The Republic Reborn

[Magnus Pym]

[ooc=Orders]Pay upkeep of [1 WP] for my palatini.
During this season, my palatini will have several tasks to accomplish. Here is a list in order of importance:

• First, it is imperative that they reinforce the security apparatus of the prefect if he comes back in Rome, especially during the arrest of Arnold -where they can cut off groups that come in from neighboring districts to join potential riots- and for some time after when the masses will be angry and willing to act openly and violently against him.
• Then, when increased security for the prefect doesn't seem necessary anymore, my men will return to these tasks:

• Ten of them will clean the prospectus zone of the Courthouse in the Trajan Market. Here, I mean that individuals or groups indulging in criminal activities of any kind shall be arrested and taken to the relevant authorities to be judged. If that does not occupy them for too long, ask them to patrol between that place and the Curia Julia.
• Twenty men will be sent to patrol the Campus Martius, as well as other popular gathering places for radical arnoldists, like the Theater of Marcellus. Their task is mainly to make sure arnoldists don't stir up too much trouble. Arrests can be made and anyone apprehended by my men will be taken to the relevant authorities to be judged.
• Twenty men will patrol between my palazzo, the Curia Julia and the Colosseum, ridding the senate's new acquisition of unsavoury characters.

My estate and those I employ shall use the new communication system proposed by Vittorio Manzinni.


[spoiler=Spies!]Two of my most trusted masnadas will be tasked with uncovering potential plots/threats. They will be given much leeway to help them in their research. They are mainly to discover if radical groups are planning something big against the prefect or any senator. Or if any important infrastructure might be targeted. Something interesting too would be the discovery of "diplomatic links" between radical groups and enemies of Rome. This operation is long-term and might even become permanent. Especially if I end up commander of the Sentinels, however unlikely that seems to be now.[/spoiler]

Hugo De Vinti will host a grand fête in his gilded palazzo. He will extend an invitation to the members of the Senate, friendly entrepreneurs and merchants (especially those who are part of the marble, construction and textile industries) and to some of the great families of Rome, such as the Colonna, the Demetri and the Pierleoni. Wine shall be made available in abundance, as well as works of art either of his craft or that of his friends. Dancers and musicians shall contribute profoundly to the success of the party. This is why [1 WP] will be made available, so that the bests of Rome may be acquired. Security will be maximized, meaning my men will be stationed in and around the palazzo for the event. Of course, I shall allow them to partake if they prove to be moderate and concentrated on their duty.

Hugo will also be spending time with his wife and attempt to impregnate her. (Is that the word? he wants a child.)

Take Roberto Basile for a tour of the Trajan Market, and investigate the cost in time and material to have it restored to a serviceable Courthouse.

Give [3 WP] to Roberto Basile for the purchase of the Colosseum.

Send my neapolitan agent back to Naples to court experienced flax workers to work the new fields in Labarum.

In a letter received from Magister Rogerius, he said it would help alot if the studium could obtain the help of dictatores. I want to know if a few of these can be found in Rome.[/ooc]

[Polycarp]

I should note that, regarding the naval rules, what I posted on the last page is very much a draft.  My thinking on the rules is still evolving, particularly when it comes to drafted sailors/pirates and the actual numbers (including ship numbers for enterprises, which I may reduce to 1 per instead of 2 per).  If I occasionally disagree with myself it's probably because this expansion is still in progress.

Accordingly, you shouldn't use anything in that post in your orders this turn.  It hasn't yet been officially added to the ruleset.

[LD]

Polycarp- is the above vote by itself enough to resolve the Palatini issue and hire the Palatini, or should I prepare an offer to the Palatini, or more details somewhere (in IC letters or in my orders)?

As far as I can determine; after Basile votes on De Vinti's three points, the issue should be resolved?

I think we all want the issue resolved before the end of the season, one way or another.

