Principality of Antioch

[Gandalfus]

Princepauté d'Antioche



The coat of arms of Stephen, Prince of Antioch.

Antioch, conquered by the crusaders after a lengthy siege in 1098, fell under the control of Stephen of Aumale, whom established the city as his fortress. The Norman lord established a principality in the area, settling there with his predominantly Anglo-Norman and Italo-Norman kinsmen. Aumale, now Prince of Antioch, controls the lands centred around the city itself, as well as the wealthy port of St. Simeon. To the east lies the County of Edessa, and to the south; Tripoli. Antioch is sandwiched in a relatively safe position, and for the most part is surrounded by allied states; Antioch also has the disguised blessing of being far away from Jerusalem, and the authority of its king. Still, the Prince owes him nominal fealty.

Antioch was, once, a sprawling metropolis that contained roughly half a million people. But since then, due to repeated instances of warfare and natural disasters, Antioch has declined. Nevertheless, it remains an important stop on the eastern trade routes, and has a healthy population that has been bolstered by the arrival of the Norman settlers.

Characters:
Stephen of Aumale, Prince of Antioch (31)
Richard of Aumale, the bastard of Antioch (2)

Holdings:
Antioch (3+6)
Alexandrette (2)
Afrin (0)
Total: 11

Current balance:
10 points

Current buildings:
Small caravan stop; increases prosperity by 1 (Antioch)
Small bazaar; increases prosperity by 1 (Antioch)
Medium caravan stop, increases prosperity by 2 (Antioch)
Medium bazaar, increases prosperity by 2 (Antioch)
Merchant's guildhouse; +3 to economic prosperity (under construction in Antioch)
Small military port: 10 galleys (under construction in Alexandrette)

Player vassals:
Order of St. Luke; St. Simeon (1)

Manpower:
15,500 Soldiers (Overall)
400 European Mercenaries

[MuttonChops]

Theme

A wandering knight, his arms and armor hidden beneath a thick cassock'like robe arrived at the gates. He bears a petition addressed to the Prince of Antioch, the present Stephen of Aumale.

Sir Tristran de Bazin
Age: 28
A veteran of the conquest of Outremer, he is a familiar blade amongst the Normans but beyond that remains a mysterious figure. He arrived with his lord the former William fitz Guy who he survived after his death in a skirmish in Anatolia. Conveniently freed from his feudal duties, he took it upon himself to watch over the injured and those treating them. Earning him a reputation and a decent following amongst them.

[Stildawn]

The city guards of Antioch send word to the Prince, a group of Knights have appeared on the southern horizon.

As word is sent, the group approaches, numbering over a hundred Knights, it is quickly discovered that they are in fact Christian, brothers of the crusade, bearing the standards of Tripoli to the south.

-------------------------------

Tired from the long, and often hostile route north, Carlos dismounts from his large charger slowly, the travel causing his bones to age in defiance of his youth. Handing off his reigns to a squire, Count Santana gives a few quick orders for the horses to be watered and attended to before turning towards the residence of the Prince, a few aides in tow he humble requests an audience.

[Gandalfus]

Theme

A wandering knight, his arms and armor hidden beneath a thick cassock'like robe arrived at the gates. He bears a petition addressed to the Prince of Antioch, the present Stephen of Aumale.

Sir Tristran de Bazin
Age: 28
A veteran of the conquest of Outremer, he is a familiar blade amongst the Normans but beyond that remains a mysterious figure. He arrived with his lord the former William fitz Guy who he survived after his death in a skirmish in Anatolia. Conveniently freed from his feudal duties, he took it upon himself to watch over the injured and those treating them. Earning him a reputation and a decent following amongst them.

Sir Tristran, being a name known among the Normans during the conquest of the Levant, is brought forth to see the Prince. Stephen is sat on an ancient throne, flanked by two mail clad Norman Knights. Dismissing the current petitioner, he beckons Sir Tristran forward, and patiently waits for him to speak.

The city guards of Antioch send word to the Prince, a group of Knights have appeared on the southern horizon.

As word is sent, the group approaches, numbering over a hundred Knights, it is quickly discovered that they are in fact Christian, brothers of the crusade, bearing the standards of Tripoli to the south.

