The Campaign Builder's Guild

[ic=Sede Vacante]"The Pope is dead!"

Rome's new consuls had hardly begun their terms when an extraordinary rumor began spreading through the city.  Gossip travels as fast as the wind in Rome, and there is always plenty of it – much of it completely false.  This rumor, however, was unusually resilient, and it grew only more certain as the morning went on.  A Roman merchant who had been appealing an inheritance case before the Curia in Anagni had ridden all day and night to bring the news to a senatorial friend of his, who had only begun his breakfast.  Another petitioner arrived at his home in S. Angeli in Foro Piscium not long thereafter, shouting it out in the local market.  Two monks arriving at the Basilica of St. Mary Maggiore around the same time discussed it, and another monk who overheard them brought the news to the steps of Santa Maria della Rotonda.  By this time, senators were already gathering at the Curia Julia, convinced that something was afoot.  The best confirmation came there no more than two hours before noon, when a lay brother of the Templar Priory of Rome arrived with a message from Brother-Master Gerardo di Meda.  One of his chaplains had recently arrived from Anagni bearing the news that the Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Christ, Servant of the Servants of God, His Holiness Adrian IV was dead.

Details were sparse at the moment; evidently the Pope had suddenly taken ill a few weeks previously, and even the best physicians at the Curia were unable to help him.  It is rumored that before his death he made some form of alliance with the Milanese, or the Cremaschi, or the Sicilians, or some combination of these, but the lay brother sent by di Meda confirmed only that a deputation had been sent south to Sicily.  Further rumors that he had planned to excommunicate the emperor, or done so already in secret, or had actually come to terms with the emperor, likewise could not be verified.

An emergency session of the Senate was called at once, though by that time a good number of the senators were already present, and discussion was already well under way before a quorum was reached.  There was an initial flood of speculation – would the prefect's return be delayed, or a new prefect assigned?  What stance would the new Pope take on Arnold, and the Emperor, and the Senate of Rome itself?

Very soon, however, debate turned to something of more immediate concern – the body.

It has long been traditional for the Pope to be buried in Rome.  The tombs of the Popes are sources of great pride to all Romans.  Even though the relations between the Senate and the late Pope were less than perfect, "Adriano" was still the Vicar of Christ, something that even the most dyed-in-the-wool Arnoldists in the Senate acknowledge and claim to respect even if they decried the "worldliness" of his Curia.  But the tomb of a pope is not just a matter of pride – the very same tombs are visited by thousands of pilgrims every year, and form a crucial part of the panoply of relics and monuments that attract pilgrims from as far away as Iceland.  In a very real sense, the tombs of the popes are an integral part of the city's economy.

Thus it was with cries of dismay and anger that the senate responded to the news, brought to them by the senator whose breakfast had been interrupted by his tirelessly riding friend, that Adrian might never be in Rome again.  He claimed that his friend had heard from a reliable source that the Curia, feeling uneasy about the prospect of a return to Rome at the present moment, was planning to bury the Pope in Anagni.

Evidently he was not the only one to have heard this story.  Within the hour there was already a crowd beginning to gather in the Forum - a remarkably fast assembly even by Roman standards.  Chanting and shaking their fists, their demands that Adrian must rest in Rome can be heard quite audibly inside the senate's chamber.  Though not dangerous – yet – everyone knows that Roman "demonstrations" can become violent mobs with astonishing speed.  With only a handful of various senatorial masnada on site, the Senate is feeling somewhat exposed.

There is another side of the matter to consider.  If the Pope is to be buried in Rome, then the Curia – or at least much of it – must be in Rome as well, and it is that Curia which in a mere matter of days must complete their solemn duty to elect a new Pope.  Since the establishment of the Commune this has typically transpired elsewhere, without any influence by the Romans, and an election in Anagni would be no different.  But if the College of Cardinals were in Rome, to make their choice in Rome, then perhaps that choice could be influenced.  With the "Roman Mob" close at hand, the cardinals might think twice about electing a candidate unfavorable to the people and their senate.

Of course there are skeptics who fear that the situation in Rome right now is simply too delicate for a Papal funeral, let alone an election; the food crisis still faces the city and the populous is clearly on edge.  Most, however, point to the funeral of Pope Eugene III two years ago, which had a salutary effect upon both the city and relations between the Curia and the Senate.

