The Campaign Builder's Guild

Autumn has passed into winter...
Winter seldom brings snow to Rome, but the cold winter winds are accompanied by sudden storms.  Floods are still a danger, and only the most reckless mariners try their luck at sea this time of year.  In the countryside, vines are pruned and firewood is gathered, while craftsmen huddle indoors making and maintaining tools and equipment for the coming year.  The people fast through Advent before feasting at Christmas, upon a pig slaughtered in late autumn if they can afford it, and on wild game if not.  Epiphany is celebrated in January, and the date of Easter is announced to the people.

Our Consuls: Hugo de Vinti and Sanguineus Viviani
Our Pope:  Alexander III ("Sicilian") and Victor IV ("Imperial")
Our Prefect: None
Our Rage: Seething [4]

[ooc=This Season's Top 5 Popular Issues]
1. "We fear for our safety in these times..."
2. "Down with Octavian!"  "No, down with Rolando!"
3. "Let the senate submit to election!"
4. "The cowardly Viviani has let the enemy slip by!"
5. "Perhaps Arnold is right, and neither of the popes are worthy men..."[/ooc]

News from Abroad

This season, word came from the north of a joint church council convened by King Henry II of England and Louis VII of France, held late this past summer at the city of Beauvais, to address the matter of the schism.  Henry and Louis had been at war or on the brink of it for years, but recently made a treaty of peace; as part of the treaty, it was agreed that Henry's five year old son, Prince Henry, would be betrothed to Louis's three year old daughter, Princess Marguerite, and that when the marriage took place the County of Vexin would be given to Henry as dowry.

The clergy of both kingdoms were said to be strongly pro-Alexander, but none could say for certain whether the monarchs would follow suit.  Initially, the progress of the council was unclear, owing to multiple conflicting rumors.  Eventually, however, a declaration from King Henry became known in Rome, dedicating himself to Alexander's cause.

At first, it was said that Louis had followed suit, but other information then began to arrive.  A scandal was alleged – that Henry had somehow negotiated privately with Alexander's legates at Beauvais and obtained from them, reportedly in exchange for his allegiance, the marriage of young Henry and Marguerite.  It was expected when the betrothal was made that the marriage, and thus the transferal of the dowry, would not be for some years to come, but immediately after the announcement Henry reportedly moved to seize Vexin as his rightful fief.

There was, then, no official announcement of support from Louis; it seems that, enraged at this treacherous insult, he quit the council without recognizing either pope.  With the ink hardly dry on their mutual treaty, the peace between Henry and Louis collapsed, with fighting reported this earlier this season between King Henry and Louis's vassal Count Theobald V of Blois.

Though things seem contentious in the lands of the Franks, the politics of the continent appear absolutely serene compared to those of the northmen.  King Inge of Norway became sole monarch in 1157 by killing his two co-ruling brothers Sigurd and Eystein in battle, but opponents of his rule found a new figure to rally around in the form of Haakon the Broadshouldered, Sigurd's bastard son, who has now raised the flag of rebellion.  Neighboring Sweden, meanwhile, was stunned by a brutal regicide when the king Erik IX was seized and beheaded as he was leaving church.  Rumors vary as to the identity of the assassins, but most presume the murder was either ordered or performed personally by Magnus Henriksson, a Danish lord, who has subsequently seized the Swedish throne as Magnus II.

It is reported that Raymond du Puy de Provence, Grand Master of the Order of Knights of Saint John (otherwise known as the Knights Hospitaller), has died.  A brave and pious warrior, he achieved a remarkable victory over the infidels at Ascalon in 1153, personally leading his forces in battle despite being 70 years of age at the time.  While Raymond was not the founder of the order, he was the first to take the title of Grand Master and developed the monastic community created to care for poor and sick pilgrims into a true military order dedicated to the defense of Christendom in the east.  He is succeeded as Grand Master by one of his trusted companions, Auger de Balben.

News of Italy

Alarming news comes from the south.  On November 10th, Maio of Bari, the amiratus amiratorum ("amir of amirs") and chief minister of King William de Hauteville of Sicily, was stabbed to death by Matthew Bonnellus, a Norman knight.  Despite the fact that the killer's identity was well known, he was not arrested, perhaps because of his popularity among the powerful baronial party.  The administration of the government has been entrusted to Henry Aristippus, the Archdeacon of Catania.  Maio's death comes as a great shock – a Lombard of relatively humble origins (according to one rumor, the son of a Bariote oil merchant), Maio was considered the grand architect of Sicilian policy and the kingdom's most capable diplomat and administrator.  He played a key role in the negotiation of peace with Pope Adrian and Emperor Manuel Komnenos.  A staunch royalist and proponent of centralization, he was despised by the Norman barons, who seem to have finally managed to get rid of him.  The fact that this deed could be done with no apparent repercussions for the murderer seems to bode ill for the stability of the kingdom.

The blessed Rainierius of Pisa has died.  Once a wealthy merchant of that city, he became deeply devout after an encounter with a Corsican ascetic, gave up all his worldly goods, and spent years in the Holy Land living as an itinerant beggar.  It is said that God himself came to him in visions and had to instruct him to eat, lest he waste away.  Rainierius returned to Italy in 1153 and entered monastic life, and is said to have performed many miracles and exorcisms.  The Pisans considered him practically a saint even when he lived, and upon his death he was interned in the city's cathedral.  No doubt eager to curry favor with the Pisans, both popes moved swiftly to canonize him.

News of Latium

The Imperial Marshal Otto von Wittelsbach continued his campaigning in northern Latium this season.  Though his men utterly ruined the countryside of Bolsena, the stubborn city resisted attack.  Near the end of September, his army bypassed the city and moved south against another target – Mons Faliscorum, the "Mountain of the Faliscans."  The fortress is a key strategic point, occupying a high outcrop overlooking the Via Cassia and controlling the route into Falisca from the north, and has for years been part of the dominion of the Bishop of Toscanella, at present a pro-Alexander prelate named Cencio.

The siege of Mons Faliscorum put the nail in the coffin of the Faliscan League.  Bishop Giovanni III of Sutri attempted to rally resistance against the imperialists, but only Civita Castellana responded positively while the rest of the Faliscan cities balked.  Viterbo, the greatest and northernmost of the cities, was of utmost importance, but the Viterbesi were heavily divided.  On the one hand, many were wary of an imperial attack against a key fortress in their very backyard; on the other, the Bishop of Toscanella was never a friend of Viterbo.  Unrest was reported in Viterbo throughout the season.

In a month, Mons Faliscorum was in the hands of Otto von Wittelsbach.  Shortly thereafter, Viterbo's communal government was toppled by a coup led by a number of aristocrats, including several of the consoli de militia ("consuls of the knights/nobles").  On November 3rd, they arrested a group of anti-imperialist consuls and other political figures as they met in the church of Saint Juvenal, and threw open the gates of the city to Otto's expeditionary force.  Organized resistance was swiftly suppressed, though prominent opponents of the new government remained safely in fortified towers within the city.

