The Republic Reborn

[Nomadic]

[ic=Before the Senate]
I do not see any reason why we should alter the current consular structure nor why one consul could do any better where two currently stand. I fear I cannot support such a request, noble though your intentions may be senator.
[/ic]

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=Letter to Consul Basile] Consul,
You are a talented diplomat, a man of great mental aptitude and a person I trust. You are wise and because of that I have stood with you on the most critical issues, for I knew that you saw further than I did.

I have much respect for you, and furthermore, for your authority as Consul of the Exterior. However, please allow me to express my displeasure regarding your decision to pardon Cassi for his crime. I will do so quickly and without anger.

It was indeed you who first vilified the conspirators before the Senate years ago, saying their deed needed to be met with the appropriate punishment. But Cassi ran and chose to cast his lot with the Tiburtini. What shall we say to our brothers whose lives were threatened? What do we, former or current, consuls stand for when we make plain to all that men may strike us, then escape judgement and finally be allowed to roam freely the sacred streets of Rome? Furthermore, as I understand it, it didn't receive a formal vote, but it was widely agreed in the Senate that the conspirators may ask for a pardon in ten years time. Obviously, no such many years have since passed.

I can appreciate the strategic value of his plans, but allow me to feel slighted, for the man arranged a mob so that my own life was threatened, and confused, for there are other ways to acquire the plans without compromising our position.

Senator Hugo De Vinti[/ic]

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=Before the Senate] I do not believe the situation calls for such drastic measure. It seems to me that we are mostly in agreement here that the Senate should support the only true Pope, Victor. Perhaps if the consul would be so kind as to share the details of the actions he would take, if elected sole consul, this honorable audience would be persuaded to support such a motion? Otherwise I fear a restructuring of our government is ill timed.[/ic]

[LD]

[ic=Before the Senate]
The Senate is strong because it is ruled by a plurality, not by an individual- and when it must speak boldly, it speaks through its consuls, of which there are two much as in a marriage there are two. One may take the lead in the home and one may take the lead in the world, but overall the burden is shared. I say we continue to act as we have in previous crises- where two Consuls sat and governed this august body.

[/ic]

[Polycarp]

[ic=Delegation from the Bishop of Rieti, before the Consiliarii]Consul, Eminent Senators,

My Lord the Bishop has received the Consul's letter and is honored by the interest the good Consul clearly has in the peace of Rieti and the well-being of its people.  The Consul and all the consiliarii will understand, he hopes, that he is very reluctant to acknowledge the rule of those who have not come by it in any proper manner, neither through the assent of the people nor the investiture of the Church.  He beseeches God that you should not be deceived - these men who call themselves consuls are nothing more than representatives of a clique which seeks not to make every increase to the wealth and power of Rieti, but to deliver as much of it into their purses as is possible, and by plundering the territory and regalia of the bishopric if it pleases them.

The bishop wishes to emphasize that the Rieti that was Rome's ally, and still can be, was a united Rieti, in which urbs and contado, city and country, cooperated under the join rule of the Rector and the Bishop.  What these so-called consuls wish to do is divorce one from the other, so that even if they are victorious, the Rieti they will offer you as an ally will be greatly diminished from the one that once fought alongside Rome, stripped to the city alone.  That is something my Lord certainly does not wish; the city and its contado ought naturally to flourish together, and it was this course that was charted by my Lord and the late Rector.  Rieti needs stability, prosperity, and good government, and these are the things my Lord has worked diligently to provide for nearly twenty-three years.

My Lord welcomes any mediator which the Senate of Rome should send and will offer him all possible hospitality.  My Lord swears to do his utmost to accommodate his proposals, but is deeply concerned that to subordinate a Rector to the will of these men - who have given nothing to the Romans but now desire be be acknowledged as their dearest friends, and who have done nothing but take from Rieti and now claim to be its staunchest patriots - would be to cede law and justice entirely to profiteers and plunderers.[/ic]

[ic=Delegation from the Consuls of Rieti, before the Consiliarii]Good Senators, we are happy indeed to hear from the Consul that the Romans share our desire for liberty and spurn unjust rule and oppression.  Rome has thrown off the shackles of ecclesiastical misrule, and we have the same yearning.  The late Rector was little more than a Prefect whose despotism was aided and supported by the Bishop, a man who turned our city's popular government into a sham.  While we of course wholeheartedly agree with the Rector's stance on the Roman alliance, we believe his usurpation of power ought to end with his recent death, and that the time is now for the power to be returned to Rieti's citizens.  Naturally the Bishop insists upon a cooperative Rector that will allow him to continue his rule over the city's contado and attempted to force just such a man upon us, but we believe as the Romans do that the countryside and the city should be as one body, and that a city's farms and mills and villages should not be alienated from it to suffer the taxation and domination of the Church.

