The Magnaura

[TheFlax]

A letter comes in and is read to all.

I, Markos ek Sinopis, declare war on the lawbreaker, Helarionas Anargiros. As this letter reaches this esteemed body, I will already be setting sail to confront him in the Adriatic.

Markos ek Sinopis

[woad&fangs]

Andronikos enters the Magnaura with a confident stride

Methodious! When last we met, you stated that the happiness of your daughters was more important than anything else, even the will of the Basileus. Yet now pausing you declare war on the man your daughter chooses to marry.

From this information I can only extrapolate that the happiness of your daughters is not as important to you as you have lead us to believe. Perhaps something else drives your actions? Power? Yes, that sounds about right. Fool-hardy battles against enormous odds. You claim that chivalry was what drove you to these feats, yet you fled from from Zagreb like a whipped dog when you saw the Catholic rebels. Admit it, Methodious, you wanted the power that came with the title of "hero". Every action of yours has been a prideful display to gain you more and more power. You can't possibly have us believe that you crusaded out of faith when you have so little of it? And of course, let us not forget about your rise to leader of a house and then, sneering Prince.

realizing that he is rambling, Andronikos calmly closes his eyes, and then begins once more to speak

I choose to stand by the precedent established by the War of the Princess. I offer asylum to Helaronios and his soon to be bride. In order to aid them in reaching my lands, I offer province and title to and Senator who aids him.

May love triumph once more over tyranny!

Andronikos sits down in an ornate chair and begins drawing up what appears to be a charter to a new house

[Ramses II CP]

Ioannis Erotikas quietly returns to the Magnaura in time to catch Andronikos' speech. Nodding his head he rises to speak in his turn,

"We said sir, and though I own no lands I will second that sentiment! If you can reach me or I you without compromising my mission of vengeance I will offer you and your bride shelter and succor Helarionas Anargiros. May God grant you good fortune on your journey!

I must also point out that despite my following through on the compromise I offered I am still at war with a member of the Order of St. John. Given that I and my men are camped just outside the city this man garrisons there could be an accidental outbreak of hostilities at any time. Please, let us find some resolution to this matter before battle breaks out between brothers while the Turks howl at the gates of our cities."

Io returns to his seat with a rather more grim demeanor than he bore during his last visit.

[Ituralde]

Well, isnt't a peace treaty meant to be made between the two parties actually at war. Why don't you just ask Senator Petzeas nicely if he wants to cease hostilities. If not, crush him.

Nikitas shrugs apologetically.

Not that I advise any such thing. It's just the theoretical choices you have.

[_Tristan_]

Looking at Andronikos, Methodios smiles wolfishly.

And where you not yourself looking for advancement by asking for the hand of my daughter ? Your father had bypassed you in making me heir to the throne in place of one of his sons... That should tell enough of your valour.

As to the matter of Zagreb, you were still at your mother's breast when the Catholic rebels marched on 'my' city. I managed to obtain a temporary resolution to that conflict and managed to gain much needed funds for ouor war economy by selling that city to the Hungarians, in the hope that Catholics would not prey upon other Catholics... iwas wrong in that and I bear that burden since that day, believe me...

As to power, I have never sought power so muich as service to this Empire... It has brought me power, I won't deny it, but looking back, at the cost of it, there are a lot of things I would do otherwise... I don't know but your allegations carry a faint reek of jealousy... Maybe you would like to be a 'hero of the people'... Then get to it, lad...

You profess you know of the love of my daughter for Helarionas but who are you to know of such things ? All we know is that the man abducted her and is now trying to get himself married to her against her will, and surely against mine...

Should I acquire certain evidence that this marriage is what my daughter wishes, I may reconsider my position.

But it would have to be very convicing because I can see behind the pretense the shadow of the threat we thought destroyed so many years ago...

The Organizaton we thought dead and gone with the banishment of Aleksander ek Kallipoleos is back, and with a vengeance it seems... But where years ago, they tried to work covertly by way of threat and assassination, they now work through guile and connivence, worming their way to the top of our Empire by trying to marry one of their own to the daughter of the heir to the throne.

Now, I hope you can all see where this leads us ? Shoudl anything untoward happen to me and Basileus Ioannis, who gets a chance to sit upon the Throne of Constantine ? None other than those we all fought so many years ago...

So think again before throwing your support behind that pig Helarionas...

[TheFlax]

A man enters the Magnaura in simple clothing, although the chamlys he wears marks him as Senator. His gentle face seems weary, yet his light brown hair and mustach are inpeccably trimed. Waiting for the Ceasar to finish his discourse, the man then speaks up in gentle but audible tones.

Senators, I am Markos ek Sinopis.

I decided to come before in order to announce my impending battle against Helarionas Anargiros, as my forces have caught up him while he attempted to flee the Adriatic Sea. I expected to find this body in support of my actions or at least in tacit agreement.

Instead, I am appalled to discover that some in this body have made of this lawbreaker a hero or a martyr. Not only does this man go against the laws of the Empire, but the very traditions which harken back to the foundation of this Empire.

If you wish to change the law, then do so by legislation and not by cheering on someone who defies it.

Then there is matter of the Church. If God approved of this union,than surely either the Basileus or the Patriarch would be made aware of His will. Instead, the lawbreaker seeks a treasonous priest to consecrate his union.

Let me ask you Senators, how do you know the princess even loves this man? Rumors? If not I wonder how you know more of such things that her father. Shame on you for attacking the character of a great man based on mere hearsay.

Have you no respect for this Empire which has been bountiful to you? Have you no respect for its laws and institutions? Have you no respect for the men who are responsible for all you possess? Have you no respect for yourselves?

