(OOC: Check the Stories thread first.)

Proclamation of 1110


Greetings and regards to the Baselius, the Caesar, the Senators, and all people of Byzantium. It appears that, for all of our trials and tribulations, all is well in the Empire, a fact for which I give thanks to the Lord each and every day. As should you all. However, we must look beyond out own borders. All is not well in other parts of the world, however; famine, war, and unrest runs rampant in other, less civilized areas, as they have always done so. However, the place that seems to have thrown off all pretense of order and goodness is the Egyptian capital of Cairo, a place formerly full of light and hope.

I recently sent the Magnaura’s very own Vissarionas ek Lesvou to that very city to do Holy work at his request for penance. He had been there and doing relatively well for himself since 1095. In his time there he has reported to me on several occasions about the goings-on in the city, which, until recently, were the signs of a prosperous land, at least one populated primarily by heathens. He was comfortable there, doing his work while still being able to get himself a job.

However, this state of living would not last forever for poor Vissarionas. It was only recently, in 1108, where the state of affairs changed on Cairo. Vissarionas tells me that, on a whim, the Caliph of Egypt decided to purge the city and its surrounding areas of all Christian influence in the bluntest way possible: extermination. He told me that the Caliph meant to kill, with some exceptions, each and every single Christian living and doing good work in Cairo: Orthodox, Catholic, Gnostic, and Coptic alike.

The Caliph’s wickedness does not stop at mere genocide, though. In addition, he also wishes to take the torch to some of Christendom’s and Orthodoxy’s holiest places: the ancient monasteries outside of the city. The places of solitude for such revered figures as Paul the Hermit and other pioneers of the Word. To put this in perspective, this would be akin to our Basileus ordering the destruction of the Dome of the Rock, should he have Jerusalem in his possession.

This is just a hunch, but I do not believe the Mohammedans would take the destruction of the Dome lightly. A jihad would follow this action as surely as spring follows winter, and with it, war and death would be brought.

It is time to act in response to the Caliph’s total disregard for both human life and sacred sites. He has clearly demonstrated that he is no longer fit to rule, and certainly not in his capital city, where this atrocity will surely be executed with murderous efficiency if we stand by idly. In the spirit of saving those that have done nothing wrong, I hereby call a Crusade on Cairo. It is only through this, a grand display of faith and power, that we can right all that has been made wrong in that city.

To those who would shoot this down in the Magnaura, I now address: This is not something to be debated and discussed, and not a simple idea to be discarded lightly. From the leader of your faith, this is an order that is to be followed without question. Much lies in danger across the sea and the task falls on us to save it. Now is the time to act.

As Patriarch, I have no power in the legislature, but I ask that measures be proposed both authorizing and funding the Crusade, as well as making sure it is seen through to the end. To those who would propose countermeasures aiming to block it, or give alternate targets, or those who would vote it down, know this: you are doing so at the risk of suffering my extreme displeasure. Tempt me and displease me not when so much lies at stake. To those who would take up the sword and the Cross in a noble endeavor, know that salvation lies at the end of your path, wherever it may be.

In the spirit of both political and religious unity, I also request that at least one member from every House, particularly those of lower ranks (i.e. Comes and Strators especially), take part. Those Houses that would leave all of their nobles behind also do so at my displeasure.

It is time that we all step forward and take part in a cause that is greater than ourselves. Cairo is a city at risk in more ways than one; we will save and purify it.

May God grant you all prosperity in the coming months and years, and may those going on the Crusade have a safe and blessed journey.

~Nicholas III

OOC: Welcome to the third in-game event, boys! TinCow will be posting the mechanics you need to know shortly.