- ARCHIVE - Imperial Court of Byzantium

[Bagricula]

The Imperial Basilica of the Roman Empire in Mystra

Theme Music: Service of Paraklesis (Quicktime Format)

Kalosorisma! Welcome to Mystra, Last Refuge of the Glorious and Sacred Empire of Rome. Once the sleepy capital of the Prefecture of Morea, the hamlet of Mystra has been transformed by the arrival of the Emperor and his court. The prefect's palace has become the new Imperial palace, while construction is completed for the new Basilica Augusti designed as a Greek villa, within which the many clerks, bureaucrats, courtiers, and generals of the Roman Empire continue the administration of an Empire dating from the founding of Rome in 27 B.C. A crafty and cunning politician, Emperor Theodoros has retaken the Prefecture of Hellas for the Empire, and now turns his eyes to the integration of these lands.

Emissaries, ambassadors, and foreign dignitaries will find lodging in the newly constructed wings of the Basilica Augusti, or in the case of visiting heads of state the Imperial Palace. The intrigues of Roma Orientalis are famous, and foreigners will find much happening subtly in the quiet mountain village of Mystra. The lavish and opulent wealth of Constantinople brought in their flight seems out of place as the Roman magistrates reestablish themselves. Strict adherence to protocol will be expected in the Basilica Augusti and the Roman aristocracy will view any who do not observe their mores as quaint rural plebians or at worst dangerous outside barbarians.

[Bagricula]

Protocol and Customs of the Basilica

The Imperial Presence - An area of almost reverential importance, the Imperial Presence extends from a radius of approximately a meter from the last step of the dais, the region immediately before the throne where petitioners stand, and the central walkway along which the Emperor enters and exits the Senate or Basilica. None may enter, exit, cross, or otherwise breach the Imperial Presence without the express permission of the Emperor. When leaving, one must never turn one¡¦s back to the Emperor, and must instead back away, and once out of the area turn slightly so as better to return to one¡¦s place in the court. Never hand anything directly to the Emperor while in the Imperial Presence. Instead hand it to one of his attendants or synodos, who will then carry it to the Emperor.

The Imperial Eyes - Looking the Emperor in the eyes while he sits in the Basilica is a grave insult, indicating mistrust or fear. All petitioners should keep their eyes on the ground somewhere between their feet and the Emperor'. More daring or higher placed petitioners, such as fellow sovereigns may be so daring as to place their eyes on some adornment on the Emperor' chest.

Genuflection - When appearing before the Emperor in the Imperial Presence the petitioner should descend as gracefully as possible on one knee, bow deeply forward with his hands clasped against his chest, head touching the ground lightly. The Emperor will indicate that the petitioner may rise and speak. More humble petitioners should prostrate themselves fully in the Imperial Presence.

Weaponry - Never salute with weapons unless the person you are saluting happens to own the weapon you are using. For example, a Roman general may salute his Emperor with his sword, but a foreign dignitary may not. Never draw a weapon in the Basilica, unless having received permission to do so. Doing so without permission will result in expulsion, imprisonment, or execution, depending on the intent and status of the offender.

Weekly Chapel - Even if you are a member of the Catholic Church, you will be expected to attend the services at the Church of St. Demetrios with the Emperor and his court. Muslims are not required to attend, but will be expected to attend the breakfast following services. Not attending while not criminal, or immediately hazardous to your life, will result in a severe reduction in your social standing among the Roman patricians.

Hierarchy - Roman society has remained stable and stratified for over a thousand years. "A place for everyone, and everyone in his place." is a custom if not even to then stronger than in feudal Europe. Paying respect to those above you is vital to surviving the Roman court. A general outline comes as follows:

I. The Emperor
II. The Palaeologi Family; The Patriarch
III. Megas Logotheses and Drungarios ton Poimon
IV. Nobelissimos of the Varangian Guard, Quaestors
V. Prefects, Exarchs, Senators, other Nobelissimos

End of the Patrician Class, Beginning of the Equestrian

VI. Bureacrats, Lesser Military Officers, Bishops
VII. Major Landowners, Major Merchants

End of the Equestrian Class; Beginning of the Plebian

VIII. Scholars, Poets, Musicians, Philosophers
IX. Artisans, Farmers, Fishermen
X. Landless Workers

[Bagricula]

