The Campaign Builder's Guild

Hey folks, the due date for orders will be extended by a few days because of some personal stuff.  This is both a concession to me and to a few of our players who have requested additional time.

The new due date is Wednesday, March 28.  In addition to orders, I still need a court statement from Llum and a verdict from EE (once Llum and I give statements).  It would also be nice to have OOC orders regarding the final decision on Gosiani vs. Bulgari (though that seems fairly obvious) and perhaps how the papal funeral will be handled, if it has been officially accepted.  This could be Basile's duty or some other enterprising Senator could step up to the task.

Thanks for your patience and understanding.

I am holding my verdict until after your guys' final statements. :)

[ic=Letter to Odone Bonecase]
Your Eminence,

Though the Romans and His Holiness did not always see eye to eye on matters of state, there is no question that - as a Christian - His Holiness was held in the highest esteem. The Senate finds itself amenable to the prospect of lasting peace, and as such, would be honoured to see to the proper interment of the body of Pope Eugenius.

Consul Roberto Basile
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[ic=Letter to Patrician Pierleone]
Patrician Pierleone,

The Senate of Rome has decided that the former Pope, His Holiness Eugenius III, shall be interred - as is his right - beneath the Basilica of Saint Peter. As guardian of the Leonine City I write to you to inform you on this issue, and to allow you some some measure of time for preparations. If you should have concerns in this regard, please, do not hesitate to write to me to express them, and we shall work together to ensure that the proceedings occur without incident.

We are both well aware of the passion of the Romans, and are also aware that it is often wont to spill over onto the streets. I will work to see that this does not happen, and I would ask you to do the same.

Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ooc=Orders for Autumn 1153]
- See to the procession and burial of the body of Pope Eugenius III in co-operation with Patrician Pierleone and the representatives of the Papacy. If possible, see that the route passes through some of the least populated areas of the city, and have the Jus Politia on stand-by to contain any violence should it threaten to occur. (Clarification: I will additionally be contributing my own Masnada for security and will be personally in the procession)

- [If possible] spend no more than one wealth on hosting the Papal delegation in lodgings appropriate to their station.

- [If no-one else steps in in this regard] Treat with the nobles of Sabina in regards to the ransom of the captured knights and retainers. See that one wealth go to Consul Calafatus, and see that one wealth go to Senator Sismondii. [/ooc]

[ooc]
- Look into the cost of renting out additional sheep lands from the nobility.
- Assist Basile with the handling of the Pope's burial. I will be present along with my Masnada to help provide security and will do everything in my power to ensure the funeral goes well.
[/ooc]

[ic=Speech to the Romans]
My brother Romans! News has no doubt reached you of the passing of the late Pope Eugenius III and of the request that he be buried, in the traditional manner, beneath the Basilica of Saint Peter. There has been for some time strife between the Papacy and Rome over manners of state and governance of that state. Yet let not this strife come between us and the fact that for all our disagreements we are all Christians before God Almighty. We must do our duty. Regardless of how you feel I ask that all Romans come together in undertaking their duty as Christians to permit a brother in Christ to have a proper burial as has been requested of us. Our love and respect of each other and our holy fear of God demands as much of us. Your senate has decided to permit the burial on these grounds and we ask now that every man, woman, and child amongst you practice their obligations to the one true God. Do not bring wrath and hatred down upon such a holy ceremony but instead take time for righteous reflection. To those of you with anger festering in your heart, who would have conflict brought into even a papal funeral then I say thus to you! Let he who is without sin cast the first stone!
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[ic=The Case]
For my closing remarks, there have been no instances of me publicly proclaiming your attempted murder on me, outside of this case. These rumors sprang up after the events of bloody october, quite understandably. Secondly, the rumors began before you attained the office of Magistrate was were granted protected by said office.

