The Campaign Builder's Guild

[ic=Letter to Viviani]

Learned Consul Viviani:

I am heartened to hear of your prudence in dealing with the Senator's political maneuvering and the keen eye that you plan to keep upon him lest his actions betray a loss of influence for the weighty position that you bear.

I will reassert my suggestion that you take the opportunity to take command of the Sentinels. There are 50 men who could do well to keep the peace within Rome. There is no elected leader of them as yet. Now is the time to press for another vote to codify their power in the hands of the Interior. I have written to Senator DeVinti and although his whims are changeable, he may not be so assertive against their head being located in the Interior now that I, his Rival and Successor, have made way for yourself against whom he bears no great grudge. If you were to do this, you would have my support or vote- and I do not doubt Senator Sissmondi's vote as long as he is in Rome when the act is made. With us three, the opposition would be but Basile and the newest member of the Inner Council--at worst a tie if DeVinti does not sit out the vote-- and I suspect we would have more influence than those three, but I am sickly and cannot make the count at this time.

It is true that my second son takes more after his mother than myself. To the extent that your words are a compliment, they are well taken and appreciated. Rodrigo's positions represent this house, although his mode of delivery may not always be so appropriately representative of the solemnity that should be effected towards others' station.

I would be most glad to provide you a personal tour of my collection next Season, when I am feeling more myself. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it. Do you yourself have a great interest in the 'Gyptic arts and philosophy? If so, I must be so bold as to ask, wherefrom has the interest arisen? My interest originated from my family's origin in Sicily-- my ancestors had strange artifacts from Carthage, likely from the time of the First Roman Republic, and this greatly fostered my interest. Then, the winds of fortune business took me there and led to this more recent collection.

And at last, I appreciate your comments on my health. I wish your health well, likewise.

-Senator Vittorio Manzinni.
[/ic]

The people have spoken.  Let's go for Monday the 23rd - that's shy of a whole week, but gives you a weekend.  If you absolutely need an extension past this let me know, but I'd prefer to keep this one.

[ic=A Letter to Vittorio Manzinni]Esteemed Senator Manzinni,

I will consider calling for a vote on the matter of these Sentinels, following discussion before the Council: these men would prove extremely useful in my efforts to clean up the city and purge it of crime. I am unsure of Basile's reasons for separating the Sentinels from the Consul of the Interior, but he and I seem to developing a working relationship, so perhaps he will be less reluctant to grant me control of these Sentinels.

As for my interest in the Egyptians, I confess a fascination for that art known sometimes as alchemy, which originated in the city of Alexandria during Egypt's time as a Roman province, though some claim that Egyptian priests practiced a form of the art in ages past. It was during the age of Rome that great figures in Egypt laid the foundation for this sadly neglected study, when writers Zosimos and Mary the Jewess authored their great works. In the present day time, study of alchemy has largely passed to the Saracens; during my time in Toledo and elsewhere I became aquainted with many of their works and studied with Gerard of Cremona and certain other translators of note, and am now in the process of constructing a library and laboratory in hope of bringing some of their knowledge to the heart of Christendom, though my duties as Consul have left me precious little time for such matters. Of course, there are some who scorn the very knowledge I seek, conflating its pursuit with witchcraft, deviltry, heathenism, and heresy, but such suspicions are the province of small-minded individuals with no understanding of the world at large. I take as inspiration the great Pope Sylvester II, the first French Pope, who did much to promote the pursuit of knowledge long lost to Latin Europe, and who furnished us with the Arabic numerals, the abacus, and the armillary sphere; naturally he was denounced by dullards and fools as a warlock, said to summon a demoness Meridiana and to have gambled with the Devil to gain the Papacy.

Consul Sanguineus Viviani[/ic]

[ic=Before the Lesser Council]I would also like to discuss the matter of these "Sentinels" I have heard tell of - fifty armed men devoted to keeping the peace in Rome, apparently without an elected leader. I must question why such men are not under the command of the Consul of the Interior, whose portfolio surely includes the maintenance of law and order within the city. As my recent efforts will, I hope, prove beyond doubt, I am a devoted servant of the law and wish to see the city cleansed of its criminal rifraff, so that all may walk its streets safely. Use of the Sentinels would greatly aid my efforts. Were I to call for a vote to place these men under my command, I would ask for your support.[/ic]

[ic=Before the Lesser Council]
I am in full agreement, these "Sentinels" should have a proper leader. I will back any proposal for them to be put under charge of the Consul of the Interior
[/ic]

[ic=Before the Senate]Indeed, Consul, I concur – and wouldn't have it any other way. If my peers find it agreeable, I will welcome any donations and put them to use in earnest.[/ic]

[ic=Before the Lesser Council]If our interests are at risk in Nettuno, I will lend what assistance I can, military or financial. That includes taking Torre Maggiore into our fold.

I never thought this would become necessary, but in the present condition, maybe it would be wise to make some sort of overture toward the Faliscan league. I would refer to our top diplomat on how to do this, however. If at least we can stall an explicit alliance to Rolando's camp while we secure our southern flank, that'd already be that.

Last season the Senate was divided on the issue of Pandolfo Cassi. I have taken maybe too long to ponder the question seriously, but if it should bring us a decisive advantage, I won't stand as an obstacle to his return anymore.