The Imperial Family: The Palaeologi

Theodoros III, Emperor of the Romans, Imperator Romanorum ,Caesar Augustus, Basileus Basileon Basileuon Basileonton, Sucessor of the Apostles, Defender of the Orthodoxy, b. 1394

A cunning, crafty, and paranoid man, Theodoros came to the Imperial Purple when the Empire writhed in its death throws. Growing up in the Imperial Palace in Constantinople, he learned early the secrets of statecraft, espionage, and intrigue. He speaks Greek, Latin, and Italian needing often to meet with foreigners from these lands. Bitterly he remembers the loss of Constantinople, and often his memory turns to his birthplace.

Cleofa Malatesta, First Wife of the Emperor, Now Deceased

The daughter of a powerful Roman family in Constantinople, she and Theodoros remained a polite if distant relationship. It was not until her death during the war against the Mongols that he realized how dear he was to her.

Helena, Daughter of the Emperor by Cleofa, b. 1428

An Imperial Princess, Helena has nonetheless not grown up as befits her station. She has grown into a curious energetic child, loving the hills around Mystra. She has been instructed in Greek, Latin, and Italian.

Maria, Second Wife of the Emperor, Queen of Sicily, Sister of King Alfonso V of Aragon, b. 1411

After long negotiations to seal a pact of friendship between the Kingdom of Aragon and the Empire of Rome, Maria married Theodoros. A comely woman with a good intellect, she has been delighted by the Drungarios ton Poimon, but not her new husband. She does not care for the old Roman aristocracy who watch her carefully, remembering the dangers of the West. Hopes still exist for a male heir.

Thomas, Brother of the Emperor, Caesar(Heir Apparent), b. 1409

A quiet and patient man, Thomas remains largely overlooked in the Basilica Augusti. He appears to have no interest at all in politics or statecraft and spends most of his time in the hills of the Pelopenessus gathering specimens and studying nature. His work as an amateur naturalist and scientist is thorough and careful, though not yet inspired. It would be wrong to mistake him for a simpleton though, for he has survived for 28 years the Roman aristocracy, a usually mortal illness.

Zoe, Sister of the Emperor, b. 1412

Black haired young woman of dark mysterious beauty, Zoe engages her time with court gossip and politics. She has had numerous local suitors, whom she strings along, playing games with for her own amusement.

Chloe, Dowager Empress, b. 1372

Exiled by her own son to a seaside abbey, Chloe once ruled the plots within plots that made up Byzantine politics. Her resentment and anger at her removal from the halls of power has cooled to a razor sharp resolve to return to the Basilica. Her memory is feared by some and cherished by others in the Roman aristocracy, and doubtless there are those that seek her return as a check against Theodoros.

The Roman Magistracy, Military, and Clergy

Antonis Kyrgiakos, Megas Logotheses(Prime Minister)
Vasilis Vatatzes, Drungarios ton Poimon(Commander in Chief)
Damen Malatesta, Nobelissimos of the Varangian Guard
Alexios Lascaris, Prefect of Morea
Iustin Angelus, Prefect of Hellas
Cyrano Cantacuzenus, Quaestor of the Mint
Andronicus Eudocas, Quaestor of the Roads
Thanos Zosimosus, Quaestor of the Ports
Ioannes Doucas, Exarch of Morea
Demetrios Malatesta, Exarch of Hellas
Nestor Graeae, Confessor to the Emperor

Others of Note

Plethon Gemistos, Philosopher, Tutor for Helena, Platonist
John Bessarius, Theologian, Tutor for Helena, Augustinian
Nicephorus Cantacuzenus, Poet/Musician, Tutor for Helena, Aristotelian
Tibalt Zosimosus, Wine Merchant, 4th Single Largest Landowner in the Empire
Sandrine Fonio, Oil Merchant, 3rd Single Largest Landowner in the Empire
Ursa Kakrycos, Concubine of Theodoros's father, Expert in Poisons
Alexios Dalassenos, Former Drungarios ton Poimon, Fugitive

Military Divisions

First Theme Since the collapse of most of the Empire, the Roman army has returned to its roots. Currently, five thousand infrantrymen, twelve hundred Kataphraktoi, eighteen hundred Kavallerioi, five hundred Hyperkastai, Akontistai, Skutatoi, and Prokoursatores are organized into the First Theme, commanded by Lord Vatatzes in Morea. Another twenty thousand are registered in the wartime levy, but the cost of equipping them inhibits the Empire from maintaining the larger army.

