Aristocratic would be indeed a nice idea. But as a blue I have to say: No! Our success The interests of the Empire demand that we think about exploration finally first.
-
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[size=+2]THIRD SENATE SESSION - OPENING[/size]
Illustrious protospatharios Michael Komnenos, President of the Imperial Senate and vestarches of the Sacred Palace, hereby announces that
[size=+2]THE THIRD SENATE SESSION HAS BEGUN[/size]
The Third Senate Session is dedicated to the following matters:
[size=+1]SENATUS CONSULTUM
Illustrious protospatharios Michael Komnenos, President of the Imperial Senate and vestarches of the Sacred Palace, hereby announces that
[size=+2]THE THIRD SENATE SESSION HAS BEGUN[/size]
The Third Senate Session is dedicated to the following matters:
- (1) Reform of the imperial administration and new legislation (Second Idea Group)
- (2) Sanation of the administration of the Sacred Palace (National Focus)
- (3) Subsidies for Kingdom of Aquitaine and Kingdom of Poland
- (4) Alliance with Kingdom of Aquitaine
- [/size]
- (5) Expedition – Eastern Ocean (within supply range)
- [/size]
[size=+1]***[/size]
[size=+1]GUEST OF THE IMPERIAL SENATE[/size]Illustrious protospatharios Michael Komnenos, President of the Imperial Senate and vestarches of the Sacred Palace hereby announces that
- His Excellency Theodoros Laskaris, Megas Logothetes of the Imperium Romanum, Kouropalates of the Sacred Palace and Proedros ton Eunouchoi
[size=+1]ALBUM SENATORIUM[/size]
Illustrious protospatharios Michael Komnenos, President of the Imperial Senate and vestarches of the Sacred Palace, hereby announces:
- that the Imperial Senate consists of 27 SENATORS as per the;
- that therefore the required quorum for voting is 14 SENATORS;
- that therefore the required majority in voting on RESOLUTION is 14 SENATORS;
- that therefore the required majority in voting on SENATUS CONSULTUM is 18 SENATORS.
[size=+1]ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR SENATORS[/size]
- As it was decided by His Imperial Majesty the Senate Factions are ALLOWED to propose provisions not included in the bill.
- Faction Leaders propose provisions in the name of their Senate Factions after discussion within the Faction.
- Faction Leaders may start proposing provisions after 48 hours have passed since the opening of the Senate Session.
- The Imperial Senate will vote only on the bill introduced by His Imperial Majesty and properly introduced provisions.
- Faction Leaders may distribute titles and honors among the members of their Faction during Senate Session.
- Faction Leaders distribute titles and honors by clearly stating this in their post.
- Once given, the titles and honors are irrevocable by the Faction Leaders.
- Editing the post in which the said titles and honors are given to Faction members is prohibited.
- Guest of the Imperial Senate may issue statement shortly after opening of the Session.
- Guest of the Imperial Senate may answer questions asked by Senators; he may not participate in a debate however.
- Guest of the Imperial Senate while answering a question may use all data available to him considering his position in the imperial administration.
- Questions to the Guest of the Imperial Senate have to concern matters debated during current Senate Session.
- Every Senator has a right to answer a question, no matter his Faction affiliation or position.
- Questions are asked using the following template: [ b ] [ size+1 ] Question: [ b ] [ /size ]
- Guest of the Imperial Senate has the right to ignore questions asked without using the aforementioned template or those he deems unimportant or badly thought out.
[size=+2]THE DEBATE BEGINS IN 1 HOUR
(DON'T POST BEFORE THAT PLEASE)
***[/size]
(DON'T POST BEFORE THAT PLEASE)
***[/size]
[size=+1]President of the Senate Michael Komnenos:[/size]
Michael Komnenos sits silently on an ebony armchair placed on the lowest step of the dais surrounding the throne from which high imperial officials used to welcome foreign envoys in the days long gone. The throne itself is not visible however, hidden beyond a heavy red curtain. New President of the Senate wears white silk robes with paludamentum cloak, both decorated with simple gold embroider. On his chest at the front there is a tablion, a lozenge shaped colored panel intricately embroidered with jewels, symbolizing his position as vestarches. Before him on a table made of heavy luxurious wood lie dozens of important documents, silver inkstand and ivory box for quills, all neatly ordered. With both hands on the table and in an upright position he looks calmly at the noble Senators as they are taking their seats.
Finally, when every Senator took his place, he nods towards the members of the Imperial Senate Guard, who close the heavy doors to the Great Haul. Eunuchs of the Sacred Palace, hidden beyond the marble pillars in the aisles of Magnaura, are reading themselves to record every word during the Third Senate Session. Michael Komnenos rises from his seat – with all the Senators rising from their seats immediately afterwards - and steps to the center of the Magnaura where he stops. The doors to Magnaura open again as three eunuchs wearing ceremonial robes enter to the Great Hall slowly move toward him. The eunuch in the middle is holding in his hands the Fasces of the Imperial Senate. Almost as tall as the man carrying him, the scepter consists of twelve ebony rods bound together by silver strains criss-crossed over the length of the pole. Atop is a single-headed axe on which sits an intricately cast solid golden aquila – the Imperial Two-Headed Eagle.
Having approached the President of the Senate, eunuchs bow deeply and hand over the Fasces to him; they turn around and leave the Magnuara. The guardsmen close the heavy doors to Magnaura again. Michael Komnenos stands in silence in the centre of the Great Haul for a moment. He raises the Fasces and gently hits the floor with its iron ending.
- The Third Senate Session has begun. Noble Senators, please take your seats. Today we shall discuss the matters of the utmost importance for the future of the Imperium Romanum. His Imperial Majesty, Sacred Emperor Markos III Angelos, basileus basileon by the Grace of God, king of kings and rulers of rulers, Caesar Augustus of the Romaioi and all Men, Autokrator of the Holy Church and Protector of the Christendom, decided to seek your counsel in various issues. However, there is one matter which above all else require your attention – Michael Komnenos looks calmly at all Senators while he continues to speak in a quiet, soft manner - I'm talking about the fate of Kingdom of Aquitaine. Shall the Throne aide our brothers and sisters in Iesus Kristos, the consequences of such decision could affect the whole Christendom. And that's why, in his great wisdom, His Imperial Majesty decided to send one of his most trusted servants to join you in Magnaura on this day.
Michael Komnenos turns toward the throne still hidden beyond the curtain.
-His Excellency Theodoros Laskaris, Megas Logothetes of the Imperium Romanum, Kouropalates of the Sacred Palace and Proedros ton Eunouchoi.
Suddenly the curtain opens, revealing the throne on which sits a tall man with a smooth face wearing white silk robes embellished with golden embroidery and a huge hat. He rises from the throne and raises both his hands.
Michael Komnenos sits silently on an ebony armchair placed on the lowest step of the dais surrounding the throne from which high imperial officials used to welcome foreign envoys in the days long gone. The throne itself is not visible however, hidden beyond a heavy red curtain. New President of the Senate wears white silk robes with paludamentum cloak, both decorated with simple gold embroider. On his chest at the front there is a tablion, a lozenge shaped colored panel intricately embroidered with jewels, symbolizing his position as vestarches. Before him on a table made of heavy luxurious wood lie dozens of important documents, silver inkstand and ivory box for quills, all neatly ordered. With both hands on the table and in an upright position he looks calmly at the noble Senators as they are taking their seats.
Finally, when every Senator took his place, he nods towards the members of the Imperial Senate Guard, who close the heavy doors to the Great Haul. Eunuchs of the Sacred Palace, hidden beyond the marble pillars in the aisles of Magnaura, are reading themselves to record every word during the Third Senate Session. Michael Komnenos rises from his seat – with all the Senators rising from their seats immediately afterwards - and steps to the center of the Magnaura where he stops. The doors to Magnaura open again as three eunuchs wearing ceremonial robes enter to the Great Hall slowly move toward him. The eunuch in the middle is holding in his hands the Fasces of the Imperial Senate. Almost as tall as the man carrying him, the scepter consists of twelve ebony rods bound together by silver strains criss-crossed over the length of the pole. Atop is a single-headed axe on which sits an intricately cast solid golden aquila – the Imperial Two-Headed Eagle.
Having approached the President of the Senate, eunuchs bow deeply and hand over the Fasces to him; they turn around and leave the Magnuara. The guardsmen close the heavy doors to Magnaura again. Michael Komnenos stands in silence in the centre of the Great Haul for a moment. He raises the Fasces and gently hits the floor with its iron ending.
- The Third Senate Session has begun. Noble Senators, please take your seats. Today we shall discuss the matters of the utmost importance for the future of the Imperium Romanum. His Imperial Majesty, Sacred Emperor Markos III Angelos, basileus basileon by the Grace of God, king of kings and rulers of rulers, Caesar Augustus of the Romaioi and all Men, Autokrator of the Holy Church and Protector of the Christendom, decided to seek your counsel in various issues. However, there is one matter which above all else require your attention – Michael Komnenos looks calmly at all Senators while he continues to speak in a quiet, soft manner - I'm talking about the fate of Kingdom of Aquitaine. Shall the Throne aide our brothers and sisters in Iesus Kristos, the consequences of such decision could affect the whole Christendom. And that's why, in his great wisdom, His Imperial Majesty decided to send one of his most trusted servants to join you in Magnaura on this day.
Michael Komnenos turns toward the throne still hidden beyond the curtain.
-His Excellency Theodoros Laskaris, Megas Logothetes of the Imperium Romanum, Kouropalates of the Sacred Palace and Proedros ton Eunouchoi.
Suddenly the curtain opens, revealing the throne on which sits a tall man with a smooth face wearing white silk robes embellished with golden embroidery and a huge hat. He rises from the throne and raises both his hands.
Last edited:
[size=+1]Megas logothetes Theodoros Laskaris:[/size]
Theodoros Laskaris proceeds to cross himself.
- Eis to onoma tou Patros, kai tou Huiou, kai tou Hagiou Pneumatos. Amen. Salutation, noble Senators. I'm honored to be a guest of the Imperial Senate on this day, so important for the Imperium. For this I thank you, not as a plenipotentiary of His Imperial Majesty, but as a humble servant of the Imperium. Truly my heart rejoices seeing so many loyal and industrious aristoi from all corners of the Imperium gathered in one room, all of them united by the same goal – to serve God and His Regent on Earth - Voice of Theodoros is both firm and pleasant for ears. - Ah, if only we had more time to properly honor you for your accomplishments for the Imperium, noble Romans! Alas, time is a rare commodity and pressing matters of the Imperium force me to gloss over your most impressive deeds. Needless to list them here, and there are more competent people to talk about them, I'm sure of it. - Theodoros Laskaris smiles faintly - Allow me however, before this holy Senate begins the debate, to mention one thing which could not possibly be omitted.