[Rowan]

Senator Erotikos, thus far you have not offered anything but words. Send out half of your army to the bridge between Antiokheia and Tortosa so a member of the Order may take command of them and I shall instruct Domestikos Petzeas to accept your offer for peace.

As to the matter of the runaway princess I must state that I do not approve of the business. While I still refrain from an outright declaration of war I warn Helarionas Anargiros that he is not welcome to set his foot on Order territory!

[Ramses II CP]

A grin resurfaces on Io's face as he addresses the current Grandmaster of the Order,

"My good man that's simply impossible. In our restructuring of forces I have already given not quite half my men to your lowest ranked member and seen no compromise in return by your side. It would seem to me that any impartial witness would put your side as the one bandying words, while for my part I have lived up to the agreement I proposed. Consider your honor sir."

[Rowan]

Vartholomaios speaks to one of the clerks in hushed tones. After a moment he can clearly be seen to be annoyed with the clerk.

I am sorry, Senator Erotikos. It seems that my underlings have not deemed it necessary to inform me that you had already complied. I publicly urge Theo Petzeas to withdraw his declaration of war. I hope that is sufficient to you.

It also seems that you have managed to gain the trust of Armatos' protege, Kousinos Sophianos. I may have judged you too harshly.

[TinCow]

*A scribe rushes up to the Protoasecretes and hands him a report. The old man scrutinizes it carefully, before grunting and shaking his head sadly.*

It seems the Venetians have launched a major assault on Zagreb. The reports indicate that the garrison has been overrun, the city captured, and Senator Alexios ek Pigis (Andres) has been killed. As the Senator had no know will at the time of his death, the Basileus has now added the settlement of Dyarbakir to his ever-growing list of forgotten and neglected provinces.

[TinCow]

"I hereby declare the Senate Session of 1185 AD open! It will remain open for proposing legislation and campaigning of candidates for Megas Logothetes until Saturday, January 31st at 23:00 GMT."

[Northnovas]

Senators,

I will speak briefly. When one is only responsible for one's land their vision is narrow. When one as the opportunity to manage the Empire there vision is broaden by the demands from all corners. I must warn you that we need to look at the bigger picture and stop the internal distractions that have beset us.

We have enemies to our west and east we have lost a city in the west and two are currently under siege in the east. Our armies are costly and disperse through out. We need some legislation and leadership to deal with these issues to prevent our demise from the factions that are looking to destroy us.

I would think that we should be looking at edicts to recapture land and move forward on our enemies lands. We need leadership in each theater of war to give direction so that we are focused on the enemy and not each other. That we can bring our many armies together as one and strike at our enemies. Only the spoils of war will make our treasury healthy and enable ourselves to be rewarded with professionally trained troops and living in a standard deserving of this great Empire.

Please let us discuss and create legislation that will move us forward into the next century!

[KnightnDay]

I want to reassure my fellow senators that my intentions are unchanged. 1200 men will soon be at the outskirts of Sofia on their way to combat the Venetians. I note Senator Vringas has a fairly substantial garrison there. If he prefers not to commit his troops to battle, perhaps my good lord would at least consider an exchange of 3 of my militia spear units in exchange for three of his own dismounted Byzantine lancers to strengthen our collective position against Venice?

[Ignoramus]

A representative of the Basileus comes forward to announce the rule change.

Rule Change 7.1

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The following ranks will be added to Rule 2.7:

• Rebel:
  Requirements:
  (1) Must own at least 2 contiguous provinces and then declare oneself a Rebel in a public thread OR
  (2) Be a vassal of a Rebel.
  Influence: None
  Powers:
  (1) This rank is always held at the same time as other feudal ranks. The Powers and Penalties of the Rebel are added on top of the Powers and Penalties of the Senator’s other feudal rank(s). In the event of contradictory Powers and Penalties, the Rebel Powers and Penalties take precedence.
  (2) If the Rebel rank is obtained by declaration, rather than swearing, the Rebel must designate one of his provinces as his Capital. The Capital must be contiguous to at least one other province owned by the Rebel or any of his vassals. At the moment that the Capital is declared, provinces owned by the Rebel or his vassals which are not connected to the Capital by contiguous land borders are instantly lost and become the property of the Basileus. TinCow will determine whether an island province is contiguous to continental provinces. This territory will be known as the Rebel's 'Realm.'
  (3) If the Rebel rank is obtained by declaration, the Senator automatically breaks any Oath to his Lord.
  (4) If the Rebel rank is obtained by swearing an Oath, all of the Senator's provinces which are not contiguous to the Realm of the new Lord become the property of the Basileus.
  (5) Is not bound by any Senate Edicts or Amendments.
  (6) Is immune to Basileus' Powers 6, 7, and 16.
  (7) Can pass an unlimited number of provinces on to the player's next avatar through a valid will. The player's next avatar will instantly gain the rank of Rebel.
  Penalties:
  (1) When this rank is obtained, the Rebel is considered to have made an automatic declaration of war against all Senators who are still part of the Empire. Rebels cannot make Peace Treaties.
  (2) Cannot propose or vote on Edicts or Amendments in any Senate session. Cannot run for or vote in the election for Megas Logothetes.
  (3) Cannot prioritize any Units or Buildings.
  (4) Taxes are set to Very High in all settlements within the Realm.
  (5) If the Capital is captured by a hostile Senator, the rank of Rebel is lost. In order to continue the Rebellion, the Senator must proclaim himself a Rebel again, assuming he still meets the requirements for it.
  (6) Cannot hold the ranks of Dean or Scholar.
  
