The Magnaura

[deguerra]

Strators,

As I have made clear previously, I do not advocate a rash and aggressive war. The Basileos has made consolidation the maxim for our lands, and I support him wholeheartedly in that endeavour. I also support the Caesar's edict for watchtowers, as their relatively minor expensive will surely be offset by their great value as an early warning system.

As such, I support Markianos Ampelas in his candidature for Megas. I hope Methodios will not take this personally, I greatly value his dedication to the Basileos and the Empire at whole, and do not doubt his honourable intentions.

But I am of the opinion that we should consolidate our gains before we move any further, and that our current western border provides us with a territory held more easily than more expansion would. The Patriarch has specifically condemned actions against fellow Christians, heretics though they may be, and in any case I cannot see the right in advocating war against our erstwhile allies Venice, when the Turk still crosses our border and raids into our lands at will. If we should be going to war, and we should not, then it should be in the east. Our foothold there is much less certain than that of the west.

Finally, I would like to congratulate Apionnas on his conversion, and remind all Strators of his words regarding Turkish tactics. Let us use this man and his knowledge when the time comes.

[AussieGiant]

I would agree with Lord Ioannis.

Consolidate and hold in the west. Watch towers and garrison troops to be the priority.

Mobilise for war in the east. Counter cavalry and missile tactics should be the focus. At this moment we are simply able to use brute force due to the quality and quantity of our heavy cavalry units. This will be a fatal flaw as time passes.

My only point would be to do all this ONLY AFTER we have spent at least half a term of the next Megas in consolidating commerce, infrastructure and then finally military capabilities. That in fact should probably be the plan for his entire term in reality. Don't overlook the fact that other nations may take the decision out of our hands by declaring war on us.

My thanks to Lord Ioannis for his kind words on my conversion. While I may continue to wear the garments and armour of the Saracen it is purely for practicalities sake given the benefits in this part of the world.

[_Tristan_]

He now sits in Zagreb, isolated from all other Imperial troops, with just his own horsemen, while a large Hungarian army sits nearby, so large that he could never defend his city if they should attack. Now he can only thank the Basileus (against whose will he took Zagreb) that he conclued the alliance with the Hungarians, and can only pray to the Lord that the Hungarians intend to respect the alliance. And while his prayer may be answered, this is not strategically sound. Now he openly proclaims that he wishes to conduct similar blunders on all the frontiers of the Empire

Blunder... who are you to call what is one of the greatest victory our Empire has known in decades, a blunder ?

What damns me is the lack of faith you have in the leadership of our generals... From what I have seen, all have proven to have great skill and I am sure that even against unfavorable odds they would be able to bring victory to our arms. Let our enemies come and try to take from us what is rightfully ours and we will turn them away and snatch their own homes from them...

Finally, though I may isolated in Zagreb, which I prefer to see as an Empire domain rather than in Hungarian hands, I am very much prepared to defend it against any and all comers with only my bodyguard if need be... You suppose I'm praying for the Hungarians or Venetians to turn away while I want exactly the contrary, to lure them to try and take Zagreb...

And where did you get that twisted idea that I took Zagreb against the Basileus' will ? Though I admit I was not requested to do it, I was never barred from it either...

As to the proposed Edicts, Edict 2.1 et 2.2 receive my full support. As to Edict 2.4, I would prefer it does not impose a date upon us. War must be led against the Turks but not only...

Considering our Basileos' proposed Amendment, though I see the reasoning behind it, it being mainly proposed after my trespass on Venetian lands, I fear that it may impose restraints upon us in the future, restraints that we may wish to break free of... Out of loyalty for our Basileos, I will support this Amendment but I hope my observations will make you consider the full import of this proposed legislation.

[flyd]

You suppose I'm praying for the Hungarians or Venetians to turn away while I want exactly the contrary, to lure them to try and take Zagreb...

I do apologize, good Strator Tagaris, you speak the truth. It is quite obvious that you do wish to instigate a war in the west, I do not disagree with that at all. You knew full well when you set out that after you captured Zagreb, it would be both isolated and poorly defended, but this is what you wanted since, as you say yourself in this very chamber, you wanted to lure the westerners into an attack. The violation of Venetian territory on the way was a bonus. So I do apologize for calling your campaign for Zagreb a blunder; it was in fact a well-calculated attempt to subvert the authority of the Basileus and the Senate, who are the only two at this time that may choose who the Empire goes to war with. A war-declaring Edict you have not sought here, and neither the permission of the Basileus for you one day disappeared and later appeared in Zagreb.

