The Magnaura

[Andres]

A young man, dressed in expensive red and white silk, had been standing in a corner of the Magnaura during Pavlos's speech. As soon as the old veteran was seated, he walked forward energetically, the feather on his yellow head waving with every step he took.

Aleksios ek Pigis:

You're getting old, dear Pavlos. Old and rusty.

Where's your spirit? Your courage?

Besides, wasn't your own lord involved in some of these disputes?

Well, 'disputes'...

It seems like all you old farts were very good with words, but when it came to action to back up your harsh words.

Aleksios laughs.

Even when you were young, you all sounded like a bunch of scared old women!

Aleksios starts yelling with a voice that vaguely resembles the voice of an old woman:

"Oh, I'm going to hit you! I'm going to hurt you! Oh no, I might get hurt myself in the proces! Ok then, I'm not going to hit your, but watch out next time!"

Aleksios mockingly shakes his fist, in a perfect imitation of the old Protoasacretes. Aleksios laughs again, walks to his seat and sits down, meanwhile muttering:

Bunch of cowards.

[ULC]

Helarionas, who has been sitting quietly off to one corner coughs into his hand nonchalantly, continuing to read from the book in his hands, while Aleksios continues on rambling. Still staring at the book, Helarionas speaks to Aleksios.

"Aleksios, show some proper respect, they are your superior's and elders after all, so that at the very least should engender some restraint upon your manners. Calling men who fought valiantly against the Turkish Sultanate, the Egyptian Caliphate, and now the Venetians is low of you, you who have not even tasted the bitterness of spilt blood, nor heard the cry of dying men or the wail of women and children."

"Do not set yourself above those that you cannot begin to compare yourself too. These man should be praised - they fought against proper enemies, and when it came to blows amongst themselves, they showed proper restraint and resolved their differences, instead of behaving like children and beating mercilessly on each other and neglecting their duty to the Imperium."

[Andres]

Aleksios ek Pigis:

Well, Helarionas, I can't go fighting the Venetians all by myself, but give me a decent army and I promise you that I'll be back soon, covered with fresh scars and Venetian blood.

Our war against the Venetians has cost many Roman lives. Now it's time for revenge!

[ULC]

Helarionas finally turns to look at Aleksios with a look of disdain upon his face. "Really now Aleksios, I never once asked you to go off and fight in a war - it is far better if you do not stain your hands in blood in some foolish attempt to prove something. Although your zeal can be commended, the foolish bravado behind it can be done away with."

[Andres]

So, what do you suggest for a young and strong Senator to do then?

Wait until our ancient colleagues die of old age and then wait for the Venetians to conquer our Empire?

Old men like Pavlos and Aleksios ek Ikoniou have done enough. They should be spending the rest of their lives in an armchair, near the fire, a cup of wine in their hand and their best hunting dogs at their feet. They should not be marching around in some hostile territories.

We, the young ones, should be waging war against our enemies.

[TinCow]

*A scribe hands the Protoasecretes a note. He reads it carefully, frowning occassionally, then speaks.*

It seems that due to neglect of his own lands, Nikiphoros Manouelitis (Warmaster Horus) has been deprived of them. As he has no Lord to assume his duties, the province of Scopia is now under the protection and administration of Basileus Ioannis Komnenos (Ignoramus).

In addition, as Nikolaos Aristenos has retired from public life, his lands are similarly forfeit. In accordance with his last known wishes, the province of Alexandria will remain with the House of Ilios Korakas, as is required by their Charter. Specifically, he left the province to Efthymios ek Herakliou (Dafuge), who now becomes its owner.

[ULC]

Helarionas sets his book down, taking his time as he begins to speak again. "Aleksios, maybe you misunderstand - I say war should not be waged for wars sake. You are so willing to go off and kill without the knowledge of what it entails because war to you is fun, because as far as you know, it is good, and it is something to be done. It excites you beyond all measure, it makes your eyes gleam and twinkle with the thought of spilling the blood of your enemies in the name of the Imperium. You take joy in it, pride in it, love it, without truly understanding of what is being asked of you, nor trying to reason why it is being asked of you."

"So no, I am not telling you not to defend the Empire, I am not telling you that you should not take up the reins that were so well handled and taken care of by Lord ek Ikoniou and Lord Chrysovergos, but I am asking that you put both more thought into your actions and your words."