Among the large majority who want the funeral held in Rome, there are a number of different opinions as to how this might be achieved.  Some have advocated sending a message to Anagni at once, saying that only a humble, earnest appeal will convince the cardinals that Rome does not threaten them.  Others say that a high-level delegation is necessary; lords and consuls might be listened to where a mere messenger is turned away.  Many, however, insist that the Curia has no reason to bow to any requests the Senate might make, no matter who is dispatched, and claim that stronger measures are needed.  Some go so far as to say the militia should march on Anagni at once to demonstrate before the walls and show unmistakably the will of Rome in this matter; others do not go so far as this, but believe a "delegation in force," large enough to at least cause concern, would make an impression upon the cardinals without seeming like a threat of war.  What exactly constitutes a "high level" delegate or a "delegation in force" is still a subject of debate.

Whatever is done must be done quickly; the Curia will no doubt wish to complete the succession as quickly as possible to avoid the uncertainty of a long interregnum, and the last Pope must be seen away before the new one can be elected.  If previous successions are any guide, the Pope is likely to be buried and his successor elected in no more than two or three days.  There is no time for a back-and-forth exchange of letters with the Curia, nor is the Senate likely to get a second chance if their first action is unsuccessful in attaining their end.[/ic]

This event is intended chiefly for senate discussion of the issue(s) at hand and corresponding OOC orders, but any IC statements/letters and OOC orders which can be accomplished within the time frame are acceptable.

[ooc=Due Date]All speeches, letters, orders etc. for Event 1 must be submitted by the end of the day on Friday, May 30th.  Please let me know if you need additional time.[/ooc]

[ic=Privately to Consul de Morroccho]Consul, perhaps in one stroke you could calm the people's fervor and prove your office is not without authority. For my part, I will summon my palatinii here.[/ic]

[ic=Privately to Vittorio Manzinni and Roberto Basile]I am summoning my palatinii here immediately. It would be helpful to have extra arms at our disposal, should the situation outside become impossible to contain by words.[/ic]

[ooc=Orders for the first Event]Send a message to my palatinii that they should stand ready to assist me and the senators should I send for them. They must not assume a threatening position where the crowd amassed in front of the Senate can see them, but rather stand at the ready for further instructions.

Be present at the consuls side when they speak to the people.

Accompany Consul Basile to Anagni. My purpose is to only be seen, and I shall adopt anything Basile says as my own view and policy to make sure there is no conflict or contradiction in our stance towards this whole matter. Basically, he leads, I shut up and follow.
Two of my most loyal masnadas shall accompany me to Anagni, thus what's remaining of the armed forces under my control will remain in Rome.

I shall make my palatinii available to Signore de Morroccho.[/ooc]

[ic=Response to DeVinti]
I appreciate your concern for the safety of this august body and for your welcome warning. For what my opinion is worth to you, which I fear is not worth the exercise to my vocal chords it requires, but which I feel obligated to respond since the matter concerns us all, it seems that responding with too strong a force will only cause the mob to react violently. And, if we are to support Adrian being buried here, there will be no need for violence at all.
[/ic]

[ic=To Consul de Morroccho]
Senator DeVinti has expressed great concern regarding the mob outside. I however, have little concern, unless, however, we release news to the mob that say, no decision is made on the burial of the late Pope, or that our decision is contrary to its desires. An overreaction of defense if the Senate's decision is different, would seem to have opposite the desired effect of ensuring the peace. In fact, if our Senate supports the mob's opinion that the Papal remains should be interred within Rome, we could use their wrath to positive effect. At worst, when it is dark, the crowd will feel rumblings in their stomach and they will disperse, and then, with discreet aid of our masnadae, we can depart.
[/ic]

[ic=To Senator Basile and Senator Sissmondi]
I fear Senator DeVinti is acting rashly and overreacting, which leads me to question why this body wishes to seat him as Commander of the Palatini. Unless we release news to the mob that say, no decision is made on the burial of the late Pope, or that our decision is contrary to its desires, I suspect that we are quite safe and adding forces to slay or deter the people would only risk turning them against us in greater numbers. In fact, this mob could be great supporters of us if we decide that the Pope's remains should be in Rome. At worst, when it is dark, the crowd will feel rumblings in their stomach and they will disperse, and then, with discreet aid of our masnadae, we can depart..[/ic]

[ic=A Reply to Manzinni's Response]Surely about a hundred and a half men isn't too strong a force. But enough to keep us alive should the mob decide it has had enough with the waiting.

