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

[LD]

[ic=Before the Lesser Council]
I would second the choice of the astute Senator Sissmondi. He has often shown prudence.
[/ic]

[TheMeanestGuest]

[ic=Before the Senate]Rome is consumed by need and tribulation, Senators. We are beset on each and every side by enemies eager to see us fall. But it is our sworn and sacred duty that we must persevere. That we must overcome each challenge put before us - as we have done time and time again. Heed now the words of your Consul, and afford them your due consideration!

We have heard the words of the messenger of Signore Annibaldo, and it speaks to a great depth of honour that he should offer the Romans succor in such desperate times. In this matter, Senators, I do not see that we possess an option of any greater appeal. Where else might we find such guaranteed supply? The Viterbisi and the Tusculani and the Tiburtini hoard what grain they have behind strong walls, and though we could assail their fortresses and though we could break them and plunder their larders we could not do this in time sufficient to feed our own army and the people of Rome both. As Consul I cannot countenance a winter expedition of such great magnitude. The Signore asks of us a title in return - that of Patrician. This is well within our power, and it is a small thing to do. Some no doubt will say that he should then rival the authority of the Senate in Rome, but this is not so. He shall be sworn as servant of the Commune just as each of us, and it is the Senate that guides the Commune. I propose now and before this gathered body that we confirm Signore Annibaldo, Lord of Molora, in the title of Patrician - so long as he should deliver on his promise, and so long as the Roman people should be fed. To this proposal I will furthermore attach another measure, that Signore Cencio Pierleone likewise be confirmed in the title of Patrician, and that he be afforded the same rights as his late uncle. Recall that we are servants of Rome, and not of ourselves. If these two great families should be wed firmly to our City, it would serve us all, as it serves the Romans.

But neither shall the Senate be idle while others work for our own good. Many families have been displaced by fire and by riot, and we shall put the Senate's silver to work to shield them against the winter. The wreckage shall be cleared, and we will work to restore what we might. I propose that the Theatre of Marcellus be put to good use, and that accommodations be constructed therein for the shelter of the people. We shall allow such folk who come to us for shelter in this manner two seasons free of rent or lien, that they might rebuild shattered lives. This work we do now shall serve not only to enrich the lives of the people, but so in turn enrich the city's coffers in years to come.

One final matter will I put before this august body, in this instance in its magisterial and curial capacity. In years past it was that the man Pandolfo Cassi sought to assail the late Prefect Colonna with violence in his heart and with sword in his hand. His plan was foiled by the efforts of our own Senator de Vinti, for which we applaud him. The spilling of civil blood is abhorrent, and we must all strive to avoid it. Cassi was punished, and he was justly exiled from Rome and stripped of his properties and citizenship. He has lived divorced from our Commune for three years now. But it is that he has come to me, and it is that he has brought a great treasure. He placed in my hands the secrets of our hated foe, that base lickspittle of Oddone Frangipani - wretched Tivoli! While I cannot disclose the contents in full before this body, I so swear my oath upon the Holy Bible in the name of Jesus Christ that with this information the city of Tivoli should fall to us whenever we should wish it. In recognition of this great boon and service, I hereby propose that the Senate vote to immediately commute the Sentence of Pandolfo Cassi and revoke the ban of exile placed upon him, and further to restore to him his Roman citizenship should he prove a faithful Roman with abiding respect for Roman law after the passage of one year and one day from repeal of exile.

I place the full weight of my Consular support behind each of these measures I have proposed, and I trust that this body shall see the wisdom in each one. If all should be taken up, then Roman liberty shall be secured.[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Arrigus Sismondii]Arrigus,

I am gladdened to hear of the progress of your road - that it shall allow not only the passage of my own family in safety, but of Roman commerce! The matter of Rieti likewise concerns me, and it is my intention to resolve that situation - among others - by the close of this season. It is clear to me that the two parties are intractable, and shall not be reconciled. I will move to support the Consuls of that city. They will be more amenable to our direction, as they will no doubt divide amongst themselves and need firm guidance. The Bishop is a man used to command, and he would be of lesser utility - likewise, he nurses a rivalry with the Abbey of Farfa, the very refuge of Pope Victor, who we have granted considerable support.

In this matter I will ask nothing of you, save that you support my measures on the Senate floor. If you would do this, I should be able to direct proper attention to the resolution of the Reatini situation.

