Council thread for the Grand Campaign Hotseat 2

[Zim]

The Council in Rome started small enough. In the early 11th century, the Italian powers agreed to meet in a large Council Chamber in neutral Rome to discuss diplomatic issues. Before long, other European powers began to meet there, until all of Europe sent diplomats to its hallowed halls. Shockingly, in the middle of the century, the Moors requested to send a delegation. This was accepted, and it wasn't long before every major power regardless of religion sent members to the Council. Even excommunicated countries were allowed at least one representative.

Now, the Council building is filled with living spaces for diplomats, and contains a huge Chamber in the center where they argue the issues of the day. It has no formal power, but serves as a place for public alliances to be announced, as well as unilateral decrees. Deals are sometimes made in the open as well, so the weight of public opinion can help to enforce them. Of course, petty bickering and gloating is common as well.

Declared Alliances:
-Italian Coalition: Sicily, Milan, Venice
-Balkan Alliance: Byzantine Empire, Hungary, Venice
-Hungarian-Polish Alliance
-The North Sea Alliance: The HRE, England, Denmark

Ongoing Conflicts:
-Conflicting claims on Iberian and North African settlements beween Spain, Portugal and Sicily versus the Moors

Wars:
Anglo-Scottish War: 1082-1090

Sicilo-Moorish War: 1090-?

Portuguese-Moorish War: 1090-?

Special treaties.

Treaty of Hamburg, signed 1084 by Kaiser Heinrich of the Holy Roman Empire and King Knud of Denmark.


1. The Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Denmark guarentee each other's independance, as well as thier territorial integrity.

2. The Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Denmark guarantee to aid one another in any defensive war. "Defensive" is to be interpreted as including but not limited to situations where a third party threatens or does not accepts reasonable territorial claims.

3. The Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Denmark also agree not to withhold aid (military or otherwise) in a war of aggression by one party, without some form of justification, and guarantee in all cases, not to provide aid to, or intervene on the side of the warring party's enemies (subject to the exclusion in section 4.).

4. This treaty shall be null and void if either party attacks any member of the Italian Coalition.

The Charter of the Italian Coalition, signed in 1084 by King Roger of Sicily Doge Giorgio of Milan, and Doge Domenico of Venice.


Charter of the Italian Coalition

1. The purpose of the Coalition:

The Coalition of Italy has its origins in the realization of its members that the Italian peninsula is a rich and tempting target for neighboring factions, and that its members have more to gain from cooperation than in engaging in separate foreign policies, which would allow enemies to divide and conquer the peninsula. For this reason Milan, Sicily and Venice, the founding members, have formed the Coalition to face common threats, cooperate in the expansion of its member-states, and form a common foreign policy for all of Italy. As all three members are neighbors of his Holiness the Pope, the Coalition will also undertake the defense of Rome.

2. Obligations of its members to the Coalition:

a. Defense:

The primary obligation of members to the Coalition is that of a common defense. Any country that attacks any member becomes an enemy to all, and we will stand united against them. For all intents and purposes, the Pope is considered a member of the coalition when it comes to the defense of Rome.

b. Foreign Policy:

Another obligation to members is to cooperate on forming a common foreign policy concerning the Coalition's relations with the other countries of the world. Whenever possible, members will stand with each other in any dispute or war between a member and any non-member. To ensure that this will not put any member into an awkward position unless absolutely necessary, major plans should be discussed before being put into place by any single member.

c. Vis a vis other alliances of members:

The Coalition does not prohibit members from making their own bilateral deals or alliances with countries outside of it. However, it is important that Coalition agreements and obligations trump any bilateral agreements and no member should engage in plans against another member.

3. Coalition Organization

a. Division of Italy between the three founding members:

Each of the three founding members has their own sphere of influence in the Italian peninsula. Milan is preeminent in Milan, Genoa, Florence, and the Italian Alpine settlement of Bern. Sicily will control Palermo, Naples, and the islands of Ajaccio and Cagliari. Venice is limited to Venice itself and Bologna in the Italian peninsula, but controls Ragusa and Durazzo on the Adriatic coast nearby. Ownership of provinces taken outside these realms is up for negotiation between members.

b. Spokesman:

In order to enable other countries to more easily understand the coalition’s common stances in foreign policy, one member is given the honor of making statements for the Coalition in the Council. The title of Coalition Spokesmen is given to the King of Sicily. In addition to representing the Coalition to other nations, Sicily also receives an extra vote in the rare event of a three-way tie between members on any issue. Should the King deem it fitting, he also is allowed the task of forming the coalition’s common foreign policy, and planning the fulfillment of its short and long-range goals.

A map specially prepared by Cecil XIX showing different countries' claims on territories.

https://img169.imageshack.us/img169/192/territorialclaimsuj1.png

Basically I just filled in a territory with the color of the faction that claimed it. I also changed the borders in Prague, Hamburg, Bologne and Durazzo to reflect that those lands have already been taken.

When I noticed multiple or unresolved claims, I used diagonal lines alternative between claimants. In situations where the disputed province is already controlled, I gave the faction with the homefiled advantage triple-thick lines.

[Ramses II CP]

The Sultan of Egypt will be pleased to entertain any offers of diplomatic ties from his Catholic brothers. We are all sons of one God, let us not anger our father with unruly scuffles!

:egypt:

[gibsonsg91921]

King Henrique of Portugal lays claim to Zaragosa. Also, if Spain does not publicly claim Valencia, he shall be its master as well.

[deguerra]

Greetings from cold Denmark

I would like to state publically that I claim the title of King of the Danes, as well as King of Sweden, and I lay claim to all scandinavian lands. Any interference therewith will be counted as a declaration of war on my little kingdom.

Other than that, I am not interested in early expansionism, and in any case hope that diplomatic solutions will always take precedence to the force of arms. While I am not theortically opposed to friendly relations with rulers who do no embrace the one true faith, I must stress that as a recently converted country I do consider the word of the pope important

[Privateerkev]

The King of England lays claim to the entire British Isles. He will respect other's sphere of influence if they respect his. There is a minor tribe north of him. They are not to be treated as your equals. Because, quite simply, they are not your equals. This minor tribe will fade into obscurity soon enough. Forget I even mentioned them.

[Zim]

The Doge of Venice would like to state that he is open to negotiations with all of his fellow Catholics, and with others under the right circumstances as well. He also states that he accepts the claims of the Kings of Denmark and England over their respective spheres of influence, and wishes them well. He would like to extend a hand of peace to the Holy Roman Emperor, and vouchsafe the safety of isolated Bologne.

[FactionHeir]

King Wladyslaw welcomes his brothers in faith and hopes to spread catholicism to all corners of the world. To achieve this, he lays claim to all lands currently surrounding his that are not already part of those of a catholic brother. He would be most displeased if someone did.

[Ignoramus]

King Malcom refuses to acknowledge the Normans' claim to the British Isles.

[OverKnight]

Sultan Jalal extends his greetings to the Princes of Europe and the Sultan of Egypt. The Turks would like to establish trade and relations with those that attend this council.

The trade routes to the mysterious Orient would provide many goods that European eyes have never seen.

[Privateerkev]

King Malcom refuses to acknowledge the Normans' claim to the British Isles.

King William wishes to know who let this tribal leader in here!?!

Are we letting anyone join the council?

These people run around naked and covered in feces.

I implore the Council to eject these tribesmen at once and refuse to deal with them as equals.

King William announces to the Council that he refuses to deal with any "rebels" that are in your lands and only wishes the same courtesy be extended to him.

[Ferret]

King Roger would like to express his sympathy for the Muslims of the levant and announec his claim to Corsica and Sardinia as well as all North Africa bar Egypt.

[Cecil XIX]

Kaiser Heinrich IV hereby claims all German and Bohemian lands. That includes Hamburg, Stettin, Magdeburg, Breslau and Bohemia.

[FactionHeir]

King Wladyslaw wishes to inform Kaiser Heinrich that he has already laid claim to Stettin, Magdeburg, Breslau and Prague before Kaiser Heinrich did.
If Kaiser Heinrich is to lay his hands on any of these places, King Wladyslaw considers this an open declaration of war.

Kaiser Heinrich is most welcome to lay his claim on Hamburg and the lands to the west and south of him. The east belongs to Poland.

[Privateerkev]

King William wishes for all Lords on the mainland to know that he desires no lands outside of his islands, except for Normandy which he already possesses. He will happily honor and accept any Lord's claim on the mainland if they accept King William's own claim to the Isles.

Also, trade is important to England and the King plans on sending his own daughter on a diplomatic tour to establish trade rights. Alliances are possible and all Lords who wish one with England may approach the King for consideration.

[FactionHeir]

King Wladyslaw considers King William's claim to all the isles and Normandy as legitimate and wishes to inform him that an alliance would be welcomed.

[Privateerkev]

In the interest of full disclosure, King William is considering an alliance with Kaiser Heinrich. Therefore, King William wishes that the Holy Roman Empire and Poland can find some sort of settlement. If they can not, then England can not in good conscience sign an alliance with Poland as that would be a conflict of interest.

The King comes to this decision with great regret and hopes King Wladyslaw realizes that it is not a snub at him. King William would very much welcome an alliance with the Polish people. If King Wladyslaw and Kaiser Heinrich could come to some sort of agreement on the lands bordering their two great Kingdoms, then King William would be overjoyed.

As for how the lands in central Europe should be divided, King William has no opinion on the matter as it is not his business nor his concern.

[FactionHeir]

Poland has already graciously offered Hamburg to Kaiser Heinrich. Any further claims to the east will not be tolerated. If this is agreeable to Kaiser Heinrich, then King Wladyslaw sees no problem with an alliance with both of the rulers.

Further, King Wladyslaw wishes to extend his hand to his eastern brothers, the Hungarians, under King Laszlo. King Wladyslaw offers all lands south of Krakow's border in Europe to his Hungarian friends and wishes to extend his hand in alliance.

[Cheetah]

Great Lords and represenatives,

King László sends his greeting to all the Lords and Kings of Europe. He is open to negotiations with all great christian Lords, and like his noble brother Wladyslaw he wishes to spread christianity in all corners of the world.

Also, King László is the most happy to accept the allience of King Wladyslaw and wishes to tighten the bond between the two great kingdoms by a marriage between the two royal families.

Last but not least, King László asserts his claims to the lands of Zagreb, Sofia, Buchurest and Iasa, which claims, he is sure, no one will object.

[Cecil XIX]

Kaiser Heinrich IV shall not relinquish his claims over German and Czech lands, nor do we believe that this disagreement should lead to war. King Wladyslaw I is welcome to expand eastward, as we hear that Russia is quite big.

- Kaiser Heinrich IV

[FactionHeir]

King Wladyslaw will not take action against Kaiser Heinrich's vassal until the time that Kaiser Heinrich violates the wishes of King Wladyslaw by taking Stettin, Magdeburg, Breslau or Prague or declaring war directly upon the Polish people or their allies.

King Wladyslaw wishes to point out to Kaiser Heinrich, that crossing King Wladyslaw is not advisable.

[Zim]

Doge Domenico would like the Council to be aware that he supports the claims of King Wladyslaw in principle, although with a rather large number of territories involved, he suggests that a compromise between the two might be possible.

He also wishes to come out in support of the claims of the King of Sicily to Corsica and Sardinia. The only Italian land claimed by Venice is that of Florence, which we believe should be in the hands of a Northern Italian power.

We also lay claim to Durazzo, which while small today, we hope to turn into a trading city.

[deguerra]

Agree with the Doge of Venice on all points. King Roger though may want to keep grand claims of "all of north Africa other than Egypt" a little more serious, until he has the capacity to actually take those lands. Not that the Danes have a problem with the claim.

I support both King Wladyslaw and Emperor Heinrich in principle, and do not wish to choose sides. I would be most pleased with a compromise.