And you still seek no Edict for war here, even as you declare that you wish to engage in expansion during your term. You will probably try to dismiss the need for such an Edict, but I assure you, it is the Senate (or the Basileus) who decides whom war is to be made upon, not you alone. It all leads me to believe that you have little loyalty to the Empire, and no respect for this legislative body. After all, what manner of man openly declares in the Magnaura that he is trying to lure the Hungarians into an attack, Hungarians who have been chosen as allies by our Basileus? But I do apologize again for calling Zagreb a blunder. No blunders have been performed yet, but a great one is coming if you are elected to the office of Logothetes.

[Ferret]

Hypatios growls his approval of Markianos' words.

[_Tristan_]

Comes Ampelas,

While I do not question the wisdom of our Basileos in seeking an alliance with the Hungarians, I think that alliance should be tested and what better test than to see if they are ready to claim for themselves lands that we have asserted as ours ?

Let them come, defeat them and then we will able to require of them a ceasefire and perhaps a renewal of our alliance on more favouable terms...

But mainly, it is not the Hungarians that I seek to lure to us but rather the money-grubbing Venetians. The province of Zagreb is rich with gold and iron ore, riches that will the Venetians like bees on honey...

I propose the same policy here : Let them declare war and prove to the world what felonious people they are, defeat them and force them to pay for a return to a peaceful state...

I see no point in proposing a war edict... I have no wish to declare war... We must force them to declare it on us and I have no power in the Venetian Senate, nor any other of our neighbours' assembly... So I see no nedd at this point to propose an Edict for a war I do not wish to see us declare... As for an Edict designing targets, I asked House Leaders to provide the Edicts necessary to list the territories they deemed could reasonably be added to the Imperial domain... I have yet to see a proposal though I know that some have already given thought to it... We already have the means to go at war with the Turks, though the date seems too far away to me, or rather too restrictive... Should any other territories be deemed worthy to be added to our lands, I encourage any of you to propose an Edict.

May I remind my fellow senators that while we digress on whether of not I was allowed to claim Zagreb, right this moment Strator Kantakouzinos is marching on Iasi which may have been claimed by our Kievan or Hungarian allies too... Does this raise an outcry ? None that I can hear...

Moreover, I'd like to remind Good Senator Ampelas of his words of some years ago :

I am glad to see so many wishing to scramble for Durazzo, as the only person who actually owns adjacent land. As long as somebody captures it and holds it before the Venetians, I am happy. Remember the Venetians? I am sure they have designs for it too. Why, their nobles may be arguing at this very moment the assembly of their republic about who should be the one to take it.

It seems the eastern front was far from your mind at that point... Where caused this change of attitude ? I wonder...

Lastly, I'd dare anybody in this hall to bring evidence that the Venetians had any inkling that I and my men crossed their territory... Never did we cross the path of a Venetian patrol, nor did we flaunt our colors... Bring me proof that because of my actions our standing with the Venetians is lower than what it ever was... (OOC : I noticed no decline in our relationship with the Venetians but could be wrong on that point, feel free to correct me...)

[_Tristan_]

Seeing how his last adress has provoked few comments, Tagaris rises to speak once more.

One thing I would like Comes Ampelas to tell us is how with much more provinces in the Empire, though most are still struggling to get their economies started, how will he manage to fund the building and troop training policy he advocates ?

Our Basileos, with a lot less provinces requiring funds, and with the high managerial skills he displayed was often at a loss for funds : therefore construction sites had to abandoned , few professional troops were trained... See the Megas' reports for 1086 and 1090... The only time where construction could be launched in all settlements was with the influx of funds from the taking of Antioch...I rest my case.

Pillaging is not something I look forward to but it is a means to an end... nothing more, nothing less... And let us not forget that if the enemy (be it Turk or Italian or whoever else) attacked us, our victories could afford us to ransom their men back...

War is the means to the improvement of our Empire not some attentist policy... Build churches all you like but they will offer you some truly poor shelter once our neighbours awaken to our new found strength and begin to see us as a threat...

