The Campaign Builder's Guild

[ic=Before the Senate]I find myself in agreement with Consul De Morroccho. We ourselves stood just there outside this very hall and assured the Romans that His Holiness would return to Rome. It would be dishonest to deprive them of his procession. Recall, Senators, that of His Holiness Eugenius, which was not so very long ago. I had similar thought to Senator Borsarius - that we should seek to evade Roman passions. But the ardour of the popolo could not then be denied, and the procession was indeed accosted - because it had avoided the heart of the city!

Likewise, I have grave reservations as concerns the enormous body of chivalry assembled at Grottaferrata. Do not doubt, Senators, that Oddone Frangipani has called up his knights thinking to cow us with a display of force. But the city's gates are yet ours, and we need not bow before the whims of this host. It would be unthinkable to allow eight-hundred knights the run of our city! The Consul's suggestion possesses merit, but I think other method should be our first attempt. I shall write to the Curia and inform them that while I would not have the procession of His Holiness divested of its rightful honours, so too can I not abide that such a host - one without precedent in recent memory - should march upon the streets of Rome. I will therefor propose to them that no more than a quarter of their knights should be admitted, and that this should indeed satisfy them, being four times the number who saw to the processions of Blessed Eugenius and Blessed Anastasius. We shall call up the militia, and we shall call up our own retinues, and it shall be the Senate that ensures security and good order in Rome![/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Ottaviano dei Crescenzi]Your Eminence,

Know that I am grateful - and the Senate is grateful - for the hospitality you showed our delegation at Anagni. The Romans are filled with joy that His Holiness should return to the Eternal City. The safety of the procession and the order of the city shall be assured, and we will brook no disruption to this solemn and holy event. The Senate, however, possesses concerns regarding the great body of knighthood now assembled at Grottaferrata. Certainly His Holiness is worthy of the honour of chivalrous escort, but such a number is indeed without recent precedent. Is Pope Adrian more worthy or revered than his predecessors? Surely it would insult their memory - and indeed their humility! - should eight-hundred knights under arms serve as retinue to their successor. Indeed, I am particularly concerned by the display that has been arranged by Signore Frangipani, as he alone has assembled a host equaling that arranged by the remainder of Latium's nobility combined.

The Senate must respectfully request that the Curia limit the number of knights in the Papal procession to no more than two-hundred less one - a number four times greater than that received by His Holiness Eugenius III, I will note - and that only the most honourable and worthy of these men should be selected. The Senate intends no insult by this request, but merely to convey its concern. The security of the procession shall be ensured, and I suspect that the Patrician's men and the Roman militia together should be more than sufficient.

With the Utmost Respect,

Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Niccolo Capocci]Signore,

If it is among your desires I would not deny you one last farewell to His Holiness - though perhaps this is not foremost among your concerns, Adriano having been no great friend, if I should correctly recall. The city is not barred to you, for you are an eques of Rome, and your company is always welcome. If it stands, I will accept the offer of your men, so long as they should bear the Senate's colours. The Senate is gravely concerned by the army - for there is no other word for it - assembled outside our walls, and that done largely by the machinations of Oddone Frangipani. We have need of every horseman that can be mustered in Rome, to show Latium and the Curia that we shall not so easily be cowed.

Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=Before the Senate]I find myself in agreement with the esteemed Consul Basile regarding first proffering a request for fewer soldiers to accompany the pope as an honor guard. I would even suggest a lesser number, such as 100- double that of the previous Pope-if 50 was acceptable then, 100 foreign troops would be even more acceptable now. I think this far more likely to be an agreement that will be acceded to than the one Consul de Morocchoi suggests, which is an admirable proposition, but perhaps not one that will bear out in success against harsh realities of soldierly pride.

