The Magnaura

The Basileus rises and addresses the Magnaura.

I wish to announce the joyful news of the bestowal of the hand of Hypatia Tagaris upon my brother, Andronikos Komnenos. May their union strengthen the empire and I wish them the very best of married happiness.

I am uncomfortable of declaring war on the Venetians, but I believe that their unlawful occupation of Crete and Bari leaves us little choice. I therefore support the edict of Comes Tiverios.

The Basileus resumes his seat.

Tiverios bows to the Basileus.

Thank you, your Majesty.

It seems that the latest map in the Senate Library shows that Bari is now under the occupation of the rapacious Sicilians or whatever those upjumped Norman adventurers call themselves now. They seem to have wrested it from the Venetians in the last 15 years.

They also occupy our former lands, but. . .I would prefer to move against them once the Venetians are subdued. They have holdings in Italy and Africa, and by the time we have northern Italy, I'm sure we will have finished the Fatimids. This will allow us to concentrate on the Normans, squeezing them from many points of attack.

First things first, however.

Tiverios turns to Nevoulas.

Comes ek Philadelphius, perhaps the carrot might work better than the stick in this matter?

If the two settlements are converted during the next term, the owners could be rewarded with a prioritised build for each settlement to be begun before the end of the term.

This way we have productive new towns and we avoid legal wrangling and investigations.

*The Protoasecretes is snoring loudly in the corner. A particularly loud snore causes the old man to wake himself up.*

"Eh, what?!"

*He looks around, suspiciously, seeing that the Senate is fully underway.*

"I wasn't done yet! Damn youngsters... *grumble* ...no respect for their elders... *grumble* ...pecan pie..."

Charter Amendment 6.4: The Prioritized Building Rules will be changed to match the style of the Prioritized Unit Rules. The following text in all PB Rank Powers: "Once per full 10 turn Megas Logothetes term" will be changed to read "If this rank is held during a Normal Senate Session". Megas' Limitations on Power 2 will have the following added to the beginning: "Prioritized Buildings – "

Nevoulas sits ups straight, young Tiverios had a point. He was used to dealing with black and white of the old days he had forgotten a more diplomatic way of doing things

I second Charter amendment 6.4.

I hereby amend my edict to be worded as follows

Edict 6.2a) The settlements of Nicosia and Rhodes are to be converted into towns (or began to be converted) by the end of the next Megas term. If such actions are taken thenthe house leaders of the controller of the province will be given an extra priortised building in the next term after that.

Tiverios speaks up.

Senator Nevoulas, thank you for taking my words under advisement. I do not wish to belabor the point, but if your Edict reaches beyond the next term, it would have to be a Charter Amendment. All Edicts expire at the end of the term for which they are proposed.

If done with some speed, a conversion could be done on both settlements and a prioritised build begun in those settlements within the same term.

I will also second CA 6.4

Pah, I dont know why I bother. I have had my problems in the past with this body and once again I am left frustrated.

The problem with both these settlements is the owners of them seemed to have retired from public life. I say give Rhodes and Nicosia themselves life and importance in the empire, this is what I am trying to achieve with the edict. Given I cannot propose a cursed Charter amendment then I restore the well meaning edict to its original wording.

It stands as Edict 6.2 The settlements of Nicosia and Rhodes are to be converted (or begin to be converted) from Castles into towns by then end of the next Megas term. In the event of this edict passing, failure to comply should result in an investigation as to why this has not been carried out and an economic punishment will result on the guilty party. This investigation would be carried out by the nominator of said edict, Nevoulas ek Philadelphius.

I am sorry for the confusion.

Tiverios nods.

You raise a valid concern. I will second Edict 6.2. It deserves to be voted on at least.

I second edict 6.2

Klimis Dokeianos:

My plans are to execute the will of the Magnaura. If they tell me to go west, I will fund and supply it. If they tell me to hold and consolidate, I will hold and consolidate. If they tell me to send a lone ship carrying a single general and his bodyguard to Scotland to conquer it in the name of the Basileus, then I will do that. I will not be averse to anything that this august body or its ruler demands.

Klimis Dokeianos:

My personal desire, however, is to see the Byzantine Empire grow. I think, after the well-executed term of the previous Megas, we can definitely handle an increase in territories.

I second edict 6.2 as well.

Nikolaos enters with a boy no older then 15, both smelling of the sea and both dressed in House colors. He takes his seat, with the boy standing at rigged military attention at his side as if that was as relaxed as he could be.

"Much legislation has been proposed I see, and each has had the seconds each requires. Nonetheless, I second CA 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 and Edicts 6.1 and 6.2"

"I would like to bring attention to the rather despondent way in which our soldiers are equipped. They need better arms in armor, nay, they deserve better, especially if we are to mobilize for proper war. So therefore I propose Edict 6.3: All settlements throughout the Empire will have at the minimum a Leather Tanner, and each will also have the maximum level of troop training building."

