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Ab Ovo

Merchant of Venice
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Oct 2, 2012
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The Lion of St Mark
by Ab Ovo


Introduction
Welcome to The Lion of St Mark, a political forum game in which you, the player, are a member of the upper class of Venetian society in the year 1311; during the dogado of Marino Zorzi. As a scion of an old aristocratic family or rising star in the wealthy middle class your goal is to amass as much wealth and power for yourself and your family as possible; while still protecting the Republic which you hold dear.

This is a rather delicate time for Venice as she recovers from the shock of the Bajamonte coup and attempts to fix her damaged relations with the Papacy over the late Venetian seige of Ferarra; still suffering a holy interdict. In this time of crisis and uncertainty it is your job to sail the ship of state; and provide for the future of the Republic's territories and her very soul.

Rules
The rules are rather similar to the established format seen in other political games. As GM I shall serve as God, foreign nations, the Public and certain portions of the Venetian Government. I shall also supervise the legislative debate, and ensure everything goes civilly. You, as players, may do all that a member of the Grand Council and government may do - propose legislation, decide foreign policy, and so forth. In addition, if you are appointed to, say, the Council of Ten, you shall also have to perform the duties that are expected of you as a holder of your respective office, such as arrest reports, keeping order, and even, on occasion, war planning.

As GM I'll post updates, either posing as one of the forces that I have assigned myself to, or directly as GM. There will be Mini Updates, dealing with events and issues that the Government must tackle, Election Updates upon the election of a new Doge, and Yearly Updates, which shall highlight the beginning of a new year, aswell as provide a synopsis of the previous year's events and the results of orders. There will also be a number of other updates, mostly dealing with minor and flavour issues.

How It Works
The Venetian government system was famous for its elaborate and convoluted workings spawned from a deep neurosis in fear of monarchy and autocracy. At the height of the Republic, the Venetian government was comprised of seven distinct branches; and each divided into numerous sub-branches which may or may not exist for more than a period of days. As such, I have simplified the system for ease of play and divided it into the following:

The Grand Council
The Grand Council is the main governing body of the Republic; and is composed of members of the leading aristocratic families such as the Dandolos and the Querini. Concerned with the day-to-day tasks of legislation and governing the Grand Council has recently become rather unwieldy after the Serrata; and it is not uncommon to have over a thousand noblemen qualified to sit in-Council. As such, it is essential that there be other government bodies to carry out some of the more pressing business.

The Signoria
The executive arm, as it were; the Signoria is composed of the Doge, the Minor Council which acts as the Doge's Privy Council, and three members of the Quarantia. The Signoria acts as the executive branch in technicality but in reality exists mainly to make sure the Doge is not up to any sneaky monarchist tricks. The Minor Council deserves some explanation in that it has six Ducal councillors elected from the Grand Council; who we will elect every year.

The Quarantia
The Supreme Court of Venice. Decides cases of law, treason, examines laws for their own illegality, etc. Generally meant to be NPC but if one's character has a particular interest in law then he is welcome to ask for appointment.

The Council of Ten
The Council is tasked with maintaining the security of the Republic and preserving the government from overthrow or corruption. However, its small size and ability to rapidly make decisions is leading to increased power being accumulated in the hands of it's members. In particular, it oversees Venice's diplomatic and intelligence services, and enforces the law. It;s Ten members are elected annually by the Grand Council.

The Doge
The position of Doge is a unique one. Head of State, Head of Government, and semi-monarch of the Republic; the position of the Doge seems tempting at first. However, historically the dogadi was no treat. The Doge existed as quite possibly the most limited executive figure in the history of European politics; after Ducal autocracy and excess during the days of vassalage to the Byzantines lead to a backlash that only intensified as the centuries passed.

By the year 1311, the Doge has been stripped of all practical power. He may not leave the Palazzo Ducale unless given express permission, he may not receive gifts beyond rosewater, he may not open private correspondence without his advisors present, etc. So being Doge gives you absolutely no power whatsoever in-game and actively restricts and hampers you. However, having a Doge in the family line or being related to one gives a huge Influence boost to your family; and the Doge exerts massive influence in and out of game in addition to being trusted to act as co-GM if needed,

Stats

Lion of St Mark has three stats: Trade, Wealth, and Influence. Wealth is measured in ducats, and represents a character's material's worth. Trade is how large a portion of Venice's formidable trade your family controls; starting at 100 for each family and then rising or falling depending on orders. Influence is measured in clout, and is representative of the sway, friends, and favors a character accumulates over time; also starting at 100 for each,

So how are they useful? Well, each turn your trade generates more wealth for you. Obviously you will responsibly use your limitless cash to better the Most Serene Republic and give your extra ducats to charity, but you are allowed to spend it as you please. Influence is gained by having position, courting favor among nobles, and so on, and will make your orders, actions, and plots generally go smoother.

