The Cathedral (Cardinal Roleplay)

The Mother Cathedral

The serene Cathedral lay below. Its Courtyards are exquisite and extravagant, bell towers spiral in to the azure coat of the heavens. An Old Cherry Blossom waves gently as the winds gently move it like the winds of sailing, on a calm summers day. Beautiful ponds and trees litter the ground, a flag with a majestic coat of arms dangles from the pole: a sea of Crimson, stained with the holy Seal. In the front of the Cathedral. Two brilliant statues stand outside proudly, one of Saint Henry and the other of King Richard I "The Lionheart". Guards stand by the door with pure white cuirassiers, lined with elegant gold.

This will be a roleplay thread where any nation with a Cardinal may play as their Cardinal, this is also where the Papal Elections are role played, the Papal Elections will be roleplayed and your cardinal does not tell in this thread who they voted for, but PM me their selection. Cardinals may talk but most importantly this is the main way for nations to suggest things to the Pope or generally advise him.
This will enable you to customize and give your Cardinal a personality. Also, special events will be role played here.
Also, in all there are about 100 Cardinals, but you play the primary ones, the ones listed in my throne room.


CURRENT EVENT:
Festival

Queue my cardinal.
Isaac Henningson is a tall man, straight backed and wolfish slim, the hair on his head cut close and just beginning to grey. A lifetime in the harsh mountain snows of Norway have worn away at him, giving him a hard face and a pale complexion. The red robes he wore seemed baggy and unsuited to him; you'd sooner see him in robes of black or faded grey...

Henningson deems Maximus one of the better of the last few popes. The church is on the back foot and will not be brought back to power unless there is a fierce and unyielding man to lead it. Plus, there are so many people to convert, and who has the time to do it the old fashioned way these days?

This cardinal is of the opinion that the Holy See should focus on annexing the Holy Land for the time being. Relations should be improved with the Swiss, French and other Catholics who the pope is unsure of.

Gregory Phillips

Gregory Phillips is a very typical Papal Cardinal. He was a relatively short man, average of size and a receding haircut, coupled with a circle beard. Having grown up in York and spent most of his life in the city, he found it incredibly easy to adhere to the Catholic teachings. But he still made sure to contribute to the Catholic Church as much as possible, and his total dedication to the Kingdom of Heaven rewarded him with a position in the college of cardinals, as well as the honorary title 'Archbishop of Canterbury'.
Like Henningson, Gregory is a strong supporter of the current Pope. Although he is not a violent man, he realises the current necessity for the Papacy to take up arms, in order to save the Church. As for the rumours of paedophilia, the Archbishop of Canterbury simply ignores them, as blasphemous lies...

The Pope waits for the Primary Cardinals to get seated. He lays back and sighs. His white robes drape across a holy throne, a picture of the Almighty's son hangs opposite from him. The room is shaped like the Ancient Roman Senate with wooden stands and red seats. A holy cross on a scepter that lay next to the Pope. His face is worn, his Holiness will go down in history as the first Pope to taste the blood of his enemies, a silent addition accompanies his everyday prayer, he wishes for an addition in the holy book to be written of him. His ego may be high but his failures keep it in check, he often considers himself a saint.
He puts his fingers to his temples.

He takes a breath, "I call you here today, my Cardinals, on the important subject, regarding the Longevity of the Holy See. You have all devoted your lives to God. Will one of thee, tell me why God is not supporting us? These Muslims crush armies, after armies, killing many Templars. As many of you see, I am not long of this world, I am optimistic I have about 10 years or so, but then I will face Judgement before the Holy Gates." He pauses, then resumes. "We are in a rut. Our glory is failing. Our borders are not secure. Our homes have been ripped out of us like the old Barbaric Romans ripped out the Son of Heaven's flesh! Few times I have thought of Reforming the church."