By this time Helarionas is now staring forcefully at Aleksios, and he holds his gaze a few seconds more, as if summing up the character of Aleksios, and then sighs, returning back to his reading.

[Andres]

Aleksios ek Pigis stares at Helarionas. A grin appears slowly on his face while he adresses Helarionas.

The Empire needs men like me to do its' dirty work so that men like you can spend time sitting in a chair, sipping on wine and eating grapes in the meanwhile talking and talking and talking about why war is evil or good, when it is justified, how the empire should be run and how we should do this or that and blah blah blah.

I, however, am a man of action! Maybe it's because I'm young, but I doubt it. Some men have fire in them, others are... like you.

[ULC]

Helarionas slams his book down, standing with a start and whirring on Aleksios. "You dare call me a fool when your own foolishness will cost you one day? You know nothing of me, or who I am! I have lived through more in the last 5 years of my life then you have in all of your 20 years of life, and you dare criticize me upon my experience?! I am your better in more way then one, and I do not speak of titles, land, or privileges. I'll do my duty for the Imperium, just as you. I'll fight for every last grain of dirt and breath of air that rightfully belongs to us good Romans, but I won't be so blind as to why I do it! Unlike you, who's mere purpose is similar to a dogs, I'll have more reason to do what I do, a greater drive and fire then you can muster then from your little pleasures of begging from masters you can't comprehend and serving a purpose you'll never understand!"

Towards the end of his rant, Helarionas's voice slips into a Hungarian accent, and when Helarionas finishes, he stares Aleksios back in the eyes, daring Aleksios to challenge him.

[Andres]

Aleksios smiles. He fills a goblet with white wine and raises it to Hellarionas.

To Roman spirit!

He drinks from the goblet and laughs softly.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC : I just noticed my new avatar has the trait "social drinker", just like Savvas... Oh well

[KnightnDay]

A young man who some recognize as having features similar to elder Ioannis Kalameteros, and even his son Magnentios steps forward to address the assembled members. Ammonathas looks carefully among those in the hall.


Vengance and retribution? We shall rush towards our Venetians enemies in a blind rage, slashing and tearing at all before us? This is the mark of a Roman army? By all that we hold to be true, this cannot be. It must not.

What plans, fellow countrymen…what plans have we made to deal with our adversaries in a deliberate and calculating fashion? The Basileus himself sails to Latium to avenge the death of Savvas and many other good Romans. My own courageous and honorable brother stands by his side, leaving no man to question where the House of Asteri stands in this matter.

I asked what plans we have made. Let me speak to you now, not just of plans, but of actions. Four hundred men stand with me on a march against our Venetian foes. All of these good Romans, to a man, are part of an army of brother Magnentios who has generously consented to leave them in my charge. Three hundred men from the garrison of Thessalonike will near double our force of arms. I hope and trust that the empire will see fit to provide for another three hundred. Yes good senators, untested but unfearing, I propose to lead a force one thousand strong against our enemies. Such armies exist today in our holy lands, shall we not raise such similar numbers against our foes in Italy now?

Let us not take half measures amidst cries for blood. I have ordered taxes to be raised at Thessalonike in order to aid our efforts. The citizenry understands that they may be called upon to provide even more aid in lives and treasure in the near future. These then are but some of the actions taking place now in the House of Asteri. Our resolve is firm, and our deeds to be defined with a clear vision…that of victory.

No nation can stand against an empire such as this, so long as there are good men to lead and contribute to its success.

Ammonathas returns to his place, trying to gauge what effect, if any that his words have had among the senate.

[ULC]

Helarionas relaxes after Ammonathas finishes his speech. Throwing himself back down into his seat, Helarionas picks up a goblet and raises it to Ammonathas. "Indeed, well spoken Senator Ammonathas, tis too bad..." Helarionas takes a sip from his goblet, "...that dear Aleksios does not see it in such a way." Helarionas turns to grin at Aleksios. "Tell me Aleksios, how close are you to the Venetian front, and with how many men?"

[Andres]

Aleksios looks at Helarionas. He seems bored with the man.

In Zagreb. Together with Senator Aleksios ek Ikoniou and his army.