Megas logothetes takes out a small note from a pocket hidden somewhere in his ceremonial robes and shows it to all gathered in the Great Hall.
- Words of the Emperor himself, noble Romaioi. Reverend bishop, senator Theophilus Rhadenos! - Theodoros Laskaris looks at the leader of the White Demes - It is the will of His Imperial Majesty, Sacred Emperor Markos III Angelos, basileus basileon by the Grace of God, king of kings and rulers of rulers, Caesar Augustus of the Romaioi and all Men, Autokrator of the Holy Church and Protector of the Christendom, that you are to be stripped of all your honors, lands and titles as bishop of Tiberias.
President of the Senate Michael Komnenos nods towards the guardsmen, while megas logothetes continues.
- For your service to the Throne the sacred Emperor decided to reward you proportionally to your deeds. Hear my words, for they announce the imperial justice rendered to you. -
One of the eunuchs, assisted by two members of the Imperial Senate Guard and carrying something, approaches senator Rhadenos.
- By the will of His Imperial Majesty, you are hereby - Theodoros Laskaris smiles widely - granted the title of The Most Revered Metropolitan and Patriarch of Antiocheia and All the East!
Eunuch kneels before senator Rhadenos and opens a little ivory box, inside which there is a golden ring with four rubies.
- In the name of the Emperor, please accept this small token of his gratitude, Your Beatitude. The official ceremony shall take place later in Hagia Sophia, during which you will be granted a proper ecclesiastical ring, staff and omophorion; in Antiocheia itself you will reside in the Archbishop's Palace, where your servants already await you. - Theodoros Laskaris bows slightly - I hope you find this gift satisfying, Your Beatitude.
Eunuch is escorted by two guardsmen out while megas logothetes sits on the throne. Theodoros Laskaris smiles to the Senators.
- Now, my friends, it is time to discuss the matters for which His Imperial Majesty gathered all of us here.
- The Great Reform initiated by the sacred Autokrator has so far brought great benefits to the Imperium. It's obvious to every wise man that in order to ensure the security and continuing stability of the Imperium these reforms must continue. To those of you who are experienced in the art of war matters of administration may seem not that important but let me assure you, noble Senators behind every brave Roman soldier or sailors stands a hundred of citizens whose effort enables the one to be properly armed, fed and ready to defend our lands against barbarians. And, as you know very well, the threat of barbaric incursion remains ever-present and there is not a single thema which is completely safe with the sole exception of the Queen of Cities, perhaps.
Moreover, while our foes are innumerable, even more dangerous can be the enemy within our limites. We must stay vigil, my friends or have you forgotten the blasphemous assassination attempt on His Imperial Majesty? - Theodoros Laskaris appears to be greatly saddened by memory of this event - Truly we must make sure that all citizens are united against our true enemies. Therefore the plague of corruption must be purged from the Imperium the law must be obeyed and every case of embezzlement or squander must be punished without mercy. For the ones who commit the crimes are actively opposing the Throne: there is little difference between attacking imperial citizens and weakening the Army or the Navy be squandering or stealing.
- But let not waste any more time on pointing out the obvious. I am sure that all of you will agree that continuing the Great Reform is what not only the best interest of the Imperium demands but also what Saint Markos would've wanted. It is certain. I suppose that all of you, noble Senators, realize what is the most important subject of today's Session – the alliance with Kingdom of Aquitaine. Or, to be more precise, war with the Westerners, for this would be a result of such decision. My friends, the fate of not only Aquitaine but both Christian Kingdoms may depend on what you decide to advise the Emperor. The xenoi and their Pisan puppets are in almost complete control over Aquitaine and it's only a matter of time before they strike at Kingdom of Poland – a kingdom which for such a long time was a wall separating lands of the Horde from those controlled by soulless invaders. If the Imperium do not intervene, this wall will fall. I need to remind you, honorable Senators, that you should not make up your mind on this matter hastily. His Imperial Majesty wants a wise counsel from you, one based on reason. You know well that mother of Polish king is no one else but porphyrogenneta Zoe Angelos, sister of His Imperial Majesty. You know also that Her Imperial Majesty basilissa Magdalena Szczesny is wife of blessed Autokrator and mother of porphyrogennetos Belisarios Angelos, our future Emperor. Yes, Great House Angelos and House Spis are bound by blood but even despite the alliance between the Imperium and Kingdom the sacred Emperor wishes you to be impartial and concentrate above all else on the greater good of the Imperium. For if we start a war with xenoi we cannot win - Theodoros Laskaris looks at Senators with no trace of smile on his face - we will condemn hundreds of thousands to death. Remember this, noble Senators the blood of Kristianoi may be on your hands if you choose badly.
- There is one more thing about which I shall speak later, but for now... - Theodoros Laskaris smiles - For now I have said enough. Thank you for hearing me, noble Senators. -
Theodoros Laskaris looks at President of the Senate and bows slightly; Michael Komnenos stands in the center of Magnaura with cryptic expression on his face.
- Thank you for allowing me to speak for so long, illustrious President of the Senate. I hope my speech didn't tire you. - Theodoros Laskaris makes a sign of cross - May you preside over this Session with blessing of Theotokos and under guidance of Saint Markos, good servant of the Emperor, long may he reign. - Theodoros Laskaris makes a gesture with to summon one of the slaves carrying vases and continues as he's pouring water to his golden chalice- Please proceed. I'm most interested in hearing what the best and brightest of Romaioi have to say. I believe it would be most respectful and in proper manner for His Beatitude Metropolitan Bishop Rhadenos to begin.
Megas logothetes sips cold water from his chalice and smiles faintly.
Theodoros Laskaris proceeds to cross himself.
- Eis to onoma tou Patros, kai tou Huiou, kai tou Hagiou Pneumatos. Amen. Salutation, noble Senators. I'm honored to be a guest of the Imperial Senate on this day, so important for the Imperium. For this I thank you, not as a plenipotentiary of His Imperial Majesty, but as a humble servant of the Imperium. Truly my heart rejoices seeing so many loyal and industrious aristoi from all corners of the Imperium gathered in one room, all of them united by the same goal – to serve God and His Regent on Earth - Voice of Theodoros is both firm and pleasant for ears. - Ah, if only we had more time to properly honor you for your accomplishments for the Imperium, noble Romans! Alas, time is a rare commodity and pressing matters of the Imperium force me to gloss over your most impressive deeds. Needless to list them here, and there are more competent people to talk about them, I'm sure of it. - Theodoros Laskaris smiles faintly - Allow me however, before this holy Senate begins the debate, to mention one thing which could not possibly be omitted.
Megas logothetes takes out a small note from a pocket hidden somewhere in his ceremonial robes and shows it to all gathered in the Great Hall.
- Words of the Emperor himself, noble Romaioi. Reverend bishop, senator Theophilus Rhadenos! - Theodoros Laskaris looks at the leader of the White Demes - It is the will of His Imperial Majesty, Sacred Emperor Markos III Angelos, basileus basileon by the Grace of God, king of kings and rulers of rulers, Caesar Augustus of the Romaioi and all Men, Autokrator of the Holy Church and Protector of the Christendom, that you are to be stripped of all your honors, lands and titles as bishop of Tiberias.
President of the Senate Michael Komnenos nods towards the guardsmen, while megas logothetes continues.
- For your service to the Throne the sacred Emperor decided to reward you proportionally to your deeds. Hear my words, for they announce the imperial justice rendered to you. -
One of the eunuchs, assisted by two members of the Imperial Senate Guard and carrying something, approaches senator Rhadenos.
- By the will of His Imperial Majesty, you are hereby - Theodoros Laskaris smiles widely - granted the title of The Most Revered Metropolitan and Patriarch of Antiocheia and All the East!
Eunuch kneels before senator Rhadenos and opens a little ivory box, inside which there is a golden ring with four rubies.
- In the name of the Emperor, please accept this small token of his gratitude, Your Beatitude. The official ceremony shall take place later in Hagia Sophia, during which you will be granted a proper ecclesiastical ring, staff and omophorion; in Antiocheia itself you will reside in the Archbishop's Palace, where your servants already await you. - Theodoros Laskaris bows slightly - I hope you find this gift satisfying, Your Beatitude.
Eunuch is escorted by two guardsmen out while megas logothetes sits on the throne. Theodoros Laskaris smiles to the Senators.
- Now, my friends, it is time to discuss the matters for which His Imperial Majesty gathered all of us here.
- The Great Reform initiated by the sacred Autokrator has so far brought great benefits to the Imperium. It's obvious to every wise man that in order to ensure the security and continuing stability of the Imperium these reforms must continue. To those of you who are experienced in the art of war matters of administration may seem not that important but let me assure you, noble Senators behind every brave Roman soldier or sailors stands a hundred of citizens whose effort enables the one to be properly armed, fed and ready to defend our lands against barbarians. And, as you know very well, the threat of barbaric incursion remains ever-present and there is not a single thema which is completely safe with the sole exception of the Queen of Cities, perhaps.
Moreover, while our foes are innumerable, even more dangerous can be the enemy within our limites. We must stay vigil, my friends or have you forgotten the blasphemous assassination attempt on His Imperial Majesty? - Theodoros Laskaris appears to be greatly saddened by memory of this event - Truly we must make sure that all citizens are united against our true enemies. Therefore the plague of corruption must be purged from the Imperium the law must be obeyed and every case of embezzlement or squander must be punished without mercy. For the ones who commit the crimes are actively opposing the Throne: there is little difference between attacking imperial citizens and weakening the Army or the Navy be squandering or stealing.
- But let not waste any more time on pointing out the obvious. I am sure that all of you will agree that continuing the Great Reform is what not only the best interest of the Imperium demands but also what Saint Markos would've wanted. It is certain. I suppose that all of you, noble Senators, realize what is the most important subject of today's Session – the alliance with Kingdom of Aquitaine. Or, to be more precise, war with the Westerners, for this would be a result of such decision. My friends, the fate of not only Aquitaine but both Christian Kingdoms may depend on what you decide to advise the Emperor. The xenoi and their Pisan puppets are in almost complete control over Aquitaine and it's only a matter of time before they strike at Kingdom of Poland – a kingdom which for such a long time was a wall separating lands of the Horde from those controlled by soulless invaders. If the Imperium do not intervene, this wall will fall. I need to remind you, honorable Senators, that you should not make up your mind on this matter hastily. His Imperial Majesty wants a wise counsel from you, one based on reason. You know well that mother of Polish king is no one else but porphyrogenneta Zoe Angelos, sister of His Imperial Majesty. You know also that Her Imperial Majesty basilissa Magdalena Szczesny is wife of blessed Autokrator and mother of porphyrogennetos Belisarios Angelos, our future Emperor. Yes, Great House Angelos and House Spis are bound by blood but even despite the alliance between the Imperium and Kingdom the sacred Emperor wishes you to be impartial and concentrate above all else on the greater good of the Imperium. For if we start a war with xenoi we cannot win - Theodoros Laskaris looks at Senators with no trace of smile on his face - we will condemn hundreds of thousands to death. Remember this, noble Senators the blood of Kristianoi may be on your hands if you choose badly.
