Alternate History: Michael's Crucible

I know this is kind of an unusual first post for a member; usually I'm content to just lurk and listen to the informed discussions that go on around here, but this looked like so much fun I decided I had to try it! The character you'll be playing is Michael VII of Byzantium. IRL, his rule was a disaster, but just maybe you can change that.

This is an interactive history thread in the vein of Kraxis' "Antiochus' Dilemma." If you aren't familiar with how those work, then here's the lowdown: it's basically going to be me making up a situation and presenting you with choices, and then anyone who posts in the thread (fast!) can decide what choice is made. I'm going to try to keep this pretty historical, but I'm going to have to make up some stuff too. So don't be too surprised if I interpret a character's personality differently from the way someone else did, or if I end up just making up some battlefield geography. A disclaimer: Since it's impossible to test what would have been the right choice in a historical context, basically the "right" choice will be whichever one I feel would have been best. So it's going to be somewhat subjective; there's no help for it.

There's going to be a few differences from the way Kraxis ran his thread:

1) The first three to reply get a say in the choice taken. A tie is settled in favor of the first poster. Effectively, this means that the first poster gets the decision, but the two people who post after him can override him if they both agree on a different choice.

2) I'll probably be posting a bit less frequently than Kraxis (especially on weekends, when I probably won't post at all). Sorry in advance, it's just how my schedule works.

3) Because of the nature of the character you'll be playing, the choices could well end up focusing more on politics and administration than military strategy. Naturally, though, you can choose to take the field yourself and dive into the military sphere if you wish.

4) Because the character starts the thread as co-emperor with his brother and his mother (the Empress Regent), you do not necessarily have absolute control over your realm. They may well make decisions you don't like, and you'll have to live with it, unless you obtain sole sovereignty through your choices.

All right, let's go!

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You are Michael VII Ducas, Emperor of Rome, or at least what's left of the Roman Empire in this year of 1067. Your father, Constantine X, passed away only weeks ago from illness, leaving his empire to you (his eldest son), and Constantine the Younger (his third and youngest son). His middle son, Andronicus Ducas, does not wear the purple because he failed to pass a political test set before him by his father. You passed it easily. Constantine the Younger did not have to take the test as he was born after your father was given the throne by Isaac I Comnenus. Your father put great value in your mother's wisdom and left the empire in her care as regent until such a time as the two emperors were ready to govern. Although you are in your majority, you have so far not been particularly concerned with the notion of sharing power with your mother, whom you respect. Constantine is still quite young and has been even less politically active than you.

Still, with your father's death it seems appropriate to begin to take part in the management of your empire. You find, however, that you have been out of the loop for a long time; reliable information on the tidings at the fronteir is not easy to come by and your mother seems loathe to tell you everything. Rumor has it, however, that the Turks have been increasing the frequency of their raids into Roman territory, and that the general sent to hold them at bay, Nicephorous Botaniates, has met with little success so far. In addition, talk around the court has it that while your father's efforts to reform the nation's compicated legal system were moderately effective, he neglected financial matters and the Imperial coffers are nearly empty.

Your most trusted advisors and childhood mentors are the orator and philosopher-historian Michael Psellus and your uncle, John Ducas, given the honorific "Caesar" by your father. Both are well-learned and your uncle is a military man as well. Although he holds no formal rank at the present, he has been taking care of equipping and training the military since your father's reign. Naturally, your mother also served as a mentor of sorts and she is considered to have a good eye for economic affairs.

When you express to them your desire to begin taking the responsibilites of an Emperor, your mother asks that the first tast you take as Emperor will be to help her set the nation's taxes in order. "Sad world that it is, we need money to accomplish anything. You've already shown yourself to be a natural financier. Working together, surely we can bring the Imperium back the tax money it needs to restore its greatness." The Caeser makes a similar argument. "Money is our most pressing issue. We need better arms for our troops. You should help your mother, but instead of just filling our treasury, see if you can give any funds you free up to our equippers. I'll handle it from there."

After they depart, Psellus gives a different idea. "While the Imperial finances are important, your majesty, your mother should be able to adequately handle that problem herself. And as much as we both love her, if you want to begin to rule, you would do better to distance yourself from her a bit more. The court will respect you more if they see you act independently. I suggest you go and socialize with the senators, the Patriarch, and perhaps the eunuchs. You are only the second emperor of your line and your family is not yet firmly entrenched on the throne. They will respect your intellect if you let them get to know you, and that will go far toward ensuring the stability of the Empire."

As is your custom, you retire to consider before making a decision. While you are thinking, you are surprised by a message from your brother-in-law Adrian Comnenus. He says that his older brother Manuel, a renowned general, has said that he would be pleased for you to grace him and his men with your presence at some of their training exercises. He says that the men, commoners that they are, believe that your father neglected them and the military in general, and it would do wonders for their morale if you showed them your personal attention.

Your options:

1) Help your mother with the finances. If you manage to improve your income, you'll set aside the excess for now. You'll surely find plenty of uses for it once you're more firmly aware of what's going on. And there's no telling what emergencies might arise.

2) Help your mother with the finances, but immediately divert any new revenue to John Ducas' ledgers, which he'll use to upgrade the men's equipment. This isn't something that can wait any longer than necessary.

3) Woo the court. You need these people on your side, and maybe you'll find out a bit about potential rivals, too.

4) Accept Manuel's invitation. Maybe if you start immersing yourself in military culture it'll start making sense to you. And the morale boost would be helpful.

I think 4

4. War Is About Finances.

Hard choices. Indecisive as I am, this is even harder than normal.

Let's look at the four choices:

1. Though finance is certainly of prime importance in this age (the Seljuks are coming...) the mother seems untrustworthy in her act. After all, looking at the legendary Byzantine tradition of dynastic disputes and court corruption, it would be wise to distance yourself from your mother. Though common sense dictates that trust in your family is the key; the Byzantine history disproves that, very often. If you follow this course, she may as well consider you just a puppet. An expendable puppet, that is.

Not this one.

2. While it is wise to establish a strong military for future campaigns, putting money into John Ducas' hands like this is sealing your own fate. He would likely rebel as he is also a legitimate member of the Imperial family, and seems to have the military in his pocket; otherwise, if you pay him like this, he will CERTAINLY have the military in his pocket now.

A disastrous choice.

3. To woo the court is the perfect Byzantine tradition, again. The pros are that you would've learned much about the political situation, gain potential allies, and discover potential foes. However, this act would clearly alienate yourself from your mother; as she won't tolerate such political moves and immediately sees you as an enemy, something that you cannot afford, for now. Also, looking at history, this Byzantine tradition brings the empire nowhere. Leave the court intrigues for now; you need a capital to broker a deal; a capital like an army of men with swords to back your word, that is. ~;)

Not very wise.

4. While it would be quite risky that the renowned general Manuel could betray you, he might as well be a better ally than the entire court of Constantinople combined. The Roman empire was held up by its military, while succumbed to court intrigues and petty betrayals; you would be wise to establish support of the military. Roman history confirms that no one holds more power than an emperor with the army that backs him. The familiarity of the Byzantine military culture and the men who will soon fight for you is of immense value for future wars; future of the empire. Besides, it is unlikely that your mother would consider this action as an offense since it is only natural that an emperor would be the man to gather support of the army. She is a woman, and she knows it is unlikely that a woman in history (omit Jeanne d'Arc) could control the respect of the army like a man. Your value for her would increase as much as your threat that she should tolerate an increase in your power. She may think of you as a potential strong ally this way.

Though not a perfect choice, is the most sensible one.

I vote 4, just like the people before me.

P.S. Welcome to the .org ~:wave: Did you have fun lurking? ~D

Thanks for the sticky!

Sure did! Lurking is undervalued. ;)

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Although playing soldier sounds like the least interesting of the paths suggested to you, sometimes it's best to throw oneself headlong at his failings, and thus overcome them. Your teachers and mother are clearly surprised at your choice, though John Ducas, at least, seems to find it a happy surprise. "A good decision, your majesty. Developing some popularity with the rank and file could do wonders to help their spirit."

The next day finds you at the barracks, overlooking a number of men carrying sharp objects who are undergoing some simple drills. You are met by Manuel and Adrian, who is more of a courtier than a general, though he comes from a military family and seems to be quite comfortable dealing with soldiers and speaking of military matters. Manuel is a charming fellow who thanks you for your attendance and graciously offers to have them perform any drill you request of them. You, naturally, have no idea what would be appropriate, and with equal grace put the decision back in his hands.

The men seem honored by your presence, and let out a hearty cheer. They cheer more when you shock your hosts by offering to take part in one of their physical conditioning drills. It proves to be a vigorous workout, and it isn't long before you begin to have trouble keeping up with the men. Luckily, Adrian rescues you by inventing a pressing issue of state for you to attend to, before you drop out of the exercise and embarass yourself.

You visit the barracks regularly over the course of the season, occasionally taking part in the simpler exercises. One man, a veteran named Eusebios, is assigned to serve as your page whenever you dress in military gear to participate. After dealing with him a number of times, you ask him: "What generals have you been assigned to, Eusobios, and what did you think of them? I'm merely curious," you add when he hesitates. "I promise you, you make speak freely. Your words will reach my ears alone."

"Well, your majesty," he says, unhappy to be on the spotlight but obliged to answer his lord's question, "I've served under several of your many generals. Right now, it's Manuel, as you know. They say he has a gifted mind for strategy. His men like him, sire, myself included. He has served the Empire for years, and I believe him loyal to his family and country."

"Very good. Anyone else?"

"I've also served under Crispinus the Frank," he says, referring to a general who is currently stationed in Bari, the Empire's last stronghold in Italy. "I had the pleasure to meet him personally several times, as well as see him in battle. His prowess in battle is awesome. As a leader and tactician, I believe him capable. As a man, he is honorable but mercurial, quick to take offense and quick to forgive. I've served under Romanus Diogenes as well, when he drove back the Pechenegs for your father. He, too, is a brave man, and aggressive on the battlefield. I must tell you that his temper and arrogance are not admirable, but, if I may say so, our precious Empire has few other generals willing to move headlong into the teeth of the enemy."

