The Magnaura

[Rowan]

Varthlomaios Ksiros gets an annoyed look as Theo's letter is read but says nothing. He eyes the bloody knife on the table in front of him before speaking

An interesting tale, Erotikos, but quite light on details. First, could you elaborate a bit on just who, exactly, you believe was behind the murder. Also, where exactly are you going to find them? Furthermore, why is your army camped under the walls of Tortosa, just out of bowshot range? And why didn't you send messengers ahead of the army to inform us, the Order, his Brothers, of this foul action or what you were going to do so we might help you in tracking the killers?

And what exactly is the significance of this knife?!

Vartholomaios waves at the nearest Magnaura clerk

Get the best doctors in town and have them individually inspect Armatos' body. I want all of them to give official statements to the cause of death and the nature of wounds. Also if the wounds match that dagger. Also any traces of poison or somesuch. And start preparations for a funeral, his burial has waited long enough.

[KnightnDay]

Ammonathas rises

If it would please the members of the Senate, may I ask a question unrelated to the investigation?

Should the Order of St John not be empowered to the take command of the army now encamped at Tortosa while the investigation is ongoing? And would Senator Erotikos find objection with this proposal?

[_Tristan_]

Lord Kalameteros raises a valid point.

Until the death of Armatos has been fully investigated, I would suggest that Senator Erotikis releases command into the hands of the Order.

I would also like to hear from Senator Erotikos how he gathered the knowledge of the identity of the person who ordered Armatos killed in such a gruseome way.

It seems the Hashishim have finally succeeded in worming their way into our ranks.

Please tell us Senator Erotikos who is the culprit so that the full power of the Senate can descend upon him.

[Ramses II CP]

Io's eyes light up and he nods his head companionably towards Vartholomaios Ksiros before standing to speak,

Actually my good man I can't elaborate on who I know to be responsible at this time, lest the cowards hear I know their names and am coming and so flee into the underbelly of our society to cause more harm later. You wouldn't want Armatos' killers to escape, now would you?

As far as Tortosa, I've simply been called to meet a companion there. My word of honor that I have no ill intent for the place or any of it's inhabitants! Of course if I left my army at just any old watering hole, why, very soon they wouldn't be my army anymore would they? And then poor Armatos would stand unavenged, an unacceptable state of affairs for certain.

Messengers were dispatched, of course, and word clearly had come to the Magnaura ahead of me, but, alas, the eastern marches are aswarm in Turks, precisely why I sought Aramtos' aid in the first place, and I fear the few men I could spare were all intercepted. As far as asking the Order's help... no, I do not intend to do so, nor do I believe Armatos would wish it of me either. Your vast tracts of land are ill guarded and there remain but two of you to do the work of seeing off the Turks. Unless I am attacked or barred from my quest I will merely take the men I need to avenge my great friend and depart, leaving you noble sirs to ward your land at the east end of the Empire.

That knife is none other than one of the very weapons used to foully murder Lord Armatos. There were several mixed in a pile after the combat, so I can't guarantee which struck the death blow, but that one was carried by one of the enemy and no mistake. You can see it's design that it is of Muslim make, likely a tool of the cult of assassins or some offshoot. Who can really tell with these heathen factions, hmm?

The army entrusted me by Armatos will not be surrendered to any man, under any circumstances, until he is avenged. I am bound to this course by an oath before God himself, by the noble words of Armatos on his deathbed, and by my own sense of honor. If I am prevented from seeking justice by anyone or anything that obstacle will I annihilate without hesitation.

Speaking of which, I think I'm still at war... would anyone like to propose a resolution to that little matter? I'll have to be off soon to get the lads a marching again, can't let discipline lapse in the field just for a little conversation here.

A smug grin creases Io's face as he returns to his seat.

[Northnovas]

Megos Aleksios having listened to both sides, the frustration of getting no answers begins to show on his face...

Ioannis,

Where do you plan to march this army that will not surrender to any man? This army will not be supplied unless I am satisfied that you are avenging the death of Lord Armatos and are not the one responsible for his death.
The concern of you being at war will be of little concern to this Senate if your you no army. They may not surrender to any man but they will desert if they are not paid and fed.

Stop with the ambiguity and give us the answers we are looking for! Are you or are you not responsible for the death of Lord Armatos. If you are not then I demand to know who is so this matter can be dealt with and done!