Otto completed a successful season with the armed escort of Pope Victor IV over the Roman bridge near Orte, a small commune which submitted to Marshal Otto with little trouble.  The pro-imperial pope now resides in the papal palace of Viterbo, which in the past half-century has often been a refuge for popes, second only to Anagni as a favorite retreat from the uncertainty and violence of Roman life.  For now, Viterbo is superficially quiescent thanks to the presence of the imperial Pope and Otto's garrison, but pro-Alexander, anti-imperial, and anti-aristocratic sentiment continues to thrive among a substantial segment of the population.

Viterbo's new leadership has turned their focus outward, in particular on Vetralla, a small but strategically significant fortress to the south.  Viterbo controlled the fortress until a little more than two decades ago, when it was obtained by the Church.  Now, the aristocratic consuls openly call for the return of Vetralla to their city, a move sure to antagonize not only the Alexandrians in general but Sutri in particular, for Vetralla is only ten miles from Sutri and would be an obvious choice for a forward base from which to attack that most ardently Alexandrian of the Faliscan cities.  Whether the Viterbesi government will act on their demands, and whether Otto will support them materially in their claim, is uncertain.

Not all news was bad for the Alexandrians, however.  The pro-Alexander nobleman Oddone Frangipani was successful in staring down Roman opposition at the Aniene river and crossed the Tiber unimpeded this past season.  He, along with more than a thousand retainers and armsmen, now presumably bolster the anti-imperial cause in Falisca.

News of Rome

In October, the forces of the Commune of Rome and Signore Oddone Frangipani finally met for the first time since the chaos of the papal election.  The Senate was warned by one of Signore Niccolo Capocci's men, who reported that a substantial armed force had been sighted on the Via Tiburtina by Capocci's watchmen at Castrum Poteranum (a castle which was recently taken from the Alexandrine Papacy with Roman assistance).  Neither the allegiance nor the size of the force could be immediately ascertained, but it consisted of at least a thousand men, mixed cavalry and infantry, and was proceeding quickly towards Rome.

With the exterior consul absent from the city, Rome's response was organized by its interior consul, Sanguineus Viviani.  The warning from Capocci's men had perhaps saved Rome from a complete surprise, but there was still very little time, and the mustering of the militia was haphazard and cumbersome.  The consul had reportedly hoped to dispatch the equites immediately, possibly to scout the enemy, but they couldn't be spared – as practically the only people with horses, they were desperately needed to ride through the streets helping to organize the mustering of the militia.

Eventually, the majority of the militia were gathered at the Aniene river north of the city, and a steady stream of laggards continued to trickle in from the south.  At this point, riders approached from the north and made their introductions.  Oddone Frangipani was moving with a force of his men to cross the Tiber at the Ponte Milvio; the Romans could either let them pass unmolested, or find themselves at war with the Frangipani.

The Consul's ultimate decision was to back down and allow their passage.  Ten noble hostages were given over to Roman custody by the Frangipani while they were in Roman territory; the army crossed through the Roman contado and over the Tiber without incident, at which point the hostages were returned.  This action has been highly controversial ever since, particularly in the Senate, but it did avoid an armed confrontation that some argue Rome was unprepared for.

For opponents of Arnoldism, this has been a troubling season.  In the wake of the disputed papal election, it seemed that the Arnoldist attack on curial and episcopal corruption had been sidelined; the dispute between popes clearly had more urgency.  As the dispute has deepened into a prolonged schism, however, complete with the tawdry and interminable pro- and anti- imperial politics Romans have been well acquainted with for more than a century, the whole debacle has become just another sign of the church's worldliness and moral bankruptcy.  Arnold of Brescia set the tone himself, sermonizing throughout the season that the papal conflict was essentially a "worldly dispute," a conflict over whether various properties and regalia were imperial and which were ecclesiastical, and thus only further indication of the Church's obsession with the riches of this world and contempt for the riches of the next.  While his rhetoric has been moderately less critical of the "Imperials" than the "Sicilians," he has given little praise to Victor and condemned both Victorian and Alexandrian cardinals as prideful, avaricious hypocrites, more concerned with power than grace.

Arnold's semblance of political neutrality is not shared by all his admirers.  The ever-caustic Wetzel – himself a Teuton (specifically, Bavarian) by birth – has renewed his preaching and seems to be casting himself as spokesman for a full-throated imperialist Arnoldism, in which the emperor is hailed as the man who will strip the worldly robes from the Church and precipitate its return to its original, humble, and apostolic mission.  The Romana Fraternitas (the organization of Rome's clergy), after its landmark elections last season, has so far been more vocal in its imperialism than its Arnoldism; the Fraternitas, after all, includes more than one property-owning priest, and its "Arnoldist" critiques accordingly tend to focus on corruption only at the curial level.

The Roman Senate made strides towards judicial reform this season, easily passing a new law by Consul Hugo de Vinti and electing ten judges from among the sitting senators.  Senator Roberto Basile, consul emeritus, was selected by the consiliarii as the primo giudice.  It remains to be seen if the new system will be effective and efficient, but at the very least the city seems to be emerging from a sustained period without much in the way of a functioning legal system.

Autumn is the most dangerous season for floods in Rome, and this autumn's rains were heavier than average, but flooding within the city was fairly minor and restricted to the edges of the riparian districts.  All in all, it was a promising planting season for Rome's peasants, for whom mild weather and a good amount of rain were reasons for hope after a particularly trying series of years.

The Schism

Despite the falling out of the French and English monarchs, Beauvais seems to have been a substantial coup for the Alexandrine party, and other princes soon followed the example of the powerful King Henry.   King Malcolm IV of Scotland followed England's lead and acknowledged Alexander thereafter, and a similar stance is expected from the Spanish kingdoms, who had delegates present at Beauvais.  Victor's party was not without its own new adherents this season, but the allegiance of these new princes was never really in doubt - Bolesław IV, the High Duke of Poland, who acknowledges imperial suzerainty, and Queen Petronilla of Aragon, whose husband Duke Ramon Berenguer IV of Barcelona holds fiefs from the emperor in Provence.

Though the war in Norway has everything to do with blood vengeance and nothing to do with Church politics, this has not stopped the rival parties from taking sides in the ecclesiastical dispute.  Inge, the ruling king, acknowledged Alexander as pope following the Beauvais declaration.  Accordingly, the insurgent Haakon and his party have pledged their support for Victor.  Nobody expects the allegiances of these distant northern lords to be of any real political consequence.