You recieved word just yesterday evening that Diogenes had been arrested on charges of consipiracy against the Empress Regent. You decline to mention this to your servitor, however, preferring that he continue to speak. "Have you served under anyone else?"

"That is all, my lord. I can tell you nothing of Nicephorus Bryennius, and of Nicephorus Botaniates all I can tell you is what every soldier knows: he is a most experienced general and some say he is the best to serve our Empire in our time. Of course, I like to think that Manuel bears that honor," he says. He hesitates again, and after some more encouragement, tells you, "Rumor has it that there is a rivalry between Botaniates and Comnenus, but one never knows the truth behind the barracks grapevine," he adds, not wishing to be accused of spreading gossip.

On the domestic scene, your mother has, like she expected, found a number of tax evaders among the upper classes and inefficiencies in the tax collection system. Still, correcting these problems produces only a modest increase in revenue. She has set aside these extra denarii for use another day.

Later, the Caesar calls a meeting of military minds in order to settle matters of recruiting. You ask to attend, as do all three of the generals currently residing in Constantinople. While any army should contain a reasonable balance of troops, it might be wise to emphasize the recruitment of certain troop types. Talk around the table hovers a bit on the adversaries your army will be facing; most agree that the Turks will be the greatest threat, though it's noted that previous victories over the Uze and Pechenegs were far from total, and that the Normans under Robert Guiscard have already taken part of Sicily and, though there is peace at the moment, may well decide to take the rest someday.

John Ducas says his piece first. "I think barbarian mercenaries are our best bet. The Pechenegs have fought well for us in the past, and we have a few in our army already. They are excellent horsemen and mounted archers, and eager to serve for Roman coin."

Manuel disagrees. "I believe we should draw from our own pool of strength, your majesty. I know of several units of foot archers that distinguished themselves in service of the Bulgarian theme during the wars with the Pechenegs and Uze. If you request their transfer to Imperial command, they could prove useful."

Your uncle provides a second opinion. "If you'd rather use our own troops, I'd prefer we recruit Macedonian spearmen. They're good, Romanized people and should be quite loyal."

Bryennius has another plan. "There are a number of Armenian refugees who fled after the conquest of their homeland by the Turks during your father's reign and are now living in Phrygia. If you recruit them and equip them as light infantry, they will fight hard to win back their homeland in the event of war with the Sultan, and may make valuable scouts in conflicts in the East, as well."

You, however, think back to what Eusebios said about Crispinus' uncanny military prowess. The Franks are well-known for their skill and fighting spirit. The Empire already employs a few Western knights-errant (Crispinus being such a one); perhaps establishing a larger force of them would lend the cavalry strength needed to turn the tide of battle.

As presiding Emperor, it is your decision to make. You may choose up to two troop types to focus recruitment on.

I suggest that you hire the Bulgarian archers. They are already in the service of the empire, so their loyalty is certain. And they will keep Turkish horse archers at bay.

I should probably let you know what sorts of troops are already under the Imperial banner. Currently, your army is composed to a large degree of mercenaries: Russian, Georgian, and Frankish spearmen total about 20,000, plus about 10,000 light infantry, mostly Crimean Goths and Bulgars. For native troops, you have about 8,000 each of skutatoi (pikemen with archers mixed into the formation) and menavlatoi (lightly armored men with heavy javelins). The Varangian Guard number roughly 3,000. In the cavalry sphere, you have about 5,000 Pecheneg horse archers, 8,000 light and medium lancers (mainly Khazars and Alans) and 4,000 Imperial Tagmata heavy cavalry with bow and spear, plus a few hundred Norman and French knights.

This doesn't count the troops raised under the theme system (sort of like a Byzantine feudal system, with local leaders contributing troops to the Emperor's command in an emergency). In a pinch, you'll be able to draw on some of them as well, but you don't have much control over who they recruit or how they train them. Most will be of low quality.

I think that it would be best to hire the Macedonian spearmen and the Armenian light infantry. The former would be most useful against the Normans and the latter against the Turk, the two greatest threats to the Empire.

Pechenegs and Bulgarians. You need light cavalry against the turks and archers to protect your cities.... The others are fine, but you can always train peasants to serve as spearmen....

Foot archers and light infantry are the most effective counter against HA. They can just shoot better.

You need to hire Pecheneg mercenaries, as they are effective horse archers. Cuman light cavalry, as light cavalry, with a devastating charge.

Armenians are a good addition, but they can dezert fast because they don't love the Greeks(Manzikert is the best example).

Bulgarians are most needed for sure. They can counter Turkish horse archers with their own rain of arrows and are useful in any other battles otherwise. They are also more loyal than most, being veterans of the Empire. A worthy choice.

Recruit these archers.

While having horse archers is always useful, I don't really see their uses for now. These men, equals to the future enemies Turkish horsemen as they may be, are not going to be very loyal (except to your money) and your treasury isn't very deep just yet to ensure their loyalty throughout. You already have some of them, too. Besides, possible war in Italy makes them less useful, since horse archers don't do well in the mountains of Greece and the hills of Italy and Sicily, as Attila's campaign into Italy itself shows.

We don't need the Pechenegs.

Frankish knights, powerful heavy cavalry as they were, are proven to be of disadvantage against lighter cavalrymen in open space - in Anatolia. Crusades, anyone? Also, remember the Fourth Crusade; the Franks are not to be trusted, especially if any of us harbors any future ambitions for Italy. Also, the Franks would probably side with the Normans in case of a conflict.

Not necessarily the best choice.

However, now comes two quite equally useful choices: the Macedonian spearmen or the lighter Armenians.

Macedonian Spearmen:
pros - loyal, tough, and are useful counters of the Norman heavy cavalry.
cons - practically useless against the Turks. But may be they'll serve as good garrison.

Armenian Light Infantry:
pros - scouting capability, flexible, useful against the Turkish horde
cons - disloyal, for sure, and are useless against the Normans.

I'd choose, with risk, the Macedonians. The Bulgarians can counter the Turkish horde (and you already have some other units, as well) and we need some loyal "core" of the army that will not break in tight spot, especially against the Norman knights, while the Themes in Anatolia may provide some of the light infantry needed in case of the Eastern conflicts.

Let the descendants of the legendary Alexandrian phalangites return to the battlefield once more. :) Recruit the Macedonians.

Hence my choices: Bulgarian archers (I love the MTW brigands ~D ) and Macedonian spearmen.

The Macedonians only against the Normans.
Against the Turks they are useless.

If you don't have Pechenegs, how are you gonna kill the HA?!
Archers are not enough. Parthian cavalry. (see: Parthian shot)

The Armenians are not loyal to the Byzantines. They desert fast.

Franks. Why do you need franks?! Don't you have the famous Byzantine cavalry, composed of Klibanophoroi?!

But our treasury (okay, Byzantine treasury ;p) are still not strong according to the description and these Pechenegs are mercenaries; you need gold to ensure their loyalty to the end. (We also got some of them already, 4000 and also 8000 "steppe cavalry" in MTW terms) The HA's in reality are also useless in mountainous Greece and hilly Italy. The Macs can do wonders against the Norman knights (think of them as less heavy predecessors of the Swiss) and they serve as a loyal and tough garrison in to hold key locations in Anatolia. The description Vykke gave us about Byzantine military shows no tough core infantry save for 3000 Varangians. The HA can't really fight an archery duel against the Bulgarian archers, and they can't charge them down if we have Macs guarding them. Then the cavalry can go on mopping up. Also, we can at least rely on the Themes in Anatolia to give us some light infantry/cavalry for more maneuverability.

Edit: Also historically (as at Manzikert) the Pechenegs and the Franks are untrustworthy and the former betrayed Byzantium for their Turkish cousins while the latter did not participate in the battle and just fled the war.

Also historically, against the Turks, the Byzantines would draw their troops up, and have their archers with LONGER bows, engage in an archery duel with HA. If the HA attack, then ride in with light cavalry and kill them all!!!
(Look up Roman tactics on Google)

Manuel's suggestion sounds very appealing, especially considering that you know these are already quality troops who've seen battle before. You decide to focus as much as possible on building that strong archer contingent that will turn the tide of battle in your favor. The general smiles and makes arrangements to personally present to you the new archer units as soon as possible. Unfortunately, it turns out that the bowmen Manuel had heard of are only 5,000 strong all together. At your urging, Manuel and the Caesar do some more recruiting among the Bulgarian population in order to fill them out to a potent 10,000 while allowing an even mixture of veteran and green soldiers in each unit. The Caesar also manages to scrape up the funds to hire an additional 2,000 skutatoi, bringing your total to 10,000.

Training of the new soldiers begins immediately, and you drop in now and then to supervise, but you begin to feel a need to enjoy yourself with some of your old pursuits, to immerse yourself in literature at the palace library or indulge yourself in engaging conversations with the clever philosophers and inventors of your people. After all, from where does wisdom come? Not from the sword, but from the pen. That thought strikes you as remarkably poetic, and you have sat down to compose a suitable iambic when your mother enters your room suddenly. She is remarkably agitated, but you can't tell what emotions are clamoring in her heart - there seem to be several. Old Psellus follows her in, his face ashen.

She sits down on your bed, where you were resting in happy contemplation a moment before, and when she speaks it is in a very formal tone. "My Emperor, best of my sons. Rise up, and meet your step-father." You stare at her in disbelief as she continues. "I have chosen Romanus Diogenes to be my husband. Although he takes the place of your father, he will be a subject, not a ruler. I, your mother, have bound him in writing to observe this arrangement. And with his able help we will again elevate our great Empire into one that will inspire wonder in all her neighbors!"

"He waits downstais, before the palace doors," she tells you after allowing a moment for the announcement to sink in. "We have secured the Patriarch's approval; the marriage will take place immediately. Come, my Emperor, and greet your step-father with open arms."

Psellus says nothing at all but looks at you imploringly, probably hoping you will talk her out of this. In your confusion, several possibilities come to mind:

1) Go along with it. It sounds like her mind's made up, so there's no sense in arguing with her. You remember thinking that the evidence of his treason did seem less than convincing, and who knows, she might succeed in turning an enemy into a powerful ally.

