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Post by Barachiel the Archangel on Feb 19, 2013 5:46:58 GMT
Following the Nika Riots and the exile of Bacchus Solomanos; Narses calls a council of the empires leading political and military men, recalling many of them from their front line provinces. To discuss the future of the empire under the young Emperor Justin.
Topics for discussion
- Role of the Senate - Reforms to coinage - Military postings - The upcoming war against the Sassanids - Potential war against the Ostrogoths
<Please add yourself here>
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Post by Gaius Porcius on Feb 19, 2013 7:12:31 GMT
Gaius Porcis, recently returned from Gepidia under orders, Comes Rei Militari de Gepidia, sulked quietly as he observed the notables enter the room. He should be with his men, raiding in Lombard lands, and taking loot. This was no place for a soldier. This hall was filled with over ripe politicians.
He would see where arguments led and whether he might bring a better army from it all.
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Post by Petrus Patricius on Feb 19, 2013 7:43:00 GMT
Petrus Patricius strode into the hall, silent and stone-faced as he took his seat amongst the most senior of the men in the room. He was not happy, and made no attempt to hide that sentiment from his face. What had occured in the capital weeks prior was nothing short of blasphemy in the eyes of the general. A legally appointed dictator toppled by the will of a rabble in the streets. The thought made Petrus' stomach churn. He took no time in addressing the assembled room.
"Romans! What place does this council have? For what purpose was I summoned to the capital? War looms on all horizons. Pestilence and hunger are rife within the borders. And yet many in this city sought it wise to supplant the only central authority this Empire has... It was the will of Justinian that his son be guided through an interim period until he come of age to rule! THE man whom he chose under the witness of God the Almighty has since been ousted from this... fair city. So, what now? What power comes to fill this void?"
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Post by Petrus Marcellinus Liberius on Feb 19, 2013 8:43:53 GMT
Venatius Liberius and Flavius Liberius enter the council meeting, Flavius looking particularly stoney faced and angry, and in time to hear Petrus Patricius words.
Flavius looks to respond, but is restrained by his elder brother.
Looking round the room, he says, I find it strange that my father is barely cold and already accusations are being thrown around the room. What happened here was terrible, BUT no one should order his own troops to attack his own people. My Father did not rebel he simply sought to safeguard the Emperor, but not at the cost of having our very own citizens attacked and killed, up until then they were voicing their concerns in the only way they knew how. Is it to be the norm , that when the people are unhappy and decide to let us know that we unless the military on them and murder them for voicing their concerns? He looks round the room to ensure all can see what he is saying?
If Bacchus had simply gone out and offered them some meaningless gestures or a tax cut , they would have simply melted away in a day. BUT no he launched his 20,000 personal guard on citizens on the Empire and then ordered the troops of the Empire to attack them as well. We all heard the result of that , even they refused to attack their own troops, only the mercenaries obeyed, because they have no ties to the people.
My Father was ever the Servant of the Empire and the tradition continues with me and my Brother, WE serve the Empire and the Emperor for the betterment of it, not for our betterment, some thing I fear is getting forgotten these days.
I could demand the head of Bacchus for his men murdering my Father, but I will forgo it and discuss recompense later when it it is more suitable.
As to the present threats, as my father said we cannot fight on 2 fronts we do not have the manpower, so what and who do we deal with first.
With that he went silent and moved to the edges of he council near Gaius Porcius with his brother who both shook hands with the Comes Rei Militari de Gepidia......
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Post by Petrus Patricius on Feb 19, 2013 9:36:25 GMT
"Petrus Marcellinus Liberius was my friend and ally... and I am sure that God the Almighty has granted him swift passage into the divine Kingdom... But let us not fool ourselves, gentlemen. The mob outside the palace that day defied a directive by a man whose legal authority included the power to pass judgement on the life or death of ANY Roman without trial. These powers were granted to him by the Emperor himself. And when that mob took to the streets, they did so in DEFIANCE of the laws of their city, their Emperor and their God," Petrus paused. "Let us to look at the facts of this matter... An order - an order carrying the full weight of the Emperor himself - was given to this mob to disperse. And that order was defied. Even so, Bacchus Solomanus attempted to placate the crowd. Just as you suggest, Flavius, Bacchus Solomanus offered them monetary recompense. Still, they refused to disperse..."