Varangian Guard An exclusive core of fanatical bodyguards, largely brought from Scandinavia as young children and trained in the ruins of old Sparta, the Varangian Guard is devoted to their Emperor and fight with stunning ferocity.

First Pompi As the Venetians and the Turks have overtaken Roman naval power, the First Pompi exists primarily to patrol the coastline of Morea and Hellas, though rumors exist of Theodoros¡¦s interest in restoring Roman dominance in the Aegean. Though numerically inferior, the Roman galleys still have exclusive control of the secret Greek Fire.

The Hidden Martyrs The Emperor's secret service, the Hidden Martyrs were an invention of Theodoros before he came to the throne. An uncounted group of zealots devoted to the Purple, the Hidden Martyrs carry out delicate discrete operations for the Basileus that are best left out of the public eye. They monitor and keep information on all the aristocracy and any foreigners, as well as sending information gathers to other nations. Largely from fear of what secrets they might know, the old Greek aristocracy fears this small organization silently, employing their own men to counter them in a Byzantine game of cloak and dagger.

[Bagricula]

The Orthodox Church

One of the two root branches of Christianity, the Eastern Orthodox Church unlike their Roman Catholic counterpart remains under the influence of the Roman Emperor and retains a far more decentralized organization in which bishops and exarches have far greater freedom within their own dioceses and exarchates. Every prefect is accompanied by an exarch, just as every prefecture is an exarchate, showing the closely intertwined nature of the Church and State. Since the loss of Constantinople the Patriarch has repeatedly been outside the Emperor¡¦s influence leading many to fear or hope the creation of an independent Church similar to that in Rome. Though Theodoros concedes that he can no longer control the Church in far off lands such as Russia, he reinforces his authority over the Church in the Greek lands.

[Bagricula]

The State of the Roman Empire

Nation: Roman Empire
Head of State: Theodoros III Palaeologus
Religion: Orthodox
Culture: Greek
Stats: 1/1/4(5)/4/2 --> [1/1/4(5)/4/2]
Provinces: 2
Ports: 2
Owned: Morea, Hellas

Apokrisarioses in Mystra and Abroad

Thomas Radino in Aragon
Karsten Fonio in Moldavia
Ioannes Vatatzes in the Balkans
Nike Menskios in the Papal States

Ciubar Aron from Moldavia

Official Claims and Positions

The Roman Empire maintains its claims as sovereign of all the former Imperial lands from Britannia through Western Parthia; however, it recognizes certain sovereigns as possessing viceregal authority over certain regions. For example, Alfonso of Aragon was recognized as Prefect of Sicily and Naples during his lifetime, though now the Empress Maria is the official ruler of Sicily in the eyes of Aragon. The Pope is recognized as the Patriarch of the West, but at the same time he is considered an apostate. The Baliseus has yet to indicate a position on the new ruler of Russia, but a decision will most likely be forthcoming. The Latin Usurpers in Constantinople are viewed with mixed feelings, both as potential allies against the Turk and as dangerous pawns of the apostates.

The Roman Empire has signed and enforces the Union of Saint Andrew, bringing together the Orthodox Greeks of the Eastern Mediterranean. The Baliseus still seeks the return of the Patriarchate to the Empire. The Orthodox Church is an integral part of the state, and thus all top positions are filled by faithful Orthodox Greeks. The Empire still retains its cosmopolitan flavor though and is extremely tolerant of ethnic minorities, Jews, Catholics, and even Muslims(Though ones with close connections to Turkey are watched closely).

[Ramius]

A letter from the land of Ragusa arrives

"Good Emperor Theodoros III, I am honored to write to you from the north. I am Stefan Crnojevic of Ragusa, and hope we can create a strong Balkan alliance in the future which will include our two nations. I foresee that our two nations will lead this region into a strong alliance, based on an enormous trade agreement which the rest of the world will be unable to match. These goals of a strong alliance, and trade agreement can only come about with the help and friendhsip of all involved nations. I hope that I am the first to contact you with this matter, and will be the first to be allowed to have a deligate from my court be allowed as diplomat in yours. I hope we can reign in complete peace one day soon.