  
• Secessionist:
  Requirements:
  (1) Must have been a Rebel for 5 turns OR
  (2) Be a vassal of a Secessionist.
  Influence: None
  Powers:
  (1) This rank is always held at the same time as other feudal ranks. The Powers and Penalties of the Secessionist are added on top of the Powers and Penalties of the Senator’s other feudal rank(s). In the event of contradictory Powers and Penalties, the Secessionist Powers and Penalties take precedence.
  (2) If the Rebel rank is obtained by swearing an Oath, all of the Senator's provinces which are not contiguous to the Realm of the new Lord become the property of the Basileus.
  (3) Is not bound by any Senate Edicts or Amendments.
  (4) Is immune to Basileus' Powers 6, 7, and 16.
  (5) Taxes are set to High in all adjacent non-Realm settlements.
  (6) Can pass an unlimited number of provinces on to the player's next avatar through a valid will. The player's next avatar will instantly gain the rank of Secessionist.
  Penalties:
  (1) When this rank is obtained, the Secessionist is considered to have made an automatic declaration of war against all Senators who are still part of the Empire. Secessionists cannot make Peace Treaties.
  (2) Cannot propose or vote on Edicts or Amendments in any Senate session. Cannot run for or vote in the election for Megas Logothetes.
  (3) If the Capital is captured by a hostile Senator, the rank of Secessionist is lost. In order to continue the Rebellion, the Senator must proclaim himself a Rebel again, assuming he still meets the requirements for it.
  (4) Cannot hold the ranks of Dean or Scholar.
  
  
• Independent Ruler:
  Requirements:
  (1) Must have been a Secessionist for 5 turns OR
  (2) Be a vassal of an Independent Ruler.
  Influence: None
  Powers:
  (1) This rank is always held at the same time as other feudal ranks. The Powers and Penalties of the Independent Ruler are added on top of the Powers and Penalties of the Senator’s other feudal rank(s). In the event of contradictory Powers and Penalties, the Independent Ruler's Powers and Penalties take precedence.
  (2) May create his own title instead of "Independent Ruler" and may determine the correlating titles of all his vassals, unless the Independent Ruler is loyal to another Senator.
  (3) If this rank is held during a Normal Senate Session, can Prioritize a total of 1 unit per province within the Realm and 1 building per 3 provinces within the Realm per full 10 turn Megas Logothetes term. This Power is cumulative with the ability to Prioritize units under any other rank held by the Independent Ruler. This power is void if the Independent Ruler is loyal to another Senator.
  (5) Can declare war on any faction at any time, for any reason, unless the Independent Ruler is loyal to another Senator.
  (6) Is not bound by any Senate Edicts or Amendments.
  (7) Is immune to Basileus' Powers 6, 7, and 16.
  (8) Unless they have the permission of the Independent Ruler, any neutral Senator entering a province of the Realm owned by the Independent Ruler is considered to have automatically declared war on the Independent Ruler.
  (9) During any Senate session, can give a temporary bonus of 1 influence to any loyal Senator of the Empire for every 2 provinces in the Realm. The loyal Senator must agree to accept this temporary bonus before it can be added. The offer and acceptance of the bonus may be kept secret until all votes are tallied, but TinCow must be informed of the deal via PM. This power is void if the Independent Ruler is loyal to another Senator.
  (10) Taxes are set to Very High in all adjacent non-Realm settlements.
  (11) Can move the Capital to any other province within the Realm, but this results in the Independent Ruler becoming a Secessionist once again. This power is void if the Independent Ruler is loyal to another Senator.
  (12) Can pass an unlimited number of provinces on to the player's next avatar through a valid will. The player's next avatar will instantly gain the rank of Secessionist.
  Penalties:
  (1) Cannot propose or vote on Edicts or Amendments in any Senate session. Cannot run for or vote in the election for Megas Logothetes.
  (2) If the Capital is captured by a hostile Senator, the rank of Independent Ruler is lost. In order to continue the Rebellion, the Senator must proclaim himself a Rebel again, assuming he still meets the requirements for it.
  (3) Cannot be a Dean or a Scholar.

Megas Logothetes Powers will be altered to read as follows:

(3) Except as stated in Rule 4.1, the Megas Logothetes can move all armies that start a turn led by a Captain, unless that stack started the turn inside a Realm.
(4) Except as stated in Rule 4.3, the Megas Logothetes can move all fleets, unless they started the turn inside a port in a Realm.

[Zim]

I, Arintheos Voutoumatis, would like to announce that I am running for the position of Megas Logothetes.

This past term has been difficult, through no fault of the previous Megas. Many brave Romans have given their lives in the fight against the Venetians, who have fought like devils. Megas Aleksios has diverted as many resources as possible to the front, but circumstances have conspired against his efforts. The Turks' renewed offense in the east has taken the attention and resources of our generals in the east. Many of our most experienced men have gone into semi-retirement, including Senator Appionas who remains ensconced in his settlement with a large army living off of Imperial coffers. Others were lost in the war, such as Senator Savvas. Most recently and ominously, we have seen one Senator murdered on Imperial land, with accusations flying in multiple directions, and another kidnap the Caesar's daughter.

If I am elected I propose to have a careful census of the Empire's settlements and forces. Some settlements have garrisons larger than needed, or composed of non-militia troops who do not support themselves. I will speak with their owners to see about adjusting their garrisons. I will also see which parts of our Empire have been neglected in infrastructure, especially in those areas where the potential for profit is high. I know for example that the Levant has seen too little money for economic development, and even more so Egypt, who lost one settlement due to riots from lack of infrastructure.

I will also look to successfully ending the Venetian and Turkish wars. Against Venice I would first draw a line at Ragusa and Belgrade. Several generals are already making their way to each, or there already. I would see that armies would be assembled at those sites which, when ready, would march together on Zagreb and Venice itself. The Latins have had their few successes as a result of being able to isolate individual armies of ours. They would not be able to sustain a coordinated attack, especially as they have brought the ire of several of their other neighbors upon them, as well as ours.

