The Magnaura

[Warmaster Horus]

Thank you all for your greetings, even if they seemed more like warnings and threats than anything else...
Perhaps all Strator Ioannis Kantakouzinos wants is a bit more wine?

Allthough the constant bickering between the Senators might suggest otherwise, we are all colleagues acting for the same purpose: the overall good of the Empire and the Royal Family.

Actually, it does suggest dissent. After all, isn't the most recent debate about our Caesar?

But I thank you all for welcoming me, and for your advice.

[Privateerkev]

Just like you have those who pass themselves off as jovial fun-loving individuals but you find out they are really quite bitter that their schemes have not been fulfilled so they resort to mis-characterizing events to embarrass those who they think have made their schemes fail.

Savvas, I hate to dissapoint you, but I am not the one responsible for your fall from political grace. In fact, I find you to be quite inconsequenctial. No one takes you very seriously.

Instead of making hints and jabs, why don't you just talk to me, or the Magnaura, about Antioch if it would make you feel better?

[Andres]

Actually, it does suggest dissent. After all, isn't the most recent debate about our Caesar?

Indeed good sir.

Most of us are very well aware of that and are loyal servants of the Empire and the Imperial family.

Others tend to forget that and think that a certain interpretation of the law combined with some false accusations give them a free pass to attack those they are supposed to be loyal to...

Maybe they were also sleeping while swearing their oaths?

[Kagemusha]

With a hint of a smile on his face Ioannis replies to Manuelitis.

But that is one fine idea indeed, Strator Manouelitis. Wine is my only comfort when listening to the daily ramblings of our glorious and saint like Grandmaster of St.John. But thanks to good Senator ek Militou, atleast this wine im having is of fine quality.

Ioannis says while looking the grandmaster and trying to look as saint like as possible.

[Privateerkev]

Loyalty is not the same as blind obediance.

I have remained loyal to the Empire, my Faith, the Royal family, the Order, and my friends and allies.

But I am no lapdog.

I challenge anyone to find one instant where I have been disloyal. And be specific in your charge. You may feel free to send a letter if you wish to make the discussion private.

looks at Kantakouzinos

But some in here rather act like they are in junior high. And they wonder why political fortune has not smiled on them...

[Cecil XIX]

Ah yes, 'a certain interpretation of the law'. You see, some of us believe that those who violate the law should be made to answer for it. Sadly, not everyone share that disposition.

*Armatos clears his throat*

Regardless, I bid you welcome Senator Manouelitis.

[AussieGiant]

Striding into the chamber a refreshed and now clean Apionnas takes a seat behind the Basileus. Leaning forward the younger man talks quietly to the Emperor and glances towards Makedonios on occasion.

Retaking his seat he begins to write.

[Kagemusha]

Ioannis looks at the grandmaster and asks?

"Junior high? Is that somekind of Syrian Brothel? As far as i am aware, my political ambitions have been full filled completely, by being able to strengthen the tie between Kantakouzinos and Komnenos families with being adopted by our beloved Caesar."

With bit more sharp tone Ioannis continues.

"It can be shock to you Grandmaster, but some of us actually are obedient and loyal subjects of the Imperial family and Basileos, while others may have grand visions of their own Kingdoms. Independent of the Empire."

[OverKnight]

Aleksios begins to drum his fingers on the Throne.

[Privateerkev]

Kantakouzinos,

Your idea of what I want is simply your own fantasy. If you insist of telling us of your fantasies and dreams, can you at least leave me out of them?

[00jebus]

He can't be entirely wrong oh honourable grandmaster, if you were content to serve the empire, you would be content with the armies the empire has provided for your order, they, along with all the order members are more than strong enough to defend your provinces.

[Privateerkev]

Why don't you come down here and look at the tactical situation before you tell me that the Order doesn't need what the Megas is legally obligated to provide.

[OverKnight]

The Basileus shakes his head with a trace of resignation. He rises and leaves the chamber.

[00jebus]

It appears to me, that your only possible enemies are the turks, the ayyubids and the templar order, that is, respectivly, a collection of tribes that have had their backs broken by the actions of two other houses, a kingdom thats about to face the full force of a crusade, and a bunch of monks

[Privateerkev]

Regardless of your assessment of our threats, we still require those armies to defend the area.

