The Magnaura

[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?"

[Rowan]

Varthlomaios Ksiros gets an annoyed look as Theo's letter is read but says nothing. He eyes the bloody knife on the table in front of him before speaking

An interesting tale, Erotikos, but quite light on details. First, could you elaborate a bit on just who, exactly, you believe was behind the murder. Also, where exactly are you going to find them? Furthermore, why is your army camped under the walls of Tortosa, just out of bowshot range? And why didn't you send messengers ahead of the army to inform us, the Order, his Brothers, of this foul action or what you were going to do so we might help you in tracking the killers?

And what exactly is the significance of this knife?!

Vartholomaios waves at the nearest Magnaura clerk

Get the best doctors in town and have them individually inspect Armatos' body. I want all of them to give official statements to the cause of death and the nature of wounds. Also if the wounds match that dagger. Also any traces of poison or somesuch. And start preparations for a funeral, his burial has waited long enough.

[KnightnDay]

Ammonathas rises

If it would please the members of the Senate, may I ask a question unrelated to the investigation?

Should the Order of St John not be empowered to the take command of the army now encamped at Tortosa while the investigation is ongoing? And would Senator Erotikos find objection with this proposal?

[_Tristan_]

Lord Kalameteros raises a valid point.

Until the death of Armatos has been fully investigated, I would suggest that Senator Erotikis releases command into the hands of the Order.

I would also like to hear from Senator Erotikos how he gathered the knowledge of the identity of the person who ordered Armatos killed in such a gruseome way.

It seems the Hashishim have finally succeeded in worming their way into our ranks.

Please tell us Senator Erotikos who is the culprit so that the full power of the Senate can descend upon him.

[Ramses II CP]

Io's eyes light up and he nods his head companionably towards Vartholomaios Ksiros before standing to speak,

Actually my good man I can't elaborate on who I know to be responsible at this time, lest the cowards hear I know their names and am coming and so flee into the underbelly of our society to cause more harm later. You wouldn't want Armatos' killers to escape, now would you?

As far as Tortosa, I've simply been called to meet a companion there. My word of honor that I have no ill intent for the place or any of it's inhabitants! Of course if I left my army at just any old watering hole, why, very soon they wouldn't be my army anymore would they? And then poor Armatos would stand unavenged, an unacceptable state of affairs for certain.

Messengers were dispatched, of course, and word clearly had come to the Magnaura ahead of me, but, alas, the eastern marches are aswarm in Turks, precisely why I sought Aramtos' aid in the first place, and I fear the few men I could spare were all intercepted. As far as asking the Order's help... no, I do not intend to do so, nor do I believe Armatos would wish it of me either. Your vast tracts of land are ill guarded and there remain but two of you to do the work of seeing off the Turks. Unless I am attacked or barred from my quest I will merely take the men I need to avenge my great friend and depart, leaving you noble sirs to ward your land at the east end of the Empire.

That knife is none other than one of the very weapons used to foully murder Lord Armatos. There were several mixed in a pile after the combat, so I can't guarantee which struck the death blow, but that one was carried by one of the enemy and no mistake. You can see it's design that it is of Muslim make, likely a tool of the cult of assassins or some offshoot. Who can really tell with these heathen factions, hmm?

The army entrusted me by Armatos will not be surrendered to any man, under any circumstances, until he is avenged. I am bound to this course by an oath before God himself, by the noble words of Armatos on his deathbed, and by my own sense of honor. If I am prevented from seeking justice by anyone or anything that obstacle will I annihilate without hesitation.

Speaking of which, I think I'm still at war... would anyone like to propose a resolution to that little matter? I'll have to be off soon to get the lads a marching again, can't let discipline lapse in the field just for a little conversation here.

A smug grin creases Io's face as he returns to his seat.

[Northnovas]

Megos Aleksios having listened to both sides, the frustration of getting no answers begins to show on his face...

Ioannis,

Where do you plan to march this army that will not surrender to any man? This army will not be supplied unless I am satisfied that you are avenging the death of Lord Armatos and are not the one responsible for his death.
The concern of you being at war will be of little concern to this Senate if your you no army. They may not surrender to any man but they will desert if they are not paid and fed.

Stop with the ambiguity and give us the answers we are looking for! Are you or are you not responsible for the death of Lord Armatos. If you are not then I demand to know who is so this matter can be dealt with and done!

[Ramses II CP]

Another quick little nod is directed at the Megas before Io speaks again,

"I sympathize with your concerns my Megas, but as I've said, I simply cannot let the brutes behind this crime have any warning. Thus I can't announce their names or where I intend to march. Pure necessity demands that I keep these things a secret so that I can uphold my vow.

As far as money and food... well... let's be frank, gentlemen, an army of this size has ways of finding what it needs. At least for awhile. I don't want to go down that road, but, as I've said, nothing will bar my course on my quest. Nothing.