[spoiler=Declared for Pope Victor IV]
The Pierleoni
The Crescenzi
The Annibaldi
The Savelli
The Capocci
The Templar Priory of Rome[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Declared for Pope Alexander III]
The Frangipani
The Demetri
The Conti
The Colonna
The di Poli[/spoiler]

Finances

Treasury: 0 WP

Income: 1 WP

• Duty, Cencio Pierleone: 1 WP
• Toll, Holy Week Commerce: 1 WP (Spring Only)
• Rent, Colosseum: 2 WP (Spring Only)

Expenditures: 1 WP

• Upkeep, Senatorial Palatini (50): 1 WP
• Mint Fee: 1 WP (Spring Only)

State Projects:
None

State Properties:
Theater of Marcellus
Colosseum
Tabularium (Treasury)
Curia Julia (Senate House)
University
Market of Trajan (Courthouse)

[spoiler=Personal Finances]Vittorio Manzinni
Income: 27 (12/4/6/5)
Enterprises:
1 Forge Mill (+1 Spring, +1 Winter)
1 Lumber Yard (+2 Winter)
1 Bakery (+2 Winter)
2 Storehouses – Glassware (+2 Spring, +2 Summer, +2 Autumn)
2 Storehouses – Linens (+2 Spring, +2 Summer, +2 Autumn)
2 Hospitia (+6 Spring)
1 Wine Press (+2 Autumn)
Pontis Rent [Non-enterprise] (+1 Spring)

Savings: 12 WP
Costs: Palatini (-1 Every Season)
Projects: None
Assets: Estate [1S/2O], Land in Ripe et Marmorate and S. Angeli in Foro Piscium, 50 Palatini

Roberto Basile
Income: 20 (8/4/2/6)
Enterprises:
2 Storehouses – Loot (+2 Spring, +2 Summer, +2 Autumn)
2 Orchards (+2 Winter)
1 Perfumery (+4 Spring)
2 Fisheries (+2 Spring, +4 Winter)
2 Salinae (+2 Summer)

Savings: 1 WP
Costs: Armored Masnada (-2 Every Season)
Projects: None
Assets: Tower House [5S/2O], 100 Masnada (Armored)

Hugo de Vinti
Income: 30 (20/2/1/7)
Enterprises:
1 Storehouse – Marble (+1 Spring, +1 Summer, +1 Autumn)
1 Sculptors' Workshop (+1 Spring, +1 Summer, +1 Winter)
6 Flax Fields (+6 Spring)
3 Weaving Halls – Linen (+12 Spring, +6 Winter)

Savings: 2 WP
Costs: Palatini (-1 Every Season), Labarum Rent (2 WP in Spring)
Projects: None
Assets: Palazzo [0S/3O], Obelisk, 50 Palatini, 50 crossbows, "De Vinti Fund" [1 WP]

Sanguineus Viviani
Income: 21 (1/12/7/1)
Enterprises:
3 Croplands (+3 Summer)
3 Grist Mills (+6 Summer)
2 Vineyards (+2 Autumn)
1 Orchard (+1 Winter)
1 Wine Press (+4 Autumn)
1 Storehouse [Spices] (+1 Spring, +1 Summer, +1 Autumn)
1 Spetiarium (+2 Summer)

Savings: 1 WP
Costs: None
Projects: Laboratory [1/?]
Assets: Estate [0S/0O][/spoiler]

Senatorial Inquests

Senators that requested information or launched endeavors have the results of their efforts listed here.  This information is private, but you may certainly choose to share it with the Senate.

[spoiler=Vittorio Manzinni]Anguillara
Progress towards an accord with Signore Anguillara proved elusive – although he seems willing to reply to your letters with respect and has never entirely closed the door on your interest in a marriage alliance, your entreaties do not seem to be making much progress either.  His rhetoric of di Vico being a real threat to Rome, however, stepped up significantly after the fall of Viterbo and the entry of Pope Victor into that city.  It is difficult to tell, however, if Anguillara is actually prepared to follow through on what you want – a marriage – in exchange for what he wants, which is fairly clearly support in supplanting di Vico, his regional rival.

(Note – a letter from Anguillara is coming soon.)

You spent 1 WP and earned 6 WP this season.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Hugo de Vinti]Patrols
The decree that all crossing the Ponte Milvio must have consular permission proved impossible to enforce – hundreds of peasants, peddlers, messengers, and knights use it every day, and the idea that a consul would personally escort a peasant bringing his grain to a local mill was ridiculous on its face.  It was necessary to loosen the requirements of the decree, allowing your men to use their judgment in letting local residents – particularly those traveling south, and those with few belongings – pass after a cursory search.

A handful of petty thieves were caught incidentally when their possessions were searched, but no "agents" of Alexander's party were discovered.  The passage of the Frangipani force over the bridge, however – an action which your palatini were obviously unable to oppose – made the careful watch seem a bit pointless after the fact.  Any number of letters or weapons could have been in the baggage of Signore Frangipani's army.

Your patrols on the Via Ostiensis (the proper name of the road between Rome and Gregoriopolis, named for the ruined port of Ostia it originally accessed) were similarly unsuccessful in catching any enemy agents.  The only event of note was the discovery of a cellar at Draco, the abandoned 9th century palazzo of Pope Gregory IV which stands on the shores of the Tiber near the village of Acilia (about a third of the way to Rome from Gregoriopolis).  The cellar seems to have once stored salt, and your men think it likely it was used for smuggling, as the Church used to monopolize and tax all salt production in the region.  Since the disintegration of the Church's administrative authority in this area, however, corresponding with the rise of the commune, there has been no effective tax and thus no reason to smuggle, so it seems probable that the cellar has not been used in that way for some years.  Whether anyone else has been using the abandoned compound for any other illicit activity since then is unclear.

Nepi
You were welcomed in Nepi without any incident or offense, and maintained in one of the residences of one of the city's consuls.  Your food and lodging were more than satisfactory, and at no point were you treated with anything less than proper hospitality.  Yet the somewhat patronizing and dismissive tone of the Nepesini reply to your earlier message seemed to be echoed by the fact that, initially, the consuls seemed always to lack the time to meet with you.  Repeatedly they put off your appointment, pleading that they had other important business; it was starting to seem like insult when, one day, they abruptly gave you your audience.  It may not have been a coincidence that only two days before, news had reached the city that Otto von Wittelsbach had placed Mons Faliscorum under siege.

The reception of your speech by the consuls was polite but noncommittal.  They did, however, seem somewhat more interested than before in what the details of an agreement with Rome might be.  In the end, the meeting produced no concrete results, but a door seemed to be opening.

Your immediate impression was that the Faliscan League, as an alliance, was in some peril.  The consuls made reference to their "strong" ties to their neighbor cities, but this was not in evidence.  As it happened, delegates from Sutri were hosted at the city at the same time you were; rumor had it that this was a personal delegation from Giovanni III, the Bishop of Sutri, chief architect of the league and arch-nemesis of Rome in Falisca.  The delegation was said to be pleading with the consuls of Sutri to fulfill their obligations to the League and join a united front against the Imperial invasion. 

Though you were only planning on staying a few days originally, it seemed sensible to remain in Nepi to act as a counterbalance to the men of Sutri.  Your popularity in Nepi seemed to wax and wane with the fortunes of Otto; when rumors came that his men were deserting or that a counter-attack by the Frangipani was near, the consuls kept you at arm's length; when it was whispered that another German army was coming or that the defenders were close to surrender, your presence at dinners and informal audiences was in constant demand.  The consuls frequently questioned you about the Roman relationship with the emperor, as well as topics on which you knew little, like the disposition of Otto's forces or the details of imperial policy.  The Nepesini seemed to be weighing their options between one side and the other, and without an actual imperial representative in their city, you were the next best thing.

The fall of Mons Faliscorum was your victory as well.  Shortly afterwards, the emissaries from Sutri left in failure.  Yet your position was undermined by the passage of the Frangipani force over the Milvian Bridge, which – happening while you were away – not only provided a fresh hope for the anti-imperial faction, but also cast some doubt on the military effectiveness of Rome.