2) You are not foreign to the skills of debate, and your mother has always seemed so intelligent. Surely she won't marry a man who plotted her death! You must convince her to see reason!

3) Seek out your uncle and ask him to help you stop this fiasco. You know he dislikes Diogenes, and with his backing and your status as Constantine's heir, you should be able to avert this with law or force, whatever is necessary.

4) Seek out Manuel. You've built up some good will with him, and your mother and "stepfather" are threatening your rightful inheritance! Such a situation calls for drastic action, even if it means bringing an army to the palace gates.

Gosh. This is harsh! ~D

Very well, she's going down one way or the other. Disregard 1 and 2; she's certainly plotting against you.

As the first chapter provides you with the support of the army, the woman is looking to the traitorous-but-skilled general as an alternative to your support and a balance to your newfound power. She has to go; otherwise you'll go; or the civil war will ruin your chances in foreign conflicts.

So it's 3 and 4, but I know nothing of the mentality of your two supporters. Will Manuel comes to support you with his forces if he heard the situation and how you pledge your case to Caesar, or will Caesar supports you if you rally Manuel and practically besiege the palace? Both people's loyalty are, from what I see, strong. So it's quite hard to judge their actions though you can count on both ways to gain at least one supporter.

I'd go for three, however. Drastic actions may take place in the next chapter if diplomacy and influence fails. Let's hope Manuel will be wise enough to join you.

The fourth action may alienate your mentor and uncle and the court. It's not very wise to risk civil war in such dangerous times. The third will at least garner his support and probably useful advice. In fact, after you meet with John Ducas "Caesar" you may even go on rallying the troops now that he's assured that you recognize him first. This is actually the way I see as the best.

I choose choice 3, but would change if other people shows the mistake in my judgement in time. :)

I know this mother is really going to be a problem, but I can't believe it's this fast. lol, it caught our young emperor off-guard. ~:cool:

1. Is a very risky strategy, if not downright foolish. Mothers have not really had a reputation for love in the Byzantine court and she could easily plot Michael's downfall at court.
2. Is likely to be uselesss. Nothing will probably come of it, however it could be a good primary plan. If it fails you can always use force.
4. Seems too blunt. Remember, subtlety is everything at court.
I would go with number three. Your uncle seems a wise man who could be able to divert the situation.

You are yourself a courtier, so you should draw on that strength. Go with #3.

3 would be a good option.
It would secure your position in the throne with your Uncles consent, as you are a lesser of two evils.

3 is the best.

There's no point in convincing your mother, and your uncle's help is very good. Psellos is a very wise and clever man, and also Diogenes.

4 would be too drastic, and the army may revolt against you!!!!

You storm out of the room without a word, leaving your mother and Psellus to wonder whether you're going to meet your intended stepfather or not. You find your uncle in his quarters and quickly explain the situation to him. He'd apparently picked up a couple of court rumors about plans for "something big," but for all intents and purposes, he was as in the dark as you. Although he, too, seems upset at your mother's plans, he hesitates. "Your majesty, are you sure you want to stop this wedding? I believe we can, but not without tearing our family asunder."

Your reply: "Regardless of my mother's intentions, an error in judgement can be just as damning as a failing of loyalty. You know Romanus Diogenes. He is not the right man to save the Empire. Such arrogance can only bring foolishness, treason, and the ire of God."

John Ducas nods slowly. "You are right, your majesty. Come to the Great Hall. We won't bow to the likes of him."

As you move, he tells you that you should enter and declare yourself to be in full majority and prepared to govern without assistance, invoking the will of your father. Your mother will then be legally required to abdicate her position as Empress Regent. You can then forbid the wedding from taking place. Meanwhile, John will rally some nearby guards and bring them into the Great Hall where he will then declare his support for you. Hopefully this will be enough to get your mother and the rest of the court to capitulate.

You arrive in the Hall to find it already almost filled with courtiers, family members, civil servants, and ambassadors from nations across the known world. Romanus Diogenes stands near the the center of the gathering with the Patriarch of Constantinople. The good Patriarch, a man appointed by your father, seems not quite able to hide a sour expression on his face, leading you to wonder how your mother garnered his support. Your mother also stands nearby, apparently less interested in wedding tradition than in seeing you and your brothers greet Diogenes. You wait a minute to make sure the Caesar has enough time to get ready, then clear your throat to get everyone's attention.

"I, Michael VII, am now of a fit age to take on the responsibilites of governing the Empire. I thank you for your assistance and service, mother, but they will no longer be needed. By the authority of my father, Constantine X, I am, from now on, Emperor of Rome."

There is utter silence among all those that hear you. Those farther away continue talking for a few moments more, then gradually fall silent as they realize that something is happening. You're well aware that your legal position isn't quite as firm as John implied, because your father never left any stipulations in the will about who would decide when the regent would give up her position. He'd assumed his wife and children would remain on good terms after his death as they had in life. The look of hurt on her face is painful, but you tell yourself that you can't betray someone who has already done the same to you.

"You are not the Emperor, Michael." Diogenes looks ready to cook an ox with his eyes. "The Empress' will is law! You speak out of turn."

"You stand convicted of conspiracy and treason," you reply, "and you accuse ME of speaking out of turn? You should be rotting in your cell."

At this point, the silence ends with a number of people speaking at once. A philosopher-statesman (whose name is John Scylitzes, you recall) steps up and begins trying to mediate, calling for a peaceful resolution. A number of other people start asking each other questions. The ambassador from Kiev attempts to get everyone else to be quiet and only adds to the din. And a man rushes up to Diogenes' side. You have a good head for names, and you recall that this man's is Chatatoures, and that he's a friend of Diogenes.

You are beginning to get nervous when John Ducas' voice bellows across the hall. "Hail, Michael Ducas, Emperor of Rome!" A score of bearded men in heavy scale armor stand behind him as he drops to one knee before you.

This does a good job of resurrecting the silence that the Kievan sought so hard, but it's quickly broken again by your brother, Andronicus. "Hail, Michael Ducas!"

The Caesar's two sons cry "Hail!" as well, quickly followed by Psellus and Adrian Comnenus. Soon most of the rest of the court follows their example. Diogenes and Chatatoures stand stony-faced in front of your mother, who looks on the verge of tears. Diogenes, for one, looks on the verge of drawing his sword, and you uncomfortably realize that if he could reach you he could cut you down easily, but John Scylitzes is still between you and the usurper doesn't seem willing to destroy any remaining claim to moral superiority by cutting down the diplomat. Instead he turns to the Patriarch. "Father, tell us who is in the right! Who shall be emperor!" The priest remains silent, however. Your co-emperor, Constantine the Younger, sits in silence as well.

The Varangians close in on Diogenes and Chatatoures, finally pushing Scylitzes out of the way, and form a semicircle around them. Chatatoures seems to argue with Diogenes for a few moments, then calls to you in an Armenian accent, "You have won, your majesty. We have no choice but to submit to your authority. But I beg that you do not judge my good friend too harshly, as he sought only the hope that was offered to him, as would any man who languished in prison. Your mother, too, sought to deal you no harm."

It seems you face your first choice as ruler of Byzantium. You must decide the fates of your mother, Diogenes, and, it seems, his friend as well.

Your two mentors come to your side. "Your father avoided capital punishment whenever possible, your majesty, and you would be wise to follow in his footsteps," advises Psellus. "I suggest imprisoning Diogenes in reasonable conditions and allowing your mother to continue to live in the palace with you, albeit in a less prominent fashion, of course. She meant well, but was overcome by foolishness. Also, showing mercy will convince the court that you are not a power-hungry tyrant. As for the Armenian, his only crime was loyalty to his friend. If you won't let him go, then the worst you should do is banish him."

Your uncle takes a more firm stance. "I, too, think execution is a poor choice, but there are other ways to eliminate an enemy, and more certain than imprisonment. Have Diogenes blinded, and his companion as well. Then they will no longer be a threat. As for my step-sister, I don't know what her intentions were, but I'm afraid that keeping her at your side now would be too much risk. Have her take a nun's vows, and she will live in peace without posing you trouble."

You may decide on the fate of each person seperately. These are the options that seem to be worth considering (you can't bring yourself to have your mother blinded):

A - Diogenes:
1) Exile
2) Imprisonment
3) Blinding

B - Your mother:
1) Let her stay at the palace
2) Send her to a convent
3) Exile
4) Imprisonment

C - Chatatoures:
1) Let him go
2) Exile
3) Imprisonment
4) Blinding

Diogenes: exile
Keeping him in prison would only increase his possibilities of conspiring against you in the shadow, while at the same time keeping him close to your mother which at this point is not a wise choice....
Your mother: Let her stay. You have to make the point that Diogenes was the enemy, and not her.
Chatatoures: let him go. As said, he had nothing to do with anything....

A3

B2

C3

Diogenes has to be eliminated. The Empress to a Monastery, and the other one, to the prison.

Well... It is a hard choice given the two who have already answered.

I would prefer imprisonment, but that would end up having him exiled (rule of the first answer), and I most certainly don't want that. If he is exiled he might get a lot of foregin backing, especially amongthe latins. A scary thought of 1204 comes to mind...
So for him it is my mind better with option 3, though I don't like it at all. A3

The mother...
Well, she is your mother, she has been married, she has done her job. No need to punish her outright. But we don't know what she might do now, out of spite or out of foolish action. Send her to the convent.
B2

The Armenian.
He is a minor noble, he is not strong enough to gather support alone. But if you let him stay with Diogenes he could be his hands and eyes. Exile, perhaps he can go home? C2

Diogenes should be blinded. He will no longer be a threat if you do so. Exile the Armenian. Your mother, after the sad passing of her husband, will devote the rest of her life to God and her Salvation.

Any mercy for Diogenes on your part is folly; blind him. I support choice 3. He challenged you openly - others may try in the future if they think they may get away with it with possibilities for future attempt.