[ULC]

Helarionas smiles deeply, and there is something off about it - it is devoid of warmth, and something cruel and calculating stirs underneath of it. "I wish you luck then! Goodness knows you will need it, and I hope your unquestioning service to the empire is deservedly rewarded!"

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Theo stands..

This is an old matter but.. WHY did Basileus Ioannis bought Benghazi? The 'War' against Venetians have been very beneficial to him. He have gained many provinces and now he also purchased Benghazi.. a worthless castles in desert!! Money that coud've been used to improve towns and cities that we already had!!
And just like the last time he is pretty much useless as a Megas Logothetes as well.

Theo sighs...

(OOC: I understand if Igno have RL things that does not allow him to be here but IC Theo doesn't understand that)

[TinCow]

There is great activity amongst the Senate scribes. They hurry back and forth between the Protoasecretes and other clerks elsewhere in the Magnaura. Eventually the Protoasecretes dismisses them all with a wave, then slowly stand up to speak.

It seems that our esteemed Basileus Ioannis Komnenos (Ignoramus) is currently incapable of fulfilling the duties of Megas Logothetes. For this reason, I am appointing Aleksios ek Ikoniou (Northnovas), the close runner-up in the last election, to take over the position. As I have yet to hear the Basileus' final word on this appointment, I will consider it temporary at the current time. However, I do expect that Senator ek Ikoniou's appointment as Megas Logothetes will be confirmed by the Basileus eventually, and that he will then hold the position for the rest of the current term.

If any Senator disagrees with Aleksios ek Ikoniou taking over as Megas Logothetes in this manner, I suggest you find some means of calling an Emergency Session.

OOC:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

It appears that Ignoramus does not have enough time to continue acting as Megas. I have consulted with Northnovas and he is available to take up the job, which would be appropriate under the circumstances since he was the runner-up in the previous election anyway. I am waiting to get one last final approval from Ignoramus for this switch-over before making it permanent, but I'm tired of waiting so I'm making the appointment effective now, but temporary until I hear back from Ignoramus one last time.

This will NOT be considered an in-game impeachment. Ignoramus can create whatever excuse he likes for stepping down IC. If he does not, you are all free to speculate on the cause to your hearts' content, as long as it is clear that the action was voluntary by the Basileus. If there are any protests with Northnovas taking over as Megas in this manner, an Emergency Session can be called to impeach him. Currently, both Ignoramus and deguerra can call Emergency Sessions, so talk to them if you want one.

[Cecil XIX]

A knight rushes into the Magnura.

Noble lords, treachery! The Comes ek Naksou had departed from Damascus with his army to confront the Turks just east of the city, having just accepted a request from the new senator Ioannis Erotikos to accompany him. But Senator Erotikos has commited a cross betrayal, murdering Comes Armatos ek Naksou and seizing control of his army! I pray that this crime brings swift retribution withour harming the long-term stability of the Empire!

[TinCow]

*The Protoasecretes furrows his brow at this grave announcement.*

This is most horrendous news. I expect the Senate will treat such an action with the seriousness that it deserves!

I have been informed that according to the last will and testament of Armatos ek Naksou, the province of Tortosa is now the possession of Kousinos Sophianos (Cecil XIX). Acre has remained within the Order and is now the possession of Armatos' Lord, Vartholomaios Ksiros (Rowan).

[_Tristan_]

After years of absence, Methodios walks into the Magnaura. Stepping into the center of the room, he calls for the attention of his fellow Senators.

Senators, the wolves are at large in our midst.

The death of Armatos at the hands of one who would claim to be one of us is a sin against all that we stand for. Armatos was among the first to lead the fight to reclaim the Holy land from the Muslims. He lived a live of service to the Empire, through hard times, fighting many battles, only to die at the hands of one of us.

I ask all of you to make a stand and take actions against the vile Erotikos and bring him to justice or hang him from the nearest tree without judgment.

These actions have led out of my voluntary seclusion in Kosmopolis, a city that has always been a volcano waiting to erupt, which it did as soon as I departed. The city is lost to us and though it has no organization, the faith of Islam runs anew in its veins.

But I would not have left my home in Kosmopolis if the incapable Ioannis had still been Megas Logosthetes.

I am here to appeal to Lord ek Ikoniou for help. Help for Egypt... This part of our Empire has been neglected for too long.

