The Magnaura

Nikodemos, Methodios' representative, walks before the Senators with a beaming smile, carrying a large bag in one of his hands.

Senators,

I have great news to announce : my master Methodios Tagaris, Caesar of the Basileion ton Romaion, known as the Conqueror, has lived up to his name and reputation. Though under threat of attack by the Basileus and his cohorts, he gathered a few of his men and using guile and the cover of night, he managed to enter the Holy City of the Muslims, Mecca.

Once in the city, he engaged the Fatimid Sultan, last of his line, and killed him in single battle. Four of our men fell in that battle, a small cost to see the last of those heathens. The city was sacked, the riches of the mosques looted and those edifices put to the torch. 8000 florins have been added to our treasury through this. The Fatimid threat is no more...

In remembrance of Kosmas Mavrozomis, first Crusader to ever set foot on Egyptian soil and first victim of the war against the heathens, my master has renamed the city Kosmopolis.

Now, my master has seen fit to send a gift to the shadow that stands behind the throne of Ioannis... A muslim shadow... So, Apionnas Vringas... This here is for you...

With those words, Nikodemos deftly unties the cord that binds the bag and reaches in... His hand comes out with a unidentifiable bundle that a quick movement of his arm propels through the air towards the bench where Apionnas Vringas is seated...

The bundle lands a bit short in front of Apionnas with a loud splat. Those nearest to him are sprayed by droplets of a dark and pungent liquid, their nostrils assailled by a foul stench...

Conquering their distaste, they look at the bundle to see that it is a human head, wearing a black beard and an enturbaned head sporting a gold circlet, its open eyes staring vacantly at the onlookers.

Tiverios watches the display with a faint air of disgust.

Senator Vringas has served the Empire with loyalty and distinction. I realize that he and Senator Tagaris are in conflict, but you and your Master's clumsy insinuations are an insult.

While I disagree with many of Basileus Ioannis's actions, I do not believe him to be the thrall of some shadowy Muslim conspiracy. Without any evidence, only a fool or half-wit would believe such absurd fantasies.

I urge the Baslieus and Senator Tagaris to make peace, or that head may not be the last one strewn on the floor of the Senate.

Apionnas reacts to the description of the sacking and looting of the Holy city of Mecca with a rising anger. Standing in preparation for his response, his feature set into a hard mask when the vacant eyes of the last Sultan stare upwards at him.

Apionnas's eye glitter with the threat of violence as he stares at the smiling face of Nikodemos.

"While I applaud your masters skill at arms, it seems civilised behaviour has finally fallen away from the carefully constructed facade of our Caesar's moral high ground in this civil war.

If his latest actions were designed to goad me into an unthinking act then you have sadly overplayed your hand considerably.

It seems clear that the Caesar of this Empire has devolved into nothing more than a hateful barbarian with little or no regard for integrity or honour. The fact that his minion here smiles gleefully at this act speaks volumes to the mind set and agenda's now dominating the rebel leadership.

It seems the end of a civilisation is nothing more than a stepping stone towards brutal dictatorship should Caesar Tagaris ever become Emperor. The sacking, looting and total destruction of my former homeland in this manner is unbecoming what I had thought was the pre-eminent civilisation of this world. It seems I was sadly mistaken in this matter and Caesar Tagaris has just confirmed this with his actions.

Lord Tiverios, it seems your statement of neutrality is becoming harder to stomach given these latest acts.

I wonder what is to befall the other lands surrounding us now that this precedent has been set.

Motioning to two Varagrian's, they scoop up the sightless head and remove it from the chamber.

Demetrios walks briskly into the Magnaura with a mild scowl across his face. He sees Nikodemos and he seems to turn even more sour, until he marches straight up to Apionnas and bows to him gracefully. "Lord High Chancellor Apionnas, I send word to you that Hypatos Nikolaos Aristenos plans to set sail to Italia and reclaim what should rightfully be Roman soil. He also wishes to apologize what happened to Mecca, he had no idea that such an event would pass." Demetrios hands over Nikolaos battle plan to Apionnas, before turning to leave.

