ITALY RPG/AAR

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As word of the new Constitution spreads throughout the civitas and villas of Italy, the people pour into the streets in celebration. Cattle are slaughtered and peasant villages hold massive feasts in honor of Doge Gronchi, who will go down in history as the man who cared enough about his people to give them a voice in their governing. Historians centuries later would mark Gronchi's progressive vision as one of the watershed marks during the Renaissance period, the point at which Italy set the course of Europe towards freedom and liberation. Though of course the total effects of this Constitution would not be seen immediately, observers years hence could easily point to November 1, 1577 as the day that democracy gained a toehold in the consciousness of Europe. Though it was not made an official holiday until 1610, within a few years peasants already began to celebrate November 1 as "Constitution Day".

The leaders of the Freedom Coalition were in a state of ecstatic shock. They could scarcely believe that they had actually won. While it was not perhaps all that they had dreamed of, it was still much, much more than they had ever expected. Antonio Garibaldi, of course, was overwhelmingly appointed by his province to the first session of the General Assembly, which officially convened for the very first time in April of 1578, after time had been allowed for word to spread and elections to be held in the provinces of Italy (of course, some of the representatives from the Vespuccis would arrive much later). Garibaldi was also overwhelmingly chosen by his peers to preside as the First Speaker of the Assembly. His obvious wisdom and wit did much to help foster smooth relations between the Assembly and the Senate, as well as with the Doge. In the last few years of Gronchi's reign, the two men were often seen together, and it was said that they remained close friends even long after Gronchi had retired from his term as Doge.

OOC: If this general overview has interfered with anyone else's plans for their character (e.g. Daniel or Jeep), or with the way things actually end up unfolding in the next few years with the Assembly, I apologize and will print an immediate retraction.

 

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The day after Doge Gronchi's announcement of his decision to approve the Constitution, Senator Vincent Corniglia seeks out Senator Sharur Medaken...

"Sharur, may I have a word with you. Now that this Constitution issue is decided, I want you to know that I bear you no ill will for anything that may have been said in the Senate chambers. I realize that we disagree on the wisdom of instituting a General Assembly for the citizenry; nevertheless, I know that we are agreed on many other issues, and I would not have us ruin our friendship because of one difference of opinion. Time will tell which of us was the more foolish in our beliefs, but I would have us standing together regardless of what the future holds.

My friend, just think. We have a Constitution at long last! This is something we have both fought long and hard for. So you do not agree with the articles concerning the Assembly; okay. You may at least still rejoice that the other elements of the Constitution have also been approved. The Senate has more power and security now than ever before. And rejoice that with this Constitution to pacify the people, we will at last be able to deliver upon the Turks true retribution for their aggression against us. Italy will be triumphant, and we will pass through this time of testing all the stronger in every way.

I would be honored if you would join me and a few others for a small celebration party at my villa this evening. There we will be able to toast to the new unity of Italy. Both between the nobility and the people, and between Senators such as ourselves who disagree in principles but agree in our love of Italia, God, and fine wine. "

 

[Sharur]

"Fine wine? Vincent, I am convinced...

Seriously, though, I agree, no ill will should remain between us. I must admit that I am a bit hot-tempered Gandalf rolls his eyes discreetly, so I said quite a few things in the Senate that really should not have been said. I apologize for that, and agree that we must celebrate our long-sought Constitution. Now where's that wine?"

 

[Sharur]

A letter home to Nova Illyria from Sharur Medaken

...

I have suddenly come upon a shocking realization. I am 47 years old, and will probably have to retire from the military after this current war, to concentrate on politics. At the least I shall certainly, after now, no longer be leading my armies from the front, though I could certainly still help with strategical and tactical matters.

That reminds me of something else. Although the election is still four years away, I am already planning my campaign for Doge, although I have not announced anything yet. I think that this shall be my last run at the office, for I will be 51 at the time of the upcoming election, and do not wish to be in the same position as Senator Driver, who is 66 years old and still going, by running again in 1591, at age 61. I plan on retiring then, and living out the rest of my life in peace and quiet, similar to what Niccolo Carlotti has been doing (you remember him, don't you?)...

