The Republic Reborn II: Reborn Again [Orders Due Jan 31]

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=Before the Senate]Senators. You have had ample time to peruse the details of my proposed legislation. Therefore, my first act as consul is to submit it to a formal vote of the Senate. Should the bill be made into law, the liberty of the Romans shall be further secured.

[spoiler=Hugo presents an elegant rolled scroll to the senators]"The Selection of the giudici and their Duty"

• In Autumn, after the consular election, the Senate will appoint ten senators of good repute to become giudice for a year. The first to be chosen will be elected by the consuls. He will be primo giudice. The nine remaining positions will be filled by the choices of the Senate at large. They will be the giudici.
• The primo giudice will sit mainly on trials of prime importance that usually would have been dealt with by the consuls themselves, but for which the consuls can't make themselves available to render judgment.
• The giudici, including the primo giudice, are to act as the Senate's voice in the enforcement of Roman Law and Justice. Sitting in the courts, they will punish those guilty of criminal offenses, according to the Justinian codex.
• The giudici will be provided with legal expertise and scribes to make sure both that their judgment respects the spirit of the Justinian codex and that their judgments are recorded.
• The giudici will make their judgement not in the streets or their estates, but in the Trajan Halls.
• If the giudici neglect such legal expertise as should put Roman Justice in jeopardy, they shall be stripped of their privileges as giudice and more if the case deserves a harsher punishment. This in a public session of the courts.

[/spoiler]

[ooc=Vote on the legislation]7 votes in favour[/ooc]

[ooc=Giudici preferences]Pro-equites, Just, Incorruptible[/ooc][/ic]

[ic=Letter to the Consuls of Nepi]Consuls,
I send this message to you hoping that our cities may come to terms with past events. For some time it appears we might have misinterpreted each other, but after careful thought we Romans realize that there is no valid reason why there should be bad blood between us. We have more in common than that which we are at odds with. The Romans and the Nepesinii have been free since their declaring a Commune and since then no harm has come between the two. The Senate of our good Commune wishes a lasting peace with your city and humbly requests that you should give the following proposal your serious consideration. We are eager for a warmer relationship with Nepi and our Senate proposes, and is prepared to ratify, a treaty of non-aggression, of friendship even, that the Communes of Rome and Nepi should support each other's rights of liberty and strive so that no third party may entice us to trick or raise up arms against one another.

The Senate is aware of your city's obligations to some of your neighbors, as well as the surprise this missive might cause. This is why, if you deem it appropriate, I shall send or receive a delegation, that you might be acertained of our good intentions. My palace on the Palatine could indeed accommodate the needs of your envoys.

In Nomine Senatus Populusque Romanus,
Consul Hugo de Vinti[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Martino de Corso]Signore de Corso, Lord of Formello,
Rome has suffered much in the past few years. The people, as well as the Senate, tires of war and famine. The Commune of Rome has never come to blow with your city, and while past rhetoric may have caused you injustice, nobody was harmed. This was an action deplored by myself and the Senate, and should not be understood to be the view of the Romans. Still, in my capacity as Consul of Rome, I would like to formally and sincerely apologize for that unfortunate accident.

We certainly wish the peace between us to remain and therefore come to you with a proposal. The Senate of Rome is prepared to ratify a treaty with Formello; that each party should strive to avoid any act of aggression against the other. Such a treaty of non-agression, ratified by both Formello and Rome, will ensure a lasting peace between our cities and usher in an era of prosperity and stability. We humbly ask that you give our proposal your serious consideration if you too yearn for just such a prospect.

In Nomine Senatus Populusque Romanus
Consul Hugo de Vinti[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Nicola Anguillara]Signore Nicola, Lord of Anguillara,
I send you this missive hoping to find common ground on which to build a lasting peace. The Commune of Rome maintains no relation with your fair city, yet it (your city) remains an important stop along the pilgrimage route. Where does the oblivious stay for the night when he's passed Nepi but the sun fades away? "Anguillara, they will tell you. The beautiful city can accommodate you most comfortably!" Rome certainly benefits from the pilgrimage, but security issues arise that exist only because foreigners stay more than a single night. Security issues with which your coastal paradise does not have to bother with.

Be assured that I do not begrudge you or your city for this. The Romans will never begrudge the Anguillarini only for existing. In fact, we wish to preserve and even improve this state of affair. The Senate of Rome feels that each step we would take together would serve to secure the continued prosperity of our cities. We do not ask for a formal alliance of any sort, but only that our party, and yours, should strive not to trick or inflict harm upon the other. We humbly ask that you give our proposal for a treaty of non-aggression your sincere consideration.

