The Republic Reborn

[TheMeanestGuest]

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

I am most grateful for your early warning of this impending misfortune. The Commune of Rome ever pursues the virtues of Christian Faith, and perhaps soon His Holiness shall see that the actions of a few malcontents do not reflect those of all Romans. Worry not, for your anonymity in this matter is of great personal importance to me, and I swear to you that no word of your involvement shall be revealed.

Senator Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Kosmas Bariotes]Lord Bariotes,

I have found the company of your companions to be a most interesting experience, and I must again extend my thanks in this regard. They have remained in good health, and to my eye it seems they have enjoyed their time here in Rome immensely. As such, it is my hope that you too will soon join us here in Rome as we had previously discussed, for it would not do for you to be so close to us yet miss the sights and pleasures of the Eternal City. Perhaps you have heard word of certain sanction that will soon befall our City, and while I despair at this, it is my hope that it will be over quickly and will not dissuade you from your visit.

Senator Roberto Basile[/ic]

[Nomadic]

[ic=Letter to Basile]
Greetings Roberto, I have heard my friend of your ventures and discussions regarding the papal curia. It fills me with a sense of foreboding, these tidings from the barbarian pope. Truly this is poor timing but god does nothing without reason and I am sure in time we shall know better his plans for us. Anastasius was perhaps the best thing that could have happened to us, and to see him so swiftly leave the mortal world is a sadness.

But I did not send this letter solely to dwell on darker news. I took note of that splendid cloak, Greek silk no less. What strikes me most is the vibrant colors. You may be aware that for some time now I have been attempting to break into the Roman wool market in an attempt to expand our trade. What has caused me trouble the most of all is the acquiring of a mordant with which vibrant colored dyes might be "fixed" to woolen cloth. The Ebreo have been very secretive of their techniques and resources yet I have uncovered the key ingredient for vibrant colors such as those found in that most remarkable cape you have brought back with you. It is a curious mineral known as alum. I hear talk that it can be found in the far off lands of Egypt though there is also the rumor of alum closer to home.

I say this to you now not only because of your cape but also because of your far travels. If you perhaps would have knowledge on how I could acquire alum for my dyeing I would be greatly in your debt.

Your friend and brother in Christ,
Arrigus Sismondii
[/ic]

[Polycarp]

[ic=To Senator Basile]Senator,

I appreciate you looking after the interests of my guards.  I am unaware of any such "sanction" upon the city but I have heard of the recent turbulence in Rome.  My plans have not yet changed yet, though only time will tell for certain; it is difficult for even a seasoned observer of politics such as myself to predict what is to transpire in the coming months.  The Curia has moved itself to the most defensible place it can find, perhaps making a good example for us all.

Sebastos Kosmas Bariotes[/ic]

[ic=To Senator Basile]It is my firm belief, Senator, that this "misfortune" is in the hands of you and your fellow Senators.  Please do not mistake my notice for dissension with His Holiness, for I must concur that the interdict itself is a necessary sanction.  Though it is a drastic action to take in any circumstance, and in particular upon such as city as Rome, His Holiness judges truthfully the danger of Arnold of Brescia and his followers.  If this sanction is what is needed to sway the Senate and people of Rome to expel this rebel against the Church, then it is God's will that such a sanction be used.  I have given you this warning so that the Senate may have a chance to preempt this sanction entirely and demonstrate its obedience to the Holy Church and its renunciation of heresy and rebellion.  I urge you, Senator Basile, to not forsake this opportunity and to sway your Senate to wisdom.

Enrico da Pisa[/ic]

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=Letter to Fortis Calafatus]Consul Calafatus,
I have no doubt that you are aware that the Vigili is no more. The traitors fled during a time of great crisis, and I intend to have the few we were able to catch pay a heavy price for their treachery.

From this unfortunate turn of event we can learn something, though. It is that the security and peace of the Roman popolo need to be defended by those who have such values at heart, and incredibly difficult will it be for foreigners to uphold and protect these values.