Send the empress to the Convent - effective and reasonable. She shall be removed from the political field, but you won't bring the ire of God (in the eyes of the people ~;) ) by mistreating your own mother. Choice 2.

As for the Armenian, you need to show that you're not a tyrant to the court; and he is powerless on his own. Banish him, to show that law and order still works in the empire, but that you are merciful in judgement. To let him get away with that freely defies legal justice, and therefore your own Imperial authority, even if it is an honourable choice. Choice 2: Exile.

Basically what everyone else said. Blind Diogenes, send the mother to a convent, and the Armenian should be exiled; whatever happens Diogenes should not be exiled, as he is certainly capable of seeking foreign backing for his claims to the throne. In this way Diogenes is punished and sets an example for others, the mother can't be used by political enemies any longer, and the Armenian's freedom shows the emperor's mercy and as he's a minor noble doesn't offend the Armenians like a harsher punishment might.

But he doesnt actually have any claims to the throne whatsoever. Specially now that the court have officially recognized you as the new emperor. Besides, you know that right now he doesnt have the support of your court. If you blind him, he might get that support (he suffered for his ideas, etc...)

Similarly for the Armenian. You want to reward loyalty, not punish it with exile...

As for your mother, it doesnt make much difference if you lock her up in a convent or not. I just thought that it would be a nice move to show that Diogenes was the enemy, and not her, and that her decision to marry him was just a momentary weakness...

Just as an FYI (because there seems to be a little bit of confusion), Diogenes did not actually marry your mother, she didn't want to start the wedding until you showed up, and when you did you stopped the ceremony from happening. My fault, I should have made that more clear.

********

Your uncle is right - imprisonment will not suffice for a man as ambitious as Diogenes. At your command, the Varnagians seize the usurper and hoist him before you. "The words of your friend are well-spoken, but you did more than seek reprieve from your sentence. You seduced my mother and plotted to overturn the Empire itself. You have now proven yourself a traitor twice over, and deserve no reprieve. However, I shall take only your eyes, and not your life." You turn to a captain of the Varangians who arrived only seconds ago. "You will take this man to the dungeons. If he has any family in the city, allow them to be the last thing he gazes upon in this world. Carry out the sentence at sundown."

After the captain leaves with Diogenes in tow, you turn to his friend. "You have violated no law, Chatatoures, and are therefore free to go. I suggest, however, that you do not cross me in the future." Chatatoures bows stiffly, watching Diogenes go. Once his friend is out of sight, he turns and walks from the hall without a backward glance.

Finally, only your mother is standing before you. However, the days events weigh on you, and suddenly you find that passing judgement on her now, after all that has happened, is just too much. You can't find the words. Instead you send her to her quarters. After a few hours pass, you write an order that commands her to pack up her things and vacate the Imperial suite that she shared with her father: you will now be residing there, and she will retire to a nunnery on the island of Patmos where she may find peace and communion with God.

Days go by, and as you pick up the reins of government, you begin to realize just how much work your mother did in managing the Empire. The responsibilities of rule now rest squarely on your shoulders; you'll just have to get used to them. Formal letters congratulating you on your ascension begin to arrive as you grow accustomed to all of the little day-to-day decisions.

You are told that Romanus Diogenes has sickened from his wounds, and is expected to die within a week.

However, you have more pressing concerns. Now that you are the one everyone reports to, you realize why your mother had been willing to take desperate measures: Turcomen have begun crossing the border into Cappadocia in huge numbers, both warriors and civilians, and are driving your citizens from their homes. Botaniates is helpless to stop them all with the forces under his command. Whether or not this is being supported by the Seljuk Sultan is unknown - he has notoriously poor control over those nomads. Your mother probably believed that she needed a military man in charge who was willing to act boldly. Obviously, this does not present a flattering opinion of your martial prowess.

Regardless, a military solution seems to be in order. You seek counsel, and get four opinions.

John Ducas urges patience. "We need more time to prepare," he says. "Our army's eqipment is old and needs replacement, and the new recruits need more time to hone their skills. We have a bit of money in the treasury; if we start using it to equip our regulars we will have new equipment for most of our regulars and we will have finished training the recruits in a month or two. In the meantime, we can send some of our mercenary divisions east to help Botaniates."

Manuel also gives his advice, as is becoming customary. "I, too, think we should wait and train, but instead of rearming our troops, we should hire more mercenaries, preferably cavalry. In this instance, we will need to cover a lot of territory in order to protect our citizens, so sheer numbers are critical, and mercenaries are the only way to increase our numbers rapidly enough to suit our needs."

Psellus disagrees with the notion that we must react with overwhelming military force. Instead, he gives a relatively novel solution. "We can incorporate the Turcomen into our Empire, as we have done with many other people since Antiquity. Once pacified, they will offer valuable skills that we could draw upon. To do this, we should temporarily grant money to the themes that are under attack to help them build up sufficient strength to stop the violence. They will be better able to act at a local level than an Imperial army, and that's what is needed. Of course, we will need to send priests to convert them and educate them in our ways. If we cannot stop the violence, we can turn to the army later."

You've begun speaking with John Scylitzes since he came to your attention at the wedding, and found that he sometimes offers fresh insight different from that of your traditional circle of advisors. After you tell him about the situation, he does so again. "Do not hesitate, your majesty. I think your mother believed we should act immediately - why else marry our most aggressive general? - and I believe she was right. The longer we wait, the more invaders will cross our border, and the more wealth they will take from our people." If you go with this option, it might be wise to reserve that money sitting in the treasury for logistical support.

3. Psellus' advice. If you can't win them, make them join you. You can always gather an army of mercs to crush them if needs be.... And you would be weakening the Sultan at the same time.

Oh, in case you're wondering, it's now late March, 1068.

We are nearing Manzikert.

We need to attack fast. But for now, we have to wait. Constructing forts along the main keys in Cappadocia is very important. The best horses, especially to equip Kataphraktoi and Klibanophoroi, are bred in Cappadocia. Cappadocia must be defended at all cost, but for now, wait.

Do not hesitate. Attack immediately. Do not allow these nomads to settle or gain any hold. They are the enemy within. Follow Scylitzes advice.

#3
The Turks are in search of somewhere to call home, let's give them that. They also look for a way to live, let's give them that as well.
Lastly, it is wellknown that there is a lot of disagreement in the ranks of the Turks. It doesn't seem all that unlikely that these Turks will resent some of the other tribes for past actions.

Isn't it too risky to let the Turks immigrate the lands in huge numbers, just like the Visigoths of old Rome? I feel that we shouldn't make the mistake Rome made long ago, as some of your subordinates (the themes of Anatolia) may not be able (or unwilling) to give the Turks a "home sweet home" they seek. Your local indigenous population would lose their loyalty to you and the Turks won't be loyal to you either. They'll probably rebel as enemies from within, a destructive situation. Manzikert is coming. [Diogenes, historically, was the one to fight and John Ducas (I think...) betrayed him there - Michael Ducas (you) would rule later and ineffectually saw Asia Minor taken away by floods of Turkish horde-immigrants] This would ruin you. I strongly suggest other choices.

However, the remaining choices are very hard to pick.

John Ducas' - retraining and rearming available forces
pros - stronger units in the pitched battle
cons - loss of speed/initiative, no extra manpower

Manuel's - gathering huge mercenary forces
pros - increased manpower, if cavalry, greatly increased mobility and flexibility
cons - emptied treasury, loss of initiative, possible betrayal by mercenaries at the height of the conflict

John Scylitzes' - attack immediately
pros - the initiative
cons - no extra manpower, not as strong units as the first choice

John Ducas' choice isn't worth it. The stronger units will do well in the pitched battle, true, but the situation will get worse quickly. Manuel's choice, though normally useful, is too dangerous; the Pechenegs historically betrayed Byzantine forces at Manzikert for the Turks - if this happens again we will be doomed in the field. So I choose the last choice: 4. Though I fear the campaign may be hard to conduct (especially NOT to get bogged down) the Imperial show of force is necessary to put a halt to the Turkish progress. Why, then, would your mother betray you for Diogenes had she not see the dangers of the situation? I doubt Ducas would betray you in the field like he did against Diogenes historically (did I confuse him with someone else?) and the Turks had not made that far in Cappadocia that you would be bogged down in your campaign. Defeat them early before they scatter far enough, and invade in much enough numbers to be too hard to crush.

The more you think about it, the more you like Psellus' idea. The surest way to win a war is to turn your enemy's strength into your own. After discussing the particulars with the orator some more, he agrees to depart for the eastern provinces and direct the program himself. There he will meet up with Botaniates, who will help him deal with the martial side of the matter. You will miss Psellus' wise and steady presence, but you'll surely need a trustworthy supervisor on the scene, and no other appropriate candidate comes to mind. You watch him go with a heavy heart, as without your mother or Psellus your inner circle has begun to look discouragingly small.

You soon recieve word from the court doctor that Diogenes has died of infection, as was expected. The next evening, Andronicus requests permission to enter your suite. "Brother, I know you have been busy of late," he says after some small talk, "but because you have been distracted by affairs of state, there are a few small things I thought might be best brought to your attention." After being motioned to continue, he goes on: "There are whispers among the servants that you intended the death of Diogenes. There are probably those who believe them. In addition, I have heard that the aristocrat Theodatus Arianites gave a speech to the senate that painted your rise to power as being won by trickery at the expense of your mother."

"That is unfortunate," you note. "What was their reaction?"

"Bear in mind that I wasn't there, but I'm told that their applause was more than courtesy required."

You go to sleep that night worried about what your brother told you, but matters of international diplomacy have been catching your attention lately.

The last of the letters arrive from foreign leaders, offering greetings or blessings. A polite one arrives from Alp Arslan of the Seljuk Empire, wishing you pleasant days. You did not recieve such a letter from the Pope, but that's not surprising: the two churches excommunicated one another in a feud between the Pope and the Patricarch of Constantinople fifteen years ago, and though a new person now occupies each position, hard feelings linger. You also did not recieve a letter from Robert Guiscard the Norman.

