The Republic Reborn

[TheMeanestGuest]

[ic=Letter to Enrico de Pisa]Your Eminence,

This is a matter I have received explicit instruction upon to communicate to my superiors should it arise. It may yet be several days before I have answer to your proposal.

Senator Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Fortis Calafatus]Consul Calafatus,

By now I am sure you know of the most Grievous news that His Holiness, Anastasius IV, has passed from this world. The mood in Tivoli is confused, to say the least, sadness and mourning juxtaposed with the excitement and energy of the elevation of the new Pope, His Holiness Adrian IV. I fear this may be a severe blow to the progress of my mission, which had to this point been going quite well. The Englishman, Pope Adrian, does not know the ways of we Romans as Pope Anastasius did, and already he seems given to unreasonable demand.

He has made plain his desire to immediately receive consecration in his Office at the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Furthermore, he will not consent to further negotiation until such time as he has been consecrated. And he will not be consecrated while Arnold of Brescia remains in the Eternal City! Therefore, he presumes to command that the Friar Arnold be immediately Banished from Rome! This does not bode well for us whichever way we should look at it. His Holiness expects reply on this issue from my Embassy shortly. I leave this matter to your wise judgement, and will communicate your verdict to His Holiness.

Senator Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Cosmas Bariotes]Lord Bariotes,

I must again express my thanks for this fine garment that you have generously gifted me. It is truly a wonder that such fashion ever fell out of favour in my City! I shall make it my endeavour to return it to its rightful place of prominence, and will wear it proudly.

I am given to understand that your people are known to refer to themselves in your native tongue as Romans. In this way I already feel a kinship with you. If it is still your intent to journey on to Rome, it has come into my mind that upon my own return I will host a lavish dinner at my estate - inviting many persons of note, including my close friends, the Consuls of Rome - to welcome you to our city. If all has proceeded according to plan in my absence, my new Tower House should be complete, and I shall have the dual pleasure of your company and the presentation of this formidable addition to my home!

Senator Roberto Basile[/ic]

[Polycarp]

[ic=Letter to Senator Basile]Senator Basile,

Indeed the Empire of my Lord Manuel, Emperor of the Romans, heir of Constantine the Great, has endured since the time when Christ walked among men, and we faithful Christians are Romans still, heirs to the uninterrupted glory and universal dominion of the Church and Empire.

My Lord has dispatched me to Italy as emissary to His Holiness the Bishop of Rome, but my duties as ambassador do not restrict me from conducting other business in the service of the Empire, and I gladly accept your invitation.  Though I was born on Italian soil, I have never set foot in Rome, and will be most pleased to make the acquaintance of its distinguished Consuls and potentates.  As you must understand, the recent succession of a new Bishop of Rome requires my continued presence at the Papal Curia for the time being, but if all goes well I should be able to make good on your invitation in the coming spring.

Sebastos Kosmas Bariotes
Ambassador Plenipotentiary of Manuel, by the Grace of God faithful Emperor and Autocrat of the Romans[/ic]

[Llum]

[ic=Private Letter to Arnold of Brescia]
Greetings Arnold

You have been quiet lately, I hope you are still in good health. You may have heard that I have sent Senator Basile last season to make amends with the Papacy. However after seemingly positive negotiations Anastasius passed away. The new Pope, an englishman no less, is much less interested in dealing with Rome. So far he has only made it clear that he wishes to recieve his consencration of Office in the Basilica of St Peter, as soon as possible. However he refuses to step foot in Rome as long as you, Arnold of Brescia, remains in our fair city.

This letter is to inquire on your opinions on this matter. I have no wish for the city to be wracked with riots, worse even than when I was under house arrest. During those times you were extremely helpful to myself and then Consul Basile, I feel I can be no less helpful to you at this time. So what say you on this matter?

Consul Fortis Calafatus
[/ic]

[Polycarp]

[ic=To Consul Calafatus]Consul,

I assure you that I am quite well, and shall remain so as long as it pleases the Lord, who provides the Cup of Life and the Wine of Salvation as surely as the Romans, in their generous hearts, have provided me with the broken bread of charity and love.

I am a man of faith, not of politics; I have given my life to God, and am content to leave to Ceasar what is Caesar's.  I do not presume to dictate to the Consuls on their secular duties in Rome, though I confess myself bewildered as to why men of true faith would be eager to accept this new Bishop of Rome into their fair city.  Clerics who own property, bishops who own tenures of land, and monks who cling to possessions in defiance of the poverty of the Apostles cannot possibly be saved, and therefore are of no value to the spiritual health of the layman; for how can a cleric, be he a lowly deacon or a mighty Pope, give comfort and salvation to the soul of the layman when he himself is bound for perdition?  Of what worth is this Bishop of Rome, puffed up with vainglory and stewed in worldly sin, to the pious Roman people?  If the Pope does not exemplify in his life the teachings of the Apostles, then he cannot be the true father of the Apostolic Church, and men have no obligation of reverence or obedience towards him.