I would also suggest that our Equites ride close and amongst the honor guard of the Pope, to show strength of Rome and to demonstrate how Rome and the Pope's other followers, the knights, are in a partnership.[/ic]

[ic=Before the Lesser Consul]I then ask the inner council a serious question. Let us pray that this does not happen, but should the popolo take to throwing stones against these foreign Knights, what would you have us do? Disperse the crowd with bloodshed if necessary to avoid greater loss of life? But when the Knights retaliate, then what would you have us do? If the situation rises to that level, we would need be prepared to confront a crowd incensed by the killing-though perhaps dispersed... and more disturbingly, their brothers outside the gates, who might struggle to come within to rescue their allies. It would seem we would need to be prepared for this situation, if not to have an agreement and an understanding amongst the Knights to know what their policy is, should a stone fall upon their shoulders and their pride. It costs us nothing to have a plan of action, even though it may not be affected, even though it may not be implemented-- it is far better to be prepared for a contingency to the extent that a potential disaster could be prevented.

Could the knights be flanked and accompanied by good, loyal Roman equites? So that the people see the foreign Knights riding alongside Romans?

Perhaps, of course, the fear is misplaced. No bloodshed happened at the past funerals. But at past funerals, Papal forces did not have 800 soldiers camped outside Rome, available to assault at any excuse. I would volunteer a portion of my Palatini to shore up the walls, and I would suggest that any crossbowmen accompany them likewise. Would it also be appropriate to call up some of the militia as a show of force on the walls? Not all are needed in the crowds.[/ic]

[ooc]
30 Palatini on walls with 2d son Ricardo, along with any other defenders who are dispatched there by the other consuls.
5 at Foundry
10 at home
1/4th Masnada at home
3/4th Masnada and 5 Palatini at procession with Manzinni and 1st Son Leonardo

Accompany the procession all the way; would like to participate in the door-closing ceremony. Manzinni plans to bring up the rear of the procession actually- which is not a great position due to all the animal waste, but he announces to the churches and his friends that he seeks to take up the humblest position, being at the rear of Rome's guard much as he was at the rear of Rome, protecting its vitals when it was assaulted last year and to symbolically demonstrate that the new consul takes the first position, but Rome ends with Manzinni. He also hopes to demonstrate the dictum of Jesus that "the last shall be first", to varying degrees of success.

More proximately, he figures that if he's at the end of the line, he can melt away if necessary, or take a different path, or flank unruly soldiers if necessary. M does not intend to take unnecessary risks. His son Leonardo is slightly more risk-willing. Rolando, who is on the wall, is a daredevil who accompanied Calafatus to Rieti and who rode in the crusade while very young.

Other family- at his estate. I have a family tree but it's on a different computer...

[/ooc]

[ic=Cencio Pierleoni addresses the Senate]Good Senators, the Papal Chancellor, Cardinal Rolando Bandinelli, has asked that I act as intermediary between the Curia and the Senate of the Romans.  While I also represent the interests of my uncle, the Patrician, I swear by the Lord above, just and merciful, that I shall faithfully and truly perform the duty which has been asked of me, and in good faith relay the words of the Curia and their representatives to you just as I will relay your words to them.

The Curia has chosen the Prefect of Rome, Antonio Demetri della Suburra, as the marshal of the Latin chivalry that is to be part of the procession, which shall be drawn from all loyal houses present.  He is to command this force and ride at its head under the banners of Rome and his house.  As to the number of his force, he has insisted that it would be a grave insult to keep the nobles of Latium and their vassals from the city, as though they were common thieves and not the loyal and well-born servants of the late Pope Adrian.

If it is your wish that the "honor guard" be limited, or that they be unarmed, then I will take that message to the Prefect, as you desire.[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Roberto Basile]I am honored to be able to come to the assistance of my native city.  If it is God's will that I am blessed with the greatest and most sublime of honors, the Chair of Saint Peter, I assure you that I shall remember well the obligation of each Vicar of Christ to urbs et orbis, Rome and the World.  Though the Holy Church is universal it must always revere Saint Peter's city as foremost among cities.