[Smowz]

A crestfallen Nevoulas is sitting alone some distance from even senators from his own house. He feels alone and somewhat isolated from the world of this politics and indeed the Magnuera. As he watches now, Senators discussing who they wish to support for the upcoming Megas he moves his head into his hands.

The last few days have been an eye-opening experience for Nevoulas, he had no idea the underhand scheming and politics that went on. He was certain that several senators would wish war on the eastern front, many had been openly accepting that the Turks had encroached onto rightful Roman lands. From what he has read the logistics of said attack would favour the Romans considerably, espiecially if given a focussed short time to prepare for such attack.

However, it seems most would rather sit and skulk in the shadows act as 'yes' men for the beloved Basileus all the while plotting and scheming and hoping to get their way to the top. No-one is prepared to stick their necks out and tell his lord what needs to be done.

Nevoulas wipes sweat from his brow and stands to speak at the murmering senate:

My fellow senators, it seems as if my hopes of making war in Anatolia may have been premature or even a touch hasty. Maybe the memories of Manzikert still hold understandable fear in the hearts of us. I apprieciate the more important matter of who is to become Megas may be clouding much of your thoughts. Do you not notice what is happening here in our Senate.

Nevoulas turns to the Basileus.

You to my lord Basileus wish to control and channel our enthusiasm. What better than a just fight on our Eastern front? I call for you one last time, I make a final plea and final re-wording of my seemingly unpopular edict.

Edict 2.4(b) War will be declared on the Seljuk Sultanate at some point during the next term

Perhaps I stand alone in this quest, I wonder here and now who is with me?

Nevoulas sits in a rather empty part of the Magnaura looking more in desperation than hope at the faces of his fellow senators.

[flyd]

You still don't get it, Tagaris, and I doubt that you ever will, but let me try again. You seek not to declare war, but you seek to start one by some other means. There is no difference, and it's still the Senate's or Basileus' responsiblity. Look at good and honorable Nevoulos ek Philadelphias, and how he struggles to get his war supported in the Senate. Why does he not simply march off into Turkish territory with his bodyguard and stay near Iconium until they attack him? Why bother with the Senate and the Basileus when they do not support him? If that's a question you know the answer to, then we may yet be making progress.

And let me help you out too. We know the Basileus wishes no war in the west, as he has proclaimed a desire for consolidation, and proposed an Amendment to patch up the very loophole you exploited. Let us then, see what the Senate thinks. Since I am not as pretentious as you, Tagaris, and do not pretend to know the desire of the Senate, let me solicit their opinion.

Edict 2.5: It is the Senate's opinion that a war with the Venetians and/or Hungarians should be sought, but not declared upon them. While this Edict reflects the Senate's opinion, it is not binding.

There is no way to stop you from instigating your war, but we might as well see what the Senate thinks about it. I included both the Venetians and Hungarians as you have no control over who attacks you; you say you want it to be the Venetians, but it is the Hungarians who now sit near the city. You can capture any city you wish, but if you wish to instigate a war, and you clearly say that was your purpose, then had you any respect for the bodies of authority in our Empire, you would have sought their opinion. A loophole in the Charter you may exploit, but I assure you that is always done without honor.

As for your other points, I shall cover them in brief. Iasi is of no issue, as the Poles are not besieging it. And you quote me saying that I wish to see Durazzo captured by someone, anyone except the Venetians. The same Durazzo over which you proposed an Edict which required that you personally be sent to capture it, and only withdrew it after an outcry in the Senate. It has certainly taught you well that you should not let the Senate know of your personal glory-seeking plans. I believe our relations with the Venetians are now terrible (OOC: I could be wrong too, I checked them after the fact and they were terrible, but I admit I didn't check what they started at), and the situation at Zagreb is doing no good to our relations with the Hungarians, our allies. And as for the economy, go look at the current financial status and stop fear mongering. It is funny how could call both for restraint during occupation of cities and at the same time for violent pillaging.

And finally, although I don't know that we'll be ready for the Turkish war in the next term (and if we are, the Basileus can declare it), I second Edict 2.4b just because I appreciate the gesture of respect to the Senate!

[Zim]

A somewhat worn figure sitting in the back of the hall stands and walks to the Asteri table. It is Kosmas Mavrozomis, but he looks slightly pale and thinner than normal, as if recovering from a long illness. Nonetheless, there is a determined look on his face. He nods towards Nevoulos and turns to address the Senate.

