Crossing the Porta

Rome has several gates, which are open during the day and closed at night. The main gates are guarded by a garrison of twenty soldiers, professional men-at-arms in the employ of one of several powerful Roman noble families. Currently Rome is controlled by the Orsini family and the main gates of the city are protected by Orsini men. Several wealthy families dominate Roman politics in the thirteen century, their fortunes waxing and waning as they vie against one another for control. Although important to a saga set in Rome, these political vicissitudes are not important to this adventure.

The guards know that the emperor has called off the siege. Like their adversaries, they wait for the College of Cardinals to select the next pope. They are naturally concerned about the outcome — an aggressive pope means a return to the siege, while a moderate pope means an end to the current conflict — but until the cardinals choose their man the guards have little to do. While the siege is on hiatus the city operates as usual and the guards monitor the steady flow of traffic.

The soldiers notice armed men and step out of the shadowy gateway to bar their path. Scanning the strangers with their eyes, the Orsini guards are looking