Besides, the army is legally mine. Why should we not be supplied as the law requires? If the Megas can withdraw support from my armies over some petty dispute who would he target next? The law of the Emperor and Empire must come before the personal whims of any one Megas, surely.

I will say again, I am not responsible for the death of noble Lord Armatos and I intend to deal with this matter as quickly as can be so that the Empire can return to good and profitable progress."

[Northnovas]

Megos Alekisos shaken by the news....

Senators, please lets take a moment to take in this sad news about lord Magnentios. He was so confident going in to battle requesting the extra men I did not expect this. Let us remember the senator and soldier Magnentios, the proper arrangements will be made accordingly.

Markos ek Sinopis thank you for your service Ragusa was a strategic target if we are going to the Venetian homelands. I will do what I can to build up the settlement to our standards for Byzantine troops.

Now looking over at the body and the commotion that occurred prior to the sad news.

Everyone is in rush that comes into here.... Demetrios explain to this assembly of what occurred with this .. person and the circumstances of his death and how it is related to the death of lord Armatos. Let us resolve this mystery!

A page brings a message to Aleksios

Senators, I have more sad news. Pavlos Chrysovergos is dead. He died overnight, he will be sadly missed and for his contribution to this assembly and leadership on the field. We will finish this mess here and will someone remove this body from the floor and clean up the area. We msut stop bringing vile things like this into the chamber.
We will then begin to make the proper arrangements required for Pavlos funeral.

[_Tristan_]

Methodios glares at the receding back of Helarionas.

What matters can be more urgent than rooting out the evil that tries to strangle our Empire from within ? What matters require the presence of our Senators away from this august body when they should remain here and be questioned about the circumstances of this assassination and thsi failed attempt ?

I grieve for the loss of Lord Chrysovergos. Although we had been at odds for some years due to his undying allegiance to Ioannis, I would be a fool not to recognize the great service the man has done to the Empire in its fight against the Turks.

I grieve also for the loss of Lord Kalameteros' son. My deepest condolences go to the Princess Anna. No woman should see the fruit of her womb be put into the earth before her eyes. The Venetians have already taken a formidable toll from our numbers, almost more than what the Egyptians and Turks together have been able to bleed from us.

I encourage any and all of our commanders to take up arms and lead their men west against the foul merchants.

[TinCow]

The Protoasecretes stands and speaks.

This is becoming an uncomfortably common duty for me. With the death of Magnentios Kalameteros, the province of Markianople is without a master. My scribes cannot locate a will for the recently departed Senator, and as s result Markianople is now the property of Senator Magnentios' lord, Aleksios ek Ikoniou (Northnovas).

(OOC: Please correct me if I'm wrong about there being no will for Magnentios.)

[TinCow]

A scribe whispers in the Protoasecretes' ear.

What?! Another one? Perhaps if these Senators followed my example and ate more prunes, they would live long enough to be disappointed in their grandchildren. Ah...

It seems that the esteemed Senator and former Megas Logothetes Pavlos Chrysovergos died of natural causes not too long ago. In accordance with his wishes, I will now read his last will and testament:

I Pavlos Chrysovergos decree the following:

Upon my death the following shall be done with my worldly possessions:
The province of Sinop shall fall to my nephew.
The province of Dyarbakir shall fall to Aleksios ek Pigis, for the courage he has shown and to support him in his endeavours.
The rest of my provinces shall fall to Andronikos Komnenos.
Those of my retinue young enough to serve further are allowed to join the retinue of my nephew.

Senator
Pavlos Chrysovergos

[TinCow]

Event Five
Treason of the Heart

(Story written by YLC)

Helarionas walked with a hurried pace through the streets of Constantinople, carrying a white, folded robe under his arm. As he brushed past a couple merchants avidly discussing the value of their wares, something caught the corner of Helarionas's eye. It was gone in a instant, but Helarionas knew he saw something, and his curiosity got the better of him. He darted down the streets, spotting in once more as it turned into an alleyway. “Most definitely a woman...is Chara following me again?”

Helarionas quickly dashed through the crowd and into the alleyway. He stopped and placed his hand on his hip as he was met with an empty, dead end. “So much for that...must be Chara, I don't kno-” Helarionas was suddenly pushed farther into the alleyway, and on instinct, he released the knife he kept under his sleeve into his hands and prepared to fight.

However, he was greeted with giggles instead of threats and blades. He stared dumbstruck for a second at Aleksandra Tagaris, in plain clothes more befitting a commoner. Her air was just like her fathers, and her earthy, round heart shaped face, complete with her tanned skin, completed her disguise – but even still, their was a magnificent, underlying beauty to her, and Helarionas had treasured it since meeting her in Alexandria so many years ago.