Egypt has been left in its sorry state since Ioannis has sat himself on the throne of his father. I see it as retaliation against my stand against him but it is not I who suffers but rather our people in Cairo and Alexandria.

These are some of the greatest cities of the world, yet people live there without the barest of amenities. The walls of Cairo aren't even wide enough to contain the mass of its people.

Lord Megas, turn your benevolent gaze upon Egypt and save her before she follows the fate of Kosmopolis.

[Ituralde]

Pavlos stares ahead glumly before raising his voice. Much of his vigour has left him and the listeners have to strain to catch his words.

These are grave insults against Senator Erotikos. I don't even remember his name, but if these allegations are true then a call for war against this traitor is the least we can do. But before we do anything so rash, what is the proof for these acts, and what does the young Senator have to say in his defense?

[Northnovas]

Senators,

The issue in Egypt alarms me and I hope it is not too late. There is too much invested and would be a great loss to our economy if we can not control it. I may give the direction but you are all the eyes of the Empire. If there are issues that need resources let me know and I will do what I can. Egypt is on the top of my agenda.

The death of Armatos is very disturbing and the circumstances have not been explained. I would recommend a military Board of Inquiry to look in to his death and to find if Erotikos is truly responsible for his death.

[Rowan]

Fellow Senators!

It greatly saddens me to hear about Armatos' death! Long we have been friends and together have we driven the infidel Muslims from the holy lands! That such a great man could be killed by a traitor sounds preposterous! I demand a formal inquiry into this, especially as the accused is one of the members of this most august body!

I demand that this man Erotikos lay down his weapons and surrender to my custody! He must send his army to the nearest Order held city, Damascus, where it can keep the Basileus' peace. Then he must at once report to the nearest member of the Order. I will guarantee his personal safety if he does this and let Magnaura decide if he truly is guilty and decree the punishment.
If he does not do this I will take that as an admission of guilt and hunt him down myself!

[Andres]

Here we go again.

Blahblahblah...

Quit wasting your breath.

Stares at Pavlos, Methodios and Kousinos.

It seems like you are all angry with this man? Well instead of sitting here and paralysing this esteemed body for the next couple of years with endless talks about how evil and bad Erotikos is and how we should punish him without bloodshed (did he hesitate to spill some Roman blood?), you should get off your lazy , grab your arms and go get him.

[_Tristan_]

Which is exactly why I left Kosmopolis, Senator ek Pigis.

Would you remind this august body what your accomplishments have been so far that allow you to throw insults at your betters ?

[Rowan]

Vartholomaios Ksiros turns to look at the new speaker, listens to his words with a growing amusement, then turns to his aide and asks in a voice just hushed enough to be a whisper, but still loud enough to be heard across the hall:
Whose paige is that and who let him in here?
The reddening aide whispers into his masters ear and this time the rest of the Magnaura can't hear what is said. Vartholomaios turns back towards Aleksios ek Pigis.

Strator Pigis. It is considered polite to introduce oneself when addressing someone for the first time. Especially if that something is the Magnaura with many members with far higher rank and power than your own.

With a few more years burdening down your shoulders you would know that things are seldom as black and white as they seem. There are certain... rules to be followed. Laws, if you wish. As of yet we only have a single Frankish Knight's word of what happened in the desert. It wouldn't be wise to start a civil war over some outlanders claims.

However, rest assured that I intend to take action if need be. I am perfectly positioned to take the matter into my own hands if need be. If Erotikos does not co-operate with the investigation like I specified I will know him guilty and he will face the full might of the Order!

[Ituralde]

Pavlos shakes his head, chuckling silently. He strokes his beard gently, before he speaks. It had indeed been a long time since he last rode to battle.

Once you have grown to my age you won't jumped at every percieved threat. This Erotikos seems a nuisance, if those actions are true. I have heard too many slander in these chambers to jump to this conclusion as easily. Of course, if some man were to bring this Erotikos to this chamber, I would gladly supply said man with an army to be persuasive.

He looks at Senator Pigis.

Are you said man, Senator Pigis? Or do you just talk without letting actions follow?

[Rowan]

Vartholomaios looks incredulous

Pavlos, has your old age made you mad or is it all those magic potions you are reputed to be drinking!
Man is accused of murdering of the most esteemed and noble characters in the whole Basileia Rhōmaiōn and you say that he is a nuisance. Nuisance! He's taken command of one of our strongest armies and is now knocking on the gates of Tortosa and you call him a nuisance! I am past doubting if Erotikos did it. His actions speak clearly of his treason.