The matter with the Sentinels that was raised by the senators is that the previous Consul already had a seasoned personal guard and they thought with his commanding even more military power he might give in to some temptations. To ease their concern, other esteemed senators proposed that I be the commander of this military body. Since this is no longer the case, there is no need to try and ease any concern. The matter can thus move forward under the full authority of the Consul and I will indeed give my support in this matter. I also urge you all to allow the creation of such a force that will act in the interest of peacekeeping.[/ic]

[ic=Before the Lesser Council]There is indeed some misunderstanding here, Senators. Rome has no Sentinels, as such a force was never constituted. The Senate maintains at its expense fifty well-armed and experienced soldiers, but I must emphasize that these men are not peacekeepers or thief-takers or watchmen. These are veterans of the household company of Fortis Calafatus, and it was made explicitly clear on their retention in negotiation with Senator Gerardo Calafatus that these men would not serve as vigiles, as such matters are not within their realm of experience or temperament.

Perhaps some case can be made to employ them as an official and ceremonial guard, as such is at times the duty of a retainer, to appear resplendent in his armour to enhance the prestige of his master while providing some measure of security. As Consul of the Exterior I will allow that they should stand such a post at the Tabularium and at the Curia Julia and in the Forum - and in this capacity answer to the Consul of the Interior - when not employed on campaign or upon the walls. But certainly they are ill-suited to any action of policing the Romans.

If indeed you have changed your mind on the matter of Cassi, Senator de Vinti, then perhaps we should raise this issue once more in the Senate. I have already spoken at length on this matter, and I do not feel inclined to reacquaint our Council with the particulars in any great detail - I am sure you all well remember them.[/ic]

[ic=Before the Lesser Council]It seems I have done what every politician - like every physician - should seek to avoid: reopened an old wound. Being absent from the lengthy deliberations that Consul Basile alludes to, I have unwittingly torn loose stitches of a tear not yet healed. If these fifty men - Sentinels, household guard, retinue, whatever we call them - would make as poor peacekeepers as my fellow Consul suggests, it follows they should not be used as such. All ailments, even those of a city, require each their own treatments, and what works for one affliction may exacerbate another. If these warriors were promised to the Senate on the condition that they not be used to keep the peace, I would be uneasy to use them for such a purpose.

I am, however, in the process of hiring men of my own to scour Rome's darker corners. Should their efforts meet with success, it may be in the interests of the city to establish a more permanent force to serve as watchmen in the ancient tradition of Augustus, should we possess the means to maintain such a group of vigiles.[/ic]

[ic=Before the Lesser Council]I believe then that Senator Manzinni can finally rest assured there was never any usurpation of consulate power on my part!

I will lend what assistance I can in Arenule et Cacabarriorum, but I must rid the courthouse grounds of all the beggars and thieves. Furthermore, I wish to provide Sismondii with assistance.[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Gerardo Calafatus]Gerardo,

Springtime is nearly upon us, and the anger of the Romans is lessened. The wedding of our families is near, and shortly I shall give my daughter away into your care. I write to you only to ask if all matters in this regard are prepared, and to inquire if there is any assistance I might render.

Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Oddone Frangipani]Signore Frangipani,

It is my duty as Consul of the Romans to respond to any trouble or threat and to see such matters settled. I have received word of the message you have sent to my friend and fellow colleague, the consiliar Arrigus Sismondii. The Senator has lawfully received the governance of this vicariate, and I know that we are both well aware that the small detachment of his armsmen present there poses little threat to your familial holdings. Likewise we both know that the Romans are not prepared to enact war upon you for its defense alone, but any aggressive action you should make against Nettuno will doubtless sour our relations further, and I fear that if this course should continue it will be beyond repair.

Matters of the Church are not the concern of the Roman Senate, and it is the Senate's opinion that the Church must heal itself. Of course, again we both know that this shall not happen. I despair at the state of Latium, Signore, and how muddled things have become. As the Romans have made no threat against you, I would ask as courtesy that in future you refrain from threats against them - unless of course war with Rome is your desire, in which case I would have you say it plainly and let us have done with these charades.

In Nomine Senatus Populusque Romanus,
Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Annibaldo Annibaldi]Signore,

I have considered your words before the Council, and I am in agreement with the course you have proposed. The Romans shall come to the Torre Maggiore, and by arms they shall take it. I will muster the Militia, and as Consul I will lead them to this tower. We have invested this stronghold before, and are yet familiar with its dimensions and defences. If the castellan refuses surrender, we will raise our machines and compel it.

As you have taken the initiative in correspondence, you may at your convenience inform Giovanni de Savelli that the Senate considers the restrictions placed upon his family in regards to this tower rescinded. If you can secure his continued support of this endeavour then I shall in turn secure the support of the Caetani. Preparation begins, and with our forces combined I have no doubts that the security of Rome can be maintained in the face of Frangipani machinations.

Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Crescenzio Caetani]Crescenzio,

It has been some time since we have spoken - not since the birth of little Giovanni. It is my hope that this letter finds you and your family well, and that the Ardeatini prosper under the Caetani. I write to you now in regards to the regrettable schism that has wracked the Holy Church, that brews chaos in Latium. You are no doubt aware that the Emperor has offered the Romans the protection of his authority, and that his favour falls upon Victor. But more so than any other factor it is the utter antipathy that Oddone Frangipani regards our Senate with that drives us towards the Imperial camp. I have long known that Rome is his desire, and that he shall not be satisfied until the Eternal City should be but another of his fiefs. His knights march too and fro with Bandinelli, and I fear he will soon make war upon us. He has threatened the interests of a Roman Senator in Nettuno, and this alarms me. I would not put it past him that to strike against Rome he will strike against your daughter and my son at the Torre San Lorenzo. I know that you shall keep their holdings safe, and I will aid you in this by sending a troop of my men to the tower to guard it and the lives of our children and grandchild.

