The Magnaura

[KnightnDay]

Ammonathas Kalameteros enters the Magnaura with a shamed look, lacking the youthful confidence seen in the past.

Noble Romans, I had not expected to return to this hall so soon… but recent events have made it a grave and utter necessity. Through a sordid act, a message was delivered in my name that a state of war existed between myself and Senator Vringas of Sofia. I do not know the good senator, other than he has served honorably and with virtue and has not chosen to speak in the Magnaura recently as certainly is his right. I am aware of some difficulty with order within his city of Bucharest which the good Megas Arintheos Voutomitis saw fit to repair.

As a state of war exists between myself and he, by virtue of the announcement read here previously, I wish to personally announce that I hereby make peace with Apionnas Vringas. I further wish to advise this august body that the messenger who had made the previous announcement in my name has been found dead by an assassin’s blade not one days journey from here. The individual who was assigned to travel with him has been taken into custody, and we are making progress in ascertaining what the true story is. In time I have no doubt that will be accomplished. As an immediate remedy to the situation, I have significantly increased the security by which my messages are to be conveyed.

I must further report the disbanding of over 450 of my soldiers that might have been used in a Venetian campaign by the Megas Logothetes. I wish it made perfectly clear that I harbor no ill will by his actions. In fact, I commend him for it. Were our positions reversed, I might well have chosen the same course. And it was the same Megas Logothetes that provided me those soldiers in the first place. Understanding that a state of war also exists between us, I offer my hand in peace.

Next, Senator Sergios has extended his hand in friendship, and I have accepted this with gratitude. The now-deceased Basileus granted him clemency with regards to the recent marriage situation, and I intend to honor that wish.

Finally, as to my immediate plans, I do find it necessary to provide some reinforcement to Thessalonike. It is a city vital to the economic well-being of the empire, and suffered significant damage to several key municipal buildings in recent rioting. Once I have insured the garrison is sufficient to promote peace on the streets, I will turn my attention once more to the Venetians with the aid of Senator Sergios. I suspect that I may now have a far greater debt to repay them with respect to the damage they have wreaked.

I will remain in these halls until I have answered all questions you have for me, before returning to the business at hand.

Ammonathas walks slowly to his place and takes a seat.

[Zim]

I accept Ammonathas' offer of peace. There seems to be no end to the devilry these Venetians are capable of.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Theo stands..

Looks like Andonikos Komnenos is threatening me and my army. If he wants the fight he shall have it. I told before that none of those pretenders will enter the Orders lands and I meant it! I Just want to remind Andronikos that by killing me and destroying my army the east is open to the Turks and once you all find yourself a new Basileus, recognized by all, there will be no Empire left!

So, Andronikos, come and get me!!!

Theo takes his seat and says quietly to one of his servants..

All those Komnenoi after Alexios are punch of bastards and backstabbers. Never have they cared about the lives of the commoners. It would be nice to kill them all!

Servant nods...

[mini]

A messenger entered the Magnaura

"Dear August and fellow Senators. I have tried to stay neutral in this useless bickering between factions and their struggle for power for their own sake.
Yet this sorrowfull bussiness is threatening the very core of our Empire, and standing aside will not prevent the damage being done.
I truely wish neutrality could be preserved, but if one is willing to jeopardize all that I love and hold dear, my honour dictates me I CANNOT and SHALL not stand aside.

Therefore I pledge liegance to emperor Ioannis Tagaris, and as a consequence I must declare war on Andronikos the usurper.
Should he desist, and realigne himself to defend the Empire, all will be forgotten.
Until the borders are safe, until the people are safe, until the Empire is safe.
This is my pledge.



Signed,

Iosif ek Artas

[TheFlax]

A magistrate enters the Magnaura and with a nod of the Basileus begins to speak.

Hear! Hear! The Byzantine Empire under Basileus Ioannis Tagaris has declared a state of peace with the IMPERIVM·ROMANVM·PARS·OCCIDENTALIS as stipulate in the following Treaty of Niceae.

The Byzantine Empire hereby recognize Ioannis Komnenos III as Augustus of the West and ruler of the IMPERIVM·ROMANVM·PARS·OCCIDENTALIS which will henceforth be considered a separate and distinct entity able to create and enact its own constitution and laws.

The Byzantine Empire also recognize that the IMPERIVM·ROMANVM·PARS·OCCIDENTALIS has unilateral sovereignty over all lands west of the Bosphorus while also noting it has no power to outright cede control of these lands to the Augustus of the West. In effect, the Byzantine Empire relinquishes its right to intervene in the lands west of the Bosphorus.

While the IMPERIVM·ROMANVM·PARS·OCCIDENTALIS will henceforth be a sovereign state, the Byzantine Empire will maintain a favorable relationship with the independant state in consideration for the common roots both states share. In effect, both states will work in concert to align foreign policy.