In Nomine Senatus Pupulusque Romanus
Consul Hugo de Vinti[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Roberto Basile]Dear Basile,
It is my wish to break Rome's isolation, and in this I think we agree. I'm reluctant to snatch our Viterbesi guests from your care, so if you should wish to continue your diplomatic enterprise, know that you have my blessing. I'd ask only that you keep me apprised of any important developments. In my own consultations with prospective allies the information you give me might allow the use of some leverage in our favour. And if you require any help in this endeavour know that I shall always be eager to lend a hand.

One last thing; about the calafatii, did you intend to apply them to any specific purpose? You indicated their reluctance to act as a polizia, but there is no war to be fought just now. Meanwhile they remain in our pay. Do you think they might be persuaded to remain as guardians of the Senate, the Tabularium and the Courthouse for the time being?

Consul Hugo de Vinti[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Sanguineus Viviani]Consul,
Congratulations on your re-election. Perhaps it is that you are the emetic which Rome needed. And perhaps it is that the senators will eventually recognize the wisdom and temperance of Roberto Basile. I think of what happened to him to be unjust. But we shall not tarry on the past and instead focus on what's to come.

I must admit to being surprised at your choosing the Interior portfolio. You are an eloquent man, more than I, and such skills serve diplomacy best. Know, however, that I will strive to be at my best to accommodate our guests and acquire new allies. Indeed, and if war does not come to our doorstep, this year we will likely receive the visit of many delegations, so that we might once and for all break Rome's isolation. For too long we have stood erect, but threatened from all sides. It is time we stand erect over peaceful neighbors and restore the Republic to its former glory; that the people of the world entire gaze upon the city with envy; that the kings seek the Pope in his rightful residence.

Evidently, the problem is that pilgrims, foreigners and even the Romans themselves do not feel secure in the streets of the Eternal City. I am aware of your good works in the riverside slums, that lawless kingdom of alleys. That our citizens recognize the authority of the Senate, the rule of law and that order trumps chaos is foremost in my mind. Such a state of affair would also help our diplomacy. Should you require assistance, I shall do my utmost to lend a helping hand.

Consul Hugo de Vinti[/ic]

[Polycarp]

[ooc=Due Date]Orders for the coming update are due on Wednesday, July 29.  Please remember to vote for or against de Vinti's judicial reform, as that has been placed formally before the Senate.[/ooc]

[ic=Message from Nepi to the Consuls of Rome] The consuls of the Free Commune of Nepi assure the Romans that they have no interest in a conflict between their two peoples.  No service to the increase of our prosperity or the security of our citizens would be done by enmity with the Romans, and we nurse neither claims nor grudges against them.  We merely question whether the interests of the people are best served by a formal arrangement of friendship with the Romans, whose need for such arrangements seems to us much greater than our own.  Furthermore, there are those who say that the avowed intentions of the Romans cannot be trusted, as they are well known as a mercurial people, and in our own lifetimes have certainly oppressed their neighbors far more than they have been oppressed by them.

Owing to the turbulence of Rome we have elected to decline your proposal that we empower and send a delegation to that city, but in the interests of peaceful accord and hospitality we will not refuse a Roman delegation that wishes to treat with us directly, and on our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ we solemnly swear that such delegates will come to no harm by our hands, that those who dare to accost them in our territory shall be our enemies, and that these delegates shall be received befitting their station.  No promise can be made that their words will alter our perceptions of the situation, but we shall suffer them to be heard if it is indeed mutual peace which they desire.

The Consuls and People of Nepi[/ic]

[ic=Message to Consul de Vinti]A squire arrives at your estate bearing a short letter – unsigned, but sealed with wax impressed with two crossed eels, the sigil of the Lords of Anguillara.

It may interest you to know that Signore Pietro di Vico has been making appearances at the court of Octavian, crowned in Rome as Victor.  He hopes to procure in exchange for his allegiance the restoration of his position as Prefect of Rome.  Naturally such an appointment would be seen unfavorably by many, presumably by the Romans most of all.

If the Romans are inclined to frustrate his ambition, they may well find in the north a sympathetic ear, and indeed someone who can ably assist them in the court of Octavian or on the field of battle.[/ic]

(Pietro di Vico was, in fact, the Prefect of Rome during the initial rebellion of the commune, and was chased from the city by the Romans led at that time by Giordano Pierleoni.  He has, perhaps wisely, kept a rather low profile in Roman politics since.)

