The Magnaura

[pevergreen]

"Makedonis, although I despise you...I do have to admire the steps you are taking to reform our Empire....Well done."

The pained expression on Michail's face leaves. After sending a note, he notices Apionnas has just come back.

"Apionnas! Truly it has been years! You look injured my lord, I pray it is none too grevious!"

[AussieGiant]

Apionnas smiles warmly towards Michail.

Indeed, it is good to be back Lord Arianitis. My journey to Egypt was eventful and unfortunately quite painful.

Never the less it was of great value and somewhat revealing to say the least.

My wounds will mend, some of our clergymen are expert healers. They are working their miracles on me daily.

[Ignoramus]

Ioannis stands up and addresses the Megas Logothetes:

I would like to remind Grandmaster Ksanthopoulos that my vassal, Ioannis Kantakouzinos, has now reached the rank of Hypatos, and therefore requires a private army.

I also wish to prioritize the upgrading of Yerevan's walls to Large Wooden Walls, so that her population and general usefulness to the empire may flourish.

And finally, I grant you permission to move those two companies of peasant archers out of Dardanellia in order to make up private armies. This is an exception, and not the norm. I expect my permission to be required before such an action happens again.

Ioannis sits down.

[OverKnight]

Aleksios speaks:

The Turkish Jihad army is just outside the range of this city's garrison, we would not be able to reach them this year. Due to the speed their religious fervor gives our foe, even if we blocked them at the ford, they could still reach the city by a second path within the year. Add to this the . . .unpredictable. . . nature of their advance, if my army leaves the city, it runs the risk of being out flanked. I'm not even sure if they would pause to attack a blocking force, so single minded is their purpose.

I am open to suggestions, but my first instinct is to let the Turks come to us. Many enemies have broken themselves on the mighty walls of this city, I aim to aid those heathens to the list.

[AussieGiant]

Apionnas:

I would go with your instincts my Lord.

Wait for them. Let their zeal and fanaticism drive them upon our walls.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Angry Efstathios marches in..
Walking towards Methodios he puts hand under his cape..
Fearing something bad will happen few Varangians run between Methodios and Efstathios...
Efstathios stops and takes some papers that were hidden under his cape..

This is madness!! You say that you are chivalrous?! You say that your House is "setting an example for all the known world to follow"?! Is this the reason why your new dog Annios tried to sabotage me?? What a nice example it is!!
And another thing.. It's been said in your Charter Efstathios waves the papers let me quote on you..

B) All members of the House will occupy all settlements.

But you yourself have already violated that rule?? Should you kick yourself out of your own House?

Efstathios spits..

You were not worthy of Kosmas' patronage and help.. You little dog.. Now we all see who you really are.. Trying to create your own little Empire in Egypt!!

[_Tristan_]

And now look who acts the startled maiden ? The same man who repetedly sabotaged one of his fellow Crusaders...

"As you sow, so you shall reap", teaches our Church... You should have heeded that wise advise before following that damnable road...

What proof have you that it was Annios who sabotaged you ? There are many others who could have done it... And need I remind you that Solomon is not "my dog", he's not yet my vassal and I have no command over him.

Create an Empire ? I'm already part of one... And I dare you to question my loyalty to the Basileos... All I seek is to reclaim what was once part of this Empire before internal strife destroyed it... Egypt is a jewel and I will see it returned into the fold...

As for the rules I set for my House, since you are no part of it, you will let its member judge my actions.

[Warmaster Horus]

The sole member of that house is considering abandonning it, Methodios.
The capture of Alexandria was to be the spark that would light the fire of the new House. A chivalrous House, a place of honor and piety. Whilst it is pious, one cannot be sure of its honor.
As you have not yet given your explanations as to why you commited this heinous act, I must wait before deciding. But if it is not satisfactory, then I will be considering the punishments of the Charter.
I would consider expulsion.

[ULC]

Lady Veronica makes her entrance into the Magnaura with the force of a hurricane, her body a controlled inferno, her eyes blazing with fury and the power of the nine circles of hell and the righteous might of the host of heaven, for all men know that hell alone hath no fury like a woman scorned. Her gaze burning gaze glances upon each senator, for if it stayed to long they would most certainly drop dead. Finally her eyes lock upon the Caesar, who only continued to live because she willed it so. In cold tones that were worthy of the highest peaks of the Caucus mountains on the coldest winter night, she spoke with searing venom.