With Gratitude,

Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=In the Lesser Council]I am a man of great and irrepressible patriotism, Hugo. I know indeed that you are as well, and that your speak ever with intention true and good. But owing to my own military experience I cannot countenance the course you have proposed to us. I will admit that this plan could succeed, but it is of enormous risk. To motivate and mobilize the popolo so is no easy task, and despite whatever advantages we might possess we cannot overcome the walls of our enemies in time. The people would starve in the field, the army would starve in the field, and so hungry and dispirited I do not know that we could emerge victorious. At the same time our city faces many difficulties, and even were we not faced with famine I could not support such a grand expedition at this juncture.

Your fears may have some justification, but I urge you to relax them. The power of our Senate is greater than it has ever been. There is no Prefect, and there is no Pope. In comparison, what is the threat of a Patrician? Annibaldo shall have no power over us, and indeed shall be within our power - for he shall be within the city. He will have no Castle of St. Angelo to his name. But here is the key, Senators - we will only exercise this new power so long as we retain our heads. Nothing motivates a man to violence as an empty belly does. The people must be fed, and by this proposal they shall. It is not an onerous weight we take on ourselves, and the benefit is immense in comparison. We must also remember that we do not hold our offices for ourselves, but for the people and for the City.

As to the offer of Senator Sismondii, I can think of no better candidate to go before this Conclave. I know that you will represent us well and honourably, and I shall give to you my own sworn and sealed testimony to carry with you on your departure. Rome thanks you for your Service, Arrigus.[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Annibaldo of Molora]Signore,

We have received your offer, and are astounded by your generosity. By the time this letter reaches you, the matter may well be settled on our end. I can see that Rome would be well served to have you as Patrician, and so I work to make it so. I commend your eagerness to take up the weight of this duty, and I know that your ability will be fit to match. Your service will no doubt weigh lightly on your shoulders, for a deed done in the name of the Roman good is a boon to the soul.

Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Hugo de Vinti]Senator de Vinti,

Our minds have been at odds of late, on both the matter of the man Cassi, and on that of the best course to save our Beloved City from famine. Know that this does not mean that any ill will has come between us. Indeed, it is of value to our Commune that opinion should differ, so that all options can be examined. I trust that both you and I can yet work together for the good of Rome.

In this regard I yet think on the matter of the Market of Trajan. Is the time ripe that we should proceed with its transformation into a proper Court of Justice, so that the Romans should know and see the reality of Roman Law? You have been kind and generous to Rome, and the Commune is indebted to you for your services in the repair of our legal system. If it is your thought to proceed in this matter, I shall see that you do not have to afford the entire cost from your own purse.

Consul Roberto Basile

P.S. It is good to hear that you should soon succeed in obtaining the service of such learned men as these dictatores, and Roman education will surely be advanced by their presence.[/ic]

[Llum]

[ic=Before the Senate]
Consul Basile states that he cannot countenance an expedition of great magnitude, to smite the enemies of Rome and supporters of a false Pontif in Tivoli, while he holds the secrets to their demise in his miser's fist. Basile blinds us with a half truth so he can re-instate the traitorous dog Pandolfo without a shred of benefit to Rome. The true sons of Rome say, crush Tivoli! If in the aftermath Pandolfo has survived and lived up to his words, Rome would grant him mercy and succor. To do so before is to cheat the Roman people and pay tribute to a man who's soul is black as sin.

Roman liberty will be secured when we have bread in our hands and Tivoli under our feet, not by bowing to false promises by Basile.
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Arnoldo]
Greetings Father Arnoldo

Once again the devout of Christ are misled and split, fighting each other under the banner of a false Pope. My heart tells me that Victor is the true leader of the Church. Father, you are much more knowledgeable in these matters, is he the more likely to listen to your true teachings?
[/ic]

[ic=Before the Lesser Council]
Cencio Pierleone's proposed terms for Patrician are fair and just, He has my full support.
[/ic]

[TheMeanestGuest]

[ic=Before the Senate]I will remind the Senator that I have commanded many battles against Rome's enemies, and that I have learned many things of the arts of war. It would be foolish to send out our entire militia on a campaign of conquest when we would be unable to feed that same army! The moment is not right to strike out against our enemies; it is to prepare for that eventuality. Daring is foolhardy if not informed by sound and sure plan.