The Turkish front is in some ways more difficult, and I would work closely with the Order, providing them the resources needed to push the Turks away from their land or, if they wish all the way to Baghdad. I would also like to see Jerusalem, now under the control of a rebel Arab tribe, be brought unto the Empire, although this would be a lesser priority until more immediate threats were taken care of.

Perhaps our most pressing issue is the fate of the Caesar's young daughter and the death of Senator Armatos. In the case of the former I would push to have talks to end the conflict. Given the option I would prefer not to see any more battles between Helarionas and other Senators, although much would depend on the willingness of each side to negotiate.

I would have a full inquiry made into the death of Senator Armatos, preferably headed by a neutral Senator. If it was this Organization we thought defeated, we will have to cope with their resurgence, and ensure it is a short one. If this is the work of pretenders to that group's infamy, they too must be dealt with.

In short, I will do my every utmost to address the problems of the Empire and regain that unit we once had.

[Northnovas]

Aleksios stands applauding....

Arintheos Voutoumatis well said! This is the kind of leadership we need from men like Arintheos in the absence of the Basileus who roams at sea. Only cooperation and coordination we will defeat our enemies. Are there other more amongst you who will take up this challenge?

[woad&fangs]

I wish to state that after defeating the Turkish army in my own land, I will march with all haste towards the Turkish capitol at Mosul.

I must inquire as to why Senators Erotikos and Sophianos are sittingly idly by with their armies while the Levant falls into dissaray.

Also, I fully endorse my vassals candidacy for the position of Megas. When I first asked him to join the Order of St. Jude, his first question was whether he would be able to continue fighting against the Venetians. That is the kind of man this Empire needs now; one who puts the good of the Empire above personal or political gain.

[KnightnDay]

As to the point made by our newest candidate for Megas Logothetes that our forces should be evaluated, I would ask the senate to make note of the fact that a number of our ships float not far from the coast of Venice with an assortment of leaderless and depleted troop units. I would propose these vessels be directed to sail at once for Ragusa and the troops placed under the care of a most loyal servant of our empire, Senator Markos ek Sinopis.

[Ramses II CP]

Io nods his head companionably before answering,

A fair question, but my good leader senator Sophianos has chosen to give the lads a rest and I for one won't gainsay him. We will march again as soon as he is ready.

I'd like to announce I'm also running for Megas. All that stuff Arintheos said sounds good, I rather think I'll do all that too if I win, plus I pledge that I will fulfill my vow to avenge noble Armatos within my term. I also believe that, with just a few sacrifices here and there, we can exterminate the remaining Turks and secure our eastern borders. Once the east is secure, and only once the east is secure, will the full resources and might of the Empire be turned back west. Until then I would intend to ask the good men of the Empire to hold the line against Venice with what resources can be spared.

The matter of the wayward Princess I declare my highest intent to see settled peacefully, and quickly! We must not squabble amongst ourselves while our enemies grow strong gentlemen! No man engaged in civil war, on any side, will have the support of the Megas during my term. My word on it.

Hmm, what else was there? Oh, yes, and I think it's about time we enlisted some allies against the Venetians. I think with a little encouragement our, err, not-quite-brothers in the Holy Roman Empire could be brought into the conflict to take the pressure off the western front.

Regrettably Egypt appears to be in something of a dire state, and the Levant little better. There are men aplenty in the area, they just all appear to be engaged in less than productive endeavors. Those men will reform, taking on governerships at the very least, or they will find themselves short of funds under my hand.

God grant you luck in our contest Senator Arintheos! (under his breath: Just not too much.)

[woad&fangs]

Young Ammonathas, I agree that those soldiers need to reach Ragusa as soon as possible. However, I suggest that they be commanded by someone more competent than Senator Markos, who has shown an inability to win battles, even when he is numerically superior. Senator Voutoumatis would be a wiser choice.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

ooc: no offense meant towards TheFlax.

[TheFlax]

Markos rises to reply, ever since the battle of Apulia he seems to have lost some weight. His now gaunt face still carried the jawline scar from that battle and while his eyes seemed for the most part weary, they still had an edge to them.

That is perhaps true Senator Andronikos, but your arguments reeks of partisanship. Of course you would prefer Senator Arintheos to lead these troops, for he his your vassal. No matter that he is largely unproven, having only fought bandits. This is not say that Arintheos should not lead the troops, but I find you are ready quick to call me incompetent. I did lose at Apulia, in conditions that were reported as "favorable" to me, on the other hand I also had a victory at Ragusa, while outnumbered three to one. Funny that you did not mention that in your condemnation of my person. But enough of that, if this body would rather never see me fight another battle then I will stay in Ragusa and administer the province to the best of my abilities.

As for the candidacies, I do not think much of Strator Erotikos' candidacy. For one, because it is invalid according to our laws. To be Megas Logothetes one must be at least of the rank of Comes and thus at least control a province. Even if my information on Senator Erotikos' rank proves to be wrong, I distrust a man who takes a large amount troops in a vendetta for "justice", while refusing to give any form of accountability to this body. Not only that, but the man is still under suspicion for the murder of Senator Armotos. He has weaved a fanciful tale of Muslim assassins, but are we to take him to his word? His sole proof is a dagger that could have conceivably been used by anyone. Furthermore, I have received a cryptic threat, which bears a striking resemblance to the diverse proclamations this man has spoken about his "quest". Granted, the letter might not be related to him, only an attempt to discredit him. Yet, that element, taken with whole of his attitudes makes me doubt Senator Erotikos' motives, if not his dedication to the Empire. Why should this chamber invest the most powerful title that can be granted to man who not only accuses us of being possibly traitors, but who has seemingly very little regard for us.