In the end, the consuls proposed a "secret agreement" with the terms as follows:

Quote from: Secret PactFrom today, we, the consuls of Nepi,

• Will help the peoples and properties of Rome in all of our district, and if anybody from our district offends them, we will compel him to make amends within 40 days after the request by their Senate made with sealed letters;
• Will not suffer the presence of anybody within our district who is wanted as a criminal in Rome or has otherwise fled justice, or who is known to bear arms in hostility to Rome, and will regard them as an exile and outlaw;
• Will not bear arms against or otherwise do harm to the Senate of Rome or its homines et rustici,* unless obligated by the command of the Emperor.

We confirm that this agreement, though fully in force from the day of our mutual consent and affirmation, shall remain secret and shall not be spoken of beyond the consuls of Nepi, the consiliarium minus** of Rome, and the sworn confidants of each, until such time as the consuls of both cities should make it public by mutual and unanimous consent.

*Literally "men and rustics;" in the language of feudalism this is understood to mean any vassal of Rome (Rome's "men") or peasants/commoners under its rule (Rome's "rustics").
**Lesser Council.

Naturally, these terms would have to be reciprocated by Rome.  The consuls said that the time was "not yet ripe" for a public treaty, which you understood to mean that they are still waiting to see how Otto's campaign plays out before openly declaring themselves friends (or at least, not enemies) with Rome.

Nepi's relations with its neighbors are complex.  Sutri and Nepi were regional rivals for a long time before they were allies in the League; their "alliance" for the last few years is an aberration, historically speaking.  They have traditionally been on better terms with Civita Castellana, but that city was the only member of the league which responded positively to Sutri's call for action against Otto.  It may be that the swiftly increasing interest of Nepi's consuls in an agreement with Rome is due to concerns that Nepi will soon be flanked by two hostile cities, Sutri and Civita Castellana, without any local allies.

Viterbo is viewed in a similar way to how the Nepesini view Rome – a large, important city in the region, with a fractious citizenry and somewhat worrisome ambitions towards its neighbors. Historically, Nepi has found Viterbo to be a natural ally against Sutri, as Viterbo has clashed with Sutri over territory numerous times in the past centuries.  Nepi, however, has tried carefully to maintain a sort of strategic balance.  In the past, Nepi has often been a somewhat lukewarm friend of Viterbo, willing to cooperate and even join forces when Sutri looked powerful, but equally willing to step back and take the pressure off when Viterbo seemed to be getting too strong or Sutri's position appeared fragile.  The threat of Rome suspended this balancing act temporarily in favor of a united Faliscan front, but the old political calculus seems to have never really gone out of the minds of the city's elite.

Incidentally, your guards noticed strange men lurking near your guest residence on several nights, and raised the possibility that an attempt might be made on your life.  If any attempt was planned, the size and alertness of your retinue may have dissuaded its execution.

You spent 3 WP and earned 1 WP this season.

Your savings have dropped to 2 WP, and as a result the effective opulence level of your estate has dropped to 2 (from 3).  You will regain the previous opulence level once your savings returns to 3 WP or greater.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Sanguineus Viviani]Thieves
Your men ferreted out one of the men allegedly responsible for the abortive theft of parts of the Column of Trajan, and after being "put mildly to the question" (in the words of one of your retainers) he gave up the names of the others.  Two of them seem to have already fled Roman territory, but the other was arrested in Trastevere.  Both have been turned over to the courts.

Enemy Agents
It's not clear who exactly qualifies as an "agent" of Rolando Bandinelli, a.k.a. Pope Alexander.  Though the Senate is almost entirely pro-Victor, this is not representative of the Roman people, thousands of whom lean towards or fully embrace Alexander as the legitimate pope.  Octavian/Victor, after all, was forced to call off his victorious parade into the city following his contentious election by crowds of Romans jeering and throwing things at him.  Are such people "agents" of Alexander, or merely Romans critical of Victor's admittedly rather shameful process of election?

Insofar as "agents" means people working for Alexander in an official capacity, you have uncovered none.  But there are certainly citizens and even equites of influence who are either known to have Alexandrian sympathies or have said as much publicly.  None, as far as you are aware, have undertaken any kind of subterfuge or disloyal action against the Roman state, unless simply being pro-Alexander constitutes treachery.  So far the Senate has taken no action to criminalize Alexandrian sentiments or the expression thereof, and for good reason, as it would probably precipitate a civil war or at the very least turn a significant minority of the Roman population firmly against their senators.

You spent 11 WP and earned 7 WP this season.

Your savings have dropped to 1 WP, and as a result the effective opulence level of your estate has dropped to -1 (from 0), which is best described as "atrocious."  You will regain the previous opulence level once your savings returns to 3 WP or greater. [/spoiler]

[spoiler=Roberto Basile]Ardea
Your son has no objection to the plan of a lumber yard.  Unrelated to this, he adds in a letter that he has seen armed Frangipani men patrolling the woods around the Torre San Anastasio, but that there have been no incidents or threatening behavior from them.  Indeed, he encountered some while riding near the southern frontier of his own property, a Frangipanist rural knight from the Loricena valley (the stream flowing south to Nettuno) and two of his servants.  The knight, named Ricco, greeted him courteously and gave his regards to Signore Caetani.  He added that Oddone Frangipani's nephew Giovanni had ordered patrols of the forests here to root out bandits; apparently Giovanni Frangipani, presently based in Ninfa, is looking after the family's interests in the south while Oddone and his son Leo are busy in the north.

Cassi
Elections, according to Pandolfo Cassi, are highly favored by the citizenry.  The merchant equites, in contrast, are more apprehensive and tend to oppose them.  The reasons for their opposition are varied.  Some fear that the nobility would dominate in an elective senate, but more common is a concern that elective assemblies would become hijacked by citizen or even non-citizen mobs.

Cassi has come to believe that the most effective argument with these people is that election will curb the influence of the Arnoldists, who are arguably over-represented in the current Senate but draw the lion's share of their support from the non-citizen (and thus non-voting) population.  This argument is increasingly persuasive as the power of the Arnoldist faction appears to grow in Rome.

He warns, however, that there are more than a few citizens with Alexandrian sympathies, and the introduction of elections could change the present senate's almost total Victorian orientation.  While the Arnoldists may be difficult to work with, the ones in the senate are at the very least reliably pro-imperial and pro-Victor.  As most recently glimpsed in Viterbo, a government divided among anti- and pro-imperial parties could potentially lead to strife and disunion.

Plaustrella
With no example to base these devices on, the Romans have had to approach them from the ground up.  At first it was thought that heavy wagons would be superior, but though they made a sturdy fortification they were cumbersome to move about and quickly became stuck in mud.  In addition, the oxen needed to move them could not be quickly moved aside, and the exercise turned into something of a farce with most of the militiamen busy herding cattle instead of preparing a defense.

