The Republic Reborn

[LD]

[ic=To DeRosa]
I pass on this information to DeRosa regarding our blacksmith plans: "Blacksmiths
Italy's most significant source of iron is the Alps, though some is extracted in Tuscany and Sardinia as well.  Blacksmiths, however, congregate where the most demand is, which usually means large cities with a great demand for tools and weapons.  Palermo, Milan, Venice, and Naples are chief among these, though everyone knows the best weaponsmiths are among the Christians and Muslims of Spain."
[/ic]

[ooc]
2 votes to Basile.
2 votes to Fortis.
1 vote to Manzinni.
[/ooc]

As an aside- I skimmed one person's private orders, then skimmed DiFontaine's- I laughed out loud at that juxtaposition of cause/effect.

[Polycarp]

I added some roads to our map.

Thick roads are major roads; thin lines are minor ones.  Dotted lines indicate a road largely in ruin.  All roads are Roman-era.

The Via Francigena, the main pilgrim route, follows the ancient Via Cassia which passes through Formello, Sutri, and Viterbo.

[spoiler=Map Supreme][/spoiler]

[Polycarp]

[ooc=Current Tally]Election of 1153
Total votes: 37
Votes cast: 20
Votes remaining: 17

Senator Calafatus: 12
Senator Basile: 8

This is the current tally for the election of 1153, before bribery is applied.  The deadline is Sunday, March 18th.  The election may also end earlier by consensus if there are only two candidates with votes after all votes have been cast.[/ooc]

[Elemental_Elf]

[ic=The Case] I ask that Signore Giordano Pierleone recount his version of events. Once again, I will keep an open mind and listen to all the evidence, from both sides, before rendering a verdict. I ask that those gathered here do the same. [/ic]

[Elemental_Elf]

[ic=To Manzinni] Dear friend, I have spoken with my acquaintances in both Hispania and Genoa and have been presented with a very reasonable contract. I fear, however, that it may be for best if we sought our resource closer to Rome. The Alps sound perfect. I fear Tuscany would have too many rival merchants with whom to compete. Going slightly further afield would probably garner us larger profits a for little more risk.

I have recently come into possession of a few estates I am currently using as inns, and I am hoping to turn a profit next year. I believe we can replicate my success by acquiring a plot of land and attracting the Blacksmiths to Rome by offering them very cheap rent and the promise of many consistent customers.

If we can attract but one Master and a slew of apprentices, we would be well on our way to establishing Rome as a major Arms and Armor dealer in Italy.

I have also inquired into the purchase of wool and leather to make Leather and Padded armors. I believe we could turn a small profit with such avenues, if our venture into the smithing industry turns sour.

Your friend,

DeRosa [/ic]

[ic=To Manzinni]Good friend,

I believe you are the ideal candidate to lead Rome at this juncture. You are proud, wise and faithful, not to mention you have an eye for Business. I feel if you become Consul, then you could steer the inner workings of Rome and make our dream of turning Rome into a major player on the Peninsula, economically speaking, into a reality. I am asking all of my allies to vote for you. I hope that you will reciprocate and push your allies to vote for yourself as well! Together, we can see a new dawn for the Eternal City!

Your friend and ally,

DeRosa [/ic]

[ooc=Election] In order to not appear as if I am playing favorites, I will push my allies to vote for my good friend Senator Manzinni, who has the intelligence, foresightedness and integrity to lead Rome!

Manzinni: 6 [/ooc]

[Polycarp]

FYI: Court statements are public knowledge and known to all characters, but characters may only address the court if the judge, Senator DeRosa, requests that they do so.

[ic=Patrician Pierleone addresses the court]Honored Senator,

After the riot and adjournment of the Senate in the spring of last year and its replacement with the current Senators, I felt it prudent to withdraw to my family’s estates in the Leonine City until the violence had passed and the matter of Roman governance could be discussed civilly and without danger of further bloodshed.  Unfortunately, disagreements between myself and the Senators resulted in a deadlock.  In June I received a message from Signore Fortis Calafatus inviting me to a private meeting with the Consuls; I refused, countering their proposal with my own to accept a larger Senatorial delegation in the Leonine City.  Signore Calafatus in turn rejected this offer.

Signore Calafatus then sent me a second message in the Autumn, which I provide to the Curia Senatus.