"But, we still have chance, our donation of a soon colony, they call it "Flooreedar" but I hope to change it, our acquisition of Gotland, fitting name, will secure our existence.
These womenfolk twist their words. Ironic, is it not?, they claim that they are the most civilised people to live on the Earth, yet they enslave men when slavery has been abolished here, 'ey! They burn churches, and bibles, they spit on peoples very graves, yet we never do such a thing. They discriminate! I tell you when they sent me a message, I blanked their insults, do they have nothing better to say? Pah, Civilized. They have spies globally, apparently. The guards have enclosed this room, my Personal guard will kill any imposters or spies. (OOC: Yes, this is a message to say, stop meta gaming, LoC)"
He sits forward, "Your suggestions please."

Originally Posted by High Fist

This cardinal is of the opinion that the Holy See should focus on annexing the Holy Land for the time being. Relations should be improved with the Swiss, French and other Catholics who the pope is unsure of.

Rodrigo Lanzol de Borja, the Cardinal from Aragon enters the room.

The fairly average-sized man strides into the congregation wearing average-looking robes.
Rodrigo's average-colored and full head of hair looks oddly out of place in a room full of receding hairlines.
After greeting his fellow holy men in your average Cardinal-type of way, he settles himself to hear the Pope himself speak.

Originally Posted by Pope

He takes a breath, "I call you here today, my Cardinals, on the important subject, regarding the Longevity of the Holy See. You have all devoted your lives to God. Will one of thee, tell me why God is not supporting us? These Muslims crush armies, after armies, killing many Templars. As many of you see, I am not long of this world, I am optimistic I have about 10 years or so, but then I will face Judgement before the Holy Gates." He pauses, then resumes. "We are in a rut. Our glory is failing. Our borders are not secure. Our homes have been ripped out of us like the old Barbaric Romans ripped out the Son of Heaven's flesh! Few times I have thought of Reforming the church."

Rodrigo nods his head, in a very average-type of way. The Pope is quite the motivator, he thinks.

Originally Posted by Pope

"But, we still have chance, our donation of a soon colony, they call it "Flooreedar" but I hope to change it, our acquisition of Gotland, fitting name, will secure our existence.
These womenfolk twist their words. Ironic, is it not?, they claim that they are the most civilised people to live on the Earth, yet they enslave men when slavery has been abolished here, 'ey! They burn churches, and bibles, they spit on peoples very graves, yet we never do such a thing. They discriminate! I tell you when they sent me a message, I blanked their insults, do they have nothing better to say? Pah, Civilized. They have spies globally, apparently. The guards have enclosed this room, my Personal guard will kill any imposters or spies."

As the speech continues, the Cardinal's average-looking expression slowly turns into a slight frown.
He scratches his chin (in a very average type-of-way) as he considers what to say.

Originally Posted by Pope

He sits forward, "Your suggestions please."

Originally Posted by Cardinal Isaac Henningson

This cardinal is of the opinion that the Holy See should focus on annexing the Holy Land for the time being. Relations should be improved with the Swiss, French and other Catholics who the pope is unsure of.

Cardinal Rodrigo agrees with the tall Norwegian. Securing allies in Europe and conquering territories surrounding the Holy Land and will do much to ensure the security of the Papal States. It is unfortunate (but not surprising) that the Swiss have rejected the Pope's treaty.

As to those barbarous women in the north: let them bleat of their superiority. As long as those heathens stay within their heathen borders, they do not concern us.

But if Amazonia makes the mistake of invading the Papal States...

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The last sentence is followed by an unmistakable gesture.

A faint smile plays across the Cardinal's lips. Let the Amazonian spies bring word of that to their Queen.

We must send your cardinal to exile from St. Petersburg. sincerely yours: Tzar Nicholas II

✞ THE POPE IS DEAD ✞


The Pope entered his chambers at 9 o'clock, he knelt to do his daily prayer, a rustle was heard from his window, but his holiness did not think much of it. The next he knows, a cold steel blade penetrates his throat and then he groans. The next thing he knew, he was before the Holy Gates.
Guards hear the groan and enter the chambers, yet to assassin is no where to be seen.
A procession is held a month later. The men and women sit in the chairs. His coffin is carried down the aisle and in to the courtyard, the Head Priest does the ceremony. The ornate coffin is lowered in to the ground and is covered with a statue.


