The Magnaura

[Privateerkev]

Some time elapses. Makedonios comes into the chambers with paperwork.

Alright, if we're done talking about killing each other, we have Senate business to discuss.

Looking at the voting results, it looks like I'm going to win this re-vote.

The election will continue but I figure it is best to get started on some things now, rather than later.

I have been noticing some new oath swearing going on. I need to know who will be eligible for private armies in the future. That will allow me to budget accordingly and maybe even recruit for these armies ahead of time.

To everyone that has a private army, besides those in the Order, I will need to know exactly what units make up your armies and where those units are.

I ask that all governors allow some flexibility in what I can build. And to try to include the cheapest buildings first in the queue. It is better to have small improvements all the time than one or two buildings sucking up all of the florins.

We all know there are legal ways to stockpile excess units above and beyond what is needed for your private armies. If you do so, I will skip your settlements when it comes time to fund improvements. We will need fiscal discipline if we are to get through the current financial difficulties.

And we all know there are ways to manipulate the law with private armies. I believe someone called it "garrison dumping." If you play games with the private army rules, I will simply freeze spending and let the whole Senate know why.

Those who work with me to get the Empire's finances in order will find me most agreeable. Those who wish to keep playing games with the law will find me very cranky. In that instance, I will follow the letter of the law but will provide no extra support beyond that required of me by law.

Gentlemen, I am now available for correspondance. You can write me, day or night. A response will always be given promptly but I apologize ahead of time if the responses are brief.

[ULC]

Aleksander shakes his head.

"Are you all so arrogant as to believe it will be between the Houses? That this is at all related to how one House feels about another? The matter goes deeper, as the Basileus himself will attest to. It is a contest between Church and State, between the Patriarch and The Basileus, with the Caesar and Order as pawns, the Crusade as a tool, and the execution of thousands Christians and the destruction of holy places in Fatimid lands as mere collateral. But, since most of you want to simply ignore me, I will simply take my seat and let the Emperor say exactly what I have said. At least you listen to him, right?"

[Kagemusha]

"Stop Blabbering if you dont have anything real to say. If Patriarch has committed treason and you have proof of that. Show us the proof and He can be put on trial and executed like any other traitor. Give us what you know and stop blabbering your mysterious fortune teller tales. Lay down the evidence and we can proceed with any traitors there are."

[Privateerkev]

Makedonios looks at Alexsander.

I'm afraid you have stumbled into the wrong chambers. This room is for Senators and their aides. So, unless you are a proxy or are called as a witness, you have no place here.

If there is a crime, we will uncover it. If you are needed as a witness, we will let you know.

Good day good sir.

[ULC]

"The Basileus has all the evidence, for I gave everything I had on the Patriarch to him. I am here only as witness at the request of the Basileus."

[Privateerkev]

Then we will call upon you if we need you.

Thank you, that will be all.

OOC: Sorry, I have a hard time believing that just anyone can wander into the Senate. Next, there will be fat Venetian merchants...

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Two men enter the room..
By the looks and the clothes it is clear that they are Venetian merchants from the ship that arrived few days ago..
Seeing Efstathios they nod to him and took a seat next to him. Taller one of those two whispers something to Efstathios that makes them both smile a bit..

OOC: Here you have it PK. Venetian Merchants.

[deguerra]

Ioannis starts banging his fist on his chair until there is some silence before standing up to speak

Will you all be silent!

What is this madness!

First, Savvas, you do your reputation a grave harm with your conduct. That you remain adversarial towards your opponent in the election is understandable, but rampant accusations and wild theories are beneath you and any other Senator.

You speak of one house not gaining too much power, when this past term it was the Komnenodouaki who gained much more than all others. I do not have a problem with this. They fought valiantly against a common foe of all the Empire and took land and required men in the process. But you can hardly accuse other Houses of too much power!

Furthermore, your accusations against Makedonios are laughable, and as my newly-acquired vassal I sharply reject your accusations of House Asteri having any false motives in voting for the Grandmaster. I happen to think he will be a good Megas. I happen to think this Empire needs balance. I have nothing against you, and at any other time in any other position would have voted for you. I thought I had made that abundantly clear.