King Knud

[Mrs. Zim]

Spain is laying claim to Valencia. I would like to cooperate with the Portuguese fighting the Moors.

[Ramses II CP]

The Sultan acknowledges the Sicilian claim to all lands west of Tripoli (In other words I couldn't defend them anyway) and issues his own claim to Jerusalem and some negotiable surrounding territory.

The Sultan wishes to make it known that pilgrims of all faiths shall be welcome in the holy city so long as they come in peace and unarmed.

:egypt:

[Privateerkev]

King William is gratified to hear of the Sultan's promise to continue to allow religious pilgrimage. It is a solemn responsibility and England is glad that someone is taking it up.

[gibsonsg91921]

King Henrique would like to extend an offer of alliance to King Alfonso el Valiente of Spain. Together we can carve up the Moorish territories evenly.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Sultan Tahar, in his eternal wisdom and knowledge, demands to know what claim the non-Muslim countries of the Iberian Peninsula could possibly have on North Africa, which has traditionally been Muslim.

[RoadKill]

Bonjour mes ami, King Philip would like to announce that we claim the rebel settlements in our surronding area. Rebel settlements between the Holy Roman Empire and us can be shared, we can discuss further on which ones they wish to claim.

[Privateerkev]

King William recognizes King Philip's claims and extends a heartfelt greeting to the French. The only settlement on the mainland that the English desire is Normandy(Caen), which we already have. In a show of peace, England will remove all troops from this castle except for garrisons, trainees, and watchtower construction crews.

All King William wishes of the French, is peace and trade. An alliance may also be possible but that conversation should be left for when the two Kings meet in private.

[GeneralHankerchief]

The Mighty Sultan of the Moors desires trade with all of the nations of the world, and will entertain all offers of alliance.

[deguerra]

should any of the high and mighty Sultan's (this goes for all three of you sultans really) diplomats ever make it to far-away Denmark, King Knud would be happy to establish economic ties. I am all in favour of some diplomatic ties, but alliances with heathen unbelievers will have to be carefully considered.

[Cecil XIX]

Kaiser Heinrich IV, after careful consideration, is willing to compromise with King Wladyslaw I. We shall revoke our claims on Stettin, Breslau and Magdeburg if King Wladyslaw will revoke his claim on Prague.

[Ignoramus]

King Malcom extends an invitation to Philippe of France to sign an alliance treaty. Inverness and Dublin are claimed by the Scottish Crown.

[Csargo]

A tall bearded man stands to speak

The Grand Duke of the Rus' people has sent me to inform you all that he lays claim to Vilnius, Riga, Kiev and all settlements east of these. Since these have been predominately my people's lands.

The man sat, confident that none of the other power's diplomats would object to his master's demands.

[Privateerkev]

King Malcom extends an invitation to Philippe of France to sign an alliance treaty. Inverness and Dublin are claimed by the Scottish Crown.

Oh, the barbarian speaks eh?

Who let you out of the cave anyhow?

No, you do not claim anything. You will be brought under proper English control for your own good.

And let me make something quite clear to this whole Council;

Anyone who looks the other way while I deal with this "minor tribe" will have my gratitude.

Anyone... and I mean anyone who extends any aid or recognition to these people will be seen as enemies of the English crown.

The northern part of our Isle is to be regarded as a "internal matter". Much like the rebel settlements that sit within your spheres of influence. You wouldn't like it if some far away power tried to tell you what to do with those settlements. That is how England sees it.

With the Isles consolidated, England will be a center for trade. We will stay off of the mainland, except for Caen of course. But we will be peaceful and trade with anyone, regardless of religious affiliation, as long as they are also peaceful.

[deguerra]

Oh, the barbarian speaks eh?

King Knud heard nobody speak.

[deguerra]

Also, in accordance with the Grand Duke of the Rus, Denmark lays claims to Riga, but guarantees that no further expansion into Russian territory will occur.

The Grand Duke is a most noble and honouralbe man.

Knud of the Danes

[Zim]

The Doge of Venice would like to welcome the Russian Grand Duke to the Council.

He has also heard that there have been some rumors of expected wars of aggression. He would like it known that he has no plans to join any such offensive war against his Catholic brethren, and hopes that all territorial claims be settled through negotiation.

[rossahh]

Greetings in the name of our lord! I am Doge Giorgio of the Italian Cities of Milan and Genoa. I wish peace unto all brother-Catholics, far and near.

To my fellow Italians in the south, the the Scicillians, I offer you an alliance and trade with my blessing to seize the rebel-islands of Sardinia and Corsica without any Milanese interference.

However, to my neighbours to the North, I inform you that I intend to claim the Castle of Bern. It is in Italian lands and should in Italian control. Imperial lands are on the East side of the Rhine, while the French have no standing in the Alps. For the sake of peace, I pray that you accept our claims.


Peace be with you all.

[Privateerkev]

English representative speaks:

I've noticed that there have been many references to religion. This leads me into a discussion that I've been wanting to have. And that is the behavior of men who work for all of us. Some call them "agents".

Priests: Since it was religion that reminded me to do this, I'll start there. England respects all religions. As such, you have the word of the King that no priest will set foot in any land held by those of another faith. England wishes to be peaceful and trade. And telling people what to believe would get in the way of that. The King only asks that Kingdoms that believe in other faiths keep their holy men out of English territory.

Merchants: England desires trade. But, England also recognizes the right every Kingdom has to resources within their borders. Therefore, no English merchant will sit on a resource within your territory. In return, no merchant of another Kingdom is to sit on a resource in English territory.

Diplomats: England wishes to set up an embassy with every Kingdom here. In due time, there shall be a diplomat on hand in every Kingdom's territory. But, having a diplomat on your lands, is a privilege, not a right. Therefore, if you do not wish an English embassy on your lands, you only need to say so.

Spies and Assassins: Quite simply, England will not send these men across your borders. We just expect the same courtesy in return.

Agent action: The English King believes that Lords of the Kingdoms are responsible for any action their agents commit. That means, if anyone's agent does these following things to England; assassinates, sabotages, incites riots, bribes, acquires, or marries a general without the King's permission, then that will be seen as a hostile act. Of course the King will not let his agents do these acts either.

Of course, these guidelines only apply if England is at peace with your Kingdom. If our Kingdoms are at war, then these limitations do not apply.

[rossahh]

Well said King William, but you dwell on an island alone, safe a few savages. An island that offers a formidable protection and barrier against these "agents".

Others are not so lucky. Others have borders not of water but of people. People of other faith, people of...unclear...intentions.

Your pledge is honourable but will not be universely matched.


I also take this moment to lay claim to Florence. For too long has this city been without order and so I, Doge Giorgio, will settle that with the blessing of my Venetian friends.

[Privateerkev]

Doge Giorgio,

The King of England wishes to make clear that he only meant how he wishes other's agents to act towards him. How other people's agents act towards other people is for others to figure out.

England will make sure their agents "behave". All England asks is that others make sure their agents "behave" in relation to England.

As England being mostly on an island, this is true. In fact, there is no reason for anyone else's agents, with the exception of diplomats, Catholic priests, and princesses, to be in Brittania. Any non-diplomatic/princess/priest agent who makes it to the Isle, will simply disappear.

[Zim]

Knowing that clear, simple borders are neccessary to make good neighbors, the Doge will gladly revoke his claim on Florence, but redouble his claim to Durazzo. He also welcomes the Milanese Duke to the Council, and wishes him nought but peace and trade.

He returns all of England's offers concerning agents, but reserves the right to send priests whereever he wishes, so long as it is not to the lands of an ally or trading partner of Venice.

[Privateerkev]

The English representative to the Venetian Doge:

My Lord,

The King's thoughts on agents were in no way some sort of guideline for others to follow with regards to everyone, just him. If others wish to incorporate it in their dealings with other Lords, that's great.

It isn't some sort of Ten Commandments. All that list was, was the King telling people how they will be treated. And the King was stating how he expects to be treated in return. No one would should read too much into it.

As for your own priests, the King welcomes them with open arms. Any Catholic nation is welcome to send men of the cloth over to his lands when ever they wish. The King just wishes for Muslim and Orthodox Kingdoms to keep their Holy Men out of English lands. And the King will behave in kind.

[Zim]

The Doge bows to the English representative.

The Doge knows that the English King did not mean his statement to be taken so, but wanted to make his own feelings regarding agents to be clear as well.

[FactionHeir]

A tall bearded man stands to speak

The Grand Duke of the Rus' people has sent me to inform you all that he lays claim to Vilnius, Riga, Kiev and all settlements east of these. Since these have been predominately my people's lands.

The man sat, confident that none of the other power's diplomats would object to his master's demands.

King Wladyslaw will not accept these claims as he has already laid claim to both Vilnius and Kiev. Grand Duke Ysevolod may comfort himself that he may keep Riga and the lands east of Kiev without fear of repercussions at this time.

As for Kaiser Heinrich's suggestion, he may have Breslau, but Prague shall be ours.

[_Tristan_]

The imposing figure of the Eastern Roman Emperor makes his entry in the Council chambers, draped in deep purple robes and wearing many golden jewels on his hands.

I, Alexis, Emperor of the Romans salute you.

I wish to express my deepest regards to my fellow rulers, whatever their faith.

We Byzantine are not a warmongering people. We only seek to trade and all nations are welcome to trade with us.

We particularly wish to extend our hand to the Republic of Venice and the Turkish Sultanate, our neighbours and hope we can come to terms as to the dividing of the lands on our borders. Our only claim at this time is on the Greek peninsula except for Durazzo, the Aegean islands and Cyprus.

We forfeit all claims to any European lands north of Constantinople as a gesture of goodwill to our Hungarian neighbours.

Let us all walk in peace.

Emperor Alexis takes a seat, held high and regally.

[EDITed] got the wrong Emperor's name... Took the one from the Crusades campaign...

[deguerra]

King Knud too wishes to endorse King Williams charter regarding agents, extends the same offer and expects the same of anyone entering his lands.

King Wladyslaw, your far-reaching claims seem somewhat aggressive. You want to lay claim to both arguably German cities in the west and arguably Russian ones in the north-east. Rest assured that the rest of the world, but the Danes in particular will not take kindly to a ruler who all-out refuses diplomatic means of resolving conflicts. Reach an agreement with those factions with whom your claims conflict, and an agreement that is beneficial to ALL concerned, or face our wrath.

Knud of the Danes

[Zim]

Doge Dominico welcomes the Byzantine Emperor and thanks him for accepting our claims on Durazzo.

[FactionHeir]

King Knud too wishes to endorse King Williams charter regarding agents, extends the same offer and expects the same of anyone entering his lands.

King Wladyslaw, your far-reaching claims seem somewhat aggressive. You want to lay claim to both arguably German cities in the west and arguably Russian ones in the north-east. Rest assured that the rest of the world, but the Danes in particular will not take kindly to a ruler who all-out refuses diplomatic means of resolving conflicts. Reach an agreement with those factions with whom your claims conflict, and an agreement that is beneficial to ALL concerned, or face our wrath.

Knud of the Danes

King Knud,

If I were you, I would watch my tongue!
Now, if your scribes and diplomats can all surely tell you, there is an agreement with the Germans regarding the sharing of regions. If you have a problem with that, you better come to Krakow personally.

As for the lands to the east, I was the first to claim Vilnius and Kiev and therefore have the prerogative to do with them as I see fit.

[deguerra]

IF you have agreed with the Emperor, then I am most pleased and congratulate you.

I do not believe, claims to land work on a first come first serve basis. But quite frankly that is between you and the Grand Duke of Novgorod. All I was saying was that I wished for friendly diplomatic discussion, so that each ruler can come to an agreement that is acceptable to them. I do not believe the Danes have made unreasonable claims, and I do not wish for the Polish to do so either. I fully respect and acknowledge the Polish right and need to expand, but Poland must realize that Russia has the same needs also.

