The Royal Council

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Thank you Nikarchos, although if I am doing my job right I hope to never have to ask for your help.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Basileus I have found a rebel nobleman hiding out in the fields northwest of Damacus, I require the use of a unit of akonstia from damacus to defeat him, do I have permission?

[navarro951]

General Ankyrikos rises...

"Theo I find your lack of faith in our fellow strategos very amusing. You have not yet proved your ability as a commander nor a friend, and your undermining tongue toward the great Sarpedon, our Basileus, is quite disrespectful. I have too pushed the issue of invading Greece, but never with such a defying tone.

Basileus, I would however like to know if I may take my men a bit further into Epirote territory. I was thinking maybe expanding to Tylis. I think it is very possible to gain a glorious victory there. Of course, this is if you think it would be a smart move as I do for the Arche. It is my understanding that if we are at war with a country, that our charter amendments allow for attacks on any of their settlements correct?"

He seats himself and awaits an answer...

[Warluster]

Theodotas stands

I have proven myself as a commander before; on the battlefields with armies of our Empire. As a friend? I have no friends except those who prove themselves, and fight well. I may not have a friend at my side, Nikarchos, but I will certianly have 20 000 Arche soldiers.

Maybe the reason, Ankyrikos, you never got your invasion of Greece was because you never pushed the matter; maybe you must be louder to achieve that. Speaking as a small, weak man will not get you anything.

If Ankyrikos wants to invade Greece; and gets permission, I request I accompany him in the invasion. Maybe it is best if we seek peace with others, to achieve a war into Greece; it is a richer place then to the East or South - East.

'Theo'dotas bows respectfully to the Basileus, before seating himself

[The Celtic Viking]

Sarpedon stands up, and almost shouts out the first word in a commanding voice.

"Enough! Maybe what is needed here is better hearing, not a louder voice. I have said time and time again that there will be no invasion yet! Is there any problem understanding those words? Expanding into Greece now is, as I have repeatedly said, not a viable choice, and I will not list the reasons for it yet again! Trying to get your way through force of repetition will only do you harm and no good. The next man who asks for this without a damned good reason for it will be banned from the council!

And while it is true that all our enemies' settlements are fair game to attack, the regular armies are not fair game to move around as you please to attack whomever you want. I decide where it is to move and where it is to attack, if at all. Your orders are still as before to keep Byzantion safe and keep the peace there. Do you not understand it yourself that if you and the Lydian left now it would rebel?"

Sarpedon is about to sit down again, but is reminded by one of his servants that he had forgotten Patrokles' request.

"Yes, yes, you can take them."

Sarpedon waves off in Patrokles' direction, and then sits down again, putting his head into his left hand resting by the elbow on his throne.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

after leaving for some time Patrokles walks back into the council room, slightly battered but with a slight smile

Basileus I have returned from destroying the rebellious noblemen, he seems to have surrounded himself with a group of arabians, not that it mattered, he is dead now my lord, I will be here for a small time to lick my wounds. but plan on then moving to the northeast to meet and hopefully destroy the huge rebel forces swarming uncontested near Edessa. for this I fear I will have to rely more upon garrison troops to assist me, Edessa has phalangtites and persian archers which I will most deffinitly need if I am given permission to continue I believe that I will need the Phalangtites and Archers from Edessa and also if possible taking the akonstitai that I have with my retinue now. Please think on this request Basileus I realize it is not what the arche normally does, giving command of so many men to a lowly Strategos even if it is for such a short time, but I think it nessasary to keep law enforced through the land. Thank you for your time Basileus.

[navarro951]

"I do not wish to invade Greece, only take Tylis. But the Basileus has spoken, my lips are shut on the issue."

[The Celtic Viking]

"I don't know, Patrokles. I need to check out the situation in Damaskos more carefully before I allow the garrison there to be moved away from its area. I will return with an answer later when I've done that, but if need be other units can be levied temporarily, though I would prefer to avoid it. Even if I actually do it, you shouldn't expect too much even then, and any help you can get should be wisely used."

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Thank you sir, all I ask is that the situation be reviewed, and if the troops can't be spared then I will accept my lot. however most of the troops I need are garrisoned in Edessa, I MIGHT be able to take the force with just the persian archers and Phalangtites and No psilo, but is is a risk I just dont feel is worth taking Patrokles shakes his head. but as I said if the situation can't warant it I will gladly step down.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Basileus, I am moving north and need to know if the Psilo must be returned to the city, I do not mean to rush you, but I must know.

[The Celtic Viking]

"Ah, yes... yes, you have my permission. Just send them back as soon as your mission is complete."