Finally, you slander the Basileos, which I will not let stand. In his wisdom, he has decided to vote differently because the Empire required stability and not another tie. That he puts the Empire's interests before those of himself and his famly should be applauded, not attacked.

And lastly, let me say I in now way endorse all these strangers in these halls.

The Senate of the Roman Empire is for Senators of the Roman Empire. We have allowed scribes and proxies because we thought them necessary. Quite frankly, I would be happier if ONLY Senators were allowed to speak at all, while others would only observe. But I will not stand for people not even representing a Senator not only attending but speaking here. If they are not officially invited, they should be removed. And probably thrown in jail while we're at it.

Given that this man is a member, former or not, of the Organisation, and I might add has approached me in at least one other capacity, I would most like to speak to him, so I would ask that the Basileos have the Varagnians detain him right NOW!

[Andres]

Savvas nods to Ioannis Kalamateros.

I apologise for the anger and the rage I displayed in this body, Senator. I got carried away by my emotions.

I also apologise to the Emperor for my harsh words and how I phrased my thoughts.

But I still sincerely believe that the Emperor makes a gigantic mistake by putting the nemesis of his son in charge of the Empire.

Savvas looks at the merchants.

And if you two don't leave instantly, I will drag you out of the Senate myself, injured or not.

And that man (points at the conspiracy theorist) should be put in jail. Maybe a short stay in the torture chamber will make him show us some proof.

[Privateerkev]

I fear some in here, looks at Savvas, are fanning the flames of division by referring to me as the Caesar's "nemesis." I am no one's nemesis. And I will work with anyone for the good of the Empire. The Caesar and I have our differences this is true. But I do not hate the man. I am confident we can work together this term for the greater good.

Savvas, you have been batting about the words "disloyal" and "traitor" for decades. The way you sounded years ago, if a member of the royal family were to kick us in the head, you would have us say, "thank you sir, may I have another."

But the very moment a member of the royal family does something you disagree with, you whine, complain, and throw a tantrum like a petulant child. What happened to that "unconditional loyalty" you used to spout off?

Funny, you would have us suffer criminal neglect in total silence if the Megas is in the royal family. But if a member of the royal family votes the way you don't like, you would have us all scream, cry, and hold our breath.

It seems you were for unconditional loyalty before you were against it.

[Andres]

I fear some in here, looks at Savvas, are fanning the flames of division by referring to me as the Caesar's "nemesis." I am no one's nemesis. And I will work with anyone for the good of the Empire. The Caesar and I have our differences this is true. But I do not hate the man. I am confident we can work together this term for the greater good.

Savvas, you have been batting about the words "disloyal" and "traitor" for decades. The way you sounded years ago, if a member of the royal family were to kick us in the head, you would have us say, "thank you sir, may I have another."

But the very moment a member of the royal family does something you disagree with, you whine, complain, and throw a tantrum like a petulant child. What happened to that "unconditional loyalty" you used to spout off?

Funny, you would have us suffer criminal neglect in total silence if the Megas is in the royal family. But if a member of the royal family votes the way you don't like, you would have us all scream, cry, and hold our breath.

It seems you were for unconditional loyalty before you were against it.

I apologised for my outburst.

Strange enough, I was angry, no I still am angry, because I am loyal to the Royal family.

You see, Grandmaster, I wasn't angry because I won't be Megas, I was angry because you will become Megas.

I would have been evenly outraged if the candidate for Megas was somebody else.

The mistake of the Emperor is not that he doesn't vote for me, the mistake consists of voting and thus making you the next Megas.

You say that you are not the nemesis of our Caesar, but we all know better, Grandmaster.

You let your vassals insult the Caesar without having them punished or facing real consquences, in the meanwhile hiding yourself behind an aura of being chivalrous and on higher moral grounds than the rest of us.

And don't you start again with your "complain to the Basileus" mantra.

It are your vassals and you are responsible for them.

