French King's Court - SS6.2 Hotseat Council Thread

[rouroux]

Gabrielus Angelus ignores the nameless diplomat and stares at the King of Franks, waiting for an answer.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

John sighs and returns to his seat, whispering under his breath
I think we can all see why the Romans fell..... hubris. perhaps the Fatamids have a point.

[TheFlax]

A portly man in bright livery scratches his balding head while consulting various documents. Setting them aside he rises to address all present.


I suppose now is a good time as any to announce that the Republic of Venice outright refuse the preposterous defensive alliance proposed by the Fatimids in secret. Our Doge doesn't know if he should be impressed or insulted by the gall these moslems have shown in thinking we would sign any sort of agreement with them, even more so against our friends and neighbors the Romans.

I couldn't help but overhear this argument about Antioch. Wasn't Antioch in Roman hands but only two years ago? Answer me, Fatimid diplomat, perhaps you see Armenian rebels who grabbed power within the city as legitimate rulers, who truly care for the Roman citizens still in the city? Nay! The Romans are the legitimate rulers of that most Christian city, which was the seat of one of the five Patriarchs. Of course, we certainly could not expect a backward kingdom ruled by ignorant barbarians to know anything of history.

*The man sits down again, looking bored as he rifles through his documents once more.*

[Merlox]

The Fatamid diplomat would sigh, and face palm.

How would a European know any thing about affairs in the east. They have been under different rulers for awhile. The Point I am trying to put is that the citizens has no Orthodox affiliation with them. The Romans are not Islam.

If you want me to currently refresh you abit. This CURRENT state, Antioch is 82% Islam, 8% catholic, and 2% Orthodox, and 8% of the the other religions. That is very... Christian? The reason why the city revolted against the Roman empire.

(OOC: I could just sit back and tell people to hug me and that I'm a care bear. I rather like throwing insults in a boring council meeting =p )

[TheFlax]

The Fatamid diplomat would sigh, and face palm.

How would a European know any thing about affairs in the east. They have been under different rulers for awhile. The Point I am trying to put is that the citizens has no Orthodox affiliation with them. The Romans are not Islam.

If you want me to currently refresh you abit. This CURRENT state, Antioch is 82% Islam, 8% catholic, and 2% Orthodox, and 8% of the the other religions. That is very... Christian? The reason why the city revolted against the Roman empire.

So you say Armenian are moslems now? (not my fault if the game does not reflect history, historically there were way more Christians than Moslems) Really, did you walk in the streets yourself to get those numbers or did you simply made them up because you are not able to defend your position?

[Merlox]

Rough Estimates, but the ruler of that city is quite sure of his numbers.

(OOC RESPONSE: Islamic courts where all of the independant islamic sultans and caliphs meat. they also drink whine and bet on horse racing Theres a big sign as well that says the current population and religion right in front of the city. Theres a mosque that has a big city now, that just says on a gaint billboard "SELJUK REBELS" Not my fault either, but hey, if we went with the history went, We'd know the outcome of every thing.)

[TheFlax]

*The portly man yawns.*

(What else than history would you use to discuss of the years before the game starts? Also, considering getting all the information you are posting would be impossible to gather in that time period, I'm choosing to ignore that part of your argument. )

[The Lemongate]

Though most of the court's dignitaries have been following the debate raging between the Roman and Fatimid envoys and their respective backers, the cautious few who have kept sight of the king have seen his calm countenance melt steadily through the stream of nonsensed professed in his court. When the Venician diplomat chips in, the king's eyes, like daggers dissecting a corpse, cut from one boisterous man to the next with dread intensity.

With a sudden burst, Philippe springs to his feet, sending the plates of food clattering down the dais of his throne. Towering above the crowd, his voice booming over the cacophonus din of bickering noblemen, he lets out a roar that silences everyone.

The whole room pauses. For a moment that seems an eternity, no one dares a breath.

The king's voice is eerily soft after such an outrageous display.

You!

He points the Roman.

And you...

His look goes to the Fatimid.

You are a disgrace! To threaten to lift up arms in my court! Do you think you're mercenaries could've even drawn their blades before an arrow was lodged in both their eyes? As for this crude slandering of a noble and christian prince, I have never even heard of such infamy even coming from the lowest dreg, let alone an ambassador supposed to represent a noble people.

You will cease your inanities at once. Or the next message your kings will receive from this court are your heads on a platter.

With this the king, followed by his guards and courtiers storms out of the court. The young woman that was overseeing the maps scuttles after him. There remains, standing besides the throne, the Archbishop of Rheims, his face a stern mask of disapproval.

[Merlox]

After the king has left the fatamid diplomat sighed. Though... he had a slight smirk.

look where your emperor's requests got us now, we're both in trouble. Though... we never solved our arguement over Antioch... As our Caliph said before, "I doubt any diplomacy in Paris will change any thing in Cairo."... I wonder if any thing useful will come out of this court besides us babbling over territories.

[The Lemongate]

The Archbishop's frown lightens into a little grin.