Some of the couriers come bearing more than letters, however: a few carry minor gifts, and three have brought offers of true value: princesses. It appears that since becoming senior Emperor in Constantinople, you have become a very eligible bachelor. The ambassadors present their ladies with aplomb, each dressed in her nation's traditional garb but decked out with a few Greek touches so they don't seem too alien.

From the Holy Roman Empire comes a light-haired woman named Helena of Swabia, sent by her mother, the dowager Empress Agnes, who, not unlike your own mother once did, sits as regent until her son comes of age. As for Helena herself, it is difficult to tell much about her personality from what little you have seen of her, but you've noticed that she is willing to smile at almost anyone, be they servants, guards, or even your co-Emperor, Constantine.

The Khan of the Cumans sends Issedo, a young girl who generally keeps her eyes downcast politely, but you think she has a habit of studying people out of the corners of her eyes.

The King of the Alans sends Maria, who also seems very demure, but you get the impression that this is not so much from cultural norms and courtesy, but rather the result of genuine shyness.

On the other hand, thinking back to what Andronicus told you, one of the leading senators, Celcus Iagaris, has an eligible daughter who has begun attracting serious suitors. You've spoken with her a couple of times in passing, and she seems intelligent enough.

Facing such a highly personal decision, you decide not to seek advice, but do some investigation yourself to discover the best choice. You may:

1) Marry Helena of Swabia. While the Holy Roman Empire and Byzantium have many reasons to feud - both claim to be the successors of Rome, and both have historically laid claim to southern Italy - there is also a good reason to cooperate with the Germans, because you are both enemies of the Normans of Sicily. Also, marrying her would make you brother-in-law not only of the king of Germany, but of Solomon I of Hungary as well, who is married to Helena's sister. She is Catholic.

2) Marry Issedo. The Cumans have been both helpful allies and dangerous enemies of Constantinople in the past. Marrying their princess should go a long way toward ensuring a benevolent relationship, and they could make critical allies against Hungary or the Pechenegs. She is a pagan, which gives you pause, but you get the impression of intelligence from her. Maybe she'll be willing to convert.

3) Marry Maria. Though the Alans are not as strong as they once were, in recent years they have been on the rise again. They have long been on good terms with the Empire and practice good, Orthodox Christianity. Their location north of the Cacausus puts them in a position to be potential allies against the Turks if conflict breaks out in Armenia.

4) Propose to Epiphania, the daughter of Celcus Iagaris. It seems unlikely that her father would reject an offer from an Emperor, and this could win you a powerful ally among the upper class.

5) Marry no one yet. Alliances are a two-way street, and the Empire does not have the resources available at the moment to help anyone else with their problems. Besides, you don't have time for a domestic life.

I reckon this is the toughest one so far.... In matters of women a man can't ever be wise enough.... ~D

Anyway, number 1 is definitely not a viable option, as the Germans are a potential enemy and the princess seems a bit..... of short-lasting convictions shall we say..... ~;) And besides, of all your concerns, Sicily is probably one of the least important ones. Its loss doesn't subtract significantly from the Empire, but Anatolia's loss does.

The pagan is also out of the question. Not only the Pope would not send you his blessing, but your own patriarch will be irated and will sell you to the Germans you just refused. Could get VERY nasty....

Maria or Epiphania?

I'd say Maria (3) as you will need to secure the turkish border ASAP to turn your efforts into re-assembling your military machine to suit pressing needs. And we are nearing Manzikert as said earlier so you will need allies on that side.

5. Seems like a viable option also and I'm willing to reconsider 3 to 5 if someone can think of a suitable objection to number 3.

number 4 could be a good option, but I don't think the Emperor of Byzantium should mix himself with his councelors. Keep the distances and advice your brother to marry her. That way, you still get a political ally, and your brother has proven himself trustworthy enough to be admitted into your inner circle.

I'll go with Epiphania, because I think it's rather important to have enough support at home. Wouldn't want people to conspire against you while you're busy on campaign or something like that. :bow:

I would go with Maria of the Alans. They would make good allies against the Turks and it seems dangerous to allow a courtier a foot in the door to the throneroom.

Maria sounds good; certainly a useful alliance if things start brewing in the eastern parts of the empire. Definitely not Epiphania, as obviously raising a noble above the rest won't help the somewhat strained relationship between Michael and the upper class. Issedo's tempting, but probably too bright and a potential risk later on.

Looking back on things, punishing Diogenes and Michael's mother was proably a bad idea. It strained relations with the senate, and the mother was excellent at administration. Vykke, is there any chance when the story is over you indicate what the best options were and potential results?

I could probably go over a few of the more important choices.

Looks like you're gonna be chillin' with Maria. ~D SwordsMaster suggested in his response that you ask Andronicus to marry Epiphania instead. Let's have another vote to see if the rest of you think that's acceptable. SwordsMaster doesn't get another vote on it, I'm afraid.

(I might allow "suggestions" in posts like this to go to vote, if they're made in the first post and I don't think they're too unreasonable or out of Michael's character. No guarantees though. Arbitrary, aren't I? ~D )

Getting Andronicus to marry her is an excellent idea. At worst it may be seen as a snub to Epiphania's family, but not if Andronicus is publicly shown to be important when it comes to running the empire.

I think it could be dangerous to marry your brother to the daughter of a powrful courtier. Together they could plot your downfall.

The thing is, Michael's brother has already proven himself reliable, so he's not a threat. Bringing Epiphania's family onto the side of the Imperial Court by marrying Andronicus to her is an excellent idea, assuming that of course, Epiphania or her father doesn't plant any poisonous seeds in his mind. Of course, that risk is minor if Michael makes it clear that he is in charge.

Do not marry yourself, but let Andronicus marry the noblewoman.
It is a perfect tradeoff. Andronicus would feel more in on the stuff going on, and it would also be a great honour to the Iagaris famility to be married into the Imperial family. Especially since they haven't known of your personal aspirations in that department. A brother of the Emperor is a major step up compared to the other suitors.
And by not marrying yourself, you get a chance to get to know those with sincere intentions and of course the girls' personalities and backgrounds. As note this is a minefield and we need to step very carefully.

I agree with the others, Andronicus proves surprisingly reliable for a brother of the emperor (he declared loyalty to you against his/your mother and Diogenes, and warned you about situation in the senate rather than plotting with them against you quietly). And Epiphania's family would be pleased to join the Imperial family, anyway. The emperor's brother is second to the emperor himself in the Imperial family.

~D Ha! I should have inherited that byzantine throne with my cunning and my wisdom.... ~:cheers:

It's a tough decision, but Maria looks like the best choice. These Catholics and pagans are too alien and you're not sure you can trust Germany or the Cumans, either. Maria, on the other hand, is Orthodox, and too timid to pose a threat. Also, the Alans were important allies before they were subjugated by the Khazars, and may become so again, especially with the potential for war in the east. You send Helena and Issedo away politely. Maria, for her part, seems to be overjoyed that she was picked, and takes up residence in one of your guest suites until the marriage can take place. Still, you wish you could take advantage of the opportunity Epiphania offers. After some consideration, you talk to Andronicus and explain to him your need to secure good relations with the upper class. He quickly agrees.

Andronicus proposes to Epiphania the next day. He told you later that she herself was a bit indecisive, but her father readily agreed to let his daughter marry him. He may not be an emperor like his brothers, but he's still a Ducas. He's not concerned about her hesitation, claiming that it's to be expected that she'd be a little taken aback by an offer from such an unexpected quarter. With the help of the eunuchs, you begin planning a dual wedding, suitable for an Emperor of Rome and the princess of Alania. Naturally, you begin spending more time with your chosen, and find her sweet-tempered and very quiet, using her words sparingly in private and almost never in public. Your youngest brother Constantine even puts in some appearances and helps now and then. He's become very reserved since the aborted wedding and seems to spend most of his time by himself these days. You worry about him, but you notice that Andronicus has taken an interest in cheering him up, so hopefully he'll pull out of it.

Of course, the demands of governing never cease. Another month goes by, with occasional reports from Psellus. Things are not going as well as he'd hoped. While he's suppressed the violence to a certain extent, there is still too much, and he's so far had little success in Christianizing the barbarians (though he didn't expect it to happen overnight). He says that the most pressing problem is that Turcomen continue to cross over from Seljuk territory, and they have nowhere to go but to drive Greeks off their land. He begs that you ask the Sultan to stop the emigration from his end, perhaps sweetening the deal with a gift. Once that happens, he believes, then the plundering will stop and there will be a good chance for peace. Then real pacification and conversion can begin for those who have already crossed over. After showing this letter to the Caesar, he agrees with the goal, but not with the method. "Bribing the Sultan will probably not work. Threaten with military force. Our army is large and with the threat of war over his shoulder, he would surely begin to rein in his nomads as he should have been doing all along."

Meanwhile, other disturbing reports have been coming in from Bulgaria. Banditry has been on the rise recently, with thugs collecting tolls from passersby and robbing tax collectors. One important tax shipment has gone missing completely. Even more worrying, Pecheneg raiders have begun slipping past the border-forts again and attacking villages. The Bulgarian theme, with many of its troops now serving in the Imperial army, has not been able to protect itself from this threat, though they've reported victory in a few minor skirmishes. Some accounts say that the highwaymen have been helping the Pechenegs by providing them hiding places after raids or when troops come by, while others say that groups of bandits have actually been seen protecting villages from attack. You speak to your available generals on the matter.

Manuel requests to be sent to deal with the problem himself. "I would like to take 3,000 each of our mercenary spearmen, light infantry, and those native Bulgarian archers, supported by 1,000 Khazar medium lancers. With this army, along with those serving the theme, I'll ferret out the bandits piecemeal. Once they've been eliminated, the Pechenegs won't have anywhere to hide and will be much easier to stop. I might find that tax shipment, too."

Bryennius would rather he was sent instead, with a more cavalry-heavy army. "Let me take 3,000 of the tagmata cavalry. With those men behind me, as well as a couple thousand each of Alan light cavalry, Bulgarian archers, and light infantry, and a handful of spearmen as backup, I'll have the maneuverability and strength to stop the Pechenegs as they come across the border. I'll let the thematic troops deal with the bandits."

