The Republic Reborn

[Elemental_Elf]

[spoiler]Domenico is not seeking election this year.[/spoilers]

[LD]

[ic=To the Senate from Vittorio; Response to Bernardo DiFontane]A return of a legal system is cost; but it is also investment. The question is if this is the right time for an investment when the winter is almost upon us. The winter brings less business before our hands and we have time to create committees to address other concerns. I would posit that we the Senate-uncompensated for the moment, handle grievances as a body to the boon of the people- and remind them of how much is being saved by us acting in this manner until the harvest is complete and counted.

We could not forever act in a fashion as judges, but until the winter is passed and we know of the harvest's bounty, it would be ill-advised to impose a tax to pay for Judges, or to fund this venture unless its funds came from a windfall, such as the assault on Tivoli. But, Fortis Calafactus' gains are his to distribute as he wont, since he proved himself a valued leader, and as good Domenico DeRosa noted, the city needs defenses since it is surrounded by enemies and allies who do not rush to its aid.

I say, for now, act as the good Friar would have us act and not pin emoluments and honours on a new class of Judges until we are certain that this new class will not act as some parasite men did who claimed to be Godly. Instead, we should humbly serve with our time, standing beside the people rather than fleeing like the Tivolan Cardinal to our palaces and allowing others to Judge. Once the burden of Judging grows too large for a mere Senate to manage, then we should encrust good men with the power to Judge. [/ic]

[ic=Private to Roberto Basile]
Dear Roberto, I have heard that you are planning to encourage people to vote for Senator DiFontane. DiFontane has the interests of Rome at heart, both you and I know, but DiFontane also has spoken of imposing a tax on the Roman people... The Roman people are fickle and we are new leaders; without good benefit, such a tax may lead their anger to become seething again. We do not want to be seen as a parasite, like the popolo see the Clergy.

DiFontane would use the funds from the buildings for Judges... and a tax for defense. I do not always oppose a tax, but I think one would be foolish now as we head into Winter of our first sitting. I also fear that our Judges, untrained, may create more fear and hate than hope and trust in the Senate.

Last season you spoke of increasing defenses and raising a volunteer fund to defend the City; Domenico DeRosa speaks of using funds from sale of former Papal buildings to fund this defense. He does not speak of additional taxes on the popolo. I side with DeRosa on this; I can be convinced otherwise, but would not DeRosa's contributions to the city's defense better serve matters than would a tax?

When we eventually seat Judges...they should not be seen as connected to the Pope, so they should not sit on thrones of the Papacy-they only need simple wooden standards.

I would suggest that all of the funds goes to the city defense however, while the rest is rented to the People to earn extra income and glory for Rome. Turn the abandoned locations into workshops for Rome's greater glory.

What say you?
[/ic]

I assume that people can shift their votes for a while after they post in this thread.

[ic=Private To Senator De Rosa]
Your proposal is a sound one, but why not go further?

When Rome eventually seats Judges...they should not be seen as connected to the Pope, so they should not sit on thrones of the Papacy-they only need simple wooden standards.

Where else would the 80% remainder of the funds you suggest go if not to the defenses?

I would suggest that all of the funds goes to the city defense however, while the rest is rented to the People to earn extra income and glory for Rome. Turn the abandoned locations into workshops for Rome's greater glory.

One who suggests this would find the backing of much of my influence, good Man.

[/ic]

[LD]

[ic=Private to Senator Fortis Calafactus]Congratulations on the sack of our hated enemies at Tivoli. It is good that the Abbot and his Holy force joined with yours to seal the battle and it is good that our Holy Friar preserved his holiness by not leading at the front of the Standard.

You will certainly be re-elected Consul due to your foresight and leadership.

With that considered; how do you propose to protect Rome when the Emperor comes? As he draws South, the Papal States and Rome's enemies will be ever emboldened against this fair city. The Emperor stated that "those in rebellion will be crushed." Either Rome must seek allies, Rome must defend itself, or Rome must surrender.