- There is one more thing about which I shall speak later, but for now... - Theodoros Laskaris smiles - For now I have said enough. Thank you for hearing me, noble Senators. -
Theodoros Laskaris looks at President of the Senate and bows slightly; Michael Komnenos stands in the center of Magnaura with cryptic expression on his face.
- Thank you for allowing me to speak for so long, illustrious President of the Senate. I hope my speech didn't tire you. - Theodoros Laskaris makes a sign of cross - May you preside over this Session with blessing of Theotokos and under guidance of Saint Markos, good servant of the Emperor, long may he reign. - Theodoros Laskaris makes a gesture with to summon one of the slaves carrying vases and continues as he's pouring water to his golden chalice- Please proceed. I'm most interested in hearing what the best and brightest of Romaioi have to say. I believe it would be most respectful and in proper manner for His Beatitude Metropolitan Bishop Rhadenos to begin.
Megas logothetes sips cold water from his chalice and smiles faintly.
Senator Domenico Colombo:
Domenico slowly eased himself back into his seat, his back aching as he did so. He was old, 77 years old as a matter of fact. 'Very few people get to be this old', Domenico thought to himself. 'They're lucky'.
Much had changed since the last Great Session. As Domenico's strength withered away, so did his political influence. The last Great Session had been a turning point in some respects. The younger Domenico would have been furious at this loss, but now he waved it away after a brief thought. It was for the better of the Imperium, all he did was and had been since he turned away from his merchant roots. He didn't blame the Emperor for turning to religion, he was getting up there in years too, and if this is what it takes for him not to have an existential crisis, so be it.
But, deep within him, something was stirring. He had placed trust, great trust in the Whites Demes to carry out the will of the Imperium. And while it was true that the Reforms were succeeding, he did not like the fact that his own reforms were being so overshadowed. He despised the habits of corruption and favoritism prevalent in the Whites, and their lack of regard for Red policy.
There was another thing stirring, something so old and forgotten that Domenico had almost forgotten it. It had been awoken a few years ago when Christoforo and his wife, Abrar, invited him to a year-long trip to Socotra, the homeland of his wife. It was an unusual journey, to the very edge of the Imperial borders. Once again, he had become enamored with what lay beyond the horizon, and of new people and new places. He worried that his son, who all his life had wanted to know of the worlds beyond, might not get the chance to.
He thought back on that trip, as it had been wonderful. The sea air, the interesting plant life, the tanned inhabitants. His only regret was that he didn't get to see the inside of that little church in Abrar's village, as Christoforo had noted a mass was taking place, and it would be rude to interrupt.
Domenico stood up. His body may be faded, but his voice was not.
Thank you, President, and thank you, honorable guest.
There is much to discuss, and much to decide upon. Before calling my faction members to discuss our options, I have but a few questions for our guest, which he can answer at his leisure.
A few years ago, there were several scandals regarding corruption within the Whites Demes. I would like to know what steps have been taken to prevent this from happening again, as the incidents were most harmful to the finances and stability of the Imperium.
Secondly, provided the Senate chooses to pursue an Expansion reform, will the Imperium be outfitted with ships, sea captains and crews willing to explore uncharted territory?
And Thirdly, provided the same conditions, would the Imperium, should it find states or nations with which it is possible to make diplomacy with, will the Imperium negotiate the right to base fleets in their harbors as to extend our ability to explore?
Domenico slowly eased himself back into his seat, his back aching as he did so. He was old, 77 years old as a matter of fact. 'Very few people get to be this old', Domenico thought to himself. 'They're lucky'.
Much had changed since the last Great Session. As Domenico's strength withered away, so did his political influence. The last Great Session had been a turning point in some respects. The younger Domenico would have been furious at this loss, but now he waved it away after a brief thought. It was for the better of the Imperium, all he did was and had been since he turned away from his merchant roots. He didn't blame the Emperor for turning to religion, he was getting up there in years too, and if this is what it takes for him not to have an existential crisis, so be it.
But, deep within him, something was stirring. He had placed trust, great trust in the Whites Demes to carry out the will of the Imperium. And while it was true that the Reforms were succeeding, he did not like the fact that his own reforms were being so overshadowed. He despised the habits of corruption and favoritism prevalent in the Whites, and their lack of regard for Red policy.
There was another thing stirring, something so old and forgotten that Domenico had almost forgotten it. It had been awoken a few years ago when Christoforo and his wife, Abrar, invited him to a year-long trip to Socotra, the homeland of his wife. It was an unusual journey, to the very edge of the Imperial borders. Once again, he had become enamored with what lay beyond the horizon, and of new people and new places. He worried that his son, who all his life had wanted to know of the worlds beyond, might not get the chance to.
He thought back on that trip, as it had been wonderful. The sea air, the interesting plant life, the tanned inhabitants. His only regret was that he didn't get to see the inside of that little church in Abrar's village, as Christoforo had noted a mass was taking place, and it would be rude to interrupt.
Domenico stood up. His body may be faded, but his voice was not.
Thank you, President, and thank you, honorable guest.
There is much to discuss, and much to decide upon. Before calling my faction members to discuss our options, I have but a few questions for our guest, which he can answer at his leisure.
A few years ago, there were several scandals regarding corruption within the Whites Demes. I would like to know what steps have been taken to prevent this from happening again, as the incidents were most harmful to the finances and stability of the Imperium.
Secondly, provided the Senate chooses to pursue an Expansion reform, will the Imperium be outfitted with ships, sea captains and crews willing to explore uncharted territory?
And Thirdly, provided the same conditions, would the Imperium, should it find states or nations with which it is possible to make diplomacy with, will the Imperium negotiate the right to base fleets in their harbors as to extend our ability to explore?
Senator Hadrianos Raoul
*Hadrianos is now 64. Still fully in possession of his mental capabilities, he still was leader of the Blue Demes. Although some had already passed away, his circle of close friends and advisers was still there with senator Salamis, Melissenos and Hvide. Although one could see on his face, that the will for life was slowly escaping him. The murder of his son and daughter in law, returning from Adrianople where one of the biggest warehouse from the company was located had ravaged him. He taken years in one instant ; his son was his successor and a great man and he had come to love dearly Margrethe and their son over the years. After all these years, only his eldest son Maximos and his grandson Alexandros were alive. The first was a failure of a man but as a merchant and financer he was a genius bastard and he was sorry for his wife Dionysia, daughter of Senator Salamis. He had two letters on him, one for Salamis and the other for Hvide, for these familiar matters did not have to take place in the Senate.
The nomination of Rhadenos as Patriarch of Antioch felt like a treason to him. This old mad man was receiving a most precious position in the Imperium, while he, and his fellow friends were condemned to wait in the shadow. How disgusting ! Over the years, the Reds and their leader had lost their influence to the profit of the Whites, a fact that had saddened him for he preferred the Imperium in the hands of the Reds than the foolish bigots. Hopefully, the Emperor must have had a thought behind this act, for the little he knew from the Autokrator led him to think he was far from being bigot and narrow-minded as the old foul. Only time will tell.*
He approaches Senator Hvide and give him the letter while no one pays attention
Letter to Senator Hvide :
He then proceeds the same way with Senator Salamis
Letter to Senator Salamis :
He then rises and begins his speech
My dear friends, we assemble here again although I see many new heads among us today, and I welcome them, hoping they will fulfil their duty of Senators and Advisors of the Realm. I salute also the President of the Senate along with our honourable guest.
We were assembled here to discuss grave matters, graver than the reform of the army pushed by the Reds. Christendom stands at a crucial point in its history and I hope the Holy Spirit will assist us in this debate.
The war with the Horde is going well. That’s a fact no one here will deny. Our army has broken their defences and the lands we have lost are already in our hands. Yes, we could continue and embark on this journey and achieve tremendous victories against the barbarians of the steppes, where we could bring the holy faith where it was never ever heard of. But in the same time, innocents Christians from Aquitaine and Poland are dying against the ominous Pisans and their Xenoi masters ! This is the choice we have to make today. To leave Aquitaine alone while we feast on the Horde or stand true to our duty of Protectors of Christendom and pledge to rescue the Christian kingdoms.
As you may have understood, I think we must help Aquitaine. We must end the war against the Mongols as soon as possible. Our victory is uncontested and we must take advantage of this fact to end it as soon as possible. Reconquest of the lost provinces must be our priority although our diplomats should also try to stripe all ports from Mongol hands leaving Pont-Euxinos as a Roman lake. Some senators, away from reality, might not know this fact but this sea is plagued by Mongol pirates, and as long as the coast is in their hands, they can threaten our hold on the area. But here from Konstantinopolis, it’s easy to judge without knowing so I will trust this matter to the Scrinion ton Barbarion.
I shall join Senator Colombo in his questions although I have others as well
The Emperor has asked for the send of subsidies to the kingdoms but I wonder if the treasury could support it for a long time. What our chances against the X
enoi ? Would it be a foolish decision if we entered the war ? Would we be in the same position as during the war against the heir of Timur ? I ask for the advice of our guest, who, working in the Administration knows surely such details. Could you explain clearly in what would consist the expedition proposed by the Alexandrian merchant ? I think many here would be influenced upon their votes toward the first and second senatus consulti if you could speak about the situation.
In any case, whatever the goal of this expedition I am ready to support it. For too long, the Blues have asked for the overture of expeditions toward the East and I think it’s time we obtain them to show those who still doubt about their usefulness, how Exploration is vital to the survival of the Imperium. I reserve my judgement toward the first and second question for the moment. Subsidies, Alliance, and the Expedition have my vote.
*Hadrianos is now 64. Still fully in possession of his mental capabilities, he still was leader of the Blue Demes. Although some had already passed away, his circle of close friends and advisers was still there with senator Salamis, Melissenos and Hvide. Although one could see on his face, that the will for life was slowly escaping him. The murder of his son and daughter in law, returning from Adrianople where one of the biggest warehouse from the company was located had ravaged him. He taken years in one instant ; his son was his successor and a great man and he had come to love dearly Margrethe and their son over the years. After all these years, only his eldest son Maximos and his grandson Alexandros were alive. The first was a failure of a man but as a merchant and financer he was a genius bastard and he was sorry for his wife Dionysia, daughter of Senator Salamis. He had two letters on him, one for Salamis and the other for Hvide, for these familiar matters did not have to take place in the Senate.
