The Magnaura

[_Tristan_]

Methodios stands and adresses the Caesar.

Lord, I ask you to reconsider the ban of Senator Petzeas.

Would you rather have him swear his undefectible loyalty while planning behind your back to remove you ? Or do you prefer to have speak his mind freely and thus know where to stand regarding him ? How many of those who have pledged their loyalty will be ready to challenge you in the years to come, without you being the wisest, secure in your belief of their undying loyalty ?

This ban of yours will not endear you to the people of the Empire nor to our fellow Senators. Your father, may he rest in peace, created this august body so that all the parties that composed the Empire, all opinions were given a voice, a voice that could be heard by the low as well as the mighty, so that our Empire did not live again the dark days of internal strife brought by behind-the-scenes scheming that preceded his accession to the throne.

By shutting off Petzeas' voice, you create a precedent that casts a shadow on your reign. It foreshadows a reign where ,as it was in the past, people will be afraid to talk openly and afraid to talk in the open, people will resort to playing cloak-and-dagger games to express their opinions, their anger unchecked and uncheckable, until the worst happens.

Who will you ban next ? The man that will dare question one of your proposed legislation ? The man who will dare question your authority on any matter ? Is this truly what you want ? To give yourself the image of a tyrannic leader who cannot bear any discording voice among the Empire nobility ? Surely you must see that not all Senators here present are of one mind on all matters of state... Dissent and discussion is what sets us above the barbarians...

Is that the image you want to give of your reign ?

Let Petzeas and others like him talk... Let the people hear what they have to say... Refute yourself their lies or have one of your followers refute them if you find that task too low to be accomplished by your august person.

But enough on that...

One more thing though : I am still willing to hear about this Privy Council, its composition and purpose if you would be so kind as to enlighten me on the matter.

[Warmaster Horus]

Nikiphoros wakes up from a long slumber, in the back rows of the Magnaura. Reading the latest reports, he rises, and says loudly:
"I will always support the crown, and as the crown is Ioannis Komnenos, I swear fealty to him."
Under his breath, though, he says:
"The things we do for an Empire..."

[OverKnight]

Tiverios glances about the chamber, as if trying to understand the lay of the land. He pauses and then speaks.

I swear fealty to Apionnas Vringas.

[Ignoramus]

The Basileus eyes the new Caesar curiously.

I will not reconsider my decision. Senator Petzeas has been banned from this session for the reasons I have previously stated.

The Basileus turns to address the Magnaura more broadly.

I am pleased to inform the Magnaura of the Privy Council. The Lords of the Privy Council are my brother, Andronikos, Pavlos Chrysovergos, and Apionnas Vringos. They are my personal advisors and give me their counsel on matters of state.

And I hereby appoint Apionnas Vringos as Lord High Chancellor, Pavlos Chrysovergos as Lord High Steward, and Andronikos Komnenos as keeper of the Privy Seal.

[Ituralde]

Pavlos nods gracefully.

"I thank you for this honour, Basileus!"

[Rowan]

I swear allegiance to Basileus Ioannis Komnenos.

[AussieGiant]

I hereby assign the province of Bucharest to Klimis Dokeianos.

Well done Comes Klimis. I look forward to our continuing relationship.

[TinCow]

OOC: For the record, here is the official copy of Aleksios Komnenos' will:

Next Avatar
Constantinople and Tacticius

Apionnas Vringas
Sofia and Spy Master

Caesar Ioannis
Lord High Chancellor

Ioannis Kalameteros
Lord High Steward

Makedonios Ksanthopoulos
Privy Seal

Aleksios ek Ikoniou
Veteran Warrior

[Andres]

Savvas adresses the new Basileus.

I have always been loyal to you, dear Basileus. I have no intention to change that.

Savvas bows for the new Basileus.

I remain, as always, your humble and loyal servant.

[Ignoramus]

Ioannis rises once the news of the voting has been made known to the Magnaura.

