Rome look now to her own affairs. There will be blood spilling soon enough. The city needs the power to stand on its own, the tiber will not survive a day under besiegement and we have little in the way of food stores. Let the aqueduct be repaired, let food be stored against the coming doom. The men must be ready with sword and bow yes but let they be made ready towards the defense of their homes, not pointless battles beyond our walls. We must look to the defense of Rome first! There will be time to expand our influence and to find retribution in those who wronged us, but it must wait for first we must survive the hammer of Frederick!
[/ic]

Quote from: Stargate525

Quote from: Light Dragon
Did you notice that Tre Fontaine capitulated to Rome in Llum's post below yours? :o.

Did you notice that I posted BEFORE the capitulation? I've since fixed it.

Yes I did. I didn't mean for my statement to seem rude? I am sorry if it did. I just wanted to make sure that you'd see it so you could have the opportunity to adjust if you wished. I was trying to be helpful. So I can improve in the future, what wording would you suggest I make?

[ic=To the Senate]The Consuls have spoken and I will heed their call. We will not go to war this day. However, I must say while we rest on our laurels, licking our wounds, we shall see our enemies gather the strength necessary to oppose us. Mark my words - the German King will remain an ever present thorn in our side. We must build our defenses and forge the egalitarian society we all fought for when we expelled our former master. [/ic]

[ic=Speech to the masses]THE CONSULS HAVE SAID NO! No to war and no to offense. Mark my words friends, someday soon war will come to our very walls and we will look back on days such as this and realize looking inward instead of outward was wrong! When the German King comes to our fair city, slaughtering your wives and children - think back upon days like this and REMEMBER - we could have forged a different path, a better path. [/ic]

[ic=A Letter To My Son, Leonardo DeRosa]Dear son,

I have made an error in judgment and leapt without looking. I know I have doomed my own future... I am old and weary... I fear death is close. If I should pass, I want you to know, I bequeath everything to you - my titles, my wealth (what little of it remains) and all my property. [/ic]

Quote from: Light Dragon
Yes I did. I didn't mean for my statement to seem rude? I am sorry if it did. I just wanted to make sure that you'd see it so you could have the opportunity to adjust if you wished. I was trying to be helpful. So I can improve in the future, what wording would you suggest I make?

Sorry, I was being a bit curt too. Thanks for the heads up, and my suggestion would be to not phrase it as a question, but as a suggestion. Like 'You might want to edit that, Stargate' or something like that. And, as much as I hate their overuse, a :P or a ;) goes a long way in internet speak to convey tone.

Quote from: Nomadic
[ic=Speech to the Lesser Senate]
My lot is with the consuls, I will not see Rome shed more blood yet so near to the recent carnage. Let us accept the gracious offer of Tre Fontane, let us look to our friends in Rieti and Gregoriopolis, let us seek out yet more allies, and most importantly let Rome look now to her own affairs. There will be blood spilling soon enough. The city needs the power to stand on its own, the tiber will not survive a day under besiegement and we have little in the way of food stores. Let the aqueduct be repaired, let food be stored against the coming doom. The men must be ready with sword and bow yes but let they be made ready towards the defense of their homes, not pointless battles beyond our walls. We must look to the defense of Rome first! There will be time to expand our influence and to find retribution in those who wronged us, but it must wait for first we must survive the hammer of Frederick!
[/ic]

[ic=Response]
Let not my word be misconstrued; I don't seek warfare, I seek defense. But, in addition to the mobs and the militia who will, no doubt, prove themselves again, why not raise a professional legion - updated, modern, and salaried - to act as their anchor? Provide for defense first and, should the need arise, offense at a later date.

I actually wanted to do something to this effect but PC said that a professional standing army is a no go for the time being. I do like the idea though.

[ic=At the Lesser Council]

Signore di Fontane,
Your conduct in the Inner Council is anything but exemplar. Though, forgiveness must be extended towards those who suffer more easily from stressing times, such is the benevolence and understanding of our great Republic.

I am not one for lecturing, but you must know your place. We have -elected- our great Consuls, and although the Senate serves a clear purpose, it is our Consuls that have the last word. If you are not happy, gear your votes toward others in the next elections. I, myself, am quite content with the Consuls we have now, which have proved, to me at least, their capability to lead Rome to a better future. I am sure many fellow senatores consiliarii feel the same as I.

Now, my esteemed colleagues,

*looks finished focusing on di Fontane, as he eyes the group*

I have sent a delegation, representing Rome, to Gregoriopolis, last season. These fine people were very receptive and I have awarded their kindness with gifts. It has come to my attention that they were overjoyed with what I sent them and posed no threat to my men. Should you endeavor to venture into the fortified town, I would beg of you not to appear hostile, for my efforts, and those of my brave men, would be in vain.

*bows politely and sits down*[/ic]

OOC - Besides going to war, how does one make money in this game?

Some tactics that people have tried (or tactics they are considering) include investing in foreign mercantile endeavors, trying to build up a local industry, buying up land rights from absentee nobles, and bullying people other who have money.  Any idea that makes sense will be considered.  If you have an idea but lack capital to invest, I'm sure your fellow Senators or our local Jewish lenders would be happy to assist you.

Also, everybody makes 1 Wealth per year (nobles get theirs in summer; commoners get theirs in spring).

EE- ah, that explains your idea of assault. I ran into the same concerns when I discovered that although I sent ships off to acquire goods, that I would be unlikely to make profit. Also, very amusing letter to your son :)

Regarding a "standing" army- would it be a good idea to pursue a sort of army that is a labour force for the Senate. That is, they contract out for construction for Equites and Senators in the Winter and Spring, (self supporting) ; and they fight in the Summer and Autumn and are "on call" at other times. That solves some of the problem of supporting them and it makes them "semi-professional".

[ic=Private to DeRosa]
The people are weary of war and winter is here. Senator DeRosa, I fear that now is not the time to embark on an audacious journey. I admit, I myself had been considering to strengthen Rome through conflict, but Winter is a poor time for campaigns--the popolo will freeze and perish. And the mood in Rome is not one for offense. I am saddened that I cannot support your actions and I most assuredly wish that you had voiced them to me before your speech to the Senate or to the People. I respect you, Senator DeRosa, but I fear that the plan, while sound in theory--is not appropriate at this time.

Regarding our business ventures; that is a most capital statement you make. Once we have determined the market here in Rome, we can provide it something of great value. The key to creating a market for value will be increasing the size of Rome's defense fund and in ensuring that Rome has the blacksmiths who are skilled enough to craft the iron into proper Chain. For our venture, I would suggest an equal allotment of reward for an equal amount of risk. If you invest  1 wealth, and I 1 wealth and the profit is 4, then we will divide that equally. I do have a request, however, namely that my blacksmiths be permitted to add some finishing touches on any armor that is produced from the Iron-that request is quite important to my interest in this venture.[/ic]


[ic=Speech to Senate]
*Bows toward Roberto Basile in thanks for the introduction*

The town of Formello remains against Rome. And the town of Formello has heard that wrath has been directed against it. But Rome also produces olives, and with them, olive branches. I counsel olive branches to be sent to Formello, in whom reside many of our Brothers. Although their politics may be anathema to Rome, policies can change. If they realize that success will follow an alliance with us, then all boats will rise.[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Formello]
Senator DeRosa delivered a striking speech in the Senate the other day. Surely you have heard of its content? What would it take to have Formello and Rome be friends? The city does not oppose the Papacy, but the Good Monk Arnold opposes Papal wealth and Church oppression. Some among our number and among Arnold's friends are more militant than others, and as a result of their zeal Tivoli and the Lateran have been soundly crushed. No one expected either to fall, and yet, before Rome, they did.

The Church can give much good to the world, and Rome is eager to work with and to support Clergy and any of our Brothers who work with the People. If you wish for peace, I suggest you act soon, before the mood in the Senate decides on a course of action. Many of us in Rome prefer to extend olive branches and to seek a greater benefit before the war drums are beaten. Regardless, there are benefits to communicating with Rome your desires and in us together forging a path of unity and destiny. .[/ic]

[ooc]- Determine if Rome has enough blacksmiths to forge Chainmail from Iron. Determine if that would cost extra. (e.g. how much would heavy infantry cost us to make, total?)

- Have my Blacksmiths start work on the spears that were delivered, adding an etching into them indicating the seal of my family. There is no rush to the task and so if I can avoid paying a wealth, I'll employ them to do it slowly. The seal does not have to be extensive- just a M- it should be rather simple work.

- Store the crossbows for a time on my estate. Have some technical minded members of my coterie examine them and make some suppositions of if Rome could produce crossbows itself (e.g. do we have the resources, expertise, etc) and what the costs would be. What would production of crossbows entail. Also study to see if there is any way to improve crossbows.

- Send my Masnada and myself around to local churches and rectories, making inventories of saintly relics and auditing the wealth with estimates of what is located where. If possible, make discrete inquiries into relics stored out of sight. Do not pursue questioning regarding the out of sight relics if the clergy are becoming suspicious. If suspicion is raised, one excuse (partially true) is that they are compiling information for possible acquisition by an interested party. (Note: (1) potential acquisitions; (2) tourbook on Rome's wonders, like Ptolemy's tours of the ancient wonders of the world; (3) taxation/appropriation issues.) Eventually bind this information and provide it to Vittorio. Vittorio will examine the information and will several differently styled one page document of certain highlights (e.g. Martyr's Tour, Miracles Tour, Obelisk Tour). The 'written' documents mostly include pictures of highlighted locations and approximate locations (due to massive illiteracy). (I'll give more information on this either by PM or next turn Polycarp!, but the goal is to finish this before the Pilgrim season--and for certain things to take place in the pilgrim season depending on your resolution of these events.)

- Volunteer my time in judging criminal issues. On the Judging tribunals, generally suggest labor-based punishments, such as work to rebuild structures. If possible, point the chain gangs to rebuild items of interest to me. For Equites who end up on criminal issues, treat them slightly different. Offer a choice: Labor punishment or fine of 1 Wealth paid to the Senate Defense Fund + confinement. For murder cases usually suggest labor based because "Rome needs citizens to serve; but if the person is a multiple murderer, if they murdered a woman or a child, or the murder was particularly grotesque or if they seem as though they may be an ongoing threat, recommend punishment appropriate for the time (death?)

- Send the Abbot of Subacio some fine wines in thanks for the letter he wrote me regarding the College of Cardinals. Also, give him a standing invitation to join me in my gardens when he is in Rome. The invitation includes himself and one or two associates.[/ooc]

More in other posts.

Quote from: Light DragonRegarding a "standing" army- would it be a good idea to pursue a sort of army that is a labour force for the Senate. That is, they contract out for construction for Equites and Senators in the Winter and Spring, (self supporting) ; and they fight in the Summer and Autumn and are "on call" at other times. That solves some of the problem of supporting them and it makes them "semi-professional".

In historical times, the Legions were also combat engineers. They would lay roads along their marching route, build fortresses, etcetera. If we geared them that way, with a more urban approach (repair, medieval construction), we would have a labor force that also fought.

[ic=Private word to Consul Calafatus]

Signore Fortis, I would have a word with you. One of my most trusted friends in Sicily has sent me word about the Pisans that trade marble in that country. It would appear they take their marble from the ruins of Ostia, just beside Gregoriopolis. Would we prevent such action from taking place in the future, as well as sabotage their relations in Naples would they dare denounce that to which we have right, perhaps this trade could serve to fill our coffers?

Besides, I have befriended the good folks of Gregoriopolis. I won't go into too much detail, but this means a lot if we would to secure Rome's right over Ostia's ruins.

What do you say? If such an endeavor was to be prepared, how would you go about it?

I would like to add, before further discussions, that, as you know, the de Vinti are skilled marble workers. Should we decide in taking action and giving the raw product a touch before sale, my family would be overjoyed if it would be commissioned for the task.[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Manzinni ] Dear Senator Manzinni,

Thank you for your wisdom and temperance in the... Unfortunate happenings that were caused by my outburst.

I have sent couriers off to both Barcelona, Madrid and Genoa to assess the viability of acquiring the iron we seek. I have also inquired as to the cost of purchasing chain mail armor directly from the source. If we can acquire it directly from the source, then we could cut other merchants off from the source and there by secure a corner of the market, while we quickly build an blacksmithing industry of our own.  In all likelihood the cost of shipping the mail armor will be cost prohibitive, especially if your blacksmiths can weave the ore into chainmail but, I see no harm in asking.

I  wish to also discuss the possibility of expanding the trade from just Chainmail armor and jumping into the whole armor industry by creating leather and studded leather armors. These styles are much less expensive and thus would be in high demand by regular citizens. Furthermore, if we can acquire enough ore, I believe we should look into making weapons as well. A finely crafted spear or sword will fetch a handsome price, doubly so with all the men headed for the Holy Land these days.

I agree to your premise of equal risk and equal profits. It is a most equitable deal.

Always your's,

Senator DeRosa [/ic]


----

I'm glad you found the letter to my son funny. It was meant to be a bit tongue-in-cheek. :)

Updated my orders Polycarp (on page 10).

[ic=To the Senate]I have heard disconcerting reports as to a most unexpected and undeserved hostility among the leaders of the Romans towards me.  I dearly hope they are no more than rumors, but if not, then know that I will vigorously defend my lands against any unlawful and injurious actions by the Romans or any other peoples.

As for "peace" with Rome, that is something that, to my knowledge, already exists.  If the Romans have some specific offer or request then they should make it known.

Signore Martino de Corso, Lord of Formello[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Bernardo]Frederick, so I hear, is not due for two years' time, if he makes good on his promise to come at all.  Additionally, my position vis a vis the Pope makes what you ask impossible.  He has gone to Anagni for the winter but my situation remains the same whether he is present in the flesh or not.  You should advise your Senate to get their own house in order before they come knocking on the doors of others; it is almost laughable to think that any who had heard of Rome's recent troubles should believe that they would make a worthwhile or dependable ally.

Il Signore[/ic]

Quote from: Light DragonRegarding a "standing" army- would it be a good idea to pursue a sort of army that is a labour force for the Senate. That is, they contract out for construction for Equites and Senators in the Winter and Spring, (self supporting) ; and they fight in the Summer and Autumn and are "on call" at other times. That solves some of the problem of supporting them and it makes them "semi-professional".

Please forgive me if I am misunderstanding you, but isn't this basically a militia?  Consider a stonemason or something - he does jobs, usually for the equites, the Senate, the Church (before the revolution, at least) and other magnates, but he fights in the Summer/Autumn if the Senate demands it because he is a militiaman.  The only difference I can see is that the "soldier" you're talking about is a laborer of the popolo minuto rather than a popolo grasso citizen, meaning that he won't be able to afford his own equipment and the Senate will have to pay for it instead.  Not only is that more expensive for a Senate that has very little current income, but it opens up the whole "arming the poor" can of worms - it can be done, but it's going to provoke opposition from the citizenry and equites who really, really don't want to see the angry Roman mob be properly armed and trained for battle.

I am open to "private forces" that are semi-professional, as I outlined in an earlier post (that I should probably edit into the first page), but players should be aware that the expense of these forces will mean that, at best, they will be a small elite.  The general army is best improved and enlarged through structural changes rather than direct payments - for instance, if more people become rich enough to qualify at citizens, the numbers of eligible militiamen will increase.  Time, training, and experience in the field can all potentially improve militia quality, and so might the creation of some professional leadership, as has been suggested.  Rome could subjugate nobles of the contado and have them provide military service as knights, or could dole out captured land and make its own; you could use tribute to pay mercenaries, or require your vassals and clients to pay their tax in the form of soldiers instead of silver.  There are a lot of ways to go about strengthening Rome's military, but I am trying to avoid turning the military part of the game into a bookkeeping exercise, and trying to preserve at least a little historical accuracy with regards to national standing armies.

[ic=Speech before the Lesser Senate]
Fellow Senators, I have been approached by several of you over the last seasons over securing a safe port. My agents have surveyed the whole coast of Latium and we have found the ideal place. The city of Nettuno has the makings of the safest port in Latium. There are problems, it is far and Tusculum stands between us. However if Rome is to have a prosperous shipping future then Nettuno is the place it must begin. There are two other locations that were shown to me, both are inferior. The first is of Portus and Gregoriopolis, however these are far from the coast and provide little shelter. Worst of all there is the bad air, the summers bring malaria to these places. The second location is Palo, between Rome and Civitavecchia, but the castle belongs to the Orsini family.

So fellow Senators, what port do you think should be chosen to support Romes future? As Consul I recommend Nettuno, but as always I am open to discussion from my peers.\
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to the cities of the Faliscan League]
Greetings,

As Consul of the Exterior of Rome, I am here to open the dialogue of diplomacy between our fair City and yourselves. It would seem that perhaps you may feel threatened by Roman aggression, but feat not. Tivoli was brought low for its part in the Papal Alliance that attacked Rome these few years past. While Rome has never had the best of relations with all of you in the past, it is time to move beyond that and begin an era of peace and prosperity.

Fortis Calafatus, Consul of the Exterior and Senator of Rome.
[/ic]

[ooc=Orders Winter of 1152]
-Study the De Re Militari, begin implementations of improvements in the areas of training, recruitment and tactics. Also being working on my leadership qualities.
-Have siege equipment constructed from plans found in De Re Militari, train men to use them and compare them to our current siege equipment. If better replace all our siege equipment with the De Re Militari versions. Spend no more than 1 Wealth.
-Send a messenger with a gift,  something unique to Rome of value no more than [1 Wealth], to the Byzantine Emperor and enquire if he has a copy of De Re Militari.
-Send an agent on reconnaissance to Tusculum to see about the defence about the city and its population.
-Send an agent on reconnaissance to Ardea to see about the defence about the city and its population.
-Have a scribe begin copying De Re Militari.
[/ooc]

Polycarp-
>>"Please forgive me if I am misunderstanding you, but isn't this basically a militia?  Consider a stonemason or something - he does jobs, usually for the equites, the Senate, the Church (before the revolution, at least) and other magnates, but he fights in the Summer/Autumn if the Senate demands it because he is a militiaman.  The only difference I can see is that the "soldier" you're talking about is a laborer of the popolo minuto rather than a popolo grasso citizen, meaning that he won't be able to afford his own equipment and the Senate will have to pay for it instead.  Not only is that more expensive for a Senate that has very little current income, but it opens up the whole "arming the poor" can of worms - it can be done, but it's going to provoke opposition from the citizenry and equites who really, really don't want to see the angry Roman mob be properly armed and trained for battle."

Well, as Stargate mentioned, what we might like is like the old Roman "professional legions" to some degree- landowners who do professional service. I was thinking having the Popolo Grosso work on that. Thus, training in Winter, service in Spring, Summer; Harvest/work at home in Autumn. So maybe that's like your idea of an Urban Militia?

Another option, taking off from Stargate's comment- is arming some of the popolo minuto (the angry citizens) and training them. It would be a calculated risk and it may be worth taking.

[ic=Letter to Selected Equites]
Rome will need protection, what with the foundation of the Falsican League. I question you this; if outsiders are to assemble to assault Rome I understand that you will gladly aid in Rome's defense. What I propose is that in the event the Senate sees need for a pre-emptive strike, much as it did against Tivoli, that we work our some sort of arrangement for your great leadership, experience, and expertise.

What I might suggest, in principle, is a division of some land to your Banners if that is taken, in the event that confiscation is needed. Is this something that would interest you, should matters result in such a circumstance? You would be able to in essence, have land to tend and estates in the countryside? [/ic]

Also Stargate- regarding the advice that you presented me on posting etiquette- thank you. I will attempt to improve based on that advice! :)

[ic= Bernardo's Reply to Calafatus]
My only objection to Netunno is the distance. We would need to rebuild the highway, and defend it. I am in favor of Gregoriopolis and Portus, simply from a logistical standpoint. While true, malaria can strike there, we need only to look at the city of Venice to show what sort of power mankind has on the world. Draining the marshes is a distinct, if long-term goal.

And the goods can be transferred to barges and towed up the Tiber from either of those cities.[/ic]

There's a place called Ostia, which was Rome's real-life port city. I can't seem to find it on the map, but that would be the ideal spot.

Quote from: Light DragonWell, as Stargate mentioned, what we might like is like the old Roman "professional legions" to some degree- landowners who do professional service. I was thinking having the Popolo Grosso work on that. Thus, training in Winter, service in Spring, Summer; Harvest/work at home in Autumn. So maybe that's like your idea of an Urban Militia?

"Landowners who do professional service" is basically a knight.  Urban Militia are close to what you're describing, except that the popolo grasso who form the militia are generally merchants and artisans, not landowners, and don't have the time to train for an entire season (though the Senate has recently instituted some regular training).  If you wanted to make the Militia more "professional," presumably you could require them to train more often, but they can't simply abandon their businesses for a whole season and will probably resist training that cuts into their livelihoods.

QuoteAnother option, taking off from Stargate's comment- is arming some of the popolo minuto (the angry citizens) and training them. It would be a calculated risk and it may be worth taking.

Yes, this is possible.  It is also very expensive (because you will have to purchase all their equipment) and will definitely be opposed by the equites and popolo grasso, to whom the current Senators are indebted.  The hundred and two-hundred man private militias some players have raised are already making the equites a bit queasy; to raise an army like this en masse would probably invite a civil war.  I'm not saying it's not possible to do, but whoever supports it had better be ready to lose a whole lot of Influence.

Quote from: StargateThere's a place called Ostia, which was Rome's real-life port city. I can't seem to find it on the map, but that would be the ideal spot.

Ostia is basically Gregoriopolis.  Gregoriopolis was built right next to Ostia to protect the former residents of Ostia (at least, the few that remained) from Saracen attacks.  It suffers from the same problems of malaria and flooding that Gregoriopolis and Portus do.

[ic=Selected Equites respond to Senator Manzinni]The reaction to your proposal is largely positive.  Certainly the great men of the city are interested in acquiring land under their own names, though the nobility among the equites are slightly less enthusiastic - they would like more land, no doubt, but seem uncomfortable at the idea of non-noble equites owning estates like a nobleman.[/ic]

[ic=To Consul Calafatus]Consul,

The honorable members of the Lega Falisca welcome peace with Rome and hope that our relations will be tranquil and enduring.  Of course, there are many dangers to our members in these uncertain times, and it is only natural that we should organize for our own defense.  We see no reason to move beyond defense so long as Rome does not make itself a continuing threat to its free neighbors.  In particular, we are concerned with the recent vitriol we have all heard from the Romans regarding Formello.  Please understand that any aggression against that city will be understood by the League as an attack upon our security, and will unfortunately force us to respond.

In peace and faith,
Johannes III, Bishop of Sutri[/ic]

[ic=De Vinti's Reply to Fortis]Consul,
What I would propose is having both of them as ports under Rome's reign. We could, eventually, have Nettuno be our main port, but we are far from having the capabilities to make it ours at the present time. Bernardo's advices concerning this matter were fair, and I agree with him. What's more, last season I showered the poor townspeople of Gregoriopolis with gifts from my estate and they were most happy, so some work has already been done there. Of course we might have some trouble with Pisans if we were to take control of the area, but I'm sure we can arrange something... perhaps with the good King Roger II of Sicily?

Pardon my, perhaps biased, opinion of this situation, but since I've been working to improve our standing with the people of Gregoriopolis, their town is the one I will stand for, at the moment.

Having said that, Bernardo's idea of looking into Venice's special talents is something I volunteer to look into. I will send an agent of mine as fast I can.

*bows before seating*[/ic]

[ic=To Fortis]
You present many good arguments for a port at Nettuno, but Tusculum blocks the way. And Tusculum harbors the Pope. We will have no purchase at Nettuno unless Tusculum is to fall.

I would counsel a precise strategy to destabilize Ptolemeo and to divest him of his Papal allies, then to move in and seize his properties while his men desert and we risk few Roman souls. I have some ideas along this line, but given that the people of Rome are very wary of war, this project may need to wait until Spring or at even Summer for execution.

Whatever port we eventually construct must serve several purposes:
One, it must be defensible from pirates.
Two, it must be loyal to Rome
Three, it must be safe to transport goods from the Port to Rome. It does Rome no favors to pay for goods that it cannot enjoy and that Rome's enemies secure.
Fourth, the cost of transport from the Port to Rome must be efficient.

At this time, I will speak in the Senate for Gregoriopolis, which brings benefits of salt that could perhaps be traded to Sicily in return for protection of Rome's burgeoning population of ships; but I would speak with great honor of your plan for locating the Port in Nettuno if certain challenges can be eliminated or if we have a plan to eliminate these challenges. [/ic]

[ic=To the Senate]
*FINISH THIS ONE:
SPEAK FOR GREGORIOPOLIS BUT MENTION THAT NETTANO WOULD BE EXCELLENT IF WE COULD GUARANTEE SAFETY THROUGH THE LAND OF TUSCULUM, WHICH SHOULD BY RIGHT BE that of Rome.
[/ic]

[ic=To Senator Arrigus Sissmondii (Nomadic)]
Welcome Senator, from the ranks of merchants to the ranks of the lesser Council. You have already impressed with your plans and your willingness to serve and to contribute. I hear of your plans to help fund the relocation of the Senate at the Curia Julia; have you considered locating the Senate at a more impressive location, and more defensible location, however? The Pantheon is larger and it can hold more Senatores. The Pantheon also is more impressive a building and it is located in a more impressive location.

Regardless of the Senate's decision as to the eventual location of our new buildings, I welcome you to our ranks and I look forward to working with you and supping with you in the future.
[/ic]

[ic=To the Senate]
I note Senator Sismondii's great generosity in offering to renovate the ancient Seat of the Senate, the Curia Julia. His suggestion is a good one and if the Senate were to remain small and if it would not cost to renovate the building, then I could support it with my whole heart.

Consul Basile also suggests a grand building for the Senate, the Lateran Palace. With Frederick coming to Rome to punish those in Rebellion, I suggest we all consider long and hard what the consequences will be of seating ourselves in the Lateran. If a Pope sits in Rome, will the Pope demand the return of the Palace? Will the Senate spend great expense in relocating? Will the Senate refuse relocation and invite controversy? We must examine these questions and we must understand what we will be willing to bargain in the future, or if we will be willing to bargain at all- before we appropriate the Palace.

I will, however, speak of another option. Rome has another great building that is an icon for all of Latium--the Pantheon, the Impressive building that once stood for "all the Gods" can now stand for "all the Romans", and "all the Latins".

Some may say that the Pantheon is troublesome to utilize in the winter, when cold air assaults, or when rain does fall. I say that the center of the structure can be vaulted with leather-skin of beasts, so that rain will fall to the sides on days of rain.

The Pantheon is larger than the Curia Julia; it may accommodate more Senatores and it is currently consecrated as a church for all the martyrs of Rome- under the Senate it would remain a shrine to the Martyrs of this fair city- those who gave their lives in defense against Tivoli and the Alliance that sought to throw Rome down- and it would be a living shrine, a shrine of words and actions and destiny- the Senate should seriously consider the Pantheon as a center for its future!
[/ic]

[ic=Another Speech to the Lesser Council]
The Frangipani are growing wealthy through rebuilding the town of Tivoli. It is only by extreme discretion that I do not mention this before the Greater Senate. This action is a clear affront to Rome that the Frangipani would give solace to Rome's enemies. If the popolo were to discover this, they would be incensed. But- Rome is weary of campaign.