[ic=Message from Martino de Corso to Consul de Vinti]Consul,

I welcome continued peace with Rome.  My lands have ever been welcoming to the pilgrims, traders, and travelers who come to your city year-round and swell its ranks every spring.  It seems to me that this amicable state of affairs requires no further elaboration by treaty.  As long as the rights and territories of both parties are respected I can see no other outcome than the continued growth of our shared prosperity.

Signore de Corso, Lord of Formello[/ic]

[TheMeanestGuest]

A rather busy week. I could use a bit longer on the deadline, maybe four or five days?

[TheMeanestGuest]

[ic=Spoken to Gionata Orticiao and Sergio Vittori]Consul, Signore. I must of course apologize if you have found your stay wanting in any way - such would be my failing as a host and indeed as a representative of the Senate. I have bent my fortune to the pursuit of utility over elegance, for the Eternal City has great need of myself and my money. But perhaps I have failed to see the utility of elegance, and I will give you my thanks to have been made aware of it.

But let us speak of your mission here in Rome. Rome and Viterbo stand as the greatest cities in Latium, and neither city should rightfully have natural cause for conflict with the other - so long as we both act in the pursuit of our own common interests. We must each be vigilant in the maintenance of our civil liberties, lest they be wrested away from us. Peace is to the benefit of cities, for it allows them prosperity as their tradesmen and great citizens alike are afforded freedom to pursue their own business. Perhaps your esteemed councils see the Romans as a burden, a city with less to give than it will take. But a Rome firmly in the control of its citizens - and not the nobility or the clergy - shall never be an enemy to a free Viterbo. Likewise our place affords us a certain influence, for the name Rome alone means much to the potentates of Italy. I have written to His Holiness and have lent the weight of the Roman voice to the cause of religion in Viterbo, as I understand your desire in regards to the state of your own bishopric. Of this the Romans have good knowledge - the Bishop of Rome, regardless of his person, has deigned rarely to reside in Rome in recent years. This is not how things should be, for a city should not be unnecessarily deprived of God's wisdom in this way.

The Romans can promise to the Viterbisi not only shared sentiment, but also determination. The Romans will never abandon those they have named as friend. Together I think our cities could offer each other a great deal, and I think that this association could do much to protect us in mutuality. Few of our enemies would take no pause seeing us stand together. I understand that the Viterbisi will do what is best for their city, but it is nevertheless my hope that you will come to see the advantages of Roman friendship.[/ic]

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=Letter to the Consuls of Nepi]The Senate of Rome understands your reluctance to accept its proposition outright, and thus welcomes your most generous invitation. The Romans are excited to speak further of the peace between our cities, and more importantly of Latium, with the honourable consuls of your great city.

In Nomine Senatus Populusque Romanus,
Consul Hugo de Vinti[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Nicola Anguillara]A messenger brings an unsigned letter to Signore Anguillara, sealed with the Commune's insigna.

Our Commune desires a prosperous Latium and feels it can do that best by establishing solid foundations for peace, such as written contracts of friendly conduct and non-aggression. We understand your reluctance to formally engage into treatises which might be construed as your siding with any particular faction. Our government will continue engaging with its neighbours to procure a lasting peace for the Latins.

That being said, your information can be acted upon by myself and I think I can arrange for Pietro di Vico not to obtain the restoration of his previous office. It is in the interest of the Romans that it be so, and of the peace of Latium which I am so eager to procure for the Romans and their Latin brethren. And indeed it is that we welcome your proposition and think it is a first step in achieving our goal.[/ic]

[ic=Letter to His Holiness, Pope Victor IV]To His Holiness, Pope Victor IV,
I have recently been made aware that Pietro di Vico has offered to join your righteous cause. The Senate of Rome looks to his recognition of the rightful pontiff most favourably. However, the information I've received states that he wishes the restoration of his previous position in Rome. The Romans, you must already be aware, would not welcome his return to the city as Prefect of Rome with cheers and joy. Keeping the streets of the Eternal City orderly is by no means a simple task, and I beseech you, in the name of the Romans, to find another solution to his joining Your Holiness in the battle against the schismatics.