John Ducas has a different suggestion. "Recall Crispinus the Frank from Bari. He's not doing anything there, and I'm told that smaller-scale tactics-heavy conflicts are what he does best - just the sort of fighting that will be taking place here. As for troops, let him take his kinsmen, the knights - he'd know how to use them best - and I recommend sending out a force mainly made up of Imperial regulars, with Alan light cavalry to back them up. We can let him decide the particulars when he gets here."

You face two decisions, one diplomatic and one strategic.

A - The Sultan:
1) Firmly request that he stop the Turcomen from migrating into Imperial territory, without including either a bribe or ultimatum. Your mother already asked him to and he didn't, but he might take a letter from you more seriously. It seems a bit unlikely to work, but you haven't got anything to lose.

2) Send a bribe. Gold can work wonders in the world of diplomacy. You'd have to really scrape the bottom of your treasury to come up with one of useful size, though. Plus, although you've never heard of Alp Arslan reneging on a deal, there's always the risk that he'll decide to pocket it and then do what he wants anyway.

3) Threaten to attack if he doesn't stop this nonsense. You're pretty sure his army is smaller than yours, so hopefully he'll comply. The risk, of course, is that he won't, forcing you to either back down or start very difficult and costly war.

B - The situation in Bulgaria:
1) Send Manuel. The forces he's requesting aren't critical, and you've come to value his military mind. Plus, he just might find those taxes. It sounds like his plan might take a while, though.

2) Send Bryennius. He wants to bring most of your best cavalry unit, but his plan promises a faster stop to the raiding. You don't know much about Bryennius yet either; this would be a good test of his mettle.

3) Send Crispinus. Ducas seems to think he'd do well, and if you follow your uncle's advice, he'd have a relatively tough and reliable army. You might prefer to keep those troops at home, though. You're not sure yet what strategy he'd take, but you can ask him to explain it before he leaves. You could always veto it.

4) Go yourself. This relatively small-scale campaign would be a good way to try your hand at military matters. You'll be choosing what forces to take yourself. NOTE: If you choose to go yourself, the wedding will have to be postponed until you get back.

ARGHHHH!!!! That Turkish situation is damn impossible.
I know that Alp Arslan was an honourable man, so perhaps the gift will make him reign in the tribes, but at the same time they were notoriously independant and they did end up killing him.

*Sigh*

A2 and B3
You need to be home to deal with the economy and the enentual results of the gift, be they good or bad. Meanwhile Crispinus will mak certain that the campaign in Bulgaria will be short. And Bari is hardly worth the effort at the moment.

Send Mr. Crispinus.

And for Arslan, maybe the situation could be solved instead by somehow getting one or more of the turkish nobles to attack Arslan, after all, they did value their independence.

But you don't want to make a choice? Yeah, I felt much like it too, it is simply a lottery there, and a bad one. Pick either plague, kolera or ebola.

A stinks. I don't like A.

A1 - you can't afford a bribe, and threat of violence will just make the Sultan less happy with you. With Psellus still working, maybe you can get lucky - if not, you still have that problem, but not the problem of an angry Sultan and angry Turcomen. Plus, a bribe might insult the Sultan. And the Sultan won't be so keen on attacking you if it means going through Turcomen territory if the Turcomen aren't so "controllable." I don't know. That's why A sucks.

B is easier to analyze, I think. I also think speed is necessary, to resolve the profit-damaging banditry and Pechenig incursions. You WILL lose money in the Turcoman strategy of asking nicely. So would a bribe. And I'm not convinced threats are good. So you need to stop losing money on two fronts. To do this, send Manuel. He will be more reliable than Bryennius, who also wants all your troops that you may need against the Turks. As a plus, those Bulgarian archers should be very effective in their homeland.

B1.

And there hasn't been too many easy choices, reading over this great thread. :book:

Kraxis, if you hate the choices, you can suggest a new one under the rules I just established since you posted first. If it's something complicated (such as trying to turn the Turkish nobility against Alp Arslan, like DemonArchangel suggested) then it'd probably require several more choices of its own, to determine how you're going to attempt it. But you're not entirely hemmed in to the ones I gave you.

If it's just more information you want, then it's certainly reasonable to ask for more. I might or might not give it to you, but it's worth a shot. ;)

A1. No need for violence straight away.

B4. You´ll need some reputation as a commander to make your words and specially threats weight in the minds of others. I would suggest you take Crispinus with you though to have someone to back you up if you screw up.

In that case Vykke I propose a meeting with Arslan (and I can see the others are equally afraid of A), he is honourable and would likely meet you. Of course that will mean you can't go on campaign in Bulgaria.

A1 and B4
The marriage is not very urgent and it would be good if you got some military skill yourself and it would raise the soldiers' view of you. Going to war with the Turks when they are not in a weakened position could be very risky as was demonstrated with Myriokephalon about a century later.

Okay, since A1 won, other than Kraxis' suggestion, we'll run it like any other choice, but you can choose between sending the letter and setting up a personal meeting with Arslan.

1) Send the letter asking him to stop. As said before, there's nothing to lose, and it doesn't remove you from the capital.

2) Try to set up a meeting with him. If it works, you'll be able to conduct more sophistocated diplomacy in person, and if you manage to make a favorable impression it might help relations with the Seljuks a lot. The downside is that if he agrees it would remove you from Constantinople for several weeks, and you might end up unable to reach a solution anyway.

2. If you want them well done, do them yourself. I wouldn't go into Turk territory for the meeting though, just out of precaution....

2. Definitely. A meeting place on the border would be best (a barge in the middle of a river perhaps?) and you would be able to discuss matters of state, ruler to ruler.

~;) Choice 2.

You are a courtier, naturally skilled in courtly business and diplomacy. Put it to use; reputation from a successful negotiation with the Turks is very useful in the diplomatic world - you will look like an emperor that is doing his job, and, if succeeded, do it well. Your army and your generals (or at least most of them) are loyal to you, at least for now, and would be willing to fight the emperor's wars for him. You are still young [historically, Michael actually ruled (incompetently) later only after Diogenes had lost the battle of Manzikert] and other wars can be fought later on. The Turks are a warlike people with clans traditions, and the Sultan will respect more an emperor who's respected him enough and brave enough to "show himself." In fact, will the Sultan be offended if he feels that you're not considering him worthy enough that you just send a letter and went on to another campaign instead, against "petty" raids by the "petty" nomads?

As for the Bulgarian situation, I'd rather send Manuel, your most loyal general. Time is not of a concern in Bulgaria, but rather how complete the job is done, and that tax shipment, if recovered, could at least help ease the financial troubles. I'd rather have Crispinus continues to hold on to Bari; an Italian foothold, if lost, is going to be very hard to get back. Bryennius' plan require too much force; it may affect your upcoming diplomacy with Alp Arslan if he realizes your empire's forces are occupied elsewhere. Just look at the modern world: North Korea goes on showing the middle finger on the US and Iran becomes a rising star on the world stage now that the US' hands are tied in Iraq. ~;)

Weeee! ~:)

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Originally Posted by Kraxis

Weeee! ~:)

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~:confused:

Edit: (answering Kraxis' post below) Oh! I see. It's a great idea, really. ~:)

My suggestion has been selected. :balloon2:

Just found this thread today whilst idly browsing and read the whole thing. While a pseudo-Roman Emperor isn't exactly my kind of leader, there are a quite a few tough decisions to make..

For A, I go with Kraxis' suggestion - set up a meeting with the Seljuk Sultan and speak with him man to man. An agreement or bargain would help straighten out the sticky situation. Failing that...well, we can bribe a few Turcoman chiefs, I hope.

For B, I would say that Crispinus seems to be the best qualified, but he seems rather indisposed, and bringing him in from Italy would not be the quickest solution anyway. I vote to send Manuel - the marriage is a rather large stepping stone in an alliance that will be almost necessary if negotiations with Seljuks break down. As well, strengthening ties with the nobles is a nice way to keep the problems as limited as possible. It's killing two birds with one stone. The diplomatic meeting with the Sultan shouldn't take so long as to cause delays, should it?

After considering the advice of both Michael Psellus and John Ducas on the Turkish issue, you decide that you're not really satisfied with either option. You just don't know the Sultan well enough to make a good decision. You need to speak to him in person, to get a feel for the man and his wants and needs. Then you can carry on some truly meaningful negotiation. You pen the letter yourself (with the help of a translator) and send it off to Baghdad with one of your best couriers.

With regards to the problems in Bulgaria, you trust the Caesar's advice. If he says Crispinus would be good for the job, he probably is. You recall him to the city to discuss his mission and strategy.

Meanwhile, your wedding-day approaches. It's scheduled for the tenth of May, but Crispinus runs into some inclement weather in the Adriatic, and one of Maria's brothers runs late as well, so you postpone it a day to give them a chance to be there. For his part, Crispinus arrives in the City only hours before the ceremony is supposed to start. You're told later that he insisted on being there for the beginning, even though he was still tired from the road and barely had time to clean himself (like most Franks living in the Empire, Crispinus has taken up the habit of regular bathing).

The dual wedding has you and Andronicus sitting together for quite a while before things get rolling. You spend some of it talking with the Patriarch, John Xiphilinus, and find him to be quite a learned man. He was an abbot before your father appointed him to his current position, and is well-versed in a variety of topics both sacred and secular. Rumor has it that he argued with your father against his promotion.

The ceremony flows smoothly, with short, rather meaningless speeches by yourself, Andronicus, and the Patriarch. The two brides enter together. They've been trying to become friends with one another over the last few weeks, you think, though Maria is so shy that truly getting to know her takes some real effort. You and Maria take your vows first, followed by your brother and Epiphania, after which hazel boughs are burned for luck in the old Roman tradition, their smoke rising to the distant ceiling and mingling with the bright light streaming in through the windows. You notice one of the eunuchs writing furiously through much of the proceedings. When you later ask him what he was writing, he tells you that he was asked by Constantine to record everything that happened in the wedding to send it to your mother.