Let there be no doubt about my loyalties. But a true loyal servant dares to disagree with his lord. If the Basileus makes a mistake, than I will say so. What good is a servant who always bows always says "yes" and never questions the decisions of his lord, how foolish they may be.

Don't lecture me about loyalty, Grandmaster.

[Warmaster Horus]

Savvas, please end this.
You complain that Makedonios' vassals speak up and say things you disagree with, and a minute later you proclaim that it is the duty of a true servant to dare to disagree with his lord. Which one is it?

In any case, I fear no amount of debates or arguments will satisfy you. The Emperor has decided to vote against you, and there is nothing you can do about it. If you think calling out against the Basileus will help, then you are wrong. You look more and more like a fool, whose only interest is power.

[Privateerkev]

I keep hearing "vassals" in the plural. I challenge anyone in here to find two of my men who have insulted the Caesar. Yes, we all know of one. But the proper term would be "vassal." Which is singular.

Anyone who says that my "vassals" are insulting the Caesar are again fanning the flames of division.

Unless you can find more than one person under my command who has insulted him. Ike, Armatos, Bart, Stavros, and Nathanail have all been relatively quiet in here. Are people trying to tell me that these 5 people have insulted the Caesar? You better bring me proof.

Others in here have insulted the Caesar but they are not under my command. So, bother their lords about it and stop lumping them in with Vissa.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Efstathios smiles..

Indeed.. Last time I checked I was not Grandmasters vassal.
And I do not insult the Caesar. Oh no. I just speak the truth and the truth is that.. Vissarionas is right about everything he have said against Caesar.
Mark my words but once he gets the throne.. well.. everything good his father have done shall be destroyed!

[Andres]

You complain that Makedonios' vassals speak up and say things you disagree with, and a minute later you proclaim that it is the duty of a true servant to dare to disagree with his lord. Which one is it?

Ah, but Makedonios isn't disagreeing with Vissa... If he would really disagree with Vissa, he would make him face real consequences.

I keep hearing "vassals" in the plural. I challenge anyone in here to find two of my men who have insulted the Caesar. Yes, we all know of one. But the proper term would be "vassal." Which is singular.

Anyone who says that my "vassals" are insulting the Caesar are again fanning the flames of division.

Unless you can find more than one person under my command who has insulted him. Ike, Armatos, Bart, Stavros, and Nathanail have all been relatively quiet in here. Are people trying to tell me that these 5 people have insulted the Caesar? You better bring me proof.

Others in here have insulted the Caesar but they are not under my command. So, bother their lords about it and stop lumping them in with Vissa.

Are we going to discuss grammar now? Haven't you got anything better to do, dear Megas? Like building armies for the Order?

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: Bah, Mak has no style, not being able to appreciate the drama created by Savvas' artistic freedom and all.

[Privateerkev]

Of course I disagree with Vissa and I have stated so publicly. Your more than welcome to dig through the transcripts to find it. As for punishment, he has been punished. It was private but he knows very well my feelings on the matter.

As for grammar, you deny it's importance? Good thing your not Megas. I can see you now, confusing the letters people give you.

As for armies, the Order isn't getting any more for the time being. They'll need theirs filled to legal capacity of course. But if I'm building any armies it's actually for other people. There are at least 4 legal armies popping up overnight. It will be difficult to recruit for all of them at once. Since your such a good vassal, I'm sure you won't mind if your lord and the Caesar's House get theirs first.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: Who ever said Mak had style? He is simply very effective at battles and politics. As well as being terrific in bed.

[OverKnight]

Aleksios speaks quietly.

Aleksander ek Kallipoleos is here by my invitation as part of an ongoing investigation. However I would ask him to remain silent for the moment, as my inquiry into certain matters is not complete. It is one thing to believe something, yet another to prove it.

I am awaiting the arrival of Senator Apionnas Vringas with more information before I can present my findings.

The Basileus looks a bit concerned.

I had expected him to arrive in time for the Session, he is overdue.

[_Tristan_]

A man in a dust-powdered cloak walks into the Magnaura and delivers a rolled parchment to the Senate scribes. After having it read by the Protoasecretes, who simply nods, the scribe walks to the Senate floor and begins to read.

