The Magnaura

**Privateerkev** · 08-03-2008, 17:46

Makedonios observes a moment of silence.

May Markianos Ampelas rest in peace. He was a good Megas. No matter how much he politically disagreed with the me, he treated the Order fairly. When there was not enough money to build in settlements, he made sure everyone went without at an equal level. And when our supply situation hit a crisis point, he did all he could to rectify the situation. While not friends, I learned I could count on him to put the Empire first.

Glances over at the Caesar.

Amepelas's Megas term was an example all here would do well to study.

Looks at Lisas.

I'm afraid your assessment of the Order's provinces is out of date. Aleppo and Adana were not bustling and vibrant communities. Adana was, and is, just a wooden castle. And Aleppo was simply a motte & bailey. It is only now a wooden castle because my rank gives me one prioritized build a term.

So, when you add the fact that my army is still largely stuck on an island, the Order is ill-prepared to meet the Jihad. And we only have the Caesar to blame. His partisan politics have clouded his better judgment and endangered everyone.

The Order isn't, and hasn't, asked for much. Just the basic infrastructure that is now developing across the Empire. And the use of the army that is legally mandated to us.

Armatos and I will take up positions on the two river crossing near Antioch. Let this Jihad come and we will at least give them a good accounting before we fall.

**Kagemusha** · 08-03-2008, 18:47

Ioannis stands up and says:

"May Markianos Ampelas rest in peace. My condolences to his family and friends. I am myself about to move East over Bosphorus and help in any way i can to protect the Eastern provinces from Jihadist"

Ioannis takes his seat.

**00jebus** · 08-03-2008, 19:22

Originally Posted by Privateerkev

Looks at Lisas.

I'm afraid your assessment of the Order's provinces is out of date. Aleppo and Adana were not bustling and vibrant communities. Adana was, and is, just a wooden castle. And Aleppo was simply a motte & bailey. It is only now a wooden castle because my rank gives me one prioritized build a term.

So, when you add the fact that my army is still largely stuck on an island, the Order is ill-prepared to meet the Jihad. And we only have the Caesar to blame. His partisan politics have clouded his better judgment and endangered everyone.

The Order isn't, and hasn't, asked for much. Just the basic infrastructure that is now developing across the Empire. And the use of the army that is legally mandated to us.

Armatos and I will take up positions on the two river crossing near Antioch. Let this Jihad come and we will at least give them a good accounting before we fall.

Thats fair enough grandmaster, pehaps if you had send reports on the current state of your provinces to the magnaura, instead of ranting at the unfairness of it all, and practically insulting a member of the royal family, then maybe some more funds would be diverted to the order.
I also find your facade of neutrality when it comes to party politics here rather odious, you do control the largest house, do you not? Let alone trying to drive a wedge between the others.

His voice softens

My sympathies to Ampelas' family, I am sure he will live on as an example to us all.

**Ibn-Khaldun** · 08-03-2008, 22:07

Although we lost a great general and even greater statesman we all have to admit one thing..
Once the Turks won the battle they did not exterminate or sack the city just like we had done to their cities..
No.. They remained civil and occupied the place.. Perhaps there is something to be learned here?

Ioannis looks around to see the faces of the Senators..

**Warmaster Horus** · 08-03-2008, 23:25

Pavlos looks like he wants to say something... After a few minutes of moral dilemna, he says:
"With respect, sir, there may be a lesson to be learned once our treasury is stable!"

**Ignoramus** · 08-04-2008, 03:46

A messenger wearing the Caesar's arms walks into the Magnaura.

"My master apologises that he is unable to be here in Constantinople to comment on the death of Senator Ampelas, but has sent me in his stead."

The messenger reads from a scroll:

"I am deeply saddened by the death of Senator Ampelas. He was a good man, and a loyal Roman. His death and the destruction of his army is a terrible blow for the empire. I trust that all senators will pay due respect to him."

**ULC** · 08-04-2008, 04:40

Veronica seems to grow agitated, and finally stands up.

"You will all have to excuse me, I have children to attend to, and it is getting late. Unless you have questions about the Organization, then I will take my leave.

**00jebus** · 08-04-2008, 12:13

*Lisas looks at the woman, and says as though humouring her*

Fine, How many members do you suppose they have?
how do they get funding?
how well equipped are they?
what are their objectives?
What style of attack do they carry out to fufill these objectives?
who is their leader?
what threat do they pose to the empire?