Senator Arintheos, on the other, is, in my opinion, on the right track. The Empire obviously needs a massive reorganization. Not only to relieve our treasury of supporting the cost of troops who do nothing, but also we need a better account of who hold which province. After pouring through out records I find many of them outdated and it is up to us to rectify the solution, as we are the holders of these provinces. It will be a daunting task for Senator Arintheos to win the war against Venice and against the Turks all the while reorganizing the Empire. While I admire his vigor and enthusiasm, I can only note again a certain lack of experience. While this is less of an issue for military command, I feel that the qualities of young men like Arintheos should be tempered with wisdom and experience. I have both, before joining your ranks I have spent most of my life as a bureaucrat. As such, I might not be the best choice for military command, as it has been noted, but I am well able to administer the Empire into the next century. I therefore announce, that, I, Markos ek Sinopis, am running for the position of Megas Logothetes.

I must note that if either Senator Arintheos or I are to be successful, we will need the help of new legislation permitting us the thinning of garrisons across the Empire, even from are most inactive members.

[ULC]

Demetrios comes into the Magnuara, and when the guards move to take his sword, it takes only a stare and they back down. Brushing past them, Demetrios walks into the center of the Magnuara. He pulls out a letter from inside his cloak and begins reading.

"Dear Senators of the Roman Empire,

I send word from the Adriatic, with hopes that All senators are in good health - condolences to Aleksios ek Pigis family, I am certain he died bravely defending the ideals of the Imperium to the last breath.

I understand the nature with which I am treated currently among you - as a lesser man, an outlaw. So in this state of mind, I can accomplish what you cannot, since I am no longer bound our law.

I intend to lay siege, and sack, Rome. I will exile the pretender, the "Pope", and I will then send Rome's treasury, minus enough to support me in pacifying Rome and replenishing my troops, to you good Senators. I am sure our Basileus and our Patriarch will be pleased.

I wish you well in your own endeavors

Respectfully, Comes Helarionas Anargiros"

Demetrios then turns and calmly takes his seat.

[Ignoramus]

A Komnenoi page rises to address the assembled body.

His excellency, Ioannis Komnenos, Basileus of Rome, wishes to appoint Vartholomaios Ksiros to position of Dean of Constantinople's University. Lord Vringos, due to his semi-retirement, is no longer considered able to effectively perform this office.

The page bows and leaves the chamber.

[Rowan]

Vartholomaios stands up and bows towards the departing Basileus

I am most honored in accepting this nomination.

[_Tristan_]

I wish to send my congratulations to Grand Master Ksiros for his appointment as Dean of the University.

I also extend my best wishes to our two young Senators willing to take the burden of the Empire on their shoulders. Both appear to be able to show common sense and will certainly be assets in the years to come.

In the spirit of Senator Voutoumitis' speech, I'd like to propose the following Edict :

Edict 8.1 : Before considering the building of Prioritized Buildings, The Megas Logothetes will have to provide the necessary funds to the improvement of settlements (OOC : wall upgrades). The Megas Logothetes will be free to choose the order in which the settlements will be improved.

Too many of our citizens are forced to live in slums beyond the walls of our cities large and small and many of our castles are not vast enough to provide adequate lodging for our military and enough space to provide protection for those living under their protection.

Such neglect is cause for unrest and is not worthy or the might of our Empire. This legislation is intended to correct the grave neglect of these past years.

[ULC]

Demetrios nods at Methodios.

I second Edict 8.1

[Zim]

Welcome to the race Senators Erotikos and ek Sinopis.I look forward to any debates we have on the issues at hand.

One of Arintheos' aides, poring through a huge stack of papers, whispers to the Senator

Caesar, that edict addresses a major problem in the Empire, especially in regions that have not had a lot of resources sent their way. It's shameful that we have not been able to keep up our infrastructure in some of our rapidly growing settlements. I fear one of my aides has advised me that it may require a Codex Amendment, however. Perhaps the esteemed Protosecrates can clarify.

In the meantime I don't think it would be too much to ask the candidates to make a pledge that such vital settlement improvements will be a priority if they are elected. I will start.

If I am elected, larger walls for those settlements in which they're needed will be the my very first building priority, and funds devoted to them as soon as allowable by law.

[TheFlax]

Markos ek Sinopis returns with a bundle of scrolls, behind him are many aides also carrying a great deal of scrolls. As Markos starts speaking, they hand a small bundle of scrolls to each senator.

Esteemed colleagues, I have spoken before, as my counterpart, Senator Arintheos, also did, about the need to implement certain reforms if we are to see our Empire prosper once more. What you have before you is a report encompassing the whole of the Empire, province by province. Listed in this report, you will find the positioning of all our forces and the cost of their upkeep. Also noted are a series of recommendations or comments, made by my person, in order maximize the efficiency of each florin spent.

My overall strategy is to affect an increase in taxes where ever it is possible, accompanied by the disbanding of all troops who are not useful to the Empire. I must also emphasize the need to disband all mercenary units as soon as possible, to be replaced if necessary by regular troops.

For your convenience, I have color coded each settlements and armies to indicated at a glance if they are problematic or not. Settlements and armies named in red ink means they are highly problematic and need to be addressed as soon as possible. Those in orange ink are less problematic and can be addressed once more important matters have been tended to. Those is black ink show neither major problems nor a very good position. Finally, those in green ink are settlements and armies which are in a very good position.

And now with the report, which has been divided according to five geographical locations.