I share many of your concerns.  Unfortunately, I cannot address them officially – the Papal Chancellor, Rolando Bandinelli, speaks for the Curia in matters of state during a time of sede vacante, when the Papal Throne is empty.  He has chosen the Prefect to represent the Curia, and the matter of the knights is not within my power to address.

Oddone has done much to raise the specter of "Roman influence" among the cardinals, and it took all the effort I could muster to convince them that to bury the Pope in Anagni would be a cowardly act; furthermore, there are those in the Curia who wished to immediately acclaim Rolando as Adrian's successor, and it suited their purposes to be far from Rome and safe under the protection of Oddone and Trasimund.  There are those of us, however, who understand that the Frangipani pose a greater threat to our independence, and even some Cardinals of Rolando's party are not keen to hold a conclave surrounded by Oddone's knights.  In any case even Antonio cannot think that such a force would be admitted into Pierleoni's stronghold.

It is likely that Oddone will offer some compromise that makes him seem magnanimous but secretly maintains his control and preserves his power.  You must be on your guard – Oddone's father arrested Pope Gelasius II, his grandfather imprisoned Pope Gregory VII, and I do not think it is foolish to wonder if the son will follow in the steps of his forefathers.

Ottaviano dei Crescenzi Ottaviani di Monticelli, Cardinal-Priest of Santa Cecilia[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Roberto Basile]I accept.  You have the right of it, regarding Adrian and I; but Adrian is dead, he shall have a successor, and it will do me no harm to give proper respect to the dead under the eyes of he who will ultimately take Adrian's place.

Every man who follows my word, can ride a horse, and can hold a sword shall be at your gates before the sun sets today.

Signore Niccolo Capocci[/ic]

[ic=Before the Senate]Certainly it wasn't necessary for the Frangipani to raise an army only to attend the peaceful ceremony that is about to take place. This August body wishes to assure the security of its citizens and guests alike, to preserve its long-lasting traditions and cooperate with its allies. Should unnecessary and exaggerated measures be taken by a party, no doubt the other will have to take such measures as well. The Senate is being more than fair in its suggestions, but it seems the Prefect would rather remind the popolo of the past abuses of his office.

It's not unacceptable to have all these men attend the procession, but it is for them to wield arms as they enter the Eternal City in quasi-military formation. The atmosphere will be joyous if the Curia doesn't seem threatening, because the Romans really wish to see the Holy Father one last time. Then, when his body is interred in the Basilica of Saint Peter, they will go home and rest, pleased that this sacred tradition was respected.

But if all the nobles and their vassals penetrate the city, swords and shields at their sides, the crowd will become suspicious and will act preemptively, possibly leading to situations we'd rather not discuss, even less imagine.

The Curia, like the Romans, must enjoy this moment for what it is; the celebration of the late Pope, the traditions of the Holy Church and the Lord Almighty.[/ic]

[ic=At the Lesser Council]There is a question to be asked; do the Romans have a reason to act dishonourably after getting what they wished for? I believe the answer to this question is no. I also believe that the popolo will conduct themselves in respectable fashion during the procession. Obviously, there will be elements within the crowd who would be more than pleased to throw stones, even should they lack a reason, but, even with the people hungry as they are, tomorrow their minds will be on their duties to respect and preserve the old traditions of the Eternal City, their city.
These chaotic elements beforementioned will be shutdown by the crowd, and if not, they will probably be so scattered and reduced that dealing with them will be an easy task. In the end, if a Roman acts unlawfully, he shall face the courts. That is, if his fellows didn't beat him to death beforehand.