[Polycarp]

The first issue (Should the commander be a Senator?) is tied, two versus two; it's also tied in terms of influence, 11 (HD+BB) versus 11 (VM+AS).  Basile has yet to vote and that vote will be decisive (the Senate is not particularly fond of the very idea of a consular force, but given that the consiliarii all seem to be for it, it will pass, and they have no particular opinion on senatorial commander vs. non-senatorial commander).  If Basile doesn't vote it will be resolved via coin flip.

The other two (Commander appointed in 7 days, must resign before running for consul) have unanimous support so far and can be considered to have passed regardless of what Basile ends up voting.

As far as hiring the palatini, you're welcome to make an offer presently.  I'd rather handle this now through letters than in orders so we can resolve it this season.  Gerardo Calafatus has been acting on their behalf and anything you want to palatini to hear can be addressed to him.

[Magnus Pym]

Polycarp, just notifying you that I made some important changes in my orders for this turn. In case you copied my previous text to some word doc.

[TheMeanestGuest]

Hm. I'm actually on a vacation and thought I'd have more time for letters and orders. I'll try to have them up tomorrow.

[LD]

edit. never mind for the moment.

[Polycarp]

TMG is on vacation, I'm dealing with some last-minute letters, and there's no realistic possibility of me putting serious work into the update until the 8th of May, which is the last day of finals before graduation.  At this point I'm thinking it may be wisest to just lift the order deadline for now until we've all got a better handle on things.

The consular force issue has been discussed and voted on extensively at this point, but if you'd like to do some IC chat in the meantime, the Senate is still eager to hear what its policies ought to be regarding the Prefect, Capocci, and so on.

I know the long hiatuses between updates recently have been trying, but we're reaching the end of my own busy season so hopefully we should pick up the pace after this coming update.

[Polycarp]

[ooc=Due Date]The final due date for orders is Saturday, May 8th.  For real this time![/ooc]

[LD]

Ok. Since Basile didn't post yet, I'll post what I edited out above:

Polycarp: Thank you for the clarification; If Basile votes to permit a senator as Commander, then Manzinni is going to put forth his proposal for governance/regulation of the Commander (the many point proposal with the checks and balances that was mentioned a few pages ago, altered to integrate the two points that have herein received a unanimous vote).

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=Letter to Consul Basile]Consul Basile,
I have some news I wish to bring to your attention. I have been in contact with Antonio Demetri after his unacceptable detention by Signore Capocci, for I wish his return in the Eternal City. While it was agreed that we would deal with Capocci, a sword of Damocles hangs over our heads still.

The prefect doesn't want only Capocci dealt with, but the excommunicate Arnoldo as well. I have offered my help as a private citizen to distance the Senate from any action against the man, but the prefect will have nothing of it. He wants the man expelled, and I don't have the power to do this alone. Furthermore, I have received word that there is a real threat of our city being under interdict again. If that were to happen, rumours about the Curia giving in to the pressure of those who are favourable to a solution by arms might become reality, and the great houses of Latium would march on Rome under the auspices of the Holy Church.

There is no point for me to send a missive to the prefect anymore, we have both made ourselves clear to each other. Therefore, this matter has become quite important for me and I won't let it rest. My reason for coming to you is not only because you hold the relevant office, but because you are a sound man and see eye-to-eye with me on many issues. How do you propose we proceed with this?

Senator Hugo De Vinti[/ic]

[TheMeanestGuest]

[ic=A Letter to Gerardo Calafatus]Senator Calafatus,

I well understand your position. The necessary expense associated with the division of your father's estate, and the lesser shares there resulting for yourself and your brothers must indeed place some ill-deserved hardship upon your family. I have spoken to various senators, and it seems that we may be able to raise the remainder this season - and if not, certainly in the next. Regardless, at the least you shall have [14 WP] this season, with [1 WP] following this coming summer - I shall personally ensure that your family receives the full amount for the Senate's purchase of the Colosseum.