The nomination of Rhadenos as Patriarch of Antioch felt like a treason to him. This old mad man was receiving a most precious position in the Imperium, while he, and his fellow friends were condemned to wait in the shadow. How disgusting ! Over the years, the Reds and their leader had lost their influence to the profit of the Whites, a fact that had saddened him for he preferred the Imperium in the hands of the Reds than the foolish bigots. Hopefully, the Emperor must have had a thought behind this act, for the little he knew from the Autokrator led him to think he was far from being bigot and narrow-minded as the old foul. Only time will tell.*
He approaches Senator Hvide and give him the letter while no one pays attention
Letter to Senator Hvide :
“My dear friend who shares my sadness,
I have not stopped my inquiry about the murder of our precious children. Even if the Athanatoi have stopped theirs because of the lack of evidence, I won’t let the murderers go unpunished !
I don’t believe the hypothesis that Xenoi were behind this act. We found obsidian blades covered with their blood all over the scene but it is easier than what think the Athanatoi to acquire such weapons. And I don’t see how they would profit from this act. He sure was my heir, and thus a person of importance in the Imperium, but we were never that close to the throne and the power. No I don’t think the answer lies to the West.
One of my clients who I helped get a position in the administration handed me a report that was realized in Kaliopolis. Apparently a Pisan mercenary who had somehow managed to enter the Imperium was found dead, the throat slit. In the upcoming week, 5 other mercenaries received the same treatment. They all seemed to form a band and one had an obsidian weapon. There was no purpose in these crimes but the killer escaped. I believe these men were the killers of Leontios and Margrethe. They were paid and to keep them silent they all were killed.
Now I have only mere clues and no certainty but the people responsible for this could be many. The other Senators first. Some despise us and could want to strike us where we are vulnerable by killing the flesh of our flesh. Even inside our Demes, I had opponents to my role like Senator Eliasian. But I don’t think any of them did it. The old Kastelos died a few years ago so I don’t think he planned it but for sure, I would count him suspect. He had threatened me multiple times. There is also the matter of my son Basileios. The death of Leontios made him the heir of the family and he has a wicked behaviour. However I can’t believe my son would do that to his own brother.
This is why, I could not talk to you about it. The more people know we are investigating, the more chances the assassin escapes. I’m old and my health is slowly deteriorating. I hope you will continue this task and your son after you, I don’t trust my son enough to talk to him about it. Should you ever discover any proof or get enough suspicion toward someone, I hope you or your son will be able to make them burn at the stake for their treason.
Senator Hadrianos Raoul “
I have not stopped my inquiry about the murder of our precious children. Even if the Athanatoi have stopped theirs because of the lack of evidence, I won’t let the murderers go unpunished !
I don’t believe the hypothesis that Xenoi were behind this act. We found obsidian blades covered with their blood all over the scene but it is easier than what think the Athanatoi to acquire such weapons. And I don’t see how they would profit from this act. He sure was my heir, and thus a person of importance in the Imperium, but we were never that close to the throne and the power. No I don’t think the answer lies to the West.
One of my clients who I helped get a position in the administration handed me a report that was realized in Kaliopolis. Apparently a Pisan mercenary who had somehow managed to enter the Imperium was found dead, the throat slit. In the upcoming week, 5 other mercenaries received the same treatment. They all seemed to form a band and one had an obsidian weapon. There was no purpose in these crimes but the killer escaped. I believe these men were the killers of Leontios and Margrethe. They were paid and to keep them silent they all were killed.
Now I have only mere clues and no certainty but the people responsible for this could be many. The other Senators first. Some despise us and could want to strike us where we are vulnerable by killing the flesh of our flesh. Even inside our Demes, I had opponents to my role like Senator Eliasian. But I don’t think any of them did it. The old Kastelos died a few years ago so I don’t think he planned it but for sure, I would count him suspect. He had threatened me multiple times. There is also the matter of my son Basileios. The death of Leontios made him the heir of the family and he has a wicked behaviour. However I can’t believe my son would do that to his own brother.
This is why, I could not talk to you about it. The more people know we are investigating, the more chances the assassin escapes. I’m old and my health is slowly deteriorating. I hope you will continue this task and your son after you, I don’t trust my son enough to talk to him about it. Should you ever discover any proof or get enough suspicion toward someone, I hope you or your son will be able to make them burn at the stake for their treason.
Senator Hadrianos Raoul “
He then proceeds the same way with Senator Salamis
Letter to Senator Salamis :
“My dear friend,
I know all the problems related to Maximos. I’m ashamed by his conduit but I fear that I’m not the man I was. I’ve tried to disgrace him but he has taken so much importance in the company that nothing is done unless he agrees with it. If one was to recognize something in him that would be his skills in trade. The bloody bastard knows how to make gold that’s for sure.
All the rumours Dionysia have told you are true and in most cases are even worse. Maximos bought her some house near my palace, gave her an allowance and ordered her to stay there with the girls. That is the fault of that witch. I know it’s because of her that things have gotten worse these last years. That witch, that little Pontian servant is the cause of many wrongs if not all. Maximos had become a better man since his marriage, devoting himself to work and his family. But the … inability of your daughter to produce any male heirs doubted his resolutions. And since that lustful woman bore him a son, he …. embraced his wrong ways. I even sometimes doubt him, me, his own father, of being behind the murder of Leontios and his wife.
That’s why I’ve decided to counter him for the little time I have yet on Earth. I don’t think you would ever consider doing otherwise but take care of Dionysia and our three granddaughters. She educates them very well and I hope that in the future, they will be able to wipe the stain, their father has inflicted on the family. And if you hear about any gossip, rumours about the death of Alexandros please send them back to me. If I die before the resolution of this matter, I hope someone will be able to find the culprit and make him burn at the stake.
Hadrianos Raoul “
I know all the problems related to Maximos. I’m ashamed by his conduit but I fear that I’m not the man I was. I’ve tried to disgrace him but he has taken so much importance in the company that nothing is done unless he agrees with it. If one was to recognize something in him that would be his skills in trade. The bloody bastard knows how to make gold that’s for sure.
All the rumours Dionysia have told you are true and in most cases are even worse. Maximos bought her some house near my palace, gave her an allowance and ordered her to stay there with the girls. That is the fault of that witch. I know it’s because of her that things have gotten worse these last years. That witch, that little Pontian servant is the cause of many wrongs if not all. Maximos had become a better man since his marriage, devoting himself to work and his family. But the … inability of your daughter to produce any male heirs doubted his resolutions. And since that lustful woman bore him a son, he …. embraced his wrong ways. I even sometimes doubt him, me, his own father, of being behind the murder of Leontios and his wife.
That’s why I’ve decided to counter him for the little time I have yet on Earth. I don’t think you would ever consider doing otherwise but take care of Dionysia and our three granddaughters. She educates them very well and I hope that in the future, they will be able to wipe the stain, their father has inflicted on the family. And if you hear about any gossip, rumours about the death of Alexandros please send them back to me. If I die before the resolution of this matter, I hope someone will be able to find the culprit and make him burn at the stake.
Hadrianos Raoul “
He then rises and begins his speech
My dear friends, we assemble here again although I see many new heads among us today, and I welcome them, hoping they will fulfil their duty of Senators and Advisors of the Realm. I salute also the President of the Senate along with our honourable guest.
We were assembled here to discuss grave matters, graver than the reform of the army pushed by the Reds. Christendom stands at a crucial point in its history and I hope the Holy Spirit will assist us in this debate.
The war with the Horde is going well. That’s a fact no one here will deny. Our army has broken their defences and the lands we have lost are already in our hands. Yes, we could continue and embark on this journey and achieve tremendous victories against the barbarians of the steppes, where we could bring the holy faith where it was never ever heard of. But in the same time, innocents Christians from Aquitaine and Poland are dying against the ominous Pisans and their Xenoi masters ! This is the choice we have to make today. To leave Aquitaine alone while we feast on the Horde or stand true to our duty of Protectors of Christendom and pledge to rescue the Christian kingdoms.
As you may have understood, I think we must help Aquitaine. We must end the war against the Mongols as soon as possible. Our victory is uncontested and we must take advantage of this fact to end it as soon as possible. Reconquest of the lost provinces must be our priority although our diplomats should also try to stripe all ports from Mongol hands leaving Pont-Euxinos as a Roman lake. Some senators, away from reality, might not know this fact but this sea is plagued by Mongol pirates, and as long as the coast is in their hands, they can threaten our hold on the area. But here from Konstantinopolis, it’s easy to judge without knowing so I will trust this matter to the Scrinion ton Barbarion.
I shall join Senator Colombo in his questions although I have others as well
The Emperor has asked for the send of subsidies to the kingdoms but I wonder if the treasury could support it for a long time. What our chances against the X
enoi ? Would it be a foolish decision if we entered the war ? Would we be in the same position as during the war against the heir of Timur ? I ask for the advice of our guest, who, working in the Administration knows surely such details. Could you explain clearly in what would consist the expedition proposed by the Alexandrian merchant ? I think many here would be influenced upon their votes toward the first and second senatus consulti if you could speak about the situation.
In any case, whatever the goal of this expedition I am ready to support it. For too long, the Blues have asked for the overture of expeditions toward the East and I think it’s time we obtain them to show those who still doubt about their usefulness, how Exploration is vital to the survival of the Imperium. I reserve my judgement toward the first and second question for the moment. Subsidies, Alliance, and the Expedition have my vote.
[[Hehe, new senator! I'll leave his biography here, so you know who you are dealing with. Aproved by Chocolate Muss.
]]
Senator Ferrantios Kastelos
Fellow romans, I must present myself, but not before... congratulate the new Patriach of the East. This is, certainly, a shocking new. Anyway. My name is Ferrantios Kastelos, second son of my father, Leontios. After his lamentable death, for natural causes I must add, I have assume every responsability as head of the Kasteloi. Some of you might remember the gifts brought from Mali, which were distributed between every one of you. Yes, I'm the one who went far beyond the Gibraltar strait, avoided the mighty aztec blockade and explored the coasts of africa, finally arriving to this heathen but forgotten kingdom. Some know me as the "Great Explorer of Mali and beyond", and I am almost sure that, probably, I'm the only one of the present senators who have been considered explorers. This time I have not come with gifts, but with great news and proposals.