Obviously, the Vigili needs to reform. I am currently working on gathering the force, but I need much time. I have thought that it would be best to indoctrinate our security servicemen so that future treachery the likes of which we have just been victim would not be as likely to happen would Rome come under attack.
Also, I wish the servicemen to learn a few things, such as tactics of mass-control and martial arts.
It has come to my attention that you possess a most interesting manual on military strategy and training? If it could be shared for the purposes mentioned above, it would be greatly appreciated!

With Hope,
Hugo De Vinti[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Giordano Pierleone]
Dear Patrician Pierleone,
I want to express my most sincere gratitude concerning your contribution to securing the streets of Rome during the unfortunate Christmas Eve riots. As sad as the situation was, it showed that Rome can count on the unity and cohesion of its leaders when times are tough. This is commendable.

Another thing that is commendable is your patience, dear Pierleone. I was not aware that the Frangipanni would attend the Papal funeral ceremony. And I wish to express, yet again, my most sincere gratitude for staying during the whole ceremony, as well as my most sincere apologies for my disability to inform you earlier of this inconvenience.

I shall not forget,
Hugo De Vinti, Consul of the Interior[/ic]

[Polycarp]

[ic=To Hugo De Vinti]Consul,

Think nothing of it.  It would be a gross dereliction of my duties and obligations to watch the city burn and do nothing.  As for Oddone, he is undoubtedly a contemptible villain who would sell all of Rome to the Pope given half a chance, but I am no longer a young man ruled by temper and emotion and would not think to ruin such an occasion to further our private feud.

As I am in control of the Leonine City, perhaps Rome's most formidable point of defense, I would very much appreciate being included in any discussion of what is to be done regarding the coming Germans, or at least kept informed of the Lesser Council's deliberations on this matter.  Surely you must agree with the need to coordinate our efforts in the coming months.

Patrician Giordano Pierleone[/ic]

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=Letter to Giordano Pierleone]Patrician,
I have no doubt that your request was made with but good intentions. Though, you are aware that the senatores consiliarii meets behind closed doors, and that whatever is being discussed at the Lesser Council is usually kept secret.
However, I too believe that coordination between our parties is paramount to the well-being of the Republic.

Further internal political complication at this time is not recommended. For this reason I feel I cannot abide by your request solely on my own. I need to reach consensus with my colleagues before I can make any promise, and obviously that will be a hard task.
I have faith in my fellow consiliarii when it comes to uniting for the safety and prosperity of Rome, though, and you will be informed of my progress on this matter shortly.

Sincerely,
Hugo De Vinti, Consul of the Interior[/ic]

[TheMeanestGuest]

[ic=Letter to Arrigus Sismondii]Senator Sismondii,

It is good to hear from you, it has been some time since last we have conferred one with the other. Yes, it is true that the death of His Holiness is a great sadness for all Romans, when we were so close to securing peace and reconciliation.

It is also true that over the course of my life I have traveled far on the waves of the Sea, but I fear such travels have not brought me the knowledge that you seek. My splendid paludamentum was a generous gift bestowed upon me by a Greek Lord, Kosmas Bariotes, whom I met at the Court of the Pope. It pleases me that you have taken notice of this wondrous garment, for the more that see it, the more that shall realize the symbolism of a Rome strong and independent inherent in its design. But alas, its mere possession does not give me the secret of its production.  For some time I lived under the rule of the King of Sicily, and it is known that the Normans have in their possession some quantity of this compound you speak of - Alum - but I do not think they would be willing to sell any of it, indeed, I believe it is a matter of the King's Law that they cannot. So too have I heard that the Greeks possess a greater quantity, but their traders are shrewd and I know not how one would obtain such substance from them. And of course, the greatest is held by the heretic Egyptians, as you well know. A single time only have I heard rumour of Alum in Italy, of great mountains filled to bursting. Of course, the man was a drunk, and I put no credence in his tale. But I ramble on, and you are no closer to the answers you had sought from me. My apologies that I could not be of more help to you.

