The Campaign Builder's Guild

[ooc=Character Sheet]Name: Cleonico Sgro


Age: 35 (Young Blood)

Class: Citizen

The following stats are also part of your character description:

Influence: 5  (because Starting as Citizen)

Popularity: 5

Orthodoxy: 3 ( Not Pious Man)

Bio: Cleonico Sgro is and still Ruthless man, In fact he doing anything to claw himself to favour his ideals, so you can say Ambition is His key if you will. Despite Very unorthodox ways, Cleonico has had his Virtue which are his industrial will and skilled dyer, Dyer in quite skill in Family-line and become Senator because his fitted his higher ambitions as One become Senator to become Consul

(I Chose Low Orthodoxy for reason, To explain my character more ruthless and un-chistain action going to take for his agenda)
'[/ooc]

[ic= Cleonico Opening Statment on Forum Grounds] Here ye, Here ye I came now on this steeple(flowery language) and proud to be this city guider and protector, I mean Learned of you older men of  experience and age, I am still young so i much to learn. So please tell me on  current delirium(I mean Current Baffling matter) [/ic]

I just Joined, So Hi

[ic=Before the Senate]I have at length made known my support for Consul de Vinti's legislation, and I shall be voting in its favour, Senators. Now is the time for the Senate to make known its Law in Rome. With the Curia's continued absence, and with no rightful arbiters of the law save ourselves, this will serve our authority well. Who shall contest that it is the Senate that ought to rule in Rome when it is already truth in fact? By devotion to the law, the law shall serve the Senate just as it serves the Romans.[/ic]

[ooc=the Vote]5 votes in favour of de Vinti's judicial legislation. Basile's preferences for judges are in-order: Literate, Pro-Imperial, diligent, reasonable and fair, possessed of legal knowledge.[/ooc]

[ic=Spoken to Gionata Orticiao and Sergio Vittori]Your caution is not without cause, and it is not the Roman intent to portray ourselves other than we are. Tell me then, what does Viterbo desire of Rome? What deed or gesture by the Romans would persuade your councils of the benefit of a closer association? Tell me, that I might bring this to the Roman council that it should be considered in the fullness of its import. You are of course welcome to speak it yourself before the council, if that should serve your message better.

If there is naught, then know that the Romans are not unwilling to carry to action what has but been words before, and know that Viterbo shall have no cause to worry from Rome. We have been glad to receive your delegation, and it is our hope that the relationship between the Romans and the Viterbisi will, with time and with good management, continue to heal itself for the benefit of both peoples. Know too, gentlemen, that if you should ever have need of a friend in Rome that I will do what I might to aid you.[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Cencio Pierleone]Patrician,

Some time ago you expressed your desire to a greater involvement in the governance of Rome. This has been my thought as well. As Patrician I know that there is much you could do for your city. Rome is in some need of the reform of its government, clarifications regarding your office among them. Indeed, it has been my thought for some time that election must likewise make its return. It shall allow the Senate to better serve its citizens, and it shall bind those citizens more firmly to the Senate. I would hear your thoughts on this and other things, and perhaps together we might accomplish a great deal in the name of Rome.

Senator Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Raino Tusculani]Signore,

I will not pretend that we are friends, but it is that we serve the same sovereign, and I do not forget my oath to the Emperor. The cause of Rolando has been emboldened this summer past, and this is of no small concern to the Roman council. Peace persists only tenuously, and war might soon return. I will tell you now, Signore, that I have come to regret our past conflict - it has weakened Rome and the Tusculani both. This is too convenient for our mutual enemies, and I suspect now more than ever that we were carefully and artfully put to odds against each other. We are Romans, and so we are prideful, and this was used against us. Whose men accosted the Roman merchants I do not know, but who has more cavalrymen at his command than any other in Latium? Who desires most that this whole country should be his? It is Oddone Frangipani. He is clever and practiced in this, and so he has left no proof of his deeds - or if he had, it is long since vanished. But what man has had more motive or more opportunity?

We may be unable to render each other the greatest aid, Signore, but your family and Rome both will be served if some effort is made to reconcile ourselves to the other. This is my own belief, at least, and I will persist in it.