Being of that opinion, however, does not mean I do not share a portion of your concern. As such, I agree that we should arrange for some tactics to be used to prevent chaos and a possible disaster. Signore de Morroccho has suggested that we send a number of masnada into the crowd to subdue any troublemakers. I agree, but we should expand on their purpose and have them spread words and arouse the crowd for causes that would benefit us. Things like "The Senate has answered the will of the people!", "The Senate loves the People!", or "We love our senators!", "We love our consuls!", or "Our friend Cardinal Octavian is to become the Holy Father!", or "Our hunger will be a thing of the past, thanks to Cardinal Octavian!", serving to put pressure on the Cardinals to elect Ottaviano dei Crescenzi Ottaviani di Monticelli as the new Holy Father and paintaing the Senate in the most glorious colours.

Following that would be the crowd control effected by the senatorial palatinii. As I look back into the years, they have always been highly effective, and shall no doubt, if the need arises, prove once again that they live up to their reputation.

Then, if we all agree that this is a serious matter and that the aforementioned tactic could be of some use, I propose to make the arrangements necessary to see our cause succeed.[/ic]

[ic=On the Senate Floor]The Senate is largely in tune with the consiliarii on the matter of the funeral procession; opposition to nearly 800 armed horsemen being allowed into Rome, many in the service of the Frangipani, the Prefect, and even the Tusculani, is unanimous.  Agreement that the procession should go through the Campus Martius rather than Trastevere is, while not unanimous, certainly widespread, with the arguments of the consiliarii carrying great weight.  The senate seems willing to defer to their leaders on the technicalities of handling the noble presence, so long as some solution is found that safeguards the security and liberty of Rome.

In huddles inside and outside the Curia Julia, speculation on the likely candidates continues.  Octavian continues to be the favorite of many senators, though a few have expressed sympathy or support for Rolando – those leery of imperial power note that a united church and empire could decrease the liberty of the Romans, not increase it, while some middle-class senators are concerned that a Latin nobleman of any kind will be interested more in the aggrandizement of his own family than anything else.  Still, given the patriotism of the Romans, the general pro-imperial feeling of the Senate, and the assumption that Octavian is likely to be anti-Tusculani, forceful arguments against the "native son" are hard to come by.

There may also be a third candidate.  A rumor has begun spreading that Adrian himself picked a successor before his death.  While some claim this to be Rolando, others say it was Bernardo, the Cardinal-Bishop of Porto e San Rufina and Archpriest of the Vatican Basilica.  Bernardo is a native of Lucca and served as an envoy to Emperor Friedrich on several occasions; he is believed to be of the "Sicilian" party like Rolando and thus opposed to the emperor, but as he has been less visible than the Chancellor Rolando the depth of this opposition is unclear.

There is also discussion, after Senator de Vinti's comments, as to what the "true nature" of the Frangipani force is.  All agree that no sane man could expect hundreds of Oddone Frangipani's horsemen to enter Pierleoni's walls, but it was pointed out that the Frangipani arrived at Grottaferrata from the east, not from Anagni, and may not have been aware of the selection of Saint Peter's Basilica as the venue until their arrival or shortly before.  One noble senator suggested that, if he were Oddone, he too would have gathered a strong force after hearing that the Romans were marching around Latium with at least 50 mailed horsemen, but most dismiss this – there must be some nefarious purpose at work.[/ic]

[ic=An Address Before the Senate to Cencio Pierleone]Signore, it is indeed our position that the Prefect must place limit on his expectations. He speaks of insult to the knights of Latium, but what of insult to the predecessors of His Holiness? Was Adrian more worthy than either Eugene or Anastasius? It would be a mark against their piety and humility, and indeed that of the Holy Church, should the honour guard of their successor eclipse their own sixteen times over! I shall propose then a middle ground between my initial suggestion and that of Senator Manzinni. Inform the Prefect that he shall limit his guard to no more than one hundred and fifty knights. If he is unsatisfied, inform him that the Roman equites should be more then willing to lend their assistance. There shall be no risk to the security of the event, unless the Prefect should himself antagonize the popolo with a veritable army in the streets of Rome![/ic]