Senator Roberto Basile[/ic]

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=Speech at the Lesser Council]Consiliarii,
I will not weight my words; Rome is currently a mess. It seems as if each time we take a step forward, we also take two backwards. The popolo is afraid; it's afraid it will lose its pride and freedom.
The impending arrival of Frederick I is indeed a matter that is of great concern to all. He has openly told the Romans that he was good friends with the Papacy, and the latter has, most unfortunately, not been very receptive to our recent attempts for reconciliation, or so it seems.

I know the following request will be perceived by some to be utterly ridiculous, and out of question, but I beg you to consider this carefully.
Patrician Pierleone, after all that's happened, has never lost his temper. He has made me aware of his concerns regarding the visit of the german king.
He pointed out that he wished to participate perhaps more closely in affairs of security of Rome, concerning this one matter. He fears for the Roman popolo just as much as we do.

The Leonine City is the strongest point of defense in Rome, and he controls it.
Obviously, little need I explain the benefits of coordinating our efforts with him on this matter?[/ic]

[TheMeanestGuest]

[ic=In the Lesser Council]I see no reason why we should not co-operate with the Patrician in the defence of our city. Indeed, he is after all an important member of this very government. Command of the walls of the Leonine City and the Castel Saint Angelo will be vital should Rome face external aggression from the German King or any other who would seek to wound us. It is my belief that he should be included in any deliberation that we should hold on preparations of war, should they become necessary.[/ic]

[Polycarp]

[ooc=Due Date]The due date for orders for Spring 1155 is Sunday, July 1st.[/ooc]

[ic=The Population of Rome]
Rome's population has increased slightly this year thanks to relatively few violent deaths and trends in the Roman contado.  The expansion of sheep farming north of the Aniene River and the damage caused by the floods in late 1153 have displaced a number of peasants in the countryside who have had no choice but to move to the city and join the ranks of Rome's landless laborers.  The roll of citizens has remained static, and no new families were raised to the rank of the equites.

Population: 28,800 [+800]

• Equites: 400 [Citizens and nobles of households wealthy enough to bring a warhorse to the militia muster]
• Popolo Grasso: 8,200 [Citizens of households wealthy enough to provide for a pedes, or infantryman, in the militia muster]
• Popolo Minuto: 19,300 [Common subjects without political power] [+800]
• Ebreo: 300 [Jews, exempt from military service]

[/ic]

[Llum]

[ic=Private Message to Roberto Basile]
Greetings Senator

It seems that once again I am in your debt. This new Pope wishes only to strongarm Rome into supporting his rule, and with with the approach of Frederick we cannot waste our scant resources to oppose him at this time. Arnold of Brescia must make an absence from Rome, at least temporarily. My suggestion would be to ask Arnold to take a pilgrimmage, perhaps to the Holy City of Jerusalem and the Crusader states before returning to Rome. What do you say to this? I will broach the subject with Arnold.

-Fortis Calafatus
[/ic]

[ic=Speech to the Lesser Council]
Patrician Perleone is not a member of the Lesser Council and I do not believe that the threat of war should elevate him to such a position. He can be informed of our decisions after the fact like everyone else in Rome. The fact that he has made a rat's nest for himself in Rome's strongest position should not force us to pander to him. I can see no good coming from his input to this Council.
[/ic]

[ic=Private Talk to Arnold of Brescia]
Greetings Arnold of Brescia, I hope that today finds you in good health. I would like to inquire on your willingness to undertake a pilgrimage, perhaps to the Holy City of Jerusalem? I would be willing to help with the costs of such a journey. What say you to this? I'm sure we will discuss this matter further at a latter time.
[/ic]

[TheMeanestGuest]

[ic=Letter to Fortis Calafatus]Consul Calafatus,

A clever solution indeed! If the good Friar Arnold were to absent himself from Rome then the Pope would have little cause to place us under sanction, and neither would the popolo be moved to great violence by the sad necessity of a forcible expulsion! Though the Friar and I are not well acquainted, if you should need additional assistance in his persuasion I would gladly offer my own services in this regard.