-------------------------------

Tired from the long, and often hostile route north, Carlos dismounts from his large charger slowly, the travel causing his bones to age in defiance of his youth. Handing off his reigns to a squire, Count Santana gives a few quick orders for the horses to be watered and attended to before turning towards the residence of the Prince, a few aides in tow he humble requests an audience.

With the banners of Tripoli being spotted on the horizon, the court of the Prince was thrown into a frenzy. Servants rushed through the palace and streamed out into the city, preparing for the immediate arrival of the count. A small escort of Norman knights approaches the Count, guiding them towards the palace, although, in truth, it was too large to otherwise mistake for anything else. Within waits Stephen, who stands from his throne to greet the Count, his features betraying little emotion.

"My lord of Tripoli. Welcome, to Antioch."

Servants come forward sheepishly, and after Stephen gestures furiously (to make up for the lack of a common language) they offer the count and his retainers some bread and water, to ease the toils of the ride north.

[Stildawn]

Santana smiled meekly as he first accepted the water, taking a long pull of the refreshing beverage before looking up at the Prince.

His smile turned to a quick slight frown, as he remembered that he was before a Prince in a frightful state, the dust of the road still heavy on his clothes and face.

"The city certainly looks better than the last time I was here your Grace" Santana replied, remembering leaving the city after the siege.

"Thank you for the welcome, especially this" He mentioned to the empty mug

[Gandalfus]

Santana smiled meekly as he first accepted the water, taking a long pull of the refreshing beverage before looking up at the Prince.

His smile turned to a quick slight frown, as he remembered that he was before a Prince in a frightful state, the dust of the road still heavy on his clothes and face.

"The city certainly looks better than the last time I was here your Grace" Santana replied, remembering leaving the city after the siege.

"Thank you for the welcome, especially this" He mentioned to the empty mug

Smiling thinly, Aumale nodded, and the servants stepped away.

"Indeed, much of the city had to be rebuilt, following the siege." The Normans had inherited a city ravaged by the crusaders; the siege and the subsequent sack of Antioch were not pretty sights.

"Think nothing of it, Lord Santana. It is a dusty, arid place, this holy land." He said, bemused, before leaning forward. "Now, Lord. What brings you to Antioch?"

[Stildawn]

Santana sensed that the Prince was somewhat guarded, though he could be mistaken Santana admitted to himself.

Santana looked at his feet thinking for a moment at the direct question from the Prince, he knew that now more than ever he had to rid himself of his shy and meek nature, to become more confident in order to grow into his newly acquired responsibilities.

"I deemed it important your Grace to quickly establish good relations with my larger brother to the north, since we now both find ourselves men of state" Santana replied looking back up at the Prince.

"Perhaps you could give me a tour of your realm and I could fill you in on mine, to better acquaint ourselves" He spoke pausing slightly

"I also wish to discuss some points of mutual concern and perhaps mid term mutual benefit"

[Gandalfus]

Aumale listened intently, nodding at Santana's words. With a small smile, Aumale replied;

"I agree, Lord Santana, it would be wise to foster friendly relations between our two states."

Aumale rose from his throne, and his knights fell in behind him. With great energy, he strides forward, and gestures for Santana to follow.

[Stildawn]

Santana nodded in response, and when the Prince rose he followed him, not overly knowing what they were up to.

[Gandalfus]

Strolling outside with Santana in tow, Aumale entered out onto the walls of the palace. From there, they could view the whole city; the impressive metropolis built in ancient antiquity.

"A grand city, is it not?" Aumale announced, almost to himself - although his face remained without expression.

[Stildawn]

Strolling outside with Santana in tow, Aumale entered out onto the walls of the palace. From there, they could view the whole city; the impressive metropolis built in ancient antiquity.

"A grand city, is it not?" Aumale announced, almost to himself - although his face remained without expression.

Santana took in the view from the Palace walls, he could still see a few scares from the sacking, but was impressed in the work done in such a short space of time.

"Indeed, it is great to be able to walk where the Caesars did, the roman architecture always beautiful... It's similar to my Tripoli but on a grander scale" Santana paused, turning to the Prince with a grin.

"But you don't have the beaches" He said with a laugh

[MuttonChops]

Sir Tristran, being a name known among the Normans during the conquest of the Levant, is brought forth to see the Prince. Stephen is sat on an ancient throne, flanked by two mail clad Norman Knights. Dismissing the current petitioner, he beckons Sir Tristran forward, and patiently waits for him to speak.