In the coming season Rome shall make safe its southern approach. Again the matter of the wretched Torre Maggiore rears its ugly head. The castellan there places has sworn his obedience to the Sicilians, and I know that Oddone Frangipani will take advantage of this circumstance if he can to sunder us from each other. He is Bandinelli's vexillifer in all but name. The Roman militia will march once more and ensure that this threat does not fester and swell. The Patrician Annibaldo has through some effort obtained the cooperation of il Torvo, and the Senate is prepared to put aside any lingering grudge if we can extinguish this nascent menace.

If the Senate should have your blessing in this matter - as the tower abuts upon your own lands - I would be grateful. I will not ask you to send your retainers to our aid, but Rome yet suffers the lingering effects of its famine, and if it would not impose upon your generosity I would ask you to provide some measure of grain to help provision a siege, if it should prove necessary. Know that as always the Romans shall stand beside you if you should need us.

Roberto[/ic]

[ic=Before the Senate]The Senate is ever grateful for all that you do in the furtherance of Roman Law and in the restoration of Roman Justice, Senator de Vinti. If your patriotism demands it of you, then of course we Senators will not object if you should take responsibility for the establishment of this courthouse. Indeed, it would be a great boon to our Commune to see Trajan's Hall restored in this manner. I regret that the Senate's own funds earmarked for this purpose were absconded with by thieves and villains of the lowest sort, and you have my enduring respect for taking this financial burden on your own shoulders.

Perhaps the Senate tires of hearing my voice speak of this matter, but I must raise it in our company again, for the solidity of my belief will not allow otherwise. Pandolfo Cassi must be pardoned Senators. I have heard that even now as I speak he suffers as an animal in the wilderness. Is this not enough, Senators? Though his ardor was misplaced, none can doubt his civic pride and his Roman heart. As the Senate callously disregarded my advice - seemingly without thought to its own well-being! - I have yet to come into full possession of the mentioned secrets of the Tiburtini. I will ask you now to reconsider this motion, Senators. Embrace wisdom instead of passion, and think to the future of our city.[/ic]

[ic=A man sent in search of Pandolfo Cassi]The Consul has not forgotten you, Pandolfo, and he argues yet on your behalf on the Senate floor. I bring with me his greetings and his succor. Come now to the town of Gregoriopolis, where my master maintains many interests. The Senate may forbid you from the City of Rome, but Gregor's town lies upon Roman land, and perhaps you might there find some measure of solace. My master is certain that the Senate will see sense, and that you shall be welcomed back into Rome in the coming weeks. Now, rouse yourself and follow me. A bed has been prepared, and a hot meal awaits![/ic]

[ic=Before the Senate]
I am of one mind with Senator Basile on this matter. As I have said before we should not put justice against one man before the protection of the many. With the Frangipani acting as they are I think it would be wise to expand our options. We should hope for peace but I fear we must also prepare for war.

As to the matter of the courthouse I heartily endorse this. Roman law has so clearly been the focus of the honorable Senator de Vinti's efforts (much as I have focused on creating a Roman port) and a noble focus at that. Rome must have proper law if the senate is to be taken seriously as her governing body. I would have no issue with having the good senator continue to oversee this in a more formal manner.
[/ic]

[ic=Before the Lesser Council]
I would likewise take no issue with the day to day operation of the Sentinels being the purview of the Consul of the Interior. Ultimately it should still be a force overseen by the senate at large with the consul being answerable for their actions if they should go astray.
[/ic]

[ic=Privately at the senate to Senator de Vinti]
With the matter in Antium as it is I don't feel comfortable expending more money until I am sure how Frangipani chooses to act. I would rather not have him loot my investments in the project. However, I find another project in Rome that is of equal merit to receive such funds. You have shown quite as much commitment to establishing Roman law as I have to furthering Roman trade. Therefore I wish to offer to you the sum of [2 WP] to go towards the construction of the courthouse. I hope that this will help to offset some of your incurred costs. I wish you luck in this project.
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Oddone Frangipani]
Unfortunately, I fear that your letter has been directed at me due to the confusing situation regarding my position. When the agreement was made with the church it was made with the understanding that Rome would be granted rights to operate in and around Nettuno. As the church has not seen it necessary to implement into law a way in which to make such an agreement with our commune I was put forward as proxy to serve as vicar and to oversee Roman interests. However, the matter in question is one I am not permitted to act on individually as I am merely a representative. I have forwarded your letter to the senate and apologize for the confusion. I will leave it to our Exterior Consul to respond to your points however I personally am somewhat concerned by the threatening tone of your letter. I would hope that this is merely a misunderstanding of your intent.

Respectfully,
Senator Arrigus Sismondii
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Cencio Pierleone]
Greetings Patrician,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I have recently been looking for a new place in which to safely raise my family. A rocca is safe but it seems somehow improper that my wife and child should have cold stone walls and narrow windows for a home. Therefore I have begun looking to move into Rome proper. I wish to have somewhere safe and your family has always done well with maintaining the peace in your area of Rome. If then you would be amiable to it and if there is land to be found I would like to build a suitable estate on Tiber Island. I have never had any reason to doubt your honor and I know that me and mine would be safe in your care.