Of these schismatics, there is something to be said. Even now they pollute the vicariate of one eminent Senator, Arrigus Sismondii, which has bravely taken it upon himself to manage the establishment of a port for our Commune. They surround us and threaten to pillage our fields. It hasn't escaped anybody's notice that the Senate of Rome has made no formal declaration of allegiance, either to Your Holiness or the schismatic Rolando. We find that in our current position, we cannot declare for you without seriously endangering our interests, which at the present time we think are also yours by extent. The Eternal City is your rightful capital, and we strongly wish for this unfortunate schism to end and for you to return here. As Consul of the Romans, I humbly request that Your Holiness make no demand for us to formally align with your cause unless we are given the assurance that our citizens will be fed in the event of conflict. I know this is a serious matter to you. Make no mistake, it is equally serious for us. Our citizens are just beginning to put bread on their tables again, but I fear they will rise in serious, and more to the point, extremely chaotic revolt should their bread be taken from them once more. I fear the schismatics might want that to happen so they can force the Romans to join their cause.

The Senate wishes peace in Latium, and know that it is working assiduously to procure friends and passive neighbours. This, I hope, will be some pleasing news to you.

Consul Hugo de Vinti[/ic]

[Polycarp]

A rather busy week. I could use a bit longer on the deadline, maybe four or five days?

This is fine, I'm a bit busy at the moment anyway.  I'll try to have responses up as soon as possible.  Let's shoot for getting everything in by Saturday the 8th.

[TheMeanestGuest]

Sounds good to me.

[Magnus Pym]

Polycarp, I wonder if you knew where exactly were the important crossings around Rome which messengers from Alexander might want to use? Is that detail available to you?

[LD]

[OOC=Orders]

Armies
-1 WP Upkeep

FORGE MILL:
-20 Palatini defend Forge Mill. Two act as runners to bring assistance in case there is a threat. Also, raise flag if threatened.

PATROL:
-20 Palatini (on patrol through through my holdings in X, XI, XII. Patrol ones will respond to unrest in my districts and will send a runner for assistance to Senator Basile and DeVinti; if the disturbance is an another district where I do not have interests, then just give me an intra turn PM, please.) Patrol will also respond to reinforce my home if necessary. If my home is assaulted, send a runner to Basile and DeVinti. If someone else is assaulted, please PM me. Patrol will respond to disturbances at the Forge Mill, if necessary.

MANZINNI VILLA:
-10 Palatini (or the balance remaining of Palatini, if I miscounted) at or near home. Half of these Palatini will respond to disturbances at the Forge Mill, if necessary.
-All Masnada at home. Raise flag if threatened.

Notes
Due to forge mill bonus, my masnada are considered armored.

Bonus:  If you own at least one Forge Mill, upkeep for armored soldiers is reduced by 1 WP for every 3 WP in upkeep you pay (that is, reduced by 33%).  Your 25 free masnada are also considered armored at no extra cost to you.  In addition, for each Forge Mill you own, you can equip up to 100 soldiers with armor in a single season; normally, producing that amount of armor can take up to a year.  You may "lend" this last ability to other players who are raising armored forces.

Construction/Purchases

Ongoing Projects
- The improved tables for gambling project.
- The tavern investment that was made of 4 WP.

Inquiries

- Pursue entreaties towards Signore Anguillara's sons regarding marriage of my unmarried daughter to one of them. (the family controls some wine-growing land.) (Note self for long-term plan: as I understand, it is difficult to acquire land for vineyards- If I have a relative with vineyards, perhaps that could make the matter more simple) NOTE SELF: Write an In character letter as well. Feel him out and determine if they are positive toward the idea given that Manzinni is a strong former Consul and powerful Senator.

- Vote on DeVinti's proposal. 6 Votes in favor. (Pro-Trade, Pro-Equites, Pro-extending Roman jurisprudence as far as it will go up against the borders of ecclesiastical dictates Judges, pro my allies to reward their loyalty--if they possess the qualifications).

Council


Policy
* Neutrality in the Northern Conflict unless the siutation is forced, in which case- Imperial.


Total Expected Expenditures
1 WP

(6 WP gained in autumn, so 6+7-1=12 WP savings estimate)

[spoiler=Next]
Taberna 6 WP to spend (Converting the acquired land) (Orig. cost 12 WP; spent 4WP to acquire the land at cut-rate prices; Comments were made that the enterprise may thus be slightly cheaper, but no price was given so I estimated a 2 WP cut)
[/spoiler]

[/ooc]

[Polycarp]

[ic=Spoken to Basile by Gionata Orticaio]You correctly ascertain our main misgiving, which is that Rome, if we are to phrase things in the manner of commerce, is as an ally more to us a liability than an asset.  Your city has many foes, and we have few.  Your city has great want, and I do not say this only from my experience of your accommodations.  I am not the only one of our consuls who wonders if the friendship you have offered to us is intended to benefit yourselves first and foremost.  We cannot begrudge your concern for your own liberty and interests, but we do not see strong reasons that our own liberty and interests would be secured by this arrangement.

