TroG Parliament

[gunslinger]

After spending an uncomfortably long time in conference with the advisors seated behind him, Gunslinger of Cagliari assembles his notes, stands, and addresses the assembly:

Let me begin by thanking those present, as well as our Consul, Gregario II, for supporting my requests pertaining to my position in Sardinia. Sardinia is a humble province in terms of economy. However, I believe that with proper governance it can contribute to the strategic well being of the Geonese Republic. Isbulino Doria has taken upon himself the task of deciding what commitments I should offer our Consul in exchange for his faith in my ability to govern Sardinia. While I agree with my esteemed colleague that Sardinia is well-suited as a place to manufacture ships to benefit of all of Genoa, I must admit some puzzlement concerning his accounting. Perhaps Isbulino has not taken into account the fact that I cannot hope to attract skilled men to work as shipwrights unless I can offer them something more secure than the simple, wooden palisade which now serves as Sardinia's only defense. No, before I can even begin work on a shipwright, I fear I will need to invest in a stone keep. Once I have accomplished these building tasks, I would then have ten years to build a galley. My advisors tell me that it would be possible for me to accomplish these three goals, although it would require the commitment of nearly every florin produced in Sardinia during the ensuing years as well as the 1,000 florins which is my share of the republic's current treasury. In fact, when yearly support costs are factored in, I would not even be able to supplement the paltry 60 man garrison which currently protects Sardinia. It is my understanding that this number isn't even sufficient to prevent the banditry so often undertaken by our Catholic brethren in the peasant classes, let alone the threat posed by the Sicilians to the South.

Perhaps one can understand Isbulino's motivations when one considers that his comparatively rich province, which he suggests should be responsible for the production of three units of infantry, will have much to gain from its trade of wool once an entire generation of Sardinian blood, sweat, and treasure has gone into producing that first galley.

Ah, I fear that I have let my emotions get the best of me, and I may have spoken too harshly. I can only pray that God will grant me such steadfast loyalty and patience as we have seen exhibited by Wasp of Corsica, who gamely agreed to Isbulino's demand for troop production even though he must know that the yearly support costs of his current small garrison already outstrips the yearly income of his entire island. Wasp, I salute you, sir.

Perhaps my esteemed colleague, Isbulino, would be interested in showing his appreciation for the rich province he has been granted by helping to offset the costs imposed on Sardinia for a keep and a shipwright. This would make it possible for me to invest in the natural deposits of silver and salt which are present in my province. My advisors assure me that investments in mines would pay for themselves within ten years of the mine's completion, thus allowing Sardinia to be of somewhat more economic use to our republic. Isbulino may consider this an investment in the fleet which will be protecting his wool shipments, and increasing his accounts receivable, in the years to come.

As to Isbulino Doria's suggestions concerning Naples, I agree wholeheartedly. In my opinion, any uneccesary borders with the papacy are to be avoided whenever possible. As for fears that the Sicilians will invade Naples if we do not, I can only say that I hope they choose to do so, as a conflict with the Byzantine Empire can only weaken them, especially where their navy is concerned. I am of the opinion that once our current borders are relatively secure, we should begin the building of an army with the goal of taking the island of Sicily itself, if the Sicilians should be so foolish as to spread their forces thin. Sicily is a very rich island, with revenues almost equal to all four of our current provinces, and it could be easily defended for the price of upkeep on a few ships.

Gunslinger of Cagliari takes his seat and looks over the assembly with confidence. One of his advisors leans forward to whisper something in his ear while glancing nervously at the rich, powerful and popular ruler of Tuscany

[Wasp]

Wasp flashes some angry glances to one of his advisors during Gunslinger's speech, and stands up before Isbulino Doria can reply.

My dear Gunslinger, I thank you for your.. kind words. Surely you have the same confidence in our Consul as I?

It is true that we will have to cope with a yearly loss for some time, but me and my advisors are confident that the economy of our island will quickly catch up. If not, I do think our Consul will understand that we have tried everything in our might to balance these costs and profits.

