The Campaign Builder's Guild

[ic=Population Report for 1159]Fire and famine conspired to decrease the population of Rome in the last year, though the famine could have been much worse.  While riots plagued the city, particularly over the past winter, casualties from these have been relatively low by Roman standards, with fatalities in the dozens rather than the hundreds.  These trying times have, however, caused a number of families to lose the property by which they qualified for citizenship, and thus the numbers of the Roman militia class has declined.

Population: 28,140 (-1,140)

• Equites: 420 [Citizens and nobles of households wealthy enough to bring a warhorse to the militia muster]
• Popolo Grasso: 8,220 (-240) [Citizens of households wealthy enough to provide for a pedes (infantryman) or balistarius (crossbowman) in the militia muster]
• Popolo Minuto: 19,100 (-900) [Non-citizen subjects without political power]
• Ebreo: 400 [Jews, non-citizens exempt from military service]

[/ic]

[ic=On the Senate Floor]The Senate is quite relieved that the famine has been alleviated and is thankful to their new patrician, but many have quietly expressed concerns that Annibaldo's surge in popularity could be dangerous, particularly at a time when public confidence in the Senate seems to be low.  They point to the attack on the Senate House and the Tabularium as indicative of this civic disrespect, and Consul Basile has come under a great deal of criticism for allowing it.  The Consul has not been having the best season in general - his attempt to secure the pardon of Cassi was a very public failure, and his statement of support for the consuls of Rieti has not managed to improve the situation there at all.

Concerns still linger about the food supply, and the consiliarii are urged to explore other ways to lower prices and keep lower-class unrest down.  The main concerns of the Senate, however, are concentrated on the unrest in Arenule and S. Angeli in Foro Piscium; in the former, the Senate seems to have lost all ability to control public order, and in the latter, angry working folk have defied the attempts of the Senate to resettle refugees from the fire.  There is considerable worry that these are yet more signs of the Senate's authority slipping, which only fuels fears of demagogues gaining traction with the people.

While there is still much discussion about the Schism, which has now been made official by the council at Pavia, this matter still seems quite distant, and for now it is internal concerns which hold the Senate's attention.[/ic]

[ooc=Stats]Roberto Basile has lost 1 Influence.[/ooc]

[ic=Encyclical of the Council of Pavia]An encyclical is a document circulated to bishops within the Church.  A copy of this encyclical has not been sent to the Senate, but the text was nevertheless quickly leaked, and is now common knowledge in Rome.

Inasmuch as the turmoil in which the apostolic see has been involved has exceedingly wounded the hearts of Christians, we, who have congregated at Pavia to heal the schisms and to restore the peace of the church, have thought best fully to intimate to all of you the nature of the case and the manner of procedure and the ruling of the holy council. We do this in order that the facts shown forth simply and truly in the present writing may forcibly expel any false impressions which the hearers may have conceived, and that henceforth they may not be deceived by schismatic writings.

When, therefore, all of the orthodox congregated at Pavia in the name of the Lord had taken their seats, the case was lawfully and canonically tried and diligently investigated during seven successive days. And it was sufficiently and canonically proved in the eyes of the council through capable witnesses, that, in the church of St Peter, our lord pope Victor and no other had been elected and solemnly enmantled by the sounder part of the cardinals - at the request and with the acclimation of the Roman people and with the consent and at the desire of the clergy; and that, Roland the former chancellor being present and not objecting, Victor was placed in the chair of St Peter; and that there, by the clergy of Rome and the cardinals, a grand Te Deum was sung to him; and that thence, wearing the stoles and other papal insignia, he was led to the palace.

Then the venerable master Herbert provost, whom the lord emperor had commanded to summon the parties before the council at Pavia, gave testimony in the sight of the council that he had summoned before the presence of the church congregated at Pavia Roland the chancellor and his party; and that Roland the chancellor and his party with loud voice and with their own lips manifestly declared that they were unwilling to accept any judgment or investigation from the church.

