Thanks for the sticky!

Sure did! Lurking is undervalued. ;)

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Although playing soldier sounds like the least interesting of the paths suggested to you, sometimes it's best to throw oneself headlong at his failings, and thus overcome them. Your teachers and mother are clearly surprised at your choice, though John Ducas, at least, seems to find it a happy surprise. "A good decision, your majesty. Developing some popularity with the rank and file could do wonders to help their spirit."

The next day finds you at the barracks, overlooking a number of men carrying sharp objects who are undergoing some simple drills. You are met by Manuel and Adrian, who is more of a courtier than a general, though he comes from a military family and seems to be quite comfortable dealing with soldiers and speaking of military matters. Manuel is a charming fellow who thanks you for your attendance and graciously offers to have them perform any drill you request of them. You, naturally, have no idea what would be appropriate, and with equal grace put the decision back in his hands.

The men seem honored by your presence, and let out a hearty cheer. They cheer more when you shock your hosts by offering to take part in one of their physical conditioning drills. It proves to be a vigorous workout, and it isn't long before you begin to have trouble keeping up with the men. Luckily, Adrian rescues you by inventing a pressing issue of state for you to attend to, before you drop out of the exercise and embarass yourself.

You visit the barracks regularly over the course of the season, occasionally taking part in the simpler exercises. One man, a veteran named Eusebios, is assigned to serve as your page whenever you dress in military gear to participate. After dealing with him a number of times, you ask him: "What generals have you been assigned to, Eusobios, and what did you think of them? I'm merely curious," you add when he hesitates. "I promise you, you make speak freely. Your words will reach my ears alone."

"Well, your majesty," he says, unhappy to be on the spotlight but obliged to answer his lord's question, "I've served under several of your many generals. Right now, it's Manuel, as you know. They say he has a gifted mind for strategy. His men like him, sire, myself included. He has served the Empire for years, and I believe him loyal to his family and country."

"Very good. Anyone else?"

"I've also served under Crispinus the Frank," he says, referring to a general who is currently stationed in Bari, the Empire's last stronghold in Italy. "I had the pleasure to meet him personally several times, as well as see him in battle. His prowess in battle is awesome. As a leader and tactician, I believe him capable. As a man, he is honorable but mercurial, quick to take offense and quick to forgive. I've served under Romanus Diogenes as well, when he drove back the Pechenegs for your father. He, too, is a brave man, and aggressive on the battlefield. I must tell you that his temper and arrogance are not admirable, but, if I may say so, our precious Empire has few other generals willing to move headlong into the teeth of the enemy."

You recieved word just yesterday evening that Diogenes had been arrested on charges of consipiracy against the Empress Regent. You decline to mention this to your servitor, however, preferring that he continue to speak. "Have you served under anyone else?"

"That is all, my lord. I can tell you nothing of Nicephorus Bryennius, and of Nicephorus Botaniates all I can tell you is what every soldier knows: he is a most experienced general and some say he is the best to serve our Empire in our time. Of course, I like to think that Manuel bears that honor," he says. He hesitates again, and after some more encouragement, tells you, "Rumor has it that there is a rivalry between Botaniates and Comnenus, but one never knows the truth behind the barracks grapevine," he adds, not wishing to be accused of spreading gossip.

On the domestic scene, your mother has, like she expected, found a number of tax evaders among the upper classes and inefficiencies in the tax collection system. Still, correcting these problems produces only a modest increase in revenue. She has set aside these extra denarii for use another day.

Later, the Caesar calls a meeting of military minds in order to settle matters of recruiting. You ask to attend, as do all three of the generals currently residing in Constantinople. While any army should contain a reasonable balance of troops, it might be wise to emphasize the recruitment of certain troop types. Talk around the table hovers a bit on the adversaries your army will be facing; most agree that the Turks will be the greatest threat, though it's noted that previous victories over the Uze and Pechenegs were far from total, and that the Normans under Robert Guiscard have already taken part of Sicily and, though there is peace at the moment, may well decide to take the rest someday.

John Ducas says his piece first. "I think barbarian mercenaries are our best bet. The Pechenegs have fought well for us in the past, and we have a few in our army already. They are excellent horsemen and mounted archers, and eager to serve for Roman coin."

Manuel disagrees. "I believe we should draw from our own pool of strength, your majesty. I know of several units of foot archers that distinguished themselves in service of the Bulgarian theme during the wars with the Pechenegs and Uze. If you request their transfer to Imperial command, they could prove useful."

Your uncle provides a second opinion. "If you'd rather use our own troops, I'd prefer we recruit Macedonian spearmen. They're good, Romanized people and should be quite loyal."

Bryennius has another plan. "There are a number of Armenian refugees who fled after the conquest of their homeland by the Turks during your father's reign and are now living in Phrygia. If you recruit them and equip them as light infantry, they will fight hard to win back their homeland in the event of war with the Sultan, and may make valuable scouts in conflicts in the East, as well."

You, however, think back to what Eusebios said about Crispinus' uncanny military prowess. The Franks are well-known for their skill and fighting spirit. The Empire already employs a few Western knights-errant (Crispinus being such a one); perhaps establishing a larger force of them would lend the cavalry strength needed to turn the tide of battle.

As presiding Emperor, it is your decision to make. You may choose up to two troop types to focus recruitment on.