I am disappointed that the Magnaura did not pass the Charter Amendments, but it is heartening to see that personal vendettas and dispute are now behind us. I look forward to working with the Magnaura in the future.

I also wish to announce to the Megas that I wish to prioritise the construction of stone walls in Nicaea. Nicaea is a vital city, forming part of our lucrative trade centre around the Bosphorus.

The Basileus resumes his seat.

[TinCow]

Event Four

الدعوة الجديدة

al-da'wa al-jadīda

The acolyte entered with his head down. It was a sign of subservience, but also of vulnerability; he could not see the Old Man, but the two dozen guards that lined the balcony could see him easily enough. The room was quiet except for the muffled swish of his slippered feet on the stone floor, and the occasional creak of the taut bowstrings that were aimed at his chest. A whiff of hashish smoke drifted through the air from one of the Pleasure Gardens hidden deeper inside the castle.

When the acolyte reached the foot of the dais, he stopped and knelt. He stooped and touched his forehead to the floor, while his arms were outstretched. It was the position of ultimate respect and it left him completely defenseless. It was the only way in which the Old Man would allow an audience, even from his own followers.

“Speak.”

Without moving his head from the floor, the acolyte answered. “I bring a report from Constantinople. Basileus Aleksios Komnenos is dead. His son, Ioannis Komnenos now rules in his place.”

“How does this effect the Byzantine policy?”

“It does not, my Lord. The expected internal struggles have not appeared. Ioannis holds more authority than his father did and he has used his time as Caesar well to assemble a strong group of loyal vassals. The Senate has bowed to his will and he rules the Empire intact.”

“What of their assaults on the Fatimids and Seljuks?”

“They continue unabated, my Lord. Basileus Ioannis does not appear to desire peace, and even those Byzantine Senators that oppose him openly are eager to seize more land for their own profit. It is only a matter of time before the Sultanate and the Caliphate are destroyed.”

There was a long pause. The acolyte’s neck was beginning to ache, but he dared not move. Eventually the Old Man spoke once again.

“If the Fatimids and Seljuks are destroyed, we will have to find new employers. Dissent and rival factions remain inside the Senate, do they not?”

“Yes, my Lord.”

“Then we shall offer our services to the Byzantines directly. The Senators will surely be pleased to make use of more subtle means of attacking their opponents. Allah will also be pleased to have us aid the infidels in their own destruction. So let it be written, so let it be done.”

“It shall, my Lord.”

“Good, go now and rest in the Gardens. Tomorrow you will return to Constantinople with several of the most skilled initiates. We will begin work immediately.”

The acolyte rose to his feet, but remained bowed at the waist with his eyes on the floor. Slowly he backed away, his arms still outstretched. When he finally reached the door through which he had entered, he turned to his right and looked up. A woman stood there in long silk robes and a veil; only her eyes were visible, yet their gaze was sensual and penetrating. She beckoned to him, then turned and walked away. He followed her into the Pleasure Gardens, and soon all weariness faded from his body.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rules

The Hashshashin sect of Shia Muslim assassins has arrived in Constantinople to offer its services to the Senators of the Byzantine Empire who now dominate the region. These men are skilled assassins and saboteurs who are capable of infiltrating even the most tightly guarded castle. They are loyal beyond measure and are totally resistant to all methods of torture and interrogation.

1) Senators may hire the Hashshashin to commit acts of assassination and sabotage against other Senators. In order to hire the Hashshashin, a PM must be sent to TinCow listing a single Senator as the target for the desired attack and the method in which that Senator’s possessions are to be attacked (see #3).