The Balkans

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

- Fleet off the coast of Venice: 177 men (356 florins) and 6 ships (893 florins)

These forces have been sitting there for more than one term, draining more than 1000 florins from the treasury each turn while serving little purpose.

- Helarionas Anargiros (In the Adriatic): 743 men (2057 florins) and 5 ships (750 florins)

See Iakob ek Trebizond's report.

- Andreas Dermokaitis (Heading to Ragusa, near Zagreb): 404 men (800 florins)

Much needed reinforcements to the Venetian Front.

- Ragusa (Ioannis Kalameteros): 90 men (Free)

Part of the Venetian front and should be reinforced. Troops are already on their way.

- Belgrade (Andreas Dermokaitis): 404 men (380 florins)

Part of the Venetian front and should be reinforced.

- Fleet between Ragusa and Bari: 2 ships (300 florins)

Transports heading for Arintheos Voutoumitis.

- Emperor Ioannis: 870 men (2325 florins) and 6 ships (900 florins)

If this fleet makes better progress than last term it should be able to take one of the Venetian cities soon and place us back on the offensive.

- Durazzo (Helarionas Anargiros): 180 men (free)

Taxes could be increased from Low to Normal.

- Fleet at the mouth of the Adriatic: 90 men (600 florins) and 1 ship (525 florins)

Reinforcements for the Venetian front. Once they arrive at destination the mercenary galley should be disbanded.

- Scopia (Emperor Ioannis): 112 men (70 florins) and 90 men (free)

Bandits are operating in the region and should be eliminated as they are hampering trade. Taxes could be increased from Normal to High.

- Arintheos Voutoumitis: 264 men (354 florins)

Reinforcements for the Venetian front.

Greater Greece

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

- Arta (Emperor Ioannis): 270 men (300 florins)

Part of the garrison could be demobilized or the taxes could be increased from Normal to High.

- Corinth (Alexios ek Ikoniou): 292 men (350 florins) and 90 men (free)

All the troops without a free upkeep could either be moved to the front or disbanded.

- Athens (Ioannis Kalameteros): 382 men (400 florins) and 360 men (free)

Even with its large garrison, Athens has its taxes set to Low. The rampant squalor in the city has made keeping civil order tenuous at best and if the walls of the city are not expanded to Large Stone Walls, the city will revolt or become a sinkhole for money as we pour in more troops to maintain order.

- Nevoulion (Isaakios the Lazy): 473 men (918 florins) and 51 men (free)

The garrison here could be reduced and replaced by militia, thus easily cutting the troop upkeep by more than half if we count the units that will support themselves. Furthermore, the taxes could be raised from Low to Normal, but only if there remains enought troops to maintain order. Most of the public disorder here finds its roots in the rampant squalor of the city which could be remedied by building a Large Stone Wall.

- Thessalonike (Ammonathas Kalameteros): 494 men (600 florins) and 400 men (free)

Thessalonike suffers from the exact symptoms as its sister cities previously mentioned. As it was the case for Nevoulion, the professional troops in its garrison should be exchanged for militia to reduce costs. Also, because of the squalor causing a large drop in public order, taxes are at Normal and so there is more leeway in the number of troops needing to be kept in garrison. Here also, Large Stone Walls should be built to accomodate the growing population.

- Ballistas heading to Belgrade: 60 men (300 florins)

Reinforcements for the Venetian front.

- Ammonathas Kalameteros and Zigavinos Vasilakios: 644 men (1849 florins)

Heading to the Venetian front.

- Constantinople (Emperor Ioannis): 90 men (100 florins) and 584 men (free)

I am glad to report that the jewel of our Empire is probably the settlement in best posture. Not only does the city bring us a large amount of revenu through taxes (Which could be increased from High to Very High if we choose to forgo Growth.) but its garrison is nearly cost free.

- Sofia (Apionnas Vringas): 868 men (1480 florins) and 90 men (free)

This settlement is easily the best example of wasted florins. This castle's troops should either be move to the Venetian front or be disbanded as only a small garrison is needed to maintain order.

- Bucharest (Apionnas Vringas): 270 men (free)

This settlement needs its walls upgrated to Stone Walls to accomodate the growing population.

Asia Minor

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

- Nicaea (Emperor Ioannis): 30 men (150 florins) and 396 men (free)

Another city in good shape, even though a group of bandits prey on its lands. They should be removed when possible. Also, why are ballistas stationed in the city? They serve little purpose and should be disbanded promply.

- Dardanellia (Emperos Ioannis): 224 men (200 florins) and 112 men (free)

The men not supported by the Castle should be disbanded.

- Sophronios Komnenos (South of Nicaea, East of Dardanellia): 90 men (100 florins)

What is this man doing there? And for how long has he camped in those hills with a unit? He serves no purpose and the troops accompanying him should be disbanded.

- Smyrna (Sophronios Komnenos): 112 men (70 florins) and 90 men (free)

Taxes could be increased from Normal to Very High.

- Rhodes (Hypatios Machonios): 224 men (140 florins)

Half of these men could be disbanded with little consequence. Also, Rhodes is ready to be upgraded into a Castle, but this should be far from a priority.

- Iconion (Zigavinos Vasilakios): 204 men (127 florins) and 90 men (free)

Iconion is need of being upgraded with Stone Walls as its rampant squalor has greatly affected public order and thus, its taxes need to be maintain at Low.

- Sinop (Nikitas Moshos): 90 men (100 florins) and 270 men (free)

Taxes could be increased from Normal to High or the unit not supported by the city could be disbanded. Also, there are reports of bandits in the area. They should be dealt with.

- Markianople (Alexios ek Iconiou): 224 men (140 florins) and 112 men (free)

The men not supported by this castle should be disbanded.