If I am offensive to the People of Rome, then let the Senate expel me forthwith; yet I pray to God that I do not live to see the day when the Romans desire peace before salvation or place the love of the Pope before the love of God.  Do not be deceived, faithful Consul, by those Curial hypocrites who offer peace and yet truly covet the powers and revenues of princes, who would rob the Roman people to further their corruption of the Holy and Apostolic Church.

Arnaldus[/ic]

[LD]

Todo [spoiler]
-Theatre of Marcellus Purchase
-2 WP for heavy infantry? or use the crossbows as defense? or hire DeRosa's as guards?
-Protect Houses of God no matter where the Priests come from. If Priests must be expelled, use legal process, not the Mob.
-Spring send out ships to buy grain.
[/spoiler]

[Llum]

[ic=Private Letter to Senator Basile]
Greetings Envoy

After speaking with Arnold of Brescia he does not seem terribly willing to co-operate with us on hiding himself from the Pope. I believe it might be best for you to return to Rome quickly and quietly. This new Pope seems ignorant of Roman ways and I belive that removing Arnold from Rome will result in riots unlike anything Rome has witnessed. The fury of the Roman people is at its highest and it should be channeled to a safe escape, not allowed to explode uncontrollably over our city. Do what you see fit, if you wish to try and explain to his Holiness the situation. I do not forsee him being especially lenient.

I am open to any suggestions you have on how to free ourselves from this mess.

Consul Fortis Calafatus
[/ic]

[TheMeanestGuest]

[ic=Letter to Fortis Calafatus]Consul Calafatus,

Alas, I had expected as much. The good Friar is not one given to compromise on his ideals for the sake of expedience. I will attempt one final measure of diplomacy with His Holiness, but if such is unsuccessful I will shortly be returning to Rome as you suggest.

To the mess that is our relationship with the new English Pope, I am not sure I have much in the way of council. His ways our foreign, and he does not seem given to measures of compromise - much like our Friar! To the mess that is the political situation of the Commune of Rome, perhaps there is still a way forward for us. I have encountered a most interesting individual at the Papal Court in Tivoli. A representative of the Emperor of the Greeks, one Kosmas Bariotes. Lord Kosmas has accepted my invitation to be his host in Rome come the Spring, and perhaps through him we can secure some arrangement to ensure the survival of the rights of our city. An idle thought, but a possibility nevertheless.

Senator Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Enrico de Pisa]Your Eminence,

I have received word from the Senate. It is our judgement that the Friar Arnold of Brescia cannot be removed from the City at this time. Though his beliefs may be contentious to those of Christian Faith, we cannot in good conscience embark on such a course of action. The people of Rome already sit on the verge of mania, and to expel Friar Arnold would surely bring about such an explosion of violence not seen since the Barbarian Goths sacked our city in ancient days. The Senate of Rome will not engender the spilling of Civil blood on our fair streets, and the Senate of Rome will not meekly submit to the extinguishment of the lives of many Innocent Christians for the Honour of any man, be he Pope or Pauper.

His Holiness speaks of this one man and his erroneous beliefs making mock of his Consecration. What then of the men and women who would die outside while the Basilica of Saint John Lateran is invested in ceremony? Would the blood of Christians freely flowing not also make mock of such momentous occasion? This is a matter the Senate of the Commune of Rome cannot make compromise on. If His Holiness wishes to reconsider his proposal in light of this new information, I shall remain at Tivoli to await response for three more days. It is my fervent wish that our negotiations may yet continue for the good of all Christendom.

In any event, I have enjoyed my time in Tivoli more than I had expected to, and have found myself in much appreciation of your company, Cardinal. Whatever the answer of His Holiness should be, I will remain ever grateful for his generous hospitality and that of his predecessor and the Curia.  

An Addendum. On the matter of the proper burial of His Holiness Anastasius IV, the Commune of Rome is willing to extend every such right as was extended to His Holiness Eugenius III.