Taking the note Apionnas reads the missive impassively. Once finished he calls one of his administrators and speaks quietly to him. Once complete the administrator leaves with some haste.

A letter arrives from Isaakios Komnenos and is read aloud.

Senators,

I apologize for the lateness of this address, but I have been recovering from battle wounds and have come down with a case of royal pneumonia. You are probably aware of what has transpired on Crete. You have heard of the heroic death of Nevoulos ek Philadelphias, and his skillful destruction of a powerful Venetian army. I have taken the city, Senators, but to say that they offered a token resistance would be to embellish. The Venetians on Crete had been thoroughly crushed into a fine powder by Nevoulos. It is a shame that we no longer have that man to lead our armies. By tradition, I have renamed the city to Nevoulion, which I occupied peacefully. There has been some rioting, but I imagine they will get over it soon enough.

Alas, where there is wheat, there is somewhere an equivalent amount of chaff, so let's speak of it for a moment. I speak of the man named Theophylaktos Petzeas, although 'man' is such a strong word, I don't know if I would give it that much credit. While I was ashore to finish a dead man's work and regain Crete, the seat of the oldest Greek civilization, this sub-human entity had taken the opportunity to steal my ships. The sailors followed it because it flashed its Senatorial robes at them (whoever gave it those had made a serious blunder). I was going to use those ships to make war on the Venetians, which, as some of you may still recall, are now our enemies. I will not waste much ink condemning this man-like object, but will only say this:

I declare war on Theophylaktos Petzeas

I do not mean to pursue this war in any sense, but it is only a declaration that if I should come across this pile of bovine manure which had been given a name (making it more convenient to declare war on than your average pile of bovine manure), I will kill it.

As to the Order of "St. John", they are complicit. Their grandmaster, a man not fit to kiss the ground on which his predecessor may have spit or coughed upon, has not taken action to curtail the activities of his excremental vassal. In my stance towards the current civil war, it has driven me further to neutrality. The best thing that could happen to the Empire would seem to be that they should kill each other off well. I would suggest settling the "issue" in personal combat, so that blood of honest Greeks need not be shed, but they are not interested in that by definition.

That would be it for my address, as this is the longest letter I can compose in my present physical state. Not to worry though, the physician has said that my battle wounds will heal quickly, and the pneumonia should be gone in a few years.

So long from sunny Crete,

Isaakios Komnenos, son of Alexios

With a look of mild amusement on his face Apionnas nods his head in agreement.

Well said.

Apionnas is seen deep in conversation with Demetrios for sometime, the Varangian Guardsmen near by can be seen tensing with anticipation as there are some heated words.

Eventually they part ways.

Apionnas then walks to the middle of the Magnaura and speaks;

"Lords of Byzantium, it is now clear in my mind that I will make it my sole purpose to strive as strongly as I can to resolve the differences between the Basileus and our Caesar.

In that regards I would ask both men to meet me at a mutually agreeable location to discuss and resolve the issue that is threatening to dissolve and negate the progress we have made and an Empire to date.

I would ask that both men send word here to this chamber as to where they would like this meeting to take place."

The Basileus makes an appearance after his long absence.

If the Caesar is willing, I am willing to meet him at my castle in Dardanellia. It is but a humble abode, but sadly the capital is unavailable.

The Basileus resumes his seat.

Nikodemos, Methodios' agent raises upon hearing the Basileus' words.

My Lord Ioannis,

My master Methodios is amenable to meeting you to resolve this matter. He told me he has sent you and your master of ceremony, Senator Vringas, as well as the Megas, a letter detailing his proposals and conditions prior to the meeting.

He eagerly awaits your answer.

