Order of St. John II

[Ibn-Khaldun]

OOC: The purpose is to hold it's holdings in Levant and at least I(Theo) was supporting TheFlax' character.

[Rowan]

The servant roused by Aleksios ek Kerkiras looks around dumbfounded, then shakes his head as if gathering his wits and scurries away through a low door set behind the Grandmaster's seat. Some time passes until a white-haired man clad in mailed leather steps in through the same door. He takes a look at the two men before sitting at the high seat.

Gentlemen, I welcome you to these halls, which as you can see, haven't seen much visitors in recent days.

Turning his gaze at Aleksios ek Kerkiras Vartholomaios continues

You must be Theo's nephew mentioned in his will. I can see the family resemblance and you certainly have the same rashness and bold, unthinking energy he had when he was younger. I hope you have truly thought things through before offering me your fealty. These times are tough and the land has little need for noble causes and altruism like our once great Order. Ours is a hard work with little resources. If you will, I let you withdraw your oath and won't hold it against you. If you won't then consider yourself a sergeant of the Order of St. John!

Vartholomaios turns to face the other visitor

Now, you I do not know? Are you here for a shelter and some food, continuing on your journey on the morrow or do you wish to spend some time with an old man and a young fool?

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Aleksios smiles..

Young fool?.. heh

I have thought about this from the minute I heard that Theo died. He had.. some.. vices Aleksios smiles but his heart was in the right place. It's amazing that after his sailing accident so many years ago, that almost killed him, he still found the strength to take the fight against the Turks on his shoulders. Also, when he left to capture Edessa he told me to take care of Theopolis and it's citizens and I will keep that promise.

I will not withdraw my oath. I will serve as the Sergeant of the Order and try to protect the lands of Levant just like Knights did it in the early days of this brotherhood!

Turning towards Iosef..

I've seen you in the Magnaura, I think. Iosef ek Artas I presume?

[Rowan]

Vartholomaios smiles

It seems you even have a sense of humor. Splendid! Welcome to the Order!

He addresses the clerks that have joined to record this rare meeting

Let it be recorder that I accept the oath of Aleksios ek Kerkiras

[mini]

"That is right, Aleksios ek Kerkiras. I salute you."

Iosef then looked at the old man, trying to form a judgement of his character. Clearly someone who has seen a lot and not to be taken lightly

"My name is Iosef Ek Artas. I serve the true Emperor Ioannis (theflax). Yet I've noticed that the Order of St. John is especially dedicated to keeping the Turks at bay. Which is why I want to make myself useful.."

After a small pauze, he added: "As long as it doesn't conflict with my loyalties towards the Basileus."

[Rowan]

Vartholomaios frowns

The Order of St. John has alwaus been loyal to the lawful Basileus as it is now loyal to the Emperor Ioannis. What troubles we had with the Komnenius of the same name were his own doing. We have long worked with the Tagaris', I even participated in the Egyptian crusade with old Methodios the Conqueror.

So rest assured Iosef that your loyalty to the Basileus does not conflict with your desire to make yourself useful to the Order.

Now, do you have anything more specific in mind? I understand that you have a desire to fight the Turks? I have little troops to give you but of land I have plenty. That is only for the members of the Order, though.

[mini]

"To learn the ways of God, one must serve. So serve I will. Though I'd gladly want to be of service to the order, I have one question left to ask: What will the order to when Emperor Ioannis rides to destroy the usurpers, and will I be allowed to ride along side him, no matter my duties to the order?

I want to save the Empire from the Turks, but not while letting the empire rot from within."

[Rowan]

I will ride with the Basileus myself. You are welcome to join our company. But now I shall retire to my chambers. The servants will prepare your accommodations, we shall speak again on the morrow.

As Vartholomaios is leaving he turns around once more

You speak like a religious man, yet keep the company of a false priest. That man is not welcome under our roof.

[mini]

(ooc: i have no idea what ur talking about ;p)

[Ibn-Khaldun]

(ooc: i have no idea what ur talking about ;p)

OOC: You have a pagan magician ancillary I think

[Rowan]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: You have a pagan magician ancillary I think

That's the one I was thinking about :) I remember seeing the magician when I checked the save but couldn't remember the name afterwards. Order charter prohibits pagan magicians, among other things...

[mini]

(ooc: must check the save tonight. Is there any way to get rid of him?)

"If give up I must, then he will go. If you will accept me, thy shall have me."

[Rowan]

Then you wish to join the Order as well? Very well, the principle of never opposing a rash youngster with a bigger army than me wishing to help has served me well all these years. Swear your oath and I shall accept it.

(OOC: I think TinCow will remove the ancillary when asked if you can't use the console yourself.)

[mini]

"Very well. I, Iosef Ek Artas, swear an Oath of fealty to Vartholomaios Ksiros"

[Rowan]

I accept the oath of Iosef Ek Artas

Now, I believe you need some land? Is that correct? I give you the castle of Adana.

[mini]

"My true thanks"

(ooc: must i declare anywhere i am now lord of Adana or anything?)

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

"My true thanks"

(ooc: must i declare anywhere i am now lord of Adana or anything?)

No, but you should update your SOT with all the info about Adana(build/recruitment queue etc), though I doubt it's possible to get anything built in near future