Being sufficiently instructed, therefore, from all these things, and the truth being fully declared on both sides, it pleased the reverend council that the election of pope Victor, who, like a gentle and innocent lamb had come to humbly receive the judgment of the church, should be approved and confirmed, and the election of Roland should be altogether cancelled. And this was done.

On the following day, Pope Victor was led with honor in procession to the cathedral. There the most holy emperor received him before the gates of the church, and, as he descended from his horse, humbly held Pope Victor's stirrup, and, taking his hand, led him to the altar and kissed his feet. And all of us - the patriarch, the archbishops, bishops and abbots and all the princes as well as the whole multitude that was present - kissed the feet of the pope. And on the next day, the lord pope and we with him with blazing candles anathematized Roland the chancellor as schismatic, and likewise his chief supporters; and we handed him over to Satan unto the death of the flesh, that his spirit might be safe at the day of the Lord.

We wish, moreover, that it be not hidden from your prudent discernment that Roland the chancellor and certain cardinals of his following had formed a conspiracy while pope Adrian was still alive. The tenor of this conspiracy was that if pope Adrian should happen to die while they were still living, they should elect one cardinal from those who were banded together in that conspiracy.

For the rest, on the part of Almighty God, and of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, we pray that our redeemer Christ Jesus may long preserve the universal pontiff, our pope Victor, in whose sanctity and religion we altogether trust; and that He will grant to him all tranquility and peace, so that, through him, Almighty God shall be honored and the Roman church and the whole Christian religion may receive an increase pleasing to God.

Subscribed,
I, Peregrinus, Patriarch of Aquileia,
I, Hermanus, Bishop of Verden,
I, Daniel, Bishop of Prague,
[The names of numerous bishops, abbots, and provosts follow][/ic]

[ic=Imperial Proclamation]A messenger bearing this proclamation, sealed with the emperor's signet and signed in his own hand, has arrived in Rome and presented it before the Senate.  The same announcement has evidently been sent to pro-imperial cities all over Italy.

So great a gift of divine grace, so evidently accorded to our honor, to the praise and glory of Christ's name, cannot be concealed or hidden as a merely private matter.  Therefore we make this news known to you, who are very dear and loyal to us, that you may share in our honor and our joys.  For on the day following the conversion of St. Paul, God granted us total victory over Crema, and thus we have triumphed gloriously over her, and yet we have granted the wretched folk that were in the city their lives; for both divine and human law demand that the utmost clemency should ever dwell in a prince.

FREDERICUS, by the Grace of God Emperor of the Romans and August Forever[/ic]

[ic=A Papal Bull]As the representative of and by the power of Saint Peter, chief of the Apostles, in whom Christ granted the power of binding and loosing in heaven and earth; for the honor and glory of the Church; in the name of Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:

For rising in insolent rebellion against the Church and promulgating schism we do separate FREDERICUS the King from the precious body and blood of the Lord and from the society of all Christians; we exclude him from our Holy Mother, the Church in Heaven, and on earth; we declare him excommunicate and anathema; we judge him damned, with the Devil and his angels and all the reprobate, to eternal fire until he shall recover himself from the toils of the Devil and return to amendment and penitence.

We furthermore withdraw, through our power and authority, his rule over all the Germans and of Italy; we absolve all Christians from the oaths which they have sworn to him; and we forbid any Christian to serve him as king.

ALEXANDER, Episcopus, Servus Servorium Dei[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Consul Basile]Consul,

You and your people have the deepest sympathies of our consuls.  Unfortunately, the winter season and current hostilities with the Pisans make it impossible for us to send you aid at this time.  It would do us great injury if for this you saw us as mean and miserly; truly, if circumstances differed, we would be most pleased to assist your city as we have assisted you before.  The consuls have deemed, however, that sending a grain flotilla this season would pose unacceptable risks to our citizens and our fleet.  They have agreed to explore this matter further in the spring if Rome's needs remain unfulfilled.