He also suggests that besides Lord Vringas, another arbiter of the debate be present. Though Methodios doesn't doubt of the good will of Lord Vringas, he is well known as a staunch supporter of your cause and this may cloud his judgment. My master is open to any suggestion as to who may second Lord Vringas.

With a bow, Nikodemos sits down.

Apionnas

I am currently drawing up the terms and conditions of the meeting.

Your respective requirements must be addressed in this correspondence.

Once agreed I will present them here for the Magnaura to observe.

Apionnas strides into the Magnaura.

"Senators of Byzantium I wish to read the following statement:

Our Basileus and Caesar have agreed to a meeting, which will take place on the island of Nicosia under the following terms:


1) There will be no personal insults as part of the negotiations. Apionnas in consultation with Tiverios will determine what is and what is not regarded as a personal insult should one party claim that this has occurred. If I agree that a personal insult has been made then either side can break off negotiations without penalty.

2) The island of Nicosia will be used as the meeting place.

3) Both parties, not matter the result will be free to return to their respective cities free of hindrance, entrapment or any other means of foul play that prevents this from happening.

4) Apionnas Vringas will organise and select all security and guardsmen for the meeting. Both parties are permitted to bring 2 representatives (avatars) and 5 personal soldiers for protection.

ALL other military forces on the island will be Varangian Guardsmen.

5) Both parties commit to explore every possibility to resolve this conflict.

6) If an accord is reached ALL current declarations of war will be rescinded as required by law.

7) As a 3rd party to sign and be witness to any agreements including the proceedings, Tiverios Indikoplefstis will be in attendance to partner Apionnas Vringas.

Both parties have until the start of the summit to invite 2 guests respectively.

At this point in time only four people will be present:

Ioannis Komnenos
Methodios Tagaris

Tiverios Indikoplefstis (witness and administrator)
Apionnas Vringas (witness and administrator)


Senators, I will ensure that the transcripts of this meeting are sent by faster messenger to this chamber so you may all stay abreast of the deliberations and outcomes, if any.

One question Apionnas.

You say that all declarations of war are to be rescinded. I assume you mean those declarations made by the parties present. I may have "joined" the Basileos in this war, but my declaration of war is my own, and I will rescind nothing based on the outcome to a meeting to which I have not been invited.

Please don't take this offensively, it is not meant as such. In all likelyhood, if the Caesar and the Basileos come to an agreement, I too will cease the war. But I will not be bound by things beyond me control.

Senator Ioannis,

You are quite correct. The meeting and these terms are only binding on the men who are present.

You may continue which ever conflict you wish to pursue. I am hoping of course that if the main protagonists have resolved their differences then it will be entirely pointless for others to continue.

A message is brought to the Magnaura. One of the scribes take it and read it to the rest of the people in Magnaura..

Quote:

---

Senators,

I must inform you that a terrible accident happened to Theo Petzeas. While inspecting his ships supplies a loose barrel hit him hard. It is a miracle that he survived. He can not move and his left side is paralyzed. He will retire into his estate near Theopolis(former Aleppo).

Simon, Theo Petzeas' bodyguard

---

A loud cheer resounds around the chamber at the news

Graying Vartholomaios Ksiros is idly leafing through the latest proceedings of the Nicosia summit

"We" must apologise! "We"!? As far as I know the two ranking officers of the Order have never insulted Basileus. As for the rest of the knights, they are not servants to be commanded and have rights to their personal opinions.

His voice lowers to a grumble only people next to him could hear

Besides, has _he_ ever tried to tell Vissa something to do! The man's as stubborn as a mule, even old Makedonios couldn't sway him... and Theo, when I was young there was no talk of a Knight even tasting wine... God knows how he got into that accident of his, probably blind drunk again...

Looking through what is being said at Nicosia, it seems to me that there is no agreement forthcoming between the parties.