"I second Edict 2.4(b). For too long we have let Christian lands be ruled by the infidel Turks. Our brothers in Christ cry out for succor. Taking the rebel lands in Anatolia and Antioch held by petty princelings and Emirs was a good first start, but to free the Christians of Anatolia we will have to face the Seljuk empire. At the same time, though, the Empire has far to go to regain it's strength. If we are to face the Seljuks, we will need to consolidate our forces first into sizable armies, rather than just the little ragtag militia forces we have rounded up from our cities. Nevoulos' edict as rewritten allows the flexibility to build up our forces before taking an offensive."

[deguerra]

I too second Edict 2.4b. I think as it stands, it allows for the consolidation the Basileos has rightly called for, while recognising the threat of the Sultanate of Rum.

[TinCow]

The Protoasecretes awakens from his slumber and wipes more drool from the corner of his mouth.

I hereby declare the Senate session of 1095 AD over. Voting for legislation and Megas Logothetes will begin shortly.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Patriarchal representative:

I trust that by now you have all received copies of His Holiness's latest proclamation. Considering that his thoughts match up with the Basileus's, let both of their words guide the next Megas throughout his term.

[OverKnight]

Aleksios enters the Magnaura and speaks.

It is my great pleasure to announce the betrothal of my daughter Anna to Antypatos Ioannis Kalameteros.

May Fortune smile upon their union.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Efstratios rises at this news, aghast... and rushes out of the Magnaura without saying anything further to his colleagues.

[AussieGiant]

Standing a certain distance behind the Besileus, the young officers face remains impassive at the news. He raises an eyebrow at the reaction and departing figure of Efstratios, then makes his way from the chamber.

[OverKnight]

Aleksios speaks.

Senators, a Crusade army from the so-called "Holy Roman" Empire bound for Jerusalem is north of Belgrade. They will soon cross into our lands.

The Basileus looks a bit peeved.

Short of declaring war on them, there is no way we can prevent this. However we do have the option of denying them passage across into Anatolia by blockading the Hellespont and Bosphorus straits. This will force them to find a new land route.

There are advantages to both denying passage to the Crusaders or letting them into Anatolia.

By denying them passage, we can prevent, or at least delay, the presence of another faction in the Levant. These lands are rightfully ours, and while we may not have the resources to claim them yet, we will, and we do not need another competitor for them.

However, denying passage to a Crusade would require a commitment of ships and we run the risk of angering the Catholics. Better that the Saracens be a target than us.

By granting the Crusaders passage, they may unwittingly assist our upcoming campaign against the Turks. I doubt the Seljuks will be happy to see another Christian force marching through their lands.

However, the movement of so many men at once might cause complications. Only so many men can pass through the rugged interior of Anatolia at once.

I realize that the Megas Logothetes has the final say in these matters. But a foreign army crossing through our territory is a grave and potentially dangerous event. It would be best if the opinion of the Senate was heard on this matter.

Whatever may happen, I will take my army west to monitor our "guests" and make sure they do not take liberties while in our territory. While I wish to take part in our upcoming war, the security of the Empire comes first.

OOC: I will make sure I don't accidentally ambush them.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Patriarchal Representative:

I have it on high authority that the people of Germany bear no ill will to us, or, at the very least, the people of the Orthodox faith. My master is of the belief that should we attack them, we will have gained ourselves an additional enemy that we otherwise would not have had. His Eminence suggests that the same strategy be taken that we so often do with the stinging insects: If we do not bother them, they will not bother us.

However, as the Basileus plans, keeping tabs on their force is, naturally, prudent.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Efstathios stands up.

"I support the Basileus in this. We should keep an eye on their movement but still be out of their way.
The suggested blocking of Bosphorus and Hellespont straits.. well.. I think we should deny them any chance to get near our beloved capital. Somehow a crusaders near Constantinople makes me anxious."

Efstathios looks some papers in front of him and continues..

"But I am strongly against starting a war with them. Because they are the crusaders then the Pope can use it against us and make other catholic kings to go war aganst our Empire. We are strong and powerful but against combined catholic kingdoms we still are too weak."

Efstathios sighs..