If Rome is to seek allies or to defend itself, trade will be important. There is a city called Grisantium at the port by the sea leading to Rome. Have we considered overtures to it so that our ships may more safely travel without to bring food and resources so the people remain pleased with our Senate?

And what of hated Tivoli? Are we to make it always our enemy or a vassal? We could send aid to it and rebuild it like we rebuilt Ratu in Spidoni after the great wars- and now Ratu impleads us not crush it and it fears us. Would you send aid to Tivoli...aid that is paid for by their rich and that in part will enrich Rome because Tivoli will be further impoverished or forced to seek succor from the Jews [e.g. loans; Christians couldn't practice usury]? If not, I will support your lead. If so, I could also support the action.

And although this Pope is no longer welcome in Rome; what is our solution to the Papal Question? An Emperor must be crowned by a Pope. We have several great families who have often valued and produced Holy Men. Are we to make overtures to them? Or is the Holy Man to come to Rome in rags and be embraced by the Friar? Or are we-ha- to (laughs) seat Pierloni himself, the Jew-Pope of the Holy See who sits now on St. Peter's throne, pleading. (laughs again). You do know what the popolo minuto are calling him. It is amusing, is it not--that could happen to any of us; or we could all die screaming when the Emperor comes. (chuckles to himself).[/ic]

Yes, I just made up Jew-Pope of the Holy See (with apologies to Jewish readers). He is not Jewish but is of Jewish descent and I thought it might be an amusing rant that the rabidly anti-Jewish Roman people might have directed against him at some point since he's sitting at the proto-St. Peter's keeping the seat warm for the Pope when the Pope returns. It's also amusing because, of course, Jesus and Peter and Paul were all Jewish originally. :D. So it's sort of traditional to have a Jew-Pope. ...

[Stargate525]

[ic=Response to Vittorio, from Bernardo]
You misunderstand this role. I talk not of murders or thefts or assaults. I speak of breach of contract, petty crime, wagon-placing violations, public indecency and littering. A host of crimes which can be solved and handled with judges and a number of small fines.

I believe there are those not of the Senate with the inclination, drive, and right-mindedness to handle this among the citizens of Rome. And, what better time to create new jobs than in the winter, when trade is low and many desire employment?

The senate should use the winter to prepare for the spring, not decide whether to levy a five lira fine on a man for leaving his mule unattended.[/ic]

[ic=Speech to the General Senate]
I come before you a saddened man.

Come the spring, I wish to make my annual, traditional pilgrimage out of our great city, to the place of my birth; Tre Fontane. But, this year, I fear that I will not be able to make the journey, as the site is occupied by the loyals to the papists and those who would seek to put us under their thumb once more.

I am by no means a foreigner, and by no means am I a stranger to Rome. Indeed, Tre Fontane is but a few leagues outside the city. Come spring, I wish to enter Tre Fontane. If it be as a free pilgrim visiting his family and his hometown, then so much the better. If it need be as the head of a conquering army, such as the one so proven at Tivoli, then I will reluctantly do my utmost to make it so.

I can only hope the Senate see fit to back me in such a case.[/ic]
[ooc=Votes for the Election]
5 votes: Bernardo DiFontane
[/ooc]
[ooc=Orders]
-Acquire the rights to charge rent on the land of nobles currently forced from the city. Send letters to them offering to buy said rights (at below value), citing the current climate and the possibility of no gain at all from their land as leverage to get them to sell. Spend no more than two wealth on this endeavor.
-Spend two wealth recruiting, arming, and training a household guard, for personal use.
-Scour the city for abandoned religious sites, 'liberate' their relics, and place them in my townhouse's chapel.
[/ooc]

[TheMeanestGuest]

[ic=Private Response to Vittorio Manzinni]

Ah, Vittorio. Perhaps you are right, I may have misjudged the readiness of dear Bernardo to lead. His youthful energy and exuberance have not yet been tempered with so much wisdom and experience as I had thought. I now fear he is blinded by personal sentiment. To march upon the monks of Tre Fontane - who surely pose little threat to our city - while greater enemies still lurk behind our walls is a course I cannot approve. To excise the cancer within should be our primary priority.
 