The campaign is going decently well against the infidels, but the Senate and Doge Gronchi have just caved in and conceded to some of the lesser demands of the Freedom Coalition. While I do see the values of these demands, I thought it best to speak out against them publicly, thinking that the Senate would never listen to them. But, they have, and so the revolts in Southern Italy are no longer a threat. Of course, we still have to deal with that lunatic Astorio Driver up in Tyrol, and then those renegade Vespuccian governors (it's a good thing Antonio Galeazzi is on hand to keep things in line in Nova Illyria). But, as I said, things go well against the infidel. General Rex and I won a major victory against Algiers in Sardinia, and Donal McCollum engaged Pizani Rex in what I believe to be a successful battle in Illyria, although he had to retreat, for he had far fewer forces, and apparently he fought well enough to convince Pizani Rex to stay behind and siege Illyria, instead of chasing the Republican Guard in an effort to break through our main line. That move should give Rex and I time to come up into the Turk's rear, as well as allowing the more of the new recruits to meet up with McCollum. Hopefully you will hear from me soon about the end of this war...

Love,
Sharur

 

[Emre Yigit]

A pigeon from the Sultan

Edmundo Massimo Romeo Emerigo Bravo-Bonaventure, b. 1575, Bari
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A week after his second birthday, Edmundo is playing at Romans and Turks with his little toys when he overhears a conversation between Antonia Maria and Vincent. Something important has happened. A consitution has been passed. But his mother is not happy. Apparently, she wanted to work together with Vincent, in the Senate. Edmundo wonders what the fuss is all about. His mother has told him that she will marry Vincent. He thinks that will be fine. But he has a new picture book: "A Child's Guide to Italian Politics." He looks through it, without much joy.

Some distance away, in the newly constituted grand hall of the Estates-General of the Italian Republic, as the assemblymen warily eye the senators who look down their patrician noses at them, a pigeon flops, again, but this time into an assemblyman’s lap. He hurriedly presents it to the Doge who unwraps it with alacrity.

“From Mehmet Sokullu Pasha, Grand Vizier of the Sultan of sultans, Sovereign of sovereigns, etc

to the Honourable Defeated Enemy:

We know that your nation is groaning under the weight of the invincible armies of our glorious empire, whom Allah has girded with Faith, and whose sight is as keen as the Prophet’s wit. We know that your best generals have been routed in battle, leaving their men behind in agony. We know that your provinces rise up against your iniquitous rule, and reject your useless sovereignty. We know that in the fulness of time, Allah would guide us to obliterate you who have so cravenly killed our ambassador and made no recompense. However, we are merciful.

We believe the time has come to discuss your surrender terms. Know that, at present, the following would be acceptable terms:

Item The province of Illyria

Item The province of Crete

Item The handing over of your infamous warlord, who by crucifying Allah’s soldiers has only sent them straight to Heaven, but who has made a mockery of your religion, debased though it be, and who has mightily offended us.

If these terms displease you, we shall be happy to offer harder ones in a few months.”


The assembly is quiet. What would the Doge respond. And what would Fate (a.k.a. Warspite) decree?

 

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After the passing of the Constitution, Pietro Carlotti finds his friend Vincent, to congratulate him:

"Vincent, my friend, we won! I couldn't believe that the majority of the Senate would be for the Constitution! Even Senator Driver saw the light. Really amazing. And how about Doge Gronchi. Probably the best move he's made since the beginning of his term! I'm truly ecstatic; we are about to usher in a new age for Italia!"

Smiling broadly, Vincent replied:

"I'm holding a party to celebrate. Will you attend?"

"Of course!", replied Pietro, clasping his friend's hand.

 

[Emre Yigit]

A request to Warspite

Could a copy of the Constitution please be posted in the Italy AAR summary, so that we can access it easily?

Thanks!

 

[Sharur]

As the letter from the Turkey was read, pandemonium erupted immediately, with some Senators all but screaming for the head of the Turkish Sultan, others shouting for capitulation and for the re-impeachment of Doge Gronchi

"How dare he insult us like this! He demands Illyria and Crete, provinces he does not even control?!!! The fool!"

"Perhaps we should give in to some of these demands, we are being beaten soundly!"

"That does it! I demand personal command of an army which I shall march to Constantinople myself! The nerve of these infidels!"

"I thought we had just defeated them in Sardinia? Why do they demand reperations when they are losing?"

"I wonder if the Doge is lying to us, and if their armies are just outside of Rome? We should never have allowed him to slide his way out of the impeachment trial!"

"We could never allow the Christians in our Republic to be under Turkish rule!"

The shouting went on and on, with no conversation actually taking place. Meanwhile, Doge Gronchi sat quietly off to the side, ignoring the commotion completely, lost in his thoughts. He wanted peace with Turkey, but at such a price...

 

[Brad1]

Well I am back from the Auborn car show, and I will make my first post the next installment to my plot.


