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President of the Senate Isaakios Komnenos:

Suddenly what you think was just another part of the wall moves – a hidden postern opens and Isaakios Komnenos enters the room, followed by two guardsmen and the eunuch. He no longer wears the robes of the President of the Senate – instead you see him in red doublet with white shirt underneath and black tabard. The tabard is adorned with intricate golden pattern and you can see a beautiful penannular silver brooch adorned with rubies, shaped like the Komnenos eagle. You notice something different about him – his beard is no longer red but black with patches of henna. As he approaches the table, Isaakios waves at you with gloved left hand.

- Senators. You must excuse my bad manners, I bring news from the Sacred Palace.

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Isaakios is much older (the man is in his 30s and Isaakios is in late 40s-early 50s) and doesn't wear a hat but besides this that's how he looks

The eunuch steps before him and moves the chair away, allowing his master to take a seat. Isaakios stops however – still standing, he starts to remove his gloves and cast them at the table while adressing you.

- The heresy of Angelodoulism continues to spread. More and more of the Italian hoi polloi join her followers every day.

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He leans on the table, now with his hands ungloved.

- Therefore it was decided that the Synodos will be convened in Ravenna and His Imperial Majesty himself is going to preside over it. Sophia Angelos shall be summoned before the Emperor r to renounce or reaffirm her teachings. Such is the will of the Throne.

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Isaakios waves at the eunuch and while he pours wine in golden chalice Komnenos gazes at each and every senator, pausing for a moment at the Red Speaker. Then he raises the chalice in a toast and speaks.

- For the Emperor. Long may he reign.

Isaakios empties the chalice quickly and finally takes a seat.

- I have invited you here and you arrived. Good.

He points at Red Speaker.

- As you can certainly imagine, I had a purpose in doing so. We shall not waste time on pleasantries or flattery at this table. I have no patience for such things. I am your host and you are my guests however, so please, enjoy your meals. One should not discuss politics on an empty stomach.

The President of the Senate gives a sign to the eunuch who pours him more wine. The servants approach you, ready to serve beverages or meals of your choosing.

Senator Philaretos Mandromenos (Red Demes):

*Despite his opposition, a chalice of water and a plate of bread is laid before Mandromenos. The servants wanted to obey their master after all*

I have already eaten, I'm afraid, but I do appreciate your hospitality. You have proved to be an accommodating host.


It is good that the Emperor is going to be present at the Synod. One of the attendants are Angeloi and as their patriarch, he alone can judge her. May the wisdom of the LORD guide his words on that day.

I am concerned though about the number of Rebels in the area. There are more of them in northern Italia than soldiers in the Imperium. But I presume that the Emperor already has an answer for that.

The Angelodouloi need to be stopped, they have gained too much too quickly. They have a supporter among the greatest of men who appears to seek to marginalize the Church with this new heresy and break the one thing that binds all Romans together.
 
Senator Petrus Wedrovander (Red Dems):
"Thank you for your opaqueness in this meeting. I would enjoy some of the cut of pork and maybe that pigeon there? I hope that you don't mind of if I don't drink the wine good sir. It is a habit to avoid wine in my family as a way to communicate the loss of my grandfather." Petrus says as he gathers food from myriad corners of the table. After doing so he begins with, "I don't foresee the synod going well. I mean it is starting to look that the populist mobs and philosophical demagoguery will simply show and drown out any meaningful legitimacy of this synod to the orthodox faithful. Especially with nearly 40000 loons meandering about right outside the door." Petrus then smacks his fist into his hand. "Where is the army in all of this? What is Dalassenos thinking not going after this peoples even?
 
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{{ I'm gonna sleep now but don't worry, I'll answer to all your questions IC tomorrow ;) }}
 
Senator Petrus Wedrovander (Red Dems):
"Thank you for your opaqueness in this meeting. I would enjoy some of the cut of pork and maybe that pigeon there? I hope that you don't mind of if I don't drink the wine good sir. It is a habit to avoid wine in my family as a way to communicate the loss of my grandfather." Petrus says as he gathers food from myriad corners of the table. After doing so he begins with, "I don't foresee the synod going well. I mean it is starting to look that the populist mobs and philosophical demagoguery will simply show and drown out any meaningful legitimacy of this synod to the orthodox faithful. Especially with nearly 40000 loons meandering about right outside the door." Petrus then smacks his fist into his hand. "Where is the army in all of this? What is Dalassenos thinking not going after this peoples even?