There is a couple of things that I'm worried about. I have seen a real problem of bad leadership in some of the demes, a total waste of potencial and the power of one faction. People that had been convinced to vote for reforms and ideas not according to their minds and interests. Now that the gate of Aegyptus is finally open again, its time to take solve this... "issue" with our hands. Yes, there is other topics to discuss before that, but let's not forget it. *Looks at Hadrianos Raoul with distrust and... challenge*
The first thing I'll say will be about Aquitaine: Its lost, as well as Aragon in its time. Yes, thousands of good christians are doomed, but more had lost their lives before we even had the chance to decide to help them or not. There is no way to recover this old kingdom. Instead I would like to propose to send a fleet and rescue the refugees that we all know are coming this way, but we cannot propose something else. I say no. The imperium is already fighting a war, and we can't risk our victory and our reconquered themes for a lost cause. You want the westerners flood our lands while our armies are in the steppes? Let's them finish the war, before Poland starts suffering. And talking about Poland... Yes. Every help we could send to them will be useful for the Imperium. They can get even stronger and they are vital to divide our great enemies.
Now we have to talk about the next matter, one that calls most of my attention: Our holy Imperator has introduced some bills to the Senate regarding the administration. He wants to continue the great administrative reform that has made so good to Rome. The Imperium has already benefited. More reforms are dangerous, more when the corruption spread even with new institutions are created and old are destroid. It's not fault of our Basileus, no, its fault of the people that we find inside those institutions. Wicked bureaucrats steal from the Emperor itself! I would prefer to not mention what happened with old Senator Ouranos and let's think about this for a moment. Observe every chair, every senator and look for the so called "Whites". How much power has gained two, three persons? An absurd reality that has to be changed. And while I'm not questioning the motives of the Imperator, we, as Senate, have to give him the best advices possible. We have regained Aegypt. The door to lands of infinite riches its open, and the eastern Mare Nostrum is relative safe again. We must rebuild our so damage comerce. Revitalize the trade routes, both over the sea and land. Abyssina has been abandoned for decades and, even if its recovering, we must send more resources, build new roads and ports. The grain in the Nile must grow again, so not only our soldiers, our families too, can be feed in any moment. This is a golden chance that must be chosen and exploited for the good of all Romaioi. His Imperial Majesty should know about this, but only if a great mayority understand what is in game. This is not only a mere suggestion, this is a whole new focus of the Empire. We must focus on the Expansion of our limits, rebuild Abyssina and Egyp, see beyond our coasts. Prepare our fleets and set sail. Blues, you gave them the war they wanted. They won. Now its your turn. Our turn.
*Ferrantios takes some seconds, making a decision in his head.*
And of course, this expedition should be totally supported. In fact, here I offer the port of Soma Bay, headquarters of the Kastelos Trade & Exploration Company, as main base to planificate this. If the Senate approves, I will support personally with three recently built ships in the Red Sea. My artisans call them... Carabelas, or Caravels, specially constructed to long term expeditions.
I hope you will see the light, Senators. I expect to see less spiting that what I've been told there was in Magnaura.
Name: Ferrantios Kastelos
Date of birth: 1428
Culture/Nationality: Roman-Aragonese
Received titles and honors: Imperial Senator, Administrator of the Kastelos Trade and Exploration Company, Great Explorer of Mali and beyond.
Biography: Ferrations Kastelos, second son of the renowned Leontios, lived under the shadow of his older brother, Sebastianos. Always ignored thanks to the great achievements of Sebastianos and the continuous efforts of his father to rebuild the prestige of the family, Ferrantios had a lot of time to focus in the ancient books stored in the big libraries of Konstantinoupolis, where he lived and studied since he was a 11 years old. He found comfort not only in the mithical lands of Hindustan, but also in the hiding secrets of inner Africa.
Suddenly, in matter of weeks, all would change for him. The tragic death of his brother and the great success of his own expedition to the misterious lands of Mali gave him a name that would not be forgotten in long time. He, Ferrantios Kastelos, was a pioneer, first of the new born explorers of the Imperium, one of the few that had avoid the almost impenetrable blockade of the Gibraltar strait in centuries. His gifts were sent all over the Imperium, and the best of them had a very unique name write on them: the sacred Emperor Markos III Angelos.
Now he had a name, fame and riches, only his father was an obstacle. The love that he had for Leontios was the wall that stopped the hand of the dagger. Ferrantios was young, inexpert and bold, too much to learn, too much to live. He waited. He planned. There was much to think.
The time came, eventually. "Natural causes" was a "very" common cause of dead, but no one would even dare to doubt about it in this case. The body of Leontios was resting peacefully forever. Ferrantios held his father's hands for the last time.
"I will make you proud, father". A kid, the younger of Ferrantios's sons, was at the right of him.
"But this time the Senate... no, the Imperium, will know the strength of the Kastelos name."
Date of birth: 1428
Culture/Nationality: Roman-Aragonese
Received titles and honors: Imperial Senator, Administrator of the Kastelos Trade and Exploration Company, Great Explorer of Mali and beyond.
Biography: Ferrations Kastelos, second son of the renowned Leontios, lived under the shadow of his older brother, Sebastianos. Always ignored thanks to the great achievements of Sebastianos and the continuous efforts of his father to rebuild the prestige of the family, Ferrantios had a lot of time to focus in the ancient books stored in the big libraries of Konstantinoupolis, where he lived and studied since he was a 11 years old. He found comfort not only in the mithical lands of Hindustan, but also in the hiding secrets of inner Africa.
Suddenly, in matter of weeks, all would change for him. The tragic death of his brother and the great success of his own expedition to the misterious lands of Mali gave him a name that would not be forgotten in long time. He, Ferrantios Kastelos, was a pioneer, first of the new born explorers of the Imperium, one of the few that had avoid the almost impenetrable blockade of the Gibraltar strait in centuries. His gifts were sent all over the Imperium, and the best of them had a very unique name write on them: the sacred Emperor Markos III Angelos.
Now he had a name, fame and riches, only his father was an obstacle. The love that he had for Leontios was the wall that stopped the hand of the dagger. Ferrantios was young, inexpert and bold, too much to learn, too much to live. He waited. He planned. There was much to think.
The time came, eventually. "Natural causes" was a "very" common cause of dead, but no one would even dare to doubt about it in this case. The body of Leontios was resting peacefully forever. Ferrantios held his father's hands for the last time.
"I will make you proud, father". A kid, the younger of Ferrantios's sons, was at the right of him.
"But this time the Senate... no, the Imperium, will know the strength of the Kastelos name."
Senator Ferrantios Kastelos
Fellow romans, I must present myself, but not before... congratulate the new Patriach of the East. This is, certainly, a shocking new. Anyway. My name is Ferrantios Kastelos, second son of my father, Leontios. After his lamentable death, for natural causes I must add, I have assume every responsability as head of the Kasteloi. Some of you might remember the gifts brought from Mali, which were distributed between every one of you. Yes, I'm the one who went far beyond the Gibraltar strait, avoided the mighty aztec blockade and explored the coasts of africa, finally arriving to this heathen but forgotten kingdom. Some know me as the "Great Explorer of Mali and beyond", and I am almost sure that, probably, I'm the only one of the present senators who have been considered explorers. This time I have not come with gifts, but with great news and proposals.
There is a couple of things that I'm worried about. I have seen a real problem of bad leadership in some of the demes, a total waste of potencial and the power of one faction. People that had been convinced to vote for reforms and ideas not according to their minds and interests. Now that the gate of Aegyptus is finally open again, its time to take solve this... "issue" with our hands. Yes, there is other topics to discuss before that, but let's not forget it. *Looks at Hadrianos Raoul with distrust and... challenge*
The first thing I'll say will be about Aquitaine: Its lost, as well as Aragon in its time. Yes, thousands of good christians are doomed, but more had lost their lives before we even had the chance to decide to help them or not. There is no way to recover this old kingdom. Instead I would like to propose to send a fleet and rescue the refugees that we all know are coming this way, but we cannot propose something else. I say no. The imperium is already fighting a war, and we can't risk our victory and our reconquered themes for a lost cause. You want the westerners flood our lands while our armies are in the steppes? Let's them finish the war, before Poland starts suffering. And talking about Poland... Yes. Every help we could send to them will be useful for the Imperium. They can get even stronger and they are vital to divide our great enemies.
Now we have to talk about the next matter, one that calls most of my attention: Our holy Imperator has introduced some bills to the Senate regarding the administration. He wants to continue the great administrative reform that has made so good to Rome. The Imperium has already benefited. More reforms are dangerous, more when the corruption spread even with new institutions are created and old are destroid. It's not fault of our Basileus, no, its fault of the people that we find inside those institutions. Wicked bureaucrats steal from the Emperor itself! I would prefer to not mention what happened with old Senator Ouranos and let's think about this for a moment. Observe every chair, every senator and look for the so called "Whites". How much power has gained two, three persons? An absurd reality that has to be changed. And while I'm not questioning the motives of the Imperator, we, as Senate, have to give him the best advices possible. We have regained Aegypt. The door to lands of infinite riches its open, and the eastern Mare Nostrum is relative safe again. We must rebuild our so damage comerce. Revitalize the trade routes, both over the sea and land. Abyssina has been abandoned for decades and, even if its recovering, we must send more resources, build new roads and ports. The grain in the Nile must grow again, so not only our soldiers, our families too, can be feed in any moment. This is a golden chance that must be chosen and exploited for the good of all Romaioi. His Imperial Majesty should know about this, but only if a great mayority understand what is in game. This is not only a mere suggestion, this is a whole new focus of the Empire. We must focus on the Expansion of our limits, rebuild Abyssina and Egyp, see beyond our coasts. Prepare our fleets and set sail. Blues, you gave them the war they wanted. They won. Now its your turn. Our turn.
*Ferrantios takes some seconds, making a decision in his head.*
And of course, this expedition should be totally supported. In fact, here I offer the port of Soma Bay, headquarters of the Kastelos Trade & Exploration Company, as main base to planificate this. If the Senate approves, I will support personally with three recently built ships in the Red Sea. My artisans call them... Carabelas, or Caravels, specially constructed to long term expeditions.
I hope you will see the light, Senators. I expect to see less spiting that what I've been told there was in Magnaura.
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[SIZE=+1]Senator Lazaros Melissenos[/SIZE]
*Lazaros, who is now an old man of 61 years rises slowly from his place and supports himself with a cane. He was guided into the halls by a servant and as he lets his gaze sweep unfocused trough the ranks of the Senators it becomes clear why: Age has him blinded and the fact that he still takes part in the meeting seems to say a lot. About his family, of whom he apparently sees no one fit to serve in his place, and about his dedication to his post as senator.*
Hornoured President of the Senate, hornoured Megas Logothetes, fellow senators – old and new ones –, dear friends.
First of, let my say my congratulations to our dear Theophilus. They are sincere, even if we came to blows at times. The hornour is yours and I'm sure you will be able to fulfill all the many responsibilities, that come with the office.
But now: It isn't the first time we come here together, to discuss the situation of the Empire and give counsel on the matters at hand. But never before were the matters of such importance and urgency.
