Romanos IV began his campaign against the Turks amazingly quickly, two months after accession. He showed little inclination for the luxuries of office. In this time he discussed his expedition with the military commanders present at Constantinople, prepared embassies and looked for ways to prevent enemy attacks, spending little time in the palace. He collected troops from the West and from Cappadocia, and summoned the Scythians too (Pechenegs and Uzes?), but left before their arrival. Psellos tried to delay him, pointing out the need for more preparation, but failed. The desire for military glory prevailed. As a result his army was both small and ill-equipped