He is first attested in 1317, in the service of Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos (r. 1282–1328). He is then mentioned in 1326, when he held the dignity of "megas tzaousios" and the post of governor ("kephale") of the city of Serres and the region of Popolia south of Mount Pangaion in Macedonia. In the civil war between Andronikos II and his grandson Andronikos III (r. 1328–1341), Tzamplakon initially sided with the elder Andronikos, but in 1327 changed sides, and was rewarded with a promotion to "megas papias" and the governorship of Zichne.