To be as a parasite upon Rome is an idea abhorrent to me, and I would never countenance such action, particularly as the winter fast approaches. You are of course correct, and the defense of our city is always foremost among my thoughts. Eugene is an ever present threat, and if the rumours of his collusion with the German King Frederick are true it would indeed be wise to to devote any funds raised to better prepare the defenses of our city. Indeed, I still support the establishment of a volunteer fund to see us through what may come, and find myself concurring that any rent or sale of confiscated properties should likewise be devoted.  

A certain reluctance lurks in the depths of my heart to seek the office of Consul for myself, but I see that this is a time to set aside such trepidations. If I have your support, Senator Manzinni, and God willing, I will bring forth my every effort to secure a bright future for Rome. As ever, your advice is most dear to me, and I will always keep it closely. [/ic]

[ooc] Roberto is now letting it be known that he seeks the office of Consul of the Interior - of course continuing his support for Senator Calafatus's re-election - and has modified the application of his influence appropriately (see my post on page four).[/ooc]

[Polycarp]

I assume that people can shift their votes for a while after they post in this thread.

Correct.  Senators are free to change their votes until the deadline, or until a general consensus has been reached.

rabidly anti-Jewish Roman people

They aren't, actually.  While there was some prejudice against Jews - Giordano Pierleone, for instance, was mocked by his enemies for being descended from Jews - Rome was one of the best places a Jew could live in medieval Europe during the Middle Ages.  Until the Renaissance, the Papacy tended to be protective of the Jews and regularly condemned the violence that was practiced against them elsewhere in Christendom, and as a result the Jews of Rome were never expelled or systematically attacked throughout this period.  They were protected against violence and to interfere with their ceremonies or celebrations was prohibited.  It wasn't until Pope Innocent III (at the end of the 12th century) that Jews were barred from holding public office and forced to wear the "yellow badge" to identify themselves, but he was somewhat of an anomaly for Popes of that time.  While citizens may have been less charitable than the Popes, there's no indication that the Roman people were especially anti-Semitic.

[LD]

Really? Thanks for the clarification. I had thought they were best treated by the communities in Spain.

[Polycarp]

Really? Thanks for the clarification. I had thought they were best treated by the communities in Spain.

At this particular point in time, that is true, but even periods of tolerance and royal favor were interspersed with massacres because the rulers of Spain at this time were considerably more pro-Jewish than their subjects.  While Jews in Christian Spain did fare better than Roman Jews in certain periods of the Middle Ages, Roman Jews were more consistently well treated and never had any pogroms directed against them (that I've discovered, at least).

[Llum]

[ic=Response to Senator Vittorio]
The wealth of Tivoli will not return to Tivoli.  Tivoli were not razed so we could extend the hand of friendship and help them rebuild, it was because they joined the Papal alliance and attacked Rome itself. If re-elected as Consul of the Exterior I will remember those who supported me, and securing safe travel for our fair cities merchant vessels is one thing could be done in the coming months.
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Senator Bernardo  DiFontane]
I appreciate your support in my bid for re-election as Consul of the Exterior. As the Consul of the Exterior my gaze would be fixed to the exterior of our fair city, rightly so. However there are many things that must be done if our city is to continue to prosper. The Aqueduct should be fixed, our military trained and improved and the Consul of the Interior should focus on ousting the enemies of Rome who currently control parts of the city. I would be willing to support any Senator willing to focus on these issues in the coming year.
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Senator Roberto Basile]
I appreciate your support in my bid for re-election as Consul of the Exterior, I see that you have decided that I did indeed find wisdom on the battlefield.  As the Consul of the Exterior my gaze would be fixed to the exterior of our fair city, rightly so. However there are many things that must be done if our city is to continue to prosper. The Aqueduct should be fixed, our military trained and improved and the Consul of the Interior should focus on ousting the enemies of Rome who currently control parts of the city. I would be willing to support any Senator willing to focus on these issues in the coming year.
[/ic]