Tristran bowed, and removed his hood respectingly. For a veteran, he was remarkably unscarred but kept a set of gloomy bands around his eyes, evident of many troubled nights.
"Good health and fidelity to your person, your lordship. It is good to see you well and truly in your seat of Antioch, well earned by Norman blood. I hope to serve you in any way I can, to which I bear these signatures. All signed and endorsed by a few distinguished men: a few merchants and surgeons and priests, it is a charter to form a medical order in your realm, to better serve passing pilgrims and we crusaders. I humbly ask for your official support to form this Order dedicated to Antioch's native Saint: St. Luke."

((It's a knightly order dedicated to a Saint, but not an official monastic order. I hope LM won't mind the distinction)

[Gandalfus]

Tristran bowed, and removed his hood respectingly. For a veteran, he was remarkably unscarred but kept a set of gloomy bands around his eyes, evident of many troubled nights.
"Good health and fidelity to your person, your lordship. It is good to see you well and truly in your seat of Antioch, well earned by Norman blood. I hope to serve you in any way I can, to which I bear these signatures. All signed and endorsed by a few distinguished men: a few merchants and surgeons and priests, it is a charter to form a medical order in your realm, to better serve passing pilgrims and we crusaders. I humbly ask for your official support to form this Order dedicated to Antioch's native Saint: St. Luke."

((It's a knightly order dedicated to a Saint, but not an official monastic order. I hope LM won't mind the distinction)

Stephen leans forward, his curiosity piqued by the proposal. With a raised eyebrow, he glanced down at the charter; indeed, recognising many names of distinguished men, not just in Antioch, but known throughout the surrounding towns as well. Eventually, after a prolonged silence, Stephen spoke.

"Seigneur Tristran, I believe your proposal has merit." He announced, before briefly pausing, "I shall grant the order of St. Luke sovereignty over the port city of St Simeon, where many pilgrims arrive from Europe, or pass through from Cicilia, on their way to the Holy Land. I shall also permit the order to bear arms, and form armies that shall hopefully serve the Principality and Christendom in the coming trials."

OOC: 3000 men sound good?

[MuttonChops]

Tristan bore a hunched half crooked smile, half at the present and the future, but kept his full feelings checked; how often have men shown their true colors only to be dashed by the full weight of life.
"Well, questions of sovereignty must be answered first. Are we, the Order permitted actions to determine courses beyond the Principality's border, to say succinctly can we intervene in defensive wars aimed at aiding other Christian states, with or without your direct calling."

He continued soon, pausing to swat at a bug crawling at his shoulder
"And, we us an order dedicated to St. Luke and his Christian teachings, desire to be governed outside the secular laws of man, and thus we require that we be given autonomy in legal matters. All matters confined to the precincts thus given to us in the principality, and in our persons throughout this land be given the right to come under our own laws and regulations. Murder will still be murder, but will be treated under an as of yet established religious court to be governed by us and the Church.

((OOC: 3000 sounds good, whats the composition though?))

[Gandalfus]

Tristan bore a hunched half crooked smile, half at the present and the future, but kept his full feelings checked; how often have men shown their true colors only to be dashed by the full weight of life.
"Well, questions of sovereignty must be answered first. Are we, the Order permitted actions to determine courses beyond the Principality's border, to say succinctly can we intervene in defensive wars aimed at aiding other Christian states, with or without your direct calling."

He continued soon, pausing to swat at a bug crawling at his shoulder
"And, we us an order dedicated to St. Luke and his Christian teachings, desire to be governed outside the secular laws of man, and thus we require that we be given autonomy in legal matters. All matters confined to the precincts thus given to us in the principality, and in our persons throughout this land be given the right to come under our own laws and regulations. Murder will still be murder, but will be treated under an as of yet established religious court to be governed by us and the Church.

((OOC: 3000 sounds good, whats the composition though?))

Aumale folded his arms, and frowned slightly. These were indeed weighty matters to mull over.

"You may, with my permission, join the defensive wars of other christian states. Although I would interfere on behalf of a brother in Christ regardless, should they be threatened."

With a weighted pause, he continued in a stern tone;

"Very well. God alone shall rule in St. Simeon. Although, I shall keep a representative of my authority there to record proceedings; and I reserve the right, as Princeps, to revoke St. Simeon should I be given sufficient legal grounds. Is that acceptable?"