I would not be so sure that the distant East remains so distant in the near future. You might well wish to soften the tone of your "diplomatic" entreaties and make friends rather then enemies. Most Christian kings already find you in disrepute, saracen.

There is an eery feeling of menace in the holy man's words.

[rouroux]

The roman had frozen since king Philippe had started speaking. Never has he seen such anger and supremacy in one's tone, even his basileos. As the archbishop sentence ended, a shiver ran through his spine and woke him up from what seemed to be a very long moment of reflection and regret. As his head turned around, he found his servant livid, terrified. He then realized.


Holy Archbishop! I believe I owe the King an apology, though I'm sure he won't be in the mood to hear me out when he comes back. He invited me into his house to talk about peace and what have I done? I am the one who insulted him by threatening others in his court . He is right, I AM a disgrace. I simply hope he finds it in his heart to forgive my irrespectful behavior.


The roman then sends his two escorts away leaving only him and his servant behind. Then whispers.


We have learned an important lesson today Andreas. Indeed we have...

[Merlox]

...

[TheFlax]

...

Such eloquent silence, it truly becomes you. Please, do continue.

[The Lemongate]

Ignoring the Venitian, the Archbishop acquiescence Angelus' words with a nod.

The king is authoritative but fair. He holds no grudges unless they are deserved.

[Merlox]

With that done, and to offer an apology to the Romans. Hopefully we can work this out another way. As the Romans are in range for our grain exports. We would like to grant them for Trade rights if they with do. Though, I wish to discuss Antioch in private matters with the Roman.

Perhaps we have been too harsh. We will soon talk to the Romans in private terms.

He would lower his head toward the Roman, then turn to the diplomat from venice.

Though with the Venice, With such hostile ways. I would still offer my grain support to your island of Iraklion (IE TRADE). but I doubt you will accept.

[TheFlax]

The Doge will accept trade with anyone, even moslems, provided they show a proper amount of respect and manners. You seem to be showing a certain understanding in these manners. We can both agree to disagree on the matter of Antioch, leave the issue at that, and move on to something more productive, or we can hurl insults at each other for a few more days before the noble king of France tires of this and throws us out of his court.

We accept your offer of trade, but we still decline the defensive pact you offered, for obvious reasons.

[Nightbringer]

Ah, now that you two are done bickering, I hope that we may return to more friendly discussion.

As to our claims on the regions along the caspian sea, it may be true that Islamic influence there is strong, but they are under the rule of none except themselves, also, we have already reached an agreement with the Seljuks that the border between our cultures will be drawn at the natural barrier of the Caucasus.

We also realize that our claims may seem a little large at this time, but these are all barbaric and ungoverned lands at this time, and no other people have a claim upon them. Therefor we see it as being polite to state that these are territories which should rightfully belong to our people.

We are also glad to confirm the anouncment of an alliance with Hungary, the Magyar have displayed to us that they are reasonable and wish for peace and prosperity between us.
Along with drawing the Caucasus as a dividing line we are also to establish trade with the Seljuk Sultanate.

It is my hope that the Romans will also be so kind as to establish trade with us, for it could only lead to our mutual benefit.

sitting back down, Rurik continues eating, smiling broadly at everyone

[nicuurs]

The hall doors open, and a tall man in a red cape with white fur on the shoulders and a strange horned helmet enters. He has no aides, no servants, no sergeants, not even a a man to carry his great axe. He bows politely and announces in a grave voice

I am Gerbrand Eliassen, and I speak for the King of all Danes, Knud. If you have any matters or interests in the baltic region, you will have to speak to me. We seek good relations with all the great countries represented here, but we know that a kind word and an axe can bring most of the times more results than just a kind word.

He then takes the biggest seat he can find and calmly begins to fill a plate with food from the big table.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

England is quite open to trade with the Danes, and perhaps an alliance that will benefit us both.


also, I just wish to make sure I understand the terms of our agreement with franks, what exactly is continental Europe to you? is England barred from marching on any land in Europe or just the main area of continent, (IE, France, and Germnay)

[Ramses II CP]

The diplomat of the Moors inclines his head and winks at the Englishman's laughably obvious nitpicking.

[The Lemongate]

A French servant passes a note to John Kenneth. The Englishmen seems satisfied with its contents.

[nicuurs]

Gerbrand Eliassen walks close to the english emisary, and speaks:

We will always welcome trade links with our neighbors, so we accept your offer. About the alliance, we will have to discuss it in more detail, at a time of your convenience.

[Chaotix]

A tall, older man, perhaps in his fifties, clothed richly in dark red hues, strides into the room. His eyes are a steel blue, his hair silvery, but still full, and his nose hooked like an eagle's beak over his thin lips, which are clean-shaven. He looks toward the fat, balding fellow supposedly representing Venice. The merchant looks shocked to see this man here.

"So... you thought you could just come to this meeting and claim that you were representing the Republic, Agostino?"

"My... my lord, I apologize dearly! I was only hoping to acquire new trade routes-"

"No doubt involving solely your own merchant ships. The greed of your kind appalls me sometimes. Leave this place at once, and go back to your business in Venice immediately. Do not let me see you here in Paris again, or I will make you regret it."