[Ramses II CP]

Another quick little nod is directed at the Megas before Io speaks again,

"I sympathize with your concerns my Megas, but as I've said, I simply cannot let the brutes behind this crime have any warning. Thus I can't announce their names or where I intend to march. Pure necessity demands that I keep these things a secret so that I can uphold my vow.

As far as money and food... well... let's be frank, gentlemen, an army of this size has ways of finding what it needs. At least for awhile. I don't want to go down that road, but, as I've said, nothing will bar my course on my quest. Nothing.

Besides, the army is legally mine. Why should we not be supplied as the law requires? If the Megas can withdraw support from my armies over some petty dispute who would he target next? The law of the Emperor and Empire must come before the personal whims of any one Megas, surely.

I will say again, I am not responsible for the death of noble Lord Armatos and I intend to deal with this matter as quickly as can be so that the Empire can return to good and profitable progress."

[KnightnDay]

My lords, I have heard enough. Senator Erotikos has asked for a resolution be offered. I shall offer one now. I call for a vote of the full senate over whether this man shall undergo trial by ordeal. Let his hands be immersed in boiling water, bandaged, and then examined after several days. If it be judged by men of the cloth that his injuries have sufficiently healed, then it is a sure sign from God that the sentor be innocent. At that point he should be free to do as he sees fit, with nothing held against him.

If however, the injuries are not deemed to have healed sufficiently, then he be judged guilty by God's will and suffer the consequences of his crime.

[Ramses II CP]

A faint look of discomfort mixed with amusement crosses Io's face before he replies,

Hmm, yes, good idea that; let's subject any senator who stands accused by a non-noble to this treatment. As a matter of fact I think I tossed a coin to a beggar just past those doors who was muttering that someone by the name Ammonia, or Ammerinia, or maybe Ammonathas had murdered a half a dozen men the other day. Let's boil that chap up and see if it's true!

Let me propose a simpler solution! I take note that the Order has accepted a new man into their ranks, a man who has yet to take on any responsibilities for defense of the eastern front. I have been in contact with this man, and I find him to be caught in the same web of destiny in which I am bound. If he will vow to avenge Armatos by the same vow I have taken, if he will embark on the same quest upon which I have embarked, then I will go where he goes, even surrendering some part of my troops to his command. Would this not fulfill the request that I 'give back' the men Armatos charged me to use to seek revenge for his murder?

Would this not give the Order's little war sufficient cause to come to an end? If not, well, the Order may even find itself ignobly attacking an ally...

That man is Kousinos Sophianos, and I must now adjourn from this, well, simply splendid session of the Senate to negotiate the exact terms of our agreement just beyond the walls of Tortosa.

If anyone seeks me for any serious cause (Here Io pauses to wink at Ammonathas) simply send word and we can arrange to meet. Good day gentlemen!

With a somewhat flippant suggestion of a bow Io then rises and walks calmly from the chamber without looking back.

[Rowan]

For a man accused of murder Erotikos sure isn't too worried. I do not trust him. While Theo's declaration of war was maybe a bit premature I shall support it for now. I'll let Kousinos Sophianos decide for himself if he wishes to follow that man to the desert. If he does, I insist that Erotikos give at least half of his force to Kousinos.

[ULC]

Helarionas strides in to the Magnaura, a grim look upon his face, Demetrios right behind him. "Fellow Senators, I have word as to who has killed our most dear and beloved Lord Armatos." Helarionas snaps his hands and several of his aids bring forth a body wrapped in a white cloak, covered in slash marks and bloodied beyond imagining. "I am sorry for the mess, but this coward refused to speak the truth, even after his attack - no, assassination attempt, upon me, and some persuasion was needed. I admit, I was rather brutal to him...but I am not a man to tolerate such people."

Helarionas strolled over to the dead body. "I am sure you will recognize what I am about to show you, and I am sure it may come as a shock. Long ago, two men conspired to kill both the Caesar and the Patriarch, and nearly succeeded. Had it not be for Basileus Aleksios, all would have been lost. Thanks to our great Emperor's thinking, he was able to extract the information he needed to find all the other members of this group, and they were purged from the Imperium, their leaders killed or exiled. However-"

Helarionas pulls the blood-soaked cloak off of the body, and holds it out between his hands. A large, black raven emblem is seen on the back. "-as you can see they have returned, and seem to have some support among the Islamic assassins. This does not bode well, for it seems they are back for vengeance. I believe anyone still alive from that time is a possible target, and we may soon suffer even more deaths..."

