The Imperial Court

[Byzantine_Bithynia]

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Overview

This is an IC thread for the court of the Greco-Roman Empire. This will be the place for diplomats, letters, envoys, etc. in the Greco-Roman Empire. For the sake of keeping things organized, characters will need to be pre-approved by me. Simply send my a PM or Telegram via NationStates and I will approve the character. I'll also need to know what the character is, for instance, if they are the bishop of x province, or something like that. OOC post are allowed, provided they are in [spoiler]'s, and preferably would accompany an IC post. Information about various Bithynian characters may be found in the Bithynia Regional Registry, and the Google Site for Bithynia.

Characters

• Varius Corvinus, 46 - Emperor of the Greco-Roman Empire
  
• Opelia Corvinus, 43 - Empress of the Greco-Roman Empire
  
• Herodes Corvinus, 24 - Son of Varius and Opelia, heir to the Kingdom of Bithynia
  
• Lutatia Corvinus, 22 - Daughter of Varius and Opelia
  
• Aemilia, 26 - Daughter of Varius and Opelia
  
• Aelia, 21- Daughter of Varius and Opelia
  
  
• Perikles Latilius, 44 - Personal Bodyguard to Varius Corvinus
  
• Aristokles Latilius, 7 - Son of Perikles
  
• Korinna Latilius, 35 - Wife of Perikles
  
  
• Kaesus Draco, 28 - Marshall of Bithynia
  
• Publius Andronikos, 43 - Steward of Bithynia
  
• Horatia Acacius, 56 - Chancellor of Bithynia
  
• Servius Tychon, 60 - Ecclesiarch of Bithynia
  
• Tiberius Phillippus, 47 - Spymaster of Bithynia
  
• Iason Sophus, 55 - Master of the Navy in Bithynia
  
  
• Phaedrus Arkos, 32 - Captain of the Emperors Guard
  
• Demetrius Praxitales, 41 - Kouropalates¹
  
• Archelaus Theron, 22 - Anthypatos² of the Bithynian Black Sea Territory
  
• Pleios Andronikos, 34 - General who led the Greek forces in Cyprus
  
  
• Lykourgos, 45 - Cybelian Diplomat
  
  
• Stephan Konsky - Prince of Varasd
  

Other Information

1. Literally, "the one in charge of the palace". A position whose holder is responsible for managing the Imperial Palace in Constantinople.
2. A governor, historically a title given to the governors of certain special provinces.

Perikes is not the only guard of the Emperor, but holds a particularly unique position. Indeed, the position he holds was created specifically for him. He had joined the military when both he and Varius were quite young, and had fought during the wars that led to the initial unification of the Bithynia. He rose through the ranks, and caught the attention of his superiors. In a battle that took place in the Parvos-Themata of Herakleia, Perikles found himself fighting directly alongside Varius, who was fighting with the soldiers. The two became isolated in the chaos of battle, but through their skill - and a bit of luck, managed to hold off quite a few attackers before the Bithynian line pushed forward again and the two were safe. When Perikles was 24 he became a General, and worked alongside Varius leading the Bithynian Armies. Not long later, When the Kingdom first became a serious prospect, Perikles was granted the rank of personal guard to Varius. This title is quite powerful, and grants Perikles almost the same power Varius has. Of course, he still has to answer to Varius. Perikles is not one to normally use this power, but certainly has it. Perikles also manages the guardsmen of Constantinople, alongside another who does the job while Perikles is otherwise occupied.

[Varasd]

Prince Stephan and Princess Gisela
Constantinople

Prince Stephan did not have time to rest for a decent amount of time for a good while now. First, his campaign with his Father, then his campaign to the North, and now, his long journey to Byzantium.

He did not consider the Northern Campaign as a defeat. He left his two generals, Vajk and Aldwyn, along with the Brothers, as everyone called them, to secure the lands loyal to the Order of Saint George.

Bernard Zrinski, the Chancellor of his Father has made a deal with the Byzantines, that he can marry a princess from the Imperial House. Well, back when the agreement was made, they were not Emperors, but nobody in Varasd had the slightest word against it.

Stephan was about to arrive in Constantinople, his ship already being escorted by the Imperial Navy. As companions, he has brought 250 hungarians noble riders, 250 german knights, 250 croatian elite infantrymen, and 250 of the Royal Azaqden Guard, by orders of his Father. Along him, came Princess Gisela, his sister, who was there so the Prince had someone from his family there, on the day of his marriage.

[House of Judah]

Adalya ben Elisheva bat Yehudah

Adalya ben Elisheva stood on board the deck of the galley as it pulled through the Sea of Marmara towards Constantinople. The heart of the Greco-Roman Empire, the city that straddles two continents. The merchants had told him it was a magnificent city, worthy of the title “New Rome,” though only one of the merchants had ever been to both cities and he said the one was much as the other with only small differences between the two. He looked over to his cousin, Levi ben Ayla bat Yehudah. Levi, Adalya’s elder by two years, would only briefly stop in the imperial city. His destination lay in Crimea, as did a significant portion of the cargo of the other galleys in the small fleet.