As for the matter of the Curia, we are thankful for your support, though see little reason why even Octavian would heed the Romans whom he has taken refuge from.  Certainly if Rolando wins this contest, the voice of the Romans will do us no good at all.

I have heard you and shall take your proposals back to our consuls.  Not one among us wishes for hostility with the Romans.  It is my belief, however, that the evidence to suggest we would benefit from this cooperation is still lacking.[/ic]

[ic=Spoken to Basile by Sergio Vittore]You speak your words sweetly, but they are only words.  You ask us to trust you Romans - in your promises, in your desire for peace, in your - how did you say it - 'sentiment and determination.'  Tradesmen often substitute words for deeds, and offer their faith and reputation as if these things were gold.  Frequently, the currency is counterfeit, and the words are but air.  I cannot well recommend an agreement in which the terms are but goodwill and soothing talk.  Speak to me of land and bread, blood and silver, iron and horseflesh, not this tedious bluster.[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to de Vinti]A squire arrives at your estate bearing a letter – unsigned, but sealed with wax impressed with two crossed eels, the sigil of the Lords of Anguillara.

What we wish to know above all is if the Romans are men enough to join us in arms against our mutual foe if they do not prevail in the court.  Earnest readiness to perform such a deed would surely secure the Romans a loyal friend and ally.[/ic]

The letter to Victor is being considered.  It may or may not come before the update.

Polycarp, I wonder if you knew where exactly were the important crossings around Rome which messengers from Alexander might want to use? Is that detail available to you?

The only bridge crossings over the Tiber, in Latium, are:
1. The several bridges in Rome itself
2. The Milvian Bridge, just north of Rome
3. The bridge west of Magliano

There are aren't any other major fords or crossing-places (Rome, in fact, largely owes its existence to the fact that it is at the location of one of the few good spots to ford the river).  A messenger, however, doesn't necessarily need a bridge or a ford if he has a barge or small boat.  From that perspective, any place on the Tiber is pretty much as good as any other, but if he wants to make the crossing in secret the best place is a marshy or wooded area - e.g. the Tiber delta, the scattered woodlands around Mount Soratte and Farfa, or the woods north of Magliano.  Obviously, any place in the river under pro-Alexander control is also a safer place to cross.

Of course, the very instruction presumes that it is not already too late.  After all, it's not as if no Alexandrine emissary has gone north before now.

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=Before the Lesser Council]Esteemed consiliarii,
I yearn for a prosperous Rome, restored to its ancient splendeur, as I think you likewise do. But this promises to be an arduous task, my friends. In my lifetime, and in my capacity as Consul, I think I can best achieve that by reaching out to our neighbors and rallying them to our cause. That of justice, peace and liberty. The peace of Latium, at least, is crucial to the safety and prosperity of our citizens. The Eternal City has for too long been surrounded by unfriendly or even hostile neighbors. This is why in a few days I will leave Rome on a diplomatic mission. I've begun communications with the Free Commune of Nepi, but their consuls are evidently doubtful of my intentions. So I'll be leaving for their city to speak directly to their senatorial colleagues. Perhaps then they will consider me, us, seriously. I'm confident I can rally them to our cause. If not now, later. But I must begin now this important work.

I shall not be far, nor away for long. So my duties just outside the gates, such as is requested by his Most August Imperial Majesty, I will still fulfill. I shall station patrols at the relevant locations that the schismatics may not reach the kings of France and England, nor any powerful entity north of Rome for that matter.

In regards to the Pisan plundering the ruins of Ostia, I will be clear now: the marble is ours. Whether they like it or not, I feel it's unacceptable that we let them steal what belongs to us. Each summer, their empty ships pass by Ostia and take every bit of marble they can to then sell it in Naples for the use of the Sicilian king. It is true that our citizens in Gregoriopolis benefit from their being employed as loaders by the Pisans, but I will conceive a plan so that they may not lose much needed income for their families while we bring the resource inside the pomenarium.[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Roberto Basile]Senator Basile,
I haven't received an answer to my last inquiry, is it that you didn't produce one yet? In any case, there are additional concerns I wish to discuss with you first, for you have experience as a diplomat. I've communicated my intention for peace in Latium to Signore Anguillara, Lord of Anguillara, but he keeps avoiding my offer for mutual non-aggression and instead counteroffer with an outright military alliance. I would generally welcome the idea, but his vagueness and his desire to stop another important nobleman's ambitions cause me to think that he may well wait for our explicit agreement of his offer to launch a campaign against his noble neighbour. If then we would provide assistance, we would be operating in Falisca, and if we wouldn't word would get out that we do not keep our promises. On the other hand, if we do not accept the offer, we lose a potentially strong ally just south of the Twin Cities. Would you share your opinion on the matter?