"I warmly invite comments and suggestions upon my proposed Edict."

Michail rises, for the first time in many years. Shadows are under his eyes, a painful glint is present. All can tell he is weary of life.

"Nikolaos, I agree with your opinion on the armour of our men! They serve us, the least we can do is give them some basic padding! However, I disagree with the second half of Edict 6.3, we do not need the maximum level of troop training building in all our settlements. Apart from the costs, which are set to rise, due to us all increasing our bodyguards pay by 100%, but once again its not needed due to location."

Theo looks surprised...

Our bodyguards get .. payed? Now.. let's be quiet about this. Don't want them to know that!

Nevoulas ek Philadelphius is seen discussing matters with a man at the door. Looking angry he marches back to the senate floor.

I must confess I have been rather passive towards the edict proposing war against Venice. However my aide from Belgrade here says they continue to insist on sending missionaries and spies into our bordering provinces. I have worked hard to try and keep Catholic influence from spreading its way into the outlying provinces but it seems the Bishop of Rome continues to sponsor these Cardinals or Venice in our realm.

This is an outrage and just cause for war. Know this I will be backing Edict 6.1 fully.

A weary and heavily limping Methodios walks into the Magnaura. Visibly struggling to stand up straight to adress the assembled Senators, he intones loud and clear.

My Lord Ioannis,

Though you are making my daughter the greatest of honours by asking for her to be married to your brother Andronikos, she is my first-born and ,with my only son, holds a very special place in my heart. I cannot force upon her a man not of her own choosing and she has made known to me that she has been wooed successfully by another man, whose identity I prefer to leave secret, at this point, lest pressure be applied upon him to desist.

I would have been pleased if you had consulted me before making the announcement, Sire, for I do not like to talk you down in public. The matter could have been resolved peacefully and more importantly, secretly...

I hope young Andronikos will bear me no grudge and that he will realize that he will find a worthy wife in due time... I would not have these two young people lead an unhappy married life.

Should you wish to press the point my Lord, you would find me most adamant... Though some may say I've spoiled the kid but I just couldn't help it. Should you wish to proceed onwards, Sire, you will have to sail to Egypt and take my daughter away from my lifeless body. But I am sure it will not come to these extremities.

Finishing his tirade, Methodios seems to have shrugged a huge weight off his shoulders and seems to liven up.

That said...

As to the legislation that has been proposed here, I fully agree with what our half-mad Protoasecretes has put forward (God knows where his enlightenment comes...).

I also fully support the legislation put forward by Tiverios. From my early campaigning days both in the field and before this assembly, I have always been an advocate of war on our Christian brothers. Now, with the Muslim threat almost at an end, the time has finally come to show them the erros of their ways and reclaim what is rightfully ours.

Methodios' face seems to light up from within and his eyes take on a fierce cast as if already seeing the fights coming up against the Christians.

While I also agree that our men under arms should all have the best armour we can provide, for it may make the difference between a living and a dead man, and only a living one can fight another day, I'd like to Captain-General Aristenos to amend his proposal so that it doesn't include the barracks part. Some of our settlements have other priorities than fielding men, be it producing trade or food for the Empire and rely on neighbouring settlements for their protection so I do not find that part relevant to our present situation. Maybe turning it so that only castles would be required to do so might be the best of both worlds.

Methodios nods with a smile at Nikolaos, intent on taking out some of the rebuke out of his speech.

I also fully endorse Edict 6.2. Castles will be less and less necessary in our heartlands as our borders grow. It would be more practical to adequately fund the improvement of Corinth, for example, than have three castles having to share the same funds, taking perhaps more than three times more time and funds to obtain the same recruitment capabilities.

Now, with your permission, I will retire to my rooms. My clerks will advise me of any event requiring my renewed attendance in these halls.

With renewed vigour but a still heavy limp, Methodios walks out of the Magnaura.

Methodious, I too wish this matter had been resolved in private but it is now in the open so let us talk openly. Because of your position as Caesar, any offspring your daughter produces would have a legitimate claim to the throne. For this reason, it is best that she marries someone of good Greek blood. Who's blood is more pure than that of a Komnene?

The marriage of a princess is about much more than love. It is about ensuring the best possible political and royal match. That is why, in their infinite wisdom, the creators of our charter placed this responsibility on the Basileus. The fact that I have promised to always protect and cherish your daughter is a privelege that few princesses are fortunate enough to recieve.

Now let us see this lowly goatherd who you have betrothed your eldest daughter to. Or is he such a coward that he will not stand up to defend his claim to the women he supposedly loves?

Apionnas leans forward making sure he makes eye contact with the Basileus, his brother and at least the back of the departing Methodios. His tone indicates some steel in his comments.