Helarionas throws the cloak back onto the body, and turns to leave. "I have important business to attend to, and I am sorry I cannot stay. If you have any questions, please ask Demetrios."

[TheFlax]

A letter comes in and is read to all.

Noble senators of the Magnaura,

I apologize for being the bearer of bad news. You may not know me, as I have only been inducted into the Senate recently. While doing my duty to Empire in joining the war against the Venetians, I took part in the battle to liberate Ragusa at the side of Antypatos Magnentios.

Sadly, while lord Magnentios acquitted himself with the utmost honor and prowess in battle, he feel to wall of Venetian spearmen. My men and I immediately rushed to his side, alas I was too late. Apparently the young man had taken ill during our voyage and by the time we got him to a healer, he had succumbed to his wounds.

I will join you in due time, my lords, in order to introduce myself more properly. For now, I must secure Ragusa against the Venetian, lest noble Magnentios' death be in vain.

Markos ek Sinopis

[Northnovas]

Megos Alekisos shaken by the news....

Senators, please lets take a moment to take in this sad news about lord Magnentios. He was so confident going in to battle requesting the extra men I did not expect this. Let us remember the senator and soldier Magnentios, the proper arrangements will be made accordingly.

Markos ek Sinopis thank you for your service Ragusa was a strategic target if we are going to the Venetian homelands. I will do what I can to build up the settlement to our standards for Byzantine troops.

Now looking over at the body and the commotion that occurred prior to the sad news.

Everyone is in rush that comes into here.... Demetrios explain to this assembly of what occurred with this .. person and the circumstances of his death and how it is related to the death of lord Armatos. Let us resolve this mystery!

A page brings a message to Aleksios

Senators, I have more sad news. Pavlos Chrysovergos is dead. He died overnight, he will be sadly missed and for his contribution to this assembly and leadership on the field. We will finish this mess here and will someone remove this body from the floor and clean up the area. We msut stop bringing vile things like this into the chamber.
We will then begin to make the proper arrangements required for Pavlos funeral.

[_Tristan_]

Methodios glares at the receding back of Helarionas.

What matters can be more urgent than rooting out the evil that tries to strangle our Empire from within ? What matters require the presence of our Senators away from this august body when they should remain here and be questioned about the circumstances of this assassination and thsi failed attempt ?

I grieve for the loss of Lord Chrysovergos. Although we had been at odds for some years due to his undying allegiance to Ioannis, I would be a fool not to recognize the great service the man has done to the Empire in its fight against the Turks.

I grieve also for the loss of Lord Kalameteros' son. My deepest condolences go to the Princess Anna. No woman should see the fruit of her womb be put into the earth before her eyes. The Venetians have already taken a formidable toll from our numbers, almost more than what the Egyptians and Turks together have been able to bleed from us.

I encourage any and all of our commanders to take up arms and lead their men west against the foul merchants.

[TinCow]

The Protoasecretes stands and speaks.

This is becoming an uncomfortably common duty for me. With the death of Magnentios Kalameteros, the province of Markianople is without a master. My scribes cannot locate a will for the recently departed Senator, and as s result Markianople is now the property of Senator Magnentios' lord, Aleksios ek Ikoniou (Northnovas).

(OOC: Please correct me if I'm wrong about there being no will for Magnentios.)

[TinCow]

A scribe whispers in the Protoasecretes' ear.

What?! Another one? Perhaps if these Senators followed my example and ate more prunes, they would live long enough to be disappointed in their grandchildren. Ah...

It seems that the esteemed Senator and former Megas Logothetes Pavlos Chrysovergos died of natural causes not too long ago. In accordance with his wishes, I will now read his last will and testament:

I Pavlos Chrysovergos decree the following:

Upon my death the following shall be done with my worldly possessions:
The province of Sinop shall fall to my nephew.
The province of Dyarbakir shall fall to Aleksios ek Pigis, for the courage he has shown and to support him in his endeavours.
The rest of my provinces shall fall to Andronikos Komnenos.
Those of my retinue young enough to serve further are allowed to join the retinue of my nephew.

