Guelphs and Ghibellines

> Neither Guelf nor Ghibelline myself I name:
> whoever feeds me, my loyalty can claim
>
> Florentine proverb

Guelphs and Ghibellines, intriguing relics within modern Italian political discourse, though their original significance has largely faded, are often invoked to describe opposing factions that bear some resemblance to their historical counterparts.

Remarkably, these political concepts endured despite attempts to eradicate them, surviving figures such as Bernardino di Siena and Pietro Barozzi. Even after almost a century, writings of the time reveal the persistent vitality of the Guelph-Ghibelline conflict. These divisions not only outlived their opponents but went on to transcend their original era and political context entirely.

In the nineteenth century, over sixteen hundred years later, the dichotomy between the two main currents of Italian political thought—one Catholic, traditional, and favoring confederation, and the other secular, Enlightenment-inspired, and pro-unitary republican—came to be termed neo-guelphism and neo-ghibellinism and the legacy still endures.

Not surprisingly, these survivals thrived in the unchanging world of the night, where anachronism has never been much of a concern.

Modern kindred guelphism and ghibellinism, much like their mortal counterparts, have evolved from the days of the War of Princes. Their contemporary interpretations stem from the Non Turbandi Compromise, a pact forged between the Sabbatic rule of the Diarchy in Italy, the nascent Camarilla, and the surviving old Italian princedoms. This pact stipulated that mutual non-interference would be maintained among the parties.

As the War of Spanish Succession approached and the Diarchy's rule waned, the Italian princes, anticipating the resurgence of princedoms, secured a significant concession from the Camarilla. In exchange for their collaboration, they demanded the preservation of their pre-existing privileges. This explains why the notion of "independence" can be even contemplated in a place nestled so far within the heart of the camarillic entity.

## Guelph Party

### Leader

Consul Lucrezia de Medici (de jure)

The Guelphs are regarded as the proponents of tradition, autonomy, self-governance, and isolation. They represent the interests of the ancient Italian elite, which predates the very concept of the Camarilla.

Those who ally with the Guelphs, firmly believe in maintaining Italy's distinct way of doing things.

Their vision is to ensure all-night Italy remains autonomous and free from excessive influence by the transalpine Camarilla. They advocate for strong and independent regional princedoms led by local elders and rooted in long-standing traditions.

The Guelphs emphasise that Italian princedoms are allies of the Camarilla rather than subservient to it. They assert that Italy's best times have been when it experienced minimal influence from the global Jihad, valuing their cherished isolation.

While the Guelphs might appear rigid and out-of-touch, their younger supporters point out the benefits of immobility and neutrality. The unchanging rule of a distant elder can be less oppressive than an ambitious ancilla's, finetuning a princedom into a tool for scaling the Tower.

In a realm where nothing changes, lives are spared from turf wars driven by trivial disputes. Those well-acquainted with the true nature of the Jihad understand the value of neutrality, an underappreciated asset.

## Ghibelline Party

### Nickname

Internationalists, integrationists, bootlickers