Senator Roberto Basile[/ic]

[Polycarp]

[ic=Letter to Senator Basile]Senator Basile,

His Holiness is much aggrieved by the prospect of Roman bloodshed and would not sacrifice a single Christian life for the sake of mere ceremony.  This matter, however, is not merely one of appearances, but concerns the state of the souls of the Romans and prospects for their salvation in Christ.  As a man who once wore the Cross in God's service against the heathen and heretic, surely your esteemed Consul Calafatus will remind you that the life of the body is nothing in comparison to the everlasting life in Christ or its alternative, eternal damnation.  You say that the Senate cannot in good conscience abide the shedding of innocent blood, and then ask that the Vicar of Christ remain silent while innocent souls are deceived by false and dangerous doctrines and led into mortal sin at the cost of their salvation.  From this issue His Holiness cannot relent, nor can he permit these negotiations to continue, for how can His Holiness seriously consider the claim of the Senate to temporal authority over the people of Rome when it denies the spiritual authority of the Pope and flagrantly disregards the duty of princes to guard the spiritual well-being of their subjects?

His Holiness wishes no breach with the Romans but cannot abandon the solemn and sacred duties of his holy office merely to satisfy the peace of mind of Roman Senators.  He urges the Senate to not allow the doctrines of an excommunicate and unrepentant rebel against the Holy and Apostolic Church to divide the people of Rome from the true faith.  Only the expulsion of Arnold from the city will suffice to quash the growth of foul heresy and restore the once tranquil relationship between the Bishop of Rome and his brothers in Christ, the Roman people.

Regarding the predecessor of His Holiness, blessed Anastasius, it was his wish that he be buried at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, where there currently resides a red porphyry sarcophagus of ancient make which he selected to be his at the conclusion of his earthly life.  Mindful of the present situation in Rome, it is my suggestion to His Holiness and the Senate that no procession be made through the city in the manner of the funeral of Eugenius, as to not stir up the Romans into ill-considered acts.  His Holiness agrees in this matter and has recommended that the funeral proceed as soon as it can be arranged, without regard to the matter of his Consecration.

Enrico da Pisa, Cardinal-Priest of St. Nereo ed Achilleo[/ic]

[TheMeanestGuest]

[ic=Letter to Enrico de Pisa]Your Eminence,

It grieves me that our negotiations must come to an end, and I am left hoping that they may someday resume for the good of all the Christians of Latium. The Senate of the Commune of Rome ever stands ready to see an ultimate and eternal peace be made between our two parties.

Though the people of Rome knew him as Pope for only a short time, His Holiness was well regarded among them. Still, the Senate concurs with your assessment that now is not the time for any ceremony, lest the people be stirred regardless of their feeling. I would direct you to consult with Hugo de Vinti, our Consul of the Interior, to arrange for the proper interment of Blessed Anastasius.

I bid farewell to you, Cardinal, and will pray for your continued health and wisdom.

Senator Roberto Basile[/ic]


[ic=Letter to Kosmas Bariotes]Lord Bariotes,

It seems that my Embassy to His Holiness has come to a premature end. We have reached an impasse, and negotiation cannot continue. As such, I will be departing Tivoli to return to Rome. I have enjoyed our discussions and the time we have spent together. My invitation still stands, and I look forward to your visit to Rome come the Spring with great anticipation.

I would ask one small departing favour of you, and of course I would not take offence if you were to decline. Your guardsmen are formidable individuals, and their bearing is most impressive. Equally impressive is the armour I have observed them to wear. Steel as the scales of a fish, layered to provide protection. I have seen the like before, but never has it struck me as so pleasing to the eye, yet at the same time so intimidating to the heart. It has come into my mind that my own guardsmen should be garbed as such, and I would ask that you allow me to return to Rome with a sample of such armour, so that I might acquaint our Roman smiths with its construction to enable the enhancement of my own security and the security of my family and my estate.  

Senator Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ooc=Orders for Winter 1154]- Return to Rome from Tivoli following the interruption of negotiations, departing the city with my retinue in as quiet and inoffensive a manner as possible.

- Wear my splendid paludamentum on suitable occasions, and treat it with care to ensure that it remains in good condition. Emphasize the historicity of the garment and its importance as a representation of Roman independence.

- Attend the funeral of Anastasius IV. Quietly station some of my masnada inside the Lateran Palace should they be needed.

- Bring the Byzantine mercenaries with myself to various Roman smiths in order to display their coats of scale, and to allow the smiths examination in further detail so as to be confident in their ability to recreate. Make sure the pechenegs are clear on the proceedings, so as to avoid any kind of incident caused by mistranslation. Place order for my masnada to be so outfitted in scale armour. (+1 WP, I believe?)

    - Host the pechenegs on my estate as my guests and attempt to provide my services of translation when possible and not particularly inconvenient.