As you know we are in an enormous war for the protection of all Balkan nations. I do not ask for military assistance at this time, or any assistance of any kind, but one day, and that day may never come, I'll call on you to do a service for my people and the people of the Balkins, but until that day I hope that you can accept my hole-hearted friendship as my only gift that I can offer. In my land that is more valuable then any other gift a man can offer. I send my greatest regards to you and your people."

[Bagricula]

Basilica Augusti, Mystra

The heavy scent of incense irritates Theodoros, who crinkles his nose and stares hard at the priests slowly swinging their censors on either side of him. Since his return from Athens, Theodoros had not been surprised to hear of Dalassenos's departure. Knowing well of the former Drungarios ton Poimon's supporters among the aristocracy and military, the Basileos had moved his Basilica to the fortified township of Mystra, while he roots out the last of Dalassenos's supporters.

A synodos hands him a report, printed on papyrus in crisp Greek letters by the military scribes. The new Drungarios ton Poimon Lord Vatatzes kneels a few meters from the dais, his head touching the cool stone.

The Basileos regards him cooly, watching him grow uncomfortable in his genuflection.Lord Vatatzes stares hard into the stones of the Basilica. He can feel the Emperor's cruel studying gaze.
He shivers.

"Rise, Lord Vatatzes," commands the Basileos, holding the unfolded report casually over the arm of his throne.

He does so, not brushing what dust had gathered on his dalmatic from the genuflection. He must not give away his fear. Before his promotion, Lord Vatatzes had gotten along affably with the Emperor secretly plotting against Dalassenos, but now that he stood in the Imperial Presence, he couldn't help but see the cold void in Theodoros's eyes.

"Fortune has changed and the Turkomen lie dead in the streets of Constantinople," The Emperor states.

"Yes, Basileos," Lord Vatatzes replies, holding back his urge to gulp.

"Then Asia lies prone, open to the pillaging armies of the Ragusae and the.." He pauses, forming his mouth around the word, "..Dutch."

"Yea.." Lord Vatatzes begins, then thinks better of stopping the Emperor's speech, "..." A tense silence fills in quickly after Vatatzes's distorted 'yes,' to which the Drungarios adds, "Basileos."

Theodoros regards him for a moment.

The Port of Syracuse, Sicily

Maria blinks in the strong wind still blowing across the Amarylis's deck and wraps her muslin shawl around her shoulders. My beloved hasn't written..perhaps he doesn't know where I am and is hiding in the shadow of my bedroom window even now, ready to die for our love.

Captain Neo Philander breaks away from his small contingent of Varangians sent to accompany the Basilea. He gives the Empress a small smile.

An adorable smile "Are you confident that we can embark, Captain Philander, into the safety of my own kingdom?"

He gives that same smile. "My pardon Basilea, but your safety is our first priority even in your own lands."

No, don't even think about it. Dalassenos has been faithful to you, and you must be to him. She looks troubled and worried. The young captain glances down at the ship's planks, not certain what to do.

Maria raises her eyes to the hills out beyond the town, before tightening her shawl and turning towards the disembarkment ramp. "Let us go. I have a full day of touring and speaking before the people of Sicily."

Captain Philander nods, and barks out his orders to his men, who fall in quickly, glad to be heading for dry land and everything that goes with that: wine, women, and terra firma.

Monastery of Saint Gregory Nazianzen, Southern Coast of Morea

A tall thin elderly woman with a tightly wound bun sits dressed in a pure white stola in a nun's cell. The kneeler beneath an icon of the Madonna and Child seems to be heavily used. She stares hard into a polished brass mirror trying to smooth away wrinkles. She reaches her fingers down into an ivory dish holding a pale white chalk powder. Pinned to the rim of the mirror are a good two dozen letters on aged paper. If anyone had cared to check the dates of them, they would see that the newest was already four years old. The woman reaches up and caresses the letters, addressed in flowering language from courtiers, lovers, admirers, and enemies. All addressed to, "Chloe Palaeologus, Basilea Romanorum"

Basilica Augusti, Mystra

"Where is Lord Dalassenos?" asks the Basileos feigning ignorance.