Every flag is replaced with a black flag, indicating mourning, there will be wailing in all Catholic's hearts

PAPAL ELECTIONS
With the death of Saint Maximus The Martyr still on many's minds.
Yet it is necessary to bring the Papacy under reign, now, God calls to all Cardinals, you are to decide amongst yourselves, who is to be the next Pope?
DO NOT TELL ME THE VOTE HERE - ONLY RP HERE - PM ME
Your Candidates
CONSIDER CAREFULLY


Nation:
Kingdom Of England
Name:
Archbishop Of Canterbury - Gregory Phillips
Age:
52


Nation:
Crown Of Castille
Name:
Alejandro Gutiérrez Escamillo
Age:
56


Nation:
Republic Of Norway
Name:
Isaach Henningsen
Age:
52

Ahem Librarian, that was not how the pope was killed!

OOC:
1. Please do not post in this thread without RP unless you state you are in OOC. It breaks roleplay.
2. Being a Corrupt Pope major historical figure is all about twisting the truth, just look back at the Crusades and Americas Colonization, they were Mass Genocide, which was covered by a greedy veil.

The arrest of Rafael and 5 protesters

A man by the name of Rafael Capriotti has been causing Civil Disorder in the streets of Jerusalem, they name themselves "The Reform Union" They claim that the current way the Papal States is corrupt, "An old fogey who sits on his high horse and calls himself a saint! Pah! He has no connection to God! This state we are in, a collective council considering what we should do, This is the best way to rule our state! I believe that commoners such as you and me, should topple the old way and make a new way... a republic!" The crowd cheer in response.
"We are no longer Italians! We are Israelites! We deserve young Cardinals, and be them elected Cardinals, not elected from some 70 year old corpse, but by the people! We are no longer the pretty pearl of a country, we have to start allowing to open our society to all people, even women! We cannot survive on the current situation, There are men and women, sure! But we are not allowed to marry, have children! The Papal States need a strong, and equal leader! We need reform!"

The guards notice this congregation and call for the Papal Guard. A squadron of horse rode around the corner.
"Who is spreading this Heresy?!" The Commander shouts.
Capriotti looks over to the commander, "This is no heresy! It is a faithful debate on the future of the Papal States. I spread no filthy pagan delusions."
The Commander orders his horses to disperse the crowd.
The Papal Guard apprehended Rafael that day, with some of the more violent of the crowd.
"None of you shall cause trouble again." The Commander orders.
Rafael spits and curses, he shouts as his carriage is beginning to be pulled, "You have not seen the last of the Reformers."
A week later he put on trial for Heresy, but came out innocent, he was sentenced to 3 years in prison for Attempted Treason and using language that would start a riot.

Over the next few weeks, the Union went underground, using a flag that has Saint George's Cross on White background with a purple border.
A few secret Reformist Outpost still accept members.
Their Anthem:

OOC NOTE: No, this is not a declaration of anything.

The Papal Votes have been counted.
And there is a New Pope.

Pope

Nation: Kingdom Of England Name: Archbishop Of Canterbury - Gregory Phillips Age: 52 Personality Upstanding Catholic: The Pope prefers to avoid the rich catholic privileges, preferring to live with basic necessities and give the rest to charities, making him much more loyal to the one true faith. Intellectual: He can keep track of a lot of things at one time, this helps him administrate. Pacifist: This man is no lover for War, he would never be seen leading troops to battle, some say he is a "Spineless Coward"

Acre Riot
With the release of Rafael Capriotti, he started doing public speeches again, riling up the crowd with a more vigorous and hateful manuscript. Rafael met with Vincent Gabriellia, an Aristocrat, some of the guards say he bribed him for the support, other people say he backed it willingly. He rented his hall for a speech as public ones were outlawed with his arrest 3 years ago. Rafael got the support of around 100 peasants and 2 Aristocratic Families.
A group of paupers were loitering outside the Bailey, the sea of night was above and few guards.
One of the peasants walked to a guard that was patrolling, "I needa you to coome and see thees, ci?"
The guard followed the person to an alley, where he was beaten unconscious, nabbing a piece of equipment each, the loiterers knocked on all the peasants doors a special knock and then proceeded to walk around the wooden wall
Meanwhile at the entrance of the fort, a small brawl was started by some peasants with the guards. In a few moments, a massive swauve of peasants came from both sides. Overwhelming the four gate guards, pushing through they took swords and charged up the steps.
A flag was rose by the Rebels.