"I also have to say that these are my thoughts and not of my Houses. They may have another opinion about this matter and I apologize for taking a word without first consulting with them."

By taking his seat he continues his work with several parchments and books in front of him. Life of a new senator is tough.

[BananaBob]

I hereby break my oath to Makdonios, and swear an oath of fealty to Armatos

[flyd]

I do not believe we should attempt to stop the crusaders from passing into Asia. I doubt they will be happy to have to go around the Black Sea, and we certainly do not want them to be stuck and irritated near our capital. I will, however, block the Bosporus so that they will take the Dardanelles instead. They were probably gonna do that anyway, and it's best if they don't come near our capital. I will also see if they can be persuaded by diplomacy to delcare war on the Turks too, without much concession on our part, other than allowing them to pass through our lands.

[_Tristan_]

A messenger bearing a letter enters the Senate halls. After exchanging a few words with the Protoasecretes, he is allowed to take the floor.

My Lords,

I bring words from my Lord Methodios Tagaris.

Unrolling a parchment, he begins to read.

Basileos,
Megas Logothethes,
Fellow Senators,

Watch duty on our northern frontier keep me from these halls but I hope my words will carry to you.

These are words of warning.

Some years ago, in a dispute with our actual Megas Logothethes, I argued that war against our Catholic neighbours would surely come and that we had to prepare for it and even provoke it while we had the advantage of surprise with a fast expansion behind us. My word went unheeded and see where we are now ?

In these past years, we have been faced with Catholic rebellions in our western regions and just as we begin to quell those with the loss of Zagreb to account for, the Catholic Pope calls a Crusade on Jerusalem, an offense to our people who are the righteous defenders of this most Holy of cities.

Can't you see that the Catholic threat is growing perhaps taking profit from the fact that our Megas out of single-mindedness and maybe out of spite, has not seen fit to properly garrison our northern and western frontier.

Do you think that these so-called crusaders will leave our lands untouched ? That our riches will not whet their appetites ?

That is why I and some others, and our Basileos among them have taken upon ourselves the task of interdicting our territory to the German crusaders.

And what of their answer ? Threats to wage war on us ?

Our Megas assures us that he has somehow placated the German wrath but at what price ? The price of letting them walk freely on our soil, preying on our folk and our fields...

Are you blind not to see that the so-called rebellion were only a preparatory move to soften us for a full scale invasion that may start with those Crusaders crossing our borders ?

Is there no shorter way to Jerusalem than crossing all of Greece and Anatolikon ?

I above all wish to reclaim our territories from those Turkish devil-worshippers to repay them for the offense that Manzikert was but let us not turn ouor backs to the Catholics lest they backstab us...

The dagger is already out of its sheath and it is made of German steel...

So I beg our Megas to allow for some recruitment in our western lands so that we can parry and perhaps counter-thrust that daggerstab...

Thank you for listening to me.

Signed : Methodios Tagaris.

The man rolls up the parchment, bows low to the assembly and deposits the parchment to the Protoasecretes' desk before making his exit.

[Askthepizzaguy]

A junior Senator, taking the place of Efstratios, nods wordlessly at the reading of Methodios' letter. Clearly the House Tepaki approves of more.... proactive... measures in dealing with the Catholic scum.

[OverKnight]

Aleksios grimaces.

Senator Tagaris's words would carry more weight if he, at this very moment, wasn't heading north, away from the Crusade, towards Iasi.

For now, we must bear the indignity of a Catholic army crossing our land. The Senate voted for a war against the Turks, and we have that. To add further enemies at this point would be foolhardy.

Senator Tagaris has tried to provoke a war with the Germans and failed due to the Megas Logothetes' diplomacy. He is now, as at Zagreb, trying to cast his selfish actions in a more noble light. Do not heed his words.

Senator Ampelas has my full support. He has performed his job with competence in the face of unforseen difficulties and a difficult mandate from the Senate.

[TinCow]

The Protoasecretes eyes the Senators as they begin trickling into the Magnaura. He leans over to a scribe and whispers, "Is it time for another damn session again?" The young lad nods slightly. "Damn! I have a fresh cask of Sicilian wine sitting in my villa, and now it'll be a week before I can get out there." He sighs heavily, and stands. After reaching the center of the room, he bangs his staff loudly on the marble floor.