I do hope you can come to an agreement, and if you felt insulted by my words then know that such were not my intentions.

Knud of the Danes

[_Tristan_]

Emperor Alexis stands and adresses the whole assembly of Lords.

I would like to open in Constantinople a library such has never been found except perhaps in Alexandria.

I would compile all knowledge of the world. To achieve that goal, I will be sending diplomats to lands far and abroad to gather what knowledge there is.

I hope my fellow rulers here will receive honestly those emissaries and give them what knowledge of the world they have.

Of course, in exchange, we will then make available to all our own knowledge.

(OOC : that is apart from any deal made in PM.

I wish to offer to all to trade our map info... Should you wish it otherwise and so that our diplomatic deals can be concluded swiftly, please make it know here that you refuse or else PM me about it...)

I thank you Lords for listening to us.

Emperor Alexis sits back down and begin speaking ot one of his aides, clearly giving him orders.

[Cecil XIX]

King Knud,

If I were you, I would watch my tongue!
Now, if your scribes and diplomats can all surely tell you, there is an agreement with the Germans regarding the sharing of regions. If you have a problem with that, you better come to Krakow personally.

As for the lands to the east, I was the first to claim Vilnius and Kiev and therefore have the prerogative to do with them as I see fit.

There most certainly has not been an agreement. The most casual of glances onto a map of the world show the absurdity of your counter-proposal. Silesa would be surrounded on all sides by Polish lands, with only the smallest of slivers connecting it to Franconia. Then in your next breath you insult your fellow monarch, all the while claiming dominion over lands our people have never had anything to do with. It is obvious that you have your heart set on unchecked expansion the way you threaten and verball berate anyone who so much as raises a concern.

Let it be known that whatever claim the Grand Duke of Novgorod shall make on the surrounding lands, he has the full support of the Holy Roman Empire.

[FactionHeir]

You have your heart set on Prague then, Heinrich?
Well, I shall be generous this day and shall grant you Prague in exchange for Breslau and 2000 florins.

[Privateerkev]

King Henry sits up

What!?!

Your demanding money for a settlement you don't own?

OOC: Does anyone know offhand what "ethnicity" the Prague "rebels" are? German? Polish? I'm just curious.

[gibsonsg91921]

OOC: I think it's Bohemian.

I think the perfect solution to this problem would to actually conquer the settlement and not claiming it.

[Privateerkev]

Well, everyone is claiming territory so I see no problem in principle. It's just that some of these claims overlap. And there seems to be some idea that the person who claims "first" somehow gets primacy. Rest assured, if someone had claimed York "first", I would laugh in their face.

OOC: When you put your cursor on Prague in the beginning of the game, does it show up as "Bohemian rebels"? Like when I do it to Dublin, it's "Irish Rebels".

[Cecil XIX]

We will not pay money for control of our own fief.

OOC: Indeed, 'Bohemian Rebels' is what appears.

[Privateerkev]

We will not pay money for control of our own fief.

King William addresses the Council

Nor should you.

Claims to land are based on a multitude of factors.

1.) Location. Obviously, if a settlement is close to you, you have an interest in it.

2.) Ethnicity. If a people are the same as yours, you have a right to rule over them as Lord.

3.) Might. If you can back up your claim with force, then it makes your claim stronger.

Notice that the subject of "who claims first" is nowhere in that list. I could care less who claims "first". All I care about is these three factors.

Now, I will state my own claims as an example.

I claim the right to rule, Dublin, Caernarvon, York, Edinburgh, and Inverness, in addition to what I already have.

For all 5 "rebel" territories, I claim in the name of reason 1. I am closest. They are on my island. Therefore, I will have them and I will not let anyone else have them.

For York, I also claim reason 2. They are English. They will be ruled by an English King.

For the other 4, no other Kingdom has the same ethnicity as the 3 minor tribes that reside in this area. No "real" Kingdom is Irish, Welsh, or Scottish. Therefore, I will claim stewardship over these people.

And, for all 5 territories, I will claim reason 3. I assure you all, I have the might to conquer, consolidate, and then defend Brittania.

When judging the validity of other Lord's claims, I will use the same 3 criteria.

[Cecil XIX]

In addition to the reasons listed by the good King of England, Bohemia has been a fief of the Reich since 1002 when Kaiser Heinrich II awarded it to Duke Vladivoj. Beyond that, the first Holy Roman Emperor, Otto I, spent most of his reign in Magdeburg and was buried there.

King Wladyslaw had best realize the generosity of my initial offer if he wants to demonstrate that he has the composure to sit among us.

[Csargo]

King Wladyslaw will not accept these claims as he has already laid claim to both Vilnius and Kiev. Grand Duke Ysevolod may comfort himself that he may keep Riga and the lands east of Kiev without fear of repercussions at this time.

As for Kaiser Heinrich's suggestion, he may have Breslau, but Prague shall be ours.

Vilnius and Kiev are both predominately Rus' lands. I see no reason why your claim should hold any weight. Kiev was the original capital of my lands, and I see no reason why you should have either settlement.

[FactionHeir]

Seeing that you are not a true Catholic, I do not see why I as a pious Christian should abide by your demands.
However, in the interest of trade, you may have Kiev and Riga, but Vilnius will be Polish.

[Cheetah]

We feel that "awarded" is a bit too strong expression. "Forced by relentless pressure" would be more appropriate. Let make it clear, duke Vladivoj and his people were there much before Kaiser Heinrich II was born. It was only the threat of brute force that made the duke to "accept" Bohemia as his fief "from" the Kaiser given that it was already his. We know very well how the Kaiser deals with his weaker neighbours.

[Csargo]

Is this how you act in the face of pressure Wladyslaw? Insulting me and my people, and then expect me to bow to your demands? You are a fool if you believe such a thing. Vilnius shall be Rus' and if you take it, I will view this as aggression towards my people. Think carefully about your next move.

[Cheetah]

King László would like to urge the Grand Duke and the Polish King to arrive to a peaceful compromise that would benefit both of them. If there are three settlements under dispute then perhaps one of them could be occupied by the Polish king and the remaining two by the Grand Duke.

Also, since no one showed any interest towards a small fishing village near the Black sea, which though small it is, but surely deserves royal protection, King László would like to assert his claim to Kaffa. King László wants to make it clear that he has no claims to the north or to the east of Kaffa whatsoever (i.e. Kiev or Sarkel).

[Cecil XIX]

And now, King Wladyslaw insists on having castle bordering the capital of the Rus!

We are issuing an ultimatum. If King Wladyslaw does not accept Kaiser Heinrich IV's initial offer, we shall lay claim to Magdeburg as well. Regardless, the Holy Roman Empire renounces and claim on Breslau and Stettin. We are not so power-hungry that we must control everything around us, and having Stetting and Breslau would still allow Poland to double the amount of major settlements under it's control.

[FactionHeir]

King Wladyslaw, after much consideration will accept giving Hamburg and Prague to Kaiser Heinrich.
However, he shall not relinquish his claims on at least one of the three settlements under dispute with the Rus, as it certainly seems as if the Rus were even more power hungry and unwilling to share!

[Privateerkev]

King William walks into the Council

The campaigning season has begun!

I wish to inform this grand Council that the settlement of York has been brought into the loving embrace of the English Kingdom.

I hope all of you have such successful seasons!

[Cheetah]

We want to make clear that King László supports both the Grand Duke's claims for Kiev and the Polish King's claim for Vilnius. The most reasonable resolution would be if the Grand Duke would take Riga and Kiev and the Polish King would take Vilnius. :yes:

[Csargo]

I have promised the Danish king he could have Riga. I will let the Polish king have Vilnius as long as he makes no further incursions into Russia.

[deguerra]

I would be most appreciative if the Grand Dukes solution above could be agreed upon as it stands. King Wladyslaw, is this acceptable to Poland? I thank the Grand Duke once again for his kindness

[gibsonsg91921]

King Henrique wishes to add that if this generous proposal is rejected, King Wladyslaw can forget about any diplomacy with Portugal.

[FactionHeir]

King Wladyslaw agrees with his own proposal to only take Vilnius.

[deguerra]

:beam: Yes, I realize you had proposed it before, but one should always check, no. I am glad things could be resolved so mutually beneficially, and I would like to extend a warm hand of friendship to the Poles who have proven that they are open to diplomacy and willing to compromise.

[Csargo]

King Wladyslaw agrees with his own proposal to only take Vilnius.


makes no further incursions into Russia

:inquisitive:

[Cecil XIX]

Kaiser Heinrich IV is glad that peaceful resolutions have been made. The Holy Roman Empire shall now officially ask all of it's neighbors for trade agreements.

[GeneralHankerchief]

The Sultan of the Moors humbly requests the Iberian and Sicilian factions to renounce their claims on His Excellency's territories. He also wishes to establish trade with these and all other factions, if it can be agreed upon.

[rossahh]

Doge Giorgio prays some agreement can be reached between King Roger, the Iberian Kingdoms and the Moorish Sultan. War in the Western Mediterranean would be damaging to all. In the interest of peace, prosperity and wealth, I hope some compromise can be reached amongst you fine noblemen.

[Ferret]

King Roger refuses to take back his claims. He is happy to allow muslims to be a peaceful people towards Christians, such as the Turks and Egyptians, but these 'moors' have conquered Christian lands! I will not allow this to go unpunished and Portugal and Spain will reconquer their peninsula while the Sicilians hit the heathens at home.

[Ferret]

I would like to announce to the world the Coalition of Italy. This triple alliance currently consists of Sicily, Venice and Milan. All three will assist each other in wars and collectively repel all invaders, no matter who they are. We also hope to bring his Holiness into this Coalition and will protect him from heathens or traiterous Christians with our best troops and some mercenaries from Switzerland, the Pope's personal Swiss guard. I have here the signatures of King Roger, Duke Giorgio and Doge Domenico to prove the validity of this alliance.

[gibsonsg91921]

The Kingdom of Aragon will not renounce its claims in the Moorish Sultanate, who took our lands by force many years ago.

[deguerra]

:book: Aragon?

[gibsonsg91921]

OOC: Aragon and Portugal are essentially the same in M2TW. Pamplona?

[RoadKill]

We French has taken the settlement of Dijon, and will be expanding onto the eastern rebel settlements. If the Germans wish to share this land please inform us before we take the rest of them. I have sent my very own daughter, the princess to your lands Germans. She will propose some trade agreements, mapinformation, and maybe even and alliance, if you please.

[GeneralHankerchief]

The Sultan of the Moors wishes that the Catholic factions of the Western Mediterranean could think of a better excuse than the tired pony of "reclaiming lands that were once ours." These lands have belonged to His Excellency and his ancestors for many centuries now and we have made zero offensive movements since then.

His Excellency would also like to point out that, if the Portuguese wish to get picky, Spain originally belonged to the Carthaginians before it was conquered by the Roman Republic in the Second Punic War. If King Henrique truly wished to restore these lands to their former owners, His Excellency is open for negotiations regarding the transfer of all Portuguese territories to under his control.

[_Tristan_]

Basileos Alexis wishes to inform King Laszlo that the small fishing village of Kaffa has been promised to the Roman Empire to settle and create a trading post.

We are open to discussion on how to deal with your claim on these lands.

[gibsonsg91921]

King Henrique would like to inform the Moorish Sultanate that if they knew their history, the Moors came from the lower regions of North Africa and are of no relation to the extinct Carthaginians.

[Privateerkev]

King William watches the debate over the Iberian Peninsula and finally speaks,

I wish to state my official position regarding the conflict in the Iberian Peninsula. I see what is happening there, between three Kingdoms, as an "internal matter." Therefore, I believe it should be left to those three Kingdoms to solve it how they see fit. Since I do not want them to get involved in England's "internal matter", I will return the courtesy and not get involved in theirs.