My Lords,

I would recommend any further comments about the Princess and who she is to marry, be made in private before anyone is placed in a completely untenable position.

If, of course that has not already been reached!!

Indeed, talking about Andronikos' attempts to find a woman is something traditionally left to taverns, parties, streets, the court, houses, and generally anywhere behind his back. We have some very important things to discuss here, such as the potential war with Venice. Would each of the candidates tell us, if they were elected and if the Edict passed, when they would declare the war, where they would attack, how they would conduct the war, what the biggest challenges would be, and how much they think would get accomplished by the end of the term?

Klimis Dokeianos:

Should the Magnaura declare war on Venice, I would hit them with a three-pronged attack. One line would come up the eastern coast of the Adriatic, one would sweep in through the north, and the other would be an amphibious invasion from the south. I do not want a prolonged war, rather, a quick and dirty affair with the goal of having Venice either completely conquered or very close to it by the end of my term. Naturally, Crete would be taken as well.

The Basileus rises as Methodios' departing figure exits the Magnaura.

"I am sorry that the Caesar feels this way, but the decision is for the good of the empire. In these times, we of the nobility can hardly be expected to marry for love.

The marriage will be celebrated after this session of the Magnaura has concluded in the Hagia Sophia.

Now, turning to other matters, I wish to second Charter Amendments 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4.

Also, I would like to propose a Charter Amendment.

CA 6.5: Varangian Guardsmen may only be recruited by the Basileus."

The Basileus sits down.

Nikolaos nods to the comments on his edict. "There are no hard feelings! We are here to work out legislation. As such, I will change Edict 6.3 to Edict 6.3b: All settlements throughout the Empire will have at the minimum a Leather Tanner, and each Castle will also have at least one of the highest level of troop training building available.


The boy coughs, and Nikolaos gives him a wry look. The boy shrugs innocently, a grin escaping from under his hood, and Nikolaos returns back to the Magnaura. "Demetrios would like to point out that the princess is currently within my Houses territory...nothing against you, Basileus Ioannis, but I must respect Methodios's wishes..."

The Basileus eyes Nikolas curiously.

"You would respect your lord's wishes over my own? Interesting."

Nikolaos raises an eyebrow. "Forgive me, but I am in fact Methodios rightful Lord as of now. if you wish to discuss this with me further, let us do it in private and return to discussing the required legislation for this war with Venice."

Ignoring Nikolas, the Basileus stands to address the Magnaura.

"Anna Kalameteros has informed me of resignation from the position of Dean. As such, I am required to appoint a new Dean for Constantinople's university.

After much deliberation, I have chosen Apionnas Vringos. He served my father well, and is well known for having the best interests of the empire at heart. I now ask him to select the scholars for the next 15 years."

The Basileus resumes his seat.

The boy behind Nikolaos snorts and stifles a chuckle, before he begins speaking. "Surely you jest? Are you going to be this open in your political seclusion and lapdogging? My father rolls over in his grave right now. Not only do you openly court those who kiss the backside of your heels and ass, you make the election a shame by selecting two men obviously within your camp to insure that you can continue your partisan pursuits, while trying to buy Methodios off by forcing his unwilling daughter into marrying a man who can't seem to find a woman any other way. Oh, and you gain the confusion and torn loyalties of an entire House. Wonderful, I'd love to see your next move. Will it be dressed in bright, rainbow colors so bright that even the blind hide their eyes in pain?"

Nikolaos noticeably pales. "Demetrios, please leave now..."

Tiverios coughs uncomfortably.

Pavlos looks at Nikolaos

Maybe you better keep a check on your lapdog, before his insults reflect on you. No one here was prevented from bloody running for the position of Megas. If you are unhappy with the candidates run yourself! And yes, I know what loyalty to the Empire and the Basileus means, and I am proud of it!

He turns to the Magnaura as a whole his scowl only slowly fading.

The war on Venice would hinge on the cooperation of those Senators closest to our Northern and Western border. Ideally enough Senators would be willing to campaign that we can launch an amphibious strike across the Adriatic and another along the Adriatic coast. Those Senators wishing to join in a campaign on Venice should let their wishes be known.

The time of the attack depens on how long the recruitment of enough troops will take. I would move forward more slowly than my fellow candidate. If we overextend then we don't have enough troops available should the Catholics retalliate. Seeing us close to his city the Pope might convince the Hungarians to threaten our Northern border or the Normans to invade Greece. By the end of my term as Megas Venice should be within our grasp, ready to fall in our hands.

The Basileus looks sternly at Nikolas Aristenos.

"Whether or not you are responsible for you lapdog's comments, you must be held accountable. I am hereby banning you from the remainder of the Magnaura session. It is not by any account a harsh penalty, as there are not many hours left before the voting begins. Please reflect more carefully in the future of your companions."

The Basileus resumes his seat.