"And release your hostages" Hmm.... George thought, I didn't expect those hostages to be able to make a radio out of parts lying around. And they even were able to convince the Russians to help them out. Even though the Russains were losing the war.

Then in the distance he could see it, a harrier jumpjet. It fired a missle that george guessed was a sidewinder into the helicopter. The pilot tried to dodge the missle, but the helicopter wasn't maneuverable enough. Right before the helicopter was destroyed, George could see the ejection seat fly into the sky. He then rembered his plan, and went to the bridge. "George where the hell are you."

"I was just watching the fireworkes, so what have you been up to, Ben?" His brother Ben was piloting the harrier, luckily everythung went to plan right up to now.

"Not much, although I had a little trouble getting this." The Great Northern, the carrier that supposedly sunk a few weeks ago, actually didn't. His brother Ben, used some nerve gas to kill every one on board, although he had the help of some Russian mercanaries, on hire because Russia needed money for the war. Then all they had to do was stay out of sight of any ships, because the Great Northern had on of the best radar jammers in the world.

"And where is the Great Northern?"

"A few miles north of here over the horizon."

"And what about the helicopter where did it come from?"

"Don't worry about that. I think that it came from a carrier of about the same size of this, that I heard the british sunk."

 

[Demetrios]

As Demetrios looked over the peace agreement proposed by the Turks, his eyes were drawn immediately towards four words:


The Province of Crete

His eyebrows shot upward in alarm and shock upon reading those words. How could the Sultan dare consider laying claim to Crete? No infidel foot had even touched his home island's soil, and the Turkish navy had been throroughly defeated at every turn by superior Italian fleets. How dare he lay claim to land that he was unable to take through military means! The temerity! The overwhelming arrogance!

Demetrios immediately made it clear to the Senate that he would be utterly opposed to any peace which would sacrifice his homeland of Crete, a land not even touched by Turkis troops in the war...

 

[Sharur]

Sharur walked over to Demetrios with a look of concern on his face.

"Demetrios, after digesting the words of the foolish infidels, I realized what it implied. The idea that Italy would give up your native Crete, however, is of course absolutely absurd. As has been noted, our navy has crushed the infidel navy, and General Rex and I are ready to come up behind Pizani Rex and, with the help of General McCollum, smash the Turkish army from both sides. With the main army gone, they will be unable to resist, and we shall quickly seize the advantage and gain a favorable peace. Do not fear, my friend."

 

[Demetrios]

Warspite, any chance of assassinating the Turkish sultan?

Grandmama would be seriously annoyed when she heard about this peace "offer", and her people are really good at what they do.

 

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Vince Lombardi Junior stood before the Senate, he smiled cooly. That nervous oung man who once acted as Robert McCollum's official messanger was long since gone, replaced by a rather cool and collected individual. Vince acted much the part of of a Senater, havign been groomed by his wife Gertrude. He was turning out to be a good husband; and, as an added bonus, he did as she told him to do. That was always good.

"It is my pleasure to appear to you today to give my full support to the Constitution that has been proposed by Senator Cornigolia. Doge Gronchi, you are surly a wise man to approve of this historical movement forward for ITaly, and shall surly be remembered as one of the greatest Doges in our history"

Having spoken, and havign said nothing really substantial, he returns to his seat.

 

[Emre Yigit]

Meanwhile, in a city far away

Bahazade Ömer Efendi, b. 1514, Constantinople
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The Divan in Topkapý Palace, Constantinople

Picture this: a small room, some forty feet across and forty feet to a circular dome, newly redecorated in extravagant floral-patterned tiles, with a wealth of gold leaf adorning the columns and the dome and lush carpets laid out on the ground. This is the council chamber, in which Sokullu Mehmet Pasha, a grand vizier in declining heath, sits surrounded by the other viziers. Before them is the stooped but tall figure of the envoy appointed to Italy. The Sultan is not to be seen, as he is out hunting. The Grand Vizier speaks, his eyes closed.

“Peace on you, Ömer Efendi. What beings you before us today?”

“Peace on you too, Grand Vizier, and all these gentlemen. I have the results of my latest researches.”

A man in the sombre clothes of the Sheikh of Islam interrupts:

“More of this damned star-gazing?! I protest, Grand Vizier, this is contrary to all our beliefs! This man is a magician, and he and his master deserve to die!”

“And he lives, sir, at the Sultan’s sufferance, as do you and I.”

“He should die, I say!”

“Peace! Let us hear the man out.”