On a separate note, I want to welcome the Coalition of Italy into existence and wish them well. May they be prosperous together in their new alliance. England is interested in trade and I would be more than happy to sign trade agreements with all members of this Coalition. I have a diplomat heading that way as we speak to set up an embassy with the Holy Father. My daughter as well is planning a "tour" of these lands in order to learn the finer points of the "Court". Either of these two fine individuals will have the required paperwork necessary to sign a deal.

[GeneralHankerchief]

The Sultan of the Moors wishes greetings upon King Henrique and would also like to make known that the people of the Moors come from a great amount of North African peoples, the Carthaginians being one of them.

His Excellency would also like to state once again that he does not wish to expand farther into Iberia, but if King Henrique initiates hostilities against his people then retribution will be swift and decisive, praise Allah.

[Zim]

The Venetian Doge would like to thank the King of England for his kind words regarding the new Coalition and state that for his part a trade agreement would be most welcome. He strongly suspects the other members will also welcome such a trade agreement, but has not corresponded with them recently enough to be sure of their thoughts on the matter.

The Doge would also like to remind the Moorish Sultan the the Carthaginians were a Pheonician people, neither from North Africa as the Sultan would like to think nor form Iberia. They were invaders of both the Sultan's continent and Iberia. The Doge believes that Iberia should be under the control of the Portuguese and Spanish nations since they have the distinct advantage of having arisen in Iberia itself, and not imposed their will from a foreign continent as the Sultan has.

[OverKnight]

I concur with the my fellow Sultan, we will not strike the first blow, but if attacked our retribution will be terrible to behold.

[rossahh]

Milan notes with some concern France's declaration that they will "expanding onto the eastern rebel settlements". As France has already taken Dijon, there seems to be but one unclaimed rebel settlement to the east - Dijon - left to take, not settlements. I would remind King Phillipe that Bern is in the Italian Alps and will be under Italian rule accordingly. Already, Milanese troops march on the castle, and I pray you will not interfere. If you have no desire to control Bern, then I hope you would choose your words more carefully in the future, good king.

[Zim]

Doge Domenico would like to support Milan's claim to Bern, as a part of the Italian Alps it should come under the control of an Italian power. Nonetheless, he greets the French King as a friend and suggests that Metz might serve as a good eastern border for the mighty nation of France. He suspects that when talking about taking settlements to the 'east' the French king might have meant the Low Countries, which are not further east than Dijon but are further east than most of the King's settlements. Assuredly this is what he meant by taking eastern settlements, and not Bern.

[Privateerkev]

King William stands,

Gentlemen,

Since we're getting the first rounds of diplomacy underway, it is time to announce something. The diplomatic quarters for all ambassadors to England will be held in Caen. All embassies are to be set up there. Many diplomats will have to make the journey by land so having the embassy on mainland Europe makes sense.

Furthermore, my security services will oversee the physical security of your diplomats. (OOC: Spies will be around to make assassination attempts less successful.) I will say this quite plainly. Every Kingdom's ambassador in Caen is under my protection. There will be no assassinating on English soil or I will respond violently.

I am also setting up an embassy in Rome. Any Kingdom wishing to sign deals with me can find my diplomat there in a few years. Since many Kingdoms will wish to keep an embassy close to the Holy Father, I anticipate it being a large gathering of ambassadors. Since the Coalition of Italy has stated that they wish to protect Rome, would they consider ensuring the security of our ambassadors? (OOC: would they place a few spies around Rome to protect against assassins?)

Finally, if any of you have a specific place that you would like for my diplomat to establish an embassy on your soil, please let me know.

[deguerra]

While it amuses me that the King of England wishes to keep us completely off his island, his idea makes sense. Denmark will be contactable in Caen and Rome also.

[Privateerkev]

While it amuses me that the King of England wishes to keep us completely off his island, his idea makes sense. Denmark will be contactable in Caen and Rome also.

It is for practicality. Not everyone will have ships in the area. Also, keeping all of the diplomats in one area allows them to contact each other as well.

As for keeping people off of my island, I claim sovereignty over my area and the ability to dictate who can or can not cross my borders. Same as all of you do.

[FactionHeir]

OOC: Spies have little effect on assassination. The little effect they have is also only applicable if they are with a unit, not next to it (i.e. must be in same stack)

[Ramses II CP]

OOC: Ahh, but in an all player game having a bunch of spies to see your assassin do his deeds is quite the deterrant.

IC: Egypt, having a strong desire to establish inter-faith dialogue, will be sending an emissary to the region of Rome in all haste. He will be available to any nation wishing to negotiate with the Sultan.

Additionally I would remind the good Christian peoples of Europe that Islam is a peaceful religion, but if attacked the warriors which can be called up by jihad are numberless. Do not give us cause to waste the faithful in battle, I beg of you.

:egypt:

[GeneralHankerchief]

His Excellency the Sultan of the Moors announces claim to Tunis.

[_Tristan_]

My Lords,

I, Basileos Alexis, Last of the Roman, wishes to inform you of the Balkan Alliance formed between the Republic of Venice, the Kingdom of Hungary and my own Empire.

We have put aside our differences in religious matters and wish to make known to the whole world that agression against one of us will be met by the combined might of the whole Alliance.

The Eastern Adriatic coast, the whole Greek peninsula and its islands, the Eastern part of Turkey, all lands south of Budapest and the lands bordering the Black Sea except those Turkish-held are claimed by various members of the Alliance and thus any invasion of those lands without prior negociation will be considered an act of war.

A document bearing the seals of Doge Domenico, King Laszlo and myself has been drafted.

[OverKnight]

Sultan Jalal wishes to announce that a Jihad has been called on Antioch. It is time to bring this rebellious city back into the fold.

[Ramses II CP]

The Sultan would have it known that Jerusalem stands under siege to remove the pathetic rebels who have so badly administered the city and open it to pilgrims of all faiths.

:egypt:

[GeneralHankerchief]

Sultan Tahar of the Moors, in his eternal wisdom, has decided to send an army to aid in the capture of Antioch, for the good of all Islam.

[Privateerkev]

King William stands up. He addresses the Scottish Representative as if he were addressing a child.

It has come to my attention that a massive Scottish army is marching through my northern lands. Please inform "King" Malcolm that I will throw his naked arse clear out of Brittania if he does not remove his army. He is trying very hard to prove to this Council that he is fit to be among us as equals. Invading your neighbor does little to validate his claims.

York is English. A claim not under dispute by this Council or even "King" Malcolm himself. Thus, the presence of a gigantic army is not only unnecessary, but it is provocative. My armies are no where near the Anglo/Scottish border so he can not claim it was for defensive measures. Thus I can only conclude that I have just been invaded. Let the record show that it was Scotland that made the first hostile move.

While my rhetoric may be "fiery", I have never actually undertaken a hostile act. And I pray I will not have to but this glorified tribal leader might leave me no choice.

[rossahh]

From his place around the table, Doge Giorgio remarks

"Leave you no choice" - aren't you the one who's left them with no choice?

It seems strange to me that King William objects to the presence of a Scottish army when he has openly declared that he will eradicate the Scots from their own island. Have you not openly stated this? And have you not threatened every other king to not become involved in this "internal matter" or else they will face the wrath of Norman steel?

England directly threatens the very existence of Scotland. England denies Scotland any continental support. And now England objects to the Scots being in a "hostile position". Did you expect them to simply roll over and let the Frenchmen ravage their ancestral lands? And now you rant and rave and accuse them of being the hostile neighbor! Does that not seem like double standards?


You may have your war without interference from the mainland, but do not come running to this council to complain about how your enemies fight back.

[Privateerkev]

King William sits up and indignantly replies,

Is this not the place to give updates and proclamations Doge Giorgio? Have you not forced us to listen to your incessant prattling about some obscure mountain village?

I am fully aware of what I have said in this Council. But I also wish for the Council to be aware of certain actions undertaken by a minor tribal leader that the Council REFUSES TO !@#$ING BAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If this Council insists on letting just anyone join, then we might as well let the Swiss join!

With this last statement, King William just stares intently at the Milanese leader

[rossahh]

The Doge smirks to himself and mutters 'English'.

[Zim]

Council Speaker: Sir, the King of Scotland is a fully accredited member of this Council. Calls to ban him will not be heeded.

[Privateerkev]

The Doge smirks to himself and mutters 'English'.

Oh you have something to say to me! Say it so I can hear it then!

But while your muttering, ponder this. Just why are your territorial claims somehow vastly more important than my border violations!?!

Now I'll say something and I won't !@#$'ing mutter like a little !@#$.

I might be English but your a pompous little !@#$.

If I have to sit through one more whiny tirade about how Bern is somehow Italian, then I have every right to make clear to the Council when I AM !@#$ING INVADED!!!!!!

[rossahh]

What happened in 1066 dear king?

[Privateerkev]

Same thing that happened in 774 dear Doge...

[Zim]

The aged Doge slowly rises, wearing a smirk only slightly better hidden than that of his Milanese counterpart.

Well, Duke William, the difference is that he is an Italian leader claiming Italian land. You are a French Duke, ruling over English lands, who has threatened to conquer lands held by a king of a land inhabited neither by the French nor the English.

Personally I have little care whether the Scottish Barbarian leader rules the Isle of Britain, or the Barbarian leader of the English. However, I cannot fault my Milanese friend's logic. You have done everything you could to make the Scots expect an imminent attack from you, and claimed their lands. Then you complain that he sends forces to attack you before you can destroy him? Obviously you barbarians need to work further on learning the intricacies of diplomacy. What I've seen so far has been less than impressive.

[Privateerkev]

Diplomacy? If you are so great at diplomacy, then why is Venice at war with the Holy Roman Empire this very moment?

And you should be careful about who you call a barbarian...

[rossahh]

What happened in 774 had nothing to do with me.

What happened in 1066 had everything to do with you...

[Privateerkev]

What happened in 774 had nothing to do with me.

What happened in 1066 had everything to do with you...

It still answers your question.

Now, do the two of you want to keep going round and round about how Milanese announcements are inherently superior to everyone else's? Or can we move on?

[rossahh]

Now, do the two of you want to keep going round and round about how Milanese announcements are inherently superior to everyone else's? Or can we move on?

The Doge stops smirking, stands up with flushed cheeks and says to King William:

I have never alluded, inferred, implied or claimed in any such way that "Milanese announcements are inherently superior to everyone else's". That is something YOU have said, not me.


and with a sly smile, the Doge continues...

Perhaps fear of the Scotsman has made you paranoid? Or is it old age that drives you to see things which are not there? Either way, mistruth will get you nowhere.


The Doge sits down

I have no more to say on these matters, England.

[Privateerkev]

You said as much with your actions. You prattle on about some Swiss town but complain when I inform the Council of a border discretion.

And your Venetian counterpart got it wrong. Bern is not Italian, it is Swiss. If your claim to Bern is legitimate, then my claims are equally legitimate. Otherwise your a hypocrite.

As for 1066, I had every right to do what I did. Pretty much every man in this room has done something similar, so don't pull the "high and mighty" routine with me Milan.

[Zim]

A formality. The Emperor and I have come to terms over Florence, and because he left the city empty, I had to occupy it myself to keep it from rebelling. Any rumors of war you may have heard are highly exxagerated.

I have no problem calling someone a barbarian who spends valuable Council time threatening a neighbor with destruction, cries foul when that neighbor sends troops towards his lands. Your acts have made you such, not your lineage. I have been able to live at peace with my neighbors without stating taht I will conquer them. I can make a statement in the Council without threatening any who disagree with me.


Diplomacy? If you are so great at diplomacy, then why is Venice at war with the Holy Roman Empire this very moment?

And you should be careful about who you call a barbarian...

[Privateerkev]

I can make a statement in the Council without threatening any who disagree with me.