To another matter - that of your father's palatini. You are of course aware of the ridiculous farce that yet proceeds in the Senate regarding the retention of soldiers for the purpose of keeping the peace. This is not my concern, and my interest as Consul is in ensuring that the military ability and expertise of your father's men does not pass wholely from our city. Regrettably, I do not think that the Senate can currently bear the expense of maintaining the entire century - however, I intend that we should retain no less then half. Therefor I shall offer through you an official contract of the Roman Commune to engage fifty of these men in military service to Rome for an initial period of two years, at a cost of [1 WP] per season. It is my hope that this offer should be found sufficient by these loyal Romans.

I think this should satisfactorily resolve the outstanding business between your house and the Senate, Signore. Correspond at your leisure, or reserve further discussion until you come to call at my estate - as you like it.

Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Antonio Demetri della Suburra]Signore,

Know that I am aggrieved that Romans should come to conflict, and that I should bear responsibility. As Consul I was lax in my consideration and understanding of the disagreement between yourself and Signore Capocci. I consider you a friend, Signore, but so too do I consider Signore Capocci. I allowed my friendships to blind me to my Consular duty. I cannot claim to comprehend in fullness matters of noble honour, but nevertheless I will decry your abduction - but so too do I lament the attack on Capocci armsmen by your soldiers within our city. For the good of Rome I will pass no judgement upon these matters, but I must implore you to put an end to the acrimony that lingers between your two houses. Your place is in Rome, Antonio, for you are Rome's prefect.

In your absence, a mob of the popolo set itself on your estate. As you know, the Romans are passionate, and easily incensed to action. I will not claim to know their motive, but regardless I sent my men to quell the disturbance, and the riot was shortly dispersed - but not before a wing of your villa was set to flame. The fire was contained, but the chapel and several other rooms were subjected to significant damage. I have detained several of the rioters, and it is my intent to subject them to the full force of the Senate's law, and to try them for trespass, arson, and the disturbance of the peace.

I have discussed these matters at length with Signore Capocci, as it is my desire that an amicable solution should be found. He is a man of terrible pride, but I have managed to obtain from him an offer to settle matters between you. Signore Capocci will pay in full the cost of repairs to your estate, and he will swear before God in your presence to make no interference with you, your men, or your property as long as you should hold your office. He says that if you will ask no apology of him, he shall ask none of you.

I too am a proud man, but still and all I shall beg you on my knees to accept this olive branch. I would see no more suffering come from this contention, and I would have it end. In your capacity as Prefect, I humbly ask that you do this for the good of the Romans. Allow no greater misery to fall upon our heads. Return to Rome, Signore, and take up your rightful office. I shall personally guarantee your security with all the strength I may bring to bear.

Was it not Our Lord Jesus Christ who bade us turn the other cheek?

Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Arrigus Sismondii]Senator Sismondii,

The matter of this charter wears thin upon my own patience, and I likewise would be through with it. I am grateful for your offer of these remaining necessary funds, and with them I may now say with confidence that no obstacle now stands between us an acquisition of the Colosseum, and I shall at once convey this message to Senator Calafatus.

To the matter of the road, I am pleased to hear of your progress, as I consider this a necessary development for future Roman prosperity. It is unfortunate that you should lack for laborers. Money I could provide, but the gathering and management of labour is not my greatest expertise. I know that many Romans have yet to return to the contado, and that some among them have lost their livelihood entire to the depredations of the Tusculani. Perhaps among them you could find men willing to work? I do not know, this is merely my suggestion.

You have my thanks for your continued service to our city, and as always I count you among my friends.

Roberto Basile[/ic]

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

I work to settle this matter, and I do my utmost to secure a detente between Signores Capocci and Demetri. I shall keep you apprised as the issue proceeds. This news is not of particular welcome, but I will thank you for bringing it to my attention. Perhaps I may yet find a way to sail our ship around these treacherous rocks.

Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=In the Lesser Council]Likewise my vote shall be yes on three counts, incorporating the clarification of Senator Borsarius. Has the matter been put to rest then, Senators?[/ic]

[Polycarp]

[ic=A Letter to Both Consuls of Rome]I do not hold any grudge or malice against you for the treatment which I was subjected to, nor do I hold either of you personally responsible for the events including and following my abduction.