Senator Philaretos Mandromenos (Red Demes);

Despite being a Kentarchos and a participant of the Reclaiming of the City from the Hoi Polloi, I can not explain the actions of the Army since the new Megas Domestikos has taken his post. We may be outnumbered many times over, our troops demoralized, and our reserved empty, but that does not excuse the complete inaction that I have witnessed. Perhaps our President, who presented our vote to the Council, including the Head of the Army, can give us insight to the workings of the highest halls of the Imperium?

*As the servants begin to serve the others delicate meats and wine, Mandromenos's stomach growls traitorously. He has not eaten well since the meeting, greatly upset by the seemingly accepting attitude towards the Angelodouloi heretics.*

Is...is that beef? From the thick side of the rib? I think I will have a slice of that. With some wine, a dry red if you have it. And some vegetables.

*He begins eating his meal. The rib roast was cooked to medium and well seasoned, with salt and pepper liberally added to enhance the taste of the meat without overwhelming it. The vegetables were well cooked and the wine was pungent and dry as bone.*

Delicious. Make sure to give my compliments to the chef.
 
Leon Taurinus (Red Demes)

*Joins in the toast to the Emperor's health and then helps himself lightly to the meal, he enjoy having a taste of some finer food, though he doesn't really care about the specific type, a nice change from the rations of life in Taurica.
He recalls his father's warning about the senate poisoning that took the life of old Wedrovander, but he figures that their host already has them in his power so if he was going to die, he could at least die with a nice meal in him. *


"Senator Este-Ravenna, I congragulate you and your city on the honor of hosting the Synod, and I will hope for its successful conclusion. With any luck we will be able to see an end to the trouble in Italia with Sophia and her followers and let the Imperium go back to more important matters"
 
{{Did you plan this @CzokletMuss or is it just "happy" coincidence that I'm speaker right in time for the Synod?}}

Leon Taurinus (Red Demes)

*Joins in the toast to the Emperor's health and then helps himself lightly to the meal, he enjoy having a taste of some finer food, though he doesn't really care about the specific type, a nice change from the rations of life in Taurica.
He recalls his father's warning about the senate poisoning that took the life of old Wedrovander, but he figures that their host already has them in his power so if he was going to die, he could at least die with a nice meal in him. *


"Senator Este-Ravenna, I congragulate you and your city on the honor of hosting the Synod, and I will hope for its successful conclusion. With any luck we will be able to see an end to the trouble in Italia with Sophia and her followers and let the Imperium go back to more important matters"

Senator Alexios Este-Ravenna (Red Demes Speaker):

The Red Speaker is pleasantly surprised. This Synod would represent a great opportunity for his family, but also a challenge... at the least the cost of hosting it would sorely strain his family and their peers, but such was the price of politics.
**Alexios joins the toast to the Emperor**
If the President meant his death he would have had him killed by now. Though poison was easier to blame as an accident... but no, he did not fear death, and he would not fear mere food.
"I am deeply honored by the recognition this implies, and my family will do its utmost for Rome. It is greatly reassuring that the Imperium recognizes the severity of the crisis, this synod represents a the first step on the path to ending this blight. Yet I must share Senator Mandromenos' concerns regarding the safety of the Synod. To my knowledge the environs of Ravenna remain reasonably secure, but there murmurs of discontent, and with the heretics so strong in the northern valleys... it would be well to have the army present as well. For too long the rebels have been left to their own devices, they must be taught to fear the steel of the Righteous lest the rats emerge from the shadows."
 
Senator Nikephoros II Salamis (Red Demes):
*Senator Nikephoros II Salamis, a member of one of the Bluest houses in the history of the Senate, always stout members of the Blue Demes since the reestablishment of the Senate by Emperor Markos III of the Great House Angelos, is now an officer of the Imperial army... And a new member of the Red Demes. While being escorted though the corridors, Nikephoros is full of suspicion. He left the Blue Demes, and the Blue speaker has Komnenoi relatives and is probably loyal to them... If he sees this as a slight and use his connections in the Palace of Manuel...
As Nikephoros enters the room, he feels uncomfortable. He sees Senators which were alwasys Red, which he fought against in the last session, when he was still a soft Blue shy creature. He speaks now to the members present*
Hail, my fellow Reds. I will not blame you if you treat me with suspicion. I know my house was always Blue, I know I was as Blue as the Aegean Sea in the last session.
{{Before this one}}
But I couldn't stay in the Blue Demes. Senator Hvide, my relative by marriage, was not present, Senator Raoul, whose house was ever my House's stoutest ally, joined the Whites and Senator Arrius proved a heretic. And who was left? The so-called speaker, Colombo. This man I will never trust. And so, I joined this esteemed Demes. As an officer of the Imperial army, this is my natural place. I shall be as stout a man of the army as any of you, and hope we will be able to work together to save the Imperium from the likes of Colombo.
Senator Nikephoros II Salamis (Red Demes):
*Nikephoros speaks carefully*
I... believe the Blue Demes, as a group, is crucial to the Imperium as... almost as much as the other Demes. If there will arise reasonable Blue Demes, like previous Senator Arrius or, indeed, myself six years ago, I am of the opinion that we should cooperate with them. However, the current Blue Demes... Nay, lead by Colombo they are not to be trusted. The Whites are indeed true and good men of Rome, and I will be glad if we work with them. Indeed, if only we had a reasonable, loyal Blue Demes the Senate could stand united against... *Nikephoros' eyes move around the room, and he weighs his words*... those who would harm us.
{{Let the Roast begin!}}
Senator Alexios Este-Ravenna (Red Demes Speaker):