As far as the Consul's proposal is concerned, we are not opposed to the advice and consultation of a representative of the Bishop, but we cannot make such a deal where there is no good faith, and there can be no good faith with the Bishop while he continues to occupy the villages and towers of our contado, seeking to deny us our own countryside.  We find it impossible to negotiate with a noose held around our neck.  If you, good senators, may convince the Bishop to surrender these lands and properties which ought to be in the hands of the Reatini, we will agree to discussions regarding an episcopal representative.[/ic]

[Magnus Pym]

[ooc=Orders for the Autumn of 1159]Pay Upkeep for Palatini [1 WP]
25 of my palatini will travel with me at all times.
10 of my palatini will patrol the area around the Pantheon to ensure "everyone's safety". They may arrest hostile troublemakers, which shall be judged according to the law.
10 of my palatini will be sent to Cappoci in order to increase security and responsiveness "should any unfortunate event occur". Should there be no need, they may travel to Labarum and get a feel for the Vicar's leanings and ensure the workers -and fields- are well. They may then reinforce my personal guard.
5 of my palatini will remain home and ensure the safety of my family, as well as of my property.
Most of my masnada will act as scouts and spies, serving primarily to ensure I have eyes at every important spots; the Leonine, the Senate, the Pantheon, Basile, Pope Victor, the Imperial delegation and others that might become more important during the turn.

I shall myself be on patrol duty all over Rome in order to "protect my brothers, sisters and the law", judging criminals according to the law and protecting whatever rights they may have.

The gilding of my estate shall be undone, the materials salvaged in order to be distributed to the poor. The date will be selected carefully, taking more interest in Holidays, especially those relevant to charity, benevolence and generosity. 5 WP was spent on the gilding, I expect possible loss.
[spoiler=Order Spring 1155]

Palazzo
Beautify my palazzo by hiring Romolo Vanetti to apply a good dose of gold, although soft in style. Veining the columns, changing some accessories from their current material to golden, painting frames, e.t.c are good ideas.
[Spend 5 WP from my Savings for this]

[/spoiler]

Hugo has a preference for a peaceful solution to a solid and united government in Rieti, however he prefers to let Basile and other such able -or appointed- men in the Senate devise a plan.

Manifest preference for a diplomatic solution to the dispute between Acquapendente and Orvieto.

While not convinced of the timing to restructuring our government in Rome, the idea has merits, especially since the latest consular appointee appears absent. Hugo will keep an open mind on the subject, preferring discussion on the matter for the time being.




[spoiler=Quick Notes on my Family Background]
Grandfather – Sienese. Has inherited the De Vinti's marble many contracts and expanded its activities, eventually passing the burden onto his children.
Father - Giovanni – 66 years old. Lives in the De Vinti's estate, in Rome. He has been retired for some time now and fears his days are nearing an end.
Mother - Maria – Died some years before the game started.
Uncle - Giorgio – Lives in Siena, always had. Still healthy.
Brother - Tomas – 42 years old. About two years before the game started, he was sent to help uncle Giorgio in Siena. Has not yet returned to Rome, and stays in Siena with his wife, Julia, and his son, Luis.
Sister-in-law - Julia – Married to my brother. I'd like to eventually come up with a more detailed background for her.
Nephew - Luis – 22 years old. My brother's son, Luis. He mainly helped his father and uncle run the family marble business in Siena.[/spoiler]
Summon my brother, Tomas De Vinti, his wife and his son back in Rome. The purpose is to familiarize him with the expanding family business in Rome and the workings of the Senate so that he may succeed my seat both as Senator and the family business' manager, should I die or else become unable to exercise my functions.

Dispatch an agent to Orleans, France, to initiate the process of finding a suitable master in the art of writing. It would be interesting to know about their background; things such as their religious beliefs, their political leanings, if any (especially how they view different monarchs), if they are indebted, if they are popular inside and outside of their domain of study.

For the time being, also send an agent to Genoa to seek out a dictatores and skilled rhetoricians.[/ooc]

[TheMeanestGuest]

[ic=A Letter to the Consuls of Spoleto]Consuls,

No doubt you shall soon hear rumour out of Rome. Allow me to assuage any concern. Though for now we have taken the side of Pope Victor and the Imperial faction, our Commune is fierce in its independence and in its liberty, and know that none shall subdue us to their will. We remember our friends and allies, and Spoleto is just such a companion to Rome. Your city remains a critical member of our League. Your people rise strong again, just as your walls have done. Do not hesitate to call upon us should faced with tribulation our aid be needed.