If I may offer a piece of advice to Apionnas who so graciously and selflessly took the role of mediator: it can be helpful to get the parties to focus on objectives they want to see met. By that I mean not objectives in terms of "Get X to apologise". The focus needs to be on the issues behind the immediate confrontation. At the moment, both parties are looking at personal matters rather than the issues behind them. If both parties could define concrete objectives that do not focus on what others should do, but what outcomes should be reached, they could then start looking for common ground.

As it is, I don't think this is getting anywhere.

Before people begin to propose their motions, let me just take this opportunity to praise the efforts of Pavlos Chrysovergos and the work he has put into his term of office. He has done a fantastic job.

However, the tax policy which we in the Asteri have implemented will last as long the civil war does. Should the parties reach an agreement then our tax collectors will go back to work. Until such a time exists, our tax collectors will not be fulfulling their duties.

The Protoasecretes wakes up suddenly.

"What? Again?! Bah..."

"I hereby declare the Senate Session of 1170 AD open! It will remain open for proposing legislation and campaigning of candidates for Megas Logothetes until Wednesday, November 26th at 15:00 GMT."

Savvas enters the Magnaura, a bitter expression on his face. After taking a few steps, it is obvious for all that he's drunk.

I didn't expect to live long enough for yet another Magnaura Session.

What nonsense will it be this time? Civil war between Appionas and the Basileus? Aleksios ek Ikoniou swearing an oath of fealthy to the Order of St John? Ioannis Kalameteros for once becoming a father of his own son instead of a string of bastards?

Idiocy.

Savvas sits down and sips on yet another goblet of wine.

The Basileus returns from Nicosia and before he sits down prepares to shock the Maganura.

"I am running for the position of Megas Logothetes."

He sits down.

Savvas whispers to his scribe. The man looks shocked and tries to argue with his drunk master. Savvas gives his scribe a slap and the man hastily runs out of the Magnaura to return within a few minutes, followed by a black labrador.

Savvas stands up, with a big, drunken smile on his face.

Ladies of the Magnaura, I hereby declare that I transfer my position and all my belongings to this dog, Blacky.

Since Blacky cannot speak for herself, I am honored to be her spokesman.

Blacky, senator of the Byzantine Empire, has informed me that she will run for the position of Megas Logothotes.

As a first step during her reign, she will give Constantinople to the Venetians in return for peace. She will also recruit armies of peasants and declare war on Brittania or whatever Kingdoms are established in that desolate place.

Savvas ek Militou will be granted exclusive ownership of all wineyards in the Empire.

Savvas sits down again, looking very pleased with himself.

Pavlos chuckles slightly.

'Tis a bloody good agenda you're running on Savvas and your candidate seems fit too. It can be a dog's work on some days. To make the term of the next Megas easier be he royal or canine I propose the following Charter Amendment.

CA 7.1:
A Senator, that is not accompanied by an army of four units, is not allowed to seize more than two ships without the permission of the Megas Logothetes.

Our possesions are sprawling and a functionable navy is required to reach destinations swiftly. The decision how to use our limited and expensive navy should rest mostly with the Megas and only partly with the individual Senators.

Sophronios, completely silent until this time, this being his first Session, stands up.

"I second Charter Amendment CA 7.1"

He then sits down again.

Blacky barks.

Savvas stands up quickly, only to stumble back onto his seat. Slowly, he manages to stand up, leaning heavily with one hand on his scribe and the other on his desk.

The esteemed Canine Senator would like to propose Edict 45.7:

"Streetdogs are a disgrace for the Empire. Therefore, all resources of the Empire will be primarily dedicated to the building of luxuruous dog houses where dogs are served the finest of meat and water and will benefit the company of the most attractive dogs of the opposite sex. Or the same sex, why not?"

Savvas takes his goblet of wine.

"All hail to Blacky! And an early congratulations on her newly acquired position of Megas Logothetes!"