"I hereby declare the Senate Session of 1110 AD open! It will remain open until... uh... a time to be decided later."

[TinCow]

Event Three: The Egyptian Crusade

Please read the story and the Patriarchal Proclamation first. The Patriarch of Constantinople has called for a Holy Orthodox Crusade against the Egyptian Infidels. The target is the Egyptian capital city of Cairo, with Alexandria as a secondary objective.

Rules:

1) Any Senator may join the Crusade, though Senators who already own land are highly encouraged to remain behind to see to the welfare of their people. All Senators must declare their intention to join the Crusade by the end of the 1110 AD Senate Session by sending a PM to TinCow. All Senators who join the Crusade will be known as Crusaders for the duration of the Event. Whoever is elected Megas in the 1110 AD election cannot go on the Crusade.

2) Every Crusader will be instantly transported to Constantinople after the 1110 AD Senate Session has ended. They will arrive with only their personal bodyguard; all other armies and military units under their command will be left behind.

3) Once assembled in Constantinople, every Crusader will have a small army generated for their personal use during the Crusade. The army, including the avatar's bodyguard, will be no more than six units in size, and no less than three units in size. The number, type, and quality of units will depend on the traits of the avatar himself. The exact distribution will be determined by TinCow, but with the following general guidelines: Pious avatars will receive more ‘Crusader' type units (Grand Crosses, Religious Fanatics, perhaps even Crusader Sergeants, etc.); high Command avatars will receive higher quality units, either in the form of more advanced units, or normal units with extra experience and/or upgrades; high Chivalry avatars may receive trained knights, or their Orthodox equivalent; high Dread avatars may receive high-quality mercenaries; avatars that already own a settlement may receive some extra militia units.

4) Only the units received in #3 can be taken on the Crusade. The Megas is barred from providing the Crusaders with any additional units in any way until Cairo is captured. Crusaders are free to join forces with their armies prior to setting sail or after landing in Egypt. Crusaders may abandon any other Crusader they have joined with at any point after landing in Egypt. Anyone who splits away in this manner will take all of their surviving units with them. All rank limitations on command are abolished for Crusaders for the duration of the Crusade. No Crusader may move his own army or fleet for the duration of the Event. All movement of Crusaders and their armies/fleets will be done by TinCow.

5) Once all Crusaders have determined whether to join their army with others or remain separate, every separate army will be placed on a generated fleet of the proper size to hold them. The fleets will all set sail for Egypt at the start of the second turn of the Megas’ term. Every turn TinCow will roll a die for each fleet. This will simulate random factors effecting movement, such as weather, provisioning, delays, etc. Good rolls will result in full movement, perhaps even bonus movement. Bad rolls will result in reduced movement, or perhaps none at all. Armies of 6 units or fewer will receive a +1 to their movement rolls. Armies of 13 units or more will receive a -1 to their movement rolls.

6) Every turn, any Crusader may attempt to sabotage the movement of another Crusading army, whether at sea or on land, or even while besieging Cairo or Alexandria. A die will be rolled to determine if this is successful. Successful sabotage while at sea or on land will slow down the movement of the target army. Successful sabotage while besieging a city will prevent the army from assaulting until the next turn. There will be a small chance that the Crusader who attempted the sabotage will have his identity revealed, regardless of whether the sabotage succeeds or not.

7) When each army lands in Egypt, their entire fleet will be disbanded, with the IC justification of the wood being cannibalized to build siege engines. At this point, if the garrisons of Alexandria and Cairo are below 10 units, they will be increased to 10 units. After it lands, each Crusade army must send a PM to TinCow indicating whether they are marching directly on Cairo or going to Alexandria first. No city may be attacked other than Cairo or Alexandria. If there are AI controlled armies along the marching path, TinCow may require them to be destroyed before the city can be besieged. For the duration of the Crusade, an official declaration of war by the Senate or the Basileus is not required prior to attacking Egypt, however only the Crusaders may initiate the war.

8) The Crusader army that conquers Alexandria will gain ownership of that city. This city ownership will completely bypass the usual rule requiring vassals to give provinces to their Lords. Whoever conquers Alexandria will obtain control over it directly. If there are multiple Crusaders in the conquering army, they must all agree on who will command the attack and who will receive the city prior to assaulting the city. If they cannot agree before the Megas declares the turn over, they must wait until the next turn to assault it. The Crusader who gains possession of Alexandria will be given two to four additional units by TinCow. This entire paragraph only applies if Alexandria is conquered before Cairo.