Senator Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Hugo de Vinti]Consul,

My apologies for the delay of my reply - I have had many pressing matters to attend to of late. The primary concern of the Viterbisi delegation is that they determine the benefits our alliance should provide them would be inferior to the costs. We have many enemies, and the Viterbisi have little reason to bind themselves to us. I have made inquiry as to the desires of Viterbo, and if there is any boon that we might provide them to prove our intent. I think regardless that this mission has been successful in some respects, as it has at the least done something to assure the Viterbisi that we are genuine in our desires for continued peace. Know that you will be informed if any more significant developments should arise, and trust me that I shall see the Commune as best served by my efforts as possible.

Lord Anguillara wishes his own interests served first and foremost, and I will caution against giving this man any guarantees. He is eager to see to the removal of his longtime foe, Di Vico, and if you should indicate a willingness in this without granting him promise, I think that he will remain receptive. Let him know that first you would pursue less overt means to harm his enemy and to gain advantage for the Romans and himself.

The Senate's palatini are well able to continue their current duties, and their presence in the forum and at our gates reminds the Romans of the Senate's authority. They are certainly payed well enough that they should have no qualms with their task. I will send a contingent of my men to watch the Milvian bridge in company with your own - they are clever and capable, and if any spy should attempt to deceive them I expect he will regret his decision.

Lastly, Consul, I will ask a favour of you. Your judicial reform is necessary, and you know of my support for it and for your consulship. So too do you know of my ability, my experience, and my patriotism. Therefor I put my name forward to be considered for the office of Rome's chief justice. In this I will not disappoint my city, I assure you.

Senator Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ooc=Orders for Autumn 1160]- Ricardo will depart from Rome and return to his family in Ardea and to the management of his own estate. Basile has proposed to his son the establishment of a timber-cutting enterprise on the property, and Ricardo will discuss this as necessary with Caetana. Ricardo and Caetana will receive a fee for the establishment of the enterprise on their property of [1 WP] when the plan is initiated - which is not now, the requisite funds being lacking. This will be of good benefit to the family, serving to clear land on the estate of the Torre San Lorenzo and increasing the value of Giovanni's future inheritance - as well as providing the family with an additional source of income.

- Basile will devote the remaining [1 WP] necessary to see to the completion of the current phase of construction on the Torre Basile

- Basile will devote [1 WP] to hopefully finish cleaning up the fire-damaged section of the city. He will make some effort to hire laborers for this purpose from Arenule, that the unemployed should be given work in order to lessen their poverty. Some of his masnada will be on-hand to supervise, of course.

- Roberto will continue in his attempts to secure tenants for the Theatre of Marcellus on the Senate's behalf. Rents will be set at a rate attractive enough to secure occupancy, but still sufficient for the Senate to profit from this property. The pesceneri will continue to have some presence here and in Foro Piscium in order to ensure the maintenance of the law.

- Owing to his own legal experience and his long service as Consul, Basile will put himself forward for the office of primo guidice. He will apply his influence to ensure that he is made a judge, at the very least - this likely shouldn't be a problem, as he doubts there will be an overwhelming number of volunteers. Basile will strive to uphold the law and to make of the Roman judiciary a respected and functional institution.

- The pesceneri will continue to act as thieftakers and watchmen about the city - now is a critical moment for the law in Rome, and its enforcement should not grow lax. They will likewise maintain their watch at the treasury.

- A hand of pesceneri [that is, six] will be sent to the Milvian bridge to assist Consul de Vinti's men in securing it. A further dozen will be lent to Consul Viviani for the purpose of his investigations.

- Pandolfo Cassi will work on Basile's behalf among the citizenry and the merchant equites of Rome to survey and grow support for the reinstatement of election. Cassi will emphasize that in the Senate it is Basile who argues for election, and that it is Basile who serves the Romans best. Basile is obviously attempting to rehabilitate his reputation and popularity here, and Cassi will slowly and carefully perform this task, placing advantageous rumours at precise moments, remarks both blunt and subtle to remind the Romans of what Basile has done for them, and what he will do for them.