I will start with the long term matters. Namely the further reformation of the administration. Sadly I have to advice against it at this moment. The great reforms of the structure of the empire itself are only just set in motion and require a good deal of attention, care and time. It is easy to see for everyone that – while necessary – the huge impact this reform has on the very foundation of the Empire has send shock waves from this capital to the farrest borders. As long as this reform isn't completed a further reformation is not advisable for the Empire might get lost in chaos with it.
Instead, we should focus the resources available on other matters. The Emperor has asked on a resolution about the exploration of the eastern ocean. And of course I would advice for it, as it was always the policy of my House and our Demes. But such an exploration needs more than an old galley and some conscripted sailors. It needs planing. Resources. Trained men and able ships. Remember the treasure fleet of Sinae. Even discounting the legends that have build up over time, it was thousands of men and dozens of ships strong. Prepared with warriors for war and presents for diplomacy. We should do no less and prepare for the Exploration.
Also my friends, you know me. I always warned against a further militarization of the Empire for I feared for it's very being, so my advice would be, to focus on diplomatic action with whom ever we meet on the other side of the ocean.
*Lazaros needs a moment to take a breath and a sip from a tankard, before he continues.*
Now on our brothers in Faith.
I've long thought about this matter. I have spoken with some of the members of my house, with friends, even some of the people from Poland and Aquitaine, that are here in out city. It didn't made the decision not easy for me.
This Advice is: Let Aquitaine die.
*Lazaros lets his words linger in the air for a while.*
According from what has been heart, nearly all it's land have already fallen. If we now intervene, we might draw the Xenoi attention on us without being able to save Aquitaine and it's people in time. Many might say: But we will always be able to beat the Xenoi in battle! To which I answer: But at what cost? We have to choose the war on our terms, not in theirs.
So the standpoint of my House is: No alliance and no subsidies for Aquitaine.
With Poland, the things stand differently. They are still a mighty ally and we need to make sure, that this continues. So I say yes to the subsidies for Poland. More so, since I advised against subsidizing Aquitaine it is my opinion, that Poland should get the whole 2.000.000 hyperpyrra. Furthermore: My advice stands for the case, that the Xenoi should be contend with the lands of Aquitaine. If they make serious attempts into Poland, we should act immediately and send our forces. We can lose Aquitaine – and while I'm deeply sorry, I'm not afraid to say so – but we can and should not lose Poland.
*Again, Lazaros lets his empty look sweep, although it lingers a bit longer in the direction it which he has heard Ferrantios voice, before slowly seating himself. He looks exhausted and frail, but his words reveal, that his mind is still sharp, were his body is failing him.*
*Lazaros, who is now an old man of 61 years rises slowly from his place and supports himself with a cane. He was guided into the halls by a servant and as he lets his gaze sweep unfocused trough the ranks of the Senators it becomes clear why: Age has him blinded and the fact that he still takes part in the meeting seems to say a lot. About his family, of whom he apparently sees no one fit to serve in his place, and about his dedication to his post as senator.*
Hornoured President of the Senate, hornoured Megas Logothetes, fellow senators – old and new ones –, dear friends.
First of, let my say my congratulations to our dear Theophilus. They are sincere, even if we came to blows at times. The hornour is yours and I'm sure you will be able to fulfill all the many responsibilities, that come with the office.
But now: It isn't the first time we come here together, to discuss the situation of the Empire and give counsel on the matters at hand. But never before were the matters of such importance and urgency.
I will start with the long term matters. Namely the further reformation of the administration. Sadly I have to advice against it at this moment. The great reforms of the structure of the empire itself are only just set in motion and require a good deal of attention, care and time. It is easy to see for everyone that – while necessary – the huge impact this reform has on the very foundation of the Empire has send shock waves from this capital to the farrest borders. As long as this reform isn't completed a further reformation is not advisable for the Empire might get lost in chaos with it.
Instead, we should focus the resources available on other matters. The Emperor has asked on a resolution about the exploration of the eastern ocean. And of course I would advice for it, as it was always the policy of my House and our Demes. But such an exploration needs more than an old galley and some conscripted sailors. It needs planing. Resources. Trained men and able ships. Remember the treasure fleet of Sinae. Even discounting the legends that have build up over time, it was thousands of men and dozens of ships strong. Prepared with warriors for war and presents for diplomacy. We should do no less and prepare for the Exploration.
Also my friends, you know me. I always warned against a further militarization of the Empire for I feared for it's very being, so my advice would be, to focus on diplomatic action with whom ever we meet on the other side of the ocean.
*Lazaros needs a moment to take a breath and a sip from a tankard, before he continues.*
Now on our brothers in Faith.
I've long thought about this matter. I have spoken with some of the members of my house, with friends, even some of the people from Poland and Aquitaine, that are here in out city. It didn't made the decision not easy for me.
This Advice is: Let Aquitaine die.
*Lazaros lets his words linger in the air for a while.*
According from what has been heart, nearly all it's land have already fallen. If we now intervene, we might draw the Xenoi attention on us without being able to save Aquitaine and it's people in time. Many might say: But we will always be able to beat the Xenoi in battle! To which I answer: But at what cost? We have to choose the war on our terms, not in theirs.
So the standpoint of my House is: No alliance and no subsidies for Aquitaine.
With Poland, the things stand differently. They are still a mighty ally and we need to make sure, that this continues. So I say yes to the subsidies for Poland. More so, since I advised against subsidizing Aquitaine it is my opinion, that Poland should get the whole 2.000.000 hyperpyrra. Furthermore: My advice stands for the case, that the Xenoi should be contend with the lands of Aquitaine. If they make serious attempts into Poland, we should act immediately and send our forces. We can lose Aquitaine – and while I'm deeply sorry, I'm not afraid to say so – but we can and should not lose Poland.
*Again, Lazaros lets his empty look sweep, although it lingers a bit longer in the direction it which he has heard Ferrantios voice, before slowly seating himself. He looks exhausted and frail, but his words reveal, that his mind is still sharp, were his body is failing him.*
Aeneas Taurinus
{{Cutting a starkly different figure from his crippled late father Decius, Aeneas carries himself with a sense of authority and energy. He has spent the last few years working to restore the city of Rome, his most recent building project being a massive statue of the Emperor on the Capitoline hill as part of his effort to rebuild the city as a true city of the Imperium, yet makes only rare visits to Cherson. Despite this he has been outspoken in his support for the war against the Horde, with many of his family members joining the war effort with enthusiasm. }}
Gentlemen, noble senators, I see among this great gathering many noble figures who my late father spoke most highly of, others new faces who I am confident will contribute their considerable skills and virtues to this noble body in a most beneficial way.
It is a great honor that the Emperor has given us the Megas logothetes's wisdom to help advise the senate in these truly grave and weighty matters. I pray that we will all listen to your wisdom.
I have spent several years now trying to aid the Imperial administration in restoring the Empire's prosperity, and the problems faced by such undertakings have proven great. If the Empire is to be able to continue to support its military, both in the army and navy, then we must work now to ensure that we have an infrastructure capable of supporting the military on the scale necessary for wars of the type fought in Aegyptus.
For this reason, I will gladly stand with the new Patriarch Rhadenos, a just and noble man who has truly earned the honors bestowed on him by our great Emperor, if the Whites under his noble leadership seek to follow the Megas logothetes's wisdom and endorse the reforms of the Imperial administration.
As to the other matters of this session, the expedition to the east, I defer to the wisdom of my friends tied with our noble navy, who I am confident will use their considerable skills to discover new lands and new opportunities for the good of the Empire. I will gladly support this expedition to the East, for the good of all in the Empire.
And finally, in the tragic choice between crushing the Horde and aiding our brothers in Aquitaine, I fear I must advise the more tragic route. If the Empire were not already at war, if it were not still recovering from the massive strains of the reconquest of Aegyptus, so many ifs, I would be the first one to volunteer to take up my former place in the Imperial navy and serve with all my strength in a war to support Aquitaine, but for the good of the Empire we cannot allow ourselves to be drawn into a war against the Xenoi and Pisans at this critical time. Indeed, such a situation may even be a trap set by the Pisans who seek to draw the Empire into a war against their barbarian masters to clear the way for their own invasion of the Empire!
In contrast to this risky prospect of war at a time when we are not yet ready for it, we have nearly dealt the death blow to the Horde.
The ignoble defeat we had suffered so many years ago, that killed my brother, killed so many noble Romans, is nearly avenged. We must finish this war against the Horde, crippling them so that all that will remain is a humbled shell that will never again be a threat to the Empire. If we end the war now, we risk leaving an enemy on our northern border for another day, inspiring more Mongol rebels within our eastern provinces, or worse, we risk the Horde's strength being given over to the sons of Timur. Let us cripple this enemy, leave the sons of Timur with nothing but empty deserts to conquer, and then, when the Empire's northern border is safe, then we will focus all our attention to defeating the enemies from the West, liberating the many fallen realms of the West in one glorious crusade!
{{Aeneas sits down, quite satisfied with his first speech, then begins examining building plans for his planed restoration of some other building in Rome.}}
{{Cutting a starkly different figure from his crippled late father Decius, Aeneas carries himself with a sense of authority and energy. He has spent the last few years working to restore the city of Rome, his most recent building project being a massive statue of the Emperor on the Capitoline hill as part of his effort to rebuild the city as a true city of the Imperium, yet makes only rare visits to Cherson. Despite this he has been outspoken in his support for the war against the Horde, with many of his family members joining the war effort with enthusiasm. }}
Gentlemen, noble senators, I see among this great gathering many noble figures who my late father spoke most highly of, others new faces who I am confident will contribute their considerable skills and virtues to this noble body in a most beneficial way.
It is a great honor that the Emperor has given us the Megas logothetes's wisdom to help advise the senate in these truly grave and weighty matters. I pray that we will all listen to your wisdom.
I have spent several years now trying to aid the Imperial administration in restoring the Empire's prosperity, and the problems faced by such undertakings have proven great. If the Empire is to be able to continue to support its military, both in the army and navy, then we must work now to ensure that we have an infrastructure capable of supporting the military on the scale necessary for wars of the type fought in Aegyptus.
For this reason, I will gladly stand with the new Patriarch Rhadenos, a just and noble man who has truly earned the honors bestowed on him by our great Emperor, if the Whites under his noble leadership seek to follow the Megas logothetes's wisdom and endorse the reforms of the Imperial administration.
As to the other matters of this session, the expedition to the east, I defer to the wisdom of my friends tied with our noble navy, who I am confident will use their considerable skills to discover new lands and new opportunities for the good of the Empire. I will gladly support this expedition to the East, for the good of all in the Empire.