- Diyarbakir (Emperor Ioannis): 330 men (460 florins) and 90 men (free)

The men not supported by the castle should either be sent to the Order as reinforcements or be disbanded.

- Army south of Trebizond (Seemingly heading west): 382 men (550 florins)

This small force should either head south to reinforce the Order or be be disbanded.

- Fort near Trebizond: 90 men (80 florin)

This fort seems to serve no stratigical purpose and the troops it contains should be disbanded.

- Trebizond (Arintheos Voutoumitis): 90 men (80 florins) and 90 men (free)

This settlement's taxes could be increased from Low to Normal. It is also ready to receive Stone Walls.

- Yerevan (Andronikos Komnenos): 202 men (200 florins) and 270 men (free)

Public order is low even with taxes at Low and a more than fair garrison.

- Tbilisi (Andronikos Komnenos): 90 men (100 florins) and 112 men (free)

The bandits and Turks in the area should be taken care of.

- Baku (Andronikos Komnenos): 112 men (187 florins)

There is no growth in this castle.

- Andronikos Komnenos (Between Tbilisi, Yerevan and Baku): 446 men (831 florins)
+ Two small forces nearby: 51 men (85 florins) and 80 men (350 florins)

It is presumed that all of these forces will join together to destroy the turkish remnant in the area, likewise for the bandits.

Levant

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- Adana (Vartholomaios Ksiros): 91 men (61 florins)

- Kousinos Sophianos: 1788 men (2326 florins) and
- Ioannis Erotikos: 996 men (2333 florins)

Both men are perfectly placed to destroy the crusaders turned rebel near Antioch, relieve Theopolis and then push on to Edessa and other Seljuk Turk lands. With their large armies and some reinforcements, they could secure the eastern front from further immediate threats.

- Antiokheia (Theophylaktos Petzeas): 127 men (363 florins) and 404 men (free)

Taxes could be raised from Low to Normal or some of the units not supported by the city could be disbanded.

- Theophylaktos Petzeas (Between Antiokheia and Theopolis): 689 men (1548 florins)

Senator Theophylaktos is in position to relieve the siege of either Theopolis or Damascus, the wisest choice would probably be Damascus, as the threat to Theopolis is relatively minor. Once the siege is broken, this force could be used to strike back at the Seljuk Turks, provided it receives reinforcements or help from the other large armies in the area.

- Theopolis (Theophylaktos Petzeas): 276 men (174 florins)

The city is besieged by Salih Bey and his bodyguards. However, since he is 65 years old and cannot assault the city, the odds are good he might die before the city runs out of supplies. Of course, since the city is on the verge of revolt, it would be preferable if the siege ended sooner rather than later, but with three large armies in range, there is little doubt of that. On the matter of Theopolis' low public order, once it is no longer under siege, this should be remedied by an increase in garrison and buildings which increase public order.

- Tortosa (Kousinos Sophianos): 180 men (free) and 7 ships (1050 florins)

This city houses the eastern fleet and is ready to be upgraded with Stone Walls. Even with taxes at Low, the public order is precarious. It will need either more troops in its garrison or buildings to improve public order.

- Damascus (Vartholomaios Ksiros): 404 men (356 florins) and 314 men (free)

While the garrison is unusually large, the city is under siege by a large force of Seljuk Turks and all its troops will be needed. The city is also ready to be upgraded with Stone Walls.

- Nicosia (Vartholomaios Ksiros): 112 men (free)
+ Fort: 112 men (70 florins)

The fort on this island seems to serve no purpose and should be disbanded.

- Acre (Vartholomaios Ksiros): 112 men (70 florins) and 112 men (free)

The men not supported by the castle could be disbanded.

Africa

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

- Benghazi (Emperos Ioannis): 964 men (650 florins)

Not only is this wooden castle strategically irrelevant, but its huge garrison of poor troops is a drain on the treasury. A tenth of these men would suffice to guard the place.

- Alexandria (Efthymios ek Herakliou): 714 men (762 florins) and 494 men (free)

Alexandria is in a sorry state, so much that it seems some of its infrastructure has not been repaired. Squalor is the primary factor of public disorder, combined with the distance from the capital, even with taxes at Low and a huge garrison, maintaining public order is tenuous at best. A massive amount of florin will need to be invested if we are to give the city the Huge Stone Walls it needs to accomodate its dense population. It is an investment our treasury could not afford at the moment, without some serious cutbacks throughout the Empire.

- Prince Methodios the Conqueror: 1276 men (2300 florins)

Heading west to take back his daughter from Helarionas Anargiros?

- Gaza (Prince Methodios the Conqueror): 596 men (941 florins) and 90 men (free)

Unless the troops unsupported by the castle are used by the Ceasar in his expedition, they should be disbanded. The castle has no growth.

- Cairo (Prince Methodios the Conqueror): 344 men (314 florins), 494 men (free) and 5 ships (533 florins)

Cairo is in a similar state as Alexandria, needing the same upgrade due to an even bigger squalor problem. The most noticeable drain on the treasury are the 5 ships sationed there that serve little purpose as the Red Sea leads only to one of our settlements. The city has no growth, although considering its problem, that is not such a bad thing at the moment.

- Thebes (Vartholomaios Ksiros): 224 men (170 florins)

Half the men there could be disbanded. There are bandits nearby who while technically in the Cairo province, are very close to Thebes.

- Dongola (Vartholomaios Ksiros): 109 men (free)

Has a damaged building.

- Solomeia (Efthymios ek Herakliou): 611 men (545 florins) and 112 men (free)

Most of the men here should be disbanded, but not before crushing the remnants of a Fatamid army which has lingered there unmolested for far too long.