Orders

Orders cost wealth to carry out, and plots use influence to increase their chance of success. If you are low on wealth, you can spend Influence on orders, but not vice-versa. If you plan to do this, note it in your orders.

Every character gets one personal order per turn. This can be anything, though you may want to make it useful. For instance, if you are short on wealth, getting a loan from one of Venice's famous banks, or selling come country estate might be useful. If you are looking to carry out a plot, visiting other noble families and currying their favor would be a good idea. This should be limited to a single action, and should take up no more than four lines in the message box.

In addition to their personal order, all players get an an administrative order. This is used to carry out their duties for the Republic, such as hiring mercenaries, raising taxes if you are a governor, or other such things. The administrative order can have multiple actions in it so long as they are related, and should take up no more than six lines in the message box.

Plots

Plots are group covert efforts, for example assassinations of a member of the Council of Ten. These will be treated as a special kind of order. Players are free to secretly plot, gather influence, etc without GM approval. When the plot leader feels he is prepared to act, he must send me a PM detailing the plot goal, its plan, and those who back it. Any requests for NPC support (such as the King of France, mainlander noble families, etc) can be directed to me. Once I confirm the people that back the plot, it will be considered an order. A plot serves as the player’s personal order for the turn he decides to launch it, as well as for all those backing the plot. The greater the combined influence a plot has, the more likely it is to succeed. Note that for any assassination you, will need a very powerful plot backing to succeed.

Characters

Characters are, of course, the most important part of LSM. However to maintain realism and accuracy, I also take care to regulate the Patrician characters. If you intend for your character to be a member of the Patricianate instead of a member of the grandi middle class; than for the time being I would like it if your character could be picked from the following list:

Of course, there is no need for your character to be from a Patrician family if you would prefer to roleplay as a wealthy trader or something of the sort; however it you do want your character to be a patrician then he must be from a family on the list. I also encourage you not to limit yourself to the lagoon proper, but go for a colonial governorship or overseas trading post if you desire. Also, families that do not start out Patrician could buy their way in if cash was ever running so, so keep that in mind. And above all, have fun with it!

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Coldfront Channel: #StPeters
Instructions

We share this channel with the wondrous folks at St Peters Throne, so be nice!
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Table of Contents

  • None

Passed Laws in Venice
  • None

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Signup Form

Name:
Age:
Occupation:
Biography:

Finally, credit to the marvelous RedNomNoms; whose template from SPT I have unabashedly ripped off.
 
Reserved
 
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Name: Vitale Venier
Date of Birth: 10th January 1261
Occupation: A Member of the Council of Ten
Biography: Vitale was one of the men of the Venier family who brought it to prominence in Venetian politics at the end of the 12th century. Having been a staunch opposer to the Bajamonte coup, Vitale managed to secure himself a spot on the Council of Ten after Bajamonte was defeated. An old-fashioned man, Vitale firmly believes that the Doges should remain as figureheads, and that the real work of running Venice should be left to the Council of Ten. An astute businessman, Vitale finds it much easier to deal with business than politics.
 
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Name: Pasterna Loredan
Age: 1270 (Age 41)
Occupation: Patrician of the House Loredan
Biography: Pasterna Loredan was born into the wealthy patrician class of his father, Francesto Loredan, who served as a government official in both the Signora and the Council of Ten, prior to his death in 1305. Pasterna, lived the majority of his life abroad on sea, trading for his father and spending a brief time commanding Venetian Mercenaries, until he was recalled to Venice upon the failure of his father's heart. His eldest brother, Lorendo, died of consumption not long after, putting the unlikely candidate on the position of his father. For the past six years, Pasterna, as the Patrician of the Loredan family, has served on The Grand Council, and is currently seeking a higher administrative office to further his personal prospects and of his families.
Pasterna, despite his service, is a trader at heart, and seeks a further establishment of trade posts and negotiations with possible partners, where such is suitable.
 
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Name: Luigi Grimani
Age: October 3rd, 1268
Occupation: Member of the Council of Ten
Biography: Belonging to the family Grimani, Luigi is accustomed to his life of luxury and political dealings. As was expected, he climbed his way upward, eventually reaching the Council of Ten, for his loyalty and dutiful nature. It is to be noted, Luigi has made a name for himself, as a great patron of the arts, especially of theatre.
 