- Purchase or obtain suitable land near to Gregoriopolis for the purposes of the construction of docks, and the gathering of salt. Purchase or obtain suitable land within  or near to Gregoriopolis to rent for the housing of prospective fishers and salt workers. Begin construction of or acquire the necessary fishing equipment and boats to be rented to same prospective workers for the proper establishment of my venture. Send my agents among the poor labourers of Rome - perhaps those expelled from their lands by the wool gathering efforts of Senator Sismondii - so as to entice them with the opportunity of employment as salt gatherers. Send my agents among the poor fishers of Rome to entice them with opportunity of employment, cheaper rent and better equipment should they work with me in my venture. For now, mullet and eel shall be the catch of the day. Spend/invest 5 WP in this regard.

      - Send a gift of wine and cloth to the people of Gregoriopolis worth 1 WP along with my assurances that my efforts should not unduly alter their lives or their      
       prosperity, indeed, make mention of the great potential for enhancement. Additionally send delicious Basile oranges. Perhaps this shall encourage the                
       Gregoripolitans to share their salt gathering techniques with my workers. Should my venture go ahead, initially maintain a small detachment of my masnada -    
       emphasizing the necessity of polite and lawful behaviour to them - even when I am not present so as to maintain order among those new individuals who will be
       relocating to the vicinity of Gregoriopolis.[/ooc]

[Polycarp]

[ooc=Orders]Orders for the next turn are due on Thursday, June 21st.[/ooc]

[ic=To Consul De Vinti]Consul,

I have been informed by my colleague Cardinal Enrico da Pisa that the Senate is receptive to holding the funeral of the late Pope Anastasius in Rome the near future.  Our father Anastasius was fond of the antiques of the ancient Romans and had selected a red porphyry sarcophagus of ancient provenance to house his mortal body after death, which currently resides under the Basilica of Saint John Lateran.

Cardinal da Pisa has advised the Curia that a funeral procession through the city, as was done for blessed Eugenius, would be inadvisable at this time.  His Holiness Adrian IV has agreed that a funeral at the Lateran without a procession through Rome would be both acceptable and wise given the current circumstances.  I trust you will be able to arrange access to the Lateran and an appropriate measure of security for the Cardinals and other clergy who will be in attendance.

His Eminence Odone Bonecase
Cardinal-Deacon of the Basilica of Saint Giorgio in Velabro
Protodeacon of the College of Cardinals[/ic]

[ic=To Senator Basile]Senator Basile,

I am sorry to hear of your troubles with the Curia and wish your esteemed Senate the wisdom of the saints in navigating the troubled waters of these times.

The patzinakoi who form my bodyguard are paid men, the Emperor's skythikon misthophoroi, and their horses and arms are their own; though I may command them, it would be inappropriate of me to take their possessions for my own purposes.  Instead, I shall dispatch four of them to you to remain in Rome until either I am able to accept your invitation and join them, or I am required to return to the Empire on the orders of the Court.  I am afraid you will have to provide a translator for them, as besides their barbarian tongue they speak only Greek, and not particularly well.

Sebastos Kosmas Bariotes[/ic]

[Nomadic]

[ooc=Orders]
- I shall locate the housing for the weavers/wool-workers on the land that I am renting from Calafatus for the time being.
- Same as before 2 wp for rent and 2 to finish off my curtain wall on the Rocca
- Focus on getting equipment and skilled workers so that I can set up the more efficient horizontal looms, spend up to 2 wp from Calafatus' investment money on this.
- Inquire into the costs of purchasing alum for dyeing purposes. If possible spend up to 1 wp from the investment money and 2 from my savings to acquire the materials, people, and equipment necessary for dyeing.
[/ooc]

[LD]

[ic=Inner Council]

Gentlemen,

I would like to pursue the use of the Theatre of Marcellus for a civic project. The city of Rome has recently seen the rise of a number of milita, private militia, but I understand that the city also has a long term desire to establish a militia to defend the city, defend the city's wealth--by protecting pilgrims, and to maintain order. I would like to convert the Theatre into a barracks for public use. If the Senate supplies the troops to be quartered, I will supply the renovations and the price for their lodging will be much lower than it would otherwise. There is great benefit to me covering the renovations now rather than the senate- taxation would be less needed, and more wealth would be available for your other projects. Please think on this offer.

(e.g. Offer free Quarter for at least a season and cheaper than could be gotten otherwhere for others)[/ic]

[ic=Private to Romolo]
Dear Romolo,

If my private ventures succeed in Rome and in the Senate and if taxation remains low, then I believe I can continue making investments into gold utilization from your offers. What I would like to construct are some goldsmithed icons-religious in nature- and some decorations for some of my hospitality houses to house pilgrims.

