House of Asteri

[Zim]

Fellow House members, I believe it is time we discuss the edicts proposed in the Senate.

Here are my own opinions on them:

Edict 1.1 I am not sure about. It seems an odd thing to make a law for, as we all have pledged our loyalty to the Emperor, or we wouldn't be Senators. It is up to each of us to individually decide whether to support this edict.

Edict 1.2 I support wholeheartedly. The empire needs to grow to face it's enemies. Our House in particular is well situated to serve the Empire by taking Rhodes and Smyrna.

Edict 1.3 I support this Edict strongly as well, but that is a personal matter of piety.

Edict 1.4 I would like the House to support this one as much as 1.2 Antioch remains a great city, and was a seat of a Patriarch. It could easily be in Roman hands again, and should be.

Edict 1.5 I support this one as well, although it would be faster were we given temporary use of the navy in the Aegean sea than to build a new port at Athens for new ships or rely on a single mercenary ship.

Edict 1.6 A project of two of our House members, I believe we should support this.

Edict 1.7 This one is tempting, giving one province to our friend Michail and one to a member of our House, however I believe House Tagamata has an especially strong interest in Arta. While the attempt of one of their members to push the Order into expanding in our direction was vexing, it is not so that I would attempt to take their only easy avenue of expansion. I cannot ask my House to support this Edict.

I welcome discussion on any of the recommendations I have made.

[The Lemongate]

I doubt few people will vote for edict 1.6.

They will rather wait until the Normans are on our own shores before realizing it would take 4 or 6 boats to bring an army of decent size into Italy. And by that time we will not have the necessary resources to fight such a war and will be forced to appease them. If we already had a presence in Italy however, things would be different. And if that presence just happened to include generals of any sort of skill, it would take little over 500 men to completely reduce the Normans.

And all it would've taken to start with is a single ship and a single unit of spearmen...

I'm not even sure I will move to Durazzo. I might simply stay in Constantinople and sulk.

[deguerra]

Now where is your fighting spirit? Politics is not that different from the battlefield, in order to succeed, one requires patience and perseverance. Do not discount and edict until the votes are in!

[The Lemongate]

I plead irreconcilable differences with most parties in the Senate.

And I rest my case.

[Smowz]

The bodyguards of Nevoulos ek Philadelphius are packing their things ready to leave the house.

Their orders received a few hours ago perplexes and disappoints the men who were growing accustomed to the lush Greek climate. However their master had been quite urgent in his message from Constantinople, there was no place in this house for him.

Theirs was not the place to question their master, however it seems it became a matter of internal politics.

As they shuffle to the door another messenger arrives, assuming this surely cannot be for them the bodyguards shuffle past. The messenger makes an announcement.

People of the House of Asteri, Nevoulos ek Philedelphias wishes to announce this:

He will swear an oath of fealty to one Zigavinos Vasilakos of the Asteri.

With that the messanger retreats, the bodyguards are rooted to the spot stunned by the sudden and highly irregular statement. It was their understanding that their master was to swear to another man Anastasios. Confused the order was given to return their masters personal belongings and settle down once again. For how long who knew, one thing was for sure these men were happy they were not part of the political process!!!

[Zim]

I am pleased to see we have another new member for our House.

I also have an announcement to make. The Emperor has made his opinion on Durazzo clear. I ask that members of this House respect his wishes, whatever Edicts may be passed. I have no doubts that he will pick the right man for the job.

[Askthepizzaguy]

With a bow, Efstratios wishes the House of the Asteri well, as he has joined Michail's faction as second in command.

We will be your honourable allies. Do not hesitate to contact us, friends. Godspeed you to victory!

[Ferret]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

who rated this thread 'asteri'? A new feature?

[Askthepizzaguy]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

There's a bunch of new features if you look around. But uh... where are the USER PAGES????


Vote ATPG best user page of 2008

[rossahh]

I shall accept Nevoulos's oath as soon as he publicly offers it.