My question is this. Who are Rome's allies among Rome's great Houses?

I have spoken in the past in defense of Pierleoni, but I have heard rumors that he tried to vilelly assassinate Consul Calafactus. I no longer know what to think of the man. Perhaps his nephew Ruggiero can be trusted, however, I do not know. Once I would have thought to rehabilitate their clan, now I am saddened by recent events.

The Colonnas desert the city- perhaps righteously since the mob had been gathered around their door. I thank Senator Basile for negotiating a solution to that situation.

The Tolomeos who are related to the Colonnas are playing a deadly, desperate game as they descend into poverty and shield the pope.

Given the sad options before Rome, I think it may be time to look more for aid from our noble and non-noble Equites and Senators. I would like to conduct outreach to the Equites, for purposes of securing defense and agreements with them. In future campaigns, we can grant non-noble Equites land to replace the land that is taken from those who do not respect Rome. In that way, the Senate can build powerful allies who can manage how the land is worked and who can tithe to support the City.[/ic]

[IC=To the Lesser Council]
Frederick's letter threatens the City; I agree with Senator DeRosa that his letter is an item for concern.

I suggest the Consuls contact Frederick with a letter explaining that Pope Eugene III is not barred from the city!

In Fact, Rome welcomes Pope Eugene III to come to the city and we have been hard at work removing jackals from the religious orders who hated God and who sought to turn the people from His path by exploiting and hurting the Church!

The difficulty in sending this letter, of course, will be the recent sack of the Lateran Palace, which was guarded by Cardinal-Vicar Gregorio della Suburra, son of the Current Dean of the College of Cardinals. I am certain that with our minds together, we can agree upon an appropriate response to deal with difficulties raised by that situation.

Speaking of the Papacy, Eugene III is old and he may pass. I have conducted a study of the College of Cardinals.

There are around 35 current cardinals, though not all of them participate in every Papal conclave; currently about five of them are out of the country, acting as Papal legates to Germany, Lombardy, and Scandinavia, only the ones from Germany and Lombardy would be likely to return should an election be held.  

The allegiances of the members of the Papal Curia are not common knowledge.

According to a friend, with whom I spoke on this matter, rumor has it that the most likely successor at this time is the current Dean of the College of Cardinals, Corrado Demetri della Suburra, Cardinal-Bishop of Sabina, who is uncle to the Cardinal Vicar who defended the Lateran Palace. With luck, he despises his nephew.
[/ic]

[ic=Private To Console Basile]
Consul Basile, noting that you have spoken much in favor of Rome's defense in the past, and noting that you currently command Rome's fund for Defense. I have recently come into acquisition of a new technology via a shipment of arms from the south- the crossbow- which was used against Rome by Norman mercenaries in the last sack of our fair city. The crossbow is an excellent item of defense, should Rome ever be assaulted.

I can acquire more in future shipments for lesser outlays, but the risk of shipment is always great. Would the city to outlay 2 wealth to purchase this first shipment, with promise of subsequent shipments at cheaper price? Otherwise, it will not be to my advantage to make the journey in the future. Please, I await your reply. If the answer is no, that is impossible, then I would speak with you further before the issue is broached with others.
[/ic]

[ic=To the Senate]
I speak on two matters.

One, the Loss of the Senate Chambers saddens me. I have been pursuing options for the Senate's relocation and I would speak on that more at a later time; at this time, however, my heart is with the loved ones and friends of the two missing Senators. I plead those who know of their existence to free them or to keep them safe. They served not in war, but in peace- building Rome- and they, and their Senate was destroyed by a Mob! The Senate is a house of debate, a house of Peace! War may travel from the senate, but the Senate itself is neutral and wishes no ill save the ill that even our Great God would feel when Moneychangers come into the temple, when enemies come to slaughter our children and to enslave us. So, being that our Senators are men of Peace- I ask that those who are holding them treat them as the men of Peace they are!

Two, the mercenaries who Rome has captured. Those who wish to be hired by good-blooded men of the Senate, should be hired. But there are many who may be disloyal to Rome. I speak to suggest that those loyal only to the Pope, but who are children of Rome, be put to work on the Aqueduct of Consul Basile and the Aqueduct that is the lifespring of Rome. Through their labour on the Aqueduct, they will serve not only God in ensuring the life of many citizens, but they will serve Rome in building not a structure of war, but a structure of Peace! Rome is a city of greatness and a great city is both great in War and it is great in Peace! Let us Build Peace!
[/ic]

[ic=To the Public]
The Loss of the Senate Chambers saddens me, but I am even more saddened by the kidnapping and disappearance of two great Senators! Senator Giulio Franco and Senatore Pietro Sigvicchio.

My heart is with the loved ones and friends of the two missing Senators. I plead those who know of their existence to free them or to keep them safe.

They served not in war, but in peace- building Rome- and they, and their Senate was destroyed by a Mob!

The Senate is a house of debate, a house of Peace! War may travel from the senate, but the Senate itself is neutral and wishes no ill save the ill that even our Great God would feel when Moneychangers come into the temple, when enemies come to slaughter our children and to enslave us, when enemies threaten our very existence!

So, being that our Senators are men of Peace- I ask that those who are holding them treat them as the men of Peace they are![/ic]


EE- Regarding your letter to me- I like your plan about the Chainmail!

TMG- "I see by Senator Manzinni's expression that he has something he wishes to say on this subject, and so I will grant the floor to him, let us hearken to his words, Senators. " Thank you. You can assume a bow from Manzinni in your direction after you cede the floor.

PC: Updated OOC a few pages back.

Hopefully a helpful chart:
Political Positions-

1. "Lord Jesus, stop the slaughter!"
2. "The Emperor is coming!  Who will defend us?"
3. "Pierlone must pay for this treachery!"
4. "Arnold of Brescia is a great man.  We should protect him."
5. "Consul Calafatus is too bloodthirsty to lead."

We also have:
1. 2 Senators (kidnapped?)

2. Taxes and Defense Fund (more money in, spend it now, spend it on what?)
Basile- Voluntary Contributions
Manzinni- Voluntary Contributions
Stargate- Raise and institute ancient fines.

3. Aqueducts and Building and rebuilding the city
-Stargate: Focus on Defense
-Basile: Aqueduct
-Manzinni: Can't we have both?

4. Pierleoni in Western Part of City

5. Mercenary Captives (100) what to do with them?
-Basile (posted something private about them)
-Manzinni (the unrepentant ones should work on the Aqueduct if they are Roman citizens or from Latium)

6. Roman Senate Judges

7. Ports
-DeVinti: (Gregoriopolis, eventually Nettano)
-Bernardo: 1- Gregoriopolis (drain marsh); 2-Nettano if build road.
-Fortis: (Nettano)
-Manzinni: (1- Gregoriopolis; 2-Nettano if make safe.)

8. Equites (Land for Service)
Vittorio - Yes, land for service

9. New Place for Senate to Meet
Sissmondi- Curia Julia
DeRosa- Pantheon
Basile- Lateran (temp until Curia Julia is prepared) ; Then use Lateran as Consulate and Judiciary
Magnus- Curia Julia
Manzinni- Pantheon

To clarify on some things that were perhaps missed,

The two senators are currently being held by Ruggero Pierleone as an assurance of the continuance of the truce that has been declared. Roberto is fully intending to negotiate a peaceful resolution to hostilities and a reconciliation between our two factions once and if Giordano Pierleone recovers from his wounds.

Court fines are part and parcel to the institution of any court system, and I did not think it would be necessary to mention. If the courts are successfully established, I suspect fines will be levied in many instances.

As to a new Senate Hall, Roberto only mentioned the Lateran as a temporary solution until Senator Sismondii's renovation of the Curia Julia is complete. His intentions for the Lateran are for it to be a Judiciary and Consulate.

TMG- but did you tell the inner council that the senators were held by Ruggero? Vittorio doesn't know that. I may have missed that it was public knowledge, but I think that was private correspondence. ?

>>As to a new Senate Hall, Roberto only mentioned the Lateran as a temporary solution until Senator Sismondii's renovation of the Curia Julia is complete. His intentions for the Lateran are for it to be a Judiciary and Consulate.

Ah, I did miss that. Thank you for the correction.

I guess I kind of faultily assumed it was obvious that this isn't information Roberto would keep to himself. Presumably he would at least notify the families in question, which I'd imagine would get around. Is it absolutely necessary to mention all of these things IC, or even in orders? (@Polycarp)

Also to add to the list I am sending a man to Naples to look into hiring mercenaries. Not enough to field as an army themselves (since that would be expensive and probably piss off our militiamen) but enough to give professional training to our militia to bring them up to a level where they can stand against actual soldiers in a battle. Additionally such men might serve as captains and coordinators during a fight as they undoubtedly have more experience in such things than us senators.

I'm also looking at investing into rieti though that's technically for private profit. However any money made there would become available for me to put into Rome. I'm also thinking we should look at good local infrastructure projects beyond the aqueduct, mainly things that could make life easier and more profitable for the Roman population. If we enrich them we strengthen the city as a whole and also bolster our militia. Obviously a big thing here is getting a port city up and running again so I would be for the rebuilding of Gregoriopolis into Rome's port town. Additionally we might consider improving the roads and considering if enlisting a portion of the militia towards taking turns to patrol them would be needed and viable. Finally we might consider if we can utilize more of the land around Rome. Push outwards, fund more farms and such. We definitely want to invest more into the salt harvesting at Gregoriopolis if we turn it into a port. Salt is a valuable resource, in fact it's probably the most valuable thing we have easy access to right now (though a large salt market will have to wait until we have the port to ship it).

QuoteI guess I kind of faultily assumed it was obvious that this isn't information Roberto would keep to himself. Presumably he would at least notify the families in question, which I'd imagine would get around. Is it absolutely necessary to mention all of these things IC, or even in orders? (@Polycarp)

The problem is that what I consider obvious and what you consider obvious are two different things.  A letter to a character is not considered IC knowledge for other characters unless you say otherwise, but I don't think it's necessary to make an IC statement - I would settle for just writing "I'm making this known to all senatores consiliarii" or something.

If this becomes too onerous we can re-examine the issue, but I feel like this way is less confusing that having to guess at other players' intentions.

DeRosa's political positions:

We also have:

2. Taxes and Defense Fund (more money in, spend it now, spend it on what?)
DeRosa says: Donations are always welcome but institute taxes to help further fund the endeavor.


3. Aqueducts and Building and rebuilding the city
DeRosa says: Make the walls stronger and better, enlarge and straighten roads, build aqueducts and cisterns. All of this will help make Rome more prosperous and safer.

4. Pierleoni in Western Part of City
DeRosa says: Let him stew for a few more seasons before we either make a deal to force him to go away or assault him.

5. Mercenary Captives (100) what to do with them?
DeRosa says: Ransom them back to their families, taking all the wealth gained and funneling it into the defense fund. Kill all those who were not lucky enough to have semi-wealthy kin.

6. Roman Senate Judges
- DeRosa likes the idea.

7. Ports
DeRosa says: We need a port ASAP. So snag Gregoriopolis today and eventually conquer Nettano.

8. Equites (Land for Service)
DeRosa opposes this idea. Land should be kept in the hands of those who have earned it through political acumen and mercantile prowess.

9. New Place for Senate to Meet
DeRosa says: The Pantheon will serve as a good temporary Senatorial Building until a better facility can either be repaired, rebuilt, acquired or found.

------

@ Polycarp, I updated my orders. New things are in Bold.

By the way, I'm just throwing it out there, but;

My character is still waiting for an answer, or insight on Llum's part, as well as his inquire before the Senate as to how, -PRECISELY-, we will fund the Jus Politia.

My character will take the initiative, would the consuls not answer his questions.

[ic=Not so Privately to Senator Manzinni]

Vittorio, my friend! You know I always seek to defend Rome with my every action. Yes, I have heard your concerns as to how best to defend our city, as well as the concerns of other Senators. You know my priorities. Certainly, the Aqua Virgo is foremost among them, and I know you would set our captives to work on its rehabilitation. I appreciate your eagerness, but we are simply not ready to begin, but I will do my utmost to see work done before the expiration of my term. The other Senators question the use of an aqueduct, I am told, but I propose that its utility is quite obvious, and am thus confused as to the debate. They would say we must repair our walls, and find professional soldiers to walk them. The walls of Rome are enormous, and stretch for many miles! We simply could not man them, would our entire militia turn out for the defence! Indeed, I will admit, there are sections where wounds in the stonework yawn, inviting our enemies within, and I will address this to the best of my ability. But a mercenary army? Raising a Legion? Impossible. Utterly impossible. Where do our Senators expect the deniars to come from? Shall I shit them out? Shall we tax the populace into oblivion for the ugly purpose of war? No, I say, no.

Indeed, on another subject, allow me to allay your fears. I am surprised you have not heard, but at times news travels slowly to the highest of places. Our colleagues who were so villainously abducted are well, you have my assurances. Ruggero Pierleone holds them personally, to ensure the security of our truce, and I do not blame him. He has made promise that they will be treated with utmost respect and dignity, and indeed, liberated them from the clutches of the mob himself. I am inclined to trust him, until he should prove himself false.

*Roberto now lowers his voice*

As to your proposal... it is unfortunate that at the current time, I have already allocated our limited funds to return order to the streets of our city, and to prepare for the coming of our allies in the spring. But I am a true Roman, and I have heard of the effectiveness of this crossbow. Certainly, so armed, our men could unhorse even the most well-armoured knight. Thus, I propose that the two of us, as Romans, put our personal fortunes to use in this endeavour. I will contribute half the requisite funds, and you will secure the other half. Does this seem fair to you?

[/ic]

Let us assume this conversation is taking place after a senate meeting. Roberto is speaking loudly enough for the majority of the conversation that anyone nearby who wishes to eavesdrop would be quite able to from a respectable distance.

Relevantly updated my orders for this turn in regards to the crossbow proposal several pages back.

And, @LD, just to be clear, we would be ordering two wealth worth of crossbows, correct? Roberto does not want to be paying for your spears, which Rome has quite enough of.

Hi!

To clarify:
"But a mercenary army? Raising a Legion? Impossible." I don't think I ever suggested that in character. Out of character it was discussed, however. :) I suppose you were responding to others when you mentioned that.

Regarding the crossbows. The senate would be paying 2 wealth for 1 wealth of crossbows and in the future all crossbows that arrive are at 1 wealth (I take on risks in my ships bringing the crossbows to Rome- they could be sunk, etc. so essentially Vittorio wants insurance up front before ordering more). I already have the crossbows. A ship of mine with spears and a ship with crossbows arrived...

The spear ship, Polycarp has explained to me (as I understand), is essentially a ready-armed group of spears and it's in storage right now. In contrast, Fortis' milita didn't have all its spears mfged. yet when he assaulted Pierleoni, otherwise he would have been more successful. So the pre-bought spears allows a unit to be more functional in its first year. (It wasn't the best purchase I could have done in retrospect, but it's what I bought with my understanding of the game at the time).

The crossbow ship is similar, and crossbows add extra defense if rome is attacked. (The crossbow purchase is a good benefit for rome that it couldn't get from other places)

Roberto will not be paying 2 wealth for 1 wealth worth of crossbows under any circumstances. If Senator Manzinni does not wish to sell them to Rome at that price, they will not be bought.

Edit: And more correctly, I believe Fortis had all the spears he needed. It was mail hauberks that he was lacking.

QuoteAnd more correctly, I believe Fortis had all the spears he needed. It was mail hauberks that he was lacking.

It was (and is) equipment in general.  I mentioned mail specifically since it is the most labor-intensive, but the point is that heavily-equipped soldiers take time to equip given Rome's limited capacity for arms manufacture.

[ic=To Senator Basile, Privately]
I am heartened to know that you have been in conversation with the Pierleoni about a negotiated solution to the recent problems. I trust that you will handle it expertly, Roberto.

You will be gladdened to know that I have already acquired a shipment of crossbows from Sicily, anticipating demand. I regret that Rome's defense fund is already spent, but I am sure that the expenditures were for the best good of the Eternal City. My proposal, perhaps could have been worded more adroitly. It is this; if Rome is willing to purchase these crossbows at 2 wealth as an outlay, my ships would take on the risk of acquiring additional crossbows for Rome. Currently, the waves are dangerous and every ship that sets sail risks never returning. The people of Rome would not pay for a shipment that never arrives, but the people of Rome would pay a premium for a new tool that will give them expert defense.

Now, going forward, if some system of insurance for shipments of valuable goods to Rome could be established, that would be appreciated and there would be little need for upfront payment. But, I fear the popolo and the Senate may find that hard to accept--thus my proposal of upfront investment, which is more valued by the people since there is already a demonstrable product.

Given that the defense fund has already been allocated, I can wait till another season when Rome is more secure. In the mean time, I will set my artisans and several friends who are engineers to work at analyzing the tool and how they may best manufacture them in Rome in the future. If the City is not willing to offer monetary or physical protection to ships that venture far to acquire objects at great risk, then it is best that the City manufactures the objects here. Of course, the process of examination and modification will take several seasons, but at the end, the crossbows will again be available and with luck, Rome will benefit from gaining knowledge of its own on how to manufacture the devices.

You have already seen with my votes for you and with my actions in the Senate, directed at rebuilding the city, negotiations with foreign leaders, inquiries as to the strength of foreign forces, that I believe in Rome's defense. And, to better serve the defense, I have been laying groundwork for and I seek to build up a system to acquire not only these crossbows, but also other tools... tools that perhaps may be rarely found in Rome, but that may be more easily located in Afrique and other realms more distant. I have contacts abroad and investments abroad and I believe that Rome can mightily benefit from some certain opportunities that I am organizing... but it is difficult to find someone as willing to take risk as yourself when a venture is so speculative, and it is dangerous to speak publicly of a planned venture, lest Rome's enemies discover the plans and set themselves against us. When my questions in Afrique are answered, I will have more details to relate.
[/ic]

This is the last day to change orders.  If you do, please notify me by post or PM, as the update is currently in the works.  My guess is that it will not come today, but hopefully it will be done by tomorrow.

Well then, as a quick IC that's barely in character

[ic=Suggestion to the Lesser Council]
A possible compromise on the location of the new courts that Consul Basile suggests could be that we locate the courts at the Curia and the senate at the Pantheon, or vice versa. I bring up this option for discussion. I will support what ever solution manages these tasks: 1. It is a decision that strengthens and protects Rome both long and short term; 2. Husbands Rome's resources in the most efficient manner; and 3. It is a decision that will not limit Rome's options in the long term, either by having a chamber that is too small and inadequate, or by choosing a chamber that is controversial and that Rome is not prepared to defend- if Rome is prepared to defend the choice of chamber, then I can support it-especially if use of a chamber is clearly for but a temporary time. But without a plan to assuage critics, I am concerned about utilizing certain options.[/ic]

Essentially Vittorio has less of an issue with the Lateran if it's obvious to the public that the use is only temporary. He doesn't mind if we occupy it, but he's concerned about potential political ramifications of still being there when Frederick comes.

Anno Domini MCLIII
Winter has passed into Spring…
Spring in Rome is awaited with great eagerness, for it is Holy Week leading up to Easter in which the great annual flood of pilgrims pours into the city.  While some are barefoot and penniless penitents, others are wealthy knights and burghers from all over Europe coming to marvel at the churches and relics of Rome and pay through the nose for accommodations, guides, and souvenirs.  In the fields, peasants are clearing ditches, fixing roofs damaged in winter, and planting summer crops like millet in fallow fields.  In the pastures, the sheep are shorn before the flocks return to the hills.  After Easter comes the traditional “campaign season,” lasting until late summer when the peasants are needed back on their fields for the harvest.

Business is good on Holy Week!  During this season, all non-noble Senators will gain 1 Wealth.

Our Consuls: Fortis Calafatus and Roberto Basile
Our Pope: Eugene III
Our Rage: Seething

[ooc=This Season’s Top 5 Popular Issues]
1. "The Emperor is coming!  Who will defend us?"
2. "Would the Faliscans dare interfere with the Holy Week pilgrimage?"
3. "Arnold of Brescia is a great man.  We should protect him."
4. "Pierleone must pay for this treachery!"
5. "The Senators and their courts are corrupt."[/ooc]

News from Abroad

All is quiet abroad.  Perhaps we will hear news of foreign lands when the ships sail again and pilgrims arrive from far and wide in the spring…

News of Latium

The Pope has granted the ancient fortress of Tusculum and the surrounding town to Pietro Colonna, patriarch of the Colonna family and Lord of Palestrina.  Tusculum only fell into the Pope’s hands last year, when debt forced Tolomeo II, Count of Tusculum, to sell the property.

Even in winter, the struggle in the valleys between Farfa and Rieti smolders on.  The Abbey of Farfa retains several significant fortresses in the region, however, that will make it difficult for even the toughest of mountain banditti to do much more than despoil the Abbey’s outlying territory.

News of Rome

Tensions in the city remained high through winter, but only exploded once.  In early February, the “Marcellan Riot” broke out when a mob of Romans formed on the Capitoline hill and began marching towards the Theater of Marcellus.  Fearing that the riot might damage the truce between the Senate and the Pierleoni but with no time to call the militia, Consul Basile intercepted the mob with scarcely fifty armsmen of his house and a few other Senators who he happened to get messages to.  Though heavily outnumbered by the angry mob, the Senator interposed himself and his men between the Theater and the mob.  In an admirable display of courage and acumen, he managed to talk down the crowd and disperse the mob without violence.  Though skirmishes continued in the area for several weeks, there was no major breach of the peace between the two sides.

In other news, the Curia Julia has been chosen as the Senate’s new location.  In January, its ancient bronze doors were opened to the Senate of Rome for the first time in seven centuries.  Some restoration work was funded by Senator Sismondii, though most of his investment went towards cleaning up the Forum grounds nearby, where piles of trash and rubble had made the area unsuited for anything but cattle grazing.  Though the area looks much nicer, it is hardly glorious, and there are few other buildings standing in the Forum.

In late February, representatives from Rieti and Perugia arrived in Rome.  The Reatini were led by one of their Rectors, Damianus Truffa, while the Perugini were led by Fulco Ferrante, the nephew of Camerarius Ildebrand Ferrante, the leader of the Consular government of Perugia.

The Curia Senatus, the new Senatorial justice system of the Commune, has had a rocky start.  Though the popolo grasso responded positively to the idea, a series of systemic problems need addressing.  The first is that the Commune lacks a coherent legal authority – the city previously relied on canon law, administered by ecclesiastical courts, but most Senators cannot read Latin (and a fair number cannot read anything at all) and most of them are completely unfamiliar with canon law.  The “Justinian Law” had been proposed in the Senate, but no complete copy of the Corpus Juris Civilis exists in the city.  The source of most scholarship on Roman law is in the city of Bologna, the site of Italy’s first and only “university.”

The Curia Senatus was also hampered by its location.  The Lateran was repaired and prepared for use as a courthouse, but most of Rome’s people live near the river on the Field of Mars and resented walking all the way across the city to bring cases and respond to summons.  The Senators were no more fond of the location, and many instead held court in the Curia Julia, in outdoor theaters, or even in their own estates.  This created some opportunity for abuse, with many complaining that they were prevented from meeting a summons because they couldn’t figure out where to go, or that Senator-judges had taken advantage of their “private courts” to exact unfair fines or demand payment in exchange for sympathetic rulings.  The implementation of the “justice system” led to several scuffles and riots; the so-called Jus Politia had the dubious distinction of being routed in its first attempt to bring order, chased from the river to the Colosseum by two hundred rock-throwing Romans.  The people, not very well versed in Latin, had initially called the mercenary-peacekeepers vigili (watchmen), but by the end of winter the preferred nickname had become vigliacchi (cowards).  Policing the famously unruly Roman people, it turns out, is not an easy job.

Expeditions

[spoiler=The March to the Sea]
The March to the Sea

In early December, Senator Di Fontane and two hundred recently recruited house armsmen departed from the Porta Ostiensis.  Their intent was to march down the Via Ostiensis, a Roman road running along the south bank of the Tiber that connected Rome to the port of Ostia in ancient times.  From Rome to Gregoriopolis, the route measured 15 miles over flat ground – not a difficult march.

Di Fontane first reached the Abbey of Tre Fontane.  The Abbey was built by Pope Honorius I in the 7th century and was originally Benedictine, but was transferred to the Cluniacs in the 11th century and finally to the Cistercians only twelve years ago.  The current congregation is largely from Clairvaux, France, and only a few could speak romanesco, but the head brothers made their formal submission to Rome via its Senatorial agent.
[note=Language]There was not a single “Italian” language in the 12th century.  Vulgar Latin had by this time separated into regional Romance languages, but all of Italy did not share a single language.  Today, the dialect of Rome is called “Romanesco,” which is the term I use here, but modern Romanesco is very different from the Roman language of the past.  In the medieval period, the language spoken by the people of Rome and Latium was closer to the speech of Southern Italy, particularly Neapolitan, than it was to the languages of Northern Italy.[/note]

Tre Fontane is a richly endowed abbey.  The monks practice agriculture and raise sheep in the vicinity of the abbey, but most of their wealth comes from a grant of land in Tuscany given to them by Charlemagne, whose towns and peasants they are entitled to receive tithes from (area circled in red on the map below).

(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee254/MithridatesNES/trefontaneterritory.png)

The monks were extremely nervous at the entry of these armed men into their cloister, but there was no violence.  Senator De Fontane was taken to see the three springs that had welled up from the ground in the place where Saint Paul was decapitated, and prayed at the Scala Coeli (“ladder to heaven”), an altar built upon the relics of Saint Zeno, a Roman Tribune martyred in the 3rd century along with ten thousand Roman legionaries who refused to denounce Christ.

From here, the party continued to the riverside village of Malafede, home to around eighty villagers who offered no opposition to the expedition.  Shortly afterwards they reached the larger village of Acilia, a town with an actual sindaco (mayor) who received the Senator and his men generously, though nervously as well.  The Senator visited Draco, called Dragoncello by the locals, the abandoned 9th century palazzo of Pope Gregory IV by the river’s edge.  Di Fontane and his men camped there for the night, and reached Gregoriopolis in the morning.

They were graciously welcomed by the small population of Gregoriopolis, though somewhat less so by the local priests.  The sindaco showed the Senator the ruins of Ostia, as well as the marble-kilns and salt pans where the Gregoriopolitans make their living.  They requested that the Romans bring wine and cloth, for these things were in great demand in their village.  The Senator and his men stayed at Gregoriopolis on their second night, and reached Rome by the end of the third day of the expedition.

The Senator had not met with any opposition in his expedition.  The Gregoriopolitans, in particular, had been quite friendly.  Even so, these small villages did not offer “support” to Rome, maintaining that they were peaceful farmers and laborers who did not choose sides and merely paid taxes as their lords instructed them.  There was a great reticence among all the village leaders to make any statement of loyalty to Rome, obviously fearing that to do so would invite pillage and destruction at the hands of Rome’s enemies.

Word has spread of the Senator’s merciful treatment of a humbled “enemy,” especially as opposed to the continuing pillage of Farfa’s lands at the hands of the Reatini banditti.