I demand that Megas immediately recruit troops in Tortosa to strengthen the garrison against imminent attack.

I will take my leave. I have lands to defend.

Vartholomaios leaves the chamber.

[KnightnDay]

Ammonathas considers what he has heard and rises to speak. His thoughts of his brother, now reported ill at sea, weigh upon him

Fellow Senators,

I had hoped that the Venetian campaign would receive the utmost attention of the empire. My own brother has been struck ill while answering the call against our dangerous foe in Latium. Yet this latest turn of events is too dangerous to ignore, despite the fact no evidence of murder has yet come forth. Regardless of the veracity to this story of murder, there is no doubt as to the strength of the army in which Senator Erotikos travels, and the potential danger to our position should this information be true.

In light of this, I fully endorse the proposal of Senator Vartholomaios that the garrison at Tortosa be strengthened, and that he and the Order be charged with demanding Senator Erotikos surrender himself for judgement of the Magnaura. Any failure to do so, including any action taken against our settlements or soldiers will immediately result in a charge of high treason against himself and those who carry his banner.

Finally, I call upon the Magnaura to urge the Basileus to immediately move his forces to this area. The Venetians can wait; action against rebellion or treasonous activity must not.

I thank my fellow senators for their attention.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

A message is brought from Theo Petzeas to Magnaura..

Senators,

There is only one thing I can say about this Erotikos and that is -

I declare War on Ioannis Erotikos!

May he burn in Hell!

Theo Petzeas

[Ramses II CP]

With a rather bemused look on his face Ioannis Erotikas strides calmly into the Magnaura. As he paces around the center chamber, passing each House's table in turn, he speaks in a clear voice,

"Well, this certainly sounds like a more active body than the dust covered lumps I found when I first attended! Gentlemen I have come, though more urgent matters demand my attention, to inform you of a black act. Former Grandmaster Armatos has been murdered, in my very own presence!"

A momentary pause allows Io to assess the situation before he continues,

"...but I can see this information has already been brought to the Senate's attention. I regret that I was much delayed in personally bringing word by the necessity of ensuring the orderly transfer of command of Aramtos' troops into my own hands. With his very dying breath Lord Armatos demanded that I take his men to the very ends of the earth if necessary to bring his killer to justice, and I mean to do exactly that!"

"As to the details of the death of my very great friend Armatos, they are simply thus; as I presented him with a gift in my very own command tent we were suddenly assailed by a team of assassins carrying poison coated blades. Armatos drew his sword and bravely charged into the fray, while I, unused to life at the frontier, dropped my wine glass, tripped over it, and was far too slow entering combat. Armatos' second, Sigismund I think his name was, fled the scene in great haste and has not yet returned to the army. By the time I managed to pull my blade out Armatos' own sword had already become trapped in the corpse of one of his enemies while a second hacked open his throat from behind."

"Of course I avenged him, slaughtering the remaining infidels while calling for guards and my personal surgeon, but it was too late. With blood pouring from his wound noble Armatos burbled out a few last words charging me to take command of his army and seek out the enemy who employed such vile means to end his life, and I swore an oath to do exactly that no matter the cost to my own life and goals!"

Briefly a smile crosses Io's charming face, before he resumes his grim expression,

"In order to make certain my words would not fall on deaf ears I had the Grandmaster's body packed in salt and shipped with me so that any Senator can examine my claims for veracity in the very flesh of my good friend and ally. I also have... this..."

With a dramatic gesture Io draws a heavy bladed knife, stained dark down it's whole length, and drops it crashingly onto the nearest House table, which just happens to be the table of the Order of St. John.

"I understand this body may have some questions for me, and I would very much like to answer them all, but I beg your understanding that my time is limited. I have undertaken a sacred vow before God to see the Grandmaster avenged and hell itself will not bar my call in that cause! If you have something to ask me, speak now, for I must soon depart."

Idly Io now casts about for a seat, but abruptly raises his eyebrows and speaks once more before sitting,

"Oh, and I understand that I am somehow at war with some little person or some such? Perhaps we could get that resolved before the next year sees a battle, hmm?"