"Caesar Ioannis Komnenos, may I ask why my husband is dead? Why you see the need to send a man from the dregs of society with nothing more to him then puerile joy at killing and the personality of an Ass? Or, if you didn't decide to strike out at your most vocal opponents to your blatant abuse, either because somehow in that inscrutably fevered mind of yours you realized that it was not right or because you truly aren't capable of much more then whining like a child, tell me, why was the assassin wearing YOUR COLORS! Why have I found Evdaemon, a known conspirator with the Organization, in YOUR LIVERY in my husbands chambers standing over his dying body after he had poisoned him!"

Her gaze falls on the Basileus next, no less hard, no less fiery, no less empowered by those circles of hell and heavenly host.

"You said you would protect him Basileus Aleksios. He worked for you, against his better judgment because he was loyal and faithful to the ideals he held, and so he now lies dead for his services. WHY! Do your Varangians always sleep while on watch? Did you get a batch that was incompetent and stupid? Or did my husband simply serve a purpose and he was no longer of any use to you!?"

Lady Veronica then let her eyes fall heavily upon Aleksander, who's seat seemed to want to run away, most likely mirroring the feelings of the man underneath his mask.

"And do not hold your self unaccountable in this Aleksander! He was your brother! That you show nothing, no anguish, no hatred, no remorse or regret, no grief, shows that you are as cold and heartless as an unused hearth! Damn you! All he wanted was to see you, and you deny him that because of your stupid childish political games! Sit there and be impassive you wretch! HE WAS YOUR BROTHER!"

Lady Veronica is an inch from Aleksander face at this moment, and with the uttering of "brother", she slaps him hard across the face. Aleksander turns the cheek, his eyes slightly downcast, and he says nothing in return. Whirling like a firestorm, Lady Veronica's gaze pierced Methodios next.

"And damn you for working and conspiring with this man! Damn you for not telling Iakovos that his brother lived! Damn you Methodios for your selfish pragmatism and willingness to not rise above your peers in the bitter and pointless politics of this less then honorable and tainted senate!"

Lady Veronica turns to storm out, the fire nearly out of her eyes to be replaced by tears.

"Damn all of you! Iakovos deserved better!"

With those words, the fury, sadness, rage, and swirling storm of vengeance and emotion that is Lady veronica exits, and the Magnaura sighs in relief for the poor senators left in her wake.

[Privateerkev]

Makedonios strides into the Senate with his cane. The tap on the marble makes a sound that alternates with his footsteps. While straight and proud, there are circles under his eyes. He checks with the scribes to get caught up and arrives in time to hear Veroncia's outburst.

I grieve for the loss of a good man. But lets not let it cloud our judgment. Anyone can see that someone is trying to frame the Caesar for the death of Iakovos. It seems Iakovos got caught in the middle of a civil war that erupted inside this...'Organization.' And members of this group are trying to now push us to civil war.

Senators, we can not let this group survive. Neither faction. I ask that the Senate declare war upon the Organization. All members, regardless of faction, need to be arrested and put on trial. I see Aleksander is still here. Good. That is one less of them to track down. And any Senator who aids or abetts a member of the Organization should be brought up on charges.

How much longer are we going to allow this group to push this Empire towards a civil war? Everyone knows that the Caesar and I have our differences. But I will not stand here idly by while there is a weak attempt to frame him for murder.

Now, I ask for a moment of silence for Iakovos.

[OverKnight]

Aleksios shakes his head.

It grieves me that Iakovos is dead. However, the blame does not lie at the feet of my son. I doubt an assassin would wear the colors of any House, a rather stupid action, unless it was an attempt at misdirection.

I fear the Organization is picking a convenient target, one who has already garnered the resentment of some in this chamber, for their own means. I hope the Senate can see through such a hollow ploy.

Such a smear reeks of desperation and in response I must quicken my own investigation. With the return of Senator Apionnas, I will soon make my findings known to the Senate.

Edit: Aleksander is a material witness for my investigation. He is under Imperial protection and will not be arrested. I ask for the patience of the Megas Logothetes in this matter.

[Privateerkev]

Once the silence is observed, and a reasonable amount of time passes, Makedonios rises to address the Caesar.

Caesar, with all due respect, you do not exactly have the moral highground to lecture us on breaking the law. You also shelter a man who has exterminated not one, but two settlements.