- Basile will begin to experiment in concert with some of the militia with the construction and use of wagons similar to the Milanese plaustrella. It is Basile's thought that these could, if employed properly and diligently, make an infantry position utterly secure from attack by cavalry. In combination with our crossbows and our relatively reliable pedites it should be made possible for the Romans to drive off and wound the enemy while taking relatively few casualties. These wagons could also serve to create a safe refuge for our almost always numerically inferior cavalry, allowing them to strike from safety at the proper moment. Basile will determine how best to arrange these wagons, and how the soldiers should interact with and utilize them.

- Basile will begin to investigate potential buyers for his new properties in the center of Rome, and will attempt to ascertain how much money he could potentially make thereby.

- Basile will assign a few masnada to keep a surreptitious watch on the Palazzo Colonna in order to alert him of any attempt at trespass or burglary, or of any other suspicious activity.

- Find out what Signore Annibaldo is and has been up to.[/ooc]

[ic=Before the Senate]Sanguineus walks to the Senate floor looking pallid and weak, his eyes burning with a hectic light.

Senators, I wish to first thank you all for once again selecting me as Consul of the Interior.

He pauses here to cough raggedly. Those close to him note a small quantity of blood spatters the floor near him. Senguineus wipes his mouth delicately.

Unfortunately I have suffered from a recent illness and have been confined to my home for some weeks. It pains me to have been absent during so critical a time, when Rome has placed such great a trust in my abilities. I pray you forgive me my somewhat enfeebled state.

Another bout of coughing wracks Sanguineus and he sways dizzily; a man nearby moves to steady him, but the Consul waves him away.

I wish to speak... to speak in favour of my fellow Consul's proposal for judicial reform. This bold proposal will help restore order to our great city... will help to alleviate its afflictions.[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Pope Victor IV]Your Holiness,

I do not know how much news of Rome reaches your ears, but a group of vile thieves have recently molested the Column of Trajan, seeking to remove parts of that glorious monument. Under normal circumstances, I am sure that your holiness would seek out these ne'er do wells and mete out the appropriate punishment for their sinful misdeed. In your absence, as Rome's Consul of the Interior I take it as my duty to bring these criminals to justice. Should any others seek to deface Rome's treasures they shall face a similar fate.

Your humble servant,

Senator Sanguineus Viviani, Consul of the Interior[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Roberto Basile]Senator Basile,

I hope that you have been well, and that your summer has been pleasant and profitable. I myself have sadly been bed-ridden with a wretched summer flux of the humours, but I believe that I may be recovering.

You may have heard of the thieves who recently tampered with the Column of Trajan. It is my intention to bring these foul miscreants to justice; to this end, I have sent my household agents in search of whatever they can learn. I know that you possess a hardened force of pesceneri acting as watchmen and thieftakers. I ask that you might lend me some of these men to seek out these thieves, who dared to deface one of Rome's most famous monuments a mere stonesthrow from the Market of Trajan and the courthouse.

Your friend,

Sanguineus Viviani[/ic]

[ooc]6 votes in favour of de Vinti's judicial legislation. Sanguineus will favour Roberto Basile if his name is put forward. Otherwise he favours those who can demonstrate extensive legal knowledge, regardless of their political leanings - he has too much respect for scholarship to admit further bias.

Given the relative state of peace in the city, Sanguineus counts his blessings and concentrates on expanding his commercial interests.

- Spend 3 WP converting a Cropland into an Orchard (citrus)
- Spend 8 WP to construct a Spetiarium

Sanguineus sends the men of his household, led by Morus, to try and discover the identities of the thieves who sought to steal parts of the Column of Trajan, exploiting any criminal contacts established in the city and using up to 1 WP for bribes. If the thieves can be located they should be turned over to the local authorities.

If sufficient time and resources are available, they should also conduct inquiries concerning the agents of Rolando Bandinelli. It should be quietly put about that there may be a reward for those who ferret out such agents, though no particular sum should be specified.[/ooc]

[ic=A Letter to Sanguineus Viviani]Consul,

The summer was quite salutary to my orchards, and I anticipate a fine crop of oranges. My family is well, and for this I am grateful. I have heard of your illness and it is certainly excellent news for Rome that you recover - your presence on the council has been missed. I have likewise heard of this crime, and I would indeed see the culprits caught. It should prove a good demonstration to the Romans to enact appropriate justice. To this purpose I shall send you a dozen of my pesceneri. They are capable men and should prove useful to you.

Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Niccolo Capocci]Signore Capocci,
It is the wish of His Imperial Majesty that the schismatic and his cursed affiliates should not reach the northern side of the Tiber. I hereby give you authority to patrol the Via Ravenna from your castles to the Milvian Bridge and direct any travellers to that important crossing until there be no need for such actions. My men stationed there already have their instructions and will deal with anyone who tries to pass the bridge in the appropriate manner. Should your authority be questioned, you need only show this letter, and know that as I return to Rome, my presence will be felt at the crossing. Then it will be as simple as directing them to me.

I thank you for your support and trust that no harm shall come to those travellers and their goods which you direct toward my own men.

Consul Hugo de Vinti[/ic]

I know we're past the deadline here, but a few people have asked for a few more days.  I'm probably not going to be doing serious work on the update until the next weekend, so as long as your orders are in by then everything should be okay.

[ic=To Manzinni from Nicola Anguillara]Good senator, I appreciate your high esteem for my house.  Certainly I do not doubt your high position among your peers.  Still, there is a great difference between your peers and mine, and there are many who would not consider it creditable for a man of noble blood to take a wife below his station.  A family like mine, that has so recently gained prominence, must take great care to ensure it is accepted and respected.

I will confide to you that I have been attempting to gain the good graces of your consuls, in an appropriately discreet way, so as to open their eyes to the threat posed by Signore Pietro di Vico – once the prefect of your city – who now seeks Victor's permission to rule you once again.  Perhaps if he does not get it from that Pope, he will change his allegiance to the other, for he is determined to reclaim from you what he sees as his birthright.  Yet Consul de Vinti seems strangely reluctant to face this real threat and shies away from our natural alliance for reasons I cannot fathom.

You would be aiding both your city and me if you were to change the consul's mind, or failing that gain the approval of the Roman senate for a closer alliance between us.  I am sure you would agree that the humbling of Pietro di Vico would be a benefit to both my family and Rome, and your success would certainly do much to assure me of the influence that you say could be mine.

Signore Nicola Anguillara[/ic]

[ic=Spoken to Basile by Gionata Orticaio]The question of what Rome offers us is exactly the one which we are finding difficult to answer.  We are well-served by the continuing security of the Via Francigena, which is in your interests as well, but it seems to us that the danger to the road is chiefly in the north, even in Tuscany, where our power – let alone Roman power – does not avail us.  We are otherwise not at war; there are threats to our rights and liberty, but at present we feel secure in our abilities to address these without recourse to the arms of outsiders.

As I have said, I will return your words to the rest of our consuls.  That is all we can offer at this point.[/ic]

[ic=Spoken to Basile by Sergio Vittore]I do not see the Romans as being prepared to truly contribute as our allies.  Imperial loyalists as they are, would they support us if the emperor's marshal wished to put a podesta over us, or support us against the tyranny of a new bishop of Toscanella even if he happened to be an adherent of Victor?  With the Frangipani and Colonna at their backs, would they send their men to help us bring Ferento to heel if we were to need their aid?  I am inclined to think not.[/ic]

[ic=To Basile from Cencio Pierleone]I am not well informed of the practices of other communes who practice election.  In the Church there are many such opportunities for the elevation of men to high posts by his peers, even up to the Papacy, though as we have witnessed these elections are not always without incident.

I have wondered if the recent events in S. Angeli in Foro Piscium offer a model.  I have heard the citizens there elected that man Pietro Deutesalvi to represent them and organize their own local affairs.  I know little of the man himself, but it seems he has credibility with the people.  Perhaps he could be brought into the fold and his legitimacy acquired for the senate by making his assembly and others the basis of a popular system.