Ansaldo Doria[/ic]

[ic=A Messenger to the Lesser Council]My reverend lord, His Excellency Giovanni Conti di Segni, Cardinal-Deacon of Santa Maria in Portico, requests the immediate return of the tower of Poteranum.  While he does not accuse the senate itself of participation in its unlawful seizure, Signore Niccolo Capocci is known as a citizen and eques of Rome, and thus within your power and deserving of your sanction.  My lord cardinal points out that this fortress was already liberated from the hands of Signore Capocci once by a joint venture of Pope and Emperor, and there are therefore no possible grounds to contest the fact that it is the rightful property of the Church regardless of where the allegiance of the Senate lies.  He adds that Signore Capocci's claims to the contrary, if he is so brash as to make them, can be dismissed out of hand as spurious and false.[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Arrigus Sismondii]Given the Senate's political leanings of late, I cannot tolerate an outpost of your armsmen at Nettuno.  If you withdraw all your men from the town, I will allow you to continue your vicarial duties in the area, whatever those may be, and place my own garrison there for the protection of the people.

Naturally, if the Senate should come to blows with the rightful pope, His Holiness Alexander III, I imagine your agreement with His Eminence will soon become void.  If your continuing work here is of value I would strongly advise you to use your position to keep the Senate from making potentially ruinous decisions.

If you do not respond to this very reasonable request in one week I am afraid I will be compelled to act more forcibly.

Signore Oddone Frangipani, Lord of Tolfa[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Falco Bocca]Senator Bocca,

Though we may have our differences on the Senate floor, I believe you a true and honourable servant of Rome. Consul Roberto Basile and myself aim to rid the riverside slums of the Arenule et Caccabariorum of the criminal scum that have taken up residence there extorting the local populace in exchange for stolen bread; their presence has made the entire district unsafe. I am hiring one hundred men and pledging members of my own household guard to this cause, and my fellow Consul has agreed to assist me with troops of his own. Though there may be bloodshed, I hope to round up as many thieves, thugs, and other villains as I am able; those who plague honest citizens of Rome and keep much-needed bread from the bellies of its children deserve the noose. As a fellow nobleman and Senator of Rome, I ask your aid in this matter. I hope to divert any funds seized through these activities to those areas of the city damaged by the fire.

Consul Senguineus Viviani[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Senator de Vinti]It is sensible that a commune of merchants and tradesman would elect someone such as you to lead them, as it seems you have a head for these matters.  The literate men I have consulted on your contract think I should accept, and so I will.  You shall have control over the land you have asked for.

Signore Luidolf[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Roberto Basile]Consul,
No doubt the disturbances in Arenule et Caccabariorum and elsewhere will be answered with Roman justice, lest the Senate be seen as lax in its primary duties. Know that the Market of Trajan has been cleared. Certainly some beautification is in order, but I should like to discuss with likeminded officials about just how prestigious this new institution should look.

Senator Hugo De Vinti[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Senguineus Viviani]
Greetings Senator

I am honored by your request and will gladly aid Rome in recovering stolen silver from peasant thugs and criminals. You will have myself and a hundred of my men to aid you.

Senator Falco Bocca
[/ic]

[ooc=Due Date]Orders for the next season are due on Saturday, February 14th.  Please let me know if you will need additional time.[/ooc]

[ic=Signore Annibaldo Annibaldi addresses the Lesser Council]Signore Annibaldi, for the first time since his arrival in the city, has requested an audience with the Lesser Council.

While my reception in Rome was, admittedly, not what it could have been, I blame nobody but a few contumacious rabble-rousers; undoubtedly the Senate did all it could to placate the masses in a difficult time.  But that is not what I wish to discuss with you.

As you know, two years ago, an agreement was made between the Roman Senate and Signore Giovanni Savelli that, following his cousin Aimeric's death, the Torre Maggiore would be held by the Church for a period of ten years, after which it would come into the possession of Aimeric's young son, Giulio.

Unfortunately, the castellan who was appointed by the Curia at the time has entered the obedience of Rolando Bandinelli, which means that this tower is held by men who are now our enemies.  I gather Rome has interests in Ardea and the southern coast that would be ill-served by a hostile fortress on the Via Ardeatina.