[Kagemusha]

" Grandmaster. Not with a single word i named you being the one who has such ambitions. I could have talked about anyone, but it seems for some reason you yourself associated yourself as that person."

Ioannis feels tempted to continue, but when he sees the tapping fingers of the Emperor, Kantakouzinos decides it is better not to continue verbal attacks against Makedonias.

[Privateerkev]

Oh please, do not insult my intelligence. With your constant verbal abuse, it is clear to anyone who it was you were speaking of.

Say what you mean, say it clearly, and don't get mad when someone refutes it. And that can go for everyone in here...

[Kagemusha]

The word was "some", not anything else and everyone here heard what i said. Dont blame me of revealing your own ambitions Grandmaster.
Gentlemen, now if you will excuse me i must leave for this evening."

Ioannis bows and walks out from the Senate.

[ULC]

Iakovos returns to the senate, a determined look on his face. Iakovos sees Nikephoros Manouelitis and gives him a knowing smile.

"Welcome Nikephoros Manouelitis, to our esteemed hall of intelligent debate. It is here we help decide the fate of the empire, at least it's legal fate, but don't worry, we are not all sharks in here."

[Ibn-Khaldun]

As "legal" as the "legal" fate can be...
Recent advents have just showed that some do not care about the laws..

Says Efstathios' scribe ..

[Andres]

Savvas looks at Efstathios scribe.

Good man, you do realise that you speak on behalf of your master, do you? I hope he approves all that you are saying in this sacred place. If he doesn't, than I hope you're the kind of guy who enjoys getting whipped.

A servant brings Savvas a report.

It seems like there are some rebels on the road to Arta.

Gentlemen, I have to rejoin my troops.

Savvas nods to the assembled senators and leaves the building.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Looks like that defeating rebels is becoming too frequent in here...
Would like to know how these 'brave nobles' fight against proper warriors who tend to fight back?

Saying that, the scribe ignores the remarks by Savvas.

[Dafuge]

I believe rebels are willing to fight back, and can be stubborn with not surrendering. I also see that for the Empire to expand we need to defeat rebelions in our own lands, otherwise there is no point of what we are doing here.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

These rebels and brigands are mere peasants with pitchforks ...
Where is the honor in fighting against them??
This is a job for the Captains and not to 'noble' Senators...
And those who have become part of the 'Royal Family' due to the fact that they murdered some local poor men, who were starving and took some handy weapons to protect their homes from the power hungry noblemen, is not honorable at all...

the voice of the scribe sounded arrogantly ...

[Andres]

Savvas' scribe writes down the words of his colleague.

With an embarassed look on his face, he adresses the Senators.

Noble Senators, forgive me this interruption, but I apologise on behalve of my colleague, Senator Efsthatios' scribe, who doesn't seem to know his place. I'm sure his own master would appreciate it if he would be removed from the Magnaura.

[Privateerkev]

Makedonios looked at the scribe.

Would Efstathios prefer that we let these men block roads and prey upon locals?

They need to be removed. Why shouldn't the nobles do this themselves?

He coughs into a napkin.

[Dafuge]

You mention the rebels are petty warriors with pitchforks, and ask where the honour in fighting them is.

I ask what the honour of fighting with them is considering some parts of 'Noble' senators armys consist of several regiments of them.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

If the governors wouldn't raise taxes into the level where men can not pay them anymore then there wouldn't be any brigand/rebel problem.
And the reason why so many peasants have joined the Army is that at least this way they can provide some help to their families.
Many of these brigands are just some locals and perhaps they would accept some money if they disband. This would save their lives and the reputation of our 'nobles' in the lower classes.

The scribe smiles and he begin to feel himself important...

[TheFlax]

A note replaces the one from the University.

The following have been accepted for the position of Scholar in the University of Constantinople for the period of 1110 to 1125.

- Comes Iakovos ek Kallipoleos
- Domestikos Nathanail ek Korinthou
- Domestikos Aleksios ek Ikoniou
- Patrikos Ioannis Kalameteros
- Ceasar Ioannis Komnenos

(OOC: Please send me the trait you wish to add/remove before the next Senate session.)

[Dafuge]

With our current finances I don't think we could afford to pay off every single rebel army that appears. It is also to my belief that public happiness is usually enought to stop rebelions in that area. Also many of the rebels are payed by other countries such as Hungary which is why they don't accept pay off.