Senator
Pavlos Chrysovergos

[TinCow]

Event Five
Treason of the Heart

(Story written by YLC)

Helarionas walked with a hurried pace through the streets of Constantinople, carrying a white, folded robe under his arm. As he brushed past a couple merchants avidly discussing the value of their wares, something caught the corner of Helarionas's eye. It was gone in a instant, but Helarionas knew he saw something, and his curiosity got the better of him. He darted down the streets, spotting in once more as it turned into an alleyway. “Most definitely a woman...is Chara following me again?”

Helarionas quickly dashed through the crowd and into the alleyway. He stopped and placed his hand on his hip as he was met with an empty, dead end. “So much for that...must be Chara, I don't kno-” Helarionas was suddenly pushed farther into the alleyway, and on instinct, he released the knife he kept under his sleeve into his hands and prepared to fight.

However, he was greeted with giggles instead of threats and blades. He stared dumbstruck for a second at Aleksandra Tagaris, in plain clothes more befitting a commoner. Her air was just like her fathers, and her earthy, round heart shaped face, complete with her tanned skin, completed her disguise – but even still, their was a magnificent, underlying beauty to her, and Helarionas had treasured it since meeting her in Alexandria so many years ago.

Aleksandra giggled. “Oh, your so easy Ser-” Helarionas was quick, and brought his fingertips upon Aleksandra's lips to gently silence her. “Do not speak my name so openly my love, it is a powerful thing you would speak of, and I cannot let that power fall into anyone else's hands but yours.” Helarionas pulled Aleksandra in to gently kiss her, and the couple stood in that bleak alleyway for a moment.

Looking deeply into her eyes, Helarionas searched for the answer to why she was here. But Aleksandra had known Helarionas for too long and knew his habits. “You can just ask, dearest, I promise I'll tell. I am here to see you, so we can escape together. My father wishes me to be married to the one I love, but I fear that Basileus Ioannis, in his mad urge for political gain, will ignore my fathers wishes once more, and I cannot be wed to any but you.”

Helarionas did a double take. “But, that is against the law! Law set in stone Aleksandra, I cannot go and break it, not yet anyway! I have tried the proper channels, I have spoke with the Basileus, and I await his answer. Please, give me more time to do right by you an-” Aleksandra stamped her foot down and stared Helarionas in the eye. “I will wait no longer, Se- Helarionas. The Basileus is after power, what power can you offer him, what can you give him? All that will happen is you will sit and do nothing as I am married off to some brute of a man who cares nothing for me!”

“I can give him my servitude, work as his enforcer and-” Aleksandra's tone took on a more powerful note. “You would lie even more! What I propose is more honest at the very least!” Helarionas sighed. “Well, what would you have me do? As you say I lack the power to do anything. If I so much as-” It was Aleksandra's turn to place her fingers on Helarionas's lips. “Hush, I have that taken care of. Ioannis Erotikos has brought me here, upon my request. I know you two spoke of “kidnapping” me, so I decided to leap ahead of your conscience a bit and asked I be taken here...you will support him, yes? And in return, you will not be so alone, we will not be so alone, when the world comes down on us...”

“...For our love.” Helarionas finished her sentence. He seemed to consider a moment, looking at the white robe underneath his arm. “How much do you love me Aleksandra?” Aleksandra looked at Helarionas questioningly. “Dearest, why do you ask this? You know how much I lo-” Helarionas cut her off. “Good, then get me one of your servants – a well fed, strong one that looks very capable. I have work to do then...” Helarionas brightened, kissing Aleksandra lightly. “I need you to be a good girl for me, and hurry to the docks, and get on my private ship. Tell no one your real name, do not use it. If anyone asks, your the newest serving girl on board. Do what you can to disguise your beauty as well, can't have you stand out to much. Send the servant to the “Veterans Haven”, the Inn near the Magnaura....now go! And hurry!”

Aleksandra nodded, trusting in Helarionas fully and ran off to the Tagaris estates to fetch the servant, while Helarionas began trying to figure out how he was going to get out of this alive,plodding slowly to the Magnaura...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rules

Helarionas Anargiros (YLC) has fallen in love with a woman and is determined to marry her. Unfortunately for him, that woman is Aleksandra Tagaris, a royal Princess. Both the Basileus and the Caesar have rebuffed his attempts to secure her hand through legal means, so Senator Anargiros has chosen a more direct course of action: he has abducted the Princess and intends to marry her against the will of the Basileus and her father, the Caesar. Some may say that Aleksandra desired the marriage as well, but as a Byzantine Princess, that choice is not hers to make.