2) The Hashshashin do not offer their service for free. All Senators will be required to pay for the attacks. Fortunately, all Senators with provinces have sufficient personal income to be able to make use of their services. The higher a Senator’s rank, the more income he will have available to pay for attacks. The amount of income that the Senators can spend on the Hashshashin per Megas term is as follows:

• Strator - 0
• Comes - 1
• Domestikos - 1
• Hypatos - 2
• Antypatos - 2
• Patrikios - 3
• Dux - 3
• Megas Dux/Exarch - 4
• Caesar - +1 to his other Rank income
• Basileus - 4
• Megas - +2 to his other Rank income

Income replenishes at every normal Senate session. Senators may combine their incomes to purchase Hashshashin attacks that they would otherwise not be able to afford by themselves. However, in order for this to work, all Senators involved must submit instructions to TinCow listing who they are cooperating with, how much of the cost they are paying, which Senator is the target, and what kind of attack is to be undertaken. If all Senators involved do not submit instructions that match in these aspects, the attack will not be carried out.

3) The available methods of attack and their costs are as follows:

1. Killing/destroying a single non-relic ancillary. (Cost: 1) The specified ancillary must be on the targeted Senator. Province title ancillaries may not be destroyed, nor may the Privy Seal, Lord High Chancellor, or Lord High Steward.
2. Destroying a single military or naval unit. (Cost: 1) The specified unit must be owned by the targeted Senator.
3. Destroying a religious relic ancillary. (Cost: 2) The specified ancillary must be on the targeted Senator.
4. Destroying a non-military building. (Cost: 2) The specified building must be located in a settlement owned by the targeted Senator and must be destroyable through the city interface.
5. Destroying a military building. (Cost: 3) The specified building must be located in a settlement owned by the targeted Senator and must be destroyable through the city interface.

4) The Hashshashin attacks will occur the game turn after TinCow receives the PM and will be implemented by TinCow directly, or by instructing the Megas on what to disband, destroy, or remove. Hashshashin attacks have a 1 in 6 chance of failing if they have a cost of 1, a 1 in 3 chance of failing if they have a cost of 2, and a 1 in 2 chance of failing if they have a cost of 3. The identity of the person who hired the Hashshashin will never be revealed by TinCow unless the Senator requests it.

5) Senators involved in a Civil War cannot hire Hashshashin and cannot be targeted by Hashshashin.

6) This Event does not have an expiration date and continues until TinCow revokes it. TinCow may adjust the rules of this event, including cost, income, and types of attacks available, while the Event is still in effect.

[Ignoramus]

Basileus Ioannis rises to address the Magnaura.

I have heard rumours that the Hashshashin intend to offer their services to us. I wish to strongly caution all of you from engaging in underhand acts against each other. Any attack of any kind only serves to make all senators distrust each other.

I also wish to announce my intention of making peace with the Fatimids. We have driven them back into Arabia, and can easily contain them in that horrible place. Destroying them completely would be dangerous, as after all, we did start this war.

I command Caesar Methodios to lift the siege of Medina until a diplomat can be dispatched to negotiate terms with the Fatimids. If they refuse all offers of peace, then the war may continue. I commend the Caesar on his illustrious command and generalship in bringing these Arabs to their knees.

The Seljuks, on the other hand, can be fought against until they are utterly destroyed. These Turks have gone past any hope of redemption and should be removed for the good of the empire.

The Basileus resumes his seat.

[ULC]

Nikolaos eyes the Caesar.

"May I ask how "Destroying them completely would be dangerous"? The continued persistence of the Fatimid Caliphate is a danger to the Empire, and my House will continue to seek their eradication. Also, if you wish to make any requests of my House members, I would delighted if you asked me. As for right now, no, Methodios will not lift the siege, doing so would risk his life pointlessly."

[ULC]

I swear my allegiance to the Empire and Emperor.

[AussieGiant]

Apionnas notes the strange series of statements by Nikolaos Aristenos while leaning against the wall of the Magnaura. When Nikolaos Aristenos finished speaking he makes his way out of the chamber while speaking softly to a number of administrators and Guardsmen.

[Smowz]

Nevoulas ek Philadelphius storms into the Magnuara. Calming himself he approaches the centre of the floor.


I urge the Basilues to reconsider making such commands. This is the kind of abuse of power that has lead to the destruction of previous emperors.