OOC:
600 Footmen
600 Spears
450 Bowmen
600 men at arms
750 knights

[MuttonChops]

"Of course, dread lord. You are master in Antioch, you have the privilege afforded a Prince and we exist at your leisure...and the Prince in heaven of course."

Tristran mused at the thought of being evicted. How would such fight unfold, certainly not well for both.

"I have no qualms with maintaining a secular representative in ours courts, for matters involving the middling and the poor folks, but matters involving men and women of the order - matters of internal heart, well they shall be handled in our cloisters privately without your representative. I hope that does not displease you."


((OOC: Awesome))

[Gandalfus]

Stephen made a mental note of the man's wording, and nodded in agreement.

"Of course. Judge you and yours as you see fit. But the matters of the people of the city shall be observed by my ambassador, albeit he shall be a mere monk. I am glad this arrangement satisfies."

[MuttonChops]

Stephen made a mental note of the man's wording, and nodded in agreement.

"Of course. Judge you and yours as you see fit. But the matters of the people of the city shall be observed by my ambassador, albeit he shall be a mere monk. I am glad this arrangement satisfies."

"We are progressing well. Other men I would think would proceed slower, but your judicious mind is clearly sharper. We are well served by that."

Tristran drew the charter close to himself, squinting at a note made earlier, recalling another sticky issue to be addressed.
"Now, matters of fealty. While we occupy lands in the Principality, it is natural and fair to consider ourselves vassals to the Lord of Antioch, yourself and your heirs, but as an order dedicated to the Church; to a Saint; and to an apostle, well the Church might claim us as belonging to them. We intend to seek full approval from the church eventually, and we do not know what terms they intend to levy on us for the recognition of our charter. I say this because I am uncertain of how to proceed here"

Sighing, he scratched his shaven head - dust lifting. He hadn't bathed in a while.
"I intend to seek further guidance for this, with the authorities in Jerusalem. I hope the Pope's legate will be of some aid, but until then I cannot give an official oath of loyalty to you, until this matter is resolved."

[Gandalfus]

Santana took in the view from the Palace walls, he could still see a few scares from the sacking, but was impressed in the work done in such a short space of time.

"Indeed, it is great to be able to walk where the Caesars did, the roman architecture always beautiful... It's similar to my Tripoli but on a grander scale" Santana paused, turning to the Prince with a grin.

"But you don't have the beaches" He said with a laugh

"They are further west, Lord Santana." Aumale replied, with a smirk. "Thankfully, the Greeks, Jews, Armenians and Saracens seem to co-exist relatively peacefully. Perhaps we could learn a few lessons from them." He mused, before dismissing the thought. "But I digress. You did not come here to talk about beaches, I daresay."

"We are progressing well. Other men I would think would proceed slower, but your judicious mind is clearly sharper. We are well served by that."

Tristran drew the charter close to himself, squinting at a note made earlier, recalling another sticky issue to be addressed.
"Now, matters of fealty. While we occupy lands in the Principality, it is natural and fair to consider ourselves vassals to the Lord of Antioch, yourself and your heirs, but as an order dedicated to the Church; to a Saint; and to an apostle, well the Church might claim us as belonging to them. We intend to seek full approval from the church eventually, and we do not know what terms they intend to levy on us for the recognition of our charter. I say this because I am uncertain of how to proceed here"

Sighing, he scratched his shaven head - dust lifting. He hadn't bathed in a while.
"I intend to seek further guidance for this, with the authorities in Jerusalem. I hope the Pope's legate will be of some aid, but until then I cannot give an official oath of loyalty to you, until this matter is resolved."

Aumale frowned, and scratched his bristling chin with an index finger.

"You are independent from the Church so long as you remain under my patronage. I can assure you of that. No cleric will attempt to assume authority over you."

[MuttonChops]

Aumale frowned, and scratched his bristling chin with an index finger.

"You are independent from the Church so long as you remain under my patronage. I can assure you of that. No cleric will attempt to assume authority over you."

"Understand, that I have spoken to those who I intend to build my order upon; the men and the lay women who care for the ill. They are adamant in official recognition from the Church. If you can produce a Latin 'Patriarch' of Antioch, who can give us the official approval for my order. Then our concern over having our loyalty dragged to one side or the other can be allayed, and the trouble of seeking approval from Jerusalem might be avoided and all the complications that might come with that"