And finally, in the tragic choice between crushing the Horde and aiding our brothers in Aquitaine, I fear I must advise the more tragic route. If the Empire were not already at war, if it were not still recovering from the massive strains of the reconquest of Aegyptus, so many ifs, I would be the first one to volunteer to take up my former place in the Imperial navy and serve with all my strength in a war to support Aquitaine, but for the good of the Empire we cannot allow ourselves to be drawn into a war against the Xenoi and Pisans at this critical time. Indeed, such a situation may even be a trap set by the Pisans who seek to draw the Empire into a war against their barbarian masters to clear the way for their own invasion of the Empire!
In contrast to this risky prospect of war at a time when we are not yet ready for it, we have nearly dealt the death blow to the Horde.
The ignoble defeat we had suffered so many years ago, that killed my brother, killed so many noble Romans, is nearly avenged. We must finish this war against the Horde, crippling them so that all that will remain is a humbled shell that will never again be a threat to the Empire. If we end the war now, we risk leaving an enemy on our northern border for another day, inspiring more Mongol rebels within our eastern provinces, or worse, we risk the Horde's strength being given over to the sons of Timur. Let us cripple this enemy, leave the sons of Timur with nothing but empty deserts to conquer, and then, when the Empire's northern border is safe, then we will focus all our attention to defeating the enemies from the West, liberating the many fallen realms of the West in one glorious crusade!
{{Aeneas sits down, quite satisfied with his first speech, then begins examining building plans for his planed restoration of some other building in Rome.}}
[size=+1]Senator Ferruccio di Capponi:[/size]
{{A man, much younger than many enters. He is not young in age, already no more than 41 years of age, but young in the entrapments of time that rules that of the Senate. He lacked influences, dynastic lineages, connections, high friends, and verbal victories which was the true marker of age in those ancient halls. Yes, Ferruccio was a young man.
In the streets of Northern Italy, the word of the Senate, nay, the Imperator were hardly given second thought. An "Empire of Greeks" was scoffed by the many members of the local aristocracy, and the Capponi were among them. They were the Latins, the Romans, and the Greek words that dominated the government were more spat than spoken. It would not be for nothing that drives a Northern Italian into the halls of the Senate, not for nothing.
Many of his family would gladly bear the flag of Pisa, many were said, though in nothing more than a servant girl's gossip, to be Catholic, with the rumors going as far as to say Cathar.
Ferruccio had been to Pisa, he had been to the halls of the German Emperors, the Limes were still weaker than the Imperium would wish, and illicit trade still existed, and wherever the Pisan or German was to be met, it was nigh certain a Capponi would be there, perhaps not as an actual transactor, but a living badge of a deal, a stamp of its authenticity.
It was not illegal trade, or German spies which brought Ferruccio to the Senate though. No, perhaps morality, perhaps something more drove Ferruccio. The atrocities and horrors, not of the Aztecs spurned Ferruccio forward, but the Timurids, and the Great Oriental Hordes. There was something about the rolling Steppes, of Horse-Lords, of an endless wave of fire and blood that brought Ferruccio here.
Entering the room, the Italian spoke, perhaps not with eloquence, perhaps not with power, perhaps not with persuasion, but he spoke}}
"I will not say I am honored to be here. My prestige and standing in my family is now practically dirt for standing in this very hall. Nor I feel any satisfaction to be standing in the Puppeteer's Amphitheater.
But one must stomach the medicine which makes it stronger.
The Imperium asks us to decide on the reformation of its administration? Though for this request I would advise the disbandment of the Senate, I fear such actions are beyond bureaucracy which owns the Queen of Cities. I shall hold my other opinions on such matters until time necessitates my vote. The same stands for other problems of Imperial management.
I will though, speak on foreign issues. As it may surprise many here, our beautiful earth continues outside of the walls of Constantinople. No doubt even more surprising to you all; people live there. One of these lands is a Kingdom called Aquitaine. I say with greatest sincerity, as I believe I am the only man to have stood in the Occitan lands, to have stood in there cities, I may know that path to take on their issue. Which is why I must decisively argue for payment of subsidies. What more, these tales of foreign adventures to the East may need more convincing to sway my vote. What are we to find in those Hidden Countries, save another horde, or a weak but vicious band of Infidels. Already, our paltry efforts of exploration has reawakened us to the existence of Sunni Muslims! I would have been less surprised to find the Breton Band living in the desert wasteland.
If we stick our heads out our windows, we must be prepared should it be raining.
That is all I have to say. You may accuse me of being a Pisan, a merchant traitor, but my only wares are facts. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Good Day."
{{A man, much younger than many enters. He is not young in age, already no more than 41 years of age, but young in the entrapments of time that rules that of the Senate. He lacked influences, dynastic lineages, connections, high friends, and verbal victories which was the true marker of age in those ancient halls. Yes, Ferruccio was a young man.
In the streets of Northern Italy, the word of the Senate, nay, the Imperator were hardly given second thought. An "Empire of Greeks" was scoffed by the many members of the local aristocracy, and the Capponi were among them. They were the Latins, the Romans, and the Greek words that dominated the government were more spat than spoken. It would not be for nothing that drives a Northern Italian into the halls of the Senate, not for nothing.
Many of his family would gladly bear the flag of Pisa, many were said, though in nothing more than a servant girl's gossip, to be Catholic, with the rumors going as far as to say Cathar.
Ferruccio had been to Pisa, he had been to the halls of the German Emperors, the Limes were still weaker than the Imperium would wish, and illicit trade still existed, and wherever the Pisan or German was to be met, it was nigh certain a Capponi would be there, perhaps not as an actual transactor, but a living badge of a deal, a stamp of its authenticity.
It was not illegal trade, or German spies which brought Ferruccio to the Senate though. No, perhaps morality, perhaps something more drove Ferruccio. The atrocities and horrors, not of the Aztecs spurned Ferruccio forward, but the Timurids, and the Great Oriental Hordes. There was something about the rolling Steppes, of Horse-Lords, of an endless wave of fire and blood that brought Ferruccio here.
Entering the room, the Italian spoke, perhaps not with eloquence, perhaps not with power, perhaps not with persuasion, but he spoke}}
"I will not say I am honored to be here. My prestige and standing in my family is now practically dirt for standing in this very hall. Nor I feel any satisfaction to be standing in the Puppeteer's Amphitheater.
But one must stomach the medicine which makes it stronger.
The Imperium asks us to decide on the reformation of its administration? Though for this request I would advise the disbandment of the Senate, I fear such actions are beyond bureaucracy which owns the Queen of Cities. I shall hold my other opinions on such matters until time necessitates my vote. The same stands for other problems of Imperial management.
I will though, speak on foreign issues. As it may surprise many here, our beautiful earth continues outside of the walls of Constantinople. No doubt even more surprising to you all; people live there. One of these lands is a Kingdom called Aquitaine. I say with greatest sincerity, as I believe I am the only man to have stood in the Occitan lands, to have stood in there cities, I may know that path to take on their issue. Which is why I must decisively argue for payment of subsidies. What more, these tales of foreign adventures to the East may need more convincing to sway my vote. What are we to find in those Hidden Countries, save another horde, or a weak but vicious band of Infidels. Already, our paltry efforts of exploration has reawakened us to the existence of Sunni Muslims! I would have been less surprised to find the Breton Band living in the desert wasteland.
If we stick our heads out our windows, we must be prepared should it be raining.
That is all I have to say. You may accuse me of being a Pisan, a merchant traitor, but my only wares are facts. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Good Day."
[SIZE=+1]Senator Lazaros Melissenos[/SIZE]
*Lazaros raises his voice in response to Ferruccio, without rising from his seat or even rising his empty gaze.*
The only thing I accuse you of is being a ignorant child, that doesn’t think, before it speaks, but that already might be enough for you to shovel your own grave.
*He slowly claps a few times, before falling quiet.*
*Lazaros raises his voice in response to Ferruccio, without rising from his seat or even rising his empty gaze.*
The only thing I accuse you of is being a ignorant child, that doesn’t think, before it speaks, but that already might be enough for you to shovel your own grave.
*He slowly claps a few times, before falling quiet.*
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[size=+1]Senator Eumenes Ouranos:[/size]
{{Despite being in his early forties, Eumenes looks like a tired man that has lived and seen too much in too little time, especially after the betrayal of his brother. His normally stark black hair is slowly withering to grey and every step he takes is a painful one. Regardless of his disabilities Eumenes is not a man to underestimate as a wolf can still bite even with it's head looking in the other direction. }}
Fellow Senators, loyal countrymen, we are at a standpoint. The crossroads we are located at is a treacherous one. All directions we are given will have an impact on the Imperium for centuries to come. Saint Markos will always guide us but now is our time to chose for ourselves, for the greater good of the Imperium and I can only hope all opinions will be listened and taken into consideration.
First and foremost for the Imperial administration. I believe that what the Imperium needs is more reforms, especially with our seemingly constant wars with the heretics. Our Imperium needs a better economy, and those that say that focusing on such a thing will bring more corruption I can assure you that reforms will improve the bureaucracy and make it even more effective. Thus I believe that Administration should be our goal, for to finance costly expeditions, the Imperium needs the money and means to do so. Thus a full scale expedition, while important later on, must not yet be undertaken
*Eumenes takes a deep breath.*
As for the tragic fall of Aquitaine, it is to die for as Senator Kastelos said himself, the whole region of Gallia and Iberia is lost and will remain lost if we foolishly run into wars with the heretical pisians and Xenoi! I was there in Italia in 1462, I have seen the horrors of Xenoi warfare and I know for a fact that going into such a war will lead to more losses in the West. The Imperium must finish the war with the Horde and reclaim most of the Black Sea coastline and sadly must cut all ties with Aquitaine, for the greater good.
However, Poland is, as so importantly describe by the honourable Megas logothetes, the wall that keeps Christian Europe together. To let it fall will bring death and destruction never seen before. The Imperium must save the Kingdom of Poland. It is our most important ally and has helped us many a time in the past. Are we so dishonorable to let them die to the heretics!? No! The Imperium is the vanguard of the Christian world and although we cannot save Aquitaine, we must hold on to Poland.
*Eumenes finishing his speech, settles down and sits.*
I will be listening to all your views and make my decision thereafter, but remember fellow Senators that we must be united against the common threat of the heretics. Thank you.
{{Despite being in his early forties, Eumenes looks like a tired man that has lived and seen too much in too little time, especially after the betrayal of his brother. His normally stark black hair is slowly withering to grey and every step he takes is a painful one. Regardless of his disabilities Eumenes is not a man to underestimate as a wolf can still bite even with it's head looking in the other direction. }}
Fellow Senators, loyal countrymen, we are at a standpoint. The crossroads we are located at is a treacherous one. All directions we are given will have an impact on the Imperium for centuries to come. Saint Markos will always guide us but now is our time to chose for ourselves, for the greater good of the Imperium and I can only hope all opinions will be listened and taken into consideration.