What Methodios did was wrong, and I want to see him punished, but lets keep things in perspective...

As for your points of bureacracy, I will address each one.

1.) Kantakouzinos's promotion has been noted. An army will be raised this year. So the army can be delivered as fast as possible, it would be helpful if I knew where the Hypatos wants it. There is also a stockpile of archers in Trebizond. I do hope that I can use two of those archers to help make Kantakouzinos's army. If I have to raise all new units, it will mean less money for other things.

2.) The Prioritization has been noted. It will be implemented this year if there is money left over from building and reinforcing private armies. I thank the Caesar for picking a relatively inexpensive building to prioritize.

3.) Do not worry. Making an exception does not override your SOT orders. Your garrison is still "locked" and I would require your permission for each action. Only those two peasant archers will be removed.

*edit*

Turns to the Emperor.

He can be a witness in chains just as well as without. I ask that your men put chains on him immediately. After he helps you with your case, I wish for him to stand trial for the crime of forming a vast criminal enterprise.

[ULC]

After observing the moment of silence, Aleksander stares into the depths, deeply thinking. Finally, he surfaces from plumbing the darkness of his thoughts.

"I would like to apologize on behalf of any in this senate who have been scorned, persecuted, or mislead through my actions and the actions of the Organization. I owe far to much to those who have felt there touch, and I owe more to my brother then I can ever give. Aleksios speaks the truth, the Caesar is being framed, there is no argument there. I did not wish to raise anyone's ire by my words, and I will let the Basileus speak the truth, but if you want to start arresting senate and Organization members, I suggest you take your plan of action in to consideration. The list of those who have had involvement, whether it be fleeting or even mere contact, with the Organization includes Hypatios, Kalameteros, Apionnas, Anna, Kosmas, Markianos, Methodios, Vissarionis, the Patriarch, Makedonios, the Basileus, Pavlos, Lady Veronica, Savvas, Michail, Annios, Nikephorus, and, although mere speculation and rumor, Efstratios. As noted, several of these senators are dead, either through natural causes or a through the Organizations hand, one does not know. I would like to remind the Senate that this list is tentative, as well as being only a list of those who have had at least contact with the Organization, one should never be to hasty in dismissing it. I will defer to the Basileus's will now. If he wishes for me to be imprisoned, then so be it. I have no reason and no defense now for not being locked up and forgotten. And I would like to apologize for the death of my brother, Iakovos.

[Privateerkev]

Makedonios fixes Aleksander with a hard stare.

No, I meant those who continue to give aid and comfort to Organization members.

Yes, your list makes clear that many of us were contacted by your minions. Most of us rejected your ridiculous claims and petty threats. Or do you think that we forgot that your people threatened the life of a baby girl? The granddaughter of the Emperor?

All of you in the 'Organization' make me sick...

[AussieGiant]

Apionnas stands slowly and leans behind the Basileus for a few moments, obviously discussing something of reasonable depth.

Once finished he takes a seat just to the side and behind Aleksios.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Now.. since I have never had any connections with this 'Organization' then I have to say that perhaps the Senate can give me the powers to hunt down and execute all those Members of the 'Organization! I'll do it with great pleasure.. I probably would start with.. Methodios or Annios..

Fiendish smile crossed Efstathios' face while saying that..

[_Tristan_]

Then I wish you good luck, Laskaris... The prey may not be who you believe...

[ULC]

Aleksander shakes his head.

"Makedonios, you seem to forget one of your own statements. I cannot be held responsible on every account for what my men do, as you to cannot be held responsible on every account for what your men do, or do you wish to bring up Antioch, or Vissa's letters to the senate? In either case, no threat was ever issued, only from what I have been told, a warning. The man whom gave this warning did so from the belief that Symeon would come after the children in general of the Empire. This mans name is Ignatios, a fervent supporter of the Orthodox faith, a benefactor of Kosmas, and the man who helped Apionnas in his investigation upon my suggestion. If Kosmas were alive today, would you put him in chains? What of Apionnas? Would you hang him for the good works he has done the Empire with the help of Ignatios? Not all of us are as twisted and evil as some would believe."

[Kagemusha]

Kantakouzinos turns towards Makedonias and says.

"If Megas would be so kind and check with his scribes, the orders i have left are at the appropriate scrolls. He would find out that i want my private army to be assembled in Tblisi. I also thank Caesar for prioritizing Yerevans walls as important building work."