Senator Di Fontane has gained 1 Orthodoxy.[/spoiler]

Finances

The interior Consul has provided the Senate with a report on the status of the treasury.

Treasury: 0 Wealth

• Defense Fund: 2 Wealth

Income

• Tribute, Tre Fontane: 1 Wealth/year (Paid in Autumn)

Expenditures

• Jus Politia Upkeep: 1 Wealth/year (Paid in Winter)

Senatorial Inquests

Senators that requested information or launched endeavors have the results of their efforts listed here.  This information is private, but you may certainly choose to share it with the Senate.

[spoiler=Arrigus Sismondii]Rieti
Rieti itself seems less than ideal for large-scale winemaking production.  Nestled in a mountain valley, the city’s soil is good but the local grapes did not seem very robust to your agent.  Rieti’s hillsides are mostly used for sheep grazing, while vineyards remain small and are mostly restricted to little plots around estates and churches.

On his way north, your agent did indeed find many sizable vineyards.  These, however, were on the lands of the powerful and wealthy Abbey of Farfa, on the southern slopes of the mountains that divide the Abbey’s territory from the contado of Rieti.  Though Italians of all classes drink wine, most production is concentrated in the hands of the Church, because wine is necessary to perform the Eucharist.  Even if you were to produce wine in Rieti, it would be difficult to compete with Farfa’s prosperous vineyards.

Your agent found that, even in winter, the struggle in the valleys between Farfa and Rieti is still ongoing.  He reports being roughed up and robbed by a gang of rude-looking men in sheepskin coats, probably some zafones – irregular warriors of the mountains that occasionally serve local lords and communes as mercenaries or levies.  Though these particular thieves were just working on their own, many such men are said to be acting either under encouragement or direct instruction from Rieti, and they have established control over the portion of the Via Salaria that runs just south of Rieti.

Mercenaries
Your agent in Naples has contacted several Siculo-Norman men-at-arms, mostly younger sons and nephews of Norman barons who lack much land of their own and are eager for foreign service.  Some of them are quite experienced, they simply lack means due to their status as last-born.  They are mostly cavalrymen, though they are not as well equipped as knights owing to their lower status and fortunes.

Because there are no “mercenary companies” at this time, men must be recruited individually, and this takes time.  These Norman men-at-arms could be recruited at a rate of 50 men per Wealth if you intended on campaigning with them.  These rates are for a single campaign season and assume that some plunder will be forthcoming if the campaign is successful; if they are simply used to garrison a castle or given another duty that entails no chance of plunder, they may demand more pay.

Food
Thirty thousand mouths require a great deal of food.  Rome has farms within the walls, but they are nowhere near enough to sustain the whole city.  Rome would probably be forced to surrender due to starvation in about two seasons if the siege was total and allowed no supplies to enter.  It would probably take about 4 Wealth worth of grain per season to sustain the city’s entire population on a bare minimum ration.  This figure may increase or decrease based on the time of year and the productivity of that year’s harvest.

You have spent 1 Wealth this turn.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Roberto Basile]Lateran
As related above, the use of the Lateran has not proven popular as a courthouse for very mundane reasons.  You have, however, restored it to a presentable state, and it now serves as the temporary embassy of Rieti and Perugia while their ambassadors are in Rome.  There is more than sufficient space for your armory as well, though it is somewhat distant from the usual training fields of the militia.

Your handling of the so-called Marcellan Riot was exemplary, and it has won you approval in the Senate.  Should you manage to bring this Pierleoni business to a positive conclusion, you will likely benefit from the relief and appreciation of the city magnates and wipe out any remaining doubts caused by your earlier missteps against the Papal forces in Rome.

Disaster!
Dire tidings have reached you, Consul, of your Pisan venture.  It is reported that Captain Bedello and his ship never made it to Palermo.  Whether it was a storm, Saracens, Genoese, or God punishing your sins for trading with the Moorish heretics, we may never know.  Certainly word will eventually reach you if any trace of them is found, but for now it looks as if your investment and your men have been irrevocably taken from you in a manner most cruel.

You have spent 1 Wealth from the Defense Fund this turn.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Domenica DeRosa]Chapel
Fortunately, your skilled artisans had still been in the preliminary planning stages of their works, as the chapel itself is still being constructed.  Your sculptor was still in the process of selecting the right marble.  Though annoyed by the change, he will probably not be significantly delayed by it.

Iron
How fortunate it is to have contacts abroad.  By calling in a few favors from your Genoese acquaintances, you have managed to procure a favorable opportunity for the purchase of good Basque iron if you are so inclined.  While ore is far too heavy and unprofitable to ship, and the smiths of Spain are quite busy making armor for their own warriors, a cargo of iron ingots could be arranged via a Genoese merchant house.  The discount you would receive depends on the amount you are interested in purchasing.  You will need to decide whether to take this opportunity this turn, for the sailing season will be starting soon, and if you wait until summer it will be too late.

The market for weapons and armor in the great cities of Italy is not great; common things like spearheads and shield-bosses are made locally, and expensive items like knightly hauberks and swords are bought from abroad in too small a quantity to make a middleman great profits.  Certainly there is a demand in Rome, particularly among those nobles raising their own private armies (much to the consternation of the popolo grasso), and arms or the iron to craft them could bring a profit here.

Resources
Leather is expensive and not easily acquired in mass quantities in the Roman countryside.  There are far more sheep than cattle in Latium and the latter are preferred for clothing – after all, one can make wool without killing the sheep, while the same cannot be said of leather and cattle.  Among mercenaries and militiamen of middling means, padded armor of wool or linen is preferred for its low cost.  Cotton is ideal, particularly in the hot months of summer, but that must be imported from Egypt or elsewhere and it is beyond the means of a footman.

Lumber’s availability depends on where you go in Latium.  Most of the lowlands have been cleared long ago, probably by the Romans of old; the best woods are to be found in hilly regions, though there are forests near Ardea and Nettuno to the south, as well as in the valley around Tivoli to the east.  None of these woods are particularly prized but they could serve your purposes.

Roads
The state of the Roman roads is varied.  Some are in quite good shape; others have deteriorated.  Unfortunately, modern Romans have neither the knowledge nor the means to fix them.  In any case, they are not used very much; both trade and the regular movement of large armies are rare these days compared to the time of the ancients.  The great avenues of trade are on the sea, not the land.

Churches
The condition of the churches of Rome is varied.  This is partly because of what qualifies as a “church” – hundreds of buildings in Rome have been consecrated over the past millennium, and many of them are simply no longer in use or have since been dismantled or put towards other purposes.  Those that are still in use are in generally good condition, though many of them are in old Roman buildings that owe their condition more to their initial robust construction rather than any attempts at upkeep.

There are virtually no church officials left in Rome; while plenty of priests and monks still take care of churches and administer sacraments, the bishops and vicars have nearly all either fled or been expelled.  Local communities continue to support their churches with tithes, but some of the more historic and obscure churches that were formerly supported by the Papal Curia no longer have any apparent monetary support.  In the long run, this may cause these edifices to fall into disrepair, or the priests may simply be forced to leave with no means to maintain themselves.  Reports of any “bilking” are scarce, and evidence is thin.

Fire
What’s a firefighting team?  Certainly nobody in Rome has heard of that.  When a house is on fire, you yell and go get some water.  Cost, you say?  Well, water’s free, isn’t it?

This idea may be a bit too advanced for its time.  While a serious fire might give you the opportunity to explore the possibility of a more state-organized response to fire, right now the Romans are far more worried about floods than flames.  Estimating a cost for something that nobody’s really done before is not very feasible.

Guilds
“Guilds” as we conceive of them do not yet exist in Rome.  The closest things to them are scholae (“schools”), but they are not so much price-fixing cartels as joint ventures.  A few gardeners or bakers or weavers might form a schola to combine their various talents or take on a specific mercantile undertaking, but no schola possesses anything close to a monopoly on goods that would allow them to fix prices unilaterally.  The only exception to this are the dying and tanning trades, as these trades are dominated by the Jews, who naturally form their own schola-like community.  Since dyed cloth and leather goods are beyond the reach of most common people anyway, however, the only people who complain about prices are the upper classes and nobility who can afford to pay anyway.

Inns
The “official” pilgrim hostels in Rome are administered by the church, primarily by local monks and clergy who are still in place.  They operate with church money, though there is precious little of that these days.  Some are maintained by foreign lords; there is a Hungarian hostel, for instance, operated for Hungarians and paid by a stipend from the King of Hungary.  There are more pilgrims than hostels, however, and those with the means to pay for it usually find “private” lodging.  There are a few actual inns about, but most rent out extra rooms of houses maintained for that purpose, or a room of a upper-class Roman’s palazzo.  Some Senators maintain guest houses to entertain particularly wealthy and important pilgrims.

While it is not difficult to find a place for everyone, most poor pilgrims have very spartan accommodations, as church-operated hostels are not exactly luxurious.  Even so, a straw mattress on a stone floor is better than nothing, and the church hostels are usually kept very neat.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Bernardo Di Fontane]Acquisitions
While the situation of the courts is covered in greater detail above and has so far been insufficiently implemented to accomplish most of your aims for it this turn, personal profit is perhaps best pursued when the laws are unclear.  Your attempts to aggressively appropriate lands and rights held by “absentee” landowners has met with some success, though in the absence of detailed records it is difficult to always tell who owns what.  Not all owners were truly “absentee” and returned later in the season to dispute your seizures.  Those who made suit against you were either paid off or simply had their cases quashed by pulling a few strings among the Senator-Judges.

Though the rights you have acquired do provide some income, they are not yet sufficient to register on our system of Wealth.  Further opportunities or more aggressive tactics yet may be needed to consolidate your developing position as a Roman tenancy magnate.  If you are too aggressive, however, there could be consequences, especially while Rome remains in turmoil…

Salt Flats
Winter is not the season of production in the salt marshes of the Tiber, for it is primarily in the summer when the marshes dry up enough to turn them into seasonal salt flats.  As far as ownership, the marshes have no local landowner; they are presumably owned by the Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia as a fief of the Pope.  It is difficult to see exactly how you would “take control” of the marshes, for they are large and it is the salt workers who make them profitable.  Certainly the marshes could not be permanently garrisoned.

There is certainly more than enough marsh to invest in your own salt-collecting operation (once the season arrives), but it would require a significant number of laborers willing to live in Gregoriopolis and work in the marshes during the hottest and least healthy time of year.  It is the acquisition of labor, not land, that poses the greatest challenge to your endeavors.

You have spent 1 Wealth this turn.  You have gained 1 Orthodoxy this turn.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Vittorio Manzinni]Iron
Rome is not a great city of arms manufacture.  While it has blacksmiths that can forge mail, there are not too many of them and the local iron supply is not great.  Currently, almost every smith capable of making mail is making hauberks for the men of Consul Calafatus, and it may take a full year for the city’s smiths to armor only a hundred men.  You estimate that raising “heavy infantry” – that is, armored infantry – would be about twice as expensive as unarmored infantry, as well as taking much longer before their equipment would be ready.

You are able to negotiate with the city’s smiths to keep costs down on your spear-etching project, but given how busy they are and your unwillingness to seriously exert your finances, it may take some time.  You will be informed when the task is completed.

Relics
Though the turmoil of the last year has upset matters somewhat, the relics of Rome are one of the matters that the local church pays the most attention to.  The “translation” of relics – that is, their formal movement from wherever they once were to Rome – is a sacred and serious act that is recorded in church records.  While there are a bewildering number of minor relics in Rome, even the toenails of nearly-forgotten ancient martyrs are highly esteemed by the chapel clerics who maintain them.

While some piece of literature along the lines of Ptolemy’s seemed at first like a good idea, you then remembered that the vast majority of those outside the clergy are illiterate, and thus it would do little practical good.  While you might still commission such a work if you wished, it would be merely academic.

With regards to taxation, it is difficult to see how relics themselves could be taxed or taken without great unrest.  Most of Rome’s clergy are not hostile to the Senate – Arnold’s preaching is actually quite popular among the simple priests and friars of Rome, even if the bishops call it rebellious and seditious.  These relics already bring in money in the form of the pilgrims they attract.  If you are interested in acquiring more relics, taking them from enemies might be a better pursuit than prying them away from potential friends.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Fortis Calafatus]De Re Militari
The Latin of De Re Militari is old and difficult to translate; you have enlisted learned monks to assist you, but it is slow going.  Clearly it is a book written in the Late Empire, admonishing the Romans on how far their army had slipped from ancient times.  Vegetius’ prescriptions for recruitment, training, and armament seem almost incredible – what he calls the minimum height for a soldier, for instance, is taller than most men alive today.  Still, even if our Rome cannot match his, it may aspire to come closer.

Vegetius insists that Roman victories came not from superior equipment or numbers, but from superior discipline.  To that end, he recommends a rigorous program beginning with marching, the military step being “the first thing the soldiers are to be taught.”  They are then to be taught to run, to swim, to fight with training equipment twice the weight of regular equipment, and to go on marches with sixty pounds on their backs.  The infantry and cavalry are to be exercised with twenty-mile marches three times a month.  Such demands seem entirely beyond what our citizen militia is capable of, or at least beyond what many would be willing to do.

The siege equipment found herein is curious.  The descriptions, unfortunately, are not sufficient to make perfect replicas, but more critically, most of the treatise’s siege weapons are powered by twisted skeins of sinew.  This is never done now, as nobody really knows how to process proper sinews, and regularly slaughtering precious cattle for their connective tissue is far too expensive for even wealthy lords.  The most powerful stone-thrower we currently have is the man-powered mangonel, which looks rather like this:

[spoiler=Mangonel](http://i.imgur.com/4LMKv.png)[/spoiler]

The descriptions of other engines, like towers, galleries, and “tortoises” are more useful, and may be put fairly quickly into practice so long as the army has competent carpenters and available lumber.

While the copying of the book continues under your instruction, copying its lessons to modern Rome may take much longer and may never be completely possible.

Byzantines
A messenger has been dispatched with some icons and illuminated manuscripts produced by Rome’s priests and monks; surely nothing is more unique to Rome than its religious heritage.  They will depart from Ancona in the spring along with the rest of your mission.

Espionage
Your agent in Tusculum was unable to penetrate into the castle itself, but reports that the entire region of the Alban Hills is dotted with castles, both large and small.  Most belong to the Tusculani, but some are Frangipani, Colonna, or directly Papal, like Tusculum itself since it was recently sold to the Pope.  An attack on any point in the Alban Hills would have to contend with these fortifications, either reducing each one in turn over a lengthy siege or risking counter-attack or encirclement by troops dispatched from other fortifications.

Ardea is considerably less well-defended.  The city is walled and has a citadel within, but the fortifications are no stronger than those of Tivoli.  The primary difficulty of investing the city seems to be that the besiegers could easily be cut off by reinforcements from the Alban Hills, and the Roman army would be in great difficulty if caught between the city on one side and the enemy on the other, with no avenue of retreat towards Rome.

You have spent 1 Wealth this turn.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Hugo di Vinti]Flax
Your agent has observed the fields near Naples.  In a Mediterranean climate, flax is a winter annual, meaning that it is planted in autumn and harvested in spring.  With your permission, your agent will continue to stay in Naples through the spring to observe the harvesting process.  Though your agent is attending his task dutifully (as far as you are aware), he has little training in agricultural matters and may not be able to judge such things as a crop’s suitability without any specific expertise.

Your agent reported little Pisan activity this winter, though that is certainly because of the winter storm season.  If he stays through spring, he may be able to observe more of their comings and goings.  He has delivered your letter and gift as asked.

Venice
Your agent has been dispatched to Venice.  The overland road to Venice takes time, and you have not yet heard back from him.

Gregoriopolis
Your agent noticed no ships arriving in Ostia this winter, though again, it is winter and few merchant ships travel this season.  The villagers were aware of foreign roundships pulling into the Tiber to take on stone cargo, and they are occasionally paid by these foreigners to help load stone.  Aside from occasional paid work in this manner, there appears to be no relationship between the village and these mariners.[/spoiler]

[ooc=DEAR SENATOR]As always, the update is not yet complete.  The following items have not been completed until I cross them out:

• Maps
• Front Page and Population Info
• Letters

As usual, please inform me if I have made an error, failed to address one of your orders, or (once I post letters) have forgotten to respond to one of your letters.  Regarding Justice orders, there were several inquests from different players and most of that info has instead been combined into the relevant news item.[/ooc]

Hi!

I don't know if you saw the updated OOC that I gave; particularly my questions about the crossbows and my questions about the picture book for a tourbook. (I did address the literacy question).

Also it doesn't appear that the wealth has been updated yet for non-noble characters in the first post.

Unaddressed(?) OOC is below. (I doubt that there is any response to the Abbot thing, but it also had some late additions (on Monday).
[spoiler][ooc]-
- Store the crossbows for a time on my estate. Have some technical minded members of my coterie examine them and make some suppositions of if Rome could produce crossbows itself (e.g. do we have the resources, expertise, etc) and what the costs would be. What would production of crossbows entail. Also study to see if there is any way to improve crossbows.

- Send my Masnada and myself around to local churches and rectories, making inventories of saintly relics and auditing the wealth with estimates of what is located where. If possible, make discrete inquiries into relics stored out of sight. Do not pursue questioning regarding the out of sight relics if the clergy are becoming suspicious. If suspicion is raised, one excuse (partially true) is that they are compiling information for possible acquisition by an interested party. (Note: (1) potential acquisitions; (2) tourbook on Rome's wonders, like Ptolemy's tours of the ancient wonders of the world; (3) taxation/appropriation issues.) Eventually bind this information and provide it to Vittorio. Vittorio will examine the information and will several differently styled one page document of certain highlights (e.g. Martyr's Tour, Miracles Tour, Obelisk Tour). The 'written' documents mostly include pictures of highlighted locations and approximate locations (due to massive illiteracy). (I'll give more information on this either by PM or next turn Polycarp!, but the goal is to finish this before the Pilgrim season--and for certain things to take place in the pilgrim season depending on your resolution of these events.)

- Send the Abbot of Subacio some fine wines in thanks for the letter he wrote me regarding the College of Cardinals. Also, give him a standing invitation to join me in my gardens when he is in Rome. The invitation includes himself and one or two associates.[/ooc][/spoiler]

[ic=Speech to the Public]

Romans! Friends!

Spring is upon us! And what better time is there for new efforts? As always, I listen to what the people of Rome have to say, and in so listening to such wisdom, it is often of great ease to determine what must be done! It seems, as they say, that my eyes have been bigger than my stomach! The Lateran Court is indeed far from the people of Rome, and it's main toll seems to be tired feet!

Romans, this will simply not do. I have heard of other courts, held at private residences by our Senators out of their own... generosity. But we cannot so impose upon their hospitality any longer. Henceforth, I promise, all trial will be held where eyes can watch! The Forum has been cleared, and such a space, under the eyes of God and the people of Rome, will serve most admirably.

To speak of watching. I have also heard of the welcome you have given our new vigili. But as we know, the enthusiasm of the Romans is not an easy gift to accept, particularly for those so unused to our affections! It is no simple job, surely, to keep us safe from thieves and murderers, and so I ask only that you give our watchmen some small measure of your co-operation, and I am sure we will all be glad for it!  

And finally, a gift, from me to you! Free, tasty, and sweet. Remarkably easy to eat. An orange, from Basile!

*Roberto has several of his men crack open a few barrels of oranges, and distributes them to the crowd*

[/ic]

[ic=Speech to the Senate]

It is a new season, Senators! Breathe that fresh spring air, and rejoice for God's gift that you are Romans.

The Curia Senatus has had no easy start, to be sure. And that is my error as much as any other man. The Lateran is too distant from the people of Rome, and most will not come. And so I see that is not the solution I had hoped it to be. But I said I would be watching, and that I would stand for no malfeasance! Court will not be held at your Pallazos, Senators! Though I am sure your intentions were noble, it is no boon to the people, they become unsure as to the proper place of Justice, and begin to doubt the ethic of our Law. From this point forward - barring exceptional circumstance as determined by your Consuls - the Justice of Rome may only be dispensed on the grounds of the forum, or in the halls of the Curia Julia, and that is my final word on this subject.

But all is not cause for consternation. The truce I have secured with the Pierleoni holds, and with God's will, we will soon have reconciliation. Holy Week is nearly upon us, and we all prepare to welcome our Christian brothers and sisters from all corners. So too have our friends from Perugia and Rieti arrived, and Consul Calafatus and I confer with them to ensure security of the interests of our peoples. Indeed, those who have spoken of defence, do not fear, for your words have not fallen on deaf ears! The walls of Rome have long been neglected, but this should not be so, for they keep us safe from those who would do us harm. Thusly, this season I will make effort at their repair my primary priority, the better to see us through what may come.  

[/ic]

[ic=Conversation with Fulco Ferrante and Damianus Truffa over Dinner]

Ah! Fulco, Damianus. A wonderful spread, was it not? But now that we are through with one meal, let us get to the meat of our business. Perugia, Rieti, and Rome. Three great cities alike in dignity. But we have more in common than that, no? Strong and brave folk. Friendship, surely. And those who would see us ill....

The ecclesiastes would see us all back under their thumb, of that there is no doubt. But as we know, they have no business in the ordering of a city. We can see to matters of the mundane ourselves, I should think. Farfa has yet to learn its lesson, it seems. And we have other enemies. The Faliscans and their so-called League. They say they organize purely to see to their own safety, but their lies will not fool us. Viterbo and the others.. long have they looked upon us with envy and spite, waiting for their chance to pull us down. But we cannot give them such opportunity.

Fulco, on the Senate floor you spoke of a strengthening of the bonds between us, and assuring our own independence. Rome finds itself in complete agreement. We must band together! With our combined strength, our foes would think twice before bringing challenge to us. If others form Leagues, then why should we not? Let us make a League of our own, a League of the Tiber. Together, and with the Grace of God, we will prosper. Think on what I have said. Enjoy the sites and hospitality of Rome. I would not rush such a momentous arrangement.[/ic]

[ooc=Orders for Spring 1153]

- Using my Consular authority, declare that judicial court will now only be held in the Forum, or the Curia Julia. (held elsewhere only by special Consular writ, as given by the Consul of the Interior)

- Spend 1 of my own wealth and 1 wealth from the defence fund to make repairs to the most damaged sections of the walls east of the Tiber - that is, the areas north of Quirinal Hill, and east of the various baths - paying special attention to areas where they have fallen to near ruin. Clear such areas of debris and the remains of the former walls, and in the gaps raise earthen berms faced with stone - the same stone gathered from the clearing of damaged sections, and if that is not sufficient, nearby ruins. (or any method of repair that is suitable and cost efficient, really)

- Make use of a wing of the Lateran Palace as a hostelry to host wealthy - and paying - pilgrims come to Rome on Holy Week. Any excess funds so gathered are to be placed into the Defence Fund.

- Send an agent to the University of Bologna to attempt to have a copy made of the Corpus Juris Civilis for use by the courts of Rome, offering a copy of a suitably rare book taken from the library of the Pope in trade if necessary.

[/ooc]

Will edit with further orders etc. once letters have been posted or whatever.

Light Dragon, the matter of the Abbot was just awaiting letters (see below).  I'll examine the others later today.

Magnus, I fixed your inquest!

[ic=Letter to Consul Basile]The following has been brought to the Consul by the two previously abducted Senators...

Consul,

My brother has informed me that you have found my offer to be acceptable.  Given what has occurred since I penned it, I must add the additional stipulations.

One, the Senate shall enact a general pardon for me, my armsmen, and my family, that none of us may later be prosecuted or fined for deeds done during the events of October or at any time prior to the date of our formal agreement.

Two, as I find it impossible to serve a man who currently and falsely claims that I attempted to murder him, I require Consul Calafatus to retract his accusation against me and swear that no attempt was made on his life by me or my guardsmen on Saint Ignatius' Day.  This he must do personally, before the entire assembled Senate of Rome.

As a demonstration that these negotiations are done in good faith and no compulsion is exerted upon the Senate, I have released the Senators in my custody and requested that they bring this missive to you.

Patrician Giordano Pierleoni[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Senator Manzinni]I appreciate the gift, Senator, but I believe I will decline the invitation to travel.  The roads are altogether too rough for an old man like me.

Pietro Tusculani, Benedictine Abbot of Subiaco[/ic]

[ic=Speech before the Senate]Senators,

It is my pleasure to speak before you today.  I and my colleague from Rieti are thankful for our generous reception.  I believe I speak for both of our delegations when I convey my dearest hope for a relationship between our cities that strengthens our bonds and assures our independence.  We intend to remain until after Easter, to experience the Roman Holy Week personally, and to make ourselves available for discussions with the Senate and Consuls as to the particulars of our association.

Fulco Ferrante di Perugia, with Rector Damianus Truffa di Rieti[/ic]

[ic=Arnold addresses the masses...]Let us give thanks to God for all that he has given us, and further thanks for his justice upon those who despise his law and love iniquity.  The Romans have reclaimed their city from the misguided princes of the church who would rather be baptized in silver than with the Holy Spirit.  Such is the nature of the man who claims to be the heir of Saint Peter!  Who among you can show me the palazzo of Christ, or the great estates of the Apostles?  God grants no power in His name to those who hoard worldly goods and yet claim to be His priests.  Woe to the man who accepts sacraments from the bejeweled hands of the Pope's vicars and thinks himself saved!  Woe to him who believes the false doctrines perpetrated upon the people by gluttonous charlatans who call themselves your servants but act as your masters!  Let the Romans be wary not only of these men, whom we know all to well, but of foreigners who remain still in the thrall of the gilded clergy and come to our city to give them treasures and honors.  Do not be fooled by any parade of foreign princes and wealthy men, who come only to bribe and corrupt the servants of God, who believe the great and unjust earthly power of the Pope and his cronies is a thing to be admired and praised, that it should burden the Roman people like a millstone hung from their necks!

The crowd roars its approval![/ic]

[ooc=Due Date]I still need to touch up a few order issues and update the population figures, but this update is otherwise complete.  Orders for the next turn are due by Thursday, March 1st.  As usual, let me know if an extension is needed.[/ooc]

[ic=Letter to Fulco Ferrante]
Greetings Honored visitors from Rieti.

As Consul of the Exterior I wish to extend my warmest regards. I would also like to enquire into the nature of your dispute with the Abbey of Farfa, what causes such unrest between your two towns? What can fair Rome do to help settle the dispute? Rome looks to form a Tiberian league, would the Republic of Rieti be willing to form alliance?

Fortis Calafatus, Consul of the Exterior
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Formello]

Fair greetings, as Consul of the Exterior I would like to point out that although there were rumors of war that no one marched upon your fair city. Indeed, the Falscian league to the north expressed the utmost interest in the well being of your city. Do you seek to join the Faliscan league in the north? Perhaps you would rather look south for allies. Rome looks to form a Tiberian league, would the city of Formello be willing to form alliance?
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Pietro Colonna]
Congratulations on gaining the formidable Tusculum. Having prospered so much from the recent misfortune of your nephew Tolomeo II, I wonder, what is your disposition towards him? Are you content with your new gains or do you seek to become the strongest branch of the Tolomeo family?

