The Republic Reborn

[Stargate525]

Yes I did. I didn't mean for my statement to seem rude? I am sorry if it did. I just wanted to make sure that you'd see it so you could have the opportunity to adjust if you wished. I was trying to be helpful. So I can improve in the future, what wording would you suggest I make?

Sorry, I was being a bit curt too. Thanks for the heads up, and my suggestion would be to not phrase it as a question, but as a suggestion. Like 'You might want to edit that, Stargate' or something like that. And, as much as I hate their overuse, a :P or a ;) goes a long way in internet speak to convey tone.

[Stargate525]

[ic=Speech to the Lesser Senate]
My lot is with the consuls, I will not see Rome shed more blood yet so near to the recent carnage. Let us accept the gracious offer of Tre Fontane, let us look to our friends in Rieti and Gregoriopolis, let us seek out yet more allies, and most importantly let Rome look now to her own affairs. There will be blood spilling soon enough. The city needs the power to stand on its own, the tiber will not survive a day under besiegement and we have little in the way of food stores. Let the aqueduct be repaired, let food be stored against the coming doom. The men must be ready with sword and bow yes but let they be made ready towards the defense of their homes, not pointless battles beyond our walls. We must look to the defense of Rome first! There will be time to expand our influence and to find retribution in those who wronged us, but it must wait for first we must survive the hammer of Frederick!
[/ic]

[ic=Response]
Let not my word be misconstrued; I don't seek warfare, I seek defense. But, in addition to the mobs and the militia who will, no doubt, prove themselves again, why not raise a professional legion - updated, modern, and salaried - to act as their anchor? Provide for defense first and, should the need arise, offense at a later date.

[Nomadic]

I actually wanted to do something to this effect but PC said that a professional standing army is a no go for the time being. I do like the idea though.

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=At the Lesser Council]

Signore di Fontane,
Your conduct in the Inner Council is anything but exemplar. Though, forgiveness must be extended towards those who suffer more easily from stressing times, such is the benevolence and understanding of our great Republic.

I am not one for lecturing, but you must know your place. We have -elected- our great Consuls, and although the Senate serves a clear purpose, it is our Consuls that have the last word. If you are not happy, gear your votes toward others in the next elections. I, myself, am quite content with the Consuls we have now, which have proved, to me at least, their capability to lead Rome to a better future. I am sure many fellow senatores consiliarii feel the same as I.

Now, my esteemed colleagues,

*looks finished focusing on di Fontane, as he eyes the group*

I have sent a delegation, representing Rome, to Gregoriopolis, last season. These fine people were very receptive and I have awarded their kindness with gifts. It has come to my attention that they were overjoyed with what I sent them and posed no threat to my men. Should you endeavor to venture into the fortified town, I would beg of you not to appear hostile, for my efforts, and those of my brave men, would be in vain.

*bows politely and sits down*[/ic]

[Elemental_Elf]

OOC - Besides going to war, how does one make money in this game?

[Polycarp]

Some tactics that people have tried (or tactics they are considering) include investing in foreign mercantile endeavors, trying to build up a local industry, buying up land rights from absentee nobles, and bullying people other who have money.  Any idea that makes sense will be considered.  If you have an idea but lack capital to invest, I'm sure your fellow Senators or our local Jewish lenders would be happy to assist you.

Also, everybody makes 1 Wealth per year (nobles get theirs in summer; commoners get theirs in spring).

[LD]

EE- ah, that explains your idea of assault. I ran into the same concerns when I discovered that although I sent ships off to acquire goods, that I would be unlikely to make profit. Also, very amusing letter to your son :)

Regarding a "standing" army- would it be a good idea to pursue a sort of army that is a labour force for the Senate. That is, they contract out for construction for Equites and Senators in the Winter and Spring, (self supporting) ; and they fight in the Summer and Autumn and are "on call" at other times. That solves some of the problem of supporting them and it makes them "semi-professional".

[ic=Private to DeRosa]
The people are weary of war and winter is here. Senator DeRosa, I fear that now is not the time to embark on an audacious journey. I admit, I myself had been considering to strengthen Rome through conflict, but Winter is a poor time for campaigns--the popolo will freeze and perish. And the mood in Rome is not one for offense. I am saddened that I cannot support your actions and I most assuredly wish that you had voiced them to me before your speech to the Senate or to the People. I respect you, Senator DeRosa, but I fear that the plan, while sound in theory--is not appropriate at this time.