Light carts, on the other hand, could be wheeled about quickly without oxen, but they seemed rather flimsy.  An attempt was made to remedy this by arming them, though surplus arms are not simply lying around.  Spears and scythe-blades were used experimentally, though a dearth of weaponry compelled many of the experimenters to use sharpened wooden staves instead.  Some experimenting was done with the use of the carts as mantlets, places from which crossbowmen could shoot, though this was difficult to accomplish with the smaller carts.

In general, it was agreed that this was a stratagem that would be most valuable with time to prepare and an enemy willing to take the initiative and attack.  Continued experimentation may be useful, though ultimately only experience in war will demonstrate the real value of these carts.  Some funding will also be necessary for further developments – carts and weapons are not free, and cannot simply be furnished by the common citizenry.  "Borrowing" carts from the rural peasantry could work in wartime, though it is questionable whether it would be worth it, as these would have to be modified to be of much service as barriers.

Marcellus
The trouble with the theater is that those who were relocated here from the burned out part of the city are not people who can afford to pay substantial rents.  In a world without bank accounts or insurance, a person who loses their house in a fire is literally left with only the shirt on their back.  Many of the displaced were the poorest of the displaced people, and rents from a theater full of menial labors restarting their lives from scratch is unlikely to make any noticeable impact on the senatorial budget.  (Not all the refugees are "menial laborers," of course, but the point stands.)

It's not impossible that a meaningful, regular profit could be made from rents at the theater, but it would probably involve removing the current occupants – the ones who were invited to stay there just a few seasons ago – and opening up the theater for rentals to citizens or near-citizen artisans.  While that might please the locals of the district, who never liked the refugees anyway, it might be seen by others as heartless and self-interested unless there were some other way the current occupants could be settled that was within their modest means.

Annibaldo
Patrician Annibaldo Annibaldi returned to his estate south of Rome after the campaign against the Torre Maggiore, but has since frequently been in Rome.  Initially he was hosted by several local petty noble and equestrian families, none of any particular political note, but rumor has it that he has been pursuing or has already acquired land around the Aventine hill (though some say the Caelian) for an estate or tower.  While not nearly as fashionable as a villa in central Rome, a estate in the city's south does make more strategic sense given that his own estate is just a few miles south of the city walls.  Construction has obviously not yet begun, otherwise the rumors would be more than just rumors.

The Annibaldi previously possessed an estate in Trivii et Vie Late, but it was abandoned in 1144 as a consequence of the communal rebellion.  The building has changed hands several times since and is presently the estate of a non-noble equestrian.  As far as you know, the patrician does not maintain any claim to it.  It was not a structure of any tremendous value or fortification, and trying to evict one of Rome's equestrian families to reclaim his family's old winter villa is probably not a fight Annibaldo is interested in picking.

In the month or so between the Torre Maggiore campaign and his move to Rome, he is known to have traveled to Tusculum (presently in Colonna hands) and Albano (the present seat of the Tusculani), but the noblemen of the Alban Hills pay each other visits often and there is nothing particularly unusual in the idea that the Lord of Molara would pay a visit to the lords of Albano (Tusculani) or Palestrina (Colonna).

You spent 2 WP and earned 2 WP this season.

Your savings have dropped to 1 WP, and as a result the effective opulence level of your estate has dropped to 1 (from 2).  You will regain the previous opulence level once your savings returns to 3 WP or greater. [/spoiler]

Inquests and finances are done.

[ic=The Senate Floor]The most contentious issue for some time has been the conduct of the new consul, Sanguineus Viviani, who faced down Signore Oddone Frangipani only eventually to yield the Milvian Bridge to his forces.  His defenders, found mostly among the equites, claim that the Roman militia was unprepared to fight the Frangipani force, and that any other course of action would have led to disaster and war at a time when the city cannot afford it.  His detractors accuse him of cowardice, and a few even suggest that perhaps his actions were motivated by some kind of connivance with his fellow nobleman Oddone.

Consul de Vinti is a more popular figure; long the underappreciated champion of judicial reform, his efforts are more openly praised now that the court system actually seems to be in evidence, and men who once sneered at the decadent waste of money on hosting foreign lawyers now claim to have given de Vinti his best ideas.

The attention of the senate is still fixed northwards.  Otto's campaign has excited many, though there is still controversy as to whether and to what extent Rome should offer armed aid to the imperial marshal.  The apparent dissolution of the Faliscan League, locked for some years in a diplomatic war with Rome, has also been an encouraging development.  Though Rome still seems diplomatically isolated, there is some consolation in the fact that its traditional enemies seem to be falling into confusion.

Few have missed the rising public sentiment – at least among the citizens – for elections, and this has been the source of some acrimony in the senate chamber.  Some, particularly the Arnoldist bloc, continue to argue that elections would be easily exploited by the nobility, including noblemen foreign and hostile to Rome.  Still others fear that elections would lead to "mob rule," with firebrands and demagogues disrupting Roman politics and creating chaos.  The fact that these voices are getting louder, however, is itself an indication that the sentiment they are arguing against is becoming more forceful and widespread.[/ic]

[ic=Court Digest]The only notable action before the court this year was the prosecution of two of the men who, last season, made an abortive attempt to steal parts of Trajan's Column.  The culprits were apprehended and turned over to the court by Consul Viviani; the names of the other two suspects are known, but they have apparently fled the city.

The senatorial judge who received the case made short work of it.  Witnesses were produced and a confession was ultimately obtained.  The judge, advised by Rome's scholars of the law, acknowledged that the men could not actually be prosecuted for furtum (theft) because theft, as defined in Roman law, is a civil offense against private property.

Instead, the men were pronounced guilty of peculatus.  The word is usually translated as "embezzlement," but it refers broadly to any taking or misappropriation of public property.  The sentence given was that of deportatio, banishment which entails "civil death" – the loss of civic rights and property.  As non-citizens, of course, they had little of either, and the punishment essentially amounted to the seizure of a few deniers worth of property and their expulsion from the city's territory.

Some had argued that a crime against such an important monument ought to be punished more severely as sacrilegus (literally "sacrilege," from the Latin sacer, sacred, and legere, to steal).  The senator-judge did not seem convinced, however, that a monument to a pagan emperor was truly "sacred," and in any case found the term to be a confusing one that in the Digests referred most often to defiance against imperial orders rather than actual theft.  His decision probably saved the lives of the offenders, as the penalty for sacrilegus seems generally to be death.[/ic]

[ic=Arnold addresses the masses]Do the men who call themselves "father" not know that, to succeed Christ's apostles, they must live an apostolic life, or is that most sublime of titles merely a diadem upon their noble heads that demands no duties of a shepherd?  Do they not know that that their calling is to preach and to affirm their preaching by good works, and that the sword and cup of worldly authority are denied to them?  Do you, Christians, believe that a shameful college of simoniacs and misers may turn a serpent into a lamb, and with neither reform nor repentance transfigure one of their own into Christ's apostle?

Let me remind you of the low character of the Curia which has ruled over you, which, caught up in the splendor of councils and conclaves, so many of you have forgotten.  From the greatest to the least, they have profited from simony, and most indeed have obtained their own benefices from it.  They amass properties from themselves, by blood if it pleases them, and ever by wielding the cross of Christ as a cudgel against the milites and rustici alike.  All they do, from waking to sleeping, is for gold and silver, and in the interim they must dream of it, for the Romans well know how insatiable their greed is.  They delight in Easter not for the resurrection of our Lord, but only for the pilgrims' coin.  At their houses you must bribe their servants, and their footmen, and their clerks all, for the corruption infests their sumptuous households down to their foundations.

