The Campaign Builder's Guild

Numinous: Please do. Thanks!

Vreeg and LC: Thanks guys! I'm doing well. Grad school here in Pittsburgh is keeping me busy. I doubt I'll be coming back to world-building anytime soon, but I figured I might just have enough free time to fit in a pen-and-paper game. It's good to see this place is still doing well. How are you guys?

So I haven't posted here in forever, but I assume this is still the same community of creative and inspiring gamers I used to know. It's good to see things are still going strong around here!

I'm thinking about getting back into RPGs. In particular, I would like to know if there are any pen-and-paper groups in my vicinity that I might join (I live in Pittsburgh, PA). I realize that there are methods of finding such groups that are more likely to be successful than posting about it here, but if I could find a group that is recommended by (or, better yet, run by) one of the fine individuals in this community I would much prefer that over trying one at random. Any thoughts?

Much appreciated!

Túrin

[ooc=Orders for Spring 1155]- Keep business deals with the other Senators going, attempting to maximize investments, or failing that, direct profits. (This will also be my default order if I fail to post any in the coming weeks, while I'm travelling.)
- Look into the possibility of getting an exclusive contract with the Pisans so that they will deliver silver only to me, and no one else in the direct vicinity of Rome (use bribes if needed). Would this be economically feasible?
- Attempt to establish contact with one or more of the Sardinian giudice, seeing if they could be persuaded/bribed into delivering directly to me.
- Is this "alum" stuff a metal? If so, it might be worth asking around in my network if anyone knows how to get it. I'm not going to go out of my way for it right now though.[/ooc]

[ic=Answer to Da Vinti]It would be my honor to enhance the beauty of your palazzo. My smithee can provide nearly anything you might want to have made of gold, silver, or other precious metals, at a fair price. Just tell me what you need and when, and I will make it happen.[/ic]

OOC: I'm about to travel to Europe for seven weeks, where my internet access will be intermittent. Please excuse any slow replies or lack of orders.

[ic=Private to Manzinni]Dear Senator Manzinni,

Thank you for this proposal. May it be the start of a long and profitable business relationship!

I will be happy to guarantee the exclusiveness of this relationship: I hereby promise not to take on smithing contracts from anyone related to the hospitality business other than Senator Manzinni, Senator DeRosa, and their agents. This promise will be reneged only if:
- Senator Manzinni and Senator DeRosa no longer require my services;
- Senator Manzinni explicitly revokes it; or
- I no longer deem it expedient, and give Senators Manzinni and DeRosa six month's notice of this.

I already wrote to DeRosa to offer him my services but he has not (yet) replied to me. Since you asked, I will write him again, but if you deem his involvement to be important perhaps you will have better luck writing him yourself.

Sincerely,
Romolo Vannetti[/ic]

Since the above is a reply to a post that is already a few pages back, I have included the letter I am replying to here for reference:
[spoiler=Manzinni's letter]

Quote from: Light Dragon[ic=Private to Romolo]
Dear Romolo,

If my private ventures succeed in Rome and in the Senate and if taxation remains low, then I believe I can continue making investments into gold utilization from your offers. What I would like to construct are some goldsmithed icons-religious in nature- and some decorations for some of my hospitality houses to house pilgrims.

It goes without saying that it is appreciated if you keep the details of our arrangement private at least for several seasons until a sufficient number of these gold-items are developed--I guarantee that I alone can give you more business than could anyone else as I am the chief holder of hospitality in Rome. I do, however, also recommend that you make a similar offer to DeRosa, who is likewise interested in the hospitality business. Together, we could prosper in a stable and safe Rome.

Sincerely, Vittorio Manzinni.[/ic]

[/spoiler]

[ic=Private to DeRosa]Dear Senator DeRosa,

A while back I wrote to you offering my services as a goldsmith to your restoration projects. At Senator Manzinni's suggestion, I now add to that an offer to construct golden decorations for your hospitality houses. At Senator Manzinni's request, this offer comes with a promise of exclusiveness: I will not do similar work for anyone other than Senator Manzinni or yourself unless we agree otherwise.

Please let me know if you are interested.