Regarding our business ventures; that is a most capital statement you make. Once we have determined the market here in Rome, we can provide it something of great value. The key to creating a market for value will be increasing the size of Rome's defense fund and in ensuring that Rome has the blacksmiths who are skilled enough to craft the iron into proper Chain. For our venture, I would suggest an equal allotment of reward for an equal amount of risk. If you invest  1 wealth, and I 1 wealth and the profit is 4, then we will divide that equally. I do have a request, however, namely that my blacksmiths be permitted to add some finishing touches on any armor that is produced from the Iron-that request is quite important to my interest in this venture.[/ic]


[ic=Speech to Senate]
*Bows toward Roberto Basile in thanks for the introduction*

The town of Formello remains against Rome. And the town of Formello has heard that wrath has been directed against it. But Rome also produces olives, and with them, olive branches. I counsel olive branches to be sent to Formello, in whom reside many of our Brothers. Although their politics may be anathema to Rome, policies can change. If they realize that success will follow an alliance with us, then all boats will rise.[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Formello]
Senator DeRosa delivered a striking speech in the Senate the other day. Surely you have heard of its content? What would it take to have Formello and Rome be friends? The city does not oppose the Papacy, but the Good Monk Arnold opposes Papal wealth and Church oppression. Some among our number and among Arnold's friends are more militant than others, and as a result of their zeal Tivoli and the Lateran have been soundly crushed. No one expected either to fall, and yet, before Rome, they did.

The Church can give much good to the world, and Rome is eager to work with and to support Clergy and any of our Brothers who work with the People. If you wish for peace, I suggest you act soon, before the mood in the Senate decides on a course of action. Many of us in Rome prefer to extend olive branches and to seek a greater benefit before the war drums are beaten. Regardless, there are benefits to communicating with Rome your desires and in us together forging a path of unity and destiny. .[/ic]

[ooc]- Determine if Rome has enough blacksmiths to forge Chainmail from Iron. Determine if that would cost extra. (e.g. how much would heavy infantry cost us to make, total?)

- Have my Blacksmiths start work on the spears that were delivered, adding an etching into them indicating the seal of my family. There is no rush to the task and so if I can avoid paying a wealth, I'll employ them to do it slowly. The seal does not have to be extensive- just a M- it should be rather simple work.

- Store the crossbows for a time on my estate. Have some technical minded members of my coterie examine them and make some suppositions of if Rome could produce crossbows itself (e.g. do we have the resources, expertise, etc) and what the costs would be. What would production of crossbows entail. Also study to see if there is any way to improve crossbows.

- Send my Masnada and myself around to local churches and rectories, making inventories of saintly relics and auditing the wealth with estimates of what is located where. If possible, make discrete inquiries into relics stored out of sight. Do not pursue questioning regarding the out of sight relics if the clergy are becoming suspicious. If suspicion is raised, one excuse (partially true) is that they are compiling information for possible acquisition by an interested party. (Note: (1) potential acquisitions; (2) tourbook on Rome's wonders, like Ptolemy's tours of the ancient wonders of the world; (3) taxation/appropriation issues.) Eventually bind this information and provide it to Vittorio. Vittorio will examine the information and will several differently styled one page document of certain highlights (e.g. Martyr's Tour, Miracles Tour, Obelisk Tour). The 'written' documents mostly include pictures of highlighted locations and approximate locations (due to massive illiteracy). (I'll give more information on this either by PM or next turn Polycarp!, but the goal is to finish this before the Pilgrim season--and for certain things to take place in the pilgrim season depending on your resolution of these events.)

- Volunteer my time in judging criminal issues. On the Judging tribunals, generally suggest labor-based punishments, such as work to rebuild structures. If possible, point the chain gangs to rebuild items of interest to me. For Equites who end up on criminal issues, treat them slightly different. Offer a choice: Labor punishment or fine of 1 Wealth paid to the Senate Defense Fund + confinement. For murder cases usually suggest labor based because "Rome needs citizens to serve; but if the person is a multiple murderer, if they murdered a woman or a child, or the murder was particularly grotesque or if they seem as though they may be an ongoing threat, recommend punishment appropriate for the time (death?)

- Send the Abbot of Subacio some fine wines in thanks for the letter he wrote me regarding the College of Cardinals. Also, give him a standing invitation to join me in my gardens when he is in Rome. The invitation includes himself and one or two associates.[/ooc]

More in other posts.

[Stargate525]

Regarding a "standing" army- would it be a good idea to pursue a sort of army that is a labour force for the Senate. That is, they contract out for construction for Equites and Senators in the Winter and Spring, (self supporting) ; and they fight in the Summer and Autumn and are "on call" at other times. That solves some of the problem of supporting them and it makes them "semi-professional".

In historical times, the Legions were also combat engineers. They would lay roads along their marching route, build fortresses, etcetera. If we geared them that way, with a more urban approach (repair, medieval construction), we would have a labor force that also fought.