Greetings Patrician,

You still refuse to to meet with me. I have publicly proclaimed you a Son of Rome to be trusted and you doubt me. Now then how about we meet at the border of your domains and I publicly escort you back to my home for a supper to discuss the future of Rome and your involvement in it. Tivoli joined to papal alliance and payed for it dearly, with a Roman army raising their city to the ground and destroying their fields, led by none other than myself. Rome does not stand on such a terrible precipice and you envision. So, meet with me and we can further resolve this situation. Feel free to bring a small escort if you do not feel safe alone.

Fortis Calafatus, your friend and Consul of the Exterior.

Not wishing to be responsible for the continued division of the city in a time of war and comforted – naively, in retrospect – by the allowance of an escort, I decided to accept this new offer from Signore Calafatus and replied to him on the 15th of October.  The meeting was set for two days later, on the feast day of Saint Ignatius, a date that has since become infamous in Rome.

I proceeded from the Leonine City with thirty armed men, and was met promptly by the armsmen of Signore Calafatus, who I guessed to be at least three times as numerous, perhaps a hundred strong.  They escorted us to the Signore’s estate, where we arrived just after noon.

My encounter with the Consul was brief.  I was welcomed and asked to come inside; reluctant to leave my guards, I suggested that we simply discuss terms in the courtyard where we were.  After a few minutes of this fruitless wrangling, Signore Calafatus withdrew to confer with his confederates, after which I and my men were suddenly and abruptly attacked by the Consul’s armsmen.  They surprised us totally, and savagely slaughtered most of my men; they eagerly slew even the ones who tried to surrender.

I was subdued, captured, and placed in a sack, then taken through streets I did not see and could not recount.  At some point there was a great commotion; an attempt was being made to save me from my captor by patriotic Romans and my own loyal armsmen.  During this attempt I was gravely wounded and lost consciousness, and I can remember no more of that black day.

As I regained my health, I was informed by my brother that the massacre had been blamed on me by Signore Calafatus, who had made a public announcement that I had attempted to assassinate him on Saint Ignatius’ Day, a charge which was repeated by his partisans.  This, Senator, is ludicrous on its face.  It beggars belief that I would accept an invitation far outside my own domains and then – woefully outnumbered – attempt to kill the Consul in his own estate, placing myself at enormous personal risk and virtually guaranteeing that even if I prevailed I would be clearly shown as a murderer to all of Rome.  If indeed I had planned this nefarious deed, why then would the Consul massacre all my guards that could not escape?  Why should I be smuggled like contraband through the street instead of immediately arrested and brought to trial?  Why, indeed, if the Consul is so sure of my murderous intent, did he not bring his allegation before this Court or the Senate and instead take his prosecutions directly to the Roman mob in a subversion of justice?

Upon my recovery, I sent a letter to Consul Basile demanding a retraction of this allegation before the whole Senate; Consul Basile informed me that Signore Calafatus refused to do so.  In the interest of peace in Rome, I decided to agree to the accord with the Senate regardless of this affront.

I submit to you, Senator, that having served as the leader of this Commune for many years and continuing to serve it as Patrician and Magistrate to this day, I am clearly a public officer and magistrate as noted by law; that an actual iniuria [insult, injury] was done to me by the false and defamatory accusation of Fortis Calafatus, for few charges are as grave as murder; and that he has therefore assaulted not simply my good name and reputation, but the reputation of the Senate of Rome, its public officers, and the sacred trust between them and the Roman people, and is therefore guilty of famosis libellis.[/ic]

[LD]

>>Dear friend, I have spoken with my acquaintances in both Hispania and Genoa and have been presented with a very reasonable contract. I fear, however, that it may be for best if we sought our resource closer to Rome. The Alps sound perfect. I fear Tuscany would have too many rival merchants with whom to compete. Going slightly further afield would probably garner us larger profits a for little more risk.

Could you please clarify what you are intending here? From where are you suggesting to buy Iron? I like your other ideas, I'm just having a little trouble understanding what is being said here. Thanks :)

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=Privately to Consul Roberto Basile]Signore Basile,
The Pierleoni once again threatens the unity of Rome, which was acquired at great costs and efforts. I will be direct with you, although DeRosa seems to have the case in hands, I beg you to do something about it. His claim is clearly a sham, why would Calafatus lie to us? He who represents Rome abroad cannot be a man of sins.