Good for you. Would you like a cookie?

[deguerra]

For crying out loud, you are like little children.

William, as far as I am aware, nobody in this council has intervened in your "internal" matter, as per your own wishes. That being the case, however, why bother informing us of scottish invasions? If it is truly an internal matter of your kindgom, then I do not see why I should be bothered about it. I do not mean to offend, like some here perhaps do, I will gladly hear of, and decry any legitimate invasion of English soil. Just do not speak to me of internal matters and then of invasions.

Doges of Venice and Milan, is there any reason for this bickering? The man merely spoke his mind and kept us informed. Wether you chose to read or care about his information is up to you. And do not let yourself get into a petty squabble over an alpine town with the King of England, whos opinion you need heed on matters in the Alps, as much as he need head yours on matters in the Highlands, and as much as you all need hear mine on matters in all of Europe.

On that note, I shall now be silent.

[Privateerkev]

The King of England turns to the Danish King. His features soften after a moment.

Perhaps you are right. It seems matters of territories are... emotional subjects for many of us.

As for the subject of Bern, I never contested the Milanese Doge's claim. I only brought up the fact that it's mention in these halls were no different from my own mentionings.

If the Venetian or Milanese Doges took offense to that, well I don't know what else I could say right now.

They are both welcome to contact me in private in regards to this matter. But I will not stand here and let my good name be besmirched by anyone without having my say. There is only so much a man can take after all...

William exhales and sits

[Zim]

Good for you. Would you like a cookie?

The Doge chuckles. Thank you for proving my point, Duke William. Since it seems that will be the last word on this, I bid thee and your opponent good luck in your war with the Scottish.

[Privateerkev]

The Doge chuckles. Thank you for proving my point, Duke William. Since it seems that will be the last word on this, I bid thee and your opponent good luck in your war with the Scottish.

Are you !@#$ing done? I said I was done and I'm done. If you want to keep bringing it up, I can go all night.

[Zim]

Not even bothering to respond to the angry old man, the Doge turns to receive a message.

Excellent news, everyone! Durazzo has been brought under the control of the Venetian Republic!

There is further news. The Egyptian sultan has sieged my ally the Byzantine Emperor's claimed settlement on Rhodes. I would advise he leave the island, or I shall be forced to help the Emperor expel him from it. I imagine he landed there by mistake. He is getting older, and perhaps his navigators misled him on his way to Antioch. Hopefully this mistake will be rectified.

[Privateerkev]

Hmm, and I suppose everyone in Durazzo was of Venetian ethnicity...

(OOC: BTW, William is 50. :beam:

Which makes him an angry old man. ^_^)

[Ramses II CP]

The Sultan is open to negotiations regarding this island, and invites offers from all interested parties.

:egypt:

[Cheetah]

Hungarian representative stands up

We hope that the mighty Sultan in his wisdom have read carefully the announcement that was just made by the Roman Emperor. If not we would like to call his attention to the following passage:


The Eastern Adriatic coast, the whole Greek peninsula and its islands, the Eastern part of Turkey, all lands south of Budapest and the lands bordering the Black Sea except those Turkish-held are claimed by various members of the Alliance and thus any invasion of those lands without prior negotiation will be considered an act of war.

We are sure that the great Sultan in his wisdom will call back his army that landed on Rhodes only due to bad weather and poor navigation.

[Ramses II CP]

I am sure if I laid claim to all lands in which Muslims cried out for succor I would be thought a fool. Instead I have moved to aid my brothers in evacuating the lands claimed by men of other faiths, and, as stated, I offer the settlement after I am done to any who wish to bid on it as I and my brothers will sail east to aid in the jihad.

(OOC: I'm not going to try to hold Rhodes, as should be obvious. I'm using it as a recruitment station for jihad troops and, since I was out of movement anyway, capturing it along the way. If you don't want to pay for it, offer me map information or take it after I leave and declare a ceasefire later. :shrug:)

:egypt:

[Ramses II CP]

As Scotland: King William you are a jumped-up French effete hiding in a wretched marsh in your own country rather than standing to face me. York shall be mine, and shortly thereafter so shall your head.

Consider this a declaration of war.

(Yeah, there was nothing else to do. I could either recruit some more town militia and pick my nose or go for York. Spotted your ambush, but the army wasn't parked close enough to hit you anyway. GL Scotland!)

:egypt:

[_Tristan_]

The Byzantine Basileos rises from his seat.

Great Sultan,

Though you seem to have taken no heed of our announcement in these halls, I will forgive your trespass and will offer you trade rights for the return of Rhodes to the Empire.



(OOC: I'm not going to try to hold Rhodes, as should be obvious. I'm using it as a recruitment station for jihad troops and, since I was out of movement anyway, capturing it along the way. If you don't want to pay for it, offer me map information or take it after I leave and declare a ceasefire later. :shrug:)

:egypt:

[Zim]

The Doge applauds the peaceful resolution of the issue of Rhodes and, no longer divided by an affront to his ally, wishs the Egyptian Sultan much success in his Jihad.

[Ramses II CP]

This offer is pleasing to my ears, and shall be accepted.

:egypt:

[Ramses II CP]

The Sultan wishes to make it known that he has departed Rhodes and left only the men who are recovering themselves from jihad there, including a ship to carry them away at the first moment of diplomatic contact with the Byzantines. If their leader wishes, however, those men can be put aboard ship at the next possible chance and sent east leaving Rhodes without a garrison.

Additionally the Sultan wishes to make it known that he is personally escorting a diplomat aboard ship to conduct interfaith dialogue with the Papacy. Due to the Sultan's advanced age it is not certain that he will arrive in good health, but the gesture is made nonetheless.

Jerusalem has been claimed and opened to all peaceful pilgrims of any faith. Glory to Allah!

:egypt:

[_Tristan_]

The Basileos wishes the Sultan to know that his men are welcome to rest on the island and recover until the isaland is returned to byzantine hands...

He wishes also to express his gratitude for the gift of Rhodes and wishes godspeed to the Sultan on his way to Rome.

[RoadKill]

A French messanger has arrived to the council

Dear kings of millions I bear a message towards the milanese from King Phillipe

Dear King of Milan, will you be claiming Bern within the few years as we may claim it if it is left a rebel settlement for too long

[rossahh]

To King Phillipe of France.

I should tell you that my forces are near the castle. We simply wait for the snows to melt, and then we shall strike. I trust there is no problem with this?

[RoadKill]

A French diplomat enters the council with a bright smile bearing a message from King Phillipe of France


First of all towards the milanese, there is no problem at all, you may freely take the castle we have no arguements towards that.

But we bear a very important message for the English. As you already know your princess has arrived on French soil for diplomatic reasons, and of course we accept all of the terms. But we would like to offer more, Prince Louis Faction Heir of the French throne would like to take the King of England's daughter, Cecilia's hand in a proposal of marriage. Will you accept? The offer has been given. We will take no offence if you will not, but it will be best for our two kingdoms if you do.

We would also ask the Germans, if they will be taking Metz or Antwerp? As we see no arriving army to Metz, and while we have a ready army to retreive Metz, we will immidiatly take it if you do not require it. Antwerp is freely yours to aquire however, as we have no need of it. Also we would like to make an announcement that we have claims over Burges.

[Ferret]

Great Kings of the World, I have an announcement to make, here is the Charter of the Italian Coalition. Hopefully this document will tell you how to deal with us in the future. We are as one so deal with us as one.


Charter of the Italian Coalition

1. The purpose of the Coalition:

The Coalition of Italy has its origins in the realization of its members that the Italian peninsula is a rich and tempting target for neighboring factions, and that its members have more to gain from cooperation than in engaging in separate foreign policies, which would allow enemies to divide and conquer the peninsula. For this reason Milan, Sicily and Venice, the founding members, have formed the Coalition to face common threats, cooperate in the expansion of its member-states, and form a common foreign policy for all of Italy. As all three members are neighbors of his Holiness the Pope, the Coalition will also undertake the defense of Rome.

2. Obligations of its members to the Coalition:

a. Defense:

The primary obligation of members to the Coalition is that of a common defense. Any country that attacks any member becomes an enemy to all, and we will stand united against them. For all intents and purposes, the Pope is considered a member of the coalition when it comes to the defense of Rome.

b. Foreign Policy:

Another obligation to members is to cooperate on forming a common foreign policy concerning the Coalition's relations with the other countries of the world. Whenever possible, members will stand with each other in any dispute or war between a member and any non-member. To ensure that this will not put any member into an awkward position unless absolutely necessary, major plans should be discussed before being put into place by any single member.

c. Vis a vis other alliances of members:

The Coalition does not prohibit members from making their own bilateral deals or alliances with countries outside of it. However, it is important that Coalition agreements and obligations trump any bilateral agreements and no member should engage in plans against another member.

3. Coalition Organization

a. Division of Italy between the three founding members:

Each of the three founding members has their own sphere of influence in the Italian peninsula. Milan is preeminent in Milan, Genoa, Florence, and the Italian Alpine settlement of Bern. Sicily will control Palermo, Naples, and the islands of Ajaccio and Cagliari. Venice is limited to Venice itself and Bologna in the Italian peninsula, but controls Ragusa and Durazzo on the Adriatic coast nearby. Ownership of provinces taken outside these realms is up for negotiation between members.

b. Spokesman:

In order to enable other countries to more easily understand the coalition’s common stances in foreign policy, one member is given the honor of making statements for the Coalition in the Council. The title of Coalition Spokesmen is given to the King of Sicily. In addition to representing the Coalition to other nations, Sicily also receives an extra vote in the rare event of a three-way tie between members on any issue. Should the King deem it fitting, he also is allowed the task of forming the coalition’s common foreign policy, and planning the fulfillment of its short and long-range goals.

[Cecil XIX]

Kaiser Heinrich lays claim to both Metz and Antwerp; the both of them shall be made cities as a sign of our peaceful intentions. Likewise, we recognize King Philip as sovereign over Bruges.

[Cecil XIX]

King Knud and Kaiser Heinrich are proud to announce the signing of The Treaty of Hamburg, whereupon the Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Denmark agree to the following terms.

1. The Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Denmark guarentee each other's independance, as well as thier territorial integrity.

2. The Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Denmark guarantee to aid one another in any defensive war. "Defensive" is to be interpreted as including but not limited to situations where a third party threatens or does not accepts reasonable territorial claims.

3. The Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Denmark also agree not to withhold aid (military or otherwise) in a war of aggression by one party, without some form of justification, and guarantee in all cases, not to provide aid to, or intervene on the side of the warring party's enemies (subject to the exclusion in section 4.).

4. This treaty shall be null and void if either party attacks any member of the Italian Coalition.

[Ignoramus]

It is with great pleasure that I announce the death of King William and Prince Rufus of England. After failing to relieve the town of York, both perished when their army met its fate against the superior forces of the Scots under King Malcom.

I trust that it is known around Europe that we Scots can fight.

[GeneralHankerchief]

The mighty Sultanate of the Moors would like to make several announcements.

First of all, it is with regret to announce that our all-powerful leader Sultan Tahar has passed away. However, he is now being rewarded by Allah for his perseverence in this world. Sultan Tahar is being replaced by the new Sultan Miswar, and already we of Southern Iberia and Northern Africa are seeing the fruits of Sultan Miswar's sure-to-be-prosperous rule, praise Allah.

Secondly, it is with disdain that the all-mighty Sultan notes of the recent Spanish-Portuguese alliance and the Portuguese army massing near the western border. The Sultan would like to remind the Portuguese that any attack or incursion into his lands will be met with terrible retribution. This goes for Spain as well.

Thirdly, the Sultan has heard the rumors of Sicily's capture of Tunis. The Sultan would like to remind this Council that he, in his eternal wisdom, claimed Tunis and that a large and powerful force is on its way to bring it into the Sultan's loving embrace. If Sicily does not wish for war that it had better make sure those rumors are not true or leave the city abandoned.