Fortis Calafatus, Consul of the Exterior
[/ic]

[ic=Bernardo: Speech to the Senate]
Esteemed Senators.

I must say I like our new home. It is perhaps not as bustling as one would like it, but such is the nature of movements of entire seats of government. We sit now on the ancient forum and, as is traditional for my first speech of the new season, I come to talk about money. *pause for laughter* The forum could be used as a marketplace once more. With its central location and open ground, it would make an ideal spot. If we charge a small fee for every market day from the stall owners, it will make a nice addition to our coffers, promote business, and not anger the already annoyed citizenry.

Further, there is room here to expand. I propose we either fund the construction of or repurpose a nearby building for the courthouse, in addition to the Lateran. Further, we end the practice of holding court wherever we please. Since we have no extant copy of the roman law, I will be sending out messengers and couriers to bring back legal systems from across the world, in addition to finding a copy of the Corpus Juris Civilis. Rome will once again be the legal forefront of the world.[/ic]

[ic=Message/Letter to my renters]
Esteemed friend,

Though you have not been paying rent to me for long, I wish for you to know whom it is that owns the land you rent. I am Bernardo DiFontane, and I would be pleased to meet you in person at [time] and [place] to discuss your work. In celebration of the holy season, I will also be continuing your rent holiday throughout the Holy Season. One has much more important things on their mind than paying rent in this time of the year.[/ic]

[ooc=ORDERS]
-Talk to all my renters. For the poorer ones, and peasants, I do this in groups of maybe 20-30 at dinners. I meet with the wealthiest, most prosperous of my renters in person, one on one, and discuss their rent situation and business. Though I got the land shadily, I want to make sure it's run efficiently and cleanly under my administration. Spend nothing large enough to register on the wealth scale for this.
-Survey Gregoriopolis, and talk to the locals, for the areas that seem least hit by Malaria during the summer. Find an unoccupied area near the salt flats that meets these criteria and build and claim a salt farm with the living quarters on that site. Recruit disenfranchised people of Rome to travel and work there.
-Send my men to Bologna, Genoa, Venice, as well as Paris, London, and Constantinople to find and acquire copies of any legal code their courts, libraries, or monasteries may contain. While they're at it, have them feel out the cities for large demands that Rome may be able to fill at some point in the future.
[/ooc]

These sentiments are expressed both in meetings with the senatores consiliarii and Consul Basile over dinner.

[ic=Rector Damianus Truffa and the Reatini]It is not the church we should be most wary of, but the German King, and his allies in Farfa - for Farfa is an Imperial abbey.  It was the Emperors that gave Farfa independence from the Diocese of Rieti, and since then they have spent generations taking advantage of Imperial favor to amass "privileges" and usurp our land.  They have tried to pry themselves away from Roman domination for hundreds of years; they will be no more likely to embrace it now that Rome has Consuls instead of Popes.  Consider what they own - they claim the cities of Alatri and Civitavecchia as fiefs, as well as 14 villages, 82 mills, 315 hamlets, dozens of strongholds, and hundreds of churches and convents, all of which enrich their abbey and help no-one else.  The Romans aided us after the Normans sacked our city, but from Farfa, our neighbors?  Nothing.

When the Germans come, what do you think Farfa will do with its great wealth and many fortresses?  They will be put at Frederick's disposal, for more privileges, more land, and more silver.  They will sell any man out to win greater favor from their Imperial protector.  They may not threaten you with words, like the Faliscans, but they are a greater threat to us, and to Rome.

Fortunately, we still have time to act.  The Abbey maintains castles in the Sabine hills that block the Via Salaria between our cities, castles that we cannot take with mere raids.  But together, we would have the strength to overcome them.  Let us march this season against Rocca Sinibalda, a fortress that is key to their defenses there, and land the first of the blows that will cripple this Imperial ally so their wealth and power will not be a weapon placed in Frederick's hands![/ic]

[ic=Fulco Ferrante and the Perugini]Senators, we must not be so rash as to rush into war.  We support Roman independence, of course, and wish to frustrate the designs of Viterbo and their confederates, but the Faliscans are in a strong position and cannot simply be overrun.  Furthermore, Perugia is not at all interested in any conflict with Farfa; it is the League that offends us, not some territorial dispute between Rieti and its neighbors.  The Camerarius counsels patience, that we may build our strength and in good time face the Faliscans with superior might on both sides.[/ic]

Other letters...

[ic=A Letter to Consul Calafatus]I do not wish to become involved in the disputes of the Faliscans and the Romans.  This business of "alliances" will only end in trouble.  I welcome peace with Rome and look forward to the upcoming pilgrimage season; I also welcome peace with the Faliscans.  So far, the two of you have yet to fight and merely posture, which I hope will be the limit of this animus.

Signore Martino de Corso, Lord of Formello[/ic]

[ooc=Oops]After a little more genealogical research I realized I goofed on Pietro Colonna - he is in fact Tolomeo's first cousin, not his uncle.  Not a big deal for the game, but just so you know.[/ooc]

[ic=A Letter to Consul Calafatus]Consul Calafatus,

Of course I take no pleasure in the difficulties of my cousin.  His Holiness decided that I would be best suited for the lordship of Tusculum, and I happen to agree.  I wish Tolomeo the best and hope his is able to rectify the dire straits in which he has found himself - and of course, if he requests my aid, I am happy to grant it.  We must always be generous with our family and friends, don't you agree, Consul?  A shame that dear Tolomeo is a bit too proud to ask me, but I shall certainly be there to lend a dutiful hand in the spirit of brotherly cooperation.

Pietro Colonna, Lord of Palestrina, Tusculum, Castrum Columna, etcetera and so forth[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Giordano Pierleone]

Patrician Pierleone,

It is good to hear that you are well. The families of our missing Senators rejoice at their return, and the rest of Rome's Senate is relieved to see their colleagues alive and well. To your first condition, of course. Events have a way of escaping the grasp of even the wisest men. The proclamation will be issued, of that have no fear. We all regret that Bloody October, and as long as it shall live in memory, we cannot allow it to happen again.

But as to your second, I am afraid it presents some difficulty. Consul Calafatus refuses to eat his crow. He has intimated to me that he will not recant, and I suspect he will not change his mind. His influence with the popolo is too great, and there is naught that I can do in this regard. But I would still see peace between us. Roman cannot fight Roman. We have enough enemies as it is, I should think. Take comfort in the fact that Fortis may not be Consul forever, for that is all I can offer you on this matter.

But perhaps it is not all I can offer. You know as well as I that law must be restored to Rome, but to restore law, men are needed to do so. I would offer you the additional title of Magistrate of Trastevere, and with it, a right to half of all fines you levy in the execution of Roman Law in your jurisdiction. Your judicial decisions that concern that section of the city would be unimpeachable by any other in the Judiciary.

All other terms of your previous offer would stand.

I have acted in nothing but good faith, Giordano, and the success of our truce has brought me much joy. I would hope that that, and my offer, is enough to reconcile us one to the other, and to again be as brothers, in the eyes of the Romans and in the eyes of God.

Consul Roberto Basile

[/ic]

[ic=An Aside to Fulco Ferrante]

Fulco, do not be concerned. Rome is no warmonger, hastily rushing into battle. Our each and every decision is carefully considered. Rome too supports the independence of Perugia, and we would not see her suffer for the careless mistakes of her friends. There will be no war with the Faliscans until all is prepared, of that you can be assured.

As to Farfa, Rome does not expect you to commit your resources to any such potential expedition. Declare nothing in this regard, I would say, and stand back. But Rome must consider the wellbeing of her other friends, of course, and we may yet stand with our Reatini brothers in their dispute, if such is God's design.

When the time is right to strike to the heart of Viterbo's machinations, know that Rome will be ready, and their League will be sundered.

[/ic]

[ic=An Aside to Damianus Truffa]

The German is ever on the minds of Rome's Consuls and Senators, and know that we do not underestimate the threat he poses to our continued independence. If action is appropriate, you can be assured that action will be taken. But that is not a matter for me to decide, no matter how much I might agree that Farfa must be cut down to size for their presumption. Speak with Consul Calafatus. When it comes to matters military, there are few minds that can match him.

Enjoy your time in Rome, Damianus.

[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Consul Basile]Very well - with the caveat that, so long as he refuses to acknowledge the truth, I am excused from any duty to follow orders from or place myself under the command of Fortis Calafatus in whatever Senatorial position he may find himself in, Consular or otherwise.  With your assent to this, I will ratify our agreement.

Patrician Giordano Pierleone[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Damianus Truffa]
I am no man of war and my duties are rather those of the craftsman and the builder yet I have ears for your plight. Rieti has ever been a true friend to Rome and in such troublesome times friends must support each other lest they both stumble on the path. I have reports from my own men of the scoundrels that plague your lands and while I have not the authority to order Rome to your aid I nevertheless offer you my support as it is. I shall do my part as I can to stress the urgency of Farfa, you stand not alone. If god so wills that there is to be alliance amongst Rome and Rieti and war with Farfa then I and those with me will stand ready to fight. Yet there is much more to be discussed and considered in the days to come I am sure. For now let us celebrate and be merry, giving thanks to god. I offer then to you an invitation that at your convenience, if you would be willing to honor me so, that you should come and partake of the hospitality of my table. I am sure there is much to be discussed between us.
[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Giordano Pierleone]

Your caveat is noted, and accepted. You will not be required to serve under Fortis Calafatus, regardless of what position he should hold. I will have papers drawn up immediately, and our agreement shall be sealed. I look forward with great anticipation on all the good that together we will bring to Rome.

Consul Roberto Basile

[/ic]

[ic=A Speech Before the Senate]

Senators! Hearken to my words, for I bring auspicious news!

We have peace with Patrician Pierleoni, and once again he numbers among the true citizens of Rome!

He has pledged loyalty to our Senate, and to the People of Rome, and keeps the Leonine City to ward it against our enemies, and has agreed to take on the role of Magistrate of Trastevere, the better to enforce the Laws of our Judiciary! So too does he make tribute to us for his privileges and honours, and I can assure you such wealth will be put to good use for the betterment of our City. So enjoy this new season of peace, Senators, and walk the streets safe in the knowledge that all Romans work for one common cause!

[/ic]

[ic=Privately to Truffa]
Farfa is a disturbance in the Latin countryside, of that I agree. I also agree with our great friendship with the Diocese of Rieti.

What I might caution, however, is that the sacking of one stronghold does not deliver the others to us and I fear it may enflame the Falsican League who will then attack on our exposed posteriors!

Would that there would be some way for their people to rise up and overthrow their Masters and bring them back into the Dioceses' and Rome's fold? Bribery is one potentiality, but so too is prosetlyzation. How amenable are the people to Arnold's speeches? I think these speeches can be put to good use. The rich will be forced or frightened to gift the wealth to the poor... or to Rieti and Rome for protection. As they break with the Abbot, they will look to us for defense. And indeed, if the people riot, then it is only proper for Rieti and Rome to come to their rescue--then not only will the abbot be fighting an invasion, he will be facing a popular insurrection.

It seems your goal is to reunite their lands... by humbling the Abbot, we can reunite those lands in an alliance. I have spoken with Arnold before and I believe that, handled properly, by one who has had business with him in the past-this goal may be achieved if the common clergy and the people of the area are amenable to his words.

Would it be right to proceed among these lines?[/ic]

[ic=Openly To Fulco Ferrante]
Words of measure and caution have seldom been better spoken.

Rome seeks to be transparent about how we face the Time's numerous difficulties, with raised aqueducts, re-established law, and training of soldiers. How does Perugia plan to strengthen itself in the coming time of trial?  Does Perugia require anything at this time? Can Rome assist Perugia in trade? And could Perugia trade goods to Rome in return for its assistance?
[/ic]

[ic=To the Senate]
I would that we heed the words of Arnold of Bresica, for they are wise.

But I also encourage the clergy to accept the gifts of the pilgrims with open hearts. The clergy should publicize the gifts, they should be proud of the gifts for the gifts reflect the visitors' piety and their thankfulness to Rome that these sites of holiness exist! And then, the clergy, so as to avoid the temptation of sin that the combination of God and money unite, should give a great portion of the gifts to the city and its vigili who guard the sites, who protect the sites, and who bring glory and safety to Rome.

The vigili should be put to watch outside the greatest sites of pilgrimage and they should protect our wealthy pilgrims and encourage them to give freely and greatly to the holy sites. Then, at the end of the pilgrimage, the generous and thankful clergy will follow the dictates of Arnold and we will distribute the money for the upkeep of Rome and the good of the people.

I state that for every 3 wealth that is gained from the clergy, 1 wealth will be donated to the poor and to restore holy sites, 1 for the defense of Rome, and 1 for the general fund of Rome- for Aqueducts and more that will strengthen the city and that will attract more pilgrims who come to see our wondrous city!
[/ic]

[ic=To the Inner Council]
I speak, friends, of the coming pilgrims and how they can strengthen Rome.

I encourage Rome to levy a tax, to be paid by those who come with entourages only, so as to permit the poor to pass through unobstructed. Those who are knights and men of means should pay a tax for the price of Rome keeping the streets safe and clear, of keeping law and order. The funds can be parceled to our new vigili or to the Defense fund as Consul Basil wills.

On the second, I have compiled an index of some of the greatest sites of pilgrimage in Rome. This is where our vigili and personal masadas should be posted, to protect the pilgrims and to ensure that at the end of the pilgrimage, the clerics properly account for their gifts... many clerics will lie-the enforcement should rest either with their fellows and be resolved in court, or it should rest with God. Presumably, the clerics that remain are those who support Arnold and his tenets.

I would love to encourage the pilgrims to only donate to the city or to a common museum of relics, but I fear that none will donate to the city save through the protection tax; and a common museum of relics will be difficult to assemble--the pilgrims wish to see the relics at their source and the clerics who remain wish strongly to protect their primary source of income.

Third, crime and petty theft are in danger of running rampant during the time of pilgrimage. If there is another way to deter this other than through the vigili, I welcome that decision. At the very least, our courts can confiscate a good deal of the money that is stolen, and it will be donated into the city's coffers.
[/ic]

[ooc]
*Given your response to my question about acquisition of artifacts, Polycarp, so essentially none are for sale? What sort of artifacts would I get for an investment of 1 wealth? Any of quality or just so-so to middling to poor?

*If the picture guide-book series, with different "themed" walking tours seems decent, issue the crude picture guide-books along with the Manzinni seal on them. Carbon-copy them. I doubt this will make enough money to register given the cost of supplies, but it should at least cover the cost for the people who copy the pictures.
(In a PM I ended up paying 1 wealth for a series of actions related to the picture-book series, the report to the senate, and 3-4 more detailed bound copies)

* Investigate granary storage options in Rome. Are there places to store grain in the event of a siege.

[/ooc]

Quote*Given your response to my question about acquisition of artifacts, Polycarp, so essentially none are for sale? What sort of artifacts would I get for an investment of 1 wealth? Any of quality or just so-so to middling to poor?

It is directly contrary to canon law to sell any relics, even the most minor.  This is the kind of thing you can get excommunicated for.

Also, I sent you a PM regarding your ooc orders that I missed.

Edit:

QuoteAlso it doesn't appear that the wealth has been updated yet for non-noble characters in the first post.

That's because we are at the beginning of Spring right now, and the wealth doesn't actually come until Holy Week (during Spring).  It isn't in your pockets yet.  The reason it's not added now is that, theoretically, an event could happen that interrupted the pilgrimage and thus cut off your extra income.  As long as that doesn't happen, however, you can assume that you'll gain one Wealth by next turn and can spend accordingly in this turn.

[ic=Spoken to Senator Sismondii by Rector Truffa]Thank you for your support, Senator.  My party and I will remain here for some weeks, of course, and I would be most pleased to join you.  I am sure that you and other Senators who see the danger Farfa poses to us will help sway your Consuls to make the right decision.[/ic]

[ic=Spoken to the Senatores Consiliarii by Rector Truffa]Of course, one siege will not humble the monks of Farfa, but the fall of Rocca Sinibalda will do more than just discomfort them.  Of the Abbey's Sabine fortresses, it guards most directly the Via Salaria that links our two cities, and leads onward through the mountains to the Adriatic.  Once the castles of this road are reduced - Sinibalda being the most important - Rome will be able to cooperate and trade directly with our city, as well as the Adriatic cities and provinces, without interference from the Pope or the Faliscans.  Rocca Sinibalda also oversees the passes through the Sabine hills south of our city; when it is vanquished, our zafones will have free reign over a much larger swath of Farfan territory, putting further pressure on them to humble themselves before us for peace.

As for the Faliscan League, they are Papists, and no close allies of Farfa.  Yet if they do fear our power enough to challenge it, then comes Perugia's part.  If Perugia will openly join Rome in alliance, the Faliscans will be deterred from stopping us by the threat of the Perugians at their backs.  The Senate must convince Ferrante to announce an alliance with Rome so we can accomplish these things without Faliscan meddling![/ic]

[ic=Spoken privately to Senator Manzinni by Rector Truffa]Of the Brescian monk, I do not know.  Does an excommunicated man really hold so much power over the Romans?  Would he truly stir the peasants against the abbey?  Even if he did, I do not know if they would openly revolt, for they are but peasants, ignorant and divided.  Your plan may not be a bad one, but it will take time, and we may only have two years before the Germans are upon us.  We should not squander it in such experiments when we can seize the day and march upon our enemies as soon as Easter has passed.  Execute what plans you wish, but I do not think the Rectors would see the monk's agitation as a good reason to delay.[/ic]

[ic=Spoken openly to Senator Manzinni by Fulco Ferrante]The chief concern of the Consuls of Perugia is the matter of our more local opponents in Umbria, chief among them the city of Assisi.  Large-scale military cooperation is not feasible at this point, given the distance between our cities and the presence of the Faliscans, but we will certainly entertain any suggestions as to trade or defensive cooperation.  At present we have no specific requests or demands of Rome.[/ic]

[ic=To Consul Calafatus]His Majesty the King refers you to His subjects in Capua and Gaeta, who at present must import their salt from the Genoese and Pisan saltworks in Sardinia and who pay unjustly high prices as a result.  If His Majesty should hear of your favorable service in this regard, He will consider rewarding the Romans for it.

Maio of Bari, Chancellor to His Majesty King Rogerius Secundus of Sicily[/ic] 
[ic=Spoken to Consul Calafatus by his messengers]My Lord, our delegation was turned away from the court of Duke Welf without an audience.  We left your message with his court, but from our reception we do not expect a reply.[/ic]

[ic=Spoken Privately to Fulco Ferrante]

Ah! Signore Ferrante! It is well that we meet, for what your delegation has spoken of has been much on my mind of late. Perugia is a city of some power, this we know. So too Rome, this is also known. But each of us apart can only muster so much in our own defence. To my ears, you have intimated thoughts that are in concurrence with my own on this subject. To send such a mission as your city has of its own initiative could well speak only of a desire for friendship, but I think there is more at work here. Let me be forthright, Fulco, do the Consuls of Perugia consider or desire a treaty of mutual defence with the Senate and People of Rome? For I can assure you, such an idea is not disagreeable to the Senate.

Consider the functions of such a treaty. Certainly, in light of current circumstances there is little that could be done to render military aid one to the other directly, that is, unless of course the Faliscans should march. But as I see it the primary utility of such an agreement is to prevent just such an occurrence. With Rome on one side, and Perugia the other, the Faliscans would not dare to initiate hostilities, and so we could deal with them as we see fit at our leisure. Of course, neither city would be bound to participate in any way against any foe should one or the other be the instigator of aggression, reasoned or not, without prior agreement, of course.

If such ideas appeal to the Consuls of Perugia, by all means, I encourage you to make formal proposal to our Consul of the Exterior. I suspect such measures would be well received in the Senate.

Enjoy what Rome has to offer Signore Ferrante, and please, should you have any concerns about the hospitality of the Romans, come to me, and I will see to such matters.

[/ic]

[ic=Private To Fortis]
Consul Calafactus, have you heard news of Roger of Sicily and have you determined what Rome may bring the man to ensure his protection of our ships?
[/ic]

[spoiler]Not Yet Said. Under Consideration.[ic=Inner Council]The Papal Alliance concerns me yet. Although Rome has punished several members of the Alliance, Tolomeo who rode with the Alliance against Rome yet retains a leadership role. I have in my hands a document sent by Tolomeo that is most embarrassing against him and his aims[/ic][/spoiler]

Annual Report

The population of Rome declined last year.  Aside from the actual losses at Tivoli and the events of Bloody October, the uncertainty and violence in the seasons after the Consular revolution of 1152 caused many families to flee the city.  While some are expected to return in the spring if conditions look better, others have moved on to Formello, Tusculum, or other cities with less perilous conditions.

Despite the loss of people, the citizen rolls have actually grown as former popolo minuto acquired the means of citizenship and joined the popolo grasso.  It is believed that much of this growth is the result of the sacking of Tivoli, which put a great deal of illicit plunder into the hands of Roman tradesmen and peasants.  The good harvest this year no doubt contributed as well.  Still, not all of these citizen-families are currently residing in the city, having departed during the autumn troubles.

Population: 27,400

• Equites: 400 [Citizens and nobles of households wealthy enough to bring a warhorse to the militia muster]
• Popolo Grasso: 8500 [Citizens of households wealthy enough to provide for a pedes, or infantryman, in the militia muster]
• Popolo Minuto: 18,200 [Common subjects without political power]
• Ebreo: 300 [Jews, exempt from military service]

Rome's economic status is largely unchanged.  The industries and trades of Rome remain the same – local trade in lime and marble, as well as wool, wine, and artisanal crafts.  The spring pilgrimage is expected to bring much-needed wealth and prosperity to the city's shaken populous.

[ooc=Table of Contents]I've included a table of contents (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,209500.msg213283.html#msg213283) in post 3 so you can quickly link to previous updates.[/ooc]

[ic=To Basile's Speech in the Senate]
*Applaud at the end*[/ic]

[ic=To Manzinni's Speech at the Lesser Council]
*Applaud in approval*[/ic]

[ic=To the Lesser Council]
Signores,
I feel we have done much in so little time. Not even a year ago our Great Republic was occupied. Now, all within are united, or mostly. And what's more, we are forging solid and wise alliances. I want to thank, and applaud our great senatores consiliarii for their great work.

Many have been talking and pushing for improved defenses for Rome. I am one of those, and have funded most generously to the coffers due to this effect. I will continue to do so, would our great Consul use my funds wisely, as he has done until now.

We have accomplished much, and even though there is still much work to be done, I feel it is high time for us to act covertly abroad to increase our security here at home.

Let me explain. Signore DeRosa spoke of a "buffer" around Rome last season. Although I did not, and still do not agree with the means he wanted to employ for this end, the idea in general is far from idiotic. Would we make our northern neighbors shift their attention elsewhere than towards our beloved Rome, our defenses would be strengthened, and our opportunities increased!

The way in which I propose to accomplish this involves very limited losses, if any at all. We would have to study our neighbors to the north, and exploit their psychological weaknesses in order to trigger internal strife, or even put them at war with one another, in the process causing them great pain, shifting the balance of power and perhaps, I would hope, delay the coming of Frederick. Just imagine, dear signores, if Tuscanians (Tuscany) would war against Romagnans (Romagna). This would be... fortunate, to say the least.

Having said this, I already am preparing my agents to journey into the lands of Pisa and Bologna. It will be long, I am sure, but it shall not be in vain.

If anyone was to do the same, but starting in the vicinity of Rome and expanding northward, or simply in other populated areas in the line between Rome and Frederick's lands, we would end up with capable information networks that would allow us to influence events in all of Italy (Was the land called Italy at the time???).

Also, I will be hosting my usual summer party next season *winks at Manzinni*, I hope all of you will be well enough to attend. For it is, I've heard and seen, of great pleasure!

*bows and sit*[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Giovani de Vinti]
Uncle Gio-gio,
I hope this letter finds you, Aunt Isabella and your son and daughters in good health! For me, all is well, especially since I've been appointed Senator in Rome. This a position of importance, and my actions, as well as those of my colleagues will shape the future of our great Republic. You should see just how much work has been done, and should you decide to visit the de Vinti's here, more will have been completed! I would be very excited to see you and the rest of the family here.

I was wondering myself if Siena faired well? Tell me about the events of late, from art to politics, I am curious in all matters! Especially, I've heard some interesting things of Bologna... and Pisa! What do you and your fellow Sienese think of them? Of course you must all be very good friends, no? And Frederick? Did he ever visit your beautiful city?

Giogio, I can't wait to hear from you!

Hugo de Vinti

P.S: Give mami and papi two kiss each for me! I miss them.[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Gregoriopolis Sindocco, sent with a wine bottle as a gift]Dear [Name (I suppose I would know it from my report in Autumn)],
I heard that the gifts I sent you and your fine brothers of Gregoriopolis have been received with much joy. Although I expected as such, my heart still warmed at the mention. Unfortunately, being a Senator of Rome keeps me busy here in the city. So, sending a letter is, for the moment, the best I can do to stay in contact with the fine neighbors that you, people of Gregoriopolis, are.

I might be interested in the purchase of much salt in the future. Chances are this future I am talking about is near, though I cannot give you a definite time. I'm merely being polite and letting you know that I shall seek such a purchase as to not take you by surprise.

Also, this... may be inappropriate, but there is no harm in asking. Nor is there harm in refusing to respond. Let's say I, as Hugo de Vinti, wanted to build a few ships. Let's say, a dozen at the very most, and that might even be exaggerating. Would you and your kind people allow me access to some of your land so a dock could be constructed and ships built and docked? I am sure we could come to an understanding that would benefit both you and me.

May god keep you safe,
Hugo de Vinti, Senator of Rome[/ic]

[ooc=Orders for the Spring]- Give my agent permission to stay in Naples during the spring season to study the harvest methods of Flax. Also, provide him with an expert on agricultural practices. Remind him to be aware of Pisan activity and other happenings of interest.

- Send an agent to Naples, not along my main agent, that would be tasked with inquiring as to the cost of building average and heavy-duty cargo ships (One that could transport 1 to 5 Wealth worth of cargo (salt, marble, wood, flax, wine, e.t.c)). Also, the agent should stay tuned for books or documents on shipbuilding knowledge and technology. Strongly emphasize on the "Do not screw relations with Sicilians."

- Send an agent to Gaeta to inquire as to the cost of building average cargo ships (One that could transport 1 to 3 Wealth worth of cargo (salt, marble, wood, flax, wine, e.t.c)). Also, the agent should stay tuned for books or documents on shipbuilding knowledge and technology. Strongly emphasize on the "Do not screw relations with Sicilians."

- Send an agent to Pisa to inquire about the defenses of the city, as well as the habits of the society and their relationship/opinion with/towards Duke Welf VI Welf and Romagna, especially Bologna. The agent is to stay for three seasons, and has to report to me each season through a letter, even the third. Obviously, subtlety is paramount.

- Send an agent to Bologna to inquire about the defenses of the city, as well as the habits of the society and their relationship/opinion with/towards Mose da Vercelli and Tuscany & Spoleto, especially Pisa. The agent is to stay for three seasons, and has to report to me each season through a letter, even the third. Obviously, subtlety is paramount.

