[h3]PRELUDE: SPRING 1423: The Council of Peers[/h3][hr] [i][b]1408[/b]: The debut of gunpowder, manufactured in Trato, using techniques learned from the Far East, at the Battle of Sechy. The forces of King Borremond, some 230 cavalry, 350 archers, and over 4,000 men-at-arms, hailing from the Kingdom of Geromdia to the north, were beat back decisively by the combined armies of the Holy League. A priest present at the battle described the scene thus: "...knights carried brass pots where before they held lances and spears. A holy light, and the roar of thunder fired forth from these pots and turned horses upon their heads, and scattered the pagans like so much dust..." [/i] [hr] [indent][b]During the first few decades of the 15th century, the Holy Church of Karoleth reached the height of its military and economic power. In 1408, soldiers from the Kingdom of Geromdia advanced across the Arno Mountains and were defeated by the combined armies of the Holy League. With this successful defense of the Lassa Peninsula, Pope Linus II proved his legitimacy as the Divine Word of God. One by one, the city-states of Lassa submitted to Papal rule. Only Veranth and Mersolan have managed to remain independent. And yet... From the Holy city of CAPOS, Pope Linus II continues to influence even our great city through tithe and tax, and Inquisition. It is only by the riches that flow through our city that we have managed to remain independent-the common citizen of Veranth is wholly pious and considers Pope Linus II to be ordained by God. With the ascension of the Fiore family to the Dukedom of Veranth, the Church reached an agreeable relationship with our city. Duke Fiore payed the necessary tithes and enforced the holy decrees issued by the Pope. But it has not been enough. [color=red]It would appear a fatal blow is being delivered with the Inquisition confirming the heresy of Duke Carlo Fiore. Apparently, the bribes paid to Cardinal Paccio were either insufficient, or the piety of Paccio is absolute, or the man has ambitions for himself.[/color] [/b] [b]Regarding the Inquisition of Heretical Acts conducted by Duke Carlo Fiore[/b][hr] [center][img]http://i.imgur.com/ozhwjm3m.jpg[/img][/center] Cardinal Paccio, upon the steps of the Cathedral of St. Martinus recited the findings of the Holy Inquisition into the activities of Duke Carlo Fiore concerning allegations of heresy. [hider=Cardinal Niccolo Paccio][i][color=lightblue]...the true and just findings of the hand of His Holiness Linus II, under the authority of GOD, that this man (Carlo Fiore), did engage in acts to undermine the the word and writ of the creator and the earthly powers granted him, by GOD, his holiness. Carlo Fiore is here judged GUILTY of all charges, and sentenced to TRIAL BY FIRE by this tribunal consisting of myself, Cardinal Niccolo Paccio, and the other 26 members charged by his Holiness to conduct inquiries regarding acts of heresy. The condemned is to be held in the WHITE CITADEL until his Holiness Linus II issues the proclamation of excommunication. On this day, in the SPRING of 1423...[/color][/i] [/hider] The crowd wept openly at the news of the judgement of Duke Carlo Fiore, who had for 30 years presided over the Council of Peers, the Board of Guild Masters and the Veranthan Standing Army. Giving such an open statement regarding the findings of an Inquisitorial Tribunal is unprecedented. Paccio risks his own career if the pope does not issue the excommunication. Regardless, the Fiores have been confined to the White Citadel and all of their wealth and possessions seized by the church. [b]The Council of Peers[/b][hr] Immediately convened an emergency session in the Palazzini di Veranti, (The City Fortress) which, in and of itself set the tone of a war-council. While the Guild Masters refused to attend, several prominent families or their representatives, and other important dignitaries not part of the regular council were present, including [b]Giovanna di Mora[/b], [b]Rodrigo Nantua[/b], [b]Bartellemeo Palladina[/b], and [b]Alessandro de Bladelli[/b]. The most important citizens crammed into the inner chambers of the fortress, with dozens of junior peers packing the adjoining halls and rooms. Rumors of several people being stampeded to death outside the main hall have been found to be false. A panic has beset the city, especially among the commoners as the fate of the Duke and his family, and the leadership of the city is called into question. Amidst hostility and shouting, the session was finally convened with the nomination of [b]Ignatius Cremini[/b], a wealthy merchant, to preside. [hider=Chairman Ignatius Cremini][i][color=lightblue]...Ducal succession is out of the question, good citizens. It has been suggested that Veranth resort to a more....archaic, if temporary! Listen! Order please! Within these chambers! Again, a temporary election of Masters and dispersion of this council of peers. I understand there is great reservation to restore the offices of civic Masters, but these are desperate times. I will remind you all of the details of such an official appointment. Quiet in these halls please![/color][/i] [/hider] [b]Since 1304, the Senior Council had been banned in Veranth. Too much power in the hands of citizens was a direct challenge to the Church of Karoleth (or the church could simply not control them). Instead, a Duke was placed in power by the Church and acted as a puppet. With Duke Carlo Fiore, the Church's grasp began to waiver, culminating in the Inquisition conducted by Cardinal Paccio. [/b][/indent] [i]The Masters are citizens elected to oversee military and financial matters, a practice dating back to the old Lassan Empire Governorships. These 'Masters of Veranth' are charged by the citizens to supplant the Council of Peers and oversee the daily tasks required to administer a city.[/i] [u]The Master of ARMS[/u] is in charge of military matters. Hiring, training and deploying troops. Since Veranth has a very small standing army, this is a rather cushy job with a salary of 1 WP per season. The official title of a master of Arms is Warden. Master of Arms receives the Military Report each season. [u]The Master of the COIN[/u] is in charge of financial matters. Paying the bills and raising the monies to pay those bills. Veranth offers no salary for this position, although Masters may petition for a salary. Master of Coin receives the Economic Ledger each season. [u]The Master of STEWARDSHIP[/u] is responsible for conducting diplomacy and securing and maintaining trade deals. The Steward is also responsible for overseeing the cities sizable fleet of merchant and war vessels. The Steward is payed 1 WP in salary per season. The Steward receives the Diplomatic Ledger each season. [u]The DOGE[/u] presides over all other offices and may veto any action for governance of the city with the support of at least (1) other Master. The Doge is paid 2WP per season. [b]Chairman Ignatius Cremini called for nominations to these positions as Masters of Veranth. If the Council of Peers fails to appoint citizens to the office of Masters, Veranth will be in jeopardy of being placed under direct papal control.[/b] [hr][hr][hider=Turn Results] [list] [*]Players choose to either accept the appointment of a DUKE by the Holy Church of Karoleth, or nominate and appoint new Masters of Veranth. [*]The Church has seized (5WP) worth of valuables from the Fiore family. The former Duke awaits his fate in the White Citadel. [*]You may post In-Character at the council of peers. If your character is not present at the council in the Palazzini di Veranti, you may not vote, but you may post IC as you please. [/list] [/hider]