The Magnaura

[Ramses II CP]

Io nods his head companionably before answering,

A fair question, but my good leader senator Sophianos has chosen to give the lads a rest and I for one won't gainsay him. We will march again as soon as he is ready.

I'd like to announce I'm also running for Megas. All that stuff Arintheos said sounds good, I rather think I'll do all that too if I win, plus I pledge that I will fulfill my vow to avenge noble Armatos within my term. I also believe that, with just a few sacrifices here and there, we can exterminate the remaining Turks and secure our eastern borders. Once the east is secure, and only once the east is secure, will the full resources and might of the Empire be turned back west. Until then I would intend to ask the good men of the Empire to hold the line against Venice with what resources can be spared.

The matter of the wayward Princess I declare my highest intent to see settled peacefully, and quickly! We must not squabble amongst ourselves while our enemies grow strong gentlemen! No man engaged in civil war, on any side, will have the support of the Megas during my term. My word on it.

Hmm, what else was there? Oh, yes, and I think it's about time we enlisted some allies against the Venetians. I think with a little encouragement our, err, not-quite-brothers in the Holy Roman Empire could be brought into the conflict to take the pressure off the western front.

Regrettably Egypt appears to be in something of a dire state, and the Levant little better. There are men aplenty in the area, they just all appear to be engaged in less than productive endeavors. Those men will reform, taking on governerships at the very least, or they will find themselves short of funds under my hand.

God grant you luck in our contest Senator Arintheos! (under his breath: Just not too much.)

[woad&fangs]

Young Ammonathas, I agree that those soldiers need to reach Ragusa as soon as possible. However, I suggest that they be commanded by someone more competent than Senator Markos, who has shown an inability to win battles, even when he is numerically superior. Senator Voutoumatis would be a wiser choice.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

ooc: no offense meant towards TheFlax.

[TheFlax]

Markos rises to reply, ever since the battle of Apulia he seems to have lost some weight. His now gaunt face still carried the jawline scar from that battle and while his eyes seemed for the most part weary, they still had an edge to them.

That is perhaps true Senator Andronikos, but your arguments reeks of partisanship. Of course you would prefer Senator Arintheos to lead these troops, for he his your vassal. No matter that he is largely unproven, having only fought bandits. This is not say that Arintheos should not lead the troops, but I find you are ready quick to call me incompetent. I did lose at Apulia, in conditions that were reported as "favorable" to me, on the other hand I also had a victory at Ragusa, while outnumbered three to one. Funny that you did not mention that in your condemnation of my person. But enough of that, if this body would rather never see me fight another battle then I will stay in Ragusa and administer the province to the best of my abilities.

As for the candidacies, I do not think much of Strator Erotikos' candidacy. For one, because it is invalid according to our laws. To be Megas Logothetes one must be at least of the rank of Comes and thus at least control a province. Even if my information on Senator Erotikos' rank proves to be wrong, I distrust a man who takes a large amount troops in a vendetta for "justice", while refusing to give any form of accountability to this body. Not only that, but the man is still under suspicion for the murder of Senator Armotos. He has weaved a fanciful tale of Muslim assassins, but are we to take him to his word? His sole proof is a dagger that could have conceivably been used by anyone. Furthermore, I have received a cryptic threat, which bears a striking resemblance to the diverse proclamations this man has spoken about his "quest". Granted, the letter might not be related to him, only an attempt to discredit him. Yet, that element, taken with whole of his attitudes makes me doubt Senator Erotikos' motives, if not his dedication to the Empire. Why should this chamber invest the most powerful title that can be granted to man who not only accuses us of being possibly traitors, but who has seemingly very little regard for us.

Senator Arintheos, on the other, is, in my opinion, on the right track. The Empire obviously needs a massive reorganization. Not only to relieve our treasury of supporting the cost of troops who do nothing, but also we need a better account of who hold which province. After pouring through out records I find many of them outdated and it is up to us to rectify the solution, as we are the holders of these provinces. It will be a daunting task for Senator Arintheos to win the war against Venice and against the Turks all the while reorganizing the Empire. While I admire his vigor and enthusiasm, I can only note again a certain lack of experience. While this is less of an issue for military command, I feel that the qualities of young men like Arintheos should be tempered with wisdom and experience. I have both, before joining your ranks I have spent most of my life as a bureaucrat. As such, I might not be the best choice for military command, as it has been noted, but I am well able to administer the Empire into the next century. I therefore announce, that, I, Markos ek Sinopis, am running for the position of Megas Logothetes.

I must note that if either Senator Arintheos or I are to be successful, we will need the help of new legislation permitting us the thinning of garrisons across the Empire, even from are most inactive members.

[ULC]

Demetrios comes into the Magnuara, and when the guards move to take his sword, it takes only a stare and they back down. Brushing past them, Demetrios walks into the center of the Magnuara. He pulls out a letter from inside his cloak and begins reading.