[ooc=Election of Winter 1152]
Senator Fortis Calafatus: 6 Influence
Senator Roberto Basile: 0 Influence
Senator Bernardo DiFontane: 0 Influence
[/ooc]

[TheMeanestGuest]

[ic=Letter to Fortis Calafatus]

Senator Calafatus,

You will always find myself your friend. Any friend of Rome is dear to my heart. I have gifted you my support in recognition of your boldness on the field, the glory you have won Rome, and the shame you have heaped upon the Tiburtini. I see that you have the makings of a great statesman and general, and would aid you in all that you do for the betterment of our city.

Your desires echo my own. The repair of the Aqua Virgo would be among the foremost of my causes as Consul of the Interior. Indeed, were the city threatened by external force, it could mean the difference between victory and defeat. As to our City's Militia, while by all accounts proving capable, brave and steadfast at the Siege of Tivoli, could no doubt benefit from additional training. I would propose to organize staggered days of training, whereby sections of our militia would take up arms, and under the direction of our most experienced captains be drilled in formation, discipline, and the fighting arts. The enemies that yet infest Rome like a plague of rats are always on my mind. I find myself lying awake at night tossing and turning, my head full of thoughts and plans of how to excise them as a surgeon would a bad tissue. Be assured, I will not rest until the Papists and the Pierleoni are driven from Rome.

Funding as ever will present a problem, but I mull several proposals to allay such fears. Indeed, as I proposed last season, I would establish a voluntary fund for the defense of our city. Our Senators are all known patriots, and I know they would contribute most generously, as I myself intend to. It is unfortunate that Senator Oliveri did not act on my proposal. I have discussed with Senator Manzinni this very thing, and we have both agreed that any such funds the Senate may accrue should be committed to Rome's protection. We have additionally found Senator DeRosa's proposal to be wise, and would also devote any silver so gathered through rent or sale of remaining Papist properties.

Consider all that I have said, Senator Calafatus. That is all that I can ask. If you should choose to gift me with your endorsement, and with the grace of God, I know that together we can bring prosperity and peace to Rome.

Senator Roberto Basile

[/ic]

[LD]

[ic=Letter to Count Tolomeo II]It is with great distress that I hear your pleas for coin to bring the Pope to Rome. I have heard that the war against Rome and the Pope's demands have bankrupted you, Count Tolemeo II of Tusculum. Return to Rome and support the Commune and have your estates there; or else the Senate is likely to seize your territory. I say this pragmatically, Count Tusculum. Rome could use your family at its side if you repent. I speak only but for myself in these words, and as you are well aware, I am no Noble. But be advised that the Senate is discussing your situation. Remember, All Roads Lead to Rome, not to Tusculum--where one Noble's holdings are already bereft.[/ic]

[ic=Privately to Roberto]
Congratulations on your new entry into the election for Consul, Roberto Basile! You could make a fine leader and Consul of the Interior.

Because I realize that DiFontane continues to speak of raising taxes due to the enormity of the projects needed to strengthen Rome, I have given some thought to the dilemma:

One potential source of funding in our Future could be the estates of those who did not Stand with Rome and who have continually stood against Rome. I fear to suggest a confiscation of those who may yet stand with Rome in the future, such as the Frangipani, but the Count of Tusculum has resisted entreaties and has kept the Pope from his rightful seat. I propose that Rome either have Tusculum's followers at its defense to enforce order in the City, or it has his lands in Rome. I have already sent a letter to the Count, advising him to Embrace the Commune, noting of course that I speak but for myself. But if a Consul were to posit either theory, Rome would be strengthened and that Consul may be even more popular with the popolo.