Additionally, I was wondering if you'd accept helping me with keeping the crossings over the Tiber free of schismatics. Whether they're headed north or south. My manpower available for this operation will be stretched thin as I leave for Nepi. As will my command.

Consul Hugo de Vinti[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Rogerius Placentianus]*Tomas de Vinti, with an escort of five palatinii, brings a message to Rogerius Placentianus*

Magisterius, as announced previously, I have begun investing in a fund for all things related to the university and legal expertise coming from you or your students. Concerning the latter, in the coming months you will hear about a new Roman law which aims to reduce significantly the corruption that has plagued our institution and to establish a fairer dispension of law and justice in Rome. Of course, I'd be delighted to hear any opinion you might have when you've gathered the required information to make a sound judgement. But to return to the subject of the fund, know that the money, for the time being at least, will be kept in my palace. You need only send a request and I, or my brother Tomas, will arrange for the required funds to be brought or made available for pick-up. As was made explicit, for five years, every season the de Vinti house will invest [1 WP] in the fund.

Consul Hugo de Vinti[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Niccolo Capocci]Signore Capocci,
The Senate desires to halt the progress of any schismatics wishing to get a message north of the river Tiber. I ask for your help in this matter. Your horsemen are fast and would serve our operation well by supporting our stations and verifying that no daring schismatic tries to cross the river where there are no obvious crossings. This is a matter of great importance, as messengers from Alexander will no doubt try and reach the kings of England and France to obtain their support. I presume you know what would happen if they'd declare for Alexander.

Consul Hugo de Vinti[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Nicola Anguillara]*A messenger brings a reply to Signore Anguillara, unsigned but with a seal of the Commune.*

He's a man who endeavours to establish a lasting peace while all around him seek war and plunder. Make no mistake, Signore, that our desire for peace removes in no way our capacity to muster a large army and inflict severe, if not fatal, damage on those who endanger our interests or harm our allies. We have come to you to obtain perpetual peace, but you seem to evade our main concern and in return make an offer that betrays your intentions. You do offer yourself to be a friend, and we Romans look upon this most favourably. But of a military alliance, other concerns must be taken into account. You will know soon of our definite answer, but in the interest of continued communication between us, know that His Holiness has received a petition, and that Pietro's intentions will no doubt be frustrated.[/ic]

Bleh, he's strong-headed!

Thank you Polycarp for the information. I have one more question for you, however. Just what kind of power does Signore Anguillara command? Would the Senate, or myself personally, have an estimate of the numbers under his command? How does his power compare to his own neighbours? Are there any open/well known hostilities between he and anyone of his neighbors? Based on the information you'd be able to procure me, I will perhaps include a request for more information in my orders. It just seems to me that he looks to have some aggressive plan, for he dodges my main request which aims to pacify, rather than activate, military intentions.

[Magnus Pym]

[ooc=Orders for Autumn 1160]Pay Palatinii [1 WP]

A third of my palatinii (16), under the command of my capitano, Marco Octavio, shall be stationed on and in the proximity of the Milvian Bridge, just north of Rome, and verify thoroughly those that wish to employ the structure to go north. Verifying thoroughly means searching the persons, carts and mules for letters or weapons. The aim is to block the passage of messengers sent by the schismatics. And should any be intercepted, the letters will be confiscated, as will weapons. However, confiscation does not mean detention, and no person or goods other than weapons shall be kept detained. In any case, travelers without the required permission will simply be ordered to go back from where they came from. My palatinii are not to trust the words of any messengers which declares the goods are for the Imperial Marshall and his party. I am ready to take responsibility if that were ever the case. The confiscated items will be brought to my estate and thoroughly verified by myself. The men will be supplied with four horses, that they might relay important information to myself or Consul Viviani (or Senator Basile) during my absence from Rome, and patrol the riverside around the Milvian Bridge so that no schismatic may be allowed to reach the other side of the river Tiber with any kind of water transport. As proof of authority, my capitano will be provided with the following consular decree. My capitano will know, however, that I will personally escort any man I've given permission to myself. That is, the written permission is a trick to incite the schismatics to forge false documents. That means that, if someone which I didn't escort to the Milvian presents a written permission, it's false. Such persons should be searched for letters and weapons, these being confiscated, the "culprit" shall be detained and charged with falsificazione di documenti consolari. in other words; forgery of consular documents. My capitano will be instructed not to apply this decree to any of the consiliarii, as their duties might take them outside of Rome.