"I love this Empire. And I will not sit idly by while we condone to obfuscation of law! Bacchus Solomanus broke no law, and acted within the power of his office. So, with respect, I believe any reasonable jurist would clear him of wrongdoing, despite the familial and ethical dilemmas you find present in his actions..."
"Indeed, what I find severely more reprehensible about this sordid affair is that some thought it wise to ARM an illegal mob! To foment armed rebellion directly outside the sacred seat of power in this city! On the tomb of Saint Peter, I can think of nothing under the heavens which would cause such an err in judgement. And I can think of nothing more starkly illegal than that action. The Emperor could very well have been torn limb from limb by this lawless mob! The son of Justianian could have been struck down before he even became a man! That is what I find so disturbing. That some thought themselves so capable of judging the intentions of an illegal mob that they would arm them, even if it meant putting the Emperor's life at risk..."
Petrus paused once more, shaking his head in disapproval. "And yet what is there to do now? We have defied the orders of Justinian - blessed of God - and now we must suffer whatever wrath God will bring upon us... So, let us take to the matters of who shall replace Bacchus Solomanus... I propose a standing council of three men, jointly empowered to rule as a council of regents until the emperor comes of age. Keep in mind, gentleman, that our woes are far from over. We have a war on the horizon. The financial troubles of this empire, while temporarily solved, will once more present themselves when war devours the treasury and taxes return to their lower rate next year... And indeed, this is problematic. Which is why, in accordance with what Flavius Liberius just mentioned regarding empire above ambition, I offer my private monies and the provincial monies of the African Prefecture to cover any budgetary shortfalls in the coming years, to the best of my ability. We can at least stand in relief that one can be easily settled."
"As for a war on two fronts, I respectfully disagree with your late father. With the combination of private and state troops, I am of the strong opinion that we can fight on two fronts. It will be difficult. It will strain us severely. But it can be done. I willingly offer the service of my private troops, ships, fields, slaves and whatever else the empire may require."
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Post by The Lord Our God (GM) on Feb 19, 2013 10:41:48 GMT
Narses stirred and stood before the assembly...
"Gentlemen, let us not think that what we have done, or what has happened to this realm over the last two years has been anything but trying. We have had grain shortages, civil unrest, aggressive hordes parked on our borders and yet here we stand. Alive and well and let us not forget that while we argue those damned easterners plot, connive and deceive to bring down mighty Justinians and his seeds realm. I will not be the man who allows this to happen. So let us get to the matter at hand, we need a strong hand in the east a man who can not only direct but has the ability and resources to do so." He looked round the room.
"If I would have my way I would send you all east and allow our newer commanders the chance to command in the west. But here we are, commanders you are not only the most capable men we have but the brightest you are not brought here to argue but to resolve keep to the matters at hand."
"I feel the Senate is outliving its usefulness the Senate whilst a great ancient power in the west is merely a collection of old men or rich men, I say now is the time to rid ourselves of this burden."
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Post by Petrus Patricius on Feb 19, 2013 10:54:05 GMT
Petrus Patricius stood in disbelief, "My ears must decieve me... did you truly just suggest that we disband the Senate? What... I am without words, Narses. Simply without words. Gentlemen, I shall take my leave back to my domus. I do not believe I can be of any assistance here this day."
With that, Petrus motioned to his retinue, stood and moved to exit the great hall, meet his guard and return to his domus.
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Post by Petrus Marcellinus Liberius on Feb 19, 2013 10:54:37 GMT
Flavius Liberius quickly replied.....anger in his voice...
So it is alright for Bacchus men to murder my father the sworn aide of Bacchus without a seconds thought? That the Empire troops refused to obey his orders as well, will they all be dealt with as well?
It is interesting that you offer "your" private monies and the provincial monies , all those won with troops paid for by the Empire and asked for by you...
Venatius Liberius places a restraining hand on his brothers shoulder, Brother not now we need to unite for the Empire, Petrus Patricius is right in so much that we need to deal with all these threats, as to the details of the wrongs and rights of Bacchus actions God WILL judge him just as he judges us all.
We have lost more than any here, we have lost our Father, yet none here dare mention that, that I find.... sad.
As stated before weand he looks at his brother here, will work for the betterment of the Empire personal issues aside will we not Brother.... Flavius looks like he will burst, but sighs and says, in the spirit in which my Father taught us and did, I too will work for the betterment of the Empire.