At the top of the hill, more guards awaited, a charcoal black cylinder was laid on a platform, it was swiveled down hill.
The Duke came out of his Motte, he was often known as Alberto Mazarello the Corrupt, he was not of much piety but he did lavish himself with fine gold.
"What are these blithering idiots need now?" He growled.
"They are revolting!" said his adviser.
"Indeed." He sighed "Fire."
A thundering crack came from the cannon, erupting from it came a ball, it exploded as it hit the bodies of the peasants, penetrating their flesh, when it hit the ground it split in two and some oil came out.
An guard with a bow shot down a fire arrow and the oil combusted and enveloped the rebels in flames, incinerating them. The peasants, who were not scorched, dispersed.
The Duke watched with a devil's grin.
"What should I have them do now?" The adviser asked.
"Whip them all." he yawned.
"But the pope wil-"
"Who cares about the bloody Pope, this is my city, my rules, if he wants to punish me, he can come and get me!"
And with that he retired to his chambers.

Grand Festival


For the turn of the Century, his holiness, the Pope has commission a grand festival in the Holy City, Nobles and Kings may come from anywhere, their travels paid for. The header of this being a Cardinal, the Pope is too frugal to query the thought of much expenditures. In one corner, the Tavern, bustling with maids and drinks, a rowdy bunch of drinkers cheer in their inebriation. The other side has the corners filled with peasants watching several animal luxeries like horse racing and bull fights. Servants carry around exquisite meat giving it to peasants. A grand feast is set up in the hall. Several Kings of small and big countries turn up. A music band marches through main square.
------
Please continue the RP in my Cathedral Thread
I don't want this event to be a dud.
You may play as your own kings or nobles.

The great Pharaoh Ptolemy the II makes magnificent entrance and with him brings 10 cows and ton of grains to help with the food.

King Ferdinand has arrived in Jerusalem after long journey (not that long). As soon as he has been greeted by Pope and other nobles, King has gone into his chambers to have a rest.

In late spring councillors Ellingsen, Baardsson, Norland and Kaasa arrive in the Holy City of Jerusalem, in awe of the grand buildings and cursing the heated sands. They and their entourages take up residence in the city, see the sights and await invitation to the Pope's presence.

A few servants arrive at the Norwegian's Councillors' Quarters, "Gentlemen, your presence has been called upon to the great hall."
Some women arrive with them, "His holiness has informed me that the European peoples have not acclimatized to these arid land. So, we will try and make you as comfortable as possible." Two of them bring up bags of Ice and a third has some cool water. The other two have fans.

The Councillors are led to a Caravan, which quickly strides off, not too long before it stops and King Ferdinand is led on to the Caravan and soon after Ptolemy. The Caravan is led to a magnificent hall, as you walk in, you are greeted by a rich aroma of Coffee, spice and garlic. Along the sides are many grand statues of saints, some even of the Virgin. Along the table, was a marvelous display of hog, wine and fish.
The Servants conducted them to their specified seat. They all sat in a line next to a big ornate seat - almost a mighty throne. Across from them sat an Italian man, he had a weird scarf that covered his mouth and a hat, you couldn't see much of his face., and beside him sat some Cardinals. As everyone got seated, there was a soldier who stamped on the ground.
"Silence!" The hall went quiet, "All rise for his exalted holiness. Pope Gregory I Of England!" He stamped again and the doors creaked open and the pope walked in.
He sits down and looks up, "You may continue." He simply states.
And everyone is seated.

(Yes more Monarchs may join.)
(Talk amongst yourselves)

Once the call to continue is spoken, Councillors Baardsson and Norland rise to present themselves before the Pope. They bow low before him and give words of praise and express their awe, gratitude and joy to be in the Pope's most holy presence.