Nevertheless, your concern for my security is misplaced.  It is all very well to offer me more soldiers, to rebuild my estate and protect its walls.  My charge in Rome, however, is not merely to exist, to sit in my estate confident in my security, but to exercise the power of my office within its ancient jurisdiction and to champion the interests of the Holy Church.

The Roman Senate has abetted the acts of an enemy of the Church and welcomed him as one of their own; Signore Capocci had his castles destroyed for usurping the territory of the Church and rebelling against its authority, the lawful authority of his own liege lord, and time has not made him a better vassal.  The Roman Senate, after its city was placed under interdict on account of the excommunicate Arnold of Brescia, nevertheless welcomed him back when he returned from exile to resume the very deeds the city had been sanctioned for; now his followers have seized a church of God.  Now the Senate invites me to return to Rome, and it may be that my safety will be guaranteed, but when such enemies of the Church are encouraged and feted upon by the Senate it reduces my office to a thing of ridicule.  I will not return to Rome only to conduct a farce, as I pretend to be Rome's prefect and you pretend to be the Pope's subjects.

The Senate swears that it has not broken the treaty between it and the Holy Church.  Very well; let it be tested.  Arnold of Brescia, though an excommunicate, still has holy orders, and the treaty states that the Senate "shall forswear any jurisdiction over any criminal or civil matter involving a priest, monk, or other ecclesiastic."  Furthermore, as the Prefect of Rome I "shall exercise the judicial powers of the Church as the representative of the Papal Curia."  Therefore I trust there will be no interference from the Senate when I enter the city with a column of men-at-arms and arrest the excommunicate on the streets of Rome or wherever he may be.

I have abstained from this prior course of action out of fear for the lives both of my own men and the lives of Roman citizens; I am not so blind as to be unaware that such an action would greatly inflame the people, who defend this man regardless of his rebellion against the Church.  Yet the Senate has given me little choice, and I now realize that the spirit of our mutual treaty cannot be upheld so long as the judicial rights of the Church are ignored.  I, or another prefect, will always be under threat so long as this rebellion continues, and always unable to fulfill the totality of the responsibilities of the office.  The alternative is for His Holiness to once again place an interdict upon Rome, this time not abating until the excommunicate Arnold of Brescia is in the custody of the Church.

As for Signore Capocci, I will accept the offer that he has apparently made to Consul Basile.  If he so much as puts a toe over the line thus established, however, I will personally lead the armsmen of every house that will take up the Papal banner to his castles and raze them to the ground, and if the Senate gives him the mildest of support thereafter I shall judge the treaty to be in abeyance.

Signore Antonio Demetri della Suburra, praefectus urbi[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Roberto Basile]Your terms are acceptable to us.  It is unfortunate that the Senate does not have the resources to retain them all, but the best judges of that are of course the consiliarii.

I am concerned, however, that my father's palatini will not be particularly excited if they are the ones hired to keep the peace in Rome.  They are soldiers, not vigilies or thief-takers.  They are Romans who have fought the enemies of Rome, and they may not wish to be given a job that consists chiefly of using violence upon fellow Romans - particularly when they themselves are of low birth, from some of the same stock that often constitutes the very rioters I assume you would have this force defend against.  The Emperor offers them plunder and glory; I do not know if they will accept beating up penniless porters and fishermen as an alternative.  They may not be sophisticated men, but I worry they will be insulted by being asked to perform such a duty.

Gerardo Calafatus, senator, eques, nobilis vir[/ic]


With Basile's vote, it has been decided that on the first point, "should the commander be a senator," the answer is yes.  If someone would like to take it upon themselves to write up the resulting law such that I can post it on the first page with the other laws and treaties, you're welcome to put that text in your orders.

[Nomadic]

Please let me know if I messed anything up. I browsed through the several pages of discussions as well as the votes and amended the final charter in order to reflect what I found.