"Y-Yes, my lord. Pardon me, it shall be done at once."

With that, the short man scurries quickly out of the building. The older lord turns his attention to the table.

"Greetings, my friends. I am sorry that you had to suffer through that pretender of a diplomat. I am the right hand of the Doge of Venice himself, Antonio Lanzuoli. I am also known as the Duke of Ancona. On behalf of Venice, I would like to offer free trade with any nation here that wishes it; we are, after all, a most serene Republic, and war is the least of our concerns. The only peoples we will be warring with are rebels and pretenders who deserve to die anyway- and this includes our friends the Genoese. Additionally, I would like to speak with the representatives of Hungary, Sicily, and the German Empire of Rome more privately to discuss Venetian... trade interests. Thank you."

The Duke of Ancona seats himself.

[Merlox]

The Fatamid diplomat looks rather bored, looking around seeing if any one would pipe up, then gives up and stands up.

Greetings from the Fatamid Caliphate. As you are one of our closest neighbors, or well, your colony on the island Iraklion is. We would be happy to publicly ask for trade rights to your colony on Iraklion. Making Iraklion, an ideal trade sea port from the far east, to the far west... We will await for your answer. If you do accept, We will send the diplomat to Iraklion.

He would pause for a second, then continue

I am sorry to announce this all to the court, but the Caliphate at this time rejects ANY merchants, diplomats, as well of of course, spies, assassins, and priests in his lands. We will have official finalizing diplomats near Rome, and Constantinople. We simply ask of you to respect our demands. Last but not least, any foreign navies or armies near our coast line, military troops near OR inside of our borders will be responded as an act of war. Any agents who ignore this, and still send into our lands, will be executed. Please report to me if you have any of the above, and please ask permission if you so need to do this. We will respond with the utmost haste.

It is not my, or my master's will to gain any enemies, but it is for security measures. We hope you all understand, and respect our most simple requests.

The Fatamid diplomat would sit back down.

[Chaotix]

The Duke of Ancona turns to the Saracen diplomat, giving him an inquisitive stare.

Of course, we will accept trade with Fatimid Egypt gladly, sir diplomat, but I must ask the sense behind not allowing agents from other nations into your country. The ban on spies and assassins, of course, I fully understand and support. But restricting all diplomats and merchants- surely this will only result in restricted trade and diplomacy! If everyone imposed the sorts of rules you did, we would be unable to have diplomatic talks at all.

The aging man then turns to address the rest of the council.

Furthermore, pursuing an unrelated subject, the Doge has contacted me with a list of areas he considers to be necessary for Venetian trade interests. He has provided me with a map for easy perception.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Venice will soon be subjugating the nearby independent cities of Milan, Zagreb, and Florence. We will also be relieving the treacherous Genoese of their capital, and placing our... permanent protection over the Papacy. Finally, Venice is willing to negotiate a large sum with the Holy Roman Empire for the control of Blogna, if at all possible.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Bold claims Venice..... Then again it would appear most of the nations here are quite adept at Bold claims......

[The Lemongate]

The Archbishop of Reims' eyes flare up when the Duke of Ancona reveals his map. His voice crashes down on the Council with terrible imprecation and menace:

Retract your blashphemous claims from the lands of the Holy See at once or you shall soon find yourself at odds with France and many members of this Council! The Holy Father is not some sort of unaligned, petty prince whose frivolous claims can be pushed aside! Should your armies dare to even set foot within his dominion, be assured that France and all those who wish to call her friend will drive down upon you with such a terrible wrath that nothing of your demesne will remain standing and your vile heresy will be wiped from the pages of the histories! It is already bold enough for you to menace your christian neighbors in Genoa, do not compound your impious greed with sins.

Turning towards the Fatimid envoy and cooling the fire of his words, the Archbishop continues:

Your demands to restrain the movement of agents in your lands is understandable, but since the Holy City of Jerusalem falls within your sphere of influence, surely, you would allow the faithful and the duly appointed representatives of the Christian Kings of Europe to have access to such an important site? It would be viewed most auspiciously if you would grant us such a right.

[phonicsmonkey]

The Hungarian Priest stands to address the Court. Just as he is about to speak, he is interrupted by Jozsef, who belches loudly and openly. The Priest shoots him a withering stare, is rewarded with an apologetic shrug and rueful grin, and turns back to the Court to proceed.

Ahem.

It is clear that there has been some error in the construction of this map. Our ally the Doge of Venice can surely not expect those gathered here to accept a plan for his armies to breach the gates of the Vatican City! Why this would automatically place him at war with the whole of Christendom, our own Kingdom included.

We expect that his representative will clarify this position, and withdraw this inconceivable claim as soon as possible.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

John laughs, taking the whole situation far less seriously then the other diplomats
You have done it now Venice, Perhaps you should revoke your claims soon before we burn you as a heretic!

[Merlox]

Ofcourse we accept that, We will just require you to inform of us of the exact details when you are planned to leave.