Kindest Regards,
Arrigus Sismondii
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Roberto Basile]Consul Roberto,

I assure you that I have the preparations well in hand, and you need not concern yourself with them.  Certainly you have much more weighty matters with which you must occupy your time.

Gerardo[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Roberto Basile]Consul,

The senatorial position of the vicarius Arrigus Sismondii is a mere accident and coincidence.  The Roman Senate has nothing to do with Nettuno, and I reject the notion that my request constitutes any kind of threat to Rome or its Senate.  If you are determined to take offense, then so be it.  My expectations of the reason and good sense of the Senate are, at this point, difficult to disappoint further.

You have a great deal of gall to write to me about threats.  Your senate attacked me and my men, murdered the Prefect Antonio, and threatened the life of the Pope.  I have not taken vengeance for any of these insults; on the contrary, I presented a request to this senate that those who were responsible for the murder of the Prefect and the attempted murder of the lawful Pope, Alexander III, be brought to justice.  Yet your senate has apparently chosen not even to dignify my request with a response, let alone carry out its lawful duty to punish the inciters of riots and the perpetrators of murder.  For you to lecture me about threats is naked hypocrisy so long as this injustice remains.

You accuse me of playing charades, but in fact I have no wish for war with Rome.  Perhaps in my long absence you have forgotten that Rome is my own home as much as yours, and the home of my family since the times of the ancients.  I am Roman, and I have no desire to do my own city harm.  Giordano and I, in truth, despised one another; but as he is dead, there would be no obstacle to peace were it not for the allegiance of your senate to a foreign emperor and a false pope.  It is your senate which bears the lion's share of the responsibility for creating the "muddled" Latium you now decry, in its boundless aggression and its misguided urgency to subject itself to a Teutonic tyrant who sees you as no more than an open purse, a docile flock to be fleeced at his whim.

If you wish me to speak plainly, then I shall; let us recall the way things are at this moment.  The emperor is in Lombardy along with his puppet Octavian, and I think it likely he will have his hands full with the Lombards for some time to come.  Spoleto is in a shambles and Rieti is divided.  Your noble allies consist of a Pierleoni boy too small for his uncle's boots, an up-jumped robber in an equestrian's cape, and now Signore Annibaldo, whose pretensions to importance have evidently outpaced both his sense and his resources.  As for the strength of the city itself, it is sufficient to note that a mere handful of Tusculani horsemen were sufficient to send your city into famine and your people into near-rebellion.

In short, consul, you do not intimidate me; you do not fool me; and my patience for your childish, petulant antics is spent.  If the senate makes war upon me, or the church I now protect, I will meet them in the field with the blessings of God.  It is not yet too late to speak of peace; but if you want war, you will have it.

As for Senator Sismondii, you may tell him my request is unchanged, and that it remains a very reasonable one.  I will not interfere with his vicarial duties in the slightest so long as he holds that office.

Signore Oddone Frangipane, Lord of Tolfa[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Roberto Basile]Consul,

That is most excellent to hear.  I do not intend to march until after Holy Week, but we will not delay for long thereafter.  Signore Savelli will be informed at the proper time.

Signore Annibaldo[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Roberto Basile]This is most distressing to hear; Oddone Frangipani is a formidable foe.  Certainly I will strengthen my own defenses as much as I am able, but I do not relish the thought of having the Tusculani to one side and the Frangipani to the other, both my enemies.  If that should become the case I doubt even the ability of the Romans to defend my lands, certainly not when their city is threatened from other directions by the same Frangipani.

I will assist in your provisioning where I can, but as you say, I will hold back my own forces for the defense of my territories, badly needed at this time.

Crescenzio[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Arrigus Sismondii]The role of a fool is most unbecoming.  Do not act like one, and do not take me for one.

Signore Oddone Frangipane[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Arrigus Sismondii]Senator,

While available land is somewhat scarce on the island and any estate there would by necessity be rather modest, you are most welcome to build there.  My uncle Ruggero, who presently stays in our family tower there, will assist you in finding an appropriate site.

Patrician Cencio Pierleone[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Oddone Frangipani]Signore,

It must be then that the intent of your words was not as I interpreted them, and for that you have my apologies. I am wholly content to let the Senate remain absent from the matter of this vicariate. You must understand my mistake, for it had been relayed to me that your demands were made as a direct result of Senator Sismondii's position within the Commune, and of the politics of the Senate. If, as you say, you consider the Senator distinct in his dual capacities, then this is no concern of Rome's Consul. Coincidence and accident, certainly. I will explain your position to the Senator, as he too understood your message to indicate that your reasoning rested wholly upon his Senatorial position.

To the matter of the events at the Vatican, the Senate could not respond otherwise. The armsmen of a Roman Patrician were attacked by those of the Prefect, and the Senate must answer violence perpetrated against its officials. I am aware of your longstanding friendship with Antonio - I too considered the man a friend. But the fact of the matter is that the Prefect met his end in battle, his sword drawn and a warcry upon his lips. I wish it had gone another way, but Signore Demetri sought himself to kill the Cardinal Ottoviano, who regardless of his actions was and remains an Eminence of the Church, and a Roman. His conflict with the Cardinal Rolando is regrettable, and in an ideal world these two men would settle their differences peaceably - but I do not anticipate this outcome, barring Divine intervention.