After the ceremony, most of the dignitaries, officials, and lesser court members go, leaving the reception a private affair (by comparison), with only your family and honored guests, the Iagaris family, and a few of Maria's relatives attending. You dash off a few off-the-cuff poems, to the delight of the ladies, though you notice John Scylitzes rolling his eyes. You decide not to let his taste in poetry bother you on such a special day. Wanting to spend some time with your new wife, you set aside two days to spend with her and away from matters of governance. Much of it is spent in the gardens, often with Andronicus and Epiphania in tow. She seems to like talking with you about art, literature, and philosophy, and your discussions often leave the less-well-read Maria and Andronicus unable to keep up. The Caesar deals with most of the niggling management duties during this time, though to your surprise Constantine actually steps forward to help with a few of them.

Finally, a letter arrives from Baghdad carrying the Sultan's official seal. It is brought directly to you, and, eager to see his reply, you call an end to your little honeymoon of sorts a few hours earlier than you'd planned. You find it written in very good Greek - either the Sultan is fluent or he has a good translator. It seems that he's accepted your offer to meet in person. He asks that the meeting take place on the Byzantine bank of the Euphrates, northwest of Edessa, on the thirtieth of May.

Since you've already dipped back into matters of government, you meet with Crispinus to discuss his strategy. You decide to meet him in the generals' quarters rather than summoning him to the throne room, so you'll have easy access to the maps there. Manuel and Bryennius are there, too. "Your majesty," Crispinus greets you. "I hope you've enjoyed your time with your new wife." After you assure him that you have, he gets on to business. "I've listened to the plans of my colleagues, and I don't think either of them goes far enough. True, they might stop the raiding and put down the brigands, but the best solution against barbarians like these is an aggressive one. We should fight them on their land, not ours. The Pechenegs are nimble, but they've been hurt badly by the Cumans and by Diogenes' campaign a few yeas ago. Their territory is small and there aren't many of them. Having nowhere to retreat to, they'll have to fight, and since they'll almost assuredly lose in a straight battle, we'll be able to force them to sign a very favorable treaty or maybe even annex their land outright."

"What about the Uzes?" you ask, suppressing annoyance at the accidental praise of Diogenes. "They're friendly to the Pechenegs."

"And hardly more powerful," Crispinus replies. "I doubt they'd be willing to help the Pechenegs in this folly of theirs. Even if they do, we can defeat them too, it'd just be more trouble."

"And the brigands?"

Crispinus shrugs. "Like Bryennius suggested, the thematic troops can deal with them when they don't have to chase after nomads anymore. They're the main concern. I'd need a fair number of men, of course. Perhaps 7,000 mercenary spearmen, 4,000 light infantry and archers, and a few thousand regular infantry and lancers. Our knights could prove useful, too."

You can think of several options.

1. Let Crispinus go on the offensive. He's asking for a lot of troops, but it's past time someone dealt with the Pecheneg menace once and for all, and taking a hard stance against them could set an example for the Uzes, Turks, and Cumans.

2. He's asking for about a third of your forces; you can't afford that now. He can have a number of men more equivalent to what the other two generals asked for. If that means he has to fight defensively, then he'll just have to do so.

3. Send a few units now, then Crispinus with the rest of his requested army on the thirtieth. Hopefully Arslan wouldn't get word of the deployment until after your negotiations are finished. There's a good chance you'd end up losing another month's taxes from the theme, though, not to mention the Bulgarians' property losses.

I find the reactions of people in the court far more disturbing than the military choices for the Bulgarian campaign. Constantine, it seems, is clearly a threat in the future - from the reactions, he has no love for you and much for his mother. I suggest keeping an eye on him - closely. He is a co-emperor, unlike Andronicus, and may decide to take on the power himself like you did to your mother and Diogenes. And it is likely that some hurt is done by your seemingly carefree actions after the ceremony that decreases the respect of those supporting you. Anyone got any idea if a viable option should be added in dealing with the courtly matters?

As for the Bulgarian strategy...

Crispinus' first choice would be too much forces drawn away in the vital negotiation with Alp Arslan. Though certainly ruthless and effective, the timing isn't good.

The third choice would mean too much harm done and too much delay even if you can later go on the offensive with it. It may be a compromise of the first and second choice but in this matter you need to be more decisive.

I'd suggest the second choice, even if it means Crispinus can't get his way and couldn't launch an offensive. It is possible that we can return - this time perhaps even you yourself on the field - to strike at the raiders once again after the Turkish crisis is averted.

I vote 1. Send your troops to deal with these barbarians qucikly and ruthlessly. Should the worst come to the worst, many can be recalled if the Turks launch a full scale invasion.

Hmmm... Normally I would opt for #1, but this time it seems #2 is more prudent. The entire point with the campaign is to make Bulgaria stabel for the moment, a return to status quo, so you can turn to face the eventual fight with the Turks. Should you be able to strike a friendship with the Sultan, then it is time to deal with the raders on their own turf.

Btw, did Arslan really hold Baghdad?
In any case the meeting is going to go a long way towards satifying the Turkish minoritycomplex towards the 'big old' Empires.

to add to Antoiochus III insight:

Send Constantine with Crispinus to get him away from your mother for a while and let him make up his mind about his political future. When he comes back you will decide if he is a threat or not. On your side, intercept all messages from your mother's monastery to make sure there is no conspiracy going on....

I suggest number 1. They have to be crushed fast and with no hesitation. I would also suggest burning their villages and taking prisoners to ensure their decent behaviour. You need a show of force. Before the interview with the Sultan takes place.

Option number 2 for now. The situation with the sultan is more volatile. I'd rather hammer out some kind of an understanding before using mostly-needed troops to crush yet more horse people.

Let's get on with that meeting already. It's holding all my other decisions up.

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Originally Posted by SwordsMaster

Send Constantine with Crispinus to get him away from your mother for a while and let him make up his mind about his political future. When he comes back you will decide if he is a threat or not. On your side, intercept all messages from your mother's monastery to make sure there is no conspiracy going on....

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I'd rather not send him with Crispinus, however. The Frankish general is not one of the more loyal ones to you. If he's going with Manuel, or John Ducas, or even Andronicus - you'd trust them to hold strong to your loyalty, and probably change Constantine's mind. (Remember, the kid got quiet - pissed at you, most likely - since you threw the mother into the Convent.) If he goes with Crispinus like this, it is possible that he'll try to change Crispinus' loyalty, or disturb the general's campaign in some other ways. After all, he's an emperor too. Though I agree with the second action, probably try to send a spy into that monastery, too?

Oh yes, and I want to see opinions if setting Andronicus as temporary regent while you're away is a good idea or not, to prevent Constantine or some senator/courtier using Constantine stabbing you in the back while you're talking with Alp Arslan.

I was going to suggest something along those lines, but I figured that Constantine probably doesn't have anything planned just yet. He's still quite young; if anything happens, he'll probably be a puppet. My suggestion would be send some spy to keep a close eye on him, and when any opportunity arises, have him killed - Hunting trip, archery practice, choking on a pretzel...whatever, as long as it can't be traced back to me/us/Michael. That would send things into a downward spiral far too quickly.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AntiochusIII

I'd rather not send him with Crispinus, however. The Frankish general is not one of the more loyal ones to you. If he's going with Manuel, or John Ducas, or even Andronicus - you'd trust them to hold strong to your loyalty, and probably change Constantine's mind. (Remember, the kid got quiet - pissed at you, most likely - since you threw the mother into the Convent.) If he goes with Crispinus like this, it is possible that he'll try to change Crispinus' loyalty, or disturb the general's campaign in some other ways. After all, he's an emperor too. Though I agree with the second action, probably try to send a spy into that monastery, too?

Oh yes, and I want to see opinions if setting Andronicus as temporary regent while you're away is a good idea or not, to prevent Constantine or some senator/courtier using Constantine stabbing you in the back while you're talking with Alp Arslan.

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Ok, I see your point. It should be enough with just intercepting mail and keeping vigilance on the people that go in and out. Actually, a question for Vykke: Hows the patriarch doing?

I agree about letting Andronicus rule while you are away, but I think it could be dangerous too. What if he closes the gates when you return? Take most of the remaining army with you, specially the good units to avoid treason.

About Constantine, he needs something to do. Let him handle the finances. He is, after all, well educated, and that'll keep him busy and away from the military, but still in a position when he makes himself useful. Maybe secretly make Ducas watch him to make sure he's straight.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SwordsMaster

Actually, a question for Vykke: Hows the patriarch doing?

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From what he gave us already (though more information is always better ~:) ), the Patriach seems to be a safe neutral, for now - he wouldn't probably tried hard to stop a coup against you but he shouldn't be conspiring against you either. Just don't give him a reason to. ~;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SwordsMaster

I agree about letting Andronicus rule while you are away, but I think it could be dangerous too. What if he closes the gates when you return? Take most of the remaining army with you, specially the good units to avoid treason.

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My initial idea about this proposal is that Andronicus is a lesser risk to Constantine - the latter may be young, but you have enemies in the senate that will be on his side (as either mastermind or supporter) if he opposes you. Andronicus shows himself more loyal than most, at least; he also is less legitimate than you and Constantine (both emperors) and would gain less support from the court if he claims the throne. Of course, bringing the army with you could be useful if negotiations with Alp Arslan fails, as well. Though the Sultan may take offense at your "mobilization." IMO we should just gather up the army as you said and place them in temporary "peace control mission" in Cappadocia (to hurry the pacification process) while you and some elites (for display) go on to meet with the Turks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SwordsMaster

About Constantine, he needs something to do. Let him handle the finances. He is, after all, well educated, and that'll keep him busy and away from the military, but still in a position when he makes himself useful. Maybe secretly make Ducas watch him to make sure he's straight.

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A nice idea indeed. He couldn't probably harm the already emptied treasury, could he? And what is the point to do that at all. ~:) Though Ducas probably shouldn't be brought into this since he is "in the family" and would be half-hearted at best in following your orders to spy another family member; a younger brother and co-emperor, nonetheless. It's not like the Diogenes situation when Romanus Diogenes practically threatens to usurp the Ducas power.