Pierleoni is clearly trying to divide all levels of Roman society. Can we let that happen?[/ic]

[ic=Privately to Consul Fortis Calafatus]Dear Calafatus,
I stand beside you in this matter of utmost importance. Pierleoni is clearly trying to divide the Roman society and stoops to spreading lies to further his cause and denigrate your name. Would you need assistance, I would heed your call.[/ic]

[ic=To the Senate]
Fellow Senators,
We've recently had the pleasure of welcoming Bolognese scholars in our fair city. These men are well versed in laws and philosophy. But it is clear they do not agree between themselves and have distinct ideologies. I've had the pleasure of speaking with most of them, and I must confess, although they are all wise, I heard the wisest words from the Bulgari. Our judicial system is far from perfect, though I do not mean to say it's mediocre. Would we allow Giosani's school of thought to prevail here in Rome, eternal chaos would descend upon us and engulf us whole. After much efforts and wealth spent on the unification of all within our grand city, would we throw it all away? I say no, we shouldn't.

On another matter now, though one as important, maybe even more; the Pierleoni case. Consul Calafatus made it clear his men were assaulted by Pierleoni and his men, and Fortis himself was the target of an assassination attempt. He barely escaped with his life, and now Pierleoni accuses him of famosis libeli? He's clearly trying to divide the Senate, and our great Roman people. Like I said earlier, after so much efforts spent in the unification of all within our city's walls, would we just stand idle when a single person threatens to undo our greatest work?[/ic]

[TheMeanestGuest]

[ooc=Election of 1153]Basile: 5 Votes
Calafatus: 1 Vote
[/ooc]

[ic=Speech Before the Senate]Senators!

I stand before you to once again seek election to the most honourable office of Consul of the Interior. Though I fear I have not done all I could have for our great city, I have striven with every breath I have taken over this past year to be the Consul that Rome deserves! Through my own efforts, and those of others, Rome once again has peace, and all in the city are united to the singular cause of our Commune! The Law is once again a force to be respected, and while we still have much work to do in the application of Justice within the walls of our city, I think that before long our Curia Senatus will be the envy of all the Judiciaries of Europe in efficiency, equity and in honour. The walls of Aurelius grow strong again each day, as workmen under my oversight labour to restore them to some measure of their ancient glory. Yes, Senators, though this is all well and good I would see further progress in Rome! I would once again see us as a city that all men would look to, and there would be not a single shred of doubt in their mind that it was truly the greatest in all the world.

So please, friends, support me in this election if you too share in my vision.

Vote Basile!

*Roberto bows before the Senate*[/ic]

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=Private to DeRosa]
My friend, these are dire times, and I call on you to hold true to your words and defend the Republic of Rome. You have the final say on the matter of Pierleoni, and both of us remember Calafatus telling us of his grave treachery. Would Pierleoni win his deceitful case, the city would surely be divided once again. Both of us have spent great efforts to make this city a peaceful one, and we both know Calafatus has done the same. It is -clear- that Pierleoni is trying to undo our great work, and attribute the fruits of our labour to himself. He still has many supporters, but would he be bested, they would soon realize that he was in the wrong. His deceits cloud their judgement, and you are the only one with the capability of relieving them of this tremendous pressure they bear. They would be forever grateful to you, as I, and the council would, I wager.[/ic]

[LD]

[ic=Private to Basile]

Good friend, I ask you what your plans are of leading the Senate in the coming season.

I have considered long and hard and I believe that the path to greater wealth is through mercantile pursuits and so I support Giosani. I acknowledge that Courts of Law rather than Equity have great benefits, but I also believe  the establishment of a rigid legal system will do much to impede the progress of popolo minuto to popolo grosso. Rome needs blacksmiths, merchants, and people with ability. There will always be more popolo grosso to defend Rome's walls than there will be Equites.

The Equites can be mollified in their interests in other ways than by the establishment of a rigid legal system--they have gained greatly in the campaigns of Calafactus and I am a strong believer of redistributing donated Church land or land of Rome's enemies to Equites who have the will and the vision to manage and volunteer for Rome.

While I could enter the campaign for Consul wholeheartedly, I believe that we are men of similar vision. What I also foresee for Rome is the development of the Pilgrim Roads around Rome, of increased immigration into the City, of the continued Development of the port cities. I have spoken with other Senatores and we have determined that to make Rome great, we need to attract Blacksmiths to arm our soldiers and to create good exports. What are your thoughts on this matter to increase Rome's defense and its trade?

I also would like to improve relations with the current Pope- however, I will note one difficulty here- Fortis has alienated the Pierleonis, and alas, you have the troublesome background of having fought against the new Pope's son and driven him from the Lateran Palace. How would you improve our relations and guarantee our defense fast against the coming German King?

I also ask you if you know what Consul Calafactus intends, given the current libel suit against him? He should be victorious in the suit, but in the event that he is not victorious, could there be dire consequences if he remains Consul? He would not be removed from the Consulatory if he is not victorious in the suit, no? Will Rome be split? The man appears to be a military genius and his actions abroad have served Rome well.