Giovanni Savelli has declared himself for Victor, principally on my urging.  His allegiance to the true pontiff, however, is weak.  Giovanni's family stood with the Frangipani during the schism of the 1130s, and he has territorial disputes with Farfa.  Giovanni is not a flighty man, but after Aimeric's unfortunate death I believe he is concerned for the future of his house, and in the end he will do what he feels is necessary to protect it.  If Rolando's camp should offer him concessions, I believe there is a good chance of his defection; Mont Brittorum or Castrum Nerulae, delivered into his hands, would be worth far more to him than a distant tower which he cannot even touch for eight years and which will go into the hands of his cousin thereafter.

Were I Oddone Frangipani, I would put the greatest emphasis on severing the Via Salaria, cutting off Rome from Farfa, and creating the opportunity – if the Faliscan cities side with Rolando – to forge an unbroken arc of anti-Imperial, anti-Roman power from Tivoli to Civitavecchia.  Giovanni's holdings north of Palombara are key to that strategy.

I believe the conquest of the Torre Maggiore is crucial.  Taking it will not only aid in securing Rome's southern flank, but potentially secure Giovanni's allegiance as well.  I urge the Senate to nullify its agreement with Giovanni Savelli and, once the tower is taken, restore it to his family directly.  I myself am eager to lead my loyal men against this fortification, but if the siege should prove long I will need Roman aid.  Without it, I will surely be forced to withdraw if Oddone Frangipani moves from Torre Astura to relieve the tower.

I hope you will recognize that your involvement in this serves your interests as much as those of your spiritual father, Signore Giovanni, and myself.[/ic]

So, I made a little color overlay on the Latium Map to show settlements/fortresses which have declared for either the "Imperial" Pope Victor IV (red) or the "Sicilian" Pope Alexander III (yellow).  Note that non-colored sites are not necessarily neutral - a lack of coloration only means that site, or whoever possesses it currently, has not formally declared for either side yet.

[spoiler=Allegiance Map][/spoiler]

[ic=Before the Senate]Senators,
Some years ago I came before you asking for your support in furthering the cause of Roman Justice. Since then, a doctor of law from the most prestigious school of law came to enlighten our youngsters in matters of civil justice and a school was established in a peaceful locale so that this purpose may not be disturbed by the kind of unrest that plagues the streets of our city at this present time. Remember then, I mentioned it would only be a start. And it was.

My house, with some help from the Senate, has taken great care not to endanger the prospects of our bright and young fellows that endeavour each day to further this cause and to make sure that the interest that the magistarius, Rogerius Plancentianus, places in his students and the Senate is lasting.

Today, the time has come to take a step further. And I come again for your support.

Many of you must be aware that I employed a large workforce during the winter to rid the Market of Trajan of the filth and rubble that stained its floor. However, few are those who knew my purpose. Senators, the time is ripe. With your consent and that of the consuls, we will renovate this graceless structure and make it into the voice of Roman Justice. I speak here of a courthouse. It is high time that the citizens of the Eternal City recognize this Senate, and not individuals within it, as the one lawful body who delivers judgement upon their brethren.

And, not wanting to overreach, I shall here and now ask Consul Senguineus if he would be pleased as to have me lift this burden from his shoulders and take responsibility for the edification of the courthouse.

Furthermore, whether the consul wishes me to have this responsibility or not, I beseech you, esteemed senators, to lend some of your hard earned wealth for the pursuit of this just and noble cause; that my family's wealth, which has been strained to the point of ripping the gold from my palace for charitable purposes, may not again be nearly the sole source by which crucial infrastructure projects take its funding.

Consider this well, my august colleagues, and come to me if it should please you.[/ic]

[OOC=Orders]

Armies
-1 WP Upkeep

Torre Maggiore
-Rodrigo and 25 Palatini will join the assault on the Torre, if permitted (the 25 are drawn from 15 who usually go on patrol and 10 who usually are at the villa).

FORGE MILL:
-20 Palatini defend Forge Mill. Two act as runners to bring assistance in case there is a threat. Also, raise flag if threatened.

