The Election of the Latin Patriarch, April's 5th, Hagia Sophia

[Pinkerton]

At dawn, the Emperor and the clergy meet to elect a Latin Patriarch

[Pinkerton]

Lawrence of Kent was one of the first to arrive.
He was bathed and shaved. He was wearing a clean white habit with a black scapular, like the Cistercian monks did

[Pontifex Maximus]

Father Thomas Malet and his dutiful friend and fellow man of the cloth Gregory Opus appear in the cathedral to contribute to the discussions. Malet has chosen to wear a common frock - a garment favored by English clergy, and Gregory the white and black robes of the Cistercian order. They entered chatting lightly. They had been late comers to the crusade, but they did not intend on standing idly by.

[Pinkerton]

Father Thomas Malet and his dutiful friend and fellow man of the cloth Gregory Opus appear in the cathedral to contribute to the discussions. Malet has chosen to wear a common frock - a garment favored by English clergy, and Gregory the white and black robes of the Cistercian order. They entered chatting lightly. They had been late comers to the crusade, but they did not intend on standing idly by.

Lawrence approached the two men with firm steps

I believe we haven't met yet, father?

[Dirty Chai]

For the record:
I'd like bribe rolls when the meeting of the clergy starts, to support Father Orsini of course.

I'll roleplay it if I need to

[Pontifex Maximus]

Thomas regarded the man coolly "Indeed not. I am Thomas Malet, ordained nine years ago in Canterbury, and my companion Opus, of the Cistercian fraternal order based on Normandy."

[Pinkerton]

I'll roleplay it if I need to

It wouldn't be an election without bribes

RP IT, GODDAMNIT!

Thomas regarded the man coolly "Indeed not. I am Thomas Malet, ordained nine years ago in Canterbury, and my companion Opus, of the Cistercian fraternal order based on Normandy."

A pleasure to meet you both

Lawrence was relieved when he heard he was English. His french hadn't improved

I did not see you or your companion at the coronation, father Malet. Where were you?

[Pontifex Maximus]

A pleasure to meet you both

Lawrence was relieved when he heard he was English. His french hadn't improved

I did not see you or your companion at the coronation, father Malet. Where were you?

He did some thinking "I believe we were either cajoling our ass to Constantinople, or enjoying some roast donkey. The das begin to run together. When one lacks the essentials in times of war one often gets left behind."

Gregory gave a mirthless guffaw

[Pinkerton]

A few Frankish knights approach the council doors, escorting the Emperor, Bohemond de Lusignan, into the Hagia Sophia. He leaves his guards by the door as Bohemond enters the mighty church. He gazes around the great complex, admiring the Greek and Roman architecture. Then his gaze turns to the clergy gathering. The Emperor approaches them and gazes around, wondering who would become the Latin Patriarch.

He did some thinking "I believe we were either cajoling our ass to Constantinople, or enjoying some roast donkey. The das begin to run together. When one lacks the essentials in times of war one often gets left behind."

Gregory gave a mirthless guffaw

Lawrence shushed the two when he heard the door opening

Hear, the Emperor has arrived

[Lucius Malfoy]

A few Frankish knights approach the council doors, escorting the Emperor, Bohemond de Lusignan, into the Hagia Sophia. He leaves his guards by the door as Bohemond enters the mighty church. He gazes around the great complex, admiring the Greek and Roman architecture. Then his gaze turns to the clergy gathering. The Emperor approaches them and gazes around, wondering who would become the Latin Patriarch.

[Dirty Chai]

Bribery and threats here, come get some babes

[Ganbarenippon]

Father Jacopo Orsini entered the chamber just moments after the Emperor. He had gotten the election he wanted, now he just had to secure the position he wished for. He was dressed in a simple black cassock today. No arms or armour in sight.

[Ganbarenippon]

Father Orsini strode purposefully up to the head of the knave. The church was largely stripped bare, his men having done a very thorough job of plundering it, he positioned himself just next to the altar, in a position similar to that of the Patriarch but not the same. 'And let them think what they will about that.' He thinks wryly. He waited for the Emperor to speak.

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Emperor, casually listening to conversations, noticed the appearance of Father Orsini and his glance at Bohemond. He walked through the throngs of clergymen, making his way to the forefront. He stands before those gathered; seeing young, middle-aged and elderly faces turning in his direction. Hushes and murmurs were slowly silenced as the Frank cleared his throat.

Holy Fathers of Christendom, I, and prominent members of the clergy, have called for this special council to elect a Latin Patriarch, to serve as the Pope's hand within the Latin Empire.

He pulled out a scroll from his sleeve, letting it fall open for all to see. The seal of the Papal States and the Vatican resting upon it.