Allahu Ackbar.

[gibsonsg91921]

My troops are merely defensive, for the time being.

King Henrique has a proposition. Portugal promises peace, 2000 florins, and trade rights for the old great Spanish city of Cordoba. Otherwise, we shall take it ourselves, with the help of our allies!

[GeneralHankerchief]

His Excellency Sultan Miswar of the Moors laughs at Portugual's offer.

2,000 florins and trade rights are not worth our capital.

[Ramses II CP]

Except for a few administrators Rhodes has been abandoned. It is much to be hoped that diplomats follow in the footsteps of the Byzantine armies, it would be quite unfortunate for there to be any misunderstandings.

The health of the Sultan remains good for the time being (He turned 61 and didn't die. In all my test games he was dead on turn 3.) and his mission of peace to the Pope continues!

:egypt:

[OverKnight]

Sultan Jalal wishes to announce that Adana and Aleppo have been restored to the Sultanate.

The Sultan also wishes to express deep concern over the situation in Iberia. The offer from Portugal clearly is not meant in good faith and strikes the Sultan as a tissue thin cover for unprovoked aggression.

There are many lands around Portugal that cry out for a strong hand, lost to central authority, the Sultan suggests that King Henrique slakes his thirst for conquest there and leave our Muslim brother in peace.

Peace be upon you.

[Zim]

Doge Domenico stands.

I would like to announce that a treaty of alliance has been signed between Venice and his Holiness the pope. Negotiations are going on over his entrance into the Italian coalition, and he has expressed interest in a special membership, requiring little of him but that he allow us to protect Rome.

[_Tristan_]

Mighty Sultan of Egypt,

According to our agreement, we have taken Rhodes...

We took it by force of arms, being unmanned thus none of your men were harmed in doing so.
However we are now in a state of war with you, something which our diplomat would be pleased to remedy as soon as he can reach one of your own substitute.

Basileos Alexis.

[Ramses II CP]

Not unexpected Basileos Alexis. Likely the nearest point for a meeting is Acre, or perhaps Alexandria, depending on your start point. I have a number of ships in the region and I have warned them that the state of war between us is a technicality, but you may have to navigate carefully to avoid them in sending an emissary.

:egypt:

[_Tristan_]

Mighty Sultan of Egypt,

Our own ships have received the same warnings our fleet is heading on Nicosia along the Turkish coast, to prevent any misunderstandings.

We intend to land at Acre or Antioch and make our way from there to Damascus to allow a resting place for the Orthodox pilgrims en route to Jerusalem.

Basileos Alexis

[Ramses II CP]

You mean to capture Damascus? This city is already claimed by Egypt, and is currently under siege by one of our armies. Any and all unarmed pilgrims are welcome at Jerusalem, but landing an army in the Levant would be unwise.

We look forward to speaking with your diplomats on the matter.

:egypt:

[_Tristan_]

OOC : Ramses, sorry I messed up the two Hotseats...

IC : My men are headed towards Cyprus and my diplomat to Acre...

[Ramses II CP]

OOC: No worries, believe me I'm in no rush to get to war what with the dramatic inferiority of early Muslim auto-calc armies, plus it's pretty obvious when ships have troops aboard. :2thumbsup:

:egypt:

[Tran]

We are pleased to announce that the treacherous Scots, which murdered our dear old King and Prince, have paid with what they deserved. They have forever been banished to hell, and those who still live are now nothing more than weak brigands who shall soon follow the rest of them.

https://img523.imageshack.us/img523/7066/gloriousqe1.jpg

Long live England! God bless the King!

[Zim]

The Venetian Doge would like to congratulate the English King on his victory over the Scots, and console him over his excommunicated status. Obviously the old Scottish King must have had a cardinal in his back pocket to have gained such undue influence with his Holiness.

[GeneralHankerchief]

The Sultan of the Moors unfortunately announces that he has entered war with Portugal.

However, he also wishes to stress that he, in his eternal wisdom, was not the one to start this conflict. He was minding his own business and improving the lives of his subjects when the Portuguese Prince barged into his territory, unprovoked:

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/Hotseat/hotseat_003.jpg

Naturally, the Sultan's superior forces sent what survived of the Prince's men back across the river, in Portuguese territory, where they belong. He is not pleased with this transgression.

Allahu Ackbar.

[Ramses II CP]

I am pleased to announce that the Sultans of Turkey and Egypt have concluded an alliance treaty. May the enemies of Islam tremble at the news!

I also wish to encourage the Byzantine Emperor to deposit his daughter on our shores to conduct negotiations for an official cease fire. She will not, however, need the military escort as I give my personal assurances of her complete safety.

:egypt:

[gibsonsg91921]

Spain, Milan, Coalition of Italy, and Catholics around the world:

Heed my call. The Moors have beaten back one of my forces as I tried to purify their poor citizens and teach them the ways of Christ. The Moors will deny their subjects the stairway to heaven, and this I cannot allow!

I require aid from my allies if we are to successfully spread Christianity!

[OverKnight]

Sultan Jalal finds this call for an attack on the Moors disturbing.

We are all people of the Book. What you are doing is a land grab clothed in the tattered threads of a false piety.

[gibsonsg91921]

People of the book? The Qu'ran is nothing compared to the most Holy Bible!

[GeneralHankerchief]

The Sultan of the Moors would like to remind everyone in this Council that he had every right to beat back the Portuguese invaders.

They were on his land in an unprovoked invasion.

If the King of Portugal saw Moorish soldiers on his land he would, of course, act in the exact same manner. If the King desires the Moorish lands of Iberia strictly because he is a greedy tyrant with no regard whatsoever for the well-being of other monarchs' subjects, His Excellency the Sultan of the Moors requests that the King of Portugal grow the balls necessary to just say so.

Allahu Ackbar.

[gibsonsg91921]

You usurped the land from good Christians! You and your ancestors! I declare Reconquista! Your ancestors were simply powergrabbing fools. I do not need the land, I just wish it out of your possession and you back in Africa.

Where King Roger can eliminate you, he adds under his breath.

[GeneralHankerchief]

His Excellency the Sultan of the Moors also requests that the King of Portugal not needlessly drag other factions into this conflict, unless it is clear that the only way to obtain an outcome favorable to the King is through outside intervention.

*The diplomat takes a look at the latest soldier reports and an updated map of the area.*

Considering this seems to be the case, the Sultan of the Moors withdraws his previous comment.

Allahu Ackbar.

[Ramses II CP]

Speaking not as a Muslim, but as a leader of men, if an enemy army were discovered on my lands I would crush it without regard for the soldier's religion or origin. I suspect all the attendees of this council will feel the same, or else they will not long be in attendance here.

:egypt:

[rossahh]

Milan would like to remind the Sultan in Iberia that war with the Catholics is not to be undertaken lightly. There are far more powerful forces available to us than mere armies, but should the need arise, then the fury of Christendom itself may decend upon Iberia and cleanse the lands. Sicily has the power of Italy behind it, including his holiness the Pope, and what power he can bring indeed! You should fear it, for it may reach for you soon...

You feel that you must defend your homelands, yet the Moors are from Northern Africa, not Iberia, so you are defending not your homes but your spoils of war from generations ago. They are Christain lands by heritage and so they shall be once again. Already you fight against two Christain powers - how many more do you want to decend on your lands? Give up your conquests in Iberia, and you shall no quarell with Milan (unless you should Italy) and no quarell with the Pope.



You have been warned.

[The Wandering Scholar]

You may expect a visit from a diplomat if the war in Iberia persists, active factions are hostile factions, us French do it different, why should we be threatened? The great King may put a stop to your pathetic rising.

[The Wandering Scholar]

I trust that nobody has a problem with France gaining a few rebel settlements?

[rossahh]

I would say that you need to consult with the Holy Roman Empire above all in that regard, Frenchman.

[The Wandering Scholar]

HRE, answer my call

[Cecil XIX]

Kaiser Heinrich IV has decided that the Reich shall have Antwerp and Metz, the latter having just come unto our possession. This was based on the assumption that when our two nations expanded fully they would be equal in size.

[The Wandering Scholar]

What is the current diplomatic status between HRE and England?

[Cecil XIX]

We are both, along with the Kingdom of Denmark, part of the North Sea Alliance.

[rossahh]

OOC: Wandering Scholar, look at the first page in the Council for a few of the alliances, though there are more and some have been mentioned if you trawel through the previous posts.

[rossahh]

I bring warning from Milan to the Sultan of the Moors.

Cease your wanton destruction of Christian lands and peoples or face the wrath of Christianity itself. We know that Lisbon has fallen, and that many Christians died in that slaughter. We will tolerate your actions no longer.

You have one chance to reign in your forces. If you continue to pursue your war with the Christians in Iberia, we may be forced to meet you on the battlefield.




You have been warned. Again.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Call off your dogs from Spain, Portugal, and Sicily and we shall consider your request. Need the esteemed gentlemen from Milan be reminded, the Sultan of the Moors did not start any of this conflict. If there is to be a general ceasefire then the Sultan requires nothing less than a written commitment, made in this very room for all to see, from Milan, Portugal, Sicily, and Spain saying that they will no longer make claims on or attack Moorish territory if we cease our offensive.

[rossahh]

I was under the impression that it was you who attacked first, and that you are at war with only Sicily and Portugal. Have you now attacked Spain as well?

Milan has made no claim on Moorish territory, nor has it attacked Moorish territory. The "Dogs" that have are not Milan's, they are their own. Milan has not orchestrated this war, YOU and your ancestors have when you attacked the Christians of Iberia. I offer you the chance to withdraw back to your deserts without contest, but you seek to prolonge the conflict by clinging on to what is not yours.

Go home, Berber, while you can. Go home in peace before you go home on a pike.






ooc: I'm aware I'm putting impossible demands on the Moors guys. It's called "spicing things up"

[GeneralHankerchief]

The Sultan is extremely tired of rehashing this tired argument. Stop being frank only when it suits you. As of the previous campaign season, the King of Spain was marshalling two armies within watchtower range at the northern border, armies that were previously not present. The Sultan has no doubt that they are currently in his territory. As to who started this war, let the Sultan once again remind this council that it was Portugal who first violated territory that was internationally recognized to be Moorish, no matter what false claims you may make on it.

Finally, there is the repeated offer by both you and the Iberian factions to demand that the Sultan withdraw to his African territories. Yet, at the very same time, who should have a claim on these territories but Sicily! If the Sultan did as you asked and would have withdrawn to Northern Africa, his lands would have ceased to exist! We are not a daft people. These repeated offers of "peace" insult us.

The Sultan will make it very simple: Sicily is to return Algiers to Moorish hands and abandon Tunis. If this occurs, then the Sultan makes a promise to withdraw from the Iberian territories.

This is the Sultan's final offer. If you continue to argue with him and do not accept then the consequences will be grave.

[Ferret]

why should we allow you to hold lands that are not rightfully yours? I am taking Africa as your government is obviously not fit to rule it, it is a liberation. There will be no ceasefire.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Fine then.

Portugal's blood will be on your hands.

[Ferret]

a small evil may be commited to achieve a greater good, if we do not act then there will be more than just the blood of Portugal on our hands.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Need we once again remind this Council that the Sultan did not begin this war. We are a benign people.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Know that the Portuguese pleaded for mercy before their Kingdom was dissolved.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/Hotseat/hotseat_011.jpg

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/Hotseat/hotseat_010.jpg

For all of Henrique and Affonso's blustering, this is what they were reduced to in the end. Simpering fools, begging for their lives before they were taken by a superior life form in our glorious Sultan.

You want to destroy us? Do your worst.

[OverKnight]

It would be wise if the other aggressors in this war reconsidered their actions. God has seen through their false piety and punished their blatant greed for land.