Sincerely,
Senator Romolo Vannetti[/ic]

[ooc=Orders for Winter 1155]- Now that I have made a long-term deal with Manzinni, perhaps I can actually make some of it into an investment this time? I certainly seem to have claimed one of the biggest contracts that is likely to be around in the near future, thus improving the long-term prospects for my business as well. Anyway, my approach is as usual: if I can make any part of this deal into an investment, I will (i.e., spend any money up to 12 WP on investments related to this deal). Otherwise, I'll take the short-term profits in cash (at least this will hopefully generate some extra cashflow the next few turns).
- Given the drought of investment opportunities in either smithing or lending, it is time to try to branch out. Let's investigate the possibilities for investing in the silver trade (I imagine spending 1WP should be enough to do any investigations needed). How exactly does silver get to Rome from Pisa? Are there silver traders going between Pisa and Rome or are Pisan traders or even mine-owners in charge of this? If the former, would they be interested in working for me (for a regular income) instead of living off the profits of their trade directly?
- I'd also like to learn more about Basile's work, the possibility of the Pope coming back to Rome, and any restoration work he might have done if this happens. I keep two ears out for news on this as often as I can spare them. I'll write to Basile once I learn a little more about the intentions of everyone involved.[/ooc]

[ic=To Manzinni]The extent of my involvement in any of your projects - religious or otherwise - is of course completely up to you. I will be happy to contribute in any way I can. Please, if you will, tell me more about your other project.

In the meantime, may I compliment you on your excellent speech at the Inner Council. Your measured words address and encapsulate both my own concerns and others'. I find I have nothing to add to your considerations, and I am convinced our final decision will be the better for them.[/ic]

[ic=At the Inner Council]I would like to offer my humble opinion on the matter of the Court of Last Resort. To my mind, such a Court should try to represent as faithfully as possible the diversity of viewpoints, whether political or philosophical, and interests that is present in the Senate, while retaining the vitality and responsiveness of small numbers that is sometimes missing in the Senate. I, for one, can see no better way to do this than to name as judges on the Court of Last Resort all of you, my esteemed colleagues senatores consiliarii.

Whether, as Senator Manzinni suggests, it is reckless to name the Consuls to the Court; I am not so sure. I will leave this matter for wiser men to debate. But at least, I would urge, we should make sure to name all five of the other senatores that sit on this distinguished Inner Council on the Court of Last Resort. This, I feel, is our best bet at guaranteeing a fair, unbiased Court.[/ic]

[ic=Private to Senator Manzinni]Esteemed Senator,

It appears that we and others have successfully coordinated to vote Consul De Vinti into office. Time will tell if we made a wise decision. Until then, I remain happy, not only because I feel optimistic about De Vinti's capabilities, but more importantly because we, the Senators, came to a strong consensus, thus lending weight to De Vinti's election and sending a message to those who would see harm come to Rome.

In the spirit of cooperation that has now been created between us, I would like to offer a business proposal. It is commonly known that you are working on a grand project to honor our Lord Jesus Christ, and His mother, the Virgin Mary, by improving the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. Surely such a project could not be complete without some exquisite gold furnishings and ornaments. As I am sure you are aware, all the best goldsmiths in our grand city work for me, and they are second to none between Aosta and Syracuse. The products of these talented hands can be yours at a fair price. If that in itself does not seem worthwile to you, remember that with economic friendship often comes political friendship. I would be surprised if any of the other craftsmen you will employ in this project came with such a friendship. So let us come to an agreement, in the spirit of mutual benefit!

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Senator Romolo Vannetti[/ic]

[ic=Private to Senator DeRosa]Esteemed Senator,

I hope you are as satisfied by the recent election as I am. Not only because I feel optimistic about De Vinti's capabilities, but more importantly because we, the Senators, came to a strong consensus, thus lending weight to De Vinti's election and sending a message to those who would see harm come to Rome. Let us hope that we are at the dawn of a new age of peace and prosperity for our beloved city.