Indeed, it is sad. The Count is desperate. Just between us two for the moment until we know if the Count is to return to Rome. The man loves money; he likely will not be a trustworthy ally...He even sent me a note speaking of how he would permit the Pope return home to receive Arnold's blessing if we were to present him a bribe--most distressing. And harmful to the Pope's alliance with him were the Pope to see this note, I would think.[/ic]

[spoiler]
[ic=Letter or Conversation with Arnold of Bresica]
Senator DiFontaine has brought up an important question; that of Tre Fontaine. The Abbot has fled among the Tolomeo and only the Senior Monks remain. We know you wish all holy men to walk as you do, in poverty. If we were to negotiate with Tre Fontaine, would it be appropriate to request they tithe a sizable amount of their wealth to the Commune for the good of the people of Rome and its environs in return for them being allowed to retain what remains, for purpose of managing their lands to remain self-sufficient?

Of course, it is possible that the Monks may be so greedy as to not even agree to the offer of the tithe to aid the common popolo. It is also possible that they fear retribution from their Cardinal, who is a man of temporal power. The Senate could delay action against Tre Fontaine; we have delayed for long before.

But if you are not amenable to that solution, then DiFontane seems to be suggesting bloodshed in the Abbey...[/ic]


[spoiler=No one Read Please (Not Even Polycarp)]
(store the spears for now in my household).

OOC: What goods might Roger II not already have in ample supply? Is this something as a player that I guess, or is it something that as Vittorio I may know?

To Roberto
-I have a deal for Rome. Crossbows from Naples; the verysame used by the Normans to defend and assault. With them each Roman citizen on Rome's walls will become the worth of not 10 of each of the enemy's troops, but 100! If you pay an appropriate price, I can acquire many more from Sicily. Also, payment of an appropriate price will allow me to guarantee safe-shipment for our supplies from my cousin-in-law, Roger II. He has made a most interesting proposition. The man states that if Rome can trade him some good that he does not already have, he will secure our ships on the waves. And if he would do that...It may be only a small change if Rome would prefer to have a borrowed force for some military action. If you make the acquisition, then the option would be available.

On another issue... Trade. What is your opinion of developing Rome into a trading port to join Genoa, Venice and Pisa in their glory? The option is not without its risks, but it could greatly renew the Capagna Romanum to its once great glory.

speech to Senate:
I speak on two issues, separately. If anyone has comments, please speak before my second issue.
1)
...These crossbows were used by Norman invaders in Southern Italy and with them, each Roman citizen on Rome's walls will become the worth of not 10 of each of the enemy's troops, but 100! (pay ample and can acquire greater supplies). (patriotism, etc).

{Pauses for your comments}

2)
to senate: The Frangipani and the Pierloni may yet turn to love Rome; the Pierloni once served the Senate well before us all. It seems the Pierloni and the Frangipani believe in the Papacy...but it also seems that the Pierloni at least believe in Rome. Tusculum, however, who harbors the Pope- Tusculum loves nothing except money. He threatens to sell us out to the Emperor if we do not provide him coin! I have record right here in HIS OWN HAND that he would deliver the Pope to those he thinks are his enemies if they give him the Silver. Tusculum does not even love his ally the Pope! He cannot be trusted to help an ally or Rome. Then what is Tusculum? A man without a Holy Leader, a man without a Holy City- a man whose lands should go to benefit the city of Rome. I propose to take his estates and bring their value to the Senate of Rome. I suggest that the Urban Milita, led by Basile of the Interior, lead this endeavour.
[/spoiler]
[/spoiler]

[Stargate525]

[ic= Response letter to Fortis Calafatus]
Quite naturally. We are in agreement on the matters of the aqueduct, and the need to secure our own city. However, to do that, one must first establish a solid basis of fund with which to do those things. By supporting me, those things you list will be completed as soon as is possible.[/ic]

[Polycarp]

[ooc=Please Read!]
Rules Revision

On further reflection I have decided to tweak the rules of bribery.  Instead of the vote you steal being randomly determined, you may now specify both for whom the bribed vote is to go to and from whom the bribed vote is to be taken.  This will prevent the appearance of a bribe appearing to "hurt" someone it was not intended to hurt.  I will update the Election Rules post accordingly.[/ooc]

[LD]

That's ominous.