Wasp turns to Isbulino, while taking his seat again.

My excuses, Isbulino, for I am sure you have something to say, as well.

[Innocentius]

Chancellor Innocentius of Firenze suddenly stands up, unlike his usual ways of calmly speaking while seated.

My gentlemen! I hate to interrupt your discussions, but at the moment we have more urgent matters to deal with. Our beloved Consul is absent!

He has been ill for quite some time now, and none but God knows when he might recover. Therefore a co-Consul must be elected, immediately. So without further ado, I nominate the following for this honourable task:

Isbulino Doria. He has shown great wisdom when it comes to politics and understanding of financial matters.

Prince Gregorio. The boy is young, but able-minded and knows his father better than any of us.

Me, Chancellor Innocentius. I guarantee you that I shall rule properly untill Consul Gregorio II returns. And *he adds in a different voice*, I assure you that I will distribute provinces and titles with justice and all reasonable fairness.

The Chancellor returns to his seat.

[Warmaster Horus]

The Prince exchanges a few words with his advisors, stands and ,without preamble, begins to speak. His voice has changed however since his last words in the Parliament. His expression, pained when he heard of his Father's illness, has become more determined.

I would vote for the Chancellor Innocentius. His official position is already close to Co-consulship.
I urge you all NOT to vote for Isbulino Doria, in the spirit of equality. Isbulino governs Tuscany and as such might decide to favor his province, on the grounds of proximity of foreign lands.
I must remind you of the motion he set forth:

Finally, in the absence of Gregorio II, Genoa shall be governed by the Chancellor Innocentius, until Prince Gregorio matures and can substitute his father.

Modesty forbids me of putting myself forward. It is your decision alone.

Gregorio looks at the Chancellor, then at an angered Isbulino, and adds hastily:

Sir, I do not mean to insult you, but I think of Genoa first. All other things, beside the Lord, come after. Including personal feelings. Yours, and mine, fall into that category.

He opens his mouth, to speak more but stops himself and sits down.

[gunslinger]

Chancellor Innocentius, you raise a very valid point. As you have no doubt already discerned, the absence of our beloved Consul at this juncture has led to some. . .unpleasantness. . . which would not have been necessary had someone with the proper authority been present to set the agenda for this meeting and to delegate the responsibilities of the noble men in our republic.

I would respectfully suggest to this assembly that we should take steps to prevent such a crisis of authority in the future. It is the recommendation of my house that we ammend the duties of Chancellor in our republic to allow for the Chancellor to take over the duties of the Consul during any period in which the elected Consul finds himself incapacitated or unable to attend parliament. The Chancellor should have the full authority and responsibilities of the Consul until such a time as the Consul becomes available. The Chancellor should also be tasked with the command of the Consul's bodyguard during such times, and should take the Consul's place among their number when they are committed to battle. Further more, upon the death of any Consul, the Chancellor should be granted temporary authority for the express purpose of organizing the election of a new Consul. Of course, during any period in which our Chancellor is forced to take on the responsibilities of the Consul, he would forfeit his two votes on this council. The founders of our republic very wisely limited the power of the Consul by allowing for his decisions to be overturned by a 2/3 majority of the other members of parliament, and allowing the Chancellor acting as Consul two votes in favor of his own proclamations would undermine the purpose of a parliament.

With your permission, Chancellor Innocentius, I move to table discussion on the election of a Co-Consul, and proceed with a vote on my proposal.

[Martok]

Lord Martok leans over and whispers into Lord Gunslinger's ear

"Well said, Cousin! Until the Consul is fit to return to duty, Chancellor Innocentius should serve as regent in his stead. If Sardinia is to become the naval power we wish it to be, we will need strong allies -- and Innocentius as regent could well prove....useful in this regard."

Standing up, aloud : "I second the motion made by Lord Gunslinger. Let us elect Chancellor Innocent as regent and co-Consul!"