- Send back my agent to Gregoriopolis to investigate Pisan (or other foreign entities) activities in Ostia and its vicinity. Stay extremely subtle, and keep a close eye on cargo loading/unloading, the schedules and habits, as well as time elapsed between visits. He would also give the sindocco a letter I wrote.[/ooc]

[ooc=Concerning the dispatch of agents to the North]I will not be paying 1 Wealth for their survival. The reason is that they have to infiltrate, to a certain point and while staying subtle, the society in which they will be living for nearly a full year. Though, should they come to need anything, I allow them to send me request through their letters and promise them I will do as much I can to ease their work. Before they go, I treat them very well, and emphasize on the importance of their mission.[/ooc]

Quote"The Head of State of Romagna" (It's not keyed in the Italy map)

That's because there is none.  Romagna (like the neighboring Pentapolis) is simply a region of the Papal States, so theoretically the Pope is the "head of state" there, but in reality the bishops, nobles, and city governments are essentially self-governing and may think of themselves more as Imperial vassals than Papal vassals.  The most important Papal representative in Romagna is Mose da Vercelli, the Archbishop of Ravenna, but he is definitely not the ruler of all Romagna.

Thanks for the info.

I also updated my post to include a letter to my uncle Giovani de Vinti, and to edit the part about the Romagna head of state.

>>The chief concern of the Consuls of Perugia is the matter of our more local opponents in Umbria, chief among them the city of Assisi.

It would be sad were we to kill St. Francis of Assisi as a child. :o.

[ic=To Senators Consillari at a time when the Rector etc are not around]
I do agree with the Rector that we should strike at Farfa. I do not, however, think that warfare is the only way to achieve our aims. What say you to encouraging the Farfan peasants to come over to Rome through a spread of Arnold's prostelytization? The process would take at least a year- his ideas would have to be spread and accepted and Farfa would need to crush the beliefs, then we could legitimately 'liberate' them without threatening the Falsican League into action against Rome? That method would also produce allies in the popolo, whereas a seige would kill or alienate many.

If we must deal with enemies of Rome, then I speak of the Tolomeo holds-which are far closer to Rome than Farfa, and seizure of which would do less to inflame the Falsican League.

Tolomeo sacked Rome along with Tivoli and others. Although his main hold has been sold to the Colonna, he still bears wealth in his land. If we seized these placesand distributed land to landless Equites, we would have more rich and productive supporters of the Senate and the action would be of minimal cost and danger. Wealth that is recovered would go to Rome; the land to the Equites. The action would also send a warning to Colonna and others who are not friends of Rome. What say you Senators? I raise this for debate, not to state that we must take this action, but only that the time may be right to seize this opportunity to send a message to enemies that those who like Pierleoni who settle with the Senate are forgiven--that those who sit aloof and await the Emperor's arrival- will be punished. This action will grant us more powerful Equites allies, a secure supply of grain, it will grant us Colonna, and it will grant Rome wealth for rebuilding!

Rome wants peace these days, and this option can be had with a minimum of bloodshed and danger during this Summer or Harvest. It may be safest to look closest for now, especially when Tolomeo threatens to crucify Rome on the Emperor's arrival, and we may plan more broadly at a later juncture.

I am sure that we can have a sober and enlightening discussion on these issues, especially if there are concerns that I did not address in my proposal; I will admit for one, that I have spoken to Equites about land distribution (not about this action, of course, though)--the already landed Equites noted some concern if too many landless ones are elevated, and the landless ones were very eager to fight for Rome for land-- but we can address the difficulties by ensuring that the landed ones gain an equal amount of reward. I am open to all opinions, my friends.
[/ic]

OOC: I decided to go out on a limb here to feel some things out.

[ic=To DeVinti]
Ah, your annual party. I will most gladly take advantage of the invitation. I look forward to seeing what marbles you have constructed this season; your bust of Saint Augustine was remarked on most positively by my guests this year. It sits prominently in a shaded and weather-protected area of my garden, brought out during the entertaining season.
[/ic]

[ic=Private to DeRosa]
What progress and news do you have of the inquests related to the iron and the chainmail, friend DeRosa?
[/ic]

OOC: At some point, Basile, are you intending to adopt my suggestion of (1) the tax and the deployment of the Vigili that I discussed on page 14? (2) The small fee for entry into the City. If you say nothing, then I think Polycarp will assume that it's not happening.

Thanks for posting the hotlinks to the Updates (I guess we lost the turn I update since it was in the initial posts?)

Could you also please add the "trade goods" map to the first page so that doesn't get buried as well? I think it's somewhere between pages 9-11 of this thread.

[ic=To Arnold]
*To Be said if the Senate wants to take the money from the churches and if Arnold seems like he is still excoriating the priests against taking the pilgrims' money*

Thank you for your enlightening speech on the dangers of combining wealth with spiritual communing with God. Have you considered though that it is a good action of someone to receive gifts they have been given? Elijah was sent back to his bed three times by Nathan before the Prophet realized that it was God calling him in the night to a life of service. He was supposed to take what he was given. Now, that is a gift by God... but so too could these gifts by foreigners be gifts of God.

For example, faith untested is not faith at all. Christ went out into the desert, where Satan offered him wealth, and power, and flight, and Christ refused three times. Christ also faced the Cross.

So too could these gifts by Knights and nobles to the Churches be crosses that the holy people can bear. They will make a decision; give the money into a fund that supports Rome and that supports the Churches-equally in terms of their need. Or they can succumb to Mammon and hold back. The choice will demonstrate which Clerics truly are tempered by the fire of sin and who are truly worthy of God's graces and the respect of the congregations.
[/ic]

[ic=To Manzinni]
I thank you for caring so much for my creation and am happy to see that you are still liking it very much. This one was, indeed, a beautiful piece. Yes, the party shall be grand. Good to see that you are interested in its entertainment, though I feel obliged to say that you've been one of those. My guests appreciated your presence very much, and your exotics as well, if you see what I mean. Such things are ever welcome in my abode.[/ic]

[ic=Reply privately to Senator Manzinni]
Maio of Bari, the Chancellor to your cousin-in-law Roger of Sicily has sent me a letter regarding the state of trade. Caputa and Gaeta currently import salt at great expense. If a Roman would be able to supply salt at a much better price Roger would perhaps see fit to reward Rome. This is a matter of merchants so I leave it in the hands of yourself and any you choose to recruit, get the salt to these cities cheaply and it may secure Rome a safe seafaring future.

As for the matter of going to war against Tolomeo, I do not forsee that happening any time soon. I am in correspondence with his cousin, head of the Colonna, and they are on quite amicable terms. In fact, the Colonna are quite willing to help Tolomeo in any situation, and war with Rome will not be the event that causes Tolomeo to finally bend his pride and ask for help.
[/ic]

[ic=Reply to Rector Truffa]
If this is as you say then this season we shall mount a campaign against Rocco Sinibalda and the Sabine fortresses.  If your raiders could increase the pressure in the north Rome's forces will strike from the south.
[/ic]

[ic=Reply to the Perugian delegation]
As Consul I have extended friendship to the Faliscan league, and they say they have no wish to go to war with Rome. I am quite sure that if Perugia is to join Senator Basiles Tiberian league that the Falsicans would extend the same to your city. In other events, Rome goes to war against Farfa and its holdings this season. All that I ask is that should the Faliscans decide to meddle in this affair that you support Rome.
[/ic]

[ic=Semi-Private to deVinti at the Party-If you're at the party and you're a consul who is a merchant-feel free to read. No mere senator should hear as this is very hush hush]
DeVinti, my friend. I have heard that you have interactions with the Gregoriopolitans. Roger of Sicily has responded to our consuls and Fortis has given us go ahead to pursue matters.

Essentially, Caputa and Gaeta currently import salt at great expense. If a Roman would be able to supply salt at a much better price, Roger indicated he would see fit to reward Rome.

The best reward, as he offered to me before, would be protection of our ships at sea from Genoan and Pisan pirates. All fear the Sicilian fleet and if they knew that Rome was protected by their ships, then they would flee. With ships, we can import more goods to the Roman region and we can grow our strength and maximize our output.

From what I understand, establishing a salt processing venture at Gregoriopolis may involve a great deal, however. First, we would be harassed by pirates who raid the area and who take marble from the ruins; second, the swamps may kill many; third, we will need to scale-up the current venture without alienating the locals (of course we can employ them... but they may want to only dream small). The project may take several wealth. I presume 2 to 5 wealth total over the course of at least one year before it may see profit in the form of Roger's assistance... and it may never see true profit... Perhaps other investors would need to be located to ensure its success?

Of course, this matter is very hush hush. We do not want to spread word of it too far lest other investors buy up land or lest foreign powers become inflamed before Rome sets out a foothold.
[/ic]

[ic=Privately to Fortis]

*Please ignore if below "silver" means weapons... I really doubt that Vittorio would have misunderstood that... I OOC thought that silver meant a bribe... UPDATED: It appears Polycarp indicated it could mean both, so in the interest of keeping spice in the game, I guess I said this:


I understand your concern regarding Tolomeo... and hearing that the Colonna are willing to stand beside him is troubling to my assertions. Rome cannot inflame all of its great families and we have no enemies among the Colonna.

This being said (produces excerpted letter from Tolomeo). Tolomeo's alliance with the Pope is on murky ground. Release of this letter would be quite embarrassing to the man. I do not think that Colonna would stand by him if the Pope abandoned him. He could, of course, declare this a forgery, and sadly, he could argue that he meant 'silver' as in Rome would need to fight him to recover the Pope... But I guarantee you, this letter is very, very real, penned by his very hand, sealed by his very seal.
[/ic]

Light Dragon, this is the message in question.

[ooc=Old Message to Manzinni from Tolomeo II]I have little patience for commoners trying to play the part of lords, and no more for commoners trying their amateur hands at theology.  You "senators" of all people should know why he has left, for it is you who have forced him into exile.  If my protection of His Holiness troubles the Romans, than they must be content with my apologies unless their words are backed with not hot air alone, but silver.[/ooc]

It does appear to be in his hand and would presumably be hard to forge, but I should point out that there is no explicit statement that he will "hand the pope over."

This--"If my protection of His Holiness troubles the Romans, than they must be content with my apologies unless their words are backed with not hot air alone, but silver."
Sounds pretty straightforward as being "hand the pope over".

Or did you mean silver as in weapons? I took it to mean a bribe... I may have been acting on the wrong presumptions now that I think about your comment.

If I completely and utterly misinterpreted that Out of Character... then Manzinni wouldn't have shown the letter to Fortis... I really didn't get that silver=weapons with all my planning up until now.  :angry:

It is possible that Tolomeo was being purposefully vague...

Edit: Silver almost certainly means money, not weapons.  Still, it's a somewhat vague statement.

[ic=Letter to Vittorio Manzinni]Dearest friend,

My agents have returned from the Iberian peninsula with good news - they have found a supplier of Iron Ingots from the Basque country. They are most eager to work with us and are looking to begin a relationship as soon as possible. They do not list a base price, rather we must tell them how many ingots we desire and they shall bill us. I believe they are trustworthy (well, as trust worthy as any foreigner from a far off land can be). We should make great haste in pursuing this venture.

Your partner,

Senator Domenico DeRosa [/ic]

[ic=To the Senate] Dear Senators,

It has come to my attention that several of the greatest churches in our fair city have fallen into ruin and disrepair over the centuries since their founding. In their haste to leave the city, the papists brought much hardship to our places of worship. The priests have fled along with the Pope and have left only monks and low ranking clergy to administer the churches. Though they have struggled valiantly, their efforts have been for naught. Rome, the center of Christendom in the west, is the laughing stock of the known world! Since we are now the leaders of the Eternal City, I believe it is our moral duty to shepherd the repairs and beautification of Rome's churches. We should make Rome a beautiful city and that begins with its places of worship.

I propose we should enact a poll tax on the non-Catholics of this city. The revenue from this tax would be funneled into a fund to be administered by the Senate, which would oversee the rehabilitation and beautification of the greatest churches in Rome. [/ic]

[ooc=Orders]- Send a man to find the most trustworthy, but affordable,  Genoese Merchant House to ferry the ingots from Iberia to Rome.

- Send some men out to assess locations in the city that would serve as good places to establish a small number of inns and taverns that could be used to house merchants and religious pilgrims. If possible call in a few favors and purchase the land and materials necessary to establish a handful of these inns. Spend no wealth on this.

- Get one of my servants to help me fashion a nice looking wooden cross with Senator Hugo de Vinti's patron saint's name engraved on it.  [/ooc]

LD, the party is going to be in summer. Althought I was very happy with this and have been kinda waiting for it. It's premature.

Until you give me your final say, I will consider that I haven't read it, and that the post does not exist.

:P

Magnus- I guess just assume it's a party at my house in that case then. You'd have been invited (DaVinti), and DeRosa, Di Fontaine and Basile. [So a Di an De and a Da]
--
[ic=To DeRosa]
That is most capital news. There remains but one difficulty- we can import the iron ingots, but we cannot forge the ingots. Our blacksmiths are not numerous enough to forge the mail. Do you have thoughts on this matter? Even if the iron arrives... we may need to spend double the wealth to craft it and then it may take a year or two to develop the chainmail.

Rome is not a great city of arms manufacture.  While it has blacksmiths that can forge mail, there are not too many of them. Currently, almost every smith capable of making mail is making hauberks for the men of Consul Calafatus, and it may take a full year for the city's smiths to armor only a hundred men.  Raising "heavy infantry" – that is, armored infantry – would be about twice as expensive as unarmored infantry, as well as taking much longer before their equipment would be ready.

I regrettably am finding it difficult to see the profit in this venture at this time. I want to see profit in it and I want to aid Rome, but this aid may come far too late before the Emperor's arrival. Your thoughts are always welcome.
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Senator DeRosa]

Salutations, esteemed colleague.
This letter was long overdue, but better later than never is what they say. I write to you to apologize for my conduct towards you over the Formello matter that exploded two season ago. Sometimes, a friend has to go to great lengths to save another, and I feel I did such a thing. I appreciate your holding back of your plans. I know, as a fellow senator, that keeping our word is paramount. Since you've done me a favor, I will do you one, and will resume working in collaboration with you, should the need arise, and support you in your endeavors.

Also, I extend to you personally, although I already made a mention at the Lesser Council, an invitation to my up-and-coming party in the summer. It will be grand and there will be many great entertainers. I would like it very much if you blessed us with your presence.

Sincerely,
Hugo de Vinti[/ic]

-Extremely OOC- I must admit I'm somewhat surprised your character knows that much about Gregoriopolis and Ostia. Now, to other matters.

[ic=In Response to Manzinni at his Party]Ah, Manzinni!

This is good news, indeed. You did your studies very well, and I thank you for seeking my opinion on such an important matter.

An alliance with Sicily is in the best of our interest, and if it has to start at sea, the better! The Sicilian fleet is a force to be reckoned with, and its blessing would give us much leeway in future economic endeavors. Perhaps even military, though this one is a touchy part I'd prefer we consult with Signore Calafatus, should we aim to accomplish expansionism designs.

So they seek salt? We are in luck, my friend! Gregoriopolis has much of that, and it is my understanding that they trade it locally only. Perhaps if we were to sell it to Sicily we could get not only naval protection, but an income as well. Unless the benevolent King Roger II of Sicily mentioned no possibility for this. In this case we will have to do with naval protection.

Tell me, friend, how much do they pay for salt over there? Let's say, by the [standard denomination (pound?)].

Regarding your concerns for an eventual Roman presence in Gregoriopolis, yes it would be a risky venture. As you said the most important would be to not alienate the residents of this fine town. But there is the matter of malaria, which I am looking into, and the Pisan thieves who steal marble from the ruins of Ostia. I'm sure we can arrange something, but first I'd like you to answer the question about pricing. Best for us if we don't waste our times, eh?[/ic]

Polycarp, you haven't mentionned this to me before in my Intelligence Report of Gregoriopolis, but maybe I should know? How much does one have to pay for a [standard denomination (pound?)] of salt from Gregoriopolis? Naturally it's an information they should have gotten...

I think that everyone knows that Gregoriopolis has salt. It's an issue of how much they had- but after Di Fontaine's march to the sea where he met the salt farmers (public knowledge to everyone in the posts)- Vittorio certainly would have discovered about the salt.

March to the Sea was public knowledge:
[ic=March to the Sea Reposted]
"...They were graciously welcomed by the small population of Gregoriopolis, though somewhat less so by the local priests.  The sindaco showed the Senator the ruins of Ostia, as well as the marble-kilns and salt pans where the Gregoriopolitans make their living.  They requested that the Romans bring wine and cloth, for these things were in great demand in their village.  The Senator and his men stayed at Gregoriopolis on their second night, and reached Rome by the end of the third day of the expedition..."[/ic]

Now, I may not have known about the marble-theft was by Pisans, but I do know that the Pisans would potentially be angered if Rome starts up a trading post at Gregoriopolis; also it was public knowledge that the Gregoripolitans are melting down the marble (also from the March to the Sea).

Oh... /facepalm

[ic=Reply to Consul Calafatus]That is excellent news, Consul.  We will turn out all the soldiers we can muster.  Rome need not gather its entire force, but heavy infantry, cavalry, and men skilled in siege weaponry are greatly needed.

Rector Truffa[/ic]

[ic=Reply to Consul Calafatus]If the Faliscans dare to meddle in your attack, the Consuls of Perugia would find it difficult to justify an intervention given that it is a Roman offensive that we are not participants in.  Furthermore, it would be impossible for us to march through Faliscan territory to aid you.  We consider the attack on Farfa ill-advised, and while it will not damage our relations with Rome in our view, I cannot offer any promise of support in this endeavor.

Nevertheless, I will convey your request to the Consuls and hope to provide you with a definitive answer to the question of the proposed League by next season.

Fulco Ferrante di Perugia[/ic]

[ic=To Manzinni]We need to find a way to attract blacksmiths from the surrounding countryside and towns. Perhaps if we were able to acquire some land and offer them low rent? Perhaps we could convince the other senators into making Rome an arms dealer? Convince them to create a veritable industry from scratch. Of course the two of us would be at the helm of this venture. [/ic]

[ic=To Hugo de Vinti]Dear Senator,

Fret not about what occurred during those painful days. We were all on edge and politics demanded decisive action.

I humbly accept your most gracious invitation to your wondrous party. I shall wait with baited breath until the day of the event.

Sincerely,

DeRosa[/ic]

OOC- I updated my Orders carp

OOC-"We need to find a way to attract blacksmiths from the surrounding countryside and towns. Perhaps if we were able to acquire some land and offer them low rent? Perhaps we could convince the other senators into making Rome an arms dealer? Convince them to create a veritable industry from scratch. Of course the two of us would be at the helm of this venture. "

So Polycarp- as far as our characters know in game- how ridiculous does this sound? From what I see- rome lacks leather, iron, and blacksmith skills and transportation to be an arms dealer.

It does however have a central location.

Heh better get my orders in...

[ooc]
- I will wait through the week of the pilgrimage, participating as is necessary. Once the holy week is over I will go on a trip of my own, gathering up a small group of bodyguards as well as several loyal and eager assistants. We will load up a small caravan with wine held back from the sales during the holy week and set off for Tre Fontane. Upon arrival I will greet them and offer to hand the arms of my guards into their safekeeping for the duration of our stay if they voice any concerns about armed men. I and all of my men will then if permitted, pay our respects. After this I will thank the Abbey, offering them a gift in the form of a cask of the best tasting wine from my lot (picked by myself) as a personal thanks from myself to these devout men of god for doing his righteous work.

- After Tre Fontane we will make our way down to Gregoriopolis where we will greet the locals saying that their interest in wine has come to the ears of Rome and I have come to help fulfill that need. I will sell the wine from the caravan to them, slightly marked up to pay off the cost of bringing it down to them. I will also discuss with the locals about their needs and if there are any items greatly desired by them from Rome. Furthermore I will inquire into the cost and possibility of investing in the salt fields.

- Additionally I am going to make a full market census and send out men all over to get an idea of how the markets in Latium and the surround are doing. Men will be sent to Rieti, Subiaco, Avezzano, Portus, Sora, Fondi and Nettuno. Additionally I will send men to Genoa, Venice, and Naples. They are to conduct an examination of the local markets to see what is in high demand (and thus possible to ship from Rome and sell), what is in high supply (and thus possible to buy and ship back to Rome for a profit) and to get a general idea of the size of the local market and its health. The primary focus should be on the price of things with salt, wine, and wool. However, everything should be looked at to some degree. The men may spend up to a season investigating their assigned settlement but may return sooner if they feel they have completed their census quicker. Furthermore I will spread amongst them coin equal to [1 wealth] which they may use to pay for their journey, bribe and befriend local merchants, and to bring me back a sample of anything they find that they think would sell well in Rome.

- I will also have several of my men who remain in Rome do a census of the local Roman market to see what is in highest demand.

- Due to all of this I cannot be there for the war on Farfa but as I have pledged support to that effort I will pay [1 wealth] to the hiring of temporary mercenaries that will travel with the consul's forces and offer aid in the war.
[/ooc]

Quote from: Light Dragon
OOC-"We need to find a way to attract blacksmiths from the surrounding countryside and towns. Perhaps if we were able to acquire some land and offer them low rent? Perhaps we could convince the other senators into making Rome an arms dealer? Convince them to create a veritable industry from scratch. Of course the two of us would be at the helm of this venture. "

So Polycarp- as far as our characters know in game- how ridiculous does this sound? From what I see- rome lacks leather, iron, and blacksmith skills and transportation to be an arms dealer.

It does however have a central location.

During the Renaissance, it was quite common for the non-master tradesmen to go from city to city seeking higher pay and better living conditions. I'd imagine we could do the same, though on a much smaller scale. All we really need is a single master to train some skilled apprentices to get the ball rolling.

OOC - LD, it is an excellent idea. And there is an EASY way to increase the knowledge/numbers of practitioners/goods in the fields you mentioned. I won't sell that out though, but it should be somewhat obvious.

Polycarp, I've updated my play-post, just letting you know.

Happy March 1st!  Today is the last day to post orders.  At this point, if you decide to edit your orders, please post here or PM me so I know.

The update will absolutely 100% definitely not be posted today, owing to my absorption in other CBG activities recently.  I will try to get it out to you as soon as possible.

PS. Just a friendly reminder to Llum that I need his War PM sometime today, if possible.

Updated my post with a couple more orders.

Updated orders on page 15... (corrected 1 WEALTH invest; not 3 wealth), and added some discussion about a granary.

[ooc=Orders Spring of 1152]
-Go to war on the Sabbine Fortresses of Farfa. Pay the cost from my own wealth.
-Make sure to bring lots of siege equipment and pitch.
-Bring House Guard as personal retinue, bodyguard and overall help. Make sure they gain lots of experience on siege equipment.
-Send Representative to Konstanz as requested by Frederick. He should say that Rome is as ever a loyal vassal to the Holy Roman Empire and to clear up the confusion that we did not mean to imply that we would crown him, but that he is welcome to come and be crowned by the Pope. The Pope himself is welcome in Rome, he may even stay on my personal residence if he fears for his safety, even if the Roman people are displeased with him.
[/ooc]
[ooc=War PM]
Objective: Raze.

Troops: 80% of all armed forces (80% militia, cavalry and labour). Special emphasis on bringing a lot of pitch and siege equipment.

Commander: Fortis Calafatus as commander recruiting anyone who's shown skill as aides and sub-commanders. No Pierlionists in high command.

Duration: Single season Campaign.

Conditions: Will accept surrender from any castle if the gates are opened and armed troops are allowed inside. Enemies must be disarmed, and from this point forward they must cease to oppose the forces of Rome and its allies as well as pay tribute annually to Rome. Also must surrender half of all cattle to Consul Calafatus immediatly (said cattle should be send to my estates outside Rome)
[/ooc]

I see the Cattle Quest has been executed...

Heh. Well I have hired 100 skilled mercenary infantry who shall be sent to aid this cattle quest under the command of the Consul. Perhaps if the consul is so inclined he will be willing to share in this most generous windfall of moo'ing loot.

[ic=Private Letter to Rector Truffa]
I see that the good Consul has decided to act in earnest and it brings me no small joy to know that the senate is willing to protect its allies so quickly. I promised aid but busy is the life of a merchant and a senator and there is much to see to and I was not perhaps expecting so quick a response from the Consul. Nevertheless, I offered aid and I stand before you as an honorable citizen and a christian and will not renege on my promise. I have thus seen to it that men of my own shall be sent along to aid in dealing with Farfa. I hope that this act will show my earnest desire to work with a friend of Rome such as yourself in overcoming all obstacles. With god's aid we shall have victory in this and Rieti shall have chance for peace.

Your friend and true ally,
Senator Arrigus Sismondii
[/ic]

Anno Domini MCLIII
Spring has passed into Summer…
Summer in Rome is a time of unbearable heat, when the wealthy flee to country estates and the rest of Rome suffers in the stifling and malarial air.  The peasants must work regardless, mowing hay and weeding their gardens until it is time to harvest winter wheat and rye.  By the end of summer, the grain must be reaped, threshed, winnowed, and milled into flour.  The feasts of the Assumption of Mary and of St. Peter and St. Paul are celebrated in the summer, the latter especially important in Rome, the seat of Peter’s blessed heir.

Landlords take their cut at harvest time.  All noble Senators will gain 1 Wealth this season.

Our Consuls: Fortis Calafatus and Roberto Basile
Our Pope: Eugene III
Our Rage: Simmering

News from Abroad

Foreign news this season has been dominated by momentous events in Africa.

A decisive battle has taken place in the lands of the Saracens of Africa.  For a century Africa has been held by the Banu Hilal, a confederation of Arab Bedouin tribesmen with a loose loyalty to the Fatimids of Egypt.  It is said that on the plains of Setif, the Banu Hilal were utterly crushed by the Almohads, a Berber religious movement from the west.  The defeat was so complete that the Banu Hilal have ceased as an independent people, with most of the remaining Bedouins deported westward with their families.  There seems to be no resistance to Almohad rule in Africa save in Tunis and the Sicilian coastal strongholds.

Philip of Mahdia, Admiral of Sicily, has taken advantage of the chaotic situation to undertake a naval campaign against the African coast, and has succeeded in capturing the Kerkennah islands for the Sicilian crown.

News of Latium

Rome has invaded the territory of Farfa Abbey, and the “Consular Army” of Rome has penetrated all the way into Sabina, plundering villages, razing vineyards, and taking at least one castle from the local lords.  As June arrives, the Romans are besieging the castle of Capofarfa, a Farfan strong point overlooking the Via Salaria.

News of Rome

Opinion was divided on the arrangement struck between the Senate and the Pierleoni.  For the first time in a year, the city is now united; Pierlonist militiamen retreated from the Theater of Marcellus and surrendered the bridges of Trastevere, then returned to the Leonine City, where a good portion of them were disbanded.  There remains an invisible line down the Tiber, however – the Senate has confirmed Patrician Giordano Pierleone in his titles and allowed him lordship over the Leonine City and Magistracy over Trastevere, where support for him remains strong.  This apparent cession to the Pierleoni enraged some who had called for his head after the events of October, but the popolo grasso and equites are on the whole quite pleased with the resumption of normalcy.  While a fair number of the lower classes call Consul Basile a traitor, the merchants and wealthy tradesmen approve of his peaceful handling of the situation in time for Holy Week, and the Senate received him with a standing ovation.