It goes without saying that it is appreciated if you keep the details of our arrangement private at least for several seasons until a sufficient number of these gold-items are developed--I guarantee that I alone can give you more business than could anyone else as I am the chief holder of hospitality in Rome. I do, however, also recommend that you make a similar offer to DeRosa, who is likewise interested in the hospitality business. Together, we could prosper in a stable and safe Rome.

Sincerely, Vittorio Manzinni.[/ic]

[ic=Private to DeRosa]
Dear DeRosa,

Would it be possible that I could hire 100 of your guards at 1 WP for the season to ensure the defenses of my hospitality and to ensure the safety of Foreign priests in Rome? I hear that your men are well trained and they can follow orders? If they will report to me for the purpose of that season and if they will not cause trouble, It could be a good arrangement, no?
[/ic]

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=Letter to Odone Bonecase]Your Eminence, Odone Bonecase,
The Senate of the Commune of Rome, and the good popolo of the Eternal City is indeed willing to hold the funeral of the late Pope Anastasius within its walls.
Appropriate security, as well as the red porphyry sarcophagus His Holiness had selected, will be provided.

I hope to hear more details from you soon.

In Good Faith,
Hugo De Vinti, Consul of the Commune of Rome[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Adrian IV]Your Holiness, Adrian IV,
It is my pleasure to greet you, as a fair Christian, and do hope that this missive finds you in good health and joy.
It is sad to hear that His Holiness Anastasius left this world so soon. He was a great man blessed with great wisdom.

It has probably come to your attention already that the Commune of Rome seeks a rapprochement with the Papacy? The Senate has already made arrangements for the eventual return of the Pope in the Eternal City.
These past few years have been difficult, but it's through these hard times that a solid and stronger renewal takes place. I sincerely hope Rome and the Papacy can be close to each other, once again.

Maybe we will have the chance to discuss personally should the funerals of the late Pope be held in Rome? I dearly hope so.

In Good Faith,
Hugo De Vinti, Consul of the Commune of Rome[/ic]

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=Speech to the Popolo, especially directed towards those who participated in the Battle of the Lateran]Fellow Romans!
As the Senate takes the necessary steps to mend fences with the Papacy, I call on you to show your good will and indisputable generosity.
The Christian spirit within us begs to allow forgiveness and benevolence reach those who might have once been enemies, as harsh a word this might be, and those whose realities are so unusual.

Tolerance can be the gift of the Romans, and its warmth the blessing they can bestow upon this cold world.[/ic]

[ic=At the Lesser Council]Consiliariis,
I have pondered about this matter of the Court of Last Resort. It is my understanding that Rome's rule of Law is currently not seen with a good eye, and frankly, we can hardly do something about it in the very short term. Best we can do to reassure the popolo is make sure the Vigili, as well as the magistrates are kept in check and that rulings are as fair as possible.

I dearly wish to create the Court of Last Resort, as a precaution. However, selecting the judges who will sit on the Panel is a most difficult task. I have thought of something, and I wish to have your opinion on the idea.

There would be five judges, and they wouldn't be permanent. Each time the Court of Last Resort is called upon, the process of selecting judges must be undertaken.
There would be three of them among the senatores consiliarii. I have two ideas as to how they would be selected. Either by pure blind luck, a sort of game if you will though do not take this lightly, or by an open vote in the Senate. Personally I trust the ethics of the consiliarii enough to go for the first method, but it would probably be safer, politically, to go for the second proposed method.

The two remaining judges would be selected among the senatores by the selected consiliariis of the Panel. There would be a need to reach a consensus.

Anyone has a better suggestion?[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Consul Calafatus]Esteemed Consul,
Rome is certain to hold the funerals of the late Pope Anastasius at the Lateran. Well, pretty much so. His Eminence the Cardinal Odone Bonecase has asked me to provide an eventual Papal ceremony with adequate security. Understandably.

I wish to make this ceremony proceed as peacefully as is possible, and as such I was wondering whether you would consent to providing me with a few of your well armed men. A hundred or so would suffice, no doubt.

I would sincerely appreciate this service,
Hugo De Vinti[/ic]

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=Letter to Local Barons of the Western bank of the Tiber]Dear Signore,
I hope this missive finds you in good health.
It has perhaps come to your attention that I, Hugo De Vinti of the Commune of Rome, wish to acquire lands on the western banks of the Tiber. For some reason, my few requests have been denied and further attempts have been rebuked. Yet I did offer a generous sum for the acquisition of these lands, and what's more, its purpose is not military.

I ask of you then, how can we come to an agreement? Certainly there is something I can do to please you in return for said lands?

Please accept my most distinguished salutations,
Hugo De Vinti, Consul of the Commune of Rome[/ic]