Cassi has given Rome a great gift. It would be no stain upon the Law should we - its executors - pardon him for extraordinary service. Jesus Christ has taught us to be merciful. Should we not show mercy to a man who has demonstrated his worthiness of it?[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Ansaldo Doria]Signore,

It is my hope that this season finds you well, and so too the fortunes of your great city. Rome, alas, suffers still from the plunder of its contado, and further from the schism in our beloved Holy Church. The Romans and the Genoese have cause in common - both suffer from the avarice of the Pisans, and both serve the Empire with ardent loyalty. You and your Commune yet have my gratitude and the gratitude of Rome for assistance in seasons pass.

I regret now that I must ask more of Genoan generosity. I will not mince my words: Rome needs grain. Our fields are near exhausted, and our neighbours jealously horde what they have as the popolo are besieged by hunger. Rome will pay with price or promise for any grain Genoa might safely deliver, and with my authority as Consul I shall set aside [3 WP] to be held through the season in the hope that Genoan shipments might arrive.

Consul Roberto Basile
In Nomine Senatus Populusque Romanus[/ic]

[Llum]

[ic=Before the Senate]
Consul Basile reminds us that he is a commander, a winner of battles and learned in the arts of war. Yet with Cassi's Gift, that can lay low Tivoli at his whim, he still cannot commit to destroying one of the greatest enemies of Rome. I question the Consuls self-proclaimed skill at arms, his learning in the arts of war and suggest that it is perhaps pure luck that has led the Consul to his past victories.

Pandolfo has given Rome no gift! He has spun a fabrication for the ears of the Consul only! There is no extraordinary service, just more deceit from a known coward and conspirator! He can demonstrate his worthiness if Rome is able to sack Tivoli under the leadership of the learned Consul Basile. Until that time, the true sons of Rome know, Pandolfo Cassi is not fit to step foot in our blessed city. There shall be no pardon!
[/ic]

[Polycarp]

[ic=On the Senate Floor]Senator Bocca, despite just beginning his political career, has already enlivened the senate with his exchanges between himself and Consul Basile over the matter of Tivoli and the exile Pandolfo Cassi, a Roman who fled to that hated city several years ago after his scheme to assassinate Oddone Colonna, then the Prefect of Rome, was discovered.  Although a nobleman, Bocca's support among the other senatorial nobles and equites is tepid at best; while they have no love for Cassi and tend to oppose the pardon of a man who planned such a cowardly act against an esteemed person like the late Signore Colonna, the nobles in particular question whether a siege is sustainable in winter, when the fields will be bare and unable to supply a pillaging army.  The reverse is true of the Arnoldist faction, which strongly supports an attack on Tivoli but has no strong objection to pardoning Cassi; even if Oddone Colonna himself was a respectable man, they have little respect to muster for anyone who held the tainted title of Prefect.

There is also much debate in the Senate regarding the "secrets" the consul has attributed to Cassi.  While some have demanded the consul elaborate, most agree that a public session of the senate is not a place to disclose valuable strategic information, and have no objection to it being retained within the Lesser Council whose purpose is to deliberate just such sensitive topics.  There is, however, great disagreement as to whether anything provided by Pandolfo Cassi could be genuine, or whether his "information" is merely a way to buy his way back into the good graces of Rome.

As the Senate voted to banish him, it is generally agreed that the Senate should possess the right to revoke his banishment.  The vote may well depend on the positions of the consiliarii, the Senate's most powerful and influential members.[/ic]

This should probably be put up to a vote.  You guys can ask for a formal vote now, or you can leave it for the update (in which case I'll request that all players indicate in their orders where they stand on the issue).

[ic=Letter to Senator Bocca from Arnold of Brescia]Signore, I share your apprehensions for the state of the faithful in this tumultuous time.  The true Church, being abominably beset already by corruption and simony, is imperiled yet further by schism and the threat of war.  I have no doubt that the latter ultimately stems from the former, for it is well known that the rift between the Emperor and the His Holiness the late Pope Adrian was opened in part by the arrogance of these ecclesiastical princes who defend jealously their regalias and estates against the claims of the emperor, yea, even more jealously than they defend the Holy Name.  Is it any wonder the flock should wander when the shepherds have abandoned their pastures for castles and palaces?