Helarionas Anargiros has committed open treason. It remains to be seen how the Senate will react to this most recent scandal over yet another of the Tagaris daughters.

1) The agent avatar of Princess Aleksandra Tagaris has been teleported into Helarionas Anargiros' (YLC) stack. Except as stated below, she may not be removed from this stack by anyone, including YLC, nor may she be married to anyone, including Helarionas Anargiros.

2) If Princess Aleksandra Tagaris is still in Helarionas Anargiros' stack at the end of 5 turns after this event begins (it takes time to find a priest willing to commit treason), she will be married to him.

3) If a Senator defeats Helarionas Anargiros in battle before the marriage occurs, he will have the option of either allowing the Basileus to decide who she will marry (in accordance with the law) or marrying her himself, on the spot.

4) Senators who declare war on Helarionas Anargiros during the first 5 game turns after this event has started will not have to wait the required 1 turn before attacking him or any settlements he possesses.

5) If a Senator who is at war with Helarionas Anargiros is within 1 turn's movement of Helarionas Anargiros at the end of 5 turns, the marriage will be postponed until the next turn. This postponement will continue until Helarionas Anargiros is not within 1 turn's movement of any hostile Senator.

6) This Event ends when Helarionas Anargiros has been defeated in battle or has married Aleksandra Tagaris. However, any Civil Wars that began as a result of this Event will continue until resolved in the normal manner.

(Note: This event was created based on a storyline developed by YLC. It seemed very unique and interesting, so I have indulged him, with a few risks to his own life and limb as a penalty. If other players have ideas for involving their avatars in similar events, I am willing to consider them. Just remember that I like events that cause strife, and no one will ever gain benefits without risk. )

[TinCow]

It has been brought to my attention that Helarionas Anargiros (YLC) has decided to flee by sea. For obvious reasons, this poses significant problems for anyone who actually wants to follow him. As this slightly defeats the purpose of a chase, I am going to add in an extra rule for Event Five.

7) If Helarionas Anargiros (YLC) is at sea, any Senator who is at war with him will automatically have a small fleet generated for them if they move to a coast and request it. This fleet will exist only for the duration that the hostile Senator is aboard, and will be disbanded when he disembarks. There is no limit on the number of fleets that can be generated in this manner for the duration of this Event. In the event that a hostile Senator catches Helarionas Anargiros while he is at sea, both armies will move to the nearest spot of land, regardless of where that may be, and a land PvP battle will occur.

[ULC]

A page comes in quickly as Demetrios moves to answer Aleksios's question. The page whispers something in Demetrios's ear, but what the page says is as quiet as Demetrios's face is unreadable. After a nod, Demetrios waves the page off.

"Good Senators, as far as the man before you, I know nothing of how this at all came to be. I myself was to late to come to my Lord's aid when I heard a tussle in his office, and came in to find this man nearly dead, Helarionas's office in shambles and himself bloodied - he refused treatment for his wound, saying he had far more important matters to attend to. I then helped him take the would be assassin and secure him for proper questioning."

"When the man flatly refused to admit to anything, Helarionas moved to call the guards and have this man sent to the dungeons until he could alert you. However, it seems the man feared imprisonment, and quickly spoke of how Helarionas would fall for what he had done, and how the Tagaris family would pay their price one day for their betrayal. Helarionas then quickly, in extreme anger, killed the man, and I had to pull him off of the assassin. Even for sometime after, Helarionas was frighting to behold."

Demetrios pulled out a knife from a a wrap of cloth. It's design was a near perfect match to that of the blade that Lord Erotikos said had killed Lord Armatos.

"I believe this is why Helarionas believes that the two are related, and why his attacker is part of the group that attacked Armatos"

[Ignoramus]

A representative of the Basileus walks in.

I am hereby instructed by the Basileus to declare war against Senator Anargiros. I do not wish to resolve this by bloodshed, but I am willing to do so if a satisfactory outcome is not achieved.

The representative leaves.