Men speak of the Emperor, and say we must obey him.  The secular power is indeed owed to the princes and the senators; and if he is a worthy Augustus, then let the Romans hail him as their own.  If with the sword of earthly power, he causes the high and mighty canons who love earthly riches and forsake those of God's kingdom to be humbled, if he strips from the church that greed which has corrupted it, then he does God's work, and is beloved by Christ and shall be adored by all believers.

But if he humbles the corrupt bishops that are his foes and elevates those who are his friends, he has done no service to the Church nor to Christ, and the claim that his earthly sword protects the true Church, the Church of those who seek salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ, shall be exposed as hollow.[/ic]

Letters and maps are not done yet, but you may take an interest in the map below, which is the old Europe map colored to reflect the current papal allegiances.

[spoiler=Papal Spheres]Key
Yellow: Declared for Pope Alexander III
Red: Declared for Pope Victor IV
Orange: Divided or disputed allegiance
Light Grey: Unknown or undecided
Dark Grey: Not applicable (i.e. not Latin Christian)

[/spoiler]

[ic=Before the Senate]Senators, confusion has beset the councils of the Faliscan cities, especially those that have not sworn their allegiance to one pope or another. My visit to Nepi coincided with that of the bishop of Sutri and he left his diplomatic mission apparently defeated. Good news for our cause, to be sure, and further encouragement that establishing friendship with the cities of that region can be accomplished. I wait still for a definite answer from their consuls, but I'm confident they will respond positively in the end.

I hear Roman arms are not ready; Roman men lagging in the muster or lost in deployment. This situation is an impediment to Roman diplomacy and war readiness. The Senate, I hope, will help me address this issue in the coming months so that we may look as mighty as we say we are. In the meantime, there's no use maintaining my consular decree; its main purpose having been defeated already.  Patrols and stationary units will remain in place at the Milvian Bridge and other strategic locations in an effort to maintain awareness, but the decree I declare null and the free passage of goods and men shall resume immediately.

And I wish to conclude on a thought; that the displeasures expressed at my consular colleague are not helping the Eternal City achieve anything worthwhile, but he at least saved us a potential major embarassement and any loss of life. His decision has not really made our position weaker. If anything, the Frangipani can now be sandwiched.[/ic]

[ic=Before the Lesser Council]Great senators, there has been progress in our diplomatic relations with Nepi. After the victories of the Imperial Marshal, the news of Viterbo and some talks with their consuls, they've offered a deal to which they want us to reply, if somewhat discreetly. In fact, it seems to me as though they are reluctant to shift to one side or another definitely. Still, I think when we engage in the agreement, or a version of, we will have bound them more firmly to our purpose. Additionally, events in Falisca serve to expedite their political conversion.

Here it is. Of course, this draft is intended as reciprocal.

[spoiler=Secret Pact]From today, we, the consuls of Nepi,

• Will help the peoples and properties of Rome in all of our district, and if anybody from our district offends them, we will compel him to make amends within 40 days after the request by their Senate made with sealed letters;
• Will not suffer the presence of anybody within our district who is wanted as a criminal in Rome or has otherwise fled justice, or who is known to bear arms in hostility to Rome, and will regard them as an exile and outlaw;
• Will not bear arms against or otherwise do harm to the Senate of Rome or its homines et rustici,* unless obligated by the command of the Emperor.

We confirm that this agreement, though fully in force from the day of our mutual consent and affirmation, shall remain secret and shall not be spoken of beyond the consuls of Nepi, the consiliarium minus** of Rome, and the sworn confidants of each, until such time as the consuls of both cities should make it public by mutual and unanimous consent.

*Literally "men and rustics;" in the language of feudalism this is understood to mean any vassal of Rome (Rome's "men") or peasants/commoners under its rule (Rome's "rustics").
**Lesser Council.[/spoiler]

*As they read the Secret Deal, Hugo begins to talk of other things*

Also, I've begun communications with Signore Nicola Anguillara, who commands power not unequal to that of Capocci and other such lords. He assures me of peace, as has always been the case, but unlike me does not intend to make eternal this peace on official records. However, all is not in vain. He can surely be bound more solidly to our cause if we promise to fight with him in the moment of need, and he with us. More simply, he wishes a military alliance. I'd rather have signed already, but there is something that requires the attention of this fine council. Pietro di Vico (Prefect of Rome when the Commune was first created), our eternal foe, is in negotiations with His Holiness to regain his position of prefect. the Anguillara and the di Vico are presently rivals, and it is of no doubt to me that the House of Anguillara wishes to gain an advantage over the di Vico. I've already sent word to Victor that di Vico will not be welcome in the city, but failing that Lord Anguillara has made clear his intention to declare war on his rival. That means if Victor is misled and elevates Pietro to Prefect of Rome, we must march. At the present time though, the agreement seems to be in our favor. Especially with the Frangipani in his backyard, courting him.

Perhaps also of interest as well for you; strange men have been lurking about in the shadows. As our great work must continue, I'd advise only that in your continued care for Our Commune you might not forget to care for your own wellbeing, and be wary of plots that seek your demise.[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Signore Luidolf]Greetings Signore Luidolf,
I hope this letter finds you in excellent health and good humor. There is business I should like to discuss with you. Rather, the protection of our mutual interest is the matter of concern here. It has no doubt reached your ears that during my absence from the city Lord Frangipani has been able to cross the Milvian Bridge. It's no secret that the signore keeps as friends men who like to put fields entire to the torch. Zealous as he is with the certainty that Ronaldo is the rightfully elected Pope, I fear anyone not still aligned with the Alexandrine faction might be for him a suitable target for plunder and fire. It's with this in mind that I ask that you guard yourself and your lands with increased vigilance against those evildoers who seek petty vengeance or to humble their neighbors by means of death and destruction.

Consul Hugo de Vinti[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Signore Nicola Anguillara]Signore Anguillara,
You are right in that there is no other alliance than a military one, and it is I who didn't express my thoughts correctly. Please accept my apologies.

While not naïve enough to think that peace in Latium will be achieved without the shedding of Italian blood, I must do all in my power to avoid placing the Romans in a situation of violent conflict. What I meant to offer you was the certainty of peace should we unfortunately end up on opposite sides of the Schism, or any other conflict which hasn't been instigated by either of us. Or should I say the Commune of Rome and the House of Anguillara. I understand that you may think such an arrangement and military assistance inseparable, but for me a treaty of non-aggression is nothing like a military alliance. Thus, you must forgive my reticence to agree to your earlier proposition. I will convene a council of great Senators and make them understand the benefits of friendship with the House of Anguillara. I am sure, in the end, that we'll be able to come to an agreement which is both to our benefit.

Consul Hugo de Vinti[/ic]

Since nobody replied yet, I took the liberty to add a paragraph to the Lesser Council speech. I hope this does not frustrate anyone, rest assured that I only added something and made no modification to what was already there.