[ic=In the Inner Council]
I find myself in agreement with the concept of spreading words to arouse the crowd for causes of peace. At this moment, I express no comment on the precise ones that Senator DeVinti suggests other than we should strive to avoid any inflammatory comments, especially a comment on hunger-for that has just as good a likelihood to backfire when people hear only part of the acclamation as it does to be helpful. Still, I do nod to the idea as a good proposition if executed properly, with proper words that would have calming effect.[/ic]
[/ic]

[ic=At the Lesser Council]They were merely suggestions, but you are right in that some of them do have the potential to hinder our cause. However, I would stress that the popolo is one of our greatest tool to apply pressure on the Curia and that they will have no effect if they are completely pacified. I do not mean to infuriate their spirits, but merely to have them support our allies and praise the Senate.

Would you care to share your thoughts as to how to construct our propaganda?[/ic]

[ic=Cencio Pierleoni addresses the Senate]I have expressed the concerns and arguments of the Senate to Prefect Antonio.  He replied that, in reference to the previous burials of Eugene and Anastasius, both of those holy men were brought to Rome when the Senate and the Curia were, if not at war, at least in open breach; it was then understandable that the nobles loyal to His Holiness would bring few men into the city.  Since then, the Senate and the Curia have signed a treaty, and there is no cause to believe that the noblemen loyal to the Curia which is now at peace with the Senate pose any threat to the city.

The Prefect has, however, informed me that Signore Oddone Frangipani has offered to withhold all his own vassals and soldiery from the procession and have them remain at Grottaferrata for its duration, having said that he will humbly forgo the honor of proceeding with his knights and retainers if it is truly a stumbling block to peace and accord.  I believe that this reduces the total complement to just under 500 men.

Cardinal Breakspeare was also present at our discussion; as the Papal camerarius, he has ultimate responsibility for the property and regalia of the Holy Roman Church even during a period of sede vacante.  He has stated that, for the purposes of security, the Papal soldiers in attendance will take control of the Tower of Saint Peter - known locally as the munitio - a fortified tower within the Leonine City that stands adjacent to the Basilica.  Although my uncle controls the Leonine City he has never disputed that this tower, being appended to the Basilica, is the property of the Church.  The Patrician will retain control over the Castle of St. Angelo and the Leonine Walls, but believes he has no basis to refuse Cardinal Breakspeare's request for this tower unless the Senate should order him to refuse it.[/ic]

[ic=To Cencio Pierleone Before the Senate]Signore Cencio, you carry the duty placed upon you well, and you must know it is not our desire to increase its burden. Nevertheless, the Senate cannot acquiesce to this demand as it stands made by the Prefect. Let us not pretend that his office is replete with a history of good friendship towards our city and our institution. That he should desire such a company in Rome displays to us a profound level of distrust and apprehension towards the Commune, and this in turn has aroused our own apprehension.

Inform the Prefect that if he should insist, the Senate shall be willing to assuage his conscience by allowing my initial proposed number of two-hundred knights within the city. If he should yet desire his full half-thousand, then inform him that they must travel without their armour and their panoply of war - though they may maintain their swords. The Senate desires only that the funeral of His Holiness should occur without disruption or impasse, and we regret that it seems one may yet occur unless the Prefect should moderate his expectation.[/ic]

[ic=Cencio Pierleoni addresses the Senate]Cardinal Breakspeare expressed his frustration that, is as he puts it, "beggars cannot choose;" having demanded that the funeral be moved to Rome, he thinks it is shameful for the Romans to then refuse to hold the funeral unless further demands are met.  Nevertheless, Prefect Antonio informed me that would consider the proposal of 200 men, but asked if the Senate would not allow the remainder to accompany the procession at least part of the way - with only their swords, as the consul wishes.  Perhaps, he said, they could turn back at the bridge across the Tiber, so they may have the honor of being in the procession through Rome but need not put the Patrician or the Senate at ill ease by having so many men enter the Leonine city.