I am amused that in the end Portugal offered to attack their "brothers". Such treachery should also be kept in mind by our European friends, ill intentions breed ill results.

[gibsonsg91921]

OOC: Ramses what'd you do? Haha! Ya made me look like a nub! It's ok, I hoped to die to clear out my schedule a bit.

[Ramses II CP]

I just counter-offered because it was our only chance of survival. There was no actual chance of us attacking Sicily, of course, because there was no actual chance of us living, but I don't think it'd be out of character for a King of the period desperate to hold onto power. :laugh4:

Anyway, everyone knows it was me, not you mate. :beam:

:egypt:

[gibsonsg91921]

OOC: Haha, I'm just jerkin' you around. I'm not at all! lol

[Ramses II CP]

It gives the Sultan great pleasure to announce that an inter-faith alliance has been established between Egypt and the Papacy. The Pope and the Imams of Egypt felt that in the face of the terrible war in the west it would serve the world as an example of peace to conclude such a deal. (Oh, and the Pope also wanted 10k florins over ten turns, Jedda, a promise to attack the rebels, and our map information... the friggin' gouger)

:egypt:

[Tran]

We have received words about Crusade launched by the Papacy against the city of Antioch far in the east, whom I believed currently in the possession of the Turks.

After a long and full consideration, the King of England has decided to decline the request for Crusade. Not only as my Venetian Doge ally and brother have said that the old and extinct Scottish King must have had a cardinal in his back pocket to have gained such undue influence with his Holiness. I must also agree with what the Turkish Sultan mentioned in this very council some times ago that:

What you are doing is a land grab clothed in the tattered threads of a false piety.

Furthermore, our excommunicated status mean that we have no obligation to, and will not send any soldier for Crusade.

[Ramses II CP]

The Sultan of Egypt wishes to inform the Council that every Turkish city will, as soon as feasible, also be guarded by Egyptian soldiers. As Egypt is allied to the Pope you should consider carefully whether you wish to use crusader soldiers to attack the Pope's ally. The matter of Antioch herself I leave to the Turkish Sultan. Perhaps he should discuss the dispensation of Antioch with the Pope personally.

edit: Of course it goes without saying that any attack on our Turkish ally represents an attack on Egypt herself. I strongly recommend against commiting yourselves to such an attack.

:egypt:

[Ferret]

The King of Sicily fumes and leaves the chamber muttering about some old fool on a over-sized chair going to the wrong place.

OOC: I have been trying to get a crusade on Cordoba for ages!

[GeneralHankerchief]

The Moors announce that they have concluded a peace treaty with the Sicilians. The terms are laid out here for all to see. May the first one of us to violate these terms be subject to the rest of the world's wrath.

- The Sicilians will give the Moors enough time to allow the Moors to get Marrakech's garrison out before the Sicilians move on the city.
- The Sicilians will allow free passage of the Crown Prince's defeated army (the one that was besieging Algiers) back to Iberia.
- There will be no Moorish attempts to retake Northern Africa.
- In order to prevent further loss of life, the Moors will let the Sicilians take Marrakech without a fight.
- The Sicilians must promise not to incur into Iberia.
- Once a ceasefire is called after you take Marrakech, the Moors and Sicilians will exchange trade rights and map information.
- If these terms are agreed upon, then they will be posted in the main council chamber for all to see.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Bah, there should be no peace with the invaders of Iberia, which is a stronghold of Christianity. I do not recognize this peace treaty and I will commit my armies soon for the defense of Spain, even though I have no formal relations with the Spanish, I would rather side with good and honourable Christians than the Muslim scum.

:england:

Prepare for war, Moorish "Sultan"!

England declares war on the Moors

[GeneralHankerchief]

*The Moorish diplomat greets this news of a new war with a yawn.*

[Askthepizzaguy]

The English diplomat would like to establish formal relations with Spain, and discuss a possible alliance.

OOC- At your convenience of course, Mrs. Zim

[Askthepizzaguy]

Between my alliances to the Danes, Holy Roman Empire, and France, and perhaps with some negotiation, Spain, I think English arms are going to get rather bored. Surely Spain will allow us to cut our teeth on some Moorish scum. We already control all of the British Isles except for lowly Dublin.

The first bank of England is now open. Any who wish to take out loans for your war campaigns will do so at a premium interest rate. I also wish to point out that cancellation of repayments will be seen as an act of war.

Due to England's current financial status, we offer simple interest rates and reasonable Payments Per Turn.

Loan amount/Repayment amount/per turn/Estimated turns:

1,000.........1,500............300............5
2,000.........3,000............500............6
3,000.........4,500............500............9
4,000.........6,000............600...........10
5,000.........10,000..........750...........14
6,000.........14,000..........1000..........14
7,000.........20,000..........1500..........14
8,000.........24,000..........2000..........12
9,000.........30,000..........2500..........12
10,000........40,000..........2500..........16

If we run out of funds for loans, the bank will discontinue loan services temporarily. There will be no compound interest terms, no other fees, and no hassles.

If war is ever declared upon England by a foreign power, we may discontinue loan services to them and their allies permanently, and offer extremely reduced rates towards their foes, or perhaps even interest free loans. So keep your forces out of British territory and we will keep ours out of yours.

Every faction currently has a credit rating with the First Bank of England, depending on your current relations with England. If you have a terrible credit rating, your loan requests may be denied.

If you have a superior credit rating, (long time ally, or have repaid a loan already) you may negotiate even better terms with the Bank of England. If you cancel payment at any time, your credit rating will automatically drop to an F until repayment is initiated, and then it will be restored to a D, and over time, may be improved, especially with friendly or generous actions towards England. Those with F ratings are those currently at war with England, or have broken our agreement not to send troops or agents into our lands, which is also an act of war. Loans will never be extended to those with an F credit rating. Those with a D credit rating will only be considered for loans if we have an abundance of cash and England herself is well defended, and those who are allied with those we are at war with will not be extended loans, but their credit rating will not drop.

According to terms established in other hotseats, loans may not be extended to those who are deep enough in debt to be unable to take any advantage from the loan, and no credit will be extended to nations whose loans would put them 20K in debt, as that will devalue their currency. Negative 20k is the bare minimum established for your currency to have any international value, as past that point inflation will devalue your currency.

The Bank of England is also willing to trade cash for territories if anyone has any they are interested in selling. We have no Imperial ambitions but my be able to resell it at a fair price in the future.

[Mrs. Zim]

I'm accepting England's offer of negotiations. Here's to hoping the war against the Moors goes smoothly!

[phonicsmonkey]

The first bank of England is now open. Any who wish to take out loans for your war campaigns will do so at a premium interest rate. I also wish to point out that cancellation of repayments will be seen as an act of war.

Due to England's current financial status, we offer simple interest rates and reasonable Payments Per Turn.

Loan amount/Repayment amount/per turn/Estimated turns:

1,000.........1,500............300............5
2,000.........3,000............500............6
3,000.........4,500............500............9
4,000.........6,000............600...........10
5,000.........10,000..........750...........14
6,000.........14,000..........1000..........14
7,000.........20,000..........1500..........14
8,000.........24,000..........2000..........12
9,000.........30,000..........2500..........12
10,000........40,000..........2500..........16

If we run out of funds for loans, the bank will discontinue loan services temporarily. There will be no compound interest terms, no other fees, and no hassles.

If war is ever declared upon England by a foreign power, we may discontinue loan services to them and their allies permanently, and offer extremely reduced rates towards their foes, or perhaps even interest free loans. So keep your forces out of British territory and we will keep ours out of yours.

Every faction currently has a credit rating with the First Bank of England, depending on your current relations with England. If you have a terrible credit rating, your loan requests may be denied.

If you have a superior credit rating, (long time ally, or have repaid a loan already) you may negotiate even better terms with the Bank of England. If you cancel payment at any time, your credit rating will automatically drop to an F until repayment is initiated, and then it will be restored to a D, and over time, may be improved, especially with friendly or generous actions towards England. Those with F ratings are those currently at war with England, or have broken our agreement not to send troops or agents into our lands, which is also an act of war. Loans will never be extended to those with an F credit rating. Those with a D credit rating will only be considered for loans if we have an abundance of cash and England herself is well defended, and those who are allied with those we are at war with will not be extended loans, but their credit rating will not drop.

According to terms established in other hotseats, loans may not be extended to those who are deep enough in debt to be unable to take any advantage from the loan, and no credit will be extended to nations whose loans would put them 20K in debt, as that will devalue their currency. Negative 20k is the bare minimum established for your currency to have any international value, as past that point inflation will devalue your currency.

The Bank of England is also willing to trade cash for territories if anyone has any they are interested in selling. We have no Imperial ambitions but my be able to resell it at a fair price in the future.

I see Islamic finance innovations have spread to Europe...

[Askthepizzaguy]

What can I say? When there are humans involved in the game I'm a lot less about conquest and a lot more about diplomacy. And money. I like money.

I feel like breaking into a song about money!

I've got,
Ninety thousand pounds in my pajamas,
I've got forty thousand French francs in my fridge,
I've got lots of lovely lira,
Now the Deutschmark's getting dearer,
And my dollar bills would buy the Brooklyn Bridge.

There is nothing quite as wonderful as money,
There is nothing quite as beautiful as cash,
Some people say it's folly,
But I'd rather have the lolly,
With money you can ma-ake a splash.

There is nothing quite as wonderful as money
(money money money)
There is nothing like a newly minted pound
(money money, money)
Everyone must hanker for the butchness of a banker
It's accountancy that makes the world go 'round
(round round round)
You can keep your Marxist ways
For it's only just a phase
For it's money makes the world go round
(money money money money money money money
money money)

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

I think I've made my point. :medievalcheers:

[Csargo]

I wonder if we can make him go bankrupt :grin:

[Askthepizzaguy]

The merchant from the Bank of England takes out his accounting scroll and crosses one of the names off of the list...

:grin:

[Csargo]

I don't think I'll need a loan anytime soon ~;)

[Askthepizzaguy]

As you wish... :bow:

Stock price for The Happy Danish Armourer and Weaponsmith Company, incorporated: Up 13 points from 0.02

The Vikings sell their stock and buy a few yachts to sail east towards New Denmark... :clown:

[Csargo]

The Russian Tsar wishes to remind the Byzantine Emperor that Sarkel was claimed by him, and he should leave the settlement to my men. The Tsar does not wish war, but is willing to fight for what is rightfully his.

[_Tristan_]

The Byzantine Emperor expresses his most profound excuses to the Russian Czar.

Our officials told us nothing of your claim on Sarkel. We captured it to become a commercial outpost between our great nations.

We'll be perfectly ready to part with it once your men will be in sight of the city to take control of it.

One small matter though : We incurred some expenses claiming that town from the rebels and are even now strenghthening its defenses. Would be so kind as to offer a fair price for the handing over of the castle ?

Surely you will not risk war with your Orthodox brethren over a simple monetary matter, no ?

[Askthepizzaguy]

My gracious lords,

The Moors have been soundly beaten on the battlefield, and I wish that they be declared a vassal of either Spain or Italy, with regular tribute going to the nation in question who contributed to their defeat.

They have petitioned me to speak on their behalf as a neutral mediator. The Kingdom of England, while not always seeing eye-to-eye with the Catholic Church, has always followed the ways of the Lord to the best of our abilities. One of the virtues our savior, Jesus Christ, spoke very highly of was the virtue of mercy and forgiveness.

You have triumphed against thy enemy, now is the time to make peace. We would be willing to compensate the Italians and the Spanish for agreeing to such a deal, now that we have secured a valuable trading post in Lisbon.

The Kingdom of England wishes to spread the message of mercy, peace, and cooperation between nations. What lessons do we teach our children, our grandchildren, when we preach one thing and act completely differently?