Last of all I would say that the rumors have done naught to harm your reputation, for there are still an innumerable amount of pierlionists inside Rome. I would be quite interested if the Patrician could provide the burden of proof for harm to his reputation.
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[ooc=Orders]
-Deal with ransoming back the Sabine knights. All wealth should go to Consul Calafatus who will pay Senator Sismondii the value of [1 Wealth].
-Gather my Honor guard and my masnada about myself.
[/ooc]

[ic=Patrician Pierleone to Consul Basile]Consul,

I foresee no difficulty, at least not within the Leonine City.  I will make sure there is no incident within my magistracy, and my men will be on hand to assist in addressing any problems.[/ic]

[ic=Cardinal Oddone Bonecase to Consul Basile]That is excellent news.  I will come to the city personally in three days to negotiate the details of the arrangement with you and the Roman councilors; His Holiness wishes to hold the funeral procession in two weeks.  Cardinals Rolando Bandinelli di Siena and Ottaviano Crescenzi di Monticelli intend to be present for the ceremony as well as myself.  Cardinal di Siena has arranged a guard for our persons and the body of His Holiness, if it is amenable to the Romans; he does not intend to take more than 50 men, to avoid inflaming certain sensibilities.  Of course, any security offered by the Senate would be most welcome, as well as accommodations while we are in the city.[/ic]

[ic=Patrician Pierleone to the Court]I would not have brought this injury to the court were it not plain as day for all to see.  The recent words of Signore Calafatus bear no serious consideration; his repeated refusals to take back his accusations and his fellow Consul's statements that he would make no apologies for them are not dispelled by his sudden, belated, and frankly quite ridiculous claim to never have said anything at all.  As for my position as a magistrate, the Signore again contradicts himself; the letter I provided to the court attests that he himself addressed me as Patrician during the months of crisis.  At no time did the Senate revoke my title.  If even Signore Calafatus recognized me as an official, who would disagree?

In all other matters my previous arguments speak for themselves.  I am confident that justice will be done, and rest my case.[/ic]

[ooc=Due!]Orders for this long-awaited update are due by Midnight CST (6 hours from now).  The exception is EE, who may take extra time to deliver his verdict if he needs to (PM me when you're ready EE).[/ooc]

[ic=To The Senate]
Fellow Senators,
It would seem some among us are eager to hoard the benefits that ransoming captured enemies would bestow upon us. I agree that it is Consul Calafatus who led the latest successful expedition, and I agree a meager portion of the men present during the journey have been supplied by Senator Sismondii, but prisoners of Rome should benefit Rome, not specific individuals.

These men are wealthy enough, and while they would fill their coffers, Rome remains in a... dire state. Yes, much has been done, but much remains to be done as well. I propose we allocate the funds from ransomed Sabinans to the Treasury, or the Defense fund.

Or, we can sit idle, but Romans will know, eventually, and god knows what will happen when their fiery hearts explode in fury.[/ic]

Updated orders providing support for the papal burial.

[ic=Response to Senator Vinti]
The senator is toeing a dangerous line. It was not the coffers of Rome that humbled Farfa. If it had been I would not deny the city her due. It was not so, and while the Consul and myself are well off we are yet individuals with duties to men of our own and meager wealth when compared to the full richness of Rome herself. Yet Senator Vinti seems to ignore this. Consul Calafatus has done much for the outward defense of Rome and even now returns from a successful campaign against Farfa. To ignore the risk he took or the great wealth he spent maintaining this campaign is insulting. To balk at the thought of him getting a small return from his efforts is disgusting. As for myself, tell me senator, where did I demand repayment from Rome? If anything I have worked tirelessly to invest my own money into our most excellent city. We stand now within the very walls of such an investment. Lest the senator forget that the Curia did not repair itself. Furthermore while the number of men I sent paled in comparison to the great muster, I did not send peasants but professionals. In fact I have been informed that the men I sent held the line where otherwise the Consul's flank would have been overrun. I did not demand repayment for this yet the Consul's both have seen fit to offer it to me. I thank them for their generous offer and hope in turn to once more use the returned wealth in investing in the city. Most of all I hope that the senator will rectify his judgmental tone, which I must say borders on slander.
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[ic=Response to Sismondii]For one that asks of others to rectify their tone, yours isn't perfection, Sismondii. One has to reflect on his thoughts for a while before making judgements. I, myself, did not pass judgement, but merely stated my concern on the way we dealt with this particular matter. And I think I did politely enough.

I'll repeat myself: I agree that it is Calafatus who led the latest expedition to success, and I agree you supplied a very meager portion of the men, and that all this was covered by the mentioned actors. But let me ask of you, if you conquer under the banner of Rome, shouldn't the benefits go to Rome? Then let me say this; If fools attempted to invade our great Republic, would the walls that defend us, in fact, only defend those who have contributed wealth and effort to its repairs and construction? It would be a selfish thought indeed, and unworthy of a Roman.

I wonder where I said that you demanded repayment. I've heard... things about certain people wanting to thank you, in wealth, for your contribution. But I never mentioned that you personally asked for it.

I question your... indirect interrogation as to the fulfillment of our duties as Senatores. It's not as if we sat on our laurels while Great Calafatus was away defending Rome's interests. May I ask how much you contributed to the defense of this city? I contributed most generously to the enactment of the Jus Politia and the judicial system, to the repair and construction of the walls, to the defense. I gained the hearts of the Gregoriopolitans, spread agents throughout Europa to eventually allow Rome a greater spectrum of possible maneuvers, gave Romans jobs, and kept senators morale high with my annual fete. May I ask what you have done? Aside from repairing the building in which we sit in, for which, I remember, I have sent my thanks to you. And aside from supplying a hundred professionals in a thousands strong army. And aside from pushing proud and worthy Romans off their lands for your own good?

There is nothing to rectify here, but the matter in which we will conduct this... "ransom" business. And calling my previous statement a slander, itself borders on slander, as it was perfectly understandable for the Senate to discuss this matter.[/ic]

[ic=Response to Senator Vinti]
I would once again request that the senator respect my position, I have respected his. We are within the Curia taking part in governmental affairs. As such Senator Vinti should remember to address me as a Senator as I do for him regardless of his personal opinion of me. I stand now before the senate and god blameless and let god judge between myself and the Senator here. Yet I have wronged no person while Senator Vinti seems ready to slander my good name and risk the unity of the senate before all peoples.

I should by all rights not give him the honor of a proper response. Yet, as a Christian it is my duty to forgive those who wrong me and this I do here now in hopes of maintaining the unity of the senate and peace in Rome. Forgiveness will be useless though if Senator Vinti wishes to push the matter. No Senator you have not slandered, you have come dangerously close to doing so however and risked the image of the senate as a whole. I have not said that you have slandered, merely that you border it with your inflaming words and decidedly unchristian accusations. Such words do not befit a Christian, even more so a member of the Senatores Consiliarii!

I will respond to your statements though, inflammatory as they are. Where did you say that I had demanded wealth? A direct statement is not required as that was not the point of mine. I know that I am in better straits than many other Romans and thus did not request or require it of the Senate. Yet you have said that I am "filling my coffers" that I am seeking wealth in favor of the benefit of Rome. If anything I have devoted my time to the restoration of Rome. Furthermore I would ask how the Senator dares to claim that I have pushed Roman citizens off their land? Unless the Senator is willing to offer proof that I have done so I demand a retraction of his statement and a formal apology. Such a claim without proof risks the integrity of the Senate and endangers Rome herself. For the sake of Rome I demand the Senator present proof or an apology!
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[ic=Response to Sismondii]My temper got to me, and may have caused me to address you in too casual a manner. I would've expected more from a respected Senatores Consiliarii who's taken part in my fete and showed signs of friendship, alongside my family and dearest friends. I was mistaken, apparently. For this, and this only, I am sorry, and offer my deepest apologies, Senator Sismondii.

Though, I am saddened by your lack of answers to my original inquiry, and subsequent ones. I'm also saddened that one that claims to respect my opinion uses high intonations and brandish the specter of division, slander and inflammatory speech against my person. I find this most troubling, and well, controversial. It seems to me that these words, that are of little worth in the matter I wish to discuss, only serve to dodge a thorough discussion on said matter. The ransoming of prisoners should benefit the Great Republic of Rome, not just a few individuals, and I voiced my opinion on that and will continue to push for an answer until I have an honest one, whatever it is. From there, I will work with all parties to do what's fair, for all.