I ask you to announce your plans publicly, so that once elected, all know of your platform.

And when you are elected, I look forward to working with you to help wind our way through these troublesome times.

BELOW IS NOT SAID YET
[spoiler=NOT SAID YET] NOT SAID YET: In return for my support  I would be honored if, when you are elected, that you make me privy to some business of the Consuls and then together perhaps, we can confer on and solve some of the difficulties confronting our great Rome.[/spoiler]
[/ic]

[ic=Private to DeRosa]
Senator and Judge DeRosa, I thank you for your great support and confidence in my abilities and in my ability to succeed in the election. My Masnada and I are very closely studying the situation of if the election can be sealed and we will keep you closely informed of my decision.

I believe that Rome needs to focus on trade, so I support the teaching of the Giosani school of equity; I also would enjoy a focus on reconciliation of sorts with the Papacy, if only to guarantee Rome's safety in the coming arrival of the Emperor. With Basile, reconciliation with Rome is difficult if not impossible-Even though Basile is a great man. The new Pope's son led the defense at the Lateran.

I ask you, however, this: if Calafactus is found guilty, and who knows what you will decide based on the evidence, but if he is found guilty--what will be the consequence? Will he be fined? Sentenced? Removed from the Consulary? Calafactus has brought a great deal of wealth to the city and he apparently possesses a fine military mind. He is a good asset to Rome. I would be concerned about replacing that man as Consul--although I believe my skills may be best put to use mending relations as Consul of the Exterior rather than as Consul of the Interior.

I also wonder this- if Pierleoni is found guilty, then what would be the consequence for him? Would Rome also be split? The Frangipani, who hate his house, will be pleasured. The Frangipani also, I hear, are close to the Papacy. But Pierleoni is close to Rome and he led Rome well in the past. Finding him in the right would do much to reconcile his faction with Rome-but it would risk much to push Calafactus' many beneficiaries away.

There are many political ramifications to consider in the fallout of whatever you decide. I ask not that the ramifications affect your decision, but I do ask that you consider how to act in the wake of those ramifications and that you have a good plan to preserve not only your own health, but the wealth and stature of your family.

You are a good man DeRosa and I am sure you will come to an excellent decision.
[/ic]

EE- I'll gladly respond to your answers after I get clarification on the other issue I asked about a few posts up. e.g. whether I'm standing for election and the blacksmith plan.

[TheMeanestGuest]

[ic=Privately to Manzinni] Ah, Senator Manzinni.

I find myself in firm agreement with you on the matters of Law, and its application to Rome in its present circumstances. The School of Giosani is surely the better, and I will support the efforts of legal scholars so inclined in that direction. In the application of law, one cannot be caught up in the strictness of ancient decrees set out by men long dead. While the intent of their law is surely for the good, much has changed over the centuries, and we must look to apply that very same intent to our own differing circumstances. I firmly believe in the ultimate power of the law to bring about some measure of equity between men, both great and small.

In a similar vein, I do not believe it is the business of the State to interfere in the workings of Commerce. While certainly there must be regulation, and certainly our city must support its own merchants when the time is right, I find through observation that such enterprises develop most soundly on their own through the efforts of the private individuals involved. It is not becoming of our Commune to support an Industry that is destined to fail, or to support an Industry that does not indeed require our assistance. I must consider such matters in further detail, of course, but these are my initial thoughts.

The defence of Rome is of course ever on my mind, as I am often known to say. Work on our walls progresses, and I am committed to seeing it done should I be Consul or not. Though I do intend to remain Consul. Further, I continue my patronage of our legal system, so as to ensure the security of our Commune within its own walls. My great initiative, that is, the repair of the Aqua Virgo, met with some difficulty last year, as events carried it beyond my means. But I will see it done, and work will begin this year if I can manage it.

I am not sure what Senator Calafatus's relations with the Pierleoni have to do with those of our City with the Pope. Though this is a matter of grave personal importance to me, your meaning escapes me. However, should I again take up the duty of Consul, I had intended to immediately write to our new Pope to broach the possibility of some measure of reconciliation. Though we both know his command of temporal power is intolerable, I think the people of Rome would welcome his spiritual guidance, and I will see if that possibility is acceptable to Anastasius. I will point out, however, that I think you are somewhat mistaken. Gregorio della Subura is nephew to the Pope, not son, though your meaning still bears some weight in this regard, and does cause me some small measure of trepidation. We shall have to see how reasonable a man this new Pope is. Though the grander defence of Rome is more properly the business of the Exterior Consul, some measure of this responsibility has indeed fallen to myself, as the latest holder of that office seems more inclined to campaign than diplomacy, though I admit his immense capability in that regard. To that end I still pursue the establishment of a League with both Perugia and Rieti, the better to defend our mutual interests, and if I were to remain Consul I would see it done. [/ic]