Basileos, Caesar, Fellow Senators,

It is with great joy that I hereby announce that Alexandria, flower of the Fatimid Sultante has fallen to Byzantine arms. Under the joint command of Annios Solomon and myself, Alexandria has fallen.

Our brave Crusaders have suffered few losses. Nevertheless, some gruesome sight which we happen to behold when we launched our assault deserved that we deliver a fitting punishment to the population of the city.

I, and I alone, took upon me to unleash my men upon the filthy rabble that inhabited the city. Men were rounded and one out of five was put to death, his assets seized for the good of the Empire and in payment for the death of Kosmas Mavrozomis. This resulted in 2000 deaths.

I know full well that in acting in such a way I violated an Edict voted by this august body in the two last terms. I am ready to submit myself to the judgment of my peers upon this violation and await the decision of our most revered Basileos.

I wish the best in this term to our Megas and hope my fellow Crusaders will have the same success under the walls of Cairo.

Signed : Methodios Tagaris.
Captain-General of House Ilios Korakas.

The scribe rolls the parchment back and hands it to the Protoasecretes to file it in the Senate archive.

[Motep]

Andronikos looks up at this news, and hastily writes a message. Once complete, he handed the letter to a waiting scribe, and mounted his feet.

Glorious news! The city of Alexandria is once more in the hands of our Empire! Mark this day, gentleman, as a sign of victories to come!

This is indeed great news, though I am stricken by the needless collatteral in the wake of said victory. I understand that a general was lost, but he should not be avenged on the innocent civillians of the city! They did not kill him! He devoted his life to the crusade, and she has took her toll...who are we to understand divine judgement?

[Warmaster Horus]

I too rejoice at hearing such good news! Finally the Crusade is making good, visible progress.

The death of so many does appear excessive for the death of one man, however great he was. But by God Kosmas Mavrozomis deserved better! He deserved better than to die at the walls of heretics! And I believe he is now avenged.

Of course, these are but preliminary thoughts before the official report is posted. We should hold further commentary until it is rendered public.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: By that, I mean we should wait until Tristan posts the battle report. In the Logothetes' thread he says he will give IC reasons in there.

[TinCow]

In accordance with Crusade rules, Methodios Tagaris now owns Alexandria and will have 2 to 4 new Crusade units generated for him next turn.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Message has been brought to Magnaura from Efstathios Laskaris.

"Senators,

The sacking of Alexandria by the hands of Methodios Tagaris is disgraceful. To use Kosmas Mavrozomis' death as an excuse to kill those people and take their properties and money to himself is something we can not tolerate. This is nothing but a simple robbery. From now on all those locals will remember Mavrozomis' name as the reason why so many people lost their lives. His name is now tainted. This just shows that Tagaris don't know how to honor men like Kosmas and Markianos. But I am different. I renamed Caesarea to Markianopol to honor the man who fall valiantly fighting for defense of the Empire. This way his name will always be remembered.
May God look over us and give us strength to recreate Roman Empire!

Efstathios Laskaris"

[_Tristan_]

Methodios glares at Laskaris, a still vivid scar turning down the corner of his mouth in a scowl.

I need no excuse to kill people, Laskaris. If you had witnessed what I have, you would not be so quick to pass judgment on my deeds in Alexandria.(OOC : no time yet for my battle report and I'm waiting for Zim's permission to use Kosmas a particular way...).

Kosmas was more than a friend to me... He was an example, a man who showed me his gratitude for saving Belgrade by sponsoring me in the ranks of the nobility... His death at the hands of these heretics still rankles... Who is this God who allowed such a good man to die away from his home while the man was making this same God's work ? So do not believe I will let anybody say that the sack of Alexandria is to be laid at his feet... I take full responsability for it.

And I won't take any lessons about honour from a scoundrel who, while taking part in athe Crusade, spent most of his time spoiling the efforts of his fellow Crusaders by sabotaging their ships, at the risk of causing their deaths. Honour is as distant to you as the moon to a howling wolf... You can howl at it but you'll never reach it...