Surprised by the change of subject, Lord Vatatzes reminds the Basileos tactfully, "Lord Dalassenos has not been seen in seven days, Basileos. My intuition says he has fled Mystra."

"Your intuition sounds true, Lord Vatatzes. We are deeply saddened should this be true, for we had intended to grant Lord Dalassenos a diplomatic comission after his excellent work with the Aragonese barbarians.." The Emperor lies, "..but he has deserted his post showing disloyalty to the Empire. Lord Vatatzes, there is only one destiny for those that shirk their duty."

Vasilis Vatatzes's face remains impassive. "Yes, Basileos."

The Emperor thinks in silence. "Bring me, Lord Zosimosus, and station guards on all the roads.."

"Yes, Basileos."

"..and Vasilis. I had intended to send Dalassenos as an envoy to the Turk. Let us pray that I do not have to look for his unfortunate replacement."

"Yes, Basileos," says the Drungarios, before bowing deeply and backing out of the Imperial Presence.

Afterwards, the Quaestor of the Ports arrives and soon all ships departing the Empire are checked, causing much consternation among the merchants. Later, the Basileos summons a scribe to whom he dictates a letter to the Ottoman Sultan. Finally, he paces down the central walkway of the Basilica before staring up at the dais, "O Fortuna, Imperatrix Mundi!"

[Bagricula]

An Undistinguished Forest, Southern Morea

Pain sears through Alexios's eyes as he rubs off the crust of his deep exhausted sleep in the woods. He had ridden for two days straight, sold his horse to a passing fishmonger, and continued on foot for another three, stopping only briefly in a small olive growing hamlet to get a good meal. He covers his eyes with his hands, and flinches as he touches the burnt skin on his face. Too many hours in the summer sun without enough water meant his skin peels now. He reaches for his water skin, having sold his finely made soldiering canteen to the same fishmonger. He sips. The water is fresh and cool. Where... He stumbles to his feet, feeling the soreness in his legs. The sound of running water finds his ears. I must have found a stream last night... He moves noisily through the bramble towards the sound of the running water, then stops as he hears a voice.

"Pass the good stuff, Gregor!"

He crouches low in the shadows of the trees, moving slowly forward till he sees the stream. Further down, he sees two horses tethered to trees without all their tackle on. A mail satchel, carried by Imperial messengers as denoted by the bronze eagle attached to the flap, sits by the horses. Nearly past the streams bend, he sees two men bathing and drinking raucously. He waits, sidling slowly through the bramble towards the horses. Eventually, the men climb onto a rock jutting out of the stream and lie down in the morning sun.

Now Dalassenos thinks. He scrambles out of the bush. The horses prick their ears in surprise, not expecting to see a wildman out in the woods. Though in reflection, thinks the horse, it makes slightly more sense than in the city.

Clucking gently, Dalassenos takes the farther horses reins and leading him to face his recumbent masters. He then searches pell mell through the mail satchel, till he finds a scroll bearing Theodoros's own seal. No time to read it now... He throws a blanket onto the nearer horses back, untethers it and leads it a little ways into the woods. He then returns and slaps the farther horse, sending him running towards the recumbent messengers. Dalassenos runs into the woods, mounts the still surprised horse, and takes off, heading to cross the road and then to the woods on the other side.

A map of southern Morea rolls out in his mind as he plots his winding course to the coast.

An Open Air Triclinium, Sparta

Livia Lascaris licks her lips as she delicately slips another apricot from the central bowl. On her right, her husband Alexios Lascaris is engaged in good-natured conversation with Lord Zosimosus. Livia always thought Thanos Zosimosus smelled of fish, but Alexios had insisted that he attend most of their dinners since he became Quaestor of the Ports. Lady Lascaris smiles as she notices Thomas's abstact stare in her direction. Thomas Palaeologus does not, however.

"Caesar?" speaks Livia gently, "Thomas, are you okay?"

On hearing his name, the heir to the Empire blinks and stares at Lady Lascaris before ducking his head in embarassment and then smiling: "I'm sorry, Lady Lascaris. I just had a ti-ti-tiresome day."

Lady Zosimosus, a plumb healthy woman with many children, furrows her eyebrows, "Oh, what is the trouble, Lord Thomas?"