[Elemental_Elf]

OOC: to Light Dragon: In my orders, I was able to secure rights with both a Genoese Merchant to ferry the iron from spain as well as the ability to negotiate directly with the Basques for their iron. I switched, quite abruptly, to your idea of targeting more localized sources for the iron, rather than the iron from Spain. Personally, I think we should go for the local iron because there will be far less risk involved, especially considering Rome does not have a true port all to its own. :)

[ic=Private Letter to Manzinni] Dear Friend,

The fate of Calafactus is still being decided. If the worst were to come to pass, he would, according to law, be executed. The trial is unique in that it is the first time two members of the government are battling one another in a court of law over this issue. Regardless of my ruling, the verdict will no doubt be the talk of the Peninsula.

Pierleoni is not on trial, he is the accuser. His accusation, if found false, carries with it no punishment in terms of the law. However, I am sure Calafactus and his allies will no doubt seek fast and decisive retribution. In this way, I am deciding the fate of two men - one could be executed by law, the other assassinated. The case weighs heavily on my soul and I ask god every day for the wisdom to pierce through the darkness and the half-truths and discover the truth.

My friend, this case goes well beyond the normal realm of the law. Every morning, I feel two blades from two different assassins pressing against my throat. I fear, regardless of my ruling, I will be in great danger. Some one will seek retribution and I must be wary. Yet, even in my darkest hour, I feel a modicum of joy that I am not alone in this world for I have your friendship. I do not wish to seem too close to you in public right now, for fear the blow back that assaults me following my verdict will strike out at you. I do not wish my burden to come to your House and bring ruin to it. Until this is over, I fear we should continue our discussions through private letters, or lest my soon-to-be enemies turn their ire towards you.

As always, your friend,

Senator DeRosa[/ic]

[Elemental_Elf]

[ic=The Case] "Hmm. I find it hard to believe that a man of your wealth and standing in society would so willingly put himself in such an obviously dangerous situation. Regardless, a man of your position would not conduct business of such gravitas in a courtyard! The very thought of it is scandalous! As an important guest in this city, you would have been expected to discuss matters at the dining table, or in a private office, not in a courtyard.

Hmm, you say that Consul Calafactus' supposed amrsmen, as you call them, slaughtered MOST of your men. Have you proof, or better yet, any eye witnesses that can corroborate your side of the story? Perhaps a gallant bodyguard or a steward that escaped the supposed battle? [/ic]

[ooc]Can I obtain either a written document or speak with a trusted Guardsman, who saw the forces of Calafactus and Pierlioni enter the city? I wish to obtain a head count and verify the numbers spoken by Pierlioni. [/ooc]

[Polycarp]

[ic=Patrician Pierleone to the Court]If I endangered myself in the cause of Rome's preservation, Senator, it would not be the first time.  I wanted to believe the word of a man elected by the Senate to the Consulship, and perhaps this desire overcame my good judgement until the Consul wished to separate me from my guards.

Some of my men did indeed escape; had they not, they would not have been able to warn my friends and patriotic Romans to come to my aid, and thus rescue me subsequent to my capture.  I respectfully add that as it is Signore Calafatus who made the accusation against me, the burden of proof is properly on his shoulders, not mine; nevertheless, I will provide them to you, Senator.[/ic]

[ooc=Court Proceedings]

• Patrician Pierleone furnishes two of his armsmen who claim to have been present that night.  They swear that the Patrician's retelling of events up to his "kidnapping" is accurate.  You may request spoken testimony from them if you desire.
• Numerous persons are found who observed the armsmen of Pierleone and Calafatus leave the Leonine City together and proceed through the Field of Mars.  It was a rather large movement of armed men in broad daylight in the middle of the day.  Most of the observers were popolo minuto subjects, whose testimony has limited worth, but the vigili have found more than a dozen Roman citizens who claimed to have observed the spectacle.  The accounts differ but lean in general towards there being substantially more of the Consul's men than the Patrician's; the men were not wearing a distinctive livery, but they did not mingle either.  Written statements and/or spoken testimony can be requested if necessary, but the vigili would prefer not to have to make a second sweep, because the people of the district of Parionis et St. Laurentii in Damaso threw chamber pots at them.

[/ooc]