"Speaker Colombo is a very troubling man, and it is wise not to trust him. That so many yet remain attached to the Blue Demes speaks of their naked greed and ambition, and perhaps also the influence of the Dalassenoi. Do not forget that a Colombo was the first of our Body to be found guilty for treason.... his house has long flirted with heresy, I feel, and does a disservice to the Italian people. The Whites, as always, remain our traditional friends and allies, yes, but the Red Demes come before them."

{{geez guys, am I really that bad? I'm not some spooky ghost I'm just your friendly hometown creepy cannibal.}}

Senator Nikephoros II Salamis (Red Demes):
*Nikephpros stares at the food and drink. President Issakios is doing this to check if we trust him, surely the Komnenoi will never break the sacred guest right. But as he orders roast suckling pig and some pigeon pie, along with a fine wine, the face of Speaker Colombo floats before him, with those shark-like teeth. And he thinks of Senator Herakleios Salamis who was poisoned on the Senate floor, and he eats, and he drinks.*

{{oh.

oh.

I... I guess I am. Well then.}}

{{
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}}
 
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{{Alright so I am a little annoyed that Senator Este-Ravenna would even think less of my character and house simply because he changed dems. Has no one figured out what his house specializes in?}}
 
Senator Banoub ibn Mahdi Rashid (Unaffiliated):

*Surprised at this invitation to the imperial palace herself to speak with the President of the Senate, Banoub has been silent for the past hour, standing in the shadows of the most powerful Senators of his generation. He bears himself shiftily, not making direct eye contact with anyone in the Palace.
He takes a swig from a flask out of his pocket with Coptic script emblazoned on the side every so often, having heard stories of the purges of the Blue demes by his father. Feebly, he joins the toast.
After some time, he breaks his silence after listening to the other Senators discuss the issue.*
"Remember, even if these Angeloduloi are heretics, they still are Romans and must be treated as such. Besides, I can see many uses for Sophia's oratory talent and skills of inspiration. Perhaps these Angeloduloi, IF we can turn them to the side of righteousness, may serve to benefit the Imperium.
"In Rashid, I faced large opposition to the trade of my family from other competing trade families. Now, after ameliorating tensions and many lucrative offers, they are working for me. I wonder if the same could be done with this itinerant preacher and her flock of zealots.
However, if they refuse to comply, I am in full support of a larger-scale investigation and inquisition. If you cannot bend them tyo your will, you must show them what you can do."
 
Senator Philaretos Mandromenos (Red Demes):

Have you heard the posturing of those Germans? They speak of a Kaiser freely! They may be referring to the Emperor, long may be reign, but I am suspicious of their intents. They seem to refuse to assimilate into Roman customs and want to form a unrecognized Demes of their own to advance German affairs. It seems that Bavaria is intent on providing a distraction to keep us from dealing with them once and for all.

{{Fun fact: The german pronunciation of "Kaiser" is nearly identical to the latin pronunciation of "Caesar" since the former is derived from the later. :D}}
 
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{{Did you plan this @CzokletMuss or is it just "happy" coincidence that I'm speaker right in time for the Synod?}}
{{ Lucky coincidence :)

Senator Banoub ibn Mahdi Rashid (Unaffiliated):
*Surprised at this invitation to the imperial palace herself to speak with the President of the Senate, Banoub has been silent for the past hour, standing in the shadows of the most powerful Senators of his generation.
Oops. Your character wasn't supposed to be invited, it's Red Demes-only - my bad, I must've messed up my notes on who is in which Faction. :confused: But since Banoub is already there...

All unaffiliated Senators may join the Red Demes special meeting - by doing so however you RESIGN from option to join the next normal meeting* of other Factions before the next session.

Tagging @GulMacet , @zenphoenix , @Rascar Capac , @Awesomematrix96

* Unaffiliated dont' have meetings of their own but can choose one meeting of other Factions before the Senate Session and join it.