He added that the Romans would be allowed to take a hundred of their own men, fully armed as they like, through to the Leonine City - there to join any of my uncle's men already present - and that any other riders or footmen provided by the Senate would likewise not cross the river and escort the remaining noblemen and other riders out of the city by whatever route is most expedient for the Senate.

Finally, I was approached by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Imar, who offered to honor the senators by allowing some from among their number to close the doors of the Basilica when the conclave begins.[/ic]

[ooc=Delay]I encourage all players to submit orders regarding where they (and any men they have) are going to be during the procession, funeral, and conclave, but obviously that's difficult to know when there's been no agreement with the Prefect.  As we are swiftly approaching the deadline and haven't yet ironed out the procession agreement, I'm going to extend the deadline to Monday, June 9th. [/ooc]

From Grottaferrata, would the Papal procession usually enter via the Porta Asinaria?

[ic=Before the Senate]The Senate thanks you for your efforts, Signore. Know that you have acquitted yourself well in the name of your house and in the name of Rome, and done good service for the peace of the Eternal City. As proposed by the Prefect and the Curia this arrangement seems of a solid and agreeable nature, and I will place myself in favour of it. Certainly the greatest sign of fairness is when both parties are not entirely pleased! If the Senate would not oppose it, let us accept these terms and put His Holiness to rest. Inform the Prefect and the Curia of our gratitude that they have taken our wishes into account, and please convey to Cardinal Imar my personal gratitude that he would grant our Senate such an honour.[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Giordano Pierleone]Patrician,

I am sure your nephew has kept you well informed of the progress of negotiation, and the Senate is inclined to accept the latest proposed agreement. The Curia has noted its willingness to allow one-hundred Romans to ride in procession into the Leonine City, and I would be remiss in my capacity as Consul if I did not likewise seek your own assent on this matter. It is the Senate's hope that the procession, funeral and election should now proceed smoothly, and we shall turn out the militia to keep the popolo in line. Though the Senate might hesitate to convey the sentiment, we are grateful for your patriotism and all that you have done in the name of Rome.

Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ooc=Orders for Quo Vadit?]- Basile shall do all that he can to ensure the events proceed smoothly, and as little offence is rendered as possible to any involved party. He shall strive to uphold the agreement as reached between the Curia and the Senate. Basile shall meet the procession at the Porta Asinaria wearing the splendid paludamentum, greeting the Curia and the nobility with courtesy, and welcoming them to Rome. He shall have forty masnada present to assist in manning the gatehouse and the walls - ten of whom will afterwards disperse to watch other gatehouses. A trio of his most loyal and able masnada shall then personally accompany him from then on. Basile himself shall ride where most appropriate, but if possible would be seen in company with Cardinal Octavian.

- Forty more of his masnada shall meanwhile have placed themselves in plain view and full armour at the junction of the roads to the Pantheon and the Leonine city, thus to visibly discourage any riotous mob of Arnoldists along with the militia presumably stationed along the entire route. These men shall do their best to ensure that no incident should occur among the crowds and threaten to spiral out of control. They shall be instructed to avoid any instigation among the popolo. Any masnada not otherwise addressed in my orders are to remain at Basile's torre and estate, along with his family.

- Basile shall suggest to Signore Capocci that his riders likewise await the procession in the forum, there to join the company as they travel further into Rome. Basile shall arrange matters beforehand to ensure that this goes as smoothly as possible, and that the number of Roman equites and Capocci's knights who shall enter the Leonine City is predetermined and fair. Basile shall likewise extend his invitation to the Imperial marshal and the Legatus and some of their company that they should enjoin the procession on Rome's behalf - if they have not received invitation from the Curia to do so. Basile shall try to make sure the marshal remains at a safe distance from Cardinal Bandinelli.