King Yitzchak, Adalya’s uncle, had decided it was high time to begin formal relations with the many realms around Judea, and what better assurance that such emissaries could be trusted to represent his word than to send his own flesh and blood. Adalya was nervous about his mission. The relationship between Jerusalem and Constantinople was tenuous, at best, and he Adalya did not consider himself the best choice of diplomatic mission. In fact, Adalya didn’t consider himself the best choice for any number of tasks on behalf of his uncle, having until now been more of a wastrel. Levi rested his hand reassuringly on his cousin’s shoulder.

“Relax, Adi,” the older ben Yehudah reassured. “Our uncle is a smart man. He would not set you a task you could not complete, especially not one of such import. Besides, you should worry more about me. I’m going into the heart of the uncivilized. You will be among the heirs of the Romans, or so they claim.”

“Easy for you to say, Levi. God has blessed you many more times than he has me. You are a master horseman being sent to treat with horse lords. I doubt very much I have comparable commonalities with the Greeks as you with the Mongols.”

“The Greeks tend to fancy themselves scholars. You have read a scroll or two in your time. Speak with them about Aristotle, I’m sure they will find it impressive that a Jew knows anything of Greek philosophy.” Adalya rolled his eyes.

“I’m sure.”

---

The Judean galley tied up at the docks in the Harbor of Julian. Adalya checked his tunic one more time to ensure his arms presented properly. The two lions flanking the beehive with a mandrake root in chief were not obfuscated by any fold, nor was the badge of the crowned lion over his heart. As the gangplank was set into place, Adalya and Levi stepped off onto the dock.

[Byzantine_Bithynia]

-snip-

The Imperial ships escorted the Varasdan ships into the Kontoskalion, where the ships would dock. The entire city seemed to be in celebration, with people rushing to inns and taverns to drink and laugh. Events like this would give people respite from their daily duties and responsibilities - something which people were all too happy for. This came with increased guard, and a large group of soldiers had even been brought in to assist the city guard. The soldiers and guards would patrol the city, and keep the people in order. And, perhaps more importantly, would guard the wedding.

The docks themselves were bustling with activity, mostly soldiers at this moment. As the Varasdans came into dock they would see a large group of soldiers, probably about 80, gathered around the dock. In the centre of the docks two rows of ten soldiers, all members of the elite Emperors guard. Each soldier wore a helmet that had on the front a faceplate, which, combined with the aventail, completely covered their heads and faces. They stood completely at attention, with their shields and spears held securely in place. At the end of these rows stood a man carrying an Imperial banner. It was quite obvious an impression was meant to be made.

In between the two rows of soldiers stood a group, consisting of about 5. The group included Varius, Perikles, Opelia, Aelia, and herodes. They were all dressed in quite exquisite clothing.

-snip2-

With all the activity around the docks, people at first paid little mention to the Judean ship coming into the Kontoskalion, but soon took notice. When learning of this, Varius instructed Perikles to go and meet with the Judeans. Perikles set off with a group of 5 soldiers, one carrying a banner. He walked to the Judean ship and stopped in front of the two who had stepped off, and looked them over.

Perikles wore a mail hauberk which was covered with a purple tunic. Atop the tunic he wore a muscle cuirass which appeared gold, and shone brilliantly in the light. He wore atop his head a conical helm with a faceplate covering his face. The helmet had a purple plume which faced forwards. At his side was a sheathed sword, which he held with his left hand.

"Greatings, Judeans, Welcome to Constantinople. I hope your trip went well." He said to them.

Behind him lay the city, which given the events going on, looked even more vibrant than usual.

[Varasd]

Prince Stephan

The Prince walked off the ramp like a true royal, both in movement and in expressions. Once before the imperial family, he bowed respectfully, but not too deep.

"Greetings, your Imperial Highnesses! And thank you, for welcoming me in your magnificent city. "

Seconds later, the companions, all dressed and armoured well, began disembarking the ships. The croatians, germans, hungarians, and the azaqden warriors represented the multicoloured nation of Varasd perfectly.
Each regiment carried four standards, of Croatia, Carniola, Hungaria, and Transylvania, while the Royal Guard carried the Crest of House of Konsky.

[Byzantine_Bithynia]

"You are most welcome!" Varius said, himself and the rest of the group walking to be face to face with the Varasdans.

"I hope the voyage here was not too rough."

[House of Judah]

Adalya ben Elisheva bat Yehudah

“The Eastern Mediterranean is a calm enough sea to make travel pleasant enough,” replied Adalya.  “I am Adalya ben Elisheva bat Yehudah, Prince of Judea and nephew of King Yitzchak.  My uncle has sent me to normalize relations between Constantinople and Jerusalem so as assure the peace between our realms.”  Levi leaned against a set of crates as his cousin spoke to soldier.  He looked over at the Varasdan contingent and raised his eyebrow in amusement.