Speaking of prosperity, I hear you, in particular, have taken Rome's spiritual prosperity to heart. Your efforts in honoring our Lord Jesus Christ and Saint Prisca, by improving on the latter's Basilica, have not gone unnoticed. Would not such a work be the grander, honoring our Lord and Savior, as well as Saint Prisca and not least yourself, if it were topped with some beautiful golden ornaments and furnishings? As I am sure you are aware, all the best goldsmiths in our grand city work for me, and they are second to none between Triest and Trapani. Perhaps a deal can be made to our mutual advantage? If the expert craftsmanship and fair prices that I stand for did not already convince you, let me remind you that unlike other craftsmen you may consider, I also carry some influence in the Senate. Surely an economic agreement will also make it easier for us to come to political agreements in the future.

I look forward to your reply.

Senator Romolo Vannetti[/ic]

[ooc=Orders for Autumn 1154]1. Take advantage of any business opportunities that become available through Senatores Manzinni and DeRosa. If that means making some money, great, but if it is feasible to set this up rather as an investment to improve my goldsmithing business, by all means invest. I will invest up to the maximum possible amount in this (5 Savings + 4 Wealth Level = 9 WP), spreading it equally over the two projects (or other similar projects, see LightDragon's post directly below this) if they end up competing for funds.
2. Investigate the competitive situation of the goldsmithing market. In particular, I want to know whether:
a) buying up, undercutting, or otherwise getting rid of local competitors in an attempt to corner the market and then drive up prices seems like a valid business plan (I assume that I would already know most of what I need to know for this, but otherwise spend up to 1 WP to investigate, if available);
b) expanding my business into non-local areas (either by buying up smithees or starting new ones) seems like a valid business plan (this may require more work, spend up to 3 WP to investigate, if available).
3. If I still have funds after the above and see an opportunity to do so, expand my goldsmithing business through conventional means (hiring, PR, etc.).[/ooc]

[ooc=Election of 1154]4 votes to Hugo de Vinti
1 vote to Fortis Calafatus[/ooc]

[ic=Reply to Manzinni]Esteemed Senator Manzinni,

Thank you for your letter. The peace and prosperity of Rome is indeed a wish close to my heart. It is with this goal that I was elected to the Senate and it is this goal I have tried to work towards.

Thoughts on the leadership of Rome are indeed on my mind these days, although I must say I find it hard to reach conclusions. I have made it my only goal to support for the Consulate a God-fearing Senator who does not place his own interests above those of our fair city, but it seems hard to find such Senators these days.

One could perhaps support Consul Calafatus, but given his popularity with both the populace and the senate it seems that he requires no support to secure his re-election.

Consul Basile, on the other hand, seems to be less popular with the populace, and as you point out has a history that may make him less suitable to lead Rome at this juncture, with the Emperor on our doorstep.

If, indeed, new leadership is needed, the question is, who will it be? Are you proposing yourself as a candidate? If so, I might support you, although I would like to know first how you plan to approach the Pope and the Emperor. It is no secret that you are not a great friend of the Pope. Do you mean to change this? It is hardly my desire to hand control of Rome back to the cloth.

I would have you know that my friend Senator De Vinti approached me with a similar question, in fact explicitly asking for my opinion on his potential candidacy for the Consulate. I will ask him the same questions: how shall we deal with the Emperor and the Pope? But I would also like to hear your opinion on this matter. If we both decided to support De Vinti, or if we could convince De Vinti to agree to support yourself, I believe we would stand a great chance to get our candidate elected.

Senator Romolo Vannetti[/ic]

[ic=Reply to De Vinti]Esteemed Senator and friend,

It is good to hear from you in these troubling times, when a man needs any advice he can get to make the right choices in this vital election for the peace and prosperity of our beloved city.

It is, perhaps, an even greater delight to hear that your palazzo is finished, congratulations!, and to be invited to a reception in honor of King Frederick. Your legendary feasts are known to tickle all of the senses in the most exquisite manner, and I can only imagine how joyous an occasion it will be in your new residence and in the company of such a distinguished guest. I will await the formal invitation with great anticipation.

Now, on to the matter of the Consular election. I cannot but agree with you that, at least for the time being, re-electing Consul Basile would seem a less than optimal choice. I say this with no disrespect to his person or his efforts for our grand city.

The question remains who we would propose to replace him. For me, it would have to be someone who can and will place the interest of Rome above his own, a trait that seems hard to find in the current crop of Senators. I would welcome your candidacy, and I would strongly consider supporting it. Before I make any promises though, let me ask you how you plan to deal with the Pope and the would-be Emperor. It seems dangerous to anger King Frederick, but I hardly desire to hand control of Rome back to the cloth. I am eager to learn how you would walk this tightrope.

