The Magnaura

[flyd]

Ha! Now who didn't see this coming?

Let's see then. The Order of St. John, and old rival of our dear Emperor, gets a war declared on them. Their leader has not stated his position on this issue, the rest have been neutral, and Basileus' most vocal detractor has declared for him.

Meanwhile, the other people who have declared neutrality get "rebuked". Senators who have pledged to starve the war of resources (a move against the Basileus, since his follower is the Megas Logothetes) get a warning, while the Order, who have not even taken that action, are enemies.

Oh, what were we talking about before? Was there some princess or something? I forget. It doesn't seem to have much bearing at all.

[deguerra]

Quite, Isaakios. Whoever said politics couldn't be fun.

I have addressed, I think, the issue of the Princess, of love, of old allegiances and grudges in this matter. If you would like to discuss it further, I can only encourage this.

However, you are quite correct on the matter of neutrality. I would like to make it very clear that I do not declare war on the Order of St. John and as far as I am concerned see these two wars as quite separate. If I am wrong in my interpretation, then I will immediately seek peace arrangements. Furthermore, I sharply condone the declaration of war on the Order for its neutrality, as well as any verbal attack on those who show their neutrality otherwise, a group to which I have tied myself, I might remind you.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Klimis Dokeianos:

Let me first reaffirm my undying allegiance to Byzantium and thus its leader, Basileus Ioannis Komnenos.

I hereby declare war on Methodios Tagaris, the Order of St. John, and Michail Ariantis.

[OverKnight]

Tiverios gapes.

What has the Order done to deserve a Declaration of War? The Basileus's Nemesis is in exile on Cyprus and the new Grandmaster has shown no hostility or any sign of treason. This has crossed from a legitmate complaint, though one that should be solved through diplomacy, to a crass land grab.

Your Majesty, I served with your Father. Basileus Aleksios, God rest his soul, would be shamed by this.

I am under no obligation to join in this mercenary act of piracy. You are the Emperor, but your Majesty is not the Law and the Senate is not ruled by decree. I reject your call to arms as it is not for the defense of the Empire, but for settling an old grudge.

Tiverios turns to the rest of the Senate.

I implore my fellow Senators to step back from the Abyss. Do not be a part of this unjust and unworthy persecution. Do not let tyranny flourish in our beloved Empire.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

So.. The Basileus is finally showing what kind of mad man he is! Declaring War against the Order?! That's a bit stupid, don't you think? But.. If war is what Ioannis wants then war shall he get! I decided to be neutral in the matter of that Princess thing but this...

As long as my Grandmaster says otherwise or signs a peace treaty with Ioannis then this 'Basileus' of ours can count me as his enemy!

[AussieGiant]

Apionnas shakes his head in resignation and stands.

I hereby declare war on Methodios Tagaris.

The law is clear.

[Smowz]

Nevoulas looks pleased. He rises from he position amongst the senators of the Kommandaukai.

So we can now see who is for whom. I applaud the High Chancellor Vringas and Patrikos Kalematros here for making their voices heard. It seems their may be a future for our empire after all.

I now need to make arrangements for my fleet that currently is out chasing enemies of the empire. I will make haste now, leaving my aide here to receive any new information and make any new announcements.

As Nevoulas leaves, he walks with this aide now and hands him a slip of paper.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Btw.. Will the 'Basileus' Ioannis fight against his own son?! Since Ioannis III mentioned to Michail Arianitis that he might go to Epirus. So.. will Ioannis really fight against his own son?! Now.. let me say this.. Your beloved Basileus is crazy, stupid and power-hungry person! I'm sure that soon he will try to kill he's own sons and everyone who could have claims on the throne! So all of you in the Royal Family - Be warned!!!