I would yet have peace with you, Signore. Contrary to what you may believe, I am never eager for war and the death and destruction it brings along in its train. But Rome cannot renounce its loyalty to the Emperor, just as it cannot renounce its loyalty to the Holy Church. The authorities Secular and Divine are equal in esteem as concerns the governance of Rome, and neither can be abandoned. I have looked into the eyes of Barbarossa, and I know he is a man who will not be denied. The Germans are yet in Lombardy, but the Romans remember the bare steel of His Majesty's Imperial Knights. I have made an oath, Signore, and as the man of honour I know you to be, surely you would not have me abandon it.

Tell me then, how shall we come to peace? What solution between our parties can eliminate these tensions and remain equitable to all sides without comprise of honour or integrity?

Consul Roberto Basile

[ic=Letter to Roberto Basile]Consul,

"Coincidence," was, perhaps, used to freely, but I am motivated by no particular hostility to the Roman senate.  If Sismondii had been a consul of Pavia or Cremona or any other imperialist city this situation would be equally intolerable, as his loyalties would put the road to Torre Astura under constant threat.  Even were he none of those things, however, he remains a known imperial partisan who has just returned from testifying in favor of Octavian before the ridiculous puppetry show in Pavia last month.  If he was a Perugian oil merchant rather than a Roman senator I would still not allow men who answered to him to control the road between Torre Astura and Albano.

As for the Conclave, I should not have to remind you that the first to take up arms were the men which burst into the basilica to acclaim Octavian after he so deftly snatched the papal mantle for himself.  The Prefect arrived only after Pope Alexander had been forced to flee to the tower with the greater share of the cardinals.  Cardinal though Octavian was, he had stolen the papal mantle, disrupted a conclave, falsely proclaimed himself Pope, and forced the legitimate Pope to flee; your own senate acknowledged by treaty that ecclesiastical law lay in the hands of the Prefect, and if a usurper pope is not a violator of ecclesiastical law, I am not sure anyone is.  The Prefect was resisted with force while performing his lawful duty, and those responsible should hang.

I am the vassal of the lawful Pope.  If he calls upon me to bring Rome to heel by the sword, by God, I shall do it; out of mercy and compassion, he has not.  Nevertheless, I will defend the pontiff, and I will defend the lands and honor of the Holy Church.  Your senate has attacked Tivoli, Farfa, and Tusculum, each in turn; this very winter its henchman Capocci has taken another Papal fortress.  I think it likely you colluded with him in this, but even if you had not, he would never have dared had not the Romans extended their protection and rebuilt his castles.  Your plea that you are not eager for war stands on very thin evidence indeed.

Yet if you are not attempting to deceive me, however unlikely that may be, I will tell you frankly how you will achieve peace.  You will not war any further against the Church or those loyal to the rightful Pope, you will not loot their properties or perform any other such hostile acts against them, and you will not serve as a shield for those who do.  You will investigate the death of the prefect as any other high crime and perform your legal duties in a way that shows respect and is not an obvious sham.  If you do these things, I will have no cause to war with you; and though you may praise name of Barbarossa and his despicable bootlick Octavian to the rooftops, I will not trouble you unless His Holiness himself commands me.

Signore Oddone Frangipane[/ic]

[ic=Before the Senate]I am honored to have your trust, senators. Already the cooperative spirit of this endeavor is starting to bear fruit. I have to thank Senator Sismondii especially for his generous donation, which ensures the courthouse can become operative in the short term.

After having reconsidered the situation, I've come to the conclusion that Cassi's secrets are too valuable now for us to ignore. However despicable the man is, he holds a wealth of information that would serve our cause well. Should a vote be held as to his fate, I would cast mine in his favor.[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Rainald von Dassel]Your Excellency,

I write to you as Consul of the Romans, loyal servant of His Imperial Majesty. The honoured Emperor has subjugated his enemies in Crema, and has made judgement against the false pontiff, Rolando Bandinelli. For these things the Senate of Rome is grateful, as it is grateful for the protection of His Majesty's name.

However ,the Sienese Cardinal has not abandoned his attempts to gain the Papal mantle, and he has many loyal supporters in the country of Latium. Foremost among them is the Lord of the Torre Astura, Oddone Frangipani. He has long desired the City of Rome as his own fief, and he has made threat against our Commune for our acclamation and service to His Holiness the Pope, and for our support of His Majesty. He calls many knights to his banner. We gather our own knights and allies to us, and we shall repulse any attack by Bandinelli's partisans. If he should seek to gain the City, he will find himself denied.

The Senate wonders, though. Is it His August Majesty's intent to send his knights south in support of our Holy Father Victor once the submission of the intractable Milanese is again received? And further, we would know if - in your office as Archchancellor of Italy - there is any aid that we in Latium might receive against the foe? If the Empire yet dispenses with its enemies in Lombardy, then we too shall do our duty in its name. Regardless, the Romans shall strive to see that the Imperial Peace and the Holy Peace should be both maintained.