9) The Crusader army that conquers Cairo will gain ownership of that city and will gain two religious relics. This city ownership will completely bypass the usual rule requiring vassals to give provinces to their Lords. Whoever conquers Cairo will obtain control over it and the relics directly. If there are multiple Crusaders in the conquering army, they must all agree on who will command the attack and how the spoils will be split prior to assaulting the city. If they cannot agree before the Megas declares the turn over, they must wait until the next turn to assault it. The Crusade (and the Event) ends when Cairo is captured.

10) There is another aspect to this event which will remain secret until it occurs.

[Ramses II CP]

Vissarionas ek Lesvou enters the Magnaura. The years have been kind to him despite living in a foreign, and at times hostile, city. The boy who first ventured here so long ago has clearly become a man, and confidence can be read in his stride. He marches to the Order table and, turning to the rest of the senators, begins to speak.

'First let me announce my unshakeable intent to join the Crusade! Our Patriarch has called, and at the very least I would expect all unlanded nobles to answer!

Second let me say, having so recently returned from there, that Cairo is a city of wonders and glory. Lately ascendant within the Fatimid empire it has grown to such a size that the population is beyond count, and people of every race, religion, and nationality mingle there. The quantity of trade goods moving through her ports is astonishing, and there can be no doubting the wealth of her leaders.

Thirdly, alas, I must relate that some madness has overcome the Caliph in his palace, and as I have heard with my own ears he means to slaughter our good brothers and sisters in Christ and expel the survivors from his city. This cannot be borne! This must not be borne! Revered sites of ancient wisdom and holiness are threatened as well, and they must be rescued!

With God, Patriarch, and Senate as my witness I vow here that I will not rest until the city of Cairo is taken in the name of Orthodoxy! If I must march alone I shall do so, but I pray that some among my fellow heirs of Rome will follow in my path. Let us light a fire of revival and justice across the Levant until Cairo is redeemed for the evil that is even now being done there!

I shall participate in the other issues raised this session as best my Crusade preparations allow.'

Vissarionas ek Lesvou then adjourns to the Order's chambers, to speak to his brothers.

[Privateerkev]

Makedonios walks into the Senate for the first time in a long time. Older, but still with a fire in his eyes, he walks in without the aid of a cane. He does periodically still cough into a napkin though.

Greetings fellow Senators,

I full-throatedly support the Crusade. The people of Cairo must be saved from extermination. I will provide all the material, legislative, and political support that I can muster.

Any member of the Order without land has my full blessing to join in this Holy Crusade.

[Ituralde]

Pavlos stands, still looking a bit haggard and a full-grown beard now covers his face only broken by his scar but almost long enough to cover it.

It does my heart good to see many in the Empire willing to teach those heathens a lessen. The Omens stand well for an attack against the Fatimid Sultanate and I wish every man that will venture there the best success!

Let me just take this opportunity to congratulate Antypatos Ioannis Kalameteros and his wife Anna Komnenus on their recent wedding! Unfortunately I have been busy in the East and couldn't join the festivities on your estate, I am sure it was an event that many will speak of!

[deguerra]

Ioannis stands and gives Pavlos a quick bow

Many thanks for your kind words. I understand many were out furthering the cause of the Empire while I was married. No one need apologise for that.

I too wholeheartedly support this Crusade. Egypt was once Greek, was once Roman. Our influence in those lands must not be allowed to be exterminated, nor must we ignore the plight of our brothers in faith.

I will not be crusading myself, however. We are still at war with the Turks, and that war must be brought to a satisfactory conclusion. I am, as you are doubtlessly aware, a landowning noble and I encourage this to be an opportunity for those still without land to prove their worth. Finally, I have a beautiful wife and two small children. My Turkish campaign will keep me busy enough as it is, I do not want to spend more time from them than I have to.

But I fully encourage all nobles of House Asteri, and indeed of all Houses and factions, who desire to heed the Patriarch's call to go. I especially encourage those without land, as I have said, but let us not exclude men of worth on silly technicalities. If a man feels it is his duty to go, I ask that we not bar his way.