After a small brake Kantakouzinos continues, with sharp tone in his voice.

"That other remark to Caesar is completely inappropriate. Hypatios Machonios is a valued member of Komnenodoukai and my vassal. He has suffered much for his earlier actions, loosing almost everything. If you are attacking him with hypocritical comments, you are attacking the Komnenodoukai. He is one of us and we will not tolerate treating him like some outcast."

[Privateerkev]

Tbilisi it is then.

As for my comments about Hypatios, I was merely pointing out the hypocrisy of sheltering a man who exterminated 2 settlements while condemning a man who sacked 1.

[woad&fangs]

Laskaris, I advice you to cease this slander. What you did to me was not merely sabotage. It was attempted murder on me and all of my men. If Methodious had not helped us rebuild our ship then we would have floated about until all of us were dead from scurvy.

I, on the other hand, have not once put your life in jeopardy. I warned you about the poisoned water so you would not drink it. Breaking the axle of the great cross, which may I add you have made a mockery of, never put you in danger. If you had followed the signs than you would have remained safely in the Nile delta. I fail to see how you were ever placed in danger by my actions.

Now you attempt to murder me again by accusing me of being part of this "Organization"! I am not nor was I ever part of this group. My patience with you ran out years ago. The only reason I don't kill you here and now is because weapons are forbidden in the Magnaura. The only reason I don't march out and kill you and the rest of your slimy army in Egypt is because I'm needed in Alexandria to maintain order. But, if you want me dead so badly, then march your sorry excuse for an army over to Alexandria and I will gladly rip your throat wide open in battle!

[Privateerkev]

No Aleksander but you can be held responsible for what you have done. Your the one that created a powerful criminal group outside of the law. You need to be held accountable.

Now, there is nothing else to say on the matter until you are called by the Emperor as a witness.

[pevergreen]

"Dear Sir, surely you are not saying I have had contact with this group.

I merely asked the recently deceased if this "House" that he planned to create was part of the Organisation, indeed, he denied all knowledge of such an organisiation."

[Privateerkev]

Makedonios walks into the Senate. He is clearly not happy. He walks to the center of the room while his aids hand out copies of a document.

Senators,

A very disturbing letter fell into my hands this morning. Copies of the letter are being distributed to you by my aids. This letter was sent to Pavlos and Kalameteros by the Caesar. While the sender begged me to keep it quiet, I simply can not. For years I've been trying to prevent a civil war while the Caesar has apparantly been hell-bent on starting one. If I kept this quiet, these things would just continue behind the scenes. Now that it is out in the open, the Caesar will be forced to do his evil in the open. Instead of in the dark like a snake.

Greetings, dear friends.

I will soon ascend to the throne. The Order have insulted me and the royal family flagrantly and yet we have been powerless to bring them to account.

What is more, the Order have shown themselves increasingly disloyal as a whole.

For the good and stability of both the empire and the nobles, I have a proposal I wish to offer to the both of you.

It is simply this:

As soon as I ascend to throne, we three form a Triumvirate. The Order's insults are a legitimate and just causus belli for us to declare them traitors and their land confiscated. Once we have defeated them, we shall be able to redistribute the land of the empire amongst ourselves. If the independent nobles, such as Methodios and Micail remain out of the conflict, then they shall keep their land. If they cast their lot with the Order, then their land shall be forfeit too.

As a result, the Asteri would control the western half of the Empire, the Komnenodoukai the East, and the Imperial family the centre plus all the patriarchates.

This would require some exchanging of land between House Asteri and House Komnenodoukai, but I'm sure negotiations could be entered into.

Imperial Provinces:
Constantinople
Rome
Nicaea
Dardanellia
Antioch
Jerusalem
Alexandria

House Asteri:

Athens
Thessalonica
Corinth
Arta
Dyracchion
Belgrade
Bucharest
Rhodes
Zagreb
Sofia

House Komnenodoukai:

Sinop
Caesarea
Smyrna
Adana
Tblisi
Yerevan
Nicosia
Diyarbakir
Aleppo

We would then control the Magnaura and be able to propose legislation which would change the structure of the empire.