Venatius Liberius continues, now that is aside, let us discuss what needs doing rather than rake over the past, for it cannot be undone by no man except God.
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Post by Petrus Marcellinus Liberius on Feb 19, 2013 10:59:49 GMT
Venatius Liberius says quietly , Narses you go to far, I agree with Petrus Patricius, do not test me or my Brother, for you will not find us wanting. Turning to Gaius, he says Young Gaius go and return with Petrus Patricius, tell him that I ask him to return to help solve this and that I too do not believe in dispensing with the senate...
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Post by Gaius Porcius on Feb 19, 2013 13:17:23 GMT
Gaius remains calmly in his seat. "Venatius Liberius, I loved your father as my own, yet you have never spoken to me nor honored me as a friend. Bid some messenger of your house do this task for you. I remain here in hopes that I am ordered to return to my troops and to my duty to the Emperor."
The House of Liberius, now shorn of the great Petrus Marcellius Liberius, has lost its high posts in the Imperium. Until all that is restored, until a new Dictator is established, matters are most grave. Narses speaks this day for the child Emperor and that may be the only voice in the empire which controls the army. Gaius favored order over chaos.
"There are questions among the troops on the quality of the coinage, its very metal being suspect in the market places. Perhaps this is due to the instability shown here in Constantinople. The goverment can make any pretense about the value of a coin, but the fact is that great houses are producing shiploads of coin for foreign nations that surpass the wealth of the empire itself. Inflation overseas has driven prices to ten times what should be fair value. Why should it take a man ten years to buy a horse? Or two years to put water in his house? These are signs of corruption which any farmer can see. What blinds the great houses to these practical matters?"
"As to military postings, I have few concerns, save that there are more families with good leaders who stand wanting. Reach out to these families and bring them to serve the Empire and our Emperor. Look to the disaster that may happen if our great generals seek empires of their own and act with independence from the Emperor's wishes. A team of horses cannot be guided if the reins are not held by one driver. Such is Byzantium today. Disaster rushes before us."
"Byzantium has enemies. The Sassanids are an old and powerful state. The horse tribes are pressing towards us for reasons beyond our ken. Our so called victories over neighbors last less than a year. These are unfinished wars which we must face. The Ostrogoths stir only because one house has acted to challenge them. One house alone cannot bring victory to the Empire, if that is their purpose."
"Is there truly a Senate guiding the Empire? Has anyone heard of a senator of late? Or of a decree from the Senate? This too must be addressed as a grievance against those who shun the tradition proven by Rome itself over the centuries. Senatus Populesque runs deep in our empire and all under the Emperor."
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Post by Petrus Marcellinus Liberius on Feb 19, 2013 13:40:24 GMT
Venatius replied if that is your wish, then you are free to return to you troops. you like my Brother are more military than Politician and I am sure that one day you will realise that is far more going on and at stake then mere positions and coinage.
With my Fathers death you have no more loyalty to us, if it is your wish to find another Patron then so be it. but remember my Father saw some thing in you and he was a gifted man in that respect.
I am aware of the needs of the soldiers and the masses, my Father died protecting them with his life. As to friendship, it is a 2 way street, we have not heard or have you spoken to either of us as a friend or a comrade of arms. As a Dux I was simply asking you to assist me in bringing Petrus Patricius back here, you will notice, and he sweeps his arm around the council, there are no slaves present and you are an officer albeit a junior one to all here, I was hoping that you would assist me. I agree things need to be done, but we need harmony to agree such matters, I can assure you that as these wars start there will be ample opportunity for many families to progress and assist the empire.
You wish to solve the Empires problems in one go, pray tell me what would you have us do?
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Post by The Lord Our God (GM) on Feb 19, 2013 13:41:23 GMT
Narses rose smiling and then looked straight into the eyes of both Liberius brothers...
"Flavius and Venatius, at what point and from whom did you earn your power, I dont remember the Senate declaring you are fit for your position and as for you Flavius, I recall putting you where you are today and I can quite quickly order the reversal of such an act and dismiss you from Constantinople and there would be nothing you could do to stop me." Narses said glaring at both men.
"Your father was a great man and Justinian held him in great respect because he gave wise and useful council, you gentlemen lead with you penis'... I merely point out that the Senate is a destitue institution. I ask you what use has it been since Justinian took over. I dont remember the Senate being consulted when laws were passed or when you gentlemen were brought up from your lowly positions." Narses too a deep breath to calm his own growing temper.