In the end, it's up to Vykke about what options he is going to give for us. (Am I right to presume you're a guy, Vykke?)

The treasury seems like too important a task for someone so dangerous. Pocketing some money here or there would allow him more autonomy than he should have.

Kraxis: Arslan inherited Iraq and Persia from his family. By the time this thread started he also controlled Armenia and Georgia, and some of eastern Cappadocia and Syria, most of it taken from the Byzantines in Constantine X's reign.

NeonGod: IRL, Psellus' account says that Michael would have been adamantly opposed to Diogenes' blinding on moral grounds, even after they became mortal enemies (his subordinates did it anyway without asking him). Since the point of this thread is to let you choose your own path, I'm letting you do things the real Michael wouldn't have, but I don't think I'd let you go so far as to have Michael order his own brother's assassination. You'll have to think of other solutions to this potential problem. ~;)

Antiochus: Yup, I was a guy last I checked! Unfortunately, since Constantine's a fellow emperor, you don't really have much control over him. He can oversee what he wants when you're not around. As for bringing a large army, gathering it and marching it there would slow you down too much. Not all the troops are stationed in Constantinople, mostly for logistical reasons. Besides, I've already written up this post and I know NeonGod isn't the only one who wants to hurry up and get to the meeting. :dizzy2:

*************

You decide you have too many powerful enemies to expend so many troops on a relatively minor one. Crispinus grumbles a bit at the rejection of his plan, but wastes little time in organizing the army you've given him and coming up with an alternate, defense-oriented strategy that's similar to Bryennius' plan, but with more emphasis on using the thematic troops as border guards and scouts rather than as bandit-fighters. Instead, he'll use a few contingents of his own troops for that. He ends up taking about half as many men as he'd wanted.

In the meantime, you've got a meeting to attend. You spend several more days on minor matters of governance and organizing your retinue for the trip. You decide to bring with you about half of the money you'd scrounged for the bribe: having it there, on-hand, to tempt him with might prove beneficial. The rest you leave in the treasury, in case of emergencies. For your escort, you bring nine hundred Tagmata cavalry, with a handful of Varangians acting as mounted infantry to serve as personal bodyguards. At Manuel's request, you put his youngest brother Alexius in charge of your escort. You charge John Ducas with looking after the Empire in your absence and taking care of whatever things Constantine doesn't, which will most likely be a lot.

The procession leaves on schedule and crosses the Bosporus without incident. You haven't gone very far from the City in years, so watching the countryside pass by under your horses' hooves proves interesting. At first, people throng the road to see their Emperor passing by, in all shades of wealth and poverty, and they bow respectfully as you come into view. As you move into the interior, the area becomes more rural, and the gawkers less common. Soon you're in the Anatolian highlands, and, after passing a stretch of land devoted to orchards, you find yourself dwarfed by fields stretching in every direction, raising grains and all manner of livestock. "You know, your majesty... in a way, this is the heart of the Empire," says Alexius one day as you're walking past a barley farm, once he's realized that you're willing to let him speak relatively freely now and then. "True, Constantinople is the intellectual heart, but this is where our food comes from. Without that, all the intellect in the world is to no avail."

"Perhaps neither is the heart," you say. "If we're going to divide our Empire into fleshy organs, then certainly the City is the mind, and this would be the stomach."

"If neither of those is the heart, then, what is?" he says, amused. "Nicaea? It is where Christendom banished the darkness of heresy. Though if anything, I might be inclined to say that makes it the soul."

"No, it is our Roman heritage that provides us our strength and courage. No matter what the political maps say, Rome is the heart of our Empire."

Alexius doesn't seem to be able to think of a witty response to that, and the conversations drops.

As you continue east, the impact of the Turkish incursions becomes more evident. There seem to be a number of dispossessed people traveling the roads, looking for a new place to make their homes. They dutifully bow and move out of your way, but their postures contain none of the admiration shown in the western provinces. Some of the families are Turkish, and you note that they keep a wide berth from the Greek and Armenian pilgrims. A Cappadocian thematic unit appears after a while and accompanies you to Caesarea. You note that some of those men are Turks too, though the great majority are of a non-barbarian ethnicity.

Caesarea is the capital of Cappadocia and where Psellus has set up his base of operations. A decade ago, it was a thriving city built around a great fortress-cathedral. However, the place was plundered and razed by soldiers of the Seljuk in one of his incursions toward the end of your father's reign, and now the damaged cathedral and many empty houses are a testament to the strength and ferocity of Alp Arslan. You've been making good time, so you decide to rest here for a day and take a look at what Psellus has been doing. He greets you warmly, but soon Nicephorus Botaniates enters, and the talk turns to grim politics.

"I still believe my mission is ultimately achievable," Psellus says, "but not under current conditions. Tensions are high between the Turks and native Greeks and Armenians, and the people here resent us for allowing these foreigners to settle on their land. Naturally, I've tried to minimize the damage by assisting the refugees where possible and trying to compensate them to some degree for their losses, but it's administratively and financially very challenging, to the point of impossibility, as long as more Turcomen keep coming in and displacing people. In addition, I think that the continuous addition of new Turks is the main factor working against my civilizing efforts. It seems like as soon as I get one tribe to agree to settle down peacefully, a new, unruly one appears and attacks them or befriends them, and either way they quickly resume their old ways."

"I noticed that there were some Turks among the troops that saw us in," you tell them.

"Yes, sire, that's one tactic we've been trying," says Botaniates, a man with a waist of unseemly size but with confident, decisive movements. "We've been using the typical thema agreement to give land grants to families willing to abide by their end of the bargain - their sons serve in our armies, and we allow them to live on our land. It gives us both what we want. Not many have taken us up on it yet, though, because a lot of them would rather take land from civilians for free and continue to live by their own rules. Our troops are still trying to force that mentality out of them. Also, Psellus has insisted that they convert first."

"A sensible precaution," Psellus interjects, beetling his grayed brow.

"Regardless," Botaniates continues, "I've matched wits with the Sultan on the battlefield before. If I may presume to advise you, your eminence, you would do well not to underestimate him."

You assure them that, God willing, you and the Sultan will reach an acceptable agreement, and make a note to come through here on the way home and help them sort out their policies.

Back on the road again, you find that as you head further east there's fewer signs of patrols. Imperial control in Lycandos seems to be very shaky, and much of the countryside depopulated, abandoned by Greeks because of Turkish incursion, and by Turks because the terrain is too rough for their taste and the pickings are fatter elsewhere. Still, scouts report seeing some Turks occasionally, though too many seem to be warriors. You order your retinue to slow down a bit and move in a tighter formation.

One cloudy morning, after you've been riding for two hours and are passing between two hills, the thunder of hoofbeats behind you turns you. Oksandr, the captain of your Varangians, points up the hill on the north. "My lord, the Turks come!"

You see several of your outriders cresting the hill and charging for the safety of the main force, being chased by Turkish horsemen. While you watch them come, trying to guess their numbers, Oksandr orders the Varangians to form up in a defensive circle around you. It's hard to be sure, but there's several hundred Turks on the hill, at least. The Tagmata cavalry begin to rally around your position as well.

Alexius rides up, his horse in a lather. "Sire, outriders report more on the other side of the south hill as well. Perhaps three or four hundred. I think they intended to hit us from both sides, but the ones to the north charged prematurely."

As you watch, the Turks on the north hill veer away from the outriders and toward the baggage train, which trails to the west, behind your retinue. "They want the gold," ventures Oksandr. "Let us leave it and go forward."

"No!" objects Alexius. "We shouldn't have to undergo that humiliation. Let us protect it! We can bring it up the south hill before the second group gets there. The southern force is still several minutes away."

"Silence!" you order. You must decide what to do, and fast. If you're held up here for more than a day or two, you might be late for the meeting.

1. Leave the baggage train and rush your men forward (east) and out of the space between the two hills. Most likely, you could then continue to the Euphrates without further incident.

2. Attempt to pull the baggage up the southern hill before the Turks on that side get there. From there, you should be able to defend it easily.

3. Regroup around the baggage train and perform a fighting withdrawal from between the two hills. Once they can no longer use the high ground, they will face much stiffer opposition.

Must keep money! Must... keep money...!

I say 2 if the train is capable of moving up the hills without getting stuck. Speed doesn't matter as much to me as just moving the darned things. 3 if not.

For my final answer (why does that sound dorky?) I go with 2. A stiff charge up the hill (ooo... tired) from a unit of heavy Cav should do fine to clear the Turks.

Sure, the Turks want the cash, but if it is half your treasury... I think you HAVE to keep it. And its not like you don't outnumber the Turks by a lot anyway. Sure, maybe they're faster, but I REALLY hope you have some quality archers amongst your Tagmata. If so, I don't think you have much to worry about from raiders. You are the Emperor afterall, and your personal escorts should be some tough, well armored men. (Is that sexist? Probably...)

Azi

Hehe, Vykke, I'm just making sure I'm not a sexist by presuming everybody in a wargaming forum is a guy, you know... ~D

Anyway, the real game finally starts!

I had my concerns long ago about Turkish displacement of the locals, and my, how right I'm turning out to be! We should've brought our armies here and wipe the Turks out long ago. Anyway, if the past couldn't be changed then let's change the future.

You have as your second-in-command one of the finest men the Empire has to offer in this time and age; Alexius Comnenus, future emperor of the Comneni dynasty. However, the Comneni are staunch allies of the Ducas family (and the other way around, as well), and Alexius is presumably more-or-less loyal and very skilled. Listen to his advice: take the second choice.

The first would be a diplomatic and economic disaster. Arrogant Turks!

The third would be a waste of critical moment - why suffer a sure disadvantage at the chance of possible advantage?

Indeed, I'd suggest that, if possible (read: reasonable/favourable), make sure the Turks suffer as much as possible for this show of extreme arrogance. It would go a long way to ensure your military reputation in the Eastern frontier. It seems, to me, that you need one now.

I agree. Option 2 is the way to go; it's time to kick some ass. Meeting with the sultan had better be worth this trouble.

A pity about Constantine, though. Damn brat...