The Campaign Builder's Guild

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.