PATROL:
-20 Palatini (on patrol through through my holdings in X, XI, XII. Patrol ones will respond to unrest in my districts and will send a runner for assistance to Senator Basile and DeVinti; if the disturbance is an another district where I do not have interests, then just give me an intra turn PM, please.) Patrol will also respond to reinforce my home if necessary. If my home is assaulted, send a runner to Basile and DeVinti. If someone else is assaulted, please PM me. Patrol will respond to disturbances at the Forge Mill, if necessary.

MANZINNI VILLA:
-10 Palatini (or the balance remaining of Palatini, if I miscounted) at or near home. Half of these Palatini will respond to disturbances at the Forge Mill, if necessary.
-All Masnada at home. Raise flag if threatened.

Notes
Due to forge mill bonus, my masnada are considered armored.

Bonus:  If you own at least one Forge Mill, upkeep for armored soldiers is reduced by 1 WP for every 3 WP in upkeep you pay (that is, reduced by 33%).  Your 25 free masnada are also considered armored at no extra cost to you.  In addition, for each Forge Mill you own, you can equip up to 100 soldiers with armor in a single season; normally, producing that amount of armor can take up to a year.  You may "lend" this last ability to other players who are raising armored forces.

Construction/Purchases

Ongoing Projects
- The improved tables for gambling project.
- The tavern investment made last season. (4WP).
- Exclusive tavern game- Against satan, prepared for the Spring pilgrimage season.


Inquiries
*(I'll pitch this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrier_pigeon) See about acquiring a bird trainer. Based on rumours that Manzinni has heard of Persia, he has become enamoured of the idea of birds sending and receiving messages. His eventual goal is to use them to easily trade messages between the forge mill in rome, nettuno and sismondii's holdings, and his youngest legitimate son, Domenico who is in ecclesiastical service north in Assisi and his last important legitimate son, Cesare, who is in Pisa with his relatively newly married wife. (I have a family tree if necessary, with marriage dates, birth, death, etc.)

*Further research into competitors taverns, send masnada in groups of three inconspicuously. See what needs to be adapted for best success.

*Last season I asked in character "Letter to my Mercantile Contacts
What news have you of Egypt? What chance for stability? Is this but a moment's wind, or Has the trade moved farther ashore? If so, where to? Is there anything that I, a mere grain of sand amidst the winds of the world can effectuate?"
Do I hear anything back?

*Pursue research into what alternative trade routes can I make if Egypt is in turmoil, are there other levantine areas with which I may shift my trade and any considerations that need to be regarded with respect to that.

* As a note, his second wife's only daughter (and only surviving child), who was born in 1134 is looking for a husband. Not highly important, just putting it out there. His current favorite mistress has 2 daughters (1136-) and (1138-) and a son.

Council


Policy
* Neutrality in the Northern Conflict unless the Imperial representative makes a promise.
* Choose either side in Rieti, no strong opinion at the moment.


Total Expected Expenditures
1 WP
and
4 WP Repay the Debt/Loan.
=5 WP

[/ooc]

Sorry it took so long to get this in. This happened during midterms for me so I wasn't able to actually get something in. Could have sworn I wrote something about that here but it seems it didn't post like I thought.

[ic=Before the Lesser Council]
Senator Sismondii reads the following letter before the council

Quote
Given the Senate's political leanings of late, I cannot tolerate an outpost of your armsmen at Nettuno.  If you withdraw all your men from the town, I will allow you to continue your vicarial duties in the area, whatever those may be, and place my own garrison there for the protection of the people.

Naturally, if the Senate should come to blows with the rightful pope, His Holiness Alexander III, I imagine your agreement with His Eminence will soon become void.  If your continuing work here is of value I would strongly advise you to use your position to keep the Senate from making potentially ruinous decisions.

If you do not respond to this very reasonable request in one week I am afraid I will be compelled to act more forcibly.