As for the Patricianate, it was the Senate's decision to multiply the title as to give it to Signore Annibaldi, a decision which as you know I opposed.  My uncle was granted this title to recognize his leadership over the city, his dedication to stand with the commune against all his exalted noble peers, and his willingness to rush to arms in its defense.  I am much less deserving – but for his sake, if not my own, I would be ashamed if that title were to be debased into a simple token granted to any man who did the senate some momentary credit.

Patrician Cencio Frangipane[/ic]

[ic=To Basile from Raino Tusculani]You seek to incite me against the Frangipani, but it is the Colonna who have with your misguided aid forced their way into Tusculum and who have come to serve the pontiff which you denounce as a schismatic.  You seem blind to the reality that the son and his late father alike have manipulated you into doing their will, and have used your senate as adroitly as their own fortunes.  The sword that hangs above your head now is held by Signore Colonna, not Signore Frangipani, make no mistake about that.

Raino, Count of Tusculum[/ic]

[ic=To Viviani from the Curia of Victor IV]Your service in this matter is most appreciated.  As you can understand, the attention of the Holy Father must be devoted to the restoration of the unity of the Church.

Nevertheless, His Holiness remains concerned that a lack of ecclesiastical leadership in Rome has caused disorder, left the churches and relics to abandonment, and allowed the proponents of schism and even heresy to grow in number and courage.  Of course the late Signore Demetri was an intolerable schismatic and rebel who deserved overthrow, if not his sad fate, but we are interested to learn if there is a candidate the Romans would accept as our prefect who would be acceptable to them and us, as the noble and respected Pietro Colonna was in his day.  His stature makes it doubly regrettable that his son has chosen the path of error.

Giovanni Mercone, Cardinal-Bishop of SS. Silvestro e Martino, Chancellor of the Holy Roman Church[/ic]

Romanophile: Hello and welcome!

[ic=Letter to Nicola Anguillara]

Thank you for responding with such punctuality to my missive. I must, however, admit it saddens me to hear concern regarding how a union with one who is not born to the nobility may negatively affect your family's position and its future continued ascension. I understand the concern, but I also point that new families often rise together to replace the old and that those who have two sons have two opportunities- one to win acclaim with the nobility and another to win acclaim with the greater sum of the populace and the political power of the land. Have we not recently witnessed the rise of the Colonna to replace much of the former interest of the Tusculani? Have we not witnessed the rise of the Emperor and Pope Victor against formerly entrenched interests? It can be good to have blood-close allies who are not beholden to many of the old prejudices and who are not burdened by age-old treaties, responsibilities, and alliances and who can strike and act quickly to secure new interests and benefits.

Consul de Vinti is like a flower, blown by the wind in oft-unexpected directions. It comes as no surprise to me that his actions seem unpredictable, for his actions are often contrary to the words he speaks.

The advice I give for dealing with the Consul is this; he values his University above all. If he were to see a threat to it or the independence of the Judiciary, from the arm of Pietro di Vico, then he would stop at nothing to humble him. Barring that, there is little that words could do to deter him from a path he fixes.

If we have historical or physical evidence of Pietro's enmity against the University or against law and justice- I am glad to present it.

If no such evidence exists, then I will pursue other modes of influence to ensure Consul deVinti will see reason and that Pietro di Vico will be humbled.

~Senator Vittorio Manzinni.[/ic]

[ooc]May we please delay the turn until late Sunday? I at least need to see what S. Anguillara has to say to the above.

Also, out of character, the only things I know about this di Vico seem to be the blurb from the history above: "After him came Lucius II, who fared no better – he warred with Sicily over a territorial dispute but was eventually forced to surrender.  Taking this opportunity, the Senate of Rome chased out the Papal Prefect, Pietro di Vico, and formally established the Commune of Rome.  To serve as Patrician, the new leader of this Commune, they chose Giordano Pierleone, another son of Pier Leoni and a younger brother of the antipope Anacletus II."