First and foremost for the Imperial administration. I believe that what the Imperium needs is more reforms, especially with our seemingly constant wars with the heretics. Our Imperium needs a better economy, and those that say that focusing on such a thing will bring more corruption I can assure you that reforms will improve the bureaucracy and make it even more effective. Thus I believe that Administration should be our goal, for to finance costly expeditions, the Imperium needs the money and means to do so. Thus a full scale expedition, while important later on, must not yet be undertaken
*Eumenes takes a deep breath.*
As for the tragic fall of Aquitaine, it is to die for as Senator Kastelos said himself, the whole region of Gallia and Iberia is lost and will remain lost if we foolishly run into wars with the heretical pisians and Xenoi! I was there in Italia in 1462, I have seen the horrors of Xenoi warfare and I know for a fact that going into such a war will lead to more losses in the West. The Imperium must finish the war with the Horde and reclaim most of the Black Sea coastline and sadly must cut all ties with Aquitaine, for the greater good.
However, Poland is, as so importantly describe by the honourable Megas logothetes, the wall that keeps Christian Europe together. To let it fall will bring death and destruction never seen before. The Imperium must save the Kingdom of Poland. It is our most important ally and has helped us many a time in the past. Are we so dishonorable to let them die to the heretics!? No! The Imperium is the vanguard of the Christian world and although we cannot save Aquitaine, we must hold on to Poland.
*Eumenes finishing his speech, settles down and sits.*
I will be listening to all your views and make my decision thereafter, but remember fellow Senators that we must be united against the common threat of the heretics. Thank you.
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Senator Hadrianos Raoul
I'm sad to see so many senators against Aquitaine. I will not judge you but I hope you understand the weight of your words and, I hope that you will be able to look yourself in a mirror after your decision ....
I'm sad to see so many senators against Aquitaine. I will not judge you but I hope you understand the weight of your words and, I hope that you will be able to look yourself in a mirror after your decision ....
}}
[size=+1]Senator Alexander Ouranos:[/size]
*Answering Senator Raoul*
It is not as much as being against Aquitaine than putting the Imperium in danger. If the Imperium were to go to war, it may save Aquitaine at the expense of our lands, men and wealth. The Kingdom of Aquitaine is a sacrifice that must sadly be made.
*Answering Senator Raoul*
It is not as much as being against Aquitaine than putting the Imperium in danger. If the Imperium were to go to war, it may save Aquitaine at the expense of our lands, men and wealth. The Kingdom of Aquitaine is a sacrifice that must sadly be made.
[size=+1]Senator Ferruccio di Capponi:[/size]
All too true, but what would you expect from the Senate? To send money from Constantinople? I have spoken with some of the brightest thinkers and Senators in this city, and they all agree that our flat world ends directly outside the limits of Constantinople. To ask a Greek to send money abroad is like telling them to burn it, a trait I all too often see in the Senators of Pisa. But, if our esteemed body of the dead and dying deems all of Aquitaine fit for death, who am I, a mere mortal, to argue with their clearly infinite wisdom.
[SIZE=+1]Senator Anastasios VI Salamis[/SIZE]
*many years have passed since the last big Senate session and Anastasios is already quite old, 62 years old- he was still quite healthy in both mind and body which was surprising for his age. His trouble-maker uncle, Pontius, was dead but succession was still in danger and the White-supporteing son of Pontius, Georgios, was still alive and making trouble. The son of Anastasios, Antiochos, has grown into a wise man, who is masterful yet not perfect in the art of diplomacy- but still with a tongue too harsh and reckless, sometimes saying dangerous things. Anastasios has decided that, for now, he will not give up the castle of Salamis, the ancient holding of his family which was greatly developed by house Salamis over the years and by naw became one of the major castles in Greece- with a very big town surrounding it, and a base of the Imperial Navy. There were also some whisperings that darker reasons caused Anastasios to not give up his lands… Including what seemed to be an absurd rumour of houses Salamis and Raoul controling the Agaean sea, with the castle of Salamis as one of the central bases of this “operation”. Anastasios himself has finaly abandoned his life ambition- which was, as he finaly revealed, to lead a colonial expedition and govern a colony of the Imperium. He was finaly more down-to-earth, and understood that the time for Colonialism is still not nigh- however, he was still a great supporter of both Exploration, and insisted that the time for it is close, that the Imperium should send as many expeditions as possible.*
Good day to you, my fellow Senators.
We’ve gathered here to discuss some very important issues- and it is of a great importance that we choose the right thing.
First of all, I would like to congragulate Beatitude Theophilus Rhadenos for his new office. I’m sure you will be a great and holy Patriach, just like you were as a Bishop and just like the faction you lead *Anastasios momentarily eyed Senator Ouranos*.
Now, for the matter of the next reform. The Sacred Emperor has been heavily reforming the Administration, and these reforms are bearing fruits- we can already feel the Administration getting better. Indeed, in this time of need such reforms are important and help with re-filling the treasury and reviving the army- both of which are in need. On the other hand, I agree with honorable Senator Lazaros- reforming the Administration too much and heavily may do more harm than good.
I believe that the time may be nigh to finaly begin to spread the Imperium Romanum into the rest of the world, to discover the world which god created, and surely wanted us to see, to find more trade opportunities and expand our limes. I, of course, support the expedition to the Eastern Ocean whole-heartedly and believe that accompanied with a strong reform and leglislation which concentrates on Exploration or Expansion will be of an immense help to the Imperium, and may provide a great strategic advantage against our enemies.
I would also like to add that the importance of the Navy is getting clearer and clearer- we can’t defeat the Xenoi without a decent fleet, and that is also something which we should consider.
Now, for the second and most important matter we’ve gathered here for.
I believe that if we do not help the kingdoms of Poland and Aquitane, we would betray our duty as the protecters of the Christendom. Furthermore, we saw just how important are our Polish allies- they were able to defeat the Mongol force which was advancing to help their treacherous German allies from Tirol, thus preventing a great disaster. Aquitane is also one of the last true Christian nations- loosing them will be like loosing a brother.
Furthermore, delaying a war with the Xenoi now will be delaying the inevitable- it will happen sooner or later. But if we choose to wait and wage war with the Xenoi later, or wait until we’re attacked, we will be in a worse situation, without our allies from Poland and Aquitane against the soulless Xenoi and Pisan traitors. Finaly, I would like to ask one of the members of the red demes- if any of you knows anything about army matters- or someone from the other demes: Is our army in a good enough situation now to face the Xenoi?
Thus, if I will not be convinced otherwise by an oppinion of an army expert, I suggest that the Imperium accepts an alliance with Aquitane and sends the army to a war with the Xenoi. I believe that, in our current situation, we can sign a peace with the Mongols and still recieve our rightful lands in Taurica- with a good Diplomat *Anastasios says this in a stronger tone to show just how important can Diplomacy be* it can be entirely possible, and I’m
entirely sure that the Sacred Emperor, as god’s regent on earth, will choose the right Diplomat.
*many years have passed since the last big Senate session and Anastasios is already quite old, 62 years old- he was still quite healthy in both mind and body which was surprising for his age. His trouble-maker uncle, Pontius, was dead but succession was still in danger and the White-supporteing son of Pontius, Georgios, was still alive and making trouble. The son of Anastasios, Antiochos, has grown into a wise man, who is masterful yet not perfect in the art of diplomacy- but still with a tongue too harsh and reckless, sometimes saying dangerous things. Anastasios has decided that, for now, he will not give up the castle of Salamis, the ancient holding of his family which was greatly developed by house Salamis over the years and by naw became one of the major castles in Greece- with a very big town surrounding it, and a base of the Imperial Navy. There were also some whisperings that darker reasons caused Anastasios to not give up his lands… Including what seemed to be an absurd rumour of houses Salamis and Raoul controling the Agaean sea, with the castle of Salamis as one of the central bases of this “operation”. Anastasios himself has finaly abandoned his life ambition- which was, as he finaly revealed, to lead a colonial expedition and govern a colony of the Imperium. He was finaly more down-to-earth, and understood that the time for Colonialism is still not nigh- however, he was still a great supporter of both Exploration, and insisted that the time for it is close, that the Imperium should send as many expeditions as possible.*
Good day to you, my fellow Senators.
We’ve gathered here to discuss some very important issues- and it is of a great importance that we choose the right thing.
First of all, I would like to congragulate Beatitude Theophilus Rhadenos for his new office. I’m sure you will be a great and holy Patriach, just like you were as a Bishop and just like the faction you lead *Anastasios momentarily eyed Senator Ouranos*.
Now, for the matter of the next reform. The Sacred Emperor has been heavily reforming the Administration, and these reforms are bearing fruits- we can already feel the Administration getting better. Indeed, in this time of need such reforms are important and help with re-filling the treasury and reviving the army- both of which are in need. On the other hand, I agree with honorable Senator Lazaros- reforming the Administration too much and heavily may do more harm than good.
I believe that the time may be nigh to finaly begin to spread the Imperium Romanum into the rest of the world, to discover the world which god created, and surely wanted us to see, to find more trade opportunities and expand our limes. I, of course, support the expedition to the Eastern Ocean whole-heartedly and believe that accompanied with a strong reform and leglislation which concentrates on Exploration or Expansion will be of an immense help to the Imperium, and may provide a great strategic advantage against our enemies.
I would also like to add that the importance of the Navy is getting clearer and clearer- we can’t defeat the Xenoi without a decent fleet, and that is also something which we should consider.
Now, for the second and most important matter we’ve gathered here for.
I believe that if we do not help the kingdoms of Poland and Aquitane, we would betray our duty as the protecters of the Christendom. Furthermore, we saw just how important are our Polish allies- they were able to defeat the Mongol force which was advancing to help their treacherous German allies from Tirol, thus preventing a great disaster. Aquitane is also one of the last true Christian nations- loosing them will be like loosing a brother.
Furthermore, delaying a war with the Xenoi now will be delaying the inevitable- it will happen sooner or later. But if we choose to wait and wage war with the Xenoi later, or wait until we’re attacked, we will be in a worse situation, without our allies from Poland and Aquitane against the soulless Xenoi and Pisan traitors. Finaly, I would like to ask one of the members of the red demes- if any of you knows anything about army matters- or someone from the other demes: Is our army in a good enough situation now to face the Xenoi?
Thus, if I will not be convinced otherwise by an oppinion of an army expert, I suggest that the Imperium accepts an alliance with Aquitane and sends the army to a war with the Xenoi. I believe that, in our current situation, we can sign a peace with the Mongols and still recieve our rightful lands in Taurica- with a good Diplomat *Anastasios says this in a stronger tone to show just how important can Diplomacy be* it can be entirely possible, and I’m
entirely sure that the Sacred Emperor, as god’s regent on earth, will choose the right Diplomat.