Cum Fides & In Nomine Senatus Populusque Romanus,
Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Niccolo Capocci]Signore,

I will congratulate you on your capture of the tower of Poteranum - I have been informed that it was deftly done, and I am glad that my men were able to lend aid to you in this. But this season the Romans shall take another tower, for again we shall go against the Torre Maggiore. The Patrician Annibaldo supports this strategy, and the Council has deemed it sound. I cannot allow that Oddone Frangipani or another support of Alexander should allow Rome to be split from the Caetani. You are informed as a Knight of the City and Citizen of Rome that you may make any preparations you should think necessary. I do not ask that you aid us against the tower, but instead see to the best defence of your own rightful lands, and lend aid to the protection of the city should it prove necessary. If our contado should again be scoured just as it begins its recovery, our cause will be dealt a great injury. I am leaving fully half of the Roman Equestrians in the City under the authority of Consul Viviani, and it is my hope that they shall be able to provide sufficient deterrent.

Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Cencio Pierleoni]Patrician,

I am glad the Senate was able to confirm you in your Civil titles without trouble, Signore, and I know that we shall both now strive for the greatest benefit to Rome. As you once served the camerarius of the Church, I am curious of your experience or at the least what you have heard of the former chancellor, the pretender Bandinelli. How far will the man go in support of his own cause? Will he soon seek to come against our Eternal City to aid his purpose?

The Senate cannot allow that it's Commune should be vulnerable to such attack, and so in order that we not be sundered from our allies the Caetani, we will take the Torre Maggiore and deliver it to friendly hands. I will count on the support of the Pierleoni here in Rome while this is done, to ensure the city is kept well to order and free from threat. If the course or strategy of the Senate concerns you, or if you should think to advise our adopted course, as Patrician you are to speak before the Lesser Council.

Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Sanguineus Viviani]Consul,

As the Council has demonstrated its support of the attack on the Torre Maggiore, I will be mustering the militia after the conclusion of Holy Week for this purpose in concert with Signore Annibaldo. Rome shall look to you for defence in the meantime, and I shall order that half of our equites remain in the city, so that they should be able to ride to repel any attack on the contado at your order. A contingent of our pedites shall remain to you as well.

Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ooc=Orders for Spring 1160]Family Matters & the Estate

- Basile will host Sanguineus Viviani at his estate for lunch - discussing politics and perhaps literature - and then provide him a tour of the citrus orchards and the perfumery, allowing him to view the entire process of perfume production. As mentioned in correspondence, Basile will have had a copy made of the fragmentary Greek version of the Book of Secrets by Rhazes that is in his possession, and he will provide it to Consul Viviani.

- Basile and his wife Julia (and perhaps his son Ricardo, if he should return to Rome in time) shall attend the wedding of his daughter Olithia to Gerardo Calafatus. Basile will express his satisfaction with the match, and his enthusiasm at the strengthening of ties between Basile and Calafatus. Certainly it will be a dignified and salutary occasion.

- Ricardo shall be informed of the likelihood of coming conflict in Latium, and Basile will ask his son to send Caetana and Giovanni to Ardea and in turn invite him to return to Rome for a time in order to see his father's will done in the city while on campaign, including appearance in the Senate to speak for the Basile family and exercise vote by proxy. The command of Basile's masnada and the management of the Basile estate shall likewise be entrusted to Ricardo for the duration of Basile's absence. A group of ten masnada shall be sent south to the Torre San Lorenzo to assist in securing it while Ricardo and Caetana are away.

- Owing to increasing tensions in Latium and the resultant dangerous political climate, and owing to growing evidence of the unreliability of his influence in his own Senate - as demonstrated during the previous season's vote on the pardon of Cassi - Basile will seek to protect his family and estate and ensure his own foreseeable relevance in Rome by increasing the size and defensibility of his torre, perhaps rising to a height as lofty as fifty meters. Basile will employ masons and foremen he has previously commissioned work from, trusting in their discretion, reliability, and quality of work. The Torre Basile shall be made among the strongest fortifications in all of Rome. Spend [3 WP] of the requisite total of [5 WP] to begin this project from personal funds.

      - If costs could be reduced thereby, Basile shall have prepared materials (finished lumber, cut stone, etc.) harvested from the site of the Demetri villa and brought to the construction site of the torre.

- Concerned by stagnant profits in previous seasons owing to lower levels of investment, Basile shall consciously set out to increase family revenue. His perfumery has been successful, and as a result much of his orange crop has been used for its production. Therefore, there should be enough room in regional demand to comfortably sell an increased amount of other citrus products. Basile shall investigate nearby unused lands, including those of the Demetri, and determine their suitability for expanding his orchards. If so, he will immediately invest [3 WP] to increase his land under cultivation by at least half again its current size [that is, one orchard enterprise], ordering cutting and grafting of suitable new saplings and their care in order to bear fruit for the orange harvest next winter.

- Aware of the increasing prevalence of flax cultivation near Rome and familiar with linseed oil and its many uses, Basile shall have investigated whether it could be profitable to establish a linseed oil press. The oil has both culinary use, and more importantly immense value as a varnish and a component of paints. Care is to be taken in this process, as linseed oil is known to be quite flammable. Basile is optimistic that existing press methods for olives will be suitable for this purpose with minor modification.

- Basile will of course pay the usual [2 WP] to maintain the pesceneri.

Senate & City

- Having gathered the requisite support, Basile shall see to the passage of the Senate measure to commute the remainder of the sentence of Pandolfo Cassi, and welcome him back into Rome as outlined in the previous season's orders. Basile shall immediately (and prior to the vote) send out men to track Cassi down and bring him safely to Gregoriopolis in order that he should stay there and regain his strength until it is time for him to return to Rome. Once gaining possession of Cassi's documents, Basile shall keep them safely locked away in his torre for study and consideration.