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Name- Alaricos Badoer
Date of birth - 1287, November 20
Occupation- Quarantina, trader
Bio- born the third son of a wealthy merchant and member of the grand council, Alaricos became interested In trading at a young age, though after having witnessed the Imprisionment and execution of his oldest brother he decided to go into law and applied to the Quarantina.

((This cool Ab if not ill edit it))
 
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Name: Francesco Dandolo
Age: 36 (Born June 17th, 1275)
Occupation: Ambassador to the Papacy
Biography: The grandson of former Doge Giovanni Dandolo, Francesco is a (relatively) young, ambitious individual who has put his considerable diplomatic talents to work in Avignon, where he represents Venetian interests before the Throne of St. Peter. He is a strong believer in Venice's destiny as an Italian and Mediterranean power, but rarely shares his goals or plans with others.
 
Name: Michel Vitali
Age: 1260(51 years old)
Occupation: Duke of Candia
Biography: Coming from a merchant family that had trade in Candia, Michel was a bright man and one of great tenacity. When the previous Duke of Candia, Albertino Morosini, had lost his position after Greek uprising in 1299, Michel used some of his connections in Venice to take upon the position. Since then, under his rule the Kingdom of Candia was a reasonably stable stronghold of Serenissima for a dozen years. And Vitali was determined to keep things that way.
 
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Name: Francesco Cornaro
Date of Birth: July 19, 1287 (24)
Occupation: Merchant
Biography: Brother to the head of the Cornaro family, Marco Cornaro, Francesco has established and expanded a very profitable trading company with his inheritance after the death of his and Marco's father in 1300. Using old family debts, Francesco's company has become one of the main traders between Candia and Venice, assisting the Duke Michel Vitali in maintaining its stability, and has even expanded into the Kingdom of Cyprus. To safe guard these trading ventures, Francesco has hired on a small fleet and mercenary force, using it to protect both his own merchant company and that of his brother Marco, but to also gain an advantage over other merchants.

With this expansion, a great amount of wealth has been brought to Francesco and the entire Cornaro family itself, increasing its political clout in Venice immensely. After all, what is power but those with the most wealth?

Edit: All fixed
 
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((Sorry, well, you could be helping me with ruling that rebellious island.))
 
Name: Bartolomeo Ghisi
Date of Birth: August 15th, 1280 (31)
Occupation: Triarch (baron) of Negroponte
Biography: Member of a Lombard noble family. Inherited the barony on the island of Negroponte/Euboea after his father's death. The Triarchy has recently come under Venetian influence and Bartolomeo is interested in securing important ties with the Republic. As a child he has received education in Venice, sent there by his father.
 
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Name: Marco Cornaro
Date of Birth: 1286 (25)
Occupation: Merchant
Biography: From a proud, wealthy family, with a lineage traceable from the Romans, Marco was always born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Or rather a golden one, for the Cornaro family is one of the richest in Venice, having achieved this status from money-lending. Marco is a well-learned and intelligent man, receiving his education from the finest Roman, Florentine and Venetian scholars, but is also, perhaps unsurprisingly, aloof, arrogant, and elitist, even by contemporary standards. Nonetheless, he is one of the wealthiest men in Venice, inheriting much of his father's wealth and trading ventures upon his death in 1300, and building upon them with his own successful and profitable trading and mercantile links and expansion. He is also the elder brother of Franceso Cornaro, and both men often work together to further their own, and familiar, interests.
 
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Name: Constantino Ziani
Date of Birth: 13 March, 1281 (30 years old)
Occupation: Triumvir of the Quarantia in the Signoria
Biography: Scion of the affluent patrician house. Within the last century, the Ziani were at the peak of their powers, producing two doges and waging a power struggle against their Dandoli rivals. But the last Ziano doge, Pietro, abdicated in 1229; since then, the family has never held the highest office and their influence declined in comparison to the great houses. Constantino eschewed the mercantile career preferred by his father in favour of becoming a jurist. As an adolescent, he travelled to Bologna to scrutinise the works of Accorso di Bagnolo, even briefly being lectured by the latter's son, Francesco. Upon completion of his academic studies, he returned to Venice and served as a legal advisor to the Council of Forty, before achieving sufficient patronage to gain a seat himself. In the aftermath of the Bajamonte affair, Constantino (whose family had detested the Tiepoli since Jacopo Tiepolo succeeded Pietro Ziani as doge) was promoted as one of the three leaders of the Council of Forty, mainly as a counterbalance to the other triumviri, which made him eligible to sit in the Signoria.