"Dear Senators of the Roman Empire,

I send word from the Adriatic, with hopes that All senators are in good health - condolences to Aleksios ek Pigis family, I am certain he died bravely defending the ideals of the Imperium to the last breath.

I understand the nature with which I am treated currently among you - as a lesser man, an outlaw. So in this state of mind, I can accomplish what you cannot, since I am no longer bound our law.

I intend to lay siege, and sack, Rome. I will exile the pretender, the "Pope", and I will then send Rome's treasury, minus enough to support me in pacifying Rome and replenishing my troops, to you good Senators. I am sure our Basileus and our Patriarch will be pleased.

I wish you well in your own endeavors

Respectfully, Comes Helarionas Anargiros"

Demetrios then turns and calmly takes his seat.

[Ignoramus]

A Komnenoi page rises to address the assembled body.

His excellency, Ioannis Komnenos, Basileus of Rome, wishes to appoint Vartholomaios Ksiros to position of Dean of Constantinople's University. Lord Vringos, due to his semi-retirement, is no longer considered able to effectively perform this office.

The page bows and leaves the chamber.

[Rowan]

Vartholomaios stands up and bows towards the departing Basileus

I am most honored in accepting this nomination.

[_Tristan_]

I wish to send my congratulations to Grand Master Ksiros for his appointment as Dean of the University.

I also extend my best wishes to our two young Senators willing to take the burden of the Empire on their shoulders. Both appear to be able to show common sense and will certainly be assets in the years to come.

In the spirit of Senator Voutoumitis' speech, I'd like to propose the following Edict :

Edict 8.1 : Before considering the building of Prioritized Buildings, The Megas Logothetes will have to provide the necessary funds to the improvement of settlements (OOC : wall upgrades). The Megas Logothetes will be free to choose the order in which the settlements will be improved.

Too many of our citizens are forced to live in slums beyond the walls of our cities large and small and many of our castles are not vast enough to provide adequate lodging for our military and enough space to provide protection for those living under their protection.

Such neglect is cause for unrest and is not worthy or the might of our Empire. This legislation is intended to correct the grave neglect of these past years.

[ULC]

Demetrios nods at Methodios.

I second Edict 8.1

[TinCow]

The Protoasecretes glances around the Magnaura. He frowns a bit when he notices that there are signficantly fewer Senators around than in previous years. He mutters something about rebels with a cause before standing.

"I hereby declare the Senate Session of 1200 AD open! It will remain open for proposing legislation and campaigning of candidates for Megas Logothetes until Thursday, March 12th at 11:30 GMT."

[mini]

"As I feel I am to junior to propose anything, I shall only contribute one thing:

That all present here today show God and men they have honour still, let everyone take their responsability so that the new Megas may govern a whole empire once more.

If we cannot set aside our internal differences, none of us will have anything left worth argueing over. May god bring down his wrath on those who hold ones own greed before the need of the empire, God WILL come down on thee with furious anger."


(ooc: gotta love pulp fiction)

[TheFlax]

The Basileus rises.

My fellow Romans, Senators, I had dared hope it would not come to this, but Andronikos Komnenos has struck first blood by attacking and killing the brave Senator Petzeas. I will mourn this man who gave his life fighting in service of the Empire, not for politics, but for its people, fighting to defeat the wretched Turks. Not only do I condemn Andronikos' action, but I have decided to put an end to this costly war.

When the Magnaura session ends, I intend to move the capital to Niceae, closer to its original place, and then take whatever men I have and confront Andronikos. Then it shall be decided who rules the Eastern part of the Empire, between him and I. I entreat any senator who do not wish to see Andronikos on the throne to join me, whatever his opinion of my person. We must put an end to this swiftly, before the Turks make sure there is no Roman Empire left to fight over.

Furthermore, Andronikos Komnenos (woads&fangs) and Nikitas Moshos (Itulrade), including any of their followers are now banned from the Magnaura.

Now unto more administrative concerns. While I know the Empire has been left in a dire a state, a dare hope there will be a Senator brave enough to tackle our many problems and announce his candidacy for the position of Megas Logothetes. If none of you are willing, then I will assume the position. As my fate is uncertain in the coming years, I would rather someone else take the position. The Empire does not need more instability at this point.

[mini]

"Hear, hear! I shall ride with you, my Basileus. For the Empire!"

[miniwally]

An 18 year old man approaches the magnuara with black hair and a slight beard growing although he is 18 he is rather small and so seems to look one year younger than his actual age.

The man steps inside and as soon as he does you can see the disappointment spread across his face about the emptiness of the room. However after he gets over his first shock of such a disapointment he quickly masks it and quickly moves to an empty seat quietly so as not to disturb the discussion currently going on.