Fun fact: The german pronunciation of "Kaiser" is nearly identical to the latin pronunciation of "Caesar" since the former is derived from the later. :D
Brackets pls }}
 
Senator Marcus Aurelius Scipion (Red demes):

*Recent problems in Lombardia have delayed the arrival of Marcus but he is finally here, just in time for take some food and wine and before real subjects are put on the table. He is tired, and to some point anxious, with the meeting and the situation in general. His family has been put in a safer place till the situation calm down but the perspective of losing the ancient lands in Milan...well, its better to focus on actual topic and let these subjects for later.

"Hello my dear senators and sorry for my delay. As you well know, the situation in my lands has worsened and I have to take some measures before coming.

I´m glad to see some unaffiliated senators here. Is it possible that the light of reason has finally reached you and you have decided to join our demes?

Anyway, what is the reason why we are here? What are these Komnenoi expecting from us with as many cajolement and politeness?


((Toay I finally can join th meeting. Good to read that nothing important happened yet))
 
President of the Senate Isaakios Komnenos:

Isaakios puts down fork and knife and nods his head before answering.
Senator Philaretos Mandromenos (Red Demes):
I have already eaten, I'm afraid, but I do appreciate your hospitality. You have proved to be an accommodating host.

It is good that the Emperor is going to be present at the Synod. One of the attendants are Angeloi and as their patriarch, he alone can judge her. May the wisdom of the LORD guide his words on that day.

I am concerned though about the number of Rebels in the area. There are more of them in northern Italia than soldiers in the Imperium. But I presume that the Emperor already has an answer for that.

The Angelodouloi need to be stopped, they have gained too much too quickly. They have a supporter among the greatest of men who appears to seek to marginalize the Church with this new heresy and break the one thing that binds all Romans together.
- His Imperial Majesty will be accompanied by 25,000 men strong tagmata led personally by megas domestikos, probably close to 30,000 if we count members of the court, bishops with their levies et cetera. They will travel by sea, assisted by the whole Imperial Navy. This ought to show the Italians the extent of concern of His Imperial Majesty. I agree, with you, senator Mandromenos – the outbreak of heresy must be contained. The situation would've never detoriorated so much if not for certain… supporters of Angelodouloi cause.
Senator Petrus Wedrovander (Red Dems):
I don't foresee the synod going well. I mean it is starting to look that the populist mobs and philosophical demagoguery will simply show and drown out any meaningful legitimacy of this synod to the orthodox faithful. Especially with nearly 40000 loons meandering about right outside the door." Petrus then smacks his fist into his hand. "Where is the army in all of this? What is Dalassenos thinking not going after this peoples even?
Isaakios smiles dryly.

- Valid concerns, all of them. The actions – or rather lack of them – of megas domestikos have caught the attention of many man. Some of them even fear that he may be acting foremost in the interest of his House and not that of the Imperium.

Komnenos point at the senators.

- What is your opinion?
Senator Philaretos Mandromenos (Red Demes);

Despite being a Kentarchos and a participant of the Reclaiming of the City from the Hoi Polloi, I can not explain the actions of the Army since the new Megas Domestikos has taken his post. We may be outnumbered many times over, our troops demoralized, and our reserved empty, but that does not excuse the complete inaction that I have witnessed. Perhaps our President, who presented our vote to the Council, including the Head of the Army, can give us insight to the workings of the highest halls of the Imperium?
(….)
Delicious. Make sure to give my compliments to the chef.[/SIZE]
Isaakios nods.

- I'm not as familiar with the inner workings of the Imperial Council as you may suspect, senator. It is my uncle who presides over the Council as megas logothetes, not me. I'm a soldier however and I can tell you this: if kentarchos of the Imperial Army allowed the enemy to roam Roman lands freely and without opposition despite having both men and resources to stop the enemy's forces...

Komnenos leans toward you.

- I would have him executed as traitor.
Senator Banoub ibn Mahdi Rashid (Unaffiliated):
"Remember, even if these Angeloduloi are heretics, they still are Romans and must be treated as such. Besides, I can see many uses for Sophia's oratory talent and skills of inspiration. Perhaps these Angeloduloi, IF we can turn them to the side of righteousness, may serve to benefit the Imperium.
"In Rashid, I faced large opposition to the trade of my family from other competing trade families. Now, after ameliorating tensions and many lucrative offers, they are working for me. I wonder if the same could be done with this itinerant preacher and her flock of zealots.
However, if they refuse to comply, I am in full support of a larger-scale investigation and inquisition. If you cannot bend them tyo your will, you must show them what you can do."[/I]
Isaakios looks at you with a faint smile on his face.

