Anarchy on the Streets of Rome

Rome has ever been a lawless place since the Holy Father abandoned the See of St. Peter for the brothels of Avignon. However, this summer of 1341 the whole city seems to have gone mad. Armed men roam the streets and do as they will. Otherwise law-abiding citizens arm themselves to resist their depredations but often seem unable to agree themselves with their neighbours and so every rione seems rife with strife.

Those who seek the reasons behind all this conflict point the finger at rivalries of the baroni, especially the Colonna and the Orsini. While they are not in open arms against one another, many believe that each is moving against the other's interests in the city while secretly fanning the flames of this anarchy.