I will let you know that I have also received word from Senator Manzinni, asking who I would support in the upcoming election. I asked him how he wants to deal with the Pope and the King as well. It is my hope that we can come to an agreement and all support the same candidate. Such a candidate would stand a great chance to be elected.

Senator Romolo Vannetti[/ic]

Sorry for the late post guys, I've been travelling; I hope this can still be incorporated.

[ooc=Orders for Summer 1154]- Continue pro bono contributions to restoring Rome's churches' metalwork. I will spend up to 1 WP on this and vocally announce my support for Sismondii's request of funds from the personal wealth of senators.
- Attempt to leverage this pro bono work as a promotion for my business in order to acquire more clients. Invest the maximum possible amount in goldsmithing in this way (up to the 8 WP I have available this turn).[/ooc]

[ooc=Orders for Spring 1154]Attempt to increase investment in moneylending (spend up to 5 WP on this):

• Offer loans at cheap rates to those needing to rebuild after the floods.
• At a small fee, offer to give out letters of credit rather than actual money to those who wish to loan money. The promise of credit on the letters is indefinite, so as long as one is in Rome there is in principle no need to cash them.

Help restore some of Rome's ornamental metalwork at no fee through apprentices, making sure that the name of my smithee is being promoted by doing so (use newly acquired apprentices for this [see last turn]; spend up to 1 WP on materials if needed).[/ooc]

[ic=In the Senate]Esteemed senatores,

It is good to see everyone back in the Senate. Let this be a sign of more peaceful and prosperous times to come!

It is delightful to hear that many of our most noble senatores are already selflessly promoting the restoration of our grand city after the recent floods. I shall contribute by having some of my newly hired apprentices help restore ornaments on Rome's public buildings free of charge.

Like others before me, I would encourage the establishment of a stronger judicial system. Forgive me for being pragmatic, but I believe such a system needs to have real power to back up its authority, if problems similar to those we have had are to be avoided in the future. Perhaps a balanced council of wise and prominent senatores could serve this role?[/ic]

Hey guys, just a quick post with my orders since today is the deadline. I'll respond to letters soon but I've already spent too much time at work goofing off today.

Apologies if my orders aren't quite as they are supposed to be, or asking too much or too little. Still trying to get the hang of things here.

[ooc=Orders for Winter 1153]

• Attempt to increase my income base by expanding the smithee and/or hiring new apprentices and/or tying to find new customers (depending on what is currently holding back such an increase). Invest up to 4 WP in this.
• I'd like to know how many senators there are and how many of those need to be present to meet quorum (I assume this is just knowledge my character has).
• Try to find out which senators would be willing to come back to the Senate, and for those that don't, what could persuade them to do so.

[/ooc]

The lowly senator Romolo Vannetti decides that the current predicament calls for action. He has a private letter delivered to each of the senatores consiliarii.

[ic]Esteemed member of the Lesser Council,
Dear [name],

These are troubled times for Rome. In recent years we have looked to you and your fellow senatores consiliarii for guidance in such times. So far, you have not led us astray, leading to greater unity in our grand city than in previous years, as well as rising glory in Italy due to our Consuls' military prowess.

Today, strife is in our midst. Petty politics has us locked in feuds to the point that the Senate has been disbanded. I need not remind you that we can ill afford this. Rome has many enemies that will be eager to press down on us if we display but a moment of weakness. The longer the current situation continues, the more likely it is that we will see violence in the streets of Rome, whether originating from our enemies, or, worse yet, from among our own ranks.

You, most of all, as a prominent senator of our beloved city, can turn this tide. I urge you to think not of pride and personal glory, but the greater honor of serving Rome as an independent city, ruled by its people through the Senate. This is why this Senate was founded, and this is the greater good we should always keep in mind.

Please come to a resolution of the current dispute quickly.

For the Senate and the people of Rome,

I send you the warmest regards,

Romolo Vannetti[/ic]

Name: Romolo Vannetti
Age: 47
Class: Citizen

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

Notes: 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.