You surely must know that this kind of command will greatly upset the Caeser and his house leader. Know this it likewise greatly upsets myself. I had hoped that we were restoring the empire to the dream of a Roman Republic whereby such decisions were voted on by members of the the Magnuara.

By making demands such as these we may as well tear down these walls and pronounce you dictator.

The Fatamids AND the Seljuks have been our enemies for many years now, they are our sworn enemy and will remain so until the are utterly destroyed.

I will not support this action and if this results in further action against me then so be it.

If you need me I shall be in Athens where I have important business to attend to, my aide hear will remain to take note of any further comments mentioned.

[Dafuge]

Basillues, I must offer a point aswell. Can you not see that once securing the last provinces of the Fatamids we can secure the behind of our Empire. Once this is done we can concentrate in mass on the remaining Turks which should not take long with the armys of the Empire. Then we can once again push west into the heart land of the Pope's Christians or North into the pagan lands.

[_Tristan_]

A messenger walks into the Magnaura.

My Lord, grave news. Our Caesar has been severely wounded while taking Medina. The castle has falen and the Sultan is dead, though some obscure pretender has taken up the crown.

My Lord will not be able to push forward to Mecca and deprive the muslim of the most holy city.

Nevertheless, he is sure some will take up the torch and carry on the enlightenment of those heathens.

Leaving some of them alive would only invite retribution at the hands of the sons or grandsons of the men we have already defeated.

[Dafuge]

My lord, I will make my way to Madina with all due haste. I am wondering if it would be quiker to head Southwards and cross the red sea or to continue East and then South.

[TinCow]

The Protoasecretes slowly wakes up from his slumbering. He looks around carefully, squinting at the Senators present in the Magnaura. He seems to grow suspicious, then cocks his head and listens intently. After a short while, he gives up. Whether this is due to his failure to hear what he was listening for, or failure to hear anything at all, remains unclear.

"Eh, it seems you have managed to get through yet another term without massacring each other. Congratulations, now try and keep the bloodshed in check until this Senate session is completed!"

"I hereby declare the Senate Session of 1155 AD open! It will remain open until Monday, October 20th at 23:00 GMT."

[GeneralHankerchief]

*Klimis walks into the room, gazing around for a minute before speaking.*

Klimis Dokeianos:

I hereby stand for Megas. I promise to do a competant job and be a fair leader. Thank you.

[TinCow]

The Protoasecretes jerks his head sharply and looks at the wall. He raises his eyebrows and nods his head franticly, as if in agreement to an unhead conversation.

"Yes, yes, my Lord! I will do so immediately!"

He turns to the Senate and rises in a dramatic fashion, his arms outspread, before suddenly experiencing a sharp pain in his back and sitting back down quickly.

"The Great Green Arkleseizure commands that I put forward the following legislation! He says that it will aid the Empire and forstall The Coming of the Great White Handkerchief!"

Charter Amendment 6.1: Separation of IC and OOC Legislation

Rule 3.3 will be changed to read as follows:

3.3 – Edicts: Edicts require a simple majority of weighted votes to pass and remain in effect until the next normal session of the Senate. Tied Edicts fail. If contradictory Edicts are passed, the one with the most votes takes priority. Edicts can only be enforced by IC means. Edicts cannot contradict the Game Rules.

Rule 3.4 will be changed to read as follows:

3.4 – Codex Amendments: Amendments require a two-thirds majority of weighted votes to pass and remain in effect permanently, or until repealed by another Codex Amendment. Codex Amendments can only be enforced by IC means. Codex Amendments cannot contradict the Game Rules.

The current Rules 3.5 through 3.9 will be renumbered as 3.6 through 3.10, and a new Rule 3.5 will be added as follows:

3.5 – Rule Changes: Rule Changes require a two-thirds majority of unweighted votes (1 vote per player) to pass. Rule Changes can permanently change the Game Rules. Any player can propose Rule Changes, regardless of IC rank. TinCow can veto any proposed Rule Change, but does not vote. Game Rules are enforced by IC or OOC means, as TinCow sees fit.