[Smowz]

Now well accustomed to the long journey between the Center of the empire and Athens, Nevoulas ek Philadelphuis has made good time on his return journey. He is eager to pass on his analysis of his time in Constinantinople and pass on news to his loyal bodyguard.

However he has one pressing matter of engagement on his mind. He has a duty to perform.

After much soul-searching and discussions with various nobleman including the highest names in the House of Asteri Comes Kosmos and Strator Anastasios. Nevoulas has found a lord to follow, in these exciting times of reawakening... he is now eager to set any lingering doubts aside.

He has some of his finest robes available at the doors entry to great halls of the Asteri and quickly moves to some side quarters to allow his servents to clean and dress him. Whilst he feels the pressing need he knows this is a moment of great importance to himself and wishes to make the right impression.

Once he is happy with his appearance Nevoulas strides into the great hall and is delighted that his lord is there with a good crowd of retainers.

Nevoulas approches Zigavinos and falls with relative grace to one knee....

My lord Strator Zigavinos Vasilakos I hereby officially swear an oath of fealty to you.

I promise to uphold with the best of my ability the chivalrous and loyal nature that you have shown. I will put all my efforts into protecting you and your interests within the house of Asteri.

Whilst we are both young I am sure we both must be looking forward to the fight to bring the Roman empire and our house to full glory.

With that he remains one knee until the formalities of the ceremonies are over, Nevoulas savors the moment it has been a long couple of weeks for the young Strator. This moment he was sure was one that would be the first step toward a many fruitful adventure.

[The Lemongate]

With Senator Vasilakos' permission I shall break my oath to him and swear fealty to Comes Mavrozomis.

[rossahh]

You have my permission Anastasios.



And you Nevoulas, stand. I accept your oath. Long may we serve the House of the Asteri together. With voting nearly concluded, soon it shall be time to actively serve the House and the Empire. I trust you are ready and willing?

[The Lemongate]

Then I officially swear an oath of fealty to Comes Mavrozomis.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

If I understand the rules correctly, there is no problem here since it was all agreed upon. And really, this move has more to do with OOC considerations then IC ones. I don't feel like creating an IC explanations.

[Ferret]

Hypatios storms into the chambers.

This is ridiculous, why were there only two regiments on that boat! I was under the misconception that another two were supposed to be there to assist in the siege of Rhodes, now how is Ioannis to get into the Castle? I really see no need for 4 units of spearmen to be guarding Athens, the populations is happy and the nearest enemies are holed up in Arta, this is absurd...

he leaves muttering curses

edit: an aide walks in

I apologize, no matter how hard I try he cannot be convince that it is not possible to fit so many men onto just two ships.

[Askthepizzaguy]

OOC-

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

not to be picky, but you have to BOLD your oath swearing from now on.

[Zim]

OOC:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I'd like to see OOC stuff spoilered if possible, please. He forgot to use the word "oath" as well. Cursed new rules.

[Smowz]

Nevoulas ek Philadelephius is standing on the battlements of the castle looking over Rhodes city, he looks back at his most faithful bodyguard. His bodyguards looks betray him, his features look somewhat bitter to be still here the sight of the loss of one of his friends in the assault.

The assault itself from a logistical standpoint had been a success, indeed it was Nevoulas' segment of the assault that had made the critical breakthrough. Ioannis' original assault on the fortress had failed, as in the meantime Nevoulas' squadron had been cleverly been directed to the side the climb the wall. It was here where Nevoulas knows where his loyal troops may have questioned his order, as the spearman opened the side gates he charged his cavalry in through into the heart of the defending force.

Nevoulas chides himself, for questioning his orders now... he knows to be a good commander he must be decisive. He must also be prepared to lose some troops, even loyal long-serving ones for the good of the empire. In fact he has been busying himself in the settlement, with Ioannis resting up, readying himself to make a move across the seas to Anatolia, Nevoulas has been overseeing new constructions and the full assimilation of Rhodes into the Roman empire.

In truth over the siege much of the word had been passed on to the people on the island as whilst the garrison held on in the castle, Ioannis and Nevoulas had been passing on the word to the people of this island.