- Leon Symmachos and Vakchos Tzetzis: 21 men (74 florins) and 258 men (288 florins)

Both of these men are camping near the now rebel Kosmopolis. They have not enough forces to retake it and are in position to do absolutely nothing to help the Empire. These forces are so far away, it would be better to disband them than to send them somewhere else. Perhaps they could assist the forces of Solomeia against the Fatamid remnants before being disbanded.

Of course, due to the scope of this report, some errors may have been made and some informations could not be found. Corrections, suggestions and clarification about the ownership of certain settlements will be appreciated.

[Zim]

A nervous looking middle-aged man picks up a couple large scrolls from Senator Arintheos' table and stands to address the Senate. After several deep breaths he speaks.

"I am Iakob ek Trebizond, one of Senator Arintheos' aides. I wrote the report referenced in Senator Markos' own section on the Balkans. I've been asked by my employer to read it, as both he and Senator Markos feel it brings up some important concerns that should be discussed."

Iakob shifts through the scrolls in his hands for a moment before finding the right one and continuing.

"Early in 1184 I was commissioned by my employer Arintheos Voutoumatis to help draft an economic policy for his candidacy. Specifically I was given access to such public records as exist on the monies that reach Imperial coffers and how they are spent.

Early on my focus was on military expenditure and its effect on the pace of economic and infrastructure development in Imperial cities. Senator Voutoumatis wished to know if the funds would be available to both continue our wars against the Turks and Venetians and provide our settlements with much needed infrastructure such as larger walls and economic structures. The fact that both wars faced difficulties made him concerned that perhaps our economic woes and troubles prosecuting the two wars were related. That is, that the wars were hampering economic development, with such development being necessary to hire the troops needed to complete the wars, a circle challenging to break out of.

Early calculations were positive. I found that the Empire does indeed have the military force needed to win on both fronts. In fact, we suffer an abundance of soldiers. They are merely in the wrong positions to affect the outcomes of the wars. We have large armies in the east that have not lately been used in conflict against the Turks, despite their being positioned to do so. We also have garrisons larger than needed in the west, especially in settlements such as Sofia, which could form such armies needed to push back the recent Venetian advance and defeat them once and for all. I understand Senator ek Sinopis is preparing an exhaustive report on these issues, so I will not bore you with numbers. Suffice it to say we have the military strength for the tasks at hand, and that completion of those tasks would bring in the money needed to work on our infrastructure, especially as some armies could be disbanded.

More worrisome is some discrepancies I discovered regarding Imperial income and expenditures. I noted a very large shortfall between the amount of tax income that should have been produced by our cities, and the amount that reaches the treasury. Although outside the scope of my original task, Senator Voutoumatis was as alarmed as I at this discovery, and gave me leave to follow it up. I carefully went through economic records for the major cities of the empire and believe I discovered the two main sources of the shortfall.

The larger source is general corruption, especially in cities furthest from the capital. Not so much on the level of the highest administrators in those regions, but on the lowest. Officials pocket bribes from businessmen in return for break on taxes, or even take some of the taxes paid for themselves. We lose nearly 9,000 florin a year to these traitors, and whenever one is discovered and imprisoned or executed, two pop up to take his place. More efficient bureaucracy in the form of larger town halls with better trained personnel will help this problem, but may not eliminate it.

There is another large source of lost income. I found almost 3,000 florins missing for each 1 1/2 year economic report, enough to fuel needed infrastructure improvements. Completely vanished, with no sign of ending up in corrupt officials' pockets. I spent the bulk of last year trying to find out how this money managed to vanish so completely. Luckily some of the missing money could be traced to Smyrna, which recently started using a special symbol in the stamps they use for their coins. I was able to trace large amounts of these coins to the west coast of the Balkans, and further beyond to southern Italy.

It turns out that large numbers of both Greek soldiers and Latin mercenary troops were spending these coins, as well as other Imperial tender, in small villages on the coast of southern Italy. They have also turned up in other coastal villages in the reason, where locals I interviewed claimed mixed Greek and Latin mercenary forces took boats ashore to purchase supplies supposedly meant for a larger fleet in the Aegean Sea. The money spent was in amounts far too large to have come from anywhere but the Imperial treasury.

There are only two mixed Greek and Latin forces in the Aegean Sea, that of the Emperor and that of the rebel Senator Helarionas. I was able to eliminate the former as he has resupplied his fleet and paid wages through normal Imperial channels. Thus I am led to believe that elements within the Empire have been diverting funds meant for the treasury to Helarionas.

I do not mean this theory as an indictment of Helarionas or even his possible benefactors. The Senator is in a position to take any money he can, and his plan to sack Rome is likely an attempt to gain his own funds. Those supplying him the money, assuming my theory correct, may be acting out of some perceived duty or belief in Helarionas' cause. What I am more concerned with is that we have had armies paid by the Imperial treasury chasing another army paid by the treasury, while we have been engaged in two wars. Likely Emperor Ioannis realized this and that is why he turned away from chasing Helarionas this last year.

This unfortunate state of affairs underscores our need to unite in the common cause of the Empire. Resolving the issue of Helarionas and the Caesar's daughter is of utmost importance not only as a moral obligation, but of economic necessity".

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Just having a bit of fun with the fact that Helarionas' army and fleet still costs the faction money.

[TinCow]

"I am extending the period for proposing legislation and campaigning for election until Monday, February 2nd at 23:00 GMT."

(OOC: I am very busy until Monday morning, and don't even have time to check PMs or read all the posts. I am thus extending the debate period until I can do so. There will be no further delays for OOC reasons, as all of my time constraints disappear on Monday.)