"Oh, I've just..just been thi-thinking about Lord Da-dalassenos," Thomas responds. Alexios frowns, but holds his tongue as the Caesar continues speaking. Thomas looks awkwardly at his dining companions. "It just seems pe-pec odd that Lord Dalassenos would desert."

A fearful silence follows, as the Caesar utters one of the Roman aristocracy's unmentionable topics. The hostess, Livia tries to fill in, "Oh, well, you can never tell with some people you know, Thomas." She smiles winningly for her recumbent dinner guests. "I'm sure the Imperial Pompi will catch him before he escapes the country."

"Oh, yes, definitely, Livia. Right, Thanos?" supplies Lady Zosimosus.

The Quaestor pauses at the question, attenuating the silence. "I wouldn't be so sure. The fleet has begun military exercises, and summons are going out to even the rustic fishing villages."

Alexios gulps. This is exactly as he had not planned for the party to go. Well, might as well save things. He turns to look at Thomas, "I hear, Caesar, that Helena is developing quite sharp eyes."

Though surprised, Thomas soon glows, "Oh, yes, she spotted a nest of cranes eggs this morning nearly a half mile away. We were on the shore.."

As the conversation stirred to safer waters, the Prefect of Morea reflects darkly on the recent changing of the guard in the upper echelons of the Imperial Basilica.

A Courtyard, Syracuse

Maria di Aragon sits with trepidation at the head of a long dinner table at which many of the key nobles and dignitaries of Sicily dine. She had eaten lightly, delicately, and in all ways like a lady that evening, but still feels like she carries a lead weight in her stomach. Alexios wouldn't be afraid..he would have a plan. I have a plan..God I'm still afraid.

When the meal appears to be drawing to an end, Maria stands garbed in the brocaded gown she wore at her brother Alfonso's coronation. As the eyes of her Sicilian guests fall on her she begins in fluent southern Italian.

"Distinguished notables, lord and ladies of the Isle, learned judges, and venerable and pious fathers.." She begins inclining her head briefly to each of them.

"I come today to speak of the past of our island, and of our future. Though I come from Aragon and the Roman Empire, I speak of 'our future' for my brother Alfonso and the power of God has married me to this land with the rainments and trappings of majesty. Her life and mine are one. When the foul Barbary pirates strike her, I too bleed. When her coffers are emptied to decorate the courts of Barcelona, Zaragoza, and Valencia, I too am emptied of joy and hope. My brother...our late King Alfonso knew of the great distance between Sicily and his own native land, and knew further of the hardships brought about by so unnatural a bound as stretched from his crown to Siracusa here. So as to end this impious relationship, he in his last will and testament granted me, his eldest sister, the Crown of Sicily and the Divine Ordinance to govern her with justice, piety, and compassion. Vita lunga in Sicilia!"

A wave of applause and raucous shouts of supports swells and the Basilea of the Romans seats herself amid toasts to the freedom of Sicily. Maria wonders as she watches the congratulations, how much of it is heartfelt, for she remembers well the small quiet man who had accompanied her entourage. A scribe, his credentials read, but no Roman scribe had the wealth he did. He was no Varangian, but he could be one of those shadows whispered about in the collonades of the Curia. The Emperor's Hidden Martyrs.

[von Streusser]

A man bearing the colors of Moldavia enters the court, and requests the Emperor's permission to enter the Imperial Presence. Once granted, he genuflects before the Emperor until granted permission to rise, and then fixes his eyes firmly on the floor between their feet.

"Most august Emperor of the Romans, ally through the Union of St. Andrew, and trusted friend of the Moldavians, I am Ciubar Aron, emissary from my masters in Iasi. I have come here to represent my lords, the twin Voivodes Ilias I and Stefan II, in your realm, if you will accept me. I am also to invite your Imperial Majesty to send a permanent ambassador to Moldavia so that our two allied realms may engage in free discourse."