I am humbled by your trust in my discernment of character, Signore.  I confess to you, however, that I am but a simple Brescian monk; neither Ottaviano nor Rolando, high-born men both, are well known to me.  It is said by many that Ottaviano shall be affirmed as Holy Father by the emperor, who in his travails against the Curia has been more wronged than wrong.  If so I dearly hope that this will reconcile the Church and Empire, and that the spiritual power may be exercised by a Church that is humble and pure as it was made by the apostles.  Yet I have also heard that Ottaviano, who has taken the name of Victor, is a prideful man who lives as well as any prince, and the love of money, comfort, and temporal dominion may prove to be stronger in him than the love of God and Christian virtue.  Though I bow before the Seat of Saint Peter as all Christians surely must, I do not yet embrace either of these men as brothers in our righteous cause, for they have yet to show that  they are willing to strip the Holy Church of the greed and sin that mar its beatific face.

Let God guide your efforts, Signore, and prepare you for the trials ahead.

Arnoldo, Can. Reg.[/ic]

("Can. Reg." is the standard abbreviation for Canonicus Regularis, "canon regular," meaning an Augustinian monk.)

[TheMeanestGuest]

[ic=Before the Senate]Do not mistake me, Senators. I do not speak of forgiving Cassi his crime. He has committed it, and he shall wear it about his neck for the rest of his natural life. By this commutation only his sentence will be reduced - not his guilt. Though he was Prefect, Pietro Colonna was a good man, and I considered him my friend.

I speak of fairness here. Of returning a man to his city who redeems his character by doing good service. I ask the Senate to place its trust in me, as it has done in years past. I have never done Rome a wrong turn in my tenure as Consul, and I endeavor that she shall not suffer one.

This information Cassi has delivered will allow us to settle accounts with Tivoli at a time of our choosing - a time when we shall be able to bring every advantage to bear against them. We cannot base our decision to strike in desperation![/ic]

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=Before the Senate]It remains to be seen if Annibaldo's extortionist behavior can be trusted as he sits as Prefect of Rome in his tower north of the Colosseum. The Senate whole should know that demands have been made in return for his service. He cares none for the honour of Patricius.

Likewise my comfort is low in regard to granting Pandolfo Cassi a pardon.

If Rome cannot miss its meal and feels as strongly that it should annihilate its enemies, then all members of the Senate should play the part. When the meal is eaten, the men can fight. And Tivoli can burn![/ic]

[TheMeanestGuest]

[ic=A private aside to Sanguineus Viviani]Consul. We have had little cause in the past to unite behind one purpose on the Senate floor, but I must urge you now to speak and lend your voice to the rescue of Rome. I know you are a patriot, and I know that you are a man of good sense. Senator Bocca is the worst kind of compromise and a mad dog to boot. And now de Vinti has somehow had his head filled with military delusion. You have campaigned against the Moor in Hispania, and you know the realities of war. We cannot feed the city, let alone an army on campaign. Likewise, there is no telling how long a siege might last, and the storerooms could well be empty by the time we have breached them. And furthermore, to stoke the fires of war in Latium shortly before an Imperial Conclave of Italy is utter foolishness, and will not endear us to the Emperor!

While we might mislike the appointment of a second Patrician, I think this a good thing. Rome is starving, and Annibaldo will give us the grain we need for a pittance and a promise. Further, he will be our ally against our enemies - and he will be within the city, in the grip of our power! We would be idiots to ignore this provenance. Dispose of your vote regarding the man Cassi as your conscience wills, but speak, Consul, and save Rome with me![/ic]

[ic=Before the Senate]Rome is starving, Senators! The people cry out with hunger and you call for war?! Consider consequence before committing to rash action! Should we attack Tivoli, Oddone Frangipani will raise all his knights against us, and in horseman ready for war he outnumbers us. He but awaits such a move on our part, and we would be playing right into his hand. Our militiamen are brave, disciplined and strong - but they do not have the mobility of cavalrymen, and to disperse them is to rob them of their ability to fight! He will scour our contado - again! - and so there will be no planting of summer wheat and the shoots of our winter wheat shall be burned. Do you think the Emperor will be well disposed to reward us should we spark a great war in Latium at this moment? He will not.