"These decisions and questions must be answered and you cant get hot under your collar because some suggests something you dont like, I am not afraid of thinking laterally and realistically. So gentlemen back to the question at hand what role does the Senate have in our current situation and future."
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Post by Gaius Porcius on Feb 19, 2013 13:44:41 GMT
Gaius leaned close to Venatius Liberius and said quietly, "Lord Liberius, in honor of your father I offer these words. You have a great house and great influence still among many here. Use it to mold a stronger empire. Tether these wild horses together and drive them hard to win the race. There is much to challenge you in this wild plunge of Patricius into the west. Do not let him distract your purpose. Look to these claims of great personal armies. Where is the coin of the Empire in this? Does Africa pay its taxes to the Empire or not? What has happened to the armies of the Empire which conquered in the name of the Emperor and were paid for by the Imperial treasury that they now are regarded as private armies of one house? Whose order made this so? Such actions against the Emperor show its madness."
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Post by Petrus Marcellinus Liberius on Feb 19, 2013 13:50:47 GMT
Narses, who would rule then and do the bidding of the emperor if there was no senate? Venatius replied, would you have 1 man control all, appointed by who? You....
You say we are lead by our penis, a vulgar term, you forget that we have lost our Father, we have earned honor in battle, not once have we asked for anything our selves. Should you be so petty as to dismiss us both, so be it, a small mind for a small act is all I would say.
As for getting hot under my coller because I do not like some thing, is that not the allowed, to disagree, to voice concern, or in your new world would no man be able to voice disagreement because you find it disagreeable? Would you also set the troops of the empire upon us or the people of the Empire too?
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Post by Petrus Marcellinus Liberius on Feb 19, 2013 13:51:44 GMT
Venatius leaned close to Gaius and whispered back... (OOC: sent in PM)
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Post by Gaius Porcius on Feb 19, 2013 14:05:50 GMT
Gaius rose to speak, "I do not challenge the words of Narses or the other great families, I speak only of the tradition that the Senate sets the policy of the Empire under the ultimate guidance of the Emperor. Those who serve the Emperor serve also the Senate and the People. As servants, they should not set policy. Were the Senate capable in its duties, there should be no conflict with the People of Byzantium. These riots warn us of great dissatisfaction among the People. Heed that warning! Our enemies surely do. Do not let our enemies decide the future of the Empire!"
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Post by Petrus Patricius on Feb 19, 2013 23:21:01 GMT
(OOC: Gaius, where are you getting your financial facts from? Tenfold inflation is virtually impossible in a hard money economy unless there's extensive debasement over an elongated period. It's not a fiat money economy.)
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Post by Barachiel the Archangel on Feb 19, 2013 23:38:28 GMT
(OCC: I believe Gaius is referring to the disparity between character wages and the price of items.)
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Post by Petrus Patricius on Feb 19, 2013 23:42:33 GMT
(ooc: Ah. Well. Yeah, dont blame me for that. Also that's not called inflation...)
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Post by Darius Marius on Feb 20, 2013 4:09:31 GMT
Darius Marius, sitting with the other younger men invited, had watched the discussions unfold. Sure, there were plenty calling for selfless service, but their words sat like thin venir over cheaper works. For all their talk, few seemed to actually do what was necessary for the Empire's good. Those like himself and Gaius were too young to be taken seriously, and those matured and worthy of their positions seemed hellbent on maintaining them, whatever the cost. He decided that an example, more than pretty words, were necessary to get things going. He stood up:
"Gentlemen, let me be the first to say I appreciate the sacrifice made by Petrus Liberius under very difficult circumstances. It is not for me to second guess the Dictator's orders, however I will not second guess the decision of a man who stands for the people and Empire either. Unfortunately, when two elephants battle, it is surely the grass that suffers. Whatever your stands, I believe you will agree that both the Dictator and Liberius acted in the fashions they believed best under the circumstances, whatever the merits you ascribe to their beliefs." Turning directly to the Liberii brothers, Darius nodded. "Should it be permitted to allow some time, I volunteer to speak to Petrus Patricius and seek his return. He is known by reputation to me to be a good man, one whom has earned the right to speak on these matters."
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