For its part, the IMPERIVM·ROMANVM·PARS·OCCIDENTALIS will cede control of Niceae to the Byzantine Empire and later on Dardanellia will be transfered into the hands of the Byzantine Empire once the IMPERIVM·ROMANVM·PARS·OCCIDENTALIS has acquired another recruitment center for its armies. The IMPERIVM·ROMANVM·PARS·OCCIDENTALIS also pledge to sent an army of at least 10 regiments to support the war effort against the Turks in the East.

Further more, IMPERIVM·ROMANVM·PARS·OCCIDENTALIS will act as mediator in the conflict opposing Basileus Ioannis Tagaris and Basileus Andronikos Komnenos as a neutral and uninterested party.

All senators are hereby required to declare peace with Augustus Ioannis Komnenos III of the IMPERIVM·ROMANVM·PARS·OCCIDENTALIS.

[AussieGiant]

The fluid and still erect figure of Apionnas enters the chamber. He bows to the Basileus, the Caesar and finally the Megas.

Turning a raise eyebrow he says:

"It seems the moment of madness has come and gone Senator Ammonathas. I applaud your foresight and the measures you have introduced to ensure such a moment does not repeat itself in the future."

[TinCow]

The Protoasecretes glances around the Magnaura. He frowns a bit when he notices that there are signficantly fewer Senators around than in previous years. He mutters something about rebels with a cause before standing.

"I hereby declare the Senate Session of 1200 AD open! It will remain open for proposing legislation and campaigning of candidates for Megas Logothetes until Thursday, March 12th at 11:30 GMT."

[mini]

"As I feel I am to junior to propose anything, I shall only contribute one thing:

That all present here today show God and men they have honour still, let everyone take their responsability so that the new Megas may govern a whole empire once more.

If we cannot set aside our internal differences, none of us will have anything left worth argueing over. May god bring down his wrath on those who hold ones own greed before the need of the empire, God WILL come down on thee with furious anger."


(ooc: gotta love pulp fiction)

[TheFlax]

The Basileus rises.

My fellow Romans, Senators, I had dared hope it would not come to this, but Andronikos Komnenos has struck first blood by attacking and killing the brave Senator Petzeas. I will mourn this man who gave his life fighting in service of the Empire, not for politics, but for its people, fighting to defeat the wretched Turks. Not only do I condemn Andronikos' action, but I have decided to put an end to this costly war.

When the Magnaura session ends, I intend to move the capital to Niceae, closer to its original place, and then take whatever men I have and confront Andronikos. Then it shall be decided who rules the Eastern part of the Empire, between him and I. I entreat any senator who do not wish to see Andronikos on the throne to join me, whatever his opinion of my person. We must put an end to this swiftly, before the Turks make sure there is no Roman Empire left to fight over.

Furthermore, Andronikos Komnenos (woads&fangs) and Nikitas Moshos (Itulrade), including any of their followers are now banned from the Magnaura.

Now unto more administrative concerns. While I know the Empire has been left in a dire a state, a dare hope there will be a Senator brave enough to tackle our many problems and announce his candidacy for the position of Megas Logothetes. If none of you are willing, then I will assume the position. As my fate is uncertain in the coming years, I would rather someone else take the position. The Empire does not need more instability at this point.

[mini]

"Hear, hear! I shall ride with you, my Basileus. For the Empire!"

[miniwally]

An 18 year old man approaches the magnuara with black hair and a slight beard growing although he is 18 he is rather small and so seems to look one year younger than his actual age.

The man steps inside and as soon as he does you can see the disappointment spread across his face about the emptiness of the room. However after he gets over his first shock of such a disapointment he quickly masks it and quickly moves to an empty seat quietly so as not to disturb the discussion currently going on.

[TinCow]

A scribe hands a parchment to the Protoasecretes.

"What? Another one? Is there anyone still alive in this so-called Empire?!"

The old man coughs and reads what is written.

The Will of Theophylaktos Petzeas

I, Theo Petzeas, will leave Antiokheia to the Grandmaster of the order of St. John.
Aleksios ek Kerkiras will receive Theopolis and my priest ancillary.

[Rowan]

A white-haired man enters the chambers. The lines on his face show the years and cares he carries on his shoulders, but his stature is erect and there is even a hint of spring in his step. He stops before the Basileus, bowing awkwardly, as if he hadn't practiced the gesture for some decades.

My Lord! I shall join you in your crusade and make it mine! What few years I have left I will dedicate to hunting down the that wretched spawn of Komneni! I do not pretend to do this out of any great idea of imperial unity or some such noble cause, but out of revenge! YES, REVENGE! Theo was my vassal and they butchered him like a pig after trapping him between the Turks and the river.

My Lord, give me an army and I will hunt Andronikos back to the dirty mountain cave he chooses to call his home and castle nowadays!

Vartholomaios Ksiros bows again, looks around the mostly empty benches of the Magnaura, finds the Order's customary seats and proceeds to sit at the Grandmasters place that so great men have previously occupied.