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

[ooc=Orders]
- Basile shall swear the Imperial Oath on behalf of Rome in the presence of Otto von Wittelsbach, with several senators of his camp as witnesses.
- The matter of currency has dragged on too long for too little benefit. Basile shall therefor order Romolo Vanetti to initiate recasting of our entire stock of Papal coin, that our coinage should prove of utility and be dispersed more widely.
- Basile will visit the estate of Niccolo Capocci in order to view the full restoration of his fortifications. While present, he shall offer his assurances to the man regarding his and Rome's place in the ongoing Papal dispute and any concerns thereof. He will remark dryly that at least the Signore may now travel to the city without raising any hackles.
- Basile shall authorize disbursements consisting of up to 3 WP from the treasury in order to secure grain for the people if it should be needed - preferably at a reduced rate from Capocci if possible. The grain will be equitably distributed in the Forum under the guard of Basile's armsmen as in seasons past.
- Obviously Basile shall advocate for his proposal in the Senate - though it seems that it will not pass given current resistance.
- Basile will transfer [6WP] to Gerardo Calafatus as dowry for the marriage of his daughter Olithia Basile. He will offer his estate as venue for the wedding if that should be the couple's desire.
- Basile will dispatch [1WP] in silver and goods under guard to Ricardo Basile as a gift for the birth of his first grandson, Giovanni.
- Basile will ask of Gerardo Calafatus that he serve as Rome's mediator to Rieti - owing to his father's good name in that city. He will apologize for doing so so soon after the wedding. He shall express every confidence in Gerardo, and give him Consular writ to represent the Senate and the People of Rome. Basile will stress that a negotiated solution as has been proposed would be preferable to Rome, so long as it can be made without significantly alienating any one faction. The Reatini are fractious, however, and if negotiations seem to stall Gerardo should return to Rome and report to the Senate and the Consul. Basile will offer a number of his armsmen for Gerardo's protection or that of his estate in his absence if he should so desire.[/ooc]

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=In the Lesser Council]Now concerning another matter brought to our attention by Senator Manzinni, that of imposing a tax on those who wish access to the benefits of the Aqua Virgo, I strongly oppose such a measure. While it is true that during my tenure as Consul I released some coins from the treasury to see to the continued repairs of this critical infrastructure, an overwhelming amount of the funds that were required to see this project through came from my house, and the project was destined to benefit the people. I see no benefit for them should we begin to empty their pockets for its use, and much harm it will do to the reputation of all senators, for we won't be seen merely as misers, but greedy merchants putting a price on the basest necessities of life.

Perhaps, if the senator seeks to augment the Senate's wealth -an idea I very much agree to- there would be other venues where taxation makes more sense and does not cripple our credibility as protectors of the interests of the Romans?[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Senator Manzinni - to be sent after the previous in-character speech in the Lesser Council]Senator,
When the Senate chose to invest consulate authority in you, you made plain to me that both the completion of the University and the hiring of Magister Rogerius, who so patiently waited for us to fulfil our promise, were matters to be discussed further, even though discussions in the Senate had already been had and an agreement reached by a majority. I had to reach out to other colleagues to build support so that you wouldn't delay these matters any further and risk the Magister leaving Rome with an important amount of coins already spent. I thought, and still think, that you wished to profit from the projects I started during my tenure as Consul.

And now, a few years have passed, and you still plot to undermine my legacies. I was gentle in the Lesser Council, merely suggesting that other venues be researched, for it is high time we stop bickering in front of our honoured colleagues. But I would much appreciate it if you would consult with me first if you have ideas that might hurt my reputation. In exchange, I promise to do the same, for it is only right to do so, and anyone who endeavours to release to populace from excessive burden deserves that much respect.

While on the subject matter, it struck me that both of us are the wealthiest merchants of Rome. Yet, I fail to see your name on whatever benefits the people daily. As a fellow Roman, wealthy merchant and Senator, I beseech you to help me in restoring critical infrastructure to the benefit of the people of our Commune.

Sincerely,
Senator Hugo De Vinti[/ic]

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=Letter to Senator Borsarius]Senator Borsarius,
I was pleased to see you ride near me during the procession and feel as though we have taken the first step to repair our relationship. I am aware that our views do not align on some critical issues, but am quite confident we can work through this in a friendly manner. Should you be in need, I will be well disposed to hear you out. I look forward to further cooperation with you and hope you feel likewise.

Sincerely,
Senator Hugo De Vinti[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Consul Basile]Consul,
We have toured the Trajan Market together and you can very well see that it is an ideal place to erect the Courthouse we both wish for. Soon my house will be ready to see this through. Should you still be interested in contributing financially to this endeavour, cleaning up the market would be ideal so that I may begin work on the actual structure come summer.

Senator Hugo De Vinti[/ic]

[Polycarp]

I've finished the update for this next season, but I'm still working on the new thread.  I hope to have it all posted within the next few days.  Thanks!