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Thank you Basileus I will not keep them for too long.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

A ragged runner marches into the chamber

Basileus, Patrokles sent me to make sure that he has permission to take the garrison of Edessa to deal with the rebels.

[The Celtic Viking]

"I gave him permission to do it before. If I ever change my mind, he will be the first to know."

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

The messanger cringes, " I am sorry Basileus, he just wanted to be thorough"

[ooc: sorry wasn't thinking]

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Old Magistrate coughs and says...

I have a little announcement to make. Winning his last battle Aratos Arethousas Syriakes have earned himself a promotion. From now one he should be addressed as Strategos Hetairos! This also means that he have the right to two military units to act as his bodyguards. Whether he chooses mercenaries or locals from Hierosolyma is his choice, though.

Magistrate resumes his seat..

[The Celtic Viking]

Sarpedon rises.

"What's this? A worthy man like Aratos receives a promotion, and none here congratulates him? Hmm. "Silence is the greatest form of honouring you get in politics", indeed. Nevertheless, I congratulate you, Aratos! You have served me, and our great kingdom, with great honour, dignity and skill. You've deserved that promotion.

Moving on...

I hereby declare the Council Session open! It will stay open for debate and legislation until 22.00 GMT on Monday, January 26th, at which point there will be 48 hours allowed for voting.

At first I will make this Edict, seeing as time did not permit it to be fulfilled since the last session:

Edict..." Sarpedon whispers a little with one of his aids. "Ah, yes..."

"Edict 6.1: Alexandreia must be taken.

I also want to announce that once Alexandreia is taken, I will make it into a satrapy and Aratos Arethousas Syriakes will be bestowed the honour of governing it. This means that I will have to find a new commander for the 1st Syrian Army, so anyone who wants the position should announce it, so I can make my decision." Sarpedon turns to the Old Magistrate. "Is that a valid announcement, or do I have to wait with it until Alexandreia is actually taken?"

Sarpedon turns to Phanias Laodikeias Lydikes.

"We also need a new army to replace the 1st Parthian, and I would like it to be raised in the north-east. However, the only place where we can raise a suitable army is in your satrapy, Phanias. That's why I'm asking you: if I propose that a new army should be formed there, will you allow troops for that army to be raised from amongst your populace?"

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Ahh I am sorry I did not congratulate you earlier Aratos, forgive my hard hearing but congratulation on your promotion, truly a man like you desrves all honours the Arche bestows on him

I propose the following Edict 6.2 2 small rebel hunting armies [2-4 units] be created, one to patrol Mikra Asia and Syria, and the other to patrol the east. commander of these armies should be appointed every council session to given to strategos in need of it military experience.

And if I may be so bold, If Phanias gives permission to make a new army in the east I would ask to be appointed in command. I was already planning on heading east to deal with all the rebels there. and would be honored to be given the opportunity to fight for the Arche with it, though I suggest it not bear a name to similar to its predeseccor, I need not say what affect that my have on morale

[GMaximus]

A dusty man outfitted as a Hetairos briefly hurried into the Council Chamber, bowing to the Strategoi and the Basileus, handing Alkaios a letter and leaving. Alkaios, after reading the letter, bit his lip silently before speaking out:

"Edict 6.1 would have my Lord's full support.

Also, I'd wish to note that apparently, my Lord Mikithion fell slightly ill. Nothing serious, but his herbalist advised him from taking long and hasty journeys, so he shall be absent for the duration of his illness."

[The Celtic Viking]

Sarpedon coughs.

"Phanias cannot deny an army to be raised in the east; he can only veto raising any new units in his satrapy. In any case, I will consider your request.

As for your Edict, I don't think it will be necessary. When the Ptolemies are subdued, the 1st Syrian as well as the new army - for I intend to have one created somewhere, regardless if that is Hekatompylos or Persepolis or in Hades' arse - will be free to take care of the rebels, at least for now. Later on we can create small, non-regular armies if necessary, but I don't think it will be needed at this moment."

Sarpedon turns to Alkaios.

"I am... displeased to hear that, but it is somewhat fortunate, I believe, since he ended up where he did. As you know, there's a Hayasdan army in our territory, north of your master's position. Has Mikithion learned anything of it? Does he know what it intends to do? Does he trust their... continued well-wishes?"

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Old Magistrate responds to Basileus Sarpedon..

About that announcement, it's not even in the powers of Basileus to create a Satrapy in a land that is not conquered yet. Thus, unfortunately it's not valid one.

Magistrate sighs..