Finances had now been sent and a small church was being built on the island. In addition to this.... well time to show my mourning bodygaurd what we have won...

Nevoulas strides purposfully back inside motioning his bodygaurd in, as he walks through into the hall he is delighted to see Ioannis sitting at the table, looking healthier by the day feasting on the food. Here painstaking work has been done to replica the hall in Rhodes. The people of the island have done a fine job with tapestries, depecting great times of both the Roman empire and indeed the island of Rhodes.

On the centre of the far wall is the newest monument, two lances of fallen knights in Nevoulas' regiment that have been retrieved and decorated on placed on the far wall. Seeing this now a tear comes to both Nevoulas and his bodyguards eye, it is a suitable testament to the mens courage. Leaving his minor aside, Nevoulas joins his companion at the table.

[Zim]

A great feast is had at the Kosmas estate, to which not only members of House Asteri are invited, but any who wish to come. Midway through it, Kosmas raises his glass for a toast.

"I wish to congratulate all the members of our House who have been on campaign this past years. Nevoulos and Ioannis, who showed great bravery in the assault of Rhodes, Hypatios and Zigavinos for their defeat of the garrison of Smyrna in a sally, and Anastasios in his lonely trek to the northwest to take Belgrade."

"I would like to officially designate Hypatios as Comes of Rhodes and Zigavinos as Comes of Smyrna. Anastasios, of course, will be Comes of Belgrade. Again, I commend all of you for your bravery in these recent years."

[Andres]

Savvas ek Militou enters the Kosmas estate. Apart from the seemingly more expensive clothes and a slightly darker tan, he hadn't changed much since the last Senate session.

"I just got back from Arta and heard there was a party going on over here. Thanks for the invitation, dear Kosmas Mavrozomis," Savvas said and he took a goblet of wine.

"I congratulate House Asteri on their many victories during the past campaign."

Savvas lifts the goblet and looks at Kosmas Mavrozomis.

"To House Asteri!"

Savvas drinks.

[Smowz]

In strides Nevoulas ek Philadelphius - having grown out a little in his campaign to subdue and educate the populace of Rhodes - ready to join the celebration.

Usually an understated man, Nevoulas surprises by raising a glass and joining Savvas and Kosmas in the celebrations.

These victories have been hard earned gentlemen I will enjoy a some time of decadance with my fellow Romans.

In truth Nevoulas is unsteady about the coming week in which he knows he will have to travel to the Capitol and sit through and perhaps even contribute to the discussions of the Senate. His boat journey from Rhodes had hardly settled those nerves either, a good drink with the jovial Savvas and the leader of his house already merry, what else is there to be done but PARTY on :)

[Zim]

Fellow House members,
I have updated the House roster to take into account Asteri's current membership and ranks.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Efstathios Laskaris walks in and looks around to see some familiar faces. Seeing one, he smiles and walks towards him.

In the presence of all these great warriors I, Efstathios Laskaris, swear an oath of fealty to Hypatios Machonios.

[Ferret]

We would love to have you in the House Lord Laskaris, but it would be more beneficial to us if you were to swear to Kosmas, keeping the Feudal chain linear rather branching. Thank you for coming here, you are most welcome.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

OOC: Can I simply change my Oath and swear it to Kosmas then??
From EF's postI understood that he did not accepted my oath of fealty and I should be free to swear it again?

[deguerra]

go right ahead. An oath doesn't count until it is accepted.

welcome to the House. It is always good to see fresh faces!

[Ibn-Khaldun]

For the good of this House I will swear Oath of Fealty to Kosmas Mavrozomis.

Efstathios looks Kosmas and waits wether he accepts or declines this.

[Zim]

Kosmas nods towards Efstathios

I accept Efstathios' Oath of Fealty.

[Zim]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC:Fixed the ranks on the first page. I was wrong about Belgrade having been taken, it was still under siege when Methodios relieved the garrison.

[flyd]

I hereby swear an oath of fealty to Ioannis Kalameteros