Signore Oddone Frangipani, Lord of Tolfa

Well this is a proper treachery and yet another vile Frangipani attempt to interfere with Rome. Antium was granted to me as was required by the church however it was and has always been a Roman territory to oversee. It has merely been my job to manage its development. I can tell the senators here that it is a project that has continued to progress admirably and a project I have managed to take this far without needing money from Rome's coffers. However, it is something that will falter if we allow this obvious land grab attempt by Frangipani to go unchallenged. I alone cannot hold back Frangipani for long. If Rome is to defend its rights on this matter it must be made clear that any aggression in Antium or Nettuno will be met with a full Roman response. Furthermore if we do not defend our rights here where do we expect Frangpani to stop? He would gladly batter down the doors of the very Curia Julia if we let him! I am therefore requesting that our esteemed Consul of the Exterior make the fact known to Signore Frangipani that his threat is not merely one against a lone senator but against Rome as a whole and that any move on the area lawfully governed by Rome will be seen as an act of war.
[/ic]

For this turn, I'm *trying out* Rodrigo, Vittorio's second, hot-headed son, who we've seen before- I figure he gets his proxy a few weeks into the turn. I fully intend Vittorio to survive for a few more years till dying of the gout.

[ic=At the Manzinni Residence]

Battered by a disease, Vittorio and his eldest son, Leonardo have taken to their beds, cared for by a top medical advisor. Given the troubles arising at the Senate that need to be addressed by one with sound mind and body, Vittorio presents his second son, Rodrigo with his proxy. Rodrigo exults at the opportunity, clutching the proxy close.
[/ic]


[ic=Vittorio Manzinni Letter to the Inner Council]
I have left my proxy in the hands of my second son, Rodrigo. As you know, Rodrigo can at times become a bit passionate. Please forgive his delivery. He does have authority to act for me in my absence and I have faith in his decisions.
[/ic]

[ic=Vittorio Manzinni Letter to Sanguineaus]
I have heard that Senator DeVinti wishes to "remove the burden" of administration of the schools of law from your portfolio. I counsel that you do not permit him. He has already separated the Sentinels from the oversight of the Interior-- now he wishes also to separate the Judicial branch. What then is left for Interior to oversee other than the Treasury... which the Exterior counsel does with as he wishes and which was looted as a result of his imprudence.

I end the letter with a note, however, DeVinti, a terrible person- is right in one thing- he did fund this school of Law and he took the lead in creating it and nurturing it. He could very well ruin it if he were angered. That said, it bears wondering as to how much he sees his contributions as true gifts to Rome rather than extensions of himself- I suggested to tax the aqueduct and he demanded that I consult him in private first since he contributed much to its reconstruction... This sense of proprietorship is an understandable, but troubling one and we should all remember that his "gifts" are not true freely given gifts- his gifts, no matter how much he protests, always have conditions.
[/ic]

[ic=Rodrigo At the Lesser Council]
Senator Sissmondi speaks well. These words of the Odious Frangipani and succorer of Tivoli are essentially a declaration of war against Rome. We cannot remain neutral without losing our benefices from both sides, and if we back the Emperor's choice, Pope Victor, we will need to prepare to assault enemies. I say we determine who is truly with us and who is truly against us. Those who oppose the true Pope Victor- should have their property seized. 1/2 in abeyance for the Emperor and 1/2 for Rome. We should sack their dwellings and make the move now so we can afford to move against them and move the neutrals in Rome into our camp. We need as many allies as possible to defeat our enemies. We should seize and take or burn and destroy any lands of those opposed to the true Pope. Let us seize our rights and our grain. Inaction or neutrality will lead to our deaths.
[/ic]


[ic=Rodrigo Before the Senate]
Senator DeVinti, not only are you satisfied with divorcing the power of enforcement of the law-- the Sentinels--from the portfolio of the Consul of the Interior, so too do you suggest to watch over the power of decision in the law--the Courthouse? What does this leave the Interior Consul to do? Perhaps you should run for Consul of the Interior since you are so interested in taking on its tasks.[/ic]