War may only be declared by the Basileus.
All new provinces are at the disposal of the Basileus.
The cities of Rome and Constantinople can never be held by anyone but the Basileus.
The Basileus army consists of a minimum of 8 infantry units, 2 missile units, 2 heavy cavalry units, and two artillery units.
The Imperial Fleet is under the command of the Basileus.
The Imperial Fleet consists of a minimum of 8 ships.
The Caesar’s army consists of a minimum of 6 infantry units, 2 missile units, 2 heavy cavalry units, and two artillery units.
A member of the House Asteri is always the Lord High Chancellor
A member of the House Komnenodoukai is always the Lord High Steward
The Caesar always holds the Privy Seal.
The leaders of the Asteri and Komnenodoukai are on the Basileus’ Privy Council along with the Caesar.
Constantinople alone can recruit Varangian Guards.
The House Asteri commands the Western Legion, which consists of 12 infantry units, 2 missile units, 3 cavalry units, and 2 artillery units.
The House Komnenodoukai commands the Eastern Legion, which consists of 12 infantry units, 2 missile units, 3 cavalry units, and 2 artillery units.

What say you, my loyal friends?

Ioannis Komnenos,
Caesar of the Romans.

I am as of now announcing certain things. I am freezing the building and recruitment of every member of House Komnenodoukai. Unfortunately this letter reached me after I had already authorized certain buildings and troops in Komnenodoukai settlements. Rest assured those will be the last you see. If any of them want to benefit from the Empire's coffers, then they need to break their oaths to Komnenodoukai. Or Komnenodoukai as a whole needs to break from the Caesar.

If I so much as catch a whiff of other people's armies heading to the Levant, I will boost the Order's armies to immense strength. If I feel threatened, I will declare war on those I feel threatened by so I no longer have to provide certain legal support. If there is war, I will pump up the armies of my allies, and do everything I can to retard those of the enemy.

I had sent both the Emperor and the Caesar an 'olive branch'. Now I know why the Caesar never replied. I have been working behind the scenes to support the Royal Family and protect it's members from the Organization. I have even provided the Caesar with the names of two spies in his House that I am aware of. I have been loyal to the current Emperor and have done what he has asked. The Caesar's move is nothing more than a blatant power grab at our expense. While we are at war with no less than three kingdoms, the Caesar is more concerned with killing his own people.

Now, let us have a very public debate about this. Civil war would be absolute madness. Our enemies would rejoice as we busy ourselves killing each other. They would be waiting on the edges, looking to take advantage of our weakness. We can achieve great things if we all stick together. But if we turn on each other, we risk losing everything.

[OverKnight]

Aleksios goes pale and appears thunderstruck.

[AussieGiant]

Apionnas raises and eyebrow, leans back in his chair, places his hands behind his head and lets out a long even breath.

I'm certain I could produce letters that were equally damaging to certain persons here in the Chamber.

How is this not anther attempt to frame people for things they have not done?

[Privateerkev]

Then let the Caesar come in here and refute it.

[AussieGiant]

So playing along with this, what happens after he comes in here and says: "I refute it."

[OverKnight]

Summoning his reserves, the Basileus is able to calm his features. He speaks very, very quietly:

I too would like to hear my son's explanation.

His gaze shifts to Makedonios.

This is alarming, however I expect you to fulfill your obligations as Megas Logothetes. (OOC: Keep to the OOC rules and remember the case of the French Prince.)

He slowly looks over the entire chamber.

If I catch even a whiff of insurrection from anyone, I will not hesitate to act.

[Privateerkev]

Addresses Apionnas.

Then I think some very interesting conversations will result. If he refuted it, then he is basically saying that the person (or persons) who sent the letter to me is a liar. That person(s) would be put on the spot.

Civil war is not something that should be plotted about in the dark shadows. If there is to be one, let it be out in the open.

I will take the chance to say the letter is in his handwriting with his seal. (OOC: which means it was a forwarded PM.)

His handwriting and seal are a matter of public record. It would be most difficult for someone to fake. Plus, it fits with all of the other actions he has made over the decades. The threatening letters. The criminal neglect during his Megas term. The sinking of resources into a shiny new army for himself that he refuses to get dirty.

No, I believe the letter is his. And I believe he means what he says. If he wants war, let him come in here and declare war. Instead of being a coward...

Addresses the Emperor.

I will fulfill my duties as Megas. In the case of the Caesar's House, I will only fulfill them to the letter and not one inch more. Until I am satisfied that Pavlos has rejected the Caesar and his proposal.