And I added two letters, Polycarp.

No worries, Pym! I'm planning on getting some stuff up this weekend.

[ooc=Stats]
Sanguineus Viviani has lost 1 Popularity.
Hugo de Vinti has gained 1 Influence.[/ooc]

Everything should be 100% done at this point, including the maps.  Let me know if I owe you any more letters.

[ic=Letter to Hugo de Vinti]Consul,

Your concern is appreciated but I have seen no Frangipani men on the Via Flaminia or anywhere else near my lands.  Quite clearly he has gone north by the Cassian or Clodian roads.  In any case, I suspect he has better things to do with his time than burn my fields.  I will be more worried if he is triumphant, as then he will have a free hand to punish those who opposed him – and their friends.

Luidolf[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Hugo de Vinti]Consul,

If what you are after is a promise that I have no designs on Rome nor interest in warring with you, then you have it.  I see no reason for some sort of negotiated writ to this effect, any more than two farmers require a blood oath to live as neighbors in perfect peace.

As to the schism, I suspect our sympathies are alike, but my lands are a good deal closer to those of Oddone Frangipani than yours.  Indeed, his army passed northwards not far from my lands.  Certainly he has already reached Sutri, and perhaps gone beyond that, to what final destination I know not.

I thought it prudent to inform you that Pietro di Vico is now in Viterbo, no doubt seeking in person the favor from His Holiness that he has thus far been unable to procure through his messengers.  If he is to gain his fondest wish, then I suspect it will happen quite soon.

Signore Anguillara[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Vittorio Manzinni]Good Senator,

Your city and I may be closer to misfortune than I realized, for the coming of Victor to Viterbo has prompted Pietro di Vico to join him there quite recently.  If a decision is to be made in favor of di Vico and his desires, I expect it will be made soon.  The time for talk has given way to the time for action, as I am sure you will agree.  I hope I can count on you to prevail upon the consul to take bold and decisive action.

Nicola Anguillara[/ic]

Quote from: Magnus Pym"If anything, the Frangipani can now be sandwiched."

A murmur of confusion passed through the assembled senators.  De Vinti cleared his throat.  "A sandwich, you see, is... well, consider two pieces of bread, sliced thinly.  Then, placed between the pieces, one may place any number of victuals, from pork, to poultry, or cheese, herbs, or some mix thereof -"

"So it is a sort of pie, then," interrupted a young senator.

"Of a sort," continued the consul, knitting his brow, "only it is... not cooked, and the crust is thick both on the top of the bottom, and without sides..."

"No sides," exclaimed an eques, his face a mask of horror.  "No sides!"

A roar of confusion and protest filled the chamber, drowning out the consul's words...

:P

lol

[ooc=Due Date]Orders for this season are due Monday, January 25th.[/ooc]

[ic=Before the Senate]Senators! Let us not lose our heads to the madness of foreign breads! There are matters of gravity before us. We have heard some Senators chastise Consul Viviani for his conduct in the defense of our city, we have heard his boldness disparaged. Let me make this clear, Senators: in matters of war, boldness displayed untempered by wisdom is the sign of a foolish captain. The Consul defended our city and the contado, ensuring no harm befell us. Had Oddone Frangipani burned the northern fields, do any here think that this would not precipitate crisis of the gravest danger to our Commune? And indeed, let us consider with greater clarity the words of Consul de Vinti. Oddone Frangipani is now confined to his Faliscan fiefs. With the proper strategy he could be cut off from his other lands and from Cardinal Bandinelli's partisans in the Latina valley. The Signore would face the Imperial Marshal afore him, and the Romans behind. This situation can be approached to our advantage.

But like the rest of you I consider the capabilities of our militia. They have proven themselves in battle, and their ardour and spirit are not to the question. More, it is the concerns of preparedness and organization that should come to our attention. I will propose then that we should put quick assembly to the test. Let a week be chosen, and let it be known to the citizens that within this period they shall be called suddenly to the assembly - at a time to be determined in secret by our esteemed consuls. Our citizens, I think, are wise enough to understand the utility of such measures. Our very lives may depend on it.

Further, I will propose the establishment of an armory at the Tabularium, to lay away bolts and shields and spears. The fortification of this structure will serve likewise to protect the city's treasury, and it shall be a statement to the city and to Latium that the position and authority of the Senate is secure. I have overseen the security of this building since its ravishment by the popolo. In my initial investigation I determined that it is a sturdy structure, well built by our ancient forebears. Indeed, such modification and reinforcement will be quite affordable, and well within the means of this august body. The Senate's palatini and the loyal armsmen of the Lesser Council together should well be able to man this new castle. If the Senate and the Consuls should agree with this proposal, I myself will provide [2WP] in good silver to hire laborers and provision materials to begin construction, and I will call upon my fellow Senators to likewise provide what they can for the security of the Eternal City and its Commune.[/ic]  

[ic=In the Lesser Council]I will offer you the thanks of the Romans, Consul de Vinti. This arrangement is of undoubted benefit to our city. Peace, indeed, is the pursuit of God. If none else here should object, I do not see why we should not inform the Consuls of Nepi of the Lesser Council's assent at our best convenience. As to Signore Anguillara, it is true that di Vico is his nemesis. His desire to see the man stymied, at the least, can only be genuine. Indeed, is the word of the Emperor not also in our favour here? He has told us to accept no Prefect save from the Imperial Crown - if we should frustrate di Vico in his intent it would uphold the spirit of Imperial authority. If this Prefect is declared we will have no choice but war - I will not see Rome suffer the interference of a Prefect who desires to enrich his own purse at the expense of the Romans, who desires to lord over the Eternal City and our Senate. If Rome requires my experience in matters of war, Consul de Vinti, she shall have it. Though we cannot divest the city of its defenders in these troublesome times, no doubt a considerable contingent could safely be mustered and dispatched. More than enough to dispense with di Vico, if Signore Anguillara comes through on his end of the bargain. In this instance alone, Consul, perhaps it is best to dispense with formalities. Do we want known records of these arrangements, when such could be used against us by some Emperor or Pope in the unknown future? No, I think it best we play the matter closely and with some discretion - at least for the moment.[/ic]

OOC: Polycarp, I swear at some point you provided me a costing on elevating the security level of the Tabularium. I recall clearly that with the minor repairs done it is Security 1, but I can't seem to find the message or post that I'm thinking of.

By popular demand, the deadline for orders has been extended to the end of the month.

[ic=A Letter to Otto von Wittelsbach]Signore,

The Romans have heard of your victories - and surely it should be no other way, for the Imperial cause is that of peace and rightness. The fears of the Senate and the popolo alike are assuaged, knowing that Viterbo shall not support the schismatic Cardinal Bandinelli. I have not forgotten my oath to serve the Emperor, and I am forever mindful of this declaration. Though the Consular office is no longer my own, I will do my utmost to ensure the faithful action of the Senate. I have been appointed by that body as the chief judge of the Roman court, and in that capacity I shall enforce the proscriptions of Imperial law. If there is any service that the Emperor should desire of me, then I shall carry it out.