Also, thank you for the detailed battle reports- that was much more in-depth than expected...and it was well written.

[ic=Response to Fortis Calafactus]
Ah, to clarify- the food would be offered for sale to those of Tivoli, and the wealth would flow to Rome.
However, you have spoken and I agree with your decision. Tivoli is our enemy and has always so been.

There is no doubt that you will be elected Consul. You will receive a vote from me, of that you can be assured.[/ic]

[ic=Privately to Costa]Ah, Costa. I spoke for you but you were taken ill and could not lead the military's march to Tivoli. If you do not have any strong opinions in this election, I bid you support Roberto Basile with your votes--he speaks words of wisdom that seem as though they will lead Rome to prosperity. Calafactus needs no more votes, but I understand if for political reasons why you may send one his way, but Roberto needs votes to ensure that the taxation-hungry DiFontane does not succeed...DiFontane's success will mean the people of Rome may be angered with our leadership! We do not want them to equate us with the gold-hungry bureaucrats who have been chased from the Tiber![/ic]

[Magnus Pym]

So, I have been interested in playing this game since the first post. Life only allowed me to come in this late though, but fortunately I could. So here's my character sheet, and a small background text to give my character some flavor.

Name: Hugo de Vinti
Age: 42
Class: Citizen

Influence: 5
Popularity: 5
Wealth: 6
Orthodoxy: 5

Born in 1110 to a wealthy marble merchant of Siena and a sophisticated Roman woman, herself the daughter of a notorious marble trader, he was raised in the marble business. Though his father would have liked him to be more into the continuation of the family business, Hugo didn't fail his family. His taste for arts and physical beauty can hardly be matched. It got him to learn the art of sculpting and this allowed his father to showcase his product in an entertaining fashion while he conducted business. His first commission was for the Siena branch of the family and was a total success, earning him notoriety in the sculpting community of southern Europe, especially in Tuscany and Latium, but also in Sicily, where the construction boom has earned him a few lucrative contracts.

Hugo is known to sometimes host great parties at his family estate, in which he exposes his great creations; marble sculptures, abstract paintings and more. He also uses such opportunities to allow good friends to show off their talents, such as winemakers and chefs, but also dancers, musicians and such entertainers. His invitees are diversified and definitely selected. Some are foreigners with whom he (or his family) conducted business, others are other like-minded Senators (in more recent times, of course) and he always brings in a handful of peasants, as well as his neighbors. Although the uninvited may say otherwise, all who went to these parties agree that they generally are a success.

His interest in politics is a newfound one. Being appointed Senator has also raised his belief that he can strengthen Rome and its people. It is toward that ultimate goal that he works in the Senate. Many of his colleagues also know he has many contacts in many places. Fortunately for him, said contacts have retained their anonymity. Overall, with his experience, his patriotic heart and his awareness, he has been seen as a positive asset to the Senate to this day.

Though, for all his qualities, Hugo definitely is a controversial character. Some say he is heretic, because he is married to Sophia Al-Fayez of Tripoli, who used to be a Muslim (but has been converted to Christianity) and because of his lifestyle and somewhat unorthodox parties that sometime border on total debauchery. Others say that he is an ally of Eugene III, because he sculpted a set of figurines and small statues in fine marble for him. Hugo has for a saying; "Art has no friends, nor enemies. It exists for everyone to behold and none can truly hate it."