The Moorish aggressors must compensate Christendom for their invasion and conversion of Spain, and their conquest of Portugal, but we must show them the mercy they did not show their foes. That is why our message is greater, and our religion correct. We have the oppurtunity to both profit and take the high road. Who will join me at the peace negotiations?

-The Pious King of England

[rossahh]

The King of Spain and the Lords of Italy offer the following terms to the Moorish Sultan. If he meets these terms, then he shall have peace with his enemies.


1. Cordoba is to be surrendered to the Kingdom of Spain. Granada, however, is to be retained by the Moors.

2. The Moors are to submit to Spain as a vassal-state.

3. Venice and Milan are to be paid 2000 florins apiece as a symbol of Moorish defeat.


These are the only terms we demand of the Moors. However, let all other Kings be aware that we insist that the former Portugese settlements in northern Iberia come under the control of Spain and no other ruler. The Italian armies will be stopping by Zaragoza and Pamplona to certify their union with Spain before returning to Italy.


We also acknowledge the English King's assisstance in bringing the factions to the negotiating table. Without the loss of Lisbon, the Moors hold in Iberia would not have been weakened, and the war would no doubt would have lasted much longer.

[Askthepizzaguy]

1. On behalf of the Moors, this is acceptible.

2. This condition is also acceptible.

3. This one will require regular tribute, as opposed to a lump sum. Would this be acceptible, m'lords?


We welcome the acknowledgement of our assistance. This does indeed bring warm feelings to the heart of the English King, who now counts all of Spain, Italy, and even the Moors amongst his friends.

With peace reigning in the entire western portion of the map, the English King wonders what it would take to bring understanding in the east? But this is of less personal concern to us, so we would defer on these matters to the eastern Kings themselves.

[Askthepizzaguy]

England will be the first to notice Egypt's call for a jihad.

Take careful note of England's allies, my friend of the Fatmid Caliphate. I am afraid I must side with the Catholics should even one jihad warrior step foot onto allied soil. England's finances are already being used to bolster Catholic defenses... I could very easily make these loans... interest-free gifts.

[Ramses II CP]

As yet my good friend there has been no public declaration of a call to jihad, though if the encroachment of cruasder armies on Muslim lands continues there may be no other course.

As to other Catholics, I have made my vow that no Egyptian soldiers will so much as set foot in the lands of nations not at war with Egypt or Turkey. You may take this to mean nations which attack Egypt or Turkey, of course, as we two nations of faith would never be the aggressors in war.

The Sultan

(P.S. I had to decline your diplomatic offer ATPG, but I counter-offered. I also offered the Byzantines an alliance and maybe someone else, I forget since I did all this yesterday but couldn't upload until today. Maybe I should also OOC announce that I accepted an Assassin's guild offer for Egypt, so be on the watch for my lovely Hashers if you come a pokin' round old Egypt. Decent infantry at last!)

:egypt:

[Askthepizzaguy]

OOC-

It's been such a long time... ahem*OverKnight*ahem... since my last turn, I honestly forgot what offer I made to mighty Egypt.

:laugh4:

I'm sure my next turn, which should be here right around the time when Halley's Comet is, will have some interesting scrolls for me to read.

:medievalcheers:

[Askthepizzaguy]

I would be pleased to know why Poland attacked Egypt.

England makes alliances for a reason, and though I must side with my Catholic brethren, the English King is most upset at having to end defensive alliance ties with Egypt who has done us no wrong.

A consultation would be appreciated next time. Acting unilaterally against one of my allies, without even asking what I think about it, creates distrust. I must also say that similar actions in the future against another ally will result in the termination of the alliance.

:bow:

[rossahh]

Methinks that Poland and it's army has taken the Crusade against the Egyptians. However, they joined the Crusade a long time ago. Are England's agents that slow at reporting the news?

[Askthepizzaguy]

OOC:

Possibly.... it IS medieval times after all. Word doesnt move very fast.

Also I was informed by my sub that I had to choose between two allies this turn, so something happened in this past turn to affect the status of Poland and Egypt.

[Ramses II CP]

As every member of the Council should be aware, Egypt is a strong ally of the Pope and most definitely not the target of a crusade.

:egypt:

[Askthepizzaguy]

Thanks for the reminder.

England's ambassador has apparently been asleep at the switch. I think I will shut up now and allow others to speak.

Although I should mention that I'm doing most of the talking. Will people get into their roles a bit more so I don't be the only one up here looking like an a-hole?

:laugh4:

[FactionHeir]

We, the Kingdom of Poland, did not wish to force our noble ally, the English, to choose between us and the Egyptians, however, Egypt blockaded two of our crusader fleets and prevented them from moving at any rate towards their Papal-sanctioned target of Antioch. As such, in the name of the Lord, our men broke through the blockade and are now laying siege to the city.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Thank you for the explanation, noble ally.

This situation is extraordinarily complex. However, it boils down to this; England's alliance with Egypt, and with Poland, is defensive in nature. One ally has attacked another, right or wrong. I have determined, however, that both sides have made provocative movements. Egypt's blockade, and Poland's breaking of the blockade.

I will not be declaring war on either of my allies. In this situation, England is too distant and too uninvolved with the conflict to help. And I do not see a clear aggressor. So, for the time being, England will side with Poland, for it's own security. Poland is closer, and also Catholic. However, out of respect for my Egyptian friends, I will not be enlisting in this crusade, nor sending Poland any funding, soldiers, or materials. England will delcare neutrality in any Polish-Egyptian conflict, and hope it is resolved with great speed.

I also hope to see a day when England and Egypt, who have been allies for decades, will finally be able to reunite as strong allies. The English King sends his warmest regards, and best wishes, to the people of Egypt. For England's relations with both nations to remain strong, England demands that this war be limited in nature and end quickly, or else England will sever ties with the more barbaric of the two.

England's diplomat bows before the assembly, and sits.

[FactionHeir]

We understand our English ally's concerns and wish no war with Egypt. An emissary has been dispatched, but we presume an Egyptian emissary would be faster.

[Ramses II CP]

Rest assured that my reparations request for this completely unwarranted and illegal attack will be considerable. Egypt has been a nation of peace, and to be so drawn into an unecessary and vile war is extremely distasteful.

:egypt:

[rossahh]

What did you expect to happen when you attempted to block the Crusaders? Your own aggression was met with aggression in turn. Why should Poland have to pay you anything?

[Ramses II CP]

My ships were in unclaimed, international waters and free to sail as they please. I 'blockaded' nothing and have never acted with aggression towards any nation. If the Polish crusaders were required to sail a little way further to avoid a war, what of it? Instead they added a foe to their list unecessarily.

I will point out that the Pope dissolved his alliance with the Polish over this matter. It is quite clear whom he feels was in the right.

:egypt:

[Ferret]

As spokesman for the Italian Coalition, which includes the Papal States, I can say that we all support Egypt and her allies and that we in no way endorse this crusade.

[FactionHeir]

If the Pope did not endorse the crusade, then why did he call it in the first place? Are you suggesting something about the Pope that I hope you are not?

(OOC: and no, I did not ask the Pope to call the crusade)

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Pope called the crusade, therefore he supports it.

The Italian Coalition may have a speaker who is confused as to whether he is allied to the Pope, or whether he is the Pope.

[Ferret]

Watch your words Englishman, you are not the only nation with designs on Portugal, remember what we did to the Moors.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Designs on Portugal?

My good man, Portugal is not even a nation anymore. Unless you're threatening England, I'd advise you to pay attention to the history books.

As for bragging about destroying factions, that doesn't particularly impress me, nor will it win you any friends.

[FactionHeir]

I ask my Catholic brothers to keep peace. Our enemies only gain if we attack each other.

[Ferret]

Our enemies? We do not share enemies, the Egyptians are allies of Sicily.

[rossahh]

And Spain is the rightful nation to reclaim Portugal's lost lands and holdings, which is what we in the Coalition support, Englishman.

[Askthepizzaguy]

That was never a condition of our relations with Spain, or the Italian Coalition.

Seeing as I am allied to most of Europe, I am not sure why I should take what you say as threatening. But I do make note of your unfriendly and hostile relations with us, and I would like to let you know how disappointed our King will be when he hears of it.

:no:

[rossahh]

The King of Spain and the Lords of Italy offer the following terms to the Moorish Sultan. If he meets these terms, then he shall have peace with his enemies.


1. Cordoba is to be surrendered to the Kingdom of Spain. Granada, however, is to be retained by the Moors.

2. The Moors are to submit to Spain as a vassal-state.

3. Venice and Milan are to be paid 2000 florins apiece as a symbol of Moorish defeat.


These are the only terms we demand of the Moors. However, let all other Kings be aware that we insist that the former Portugese settlements in northern Iberia come under the control of Spain and no other ruler. The Italian armies will be stopping by Zaragoza and Pamplona to certify their union with Spain before returning to Italy.


We also acknowledge the English King's assisstance in bringing the factions to the negotiating table. Without the loss of Lisbon, the Moors hold in Iberia would not have been weakened, and the war would no doubt would have lasted much longer.

But they were a condition of the peace we offered to the Moors, which YOU accepted on their behalf. Lisbon was not a part our demands as you had peacefully prised it from the Moor's grasp, so do not think we are threatening that.


We are just reminding everyone that we back Spain's claims to Portugal's former lands. We certainly were not threatening you, Englishman. Perhaps being alone on your island is making you paranoid?

[Askthepizzaguy]

Forgive me...

I thought you were referring to Lisbon. But as usual, certain dignitaries were phrasing their words with butter-knife sharp skill.

Why would one say this, for example:

Watch your words Englishman, you are not the only nation with designs on Portugal, remember what we did to the Moors.

When Portugal no longer exists, and I've never made any claims to the other former Portugese provinces?

And why would you say this:

And Spain is the rightful nation to reclaim Portugal's lost lands and holdings, which is what we in the Coalition support, Englishman.

When the status of Aragon was never even the topic for discussion? Forgive me, lords, but I was feeling a rather cold draft coming from the Italian Coalition table. And it's cold here in England, so it's quite concerning.

[Cecil XIX]

Let it be known that Kaiser Heinrich accepts the alliance with the King of France. Let this be a continuation of the march towards peace that is the desire of the Kaiser.

[Askthepizzaguy]

In good will and good health, and with sound mind, here is the Last Will and Testament of the English King.



The King of England is ill and near death, and no heir has been appointed. The English King wishes to announce that without a replacement, the British Isles will soon be engulfed in chaos. Unless an heir is found, the British Isles will be partitioned off to the King's allies. If the King cannot live to see the next season, let it be known that England has the following proposition for our noble allies:


Lisbon, Portugal (English occupied) will be given to the Queen of Spain.

London, England will be given to the right and honourable King of France, along with Nottingham, England. Caernarvon will be granted to the King of France.

York, Edinburgh, Inverness (English occupied) will be given to the right and honourable King of Denmark.

The Holy Roman Emperor may consider the English loan a GIFT. No repayment will be necessary from now on.

The English Royal Treasury, in it's entirety, shall be granted to our good friend the Fatmid Caliph. Although we are no longer allied, I wish the Fatmid Caliph the best in dealing with what the Protestant King of England believes to be a false crusade. That being said, our allegiance is to Christendom. Spain, France, Denmark, and the Holy Roman Empire. May God have mercy on the Fatmids, who have done Christendom no wrong.

I hope my gifts to my Christian allies will convince them that the Fatmids are not their enemy. It is the English King's final wish that the so-called Holy War against the Muslims end immediately.

Caernarvon shall be the English capital until such time as arrangements can be made for the English King to depart peacefully from this earthly realm.

God save the King!

[rossahh]

"Protestant" - I am unfamiliar with this word. What does it mean?

[Askthepizzaguy]

Once again, I am being wildly historically inaccurate. Nevertheless, it's the best excuse I could come up with.

:laugh2: