ITALY RPG/AAR

[Emre Yigit]

Late renaissance speakeasies

In the days following the ducal decree outlawing the consumption of alcohol in Rome, all embassies suddenly become favoured calling places for the nobility of the Republic. The ambassador of the Emperor of Abyssinia has installed a permanent wine tap in the fountain of his courtyard; the ambassador of Denmark holds shooting contests with beer barrels as targets; the envoy of the Mongols has a permanent supply of fermented milk; and the envoy of the Mamelukes, tea. Naturally, not all embassies are equally popular; the Grand Signor’s ambassador, since he is almost always around, and liberal with his hospitality, becomes the in place in town.

 

[Warspite]

Good Morning all, ill be fitting in an update tonight and then the next one will be probably wednesday or thursday.

hmmm, i am short of words today, so ill just see you guys later.

 

[Storey]

Giuseppe read through the stack of reports from his young but growing spy network and noted with satisfaction that his plans were still moving forward and the feeling that nothing could stop him caused a warm glowing feeling to pervade his body. Or was it the wine he was drinking that was causing the glow? It didn't matter, all that mattered was his quest to be the next Doge. With the latest misstep by the Doge he could feel the powers in the senate starting to move like the incoming tide a slow but relentless force moving against the Doge. This time he would stay in the background so as not to appear too eager to see the Doge dragged down and cast out of the government. Ah, he chuckled the only worst thing the Doge could have done besides the ban on wine would be to declare the national religion to be protestant. Hmmm maybe he could suggest that to the Doge? No, not even he is that dense. As he continued to pour over the reports one caught his eye. So that old toothless dog senator Forster is sniffing around my butt trying to find out what I'm up to. Ha, that fossil has one foot in the grave and thinks he's still spry enough to catch me. Will if necessary I'll have a surprise or two for him before he can figure out what I'm planing. Storia continued to read his reports late into the night.

 

[Storey]

Senator Storia entered the new banquet room where he saw senator Forster standing looking at the latest addition to the murals on the wall. Giuseppe approach and stood with him gazing at the artist's rendition of recent history.

Giuseppe began. "Well senator Forster what do you think? It certainly does justice to the likeness of Doge By-Tor. I think the artist's depiction of the Doge standing like a colossus with one foot in Italy and the other spanning the ocean to stand in South Vespucci is an inventive way to show the turning point of Italian history that By-Tor caused. A fine man and great Doge. By the by senator you are looking marvelous today. I can't believe that you're one of the senior members of the senate. Your youthful looks are only matched by your sage advice in the last crises that enveloped the senate. Your leadership was the stuff of legends a veritable inspiration to all of us young senators. If I may be so bold I think a mural on the wall is destined for you someday. My admiration for you is unlimited and I hope I can count on you to continue to help me in the days to come. Ah, they're ringing the supper bell. Will you join me senator I hear with the recent victories up north that they have brought back some interesting ideas in dining. Today it's something called a smorgasbord."

 

[unmerged(2952)]

Gertrude McCollum...."No Lombardi" he remined herself fell into the bed content. The wedding had gone off without a hitch, her father and brother had even been able to come down from the front, Robert giving her away at the alter.

It had been a good day, a good year. Hell, life had treated her weel, despite the trauma her family had suffered at the hands of the Pope. She wondered if they feud was over between McCollum and Papacy. She hoped so, but wasn't willing to really buy into the notion, not yet anyhow.

"Gertrude, how are you doing honey?", Vince Lombardi Junior asked, sitting down upon the bed.

"Thinking Vince"

He smiled shyly "about what?"

She sighed "life, life in general, life in paticular. Life"

"Ahhhhh, and where has this thought process lead you?"

Gertrude smiled "that you talk to much". She kissed him on the lips.

Vince withdrew, and she xcould see a red blush go across his face. Seeing his own reaaction in a mirror he chuckled "What, I'm not used to this..." he said. "not liek I've ever been married before or anything"

"Vince, your are perhaps the sweetest thign I have ever soon. What am I going to do with you?"

"And what do you mean by that?"

"Your my father's son in law, connected to the McCollum clan, thats what. Youi married me, well you got everythign that comes along with us. No way we're jsut goign to be sittign in a villa all day not DOING anything"

"I never really thougth about that..."

"I did", Gertrude said, maybe a little too forcibly "after all, we gotta set up a base for our children to climb from. I figure we'll get you a job in the military or the Senate, From there, who knows..maybe generalship. Maybe Doge."

"D-Doge?" Vince collapsed onto the bed.

"Well maybe not you, but one of our sons definatly."

Suddenly Vince burst into a wide smile "well, atl east I know you love me"

"Why's that?"

"Because you sure as hell didn't marry me fo my ambition of rank!"

They both laughed at that. By the next morning Vince knew only one thing. That he was going places.....because Gertrude would MAKE him.

 

[unmerged(3980)]

Senators and friends of the Republic, now i know you all are worried about my recent order banning alchohol for nobles. WEll you all know why that is, to keep mishappen nobles from drinking themselves to death like my father did. You know that i know alchohol is dangerous and that is why it is for the common people only. the commoners will keep the refineries busy enough. I feel though, if nobles cant handle themselves with liquor then it takes a leader to make sure they do.
Its all in good faith friends, you know i do this not to harm you but to keep you healthy so you can make the best decisions for our country.

Now as far as this constitution goes, I would very much like to see a copy of the full proposal of this document so i can give my opinion on it. It sounds like a great idea but i want to see it in detail, so ill expect Robert to send me a copy soon

Ok i have pressing matters, like meeting with the Pope now, talk to you later senators

how are we doing in england warspite?

 

[Xanadu]

Senator By-Tor walks by the mural for which he has been painted onto. He looks around to see if anybody is looking. Seeing the coast is clear he strikes up a pose just like that in the painting. He thinks to himself.."at least he got my good side"

 

[Xanadu]

WooHoo !!!!!
Lt. General

Now only 800 more to get my custom shield.....

 

[Warspite]

Originally posted by Xanadu
Senator By-Tor walks by the mural for which he has been painted onto. He looks around to see if anybody is looking. Seeing the coast is clear he strikes up a pose just like that in the painting. He thinks to himself.."at least he got my good side"

LOL, so when are the ladies going to see this "good side" and you get hitched and start making an heir

 

[Storey]

Dear Pietro Carlotti

Please allow me to give you my full support in your bid to continue your father's legacy. I look forward to working with you in the senate and please accept my best wishes for your father's well being. I know full well the shock that can come when tragedy strikes down the father who has loved you all your life. It is a blow that I am still recovering from.

Senator Giuseppe Storia

 

[Warspite]

1574 JANUARY-MARCH Econ265d Treas 2358d Stab +3

JANUARY
Pope Pius V was found dead in his palace room after a new years celebration in the palace. No one found evidence of foul play so it was chalked up as a natural death. the old man must have ate too much goat that night.

The new Pope was elected by the cardinals and at the end of the month Pope Gregory XIII gave his address to the people and would later meet with the Doge of Italy on matters of faith.

In Oporto the bulk of the Italian armed forces prepared its massive invasion of England. Things were quite complicated so delays were inevitable. Finally though, Bragadins 26,000 troops were loaded onto ships under Admiral Giustinani and they headed north.

About the same time the first part of the english invasion left oporto, Gen Sharur with 10,000 men departed from Oporto enroute to tangiers to reclaim the land from the rebels. The hope was to retake the muslim land now that rebellions were no longer a threat due to intollerance.

FEBRUARY
A trade post was built in Gaspesie, Italy was slowly taking over the entire north american land. England has only a couple outposts left there.

England offered a white peace to Italy but it was again rejected, england had an idea of what Doge Giovanni was up to though they werent sure when or how big.

9000 italian troops invade the indian nation of Shawinigan. The small war would go on into mid march when the indians were defeated and efforts made to claim it for Italy begun.

MARCH
Adm Giustinani ran into a problem enroute to england. He was caught by english ships patrolling the area. The naval battle was eventually won by the italians and they sank three english warships however the loss of one italian ship cost the lives of 1000 of Bragadins men. Italy could not afford anymore naval battles at this point, though the english seemed to have numerous pickets out to stop any Italian invasion plans.

 

[Xanadu]

You know Warspite I was wondering the same damn thing.

So where can a God fearin' man go these days in Rome to find me a child factory with two legs?

 

[unmerged(2952)]

Robert McCollum walked across the stage while he spoke, he smiled, he hammered his fist to accent a point, and most of all he exerted a briliant energy. It was often said that a McCollum could convince a man that black was white, and Robert seemed to prove the point.

Dressed in full military regula, with his family standing behind him, even rebelious Donal seeming to support his father, the Senator stalked the stage like a prowling lion. The crowed loved him, the crowd adored him. It was a good day.

"And that is why we must fight against the encorching power of authoritains against our natural rights. As Italians we have been blessed by god with the oppertuniry, day the RESPONCIBLITY, o perfect our Republican form of government and to destroy those that seek to destroy it!"

The crowd burst into cheers. Robert smile seemed to becon them in. It seemed as if he where smiling at them, touching their lives for just that one second.

"That is why we must fight for a constiution! Only when power is hsared equally by the Doge and the Senate can Italy step forward and to a beacon to all of the other nations on Earth, only then can be declare that our Republic is surly better any ALL other governments and is safe from the inroads by authoritarians."

The crowd moved in, as if waiting with biated breath.

"And our Doge, as well as many other important Senators have agreed to look over the proposal, and perhaps call a convention!" Roberyt thrust his hand in the air "and I say BULLY for them! But we must keep up the fight, we MUST. For the Glory of Italy, for the glory of Italians everywhere!"

The crowd, composed mainly of lower ranking Senators, merchents and other middle level people in Italian society, burst into hysterical cheering and screaming.

Robert began to leave and, in greeat theatrical skill, threw his arms up, as in resignation, and went back to the podium to screams of "Constitution" and "McCollum!".

"Very well! Let me part on a better ending then. Let us show our belief in a constiution by tryign to turn the other Senators to our side, and fighting the Conservatives who wish to make Italy weak, and archaic. And lets show our support to the great Doge Gronchi who, upon realizing his past errors, has at least agreed to lsiten our case.", McCollum finishes. Realizing that he needed soemthing mroe galavanizing to finish the speahc he smiles and cried out "FORWARD!!!!!". It was to be the call for the Constitution movement.

 

[Warspite]

Originally posted by Xanadu
You know Warspite I was wondering the same damn thing.

So where can a God fearin' man go these days in Rome to find me a child factory with two legs?

so long as the factory dont blow smoke through an overgrown stack, your good to go

 

[Warspite]

ooohh, i bet you just read the update after you posted???

 

[Forster]

Sen Forster, b 1518, Sicily
---------------------------------

Sen Forster let Giuseppe Storey wander off on his own. He thinks, I do not like that boy, there is something not right. He is not like his father, or his brother. Speaking of his brother, just this afternoon Forster got confirmation of Alessandro's location,and dispatched a few of his better soldiers to meet with the local family in the region. He wanted to make sure Alessandro stayed alive, because he would like to hear what really happened to his old friend.

He also met young Pietro Carlotti, and confirmed that he had indeed written a letter recommending him to fill his father's post. However, he pointed out that it was only temporary, he would have to convince his provincial elders that he should be the Senator on his own right.

He also pointed out how sad he was about Niccolo, who was a true friend. Perhaps you could send him to my estates, where we could watch over him, and maybe convince him that he is needed in these times of trouble.

 

[unmerged(2952)]

Letter from Robert McCollum to Pietro Carlotti


Dear Pietro Carlotti,
It would be my pleasure to help you in your attempt to take your father's seat. The elder Carlotti is a good man, although seemign to ahve fallen on hard times, and if you have even an ounce of his skill, your participation in the Senate shall be sorly welcome. After all, with the coming fight to ratrify a Constitution we can use all of the ehlp we can get.

Sincerely,
Senator-General Robert McCollum

 

[Forster]

Sen Forster, b 1518, Sicily
-------------------------------

Sen Forster addresses the Senate.

It truly grieves me to have to stand before you today and address this subject. I can not believe that a Doge of this great republic thinks that he can make a rule about senatorial personal behaviour, and expect us to lay down like good little children be ordered about by the all-knowing good father. I for one will not obey his ridiculous edict. What is he going to do, put me in jail? Will he put all the senators in jail? Let him try. This is a mockery of leadership, Doge. We want to follow you, we want to support you in your drive to make our country stronger and greater, but foolish laws like this only encourage civil disobedience. Must you make us flaunt the fact that we ignore you? If keep up like this, you will surely reach the point where the Senate has no confidence in your leadership, and that will be the end of your tenure as Doge. You are young, try to temper your actions with thought and advice. The last Doge was young when he started, but he was not rash, and he did not make foolish mistakes. Even though I was truly disappointed by him the last year of his office, I still suggest you could learn by studying his time in office.

 

[Storey]

Giuseppe sat drumming his fingers on his desk top waiting for news of his missing servants. There was a knock on the door and he called out.

"Enter"

One on the house servants enter and bowed low to Giuseppe.
"Sir there has been no word of the whereabouts of your servants. The only clue was a washerwoman who thought she heard some muffled screams from a carriage that she saw leaving from the back of your villa."

"Could she tell who's carriage it was?"

"She wasn't sure but she thought it might be from the Vatican. She thought she recognized the clothing that the men were wearing. Well that and the door on the carriage had the Pope's seal on it."

Giuseppe paused and then thanked the servant and asked him to send in the man that was waiting for him in the outer courtyard. He started drumming his fingers again on the desk and pondered the implications of the latest events. A knock on the door is followed by a tall dark man entering and bowing to Giuseppe.

"AH Pepe it is good to see you again. It's been over a year since I saw you last and I must say you look marvelous. I have saved the position of my personal man servant for you. We have worked so well together in the past that I can think of no one who I would rather have at my side in the troubles ahead. I have not been able to find anyone with half the skills that you have nor half the wit. Come join me in my rise to power. I promise you will never be bored."

The man nods his head and smiles and Giuseppe smiles.

 

[Storey]

In a semi-darkened apartment in the Vatican, Senator Storia meets with Father General Sarducci and Bishop Gotti.


"Cardinal Sarducci it is good of you to meet me and it is good to see you again Bishop Gotti. I hope Cardinal Sarducii that the change in the churches leadership has not cast a shadow over your ascending star as leader of the holy warriors of the church of Christ. I just wanted to once again let you know that I consider myself a devoted follower of your judiciousness. I want again to point out that in me you have a man in the government on a mission to support the church. Why just yesterday I was telling my fellow senators that if the Doge has any sense he will not hesitate and invade Turkey and free the holy land of the stench of the infidel. By the way your resplendency I have a man I trust who is in the holy land at this very moment who assures me that he has located the big toe, I think it was the left one, of Saint Peter. I am working day and night to obtain this priceless relict for you and the church. I hope to present it to you so that you can deliver it to the new Pope which should increase your prestige beyond the exulted level it is already at and solidify your position with the new Pope. You know the danger with changing administrations, out with the old faces and in with the new. Not that you're in any danger of being replaced but that old toe bone couldn't hurt. Now back to matters closer to home. If the unthinkable happens and the Doge continues to misplay his hand then who knows but I may find myself Doge one day. On that day rest assured your illustriousness that my devotion to the church and you has no limits. I will not feel fulfilled until I create a world of Christ in Italy and the rest of the world. Now your supremacy might I ask a little favor of you. Nothing that will cause you to even break a sweat. I hesitate only because it is beneath one so destined for glory as yourself but might I have your help in finding someone for me. Yes I can see in your intelligent eyes that you know that I seek my sinful brother. It may be disputed by some but I assure you that he did indeed kill my father and I will not rest until he has paid the ultimate price for that atrocious act. I have a letter from him that I received a few days after his foul deed and in it he boasts that he will never be caught and so far he has been right. The little mole has gone to ground in France and has eluded my best trackers so I beseech the church to help me find him. I think I can say that the best interest of the church will be served by bringing this evil person to justice. Thank you again for receiving me in your inner sanctum of bliss and harmony. I can only hope that you let me work with you in the future."

Giuseppe leaves thinking that they really need to brighten up that room.