But if I may, I would recommend Your Highness to change Edict 6.1 into Permanent Edict in case it will take more than 3 years to take Alexandreia.

[navarro951]

Panaitolos stands...

"Good Aratos, I am sorry I have been at home in Babylonia, but if you would except an apology I would like to also congratulate you in your honored time. He gestures him with a nod and a smile.

I would like to second the Basileus Edict 6.1.

Good men of this honored council, and my lord Sarpedon, I propose an edict of my own:

Edict 6.3: That the Epirote city of Tylis be taken.

I think it is time, as our armies are expanding further south, that we also begin to expand a bit further north. What I am proposing is reasonable, not a full invasion of Epeiros territory, but simply tightening our grip on their unruly lands. I believe me and the 1st Lydian could both capture it and guard it well."

Panaitolos seats himself looking for support...

[The Celtic Viking]

"What? My army is but one march from the city, a city that is barely guarded at all and ripe for the taking. How can I take what you just said as anything else than an insult to me as a commander? Three years, and I have only to march in through to front door! I'd have to be an idiot and hold the map upside-down for that."

Sarpedon sighs heavily, and shakes his head.

"It's good that you have your uses in other areas, because when it comes to war, my horse would make a better advisor. But come now! Lets get on with the session. If I can't make the satrapy now - even though Alexandreia is for all intents and purposes already mine - I'll just have to speed things up and take it a little faster. It should prove an easy task. Now here's an amendment:

Charter Amendment 6.1: At each Council Session, the Basileus may make one Edict or Permanent Edict that automatically succeeds. (Beyond that it's just like a regular permanent/non-permanent edict.) This would be added to the Basileus' powers in Rule 2.4.

Oh, and another thing... Panaitolos, I believe you can do this, and sooner or later we must expand there anyway. As the Ptolemaioi are no longer a threat, I believe it is indeed time that we move further west. Therefore, I second Edict 6.3. In case you do not know already, you have reinforcements coming, who will be in Byzantion in two seasons I believe. You should perhaps wait for them to reach you before setting out - should the edict go through, of course."

[navarro951]

"I thank you good Basileus for your support, and will also second CA 6.1. I trust that your power will be used for what is best for the Arche and will give you the support to do so."

Panaitolos rises and bows, before seating himself once more.

[Incitatus]

Alexandros rises to speak

I should also like to second CA 6.1, efficient bureaucracy is crucial to a well run empire. As to the matter of the 1st Syrian Army's new commander (I take the Basileus' speedy conquest of Alexandria as a given), I would like to be considerd for the appointment. I am currently campaigning with the army, and have been so since the war against Pontus. I believe that in all respects I am equal to the task and that the Basileus would not regret his decision.

[The Celtic Viking]

"That's a very strong argument you're making here, Alexandros. I should expect it to carry great weight when the time comes to decide. Men prefer to be led by a commander they know."

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

ahh I am sorry for my hasty proposal then, I did it without any true knowledge of what was happening in our empire. I assumed you would have some future campaign for the major armies.

and I will also second edict 6.3, if the Ptolemys cease to be a threat we can finally turn our attention to the Dirty Epireos

[navarro951]

Panaitolos rises...he clears his throat keeping as professional a manner as he can

"I would like to let it be known, that I will be running for chancellor once more. I feel as confident as ever and believe I have served this great Arche well enough to be a good candidate. I hope some of you agree and that I may receive your vote when the time comes."

[Warluster]

Theodotas stands

Well, a few thing's are due.

Mainly my congratulations to Aratos for succeding to gain entry into, ah, such a prestigous group of the Arche. I hope you survive long enough to fight another such victory. I admire such a gneral who can secure victory so easily. A true congratulations, once again.

I offer my support to CA 6.1, even if it is not needed. If the Basileus can rule such a great Empire I am sure such a small deed can be granted.

As for Epilektos running for Chancellor, I will give you a vote if you prove your up to the job. We do not need a fool running this Empire. We seem to have a constant cycle of Strategos who rule this Empire. Power goes to your head after some time, so I suggest some new Chancellor's have a go.

And of course, I second edict 6.3 eagerly, and offer a thanks to Epilektos for actually having the guts to invade Greece, or even talk about it, as others have neglected to consider such.

Theodotas bows to the Basileus before seating himself

[The Celtic Viking]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: "Epilektos" is actually a part of his rank, not his name.

Sarpedon addresses Patrokles.

"There is no need to apologize, or remove the edict if you still think it should be done. Think not that I am a tyrant! You may hold your opinion, you may share it, and you may even push for it, and as long as it is done in a respectful and legal manner, no apologies are necessary."