Savvas empties the goblet and sits down. His scribe anxiously tries to calm down his master. Savvas screams:

Shut up, you idiot! This "esteemed" (he almost spit out the word) legislative body has degenerated into a dirty mudpit where short term political gain is more important then long standing friendships! Where is Aleksios ek Ikoniou? I'm still waiting on his apology for breaking our bounds.

Look at the kid (he points at the Basileus)! What has become of him? We all praise his father, but his father was an idiot! Why didn't he give his son an equal amount of love as he gave his daughter!

And see what it has lead to. The daughter that got all the love she ever needed turned into a slut, producing bastard son after bastard son. And the Basileus, poor child, has become the most hated figure of the Empire.

Our former Basileus was an idiot!

All Senators are idiots, including me!

Blacky is as good a candidate as any other of these clowns.

Savvas spits on the ground.

The Basileus sighing, stands to address the Magnaura.

I sympathise with my dear colleague, Savvas. I have had little sanity over the whole of my life.

However, I wish to announce to the Magnaura that if they esteem me with the honour of ruling my own empire, I will sail off to Italy and honour them with my absence. I wish for nothing more than to oversee the invasion of Italy under my own command and then to retire to the comfortable villas of the Tiber.

In order to make my desires official, I would submit this humble proposal to the Magnaura for their careful consideration.

Rule Change 7.1: Once Rome is conquered, the Empire shall be split into two. Italy shall be ruled directly by the Basileus, and the Eastern half of the empire shall be ruled by the elected nobles of the Magnuara under the current provisions in our most glorious charter.

Under this Rule Change, those vassals who wish to may swear fealty directly to the Basileus. They will lose their privilege of voting in the Magnaura and from becoming Megas Logothetes, but will be able to govern provinces granted to them by the Basileus.

The Basileus bows slightly before the Magnaura.

Yes! What a wonderful idea! In order to make the Byzantine Empire more powerful, we will split it!

But why just two pieces? Why not making 500 little Byzantine Empires. I claim Byzantine Empire 263 for my own and I shall be the sole ruler of two peasants, four pitchforks and a cow!

Savvas sighs.

My dear colleagues, please, let sanity reign and elect Blacky as your Megas Logothetes. She's a good dog. Under her reign, at least the streetdogs will be happy.

Savvas sits down again, mumbling words like "idiots" and "absurdity".

Sophronios gets up.

"Father, this is absurd. To split our empire would weaken us significantly. Remember what good it did to the roman empire when it happened the last time. No, the opposite has to happen now. We must unify, stop bickering against each other in petty conflicts, stop greeding for inividual power and start looking at what's best for our empire and our people. Step over your shadow and end the so called civil war, so we can focus on what is important. And I am not trying to say all that happened is your fault and that's why you have to be the one who solves it. No, you have to solve it, because you are the Basileus. You do not have the right to be offended personally. You have to think of the empire first and only after that about your personal feelings. Be the man, the empire needs right now."

A hooded figure appears at the door. He presents his papers to the appropriate authorities. They have a shocked and astounded look on their faces. The discussion between the dignitaries look animated as the hooded figure stands motionless and peers into the great senate hall.

After lengthy discussions and debates the authorities look with a defeated look on their face, the man standing before them is legally a senator of the Empire and must be allowed into the hall.

The man walks into the centre of the Magnuara and reveals his face to all.

I am Vakchos Tzetzis, husband of Hypatia Tagaris, I have come as I am told is my right and duty to vote in the Megas elections and any laws suggested in this weeks discussions.

I come and find this... nothing more than a shambolic circus.

Quite frankly the two choices of Megas are clearly unsatisfactory. No offence to the emperor, but I would rather he concentrates on the matter of his cival war rather than attempted to sieze the title of Megas.

As far as Savvas, as a soldier who has seen many men die for the cause of this empire - I find this highly disrespectful. Out of respect for your accomplishments and long service I will not declare cival war on you and your 'thing' as is my right and give you a chance to halt this charade right now. Hell if you actually ran for office you may well have my vote.