[Bagricula]

The Basileos regards the man slowly, his face unexpressive as he thinks. Meanwhile, the others in the basilica whisper softly about the 'civilized Romanian' and his adherence to protocol. A few comely young women study him more closely offering a fleeting smile or bat of the eye. Just as the Megas Logotheses is about to step in to speak, Theodoros addresses the man:

"Your Voivodes give us great pleasure in their selection of a legate to our basilica. As the long estrangement between the New Rome and her children shortens with every entry of peace and cooperation, Moldavia's constant and stalwart defense of Christendom and our most ancient and sacred empire stands as a beacon for the righteous nations of all the orbem terrarum. Your petition is found to be worthy."

With that the Moldavian backs out of the Imperial Presence. As soon as he exits, Antonis Kyrgiakos takes him to the side and speaks to him sotto voce:

"The Basileos wishes that you prepare a full report from him on the wishes and thoughts of the Voivodes on the continuation and improvement of the Union of Saint Andrew. Naturally, you have access to my offices..."

The Megas Logotheses continues discussing the matter with Ciubar Aron until a synodos comes and takes him to his apartments.

[Longinus]

A letter arrives from far Germany

"Onto His Imperial Majesty, Theodoros Palaeologos, Basileus Basileon Basileuon Basileonton

We were most pleased after reading the correspondence from Mystra for we were always interested in the affairs of the Empire of the Eastern Rome. His Majesty words are most kind and we thank for them for we have also heard of baldness and reason of the imperial House of Palaeologi.

As for the Turkomen defeat we are most pleased hearing this news and indeed first son of Gleran duke is a brave and skilled General. We also have heard the rumours of Timurids and Omani troops swarming everywhere, should they attack they will meet with ruthless reply.

We are however even more concerned with the Mameluke and Omani advance onto Mediterrenian, holy city of Jerusalem already fell down and now Cyprus and Rodhos are on the brink of destruction. We hope that House of Palaeologi will help us to repel the heathen invasion one day.

We would gladly sponsor Your Majesty enterprises for nothing would please us more then victory of Christian forces, yet we must wait for the words of Holy father in Rome. Concerning this very matter, although we are not men of the church we would like to ask Your Majesty if there is still a chance of reunion between the lost branches?

We share the faith yet it is of different kind. We feel that with coming moments we could work for binding us together again.

In Christian spirit,

Dictated in Stettin,

Joachim of the Greif, Emperor of Humanity, King of the Romans, King of Italy, King of Germany, Sword of Christ, Right Hand of the Church, Caesar Augustus, King of Sweden, Duke of Pommerania, Fürst of the House of the Greif. Duke of Poznan and Silesia, Margrave of Danzig, Prince-Protector of Sweden, Overlord of Ingermanland and Gotland, Master of the Imperial Hunt."

[von Streusser]

Ciubar Aron, after a few days in his apartments compiling a report, returned to the court. Once again he requested permission to enter the Imperial Presence, and once again he genuflected before the Emperor and locked his eyes on the floor between their feet. He carried a rolled up parchment.

"Most August Emperor, as per your wishes I have prepared a full report of my Voivode's thoughts on the continuation and improvement of the Union of St. Andrew. I have it here." He handed it to a synodos, who carried it to the Emperor. "As you can see, my lieges are all in favor of continuing and in fact expanding the Union. We have heard that Ragusa intends to form an alliance consisting of all Balkan nations south of Hungary and West of the Ottomans. The Union of St. Andrew forms a fine backbone for such an alliance, as it consists of more than half of the countries so mentioned already; the Roman Empire, Moldavia, Wallachia, Serbia, and Cyprus. Forming this alliance the Ragusans speak of would only take the addition of Ragusa, Bulgaria, and the Constantinoplians, if I remember correctly. Regrettably, the realms of Transylvania, Bosnia, and Croatia would also be eligible but are not currently open to the diplomats of the world. I fear Wallachia may be falling into that category rapidly as well, following the placement of the new regent.

Regardless, your Imperial Highness, Moldavia feels that the Union of St. Andrew is strong and should continue, and that adding the three possible new nations I mentioned earlier would admirably achieve the goal of the alliance the Ragusans are suggesting."

[Doppelganger]

A letter arives from the Ottomans,

"Ruler of Byzantium,

The Ottoman Empire will not be ceding Ionia to your realm. As I write this the grand armies of the Golden Horde and the Timurid Empire are riding to my defense. They more than outnumber your forces. Therefor I offer you a white peace, an offer that is much more beneficial to you then seeing mongols in your captial once again.