I wish to remind you, respected Senator Sismondii, that the so called image of the Senate is not one of underdog, but one where peaceful and comprehensive discussion over stately matters takes place. It is my duty to stand up for the Romans, and this is exactly what I did. This should not threaten the unity of the Senate, because all Senators agreed to this when they were appointed.

From what I remember, I stated Great Calafatus's name, and yours, but never directly said that you were going to hoard the riches, but that some within the Senate were discussing about it, even planning to. If you feel personally targeted, maybe it is because such allegations would be true? I surely hope not, for then the unity of the Senate would truly be threatened. And I personally have good standing with you, respected Senator Sismondii, and wish you no harm. In fact, your name and Consul Calafatus are the only ones I've heard in this matter, and wished it was not true, which is why I brought this up here. I wanted to clear your name and that of our Great Calafatus.

As to your asking me for proof, I invite you to my lands north of Rome, where I gave the peasants you ousted from their southern lands a new one, with shelter and work. Perhaps your coming to apologies directly would soften their heart, and they would think of you highly again. But they were frustrated, very frustrated. So I wouldn't recommend so for the time being. Let -me- soften their hearts.

There will be no retraction of any comment, and there will be a push for answers to my questions. What is to happen of the prisoners from the Roman journey? If there is wealth to be had, how will it be distributed?[/ic]

[ic=Response to Venti before the Senate]
Senator the issue as it stands has naught to do with me. I have not made orders that I be paid this wealth. However if it so bothers you then I renounce it before the senate. Let Basile and Calafatus do with it as they will and give it not to me. However I would expect that the Senator will in return retract the baseless accusation that I have driven Roman Citizens from their land. I request proof and you point to peasants driven from land that was not their own. Squatters who did naught while land useful to Rome lie unutilized. I see no Roman Citizens before my door demanding recompense. Rather I see land once again useful to Rome. I have made it useful and from it Rome shall, God willing, bear fruit in time. I seek to strengthen the economy and the local trade. Even now my men travel throughout Italy returning with knowledge of other markets and ways in which Rome might boost her trade. I have done my part to make peace, I request that the Senator do his and retract his accusation. I would have peace between us if Senator Venti is willing.
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[ic=Response to Sismondii at the Senate]I am overjoyed by your decision. It shows that I was right to trust in you, and shall continue in the future, for certain. You have taken the first step in resolving this difficult matter, and I wish to follow up right away. I retract my accusations. I was, perhaps, misguided, and feel deep regrets.

Though I wish to say that maybe they were peasants to you, but for me, they are future citizens of a prosperous Rome. And in this regard I try to give them as much respect and compassion as I would our dear Romans. Only our sworn enemies deserve harsh treatment, is what I think.

It's good to hear that your efforts are focused toward the prosperity of Rome. I have you in high regards for this.

Now, as I have promised, I still wish to follow up with this matter. How does the Senate wish to use the profits made from ransoming prisoners of war? Personally, I think it should go towards the perfecting of our men-at-arms. I wish to hear the thoughts of the other Senators on this matter.[/ic]

[ic=The voice of the Senate]In a rare public debate between the senatores consiliarii before the Greater Council, the issue of the destiny of Rome's plunder grabbed the Senate's interest.  The majority of senators voiced their support for Senator de Vinti, eager to see the spoils of war make their way to the Republic's coffers instead of lingering in the hands of the Consuls.  It was the observation of many that their support was less an expression of faith in Senator de Vinti than a shot at Consul Calafatus, whose victories have strengthened the Republic but given some pause to the upper classes that feel that too much popularity and wealth have become concentrated in his hands.  The Senate applauded Senator Sismondii's decision to forfeit his "share," urging greater self-sacrifice and accountability from the lesser council.[/ic]

[ooc=Extended Update]Certain player actions have instigated some inter-update events that need to be handled before the update can be completed, let alone posted.  I will be sending out several PMs tonight.[/ooc]