The Magnaura

[deguerra]

I too second Edict 2.4b. I think as it stands, it allows for the consolidation the Basileos has rightly called for, while recognising the threat of the Sultanate of Rum.

[TinCow]

The Protoasecretes awakens from his slumber and wipes more drool from the corner of his mouth.

I hereby declare the Senate session of 1095 AD over. Voting for legislation and Megas Logothetes will begin shortly.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Patriarchal representative:

I trust that by now you have all received copies of His Holiness's latest proclamation. Considering that his thoughts match up with the Basileus's, let both of their words guide the next Megas throughout his term.

[OverKnight]

Aleksios enters the Magnaura and speaks.

It is my great pleasure to announce the betrothal of my daughter Anna to Antypatos Ioannis Kalameteros.

May Fortune smile upon their union.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Efstratios rises at this news, aghast... and rushes out of the Magnaura without saying anything further to his colleagues.

[AussieGiant]

Standing a certain distance behind the Besileus, the young officers face remains impassive at the news. He raises an eyebrow at the reaction and departing figure of Efstratios, then makes his way from the chamber.

[OverKnight]

Aleksios speaks.

Senators, a Crusade army from the so-called "Holy Roman" Empire bound for Jerusalem is north of Belgrade. They will soon cross into our lands.

The Basileus looks a bit peeved.

Short of declaring war on them, there is no way we can prevent this. However we do have the option of denying them passage across into Anatolia by blockading the Hellespont and Bosphorus straits. This will force them to find a new land route.

There are advantages to both denying passage to the Crusaders or letting them into Anatolia.

By denying them passage, we can prevent, or at least delay, the presence of another faction in the Levant. These lands are rightfully ours, and while we may not have the resources to claim them yet, we will, and we do not need another competitor for them.

However, denying passage to a Crusade would require a commitment of ships and we run the risk of angering the Catholics. Better that the Saracens be a target than us.

By granting the Crusaders passage, they may unwittingly assist our upcoming campaign against the Turks. I doubt the Seljuks will be happy to see another Christian force marching through their lands.

However, the movement of so many men at once might cause complications. Only so many men can pass through the rugged interior of Anatolia at once.

I realize that the Megas Logothetes has the final say in these matters. But a foreign army crossing through our territory is a grave and potentially dangerous event. It would be best if the opinion of the Senate was heard on this matter.

Whatever may happen, I will take my army west to monitor our "guests" and make sure they do not take liberties while in our territory. While I wish to take part in our upcoming war, the security of the Empire comes first.

OOC: I will make sure I don't accidentally ambush them.