The Campaign Builder's Guild

[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?
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[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!
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[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.
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[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.

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[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?
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[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 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.
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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.
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[ic=Private to DeRosa]
What progress and news do you have of the inquests related to the iron and the chainmail, friend DeRosa?
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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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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