“Perhaps we came at a bad time," Levi said.  "Perchance are you being invaded right now?  A small force, true, but they look a capable lot.  Are those the shock troops of a more significant force?”

[Varasd]

Prince Stephan

"The waters are calm, and the Imperial Fleet has made sure that there are no pirates on the seas either. It looks like your Imperial Highness has brought peace to this region." Prince Stephan said, and he looked around - with deep respect towards the magnificent city of Constantinople. He carefully observed how the streets, the docks, and the walls were built.

His soldiers disembarked quickly, and were all ready for the marching parade, to the wedding.

[Byzantine_Bithynia]

"We have done our best to bring peace. But, we could speak of such things until we're nothing but bones. Come, let us march to the wedding."

The Imperials began to set off, the soldiers marching and their banners waving in the air. As they marched, people waved and watched as the group passed. Some cheered and smiled, while others simply looked away from their business, and went back to it.

[Varasd]

Prince-Grand Master Stephan

The Varasdian companion troops marched happily after their Prince, who fancied the title "Prince-Grand Master" now. Since the Order of St. George has become free from the authority of the Gepidae Order, a short agreement has been made between Stephan and his father Zvonimir, that the Heir to the Kingdom of Varasd shall hold the title of Grand-Master.

Prince-Grand Master Stephan waved at the people, and smiled back at them. However, the people were not the only thing he looked at, he was still in awe of the great city of Constantinople.

Once seeing orthodox priests, who were clearly not in favor of a catholic prince, and a Grand Master of a catholic order, marrying a member of the Imperial Family, he felt for the first time, that he was unwelcome in this city. He decided to act as if the Great Shism did not happen - or if it did not matter to him.

[Byzantine_Bithynia]

Varius Corvinus

Varius noticed Stephan's unease, and glanced to the priests. Matching his pace with Stephans, varius came along beside him.

"I understand that due to some recent events in Christianity there could be some uncomfortable situations. I have done what I can to keep such things from happening, but of course not all can be avoided."

Varius waited until they were some distance from any priests.

"Frankly, I find some of the differences quite petty." He said, and then sighed.

"But enough about that, I do not wish to spoil this day with talks of such grim nature."

Imperial Dungeons

After his arrest, the former patriarch Vasilis had been thrown into a dungeon cell in the Imperial prison. It may have seemed to him that he had been forgotten as the days had passed with nothing but the usual delivery of food. Today would be different. Early in the morning, when the sun was just beginning to rise, a group of imperial guards, led by Captain Arkos, entered the cell. One carried a torch.

"Get up!" One shouted, as two guards pulled Vasilis to be knees.

"Desicions have been made, and we're here to deliver your punishment. Lucky for you, you get to live."

"But unlikely, not quite as much of you will be left after today." Arkos told Vasilis, as he turned and nodded to the other guards.

One guard removed a dagger from his belt, and placed the blade over the other soldiers torch. He waited for some time, until the blade was glowing from the heat. He then stepped forward, in front of vasilis, and grabbed his head. Another guard stepped forward and preyed open Vasilis mouth. The guard with a dagger pulled out vasilis' tongue, and cut through it from the base with the dagger. The weapons heated blade cauterizing the wound. Then they left vasilis alone in his cell to contend with the pain.

By now, word of vasilis' imprisonment would have began to spread.

[House of Judah]

Adalya ben Elisheva bat Yehudah

Adalya looked over the message that had arrived from his kinsman and king. He steeled himself for going to see Varius Corvinus. He still felt unsure of himself in his role as diplomat, nervous about representing his king to a man who undoubtedly ruled the most powerful neighboring realm. He breathed deeply a few times, then made his way to the imperial thrown room.

"Your Majesty," he said upon being shown into the chamber, "my king sends word. He marches an army north to repel the Alans who raid the lands that neighbor his own. He hopes that you will be open to coordinating the removal of these barbaric raiders from the region so as to preserve peace and stability."

[Varasd]

Stephan Konsky

"To be perfectly honest, Your Imperial Highness? I don't even know the exact differences to begin with. You see, I was on a campaign against heathens in the North when all of this happened." The Prince left a short pause before continuing.
"When I returned to Varazdin and got news of both my marriage and the Shism, my father has told me not to meddle with the affairs of the Church. As the Grandmaster of the Order of Saint George, I am sworn to protect Christianity, however, that work is hard when there are internal struggles as well. But yes, let us change subject.

May I take this moment to mention the beauties of Constantinople? When I return to Varasd, I might try to convince my father to hire some architects from Your realm... They would bring a touch of civilization even into the most remote parts of the Kingdom."

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