Martok sits back down, an oddly serene smile upon his face.

[Kavhan Isbul]

The ruler of Tuscany patiently waits for the rest of the members of the Parliament to voice their opinions. From time to time he whispers something in the year of his cousin, Rythmic Doria, who gravely nods in approval, keeping silent. Then Isbulino rises to speak.

Dear members of Parliamen, first let me start by stating, that neither I, nor any other member of the Doria family has ever expressed a desire to become Consul. I join those who accept Chancellor Innocentius as a co-Consul, and I trust that he will be able to fulfill Gregorio II's duties during our leader's absence. He shall now have the important task of defending the Republic from its enemies, choosing the right allies and leading our troops to glory. Whatever course he chooses for the Republic of Genoa, we shall be obliged to follow.

With the problem of leadership solved, I need to address some other concerns, expressed by members of Parliament.

Honorable Wasp of Ajaccio, as a head of the Doria family let me express my gratitude for your support. You have shown that in these troublesome times there are still decisive men, who see reason. My family has a proposal to make to yours, which would greatly benefit both our duchies. As Corsica has no borders with any foreign kingdoms, and its best defence lies in Genoa's navy, it will require only a small force to maintain order in your province. Therefore, you might find the 100 spearmen station on your lands as not needed and at the same time quite cumbersome on your finances. Instead of disbanding them and losing an already trained force, here is what I and my cousin can offer - we can purchase the above mentioned 100 spearmen from you for 50 florints, as soon as there is a ship linking Corsica to Tuscany. Not only will you gain 50 florints, but you will also save another 50 florints which the upkeep of those troops costs every year, which will be 50 florints added to your income for perpetuity - and unlike any mines or other expensive improvements, this will cost you nothing. So what do you say?

And now, let me address the concerns of our most respected friends form the House of Sardinia. While it is true that the lands of Tuscany are potentially wealthier than those of Sardinia, this duchy will bring serious responsibilities and duties to its Margrave, as unlike an island surrounded by the sea, this duchy currently borders three foreign provinces. If the Pope shall ally with the Venetians, and those two powers attack us together, they will outnumber us 10 to 1. To secure the borders of the Republic, my family will need to maintain a significant force, added to our military obligations to the Consul, and the raising and maintenance of such a force will greatly offset any gains from the land. I am explaining this to show that our family will get just as difficult a task as any other house of nobles within Genoa.
I was glad to hear Lord Gunslinger's invitation for cooperation with our house. The Dorias believe that there is great potential for wealth in the undeveloped resources of salt and silver in Sardinia. We would gladly pool our resources together with those of the house of Sardinia, and for our help in the construction of mines and other facilities as to allow the extraction of salt and silver, we only expect a share of any future income proportionate to our investment. Meaning that if we give 250 florints, then we shall be collecting 25 florints per year for as long as the mines remain operational. Alternatively, we can afford to help our Sardinian friends with 500 florints which shall be theirs for 10 years, with no interest during this time as usury is a deadly sin and we are good Catholics. However, gold is a resource just as any other, be it ships, buildings or weapons, and we shall expect a small rent for our gold in amount of one fifth, or 100 florints, on the 10th year together with the rest of the gold, or 600 florints altogether.
As you can see, the house of Doria welcomes any future cooperation, for in cooperation lies the path to wealth and prosperity. We understand that the stone walls needed for housing a dock are expensive, as are the galleys themselves, and ones a dock is in place in Cagliari, if the Lord has blessed our crops and our enemies keep silent along our borders, we might be able to help with some of the costs for the construction of the vessels. Of coure, the main burden will fall on the Lords of Sardinia, but such effort and expenses deserve an appropriate compensation, and as Gunslinger of Cagliari has pointed out, Sicily is close to Sardinia and if it can be conquered, my house will support the house of Sardinia in its valid claims on this island, currently in the hands of the Normans.
I will be waiting for your answer on my mutually beneficial suggestions.