All *s will be removed from all Game Rules.
TinCow will determine whether all previously passed CAs count as Codex Amendments or Rule Changes.

Charter Amendment 6.2: The following Rule will be added:

1.7 - Game Master: TinCow will serve as Game Master and is responsible for management of the game and enforcement of the Game Rules. TinCow can delegate any of his powers to another person whenever he chooses.

Charter Amendment 6.3: A new version of LotRmod will be released which restores the wage cost of family members and recruitable generals restored to normal; it is currently half of normal.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Klimis Dokeianos:

I second all three CAs.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Theo walks into the Magnaura. Looks like the years on the sea have made him happier and more content...

Welcome fellow Senators!

Caesar Io.. I mean Basileus Ioannis, any chance to forget the past? I think what happened in past, what I said in the past should stay there. I have found my happy place, it's the sea and the fleet under my command, and I don't want to worry about some old grudges!

Getting to his seat he turns around and says..

I almost forgot, I second CA 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 as well!

Taking his seat he turns towards Klimis..

You look kind of new here! Haven't seen you here before. Anyway, Klimis Dokeianos, what are your plans for your Megas term? Why do you want to be Megas? What will you do when you become one?

[Ituralde]

Senators of the Empire!

I am not a great talker, I have been a soldier half of my life and a general the other half. Fate has seen to it that I served the Basileus in reconquering Anatolia from the Seljuk threat. This has thrown me into the position of leader of the Komnenodoukai. Why do I tell you all this?

I, Pavlos Chrysovergos, offer myself for the position of Megas Logothetes!

The last years have seen us succeed against the Sultanates of the East, I will do my best to finish this job and drive those heathens out of our reach once and for all! At the same time I will give my full support to the recent Megas, Nevoulas ek Philadelphias, who has done a bloody good job, and the Basileus' brother Isaakios Komnenos in their expedition to the far-away lands of the Moors. The West will not be neglected by me. Our borders to the bloody Catholics in the north need to be robust and strong, while we work on eventually securing our former possessions.

My loyalties lie as always with the Empire and its Basileus, it is the foundation upon which our Empire is built. I will not tolerate unloyal behaviour or threats of Civil War. Under my rule as Megas the Roman Empire will stand united against its enemies. I will consider the requests of all of you equally and see that they are carried out in a fashion that is acceptable to all.

I ask this Assembly to honour my offer and bless me with their vote!

Pavlos bows slightly before returning to his seat.

[OverKnight]

Tiverios rises to speak.

I must congratulate Nevoulas ek Philadelphias on an excellent term as Megas Logothetes. Despite Jihads and the passing of Basileus Aleksios he has guided us with a steady hand. Our foes in the east are nearly vanquished. We have accomplished much.

However, I must remind the Senate of some of the last words that our former Basileus spoke in this chamber:

"Once the Turks and Fatimids are finished, we must continue to reclaim all that was once ours. The West beckons to us Senators. Rome itself, the cradle of our Empire, calls to us for liberation. One day we will return there, one day will reclaim all that was lost."

I say that day has come! I say we have tolerated the insolence of our former vassals too long, I speak of Venice! We gave them shelter when they were nothing but fishermen at the edge of a lagoon, and how have they repaid us? With treachery and deceit! They sit on lands that are rightfully Roman, they swindled us out of the island of Crete and their merchants dominate the eastern trade. They took took advantage of our past weakness, but we are weak no more!

I propose Edict 6.1: War is to be declared on the Republic of Venice. All Venetian lands once under the sway of the Roman Empire will be reclaimed.

This war will not be easy, but if we are to continue to reclaim what is ours, it is inevitable. Let us take the initiative! With holdings in Egypt, it is imperative that we have Crete as well. Venetian lands in Dalmatia and Italy will give us access to our former heartland and a gateway to Rome herself.