Consul Basile has lost 1 Popularity and gained 1 Influence.

The Senate took steps this season to address the corrupt and chaotic court system much maligned by the Romans.  Temporary buildings were set up in the Forum for judicial use and holding court in private was outlawed, but the law remains rather ineffective with far too few legal experts and notaries for far too many illiterate judges.  Some have simply made up punishments, leading people to charge some Senators with deciding cases unfairly or on the basis of personal favor or patronage.

Holy Week was, much to everyone’s relief, a success.  The Faliscans made no effort to hold up the yearly pilgrimage as some had feared, and the pilgrims from far and wide brought with them many purses that left in a far lighter state than they had arrived.  Holy Week is, perhaps, the only time of year when the usual Roman temperament, a heady blend of indignation, pride, contempt, and bloodlust, is suppressed to put on a good face for the foreigners.  Some pilgrims were upset that the Holy Father and other great men of the church they had come to see were absent, but most were interested in spending Easter in Rome rather than personally glimpsing the Pope, who is said to be in poor health anyway.

Senators got in on the action in a variety of ways – hosting pilgrims at their estates, buying up lodgings for paying customers, and in the case of Senator Manzinni selling handwritten “guides” – loose pages with maps on them, for the illiterate – for modest sums.  How profitable the venture was is unclear, but it did start some entertaining dung-throwing skirmishes between Manzinni’s pamphlet-hawkers and Roman city guides who accused the Senator and his “papers” of cutting in on their action.

Pietro Colonna returned to the city during Holy Week in a grand fashion, paying his respects at the major basilicas and resuming his residence at the luxurious Palazzo Colonna.  It is rumored that he visited the Leonine City on the day after Easter to dine with Patrician Pierleone, who they say is alive and well but walks with a limp.

Expeditions

[spoiler=The Sabine Campaign, Part 1]
Commune of Rome (Consul Fortis Calafatus)
100 Urban Cavalry
100 Senatorial Guard [Urban Militia]
100 Mercenary Footmen [Feudal Levy]
1530 Urban Militia
3300 Rural Levy

Easter fell on April 19th in 1153.  It was the end of the month by the time the Romans were prepared to move out; the Reatini, perhaps, would have preferred an earlier attack, but the Senate judged it simply impossible to levy a proper army during Holy Week, and the militia protested the idea fiercely.

The army that Consul Calafatus assembled for the second of his career campaigns was somewhat smaller than the one he had led against Tivoli, but considerably more professional.  Though turnout among the militia and rural folk had been mediocre, the Reatini delegates had managed to excite the equites about the project, and the Consul had practically the full complement of Rome’s citizen-cavalry available to him.  He was further supported by his own private guard, many of whom were now mail-armed (though not very experienced), and around a hundred mercenary footmen raised by Senator Sismondii over the course of April, consisting of a mix of local freebooters and Frankish men-at-arms who had signed up while in the city for the pilgrimage.

As the crow flies, Rocca Sinibalda is 35 miles from Rome.  The most obvious route north was the Via Salaria, the old Roman road from Rome to the Adriatic via Rieti.  The army set out along this road, their left flank secured by the Tiber River.

The first non-Roman settlement to be encountered was Monte Ritondo, a castle-town 15 miles or so north of Rome, considered to be one of the key defensive points on the Roman periphery.  The local lord, Signore Niccolo Capocci, was in residence.  He rode out to parlay with the Consul, offering food and a promise of friendship to Rome if the Romans would refrain from pillaging his lands.  The Consul agreed, and after gaining additional supplies, they passed on from Monte Ritondo and turned east from the Tiber river by the 8th day of the expedition.  They were now in Farfan territory, and the Roman command felt no further need to keep their foragers in check.  In the usual fashion, the rustici fanned out from the army, raiding villages and farms to sustain the Roman force.

On the 11th day, the Romans arrived on the outskirts of the territory of Nerola.  Nerola was a key point on the Via Salaria, controlling a narrow section between the hills of Fara to the north and a group of mountains to the south.  The town and its environs were overlooked by the Castrum Nerulae, a 10th century castle belonging to the Crescenzi, a very old Roman family that had once rivaled the Tusculani themselves but slid into virtual oblivion in the early 11th century.  The Consul and his vanguard approached the castle and delivered their demands to castellan, as the lord was not present; the signore, in fact, was His Eminence Ottaviano dei Crescenzi Ottaviani di Monticelli, Cardinal-Bishop of Santa Celicia in Trastevere.

The castellan initially refused, but when the Romans made good on the Consul’s promise to besiege the city, he had second thoughts.  He proposed that he could not surrender the city now, but would send a message to his lord and request instructions; if no reinforcements were forthcoming within a fortnight, he would surrender the castle.  The Consul gave him a week.

The Romans had set their camp and begun assembling their siege engines by the time the seventh day arrived.  Apparently, despairing of any hope of relief and with insufficient numbers to fight off the Romans, the castellan saw no point in continuing to resist.  On May 20th, the 18th day of the campaign, he surrendered himself, his fortress, and his armsmen to the Roman Consul.  A number of rural levies and militiamen were installed in the castle under the command of one of the Consul’s eques, and after a leisurely plundering of the town, the army marched eastward on May 22nd.

Now in the heart of Farfan territory, the army turned back to ravaging the countryside.  On May 24th, the equites treated themselves to a pleasant diversion by riding ahead of the army, taking the town of Poggio Nativo by surprise, and burning it to the ground.  The army was in high spirits, and somewhat more orderly than during the previous year’s campaign against Tivoli, if only because it was not burdened by as great a throng of rabble.  Still, it was difficult to keep much control over the rural levies, who roamed up to a mile from the army on whatever foraging errand they pleased.  Drunkenness started to become a problem, as the Romans raided villages storehouses and wineries and returned to camp with jugs of monastic wine.

By the 26th, the army was now properly in the hills of Sabina.  The Via Salaria passed into a steep-sided valley, with wooded slopes rising 500 feet on either side.  Less than a mile from the castle of Capofarfa, the Romans were ambushed by Sabine irregulars.  The attackers were driven off, but the terrain prevented the Consul from retaliating with his archers or cavalry and the ambushers caused more casualties than they took.

The castle of Capofarfa, on the valley’s eastern crest, was not so ready to surrender.  Construction on Capofarfa only finished in the last decade; it was a modestly sized but very new castle built to guard the Via Salaria.  Investing the castle was difficult; located as it was atop its valley crest, there were no good positions to set up siege lines or bring catapults to bear on the walls.  As the end of Spring came, the Consul could report a so-far victorious campaign, but one that had not yet reached the ultimate objective of Rocca Sinibalda, and which seemed stymied by the stubborn garrison of Capofarfa and their inconveniently located fortification.  As June arrived, however, another piece of good fortune fell the Consul’s way – he had, at last, reached his allies.  On June 1st, a band of four hundred Reatini zafones arrived from the east, dispatched to find out where the Romans had gone to.  Though the Via Salaria was still not clear, the Consul now had open lines of communication with his allies, and reinforcements that, while currently somewhat few, knew the terrain and the disposition of the enemy far better than his Romans did.

This campaign is ongoing.  Consul Calafatus and his army are currently besieging Castrum Capofarfa, in the Sabine Hills.  The current disposition of his army is:

100 Urban Cavalry
100 Senatorial Guard [Urban Militia]
100 Mercenary Footmen [Feudal Levy]
1450 Urban Militia (50 stationed at Castrum Nerulae, 30 casualties)
2850 Rural Levy (100 stationed at Castrum Nerulae, 190 casualties, 160 desertions)

One new unit, Zafones, has been added to the Unit Library.[/spoiler]
Finances

The interior Consul has provided the Senate with a report on the status of the treasury.

Treasury: 1 Wealth

• Defense Fund: 0 Wealth

Income

• Tribute, Tre Fontane: 1 Wealth/year (Paid in Autumn)
• Duty, Patrician Pierleoni: 1 Wealth/year (Paid in Spring)

Expenditures

• Jus Politia Upkeep: 1 Wealth/year (Paid in Winter)

Senatorial Inquests

Senators that requested information or launched endeavors have the results of their efforts listed here.  This information is private, but you may certainly choose to share it with the Senate.

[spoiler=Roberto Basile]Walls
You have accomplished some work on the walls this season, though work was slow due to the shortage of manpower – on Holy Week, the Romans are a very busy people, and afterwards many Romans had left the city on Consul Calafatus’ campaign.  The funding you have expended has not yet run out, and work will continue through the summer.  While this effort will help shore up particularly vulnerable spots, the Aurelian Walls are very long and very old and may prove quite expensive to fully repair and maintain.

Lateran
Though the Lateran was fixed up last season to function as a courthouse – a purpose it prove unable to fill – it still pales in comparison to the grandeur it had before its treasures were stripped away by the Romans and the retreating Papal forces.  While some pilgrims did decide to stay in the Pope’s palace over Holy Week, the truly wealthy ones preferred lodgings in the palazzi of Roman nobles and merchants whose guest houses had not been so recently sacked.  The Lateran did not produce enough profit as a hostel to make a difference measurable in Wealth.

Bologna
It was not difficult to acquire a copy of the Corpus Juris Civilis for the Roman Senate, but just as critical as the text itself are the glosses, the comments written in the margins by contemporary legal scholars explaining the meanings and applications of the otherwise impossibly arcane legal text.  The “glossators” of Bologna are still hard at work in the production of these glosses, and there are many different commentary texts and differing schools of thought as to how Justinian’s code should be interpreted and applied.  While the acquisition of the Corpus is a start, it will be difficult for the largely illiterate Senator-judges to understand and enforce without a class of knowledgeable legal scholars to rely on.  At present, Bologna is the only city in Italy – indeed, perhaps in all of western Christendom – with an actual university of scholars, translators, and glossators working on these ancient texts.

You have spent 1 Wealth this turn.  You have spent 1 Wealth from the Defense Fund.  You have lost 1 Popularity and gained 1 Influence.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Bernardo diFontane]Landlord
Very few of the renters you have acquired could be considered “wealthy.”  The majority are tradesmen of the pololo minuto, who have higher status than peasants or laborers but lack the means or the rights of full citizens.  They were, of course, very willing to meet with you – as if they had a choice – and it did give you some opportunity to hear their particular interests and needs.  Most of it was boring working-class stuff, but you did find a surprising amount of vocal regret at the continuing rift between the city and the Pope.  The Pope and the higher clergy was a great source of work for many craftsmen, constantly commissioning new churches, artworks, and country palaces, and without them a great deal of profitable work has fallen off.

Gregoriopolis
The Gregoriopolitans had no reliable information as to which places were least affected by the Roman Fever, which is after all carried by invisible marsh vapors.  You had no difficulty occupying an unoccupied area of the salt marshes – after all, it’s all unoccupied – much more difficulty in finding men to work them.  After Easter, many of the able-bodied peasants of the Roman contado were rounded up to serve in the Consular army campaigning in Sabina, and many of the disenfranchised peasants you hoped to recruit ran off to war instead, expecting more of the same plunder they got at Tivoli.  With summer starting, your enterprise is currently nothing more than a few dozen old peasants in shacks east of the marshes.

Legal Quest
Your agents have been dispatched.  While it will take time for them to complete their work and return, I’m going to go ahead and post for you part of Senator Basile’s inquest on getting a copy of the Corpus Juris Civilis since you would have found the same information.

Quote from: BolognaIt was not difficult to acquire a copy of the Corpus Juris Civilis for the Roman Senate, but just as critical as the text itself are the glosses, the comments written in the margins by contemporary legal scholars explaining the meanings and applications of the otherwise impossibly arcane legal text.  The “glossators” of Bologna are still hard at work in the production of these glosses, and there are many different commentary texts and differing schools of thought as to how Justinian’s code should be interpreted and applied.  While the acquisition of the Corpus is a start, it will be difficult for the largely illiterate Senator-judges to understand and enforce without a class of knowledgeable legal scholars to rely on.  At present, Bologna is the only city in Italy – indeed, perhaps in all of western Christendom – with an actual university of scholars, translators, and glossators working on these ancient texts.

You have paid two Wealth this season to Il Signore.  You now have zero Wealth.  While you have hidden the sorry state of your finances from your fellow Senators for now, your means are no longer sufficient to support yourself as a member of the Senatorial class, let alone as one of its leaders.  If you remain at zero wealth for more than a season or two, you may be discovered and cast out as a pauper!
[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Vittorio Manzinni]Granary
There are no civic granaries in Rome.  Some landowners and wealthy peasants have their own, and there are a few formerly controlled by the Church, but the city has no plan for dealing with a food crisis caused by siege.

Guidebooks
The notaries and scribes you have contracted have produced the Iter pro peregrinis ad Romanum (A guide for the Roman traveler), a small codex describing the city’s most important churches, monuments, and places of lodging.  The creation of these codices was expensive and time-consuming, but you have managed to produce three copies.  They are not fancy or illuminated manuscripts, but they are a useful compilation of information for the pilgrimage.

Additionally, you were able to commission several hundred picture-pamphlets for pilgrims to buy.  Notaries are not the best artists, but the maps at least are helpful even for those who read very little.  There was an interest in these maps among those who could afford them, but it did produce a few scuffles – the Romans who hire themselves out as guides during Holy Week were less than pleased at someone selling maps to make them superfluous, and your men were occasionally assaulted by irate Romans throwing dung and rocks.  Though you managed to make some profit on the venture regardless, this was only enough to recoup most of your expenditures on the bound codices.  All in all, you managed to just about break even on the entire effort – perhaps not a resounding commercial success, but certainly not something to regret.

You spent 1 Wealth this season, and gained 1 Wealth this season.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Hugo de Vinti]Flax
This “flax” business is more complicated than it looks.  The mature plants have to be pulled up by the roots, then dried, then “retted,” which means they must be immersed in a pond or left out in the dew to partially rot.  The stalks must be then “broken” with a mallet or a specially designed flax break, “scutched” with a bat and special board to separate the woody parts of the plant from the fiber, and then “hackled” by running the fibers over and over through a metal comb.  Only then do you have linen fiber, which must then be spun into thread and woven into linen cloth.

Witnessing this process is all well and good, but for Rome to have its own linen industry it needs workers who are skilled at these various processes.  Simply viewing each step, unfortunately, will not allow your agents to truly understand the trade or teach it to a horde of peasants.  But how to acquire experienced flax-workers?

Pisans
Your agent in Naples has sent word that Pisan shipping has resumed after the winter storms, and that a few of their cargo ships have been observed carrying marble.  He was unable to independently confirm the origins of this marble – it could be from Tuscany or pillaged from Ostia.

Ships
Since 1 Wealth is defined loosely as “a ship’s cargo of trade goods,” finding a ship that can carry 2 or more Wealth in cargo is impossible unless the cargo happens to be particularly compact and valuable (like silk, gold, or spices).  While the construction of galleys is controlled by the state, either Gaeta or Naples would be able to build you a roundship – the standard sail-powered cargo vessel of the time – for 1 Wealth.  It would occasionally require some maintenance, of course.

Unfortunately there are no good books on shipbuilding to be had, mostly because craftsmen like shipbuilders are largely illiterate and rely on the master-apprentice relationship to convey the skills and techniques of their trade from one generation to another.  The vast majority of the shipbuilders in the Sicilian kingdom are Greeks, whose ancestors likely built ships for Justinian and continue to do the same for Roger.

Pisa
Your agent has reported his initial impressions of Pisa and its relations.  It is a strongly defended city, though he hopes to give you a more detailed report next season.  Their relationship with Duke Welf, as far as your agent can tell, is nonexistent; they pursue their own affairs as if they were an independent state, and the Duke lacks the power or interest to exert even nominal control over them.  They have little diplomatic relations with the cities of Romagna, being far more concerned with the neighboring cities of Tuscany, who are often hostile to Pisa and resent its control over the coastline and Tuscany’s seaborne trade.

Bologna
Bologna has been a free commune since 1116, and governs itself without Papal interference.  It was Emperor Henry V who granted them this privilege, and since then Bologna has been generally a pro-Imperial city with closer relations with the German Emperors than with the Pope.  The Studio, Bologna’s famous university (the first in Christian Europe), was opened in the 11th century with Imperial funds, and it enjoys many Imperially-granted economic privileges.  Whether they will be as cooperative with Frederick as they have been to previous Germanic monarchs is unclear, but your agent is monitoring the situation as best he can.

Gregoriopolis
Your agent has reported two Pisan ships pulling into the Tiber mouth to load marble this season.  It is not an easy process because of the weight of stone and the lack of any pier or other loading structure – they do not take a great deal of marble, but only the choicest pieces they can find columns and detail work.  They did hire some of the locals to help them load the ships, but the Gregoriopolitans don’t seem to have any greater role in the venture than occasionally serving as hired labor.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Domenico DeRosa]Iron
E_E, I realized that you hadn’t actually given me an estimate on how much iron you wanted, if any.  I’m going out of town and need to finish the update today, so I don’t have time to delay it and await a PM from you, but go ahead and send me a PM regarding what you want from Iberia and I will make it happen retroactively.

Chapel
The masons have completed work on the body of the chapel, and now your hired craftsmen and artists move on to the longer and more delicate process of smoothing, finishing, detailing, decorating, painting, sculpting, and so on.  If you have any further changes to make as to the decor, now is the time to do so!

Other
Rome, being a city of a million that now holds less than thirty thousand, has plenty of empty real estate.  Your influence as a senator has allowed you to procure some parcels quite reasonably, though it will take time (and Wealth) to actually build inns and taverns here.

You have constructed the wooden cross for Senator DeVinti.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Arrigus Sismondii]Caravan
Your expedition to Tre Fontane and Gregoriopolis occurred without incident.  The monks of Tre Fontane, though still suspicious of armed Romans, allowed you inside once you had disarmed and courteously showed you the chapels and relics of their abbey.  You proceeded to Gregoriopolis, where the locals were happy to purchase what wine they could.  You were forced to mark down your markup somewhat – the Gregoriopolitans simply don’t have a lot of money – but in the end your losses were minor.

The residents informed you that their chief other need was cloth, for the marshes were a poor place for sheep and their clothes were quickly ruined by the salt and muck of their environment.  Even the priests, who were the least receptive to the Roman “takeover” of the region, admitted they needed new vestments and altar cloths.

“Investing” in the salt fields would, apparently, require manpower – the Gregoriopolitans informed you that Senator diFontane had set up a small settlement elsewhere in the marshes to exploit the salt fields, but that the war in Sabina had pulled away many of the local peasants who might otherwise have made up his workforce.  To make more salt, what is needed first and foremost is more laborers, but few wish to work in this unhealthy region.

Census
Your evaluation of the markets of Latium will take time, and your agents have not yet returned.  You may expect a fuller report later in Summer.

As for Rome, the greatest demand is more work – the Pope and the church hierarchy employed many craftsmen in building and decorating new churches and palaces, and the loss of these church magnates has hurt lower-class tradesmen like carpenters and stonecutters.  While the popolo grasso may be delighted that they are “free” of the Pope, there are growing rumblings among the people of the popolo minuto that things are worse off now without him.

In material terms, Rome has few desperately needed imports; only the wealthy and a few niche industries require foreign-produced items like iron, sugar, alum, and linen.

You have spent 2 Wealth this season.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Fortis Calafatus]Campaign
So far, Consul, your campaign has been successful, if slow.  Your forces have secured the “friendship” of the Lord of Monte Ritondo and occupied Castrum Nerulae, though Castrum Capofarfa seems it might prove to be a trickier one to tackle.

As you are not in the city this turn, you are somewhat limited in your actions.  You may send letters as normal, but may not deliver or hear speeches in Rome.  Some other activities may be made impossible by your absence, depending on what your orders are.  Note that there will be an election at the beginning of Autumn – while you can still stand for elective office if you are absent from the city, your effective Influence will be reduced because you are not physically present to corral senators and votes.

Unfortunately, the lands you raided had few cattle to speak of; at most, you have acquired a few dozen.

You spent 1 Wealth this season.[/spoiler]


[ooc=IMPORTANT]Still need to do letters, front page, maps, etc.

Here is the deal: I am going on vacation.  I am leaving tomorrow and will be gone until Thursday.  If I have omitted something or made a mistake, go ahead and tell me as usual, but don't expect a correction until I get back.  On the assumption that I haven't screwed up too badly and y'all are going to get along fine without me, I will announce the due date for next season as Sunday, March 11th.  Hopefully we can sort anything out between when I get back and the due date.[/ooc]

I have been induced by the CBG chat crew to give you a "campaign map," so here it is.  Front page updated, letters still coming.

(http://i.imgur.com/Tvb24.png)

[ic=To the Senate]Senators of Rome,

The Abbot of Farfa, alarmed by the unprovoked Roman attack on his demesne, has sought our arbitration as a neutral party, and we have agreed to his request.  He asks that you remove your forces from the territory of Farfa and return the castle of Nerola to its rightful owner.  The Romans will agree to a general truce, and the Abbot will pay an indemnity of [3 Wealth] and guarantee Roman merchants and travelers free and unhindered passage on the Via Salaria.

The Faliscan League believes your acceptance of this very fair offer would go a long way towards preventing hostilities from spreading.

In peace and faith,
Johannes III, Bishop of Sutri[/ic]

[ic=Written to Consul Basile]Consul Basile,

I would ask the pleasure of your company for dinner at my residence.  Patrician Pierleone will be in attendance.  You may bring your own guests as you like.  I hope to have an excellent repast and perhaps a fruitful discussion about certain affairs concerning our dear city.

Pietro Colonna, Lord of Palestrina, Tusculum, Castrum Columna, etcetera and so forth[/ic]

Polycarp-
1. Still reading and thanks for the update- but shouldn't senate wealth be 2 wealth due to Da Vinti's contribution last turn?
2. Since there are 100 senators, I'm a bit surprised that none have contributed to the city wealth/defense fund, following Basile, da Vinti, and ??'s lead in the contributions. What may be the reason for "all" of them to hold back?

Also, I was talking with Magnus and it resulted in this question- do I know
a. how much Siclians pay for salt currently?
b. how much it will cost to get enough gregoriopolitan salt ready for them and shipped?

Have a good time on your trip!

I enjoy the blowback that came as a result of my venture :)
--
Oh and elemental elf- just so that we're on the same page: were we ordering iron this turn? I think my opinion was that I'd be for it if we can make the whole procedure work... but currently we can't make the procedure work unless we get the blacksmiths. That being said, I think we would have needed to send the ships this turn for everything to work out in the end?

OOC thoughts- how can we make it work? You mentioned to attract blacksmiths to the area. It seems they would only come if there was work pre-existing in the demense. The only way for profit would be to sell to others, like the Sicilians. If we wanted to build the chainmail ourselves, then we would need to wait 1-2 years so it would be ready maybe around the time that Frederick arrives.

I think though that I'd like to delay until we get the ship protections from Roger- which is arranged through the salt deal. So:
1. Salt First. and Try to attract blacksmiths or at least figure out how to profit from the chainmail. (2-3 seasons?)
2. Send ships (3 seasons? to 4 seasons?)
3. Ships return; forge to chainmail (1 year?)

OOC: I think my contributions have been eaten whole by Basile. Once for the Justice system and another for the walls... or the Aqua Virgo?

I'm reading Magnus' orders for last turn and I don't see any contribution... if I'm missing something, give me a page link and I'll correct it when I get back.  Last turn there was 1 Wealth in the Defense Fund and nothing in the treasury; the 1 Wealth in the defense fund was spent by Basile this turn, and 1 Wealth was added to the treasury by Patrician Pierleone paying his annual duty.

QuoteSince there are 100 senators, I'm a bit surprised that none have contributed to the city wealth/defense fund, following Basile, da Vinti, and ??'s lead in the contributions. What may be the reason for "all" of them to hold back?

The senatores consiliarii are among the richest Senators.  The average senator probably has 2 Wealth.  As for those who have more - well, clearly they're just not sufficiently motivated.  Also, keep in mind that many of the equites, the upper class of Rome, are not Senators.

I'm just about to step out the door here, so I'll tackle the other questions when I get back.

Hey guys, where was that resource map Polycarp once released? I've searched, apparently I'm blind. Can't find it.

It's on page 8; also below-->

Quote from: Polycarp
[spoiler=Trade Map](http://i.imgur.com/JHLID.png)[/spoiler]

Genoa also owns Corsica, if I remember correctly.

@Light Dragon: I'm in favor of waiting for a season or two if we know when we can get the black smiths. If not, then buy the ore now and worry about the blacksmiths later.

I have returned!  I have also added the trade map to the front page, as well as a link to the newest update.  I have updated the thread title to reiterate that the deadline is currently Sunday, March 8th.  Please let me know if you require additional time.

Quote from: Light Dragondo I know
a. how much Siclians pay for salt currently?
b. how much it will cost to get enough gregoriopolitan salt ready for them and shipped?

a. No, but the Genoese and Pisans (like everyone else) tend to charge as much as they can get away with, and without competition this is quite a lot.
b. Rome does not possess anything resembling a merchant fleet, nor does it have a port capable of servicing any merchant fleet, either its own or someone else's.  At present, Rome could export some salt by sea, but not much and certainly not enough to supply all of Capua (or any other city).  If Rome could at least gain the use of a port, Sicilian merchants would bring their own ships and a Roman merchant fleet would not be immediately necessary, but until then Rome's capability to export anything in bulk over water is severely constrained.

Magnus, I will get a PM to you tonight.

Welcome back! I'm unsure if I can meet the Sunday deadline unless it's essentially midnight on sunday. I am currently swamped with work, etc. (and have been all week) so I can't actually think enough to come up with anything to write/orders right now.

(e.g. I am moving). With luck my new place will have internet on Sunday.

[ic=To the Senatores Consilliari]

Signores,
I would want a moment's silence for a prayer to our great Calafatus, gone with our fellow Romans to secure the Via Salaria.

Although he will not be able to attend my annual party, it will still take place. It will happen late in the summer, so maybe he will be back to enjoy the festivities with us.

I wish to bring something before the consilliari. You see, the ruins of Ostia are being plundered by Pisans. Very casually too, I should say. They take from the ruins and make a profit in Sicily. If anyone deserves the ruin's riches it's us.
Gregoriopolis, just beside, has been friendly to us so far. I have observed them, and they are not a threat. I say, let's increase our presence there. We can work on building a port, then on building ships and on increasing trade. Though, ports must be tough. And they need to be big enough to welcome a fair amount of ships. All this does not come cheap.
I would ask of you, would such endeavor merit at least consideration on your part? I volunteer myself to oversee the activities, should we decide to go forward with the idea.

The coffers of Rome only await the inevitable flood of riches. Would anyone deny a man his wine?

*bows before sitting down*[/ic]

[ic=To Senator de Vinti]My Nephew,

How wonderful to hear from you, my boy.  We follow the news from Rome as it reaches us – it is mostly silly rumors by peddlers and mad old monks.  How have you found the Romans?  Just as hot-headed and tight-fisted as we have always joked, I trust?  Of course a bit of Sienese wit will do them good, if they can sit still long enough to hear it!