Aleksandra giggled. “Oh, your so easy Ser-” Helarionas was quick, and brought his fingertips upon Aleksandra's lips to gently silence her. “Do not speak my name so openly my love, it is a powerful thing you would speak of, and I cannot let that power fall into anyone else's hands but yours.” Helarionas pulled Aleksandra in to gently kiss her, and the couple stood in that bleak alleyway for a moment.

Looking deeply into her eyes, Helarionas searched for the answer to why she was here. But Aleksandra had known Helarionas for too long and knew his habits. “You can just ask, dearest, I promise I'll tell. I am here to see you, so we can escape together. My father wishes me to be married to the one I love, but I fear that Basileus Ioannis, in his mad urge for political gain, will ignore my fathers wishes once more, and I cannot be wed to any but you.”

Helarionas did a double take. “But, that is against the law! Law set in stone Aleksandra, I cannot go and break it, not yet anyway! I have tried the proper channels, I have spoke with the Basileus, and I await his answer. Please, give me more time to do right by you an-” Aleksandra stamped her foot down and stared Helarionas in the eye. “I will wait no longer, Se- Helarionas. The Basileus is after power, what power can you offer him, what can you give him? All that will happen is you will sit and do nothing as I am married off to some brute of a man who cares nothing for me!”

“I can give him my servitude, work as his enforcer and-” Aleksandra's tone took on a more powerful note. “You would lie even more! What I propose is more honest at the very least!” Helarionas sighed. “Well, what would you have me do? As you say I lack the power to do anything. If I so much as-” It was Aleksandra's turn to place her fingers on Helarionas's lips. “Hush, I have that taken care of. Ioannis Erotikos has brought me here, upon my request. I know you two spoke of “kidnapping” me, so I decided to leap ahead of your conscience a bit and asked I be taken here...you will support him, yes? And in return, you will not be so alone, we will not be so alone, when the world comes down on us...”

“...For our love.” Helarionas finished her sentence. He seemed to consider a moment, looking at the white robe underneath his arm. “How much do you love me Aleksandra?” Aleksandra looked at Helarionas questioningly. “Dearest, why do you ask this? You know how much I lo-” Helarionas cut her off. “Good, then get me one of your servants – a well fed, strong one that looks very capable. I have work to do then...” Helarionas brightened, kissing Aleksandra lightly. “I need you to be a good girl for me, and hurry to the docks, and get on my private ship. Tell no one your real name, do not use it. If anyone asks, your the newest serving girl on board. Do what you can to disguise your beauty as well, can't have you stand out to much. Send the servant to the “Veterans Haven”, the Inn near the Magnaura....now go! And hurry!”

Aleksandra nodded, trusting in Helarionas fully and ran off to the Tagaris estates to fetch the servant, while Helarionas began trying to figure out how he was going to get out of this alive,plodding slowly to the Magnaura...

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Rules

Helarionas Anargiros (YLC) has fallen in love with a woman and is determined to marry her. Unfortunately for him, that woman is Aleksandra Tagaris, a royal Princess. Both the Basileus and the Caesar have rebuffed his attempts to secure her hand through legal means, so Senator Anargiros has chosen a more direct course of action: he has abducted the Princess and intends to marry her against the will of the Basileus and her father, the Caesar. Some may say that Aleksandra desired the marriage as well, but as a Byzantine Princess, that choice is not hers to make.

Helarionas Anargiros has committed open treason. It remains to be seen how the Senate will react to this most recent scandal over yet another of the Tagaris daughters.

1) The agent avatar of Princess Aleksandra Tagaris has been teleported into Helarionas Anargiros' (YLC) stack. Except as stated below, she may not be removed from this stack by anyone, including YLC, nor may she be married to anyone, including Helarionas Anargiros.

2) If Princess Aleksandra Tagaris is still in Helarionas Anargiros' stack at the end of 5 turns after this event begins (it takes time to find a priest willing to commit treason), she will be married to him.

3) If a Senator defeats Helarionas Anargiros in battle before the marriage occurs, he will have the option of either allowing the Basileus to decide who she will marry (in accordance with the law) or marrying her himself, on the spot.

4) Senators who declare war on Helarionas Anargiros during the first 5 game turns after this event has started will not have to wait the required 1 turn before attacking him or any settlements he possesses.

5) If a Senator who is at war with Helarionas Anargiros is within 1 turn's movement of Helarionas Anargiros at the end of 5 turns, the marriage will be postponed until the next turn. This postponement will continue until Helarionas Anargiros is not within 1 turn's movement of any hostile Senator.

6) This Event ends when Helarionas Anargiros has been defeated in battle or has married Aleksandra Tagaris. However, any Civil Wars that began as a result of this Event will continue until resolved in the normal manner.

(Note: This event was created based on a storyline developed by YLC. It seemed very unique and interesting, so I have indulged him, with a few risks to his own life and limb as a penalty. If other players have ideas for involving their avatars in similar events, I am willing to consider them. Just remember that I like events that cause strife, and no one will ever gain benefits without risk. )