For my part, I'm not going to waste time here listening to your fantasies when the lives of senators are at risk.[/ic]

[ic=From Barzalomeus de Morroccho, to the assembled Senators]
I share the people's desire to see the late Pope buried in the city and will not stand to be insulted by the College of Cardinals in this way, should they refuse to return the body. If we are all in agreement, then my first act as Consul of the Interior shall be to address the crowd and inform them that we stand in agreement with them, and that we will take every measure necessary to see that the Holy Father's body is returned.[/ic]

[ic=Before the Senate]Senators!

I thank God each day for the blessings He has bestowed upon Rome and upon my family. I thank Him for the good health of my grandson, and I thank Him for my post as Consul of the Eternal City. But so too do I thank God for the tests He places upon us, that we might prove ourselves good and able Christians in His eyes. God's servant upon earth - His Holiness Adrian IV - has departed our company. It is our test that we should hold no grudge, and that we should forgive those who may have wronged us.

I have listened, and I have considered. His Holiness must find a place of rest in Rome. Our Senate has seen his predecessors the Blessed Eugene III and the Holy Anastasius IV laid down to sleep in Rome, and in times just as trying as these. It is my duty as Consul that I should strive that the same be done now. I shall depart this very day, and I shall go before the Curia in Anagni, and I shall assure the Curia of the Faith of our Senate - that in this time we should put aside whatever quarrels there might be between us, until the Holy Father should be interred in his rightful place. I will call upon some among the equites of Rome, that they should ride in company with me so that the Curia should be made aware of our resolve, but I shall not authorize the use of the militia in this regard. There is a fine line that must here be walked, and humble words shall serve better than all the gathered spears of Rome.

If Consul de Morroccho should indeed find himself in agreement with this course of action, then I will propose to him that we go before the popolo together to soothe their agitation, and to let them know that we all stand united in cause as Romans.[/ic]

[ic=To Senator Manzinni]I find myself in some agreement with you, Senator, and I shall have a word with Senator de Vinti.[/ic]

[ic=To Senator de Vinti]I applaud your dedication to the safety of this body, Senator, but I do not think it necessary to bring the force of arms between ourselves and the people. This may indeed inflame them, and cause them to think that we oppose their feeling - when in fact the opposite is true! I would ask you as Consul - nay, as a Roman - to stay the swords at your command. I shall go before the popolo on my departure, and I shall let them know that their Senate shares their concerns, and that I shall see them put to rest.[/ic]

Edit: Added an extra line to senate address upon reading Superbright's post.

[ic=A Reply to Basile's Response]Now that the consuls have made their intentions known, my men will stay out of sight of the Senate. I shall have them at the ready nonetheless, as a precaution.

For obvious reasons, my presence at Anagni (It's there you're heading, right?) could serve our cause well. I shall depart with you.[/ic]

[ic=In the Council]I think, for obvious reasons, I shall recuse myself from any conversation regarding diplomacy and defer to the wisdom of our consuls.[/ic]

[ic=An Aside to Hugo de Vinti]I would be pleased for your company, Senator, and I am sure the attendance of one among the consiliarii should add weight to the import of our mission. However, I feel I must clarify that it is I who will be representing the Senate of Rome, and it would not do for our message to be made dilute in coming from too many mouths. As Consul I must speak to the Curia alone in my person, and I must do so clearly and without reservation.[/ic]

[ooc=Orders for Sede Vacante] - Once the matter has resolved before the Senate, Basile shall in company with Consul de Morroccho speak before the gathered popolo outside the Curia Julia, and seek to mollify their anger. He shall inform them that as Rome's Consul he shall proceed at once and with haste to Anagni, that he might speak before the gathered Cardinals and ensure that His Holiness shall be buried in the Eternal City, as is right and good.

- Basile shall call for volunteers from the equites to accompany him to Anagni, stressing the importance of presenting a strong and united front, as well as Rome's resolve. A company of armed and armoured cavalrymen should display to the Curia the seriousness of Rome's message. With these equites gathered, Basile shall set out immediately for Anagni, hoping to arrive as soon as is possible, while maintaining a dignified demeanor. He shall allow up to 40 equites to accompany him on this mission, as well as Senator Hugo de Vinti and a small retinue if the Senator should choose to bring one. Basile shall bring a half-dozen of his own masnada, increasing their number to ten if fewer than twenty-five equites should accompany him, and to fifteen if it should be fewer than twenty.