Who are you to question me ? What gave you the right to rename a city which you acquired only through your politicking (or should I say spit-licking...) ?

What have you achieved until now ? Only mischief in the Crusade and snide comments in these halls...

I will stop now for I already gave you too much importance.

Methodios sits down, still glaring at Laskaris.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

OOC: Have to say that Methodios have pretty good eyes if he can see Efstathios since he is still in Egypt and it was message from him that was read in the Magnaura. But I hope we see that battle report soon then.

[Motep]

OOC: Have to say that Methodios have pretty good eyes if he can see Efstathios since he is still in Egypt and it was message from him that was read in the Magnaura. But I hope we see that battle report soon then.

OOC: he is in egypt to.

[_Tristan_]

OOC : Not good eyes but good ears...

[deguerra]

I won't have baseless slander of members of House Asteri, least of all from the likes of you, Methodios.

I have not brought up your nifty little new "house" and its slimy, slithering and underhanded mannerisms, but if you desire to continue along this path I will be more than happy to divulge every last shred I've had to endure from it.

As for Alexandria, I will refrain from judging you until you deliver evidence of what happened to Kosmas that might justify such a response, but quite frankly, given your track record in the Balkans, I can at least bring some understanding for Strator Laskaris' misgivings.

As for his right to question you, I would argue that every Senator of the Empire has the right to quesiton another, but perhaps those are just my unchivalrous ways coming through again.

Finally, the renaming of Caesarea is quite apt to my eyes. We have changed its name from the nondescript sucking-up of a Roman client king to something that has meaning to us in the here and now. Or do you, who is so eager to boast of your own many achievements, doubt those of the late Markianos Ampelas?

[Privateerkev]

The sacking of Alexandria is a tragedy. I ask the Senate to punish Methodios for his actions. The sacking of a Crusade target is an affront to God. And Methodios willfully violated an Edict. I will abide by the will of the Senate concerning his punishment. In the meantime, he will be provided with what is needed to protect and defend Alexandria. The people of that city, who is left of them, should not be punished for his crimes.

[Ituralde]

Pavlos enters the Diet with a disgruntled look on his face.

Senators of the Roman Empire!

I am not a great speaker and I usuall don't speak in front of you, but I have to speak up against the falsehoods laid against me by Megas Ksanthopoulos in his last report.

First, my army is bloody well not made up entirely of mercenaries. There are some Saracen bastards, that's true, and some Armenian rabble that thinks it can shoot a bow and I have opted to give Ioannsi Kantakouzinos the company of Armenian cavalry to travel through enemy territory. But the rest of my army is in fact made up of true Roman soldiers!

Secondly, I have offered the Megas the same thing you can now find in my Orders thread during the last season. You can see for yourself that the recruitment cost for those men I asked for would be lower than the wages I have to pay the mercenaries every year! So the Megas had my permission to supply me with a cheaper army but chose not to.

It was his decision and not mine that I still have those mercenaries under my command! Don't accuse me of things I haven't done!

[Ibn-Khaldun]

There is no justifications to the sack of Alexandria.
What is even more disgraceful is that it was done by a man who voted 'Yes' just recently to an Edict that prohibited such actions.
I support the Grandmaster here.. He should be punished.
We can not allow people breaking rules and laws in anyway they want!
We didn't punish Caesar for his actions..
Machonios was punished by his House..
And now Tagaris should be brought to justice and be punished by the state..
As for the accusations that I spent most of the time sabotaging other Crusaders is not true.. All I did was the response to what Annios Solomon did.. He was the one sabotaging us on the eve of leaving Greece.. Can you deny that?! And this is the man you want to be part of your House?! He sabotaged us even in Egypt by destroying my armies Grand Cross.. What kind of man would do something like that?!
And I have all the right to name a city in anyway I want since it is under my rule! If I want I could rename it Efstathiopol or something but I don't because I'm not after some personal glory like you are!
I renamed it Markianopol to honor a great man who is example to all the Megas Logothetes' yet to come!!