The Pope has called for a Reunification of the Eastern and Western Churches. A symbol of this effort will be the election of the Latin Patriarch, who will serve as the voice of the Western Church and to bring the Eastern Church back into our fold. Such as the Latin Patriarch that once ruled within Jerusalem, this office will serve a similar role as the highest religious authority, in the stead of the Pope, within the Latin Empire. They will serve for life, appoint holy men to rightful positions, dictate the religious policy alongside other bishops, crown every Latin Emperor after me and serve on the Haute Cour as a representative of the religious community.

Bohemond then sets it aside upon the altar. After allowing this news to settle, the Emperor continues speaking.

This council will also address the necessary issues surrounding the Greeks, the Orthodox Church and the vital investiture of my reign as the first Latin Emperor from the Pope. We must make this election quick and swift so that we may address these necessary issues involving the religious policy of the Latin Empire and other matters concerning our small realm. May God guide your hearts and minds in this decision.

The Frank then nods to Orsini, stepping aside and gesturing to where he stood earlier. The Emperor was giving the Holy Father the floor to speak now.

[Ganbarenippon]

Orsini bows deeply to the Emperor. And steps confidently to the front of the church and his beautifully-trained voice rising to fill the room, even unto the rafters.

"My brothers in Christ, what we meet here to do today is nothing short of vital to the future of both Mother Church and this Empire. If we are to weather the storms that will surely be thrown at us from the remaining heretics across the straits and the further evils of Islam and the false-faced predatory Monarchs to our West, it is vital that we speak with one voice and one vision that we might better guide the Emperor and his servants in directing the course of this realm. The embodiment of that voice, the manifestation of our Church's will is to be in the form of our Patriarch." He looks around the room trying to fix each of the men with an intense stare.

"Let us pray." He waits until the assembled clergy and the Emperor bow their heads and then spread his hands wide. "O Mighty God, guide your humble servants who have gathered here today. Let us elect the man who will represent your vicar in Rome and all of your Holy Church with compassion, mercy, love and forgiveness. Let us elect a man who is wise and gentle to our friends yet implacable and terrible to those who would defy Your Will or the will of your servant; the Emperor Bohemond. We ask that you look into the hearts of the men who would stand for this office and judge who is most worthy. Guide our hearts and our minds to make the decision that is most pleasing to you. Amen."

Jacopo waited for the response. "The men who would stand for election shall now present themselves at the foot of this alter. I shall then allow you all time to say your piece to our assembled brothers and our Emperor. Now, those of you who wish to stand come forward." 'Let us see which mice come to nibble the cheese.' Jacopo thinks.

[Jokern]

Father Johannes stepped in through the doors while wiping off the dust from his cloths. He knew he was late, but helping people find faith in these times were more important to him than a concil of old men squabbling around to decide who would lead them. Nevertheless, Johannes was also clergy, so he had to attend the meeting. He arrived just in time to hear the last piece of Father Orsini's speech, then stepping forward and bowing for the other attendants and the emperor.

"Excuse me for arriving late, but restoring faith in the children of God takes a long time to do and sometimes it is undoable for reasons only known to the Holy Father in Heaven himself. But those who study the word of God are obligated to teach the ignorant to open their eyes to the one, true faith. Therefore I, Father Johannes of Münich, would like to be elected the Latin Patriarch, so that I may guide more lost lambs of God's herd. Deus Vult."

He walked up to the altar and stood next to Father Johannes.

[Ganbarenippon]

"One child of God stands forth. Who else shall stand with him?" Orsini asks.

[Pinkerton]

Lawrence walked towards the altar with firm steps and placed himself near the bavarian. He addressed the men in front of him

I am Lawrence of Kent, the man who crowned the Emperor last night

"-For I know the plans I have for you-, declares the LORD, -plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future-"

The Word of the Lord is clear. He wants nothing but well-being for this new church that is born today. He needs a shepherd to guide this new flock

He looked confident

I wish to be the Latin Patriarch, I wish to be the man that guides the flock of the Lord to his Heavenly Kingdom
"For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: -The righteous will live by faith-"

I am a righteous man and I have proven it, brothers.

[Ganbarenippon]

Orsini nods. "Another child of God is called forth. Will any more declare their intent?"

[Pontifex Maximus]

Malet shook his head weakly and turned to Gregory whispering "The outcome is a foregone conclusion. Scraps from the table will be our reward, what little is left." The larger man replied "No matter. There is honor and award in service. It is not such a bad thing."

With that Thomas stepped forward. "I ask nothing for myself save the opportunity to aid in the Papal Proclamation of ending the schism once and for all by bringing the chrsitian peoples of the east back into the fold of Catholic christendom."