I envy the Romans in one respect – they have managed to finish the job we are still working at.  Of course, I am strongly of the commune party myself, and we still struggle against Ranieri, our bishop who fights tooth and nail for every scrap of his privilege.  If Rome can seize their independence from the Bishop of Rome himself, surely the days of the Bishop of Siena are numbered.

Our business is good; so too the business of the weavers of wool, though the excellent woolens of Flanders remain very cheap even here in Tuscany and this harries them constantly.  A rivalry much closer at hand is between the moneylenders of our city, who have grown numerous and prosperous of late, and those of Florence.  Of other cities, I have little news.  Pisa, of course, is Pisa, which interests us Sienese only insofar as they quarrel with Florence, whose frustrations we enjoy.  One must be friendly with a city as powerful as Pisa, but never friends, if you see my meaning.  Like the Venetians, they have the hearts of weasels in them.

Surely you must know that the new King of Germany has not yet been south of the Alps?  We certainly have not seen him, though we hear that we may soon, for he intends to come and make much of his "privileges" in the coming years.  I do not know what welcome the Consuls intend for him if he should arrive at our gates.  May God set him and the Lombards at each others' throats so he will never bother our fair Tuscany.

In more peaceful times I am sure we will see each other again, Hugo.

Giogio[/ic]

[ic=To Senator de Vinti]
Signore,

Being that Master Rodolfus, to whom you have sent correspondence to, is not a lettered man, he has asked me to write you a reply.  He thanks you for your gifts on behalf of the people of Gregoriopolis.

Master Rodolfus adds that the sindaco of Gregoriopolis does not have authority over the trades of its laborers or their goods, for that lies with the Cardinal-Bishop alone, but that you are welcome to buy salt from the salt-workers of his village if you are not content with waiting for them to bring their product to the marketplaces of Rome as is their usual habit.

Master Rodolfus adds further that he does not have authority over the country surrounding the walls of the village and can neither give nor withhold permission for the use of lands surrounding Gregoriopolis.  He urges you to speak to the Cardinal-Bishop or his clerks whom administer these lands as feudatories of His Holiness the Pope.
Curato Paulus di Formello, Basilica Santa Aurea, for Sindaco Rodolfus, his mark:    X[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Pietro Colonna]Signore Colonna,

I would be most delighted to attend. It has been long since we have spoken, and doubly so since I have spoken with the Patrician. Your table is not one that is wont to disappoint, and the affairs of our great city are of course ever on my mind.

Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=Letter to the Scholars, Lawyers, Notaries, Glossators etc. of the University of Bologna]Noted Scholars of the University,

Word of your learnedness is heard throughout Western Christendom, and indeed, beyond. Your University is the only institution of its kind in all of the world, and its mission - that of the understanding and preservation of knowledge - is of the utmost importance.

And so I write to you. A humble Roman in need of your wisdom, and your ability. With the expulsion of the Ecclesiastes, and with them the overseers of the Canon Law, the great Commune of Rome has found itself bereft of Law and Order. And so we, the Senators of that Commune, set out to rectify this situation. To govern the streets of our city we looked to the ancient Code of Justinian. This body of law is well renowned for its equitable treatment of all men, and its thoroughness. But we have faced difficulties. The text of these ancient lawyers is difficult to decipher, and the proper application of its law to modernity is a matter of much dissent. Indeed, I am ashamed to admit, that many of our Judges and Magistrates are in fact illiterate, and so the difficulties we face are only compounded.

And so I present to you a unique opportunity. To see to the real application of the Corpus Juris Civilis, and to ensure its proper interpretation for our modern age. I request that some of your esteemed number journey to our city, to assist our courts in their crucial mission, to educate our Magistrates, and to see that the Law is fairly applied. I will offer a generous sum to any qualified man who should come to our City, for I know it is not an easy journey, and it is no easier to relocate your work. And so I leave my proposal to you in the hopes that you learned men can lend what aid you can to those in need.

Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Johannes III]Bishop Johannes,

I write to you so as to inform you of the misfortune of the situation we find ourselves in. Alas! Your offer has been delivered wrongly! The Senate of Rome has no binding authority to negotiate peace with the Abbey of Farfa in the absence of the consent of Fortis Calafatus, the Consul of the Exterior, regardless of how fair the terms might be. The Romans are peaceful men, as is well known, and we desire nothing more than friendship and prosperity to settle itself upon Latium. And so I despair, knowing that I cannot at this time bring about such happiness. I have sent a man on a swift horse to convey your message to the Consul, but I fear with the condition of the Farfan countryside that his mission might meet with misfortune. I pray to God almighty that it is delivered safely and soundly, so that the Romans, the Reatini and the Farfans might yet have a chance to lay down their arms, and again embrace each other as brother Christians.

Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ooc=Orders: Summer 1153]

- Attempt to obtain the services of as many legal scholars and glossators of Bologna as is possible for the purpose of assisting in the organization of our courts, and the application of Civil Law in Rome. Spend 1 of my own wealth for the purposes of offering monetary compensation to any scholar who should agree to relocate to Rome.

- Continue work on the Aurelian walls utilizing the remaining funds that have been so allocated.

- Send a messenger to Consul Calafatus to deliver the peace offer of the Farfans, and indicate that the Senate of Rome is inclined to the continuation of the campaign so long as we should hold the advantage.

[/ooc]

OOC: Probably still a few things to add.

Magnus, I relate the following to you as per your questions:

[ic=Private to DaVinti] In response to your queries:

"do I know
a. how much Siclians pay for salt currently?
b. how much it will cost to get enough gregoriopolitan salt ready for them and shipped?

a. No, but the Genoese and Pisans (like everyone else) tend to charge as much as they can get away with, and without competition this is quite a lot.
b. Rome does not possess anything resembling a merchant fleet, nor does it have a port capable of servicing any merchant fleet, either its own or someone else's.  At present, Rome could export some salt by sea, but not much and certainly not enough to supply all of Capua (or any other city).  If Rome could at least gain the use of a port, Sicilian merchants would bring their own ships and a Roman merchant fleet would not be immediately necessary, but until then Rome's capability to export anything in bulk over water is severely constrained."

It appears that we would need access to a true port City through agreement or alliance in order to properly affect the scheme. Alternatively, we could invest in sailors in a city and have them transport the salt from Gregoriopolis... then our salt would likely need to cost 2 Wealth to break even.[/ic]

Castles

The importance of castles (castra, singular castrum in Latin, which is what I use in names) has popped up in the recent campaign, and I thought I'd share a little information with you.

Christian Europe was besieged by three major foes in the 9th century.  Though the Italians were largely safe from the best-known of these, the Vikings, the other two ravaged the entire peninsula.  The Magyars, the nomadic predecessors of today's Hungarians, poured into Northern Italy from the east and sacked city after city (though they ranged as far as France and possibly Spain).  From the south, the "Saracens" (Arab and Berber pirates) ransacked the Lombard and Greek settlements of Italy, and even set up their own emirates in Sicily and mainland Italy.  Saracen attacks were not limited to the coast; they took Farfa Abbey and used it as a fortress for some time, and in the north actually occupied Alpine passes and robbed anyone traveling through them.

The result of this violence was a major shift in population in Italy.  Coastal and island communities were abandoned, and the people fled inland.  People huddled in more defensible walled communities and abandoned the lowlands.  Central authority was nonexistent, so local nobles built fortifications to protect their peasants or simply their own power.  In some situations, this was encouraged by the Emperor or other overlord because it enhanced the security of the realm against foreign invaders, but most of the time nobles simply build castles because nobody had the power or will to stop them.  This process was called encastellation, and by the time of our game it has reached its conclusion.  Though the chaos of the 9th century has passed, the castles and fortified towns remain, and they present a major hindrance to Popes and Princes attempting to subdue nobles and communes.

How many were there?  Well, I have no idea, but this is my current map of castles in southern Sabina, every one of which (probably) existed in the 12th century.  (Yellow-green castles are Farfan).

(http://i.imgur.com/FfVXD.png)

In fact, Farfa was said to own 132 castles around the year 1100.

Some of these are fairly small and not terribly important, while others are quite robust fortifications.  I don't include them on the regular Latium map for very obvious reasons - there's not enough room.  My practice is to bring them up when they become important, such as when the Roman army encounters them on campaign.  The encastellation of various regions varies; mountainous regions tend to have few, though the Alban Hills is absolutely covered with them.  Generally, unless the area is a real wilderness, it can be assumed that any enemy territory an army passes through will have castles.  If these are mere fortified watchtowers, they may not figure into a report at all; if they are strong defensive points, they may significantly hold up a military expedition.

[ic=A Private Reply To Manzinni]
So then how much salt does Capua need (in terms of Wealth) to be stocked for a season? [2 Wealth] seems like the amount I'd wish to sell for, but we could probably have a better return (than 1 Wealth). If it's not possible, let's fill Capua for Sicilian naval protection, and aim at providing other cities to fill our coffers.

I've been informed that the sindocco does not have any say in the matters of land distribution. It is the Cardinal-Bishop. Though it is my understanding that he is seldom present, at best. For Rome to have a presence at sea in the coming months, the easiest way might be building a small port in Gregoriopolis, until, as Calafatus suggested, we can use that of Nettuno.[/ic]

[ic=Private Reply to Da Vinti]
Ah, I see. Building a port in Gregoriopolis would be expensive and dangerous. I would support the action if the power of Rome is behind the action.

The line of necessities appears to be as follows: (0) Land does not appear to be an issue as no one 'owns' the land except the Cardinal-Bishop; (I) We need people to invest in the salt extraction- this is the cheapest and potentially the easiest thing to acquire if we can attract workers. (II) We need to protect our workers from others who may seek to stop their work; (III) We need to ship or transport by land. We would need to acquire ships. Ships take time to build and wealth to purchase--if purchased, we would need to guarantee loyalty somehow (IV) Shipments may be attacked by Pisans or Genoans, even with Sicilian protection. At that point, we can be said to have made a profit.

For matters (0) and (I) either ourselves or another can make the investment
For matter (II) We need the backing of Rome, either explicit or implicit.
For matter (III) either ourselves or another can make that investment. III is where the greatest risk is--it is also the point at which profits would arise. We would need to ensure that Rome's aid is given freely because it is in Rome's best interest. Also, if the landowners in (0) or (I) were to gouge us, then we would be unable to sell to the South and make a profit.

What may make best sense is for each of us to, once Rome's protection is secured, invest 1 wealth in land and 1 wealth in a shipment. If anyone else is brought in, they should invest in the shipments, or in both ventures. None should merely invest in land alone--what say you?
[/ic]

[ic=To the Inner Council]
The Abbot has made an offer of 3 Wealth at once to sue for peace, but he has not offered to give tribute to Rome. It appears he is desperate and that he fears Rome is pressing the issue and conquering under the lead of Consul Calafactus.

What concerns me more than the Abbot, however, is the Falsican League--what will they do if Rome's assault abroad continues? Our options are these- One, accept the deal-BUT demand yearly tribute or demand more Wealth now. It would be embarrassing to desert our allies just as they join the battle unless they can also benefit from a settlement. I am sure that Fortis can negotiate a much more attractive deal, should he wish. Their opening offer is clear evidence of their lack of ability to prosecute a long war and our Veterans need compensation for their troubles.

Our other option is for Fortis to continue to press the campaign. If that is undergone, I strongly suggest the Senate to invest in defense. What say you, Basile, and what say you Inner Council? Do the threats of the Falsican League concern us at this time? Should we invest in Defense for Rome's future?
[/ic]

Out of character I know that Nomadic? or Stargate? (I think) has been investing in the salt flats, but In character I don't know if we can approach him.

EE- okay we can wait about the blacksmiths... how do you think we can attract them, other than by having Fortis start more wars or investing in more spears to be built and hoping that the word gets around that Rome is a good place for armaments?

[ic=At the Inner Council]
The Faliscan threat is an idle one, they are far too weak to do anything to Rome herself. At most they could seal off the pilgrim roads. If however they attempt to do so I deem that Rome could re-open them with little effort. Their strength is in their personal defenses not in the ability to attack or hold new territory. Ultimately I feel it is the decision of the Consul whether he should return to us or press the attack. However, I am of a mind that Rome should not so easily give in to such arrogant demands or insultingly small tributes as this. Nor should we be so quick to leave our loyal allies in Rieti to fend for themselves after promising them aid. It is my belief that the campaign should continue. To back out now would show Rieti that we are not trustworthy, and everyone else that we can be easily intimidated by a group as small and impotent as the Faliscans. When Farfa is willing to talk serious tribute directly with us instead of bringing unwanted negotiators and insulting promises and demands to the table then Rome can consider peace.
[/ic]

[ic=At the Inner Council]Bowing to the demands of the Faliscans would be shameful indeed. Rome would be the laugh-stock of Italy. I say we press on with this matter. The Via Salaria is a strategic battle, vital at the moment to both Rome and the Faliscans. Are their vital interests only worth [3 Wealth]? Rome has much higher standards. I agree with Sismondii that we should keep supporting the campaign.

Furthermore, their plead only serves to enforce the obvious fact that they are weak, and that they recognize the greater strength of Rome.

I also agree that improvements to our military power could serve us well.[/ic]

[ic=At the Inner Council]
Indeed, you (Arrigus) speak wisdom in which I agree when you state that Farfa is not currently discussing serious tribute and that Rieti's pride must be assuaged in dealing with the situation. It is interesting that you note the Falsicans' strength is in their defenses--have you conducted a study of the strength of their forces and their number of spears and horses and armed mercenaries? If so, I believe that Rome would be most interested in learning of what you know.

I admit I stress that Rome must plan for danger, but Defense is always necessary when credible threats exist and it is better to be prepared and deter these threats, than to be caught unawares and sacked, like Rome has been oh so many times before. Farfa-it seems is afraid and is not a threat; but the Pope and his allies and the Falsicans may be. Without knowledge of their power, we are planning blind- it may be good if those Senators who have studied the strength of Rome's rivals to step forward with facts for the Senate?[/ic]

[ic=Private Reply To Manzinni]
I wouldn't be so sure that land is not an issue. It's always an issue. Gregoriopolitans, in fact, wouldn't care should we build even at their footsteps. But if we invade Papacy controlled territory, the consequences could be unforeseen.

If only one of us would fund the construction of a port, he would surely be ruined. It needs to be approved by the Senate, and contributed to by all senatores consilliari. In the end, everyone will use it.

Concerning the salt business; shouldn't we consider a state monopoly on the resource, and put all its revenues in the Treasury? I've heard others have been looking at that lately. Controlling the trade of salt would ensure an equal share for everyone.

Our workers, I say, would be protected by proud Romans.[/ic]

[ooc=Summer, 5th Turn]
- Acquire lands in the Roma Campagna big enough to grow -flax-. Spend no more than 1 Wealth for the purchase. If there is a possibility that I can acquire land freely and without problems, use that method. My character would also prefer it if the emplacement was favorable for future expansion, if it's not already big enough.
- Hold my annual party

[spoiler=De Vinti's Summer Festivities]
Late in the summer, my senator will hold a party to which all senatores consilliarii, a few senators, popular Roman artists and other friends would be invited. There would be a dinner, followed by music and dancing with wine, bread and cheese.

Just before sunset, reveal my gallery. It comprises of several masterpieces; the painted portrait of Consul Roberto Basile on his senatores consilliarii chair, helped by my imagination rather than posing; the bust of Consul Fortis Calafatus in white marble, with lines and shades of emerald-green; and a 4-feet tall statue of a woman in thin and revealing clothes dancing sensually, made in quality white marble (seemingly depicts woman dancing baladi).

Each of the pieces, except the woman statue, would be taken into the Curia Julia to be shown at the Senate room entrance. Would anyone care for the woman statue, which I don't doubt, I would sell to the highest bidder, not considering offers under [1 Wealth]. Of course, artwork by other artists that are invited to my party would also be shown, though less spectacularly.

The general atmosphere would be a relaxed one, occasionally enticing debauchery.

NOTE: My wife from Tripoli, Sofia, could also have some of her family members and/or friends come, whether they are based in Europe or Africa.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Flax]
- Buy 1 Wealth worth of Flax seeds in Naples (Again, send the same agent who went to Naples for me before.)
- Convince the agricultural expert who witnessed the process of Flax cultivation in Naples to work the new Flax fields in the Roma Campagna

[ic=Letter to [agricultural expert I sent to Naples during spring to witness the Flax processes]
Signore [Name],
I would very much appreciate it if you would help me on one of my newly acquired lands in the Roma Campagna. See, this –flax- has piqued my interest. I wish to grow the product here, but my position as Senator keeps me busy in Rome. I feel that Rome can benefit much from this trade, and also that you are one of the very few I can trust with the management of the lands assigned to the cultivation of this –flax-. Should you need workers, I would find them for you.

Rest assured that your efforts will be compensated, should you accept my proposition.

Sincerely,
Senator Hugo de Vinti[/ic]

- Have an agent look for men that could work the Flax fields. Inspire them with speeches and small gifts. The speeches would state how vital it is that we start expanding on the economical front, and hint at the enrichment opportunities that the –flax- industry offers to entice positive reaction from the people.
[spoiler=Covertly]Another agent could also disperse flyers around the city, directing interested workers to my estate, at which point an assistant would answer them, also informing them that the first seeding will happen soon.[/spoiler]

I'm also still waiting for the return of the agent I sent to Venice.[/ooc]


[ooc=Intelligence gathering]
Perhaps this may give you a few ideas as to what information my agents in Pisa and Bologna could give me.

- Pisa – Strongly Defended City: How, with what and how many?
- Pisa – Weaknesses: What are they?
- Pisa – Hostile Neighbors: Are there any way for Rome to exploit psychological weaknesses to foment a war between Pisa and, let's say, Florence?
- Pisa – Reach: What and with whom do they trade? What is their reach, how far do they travel and what are their sea routes?
- Bologna – There wasn't much in the first read, I'll wait for the second for any questions. Of course information about its defense, education (what do they teach?) and trade opportunities would be good. How others view Rome is also something my senator likes to know.
[/ooc]

This is a pleasant reminder that tomorrow is currently the last day to get in orders.  As we only have one set of orders posted so far, my suspicion is that some people may need extra time.  Let me know what's up and how much time you need and I'll adjust the due date accordingly.

Also, do remember that next season is election season!  It's never too early to campaign!

[ooc]
- Seeing the need to expand my ventures I will spend [1 wealth] to invest into the local wool trade.
- Some of this will be spent hiring armed men who will help me clear out and lay claim to the most appropriate tract of land I can find near Rome. This will be limited to land owned by the clergy who have been kicked out of Rome by the recent power shifts. I will find the largest piece I can appropriate for grazing sheep on. I will approach any peasant families on the land and pick from amongst them those most competent and capable to help oversee the raising and shearing of my sheep. They will be told that if they work for me they can keep their homes on my land and if they do good work I will supplement them with some coin income. If they cheat me though they will find themselves looking for a home elsewhere. As for any other peasants they will simply be driven off the land by my armed men.
- The remainder of the money spent will be spent on purchasing sheep, feed, and any other equipment required for raising and shearing the sheep. I will find a close family member or friend competent enough to oversee the work and loyal enough to oversee it honestly for me.
[/ooc]

[ic=Speech before the Lesser Council]

Senators!

The campaign is in the able hands of Consul Calafatus, and I do not say that we should interfere. What word that has reached us speaks only of the triumph of the Romans, so why then should we desist in our efforts when presented with such a paltry sum? We must show all of Latium that we are not to be trifled with, and we must show the Reatini the value of our Alliance. Control of the Via Salaria and its castles is vital to secure our position, and to ensure the safe passage of goods and arms between us and our ally.

Our defenses are near insurmountable, and the Faliscans would not dare engage us. The security of Rome is as ever my primary priority, and even now I am ensuring that our walls are strong, so that we might resist any attack sent against us! We cannot doubt the bravery of our brother Romans in the field, and I am sure that when the Consul achieves victory, the resulting peace will be all the better for our City.

[/ic]

[ooc]
-Buy 1 wealth worth of food, to be delivered in Autumn or early Winter either directly from Naples or through a Pisan merchant who docks at Naples and store in a granary... how long will the food keep for? If the food would only keep for 1 season, cancel this order- if the food could keep for up to two years, then that's good.
-Determine where the most blacksmiths are currently located on the Italian peninsula and what sort of commissions they are getting and why they likely are staying in the locations where they have been.
- Do I hear back from the people I sent to Africa on Trade?
- Draft a letter to the Frangipani, asking for their interests in trade and introducing myself and encouraging them to speak to the Consuls of Rome since they are also Children of Rome; inquiring also to what they want from Rome, because we all can benefit and grow rich from Unity.[/ooc]

[Ooc=Orders]Spend no more 1 wealth to fix up as many of my new properties as possible, focusing on areas that would receive the most traffic. These establishments should be ship shape and nice but not fancy.  Take the best property that is both near some of the famous sites in Rome and in a safer/wealthier neighborhood and spend a bit more money on it (in comparison to the rest) to make it above average. If the reconstruction is completed this turn, send some men throughout the Italian Peninsula, informing the masses (as well as the influential merchants) that the De Rosa Inns and Taverns are open and ready to accept patronage!

I am beginning the update for this turn.  I will accept new orders or changes to existing orders for the next 6 hours or so as long as you notify me with a post or PM.  I will not accept new orders or changes after that point unless you clear it with me by PM.  I hope to post the update sometime tomorrow, but it is a big one, so we will see!

[ooc=Orders for Summer of 1153]
-Continue with the military campaign/siege from the previous season. Focus on siege weapons trying to throw our stockpiles of flaming pitch (if possible)
-Keep a vanguard of Outriders and scouts on the lookout for enemy reinforcements
-Scour the land around the castle
-If the current siege is won, raze the castle to the ground and loot as much as possible.
-If the siege is won and the advanced continued, keep an good scout for ambushes.
-After the summer, return to Rome. If in siege at the end of the summer, raze and scour anything within 10 leagues of the defenders then leave.
-Get writ of property for each captured castle, town or any land. These are to be held under guard by Calafatus's men and will be distributed the following season.
-Reassure any lords of conquered castles that if they are willing to be subject to Roman rule that things will go their way, but any defiance will be punished dearly.
-Find out if Pierlioni has any allies in the conquered areas.
-Leave Nerulae and other captured castles under the rule of men loyal to Consul Calafatus ( with the exception of Capofarfa which is to be razed). They can come to Rome and retrieve their writ of property in Rome in the Autumn.
-Fund any costs of the war from my own wealth.
[/ooc]

Anno Domini MCLIII
Summer has passed into Autumn…
In autumn, laborers take to the farmlands to plow the fields and sow the winter wheat, while in the hills grapes and olives must be picked and pressed.  This is a busy time in Rome, for much work needs to be done between the withering summer and the onset of winter.  The wealthy return to the city from their country estates this season, and the Church prepares for the celebration of All Saints’ Day.  On the water, merchants hurry to complete their routes before the winter storms make the sea treacherous, and citizens watch the Tiber warily, for floods come most often in autumn

Our Consuls: None (Elections pending)
Our Pope: Anastasius IV
Our Rage: Simmering

News from Abroad

Uroš II Primislav, Prince of Serbia, has been overthrown by his brother Desa.  Desa is believed to have staged his rebellion in response to the submission of Uroš to the Emperor of the Greeks Manuel Komnenos last year, and is supported by the pro-Hungarian faction of the Serbian court.  Desa has renounced Greek vassalage.

Bernard of Clairvaux, one of the great clergymen of our time, has died.  Bernard founded the abbey of Clairvaux, greatly expanded the Cistercian monastic order, and helped conceive of the rules of the Knights Templar.  His influence in the Christian church was so great that he exchanged frequent letters with many Popes over his lifetime, and was instrumental in the preaching of the Second Crusade.

News of Latium

Romans, we have a new Pope!  On the 8th of July at Anagni, Pope Eugene III passed away.  Four days later the College of Cardinals elected their own Dean, Cardinal Corrado Demetri della Suburra, an 80 year old native of Rome, to the Papal chair.  He has taken the name Anastasius IV.

Signore Niccolo Capocci, Lord of Monte Ritondo and Castrum Nomentum, has captured Castrum Poteranum and expelled its Papal garrison without bloodshed.  He now controls a considerable swath of territory between the Tiber and Castrum Montecellorum (a Frangipani fief), situated directly on the strategic northern approaches to Rome.

News of Rome

Hugo de Vinti has thrown another one of his fabulous parties in August, inviting a number of distinguished Senators and all the senatores consiliarii who cared to attend.  A painting of Consul Basile, a bust of Consul Calafatus, and a full statue of a less than fully clothed woman were exhibited, along with other artistic works.

Wild talk has seized the city - it is said that Patrician Pierleone has charged Consul Calafatus with famosis libellis, a very serious offense!  How will the court decide?  Already brawls have been reported between the old consulari and patrizi...

Work continues on shoring up the worst parts of the Aurelian walls, funded by Consul Basile and the Communal treasury.  Initial repairs are expected to be complete by next season.

Expeditions

[spoiler=The Sabine Campaign, Part 2]The Battle of Mons Elcinus

Commune of Rome (Consul Fortis Calafatus) – 4,350 men
100 Urban Cavalry
100 Senatorial Guard [Urban Militia]
100 Mercenary Footmen [Feudal Levy]
1420 Urban Militia
2620 Rural Levy

Abbey of Farfa (Signore Donnino di Catino) – 4,550 men
200 Italian Knights
2,200 Feudal Levy
750 Zafones
1,500 Rural Levy

Quote from: Battle ReportCastrum Capofarfa fell to the Romans on June 18th.  The defenders had resisted doggedly for two weeks, but once the Romans breached the outer walls they retreated into the citadel and surrendered five days later for lack of supplies.  As it turned out, the castle had only been held by 80 men, only half of whom remained by the citadel’s fall.  The Romans had little time to celebrate, however, for on the 20th a messenger arrived for Consul Calafatus from Castrum Nerulae.

Nerulae had been captured and lightly garrisoned earlier in the expedition.  It was held by only 150 Romans, who were responsible for a somewhat larger number of captives whom had surrendered the castle to Calafatus in May.  The messenger had been sent by the eques who had been left in command.  He reported to the Consul that they were besieged by a force of somewhere near five thousand men, led by Signore Donnino di Catino, a nobleman loyal to the abbey.  Di Catino had conveyed the Farfan peace proposal to the eques and demanded the surrender of the castle; the eques offered to surrender in two weeks if help was not forthcoming.  It was not a concession to cowardice, but realism – even after releasing most of his captives so he would have fewer mouths to feed (and a smaller chance of betrayal), the garrison hardly had enough food to survive for two weeks.

Some suspected the siege was meant simply to draw the Romans into the lowlands for a fight; if this was the intention, it was successful.  Consul Calafatus departed from Capofarfa two days later, on the 22nd, enough time to reassemble the army and exact tribute from the nearby town of Torricella.  Castrum Capofarfa itself had not been razed, but enough of the structure had been torn down to render it useless for the near future.  The Roman army was in good spirits, but supplies were very low – the wooded hills of Sabina provided very little forage for four and a half thousand men, far less than the fertile plans of Farfa.  Furthermore, the weather was beginning to get hot; the only consolation there was that it would be equally tiring to the Farfans.