Annibaldo's grain is an assurance, Tivoli's a perhaps. He asks of us a title that we are well able to give - and I will add that should we have two Patricians that title will possess less power, not more! - and he shall reside in Rome, where he is in our midst and under our watch. Further, he will add his strength to Rome's strength, and we shall be better off than we were before. Vote as your conscience wills on the matter of Cassi, Senators, but do not embrace the course that Bocca and de Vinti have put before you. We must abide and await our moment of greatest strength to crush Tivoli beneath our heel - when well laid plans and strategies have reached the moment of their fruition! It is plain stupidity to assail the Tiburtini in this time of uncertainty.

I warn you now, Senators, that to embark on such endeavour is madness, and it will be the ruin of Rome![/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Niccolo Capocci]Signore,

Though the Senate at large has been distracted from your proposal, I well remember it. I am in agreement with you that the tower of Poteranum should be restored to you, and I will muster a portion of the Roman militia - along with my own armsmen - to join with you and see this done. I cannot bring all of Rome's might to bear, for Rome cannot yet feed such a mustering in this season. Further, such a great army would no doubt attract undue attention and require forceful response from our enemies. Anticipate my arrival with four-hundred foot and a troop of armoured cavalry. However, you are more acquainted with the tower's defenses, and I would strongly consider your judgement if this seems too few. Or perhaps too many. I should hope this will be done with quickly. If necessary the castle will be threatened by engine if the garrison refuses immediate surrender - with such matters I have experience.

Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[Magnus Pym]

[ic=Letter to Consul Basile]Consul,
Indeed we are experiencing difficulties, and know that I know that they arise mostly out of my own impulsiveness. But I fear we will remain at odds, especially if you care so much about forcing me into Bocca's camp. While your careful approach to the Tivoli matter and the famine may seem wise, remember that it may also serve to nurture the very thing which this city we serve and love seeks to guard against, tyranny. I offered a compromise, a give and take, and was careful to remain vague as to not empower Bocca's rhetoric. It wasn't you to feel so pressured. The Senate can be accomodating.

On the Courthouse we shall indeed find much common ground. The time is ripe. I have important obligations come spring, but I can still hire many men of the right trade for quite some time. The area will be cleared, and then construction will begin.  No doubt we'll both be apprised of the situation, so we should feel free to contribute what we want.

Senator Hugo De Vinti[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Signore Capocci]Signore Capocci,
There is no question that the matter you brought to the Senate's attention is of great interest to me. I want to contribute as much as I can. I will ride with you and all others that will join this cause.

Senator Hugo De Vinti[/ic]

[LD]

[ic=Lesser council]
If Annibaldo is to be made Patrician, it would cheapen the title were concessions not taken from him before the admission of him into Rome. While I have no doubt that once in Rome he certainly will feel obligated to provide some service, would it not be an insult to our other Patrician and his family if someone of no note were to be made Patrician without cost? And if that person were made patrician without cost and the younger Pierleone not consulted in the matter- it would like to alienate him. I state that we should require Annibaldo to provide goodwill upfront as he enters into Rome to return. It is but a small thing for him, but a great honor demonstrated toward Rome and the son of its former sole Patrician.
[/ic]

[TheMeanestGuest]

[ic=In the Lesser Council]His cost, Senator, is an enormous quantity of grain that will save the city from starvation. A quantity that we are unlikely to find anywhere else. Even if we were to somehow locate such fodder, the price extracted from us would be grim at best. Annibaldo has asked for the title of Patrician in return for this service, along with other sundry allowances - allowances I feel we are well prepared to give. I will inform Signore Pierleoni of such circumstance as a courtesy, but it is entirely the Senate's prerogative to bestow the honour. I doubt Cencio will be offended, given the strength of his position in the city in comparison to that of Signore Annibaldi.[/ic]

[ic=A Letter to Cencio Pierleone]Signore,

The Senate deliberates, and shall shortly afford you the same honours and terms that were held by your late uncle. Of this I am sure, for I campaign ardently for it myself, and none have spoken against it. Rome will be well served to have you as Patrician. I should do you the courtesy now of informing you that the Senate likewise considers bestowing the title on another in addition to yourself - Annibaldo of Molora. In return he has sworn to arrive with grain sufficient to deliver our City from famine. Though I readily recognize that this should afford him great esteem, I do not think the Senate should toy idly with the lives of the Romans over such politics. If a deed is done for the greater good of Rome and its people, then I applaud it. Certainly you feel the same.

I know that you will serve our Commune faithfully and well, just as your uncle.