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=Private word to Consul Calafatus]

Signore Fortis, I would have a word with you. One of my most trusted friends in Sicily has sent me word about the Pisans that trade marble in that country. It would appear they take their marble from the ruins of Ostia, just beside Gregoriopolis. Would we prevent such action from taking place in the future, as well as sabotage their relations in Naples would they dare denounce that to which we have right, perhaps this trade could serve to fill our coffers?

Besides, I have befriended the good folks of Gregoriopolis. I won't go into too much detail, but this means a lot if we would to secure Rome's right over Ostia's ruins.

What do you say? If such an endeavor was to be prepared, how would you go about it?

I would like to add, before further discussions, that, as you know, the de Vinti are skilled marble workers. Should we decide in taking action and giving the raw product a touch before sale, my family would be overjoyed if it would be commissioned for the task.[/ic]

[Elemental_Elf]

[ic=A Letter to Manzinni ] Dear Senator Manzinni,

Thank you for your wisdom and temperance in the... Unfortunate happenings that were caused by my outburst.

I have sent couriers off to both Barcelona, Madrid and Genoa to assess the viability of acquiring the iron we seek. I have also inquired as to the cost of purchasing chain mail armor directly from the source. If we can acquire it directly from the source, then we could cut other merchants off from the source and there by secure a corner of the market, while we quickly build an blacksmithing industry of our own.  In all likelihood the cost of shipping the mail armor will be cost prohibitive, especially if your blacksmiths can weave the ore into chainmail but, I see no harm in asking.

I  wish to also discuss the possibility of expanding the trade from just Chainmail armor and jumping into the whole armor industry by creating leather and studded leather armors. These styles are much less expensive and thus would be in high demand by regular citizens. Furthermore, if we can acquire enough ore, I believe we should look into making weapons as well. A finely crafted spear or sword will fetch a handsome price, doubly so with all the men headed for the Holy Land these days.

I agree to your premise of equal risk and equal profits. It is a most equitable deal.

Always your's,

Senator DeRosa [/ic]


----

I'm glad you found the letter to my son funny. It was meant to be a bit tongue-in-cheek. :)

[Elemental_Elf]

Updated my orders Polycarp (on page 10).

[Polycarp]

[ic=To the Senate]I have heard disconcerting reports as to a most unexpected and undeserved hostility among the leaders of the Romans towards me.  I dearly hope they are no more than rumors, but if not, then know that I will vigorously defend my lands against any unlawful and injurious actions by the Romans or any other peoples.

As for "peace" with Rome, that is something that, to my knowledge, already exists.  If the Romans have some specific offer or request then they should make it known.

Signore Martino de Corso, Lord of Formello[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Bernardo]Frederick, so I hear, is not due for two years' time, if he makes good on his promise to come at all.  Additionally, my position vis a vis the Pope makes what you ask impossible.  He has gone to Anagni for the winter but my situation remains the same whether he is present in the flesh or not.  You should advise your Senate to get their own house in order before they come knocking on the doors of others; it is almost laughable to think that any who had heard of Rome's recent troubles should believe that they would make a worthwhile or dependable ally.

Il Signore[/ic]

Regarding a "standing" army- would it be a good idea to pursue a sort of army that is a labour force for the Senate. That is, they contract out for construction for Equites and Senators in the Winter and Spring, (self supporting) ; and they fight in the Summer and Autumn and are "on call" at other times. That solves some of the problem of supporting them and it makes them "semi-professional".

Please forgive me if I am misunderstanding you, but isn't this basically a militia?  Consider a stonemason or something - he does jobs, usually for the equites, the Senate, the Church (before the revolution, at least) and other magnates, but he fights in the Summer/Autumn if the Senate demands it because he is a militiaman.  The only difference I can see is that the "soldier" you're talking about is a laborer of the popolo minuto rather than a popolo grasso citizen, meaning that he won't be able to afford his own equipment and the Senate will have to pay for it instead.  Not only is that more expensive for a Senate that has very little current income, but it opens up the whole "arming the poor" can of worms - it can be done, but it's going to provoke opposition from the citizenry and equites who really, really don't want to see the angry Roman mob be properly armed and trained for battle.

I am open to "private forces" that are semi-professional, as I outlined in an earlier post (that I should probably edit into the first page), but players should be aware that the expense of these forces will mean that, at best, they will be a small elite.  The general army is best improved and enlarged through structural changes rather than direct payments - for instance, if more people become rich enough to qualify at citizens, the numbers of eligible militiamen will increase.  Time, training, and experience in the field can all potentially improve militia quality, and so might the creation of some professional leadership, as has been suggested.  Rome could subjugate nobles of the contado and have them provide military service as knights, or could dole out captured land and make its own; you could use tribute to pay mercenaries, or require your vassals and clients to pay their tax in the form of soldiers instead of silver.  There are a lot of ways to go about strengthening Rome's military, but I am trying to avoid turning the military part of the game into a bookkeeping exercise, and trying to preserve at least a little historical accuracy with regards to national standing armies.