I humbly ask for your support.

Tiverios resumes his seat.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

I second Edict 6.1

A long time ago they planned to strike us. They had all information about our defences in Balkans. I don't know why they did not attack us but it is time to end this threat of Venice!

[AussieGiant]

Apionnas moves into the chamber flanked by guards and administrators, taking a seat he reads the minutes of the chamber session, a raised eyebrow and a brief glance at Klimis interrupts his scanning of the edicts and words of the senators present.

[AussieGiant]

While still seated Apionnas is approached by an extremely well dress messenger. He reads the note and then stands.

I second Edict 6.1.

[Smowz]

Nevoulas ek Philadelphius strides into the senate full of purpose, he briefly stops to talk with his aide to update himself on words spoken already by his fellow senators. He is carrying with him a bundle of robes neatly folded, behind him are 4 retainers carrying large stacks of papers.

Looking at the new candidates for the Megas position he mouthes the words 'I see' and calmly moves towards the middle of the floor.

My fellow Romans, it has given me great pleasure and honour to wear these robes that are in my hands today. Behind me, my servents have the papers detailing all the details of this empire, these details are open to all of you to have a look through if you so wish. I hope you find the accounts up to date.

When I came into these halls to announce my candidacy for becoming the Megas, I spoke of two major issues that I wished to address. The development of the Castle facilities in the west and continuing pursuit to enemies that would do us harm.

I believe that when you see the work on Sofia, Belgrade and Corinth that you will see that I have upheld those values. These centres can now be put to work, to realize the ambitions of many western senators. My aide tells me that young Comes Tiverios Indikoplefstis has asked for war to be waged on Venice. I applaud the senetors courage and look forward to this new generation of senators as they prove themselves on the battlefield.

War continues in the East, however the Fatimind Caliphate are now completely on their knees wimpering for surrender. We have captured the Medeterrainian port of Acre and even more impressively the holy city of Medina. This was at great cost to the House Illes Korakas, now the absent Vissarionas ek Lesvou. He surely has the resources he needs to finish the job there. I look forward to the day when the last of this dynasty has been destroyed.

The Seljuk Sultanate have also suffered many defeats at the hands of our generals. They have been a more sturdy foe, and victories have not been cheap. The key capture of Damascus however coupled with the rebellion at Jerusalam will surely now allow the Order to fully prosper in the region. Andrinikos Komnenus seems sure to move forward and capture Baku on the shores of the Caspian. The final bastion of power will take more time to move towards in Baghdad and Mosel, I encourage caution in moving forward here.

Finally, I have finally began the voyage towards the western holds of the Moors. I will not let them off their crimes against this empire. The main body of my forces are now on their way toward the Italian peninsula. It is this mission that means that I will certainly not be re-running for Megas as I may have hinted in the past.

I wish Comes Klimis Dokeianos and Antipatos Pavlos Chrysovergos the best in the Megas elections, and indeed anyone else who wishes to step forward and take up the mantle.

I have some unfinished business that I was unable to complete during my term and that was the economical stability of the empire.

I converted Scopia, Aleppo and Trebizond into marketable places which have shown a marked increase in their economical viability. I would like to point out their are other redundant Castle like facilities in the empire. The Castles within the holy land for example are too many in number, his emeninence Grandmaster Armatos ek Naksou has worked with me to correct this problem and soon Tortosa will be ready for conversion.

However I am concerned about the island settlements of Rhodes and Nicosia. These two places should be overflowing with trade oppurtunities, however they remain dark, distant places.

I put forward Edict 6.2: The settlements of Nicosia and Rhodes are to be converted (or begin to be converted) from Castles into towns by then end of the next Megas term. In the event of this edict passing, failure to comply should result in an investigation as to why this has not been carried out and an economic punishment will result on the guilty party. This investigation would be carried out by the nominator of said edict, Nevoulas ek Philadelphius.