((Naturally, only if this is approved by Ab Ovo.))
 
((Marvelous Syriana; I would be pleased to approve your character.))
 
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Name: Cristoforo Loredan
Age: 18 April 1244 (67)
Occupation: Member of the Council of Ten
Biography: Brother of Francesto Loredan, Cristoforo was regarded as the 'Black Sheep' of the family, preferring to stay in the shadows and keep to himself. However, this was dramatically changed with the death of his brother in 1305, who had a great deal of influence in the Signoria. The Council of Ten that formed five years later found itself with a vacancy, Francesto due to assume one of the seats, and the family needed a candidate but with Cristoforo's nephew, Pasterna, seen as too young and inexperienced he was put forward and managed to win. He has since then involved himself heavily in the politics of the Republic and no one seems to remember his days as the 'Black Sheep'.

((Hope it is alright with 99KingHigh that I made myself his uncle? :p))
 
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Name: Marco Dandolo
Bron: 1269 (42)
Occupation: Member of the Council of Ten
Biography: Cautious at heart, Marco had an unpleasant upbringing. Born into a Patrician family, he was educated in the arts of diplomacy and governance before being shipped off to the Ionian Isles for a taste of the power he would soon enjoy. Unfortunately, the hostile reception he received from the locals, as well as the dire finances of the small island he was supposed to be administering convinced him that the city of Venice was far preferable to the territories. This passion for city life would slowly grow as he took up more domestic responsibilities, eventually blossoming into a conviction that Venice was best served by staying out of the politics of the continent. On this platform of isolationism, Marco managed, despite his relatively young age, to be elected onto the Council of Ten.

((I hope this is OK...))
 
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Name: Pascal Dadariano
Date of Birth: April, 1281 [30]
Occupation: Head of House Dadariano, Merchant Adventurer
Biography: Born to the relatively modest house of Dadariano, Pascal has always been one for doing it his own (and rather blazen) way. His ships are known to run blockades and take the highest risks for the greatest rewards. He is well known in the Patriciate for doing what needs to be done, without sullying their own aristocratic hands. He was fairly unaffected by the recent coup, and uncaring of the Papacy, as money speaks louder than any pontificating buffoon from the mainland. His ambitions are unknown, perhaps he himself has no idea what he is doing in life, and the spirit of adventure and the gift of avarice are the only wind in his sails.
 
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GM note: 13 players! :3 I'm pleased to host you all; and you may begin posting IC. Also, I should point out that the Council of Ten has only just been established; and is not-at-all the proto-Gestapo it was in later times. I just don't want the Council to be immediately filled whilst the Grand Council is empty :p Also; orders are due Monday; the 27th of May at 0:00 EST.
 
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Name: Elias d'Sanctis
Age: 35
Occupation: Naval Officer (Admiral?)
Biography: Son of a wealthy former Admiral, the d'Sanctii hold their influence from their prominence in the naval academies and are a cadet branch of the Orseolii. Elias looks to take up the mantel as the head of House d'Sanctis, and to become the top Admiral in the Venetian Navy. He also hopes to obtain charge of a colony when he retires, and to establish a steady income for the House there.
 
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Name: Giustiniano Morosini

Birthdate: 5 April 1290 (21, Ab)

Occupation: Sailor, Merchant, Pirate, Adventurer, all around cool guy

Biography: G. Morosini was born in 1290, the son of a rather unnoticeable member of the famed Venetian clan; early on in life, he developed a great love for water and sailing, so much so that he sailed with several ships during the final stages of the Byzantine-Venetian War. By the time he was fourteen he had managed to weasel his way into commanding a ship (being the scion of a wealthy and powerful family didn’t hurt, either). Since taking command of the ship il Drago, he has shown both great business acumen and superb tactical thinking; his trade missions and his raiding of Moorish trade lanes has left him wealthy, and has made him a popular figure amongst other Venetian seamen.

During his travels across the Mediterranean, he has also gained a reputation for his towering ambitions, his love of adventure, and his near-obsessive determination; when another raider working with Morosini bungled a night raid, he gave chase to the Moorish ship for days, eventually following it to the Spanish Levant, where it reached a friendly port; unfettered, he and his crew sailed a few miles north, landed quietly, and in the middle of the night captured the ship and all its cargo.
 
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