[ic=Rodrigo before the Inner Council]
Regarding Segni
>>My reverend lord, His Excellency Giovanni Conti di Segni, Cardinal-Deacon of Santa Maria in Portico, requests the immediate return of the tower of Poteranum.  While he does not accuse the senate itself of participation in its unlawful seizure, Signore Niccolo Capocci is known as a citizen and eques of Rome, and thus within your power and deserving of your sanction.  My lord cardinal points out that this fortress was already liberated from the hands of Signore Capocci once by a joint venture of Pope and Emperor, and there are therefore no possible grounds to contest the fact that it is the rightful property of the Church regardless of where the allegiance of the Senate lies.  He adds that Signore Capocci's claims to the contrary, if he is so brash as to make them, can be dismissed out of hand as spurious and false.

Regarding Segni's request- what blather- what dross- what verbose pointlessness. That Pope had the Emperor completely under his thrall, insulting him by demanding benefices-- the Emperor merely bowed to him on this matter for political expedience. It is certain that the Emperor will remember those who remember him in the coming conflict. Let us instead burn Giovanni.

Annibaldi's Request
Regarding Signore Annibaldi's request:

If it can be assaulted and it is tactically sound, I will be there. Our problem is priorities. Exterior Consul- Basile- can we besiege two places at once? I am for aiding our friends and furthering our interests. Let us go and wage war and win wars for Rome. Employ the rabble rousing raping popolo instead of killing them in pogroms. March the offenders in the front lines rampant before the torres. Have them immolated in burning pitch. And we will climb their corpses to the summit of towers that we will enter and fromwhich defenstrate all Rome's enemies.

Exiled Fellow
I also hear that Rome has exiled Cassi, who insulted the poor Senator DeVinti- unlike my father I am not so concerned with procedure and politeness-what matters is that Cassi has valuable information that we can use to destroy Rome's enemies. You, DeVinti, should be thankful that my father will likely recover in a season for I can hardly endure standing in the same building as you. Allow Cassi back in and let us take Tivoli--Frangipani's playground that he rebuilt- so he rebuilt it? Let us knock it down again.
[/ic]

Could we perhaps get a small extension on the due date to like the 16th or 17th?

[ic=Before the Senate]It is unfortunate that your claims have no basis in fact, Rodrigo. Therefore I will abstain from replying in length to your scandalous accusations.

I came forth with benign intentions to seek the support of my peers. I wish for cooperation in this matter. Having it otherwise would be a contradiction of my earlier statement that the law should be the govern of the state instead of individuals. Nothing I proposed suggests that I ''watch over the decision of the law'', in fact, it would again be scandalous to presume I am entitled to such authority, for this is why the Senate exists.

However the consul chooses to respond to this request, I suspect he will recognize there is wisdom in delegating this one responsibility to a man who's not only been involved from the start, but who personally took, and still does, the necessary steps to guarantee that the operation meets the high standards that the Senate would expect of it. Besides, with all the unrest in the city and our fortifications in such a sorry state, among numerous other matters of great importance to our consuls, I think he would be well served by my taking care of this operation.

Usurpation is not my game, I seek only to provide help where I can. And here, I can.[/ic]

[ic=Before the Lesser Council]I'm not convinced having an unelected upstart attend a council meeting would be well regarded by those long serving senators with even a shred of ambition. Rodrigo should leave.[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Vittorio Manzinni]Senator,
I hope this missive finds you in better health, and that your son's claim that you will return to us is true. I wish to inform you of his misconduct and the possibility that he might put your reputation at risk. He entered the Senate today in great fanfare, shouting wild accusations and comments that bordered on slander and were clearly lies. I doubt any of his doing was based on your instructions, so I thought a word with you about the situation had merit.

He also attends council meetings. I'm not sure the senators who have long sought a position in the council would agree with that. Perhaps we can find a way to bring the council to you so that you may voice your concerns on matters of state and otherwise?

We might not be the best of friends, but when I said it was high time for a rapprochement, I meant it.

Sincerely,
Senator Hugo De Vinti[/ic]

I would also appreciate an extension to the 17th.

Done.  Our new due date will be the 17th.