- I'm glad to see you here, Banoub of the House Rashid. I've heard of your deeds during the siege of Rosetta. I was told many of the Timurids' mugahidun were killed by defenders of the city despite you being outnumbered and under-equipped. You are not a Roman but you are a warrior who bled for the Imperium and that...

Isaakios rises his chalice to you.

- ...I can respect. As for the means of dealing with heretics you are obviously correct. For too long they were allowed to defy the Holy Church with impunity. This must end now.
Senator Marcus Aurelius Scipion (Red demes):
Hello my dear senators and sorry for my delay. As you well know, the situation in my lands has worsened and I have to take some measures before coming.

I´m glad to see some unaffiliated senators here. Is it possible that the light of reason has finally reached you and you have decided to join our demes?

Anyway, what is the reason why we are here? What are these Komnenoi expecting from us with as many cajolement and politeness?
Komnenos looks at you surprised.

- „These Komnenoi”? Careful, Marcus of the House Scipion, you may be my guest but I will not have aristos disrespecting me or my House within these walls. Do you understand?

Isaakios waves at you.

- I believe apologies are in order. Unless you would like me to seek satisfaction with other means? Hmm? It's been some time since the last time I was challenged to a duel.

Komnenos shows his teeth.

- Nobody dared. Do you, senator?
Leon Taurinus (Red Demes)
"Senator Este-Ravenna, I congragulate you and your city on the honor of hosting the Synod, and I will hope for its successful conclusion. With any luck we will be able to see an end to the trouble in Italia with Sophia and her followers and let the Imperium go back to more important matters"
Senator Alexios Este-Ravenna (Red Demes Speaker):
**Alexios joins the toast to the Emperor**
If the President meant his death he would have had him killed by now. Though poison was easier to blame as an accident... but no, he did not fear death, and he would not fear mere food.
"I am deeply honored by the recognition this implies, and my family will do its utmost for Rome. It is greatly reassuring that the Imperium recognizes the severity of the crisis, this synod represents a the first step on the path to ending this blight. Yet I must share Senator Mandromenos' concerns regarding the safety of the Synod. To my knowledge the environs of Ravenna remain reasonably secure, but there murmurs of discontent, and with the heretics so strong in the northern valleys... it would be well to have the army present as well. For too long the rebels have been left to their own devices, they must be taught to fear the steel of the Righteous lest the rats emerge from the shadows."
Isaakios strikes his beard before answering.

- Honored, you say. We shall see how „honored” you are when your friend megas domestikos takes command over the city and starts requisitioning supplies for the tagmata. Do you find „honor” in estates of your House being expropriated, senator? You shall find it plenty then.

Komnenos scowls at Red Speaker.

- But I'm glad you've touched this subject. Before we talk I want you to anwer one question – are you a man of your word, Red Speaker?

{tough decision...}

Senator Alexios Este-Ravenna (Red Demes Speaker):

if there was one thing he had learned in the army, it was obeisance to a higher officer. Ass-kissing was part and parcel of politics, and pride was worth far less than gold.

"The Red Demes are at your disposal, Megas Domestikos."

He kneels and kisses the ring.
 
Senator Marcus Aurelius Scipion (Red demes):

Of course Isaakios, of course! Please, accept my apologies. I did not pretend to offend you or your family. I know how much you did for saving the life of my uncle Honorius and I would not dare to forget it.

My dear..."friend". Could we know why are we here today? I must admit that I am really curious. Sorry for being so direct, but I guess that my Spanish hot blood controls me
 
Senator Marcus Aurelius Scipion (Red demes):

Of course Isaakios, of course! Please, accept my apologies. I did not pretend to offend you or your family. I know how much you did for saving the life of my uncle Honorius and I would not dare to forget it.

My dear..."friend". Could we know why are we here today? I must admit that I am really curious. Sorry for being so direct, but I guess that my Spanish hot blood controls me
{{Nooooo why don't you challenge him to a duell! That would be so much fun!}}
 
{{Nooooo why don't you challenge him to a duell! That would be so much fun!}}
{{You could just offer to duel him to first blood, with a training sword, you know friendly fun. Please? we want to see the carnage.}}
 
{{
- But I'm glad you've touched this subject. Before we talk I want you to anwer one question – are you a man of your word, Red Speaker?

What a nice reminder that only the white demes did not kneel before the presumptuous dynatoi :)

I'm also all for the duel!}}
 
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((I just lose the head of one senator. Why do you want me to kill another one? :eek::eek::eek:

But being honest, I do not think @CzokletMuss will allow me to win such a duel))