Do not think yourself in any debt. All I do, I do for the good of Rome.

Senator Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=In the Lesser Council]Consul, please, do not see conference in this matter with the Patrician as pandering. While the two of you have a... history of difficulty, one with the other, I do not think that this should prevent any man within this government from co-operation for the defence of the Commune. We must put our own personal prejudices behind us in service to our Great City.[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Arnold of Brescia]Friar Arnold,

It is my understanding that you have been approached by the Good Consul Calafatus regarding the undertaking of a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Such a journey often marks those of True and Resolute Faith. As you may suspect, the Commune of Rome has some interest in this matter apart from the furtherance of your own Dedication to Our Lord Jesus Christ. Though the Commune has and always will reject the Temporal Authority of the Pope over the City of Rome and any other land, it is a sad truth that most do not find themselves in agreement with our position. And though he may not possess Right to such power, it is another sad truth that he still possesses power itself.

This new Pope has taken particular umbrage at your own preachings, deeming them heretical. He has demanded your expulsion from the City of Rome, threatening consequence on the Eternal City should we not obey. The Senate would not give him the pleasure of such a victory. If you would but absent yourself from Rome for a time you would spare the people much hardship that would no doubt result from the efforts of the Pope to spread disunity in our Commune. I am told you have many worthy students who could carry on your teachings in your absence, and you can rest safe in the knowledge that when you return from the Holy Land the City of Rome shall stand stronger than ever, and no longer shall we have to fear the military power of any servant of the Pope.    

We cannot deny the reality of our own position, and this path is one of few that in the taking would render us no weaker, and no more beholden to the wrongful power of any Pope. I urge you to strongly consider the proposal of the Consul for the Good of the People of Rome.

Senator Roberto Basile[/ic]

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=At the Lesser Council]Consul Calafatus, I would urge that you reconsider. The unity of Rome is crucial at this time. There's nothing to gain from keeping the patrician in the dark, while there is something to gain from cooperating with the man.
I believe he harbors no ill intentions regarding this matter, and only wish for the safety of the Romans.[/ic]

[Polycarp]

[ic=To the Lesser Council]Senators,

I have been asked to abandon this city and depart elsewhere, perhaps to the Holy Land.  It must be that the Senate has buckled under the vain fury of the English Bishop, for you must surely know that without the protection of the good Roman people, I am lost.  Where shall I depart where I shall not be hunted by the scheming adversaries of true faith and Roman liberty?  I already have been expelled from Italy, chased from the Empire, and banished from France.  You would have me go to the Kingdom of Jerusalem, which recognizes only the Pope as its liege - surely the Papal Legate or the Templars would have me arrested as soon as I set foot in Acre.

If is truly the desire of the Senate to condemn me to death, then I pray that they find the courage to say so plainly.

Arnoldo da Brescia[/ic]

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=At the Lesser Council]*Sigh*

Another riot-prompt situation we have on our hands... Couldn't we just hide him in some secure location near Rome, until Frederick I is gone?

It would be relatively easy to make up a story, he already is under pressure to leave Rome. No doubt a bit of fear could nurture the thought of escaping.

To be honest, I would hate to have to deal with him in a permanent fashion. Considering the very strict options we have.[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Arnoldo da Brescia]Dear Friar Arnoldo,
I received your message today and was incredibly saddened after hearing of its content.
Rest assured that I am doing my utmost to secure your stay in the Eternal City or its vicinity, but remember that the Senate is under increasing pressure to, pardon my words, get rid of you. Our dearest wishes fall on deaf ears when they are directed towards the Pope, but his wishes comes with most serious threats.
I fear some may be slipping; abandoning the fight for true justice and Faith.

If I was to propose that we temporarily hide you in a secure location, would that suit you? To be honest, it would probably be the best we could do.

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