[ULC]

Demetrios raises an eyebrow. "And, pray tell, what is satisfactory to the Basileus?"

[_Tristan_]

The pig Anargiros will pay dearly for this insult.

I declare war on you, Helarionas Anargiros and have no care for your veiled threats, delivered by your "servant".

Never have I bowed before a threat, and it is not a cowardly dog like you that will change that.

One last word : to any and all of our priests, should one of your number choose to celebrate the union that Anargiros wishes, he had better walk to the ends of the earth afterwards because I'll follow him there to kill him, man of God or not.

[Ituralde]

A man nearing his Thirties enters the Magnaura. His hair is already receeding but the features of his face seem to bear a resemblance to the recently deceased Pavlos Chrysovergos.

Senators of the Roman Empire! My name is Nikitas Moschos. I just recieved this letter stating that I am apparently the nephew of Antypatos Chrysovergos, which makes me Duke of Sinop and Comes as well as member of this Assembly.

He looks around, unsure of what to say next.

That's all, I guess...

His words trailing off he leaves for the benches where he takes a seat.

[ULC]

Demetrios stands up, anger getting the better of him. "Veiled threats? What veiled threats have I given, or has anyone given for that matter! Methodios, you know me, if I knew of this, what do you think I would have done! Ser-, Helarionas is an impulsive man, and so is Aleksandra! War over this will solve nothing, at least try to talk to them!"

[Ituralde]

He's right isn't he, the Prince should know how important the will of his daughter is.

Nikitas chuckles slightly, then he suddenly realizes that he had spoken a little too loud and the room really amplified a man's voice. Taken aback he tries to shrug apologetically.

[_Tristan_]

Looking angrily at Demetrios, Methodios stands once again.

What veiled threats ?

These are the words that came out of your own mouth Demetrios : "how the Tagaris family would pay their price one day for their betrayal."

I have no proof that these words came from the man whose body you so gruesomely displayed before us... They might as well be those of this Helarionas, of whom I know nothing but that he has abducted my daughter.

And for that, I'll make him pay... Dearly...

[ULC]

Demetrios facepalms himself in exasperation.

"Methodios, please! Why on earth would Helarionas want vengeance on your family at all?! He is a kind man, with good intentions! We have received little in the way on why the two ran off together beyond that they love each other! For all we know, it's possible Helarionas took the threat to the Tagaris families life seriously and escaped with Aleksandra to protect her! Where is your proof she was forcibly taken! We know nothing of the matter, yet were already willing to hang the man!"

[_Tristan_]

Methodios' anger rises to fury.

What is it with my daughters that each and every nobleman from this Empire wants to elope with them ? I sure wish I had more than one son to save me from all this trouble.

If the pig Anargiros had any inforamtion on the possible threat to my family, I would have had more consideration for him had he come to me with this.

I have defied my Emperor for the safeguard of my daughter, did he think I would be unable to defend another against a less than tangible threat ? I am not yet in the grave though it looms ever nearer day by day.

She may not have been forcibly taken but she could have been lured to follow a man in whom she had put her trust wrongly. God knows there are enough smooth-talkers among our Senators and nobles.

As to why would Helarionas would want revenge on my family ? I have not the smallest idea but I've done enough things in my life that I may have stepped on the wrong foot here and there.

I do not see why the Organization, reputably dead and done, would seek to kill a lowly Senator like Anargiros. The death of Armatos at least makes sense. It is a great blow against our Empire and the Order of St John, which fought most staunchly against the Organization.

Thus, all this sorry business smells of nothing but conspiracy... I will not tolerate that my daughter plays a part in the dark schemes of any Senator.

[ULC]

Demetrios falls into his chair. "Methodios, do you remember whom you named your daughter after? And who visited you for a year and half before my mother died? Your answer lies in that. I can tell you no more, it would endanger my liege far to much."

[_Tristan_]

I'd like to request that our Megas put at my disposal a fleet on the northern shore of Egypt at the port of Gaza or at any point between the Nile delta and Gaza.

[ULC]

Demetrios shakes his head. "This is madness, and nothing good will come of what you intend to do. If I am needed for further questioning, you may find me at Lord Anagiros's office. And if you do not wish to break your daughters heart, you will come visit me Methodios."

Demetrios picks up his things and turns to leave.