[ic=Consular Decree]Any man who wishes to cross the Milvian Bridge outside Rome shall have to obtain a written permission from Consul Hugo de Vinti. Any man without the proper permission will be arrested and brought before the courts.

Hugo de Vinti, Consul of the Commune of Rome[/ic]

As I hinted to in the aforementioned order, when I return from Nepi, all time will be devoted to the supervision of my various patrols. (between Gregoriopolis and Signore Capocci's castles.)

The remaining palatinii (18) which are not used to another purpose shall patrol the road from Rome to Gregoriopolis and make sure no sneaky schismatic tries to cross the marshes to reach the northern side. No arrests will be made, but my men will have no qualms about confiscating letters that originate from a schismatic for the intent of acquiring allies in the north. Some horses will be provided. They will try their best to enforce my wish that no man should cross the Tiber. However, no arrestation shall take place. Instead, travellers will be asked to use the Milvian Bridge. (And there they will stumble on the other party, which has its very specific orders.)

Invest [1 WP] in the de Vinti fund. The fund is a reserve for materials and services for or provided by the university or the courts. The money is to be kept in my estate.

Four fifth of my masnada (20) shall remain in Rome with my brother, Tomas de Vinti, to help him and guard the fund against anyone who would dare make an attempt to steal its content.

With an escort that comprise a third of my palatinii (16) and a fifth of my masnada (5), I will leave the Eternal City for Nepi. Upon my arrival, I shall seek an audience with the consuls. I will reiterate my desire for a lasting peace between our cities, and that we feel that it should be formally arranged in the form of a treaty. Expectedly, they will refuse, as they did before, and because no additional offering has been put on the table. I will inquire as to if there is anything they should desire which is, in my capacity as Consul of the Romans, possible to procure. Whatever are the circumstances and results of the negotations, I will take some time to get a lay of the land, so to speak. I will gather information on events happening inside the city which may indicate turmoil of any kind, and more importantly inquire as to the true state of Nepi's relations with its Faliscan "allies", like Sutri, more prominently, but Viterbo too. My behaviour shall be that of a good guest, polite, patient and grateful for any services they might provide me. I shall not make a fuss of any accomodations they will arrange for me, whether it be poor food or poor lodging. These trivial matters shall not deviate me from this very important mission. I will dress elegantly, as is proper for a Roman representing its city. I have a speech prepared and you may use it as a base, but any information which comes to light because of this "order request" that I can use to my advantage, I will.
[spoiler=Speech Base][ic=Speech before the Senate of Nepi]Consuls of the great city of Nepi,
We Romans have a long and tumultuous history. The new government in Rome, which I represent in my capacity as Consul, desires to change the... qualities which have been attributed to us for more productive ones. It is the wish of the Roman Senate to adopt a behaviour that is conducive to peace and prosperity, and it thinks that it can do that best by improving its relations with its neighbours. The Senate of Rome has considered its attitude towards Nepi and deems it worthwhile to start our relation anew, for it fails to see any disagreements with your fair city. In fact, we see that we have more in common and would be best served by joining forces to preserve what is most dear to us; our freedom and families. But we also yearn for profitable ventures which make our cities prosperous, and this cannot be achieved without peace.

Good men of Nepi, the Senate of Rome sincerely desires a lasting peace between our Communes. This is why we submit for your approval an offer of treaty; that we both promise to avoid aggressive actions against one another; that we both strive not to undermine the liberty of the other either directly or indirectly; and that we protect the trade routes and merchants that benefit our communes. The Roman Senate thinks a warming of relationship with you is imperative for the absolute peace of our country. We hope the Nepesinii reciprocate the feeling and that they find in this arrangement a solid foundation for that.

Our Senate is well aware of your obligations towards the other cities that make up the Faliscan League and that our offer, even our presence here, may pose a momentary problem to your government. If it can be of any comfort, we are not trying to deceive you with lame tricks. I come to you personally while my presence in the Eternal City is required to show you how serious we are about this. We also consider the non-aggression pact to be to the benefit of the league, for Nepi is closest to the city which the alliance seeks to guard against. Certainly the Senate of Rome would welcome warmer relations with the other cities of Falisca too.