- The robbery of the treasury last season has caused Basile no end of headaches, and he will make effort to rectify this shocking lapse in security immediately. Basile will have a pair of sturdy wooden doors installed in the Tabularium, and he shall likewise have any other breaches in the structure sealed or barricaded. Some of his masnada will watch over the structure during the period of construction to ensure its security. Basile will devote [1 WP] of his personal funds towards this purpose. An assessment will also be performed to determine how best to fortify the structure against any future breach, and how much this would cost.

- The Senate's palatini shall be gathered up, and informed of a new duty. As Consul, Basile will honour the terms of their contract, and he shall state that he is not requiring the men to serve as thief-takers or vigilies. However, it is at times the duty of a retainer to man station and appear resplendent in his armour while providing security in order to enhance his master's prestige. Therefor, when not on campaign or otherwise occupied with official business, teams of the Senate's palatini will stand guard in rotation at both the Senate House and the Tabularium, and in this capacity answer to Consul Viviani.

- The [1 WP] of expected net income for the city this season shall be spent to continue the clean-up effort in Rome's fire-ravaged areas, moving into the districts of S. Eustachii and Parionis, focusing for the moment on slowly working east to west, and more specifically clearing those areas next to the region's main thoroughfare.

- As there is no other authority in Rome at the present time, Basile shall arrange with the Senate the collection of Holy Week tolls at Rome's gates from the many pilgrims who should journey to our Eternal City as Easter approaches. The tolls shall be in keeping with those of previous years under Prefects Colonna and Demetri, and money collected thereby is to be placed into the Senate's treasury. Basile will have his agents and pesceneri - also using his contacts to get the masnada of various NPC Senators to assist - handle the collection of these tolls, and each group shall bear a Writ of Authority in the name of the Senate & People of Rome to establish their ability to do so. Any money collected in this way will be used over the course of the season to contribute to the project to fortify the Tabularium, save for [1 WP], which will be provided to Senator Sismondii for the project to complete the road between Ardea and the Torre San Lorenzo.

- Basile shall arrange to meet with the more distinguished members of the local community in S. Angeli in Foro Piscium, and will discuss with them and hear of their concerns regarding the tenements at the Theatre of Marcellus. Basile will listen graciously, and consider their words. With consular charisma he will note the Senate's authority over the tenements and the theatre, and that such matters should be left to the Commune. He will likewise note that most of the villains have already been chased off, with only those of meeker and better character now remaining. He will mention that those tenants who cannot find regular and respectable employment within a season are to be evicted. The important thing here is deescalating the situation and reestablishing the Senate's authority in the district, a task Basile should be well suited to. His pesceneri will likewise accompany him, and they shall seize any known criminals still living in the tenements and assure the law-abiding residents of the Theatre of their own safety and security. Basile shall likewise assure the district natives that the Senate will police the area more vigorously.

Crime & Punishment

- Basile will personally initiate a low-key investigation into the circumstances of the death of Prefect Antonio, interviewing if possible any men present at the scene. It is said that a bolt ended his life, so perhaps the Prefect was killed in volley. If only one bolt among many fired should have caused his death, it may be impossible to determine responsibility. Crime requires both intent and action, and if the action cannot be placed to a single man, then at risk of punishing the innocent no perpetrator can be named. The investigation will be carried out in such a way as to minimize offence to Senator de Vinti or his household. This is, for now, a simple fact-finding mission - no trial is to be convened yet. Basile will consult with Magister Placentianus on the matter if necessary.

- Basile shall as quickly as might safely be done arrange a group of his rougher and more villainous looking masnada (led by his trusted and able captain Simone Lombardi, who has a demonstrated facility for trickery and deception) to enter the crime-ridden district of Arenule - these picked men shall be veteran pirates all, and versed in criminal dealings. Their ostensible purpose shall be that they are looking to arrange with a local group the offloading of illegal cargo at the riverside - and the gang that can make sure it is done safely and quickly will receive a substantial fee. While surreptitiously scouting out the district in this manner, my masnada will make note of its geography and of the posts of skulking gang members, and of faces, numbers, and the location of any gang strongholds or hideouts. This information shall on their return be discussed and deliberated on in preparation for the raid on the district.

- Before the coming of Holy Week the Romans must be put to order, and they must be made to abide by the the Rule of Law. We will make them respect the Senate by a show of force. In concert with Consul Viviani and other senators, Basile will plot out the raid on the district of Arenule et Caccabariorum. In a surprise operation the various masnadas shall sweep through the district from multiple entry points, arresting known and suspected gang members. Identified hideouts are to be stormed, emptied out, and torn down. Valuables will be confiscated and deposited in the Senate treasury, and any confiscated grain will be taken for later proper distribution. The involved masnada shall have full authorization to use lethal force if any man should resist the Senate's authority, though it is to be noted that arrest is greatly preferable where possible.  

Basile's full hundred-man company of pesceneri will participate in the raid. Their superior equipment, training, experience, cohesion and determination acquired over years of service will stiffen our operation and ensure its success, as the pesceneri will be able to shore up and direct the hired masnada of other senators. Those arrested will be tried by Roman Law at our new Courthouse and punished appropriately if determined guilty. The Romans will learn to respect the Senate's law. Knowing that other criminals may move to fill the vacuum, Basile will have his agents observe any ongoing developments in Arenule in the weeks following the raid. This information is to be reported directly.