[ooc=The Charter for the Order of Rome]
ONE-    Statement of Purpose The Senate will put in place a police force responsible for preserving the public peace -according to the rule of law as codified in the Justinian codex. This police force, the Sentinels, is responsible to the Senate.

TWO-   Appointment of Commander

(A) Who May Serve as Commander of the Sentinels
(1) Direction of this unit rests with a Senator who is appointed by the Greater Council.
(2) A Consul may serve as Commander by default or by appointment, but not by election.

(B) Serving Concurrent Offices
(1) A Consul must first resign his commission before being permitted to run for election as Commander, and the election procedure, as determined by this section, will be enacted, to conclude concurrently with the election of the Commander.
(2) A Commander must first resign his commission before being permitted to run for election as Consul, and the election procedure, as determined by this section, will be enacted, to conclude concurrently with the election of Consuls.
(3) Following thus from sections B.1 and B.2, one may be considered for election as a Consul, or election as Commander, but not both types of positions.

(C) Election.
(1) To elect a Commander, a quorum of Senators must meet, and from that quorum, a two-thirds majority of the vote may appoint a Commander.
(2) If no two-thirds majority is achieved, the Senate will narrow the possible candidates down to the two who have received the most votes. At that point, another round of voting will occur and the winner of a 2/3rds majority will be selected as Commander.
(3) If neither receives a 2/3rds majority, then, by default, the Interior Consul will serve as Commander and a re-vote will be scheduled by the Interior Consul to take place within 7 days. This process will be repeated until a Commander can be selected.

THREE- Emergency Removal or Death of a Commander
(A) Situation of Emergency
(1) From a quorum, a two-thirds majority may remove leadership from any Commander and invest it in either of the Consuls for a period of one week.
(2) Before the end of that week, a vote must take place to invest a new Commander of the Sentinels in accordance with the procedure established in TWO, above.

(B) Situation of Death
(1) If a Commander has died, command of the Sentinels automatically devolves on the Consul of the Interior by default.
(2) Before the end of seven days, a vote must take place to invest a new Commander of the Sentinels in accordance with the procedure established in TWO, above.

FOUR- Voluntary Transfer of Command
(A) Whoever is Commander of the Sentinels may, if he so wishes and at any time, transfer his command to any Consul.
(B) At any time thereafter, the Senate may choose to appoint a new Commander of the Sentinels by following the procedure laid out in TWO, above.

FIVE-   Code of Conduct for Sentinels Any member of the Sentinels who is found in breach of the law, civil or ecclesiastical, shall face justice in the relevant courts. Moreover, if any member of the Sentinels is found deserting his post, he will be treated as a traitor and face the ultimate punishment: death.

SIX- Sentinels and Consuls The Sentinels shall not be used against the forces of any senator or the property of any senator unless a quorum meets and 2/3rds of that quorum approves the action. Otherwise, if the Commander of the Sentinels uses force against a senator or the property of the senator, he is subject to immediate dismissal and any who follows him shall face justice as described in point FIVE, above and command of the Sentinels will immediately transfer to the Consul of the Interior. As soon as possible, and in no case longer than seven days, a new Commander will be appointed in accordance with the election procedures set out in TWO, above.

SEVEN-  Amendments Amendments to this act can only be enacted if the following conditions are met; that both consuls are present when the amendments are presented; that three fourths of Senators are in attendance in the Senate while the amendments are being proposed; that a three-quarter majority of those in attendance vote in favour of the amendments.
[/ooc]

[LD]

That appears to be correct. Thank you for the compilation.

There is one potential issue though-

Point Six- Manzinni only wanted the Sentinels to not be used against Consuls, whereas DeVinti stated that the sentinels should not be used against any senator; however, I have no idea of our internal vote polling on that issue. Right now I just count 1 (manzinni) v. 1 (deVinti) on that issue. If 2 of the people whose votes M doesn't know vote for that issue (Sissmondi, Borsarius, Basile), then please speak up. Otherwise, M will present the charter as above, since he can't win on that point.