I ask you, then, to consider this offer. I will be staying in your fine city for a few days. Indeed, or for as long as you should deem your hospitality to be in your interest.[/ic][/spoiler]

Convert my wheat fields to flax ones. As you mentioned, the conversion will cost me [1 WP].

For now, I will keep the manuals and forms acquired in Orléans and do nothing with them. Next season I shall act upon this inquest. However, I shall send a reply to my man in Orléans, that he should stay and continue his efforts. He's to know that I'll send further instructions soon, as I need to devise a plan to overcome the obstacle posed by the schism.

If Consul Viviani agrees, raise Senator Basile to the position of primo gudice.[/ooc]

[Polycarp]

[ic=Letter to de Vinti from Niccolo Capocci]This is very possible, but if you wish my help outside my own lands, I would like formal recognition of my supervision of them.  Otherwise, anyone waylaid by my men may accuse them of banditry or interfering with travelers on the roads, acts which are forbidden both by the laws of the Empire and the ancient code of the Lombards.

Signore Niccolo Capocci[/ic]

[ic=Letter to de Vinti]A squire arrives at your estate bearing a letter – unsigned, but sealed with wax impressed with two crossed eels, the sigil of the Lords of Anguillara.

There is no reason for you to be concerned, for peace with us is something you already possess.  On this you have our solemn word.

We do not mean to insinuate or evade.  You must know that a contest among princes, even when it begins in the court, often strays onto the field, for a prince's final resort is always the sword.  The man who rushes towards the former but shrinks from the latter when it comes is a friend only in name.   Thus while we are not eager for war and do not conspire to wage it, we must always be prepared and know where our comrades stand.

If the Romans do not wish to commit themselves as far as this, we take no offense.  We have told you what we have heard of Signore di Vico without expectation of reward or debt.  We invite the Romans to our side against this mutual foe, in peace or war as God wills.  If that is not your desire, then so be it, and peace between us will naturally endure – but if you desire our friendship, then we must know if you are prepared to take up arms with us in the hour of need as a friend would do.

You question the need for a military alliance - but in fact there is no other kind.[/ic]

Just what kind of power does Signore Anguillara command? Would the Senate, or myself personally, have an estimate of the numbers under his command? How does his power compare to his own neighbours? Are there any open/well known hostilities between he and anyone of his neighbors?

The Anguillara are probably in the same "tier" as the Capocci, Demetri, and Annibaldi, but they're a bit unusual in the speed of their rise – just 15 years ago they wouldn't even have deserved a mention on the list of great houses.  They were essentially vassals of the di Vico family until the Commune's rebellion, at which point they took advantage of the weakness of their overlords and asserted themselves as a power in their own right.  They've been rivals of the di Vico ever since, attempting to supplant them through largely political means (in a somewhat similar way to how houses like the Colonna and the Savelli have been gradually trying to replace the Tusculani).  The house is too young to have much of a history with Rome, though they were friends of Giordano Pierleoni when he ruled the city.

Anything else about the family will have to be dug up in inquests.

Regarding your orders – Nepi doesn't have a "senate," or rather the consuls are the senate.  Though some communes do have popular assemblies that meet on certain occasions for elections and other matters, the only permanent body in most cities is the consulate, the group of consuls that meet together (most cities have more consuls than just two, frequently 8-12 and sometimes many more).  Rome's setup of having a permanent senate plus two presiding consuls is a throwback to ancient custom, and is practically unique in 1160s Italy.

You could certainly ask to address the consuls in session.  Though the letter you received was from "the consuls," you have no way of knowing if that was really written by them jointly or if it reflects the views of only a few, or one.

[Magnus Pym]

Thank you for these details, and I will apply some changes which reflect this new information.

[LD]

[ic=Letter to Signore Anguillara (is the one in my writeups a different one from Nicola?)]
Signore Anguillara, my family through my youngest daughter can give you a great alliance, should you be interested in accepting it. We would be honored and both houses would have their strength magnified would our two great families joined. Your lands and my connections and influence can be a great unifier in this fractured Rome, where the power of the city still remains very much in flux. My time as Consul gave me a great amount of connections and influence, and I continue to serve as I have served for many years, in the Inner Council. This influence could be yours. As you have seen, Rome's influence has been spread mightily in the past ten years of this Commune, and with our familial alliance, it can and will be spread much farther and our fortunes will continue to increase.
[/ic]