Consul Roberto Basile[/ic]

[LD]

[ic=Lesser Council]
If the grain is sufficient, then so be it. I merely wish not to sell the Patricianship cheaply. Rome needs grain and if he provides enough grain to make a difference, then indeed it is worth it. I am sure that Signore Pierleone will appreciate your words, although I also counsel that the Consul of the Interior should be the one to deliver the words as the matter is one under the Interior's portfolio, but naught has been heard spoken from him of late.
[/ic]

[Nomadic]

[ic=Before the Lesser Council]
Senator Basile has proven his devotion to Rome in the past so I do not doubt his honesty on this matter. Still I would be more encouraged if the good senator could provide some estimates on how much grain could be provided by this agreement. I do not doubt him, but I am less favorably disposed towards the honesty of this Annibaldo. The senate should be the decider on whether it will be enough and not count to the claims of a man whose best interests would be aided by inflated claims. If it would indeed noticeably alleviate Roman suffering I would be happy to support such a motion. No matter what his past actions, his aid should not be discounted if it will bring meaningful succor to the people of Rome.
[/ic]

[ic=Letter to Senator de Vinti]
Unfortunately I do not have hard numbers at this time. I am indeed examining the possibilities of what sort of tax revenue we could reasonably obtain. If nothing else it would help to combat the possibility of, as you say, thugs bullying merchants. I shall keep you in mind as I look into the possibility of a formalized guild structure and will certainly inform you as soon as I have some idea.
[/ic]

[Polycarp]

[ic=Statement of Cencio Pierleone to the Senate](This written statement was provided to the Senate by an envoy of Cencio Pierleone and read before the Senate.)

Senators,

It has been brought to my attention that the Senate is considering conferring the title of Patrician upon Signore Annibaldo of Molara.

My uncle was given this title, not exercised amongst the Romans for many years, by the popular will of the people of Rome.  Patrician then meant nothing less than the leader of Rome, the captain of its senate and people; the Romans called upon Giordano Pierleone to lead them, and bequeathed upon him the name of Patrician.  I no longer consider the title to confer the leadership that now resides in the offices of consul, nor has it held that power for nigh on eight years.  It is nevertheless something of great meaning that I would be humbled to receive, and I know well that I would be receiving it in honor of my esteemed uncle and not in recognition of my own virtue or service, which has yet to be proven to you.  It is even now the title of my uncle, uniquely conferred for his services to this city and its people, even as the Senate deliberates attaching it to my own name.

For this reason I cannot support the conferring of this or any Patricianship to Signore Annibaldo, who - while no doubt a man of quality and honor - has done no more than I in Rome's service.  I am also troubled by reports suggesting that his title is to be bought with grain, as though the Patricianship were to be sold in the market, and it seems to me unseemly to extort honors from our city in such a way, during a time of such great need.

Nevertheless, I will not put my own pride, nor even the pride of my late uncle, before the well-being of the Roman people.  It is true that I lack the grain which Signore Annibaldo apparently has; I cannot deliver the city from its need.  Thus while I do not support the granting of the Patricianship to the Signore, neither do I oppose it if the Senate sees no alternative to alleviate the famine.  I withhold both my blessing and my condemnation from this affair and shall trust in the wisdom of the Senate.

In Faith, Signore Cencio Pierleone, eques Romani.[/ic]

TMG asked me in chat about "Pierleone" versus "Pierleoni."  Generally, "Pierleone" is singular and "Pierleoni" is plural, so Cencio is "Cencio Pierleone" while his family is "the Pierleoni."  This is not consistently used, however, and I haven't used it consistently in this game, mostly for fear that jumping back and forth too much would confuse people.  In any case, that grammatical distinction is a modern one - in the time of our game, family titles were more frequently rendered in Latin anyway, and were not standardized at all.  Consider that Ptolemy of Tusculum was variously rendered as Ptolomeo, Ptolomæus, Ptolomei, Tolomeo, Tolomei, and Tholomeus, while his family name was variously written as Tusculani, Tusculanus, de Tusculan, Tuscolo, and de Tusculana. "Pierleoni" was just as often "Petrus Leonis" or "Petri Leonis."

In other words, there's not really any "right way" to do it, and you can write it however you want - I just want you to be aware, so that if I or another player writes "Pierleone" or "Frangipane" we're not just making a typo.