- If for whatever reason Consul de Morroccho should be rendered unable to fulfill his duties, Basile shall ensure the muster of the Roman militia along the route of the procession - as well as a company to man the Porta Asinaria and nearby walls, including a healthy proportion of balistarii - through the route he proposed before the Senate, and shall instruct them to comport themselves with the utmost respect and ability. They are to serve as display to the popolo and to the procession of the solemnity and seriousness with which the Senate regards the event. Basile will accompany the procession into the Leonine City, and will take up a part of the honour of closing the Basilica doors.

- Basile shall send 25 of his masnada - a number including 10 departing from the Porta Asinaria after the procession has passed, as well as the senatorial palatini if they are otherwise unoccupied, to be divided between the Portas Appia, Latina, Labicana and Tiburtina to ensure that those gates are made shut for the duration, and to place a watch upon them for the approach of any forces towards Rome. They are to immediately dispatch a messenger to Basile if such were to occur.
[/ooc]

Quote from: Magnus Pym
From Grottaferrata, would the Papal procession usually enter via the Porta Asinaria?

Local roads from Grottaferrata go to either the Via Appia or the Via Latina, and the Via Asinaria is merely a branch off the Latina.  The Porta Asinaria, being newly renovated and entering the city close to the Lateran, is probably the most likely choice, but presumably the procession could enter through the Via Appia, Via Latina, or Via Asinaria with equal ease.

[ic=Cencio Pierleoni speaks before the Senate]That is excellent to hear, Consul.  Unless there are further points of debate or objections among the senators, I see no further impediment to this agreement being ratified.[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Consul Basile]My nephew has my trust in this matter, and I have chosen to leave these negotiations to him.  Hopefully he will learn something thereby.  You may assume that any agreement he makes has my assent, and that however he is bound by agreement, I am also bound.

The Senate must bear responsibility for order in the Campus Martius, for all my men will be turned out upon the Leonine Walls and the Castle St. Angelo.  Likewise I expect to withdraw my forces from Trastevere save for the family torre itself; while I do not expect trouble there the Senate should be aware that, during the procession, my capacity to act in that district will be limited.

Patrician Giordano Pierleoni[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Roberto Basile]I am aware of the negotiations now going on between the Senate and the Curia, and while those proceed without any great issue, I am gravely concerned about the offer by Signore Oddone Frangipani to withhold all his forces from the city.  Oddone is not a man to give the Senate gifts, nor one to accept this kind of humiliation for no reason, particularly when his good friend the Prefect is in control of the Papal forces.  This is exactly the kind of "compromise" I warned you of, and I would not assume that he and his men have now been neutralized.  I suspect some kind of clever trick.  The Senate should be on its guard; the Frangipani would love nothing more than by subterfuge to sit their favored candidate, Rolando Bandinelli, upon the Throne of Saint Peter.

Ottaviano dei Crescenzi Ottaviani di Monticelli, Cardinal-Priest of Santa Cecilia[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Barzalomeus Borsarius]I do not believe we have met, senator, but I have heard of you.  Before your elevation to the elite of the senate, I administered the alms of the Church at Santa Maria della Rotonda, which I hear has since been seized by plunderers and rebels.  Not long thereafter my job became untenable; I was most gratified to hear that the needs of the poor were being addressed by men faithful and good such as you, and that the good work of Christian charity had not been totally abandoned.  Of course I have also heard of your bravery before the Emperor.  Few men will speak the truth in the teeth of worldly power; even Saint Peter denied Christ thrice.

I hope that you see as I do the great danger that now looms over us all.  You must know that on the 1st of August His Holiness agreed excommunicate the Emperor in 40 days if he had not reconciled with the Church, and that only Adrian's untimely death less than 10 days before the deadline passed kept this from occurring.  As his death approached, His Holiness asked the majority of the cardinals for a solemn oath that they would elect no successor who belonged to the party of Octavian that sought reconciliation with the emperor, and all assembled freely gave this oath.  His Holiness saw Cardinal Octavian for who he truly is, a prideful man who will certainly sell the Church to the Emperor and seeks only to aggrandize his noble family, now at its lowest nadir.  He will flatter the Romans, but lead them only to ruin.