[Llum]

[ic=Speech before the Lesser Senate]
Fellow Senators, I have been approached by several of you over the last seasons over securing a safe port. My agents have surveyed the whole coast of Latium and we have found the ideal place. The city of Nettuno has the makings of the safest port in Latium. There are problems, it is far and Tusculum stands between us. However if Rome is to have a prosperous shipping future then Nettuno is the place it must begin. There are two other locations that were shown to me, both are inferior. The first is of Portus and Gregoriopolis, however these are far from the coast and provide little shelter. Worst of all there is the bad air, the summers bring malaria to these places. The second location is Palo, between Rome and Civitavecchia, but the castle belongs to the Orsini family.

So fellow Senators, what port do you think should be chosen to support Romes future? As Consul I recommend Nettuno, but as always I am open to discussion from my peers.\
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to the cities of the Faliscan League]
Greetings,

As Consul of the Exterior of Rome, I am here to open the dialogue of diplomacy between our fair City and yourselves. It would seem that perhaps you may feel threatened by Roman aggression, but feat not. Tivoli was brought low for its part in the Papal Alliance that attacked Rome these few years past. While Rome has never had the best of relations with all of you in the past, it is time to move beyond that and begin an era of peace and prosperity.

Fortis Calafatus, Consul of the Exterior and Senator of Rome.
[/ic]

[ooc=Orders Winter of 1152]
-Study the De Re Militari, begin implementations of improvements in the areas of training, recruitment and tactics. Also being working on my leadership qualities.
-Have siege equipment constructed from plans found in De Re Militari, train men to use them and compare them to our current siege equipment. If better replace all our siege equipment with the De Re Militari versions. Spend no more than 1 Wealth.
-Send a messenger with a gift,  something unique to Rome of value no more than [1 Wealth], to the Byzantine Emperor and enquire if he has a copy of De Re Militari.
-Send an agent on reconnaissance to Tusculum to see about the defence about the city and its population.
-Send an agent on reconnaissance to Ardea to see about the defence about the city and its population.
-Have a scribe begin copying De Re Militari.
[/ooc]

[LD]

Polycarp-
>>"Please forgive me if I am misunderstanding you, but isn't this basically a militia?  Consider a stonemason or something - he does jobs, usually for the equites, the Senate, the Church (before the revolution, at least) and other magnates, but he fights in the Summer/Autumn if the Senate demands it because he is a militiaman.  The only difference I can see is that the "soldier" you're talking about is a laborer of the popolo minuto rather than a popolo grasso citizen, meaning that he won't be able to afford his own equipment and the Senate will have to pay for it instead.  Not only is that more expensive for a Senate that has very little current income, but it opens up the whole "arming the poor" can of worms - it can be done, but it's going to provoke opposition from the citizenry and equites who really, really don't want to see the angry Roman mob be properly armed and trained for battle."

Well, as Stargate mentioned, what we might like is like the old Roman "professional legions" to some degree- landowners who do professional service. I was thinking having the Popolo Grosso work on that. Thus, training in Winter, service in Spring, Summer; Harvest/work at home in Autumn. So maybe that's like your idea of an Urban Militia?

Another option, taking off from Stargate's comment- is arming some of the popolo minuto (the angry citizens) and training them. It would be a calculated risk and it may be worth taking.

[ic=Letter to Selected Equites]
Rome will need protection, what with the foundation of the Falsican League. I question you this; if outsiders are to assemble to assault Rome I understand that you will gladly aid in Rome's defense. What I propose is that in the event the Senate sees need for a pre-emptive strike, much as it did against Tivoli, that we work our some sort of arrangement for your great leadership, experience, and expertise.

What I might suggest, in principle, is a division of some land to your Banners if that is taken, in the event that confiscation is needed. Is this something that would interest you, should matters result in such a circumstance? You would be able to in essence, have land to tend and estates in the countryside? [/ic]

Also Stargate- regarding the advice that you presented me on posting etiquette- thank you. I will attempt to improve based on that advice! :)

[Stargate525]

[ic= Bernardo's Reply to Calafatus]
My only objection to Netunno is the distance. We would need to rebuild the highway, and defend it. I am in favor of Gregoriopolis and Portus, simply from a logistical standpoint. While true, malaria can strike there, we need only to look at the city of Venice to show what sort of power mankind has on the world. Draining the marshes is a distinct, if long-term goal.

And the goods can be transferred to barges and towed up the Tiber from either of those cities.[/ic]

There's a place called Ostia, which was Rome's real-life port city. I can't seem to find it on the map, but that would be the ideal spot.