Senator Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ooc=Orders for Winter 1160]- Basile shall devote [2 WP] of his own silver to begin fortifying the Tabularium as a strong-point and armory. The treasury shall not be left vulnerable again (if it were more than a few copper buttons and cobwebs, anyways). He will supervise this project on behalf of the Senate, seeing to the procurement of trustworthy masons and builders - those who have worked for Basile in the past, and who would be glad to continue receiving his patronage. A small measure, but perhaps of value when fortifying a store of currency and valuables.

- As a member of the Lesser Council Basile shall assent to the treaty with Nepi.

- Basile will begin seeking a buyer for his properties in the Campus Martius. Owing to the fire-sale prices these properties were acquired at - and the fact that the land has already been cleared of wreckage - Basile has anticipated a healthy return on this investment. As there is likely more profit to be made through sale to a single buyer, Basile shall investigate if there are any noble or ecclesiastical parties interested in the purchase of a large tract of land in the centre of Rome.

- In his office as primo guidice Basile shall make clear that justice has indeed returned to the city. The criminal will be made to pay for his crimes, as prescribed by the Corpus Juris Civilis - and other legal traditions where appropriate. Basile will avail himself of the legal advice afford him by Rome's nascent university. The pesceneri will continue to act as agents of the court, enforcing its decrees and sentences - by the sword, if necessary. The law must be respected by the people, and a healthy dose of fear should help serve that purpose. Roberto will take time to ensure his familiarity with the written digests available to him, that his own legal knowledge should improve.

- Basile shall investigate the current procedures and resources of the court, and consider what might be done to improve its working. He shall consult with Magister Placentianus on this issue, inquiring after the legal administration and practice of other cities.

- Basile will assist in the coordination of the militia assembly drill, wherein the citizenry shall be notified in advance of the week in which the surprise drill shall take place - though we will specify no further as that would run counter to our purpose. The importance of this exercise will be stressed, owing to the danger posed to the city by a muster carried out as slowly as the last one. Militia training exercises will still be carried out this season according to standard practice, as per usual. A count of the militia (pedites, balistarii and equites will be performed to facilitate the Imperial Marshal's request, and an an enumeration provided to him within the timeframe given - if for whatever reason we don't have an accurate count we will provide our best estimate.[/ooc]

[ic=Lesser Council]
The proper pontiff will pointedly pontificate and keep his own counsel and decision regardless of what Rome decides. I publicly speak, perforce, to ensure that all remember, Pietro di Vico's removal as Prefect prefaced the political empowerment of this Republic. Pietro di Vico has not made any entreaties to the Roman citizens, the Roman people. He has not sought our counsel. It would be very unwise were he to seek to assume his position without the support of the people. Lord Anguillara has praise and plaudits from members of this esteemed Senate and he has persevered for people of the Roman Republic. Puzzling it would be to not see a proper pontiff place a pointedly pleasant person in a powerful position.
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Pietro DiVico]
The Council might have seen reason to support your pledge. But you did not take your message to the Roman populace, nor did you bring it before the Council, so it is seen as a threat. Surely, you did not intend this to be the case. Since it is unlikely you will succeed in the pledge for power but you are clearly interested in it, I ask you this, as a member of the Inner Council of deliberations for the Roman Republic and as someone interested in peace-- is there a path of coexistence between us? You seek to return to rule of Rome; surely you value the influence, but surely you also realize that to not build a relationship is for your quest to end in failure even if you do become Prefect--Prefects have been overthrown, the popolo has rioted--these are simple facts of life in Rome and are not threats. You were prefect, you know this. If you truly want influence in Rome, work now with the Council--to ignore it as you have invites suspicion that you wish to overthrow the Council--a Council that can protect you.

Pray, withdraw your claim and we can work to ensure your honor is upheld and your interests align with Rome's. Surely there are other honorable secular positions that can be achieved going forward--or trade.

-Senator Vittorio Manzinni.
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Anguillara]
There will be decisive and final action in the wake of if certain matters occur, of that I assure. The votes exist. And personal actions have been taken to ensure those results do not occur.
[/ic]

[ic=Before the Senate]
Friends, Romans, Countrymen, I thank you all for on this seventeenth anniversary of the Roman Republic, which overthrew tyranny and returned political power in the political realm to those with political interests so those of the ecclesiarsticacy can better focus on the importance of saving souls. Let us now have a moment of silence in remembrance of those who perished in the struggle establishing the Republic. Some of the youngest of you who stand among us may not remember the day- or the prefect- or others who ruled at the time- or predations that led to the bold assertion of the rights of Rome, but those elder among you, pray remind the youth of the struggle and renew our vows to act the greatness of Rome. We should commit to election- in a year's time- election as was done in the beginning of this Roman Republic but informed by the teachings and procedures that are established as working. Election in a years time- election for renewal, like the renewal when we all united to enforce our rights in a challenging time--Let us too thank the proper Pope and pray for him to make the right decision in overseeing the appointments and religious needs of the city and in all decisions.
[/ic]

>>Senators! Let us not lose our heads to the madness of foreign breads!

Truly amusing.

[OOC=Orders]

Armies
-1 WP Upkeep

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
- 6 WP. Taberna (Converting the acquired land) (Orig. cost 12 WP; spent 4WP to acquire the land at cut-rate prices; Comments were made that the enterprise may thus be slightly cheaper, but no price was given, so I estimated a 2 WP cut)

Ongoing Projects
- The improved tables for gambling project.

Inquiries

- After the Prefecture is not awarded to diVico, continue to pursue entreaties towards Signore Anguillara's sons regarding marriage of my unmarried daughter to one of them. (the family controls some wine-growing land.) (Note self for long-term plan: as I understand, it is difficult to acquire land for vineyards- If I have a relative with vineyards, perhaps that could make the matter more simple)

- Ensure that the Senate speech makes its way to the Pope's court.

- What are some easy locations for improving defenses in Rome- e.g. the lowest hanging fruit that would have the best payoffs?

Council

- Vote on DeVinti's Nepi proposal. 6 votes in favor.
- Vote to approve Basile's Tabularum proposal. 6 votes in favor.

Policy
* Neutrality in the Northern Conflict unless the situation is forced, in which case- Imperial.


Total Expected Expenditures
1 WP+6 WP (Taberna) = 7 WP

(5 WP gained in Winter, so 12+5-1-6=10WP savings estimate)



[/ooc]

[ooc]
"OOC: Polycarp, I swear at some point you provided me a costing on elevating the security level of the Tabularium. I recall clearly that with the minor repairs done it is Security 1, but I can't seem to find the message or post that I'm thinking of."

I admit, I am curious about the answer to TMG's question above, as well.
[/ooc]

[ic=Privately to Equite Senator Friends of Manzinni and any Equite Friends who might be interested in becoming Senators]
Elections must happen for the popolo to be pleased...the popolo are never completely pleased but as we all know-a riot is to be avoided. Thus, how can I serve to help you, my friends? I believe that in the structure of the elections, we can ensure that the proper people are elected rather than having a demogaugerically achieved result. I wonder if the Equites could be selected only by fellow Equites, or if we can maintain the current number of Equites. It is important that the people have the guidance of those who contribute greatly to the defense and wealth of this city. I will work for your interests on matters of structure for the Equites.[/ic]