The Romans, perhaps unwittingly, were made his pawns in Anagni, and he used them most effectively.  Having conspired to force the Curia to come here, I fear he will try to use the tools available to him – the Arnoldists, the Roman Mob, the Senate, and the Imperial delegates – to force his own election, our oath to His Holiness notwithstanding.  As I have said, even Peter disowned Christ when his life was threatened; how much easier would it be for a few of our number to disown a mortal man now dead, if deathly peril should hang over them?

I strongly believe the fate of the Church and your city are both in terrible danger, and I pray that I have judged you correctly as a man of faith and courage who will act in the interests of his city, his conscience, and the Holy Church.  I urge you to do whatever is within your means to prevent those loyal only to the emperor from thwarting the will of the Curia and forcing Octavian upon the throne.

Ildebrando Grassi, Cardinal-Deacon of Sant'Eustachio[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Hugo de Vinti]Good Senator,

While it seems the Senate and I have finally come to an agreement, I am still deeply concerned for the safety of the Curia.  The Arnoldists, of course, may cause problems, but my greatest concern is reserved for those who might use the Arnoldists to seize control of the proceedings, the imperial legates chief among them.  I urge you to muster as many of your own men as possible to accompany the procession and to remain near at hand in case there is a threat against the lives or freedom of the leaders of the Holy Roman Church.

Antonio Demetri della Suburra, Praefectus Urbi[/ic]

To summarize what I'd like by the deadline:

From all players:

• Where your character (and additional family, optionally) will be during the procession - riding with it, at your estate, etc.
• Whether your character will go through to the Leonine City or break off beforehand; those accompanying the procession all the way have the option of participating in the door-closing ceremony
• Where your armed men (masnada, etc.) will be during all this
• Any other orders, covert or otherwise

From the Interior Consul (presumably):

• Which forces will form the 100-man honor guard that goes through to the Leonine City
• Whether the militia is to be mobilized; if so, how many and what their orders are
• What gate the remainder of the Latin chivalry will be escorted out of once the procession reaches the bridge to the Leonine City

The 50 palatini hired from Senator Calafatus by the Senate also need to be told what to do, but I'm not sure whose authority they are under.

[ic=Before the Senate]At last, a matter of import has been settled, but two remains. Which route will the papal procession thread upon, and which hundred will be selected to be part of the senatorial delegation assisting said procession?

I would strongly suggest that they pass through the Porta Asinaria, that they might appreciate its new state and behold the splendour of the Lateran Palace. In this regard, that would be my only request.

Concerning the selection of those who will assist the papal procession, I would name myself, and all the resources under my command to see that no harm is done to the Prefect, the Curia and the nobles of Rome and Latium. More will be needed, but I have seventy-five armed men under my command, fifty of them being crucial for this endeavour. A number I could be content with should the Senate not support the use of my expertise on this most important occasion.[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Barzalomeus de Morroccho]Consul,

I have long endeavoured to keep the streets of Rome safe, and the popolo is familiar with my palatinii. Some have made clear their desire to see me and my men among those selected by the Senate to assist the papal procession. I likewise think it my duty to offer my expertise on such an important occasion. If you, as Consul, could lend me your support in the Senate to see that I lead the senatorial delegation into the Leonine City, I, and many others, would much appreciate the gesture.

Senator Hugo De Vinti[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Consul Basile]Consul,

It is both my personal desire and to appease any fears the Curia might entertain that I intend to assist the papal procession with the entirety of the resources under my command. I will speak before the Senate, and I humbly request your support in this matter.

Senator Hugo De Vinti[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Antonio Demetri della Suburra]To His Excellency, Antonio Demetri della Suburra,

I work to secure my presence and leadership among the senatorial delegation, but I shall no doubt run into some opposition. If the Senate should deny me this honour, I will nonetheless be close by.

Senator Hugo De Vinti[/ic]