Do I know anything else about di Vico, his policies, his family, his influence, his military strength, his family's allies (e.g. are they enemies of the Pierleoni?) If I knew more, then I could respond in a more focused way to N. Anguillara's request. Manzinni will ask the power of his network to discover anything he can learn about di Vico, he will ask his equite allies and his masnada. Presumably, Manzinni also knows about di Vico since the commune supplanted him.[/ooc]

[ic=Letter to Manzinni from Nicola Anguillara]I am afraid I know nothing about this "university" you describe.  Whether the restoration of Rome's former prefect would be damaging to it is a question I must leave entirely in your hands.  Your advice is no doubt well-considered, but what you offered me was influence, not merely advice.  Perhaps you will have to rely on these "other modes of influence" you speak of.

Signore Nicola Anguillara[/ic]

Pietro di Vico, as noted elsewhere, was an adherent of the Pierleonist (anti)pope Anacletus II in the schism of 1130-8, but when Anacletus died and the pro-Frangipani forces swept back into power he quickly switched sides and was pardoned by the pro-Frangipani Pope Innocent II.  Not surprisingly, Giordano Pierleoni never liked him much thereafter.  Innocent made Pietro the new prefect shortly after 1138.  Innocent enraged the Romans by refusing to allow the destruction of Tivoli, an act which led to the communal revolution breaking out as Innocent was on his deathbed.  Pietro was briefly forced to leave the city, but came back, and served under the short-lived Celestine II (another Frangipani candidate).  After that he was prefect for Pope Lucius II.  Lucius had been initially fairly successful at suppressing the commune, but after the Papal army was decisively defeated in a conflict with the Normans of Sicily, Giordano Pierleoni led a Roman uprising that drove Pietro and his administration out of the city for good in 1144.  Lucius later tried to reclaim Rome by force with the help of the Frangipani, which ended in catastrophic failure and his own death. 

Pietro di Vico isn't known for any particularly heinous or tyrannical acts, but he had the misfortune of being the head official of the Papal administration at a time when the Papacy became wildly unpopular in Rome.  As a result, he's regarded poorly by most Romans old enough to remember his rule (that is, anyone older than 30 or so).  During his tenure he was a strong Frangipani ally, but it's hard to say where he stands now.  If Signore Anguillara is correct and he is appealing to Pope Victor for the office of prefect, he's obviously not in perfect accord with Oddone Frangipani, who is strongly pro-Alexander.

Inquests may reveal more than this, though since Pietro has kept a fairly low profile since he was driven out in 1144 there may simply be not much more to know about his current policies or political alignments.

[ic=Letter to N. Anguillara]
Then I will use my other modes of influence. Pietro di Vico will not be made Prefect. And if he is, Rome will attempt to block him-for that is under my influence and that of the Senate. DeVinti will be on our side.
[/ic]

[ooc]I am done now.[/ooc]

[ic=A Letter to Cencio Pierleone]It is my hope, Signore, that the honoured title of Patrician should inspire both yourself and Signore Annibaldo to strive to equal what the late Patrician demanded of himself. You will know that I admired your uncle greatly, and that at the outset I spoke in opposition to a descent into civil violence. Indeed, I consider it among my greatest contributions to Rome that I was able to aid in the closing of the rift that had developed between your uncle and the Senate. I do not speak of multiplying the Patricianate further - the Romans were delivered from famine by Signore Annibaldo, and for that I afford him the chance to act always as he did then and for the betterment of the Commune.

It is my thought that Rome's Patricians and its Senate should act now in greater concert for the preservation of our liberty. This will serve to bind our city more closely together, the better to overcome any enemy or challenge. That the Lesser Council and the Patricians should at appointed times sit together and confer on the good of Rome. What is your own consideration of such a measure, and if I were to propose it to my colleagues?

Senator Roberto Basile[/ic]

Orders edited, but now complete.

Here's a little something. I just made a thread about this, but the picture deserves a spot here.

[spoiler=Holy Roman Empire]

[/spoiler]

Hi fellas. I was wondering whether we still intended to play this game or not? I'd really like it to resume, but if you are all extremely busy I'd understand. Just not sure I can find another very similar game on the web. I've checked, but they certainly do not allow for the same freedoms we have here.

I'm busy, but still up for continuing if Polycarp is game. I think we're just waiting on an update, right?

I will always want to continue RR, so no worries there. And yes, I believe that is the case, Steerpike.

Yeah, RR isn't dead, I just haven't gotten to it yet.  An update is coming.