The Battle of Nerola took place on the 24th of June.  The Romans were encamped that morning in the valley of Farfa, just over three miles from Castrum Nerulae.  The Consul had hoped to screen his advance from the Farfans behind hills, but in the early light of dawn the Roman sentries spied horsemen on the hills to the west.  Believing these to be advance scouts, the Consul quickly advanced westward with the bulk of his forces, eager to claim the high ground of Monte degli Elci before the Farfans could.

The horsemen were indeed Farfan scouts, but the Consul need not have worried about being beaten.  While the Romans had lost the element of surprise, the Farfan army (being prepared for a siege) was quite spread out and could only watch as the Romans rounded the corner of the ancient Roman highway.

The armies now stared at each other across a mile-wide valley full of trampled vineyards, ravaged fields, and sparse woodland, signs of the previous Roman passage in spring.  At its lowest point, the valley was four hundred feet below the positions of each army.  The Romans and Sabines jeered at each other from across the divide, and the garrison of Castrum Nerulae raised a makeshift red-and-gold flag, the banner of the city, signaling to the Consul that they had not yet fallen.

[spoiler=Pictures!]
The modern-day Via Salaria on the side of Mons Elcinus, looking northwards from Nerola.
(http://i.imgur.com/gQSag.jpg)

A view of modern-day Nerola and the valley below from the Via Salaria, looking southward from the site of the battle..
(http://i.imgur.com/1hJub.jpg)[/spoiler]

The question now was who would cross the valley first.  Each army stood between the other and retreat.  Neither had the supplies to simply wait, though neither knew this of the other side.  Calafatus was resolved to remain on the defensive, and eventually his enemy indulged him.  An hour or so before noon, the Sabines, led by around two hundred knights, descended from Nerola and began crossing the valley.

Calafatus placed his battle-line on the slope just below the road, composed of the Roman militia and a hundred mercenary infantry, mostly Frankish.  In usual fashion, his horsemen took his right flank and the allied zafones his right, while the peasants with and without bows massed behind the line.  He had hoped to construct engines to fire on the enemy, but there had been little time, and the hillside was devoid of any timber appropriate to their construction.

The Sabine knights were at the fore of their force, formed up in a long line.  The last hundred and fifty yards to the Roman line was at a 20% grade, which the robust coursers trotted up as the Roman peasantry began to shower arrows down on the Sabines.  Calafatus ordered his men to shoot at the horses of the knights, unarmored as they were, but the single line of knights proved too difficult for the contadini to hit with a barrage.  Only the last volley, just before the knights spurred their mounts into a charge, was able to take a few of them down.

With a cry of “Silvestro!” amid the thunder of hooves and clattering mail, the Sabine knights lowered their lances and sped towards the Roman militia.  This was a situation of a whole different magnitude than what the Romans had faced before, and the line wavered in the face of the charge even as Calafatus shouted for his men to hold.  When the knights struck home, part of the line was already retreating.

The left wing of the militia gave way and crumbled; the right wing, however, bolstered by the Consul’s personal guard and the milites pro commune, stood fast.  In the middle of the Roman left the Sabine knights smashed all the way through the fleeing militiamen.  The levies, seeing knights break through towards them, broke and ran.  The zafones on the left flank joined them; the mercenaries held, though they lost formation and clumped together as many of the knights wheeled right and rode at them with drawn swords.

On the Roman right, the Sabine horses simply stopped, unwilling to charge into rows of eight-foot spears.  There was a brief pause as the two sides stared at each other uncomfortably – then the militia rushed forward, the equites charged out on the right, and many of the knights were scattered or unhorsed.

Despite the resistance of the right flank, the Roman army was collapsing.  The Sabine footmen, now close at hand, could see fleeing Romans covering the hillside, and shouted and whistled as they marched forward.  The mercenaries still made an isolated stand on the Roman left, perhaps only because they had nowhere to run.

In the melee, the Sabine chivalry had lost sight of their leader, Signore di Catino, who had led their charge.  When the knights on the Roman left turned from the mercenaries to regroup, they were greeted with the sight of di Catino’s riderless horse cantering away from the Roman right, and the Consul’s armored guard wheeling left to face them.  Someone called out “Donnino è morto!”  Dismayed, the Sabine knights retreated.  They had left a massive hole in the Roman line, but the Sabine levies that were just now attacking the Romans were not in a tactical frame of mind.  Seeing the nobility flee on the right flank and vanish on the left, without any commander to lead them, the Sabines panicked and were completely routed.  The equites, still fresh, chased the Sabines with gusto, but there was only so much a hundred horsemen could do to ride down several thousand Sabines dispersing into the countryside.

The Romans had, by luck or divine favor, won a battle they were minutes away from losing thanks to the timely disappearance of the Farfan leader.  Di Catino’s body was soon found.  He had been unhorsed at some point on the Roman right.  The rumor was that he had raised his sword in a gesture to his men when a militiaman drove his spear under the lord’s armpit and into his chest, killing him almost immediately.

The Romans proceeded to Castrum Nerulae with their wounded, of whom there were many.  It was still only June, but the prospects for continuing the campaign seemed poor.  Many of the levies who had fled after the initial charge had not returned, melting away into the countryside instead.  The zafones, too, had not regrouped in any number, and half the mercenaries were dead or wounded.  The Consul decided to retire to Rome, though not for another week, during which time the equites, remaining mercenaries, and a few hundred infantry raided eastwards and looted the farms and villages around Scandriglia.  After leaving a small volunteer garrison at Castrum Nerulae, the Consul returned to Rome with his army, arriving on July 10th.

The curious final act of the campaign played out without the Romans’ knowledge.  Apparently, when news spread of the Roman victory, Signore Niccolo Capocci of Monte Ritondo rode to the nearby papal stronghold of Castrum Poteranum with a small force.  Word has it that he told the garrison that the Romans were coming south to aid him in besieging them; when the Romans were sighted marching southward on the Via Salaria, the garrison panicked and surrendered the castle to Signore Capocci without a fight.

Heralds have conferred and agreed to name the recent battle Mons Elcinus, the Latin name of Monte degli Elci, “Mountain of Oaks,” where the battle was fought.

The costs of this campaign were 2 Wealth, paid for by Consul Fortis Calafatus.  The spoils of this campaign amount to 3 Wealth, and the town of Torricella has paid 1 Wealth in tribute.  These funds are currently in the hands of Fortis Calafatus.

Roman casualties:
5 Urban Cavalry
10 Senatorial Guard [Urban Militia]
40 Mercenary Footmen [Feudal Levy]
180 Urban Militia

Many of the rural levies are still unaccounted for, but we estimate around 100-200 casualties among them.  Their contract fulfilled, the remaining mercenaries have disbanded.

Farfan casualties:
30 Italian Knights
Around 200 assorted infantry

We have captured 35 Italian Knights, and await offers for their ransom.

Signore Donnino di Catino has been killed in battle.  His body, as well as the other bodies of gentlemen killed at Mons Elcinus, have been returned to their families for proper Christian burials.

We have occupied Castrum Nerulae and garrisoned it with 200 men, but these are only temporary levies.

The following unit has been encountered for the first time and will be added to the Unit Library: Italian Knights.

Consul Calafatus gains 1 Popularity and 2 Wealth.[/spoiler]
Finances

The interior Consul has provided the Senate with a report on the status of the treasury.

Treasury: 1 Wealth

• Defense Fund: 0 Wealth

Income

• Tribute, Tre Fontane: 1 Wealth/year (Paid in Autumn)
• Duty, Patrician Pierleoni: 1 Wealth/year (Paid in Spring)

Expenditures

• Jus Politia Upkeep: 1 Wealth/year (Paid in Winter)

Senatorial Inquests

Senators that requested information or launched endeavors have the results of their efforts listed here.  This information is private, but you may certainly choose to share it with the Senate.

[spoiler=Roberto Basile]Walls
Your work on shoring up the Aurelian Walls continues.  Consul Calafatus’ early return has provided you with more manpower, but the Roman summer is not an ideal time for manual labor.  You estimate that the repairs you paid for will be complete by the end of autumn.

Bologna
Though the “Four Doctors,” the principal legal scholars at Bologna, are not interested in venturing abroad, you have managed to attract a small number of their students to assist in the establishment of Roman justice, at least temporarily.  In the long term, distinguished legal scholars may have to be paid as regular servants of the state.

Dinner
Signore Colonna entertained you and Patrician Pierleone in early June at his fabulous palazzo.  He offered a toast to “peace in Rome” and expressed his hope that the Senate and the Pierleoni clan would remain reconciled.  The conversation ranged over various topics, but Colonna’s main thrust seemed to be words of cautious against acts that “might be seen as” Roman aggression.  He argued that while the Emperor could not possibly settle every little infraction committed by nobles and cities and clergy against one another, he would surely crush the worst of them as examples to others.  It was, he maintained, a poor idea to make oneself a nuisance before the Emperor’s arrival, lest he decide that Rome is ideal not only for his coronation but as a warning to other land-hungry communes throughout Italy.

You learned a number of tidbits from this meeting.  First, the Patrician walks with a noticeable limp; you are not sure how his overall health fares, but he is clearly not fully recovered.  Colonna added that the Pope was gravely ill, which was confirmed when his death was reported in the following month.  Following the Pope’s death, Colonna departed from the city in something of a hurry.  Finally, Pierleone revealed that he had been in contact with the Lord of Formello, whose family has been friends of the Pierleoni clan for generations.  He wished, the Patrician said, to maintain his neutrality above all, fearing that moving to either side would open his lands to pillage and ruination.  He seemed certain that the Faliscans were capable and willing to attack the Roman contado if peace could not me maintained, and that the Romans baited the League at their own peril.

Escape!
Fortunate news – a number of your good men sent with the ill-fated Pisan trading mission have returned to you!  They inform you that their ship was attacked by Saracen pirates off the southern coast of Sardinia.  They were taken as slaves to the pirates’ base in the Kerkennah Islands, and earlier this year they were freed when the Sicilian admiral Philip of Mahdia captured the islands earlier this year.  Your investment is lost, unfortunately, but at least the majority of your servants have come back to you, and that is something to be thankful for.

You have spent 1 Wealth this season.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Hugo de Vinti]Flax
Flax requires fertile clay soil to produce well, and the best available is on the banks of the middle Tiber, north of Rome.  The land you preferred, on the east bank of the Tiber near the territory of Signore di Capocci, is cultivated but owned by the church of Santa Maria in Via Lata in Rome, under the control of the Cardinal-Deacon Gerard de Namur.  As the Cardinal was obviously not in residence, your funds were sufficient to bribe the local overseers and friendly Roman clergy into acknowledging your “lease” over the land.

Finding workers turned out not to be a problem.  The lands already had workers, and as your illegal yet de facto tenants, the peasants have taken your “advice” to switch their crops very seriously.  You have been aided by the activities of Senator Sismondii, who has apparently been expelling peasant families from their land a few miles away to the southeast in order to replace them with sheep herders.  Some of these families, now desperate for homes and work, have made their way to your “estate” to have a go at this fairly unfamiliar crop.  You didn’t need any flyers, which is good, because they’re rather useless – you have yet to encounter a farm worker who could read.

Party
Your fête went quite well despite the oppressive August heat.  In most years, the wealthy would have left Rome for the summer, but in these days of conflict even those who can afford to don’t really have anywhere to go.

Your magnificent statue was purchased by a senator, but there is a limited market for such goods among the Senatorial class; few can afford to spend [1 Wealth] on a statue.  The richest men of Rome are among the equites, many of whom are nobles, but they are used to somewhat grander affairs.  While you are no doubt a skilled thrower of parties, it occurs to you that an improved place to throw them – a true palazzo worthy of your superb taste – might further increase your influence among the Roman elite.

Pisa
Pisa’s walls are brand new, constructed in this century and considered to be among the longest modern walls in Italy.  Like Rome, they rely on an urban militia for their defense; the full strength of this militia is unknown but it is probably comparable to Rome’s.  The Pisan militia has adopted the crossbow into general use and a small portion of their militia is dedicated to that weapon.

No structural weakness in Pisa’s defenses is evident; if it has a weakness, it is that the city is constantly struggling with jealous neighbors, chiefly Lucca and Florence.  Unlike Genoa, which is protected by geography and enjoys the support of its neighbors, Pisa must continuously ward off enemies on both land and sea and is seldom left in peace.  If a real war were to break out between Pisa and Rome, at least one of Pisa’s rivals might see it as an opportunity.

Pisa’s naval reach is extensive.  They have merchant quarters in Constantinople, Egypt, and Acre.  They have a nearly complete monopoly over trade with southern France, but compete with Genoa for access to Spain, Africa, Sicily, and Sardinia.  They trade in practically everything, acting as a middleman between many different Mediterranean lands.

Bologna
The Studio is not a “university” as we would understand it in the 21st century.  Its purpose is not to grant degrees or provide a general education, but to serve as an institute for the study of ancient texts, specifically recently discovered texts relating to Roman civil and canon law.  Sustained by church money and an Imperial grant, the Studio is home to the “Four Doctors,” the most distinguished of the glossators, and their students (who are learned scholars and lawyers in their own right).

Bologna is a rapidly growing city that only recently expanded its walls to accommodate new population.  They are not a massive trade hub, but they do a brisk business from their textile industry, where woolens and linen goods are manufactured.  Some of their trade is done with Venice, which exports Bolognese textiles to the East, but most is regional trade with the cities of Romagna and the march of Verona.

Like Pisa, Bologna is defended by an organized urban militia, but it has also come to control a considerable number of the noblemen in its contado and could probably rely on them to provide knights in war.  They do not seem to have adopted the crossbow for their militia like the Pisans have.

Marshes
The knowledge of the Venetians on draining marshes is very limited; they have raised artificial land from the lagoon on piles, but this is simply to build on, not to farm.  Your agent did, discover, the one source of knowledge they did have on the subject, and copied this page from a fragment of the De Re Rustica, an ancient Roman text on agriculture by Lucius Columella that only exists in pieces.

[spoiler=On the Soil]If [the soil] is damp, the superfluous moisture must first be drained with ditches. Of these we are familiar with two kinds — blind and open. In tracts of hard-packed and chalky soil they are left open; but where the ground is of looser texture some are made open and some of them, too, are covered over, though in such a way as to connect with the mouths of the open ditches.  But it will be best to make open drains wider at the top, and sloping and narrowing together at the bottom, like inverted roof-tiles; for those whose sides are perpendicular are quickly eroded by water and are filled in by the slipping of the earth above.

The covered ones, on the other hand, are to be blinded by sinking trenches to a depth of three feet, and then, after they have received a filling half way up of small stones or clean
gravel, leveling them off by throwing over them the dirt that was dug out. Or, if stones and gravel are not available, a sort of cable of entwined brushwood will be fashioned of such a thickness as the bottom of the narrow trench may receive when it is fitted, so to speak, and pressed down close. This will then be stretched along the bottom, to be covered over with earth after cypress or pine foliage — or, failing this, other boughs — has been trampled down over it; there being, both at the beginning and at the outlet of the
ditch, two stones set up, merely by way of supports, with one stone laid on top of them in the fashion of little bridges, that this sort of structure may hold the banks in place and prevent the stoppage of water at inlet and outlet.[/spoiler]

You spent 2 Wealth this season, and gained 1 Wealth.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Arrigus Sismondii]Sheep Quest
It is a distasteful business, running peasants off their land – that’s why you pay people to do it for you.  Your small gang of thugs has been hard at work this summer, though their work is complicated by the legal entanglements of the Roman contado.  Most lands are church-owned, but some are leased by local nobles of uncertain allegiance or administered by a Roman basilica whose priests object to any interference with their lands.  The status of many areas is simply uncertain.  Your efforts have been focused north of the Aniene river, around the Monte Sacro, whose ecclesiastical landlords seem to have flown the coop.

To make a long story short, your effort has been a modest success – the Monte Sacro area was not heavily populated anyway, and the families that did live there could not contest your “appropriation.”  You have purchased flocks, some from Tre Fontane Abbey (whose monks keep a number of sheep), and have begun tending them there.  This is a start to your enterprise and may yield some yearly profit, but it will take more land, more demand, and more weavers to fulfill it before your venture will take off.  Acquiring more land in the region may require more aggressive seizures or buying off other interested (or legally entitled) parties.

Reports
Rieti: The city of Rieti is involved only in very local trade.  It is a minor producer of wool and olives, but does not export much and is self-sustaining enough to require few imports save wine.  The mountains around are rich in timber.

Subiaco: The abbey of Subiaco and its surrounding villages produce mostly wheat and wine; wine, being crucial to Christian rites, is an important crop for nearly every territorial monastery.  The population of the region is small and it is not otherwise a significant market.

Avezzano: This city on Lake Fucino has been in decline since its protectors, the Counts of Marsi, were destroyed by the Normans in the 11th century.  The lake (the largest lake on the Italian peninsula) is filled with abundant fish and the soil in the valley around is famously fertile, but the lake is cursed with the familiar specter of malaria.  Avezzano is still a major producer of wheat and rye, and much smaller amounts of hemp, fruit, and saffron are grown there as well.  They import cloth from the Latin cities and wine from Subiaco.

Portus: Nobody lives here; it is a ruin from ancient times, like Ostia.  There is marble here, but its chief export is malaria.

Sora: A small but prosperous city on the Sicilian border.  Wheat, grapes, olives, fruit, and cattle are produced here.  They import mostly metal and salt, though not in large quantities.

Fondi: This city is mostly known for having excellent soil for citrus.  Lemons, citrons, and bitter oranges are grown and exported throughout central and southern italy, mostly for medicinal use.  They import wheat from their neighbors and cloth from Gaeta.

Nettuno: Nettuno is a small fortified settlement, comparable to Gregoriopolis.  The residents are largely subsistence farmers and fishermen.

Naples: The city of Naples is the largest and most important in southern Italy (not counting Sicily).  It is a trade port used by Sicilians, Pisans, and Genoese; its main export is linen cloth, processed from large flax fields further inland.  Naples imports wine, oil, salt, and metals.

Your agents sent to Genoa and Venice have not yet returned.

You have spent 1 Wealth this season.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Vittorio Manzinni]Food
Grain, particularly hard grain like durum wheat (recently introduced to Sicily by the Muslims and used for making pasta), can last for many years if it is properly stored in a cool, dry environment.  Naples is the closest and cheapest source, and you have placed your order.

Blacksmiths
Italy’s most significant source of iron is the Alps, though some is extracted in Tuscany and Sardinia as well.  Blacksmiths, however, congregate where the most demand is, which usually means large cities with a great demand for tools and weapons.  Palermo, Milan, Venice, and Naples are chief among these, though everyone knows the best weaponsmiths are among the Christians and Muslims of Spain.

Egypt
Your representatives returned in July from the exotic land of Egypt, where the Fatimid Caliph Al-Zafir rules.  Though the Caliphate holds, they have been challenged on two sides by the continuing war with the Kingdom of Jerusalem in the east, and the destruction of their Bedouin allies in the west by the Almohads.  The important Fatimid frontier fortress of Ascalon has been under siege by a Crusader army since January of this year, and nobody knows which way the siege will go.

Egypt’s largest import from Europe is silver, though they also import iron and a great many woolens from Flanders carried on Venetian and Genoese ships.  In all other goods they seem abundantly supplied.  While they have horses, they are not available for trade in large quantities, and they have only a handful of elephants who reside in the Caliph’s menagerie.  While the merchants of Egypt had no doubt as to the fine marbles of Rome, the Caliph’s government is in something of a cash crunch, and the treasury is far too strained already on military matters to entertain any grand building projects.

Spears
The etching of the spears you requested has been completed.

You have spent 1 Wealth this season.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Domenico DeRosa]Judicial Event!
What luck, Senator – you have been randomly selected to be the judge of the most controversial and politically toxic legal case yet!  The details of this event will be posted subsequent to the update.

Construction
Though your establishments are hardly palatial, you have successfully raised or renovated several hostels and other hospitality establishments.  Visitors to Rome are not particularly common outside of spring and the nobility flees the city in summer, so they have seen little use and may continue to do so until next year.  Hopefully some word will begin to spread in the autumn, and hopefully your establishments will be comfortable enough to attract the big spenders when the next Holy Week comes around.

You have spent 1 Wealth this season.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Fortis Calafatus]Campaign
Most Romans hold your campaign to be a success, though they were hardly as excited about attacking Farfan castles as much as they were about destroying hated Tivoli.  Technically, the objective of the campaign – Rocca Sinibalda – was not reached, but Farfa has certainly been damaged by your rampage through their farmlands and the dispersal of the army they hastily gathered to confront you.  Still, while the Battle of Mons Elcinus was a victory, Roman losses were heavier than those of the Sabines and you saw firsthand how devastating a knightly charge could be - despite marching a mile in the summer heat and charging up a 20 degree grade into set infantry, the Sabine knights nearly ended battle with a single stroke.  Clearly the militia could use some additional courage.

Your private force performed well enough during the battle – better than expected, anyway – and while they are still fairly inexperienced troops, the plunder from Mons Elcinus allowed you to finally complete their armament.  They are, if not the most elite, certainly the most well-armored of the Roman infantry.

You have gained 4 Wealth and spent 2 Wealth in the past two seasons (not including your usual 1 Wealth summer bonus).  You have gained 1 Popularity.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Bernardo Simone di Fontane]Salt
Your enterprise in the marshes has taken a rather unexpected turn for the better; with the Consul’s troops returning earlier than expected, coupled with a number of peasant families searching for work after being driven out of farmland in the north being cleared for sheep-raising, the number of folk willing to stoop and work the salt flats has gone abruptly up.  August brought malaria to your impromptu camp, however, and by the end of summer the enterprise was largely abandoned once more.  Still, two good months of work has yielded you a windfall in salt this year.

Farmland
The harvest this year was sub-par, but serviceable.  You have gained [3 Wealth] in kind from your rented lands, largely in grain.

You gained 4 Wealth this season.[/spoiler]

[ooc=Event: Schools of Thought]The actions of various senators have resulted in a number of Bolognese legal scholars moving, at least temporarily, to Rome.  They have brought with them the knowledge of their teachers, the illustrious Four Doctors of Bologna, but their opinions as well, and already it is clear that they are not all of the same mind.  Two "camps" of jurisprudence exist, and it falls to the Senate to determine whose view will be supreme.

• The Bulgari, followers of the doctor Bulgarus, see the law as operating according to its face value.  The narrowest interpretation, or ius strictum, must be applied to maintain consistency and prevent the debasing of ancient and hallowed legal precedents.  The view of the Bulgari is favored by the equites and many of the Senators, who believe it will maintain civic order and secure the powers of the ruling elite.
• The Gosiani, followers of the doctor Martinus Gosia, are proponents of the legal principle of aequitas, or "equity," which allows for a more expansive interpretation of the law and gives greater weight to local and traditional codes of justice so principles of Roman law can be extended to modern situations.  The view of the Gosiani is favored by the popolo grasso, who believe it will protect civic liberty and prevent the consolidation of power among the equites.

By the end of the season, the senatores consiliarii should decide (by vote, if necessary) which legal theory should be used to carry out the work of the Curia Senatus.  The effects of this decision may have subtle, but far-reaching effects on Roman society.[/ooc]

[ooc=Event: A Demand for Justice!] Senator DeRosa, a judge does not choose his cases, and because of your frequent volunteering as a judge you have landed one that might conservatively be described as "politically awkward."  It falls to you to hear the complaint of the citizen and Patrician Giordano Pierleone against the citizen and Consul Fortis Calafatus which alleges famosis libellis – that is, seditious libel.  According to the Justinian Code and most other known forms of classical jurisprudence, famosis libellis is a capital crime.

The written complain of the claimant follows.  As judge, you may ask whatever questions of the claimant and accused that you wish, and they are compelled by law and tradition to answer your inquiries and respond in person to your summons.

You may consult with a legal advisor (me!) at any time (by PM).  It would be wise to withhold a final judgment until you have consulted with him.

[ic=To Senator Domenico DeRosa]Honored Senator,

As a citizen of Rome I am protected by its law, and as a Patrician of Rome, granted this honor by the Senate and confirmed by the same body this year, I am entitled to the protection the law affords to the reputations of men who serve it in a notable and official capacity.  Our ancestors well knew that if the good name of a public figure was permitted to be viciously and baselessly slandered by any man with ill-will towards him, the governance of the Republic would be impossible.  The trust of the citizens in their officials must be preserved, and the destroyers of that trust must be punished.

I allege that Signore Fortis Calafatus, recently Consul, did falsely and slanderously accuse me of attempted murder upon him, despite the obvious facts of the matter and the incredible nature of his story, and refused to retract this accusation despite being given ample opportunity to do so.  The injury to my person demands justice that only the law can provide.  I accuse Signore Fortis Calafatus of famosis libellis and submit my case to the Curia Senatus, in which I have absolute trust, so that the order of the Commune may be preserved.

Giordano Pierleone, Citizen and Patrician of Rome, Magistrate of Trastevere[/ic][/ooc]

Senators, it is time to decide who will lead our glorious city in the coming year!

[ooc=Election Rules]
All PCs are eligible for Consular status, though a character who wins an election may choose not to accept the position if he so desires.  All PCs are eligible to cast a ballot, though casting a ballot is not mandatory.

Each character has a number of votes equal to his Influence score.  When you cast a ballot, you must choose how these votes are allotted.  You may spend all your votes on one candidate or split votes between candidates however you wish.  A ballot should be in a red OOC box like this one, and be in this format:

[ooc=Election of 1153]Your Senator's Name

4 votes to Senator X
2 votes to Senator Y[/ooc]

The ballot is not secret.  Who voted for whom is in-character information known by all.  The whole Senate, all 100 members, takes part in this vote; our game simulates this using Influence, meaning that when you "cast a ballot" it actually represents your character and his friends and/or family actively cajoling and convincing NPC senators to vote your way.  This is a tedious process of pandering speeches, cloying flattery, empty promises, and boring dinner parties, and is by definition not a private matter.

Bribery, specifically the expenditure of Wealth to buy votes, is permitted.  Bribery will alter the final count of votes, depending on how much Wealth was spent.  One point of Wealth "steals" one vote from a candidate of your choice and gives it to another candidate of your choice.  It may be obvious that people were bribed if the final result doesn't match who players actually voted for, but there will be no direct indication of who bribed them.

If the bribery is discovered, there will be a scandal resulting in a loss of Influence.  The chances of a bribe becoming a scandal are 10% for each point of Wealth spent.  Note that a scandal does not mean the bribe was unsuccessful – it is still possible to win an election by bribery despite a scandal, but the loss of Influence may make it difficult to hold on to power.

If you choose to bribe, it should ONLY be done by sending me a PM indicating how much you are spending and who the bribed Senators are supposed to vote for.  If you post a bribe in this thread, it will not be accepted, and I will laugh at you.  Bribes are non-refundable!

The two players with the most votes (after Bribery) are elected Consuls.  The Consul who receives the most votes has the privilege of deciding which Consul, external or internal, he wishes to be.  Ties will be resolved in favor of who has the most Influence or, failing that, a coin flip.[/ooc]