Ömer Efendi gestures to a servant, who begins to hand out various pieces of parchment.

“Observe, gentle lords, the horoscope of our glorious Empire, and that of the infidel Italians. And this one of the war. Now, an adept will immediately notice that our Empire was born under the sign of Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter, the king of planets, and Fire; peace-loving and seeking for the truth. While the infidel kingdom came into being under Capricorn, ruled by dismal Saturn, and the Earth; sign of politicians and usurers, who like to plan and plot. Now, the learned will immediately thereupon ascertain the tensions that should arise betwixt the twain. Moreover, observe how Mars in Capricorn a few months back shows clearly the underhanded attempts by the infidel to undermine our state by assassinating Emre Pasha – may Allah grant him rest in Light! – followed soon thereafter by war. If you will permit me, allow me to demonstrate the fate of this war from our horoscope. Venus and Jupiter are both in Sagittarius, which is surely a sign that good fortune will attend us. But assertive Mars is in opposition to fickle Mercury , which suggests abrupt swings in the fortunes of war. Looking at the enemy's chart, gentle lords, one sees the Moon in Aries, which indicates clearly that women are motivating the continuation of the war, while Jupiter in Gemini suggests that moves are afoot to improve their situation. Mars, Venus, and Saturn are all aligned – a most unusual occurrence – which quite clearly demonstrates hidden reserves of martial cunning. Moreover, if one now looks at the horoscope for this war….”

“Stop! Stop! Enough!” interjects a bemused grand vizier, his eyes wide open. “To the point, Ömer Efendi. Just what is it that the stars show to us?”

“Why, plainly for all to see, that great glorious victories will attend our armies if we can frustrate Italian trickery and advance our armies and navies boldly. We must be aggressive and determined.”

The grand vizier appears to reflect for a sober instant and then: “Thank you, Ömer Efendi. That is clear enough. This shall weigh in our councils - as it always does. We thank you and the Astrologer-Imperial for your advice.”

Understanding well the dismissal, the Deputy Astrologer-Imperial gathers up his charts and books, and quietly departs after pleasant salaams, and a few viziers converse quietly among themselves. One young pasha ventures an opinion:

“No doubt Ömer Efendi is right. Now, how can our enemies defeat us when the Will of Allah is made plain for all to see?”

At this, the Sheikh of Islam harrumphs loudly, and then mutters angrily into his beard. The Grand Vizier opens his eyes again and fixes the young vizier with a baleful look. No, he is not joking, and some other councillors are also in open and obvious agreement.

“Oh great Allah!” he thinks “What will become of this Empire once I am gone? A reign of women?! O Süleyman, look upon your grandson's advisors. All fools, all fools!”

 

[Warspite]

Hi everyone, this week i will be posting my last update until december , Gandalf has kindly agreed to take control of the updates for the next four years. His liberty to make it last how ever long he wants, please work with him on this, should be cool.

I posted the constitution the senate passed in the summary thread for your liesure. i will also inform you when i have fully updated the summary thread up to the year 1581/2 even though the updates for those years will follow.

Ok talk to you guys later

 

[Sharur]

warspite, thanks for putting the Constitution in the summary thread, that's very helpful, but now I must demand once again that you update the first post (with relations, army placements, tech levels, etc). If you can't, I understand, just say so.

 

[Emre Yigit]

Thank you Warspite

...for your posting the Constitution and all your work and all your work. May I say I just love you to bits, event though neither of my characters are in line to be the next Doge ...and may I also thank all of the other writers here present and past.

You may remember that on page 58, in Game Year 1566 Emre Pasha made his first tentative entrance. It was June 28th. It is now page 145.

On a straight linear progression, I calculate that we should reach the end of 1582 on or around 26th September, on page 174.

Assuming a three-month hiatus thereafter, and a return to the AAR on 1st January 2002, we should successfully reach 31st December 1820 at:

Page 1900, on or around 4th September 2005.



I look forward to the trip together!

 

[Sharur]

Emre never say anything so scary again.

 

[Demetrios]

Re: Thank you Warspite

Originally posted by Emre Yigit

Assuming a three-month hiatus thereafter, and a return to the AAR on 1st January 2002, we should successfully reach 31st December 1820 at:

Page 1900, on or around 4th September 2005.



I look forward to the trip together!

Hmmm Somewhere around 47,500 posts! C'mon guys, we can make 50,000!

 

[The Danish King]

OOC: Im just woundering, is this a total RPG or a mix of RP and playing the game? Will it affect the game if someone dows another nation or?

Update please!