Amir Shir Mohamed, Admiral of the Imperial Navy"

[Ladislav]

Sicilians decide

Maria di Aragon, the wife of Emperor Theodoros IIIwas given the Kingdom of Sicily by her late brother King Alfonso of Aragon. Her husband Theodoros is very interested in acquiring the lands attached to her new title, and has sent her along with an honor guard of his Varangians and a few of his secret agents to help her build support for her claim among the nobility of Sicily and eventually the Aragonese Cortes.

But Sicily has prospered beneath the rule of the Spaniards and the memories of Greek rule are distant, mostly confined to history books. The recent war with Neapolis has only enriched the merchants of Sicily as they have been the main providers of supplies to the large Aragonese army. When the noblemen look on the map, they see the Byzantines as only a rump of the Justinian fame. Will they exchange wealthy and prosperous existence under Aragon for sweet promises of Byzantium? Who does not even rule the city whence its name comes from!

1. Sicily wants to join Byzantium (-1 Morale for 1 year to Aragon).

2. The noblemen do not care (no effect).

3. Sicily does not care (no effect).

4. Sicilians have too many pressing matters to heed the Greeks (no effect).

5. Sicilian aristocrats rebuke the Greek advances (+1 morale for 1 year to Aragon).

6. “Why should we bind our self to a corpse across the sea?” (+1 morale for 1 year to Aragon).



Roll:1; Sicily wants to join Byzantium (-1 Morale for 1 year to Aragon).

[Das Heer]

A letter arives from Moscow,

"Most Gracious and Wise Emperor of the Romans,

It troubles me to know that Byzantium is so ready to enter into war again. However I trust that you have thought over the situation enough to know the best course for your people. As to a loan, my current treasury has already been slated for another purpose regaurding Suzdal(event), however should you be in need of a loan I can use generated funds over the next several months to provide you with one. Though you will need to wait awhile to recieve my coin, so I suggest you seek other nations as well if you do indeed go to war.

written by his own hand in Moscow,
Vasily II, Czar of Russia"

[Zakolev]

A man of medium build and height appears before the Imperial Presence, and waits until given permission to approach the Emperor. His eyes always keeping just in front of his feet, and slowly rising until his eyes meet with the Emperor’s feet. He then steadies his gaze as he descends, as gracefully as a man of his age can, to one knee. He immediately proceeded to lower his torso, with both his hands clasped against his chest, sometimes catching his long grey beard, until his head lightly touched the ground. After receiving the Emperor’s permission to speak, he rises, with his eyes still decidedly fixed upon the Emperor’s feet, and says, " Lord, Emperor, I am Stefen, an ambassador from my lord Djuradj III, King of the Serbs. He sends his thanks for your gifts, and desires for me to give you this letter, written in his own hand." At that the ambassador lifts a letter, turning his head slightly to find a synodos to hand the letter to the Emperor. He then slowly backed out of the Emperor’s presence, with his head still lowered.

[CCR_of_the_Code]

A truly massive man, most obviously of Kurdish descent approaches briskly and with the energy of a man driven by pride, Antonis Kyrgiakos with a letter. A man renounced thruought Anatolia and the Balkans for his courage and charity, it is undoubtably Mazi, the greatest general of the Karamanian army.
'Most noble true Emporer of the Romans, it is my pleasure to announce that Taj ud-Din Ibrahim, the first of that name to hold the title of Emir of Karaman. I would ask humbuly that this letter be forwarded to the Emporer.'

[CCR_of_the_Code]

"I, Taj ud-Din Ibrahim, the first Emir of Karaman to hold that name, greet Theodoros, the true Emporer of the Romans and equal to the Apostles in friendship, and hope that our two lands might come together in an act of alliance against all who occupy your God given land, in particular these Crusader scum. We too know the tretchery, the guile and the beastliness of these people, and our dear Iconium still holds the scars of thier barbaric lances. And I am also reminded of the times, not so long ago, when our two people worked together against a common foe. While you would do right to remember that my forefather betrayed you and denied you what you call the Danishmends, I, Taj ud-Din Ibrahim, promise more than the Danishmends will be yours if you accept this agreement.

[Ramius]

A secret letter enters the court from Ragusa

[Doppelganger]

A letter arives from the Ottoman Empire.