The Magnaura

[flyd]

I must make a case against this Edict 1.6. This Edict will drag us into an immediate war with the Normans of Sicily. If Bari is occupied by only two regiments, the Normans will attack when they come upon it with a bigger force. The mere presence of a Roman flag will not stop them, they will only look at the number of defenders, and two regiments is not enough. Passing this Edict will effectively put us into a war with the Normans. Such a war is, I believe, premature at this time. We cannot defend Bari with the invasion force proposed, and we will soon be exactly where we are, except in a state or war with the Normans. Our small navy is ill-prepared for a war with a foreign power, something that will hopefully be fixed in time, but as it is, it is barely big enough to ferry our troops around. In short, this is not a good idea. Not yet.

[Cecil XIX]

I second Edict 1.6.

[The Lemongate]

I understand and respect your concerns, Comes Ampelas.

I fear however, that nothing will stop the Normans from moving even further against the Empire. Less then ten years ago, southern Italy was ours. Where will the Normans be in another ten years? Why should they stop in Italy?

I am confident in my abilities to lead a very small group of men against much larger odds. God trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge.

Should the Senate and the Empire put its trust in me, I shall not fail.

I have faith in the Senate's judgement over these matters, but acknowledge your position.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Psalm 144:1-2

[flyd]

And I understand your concerns, good Strator. But the Normans are, at least, across the sea. They are no more of an inherent threat to us than other foreign powers, some of those who have very direct access to us. Less then ten years ago we held most of Anatolia too, and now the Turk sits on our plateau, emboldened by his recent decisive victory. They are a much bigger threat than these Normans, who may yet stay away from us if not provoked.

[_Tristan_]

Methodios Tagaris stands with a grave look upon his face.

I will propose the following Edict :

Edict 1.9 : Strator Tagaris is given the mission of claiming the rebel village of Durazzo for the Empire. He alone has mandate to claim it in the name of the Empire. No troops will be put under his command for said mission. Upon completion, the settlement is to be given to the Basileos to do with it as he sees fit. The town will be occupied.

The people of Dyrrakhion are Greeks, they were part of the Empire until a few years ago and have only rebelled through Italian intervention, Italian money funding their rebellion.

A quick end can be put to this with few losses on either side.

I know that some of you have their eyes set on that little place but I fear for the people of Dyrrakhion when I see the generals volunteering either too fond of violence (this with a look towards Neokaisareitis), somewhat deranged (with a puzzled look for Monomachos) or with unknown motivations (looking at Arianitis). And this are only those I know of.

Imagine 4 units of heavy cavalry riding to rid a small village of a few farmers turned militia... And maybe even using of every trick to be the first to reach it... This would not do honor to any of us, and neither to our Basileos...

As all can see from the wording of the Edict, I seek no personal advancement from this short campaign. I won't be taking with me any other soldiers but my retinue, freeing most of you to concentrate on more valid targets like Arta, Sophia or Scopia, or even Bari.

I have already received sanction from our Basileus to present the said Edict and I hope that it will be seconded and will gain enough support to pass legislation.

Also, I hereby pledge myself to the defense of that village against all comers until funds can be spared to properly garrison it, even if it costs me my life.

I have no fear of death, should it come for the greater good of the Empire.

Tagaris sits back down, looking for support in the eyes of his fellow senators.

[Kagemusha]

Surely such brave undertaking, without wish for personal gain should be accepted. If Basileos have consented this act. Who are we to deny it from you. I second Edict 1.9

[_Tristan_]

I thank you, Strator Kantakouzinos, for your support.

[TinCow]

*Khristophoros Diogenis raises an eyebrow.*

You seek no personal advancement? How is that possible when you are proposing legislation that requires the Basileus to send you, and only you, to conquer a nearby province? If you are truly impartial in the matter, surely you would trust the Basileus' judgment about who would be best to lead this attack. No, your legislation is anything but selfless. The proper way to achieve your aims would be to reduce the Edict to limitations requiring that Durazzo be occupied and turned over to the Basilues, then simply volunteer your services and let the Basileus decide. As it is worded now, this is clearly an attempt to grab personal glory.

[The Lemongate]

I resent your undertoned accusations senator Tagaris. Never in my life have I done anything against the word of God. Do we not pray daily for our Lord to avenge us? The Bible says: Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord, the man you teach from your law. Leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay.”

We must not let ourselves grow weak and complacent in the face of rebels who would sooner disown our Empire and our Church when in truth, as Senators of the foremost city of Christendom we are the agents of faith and law. Rebellion and treason are sins in the eyes of the Lord. It is like would-be vassals who reneged their commitments after being received with open arms, Senator Tagaris…

I have not laid any claim to Durazzo, but indeed, you are correct in saying I plan on riding towards it. Senator Arianitis even proposed it in legislation without me even prompting him to.

I support Edict 1.7 and I believe Edict 1.9, even though only good intentions are proferred, tells more about the ambitions of its author then what his good words would have us believe.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Psalm 94:1, 12

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Romans 12:19