- Basile shall allow for the presence of Cencio Pierleone and his escort, an additional representative of Rome's nobility, the Imperial Legate, and Senator Sismondii, should any of them likewise desire to travel to Anagni as Basile makes Rome's case for the proper interment of Adrian IV.[/ooc]

[ic=On the Senate Floor]The senate generally approves of Consul Basile's proposed delegation, though there are still a few that grumble taking any sizable armed party is foolish, and significantly more who believe a mere company of equites will simply be ignored as posing no danger to Anagni or the Curia.

Perhaps more significantly for Basile's plan to use the equites, however, most of the senatorial nobles have demanded that some nobleman should share equal billing as a delegate to the Curia with Basile (or any other non-noble that travels with him).  They point out that as the Curia is largely composed of well-born men, as well as being served and advised by many of the prominent noble families of Latium, it would be only prudent to demonstrate that the desire of Rome to receive Adrian's body is shared equally by its noble houses acting of their own accord.

Left implied is that the noble equites may refuse to volunteer for Basile's escort corps if such representation is not arranged, potentially leaving the entire delegation without any noble presence at all, a fact that would surely not be missed by observers at Anagni.

Some have proposed that, as the sole noble member of the Lesser Council, Consul de Morroccho should receieve this duty, but others have pointed out that as Consul of the Interior it is the signore's duty to remain in Rome during this time of tension.  The senatorial nobles themselves tend to agree.[/ic]

[ic=A Message Sent to Giordano and Cencio Pierleone]Signores,

No doubt you have heard of the news from Anagni. The Senate continues in session, but it has been agreed that a mission shall be dispatched today. We cannot allow that His Holiness should be buried at Anagni, for such a departure from tradition would bode ill for our city, and it would likewise anger the popolo who even now clamor outside the Senate doors. Should the Curia agree to our entreaty like as not the election would take place in the Eternal City. Though this could easily incite violence, it would simply through its very circumstance force the Curia to consider our position, and perhaps to elect a candidate who we should find more agreeable.

Regardless, the mission must go forward. As the greatest noble family of purpose with the Senate and the Commune I ask as both a friend of your house and as Consul if Signore Cencio would deign to accompany me to Anagni, to speak for Rome's nobles, and to make clear the unity of our position.

Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ooc=Orders for Event 1]
-Join the Consuls and the other Senators in going before the people for the announcement regarding the burial of the pope.[/ooc]

[ic=In the Senate After Basile]
(As senators mutter assent or disagreement, Manzinni shouts his assent to Basile's plan.) Accord; Accord.[/ic]

TMG-Good idea to reach out to Pierleone. It might not pan out, but good thinking of the possibility!

[ic=Approval Of What Transpires In The Senate]Senator De Vinti nods in approval to the consuls.[/ic]

[ic=Before the Senate]
I have kept largely quiet on this matter as I trust as ever the wisdom of this august body. Having deigned to wait on the senate I see the wisdom of their concerns. Indeed the Pope should be brought to rest in Rome. This is not a matter of petty squabbles such as disrupt Rome from time to time but a noble and honorable cause that should rise above worldly matters. The Pope, regardless of any issues anyone has taken with his decisions is still archbishop of Rome and thus to be honored appropriately. If this delegation will have me I will travel with Consul Basile. As the vicarial representative of Rome's interests in Antium I hold a title that the Curia recognizes and therefore might be able to add some weight to the delegation.
[/ic]

[ic=A Message to Consul Basile]Consul,

I am flattered that you would think my nephew fit for this task, but I must point out that he is little known to Roman high society.  While his former position may give him some advantages with the Church, I am quite uncertain that he will credibly be able to "speak for Rome's nobles," who had not even been introduced to him before the spring of this year.  Nevertheless I will not refuse you his presence, provided I am permitted to send a number of my own men with him.

Patrician Giordano Pierleoni[/ic]

[ic=A Message to the Lesser Council]Honorable Senators,

Although there were disagreements between His August Majesty and the late Holy Father, we honor his courage and wisdom and shall convey our utmost respect for him, his office, and his chosen successor.  We fully support the Romans in their effort to have His Holiness rightfully interred in Roman soil, and I wish to make myself, the Imperial Marshal, and the resources of our delegation available to the Senate in whatever capacity they may be needed.

Heribertus, Provost of Acqui, Imperial Legate[/ic]

[ic=A Message to the Lesser Council]I expect the Senate will not want me in Rome should they successfully bring the Curia there, and I will oblige them.  I will note, however, that my horsemen are willing to serve, and they need not fly my colors.

Signore Niccolo Capocci[/ic]