- Basile's pesceneri shall also operate as police and thief-takers over the Holy Week, arresting criminals and breaking up disturbances. The message that crime will not be tolerated is to be made loud and clear. A smoothly proceeding Holy Week is essential to the Roman economy.

- An investigation is to be made into locating the Senate's stolen money, and the thieves who took it. The trail of silver will be tracked back to its source - silver deniers being uncommon in the hands of the sort of folk who looted the Tabularium. The culprits will be arrested and tried, and any money seized will be returned to the treasury.

To Kidnap a Bishop

- Basile will send a ten-man team of his most capable, loyal and skilled agents to the vicinity of Rieti. Able scouts, killers, climbers, sneaks and charmers - their mission is to capture the Bishop Dodone and transport him to the city of Rieti. The men will be provided with the equipment necessary to their task and petty cash for expenses and minor bribes (none of which will be new coinage marked with Roman arms). They will wear no garment or item that could identify them as my servants. They will present themselves bearing appropriate seal to a Consul of Rieti that Basile trusts and inform him of the task they have been sent to perform for Rieti's benefit. They will commence their mission operating out of the base thereby gained in the city.

- My agents will, without arousing suspicion, survey the countryside that Dodone controls and the residences that he stays in, and when he moves between them. His schedule and that of his most notable retainers is to be established before any attempt is made to capture him. If nothing else, the Bishop will no doubt be travelling to and from various churches and holdings as Holy Week and Easter approach. My agents are to determine based on their own judgement and experience the best method for capturing the Bishop. If ambuscade is selected, it is is to be properly sited and planned in advance, and with crossbows and surprise on their side they are to overwhelm any of the Bishop's guards, and take him into their custody. If infiltration should be the preferred option, it shall be done quietly and in the dead of night. Prior to any infiltration, my men will try to discreetly learn what they can if the interior layout. By speed or stealth, Basile's men shall quickly have Dodone back in Rieti, where he will be brought before the Consuls of Rieti and there be forced to sign a treaty ending the quarrel between them, and recognizing the authority of the Commune of Rieti.

the Torre Maggiore

- Critically, this action is to be presented as a legal reclamation of property, the Senate of Rome merely lending its assistance in the matter to Signore de Savelli. Basile shall seek to flummox the castellan of the Torre Maggiore with a heaping pile of legalese, and shall produce an official document signed and countersigned by the Consuls of Rome, the Patricians of Rome, and Signore de Savelli. The Magister Rogerius Placentianus is to be consulted in the construction of the document, the language used, and any laws to be sited (be they Papal, Imperial, Lombard or Roman). This document shall supersede that produced by the Church in prior agreement, a case in which Rome was notably plaintiff, thus giving us some authority in this regard.

- In concert with Signore Annibaldo, Basile shall prepare for the assault on the Torre Maggiore. A muster of at least two-thirds of the militia footmen will be called, along with a muster of two-thirds of our equites. The Senate's fifty palatini will likewise be called up to accompany the expedition. If any other personal armsmen of Senators, equites, or other officials of the city should be offered, they will of course be accepted. The remaining men are to stay in Rome in case they should need to be mustered by Consul Viviani for the defence of the city or the contado. [1 WP] of Basile's personal wealth is to be spent on obtaining supplies for the militia for the duration of the siege - the remainder will be obtained via foraging, sharing stores with the Patrician and Signore de Savelli, and supplies promised by Signore Caetani.

- The tower is to be approached directly, and a call will be made for its surrender - the presence of Signore de Savelli being noted, as well as Rome's dissolution of the terms of the agreement it obtained from the Church as plaintiff regarding this very matter. If they surrender immediately, they will be allowed to depart with their arms and any Church property therein. If surrender is refused the tower is to be invested and siege machines raised. Scouts will be sent out and pickets posted to observe the nearby countryside and warn us of any enemy approach. We will use the knowledge gained in our previous siege of the tower to hasten its fall. Spots damaged in our last attack are to be targeted with the catapults, as having been repaired they should be more vulnerable than solid original work.

- Twenty of Basile's pesceneri will accompany him as personal guardsmen and staff. The remainder will be with Ricardo in Rome to help defend and keep order in the city.

- We will persist until the tower comes into the custody of our faction, whereupon il Torvo shall take possession of it as agreed.

- If Oddone Frangipani or Alexander's Church should involve themselves, we will seek to negotiate a solution, and will strenuously cite the various jurisdictions involved and the legal nature of the action, which we will present as the resistance of the castellan to lawful order.

- If a field battle should somehow occur, the Romans will form a solid line on good ground with the two ends of the line presenting in crescent fashion to protect the flanks against a cavalry charge. The armoured palatini will be placed in the front rank to strengthen it. Our ballistarii and Senator de Vinti's crossbowmen will be positioned so that they can fire volley over the heads of kneeling pedites into the attacking enemy, as at the Battle of the Laurels. We will of course coordinate with the Patrician and Signore de Savelli on our presentation and order of battle. Our cavalry will be present on the wings, and will serve to engage any enemy cavalry. The Roman Militia is essentially the most experienced and competent force in Latium by this point, and we will rely on our civic spirit and staying power to route any attacking force. If retreat is somehow forced on our part, it will be done in good order utilizing signals drilled during militia training excercises.[/ooc]