[Zim]

Arintheos looked around the empty room a moment. It was amazing that the Senate's chamber that was so alive and full of debate last session could be so quiet and grim this one. The seats of the banned senators even seemed to be collecting dust. Perhaps many were afraid to say anything in case they seemed to back the wrong choice of the contenders for the Imperial title.

After sighing Arintheos stands to address the Senate.

I know that my term as Megas was not the qualified success I had hoped it to be, especially as regards the Imperial treasury. However, I have made moves to fix things as best as I was able. In fact, I can guarantee a profit again by the time this latest season ends.

I can't promise that the Empire will recover in a day. We will likely not see truly bright days until after these current troubles are over. However, if you wish to grant me the chance to finish what I started and fulfill the promises I made when I first ran for Megas, I will do my utmost to complete that task. If not, then I wish the next Megas the best of luck.

I, Arintheos Voutoumatis, am running for Megas.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Aleksios ek Kerkiras enters Senate's chambers. After bowing towards Basileus Ioannis Tagaris he walks center of the room and speaks...

I am Aleksios ek Kerkiras. Friend and loyal servant of late Theophylaktos Petzeas. May he rest in peace.

Aleksios sighs..

Enough of me, there are more important things than me introducing myself..

I want to propose the following Edict:

Edicy 9.1: Andronikos Komnenos must be killed and his followers must be defeated before the next Senate Session.

I think I have made it clear who I support and who I don't now!

Aleksios takes his seat..

[TheFlax]

First off I second Edict 9.1.

Secondly, I welcome Arintheos Voutoumatis' candidacy for the position of Megas Logothetes. I had hoped he would present himself for a second term as he knows best the current state of affairs. I wish him well and I vow to help him alliviate the financial deficit as best I can.

Now, unto the case of Andronikos Komnenos. I am glad to see such spirited replies to my call, no matter your motivations I will take whatever help you can offer.

Grandmaster Ksiros, sadly I cannot give you any troops to strike on your own, but I propose you join me with whatever forces you can muster. Likewise for Senator Aleksios ek Kerkiras and Senator Iosif ek Artas. Only together can we stand against this threat. The matter of command can be decided on the field, for now I will all contact you personally when my duties permit.

[Rowan]

A note is delivered to the Magnaura:

Enrollment list for the University

Scholars:
Aleksios ek Kerkiras (Ibn-Khaldun)
Iosef Ek Artas (mini)
Basileus Ioannis Tagaris (TheFlax)

Signed, Vartholomaios Ksiros, Dean

[mini]

A message from Iosef Ek Artas:

"I've heard about edict 9.1 and I wish it to be know this edict has my full support"


(OOC, come on Tincow, I posted same time as you did, please count my seconding)

[TinCow]

The Protoasecretes looks around the Magnaura skeptically.

"At least the rebellions have resulted in some unexpected efficiency in the Senate. The only candidate for Megas Logothetes is Arintheos Voutoumitis (Zim). While I have heard some rumors that Constantine Ksanthopoulos (Cecil XIX) has also offered himself up for that position, he remains a rebel and thus cannot hold office. Accordingly, no election is needed and Arintheos Voutoumitis (Zim) will serve a second term as Megas Logothetes."

"Voting will now commence on Edict 9.1 and will continue until Saturday, March 14th at 12:30pm GMT."

[TinCow]

It has come to my attention that Constantine Ksanthopoulos (Cecil XIX) is not in fact a rebel. He is simply subverting Imperial authority and proclaiming himself to be the ruler of all of us in the traditional, legal, fashion. As such, a proper vote is in order to determine whether the Empire wishes to be governed by a man who led us into bankruptcy, or whether it wants to be governed by a false Basileus who had nothing to do with the current financial crisis.

*The Protoasecretes mutters quietly to himself about foolish youngsters.*

[Zim]

Arintheos glances back and forth across the room, pausing to glare at the empty seats.

That's it? The only other person willing to run is a man who used wild stories besmirching the honor of Princess Anna as an excuse to march on our capital?

Even if noone is interested in trying to fix the mess that the Empire has fell into in these divisive days, is nobody concerned enough about where it's heading to make their opinion heard? We have a debt to fix, foreign armies marching towards our border, multiple men claiming to be Basileus, including one whose plan apparently involves marching around in different directions every other season. Nobody is concerned?

Gah! I need a drink.

With that Arintheos marches out of the Magnaura.

[Rowan]

A Magnaura clerk presents a paper to Vartholomaios Ksiros. After some reading and harrumphing, he takes a pen, clearly striking something through and then scribbling something under it. Clerk then takes the paper back

There has been some confusion on the enrollment lists this year. Those responsible have been sacked.

The corrected list reads

Enrollment list for the University

Scholars:
Aleksios ek Kerkiras (Ibn-Khaldun)
Iosef Ek Artas (mini)
Basileus Ioannis Tagaris (TheFlax)
Arintheos Voutoumitis (Zim)

Signed, Vartholomaios Ksiros, Dean